"You surely do not apprehend any danger?" said the King hastily, yet in a whisper.
"Not I," answered Crawford; "I wish I did; for, as old Earl Tineman[46] used to say, apprehended dangers may be always defended dangers. – The word for the night, if your Majesty pleases?"
"Let it be Burgundy, in honour of our host and of a liquor that you love, Crawford."
"I will quarrel with neither Duke nor drink, so called," said Crawford, "provided always that both be sound. A good night to your Majesty!"
"A good night, my trusty Scot," said the King, and passed on to his apartments.
At the door of his bedroom Le Balafré was placed sentinel. "Follow me hither," said the King, as he passed him; and the Archer accordingly, like a piece of machinery put in motion by an artist, strode after him into the apartment, and remained there fixed, silent, and motionless, attending the royal command.
"Have you heard from that wandering Paladin, your nephew?" said the King; "for he hath been lost to us, since, like a young knight who had set out upon his first adventures, he sent us home two prisoners, as the first fruits of his chivalry."
"My lord, I heard something of that," said Balafré; "and I hope your Majesty will believe, that if he hath acted wrongfully, it was in no shape by my precept or example, since I never was so bold as to unhorse any of your Majesty's most illustrious house, better knowing my own condition, and" –
"Be silent on that point," said the King; "your nephew did his duty in the matter."
"There indeed," continued Balafré, "he had the cue from me. – 'Quentin,' said I to him, 'whatever comes of it, remember you belong to the Scottish Archer-guard, and do your duty whatever comes on't."'