“And what went forward there?” asked the prince, leading his companion in among the trees.
“I know only what I am told,” said the knight, “for the meeting of your father and King Philip was secret.”
“And what have you been told?” inquired John, impatiently, and with clouding brows.
“I have been told that the King of France demanded that your father should do him homage, and should acknowledge your brother Richard as King of England.”
“And what said my father?” broke in John.
“He said that Richard, by his conduct, deserved only the death of a traitor, but—”
John’s brow darkened as he seized Ralph’s arm, and ejaculated, “But what? did he yield? Speak!”
“But for the sake of peace he would receive him back to the heart which he by his disobedience had wellnigh broken, and make him heir to his crown.”
“He said so, did he?” almost shouted the prince, his face livid with fury.
“I am told so by one who knows,” replied the other.