At this moment the massive portal communicating with the outer ward was opened, and an astounding spectacle revealed.
Beneath the gloomy archway of the Bloody Tower stood the King, the torchlight flashing upon his stately figure, and communicating to his countenance a stern and sinister expression.
With him was Sir Henry Bedingfeld. At the back of the archway rose a grove of pikes, while on the right and left was ranged a strong guard of halberdiers, several of whom held torches, which gleamed upon the steel caps, corslets, and partisans of their comrades.
At this unlooked-for spectacle the conspirators recoiled in confusion and dismay. Flight was impossible, and as Bedingfeld advanced towards them with an officer, and demanded their swords, telling them they were his prisoners, they had no alternative but submission.
By the King’s commands, the conspirators were then brought before him, and he surveyed them for some moments with a smile of gratified vengeance.
“Soh, traitors!” he exclaimed, at length, “you thought you had devised a cunning scheme to carry off my treasure. But you have been outwitted. Your plans have been revealed to me, and I have allowed you to proceed thus far in order to ensnare you all. You have fallen like wolves into the trap set for you.”
“The wretch who betrayed us has met his reward,” cried Sir Henry Dudley. “He has perished by my sword.”
“Is Lovel slain?” exclaimed Philip. “I am sorry for it.”
“He richly deserved his fate,” cried Osbert. “I see now how we have been duped.”
At this moment Xit made his way towards the King, and said, “An please your Majesty, these rebels and traitors were captured by me. I claim the reward.”