“At the Court of Saint Germains?” cried Thirlwall.
“Precisely,” said the butler.
“Why, you seem to insinuate that it's the Chevalier de Saint George in person, Newbiggin.”
“I've my own idea on that point, Thirlwall,” said the butler. “If it should turn out as I suspect, we're on the eve of an insurrection. The prince wouldn't come here on a trifling errand. But keep quiet for the present—this is mere conjecture.”
The butler then returned to the dining-room, while Mr. Thirlwall hurried to the servants' hall, where he retailed all he had just heard, with some additions of his own.
In less than half-an-hour it was known among the whole household that his majesty, King James the Third, had arrived, in disguise, at the castle.
III.—NICHOLAS RIBBLETON.
If any confirmation were wanted of the suspicions now generally entertained by Mr. Newbiggin and the rest of the servants that a rising was imminent, it was afforded by the earl, who took his guest, as soon as luncheon was over, to see the arms stored in the old tower.