"It is here, sire," replied Nicholas. "It was stolen from him by the villain, Jem Device. The poor youth meant to use it for Alizon. I now deliver it to your Majesty as coming from him in her behalf."
"And we sae receive it," replied the monarch, brushing away the moisture that gathered thickly in his eyes.
At this moment a tall personage, wrapped in a cloak, who appeared to be an officer of the guard, approached the railing.
"I am come to inform your Majesty that Christopher Demdike has just died of his wounds," said this personage.
"And sae he has had a strae death, after a'!" rejoined James. "Weel, we are sorry for it."
"His portion will be eternal bale," observed the officer.
"How know you that, sir?" demanded the King, sharply. "You are not his judge."
"I witnessed his end, sire," replied the officer; "and no man who died as he died can be saved. The Fiend was beside him at the death-throes."
"Save us!" exclaimed James. "Ye dinna say so? God's santie! man, but this is grewsome, and gars the flesh creep on one's banes. Let his foul carcase be taen awa', and hangit on a gibbet on the hill where Malkin Tower aince stood, as a warning to a' sic heinous offenders."
As the King ceased speaking, Master Potts appeared out of breath, and greatly excited.