They were in the small room
which was ordinarily used as the bedroom of the gentleman in
attendance on the king: they chose it now because it commanded a
view of the approach. The door of the house was securely
fastened; they were prepared to refuse admission; in case refusal
was impossible, the preparations for concealing the king's body
and that of his huntsman Herbert were complete. Inquirers would
be told that the king had ridden out with his huntsman at
daybreak, promising to return in the evening but not stating
where he was going; Sapt was under orders to await his return,
and James was expecting instructions from his master the Count of
Tarlenheim. Thus armed against discovery, they looked for news
from me which should determine their future action.
Meanwhile there was an interval of enforced idleness. Sapt, his
meal finished, puffed away at his great pipe; James, after much
pressure, had consented to light a small black clay, and sat at
his ease with his legs stretched before him. His brows were knit,
and a curious half-smile played about his mouth.
"What may you be thinking about, friend James?" asked the
constable between two puffs. He had taken a fancy to the alert,
ready little fellow.
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