At length they come to a place where the passage grows broader, and spreads out into a little open chamber, on the side walls of which a few teats are placed.
"We have now accomplished half of the journey," said Catharine; "and here we will rest a little." She placed the lamp on the small marble table in the middle of the passage, and sat down, pointing to John Heywood to take a seat near her.
"I am not the queen, here," said she; "and you are not the king's fool; but I am a poor weak woman, and you are my protector.

You may, therefore, well have the right to sit by me." But John shook his head with a smile, and sat down at her feet.

"St.
Catharine, savior of my son, I lie at thy feet, and devoutly return thanks to thee." "John, are you acquainted with this subterranean passage ?" asked the queen.
John gave a sad smile.

"I am acquainted with it, queen." "Ah, you know it?
I supposed it was a secret of the king and queen." "Then you will readily conceive that the fool knows it.

For the King of England and the fool are twin brothers.