"I discovered the plot against you,--no matter how.

I frustrated it thus: the head of this design is a nobleman who has long persecuted you in vain.

He and two of his creatures watched you from the entrance of the theatre, having directed six others to await him on the spot where you were attacked; myself and five of my servants supplied their place, and were mistaken for his own followers.

I had previously ridden alone to the spot where the men were waiting, and informed them that their master would not require their services that night.

They believed me, for I showed them his signet-ring, and accordingly dispersed; I then joined my own band, whom I had left in the rear.