Sapt did not interrupt this time.
"Yes, madam, the king was very tired, and as we chanced to kill near the hunting-lodge, the king bade us carry our quarry there, and come back to dress it to-morrow; so we obeyed, and here we are--that is, except Herbert, my brother, who stayed with the king by his majesty's orders.
Because, madam, Herbert is a handy fellow, and my good mother taught him to cook a steak and--" "Stayed where with the king ?" roared Sapt.
"Why, at the hunting-lodge, Constable.

The king stays there to-night, and will ride back tomorrow morning with Herbert.

That, madam, is the king's message." We had come to it at last, and it was something to come to.

Simon gazed from face to face.

I saw him, and I understood at once that our feelings must be speaking too plainly.