Lord Percy selected me as his messenger partly because, from my youth, I should not be likely to be suspected of being a messenger between two great lords; and in the second place because, if arrested, and these matters found on me, the statement in the letter would be readily believed.

It would not be supposed that important state secrets would be committed to a lad, like myself." The earl made no reply, for a time, but sat with his eyes fixed on Oswald's face, as if he were reading him thoroughly.
"Then you do know the matters in question ?" "I do, my lord.

I am the bearer of a further communication to you." "Say on, then." "Lord Percy bids me say that, on the receipt of your message to him, he forwarded it by one of his knights to the king at Westminster; and that the matter was discussed, by his majesty, with two or three of his most trusted councillors.

After full consideration, the king has accepted your offer, and will grant all its conditions.

He sent, my lord, also a document with his royal seal attached, engaging to observe all the conditions of the compact.