The crowd fell apart to admit a constable, who approached and was about to lay his hand upon the King’s shoulder, when Hendon said —

“Gently, good friend, withhold your hand — he shall go peaceably; I am responsible for that.

Lead on, we will follow.”

The officer led, with the woman and her bundle; Miles and the King followed after, with the crowd at their heels. The King was inclined to rebel; but Hendon said to him in a low voice —

“Reflect, Sire — your laws are the wholesome breath of your own royalty; shall their source resist them, yet require the branches to respect them? Apparently one of these laws has been broken; when the King is on his throne again, can it