So saying, Hugh left the room. Miles stood musing a while, then began to walk the floor, muttering —

“The five arch-villains have survived the two-and-twenty leal and honest — ’tis an odd thing.”

He continued walking back and forth, muttering to himself; he had forgotten the King entirely.

By-and-by his Majesty said gravely, and with a touch of genuine compassion, though the words themselves were capable of being interpreted ironically —

“Mind not thy mischance, good man; there be others in the world whose identity is denied, and whose claims are derided. Thou hast company.”

“Ah, my King,” cried Hendon, colouring slightly, “do not thou condemn me —