"Howard!" said he, with a cruel smile. "Say you that a Howard
threatens our life? Which one is it? Name me the traitor!"
"I name them both--father and son! I name the Duke of Norfolk and
the Earl of Surrey! I say that they both are traitors, who threaten
the life and honor of my king, and with blasphemous arrogance dare
stretch out their hands even to the crown!"
"Ah, I knew it, I knew it!" screamed the king. "And it was this that
made me sleepless, and ate into my body like red-hot iron."
And as he fastened on Douglas his eyes flashing with rage, he asked,
with a grim smile: "Can you prove that these Howards are traitors?
Can you prove that they aim at my crown?"
"I hope to be able to do so," said Douglas. "To be sure, there are
no great convincing facts--"
"Oh," said the king, interrupting him with a savage laugh, "there is
no need of great facts. Give into my hand but a little thread, and I
will make out of it a cord strong enough to haul the father and son
up to the gallows at one time."
"Oh, for the son there is proof enough," said the earl, with a
smile: "and as regards the father, I will produce your majesty some
accusers against him, who will be important enough to bring the duke
also to the block. Will you allow me to bring them to you
immediately?"
"Yes, bring them, bring them!" cried the king. "Every minute is
precious that may lead these traitors sooner to their punishment."
Earl Douglas stepped to the door and opened it.
Pages:
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384