Mercy, my liege, mercy, I
implore!"
The English are a rough race, but not a cruel one. The King sat
with a face of doom; but the others looked askance and fidgeted in
their seats.
"Indeed, my fair liege," said Chandos, "I pray you that you will
abate somewhat of your anger."
Edward shook his head curtly. "Be silent, John. It shall be as I
have said."
"I pray you, my dear and honored liege, not to act with overmuch
haste in the matter," said Manny. "Bind him and hold him until
the morning, for other counsels may prevail."
"Nay, I have spoken. Lead him out!"
But the trembling man clung to the King's knees in such a fashion
that the archers could not disengage his convulsive grip. "Listen
to me a moment, I implore you! Give me but one minute to plead
with you, and then do what you will."
The King leaned back in his chair. "Speak and have done," said
he.
"You must spare me, my noble liege. For your own sake I say that
you must spare me, for I can set you in the way of such a knightly
adventure as will gladden your heart. Bethink you, sire, that
this de Chargny and his comrades know nothing of their plans
having gone awry. If I do but send them a message they will
surely come to the postern gate. Then, if we have placed our
bushment with skill we shall have such a capture and such a ransom
as will fill your coffers.
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