Part 13 (2/2)

We soon met thehan rode by his side The others consisted of about a score or 's train, and a body of the men-at-arms who had accompanied us from Ludlow

”What means this, Lord Rivers; an arh I were an enerily

”Why, Gloucester, they come--”

”What! speakest thou to me as Gloucester?” cried Richard, as he turned fiercely upon the Earl, who sat staring in surprise, as did Harleston and I, at this strange and unprovoked outburst

When Gloucester spoke this last sentence a body of men, with draords, quickly surrounded Rivers, Grey and Vaughan, and took theues betwixt your teeth,” whispered Buckingham, first to me and then to Harleston There was an amused smile upon his face as he said this

Then the whole plot flashed throughus so well We had been used but as blinds to throw Lord Rivers off his guard, and make him to trust the Prince This then was the reason we had been made to be so familiar; it was in order that Gloucester when he chose to consider it a personal slight ht; Gloucester had an object in viehen he acted so But for that matter, when did this man ever so much as speak one kindly word, but for his profit

Now, though it takes s down, it did not take so many heartbeats for the fast just then

When the swords had been taken froentlemen they were separated, and soldiers, with naked swords, stationed themselves one on either side of each prisoner

”Now off with the traitorous knaves to Pomfret,” commanded Richard

”There let them close prisoners rest, until thou hearest from me”

This he said to Sir Richard Ratcliffe, who seemed to be in command of the soldiers which had so suddenly appeared

Ratcliffe put hiuard and set out on his way to Pohan's escorts now joined meekly in with the train of Gloucester, and we proceeded leisurely into Stony Stratford

I know not when I have, before that day or since, been so disgusted by the traitorous deceit of a man as I was by Gloucester's

So soon as Rivers and his friends had been taken off the Prince again put on his pleasant habit He laughed and chatted with Buckinghareatly relished his contean to forht inform the Queen of the arrest of her brother and son; for I now began to fear for the safety of her Majesty When Gloucester dare arrest, and throw into prison, han held, it looked to ht be the next person to be put under restraint This thought was still tor me e drew rein in front of the house occupied by the little King

When young Edward saw his uncle Richard, he careat show of affection ”Ah, your Majesty, let ratulate and welcome thee on thy return homeward”

”Thanks, for the welcoratulations I cannot speak 'Tis but a sad ho, when I know that my dear father cannot be there to meet me”

”Think not of that,” said his uncle ”Thou knowest that we alltake their places Thy grief, no doubt, is great; but bethink you of your duty

Thou do is ever surrounded by traitors 'Twas but this ainst thine authority, and, though some of those connected with the movement have, till to-day, been friends of mine, yet was I compelled to do my duty and cause them to be arrested By Saint Paul! I swear I cannot yet believe theh by their acts they have caused the dark eye of suspicion to frown upon them

”To whom dost thou refer, uncle?”

”Why, to those that thou wouldst least suspect,” said Richard ”Thine own uncle--Lord Rivers--thy cousin--Sir Richard Grey--and Sir Tho King, with alarht do no dae to your Majesty Of course,” he added, ”when thou art crowned your Majesty must do with them as thou thinkest best”

”Indeed I will release them the mo, with great heat