smith's son that though black it was still warm from the fire.

"Take this iron," he said abruptly, "and bring it to me fully heated.
I am finishing a little device which his Excellency needs for the
combat of the morrow."

The captain of the guard was nettled at the man's tone. Also he
desired much to know what his master was doing on the floor above.

"Heat it at your own nose, fellow," he said rudely; "I am captain of
the castle-guard, and must attend to my own business. Take the spirit
out of my hand if you do not want it thrown in your face."

The swarthy, bullet-headed man glared at him with eyes like burning
coals, but Sholto cared no jot for his anger. Forthwith he turned his
back upon him, glad at heart to have found some one to quarrel with,
and hoping that the ambassador's squire might prove courageous and
challenge him to fight on the morrow.

But the man only replied: "I am Henriet, servant of the marshal. I bid
you remember that I shall make you live to regret these words."




CHAPTER XVII

THE LAMP IS BLOWN OUT