war, and made so savage a spring toward the waiter that this latter could
not find his tongue, for the instant, for fright and surprise. "Where is
the boy?"

In disjointed and trembling syllables the man gave the information
desired.

"You were hardly gone from the place, your worship, when a youth came
running and said it was your worship's will that the boy come to you
straight, at the bridge-end on the Southwark side. I brought him hither;
and when he woke the lad and gave his message, the lad did grumble some
little for being disturbed 'so early,' as he called it, but straightway
trussed on his rags and went with the youth, only saying it had been
better manners that your worship came yourself, not sent a stranger--and
so--"

"And so thou'rt a fool!--a fool and easily cozened--hang all thy breed!
Yet mayhap no hurt is done. Possibly no harm is meant the boy. I will
go fetch him. Make the table ready. Stay! the coverings of the bed were
disposed as if one lay beneath them--happened that by accident?"

"I know not, good your worship. I saw the youth meddle with them--he
that came for the boy."

"Thousand deaths! 'Twas done to deceive me--'tis plain 'twas done to
gain time. Hark ye! Was that youth alone?"

"All alone, your worship."

"Art sure?"