out by the pilgrims.'

'What is the date of the shrine?' asked Frank.

'About 1250, sir. The early kings were all buried as near to it as
they could get, for it was their belief in those days that the devil
might carry off the body, and so the nearer they got to the shrine
the safer they felt. Henry the Fifth, who won the battle of
Agincourt, is there. Those are the actual helmet, shield, and saddle
which he used in the battle upon the crossbeam yonder. That king
with the grave face and the beard is Edward the Third, the father of
the Black Prince. The Black Prince never lived to ascend the throne,
but he was the father of the unfortunate Richard the Second, who lies
here--this clean-shaven king with the sharp features. Now, ladies
and gentlemen, if you will turn this way, I will show you one of the
most remarkable objects in the Abbey.'

The object in question proved to be nothing more singular than a
square block of stone placed under an old chair. And yet as the
guide continued to speak, they felt that he had justified his words.

'This is the sacred stone of Scone upon which the kings of Scotland
have been crowned from time immemorial. When Edward the First
overran Scotland 600 years ago, he had it brought here, and since
then every monarch of England has also sat upon it when crowned.'

'The present Queen?' asked some one.

'Yes, she also. The legend was that it was the stone upon which
Jacob rested his head when he dreamed, but the geologists have proved