"Approach, sir, and show us the nature of this notable invention."

"I desire nothing better, my lord king," said Adam, boldly; "but first
let me crave a small modicum of fuel. Fire, which is the life of the
world, as the wise of old held it, is also the soul of this, my
mechanical."

"Peradventure," whispered the duchess, "the wizard desireth to consume
us."

"More likely," replied Richard, in the same undertone, "to consume
whatever of treasonable nature may lurk concealed in his engine."

"True," said Edward, and then, speaking aloud, "Master Warner," he
added, "put thy puppet to its purpose without fire,--we will it."

"It is impossible, my lord," said Adam, with a lofty smile. "Science
and nature are more powerful than a king's word."

"Do not say that in public, my friend," said Edward, dryly, "or we
must hang thee! I would not my subjects were told anything so
treasonable. Howbeit, to give thee no excuse in failure, thou shalt
have what thou needest."

"But surely not in our presence," exclaimed the duchess. "This may be
a device of the Lancastrians for our perdition."

"As you please, belle mere," said Edward, and he motioned to a
gentleman, who stood a few paces behind his chair, and who, from the
entrance of the mechanician, had seemed to observe him with intense