The effect of the whisper was magical. Everything that had been dark
before, became clear as noonday; and Sir Norman sat absolutely astounded
at his own stupidity in not having found it out for himself before.
Every feature, notwithstanding the disguise of wig and beard, became
perfectly familiar; and even through the well-assumed voice, he
recognized the royal tones. It struck him all at once, and with it the
fact of Leoline's increased danger. Count L'Estrange was a formidable
rival, but King Charles of England was even more formidable.
Thought is quick--quicker than the electric telegraph or balloon
traveling; and in two seconds the whole stated things, with all the
attendant surprises and dangers, danced before his mind's eye like a
panorama; and he comprehended the past, the present, and the future,
before Hubert had uttered the last word of his whisper. He turned his
eyes, with a very new and singular sensation, upon the quondam
count, and found that gentlemen looking very hard at him, with, a
preternaturally grave expression of countenance. Sir Norman knew well as
anybody the varying moods of his royal countship, and, notwithstanding
his general good nature, it was not safe to trifle with him at all
times; so he repressed every outward sign of emotion whatever, and
resolved to treat him as Count L'Estrange until he should choose to sail
under his own proper colors.
"Well," said the count, with unruffled eagerness, "and so you decline to
go any further Sir Norman?"
Hubert's eye was fixed with a warning glance upon him, and Sir Norman
composedly answered "No, count; I do not absolutely decline; but before I do go any further,
I should like to know by what right do you bring all these men here, and
what are your intentions in so doing."
"And if I refuse to answer?"
"Then I refuse to move a step further in the business!" said Sir Norman,
with decision.
"And why, my good friend? You surely can have no objection to anything
that can be done against highwaymen and cut-throats."
"Right! I have no objections, but others may."
"Whom do you mean by others?"
"The king, for instance. His gracious majesty is whimsical at times; and
who knows that he may take it into his royal head to involve us somehow
with them. I know the adage, 'put not your trust in princes.'"
"Very good," said the count, with a slight and irrepressible smile;
"your prudence is beyond all praise! But I think, in this matter I may
safely promise to stand between you and the king's wrath. Look at those
horsemen beyond you, and see if they do not wear the uniform of his
majesty's own body-guard."
Sir Norman looked, and saw the dazzling of their splendid equipments
glancing and glistening in the moonbeams.