“Then you mean to dismiss the matter without further investigation?” observed Buckingham.  “I always thought your Majesty delighted to exercise your sagacity in detecting the illusions practised by Satan and his worshippers.”

“An sae we do,” replied James.  “But bend your bonnie head this way till we whisper in your ear.  We hae a device for finding it a’ out, which canna fail; and when you ken it you will applaud your dear dad’s wisdom, and perfit maistery o’ the haill science o’ kingcraft.”

“I would your Majesty would make me acquainted with this notable scheme,” replied Buckingham, with ill-concealed contempt.  “I might make it more certain of success.”

“Na—­na—­we shanna let the cat out of the bag just yet,” returned the King.  “We mean it as a surprise to ye a’.”

“Then, whatever be the result, it is certain to answer the effect intended,” observed the Duke.

“Gae wa’! ye are ever sceptical, Steenie—­ever misdoubting your ain dear dad and gossip,” rejoined James; “but ye shall find we haena earned the title o’ the British Solomon for naething.”

Soon after this the King arose, and was ushered to his apartments by Sir Richard Hoghton with the same ceremony as had been observed on his entrance.  He was followed by all the nobles; and Nicholas and the others, being released from their duties, repaired to the lower end of the hall to dine.  The revel was now sufficiently boisterous; for, as the dames had departed at the same time as the monarch, all restraint was cast aside.  The wine-cup flowed freely, and the rafters rang with laughter.  Under ordinary circumstances Richard would have shrunk from such a scene; but he had now a part to play, and therefore essayed to laugh at each jest, and to appear as reckless as his neighbours.  He was glad, however, when the signal for general dispersion was given; for though Sir Richard Hoghton was unwilling to stint his guests, he was fearful, if they sat too long over their wine, some disturbances might ensue; and indeed, when the revellers came forth and dispersed within the base court, their flushed cheeks, loud voices, and unsteady gait, showed that their potations had already been deep enough.

Meanwhile, quite as much mirth was taking place out of doors as had occurred within the banqueting-hall.  As soon as the King sat down to dinner, according to promise the gates were thrown open, and the crowd outside admitted.  The huge roast was then taken down, carved, and distributed among them; the only difficulty experienced being in regard to trenchers, and various and extraordinary were the contrivances resorted to to supply the deficiency.  This circumstance, however, served to heighten the fun, and, as several casks of stout ale were broached at the same time, universal hilarity prevailed.  Still, in the midst of so vast a concourse, many component parts of which had now began to experience the effects of the potent liquor, some little manifestation of disorder might naturally be expected; but all such was speedily quelled by the yeomen of the guard, and other officials appointed for the purpose, and, amidst the uproar and confusion, harmony generally prevailed.