Bertram’s breath gave out before he had well finished outpouring his story, and the pause was filled by a great huzza, led off by Julian, and taken up by all the company, who were hearing scraps of like information from the men-at-arms who had conducted home the heir.

“Our parents are constrained to remain awhile longer at court; but I hungered to bring the news to Chad, and to hear the end of the story.”

Bertram here dismounted, and taking his brothers by the arm, led them up to their own room, which was always their favourite haunt.

“I see that thy face is well-nigh recovered, Edred; but it stood us in marvellous good stead.  Tell me, how fared you when you parted from us?  All went well?”

“Excellent well in all truth.  Not a soul accosted us by the way.  We saw him take boat to the sloop, and saw the sloop sail out of the bay.  In truth, it seems like a dream now that it is all passed.  But it was a fearful time whilst it lasted.”

“Yet it has led to good.  We are higher in favour with the king than ever, and I trow it will be long ere our haughty neighbour dares to raise his crest against us.”

Bertram paused smiling, and laid his hand upon the masked door which had kept its secret so long.

“And if it be that our gracious prince doth in very truth visit us here, methinks that to him and to him alone will we tell the whole of the strange story, and disclose to him the trick of the secret chamber at Chad!”

The End.