The child was nevertheless much pleased with his nest, and forthwith curled himself up in it like a young dormouse, delighting in the conviction that no attendants despatched by his mother to capture him would ever find him here.  Boys have been young pickles ever since the world began, and were just as full of pranks in the fifteenth century as they are now.  Edward had:  a full share of boyhood’s mischievous delight in his own way, and owing to the strong will and the ever-present vigilance of his mother, he had not had many chances of indulging his natural craving for independence.  Therefore he rejoiced the more in it now, and was quite determined to return to his royal parents at such time only as it suited his own whim.

Paul was willing enough to do the behest of the prince, and stayed only to make him comfortable before starting off on the quest for water.  He thought young Edward would soon be asleep, as indeed he was, so luxurious was his leafy couch within the giant oak; and resolved to run as far as a certain well he knew of in the wood, the water of which was peculiarly fresh and cold and clear, and where a cup was always kept by the brothers of a neighbouring monastery for the benefit of weary travellers.

Paul sped away on his mission with a light heart He was elated above measure by his day’s adventure, and his head was brimming over with plans and dreams of the future, which was to be so glorious and so distinguished.

He the chosen comrade of their future king! he the loyal upholder of that king’s rights, the bulwark of the throne, the trusted noble, the shrewd counsellor, the valiant warrior!  A boy’s ambition is boundless—­innocent of envy or evil, but wild in its flights.

Paul went on his way with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes, till a stealthy sound in the bushes beside him made him stop short, listening intently.  He heard voices in cautious whisper.

“He cannot be far away.  He certainly came to the wood.  Long Peter says he had another boy with him; but be that as it may, he is here, and close at hand.  We must lose no time.  The alarm will be given if he is missed.  Take one, or take both, it matters not if we but get the prince into our hands.  He may be known by his ostrich plume and his golden curls, and the jewelled collar he wears about his neck.”

Paul heard these words plainly, and it seemed as if his heart were in his mouth.  It beat so violently that he fancied the conspirators must surely hear.  The words he had heard but yesterday flashed back into his mind.

It was true then.  There was a conspiracy to carry off the young prince, and the band of men pledged to the deed were actually on their track and close at hand.  How could he warn the prince in time?  How could he save him from their hands?

For a moment the boy’s courage seemed to desert him.  A cold sweat broke out on his face, his knees trembled beneath him.  But his fear was not a selfish or unworthy one; it was all for the royal child, whose peril was so imminent.