Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-25
CHAPTER x.
JUSTICE, O KING!

to go until Bfanu0n was SaTely out or his trouble. It was hard for me to be- heve that had left such matter to two foolish girls, one of them as changeable as the wind and the other completely under her control. I could but think of the difference between myself and Brandon, and well knew, had I been in his place, he would have liberated me or stormed the very walls of London single handed and alone.
 Next to myself condemned those wretched girls for leaving Brandon to perish Brandon, to whom they both owed so much. Their selfishness turn ed me against all womankind.
 did not daily this time. I trusted to no Lady Jane or Lady Mary. de termined to go to the king at once and tell him all. : I did not care if the wretched Mary and Jane both had to marry the French king or the devil himself. I did not care if they and all the host of their peradious sisterhood went to the neither side of the universe, there to remain forever. would re- trieve my fault in so far as it was re- trievable and save Brandon, who was worth them all put together. I would tell Mary and Jane what thought of xhem. and that should end matters be- sween us. felt as did toward them not only because of their treatment of Brandon, but because they had made me guilty of grievous fault, for which I should never so long as lived for give myself. I determined to go to the king, and go did within five minutes of the time I heard that Brandon was yet in prison.
 I found the king sitting alone at pub lie dinner and, of course, was denied speech with him. was in no humor to be baked, so thrust aside the guards and, much to everybody's fright, for I was wild with grief, rage and despair and showed it in every fea- ture, rushed to the king and fell upon my knees at his feet.
 Justice, O kingw cried, and all the courtiers heard. Justice, O king, for the worst used man and the bravest, truest soul that ever lived and suf- feredr' Here the tears began to stream down my face and my voice ehoked in my throat. Charles Bran don, your majesty's one time friend, lies in loathsome, rayless dungeon, condemned to death, as your majesty may know, for the killing of two men in Bfllingsgate ward. I will tell you all. should be thrust out from the society of decent men for not having told you before I left for France, but trusted it to another who has proved false. will tell you all. Your sister, the Lady Mary, and Lady Jane Boiling broke were returning alone after dark from visit to the soothsayer Grouche, of whom your majesty has heard. had been notified of the Lady Mary's intended visit to him, although she had enjoined absolute secrecy upon my in- formant. could not go, being detain- ed upon your majesty's service-it was the night of the ball to the ambassa- dors-and I asked Brandon to follow them, which he did without the knowl- edge of the princess.
 Upon returning the ladies were at lacked by four rufians and would have met with worse than death had not the bravest heart and the best sword in England defended them victoriously dEd1nHL SuGA lCAl4ul OOlASs I1G tG1L them at Bridewell without hurt or in- jury, though covered with wounds him. self. This man is condemned to be hanged, drawn hnd quartered, but I know not your majesty's heart if he be not at once reprieved and richly re- warded. Think, my king! He saved the royal honor of your sister, who is so dear to you and has suffered so ter rib1y for his loyalty and bravery. The day I left so hurriedly for France the Lady Mary promised she would tell you all and liberate this man who had So nobly saved her, but she is woman and was born to betray."
 The king laughed little at my ve- hemence.
 ''What is this you are telling me, Sir Edwin? I know of Brandon's death sentence, but much as regret it cannot interfere with the justice of our good people of London for the murder of two knights in their streets. If Brandon committed such a crime, and understand he does not deny it, I cannot help him, however much should like to do so. But this nonsense about my sister! It cannot be true It must be trumped up out of your love in order to save your friend. Have a care, good master, how you say such a thing. If it were true, would not Brandon have told it at his trial?"
 Tt is as true as that God lives, my king! If the Lady Mary and Lady Jane do not bear me out in every word I have said, let my life pay the forfeit. He would not tell of the great reason for killing the men, fearing to com promise the honor of those whom he had saved, for, as your majesty is aware, persons sometimes go to Grouche's for purposes other than to listen to his soothsaying. Not in this case, God knows, but there are slan- derous tongues, and Brandon was will ing to die with closed lips rather than set them wagging against one so dear to you. It seems that these ladies, who owe so much to him, are also willing that he should die rather than themselves bear the consequences of their own folly. Do not delay, l be- seech your majesty. Eat not another