In some vague way Christopher’s presence was necessary to his happiness.
Until today he had relinquished all ideas of using him in his machinations. But today Charles had called on him for help. It was something in the nature of a struggle. If he chose to respect Christopher’s scruples he must fail the King; if he came to the King’s rescue he would perhaps destroy Christopher’s love for him. Secrets often leaked out. For the present he could keep the boy in ignorance of the real purpose of his mission, but one day it was possible that Christopher might discover the truth.
The King’s cause had won. Roxhythe’s fondness for Christopher was as nothing beside his love for Charles. Long, long ago he had made his choice; had thrown in his lot with the King; all else had faded before the one man. It was not likely that the tables would be reversed at this stage.
Charles had called on him: it was enough.
When Christopher presently entered the room Roxhythe pointed to a chair.
“Sit down Chris.”
Christopher obeyed, somewhat mystified.
“His Majesty visited me again today while you were out,” began Roxhythe.
“So soon? He was here a very short while since.”
“This time he came for a purpose. I can trust to your discretion, Chris?”
“Of course, sir.” Christopher was interested.
“Yes. You probably know that the King has always to beware of French spies; spies who would not scruple to interfere with his correspondence.”
“I do suppose so, sir.”
“For this reason he hath about his person several men whom he can trust implicitly. They are his private messengers. When he desires to send dispatches privately these men bear them. But lately two have been discovered to be untrustworthy, another is ill, and the fourth is with Monmouth.”
Christopher assented vaguely. He did not perceive the drift of the conversation.
“And I,” said Roxhythe, “am also ill.”
“Are you a messenger, sir?”
“No, but I have played the part ere now. The King dare trust so few men.”
“I see. Somehow I did not think you—Go on, sir!”
“It so happens that the King wishes to send very private orders to Monmouth, concerning various matters, warning him ’gainst certain men that the King knows to be in French pay. My Lord Danby has couriers, but he cannot vouch for them. You understand that ’twould be ruinous if these dispatches fell into the hands of the French, or into those of some of our number whom we believe to be also in French pay.”
Christopher began to see daylight.
“Yes, sir. Do you mean—”
“I mean that the King has appealed to me to find him a messenger who is above suspicion, who will guard that packet with his life. There are very few men today whom we can trust, but I think that there is one.”
“Sir—will you—speak plainly?” Christopher clasped his hands on his knee.
“I told His Majesty that I could find him a courier. I had you in mind.”
“Oh—sir!”
“You will do it?”
“Oh—yes! I—I am all amazed! I—can scarcely believe that this honour is to be given—to me!”
“It is a very great honour,” said Roxhythe gravely. “I assured His Majesty that you were worthy of it.”
Christopher caught his hand to his lips.
“How kind you are! I owe it all to you! I—I cannot thank you enough! I do swear that I will prove faithful.”
“I know that. You accept the task then?”
“Accept! I would do aught in the world for His Majesty—and you.”
“So I thought. You served me very well eight years ago. You are older now, and wiser. I can trust to your discretion.”
“I do not know why you should, sir! Indeed, I have done naught for you save the most trivial matters! I am overwhelmed.”
“You’ve no alarms?”
“Sir! When have I shown myself a coward?”
“You will be alone this time.”
“I do not fear.”
“You will need all your wits. Remember, you go in my stead.”
“I do remember it, sir. ’Tis because of that that I can scarce believe mine ears! That His Majesty should deign to send me in your place!”
“His Majesty acts on my advice. If you fail—if you deliver those letters wrongly—on me will fall the blame.”
“I will not! Oh, I swear that I will never give them up save to the Duke himself!”
“You will not give them to the Duke. He also is surrounded by spies. It needs a more seasoned head to give them to him without creating suspicion. The King his fourth agent is in Monmouth’s train, as I told you. You will give the packet to him, and he will do the rest.”
“Very well, sir. Who is this man?”
“You have never seen him. He is named Cherrywood—Frederick Cherrywood. You will find him easily enough, for he is in Monmouth’s household.”
“Will he believe me to be the King’s messenger?” asked Christopher.
“The King will give you his ring as token. And he will recognize the cipher. This evening I’ll outline your route and give you all minor instructions. You start in two days.”
“Two days!” Christopher gasped. “But you, sir!”
“What of me?”
“You are ill! How can I leave you?”
“Strange as it may seem, I have been ill before, and there was no Christopher. The King his will must be obeyed even though I were dying, which I am not.”
“Yes, sir, of course! But I wish you were not ill. I do not like to leave you.”
“If I were
