The bold stranger caught up the
prince in his arms, and was soon far away from danger and the
multitude.
Return we within the Guildhall. Suddenly, high above the
jubilant roar and thunder of the revel, broke the clear peal of a
bugle-note. There was instant silence- a deep hush; then a single
voice rose- that of the messenger from the palace- and began to pipe
forth a proclamation, the whole multitude standing, listening. The
closing words, solemnly pronounced were:
'The king is dead!'
The great assemblage bent their heads upon their breasts with
one accord; remained so, in profound silence, a few moments, then
all sunk upon their knees in a body, stretched out their hands towards
Tom, and a mighty shout burst forth that seemed to shake the building:
'Long live the king!'
Poor Tom's dazed eyes wandered abroad over this stupefying
spectacle, and finally rested dreamily upon the kneeling princesses
beside him a moment, then upon the Earl of Hertford. A sudden
purpose dawned in his face. He said, in a low tone, at Lord Hertford's
ear:
'Answer me truly, on thy faith and honor! Uttered I here a
command, the which none but a king might hold privilege and
prerogative to utter, would such commandment be obeyed, and none
rise up to say me nay?'
'None, my liege, in all these realms. In thy person bides the
majesty of England. Thou art the king- thy word is law.'
Tom responded, in a strong, earnest voice, and with great
animation:
'Then shall the king's law be law of mercy, from this day, and
never more be law of blood! Up from thy knees and away! To the Tower
and say the king decrees the Duke of Norfolk shall not die!'*(7)
The words were caught up and carried eagerly from lip to lip far
and wide over the hall, and as Hertford hurried from the presence,
another prodigious shout burst forth:
'The reign of blood is ended! Long live Edward king of England!'
CHAPTER XII
The Prince and his Deliverer
AS soon as Miles Hendon and the little prince were clear of the
mob, they struck down through back lanes and alleys toward the
river.
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