"This accords with thy fellow's story, Tressilian," said the Earl; "call

him hither."

On being summoned to the Earl's presence, Wayland Smith told his former

tale with firmness and consistency.

"It may be," said the Earl, "thou art sent by those who have begun this

work, to end it for them; but bethink, if I miscarry under thy medicine,

it may go hard with thee."

"That were severe measure," said Wayland, "since the issue of medicine,

and the end of life, are in God's disposal. But I will stand the risk. I

have not lived so long under ground to be afraid of a grave."

"Nay, if thou be'st so confident," said the Earl of Sussex, "I will take

the risk too, for the learned can do nothing for me. Tell me how this

medicine is to be taken."

"That will I do presently," said Wayland; "but allow me to condition

that, since I incur all the risk of this treatment, no other physician

shall be permitted to interfere with it."

"That is but fair," replied the Earl; "and now prepare your drug."

While Wayland obeyed the Earl's commands, his servants, by the artist's

direction, undressed their master, and placed him in bed.

"I warn you," he said, "that the first operation of this medicine will

be to produce a heavy sleep, during which time the chamber must be kept

undisturbed, as the consequences may otherwise he fatal. I myself will

watch by the Earl with any of the gentlemen of his chamber."

"Let all leave the room, save Stanley and this good fellow," said the

Earl.

"And saving me also," said Tressilian. "I too am deeply interested in

the effects of this potion."

"Be it so, good friend," said the Earl. "And now for our experiment; but

first call my secretary and chamberlain."

"Bear witness," he continued, when these officers arrived--"bear witness

for me, gentlemen, that our honourable friend Tressilian is in no way

responsible for the effects which this medicine may produce upon me, the

taking it being my own free action and choice, in regard I believe it to

be a remedy which God has furnished me by unexpected means to recover me

of my present malady. Commend me to my noble and princely Mistress;

and say that I live and die her true servant, and wish to all about her

throne the same singleness of heart and will to serve her, with more

ability to do so than hath been assigned to poor Thomas Ratcliffe."




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024