Destruction certain, when suddenly a trumpet-blast sounded, a voice shouted,

'Way for the king's messenger!' and a troop of horsemen came charging down

upon the mob, who fled out of harm's reach as fast as their legs could carry

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Them. 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