"I know nothing of that," she said hurriedly, "save that he came with
five others in a ship from England and encamped at Paomia below;
that, being taken prisoners, they professed to be seeking the Queen
Emilia, to deliver her; and that thereupon of the six I let four go,
keeping this one as hostage, with his friend, who has since died."
"And the crown," put in Stephanu. "The Princess has forgotten to
mention the crown."
"What crown?"
"The crown, sir," said I boldly, seeing the Princess hesitate,
"of the late King Theodore of Corsica, given by him into my keeping."
I saw the priest start as if flicked with a whip, and shoot me a
glance of curiosity from under his loose upper lids. His pupil
stepped up and thrust his face close to mine.
"Eh? So you were seeking _me?_" he demanded. "You are mistaken, sir,"
said I, "whatever your reason for such a guess. My companions--one
of them my father, an Englishman and by name Sir John Constantine--
are seeking the Queen Emilia, whom they understand to be held
prisoner by the Genoese. Meanwhile your sister detains me as
hostage, and the crown in pawn.
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