The Queen was not pleased by my news, but she was relieved that we at last seem to be nearing the truth. She called the Earl of Leicester in, since John was one of his henchmen. I told the Queen and the Earl everything I had worked out. I had brought Ellie with me as a witness—and she had the stolen livery. Ellie showed the livery to Her Majesty. “Please, Your Majesty,” I got out, my words stumbling over one another. “Please don't be too hard on John. I don't think he meant to kill anyone. …” “He's young and very foolish,” said the Queen. “I take no revenge on servants if I can. But it may be unavoidable. My lord Earl?” “We shall have to see,” said the Earl, looking angry indeed. “But I will take revenge no further if he has been acting for Prince Sven, and if he now truthfully turns Queen's Evidence and tells us all the Prince intended.” The Earl talked to three of the Gentlemen of the Guard, who immediately headed for the encampment of the Earl's attendants by the lakeside.
