for, if you outwit me a second time in the same day.  I can guess what she proposes.  You note that side door near them, Lupo?  She is advising the youth’s flight that way; and he, like a hair-brained fool, will not listen to the suggestion.  But it will be well to watch the outlet.  Hark ye, Lanyere,” he added to the promoter, “take three men with you, and go round quickly to the passage with which yon door communicates.  Station yourselves near the outlet; and if Mounchensey comes forth, arrest him instantly.  You see the door I mean?  About it, quick!”

And Lanyere instantly departed with three of the myrmidons.

“I would this arrest could be lawfully effected, Sir Giles,” said Lupo Vulp, “by a serjeant-at-arms or pursuivant.  There would then be no risk.  Again I venture to counsel you to proceed regularly.  No great delay would be occasioned, if your worship went to Westminster, and made a complaint against the young man before the Council.  In that case a messenger of the Court would be despatched to attach his person; and even if he should quit the house in the meanwhile, Lanyere will keep on his track.  That were the surest course.  As to the manner of proceeding, I conclude it will be by Ore tenus.  It is not likely that this youth’s headstrong temper, coupled with his fantastic notions of honour, will permit him to deny your worship’s accusation, and therefore his confession being written down, and subscribed by himself, will be exhibited against him when he is brought to the bar of the Star-Chamber, and he will be judged ex ore suo.  Your worship will make quick work of it.”

“Cum confitente reo citius est agendum” replied Sir Giles.  “No one knows better than thou, good Lupo, how promptly and effectually the court of Star-Chamber will vindicate its authority, and how severely it will punish those who derogate from its dignity.  No part of the sentence shall be remitted with my consent.  This insolent youth shall suffer to the same extent as Lanyere.  Pilloried, branded, mutilated, degraded, he shall serve as a warning to my enemies.”

“Your worship can scarce make him more of a scarecrow than you have made of Lanyere,” Lupo remarked with a grin.  “But do you decide on applying in the first instance to the Council?”

“No,” Sir Giles replied, “I will not lose sight of him.  He shall not have a chance of escape.  Marked you not, Lupo, how the rash fool committed himself with Buckingham?  And think you the proud Marquis would hold me blameless, if, by accident, he should get off scot-free, after such an outrage?  But see! the room is well-nigh cleared.  Only a few loiterers remain.  The time is come.”