There was blood upon it, and there was blood on the lace that half concealed the hand that held it; otherwise--and saving that his shoes and stockings were sodden with the dew from the long grass in the orchard--he was as spotless as when he had left Ruth in Trenchard's lodging; his face, too, was calm, save for the mocking smile with which he eyed Lord Grey.
Monmouth rose on his appearance, and put his hand to his sword in alarm.
Grey whipped his own from the scabbard, and placed himself slightly in front of his master as if to preserve him.
"You mistake, sirs," said Wilding quietly.

"The hand I have had in this affair has been to save Your Majesty from your enemies.

At the moment I should have joined you, word was brought me of the plot that was laid, of the trap that was set for you.

I hastened to the Castle and obtained a score of musketeers of Slape's company.

With those I surprised the murderers lurking in the garden there, and made an end of them.