THE BLACK PRINCE'S RUBY. 167
dead.
Then they managed to force open the case containing the Crown Jewels.
Blood hid the crown under his cloak, the other two took the scepter and
the globe, and then they opened the door intending to steal away. Just
as they did so, young Edwards, a soldier, who by a singular chance
arrived at that moment from Flanders, entered. In a moment after the
Tower rang with the cry of "Treason! treason!' the crown is stolen ! "
The
young man gave chase, aided by the guard at the gate, and eventually
they succeeded in capturing Blood after a " robustious struggle "
during which some pearls and diamonds were knocked out of the crown.
"It
was a gallant attempt for a crown," observed Blood, as they led him to
prison. He was condemned, but Charles pardoned him, and even admitted
him to favor, though Blood was a known ruffian who had nearly succeeded
in hanging the Duke of Ormonde on the public highway not long before.
It is suggested that
