were
they at any time to think to capture the dockyard and shipping,"
Sir Marmaduke said.

"The Dutch have already captured the place, and that without
shedding a drop of blood," Mr. Jervoise remarked.

"'That is true enough," the knight said, stamping his foot angrily
on the deck, "but what has been won so easily may be lost as
quickly. I have seen several changes since I can first remember,
and I hope I may live to see another. However, we need not talk of
that now."

"No, indeed," Mr. Jervoise agreed. "It may be, Sir Marmaduke, that
it would be better if we had talked and thought less of it, during
the last twelve years; better for ourselves, and for these lads. We
might still have been ready to join His Majesty as soon as he
landed, but as, till then, we could do nothing, it seems to me now
that it would have been wiser had we gone about our business
without worrying our heads, to say nothing of risking them, about a
matter that may not take place during our lives; as we know, well
enough, the King of France uses the Stuarts only for his own
convenience, and at heart cares nothing for them or their cause. It
is convenient to have the means of creating trouble here, and of so
weakening William; and it may be that, some day or other, it may
suit him to send over an army here to fight William, with the aid
of the Stuarts' friends, instead of fighting him in Holland or
elsewhere. But whether he may think fit to do so in one year, or in
twenty years hence, who can say? It is a question solely of
military policy.

"The Stuarts are simply used, by the French king, to pull English
chestnuts out of the fire. I would that they had established
themselves anywhere rather than in France. It does them harm with
vast numbers who would otherwise be their friends, at any rate in
England. In Scotland it is otherwise, for Scotland has always been
in alliance with France; but in England it is different. France has
always been the national foe; and, had not Charles and James proved
themselves so subservient to Louis, William of Orange would never
have been crowned king. There are vast numbers in England who would
rather see a Stuart than a Dutchman on the throne, but who will
never strike a blow to replace them there, and that because they
will come over backed up by French bayonets.

"Well, let us talk of something else. If the time ever comes to
act, we shall be ready, but till then we can let the matter sleep,
the more so a