of something else. Wasn't one of your people
executed under Elizabeth?"

"By gad, yes; so he was. I'd quite forgotten. It was being on the wrong
side for once."

"How--the wrong side?"

There was amusement in Frank's voice as he answered.

"It was for religion," he said. "He was a Papist. All the rest of them
conformed promptly. They were a most accommodating lot. They changed
each time without making any difficulty. I remember my governor telling
us about it once. He thought them very sensible. And so they were, by
George! from one point of view."

"Has your religion anything to do with all this?"

"Oh, I suppose so," said Frank, with an indifferent air.

* * * * *

There were a good many doors open in the High Street as they went up it,
and Jack saluted half a dozen people mechanically as they touched their
hats to him as he passed in the light from the houses.

"What does it feel like being squire?" asked Frank.

"Oh, I don't know," said Jack.

"Rather good fun, I should think," said Frank.

* * * * *

They were nearing the steep part of the ascent presently, and the church
clock struck nine.

"Bit late," said Frank.

"When will you come again?" asked the other suddenly. "I'm here another
fortnight, you know, and then at Christmas again. Come for Christmas if
you can."

"Ah! I don't know where I shall be. Give my love to Cambridge, though."

"Frank!"

"Yes?"

"Mayn't I say what I think?"

"No!"

* * * * *

Ah! there was the roof of the old church standing out against the stars,
and there could be no more talking. They might come upon the other two
at any moment now. They went five steps further, and there, in the
shadow of the gate, burned a dull red spot of fire, that kindled up as
they looked, and showed for an instant the heavy eyes of the Major with
a pipe in his mouth.

* * * * *

"Good-evening, sir," came the military voice, and the girl rose to her
feet beside him. "You're just in time."

"Good-evening," said Jack dully.

"We've had a pleasant evening of it up here, Mr. Kirkby, after we'd
stepped down and had a bit of supper at the 'Crown.'"

"I suppose you heard my name there," said Jack.

"Quite right, sir."

"Give us the key," said Frank abruptly.

He unlocked the door and pushed it back over the grass-grown gravel.

"Wait for me here, will yo