better notion about horse-flesh than his
neighbours, and bestrides occasionally a fleeter steed than most of
them. No one would think of looking for me there, nor will they for
you, or, if they did, it would be no easy job to find us. For that
matter, indeed (your vanity will not be offended, I hope, when I say
it), your countenance has so little remarkable about it, and so few
people know you, that you might safely go to London without the
slightest risk of detection. You should understand that some friends of
ours may ask you to undertake a commission of importance in the
metropolis, and I would advise you not to refuse it. All your expenses
will be paid; and if you prove trustworthy and discreet, it will lead to
your further advantage."

"You have proposed so much to me, Master Pearson, that I am rather
confused, and must think a little before I reply," answered Jack. "You
tell me that information has been laid against me for delivering
treasonable letters between persons desirous of overturning the present
order of things and of restoring King James to the throne, and that if I
am not very careful I shall be taken and imprisoned, and perhaps hung.
Now, even though I have really been accused, as you have heard, of
treason, I am sure that I can have no difficulty in proving my
innocence. I was not aware of the contents of the letters I delivered,
and have certainly no wish to overturn the present Government."

"Very possibly, my young friend," remarked Pearson; "but it will avail
you nothing to say that you did not know the contents of the letters, or
that you did not do this or that. You must confess to having delivered
the letters, and you cannot prove that you did not know their contents
and are not anxious to support the cause they advocate. Judges and
juries require proofs of a man's innocence. Can you give proofs of
yours? that is the question, Master Deane. Besides, let me ask you,
suppose a certain young lady, who shall be nameless, were to promise you
the best reward she can bestow, if you will join heart and hand in the
cause her father supports, what reply would you make--eh, my lad?"

"You seem to know every thing, Master Pearson!" exclaimed Jack, somewhat
annoyed at his companion's familiarity, and not wishing to give a direct
answer. "With regard to the probability of my being unable to prove my
innocence of the accusations which may be brought against me, I
acknowledge that you are right;