but with respect to other matters, it is
no man's business to interfere."

"Of course, Master John Deane, you are the best judge in your own
affairs. I gave you but the advice of a friend," answered Pearson:
"what motive can I have to speak otherwise? But again let me remind
you, that if you venture within the lion's jaws it will be no easy
matter to get you out again. Be wise, then, put yourself under my
guidance, and you will be safe. Go your own gait, and you will find
yourself shut up in prison, or, maybe, run your head into the noose.
However, an obstinate man is not to be persuaded."

"But I am not an obstinate man," said Jack; "I believe that your advice
is kindly intended, and I beg that you will understand I do not reject
it. I only ask time to think over the matter, that I may decide what
course I should pursue."

It was not without a considerable amount of vexation and disappointment
that Deane found himself galloping away to the south, instead of
proceeding, as he had hoped, over the border into Scotland. He felt
some doubt, also, as to whether he had acted wisely in confiding so
completely to Pearson; and he also regretted having allowed himself to
be made a tool, as it appeared too evident that he had been, of the
Jacobite party. Still he did not blame Mr Harwood, and thought that
probably some of the other gentlemen whom he had visited were the cause
of the accusation being brought against him. Though Pearson pressed him
to proceed south, he did not object to the proposal Jack made of
visiting Harwood Grange on his way.

"It is the best thing you can do," he observed. "You can then in person
deliver the letters you have received, and he may better be able to
explain matters to you than I am, and he will also advise what steps to
take that you may clear yourself from the accusation which has been
brought against you."

Jack's heart beat at the thought of the proposed visit. The
inconvenience and disappointment which he had gone through, seemed as
nothing when he contemplated again seeing Alethea. It did not occur to
him that he was rushing into a trap in which he was very likely to lose
his liberty altogether. They had proceeded about forty or fifty miles
to the south, when a horseman was seen approaching them. He drew up as
he reached Pearson, and exchanged greetings with him. He then turning
round, and allowing Jack to go on out of ear-shot, the two rode
alongside each other. In the