Harwood," exclaimed Jack, now able to speak, "surely no
cause would justify the means by which the conspirators have attempted
to carry out their project--to murder the great and brave king! Surely
nothing can justify assassination!"

"Oh, no, no!" exclaimed Alethea. "But surely those with whom my father
was associated have not attempted to commit so fearful a crime?"

"Most certainly the crime was contemplated," answered Jack. "I heard
the whole plan discussed, but whether Mr Harwood's especial friends
were acquainted with it or not, I cannot say; but of one thing I feel
very sure, from what I heard, that James was well aware of the project,
and sanctioned it by the countenance he gave to those who undertook to
carry it out."

"If I were sure of that," exclaimed Alethea, with a tone of indignation,
"my whole feelings towards King James would be changed! While I thought
him an honourable and an injured man, and the rightful sovereign of
these realms, my feelings were in his favour; but if his principles
would allow him to act as you describe, then I cannot but feel that the
nobles and commons of England were right in their dread of having such a
man to reign over them."

"I wish Mr Harwood had seen matters in that light before he allowed
himself to be drawn into the plot!" said Jack. "Perhaps, however, he
may now be induced to do so. If so, when those who have principally
engaged in it have suffered the penalty of their crimes, he will
probably be allowed to return home, and live quietly as heretofore. For
my own part, as I have been consorting with the king's enemies, though
unknowingly, I have determined, from henceforth, to fight for him and
his friends, and to try my fortune on the ocean. It will be more to my
taste than being pinched up in breastplate and helmet, and having to
fight on shore. I may there win a name and fame, Alethea; and perchance
when I come back I may look forward to--"

Whatever Jack was going to say was interrupted by the entrance of Mr
Harwood. As may be supposed, he had but a small appetite for breakfast,
though pressed by his daughter, who in every way tried to keep up his
spirits, to partake of it. The steward and head groom were ordered to
accompany Miss Harwood into Nottingham, while his own fleetest hunter
was to be got ready to start as soon as Jack's horse was sufficiently
rested.

In vain Jack waited for an opportunity to finish the sentence he had
begun, for having,