erty," cried Hilary; "and that sha'n't be long
first. Even now my commander will be searching for me."

"Very likely, Hilary," said Sir Henry; "but you must be very hungry. I
have only just learned of your being here, and that you had not been
attended to. The habits of my friends here are somewhat nocturnal, and
hence they are irregular by day. Come, sit down, man, and eat. We
campaigners are not so particular as some people."

He seated himself upon the straw as he spoke, and looked up so frankly
and with such friendly eyes at the young man, that Hilary was slightly
softened.

"Adela is here," he said.

"Yes, I know; I have seen her this morning, Sir Henry."

"Seen her! Oh, yes, I see--from the window. But come, fall to."

Hilary glanced at the chicken and the bread, and felt disposed to resent
his rough treatment, especially as just then the donkey brayed loudly,
and fired off a salute of kicks against the side of the shed where he
was confined; but there was a specially tempting brown side to that
chicken, which looked tender and seductive, and Hilary argued that he
should not be able to stand long upon his dignity if he starved himself,
so he seated himself tailor-fashion beside the tray, and began to carve.

"You'll take some, Sir Henry?" he said sulkily.

"With pleasure," was the reply; and Sir Henry allowed himself to be
helped, Hilary's carving being of a very primitive kind, but he managed
to hack off a leg and a wing, and passed them to Sir Henry, who, in
return, cut some bread, and poured out a glass of wine.

The chicken came fully up to its looks, and those who discussed it were
very busy for some little time.

"There is only one glass," said Sir Henry. "Will you drink first,
Hilary?"

"No, Sir Henry. After you."

"But I stand in the place of your host," said Sir Henry smiling.
"However, I will set you the example after the good old custom, so as to
show you that the wine is not drugged."

"His majesty King Charles of England!" said Sir Henry, drinking a hearty
draught before wiping his lips on a French cambric handkerchief. Then
he refilled the glass and passed it to Hilary.

"His majesty King George the Second of England," said Hilary taking the
glass, "and down with the Pretender!"

He said this defiantly, as he gazed full in Sir Henry's eyes; but the
latter only smiled.

"You foolish boy," he said lightly; "how little you know what you are
saying."

"I know that I am spe