own to
the matter of fact. Hilary, my boy, I am very grateful to you for your
reticence the other day. You saved my life."

"I am very glad I served you, Sir Henry; but I hope I shall never be
placed in such a situation again. If I am, sir, I shall be obliged to
give you up."

"From a stern sense of duty," said Sir Henry laughing. "Well, now I
want to serve you in turn, Hilary. What can I do for you?"

"Have me immediately set at liberty, Sir Henry."

"Ah! there you ask an impossibility, my boy. You know what you are
supposed to have discovered?"

"Yes."

"And if you are set at liberty you will of course bring the _Kestrel_
abreast of a certain part of the shore and land your men?"

"Of course."

"Then is it likely, my dear boy, that these people here will give you
the opportunity? No; I am ready to help you in remembrance of old days;
and if you will give your word of honour as a gentleman not to go more
than five hundred yards in any direction from this old place I dare say
I can get for you that length of tether."

"I'm to promise not to escape?"

"Most decidedly; and if you do I dare say I can manage for your life to
pass far more agreeably than in your close quarters on board the cutter,
with a peremptory, bullying officer."

"Lieutenant Lipscombe is my officer, and a gentleman, Sir Henry."

"Lieutenant Lipscombe is your officer, and he is no gentleman, Hilary
Leigh," said Sir Henry warmly. "But we will not discuss that. As I was
saying, I daresay I can manage to make your life pass pretty pleasantly
here. Adela will be your companion, and you can be boy and girl
together again, and spend your time collecting and fishing and boating
on the little river. It will be pleasant for both of you. All you will
have to do will be to hear, see, and say nothing. Better still--don't
hear, don't see, and say whatever you like. I will take care that a
snug room is provided for you, and you will have your meals with us.
Now what do you say?"

"What is to become of my duty to my ship?"

"A prisoner of war has no duties."

"But I am not a prisoner of war, Sir Henry."

"Indeed, my boy, that you are, most decidedly. You and yours make war
on the gentlemen who fetch brandy and lace from the French coast."

"And followers of the Pretender," said Hilary sharply.

"I accept your correction, my boy--and followers of his most gracious
majesty King Charles Edward."

"Stuff!" cried Hilary.

"Every ma