trade. But Galliard answered coldly:

"You forget, Harry."

"Not so! Surely on Cromwell's side your object--"

"T'sh! I have well considered. My fortunes are bound up with the King's.
In his victory alone lies profit for me; not the profit of pillage,
Hogan, but the profit of those broad lands that for nigh upon twenty
years have been in usurping hands. The profit I look for, Hogan, is my
restoration to Castle Marleigh, and of this my only hope lies in the
restoration of King Charles. If the King doth not prevail--which God
forfend!--why, then, I can but die. I shall have naught left to hope for
from life. So you see, good Hogan," he ended with a regretful smile, "my
going with you is not to be dreamed of."

Still the Irishman urged him, and a good half-hour did he devote to it,
but in vain. Realizing at last the futility of his endeavours, he sighed
and moved uneasily in his chair, whilst the broad, tanned face was
clouded with regret. Crispin saw this, and approaching him, he laid a
hand upon his shoulder.

"I had counted upon your help to clear the Ashburns from Castle Marleigh
and to aid me in my grim work when the time is ripe. But if you go--"

"Faith, I may aid you yet. Who shall say?" Then of a sudden there crept
into the voice of this hardened pike-trader a note of soft concern.
"Think you there be danger to yourself in remaining?" he inquired.

"Danger? To me?" echoed Crispin.

"Aye--for having harboured me. That whelp of Montgomery's Foot suspects
you."

"Suspects? Am I a man of straw to be overset by a breath of suspicion?"

"There is your lieutenant, Kenneth Stewart."

"Who has been a party to your escape, and whose only course is therefore
silence, lest he set a noose about his own neck. Come, Harry," he added,
briskly, changing his manner, "the night wears on, and we have your
safety to think of."

Hogan rose with a sigh.

"Give me a horse," said he, "and by God's grace tomorrow shall find me
in Cromwell's camp. Heaven prosper and reward you, Cris."

"We must find you clothes more fitting than these--a coat more staid and
better attuned to the Puritan part you are to play."

"Where have you such a coat?"

"My lieutenant has. He affects the godly black, from a habit taken in
that Presbyterian Scotland of his."

"But I am twice his bulk!"

"Better a tight coat to your back than a tight rope to your neck, Harry.
Wait."

Taking a taper, he left the room, to return a moment later with t