gh, to be sure, I cannot help my tastes."

"You may suffer for them, none the less."

"I am ready to pay for them. Since your Majesty has taken a fancy to
this young man--"

"Who, by the way, has maltreated a whole company of my guards."

"--Permit me, as his guardian, to ransom him. He has large estates."

"You forget, sir," exclaimed the King haughtily, "that I am punishing
him. Do you entertain the idea of bribing me?"

"I forget nothing, sire. I even remember that this is England, and
not Holland."

"My lord," said William, turning to the Earl of Marlborough, "I pray
you dispose of the recruit as you think fit. Have him removed, and
have the highroad cleared of these rebels; for I see my escort down
the road."

And touching the sorrel with his heel, his Majesty cantered back to
meet the approaching cavalcade.

CHAPTER VI.

THE EARL OF MARLBOROUGH SEEKS RECRUITS.

Night had fallen. It was past eight o'clock, and Captain John and
Captain Jemmy sat facing each other, one on each side of the empty
fireplace, in Captain John's library. They were in complete
darkness--for the red glow of tobacco in the pipe which Captain Jemmy
puffed dejectedly could hardly be called a light. For half an hour
no word had been spoken, when somebody tapped at the door.

"What is it?" asked Captain Barker.

"A gentleman to see you," answered the voice of Mr. Swiggs.

"What's his name?"

"He won't say."

"Tell him I am busy to-night."

Narcissus withdrew, and knocked again a minute later.

"He says he must see you."

"Have you turned him out?"

"I told him you were busy with Captain Jemmy. 'Who's Captain Jemmy?'
he asks. 'Captain Jemmy Runacles,' I answers. 'All the better,'
says he."

"Excuse me," said a voice at the door; "but my business concerns both
of you gentlemen. Also it concerns Tristram Salt."

"Narcissus, bring a couple of candles."

While Mr. Swiggs was executing this order an oppressive silence
filled the room. The stranger's dark shadow rested motionless by the
doorway. Above the breathing of the three men could only be heard
the far-off sound of Harwich bells still ringing their welcome to
King William.

When the candles were brought in and Narcissus had retired again
after closing the shutters, the stranger removed the broad-brimmed
hat and heavy cloak which he had worn till that moment, and tossed
them negligently on the table before him.

It was the scarlet-coated caval