s way to visit an estate, remote from the
seat of war, in the eastern parts of the country, when he heard that
some English officers and seamen who had been made prisoners were in the
neighbourhood, and that on visiting them he discovered that they
belonged to the _Tornado_. Upon making application to the governor of
the district, he had succeeded in obtaining the release of the officers
on their parole, though the men had to continue in charge of their
guard. "I am afraid, therefore," he added, "that I cannot restore the
former to you, unless you choose to consider me your prisoner."

"As you are a non-combatant at present, we certainly cannot capture you
or your family," answered Jack; "but with regard to my lieutenant and
the two midshipmen, I am somewhat in doubt whether or not to do so."

Greatly to Jack's surprise, Higson and Tom both expressed their decided
opinion that as men of honour they ought to remain; though Archie seemed
much less confident on the subject.

"We'll get your carriage on its wheels and then think about this matter,
colonel," said Jack; "and if you will send your coachman to bring back
the runaway postillions and their steeds, we will escort you across the
river, and see you on your journey to the eastward."

As there were no enemies to contend with, the plan proposed by Jack was
quickly carried into execution; the horses were brought back; the
carriage, which was an old-fashioned family coach, had not received much
damage. Jack consulted Adair as to how he should act towards the
lieutenant and midshipmen.

"As they are in our power, we are bound to lay hands on them whether
they like it or not," answered Adair; "if they go unwillingly, their
parole is not broken;" whereupon Jack told Higson and the midshipmen
that they must consider themselves under arrest, and prepare to return
in the boats to their ship.

On hearing this, both the young ladies began to evince signs of
agitation.

"Surely you are not going to take away Lieutenant Higson!" exclaimed
Ivanowna.

"You cannot be so cruel as to carry off our dear Tom!" cried Feodorowna.

"We had all sorts of pleasant schemes to make them contented during
their exile," added Ivanowna.

"I must be very hard-hearted, and perform my duty," answered Jack.

It was pretty clear that both Higson and Tom had no objection to
remaining, but he was firm; though Archie seemed happy enough to get
back.

"I'll tell you how it is," he whispered