scape, and the worst that could
have happened to him would have been seizure by the enemy, who, in spite
of party hatred, would have given their prisoner food.

But he felt that he could not take this course, and risk capture, which
would mean imprisonment to his father as well.

The difficulty was solved at last by an uneasy movement on Sir Godfrey's
part. He seemed to start suddenly from sleep, and, after listening for
a few moments, Scarlett said gently--

"Are you in pain, father?"

"Ah, my boy, you there?" said Sir Godfrey, feebly. "I was puzzled and
confused. I recollect now. Have I been asleep long?"

"Yes, father, I think so. I cannot tell, for I have been asleep too."

"Where are we?"

Scarlett explained, and from time to time Sir Godfrey uttered a few
words of surprise and wonder, till his son had finished.

"I could hardly have thought it possible," he said, as Scarlett ceased.
"Then we are so far safe?"

"Yes; but your wounds, father? What am I to do about getting help?"

Sir Godfrey remained silent for a few minutes, and then said quietly--

"I am terribly weak, boy, and in a good deal of pain; but from what I
know of such things, I do not think my wounds are either deep or
dangerous, and if this is so, nature is the best chirurgeon. But you
say there is a way out?"

"Yes, father; and I am afraid that Fred Forrester has given notice, and
that it is watched."

"The young villain!" muttered Sir Godfrey, and somehow those words
seemed to send a sting through Scarlett's brain.

After a silence, Sir Godfrey went on.

"Well, my boy," he said, "I shall not be able to escape for days to
come. You must go and try and make your way to our friends."

"And leave you?"

"Only for a time, my boy, of course. You must find some of our men, and
come and get me away."

"I cannot leave you, father;" said Scarlett, firmly; and Sir Godfrey
remained silent for a time.

"Thank you, Scar," he said at last; "and of course I do not want to be
left. Can you propose any better way, for my thinking powers are very
weak?"

Scarlett was silent in turn, and then he said quietly--

"Yes, father; I will wait my chance, steal out, and then contrive to
make my way to some cottage where I can get food. I can bring it back,
and we can continue to remain here in hiding till you are strong enough
to go."

"Not a very pleasant prospect, Scar," said Sir Godfrey, "but I can
propose no better."

"I might be a