rdon Sir Robert!" cried Andrew, bringing his fist down
upon the table heavily.
"I think he will," said Captain Murray; "for his Majesty is a keen man
of the world, a good soldier, and a good judge of soldiers. I think
that out of policy, and the knowledge that he is very unpopular, he may
think it wise to pardon a gallant officer, and to bring him back into
the ranks of the men whom he can trust."
"Yes, yes," cried Frank excitedly; and his eyes brightened as he
treasured up words, every one of which would, he felt sure, gladden his
mother's heart.
"Hadn't you better get up and see if any one is listening at the door,
Captain Murray?" said Andrew sarcastically.
"Because my words sound treasonable, my lad?"
"Yes, and may be magnified by the echoes of the Palace walls, sir."
The big, frank officer sank back in his chair, and laughed merrily.
"You're a queer fellow, Forbes--a clever fellow--with a splendid memory;
but--there, don't feel insulted--you must have been meant for a woman:
you have such a sharp, spiteful tongue. No, no, no--sit still. You
must take as well as give. Do you two ever fall out, Frank? He's as
hot as pepper."
"Yes, often," said Frank, smiling; "but we soon make it up again, for
he's about the bravest and best fellow I ever knew."
As Frank spoke, he reached over and gripped his friend's arm warmly.
"You don't know how good and kind and helpful he has been in all this
trouble."
"I believe it," said Captain Murray, smiling. "He's a lucky fellow too,
for he has won a good friend. You hear, Hotspur? A good friend in
Frank here, who is the very spit of his father, one of the bravest,
truest soldiers that ever lived."
These words were said in a way which made Frank feel a little choky, and
turned the tide of Andrew Forbes's anger, which now ebbed rapidly away.
"You'll come to me, my lads, both of you, if you want help?" said the
captain, at their parting an hour later.
"Yes, of course," cried Frank eagerly; but Andrew Forbes was silent.
"And you, Andrew lad. Gowan asked me to be a friend to you too; for he
said that Lady Gowan liked you, and that it was a hard position for a
lad like you to be placed in, and he is right."
"Did Sir Robert say that, sir?" said the lad huskily.
"Yes, when we said good-bye."
"Yes, I will come to you, sir--when I can."
The last words were to himself, and he was silent for some time as they
walked back to their quarters.
"I wis
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