out.
It isn't too late. Captain Murray is trying to make things pleasant for
us; tell him when he comes that you'll dine with him."

Andrew made an angry gesture, and Frank shrugged his shoulders, went
into the adjoining room to wash his hands, and came back just as the
tramp of soldiers was heard outside, the order was given for them to
halt, and then followed their heavy footsteps on the stairs.

The next minute Captain Murray entered the room.

"Ready, bloodthirsty prisoner?" he said, smiling.

"Yes, sir, quite," replied Frank; while Andrew sat at the other end of
the room with his back to them.

Frank glanced in his fellow-prisoner's direction, and then turned back
to the captain, and his lips moved quickly as he made a gesture in
Andrew's direction.

The captain read his meaning, nodded, walked up to the lad, and touched
him on the shoulder, making him start to his feet.

"Life's very short, Andrew Forbes," he said quietly, "and soldiers are
obliged to look upon it as shorter for them than for other men. It
isn't long enough to nurse quarrels or bear malice. I think I have
heard you say that you hope to be a soldier some day."

"Yes, I do," said the lad, with a meaning which the captain could not
grasp.

"Very well, then; act now like a frank soldier to another who says to
you, try and forget this trouble, and help every one to make it easier
for you. There's care enough coming, my lad; and I may tell you that
the Prince has enough to think about without troubling himself any more
over the mad prank of two high-spirited boys. There, I'll wait for you;
go into my room, and wash your hands and smooth your face. I venture to
say that you will both get a wigging to-morrow, and then be told to go
back to your duties."

Andrew did not budge, and the captain's face grew more stern.

"Come on, Drew," cried Frank; but the lad turned away.

"Yes, come along," cried the captain; "a good dinner will do you both
good, and make you ready to laugh at your morning's quarrel. Do you
hear?"

There was no reply.

"You are not acting like a hero, my lad," said the captain, smiling once
more.

Still there was no reply.

"Very well, sir; you refuse your parole, and I can say no more. I have
my duty to do, and I cannot offer you my hospitality here. You are
still under arrest."

He walked to the door, threw it open, made a sign, and a corporal and
two Guardsmen marched in.

"Take this gentleman to the g