"Hah!" he ejaculated; "the key won't open them."

Then, darting to the top of the stairs leading down to the housekeeper's
room, he ran almost into the old servant's arms.

"Oh, Master Frank, was that you whistling, sir?" she cried.

"No; that man upstairs."

"What man upstairs, my dear?"

"Hush! Don't stop me. Have you a fire there?"

"Yes, my dear; it is very chilly down in that stone-floored room, that I
am obliged to have one lit."

"That's right. Go away; I want to be there alone. And listen, Berry; I
have bolted the front door. If any one knocks, don't go."

"Oh, my dear, don't say people are coming to break it down again!"

"Never you mind if they are. Get out of my way."

There was the rattling of a key faintly heard, and then _bang, bang,
bang_, and the ringing of the bell.

"They've come," said Frank. "But never mind; I'll let them in before
they break it."

There was a faint squeal from the kitchen just then.

"Oh!" cried the housekeeper wildly, "that girl will be going into fits
again."

"Let her," said Frank. "Stop! Is the area door fastened?"

"Oh yes, my dear. I always keep that locked."

Frank stopped to hear no more, but ran into the housekeeper's room,
whose window, well-barred, looked up a green slope toward the Park.

There was a folding screen standing near the fire, a luxury affected by
the old housekeeper, who used it to ward off draughts, which came
through the window sashes, and the boy opened this a little to make sure
that he was not seen by any one who might come and stare in. Then,
standing in its shelter, he tore the letter from his breast pocket,
broke the seal, opened it with trembling fingers, and began to read,
with eyes beginning to dilate and a choking sensation rising in his
breast.

For it was true, then--the charge was correct. Andrew Forbes's words
had not been an insult, the Prince had told the simple fact.

"Oh, the shame of it!" panted the boy, as he read and re-read the words
couched in the most affectionate strain, telling him not to think ill of
the father who loved him dearly, and begged of him to remember that
father's position, hopeless of being able to return from his exile,
knowing that his life was forfeit, treated as if he were an enemy. So
that in despair he had yielded to the pressure put upon him by old
friends, and joined them in the bold attempt to place the crown upon the
head of the rightful heir.

"Whatever happens, my boy