"

"Yes, sir," said the boy humbly. "I was coming to apologise to you,
when the doctor met me and drew me in here."

"Yes; looked so ill. Thought I'd got a job to tinker him up; but he
only wants a bit of comforting, to show him he's amongst friends."

"You were coming to do what, boy?" said the captain, as soon as he could
get in a word,--"apologise?"

"Yes, sir; I was very obstinate and rude to you."

"Yes, thank goodness, my lad!" cried the captain, holding the boy by
both shoulders now, as he hung his head. "Look up. Apologise! Why,
Frank, you made me feel very proud of my old friend's son. I always
liked you, boy; but never half so well as when you spoke out as you did
to the Prince. So you know all now?"

"Yes," said the boy bitterly.

"How?"

"My father has written to me telling me it is true."

"Hah! Well, it's a bad job, my lad; but we will not judge him. Robert
Gowan must have suffered bitterly, and been in despair of ever coming
back, before he changed his colours. But we can't see why, and how
things are. I want no apology, Frank, only for you to come to me as
your father's old friend."

Frank looked at him wonderingly.

"Come with me, boy."

Frank looked at him still, but his eyes were wistful now and full of
question.

"I want you to come with me to the Prince."

"Yes, sir," said Frank gravely. "I want to beg for an audience before I
go."

"Before you go, Frank?"

"Yes, sir. Of course we cannot stay here now."

"Humph! Ah, yes, I see what you mean," said the captain quietly.
"Well, come. You are half a soldier, Frank, and the Prince is a
soldier, I want you to come and speak out to him, and apologise as you
did to me--like a man."

"Yes, sir," replied Frank, "that is what I wished to do."

"Then forward!" cried the captain. "Let's make our charge, even if we
are repulsed."

"Good-bye, and thank you, doctor," said Frank.

"What for? Pooh! nonsense, my lad; that's all right. And, I say,
people generally come and see me when they want something, physic or
plasters, or to have bullet holes stopped up, or arms and legs sewn on
again. Don't you wait for anything of that sort, boy; you come
sometimes for a friendly bit of chat."

Frank smiled gratefully, but shook his head as he followed Captain
Murray out into the stable-yard.

"Come along, Frank; there's nothing like making a bold advance, and
getting a trouble over. We may not be able to get an audience with