must practise common sense, Frank, and not act madly at a time like
this."

"Is it to act madly to go and help one's father in his great trouble?"

"No; you must help him, but in the best way."

"That is the best way," said the boy hotly.

"No. What would you do?"

"Go straight to him and try and make his lot more bearable. Think how
glad he would be to see me."

"Of course he would, and then he would blame you for leaving your
mother's side when she is sick and suffering."

"But this is such a terrible time of need. I must go to him; but I
wanted to be straightforward and tell you first."

"Good lad."

"Think what a terrible position mine is, Captain Murray."

"I do, boy, constantly; but I must, as your friend and your father's,
look at the position sensibly."

"Oh, you are so cold and calculating, when my father's life is at
stake."

"Yes. I don't want you to do anything that would injure him."

"I--injure him!"

"Yes, boy."

"But I only want to be by his side."

"Well, to do that you would run away from here, for the Prince would not
let you go."

"No, he will not. I asked him."

"You did?"

"Yes, two days ago."

"Then if you go without leave, you will make a good friend angry."

"Perhaps so; but I cannot stay away."

"You must, boy, for it would be injuring your father; and, look here, if
you went, you could not get near the prisoners. Those who have them in
charge would not let you pass."

"But I would get a permission from the King."

"Rubbish, boy! He would not listen to you. He might as a man be ready
to pardon your father; but as King he would feel that he could not. No;
I must speak plainly to you: his Majesty will deal sternly with the
prisoners, to make an example for his enemies, and show them the folly
of attempting to shake his position on the throne."

"Oh, Captain Murray! Captain Murray!" cried the boy.

"Look here, Frank lad. Your journey to meet the prisoners would be an
utter waste of energy, and you would most likely miss them, for to avoid
the possibility of attempts at rescue their escort would probably take
all kinds of byways and be constantly changing their route."

"But I should have tried to help my father, even if I failed."

"Don't run the risk of failure, boy," said the captain earnestly. "Our
only hopes lie in the Prince and Princess. The Prince would, I feel
sure, spare your father's life if he could, for the sake of his wife's
friend.