"

"Yes, I know," said Captain Murray quickly; "but we were stopped by a
couple of mounted men a quarter of a mile back."

"Highway men?"

"I thought so at first; but they challenged us for a password."

"Well! These fellows work hand and glove."

"No," said Captain Murray, "I feel sure they were scouts, ridden forward
to get touch with you, and then go back and give warning."

"What for? Whom to? You don't think it means an attempt to rescue?"

"I do," said Murray firmly.

"Thanks for the warning, old fellow," said the officer through his
teeth. "Well, mine are picked men, and my instructions are that a
strong detachment will be sent out to meet us, and vedettes planted all
along the road, to fall in behind us as we pass. Pity too. What
madness!"

Frank's heart sank as he heard every word, while his attention was
divided between the two dark carriages with their windows drawn up, and
he sat wondering which held his father.

"Yes, madness," said the captain sadly. "I shall be very glad when my
job's at an end," said the dragoon officer. "It's miserable work."

"Horrible!" replied Murray; and then he turned to Frank. "Hold my rein
for a few moments," he said; and, dismounting, he walked away with the
officers, to stand talking for a few minutes, while, as Frank sat
holding his companion's horse, and watching the well-guarded carriages,
a distant neigh and the stamping of horses told of a strong detachment
guarding the rear.

"If I only dared ride up to the carriages," thought the boy; and he felt
that he did dare, only that it would be useless, for without permission
the dragoons would not let him pass.

But a light broke through the mental darkness of despair directly, for
Murray came back with the officer in command, a stern, severe-looking
man, but whose harsh, commanding voice softened a little as he laid one
hand on the horse's neck, and held out his other to the rider.

"I did not know who you were, Mr Gowan. My old friend, Captain Murray,
has just told me. Shake hands, my lad. I am glad to know the brave son
of a gallant soldier. Don't think hardly of me for doing my duty
sternly as a military man should. I ought perhaps to send you both
back," he continued in a low tone; "but if you and Captain Murray like
to ride by the door of the first carriage, you can, and I will instruct
the officer and men not to hinder any reasonable amount of conversation
that may be held."

"God bless yo