u!" whispered Frank, in a choking voice.

"Oh, don't say anything, my boy. Only give me your word, not as a
soldier, but as a soldier's son, that you will do nothing to help either
of the prisoners to escape."

"Yes, I give you my word," said Frank quickly. He would have given
anything to be near his father and speak to him for a few minutes.

"That will do.--Murray, we shall go on at a sharp trot; but you are both
well mounted, I see." Then he said in an undertone: "I don't believe
they will venture anything when they see how strong we are. If the
rascals do, I shall make a dash, standing at nothing; but at the first
threatenings get the boy away. My instructions are that the prisoners
are not to escape--_alive_!"

"I understand," said Captain Murray; and he mounted his horse.

The next minute an order was given in a low tone; it was passed on, and
the men sprang to their saddles. Then another order, "Draw swords!"
There was a single note from a trumpet; and as Frank and Captain Murray
sat ready, the officer in command led them himself, and placed one at
each door of the first carriage, a dragoon easing off to right and left
to make place for them.

Frank's hand was on the glass directly, and the window was let down.

"Father!" he cried in a low, deep voice, which was nearly drowned by the
trampling, crashing of wheels, and jingle of accoutrements, but heard
within; and it was answered by a faint cry of astonishment, and the
rattle of fetters, as two hands linked together appeared at the window.

"Frank, my dear boy! you here?"

The boy could not answer, but leaned over toward the carriage with his
hand grasped between his father's.

"Hah! this is a welcome home!" cried Sir Robert cheerily. "Gentlemen,
my son."

"There's Captain Murray at the other window," gasped out Frank at last.

"Ah! more good news," said Sir Robert. "Murray, my dear old fellow,
this is good of you."

The prisoner's voice sounded husky, as he turned his head to the right
in the darkness.

"I can't shake hands even if you wished to, for we are doubly fettered
now."

"Gowan, I'm glad to meet you again," said the captain hoarsely.

"God bless you, old friend! I know you are. I see now; you brought
Frank here to meet me. Like you, old fellow. There, I cannot talk to
you. But you know what I feel."

"Yes. Talk to your boy," cried Murray. "Quick, while you can. The
order to trot will come directly."

"Yes. Thanks,