50 A JACOBITE EXILE

it would be a different thing when it came to risking their
lives for anyone else. Of course [ don’t know, but it does
not seem to me that fifty men would be of any use at all
towards taking Lancaster Castle. It always seemed to me
a tremendously strong place.”

“Yes, it does look so, Harry; but perhaps on examining
it closely, one would find that it is not so strong as it looks
by a long way. It seems to me there must be some way or
other of getting father out, and if there seems even the
least bit of a chance I shall try it.”

“And you may be sure I will stand by you, Charlie,
whatever it is,” Harry said heartily. “We have been
just like brothers, and of course brothers ought to stick to
each other like anything; if they don’t, what is the use of
being brothers? I daresay we shall know more when we
hear what my father has to say, and then we may see our
way better.” <

“Thank you, Harry, I knew you would stick byme. Of
course I don’t want to do any mad sort of thing. There
is no hurry anyhow, and, as you say, when we know more
about it we may be able to hit upon some sort of plan.”

It was not until eight o’clock that Mr. Jervoise arrived.
He looked grievously tired and worn out, but he spoke
cheerfully as he came in. “I have had a busy two days
of it, boys, as you may guess. I have no particularly good
news to tell you, but on the other hand I have no bad
news. I was in time to warn all our friends, and when the
soldiers came for them in the morning it was only to find
that their nests were empty. They have been searching
the houses of all Sir Marmaduke’s tenants, Charlie, and
questioning man, woman, and child as to whether they have
seen you. Ah! here is supper, and I am nearly famished.
However, I can go on talking while I eat. I should have
been here sooner, but I have been waiting for the return
of the messenger I sent to Lancaster.