THE NORTH COACH 321

and Sir Marmaduke Carstairs was, I know, an honourable
gentleman, who would be equally incapable of such an act.
‘That they were both Jacobites I can well believe, for the
Jacobites are strong everywhere in the north, but, as half
of us are or have been Jacobites, that can scarcely be
counted as an offence. At any rate a Stuart is wpon the
throne now, and as long as she reigns there is no fear that
a civil war will be set up by another of the race. ‘The
story as you have told it, sir, is, I doubt not for a moment,
true, but at present it is unsupported, and though on my
assurance of their loyalty I think I can promise that her
majesty would extend a pardon to the gentlemen who have
been so unjustly accused, I fear that she could not by her
own act restore the estates that have been confiscated,
unless you can bring some proof that this fellow you speak
of was suborned to get up false evidence against them.”

“That, sir, is what I shall have the honour to inform you
now.”

And Charlie then related the story of their quest for the
man Nicholson and its result.

“ Rarely devised and carried out,” the duke said warmly.
“Do you lay the knave by the heels, and frighten him into
confessing the truth, and I will see to the rest of the matter.
I do not know that I ought to let the North coach be
robbed after the information you have given me, but as we
will hunt down all the other fellows, and shall probably
recover the booty they carry off, the passengers will have
no reason to grumble. Well, young sirs, the king of
Sweden has given you a testimonial as to your bravery and
conduct; if necessary I will give you one for your ingenuity
in planning and carrying out a difficult scheme. 50 you
have both been with the Swedes through their campaign
against the Russians and Poles. Ienvy you. King Charles’
service is a grand school for soldiers, and that victory of
Narva is the most extraordinary one ever seen. Had you

-the honour of any personal intercourse with the king?”