own risk, Pan."

"Tush!" exclaimed the Viscount.

"Quite so, Tom," nodded my lord, "but d'ye dream I'd ever shelter
myself behind thy faithful friendship? How say you, Bet?"

"Spoken like my own Charles!" she answered and clasping her arm about
him set her cheek to his, and the Viscount, glancing from one face to
the other, fell back in staring surprise.

"Gad love me!" he exclaimed. "'Tis years since I saw you out of a
peruke, Charles and now I do--I vow your likeness to Bet is greater
than ever--faith 'tis marvellous! Same features, same gestures, same
height----"

"Nay I swear I'm taller by a good inch, Tom----"

"But the similarity is wonderful----"

"Except for his voice!" sighed my lady, "and that--hush! 'Tis the
coach returned, aunt is back from Sevenoaks already!" So saying, she
crossed to the window and leaned out. "Heavens!" she cried, "aunt must
ha' driven home galloping, the horses are all in a lather o' foam. I
wonder----"

"Betty!" cried a voice, "O Betty!"

"Save us!" ejaculated my lady, crossing to the door and turning the
key, "she's coming up!"

"Betty!" cried Lady Belinda from the landing without, "O Betty, let me
in--let me in!" Here the strong door was shaken by eager hands. "Let
me in, Betty, O I know who's there--I've known for days. Let me in for
O Lud--I've such terrible news--quick, open the door!"

Instantly Betty obeyed and Lady Belinda tottered in, closed it again
and leaned there breathless.

"Charles!" she cried. "My wicked wanderer! My wayward boy! O I shall
faint--I swoon!" But Lady Belinda did neither, instead she caught the
earl to her bosom, kissed him tenderly and spoke. "My dears, there are
soldiers at Sevenoaks seeking our fugitive--they may be here at any
time!"

"The devil!" exclaimed the fugitive.

"We must do something!" said the Viscount.

"We will!" nodded my lady.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE MAJOR COMES TO A RESOLUTION

Colonel Lord George Cleeve sat perched astride a chair on the desk in
the corner and watched where the Major and Sergeant Zebedee fronted
each other for their wonted morning's fencing-bout:

"You'll find me a little sluggish as 'twere after last night, Zeb,"
said the Major, taking his ground.

"Why there have been other nights, sir, and I never found you so yet,"
answered the Sergeant, as, returning the Major's salute, he came to his
guard, and, with a tinkle and clash of steel, they engaged, the Major,
light-poised