are like a king. He does not seem
to think what a stake we are all playing. He would have stopped at
Canterbury to run after a barmaid there, had I not implored him to come
on. He hath a house at Chaillot, where he used to go and bury himself
for weeks away from the Queen, and with all sorts of bad company," says
Frank, with a demure look; "you may smile, but I am not the wild fellow
I was; no, no, I have been taught better," says Castlewood devoutly,
making a sign on his breast.

"Thou art my dear brave boy," says Colonel Esmond, touched at the young
fellow's simplicity, "and there will be a noble gentleman at Castlewood
so long as my Frank is there."

The impetuous young lad was for going down on his knees again, with
another explosion of gratitude, but that we heard the voice from the
next chamber of the august sleeper, just waking, calling out:--"Eh,
La-Fleur, un verre d'eau!" His Majesty came out yawning:--"A pest," says
he, "upon your English ale, 'tis so strong that, ma foi, it hath turned
my head."

The effect of the ale was like a spur upon our horses, and we rode
very quickly to London, reaching Kensington at nightfall. Mr. Esmond's
servant was left behind at Rochester, to take care of the tired horses,
whilst we had fresh beasts provided along the road. And galloping by
the Prince's side the Colonel explained to the Prince of Wales what his
movements had been; who the friends were that knew of the expedition;
whom, as Esmond conceived, the Prince should trust; entreating him,
above all, to maintain the very closest secrecy until the time should
come when his Royal Highness should appear. The town swarmed with
friends of the Prince's cause; there were scores of correspondents with
St. Germains; Jacobites known and secret; great in station and humble;
about the Court and the Queen; in the Parliament, Church, and among the
merchants in the City. The Prince had friends numberless in the army,
in the Privy Council, and the Officers of State. The great object, as it
seemed, to the small band of persons who had concerted that bold stroke,
who had brought the Queen's brother into his native country, was, that
his visit should remain unknown till the proper time came, when his
presence should surprise friends and enemies alike; and the latter
should be found so unprepared and disunited, that they should not
find time to attack him. We feared more from his friends than from his
enemies. The lies and tittle-tattle s