aithful, in going down to
Maidstone, and seeing the colonel commanding the depot. I will go to
the Horse Guards, and see what is to be done."

I wrote a hurried note to Sarah to account for my absence, and sent for
post-horses. Early in the afternoon I arrived at Maidstone, and finding
out the residence of the officer commanding the depot, sent up my card.
In few words I stated to him the reason of my calling upon him.

"It will rest altogether with the Horse Guards, Mr Faithful, and I am
afraid I can give you but little hope. His Royal Highness has expressed
his determination to punish the next deserter with the utmost severity
of the law. His leniency on that point has been very injurious to the
service, and he _must do it_. Besides, there is an aggravation of the
offence in his attack upon the sergeant, who has irrecoverably lost his
eye."

"The sergeant first made him drunk, and then persuaded him to enlist."
I then stated the rivalship that subsisted between them, and continued,
"Is it not disgraceful to enlist men in that way--can that be called
voluntary service?"

"All very true," replied the officer, "but still expediency winks at
even more. I do not attempt to defend the system, but we must have
soldiers. The seamen are impressed by force, the soldiers are entrapped
by other means, even more discreditable: the only excuse is expediency,
or, if you like it better, necessity. All I can promise you, sir, is,
to allow the prisoner every comfort which his situation will permit, and
every advantage at his court-martial, which mercy, tempered by justice,
will warrant."

"I thank you, sir; will you allow me and his betrothed to see him?"

"Most certainly; the order shall be given forthwith."

I thanked the officer for his kindness, and took my leave.

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

READ IT.

I hastened to the black hole where Tom was confined, and the order for
my admission having arrived before me, I was permitted by the sergeant
of the guard to pass the sentry. I found Tom sitting on a bench
notching a stick with his knife, whistling a slow tune.

"This is kind, Jacob, but not more than I expected of you--I made sure
that I should see you to-night or to-morrow morning. How's poor Mary?
I care only for her now--I am satisfied--she loves me, and--I knocked
out the sergeant's eye--spoilt his wooing, at all events."

"But, Tom, are you aware of the danger in which you are placed?"

"Yes, Jacob, perfe