hree men, his companion was Sir Henry Norland, who had evidently just
returned from a journey.

"Ah, my dear Hilary," he exclaimed, "I have just been hearing of your
narrow escape. My dear boy, I cannot tell you how sorry I am. You are
not in the least hurt, I hope?"

"No, Sir Henry, not in body," said the young man distantly; "but you see
all my prison furniture has been destroyed. Will you give orders that I
am to be supplied with a little more straw?"

"I gave orders that a mattress and blankets, with a table and chairs,
should be brought here before I went out," said Sir Henry, "with a few
other things. Good gracious! I had no idea the fire had been so bad.
Did it burn everything?"

"My furniture was what I asked to be replaced--a little straw," said
Hilary bitterly. "I had nothing else."

Sir Henry turned frowning to the man, and said a few words in a low but
commanding tone to him which made him scowl; but he went off growling
something to himself in a sulky manner.

"My dear Hilary," said Sir Henry, "I did not know you had been so badly
treated. I am so much engaged upon His Majesty's business that I am
afraid I have neglected you sadly."

"Indeed, Sir Henry? And now you have come to say that I am at liberty
to go free and attend to His Majesty's business?" said Hilary with a
sarcastic ring in his words.

"Will you?" said Sir Henry eagerly.

"Yes, of course," said Hilary. "I serve the king, and I am ready to do
anything in the king's name."

Sir Henry smiled pityingly.

"We misunderstand each other, Hilary. But come, my boy, let us waste no
words. Listen. I come to you armed with powers to make you a great and
honoured man. Join us, Hilary. We know that you are a skilful officer,
a clever sailor. You are the merest subordinate now; but throw yourself
heart and soul into the Stuart cause, help to restore the king to his
rights, and you shall rise with him. Young as you are, I have a
splendid offer to make you. As you are, you serve under a miserable
officer, and in time you may rise to a captaincy. Join us, and, as I
say, young as you are His Majesty gives you through me the rank of
captain, and knighthood shall follow if you serve him well."

"Have you nearly done, Sir Henry?" said Hilary coldly.

"Done, my dear boy, I want to introduce you to a band of truly
chivalrous noblemen and gentlemen who will receive you with open arms.
I want you to be my friend and fellow patriot--to a