id me with your
advice and energy. I want you to leave this wretched prison, and to
soar above the contemptible task of putting down a few miserable
smugglers. I want you to come out of this place with me at once, to
become once more the companion of my little Adela, who sends her message
by me that she is waiting to take you by the hand. Come: leave the
wretched usurper's chains, and be free if you would be a man. Adela
says--Hark! There she is."

As he spoke there came in through the window, bearing with it the
memories of bright and happy times, the tones of the girl's sweet young
voice, and as Hilary listened he closed his eyes and thought of the
bright sunny country, the joys of freedom, the high hopes of ambition,
and a warm flush came into his cheeks, while Sir Henry smiled in the
satisfaction of his heart as he whispered to himself the one
word--"_Won_!"

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

A SURPRISE FOR SIR HENRY.

It was very tempting. The country looked so bright and beautiful from
his prison window; the voice of his old companion brought up such a host
of pleasant recollections, and it would have been delightful to renew
the old intimacy. Then, upon the other hand, what would he give up? A
dull monotonous life under a tyrannical superior, with but little chance
of promotion, to receive honour, advancement, and no doubt to enjoy no
little adventure.

It was very tempting, and enough to make one with a stronger mind than
Hilary Leigh waver in his allegiance.

As he stood there thinking the song went on, and Hilary felt that did he
but say yes, and swear fealty to one who believed himself to be the
rightful king of England, he would be at liberty to join Adela at once.
There would be an end to his imprisonment, and no more wretched anxiety.

He had done his duty so far, he argued, and he was doing his duty when
fortune went against him, and he was made a prisoner, so to a certain
extent his changing sides might be considered excusable. He had had
little else but rough usage and discomfort since he went to sea, and the
offers now made to him by Sir Henry were full of promise, which he knew
the baronet was too true to hold out without perfect honesty.

Taken altogether--that is in connection with his position, and the
probability that he might be kept here a prisoner for any length of
time, and that most likely he had already been reported by Mr Lipscombe
as a deserter--there was such a bright prospect h