e to whom I owe duty. I should like to
come, but--ah, Sir Henry, you there?"

He started, for a hand was laid upon his shoulder, and turning, there
stood Sir Henry, holding out his hand.

"I have come to thank you, my brave, true lad, for what you have done,"
he exclaimed warmly. "You saved my darling's life and then mine."

"And for which you had me hunted down," said Hilary bitterly.

"It was no act of mine, my boy," said Sir Henry sadly. "Why will you
ignore the fact that I am not master of your position? Hilary, my dear
boy, once more, will you join us?"

"No, Sir Henry; and even if I did you would only despise me."

"No, no. Nothing of the kind."

"Then I should despise myself," cried Hilary. "Once more, Sir Henry, I
am a king's officer, and refuse your proposals."

"Then give me your parole not to escape."

"I give you my word of honour that I will escape as soon as I possibly
can," said Hilary smiling. "So take my advice, and take Adela away.
Save yourself, too, for if I find you here I shall be obliged to arrest
you."

"Why, you foolish fellow," said Sir Henry smiling, "you are a prisoner,
and you have found out that you cannot get away."

"Not so, Sir Henry. I found that I could not get away this first time;
but you don't know me if you think I am going to sit down quietly here
without an effort to escape."

"But it is impossible here, my good lad," said Sir Henry.

"So your people thought when you locked me up in that old chapel. I
tell you, Sir Henry, I mean to get back to my ship."

"Then, for the safety of my child, and for my own safety, Hilary, you
force me to show myself the stern officer of his majesty our rightful
king, and I must see that you are kept fast. However, I will try to
temper justice with some show of kindness, and I have had dry clothes
brought up for your use till the others are right."

"Oh, they are pretty well right now," said Hilary carelessly.

"Then is it to be war, Hilary?" said Sir Henry with a sad smile.

"Yes, Sir Henry, war."

"We shall keep you very close and very fast, my boy."

"No, Sir Henry, you will not," cried Hilary cheerily, "for before many
hours are over I mean to be free."

"It is a game of chess, then," said Sir Henry laughing.

"Yes, Sir Henry, and you have moved out your pawns and played your
queen;" and he pointed below.

"I have," said Sir Henry smiling. "Now what do you mean to do?"

"Well, Sir Henry, seeing how I am shut