nto a trap.

"You scoundrels!" he cried furiously; "do you want to rob me?" And he
saw that he was in the presence of half a dozen more men.

"Silence, sir!" cried an authoritative voice. "Stand back, my lads. It
was very cleverly done."

"Cleverly done!" cried Hilary. "What do you mean, sir? I desire you
let me go. Are you aware that I am a king's officer?"

"Yes, I heard you announce it, and you are the man we have been looking
after for days," said the one who seemed to be in authority; and by the
light of a bright wood fire Hilary could make out that he was a tall,
dark man in a long boat-cloak, which he had thrown back from his breast.

"Then I advise you to set me free directly," said Hilary.

"Yes, we shall do that when we have done," said the leader, from whom
all the others stood away in respect; and as the light burned up the
speaker took off his cocked hat, and Hilary saw that he was a singularly
handsome man of about forty.

"When you have done!" cried Hilary. "What do you mean?"

"Be silent and answer my questions, my good lad," said the other. "You
are the young officer of the _Kestrel_, and your name is Hilary Leigh, I
believe?"

"Yes, that is my name," cried Hilary sharply. "By what right do you
have me seized?"

"The right of might," said the man. "Now look here, sir. Your vessel
is now seaworthy, and to-morrow you will get your sailing orders."

"How do you know?" cried Hilary.

"Never mind how I know. I tell you the fact, my good lad. You will be
despatched to watch the port of Dunquerque, to stop the boat that is
supposed to come to land from this coast on the king's business."

"I suppose you mean the Pretender's business," cried Hilary quickly.

"I mean His Majesty Charles Edward," said the man, "to whom I wish you
to take these papers." And he pulled a packet from his pocket.

"I? Take papers? What do you suppose I am?"

"One who will obey my orders," said the man haughtily, "and who will
never be able to play fast and loose with his employers; for if he were
false, no matter where he hid himself, he would be punished."

"And suppose I refuse to take your papers and become a traitor?" said
Hilary.

"I shall make you," said the stranger. "I tell you that the voyage of
your cutter suits our convenience, and that you will have to take these
papers, for which service you will be amply rewarded."

"Then I do refuse," said Hilary firmly.

"No; don't refuse yet,"