have been at present pleased to use for the discovery of Mr.
Maxwell's purpose.

'Trouble not yourself to account for my conduct,' said the father; 'I
have a warrant for what I do, and fear no responsibility. But tell me
what is your present purpose.'

'I should not perhaps name it to you, whose own safety may be
implicated.'

'I understand you,' answered the father; 'you would appeal to the
existing government? That can at no rate be permitted--we will rather
detain you at Fairladies by compulsion.'

'You will probably,' said Fairford, 'first weigh the risk of such a
proceeding in a free country.'

'I have incurred more formidable hazard,' said the priest, smiling; 'yet
I am willing to find a milder expedient. Come; let us bring the matter
to a compromise.' And he assumed a conciliating graciousness of
manner, which struck Fairford as being rather too condescending for the
occasion; 'I presume you will be satisfied to remain here in seclusion
for a day or two longer, provided I pass my solemn word to you that you
shall meet with the person whom you seek after--meet with him in perfect
safety, and, I trust, in good health, and be afterwards both at liberty
to return to Scotland, or dispose of yourselves as each of you may be
minded?'

'I respect the VERBUM SACERDOTIS as much as can reasonably be expected
from a Protestant,' answered Fairford; 'but methinks, you can scarce
expect me to repose so much confidence in the word of an unknown person
as is implied in the guarantee which you offer me.'

'I am not accustomed, sir,' said the father, in a very haughty tone, 'to
have my word disputed. But,' he added, while the angry hue passed from
his cheek, after a moment's reflection, 'you know me not, and ought to
be excused. I will repose more confidence in your honour than you seem
willing to rest upon mine; and, since we are so situated that one must
rely upon the other's faith, I will cause you to be set presently at
liberty, and furnished with the means of delivering your letter as
addressed, provided that now, knowing the contents, you think it safe
for yourself to execute the commission.'

Alan Fairford paused. 'I cannot see,' he at length replied, 'how I can
proceed with respect to the accomplishment of my sole purpose, which is
the liberation of my friend, without appealing to the law and obtaining
the assistance of a magistrate. If I present this singular letter of
Mr. Maxwell, with the contents of which I h