o a cloak of ermine. What
signifies another splash, another rent in that which is tattered beyond
all semblance of its original condition?"

"I asked you," the Irishman persisted, "whether your son was worth the
sacrifice that the vile deed you contemplate entails?"

Crispin shook his arm from the other's grip, and rose abruptly. He
crossed to the window, and drew back the curtain.

"Day is breaking," said he gruffly. Then turning, and facing Hogan
across the room, "I have pledged my word to Jocelyn," he said. "The
way I have chosen is the only one, and I shall follow it. But if your
conscience cries out against it, Hogan, I give you back your promise of
assistance, and I shall shift alone. I have done so all my life."

Hogan shrugged his massive shoulders, and reached out for the bottle of
strong waters.

"If you are resolved, there is an end to it. My conscience shall not
trouble me, and upon what aid I have promised and what more I can give,
you may depend. I drink to the success of your undertaking."

Thereafter they discussed the matter of the vessel that Crispin would
require, and it was arranged between them that Hogan should send a
message to the skipper, bidding him come to Harwich, and there await and
place himself at the command of Sir Crispin Galliard. For fifty pounds
Hogan thought that he would undertake to land Sir Crispin in France. The
messenger might be dispatched forthwith, and the Lady Jane should be at
Harwich, two days later.

By the time they had determined upon this, the inmates of the hostelry
were astir, and from the innyard came to them the noise of bustle and
preparation for the day.

Presently they left the chamber where they had sat so long, and at the
yard pump the Tavern Knight performed a rude morning toilet. Thereafter,
on a simple fare of herrings and brown ale, they broke their fast; and
ere that meal was done, Kenneth, pale and worn, with dark circles round
his eyes, entered the common room, and sat moodily apart. But when later
Hogan went to see to the dispatching of his messenger, Crispin rose and
approached the youth.

Kenneth watched him furtively, without pausing in his meal. He had spent
a very miserable night pondering over the future, which looked
gloomy enough, and debating whether--forgetting and ignoring what had
passed--he should return to the genteel poverty of his Scottish home, or
accept the proffered service of this man who announced himself--and whom
he no