We meet the
wicked, and fight them with their own weapons; but although it is
treating them as they deserve, our conscience must tell us that it is
not right."

"Surely, sir, to save the lives of people who have committed no other
fault except loyalty to their king, will warrant our so doing--at least,
I hope so."

"According to the Scriptures, I fear it will not; but it is a difficult
question for us to decide. Let us be guided by our own consciences; if
they do not reproach us we cannot be far from right."

Edward then produced the letter he had received from Chaloner,
requesting that the Intendant would have the kindness to forward it.

"I see," replied the Intendant; "I can forward these through Langton. I
presume it is to obtain credit for money. It shall go on Thursday."

The conference was then broken up, and Edward went to see Oswald.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

For several days Edward remained at home, anxiously awaiting every news
which arrived; expecting every time that the capture of the king would
be announced, and, with great joy, finding that hitherto all efforts had
been unsuccessful. But there was a question which now arose in Edward's
mind, and which was the cause of deep reflection. Since the proposal of
sending his sisters away had been started, he felt the great
inconvenience of his still representing himself to the Intendant as the
grandson of Armitage. His sisters, if sent to the ladies at Portlake,
must be sent without the knowledge of the Intendant; and if so, the
discovery of their absence would soon take place, as Patience
Heatherstone would be constantly going over to the cottage; and he now
asked himself the question whether, after all the kindness and
confidence which the Intendant had shown him, he was right in any longer
concealing from him his birth and parentage. He felt that he was doing
the Intendant an injustice in not showing to him that confidence which
he deserved.

That he was justified in so doing at first, he felt; but since the
joining the king's army, and the events which had followed, he
considered that he was treating the Intendant ill, and he now resolved
to take the first opportunity of making the confession. But to do it
formally, and without some opportunity which might offer, he felt
awkward. At last he thought that he would at once make the confession
to Patience, under the promise of secrecy. That he might do at once;
and, after he had done so, the