terford, December 15, 1619." On this Lord Byron joined in urging the
king to yield the questions of form or title, and to treat with the
Scots on their own terms.

While things were still in suspense, Alain le Gallais was wandering idly
on the rude quay of S. Helier, looking up at the insulated castle, and
vainly seeking to conjecture what might be the nature of the plans being
there matured, when he was suddenly addressed from behind in a rough,
but not wholly unfamiliar voice. Turning about he beheld the grim face
and gaunt form of Major Querto, by no means softened by prison fare and
restraint.

"I cannot say much in praise of your island, Captain," growled the
veteran, "either as regards hospitality or diversion. Out of bare eight
weeks that I have lived here, six have been spent in prison; and now
that they have let me out, I can find nothing better to do than to count
the pebbles upon this beach here."

Le Gallais led the grumbling officer to a neighbouring tavern, and
called for a mug of cider and two glasses. When the liquor had begun to
do its office, Querto showed signs of better cheer, nothing loth to have
a companion.

"It is not often that a poor gentleman hath even such refreshment as
this," he said presently, after lighting a pipe of tobacco. The words
were hardly courteous, but the speaker had not been bred in courtesy.
"We had short commons in Exeter, but then there was none of the citizens
fared better than we. Here in Jersey Mr. Lieutenant takes good care that
they who have keep and they who want go on lacking. Yet methinks he
might find it worth his while to take care for something else."

"What, mean you, major?" demanded the Jerseyman.

"Marry this," answered his companion, "that there be some among your
friends who do not choose to starve while there are pistoles to be won
by a brave action. Hark ye, captain, are you well affected or no? You
need have no fear, sir, in telling me. I am not strait-laced, and I can
keep counsel.

"Dost thou call to mind a certain evening in London when you and Mr.
Lempriere were walking home together, and a warning was uttered in your
ears?"

"Was it thou that played the raven? Didst thou think that we were of
your side?"

"Of my side, quotha. Why, man, do you think me one to take sides? O,
lord Sir, sides are for the quality. Dick Querto is of his own side, no
other. Now, see here, Captain le Gallais, mayhap you know one Pierre
Benoist that was then in l