two murmured low
by Lord Dunseveric. Maurice took his place at the window again. He
understood that his father's intercession for Neal had failed, but he
was not hopeless. He did not know what was to be said or done next, but
he waited confidently. It was not often that Lord Dunseveric was turned
back from anything he set his hand to do. It was likely that if he
wanted Neal Ward's release the release would be accomplished whatever
General Clavering might think or say.

The evening darkened slowly. Lord O'Neill dropped into an uneasy dose.
Lord Dunseveric rose, and crossed the room to Maurice.

"You heard what I said, son? They are to hang Neal Ward to-morrow."

Maurice nodded.

"I can do no more. Besides, I am tired. I want to rest."

Maurice looked at his father in surprise. He could not recollect ever
having heard before of his being tired or wanting rest.

"I shall sleep here in your bed, Maurice, so as to be at hand if Lord
O'Neill wants me. You must go down to the public room of the inn or to
the tap-room. You can get James, the groom, to keep you company if you
like. You cannot go to bed to-night, you understand. You must sit by the
fire till those roisterers have drunk themselves to sleep. James
will keep you company, There will be sound sleep for many in this inn
to-night, but none for poor Neal, who's down in some cellar, nor the
sentry they post over him, nor for you, Maurice, nor for James. Maybe
after all Neal won't be hanged in the morning. That's all I have to
say to you, my son. A man in my position can't say more or do more. You
understand?"

"I understand," said Maurice, "and, by God, they'll not hang----"

"Hush! hush! I don't want to listen to you. I'm tired. I want to go to
sleep. Good night to you, Maurice."

With a curious half smile on his face Lord Dun-severic shook his son's
hand. It appeared that he had the same kind of confidence in Maurice
that Maurice had in him. Like father, like son. When these St. Clairs of
Dunseveric wanted anything they generally got it in the end. And none
of the race of them had ever been over-scrupulous in dealing with such
obstacles as stood in their way, or particularly careful about what
those glorified conventions that men call law might have to say about
the methods by which they achieved their ends.

CHAPTER XIV

Men who have eaten sufficiently and drunk heavily are not anxious to
admit into their company any one who has not dined, and whose