e?'

'Like a wise and gallant leader,' I answered.

'Strange,' he murmured; 'it was ever the jest at court that he had
scarce energy or constancy enough to finish a game at ball, but would
ever throw his racquet down ere the winning point was scored. His plans
were like a weather-vane, altered by every breeze. He was constant
only in his inconstancy. It is true that he led the King's troops in
Scotland, but all men knew that Claverhouse and Dalzell were the real
conquerors at Bothwell Bridge. Methinks he resembles that Brutus in
Roman history who feigned weakness of mind as a cover to his ambitions.'

The Duke was once again conversing with himself rather than with me, so
that I made no remark, save to observe that Monmouth had won the hearts
of the lower people.

'There lies his strength,' said Beaufort. 'The blood of his mother runs
in his veins. He doth not think it beneath him to shake the dirty paw
of Jerry the tinker, or to run a race against a bumpkin on the village
green. Well, events have shown that he hath been right. These same
bumpkins have stood by him when nobler friends have held aloof. I would
I could see into the future. But you have my message, Captain, and
I trust that, if you change it in the delivery, it will be in the
direction of greater warmth and kindliness. It is time now that you
depart, for within three hours the guard is changed, and your escape
will be discovered.'

'But how depart?' I asked.

'Through here,' he answered, pushing open the casement, and sliding the
rope along the beam in that direction. 'The rope may be a foot or two
short, but you have extra inches to make matters even. When you have
reached the ground, take the gravel path which turns to the right, and
follow it until it leads you to the high trees which skirt the park. The
seventh of these hath a bough which shoots over the boundary wall. Climb
along the bough, drop over upon the other side, and you will find my
own valet waiting with your horse. Up with you, and ride, haste, haste,
post-haste, for the south. By morn you should be well out of danger's
way.'

'My sword?' I asked.

'All your property is there. Tell Monmouth what I have said, and let him
know that I have used you as kindly as was possible.'

'But what will your Grace's council say when they find that I am gone?'
I asked.

'Pshaw, man! Never fret about that! I will off to Bristol at daybreak,
and give my council enough to think of without their h