ward.

What did it mean? For a moment the boy felt ready to snatch his hands
away; but as he thought of so doing, he felt the clasp on either side
grow firmer, and in a clear, low voice their host said:

"Across the water."

"Across the water," was echoed in a low, deep murmur by every one but
Frank.

Then hand ceased to clasp hand, people began to leave, and Mr Selby
went quickly to the other end of the room.

"All over," said Andrew, in a quick whisper. "Now then off, or we shall
get into trouble for being late."

"Yes, let's go," said Frank, in a bewildered way; and he went downstairs
with his companion, and out into the cool, pleasant night air of the
street.

"We shall have to walk," said Andrew, "so step out."

Frank obeyed in silence, and nothing more was said till, without
thinking of where they were, they saw Temple Bar before them.

"What did they mean by that?" said Frank suddenly.

"By what?"

"Joining hands together and saying `Across the water.'"

"Oh, nothing. A way of saying good-bye if you live in Surrey."

"Don't treat me as if I were a child," cried Frank passionately. "I'm
sure it meant more than that."

"Well, suppose it does, what then?"

"What then? Why, you have been tricking and deceiving me. Just too as
it seemed that we were going to be the best of friends."

"Nonsense! We are the best of friends, tied more tightly than ever to
stand by each other to the end."

"Then there is something in all this?"

"Of course there is. You knew there was when we agreed to come."

"I did not!" cried Frank indignantly; "or if I thought that there might
be, I felt that it was only a little foolish enthusiasm on your part,
and that Mr Selby was only a casual friend."

"Oh no; he is one of my best friends."

"Drew, I shall never forgive you. It was mean and cruel to take me
there in ignorance of what these men were."

"Very nice gentlemanly fellows, and you looked as if you enjoyed their
society."

"I see it all clearly enough now," continued Frank excitedly, and
without heeding; "they are Jacobites."

"Not the only ones in London, if they are."

"And `Across the water' means that man--the Pretender."

"Hush! Don't call people names," said Andrew, in a warning whisper.
"You never know who is next you in the street."

"I don't care who hears me. It is the truth."

"Don't you be peppery now. Why, you were all amiability till we came
away."

"Because I could not thi