Andrew haughtily.

"Of course, very brave and dashing, but a recklessly impulsive act.
What would have followed?"

Captain Murray turned from Andrew to Frank, and the latter saw by the
dim lamplight that the words were addressed more particularly to him.

"We should have set him free."

"No. You might have rescued him from his guards; but he would have been
no more free than he is now. He could not have stayed in England, but
would have had to make for the coast, and escape to France or Holland in
some smuggler's boat. You see he would have been just where he is now.
But it is more probable that you would not have secured him, for the
guard would at the first attempt have been called upon to fire, and many
lives would have been sacrificed for nothing."

"I thought you were Sir Robert Gowan's friend, sir," said Andrew
bitterly.

"So I am, boy; but I am the King's servant, sworn to obey and defend
him. His Majesty's commands were that Sir Robert should leave his
service, and seek a home out of England. It is our duty to obey. And
now listen to me, Mr Andrew Forbes, and you too, Frank Gowan; and if I
speak sternly, remember it is from a desire to advise my old comrade's
son and his companion for the best. A still tongue maketh a wise head.
But I am not going to preach at you; and it is better that you should
take it to heart--you in particular, Andrew Forbes, for you occupy a
peculiar position here. Your father is a proscribed rebel."

"You dare to say that of my father!" cried the lad, laying his hand upon
his sword.

"Yes, you foolish lad. Let that hilt alone. Keep your sword for your
enemies, not for your friends, even if they tell you unpleasant truths.
Your tongue, my lad, runs too freely, and will get you sooner or later
into trouble. Men have been punished for much less than you have said,
even to losing their lives."

"Is this what a King's officer should do?" cried Andrew, who was white
with anger,--"play the part of a spy?"

"Silly, hot-headed boy," said Captain Murray. "I saw you both, and came
up to speak to my old friend's son, when I could not help hearing what
your enemies would call traitorous remarks. Frank, my lad, you are the
younger in years, but you have the older head, and you must not be led
away by this hot-blooded fellow. There, come both of you to my
quarters."

"Frank, I'm going to my room," said Andrew, ignoring the captain's
words.

"No, you are coming with us," sa