But he is not king, only a subject like ourselves, and he will
be governed by his father and his father's Ministers. Now you see that
you must not alienate our only hope by doing rash things."

Frank looked at him in despair.

"Now do you see why I oppose you?"

"Yes, yes," said the boy despondently. "Oh, how I wish I were wise!"

"There is only one way to grow wise, Frank: learn--think and calculate
before you make a step. Now, look here, my boy. The Prince has plenty
of good points in his character. He likes you; and he shall be appealed
to through your mother and the Princess. Now, promise me that you will
do nothing rashly, and that you will give up this project."

"Should I be right in giving it up?"

"Yes," said the captain emphatically.

"But what will my father think? I shall seem to be forsaking him in his
great trouble."

"He will think you are doing your duty, and are trying hard to save his
life. Come, don't be down-hearted, for we are all at work. There is
our regiment to count upon yet--the King's own Guards, who will, to a
man, join in a prayer to his Majesty to spare the life of the most
popular officer in the corps."

"Ah! yes," cried Frank.

"I don't want even to hint at mutiny; but the King at a time like this
would think twice before refusing the prayer of the best regiment in his
service."

"Oh, Captain Murray!" cried the lad excitedly. "I will promise
everything. I will go by your advice."

"That's right, my lad; my head is a little older than yours, you know.
Now, go back to your duties, and let the Prince see that his page is
waiting hopefully and patiently to see how he will help him. Go to your
mother, too, all you can, and tell her, to cheer her up, that we are all
hard at work, and that no stone shall be left unturned to save Sir
Robert's life."

Frank caught the captain's hands in his, and stood holding them for a
few moments before hurrying out of the room.

Then more news came of each day's march, and of the slow approach of the
prisoners--the leaders only, the rest being imprisoned in Cheshire and
Lancashire to await their fate.

It was hard work, but Frank kept his word, trying to be more energetic
than ever over his duties, and finding that he was not passing
unnoticed, for every morning the Prince gave him a quiet look of
recognition, or a friendly nod, but never once spoke.

The most painful part of his life in those days was in his visits to his
mothe