THE FAILURE.

That next morning, after a long sleep, the result of exhaustion, Frank
Gowan awoke with the horrors of the previous night seeming to have grown
so that they could no longer be borne. He hurried across to his
mother's apartments, to find from the nurse that she was sleeping, and
must not of course be disturbed; so he went over to Captain Murray, who
received him warmly.

"Better, my lad?" he said.

"Better?" cried Frank reproachfully.

"I mean rested. Frank lad, we had a narrow escape of our lives last
night. I hear already that about fifty dragoons were more or less
injured."

"And how many of the people?" said Frank bitterly.

"That will never be known, my boy. It is very horrible when orders are
given to fire upon a crowd. Many fell, I'm afraid. But there, don't
look so down-hearted."

"Have you heard who was the prisoner that escaped?"

"Yes. They have not taken him again yet; but I don't think he will be
able to get right away."

"Not if he can reach the coast?" said Frank.

"Ah! he might then. There, Frank lad, I want to be true to my duty--
don't tell upon me--but I can't help feeling that we had bad luck last
night, or some one we know might have been the lucky man."

Frank caught at his hand and held it. "If I were the King, I'd pack the
prisoners off to France," continued Captain Murray. "I don't like
taking revenge on conquered enemies."

"Ah, now you make me feel as if I can speak openly to you," cried Frank.
"Tell me, do you think there is still any hope of an escape?"

"There always is, my lad. One thing is very evident, and that is that
your father and his companions have plenty of friends in London who are
ready to risk their lives to save them. Come, don't be down-hearted; we
must hope for the best. They have to be tried yet. A dozen things may
happen. Besides, your father was not one of the leaders of the
rebellion. What's the matter with your arm?"

"My arm? Oh, I don't know. It's so stiff and painful I can hardly lift
it. Yes, I remember now. Some one in the crowd struck me with a heavy
stick. I did not feel it so much then; it was only numbed."

"You had better let the doctor see it."

"Oh no," replied Frank. "I have too many other troubles to think about.
Captain Murray, what shall I do? I must see my father. Give me your
advice, or come with me to ask permission of the Prince."

The captain sat frowning for a few moments, and then rose.