year older
since we began to quarrel."

"Do I?" said the boy, laughing. "I am glad. No, I don't think I am.
But, I say, we mustn't quarrel often then, for I shall grow old too
soon."

"I said we'd never quarrel again," said Andrew seriously; "and somehow
you are really a good deal older than I have thought. But, I say, we
must go and meet Mr Selby to-night."

"Oh yes, of course; and I shall always stand by and stop you in case you
turn peppery to any one else, and stop you from righting him."

"If it was in a right cause you would not."

"I shouldn't?"

"No; I believe you would help me, and be ready to draw on my behalf."

Frank turned to the speaker with a thoughtful, far-off look in his eyes,
as if he were gazing along the vista of the future at something
happening far away.

"I hope that will never come," he said quietly, "for when I used to
fight with my fists, as I said, I always forgot what I was about. How
would it be if I held a drawn sword?"

"You would use it as a gentleman, a soldier, and a man of honour
should," said Andrew warmly.

"Should I?" said Frank sadly.

"Yes, I am sure you would."

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE TRAITORS' HEADS.

"Where is Mr Selby's club?" asked Frank, as they started that afternoon
to keep their appointment.

"You be patient, and I'll show you," replied Andrew.

"But we are not going by water, are we?"

"To be sure we are. It's the pleasantest way, and we avoid the crowded
streets. I am to introduce you, so I must be guide."

This silenced Frank, who sank back in his seat when they stepped into a
wherry without hearing the order given to the waterman; and once more
his attention was taken up by the busy river scene, which so engrossed
his thoughts that he started in surprise on finding that they were
approaching the stairs where they had landed upon their last visit, but
he made no remark aloud.

"I did not know it was in the city," he said, however, to himself; and
when they landed, and Andrew began to make his way toward Fleet Street,
his suspicion was aroused.

"Is the club anywhere near that court where there was the fight?" he
said suddenly.

"Eh? Oh yes, very near! This is the part of London where all the wits,
beaux, and clever men meet for conversation. You learn more in one
night listening than you do in a month's reading. You'll like it, I
promise you."

Frank was silent, and in spite of his companion's promise felt a little
doubtful.