Page 47 - A Jacobite Exile

its wickedness, it had damaged the cause, that I am certain he would not
have listened to a word about another such business."

"I am sure of that, too," the old butler said; "but that is not the question,

Master Charles. There are the papers. We know that Sir Marmaduke did not
put them there, and that he did not know that they were there. But how is it
to be proved, sir? Everyone knows that Sir Marmaduke is a Jacobite, and is

regarded as the head of the party in this part of the country. He has
enemies, and one of them, no doubt, has played this evil trick upon him,

and the putting of your name in shows what the motive is."

"But it is ridiculous, Banks. Who could believe that such a matter as this

would be confided to a lad of my age?"

"They might not believe it in their hearts, but people often believe what
suits their interest. This accusation touches Sir Marmaduke's life; and his
estate, even if his life were spared, would be confiscated. In such a case, it

might be granted to anyone, and possibly even to the son of him they would
call the traitor. But the accusation that the son was concerned, or was, at

any rate, privy to the crime intended by the father, would set all against
him, and public opinion would approve of the estates passing away from
him altogether.

"But now, sir, what do you think you had best do?"

"Of course I shall go on, Banks, and let them take me to join my father in
Lancaster jail. Do you think I would run away?"

"No, sir, I don't think you would run away. I am sure you would not run

away from fear, but I would not let them lay hands on me, until I had
thought the matter well over. You might be able to do more good to Sir
Marmaduke were you free, than you could do if you were caged up with

him. He has enemies, we know, who are doing their best to ruin him, and,
as you see, they are anxious that you, too, should be shut up within four

walls."