Page 59 - A Jacobite Exile

"And you may be sure I will stand by you, Charlie, whatever it is," Harry
said heartily. "We have been just like brothers, and, of course, brothers

ought to stick to each other like anything. If they don't, what is the use of
being brothers? I daresay we shall know more, when we hear what my

father has to say; and then we may see our way better."

"Thank you, Harry. I knew you would stick by me. Of course, I don't want

to do any mad sort of thing. There is no hurry, anyhow, and, as you say,
when we know more about it, we may be able to hit upon some sort of

plan."

It was not until eight o'clock that Mr. Jervoise arrived. He looked

grievously tired and worn out, but he spoke cheerfully as he came in.

"I have had a busy two days of it, boys, as you may guess. I have no
particularly good news to tell you, but, on the other hand, I have no bad
news. I was in time to warn all our friends, and when the soldiers came for

them in the morning, it was only to find that their nests were empty.

"They have been searching the houses of all Sir Marmaduke's tenants,
Charlie, and questioning man, woman, and child as to whether they have
seen you.

"Ah! Here is supper, and I am nearly famished. However, I can go on

talking while I eat. I should have been here sooner, but I have been waiting
for the return of the messenger I sent to Lancaster.

"Yesterday morning there was an examination of your father, Charlie, or
rather, an examination of the testimony against him. First the two letters

that were discovered were put in. Without having got them word for word,
my informer was able to give me the substance of them. Both were
unsigned, and professed to have been written in France. The first is dated

three months back. It alludes to a conversation that somebody is supposed
to have had with Sir Marmaduke, and states that the agent who had visited

him, and who is spoken of as Mr. H, had assured them that your father was
perfectly ready to join, in any well-conceived design for putting a stop to