_Rosmore Castle_ to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock."

Dr. Blundell made an involuntary movement, which the canon did not
perceive.

"I don't relish the notion of breaking this news to Sir Timothy. But I
thought we could consult together, you and me, how to do it," said the
innocent gentleman. "There's no doubt, you know, that it must be done
at once, or he can't get to Southampton in time to see the boy off and
forgive him. I suppose even Sir Timothy will forgive him at such a
moment. God bless the lad!"

Dr. Blundell uttered an exclamation that did not sound like a
blessing.

"Look here, Birch," he said, "this is no time to mince matters. If
the boy can't be stopped--and under the circumstances he's got us on
toast--he can't cry off active service--_as_ the boy can't be stopped,
you must just keep this news to yourself."

"But I must tell Sir Timothy!"

"You must _not_ tell Sir Timothy."

"Though all my sympathies are with the boy--for I'm a patriot first,
and a parson afterwards--God forgive me for saying so," said Birch,
in a trembling voice, "yet I can't take the responsibility of keeping
Peter's father in ignorance of his action. I see exactly what you
mean, of course. Sir Timothy will make unpleasantness, and very likely
telegraph to his commanding officer, and disgrace the poor boy before