"I have this officer's word," he said, indicating the boys' captor,
"that you were captured under suspicious circumstances. I thought I knew
you--both of you--but it may be that I have been mistaken. Stranger
things have happened than for a man to sell out to the enemy. I cannot
interfere with the officer in the performance of his duty."

"But, sir----" began Jack.

Now the officer interrupted.

"You know them?" he asked of Lord Hastings.

"I thought I did," was the reply. "It would seem that I have been
mistaken."

"I should say it does," said the officer. "Certainly they were making
their way down the river for no good purpose."

"I am afraid I must agree with you. However, I shall not interfere. You
may do as you think best with them."

"Very good, sir." The officer motioned the boys to precede him to the
stairs at the far end of the room. "Up with you," he commanded.

Frank hung back.

"Prod him up a bit there, men," instructed the officer.

A second man advanced and pushed his revolver against Frank's ribs.