am not mistaken, you are an escaped prisoner of war. But no fear--drink
the wine."

"Mr. Millet," exclaimed Israel aghast, the untasted wine trembling in
his hand, "Mr. Millet, I--"

"_Mr_. Millet--there it is again. Why don't you say _Sir John_ like the
rest?"

"Why, sir--pardon me--but somehow, I can't. I've tried; but I can't. You
won't betray me for that?"

"Betray--poor fellow! Hark ye, your history is doubtless a secret which
you would not wish to divulge to a stranger; but whatever happens to
you, I pledge you my honor I will never betray you."

"God bless you for that, Mr. Millet."

"Come, come; call me by my right name. I am not Mr. Millet. _You_ have
said _Sir_ to me; and no doubt you have a thousand times said _John_ to
other people. Now can't you couple the two? Try once. Come. Only _Sir_
and then _John_--_Sir John_--that's all."

"John--I can't--Sir, sir!--your pardon. I didn't mean that."

"My good fellow," said the knight looking sharply upon Israel, "tell me,
are all your countrymen like you? If so, it's no use fighting them. To
that effect, I must write to his Majesty myself. Well, I excuse you from
Sir Johnning me. But tell me the truth, are you not a seafaring man, and
lately a prisoner of war?"