"Well, this supersedes the colonel's sentence. If I say the word to
Ensign Farquharson you will be remanded."

"To be shot or hanged a little later, I suppose?"

"No. Have you any notion why my Lord Charles is sending for you?"

"No," said I, in my turn; and, indeed, I had not.

"He knows your record as an officer, and would give you a chance to
'list in your old service."

"I would not take it--at your hands or his."

"You'd best take it. But in any event, you'll have your life and
honorable safe-conduct beyond the lines."

"Make an end," I said again. "I understand you will obey his Lordship's
order, or disregard it, as your own interest directs. What would you
have me do?"

"A very little thing to weigh against a life. Mr. Gilbert Stair is my
very good friend."

I let that go uncontradicted.

"His title to the estate is secure enough, as you know, but you can make
it better," he went on.