"We count among our friends, sir, none who have secured their own safety." "Faith, I might have guessed you were short of friends when you turned to me," replied Rupert, with a sneer. "Sir," answered Richard, boldly, "you yourself taught us in the wars that 'tis better to trust to a noble enemy than to an unworthy friend!" "Ha! well answered. Faith! I dare be sworn you have seen service; but, my good enemy," continued Rupert, in a perceptibly milder tone, "'tis not now war-time, and we soldiers have no say in matters of civil justice." The change in the prince's voice encouraged Dick to make another effort. "There can be no matter in which your Highness has not a say," he urged. "Thinkst thou so?" answered Rupert, with a keen glance at the handsome and soldierly figure of the young man. "Now, sir, I warrant you know by experience that a broadsword is a good enough thing to have in your fist on the field of battle; but, the war over, 'tis neither fit for a lady's chamber nor for a courtier's duello; 'tis but a commodity of rusty iron to fling in the lumber-room." "Sir," cried Dick, with a gleam of comprehension that almost amounted to reverence, "that may be London fashion; we country folk hang the broadsword in the place of honour, and account it the prime treasure of the house." Rupert smiled. "Those be fashions of another time," he said. "Take the counsel of your preachers, and beat your sword into a pruning-hook, my good youth, else it will be apt to cut your fingers. Under whom have you served?" "Under General Monck in Scotland, your Highness." "Under Monck! Why, then, you must be a fool if you miss the good things showered on him and his friends by this heaven-sent Restoration! "No, sir, I laid down my sword when the late--when Richard Cromwell left Whitehall." Rupert's last remnant of ill-humour vanished in a peal of laughter. "Good faith," he cried; "'tis worth an hour lost to learn that Tumble-down Dick had one follower, and, I warrant, a faithful one! _Aller Teufel!_ thou art as good a lad as I have seen in this most virtuous and loyal city. Nevertheless, I cannot help thee." "I have but to thank your Highness for your patience," said Dick. "Yet stay," said the prince, who was indeed strangely taken by the young Roundhead, "stay; I am heartily sorry I cannot serve you. Are you in safety yourself? My credit is small, yet perchance it might stretch----" "I thank you, sir," answered Dick, sadly; "I need nothing for myself."