For a moment Sir Frederick stood speechless, then he held out his hand, saying: "And a good fellow, I doubt not, despite a bad trade. Fair lady," he continued after the handshake, "since we are doomed for the moment to be captives of some one other than thee, help to cheer us in the exchange by filling us each a parting glass. Come, Charlie, canst give us one of thy old-time toasts?" Brereton laughed, as he took a glass from the girl. "'T is hardly possible, with ladies present, to fit thy taste, Fred. However, here goes: Honour, fame, love, and wealth may desert us, but thirst is eternal." "Even in captivity, thank a kind Providence," ejaculated one of the officers, as he set down his drained tumbler. "Now, gentlemen, boots and saddles, an' it please you," suggested Lee, politely. "Thee'll not force a wounded man to take such exposure," protested Mrs. Meredith. "Lieutenant Hennion--" Brereton carried on the speech: "Can drink punch and study divinity. I'll warrant he's not so near to death's door but he can bear one-half the ride of our poor starved troopers and beasts." "Farewell, Miss Janice," groaned the baronet; "'t was thy beauty baited this trap." Jack lingered a moment after Lee and the prisoners had passed into the hallway. "Can I have a moment's word with you apart, Miss Meredith?" he asked. "Most certainly not," spoke up the squire, recovering from the dumbness into which the rapid occurrences of the last three minutes had reduced him. "If ye have aught to say to my lass, out with it here." "'T is--'t is just a word of farewell." "I like not thy farewells," answered the girl, colouring. "For once we agree, Miss Janice," replied the officer, boldly; "and did it rest with me, there should never be another." He bowed, and went to the door. "Mr. Meredith," he said, "I've stolen a husband from your daughter. 'T is a debt I am ready to pay on demand." XXXVIII BLACK AND WHITE