I realized then as I felt when at Tregothnan that he seemed to resent my questions, and I knew that his abilities did not equal his zeal. I could quite believe that the Killigrews had abandoned the idea of meeting the forces which Hugh Boscawen had gathered, but I did not believe that they would submit so meekly as this man seemed to think. As far as I could judge, matters were ill-arranged, and although every one was on the tiptoe of expectation, there seemed to be little definite idea as to the serious issue at stake. "You see," he went on, "such a number of men could not be got together so secretly as I had hoped. The Pretender's friends found this out, and not a man of theirs is to be found within two miles. Of that I am sure." "And do you think, my lord, that they will give up so easily?" I asked. "They cannot help themselves. I tell you the coast is guarded two miles in each direction." "No more than two miles?" "Is not that enough, Trevanion! I tell you I saw through the whole business ten minutes after you brought the news. You shall not be forgotten, Trevanion, I can assure you that." "I suppose neither Sir Richard nor John Rosecorroch are here?" "No, there was no time to get advisers; besides it would have confused matters. One general is enough." I felt impatient with the man, loyal and well-meaning as he was. I remembered that he had paid but little heed to me at Tregothnan. Doubtless during the hours I had been lying asleep through the day he had given his orders, and in his own way had made ready. But he did not know the resources of Colman Killigrew or Uncle Anthony, to say nothing of Otho. "Have you considered, my lord, that they may still signal to Charles Stuart farther up the coast?" "What mean you, Trevanion?" "Doubtless the Pretender set sail from the north of France, and is sailing down the Channel. Think you the Killigrews have not prepared for the present state of things? They have been too long plotting not to realize their danger, and they will not allow Charles to walk blindfold into your hands, especially now they know what hath been done. They will either have moved their forces farther up the coast, or if that be impossible they will have warned him not to land." "I tell you their forces have been disturbed. They have heard of what has happened, and they have lost heart. As for the other, it is a dark murky night, and no signal could be seen from afar." "But there is danger, my lord," I persisted; "and you would not like Charles to escape you?" "No, by heaven, no! but what would you suggest?" and here the man revealed the fact that he should have taken counsel in the affair. "I would suggest this, my lord. Give me a few men. I know the coast well; I will go northward, and if they are seeking to signal, either I will send you word, or, if I am able, take these Killigrews prisoners." "The plan sounds well, Trevanion. It can do no harm, and it shall be done. Do you ride northward as you suggest."