Suddenly a faint, pink glow flushed the pearly grey with colour, and in an instant the valley grew distinct. The sun rose and sent the dew glistening like a thousand twinkling diamonds, then, passing higher, flooded the Fort with yellow light, and threw the black shadow of the gallows-tree upon the ground. With a sigh, Rob turned and seated himself upon his bed, waiting for the end. But hours passed and no one came. He heard the sharp words of command from the drilling-square below, and the grounding of arms as the soldiers stood at attention. Outside, a man whistled cheerfully, and that reminded him of Muckle John. Surely he would not desert him! Did he not pride himself on always finding a way? Rob remembered, with a wry smile, that the only way he had found two days before had been for himself. He took to wondering what Cameron would say when he heard (if he should ever hear, which was not so likely) how ill his joke had treated his messenger. He took a doleful satisfaction in imagining him greatly disturbed at having sent him to his death. At that moment footsteps sounded along the corridor, and the key of the door was turned. Into the room stepped Captain Strange. "Poor Rob," he said with a grin, "you're like a ghost. No used your bed? Come, come, I thought better of you than that. Not afraid, are you, Rob?" "If I were afraid I would do what you want, but you will never have that satisfaction." "Never is a strong word, Rob. I would not use that word to the Duke, boy..." "He can hang me, but it will be without a fair trial." Strange leaned his arm upon the window ledge. "Wrong again; there will be a fair trial, Rob," he said without turning his head, "and that this very day. It is more than many another has had--and that's the truth." "What can you prove against me?" "I have a witness, Rob, who will tell us all about you. What do you say to that?" "That you lie." Strange switched about, and his face hardened. "Come then," he cried angrily, and led the way from the room. With a sudden foreboding of danger Rob rose, and the door clanged behind him. If, in a single night, they had found a witness his doom was complete. And yet, what witness could they have discovered? Down to the great place where they had gone the preceding night Strange took him. Outside the door stood two soldiers with muskets. Passing between them, the heavy door shut silently behind. Facing Rob sat the Duke of Cumberland, alone. Hastily he looked round the room. No other person, witness or otherwise, was to be seen. "Prisoner," rasped out the Duke, "are you villing to give us informations regarding certain rebels?" "I am not," said Rob. "Zen vot prevents us from hanging you?" "On what charge?" "As a rebel." "You know nothing against me," said Rob, gaining courage. "But we 'ave a vitness who does," said the Duke.