“But it does apply. It's the very neatest apropos I could cite for you. There was a moment, he says, in that history, when Schwarzenberg was about to outflank the Saxons, and open a terrific fire of artillery upon them; and either they saw what fate impended over them, or that the hour they wished for had come, but they all deserted the ranks of the French and went over to the Allies.” “And you fancy that the Catholics are going to side with you?” said Pemberton, with a sneer. “It suits both parties to believe it, Pem.” “The credulity will be all your own, Mr. Balfour. I know my countrymen better than you do.” “That's exactly what they won't credit at Downing Street, Pem; and I assure you that my heart is broken defending you in the House. They are eternally asking about what happened at such an assize, and why the Crown was not better prepared in such a prosecution; and though I _am_ accounted a ready fellow in reply, it becomes a bore at last. I 'm sorry to say it, Pem, but it is a bore.” “I am glad, Mr. Balfour, exceedingly glad, you should put the issue between us so clearly; though I own to you that coming here this morning as the plaintiff, it is not without surprise I find myself on my defence.” “What's this, Banks?” asked Balfour, hastily, as his private secretary entered with a despatch. “From Crew, sir; it must be his Excellency sends it.” Balfour broke it open, and exclaimed: “In cipher too! Go and have it transcribed at once; you have the key here.” “Yes, sir; I am familiar with the character, too, and can do it quickly.” Thus saying, he left the room. While this brief dialogue was taking place, Pemberton walked up and down the room, pale and agitated in features, but with a compressed lip and bent brow, like one nerving himself for coming conflict. “I hope we 're not out,” said Balfour, with a laugh of assumed indifference. “He rarely employs a cipher; and it must be something of moment, or he would not do so now.” “It is a matter of perfect indifference to _me_,” said Pemberton. “Treated as I have been, I could scarcely say I should regret it.” “By Jove! the ship must be in a bad way when the officers are taking to the boats,” said Balfour. “Why, Pem, you don't really believe we are going to founder?” “I told you, sir,” said he, haughtily, “that it was a matter of the most perfect indifference to me whether you should sink or swim.” “You are one of the crew, I hope, a'n't you?” Pemberton made no reply, and the other went on: “To be sure, it may be said that an able seaman never has long to look for a ship; and in these political disasters, it's only the captains that are really wrecked.” “One thing is certainly clear,” said Pemberton, with energy, “you have not much confidence in the craft you sail in.”