"No, no," said the Governor, querulously, "that's just what you can't be. If you stay here, some of Gentian's friends are sure to stir up trouble about that absurd charge of treason he's brought against you." He smiled. "Officially, Mr. Beard, I have not as yet, as I say, been informed of that charge through the proper channels. But if someone here should take it into his head to lodge a direct accusation--I should have to notice it--yes--I should have to notice it--I should have to hold you for examination, Mr. Beard--and then, damn it, the moment I do"--he exploded again, "the fat's in the fire and the whole Minorcan case is muddled with yours." "Of course, sir, if you wish to"--began Andrew, slowly. "Examine you? In God's name, why?" said the Governor, brusquely. "I know your father's name--Captain Stout's told me of the sacrifices he's already made for the Crown." Captain Stout had obviously omitted any mention of Lucius, and Andrew was very grateful. "If you were a traitor, why the devil would you be sitting here talking to me?" the Governor ended. The question seemed unanswerable, and Andrew himself began to wonder why. "No, Mr. Beard," the Governor went on. "The charge against you is absurd, but it must not be pressed. I've no doubt Captain Stout will trust your father's son for a passage to New York. When you reach there, you will, naturally, join the army. They say De Lancey's raising a troop of loyalist horse--well, Mr. Beard, there's my advice, unofficially. Do you find it reasonable?" "Most reasonable, your Excellency," said Andrew, with a slight smile. "I shall, as you say, return to New York at once--and join the army." "Good," said the Governor, rising. "I shan't ask you for a deposition, Mr. Beard--it will be best if your name is not brought in at all. You'll find Captain Stout in the anteroom--and I should advise you going aboard at once, if I may suggest it." "I have to say goodbye to a friend," said Andrew. "After that I shall go aboard as soon as possible." "A friend?" said the Governor. "Oh, yes--the Minorcan boy who was in prison with you. I wish we could get him away too. He'll only serve to confuse things--and I want a clear case." He looked at Andrew. "Perhaps it can be managed," said Andrew, thanking his gods for the narrow strength of the Governor's hate of Dr. Gentian, that now blinded him to everything but the prospect of the latter's ruin. "Good day, your Excellency--and thank you." "Good day, Mr. Beard, and a safe voyage," said the Governor, turning back to his papers, and Andrew bowed and retreated from the lion's jaws. 9.