Carew stepped back with a look of hate on his face. “The curse of heaven light on you for an intermeddling rogue!” he cried. “Do what you will, I care not.” “You knew,” Gervase continued, “that I had learned your secret, and I think though I may be deceived, you knew how I had learned it. I was anxious to spare you the humiliation of making a confession of your treachery, and for the sake of others would have averted the punishment. But you have not taken my counsel to heart, and for myself I bitterly regret it.” “I want neither your counsel nor your regret. Tell me what you mean to do and let us have an end of it. I cannot see why I should not leave the city if I would.” Macpherson had listened to this brief conversation in surprise. He had not imagined that Gervase had had any suspicion of Jasper´s treachery, and for a moment it pained him to think that he had withheld his confidence. Then he said in a low tone, “Does his sister know of this?” “There is no need for concealment,” Gervase answered; “it was from her that I first learned it, and I have been watching for a fortnight that this did not happen. It will break her heart.” “That need not be: we will even take the law into our own hands, come of it what will. Now, sir,” he said, turning round towards Jasper, “there is no need for further deception, for it cannot profit you a whit. I never doubted that you were a traitor from the moment that I caught sight of you by the dyke yonder. You know what is the punishment of a traitor? Hanging is not a very fit end for any man, and hanged you will be if we carry you back to the city. I cannot tell what is your intent in stooping to this dishonour, but I think in letting you pass I can do but little harm. They know how it stands with us, and you can bring them but little fresh news. Did I think of you alone, as God is my witness, I should string you up with my own hand without compunction, but for the sake of them that loved you, unworthy as you are, the way is open for you. You may go. You may tell them from Ninian Macpherson that never a man of them will put his foot inside the walls, and you have seen the last of the city yourself.” For a moment Jasper could not realize the good news, and appeared overcome by surprise. “I may be able to return your favour some day, sir,” he said, “however poor a figure I may cut now.” “I would take no favour from your hands,” answered Macpherson; “now go before my mind changes, for I doubt whether I do right in letting you pass thus easily.” Without a word Carew crossed the trench and clambered up the rampart. On the top he turned short, “I have to thank you for your kindness,” he said, “and for the courteous speech you have made. You, sir, as I have said I will do my best to repay, but for you, Mr. Orme, you may take my favour now.”