"Never mind Herford," smiled Parkington. "Come and help his Excellency hold court, for my particular benefit." Brandon was wearing his sword, and, now, he gave it a hitch forward, so that it lay close to his hand. "You do not anticipate using it?" his friend asked. "I do not know," said he, with an ominous shake of the head. "One can never tell how suddenly the occasion may arise. That is why I am never without it--it has saved my life, a score of times, in the last four years." "We are not flying the Jolly Roger, now," Parkington commented. The other shrugged his shoulders. "I am not so sure." "You are not in danger." "You forget that Marbury is with the Governor." "He will not recognize you--you, yourself, said so." "That was before you were suspected--I counted on your word to prove my name." "Then do not come with me--do not run the risk!" urged Parkington. "No, I must brave it out. To decamp, now, would be useless. I was summoned, I presume, because you vouched for me--but, if I do not respond, that instant they will understand I had good cause for going, and I should be caught ere I had gone a mile. Come on--it is a good game and we will play it out.... You see!" he said, as they entered the house, pointing to the opposite doorway, through which could be seen the guard parading. "It were folly to do otherwise." Every one was down at the race track, looking at the horses, the house was deserted, save for the servants. Miss Stirling, even, was gone with the rest--Marbury's coming had delayed the matter, she supposed, and some regard must be paid to the duties of hostess. The two men crossed the entrance and knocked at the drawing-room door, which, contrary to custom, was closed. Instantly, it was swung open--and the Governor bade them enter. He was standing with his back to the fire-place, his hands behind him, his face grave and thoughtful. He returned, with studied courtesy, their bows of greeting, and motioned for them to be seated. Maynadier, placid and unmoved, was on one side, Marbury, grim-faced but plainly ill at ease, on the other. "Gentlemen," said Colonel Sharpe, "I regret that it is as the Governor of Maryland, and not as Colonel Sharpe, that I have had to request your presence here, this morning." "We took it, from the formal manner of our summons, that your Excellency wished to confer with us in your official capacity," said Parkington, easily. The Governor bowed again.