“Only this, sir. Of course, my uncle didn’t dare to get too near. If they’d caught him, there’s no telling what might have happened. He heard Cap’n Tryon tell the mistress how that you had betrayed ’em--the whole lot of ’em--to the sheriff or the constable. What the mistress said he couldn’t exactly hear; but he could tell that she sided in with the cap’n. After awhile the cap’n said something about clappin’ a stopper on ye--on the young spy and informer, he called ye.” “And what said my mother to that?” “That was what Donald tried awful hard to find out but he couldn’t do it. Howsumever, he’s sure she agreed to it. She didn’t say she’d help, but it was understood that she shouldn’t stand in the way of what the other would do.” “And that is all old Donald heard?” “Yes, sir.” “He didn’t learn or gain any intimation of how Tryon intends to operate--what he means to do?” “No, sir. Uncle Donald says that’s for you to find out. If the cap’n was to be on the ground, t’would be different. Then you’d keep an eye on him; but, seein’ as he is goin’ off again, you’ll have to be more careful and keep a sharp lookout, fore and aft and on both sides.” “Going away!” exclaimed Percy, with a start of disappointment and disgust. “Do you mean, he will leave Allerdale?” “Why, bless ye! he’s gone, sir. He went early this afternoon. One of the gunners drove him over to Springvale in a cart belonging to the host of the village inn; and I understand he was bound north for Scotland. Uncle Donald said he was cross and ugly, and it was impossible to make out exactly what he meant to do. But he’s off, sir, and won’t be back for a week or thereabout, if what he told my uncle was the truth.” “You are anxious to get back to the brig, my dear boy?” “I’m rather anxious to be out of this, sir,” the lad replied, promptly and frankly. “I wouldn’t have one of the cap’n’s men catch me here with you for the world.” “Ah, you recognize a line of demarcation in the crew of the brig?--I mean you understand there to be two parties.” “Yes, sir, I do. Uncle Donald will never--But I mustn’t blab.” “It’s all right, Guy. I know all about it, and from your uncle’s own lips. And now--if you have nothing more to tell me--you may trot back as quickly as you please; and be sure I shall not forget the great service you have done me.” “Oh, sir, don’t say that! If you knew how much good it does us--Uncle Donald and I--to serve you, you wouldn’t think of layin’ it up as anything to be remembered.” “Never mind about that just now. You’ll accept my gratitude; and you’ll convey the same to your uncle, and tell him, further, that Percy will be sure to keep his eyes wide open.” Our hero stood and watched the disappearing form of his young friend, and when he could no longer hear the sound of his footfall he turned once more toward the cottage.