“‘I am ready, gentlemen,’ he said.

“Peters whispered in Cockshaw’s ear.

“‘Ah yes,’ the other said, ‘I had well-nigh forgotten,’ and he turned to me.  ‘Where is Master Charles Carstairs?’

“‘He is not in the house,’ I said.  ’He rode away this morning, and did not tell me where he was going.’

“‘When do you expect him back?’

“‘I do not expect him at all,’ I said.  ’When Master Charles rides out to visit his friends, he sometimes stays away for a day or two.’

“‘Is it supposed,’ Sir Marmaduke asked coldly, ’that my son is also mixed up in this precious scheme?’

“‘It is sworn that he was privy to it,’ John Cockshaw said, ’and is, therefore, included in the orders for arrest.’

“Sir Marmaduke did not speak, but he shut his lips tight, and his hand went to where the hilt of his sword would have been.  Two of the constables went out and questioned the grooms, and found that you had, as I said, ridden off.  When they came back, there was some talk between the magistrates, and then, as I said, four constables and some soldiers were left in the house.  Sir Marmaduke’s horse was brought round, and he rode away, with the magistrates and the other soldiers.”

“I am quite sure, Banks, that my father could have known nothing of those letters, or of any plot against William’s life.  I have heard him speak so often of the assassination plot, and how disgraceful it was, and how, apart from its wickedness, it had damaged the cause, that I am certain he would not have listened to a word about another such business.”

“I am sure of that, too,” the old butler said; “but that is not the question, Master Charles.  There are the papers.  We know that Sir Marmaduke did not put them there, and that he did not know that they were there.  But how is it to be proved, sir?  Everyone knows that Sir Marmaduke is a Jacobite, and is regarded as the head of the party in this part of the country.  He has enemies, and one of them, no doubt, has played this evil trick upon him, and the putting of your name in shows what the motive is.”

“But it is ridiculous, Banks.  Who could believe that such a matter as this would be confided to a lad of my age?”

“They might not believe it in their hearts, but people often believe what suits their interest.  This accusation touches Sir Marmaduke’s life; and his estate, even if his life were spared, would be confiscated.  In such a case, it might be granted to anyone, and possibly even to the son of him they would call the traitor.  But the accusation that the son was concerned, or was, at any rate, privy to the crime intended by the father, would set all against him, and public opinion would approve of the estates passing away from him altogether.

“But now, sir, what do you think you had best do?”

“Of course I shall go on, Banks, and let them take me to join my father in Lancaster jail.  Do you think I would run away?”