but he showed that he held himself to belong absolutely to Arthur, and rendered every service to him that he could, picking up what was needful in the care of European clothes by imitation of the captain’s servant, and showing a dexterity that made it probable that his cleverness had been the cause of the loss of a tongue that might have betrayed too much.  To young Hope he seemed like a sacred legacy from poor Tam, and a perplexing one, such as he could hardly leave in his dumbness to take the chances of life among sailors.

His own plans were likewise to be considered, and Major Hope concerned himself much about them.  He was a second cousin—­a near relation in Scottish estimation—­and no distant neighbour.  His family were Tories, though content to submit to the House of Hanover, and had always been on friendly terms with Lady Hope.

’I writ at once, on hearing of you, to let her know you were in safety,’ said the major.  ‘And what do you intend the noo?’

‘Can I win home?’ anxiously asked Arthur.  ’You know I never was attainted!’

‘And what would ye do if you were at home?’

‘I should see my mother.’

‘Small doubt of the welcome she would have for you, my poor laddie,’ said the major; ‘but what next?’ And as Arthur hesitated, ’I misdoubt greatly whether Burnside would give you a helping hand if you came fresh from colloguing with French Jacobites, though my father and all the rest of us at the Lynn aye told him that he might thank himself and his dour old dominie for your prank—­you were but a schoolboy then—­you are a man now; and though your poor mother would be blithe to set eyes on you, she would be sairly perplexed what gate you had best turn thereafter.  Now, see here!  There’s talk of our being sent to dislodge the Spaniards from Sicily.  You are a likely lad, and the colonel would take my word for you if you came back with me to Port Mahon as a volunteer; and once under King George’s colours, there would be pressure enough from all of us Hopes upon Burnside to gar him get you a commission, unless you win one for yourself.  Then you could gang hame when the time was served, a credit and an honour to all!’

‘I had rather win my own way than be beholden to Burnside,’ said Arthur, his face lighting at the proposal.

’Hout, man!  That will be as the chances of war may turn out.  As to your kit, we’ll see to that!  Never fear.  Your mother will make it up.’

‘Thanks, Archie, with all my heart, but I am not so destitute,’ and he mentioned Yusuf’s legacy, which the major held that he was perfectly justified in appropriating; and in answer to his next question, assured him that he would be able to retain Fareek as his servant.

This was enough for Arthur, who knew that the relief to his mother’s mind of his safety and acceptance as a subject would outweigh any disappointment at not seeing his face, when he would only be an unforgiven exile, liable to be informed against by any malicious neighbour.