"Well, I can't see that it is any of my business."
"Very good, sir," said the boys' captor.
Frank and Jack had remained quiet up to this time, but now the former took a step after his commander, exclaiming:
"Aren't you going to get us out of this, sir? You can explain that we have done no wrong."
Lord Hastings turned toward him.
"I have this officer's word," he said, indicating the boys' captor, "that you were captured under suspicious circumstances. I thought I knew you—both of you—but it may be that I have been mistaken. Stranger things have happened than for a man to sell out to the enemy. I cannot interfere with the officer in the performance of his duty."
"But, sir——" began Jack.
Now the officer interrupted.
"You know them?" he asked of Lord Hastings.
"I thought I did," was the reply. "It would seem that I have been mistaken."