Here Colonel Masterson took a hand again. He spoke to Lord Hastings.
"What shall we do with them?" he asked.
"That, colonel, is for you to decide," was Lord Hastings' reply.
"Do you think it necessary to call a court martial?" continued the colonel.
"In view of the evidence we have, I should say not," returned Lord Hastings.
"And still," said Colonel Masterson, half to himself, "it seems to me that every man should be given a chance."
In the minds of the two boys now there was not the slightest doubt that they were in as perilous a situation as they had ever faced.
"Lord Hastings," said Jack quietly, "I assure you you are all mistaken. However, we shall protest our innocence no longer, for I see it would be useless."
And then the two lads were treated to one of the surprises of their lives. Lord Hastings' stern expression gave way to a smile, and he strode quickly toward them and extended a hand to each.
"Surely," he said, "you didn't think I doubted you."