“Very well, then; act now like a frank soldier to another who says to you, try and forget this trouble, and help every one to make it easier for you. There’s care enough coming, my lad; and I may tell you that the Prince has enough to think about without troubling himself any more over the mad prank of two high-spirited boys. There, I’ll wait for you; go into my room, and wash your hands and smooth your face. I venture to say that you will both get a wigging to-morrow, and then be told to go back to your duties.”
Andrew did not budge, and the captain’s face grew more stern.
“Come on, Drew,” cried Frank; but the lad turned away.
“Yes, come along,” cried the captain; “a good dinner will do you both good, and make you ready to laugh at your morning’s quarrel. Do you hear?”
There was no reply.
“You are not acting like a hero, my lad,” said the captain, smiling once more.
Still there was no reply.
“Very well, sir; you refuse your parole, and I can say no more. I have my duty to do, and I cannot offer you my hospitality here. You are still under arrest.”
He walked to the door, threw it open, made a sign, and a corporal and two Guardsmen marched in.
“Take this gentleman to the guardroom,” he said. “Your officer has his instructions concerning him.”