“Words, words, sir,” said the Prince; “even your friend here, Captain Murray, feels that you did.”
“And it is most unjust of him, sir!” cried the boy.
“Don’t speak so bluntly to me,” said the Prince sternly. “Now attend. You say you did not help him?”
“Yes, your Royal Highness.”
“Mind this. I know all the circumstances. Give me some proof that you knew nothing of his escape.”
“I can’t, sir,” cried the boy passionately. “I was asleep, and when I woke he was gone.”
“Weak, weak, sir. Now look here; you say you are my servant, and want me to believe in you. Be quite open with me; tell me all you know, and for your mother’s sake I will deal leniently with you. What do you know about this rising and the enemy’s plans?”
“Nothing, your Highness.”
“What! and you were hand and glove with these people. That wretched boy must have escaped to go straight to his father and acquaint him with everything he knows. What reason have I to think you would not do the same?”
“I!” cried the boy indignantly; “I could not do such a thing. Ah!” he cried, with a look of joy, making his white face flush and grow animated. “Your Royal Highness asked me for some proof;” and he lugged at something in his pocket, with which, as he let his hands fall, one had come in contact.