“Well, what did he say, sir?”
Frank was silent, and hung his head.
“Do you hear me, sir?”
“Must I speak, Captain Murray?” said the boy appealingly.
“Yes, the simple truth.”
“He said, your Royal Highness, that my father had joined the enemy, and was a general in the rebel army, and I struck him for daring to utter such a lie—and then we fought.”
“Why?” said the Prince sternly, “for telling you the truth?”
“The truth, sir!” cried the boy indignantly. “Don’t say you believe that of my father, sir. There is not a more faithful officer in the King’s service.”
“Your father is not in the King’s service, but holds a high command with the rebels, boy.”
“No, sir, no!” cried the lad passionately; “it is not true.” At that moment, when he had not heard the rustling of a dress, a soft hand was laid upon Frank’s shoulder, and, turning sharply, he saw that it was the Princess who had approached and now looked pityingly in his face, and then turned to the Prince.