“When you have done!” cried Hilary. “What do you mean?”
“Be silent and answer my questions, my good lad,” said the other. “You are the young officer of the Kestrel, and your name is Hilary Leigh, I believe?”
“Yes, that is my name,” cried Hilary sharply. “By what right do you have me seized?”
“The right of might,” said the man. “Now look here, sir. Your vessel is now seaworthy, and to-morrow you will get your sailing orders.”
“How do you know?” cried Hilary.
“Never mind how I know. I tell you the fact, my good lad. You will be despatched to watch the port of Dunquerque, to stop the boat that is supposed to come to land from this coast on the king’s business.”
“I suppose you mean the Pretender’s business,” cried Hilary quickly.
“I mean His Majesty Charles Edward,” said the man, “to whom I wish you to take these papers.” And he pulled a packet from his pocket.
“I? Take papers? What do you suppose I am?”
“One who will obey my orders,” said the man haughtily, “and who will never be able to play fast and loose with his employers; for if he were false, no matter where he hid himself, he would be punished.”