Roy repeated his encouraging words one day at dinner, in the presence of the secretary, a full three weeks after the enemy had sat down before the castle, and Master Pawson laughed and rubbed his hands.
“They must give in,” he said. “They’ll never take the place.”
“Never!” said Roy, triumphantly; “But I say, Master Pawson, I’m going to ask a favour of you.”
“What is it?” said the secretary, eagerly.
“I want you to take a turn at the watch-keeping now and then.”
“Keep watch?” said the secretary, staring.
“Yes, just now and then, so as to relieve a man and give the poor fellow a good sleep.”
“Master Pawson will, I am sure,” said Lady Royland, gravely. “He has said that he would do anything he could to help us in our time of need.”
“Of course, Lady Royland, of course,” he replied, hastily. “I only hesitated because I am so helpless—such a poor creature over matters like this.”
“It doesn’t want anything but to keep awake, and a sharp lookout. You ought to be able to do that, sir. You’ve had plenty of sleep lately, going to bed at nine, and sometimes at eight.”