For the moment I seemed master of the situation. An outsider would have imagined them in my power instead of I being in theirs. Especially did young Peter look anxious.
"I am sure we can trust Roger," said the old man. "When a Trevanion gives his word he has never been known to break it."
"But they are learning to be careful how to give their word," I retorted.
Peter looked uneasy. "But if I ask you to keep what I tell you a secret, you will promise, Roger?"
"I ask for no confidences," I replied.
"You said just now that we wanted you to do something," said young Peter. "You guessed rightly. If you do not feel inclined to do what we ask you, you will of course respect anything we may tell you?"
"That is but fair," was my answer.
"You promise, then?" cried old Peter.
"If I honourably can," I replied.