"It is well. Have they all gone! No! At least here is one prisoner."
"No, I think not, my lord," I answered; "this gentleman and I have been settling a long-standing affair."
"Aye, but he is a rebel."
"Nay, my lord, let him go free," I said excitedly, for I could not bear the thought of Benet being treated as a rebel. "I will swear to you that this gentleman hath never plotted against the king. He is an honourable man; but for him I should have been dead ere this."
"But you were fighting with him."
"The fight was a private matter, my lord. I ask you for his liberty as a special favour. I will give my word that he will never lift up his hand against the king's true subjects."
"I like not to refuse you anything, Trevanion," said Boscawen, "you rendered such signal service. Well, if the fellow will give his word that he will in no way help the Pretender's cause, I will for your sake set him at liberty."
"Aye, I will promise, gladly," cried Benet; "I hate the whole business."
"Then you are free," said Boscawen.
"Good!" cried Benet, "and, by Heaven, I love you, Trevanion; I love you! And I have your promise. Another time?"