Clifford smiled rather wearily.
“’Tis but a prolongation of the suspense,” he remarked. “She won’t succeed. Sir Guy can’t give up any man after a court-martial absolves him from blame. Still, I am glad that Harriet is well away. ’Twill be just as well for her to be with father until this whole miserable business is brought to a conclusion.”
“Then, lad, thou hast no hope?” questioned Mr. Owen.
“None whatever, Cousin David. How long a time hath your chief given Harriet?”
“Two weeks, Clifford.”
“Two weeks! Why, that is a lifetime,” exclaimed he. “Much may happen in two weeks.”
“True, Captain Williams; and, provided you will give your word of honor that you will make no attempt to escape, you shall be free to go and come at your pleasure,” spoke Colonel Dayton.
“I give it, sir, and thank you,” returned Clifford. “You have been and are most kind.”
“Then we shall begin by leaving you with your cousins,” said the colonel. “Come, orderly.”