"Then Sir Hildebrand believes it?" cried Frank.
"He does," answered Diana, "and to tell the truth, so did I until this moment."
"Upon my word, I am obliged to you and my uncle for your opinion of me."
"Oh, it is nothing to be ashamed of," she said, smiling, "no mere highway robbery. The man was a government messenger. We are all Jacobites about here, and no man would have thought the worse of you for bidding him stand and deliver. Why, my uncle had a message from Squire Inglewood himself, that he had better provide for your safety by smuggling you over the border into Scotland."
"Tell me," said Frank, somewhat impatiently, "where does this Squire Inglewood live? I will go and answer the charge instantly and in person."
"Well said—I will go with you," said Diana, promptly, "it was never the Vernon way to desert a friend in time of need."
Frank tried to dissuade her from this, but he could not combat the girl's resolution. So they set off together for Inglewood Hall. As they entered the courtyard, they met Rashleigh just coming out.
Miss Vernon instantly challenged him, before he got time to make up a story.
"Rashleigh," she said, "you have heard of Mr. Frank's affair, and you have been over to the Justice talking about it."
But Rashleigh was equally ready.