"One of them, Mr. Massey," pursued the captain, glancing at Careless, "was at Worcester."
"I hope he killed a lot of rebels. I shouldn't be sorry if he had killed Old Noll himself," observed Limbry.
"Had that been the case things would have taken a different turn, and loyal men would not have been forced to fly from their country," said Captain Ellesdon. "We want you to transport two or three distressed Cavaliers to France. You will do it, I am sure."
Limbry shook his head.
"You don't like the job," cried Colonel Wyndham. "Say so frankly."
"Understand that you will be well paid—very well paid," added Careless.
"I've no disinclination whatsomdever to the job," said the burly shipmaster. "On the contrary, I should be glad to serve any loyal gentlemen; and I don't care so much for the payment, though I don't mean to say as how I should object to it—but——"
"But what?" cried Ellesdon.
"The risk is too great. If I were found out, I should be hanged as a traitor."
"These fears are idle," rejoined Ellesdon. "Such precautions will be taken that you cannot be found out. Take another glass of wine, and pluck up your courage. I'll tell you what has just occurred. Sir John Berkeley was taken over to France from this very port of Lyme, only a few days ago, and I have not heard that any skipper has been hanged for taking him."