Relinquish their duty before a
blow had been struck? It was humiliating--impossible. Philip first found
voice. "No, sir," he cried emphatically; "nothing of the kind! My sister
bade me not leave your side until you embarked for France, and her word is
my law."
"And we stand by Phil," said Vernon, with equal emphasis.
"You are brave boys," the stranger answered, "but you must do to-night as I
say. There is no time to argue here, and if I miss the tide I am undone,
for loyal captains are rare birds, I promise you. There may be not another
safe ship this fortnight."
"But the enemy," said Philip,--"you will have to pass them. How can you do
that single-handed?"
"Besides," Hugh interpolated, "is it fair to rob us of our sport like this?"
"Yes," said Vernon, supporting him, "it is seldom enough one has any chance
of striking a blow for the cause. We are well armed. We are four to their
three."
The young man made a gesture of impatience.
"Peace," he said. "I have told you we must separate; let that be final.
You, Philip, shall accompany me part of the way, at any rate--I owe you
that; but the others will ride each towards the sea by different but fairly
direct ways. They will probably each be pursued, but must do the best they
can, avoiding bloodshed if possible.
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