"Not so! Surely on Cromwell's side your object - "

"T'sh! I have well considered. My fortunes are bound up with
the King's. In his victory alone lies profit for me; not the
profit of pillage, Hogan, but the profit of those broad lands
that for nigh upon twenty years have been in usurping hands.
The profit I look for, Hogan, is my restoration to Castle
Marleigh, and of this my only hope lies in the restoration of
King Charles. If the King doth not prevail - which God
forfend! - why, then, I can but die. I shall have naught left
to hope for from life. So you see, good Hogan," he ended with
a regretful smile, "my going with you is not to be dreamed of."

Still the Irishman urged him, and a good half-hour did he
devote to it, but in vain. Realizing at last the futility of
his endeavours, he sighed and moved uneasily in his chair,
whilst the broad, tanned face was clouded with regret. Crispin
saw this, and approaching him, he laid a hand upon his
shoulder.

"I had counted upon your help to clear the Ashburns from Castle
Marleigh and to aid me in my grim work when the time is ripe.
But if you go - "

"Faith, I may aid you yet. Who shall say?" Then of a sudden
there crept into the voice of this hardened pike-trader a note
of soft concern. "Think you there be danger to yourself in
remaining?" he inquired.

"Danger? To me?" echoed Crispin.