He would almost have spoken at that instant; the next he
sickened at the thought. Never, never--he could not, would not;
better not live at all than be a traitor! He was too confused and
anxious to pray, for he had not taught himself to fix his attention
in quiet moments. He would not speak before the rebel soldier; but
only looked with an earnest gaze at his sister, who, as their eyes
met, understood all it conveyed.
His mother, after the first moment's fright, had reassured herself
somewhat on his account; he was so mere a boy that it was not likely
that Algernon Sydney, who then commanded at Chichester, would put him
to death; a short imprisonment was the worst that was likely to
befall him; and though that was enough to fill her with terror and
anxiety, it could at that moment be scarcely regarded in comparison
with her fears for her eldest son.
A long time passed away, so long, that they began to hope that the
enemies might be baffled in their search, in spite of Diggory's
intimate knowledge of every nook and corner. They had been once to
the shrubbery, and had been heard tramping back to the stable, where
they were welcome to search as long as they chose, then to the barn-
yard, all over the house from garret to cellar. Was it over? Joy!
joy! But the feet were heard turning back to the pleasance, as
though to recommence the search, and ten minutes after the steps came
nearer.
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