He had even received instructions, and been intrusted with an important commission, by one so high in office as the great Duke of Marlborough.

Surely there could be no great stigma resting upon one who was thus employed in the service of his country.

It seemed to Tom (as it has seemed to others before and since) that if only success crowned these efforts, there was no disgrace attached to them.
But it was a significant if--and he knew it! "And suppose we are taken ?" he said tentatively.
"We should be hanged," answered Lord Claud coolly.

"But we shall not be taken.

Make your mind quite clear on that point.