[Pg 29] [Pg 29] "What is this Endellion Castle?" I asked. "Is it one of the old Cornish fortresses?" "Part of the castle still stands," replied young Peter. "The grandfather of the present Colman Killigrew built the present house adjoining it." "It is well guarded, I suppose?" "Yes," replied young Peter reluctantly. "Colman Killigrew and all his sons are rebels at heart. In his father's days he and his family supported King James; they long for a Catholic to be on the throne, and there is a rumour that they are planning against our good King George." "Hath anything been proved against them?" "No, not proved, but matters look suspicious. Rumour saith, that should there be a rebellion he could command five hundred swords. There is a strong Papist feeling in the neighbourhood of Endellion." "And the maid, is she a Papist?" "Her father, Godfrey Molesworth, was a strong Protestant, but Heaven only knows what they have persuaded her to be." This information caused new thoughts to come into my mind, and I determined to remember what he had told me. "Are Colman Killigrew and his sons beloved by the neighbouring families?" I asked presently. "He is both beloved and hated. Some of the Catholics are his friends, but others mistrust him sorely." These matters came out slowly. Evidently young Peter did not care about discussing them. Perchance he was afraid lest I should shrink[Pg 30] from trying to carry out his plans when I knew them. [Pg 30] I was silent for some time. I pondered much over what I had heard. "All this should be nothing to thee, Roger, lad," said old Peter, becoming more and more familiar in his tones. "All the Trevanions for many generations have sought to help the oppressed. Thou hast the blood of thy fathers within thee. This is work worthy of the best. Besides, if thou wilt do this, both Peter and myself will befriend thee always. Peter's heart went out
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