The boy has borne himself gallantly, and we will take the gold pieces and let him go free.
Our chance may come another time, and we want not the cumbrance of children on our march.

He would not be hostage worth having, so ransom him and begone.

We have the prince's jewels if we have not the lad himself.
"Go your way, boy; you will make a soldier in time.

You have the right grit in you.

Farewell! one day we may meet again." And thinking, perhaps, that he and his band had better not linger longer, the captain gave the word to mount; and as soon as Paul's thongs were cut and the ransom paid over, the troopers set spurs to their horses' sides and vanished away in the darkness.
Once again little Paul Stukely stood in the presence of royalty.
The prince's arm was about his neck, the proud queen's eyes--moist now with tears--were bent upon him in loving gratitude, whilst from the king's lips he was receiving words of praise that set the hot blood mounting to his brow.