It would not last many years, for surely the often talked-of landing could not be very much longer delayed; then they would return, share in the triumph of the Stuart cause, and resume their life at Lynnwood, and reckon with those who had brought this foul charge against them.
That the Jacobite cause could fail to triumph was a contingency to which Charlie did not give even a thought.

He had been taught that it was a just and holy cause.

All his school friends, as well as the gentlemen who visited his father, were firm adherents of it, and he believed that the same sentiments must everywhere prevail.
There was, then, nothing but the troops of William to reckon with, and these could hardly oppose a rising of the English people, backed by aid from France.
It was not until after dark that the messenger returned.
"Master Harry bade me tell you, sir, that a gipsy boy he had never seen before has brought him a little note from his father.

He will not return at present, but, if Mr.Harry can manage to slip away unnoticed in the afternoon, tomorrow, he is to come here.

He is not to come direct, but to make a circuit, lest he should be watched and followed, and it may be that the master will meet him here." Charlie was very glad to hear this.