He had served a dozen chiefs on different sides.

For Blingbroke he had scoured France and twice imperilled his life in Highland bogs.

For Somers he had travelled to Spain, and for Wharton had passed unquiet months on the Welsh marches.

After his fashion he was an honest servant and reported the truth so far as his ingenuity could discern it.

But, once quit of a great man's service, he sold his knowledge readily to an opponent, and had been like to be out of employment, since unless his masters gave him an engagement for life he was certain some day to carry the goods they had paid for to their rivals.