Crown and Sceptre, a West Country Story, by George Manville Fenn. 

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I groaned a bit when I saw that this story was about the Civil War inEngland, in the mid-seventeenth century. But I soon realised that itwas a very good story, told in the tension-laden Fenn style. 

We start off in the Devon coombes (valleys near the sea) with twofamilies that are close friends. The Markhams live at The Hall, whilethe Forresters live at The Manor. There are two teenage boys: ScarlettMarkham and Fred Forrester. The boys come upon secret passages andsecret chambers in the Hall, and also some other long-forgotten shaftsand wells leading to the outside. 

Then came the Civil War, in which the Roundheads fought for a countrysubservient to Parliament, while the Cavaliers fought for the King. The Markhams and their household became Cavaliers, while the Forresterswere Roundheads. Thus the two families became, at least in theory, deadly enemies. Needless to say, it didn't always work out exactly likethat, and the boys at least, now young officers, and the familyretainers, sometimes helped one another in ways the fathers would notapprove of. 

The manor is burnt down, and Sir Godfrey Markham very seriously wounded. It is only by Scarlett's knowledge of the secret passages that he issaved. We will not spoil the rest of the story for you by telling youthe rest of it, but we assure you that it very well written, and did notat all merit my initial groans. Another very good read, or listen. 

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CROWN AND SCEPTRE, A WEST COUNTRY STORY, BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN. 

CHAPTER ONE. 

IN THE WEST COUNTREE. 

"Derry down, derry down, derry down!"

A cheery voice rolling out the chorus of an old west-country ditty. 

Then there was a run of a few yards, a sudden stoppage, and a round, redmissile was thrown with considerable force after a blackcock, which roseon whirring wings from among the heather, his violet-black plumageglistening in the autumn sun, as he skimmed over the moor, anddisappeared down the side of a hollow coombe. 

"Missed him, " said the thrower, thrusting his hand into his pocket, andbringing out a similar object to that which he had used as a missile, but putting it to a far different purpose; for he raised it to hismouth, drew back his red lips, and with one sharp crunch drove two rowsof white teeth through the ruddy skin, cut out a great circular piece ofapple, spat it out, and threw the rest away. 

"What a sour one!" he cried, as he dived after another, which proved tobe more satisfactory, for he went on munching, as he made his short cutover the moor towards where, in a sheltered hollow, a stone buildingpeeped from a grove of huge oaks. 

The sun shone brightly as, with elastic tread, the singer, a lad ofabout sixteen, walked swiftly over the elevated moorland, now descendinginto a hollow, now climbing a stiff slope, at whose top he could lookover the sea, which spread away to north and west, one dazzling plain ofdamasked silver, dotted with red-sailed boats. Then down another slopefacing the south, where for a moment the boy paused to deliver a sharpkick at something on the short fine grass. 

"Ah, would you!" he exclaimed, following up the kick by a jump whichlanded him upon a little writhing object, which repeated its firstattack, striking with lightning rapidity at the lad's boot, before lyingcrushed and helpless, never to bask in the bright sun again. 

"Serve you right, you nasty poisonous little beast!" cried the boy, crushing his assailant's head beneath his heel. "You got the worst ofit. Think the moor belonged to you? Lucky I had on my boots. "

He dropped upon the ground, drew off a deer-skin boot, and, with hisgood-looking, fair boyish face all in wrinkles, proceeded to examine thetoe, removing therefrom a couple of tiny points with his knife. 

"What sharp teeth adders have!" he muttered. "Not long enough to gothrough. "

The next minute he had drawn on his boot, and set off at a trot, whichtook him down to the bottom of the slope, and half up the other side ofthe coombe, at whose bottom he had had to leap a tiny stream. Then, walking slowly, he climbed the steeper slope; and there was a doubleastonishment for a moment, the boy staring hard at a noble-looking stag, the avant-guard of a little herd of red deer, which was grazing in thehollow below. 

The boy came so suddenly upon the stag, that the great fellow stood atgaze, his branching antlers spreading wide. Then there was a rush, andthe little herd was off at full speed, bucks, does, and fawns, seemingalmost to fly, till they disappeared over a ridge. 

"That's the way!" said the lad. "Now, if Scar and I had been out withour bows, we might have walked all day and never seen a horn. "

As the lad trudged on, munching apples and breaking out from time totime into scraps of song, the surroundings of his walk changed, for hepassed over a rough stone wall, provided with projections to act as astile, and left the moorland behind, to enter upon a lovely park-likeexpanse, dotted with grand oaks and firs, among which he had notjourneyed long before, surrounded on three sides by trees, he came infull sight of the fine-looking, ruddy stone hall, glimpses of which hehad before seen, while its windows and a wide-spreading lake in frontflashed in the bright sunshine. 

"Whoa hoo! whoa hoo! Drop it! Hoi!" shouted the boy; but the objectaddressed, a great grey heron, paid no heed, but went flapping slowlyaway on its widespread wings, its long legs stretched straight outbehind to act as balance, and a small eel writhing and twisting itselfinto knots as it strove in vain to escape from the scissor-like bill. 

"That's where the eels go, " muttered the boy, as he hurried on, descending till he reached the shores of the lake, and then skirting it, with eyes searching its sunlit depths, to see here some golden-bronzepike half-hidden among lily leaves, shoals of roach flashing theirsilver sides in the shallows, and among the denser growth of weedsbroad-backed carp basking in the hot sunshine, and at times lazilyrolling over to display their golden sides. 

"Oh yes, you're big and old enough, but you don't half bite. I'd ratherhave a day at our moat any time than here, proud as old Scar is of hisbig pond. "

As the lad reached the head of the lake, where the brown, clear watersof a rocky stream drained into it from the moor above, he caught sightof a few small trout, and, after crossing a little rough stone bridge, startled a couple of moor-hens, who in turn roused up some bald coots, the whole party fluttering away with drooping legs towards the other endof the lake. Here they swam about, twitching their tails, and dividingtheir time between watching the now distant intruder and keeping a sharplook-out for the great pike, which at times sought a change of diet fromconstant fish, and swallowed moor-hen or duckling, or even, preferringfour-footed meat to fowl, seized upon some unfortunate rat. 

"Hi, Nat!" shouted the boy, as he neared the grassy terrace in front ofthe hall, and caught sight of a sturdy-looking young man busy in thegarden. 

"Hullo, Master Fred!"

"Where's Master Scarlett?"

"Where's Master Scarlett, sir?" said the man, slowly and deliberatelystraightening his back, and resting upon the tool he handled. 

"Yes. Don't you say he has gone with them, or I'll never give you a mugof cider again. "

"Well, I wasn't going to say as Master Scar's gone with 'em, " said theman, with a look of wonder in his eyes. "He was here a bit ago, thoughI didn't see him. "

"Then, how do you know he was here?"

"Because nobody else wouldn't--"

"Wouldn't what?"

"Well, you see, Master Fred, it was like this here. I was a-stoopingover the bed, tidying up the edge o' the grass, when--whop!"

"What, did he hit you, Nat!" said the boy, grinning. 

"Well, sir, he did and he didn't, if you can understand that. "

"No, I can't. What do you mean?"

"This here fox-whelp come and hit me side o' the head, and it must ha'been him as throwed it; and that made me know as he was at home. "

As the man spoke, he took a cider apple from his pocket, a hard, green, three-parts-grown specimen of the fruit, and involuntarily began to rubthe place where he had been struck. 

"Yes; that looks as if he was at home, Nat, " said the boy, showing hiswhite teeth. 

"Yes, Master Fred, that looks as if he was at home; but you wouldn'thave laughed if you'd had it. "

"He did it to wake you up, Nat. "

"Oh, I was waken enough, Master Fred; but how's Brother Samson?"

"Like you, Nat, half asleep, " cried the boy, looking back as he hurriedon toward the house, leaving the man staring after him thoughtfully. 

"Yes, " he muttered, "Samson is a deal like me. Wonder whether MasterFred ever chucks apples at he?"

Meanwhile the lad addressed as Master Fred made his way along the housefront, peering in at first one and then another window, till he reachedthe great door opening on to the end of the shingled terrace. 

Without the slightest hesitation, and behaving like one who was quite athome, he entered the great oak-floored hall, and looked round--not atthe groups of weapons and suits of armour that were arranged as trophiesabout the place, nor yet at the pictures and various interesting objectshung between the stained-glass windows, on the oaken panels surroundedby carving and surmounted by the heads and antlers of deer killed on theadjacent moor. 

Fred Forrester had eyes for none of these objects, as he looked here andthere, now in the low-ceilinged and carved-oak dining-room, then in thedrawing-room, and, lastly, in Sir Godfrey Markham's library--a gloomy, tree-shaded room, where he thought it possible that his friend andcompanion might be hiding. But all was still, and there was no onebehind the heavy curtains, nor inside the huge black oak cabinet besidethe great mullioned window. 

"Wonder whether he's in the stables?" said Fred, half aloud, as he cameslowly out of the gloomy room and stood beneath the broad gallery whichcrossed the end of the hall. "I know. He's with the dogs, " said thelad, taking a step from out of the shelter of the gallery, and thenstaggering forward and nearly going down on hands and knees; for at thatmoment a wool mattress, which had been poised ready on the gallerybalustrade, was dropped upon his head, and a peal of laughter echoedfrom the panelled ceiling as Fred recovered himself, and rushed up thebroad staircase to attack his aggressor. 

There was a good-tempered wrestling bout on the landing, and then thetwo lads, Fred Forrester and Sir Godfrey Markham's son Scarlett, stoodpanting and recovering their breath. 

"And you are quite alone?" said Fred at last. 

"Yes, all but the women; but I knew you'd come over, and I lay wait foryou, as soon as I saw you crossing the park. "

"Well, what shall we do?"

"Let's fish. "

"Come along, then. Got any bait?"

"No; but we'll make Nat dig us some worms. Let's go and get thatmattress first. It belongs to the spare-room. "

No sooner said than done. The two boys ran down the broad oaken stairs, leaping the last six, and, each seizing one corner of the mattress, theytrailed it up the stairs, along the gallery, and into a sombre-lookingroom, after which Fred rushed to the top of the staircase, seatedhimself astride the broad balustrade, and began to glide down, but onlyto be overtaken by Scarlett, with the effect that the latter portion ofthe descent was achieved with additional velocity. 

The ride was so satisfactory, that it was tried again and again, sometimes one first, sometimes the other. 

"Wonder whether I could travel all along the gallery and down to thebottom, hanging on to the balusters, " said Fred, looking up at theturned supports, which grew thin in one place, and offered a temptinggrip for the hands. 

"Try, " said his companion. 

"You'd play some trick!"

"No, I wouldn't. "

"Honour bright!"

"Honour bright. "

"Here goes, then. "

Fred bounded up the stairs, ran along the gallery, climbed over thebalustrade, and lowered himself down till he hung by his hands, holdingon to the thin part of the balusters, while Scarlett looked up and hisgrim-looking ancestors looked down. 

For as Fred Forrester, son of Colonel Forrester, of the Manor, performedhis feat, with no little display of agility, old Sir Gabriel Markham, who had built the hall in the days of Henry the Seventh, frowned fromhis canvas in one of the panels, and looked as cold and angry as an oldknight clad in steel could look. 

There, too, was Sir Henry, seeming equally stern in his court suit andhat, and Dame Markham, in stomacher and farthingale and ruff, with quitea look of alarm on their countenances, which was reflected from that ofanother of the old Markhams--all appearing either angry or startled atsuch a freak being played in their august presence. 

There was one exception though, in the face of a sweet-looking lady ofabout twenty, whose eyes seemed to follow the boys, while a pleasant, mirthful smile was upon her lip. 

But the boys did not even give a thought to the portraits, whose eyesseemed to watch them till the feat, which required the exercise of nolittle muscular effort, was dexterously performed, and Fred stood on theoaken floor. 

"Well, I suppose you think I couldn't do that, do you?" cried Scarlett. 

"Not I. Any one could do it if he tried. "

"Yes, I should think he could, and in half the time you took. Lookhere; I'll show you. "

"Try if you can do it with your face turned this way, Scar, " cried Fred. 

For answer, the boy, who had reached the gallery, ran along to the end, climbed over, and then lowered himself down till he hung at full lengthby both hands clasping the balusters. Then he hung by one, and cleverlyswinging round, grasped another baluster, and hung facing his companion, who stood looking up and eagerly watching every movement. 

"Go on, Scar. "

"Oh yes, it's very easy to say go on; but see how awkward it is thisway. "

"Well, try the other. "

"Going to, " said Scarlett, laconically, as he swung himself back, andthen hand over hand passed along the front of the gallery, reached theturn, grasped the second of the descending balusters, loosed his hold ofthe last one on the level of the landing, made a dash to catch the firstbaluster side by side with that he already held, missed it, and swunground, hanging by one hand only, when suddenly there was a loud_crick-crack_, and, under the impression that the slight wooden pillarhad broken, Fred sprang up the stairs to his companion's assistance, butonly to trip as he nearly reached the top and fall sprawling upon thelanding upon a great deer-skin rug. 

CHAPTER TWO. 

BEHIND THE STAIR. 

Fred was up again in a moment, ready to pass his arms through and helphis friend; but the latter had already recovered himself, and washolding on with both hands, now staring between the balusters like awild beast through the bars of his cage. 

"What's the matter?" he said. 

"I thought you were falling. Which one broke?"

"I don't know; neither of them. "

"But what was that clacking noise?"

"I don't know. The baluster seemed to turn half round, and then flyback as if it had a spring at the bottom. "

"I know! Look here. It wrenched this stair loose. I trod on it, andthat's what made me fall. "

"Wait till I've gone down to the bottom, " said Scarlett, "and we'll soonput that right. "

As he spoke, the lad went on down, hand by hand, as Fred had made thedescent before him, and then came running up the polished oaken stairsto where his companion stood by the top stair but one, upon which lay abroad stain of red and gold, cast by a ray of light passing through oneof the painted windows. 

"It must have come unnailed, " said Scarlett, as he knelt down. 

"I don't think it has, " replied Fred, as he knelt beside him. "Lookhere, it's quite loose; and see here, you can push it right in. "

He thrust at the oaken board as he spoke, and it glided horizontallyfrom them under the top step which formed the landing, and left a longopening like a narrow box the length and width of the stair. 

"Don't push too far, " cried Scarlett, "or we shan't get it back. Pull. "

The boys pulled together, and the oaken tread glided back toward themwith the greatest ease, like a well-made drawer. 

"Mind!" shouted Fred. And they snatched away their fingers just in timeto save a nasty pinch, for the board came swiftly back into itsposition. There was a sharp _crick-crack_, and the stair was as solidas before, and the broad stain from the painted window lay in its oldplace on the dark brown wood. 

Scarlett Markham turned and stared at Fred Forrester, and Fred Forresterturned and stared at him. 

"I say, what do you think of that?" said Scarlett. 

"I don't know. What do you?"

"I don't know either, " said Scarlett, trying to move the board again. But it was firm as the rest of the stairs. 

"Did you see that baluster?" said Fred. 

"See it? No. What do you mean?"

"It seemed to me to move and make that noise. "

"Nonsense! How could it?"

"I don't know, but it was just the same noise as it made when you missedyour hold and swung round. "

"So it was; and I had hold of it, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully, as helaid his hand on the piece of turned and carved wood. "But it's quitefirm. " He gave it a shake, but with no effect. "You come and try, " hesaid. 

Fred took his place, and shook the baluster, then the other--itsfellow--but there was no result. 

"I don't know what to make of this, " said Scarlett. "I wonder whetherall the stairs are made the same. There, never mind; let's go andfish. "

"Stop a moment!" cried Fred, excitedly. "Look here; you can turn thisthing half round. See!"

"Well, that's only because it's loose. They're getting old and--"

_Crick-crack_!

Scarlett Markham started back, so quick and sudden was the sound, butonly to resume his position on his knees before the oaken stair-tread, which again yielded to a thrust, and glided under the landing once more, leaving the opening the length and breadth of the great stair. 

"Why, it's like the lid of a sliding box, Scar, " cried Fred. "Now then, let's pull it over once more. But look here, it won't go any further. "

This was the case, for about an inch of the carved front was left forthem to take hold of and draw it back, which they did, the board glidingeasily toward them, and closing with a loud snap. 

"There! I did see it then, " cried Scarlett. 

"What?"

"That baluster. It half twisted round. Why, Fred, it's a hiding-place. Here, let's open it again. Perhaps it's full of gold. "

Fred was quite willing, for his curiosity was excited; so, seizing thebaluster with both hands, he gave it a twist. There was the sharp soundas of a catch being set at liberty; the board moved, and was once morethrust back. 

"Now let me try, " cried Scarlett, "so as to make sure. "

The opening was closed again, the baluster twisted, and it was againopened, the lads pausing before the dark cavity, across which thecoloured rays played over a bar of dancing motes. 

"Seems to me, " said Fred, "that we've discovered a secret. Does yourfather know of it, do you think?"

"I feel sure he doesn't. I say, let's see if there's anything inside. "

"Do you think we ought to?"

"I wouldn't, if I thought my father knew about it; but I don't believehe does, so I shall try. Of course I shall tell him. "

"Yes, of course, " said Fred, whose curiosity pricked him on to action, and who felt relieved by his companion's words. "But do you think it'sa secret drawer?"

"Yes, I'm sure it is, or it wouldn't be made like that. "

"But perhaps they are all made this way. "

This was a damper; for if the stairs were all made in this fashion, there could be no secret. 

"Let's try, " said Scarlett; and together they turned and twisted withall their might at every baluster from top to bottom, but withoutresult. 

"Then it is a secret drawer, " said Fred, in a low, husky voice. 

"More like a coffin, " said Scarlett. 

"Ugh!"

"I hope no one's buried here. "

"Oh, I say, don't talk like that, " cried Fred. "It's too horrible. "

"Well, it might be so. Some one been killed years ago, and put there. "

"'Tisn't likely, " said Fred. "But, if it is a secret place, we oughtn'tto let any of the servants know. "

"I didn't think of that, " replied Scarlett; and, drawing the oaken boardback, the spring was closed, and the boys went and looked out to seethat Nat Dee was busy over the garden beds; and further investigationproved that the indoor servants were all in the other part of the house. 

"They would go up the back-stairs if they wanted anything, " saidScarlett, as they returned to the place where the coloured light shone;but it had already somewhat altered its position as Fred seized thebaluster, turned it, and the board lay loose. 

"Now, then, what are we going to find?" cried Scarlett, as he thrustback the board, and then recoiled a little and looked at his companion. 

Fred looked at him, and both lads felt that their hearts were beatingfast. 

"Not scared, are you, Fred!"

"No, I don't think so. "

"Then you may have first try if you like. What do you say?"

"Nothing, " replied Fred. "I feel as if I should like to, but all thesame I don't like. Let's try with a stick. There may be somethingnasty there; perhaps rats. "

"They wouldn't have stopped; but you're right. Go down and fetch astick. "

"You will not try till I come back?" said Fred, doubtingly. 

"No, I shall not try. Make haste. "

Fred was not long running down to one corner of the hall, and obtaininga stout ashen cudgel, which he handed to his companion, who, after amoment's hesitation, thrust in the staff, and found that the opening wasabout half as deep again as the height of the step; but though he tappedthe bottom, which seemed to be firm, and tried from side to side, therewas nothing solid within, nothing but a fine, impalpable dust, whichmade its presence known, for both lads began to sneeze. 

"I'm glad there are no bones in it, " said Scarlett. "It was only meantto put something in; made on purpose, I suppose. Just a long box:nothing more, and--Halloa!"

"What have you found?"

"Nothing, only that it's all open at the back, and I can--yes, so Ican!--reach right back; yes, as far as the stick will go. "

"That place wouldn't be made for nothing, Scar, " cried Fred. "I know. That's the way to somewhere. "

"Nonsense!"

"I don't care; I know it is, and you see if--"

"Some one coming, " whispered Scarlett, stooping down and dragging theboard toward him, when there was a sharp crack, and the stair was oncemore firm, just as steps were heard coming along the corridor, and oneof the servant-maids passed along the gallery and entered a room at theend. 

"Wait a bit, " whispered Scarlett, as soon as the maid had passed out ofhearing. "We'll get a bit of candle and lock the end door, and thenwe'll see what this means; for, as you say, it must have been made forsomething. But it can't be a way anywhere, or they would have made itupright like a door. "

"If they could, " said Fred, thoughtfully. "Perhaps it was meant forpeople to go through lying down. "

"Well, wait a bit, " said Scarlett, "and we'll see. "

Unkind people say that girls have the bump of curiosity greatlydeveloped, far more so than boys. This is a vulgar error, for thelatter are quite as eager to know as their sisters, and from the momentthat the heavy oak board was replaced, Fred Forrester and Scar Markhamsuffered from a fit of excitement which they could not allay. For, asis usually the case, the person they wanted to go seemed determined tostay. That person was the maid, who appeared to have found somethingvery important to do in the room at the end of the corridor; and it wasimpossible to continue the examination till she had returned to theservants' quarters. 

Scar fetched a candlestick with a short piece of candle burning therein, and shut it up in one of the great cupboards in the hall, so as to loseno time. 

Then they fidgeted up and down, listening intently the while; examinedsome of the well-oiled, warlike weapons on the walls; crept upstairs andalong the corridor to listen at the bedroom door; ran down again, andwaited until the suspense seemed unbearable. 

"I believe she has gone to bed and fallen asleep, " whispered Fred. 

"Nonsense! She dare not in that best room. "

"Let's go out in the garden, then, and leave it till another day. "

"And when will that be? Why, everybody will be about then. No; we mustexamine the place to-day. "

"What's that?" cried Fred, suddenly. "What's what?"

"I can smell fire. "

"Well, they're cooking in the kitchen, I suppose. "

"No, no; it's wood burning. Oh, Scar, look there!"

As Fred pointed toward the great closet in one corner of the hall, thelads could see a thin blue film of vapour stealing out through the crackat the top; and their first inclination was to run away and shout"Fire!" But second thoughts are best. 

"Come on, " cried Scar; and he ran to the closet door, swung it open, andthe reason for the smoke was plain enough to see. The candle which theyhad hidden there till the maid came down had been badly fastened in thesocket; had fallen over sidewise, probably when the door was closed, andwas now leaning up against the oak wainscot, guttering down rapidly, andburning a long, channel-like hole in the woodwork, which was pouringforth smoke, and would in a few minutes have become serious. 

As it was, a little presence of mind was sufficient to avert the danger. The candle was removed, and a handkerchief pressed against thesmouldering wainscot stifled the tiny fire, while the windows beingopen, the pale blue smoke soon evaporated, and the candle was leftsecurely now as the lads re-entered the hall and carefully closed thedoor once more. 

"We should have looked nice if the old hall had been burned down, " saidFred. 

"Oh, nonsense!" was the reply. "The place is too strong and full of oakand stone. The hall couldn't be burned. Here, it's of no use waitingany longer; she will not come down. Let's go out in the garden. "

Fred glanced at the stairs, and followed his companion unwillingly; butno sooner were they outside than Scar called his companion's attentionto the bedroom window, where the maid in question was leaning out, watching Nat Lee, as he slowly did his work. 

The girl caught sight of the two lads, drew back, and as they waited inthe great porch they had the satisfaction of hearing her go back, alongthe corridor, closing the door at the end. 

"Now, Fred, " said Scarlett, excitedly, "we're safe at last. " He dashedup the stairs and slipped the bolt of the door through which the maidhad just passed, and returned to the top of the stairs. "Come along, "he whispered. "Don't stand there. Bring the light. "

Fred ran to the great closet and obtained the burning candle. Thebaluster was twisted; there was the familiar _crick-crack_; the loosestep was thrust back, and the boys stood looking into the long box-likeopening. 

"Wouldn't it be safer to fasten the front door too?" said Fred in awhisper. 

"Yes, and be quick, " replied his companion in the same low, excitedmanner. 

Fred ran down, closed the great oaken door, ran a ponderous bolt intoits receptacle, and again joined his companion. 

"Now then, " whispered Scarlett, "what shall we do?"

As he spoke he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far as he couldreach, disclosing the fact that this was no rough back to the staircase, but a smooth, carefully finished piece of work. 

"Shall we try if we can creep in?" suggested Fred. 

"I hardly like to; but if you will, I will. "

"I will, " replied Fred, laconically. 

"But how are we to get in? It isn't deep enough to crawl. "

"Tell you what, " cried Fred, "I think the way is to lie down in it andthen roll along. There's plenty of room that way. "

"Will you try?"

"If you'll come after me. "

"Go on, then. "

Fred hesitated a few moments, and then holding the candle as far forwardas he could he lay down, but instead of rolling, shuffled himself alongunder the landing, finding plenty of room for his journey, and pushingthe light onward as he crept sidewise. 

"Coming, Scar?" he whispered rather hoarsely. 

"Yes, I'm coming. Mind the candle doesn't set fire to anything. What'sthat?"

"Only a cobweb burning. The place is full of them; and--Oh, Scar!"

"What is it?"

"I can get my legs down here, and--yes, it's a narrow passage, and I canstand upright. "

Wondering more and more, Scarlett shuffled along to his companion, anddirectly after they were standing together in a passage so strait thatthey could barely pass along it as they stood square, their shouldersnearly touching the sides. 

"Yes, it's a passage, sure enough, " said Scarlett, in an awe-strickenwhisper, as by the light Fred held he could see that the sides andceiling were of rough oak panelling, the floor being flagged with stone. 

"Shall we go on?" whispered Fred. 

"Yes. Why not? You're not afraid, are you?"

"Yes, a little. It's all so strange. Don't you feel a little--"

"Yes, just a little; but there can't be any thing to be afraid of. Youmust go first. "

Fred hesitated a few moments, and then went on for quite forty feet, when the narrow passage turned off at a right angle for about anothertwenty, when it again bent sharply round in the same direction as atfirst. 

"This cannot be a chimney?" whispered Scarlett, for the darkness andheavy dusty air seemed to oppress them. 

"No; they wouldn't make a chimney of wainscotting. Oh!"

"What have you found?"

"Look here; a lot of stone steps. "

The boys stood looking at the old stone stairway, which seemed to invitethem to a higher region, but still as narrow as the passage. 

The stones were dusty, and cobwebs hung in all directions; buteverything seemed as if it had been unused ever since the architect putthe finishing touches to the place. 

The two boys looked at the stairway, Fred holding up the candle, andScar peering over his shoulder for some moments before the former spoke. 

"Think we'd better go back now. "

"Yes, " said Scarlett; "only doesn't it seem cowardly?"

Fred remained silent for a while, and then said with a sigh--

"I suppose it does. Come on. "

"Are you going up?"

"Yes. I don't want to. It's all so dark and creepy; but we shouldlaugh at each other for being frightened when we got out. "

Scar nodded his head, and after a little more hesitation, Fred wentslowly up the stairs, to find that from the top another narrow passagewent off at right angles. 

As they stood together on the narrow landing, Scar exclaimed--

"Here, I know. These are only openings through the thick walls to keepthem dry. "

"Look!" said Fred, pointing before them at a thin pencil of light whichmade a spot on the wall. 

"That's sunshine, " cried Scarlett, "and shows what I said. This is oneof the walls we are in, and that must be the south. "

"Why?" said Fred, trying to touch the slit through which the light came. 

"Because the sun shines in. Let's go on to the end. "

This was soon reached, for at the end of a dozen steps they came upon anarrow door studded with great nails, and after a little hesitation, Fred pushed this, and the boys started back at the hideous groan whichgreeted them. 

CHAPTER THREE. 

HOW THE LIGHT WAS EXTINGUISHED. 

There was something very strange and weird about that sound--one whichsent a chill of horror through both the hearers, but they laughed thenext moment at their fears, for the noise was only such as could begiven out by a pair of rusty hinges from which an unused door had hungfor a hundred years, the sound being rendered more startling from thehollow space beyond. 

Fred felt more startled than ever, in spite of his forced laugh; but heheld the candle before him, and gazed through the narrow opening into alittle low-ceiled room, panelled throughout with oak, and festooned withcobwebs, while on one side there was quite a cluster of long, thin, white-looking strands and leaves hanging over and resting upon a heap ofcrumbling, fungus-covered sticks. 

"Why, it's quite a little chamber, " Scarlett exclaimed; "and look at theivy. It has come in through that loop-hole. "

"And look at that old jackdaw's nest. I say, Scar, can your father knowof this place?"

"No, nor any one else. But it is queer. A regular secret chamber. "

"Yes, but what's it for?"

"I don't know. Must have been made when the house was built to keep theplate in for fear of robbers. "

"Look at the spiders! There's a big one!"

"Yes, but I'm trying to puzzle out where it is. I know. It must besomewhere at the west corner, because that's where there is most ivy. "

"But is it upstairs or downstairs?"

"Up, of course; and look here. "

Scarlett pointed to what had at first escaped their sight--to wit, asecond door, ingeniously contrived in one angle of the little chamber, and in the dim light shed by the candle hardly distinguishable from thepanelling. 

"Where can that go?"

"Oh, it's only a cupboard. Stop a moment. "

Scarlett went to the other side, crushing down the heap of rotten twigsbrought in by the birds, and thrust his hand amongst the mass of sicklyivy strands, to find that the opening through which they came wascompletely choked up, but after a little feeling about he was able toannounce that there was a narrow slit-like window, with an upright rustyiron bar. 

"Why, it will be glorious, Scar, " cried Fred. "Let's clear the placeout, and cut away the ivy, and then we can keep it all a secret. "

"Yes, and bring some furniture--chairs and table, and a carpet. Why, wemight have a bed too. "

"How are you going to get them here?"

Scarlett gave his dark curls a vicious rub. "I never thought of that. "

"Never mind; but we could bring some cushions, and store up fruit, andmake this our cave. You will not tell anybody?"

"I should think not. "

"Not even Lil. "

"No; she'd go and tell every one directly. Why, Fred, this will besplendid. What a discovery!"

"When we've cleaned it up it will be a little palace. "

"And we can keep our stores in the closet there, and--Think there'll beany rats?"

"No signs of any. Can't smell 'em. "

"They've never found their way here. Dare say there are some bats; butwe'll soon clear them out. Wish there were a fireplace. We could cookthe birds and fish we caught. "

"Let's see what's in the cupboard. "

Fred crossed the little chamber to the corner where the second doorstood ajar, and it was so similar to the panelling that but for itsbeing partly opened, it would not have been seen. 

This, too, gave forth a dismal hollow groan as it was drawn inward uponits concealed rusty hinges, and then, as Fred raised the light to seewhat was inside, he exclaimed--

"Why, it isn't a cupboard. Here's another flight of steps!"

Scarlett pressed forward and stood beside him, peering beneath thecandle, and looking down the dusty stone stairs into utter darknessbeyond the faint light shed by the candle. 

Then he turned to Fred as he grasped his arm and looked inquiringly intohis face. 

"I will if you will, " said Fred, as if his companion had asked him aquestion. 

"Come along, then, " cried Scarlett, excitedly. "Only let's keeptogether. "

"Of course. Shall I go first?"

"No, I'll go, " said Scarlett, after a momentary hesitation. 

He snatched the candle from his friend's hand, and took a step forwardon to the little square landing. 

"Mind the door doesn't blow to. Push it wide open. "

Fred did as he was told, the rusty hinges giving forth another dismalgroan, which seemed to echo hollowly and then to die away. 

"Come along, " said Scarlett, in a low voice; and, holding the candlewell before him, he began to descend the narrow steps, the distance fromside to side being precisely the same as before. 

"Smells cold and damp, " whispered Fred, when they had descended abouttwenty steps; "just like a wine cellar. "

"Perhaps it is one when we get to the bottom, and full of old wine. "

"Are there many more steps?"

"Can't see. Shall we go any farther?"

"Oh yes; we'll go to the bottom, as we are here. "

"Stop a moment. What was that?"

"I didn't hear anything. "

"Yes; there it is again. "

"Sounded like a drip of water in a pool. "

"Perhaps it's a well. "

"They wouldn't make a well here. Let's go to the bottom, and then besatisfied for one day. "

"Take hold of hands then, in case. "

"In case of what?"

"There may be foul air at the bottom, same as there was in the Manorwell. "

"You are saying that to frighten me. "

"No. "

"Well, it sounded like it. Let's go on. "

The two explorers of this hidden way went on down and down, with thesounds made by their feet echoing strangely; but still there were freshsteps, and the distance seemed in their excited state to be tremendous. Scarlett, however, persevered, though his movements were slower andslower; and more than once he turned back to hold the light as high aspossible, so as to gaze up at the way they had come, looking over hisshoulder, and still holding tightly by Fred's hand. 

"We must be right down ever so much below the house, " he said at last. "Shall we go any farther?"

"Oh yes, I'd go on, " replied Fred, quietly; and once more the two ladsgazed in each other's eyes as if looking for signs of fear. 

"Come along then, " cried Scarlett, manfully; and he went down and downmore steps to stand at last on level stones, a narrow passage stretchingout before him, while the stone walls and ceiling gleamed as if slightlydamp. 

"Hold the light up a little higher, Scar, " whispered Fred. 

Scarlett raised his left hand to the full length of his arm; there was asoft _dab_, and Fred uttered a subdued "Oh!" as his companion's righthand grasped his with spasmodic violence. 

For Scarlett had pressed the candle up against the stone ceding, and thearched surface thoroughly performed the duty of extinguisher, leavingthem in total darkness. 

Half a minute must have passed, during which they were stunned by thehorror of their position, before Scarlett exclaimed--

"Oh, Fred, what shall we do?"

There was no answer, Fred holding the other's hand tightly, and it wasnot until the question was repeated that he uttered a low gasping sigh. 

"We can find our way back, " he whispered, in an awe-stricken voice. "There's nothing to mind, for we can't go wrong. "

"But we might take a wrong turning, and never find our way out. "

"There are no turnings, " replied Fred, stolidly. "Come along. "

"Listen! Wasn't that something?"

"I don't hear anything, only the echo. Hoi!"

Fred half shouted the last word, and as they listened it seemed to runright away in an echoing, hollow way, to die at last in quite a whisper. 

"What a horrible place!" faltered Scarlett. "Let's make haste back. Isay, don't you feel scared?"

"I don't know, " whispered back Fred. "I feel as if I do. I'd giveanything to be out in the sunshine again, and I wish we had not come. Let's make haste. "

Scarlett needed no further urging, but pressed on so closely behind hiscompanion that they seemed to move as one, Fred passing his hand alongthe cold stone wall as they went on, up and up the apparently endlessflight of steps, till the landing was reached, and the leader graspedthe door. 

"There!" he cried, as they passed into the little room, Scarlett closingthe door behind them, the hinges creaking dismally. "Now for the otherdoor. I don't seem to mind so much now. "

"I don't think I do; but it seems very queer. What's that?"

"Only me. I touched you with my hand. "

"It felt so cold on my cheek, it sent a shiver through me. Let's makehaste. "

"You go first this time, then. You remember where the door is?"

"Yes, I remember, " replied Scarlett. "It was just a few steps over hereand--I say, Fred, it's gone!"

"Nonsense! It can't have gone. Feel about with your hands. "

Scarlett felt here and there, and then uttered a low sigh. 

"I can't find it. Come over here. "

Fred crept to him, and as he felt about in the utter darkness, hetouched his companion, who uttered a cry and rushed away from him. 

"Don't be a coward, Scar. It was only I. "

"I'm not a coward, " cried Scarlett, angrily; "only I fancied somethingwas going to touch me, and you came so quietly. Where are you?"

"Here. And, I say, you made me turn about, and I don't know which naythe door is now. But we'll soon find it. "

Nothing seems more simple to talk of, but nothing is more confusing thanto be standing in profound darkness, not knowing which way to go, theslightest deviation beginning the confusion, which seems to augment. 

Fred's attempt to regain touch of their position was simple enough. Hewent forward, and after a step or two touched the wall. 

"Here we are, Scar, " he said. "Come along. The door is just here. Yes; here it is. "

He seized the edge, and it gave forth its dismal creak again. 

"That's the wrong door, " cried Scarlett, excitedly. "The one we justcame through. "

"Is it?" said Fred, confusedly. "Yes, I suppose it is. Then we musttry again. How stupid!"

The second trial was more successful; and slowly and cautiously passingthrough, they began directly after to make their way along the firstpassages they had traversed, feeling their course round the angles atthe sharp turns, and with their spirits rising fast as they felt thatthey were approaching the entrance; and as they at last reached it, withthe daylight shining through, feeling ready to laugh at their fears. 

"Here we are, Scar, " cried Fred, as he lay down and rolled himself overand over till he was in the hollow stair, and directly after climbedout, bent down and took the candlestick from his companion's hand, leaving him free to follow, but Scarlett uttered a cry. 

"What's the matter?"

"Something has got hold of my jerkin. "

Fred burst out laughing. 

"Why, it's only that knob. Meant to open the stair from inside, Isuppose. "

_Crick-crack_! The board was drawn back into its place, and the boyswent slowly down into the hall. 

"Why, Scar, you look quite white. "

"Do I? So do you, " was the reply. "Look, we're covered with dust. Come along, and let's go to my room and have a wash. "

"And then we can sit down and talk about it. "

Scarlett nodded; and once more ascending the stairs, they passed overthe secret entry, unlocked the door in the corridor, and enteredScarlett's bedchamber, where it took some time to get rid of the marksof their journey. After which they sat down in the sunshine by the openwindow, to discuss their find, and settle two or three points inconnection therewith. 

CHAPTER FOUR. 

"GOD SAVE THE KING!"

"Seems queer now, " said Fred, as they gazed down into the garden, "thatwe could have felt so scared. "

Scarlett was silent. 

"What are you thinking about!"

"Whether I oughtn't to tell father about that place. "

"I suppose you ought, " said Fred, after a pause; "but if you do, weshall have no more fun. "

"I didn't see any fun in it, " said Scarlett, slowly. 

"Not then; but see what we could do with a secret place of our own toretreat to whenever we liked, and no one knowing where we had gone. Isay, don't tell anybody. "

"But I feel as if I ought to tell my father, as it's his place. "

"Yes, I suppose you ought; but let's wait a bit first. "

"Well, we might wait a little while. I say, Fred, what cowards wewere!"

"But it was so dark, and I couldn't help thinking that we might neverfind our way out. "

"Yes; that's just how I felt, and as if something was coming after usout of the darkness. "

"And, of course, there couldn't be anything. You could see by the duston the steps that nobody had been there for years and years. "

There was a long silence here, during which the two lads looked out atthe garden flooded with sunshine, where Nat was working verydeliberately close by the sun-dial. And beyond him, at the lake, fromwhich the sunbeams flashed whenever a fish or water-fowl disturbed thesurface. 

"I say, " said Fred at last, "don't let's sit here any longer. You're asdull as if you had no tongue. What are you thinking about now?"

"I was wondering whether I shall be such a coward when I grow up to be aman. "

"I say, Scar, don't keep on talking like that; it's just as if you kepton calling me a coward too. "

"So you were. "

"No, I was not; but it was enough to frighten anybody. It was all sodark and strange. "

"Should you be afraid to go again?"

"No, " said Fred, stoutly. 

"Will you go, then?"

"What, alone?"

"No; both together. "

"I'll go, if you will. When shall we go?"

"Now, " said Scarlett, firmly. 

"Now?"

"Yes. I want to know where that place leads to; and I don't like tofeel that we were frightened because it was dark. Come along. "

"What now--directly?"

"Yes; you're not afraid, are you?"

"No, " cried Fred, starting up. "Get two candles this time, and we'lltake one apiece. "

The lights were obtained, the door at the end of the passage bolted, andonce more the two boys stood at the top of the staircase. 

"Think we had better go now?" said Fred. 

"Yes; we may not have such a chance again for ever so long. Do you feelafraid?"

"Not exactly afraid; only as if I didn't want to go. I'm not so braveas you are, Scar. "

This last was said with a bit of a sneer, which made the boy wince, andthen draw himself up proudly. 

"I'm not brave, " he said, "for I feel as if I'd give anything not to go;but it seems to me as if it would be very cowardly to give up, and Imean to go. "

He seized the balustrade as he spoke, gave it a wrench, the stair shotfrom its fastening, was pushed back, and without another word Scarlettthrust in his lighted candle, followed it, and Fred stood looking in ashis companion gradually disappeared. 

"Come along, Fred, " came in muffled tones from beneath the landing; and, uttering a sigh, Fred thrust in his candlestick and followed, to rise, after a slow horizontal progress, to a perpendicular position, behindhis leader. 

The way seemed far easier now, and in a very few minutes they werestanding again in the chamber, where they paused for a few momentsbefore Scarlett drew open the panelled door in the corner, and once moreheld the light above his head as he gazed down the mysterious stairs. 

"Shall I go first?" asked Fred, in a voice which invited a refusal ofhis services. 

"No; it's our place, and I'll lead, " was the reply. 

"Don't put the candle out again, " said Fred, with a sigh of relief, andspeaking in warning tones. "I say, Scar, perhaps there's a place likethis at the Manor. "

"We'll see, when we've found out all about this, " replied Scarlett, ashe began to descend, while Fred followed closely, the two lights makingtheir task easier, while their confidence began now to increase as theyencountered no danger. 

The foot of the steps was reached in safety, the candle being held lowdown, so as to guard against any pitfall or fresh flight of stairs inthe way. 

But all was perfectly level as the boys went on along the narrow, arched-over passage, their light footfalls sending on before them acurious series of reverberations, while their progress for quite ahundred yards was singularly monotonous and uneventful. 

"Why, how far does it go?" said Fred at last, becoming bolder now, butfeeling startled as he heard his words go whispering away. 

"Very little farther. Look!"

The lights were held up, and they stopped short, for a few yards beforethem was a narrow, nail-studded door, very similar to the one leadinginto the chamber, but heavier looking, and with a great rusty bolt attop and bottom. 

"That's the end of it, then, " said Fred. "I say, I know what it is. That's the vault where they used to bury the old Markhams. "

"That it can't be, for they were all buried at the church. "

"Well, it looks like it, " said Fred. "Shall we go any farther?"

"Yes, of course. I want to see what's behind the door. "

Nerving himself to the effort, Scarlett stepped over the interveningspace, and took hold of the top bolt, which, like its fellow, was shotinto a socket in the stone wall. 

But the bolt was rusted to the staples, and he could not move it withone hand. 

"Hold the light, Fred, " he exclaimed; and his companion stood behindhim, bearing both candles, as Scarlett tugged and strained and wrenchedvainly at the corroded iron. 

"Wants a hammer to start it, " said Fred, as the interest in theseproceedings drove away the sensations of nervousness. "Shall we go backand fetch one?"

"I'm--afraid--we shall have to, " panted Scarlett, as he toiled andstrained at the stubborn bolt. "It's of no use to try and--"

There was a sharp creak, the bolt gave way a little, and the rest wasonly a work of time, for by wriggling it up and down the rust was groundout, and at last it yielded and was drawn back. 

"Let me have a try at the other, " cried Fred; and Scarlett squeezed byhim and took the candles, to stand, hot and panting, watching intentlywhile his companion attacked the lower bolt. 

This was even more compactly fixed than the other; but the thumb-piecewas projecting, and Fred began on this with his foot, kicking it upwardwith his toe, and stamping it down again, till it gradually loosened, and, after a little more working, shot back with ease. 

Fred drew away from the door then, and looked at his companion. 

"Shall we open it now?" he said, with his old hesitation returning. 

Scarlett did not answer for a few moments. 

"Think it is a tomb?" he said. 

"You said it was not, " replied Fred. 

"It would be very horrible if it is; I shouldn't like to look in. "

The door opened from them, and, as they stood there, they could see thatit had given a little, so that the edge was nearly half an inch from thestonework, and a faint, damp odour reached their nostrils. 

"Don't let's be cowards, " cried Fred; and, raising one foot, he placedit against the door, gave a hard thrust, and started back so suddenlythat he nearly overset Scarlett with the lights. 

But the door did not fly open. It only yielded a few inches, the hingesgiving forth a dismal, grating sound, and for a few moments the boysstood hesitating. 

"I don't care, " cried Fred, excitedly. "I mean to have it open now;"and he rushed at the door, and thrust and drove, each effort moving it alittle more and a little more, the ironwork yielding with groan aftergroan, as if it were remonstrating for being roused from a long, longsleep, till the door struck against the wall with an echoing bang; andonce more the boys hesitated. 

But there was nothing to alarm them. The heavy, dank odour came moreplainly, and, after a few minutes, Fred took one of the candles andadvanced into a stone vault about a dozen feet square, with a very low, arched doorway opposite to them, and another flight of steps descendinginto darkness, while on one side lay a little heap of rusty iron in thelast stages of decay. 

"Why, the place is nothing but passages and cellars, " cried Fred. 

"This must be the end, though, " replied Scarlett, eagerly. "We havecome a good way, and there should be a door at the bottom of thesestairs leading into the park. "

"Let's come and see, then, " cried Fred, advancing boldly enough now. "What fun if we've found another way into the--Here, Scar, look, look!"

The boy had stopped half a dozen steps down, and he was stooping andholding the candle as far as he could stretch as Scarlett reached hisside. 

"Water?"

"Yes; water. "

"What is it--a well?"

"I don't know. We could soon tell, if we had a stick. Here! what arethose at the side?"

They went back to the heap of old iron, and to their surprise found thatit was a collection of old arms and armour, rusted almost beyondrecognition. 

From this heap they dragged a long sword, one which must have beenheavy, but which was now little better than a thin collection of scales. 

"This will do, " said Fred, returning to the farther doorway, anddescending till he was on the lowest step, where, reaching out, he triedto sound the depth. 

This proved an easy task, for, as near as they could make out, the waterwas about a yard deep, and the steps went to the bottom, where all waslevel ground. 

They stretched out the lights, and gazed before them to where theretreating passage grew lower and lower, till the top of the arch seemedto have dipped down and touched the black water; and having satisfiedthemselves that no farther progress could be made, Fred turned and said, as he rubbed one ear--

"Now, if we were fishes or water-rats, we might find out some more. But, I say, Scar, we've taken a deal of trouble to find out verylittle. "

"I think we've found out a great deal, " replied Scarlett. "This is nowell. It's the edge of the lake, and this--"

"Nonsense!"

"I feel sure it is, and this must be a secret way into the house, hiddenunder water. Fred, we must have a search outside, and see if we can'tfind the place. "

"Then you will not stay here any longer?" said Fred, throwing down thesword upon the rusty heap. 

"No; let's go back now. We have found out a very curious thing; and ifwe can discover the way in from outside, it will be splendid. "

"Come along, then, " replied Fred, crossing to the heap of old armour, and stooping over it, candle in hand. "But I wonder how old thesethings are. Do you think we could clean the armour, and make it lookbright again?"

Scarlett shook his head as he picked up the remains of an old helmet. 

"It must have been a time of war when this house was built, " he saidthoughtfully; "and the secret passage was forgotten when it became atime of peace. "

"But it is not a time of peace now, is it? I heard that there wouldvery likely be war. "

"Who told you that?"

"I heard your father and my father talking about it; and they both grewcross, and your father soon got up and went home. "

"Then your father must have said something he did not like against theking. "

"My father does not like the king, " said Fred, sharply. 

"And my father does, " cried Scarlett, with a flash of the eye. 

"Oh, never mind about that now, " said Fred, looking at his old companionin a troubled manner. "What has it got to do with us? What shall we donow?"

"Go back, " replied Scarlett; "for we cannot get any farther along here. I say, Fred, it does not seem such a terrible place now you are used toit, does it?"

"Terrible!" cried Fred, stoutly. "Why, I like it. Don't, pray don't, tell anybody about it, and we can have fine games here. It's ever somuch better than a cave, and we can smuggle all sorts of things up here. I mean up there in that room. "

"Yes, if I don't tell my father about it. "

"Oh, don't tell him yet! not till we're tired of it. Then I don'tmind. "

Scarlett made no reply, but holding his candle above his head, went outof the vault, stopping afterwards while Fred drew to the door. Then, with the ease begotten of use, they went along the tunnel, up the stepsto the chamber, and then along the passages to the great staircase, lying down and rolling themselves over, and emerging to listen intentlybefore closing the opening, and hurrying to Scarlett's room for anotherwash and clearance of the cobwebs and dust. 

This done, they hurried out, full of eagerness to run down to the sideof the great lake, where they fully expected to find the opening atonce. 

Failing in this, they stopped by a sandy bank, and, taking a piece ofstick, Fred set to work to sketch on the sand a plan of theirwanderings. 

"You see, we started from here, Scar; then we went off so far to theleft, then to the right, then to the left again, and then up into thechamber. Then we went out of the right-hand corner, and down that longflight of stairs to the passage, which led straight away to the vault, and down into the water. "

"Well?" said Scarlett, coolly. 

"Yes, of course, I see it now. Then, according to my plan, the way intothe lake must be just under where we are sitting. "

"Where is it, then?"

Fred looked up at his companion, rubbed his ear again, and then lookeddown at the water's edge. 

"It must be here somewhere, " he said. "Let's have another look round. "

Scarlett rose to his feet from where he had been lying, and they oncemore searched the side of the lake, which toward the house was deep anddark below its high bank. 

There were places where it might be possible for a tunnel to run downinto the water, shady spots where willows and alders overhung the lake;places where birch and hazels grew close up to the patches of rushes andreed-mace, with its tall broken pokers standing high above the wavingleaves. 

In one indentation--a spot where the flat-bottomed boat lay moored--Scarlett felt certain that they had found the entrance; but when theylay flat on the overhanging bank and peered down below, there wasnothing to be seen but black leaves and dead branches far below, whilein mid-water, bar-sided perch in golden green armour, floated slowly toand fro, seeming to watch the movements of sundry carp close to thesurface, gliding in and out among the stems of the lilies and nestlingbeneath the leaves. 

"It's of no use, Fred. I'm afraid we have made a mistake. That must bea kind of well made to supply the house with water, and it is all fancyabout the passage coming down here. "

At that moment there was a loud burst of barking, and the lads startedup to run towards the house, for two mounted men were on their way alongthe winding road which crossed the park, evidently making for the greatentrance-door of the Hall. 

"They've come back together, " cried Fred as he ran; but before theycould reach the door, one of the horsemen had swung himself down, thrownthe reins to Nat, who was waiting, and walked up to the top of thesteps. Here he turned, and stood frowning for a few moments, while hiscompanion sat beating his boot with his whip so vigorously that thehorse kept starting and fidgeting about, making a plunge sufficient tounseat a bad rider. 

"Will you come in, Forrester?" said the dismounted man. 

"What for?" was the stern reply. "To renew the argument, and have harshwords said to me?"

"Nonsense, my dear Forrester, " said the other. "I only spoke out as aloyal man should, and I am sorry you took it so ill. "

"And I only spoke out as a loyal man should. "

"Loyal?"

"Yes, to his country, sir. "

"Why, my dear Forrester--" began the dismounted man, angrily. "There, Ibeg your pardon. I was a little heated. Come in, Forrester. Stay anddine with me, and we can chat matters over coolly. "

"Better not, " said the mounted man, coldly. "Fred!"

"Yes, father. "

"You were coming home with me?"

"No, father; I was going to stop with Scar for a bit. "

"Humph! Better come home now, my boy. I think Sir Godfrey wishes totalk to his son. "

"I was not going to do anything of the kind, Forrester; but if you arebent upon a division between us, I am not the man to baulk you. "

"Very good, sir, very good. Then be it so. "

"But it seems to me a great pity that two old friends should be divided, and our boys, who have been like brothers, should be separated upon aquestion about which you must feel, upon calm consideration, that youare wrong. "

"If I felt that I was wrong, Sir Godfrey Markham, I should at onceapologise; but I am not wrong. "

"And our boys?"

"It is impossible for our boys to be friends, Sir Godfrey, until youhave apologised for what you have said. "

"Apologised, Colonel Forrester! Why, sir, I commend myself for myrestraint. If it had been any other man than my oldest friend who haddared to utter such disloyal thoughts against the king, I should havestruck him from his horse. Good day, sir, and I pray Heaven to placebetter thoughts in your mind! Scarlett, my boy. "

"Yes, father. "

"Come here. "

"Mayn't I shake hands with Fred Forrester first?"

"No. Yes. You boys have no quarrel. But it will be better that youshould keep at home for the present. "

"Oh, Fred, what's the matter?" whispered Scarlett. 

"Don't you know?"

"Ye-es, I'm afraid I do. "

"That's it. I didn't know we were going to have trouble about it downhere in Coombeland. But, I say, Scar, we're good friends, aren't we?"

"Yes, of course. "

"That's right. They're both cross to-day; they'll make it upto-morrow. "

"Fred!" said Colonel Forrester over his shoulder as he rode off. 

"Coming, father. Good-bye, Scar; and, I say, don't tell anybody aboutthe secret place just yet. "

"Very well. "

"It will be all right again directly. Father soon gets good-temperedagain after he has been cross; but it always makes him angry if anybodypraises up the king. "

"Fred!"

"Coming, father. "

The boy darted off after the departing horseman, and Scarlett satwatching them till they disappeared among the trees, when he went slowlyinto the house, catching sight of his father striding up and down in thedining-room, and with a more serious look in his face than he rememberedto have seen before. 

"I hope there is not going to be trouble and fighting, the same as therehas been elsewhere, " thought the boy; and he involuntarily glancedthrough the open hall-door at the beautiful landscape, across whichseemed to float visions of soldiers and burning homesteads, anddestruction such as had been brought to them in the shape of news fromfar distant parts. 

The coming of his father roused him from his reverie. 

"Why, Scar, lad, don't look so serious, " cried Sir Godfrey, clapping theboy on the shoulder. "I spoke angrily, didn't I, my boy? Well, I wasobliged in these rebellious times. Remember this, Scar, no matter whatcomes, `God save the king!'"

"Yes, father, " cried the boy, flushing as he took off his cap and tossedit in the air, "`God save the king!'"

CHAPTER FIVE. 

ANOTHER DISCOVERY. 

Fred was right; the two elders did soon make it up, and the politicalebullition seemed to be forgotten. The boys were soon together again, enjoying their simple country ways as of yore, while the cloudsgathering around only looked golden in their sunshiny life. 

The search for the outlet to the secret passage was renewed withoutsuccess, and then given up for a time. There was so much to see and dothat glorious autumn time when the apples were ripening fast, andhanging in great ropes from the heavily laden trees, beneath whosetangled boughs all was grey and green leaves and gloom, every orchardbeing an improvised wilderness, which was allowed to bear or be barrenaccording to its will. 

There was always so much to do. Trout to hunt up the little moorlandstreams; loaches to impale among the stones of the swift torrents; ridesover the long undulating stretches of the moor, from far inland to whereit ended abruptly in steep cliffs by the sea. 

And so life glided on at Manor and Hall. The king and country were notmentioned; Colonel and Mistress Forrester supped at the Hall, and littleLil listened to the sweet old-fashioned ballads the visitor sang. Thenthe Scarletts spent pleasant evenings at the Manor, and the two fathersdiscussed the future of their sons, while Dame Markham and MistressForrester seemed to be like sisters. 

But all the while the storm-clouds were gathering, and a distantmuttering of thunder told that the tempest threatened to break over thepleasant west-country land. 

"There's going to be a big change o' some kind, Master Scarlett, " saidNat, the gardener; "and if there is, it won't be any too soon, for itwill put my brother Samson in his proper place, and keep him there. "

"Yes, Master Fred, I went and had a mug o' cider down in the villagelast night, poor winegar wee sort o' stuff--three apples to a bucket o'water--such as my brother Nat makes up at the Hall; and there they allwere talking about it. People all taking sides all over England. Some's Cavaliers and some's Roundheads, so they say, and one party's forthe king, and the other isn't. Precious awful, aren't it?"

"Perhaps it's only talk, Samson?"

"No, Master Fred, sir, I don't think it's all talk; but there is a dealo' talk. "

"Ah, well, it's nothing to do with us, Samson. Let them quarrel. We'retoo busy out here to bother about their quarrels. "

"Well, I dunno, sir. I'm not a quarrelsome chap, but I heard things asmy brother Nat has said quite bad enough to make me want to go againhim, for we two never did agree; and when it comes to your own brothertelling downright out-and-out lies about the Manor vegetables and fruit, I think it's time to speak, don't you?"

"Oh, I wish you and Nat would meet some day, and shake hands, or elsefight it out and have done with it; brothers oughtn't to quarrel. "

"I dunno, Master Fred, I dunno. "

"Ah, well, I think all quarrels are a bother, whether they're big onesor whether they're little ones. They say the king and Parliament havefallen out; well, if I had my way, I'd make the king and Parliamentshake hands, just as Scar Markham and I will make you and Nat shakeyours. "

"Nay, Master Fred, never!"

"I'm going to meet him this afternoon, and we'll talk it over. "

Samson shook his head. 

Home studies were over for the day, and by a natural attraction, Fredstarted by a short cut to the high point of the moor, just at the sametime as Scar Markham left the Hall for the same spot. 

"He'll be in some mischief or another before he gets back, " said SamsonDee, as he ceased digging, and rested one foot upon the top of hisspade, watching his young master contemplatively as he went along theroad for a short distance before leaping up the bank, and beginning totramp among heath, brake, and furze, over the springy turf. 

Samson shook his head sadly, and sighed as he watched Fred's progress, the figure growing smaller and smaller, sometimes disappearingaltogether in a hollow, and then bounding into sight again like one ofthe moorland sheep. 

"Yes; some mischief!" sighed Samson again, and he watched the lad withthe sorrowful expression on the increase, till the object of hisconsideration was out of sight, when he once more sighed, andrecommenced digging. "You don't catch me, though, making it up. "

Oddly enough--perhaps it would be more correct to say naturally enough--Nat Dee ceased digging up in the Hall garden to watch Scarlett Markham, who, after sending his sister Lil back into the house in tears, becausehe refused to take her with him, started off at a rapid pace. 

"Wonder what mischief he's going to be at, " said Nat, half aloud; andhe, too, rested a foot on the top of his spade, and contemplated theretiring form. 

Perhaps, after all, digging is exceedingly hard work, and a break isvery welcome; but whether it be so or no, the fact is always evidentthat a gardener is ready to cease lifting the fat mellow earth of agarden, and stand and think upon the slightest excuse. 

Nat Dee waited till Scar had disappeared, and then he slowly andsorrowfully resumed his task, and sighed with a feeling of regret forthe time when he too was a boy, and indulged in unlimited idleness andendless quarrels with his brother Samson. 

Fred Forrester whistled as he slowly climbed the hill, which was shapedlike a level surfaced mound, and stood right up above the ordinaryundulations of the moor, and Scarlett Markham whistled as he slowlyclimbed the other side, while high overhead, to turn the duet into atrio, there was another whistler in the shape of a speckled lark, soaring round and round as if he were describing the figure of agigantic corkscrew, whose point was intended to pierce the clouds. 

There had been a shower earlier in the day, and the earth sent forth asweet fragrance, which mingled with the soft salt breeze, and sent athrill of pleasure through the frames of the two lads hastening to theirtrysting-place. They did not know that their feet crushed the wildthyme, or caused fresh odours to float upon the air, or whether thebreeze came from north, south, or west; all that they knew was that theyfelt very happy, and that they were out on the moor, ready to enjoythemselves by doing something, they knew not what. They did not evenknow that they were each performing a part in a trio, the little larkbeing so common an object as to be unnoticed, while the top of the hilldivided the two terrestrial whistlers from each other. 

Fred was at the highest point first, and throwing himself down on theturf, he lay watching the coming figure toiling up, while thegrasshoppers _chizzed_ and leaped from strand of grass to harebell, andthence to heather, and even on to the figure lying there. 

The view was grand. Away to right were the undulations of the moor; tothe left the high hills which seemed as if cut off short, and descendedalmost perpendicularly to the sea, and in front of them the sea itself, glistening in the sunshine beyond the cliff, which from the point whereFred lay looked like a lion _couchant_, end on to him, and passing outto sea. Here and there some boat's sail seemed like a speck upon thesea, while going in different directions--seaward and toward Bristolwere a couple of what Fred mentally dubbed "king's ships. " Away as faras eye could reach to right and left lay the softly blue Welsh coast;but Fred's attention was divided between the lion's head-like outline ofthe Rill, and the slowly advancing figure of Scarlett Markham, whofinished his ascent by breaking into a trot, and zigzagging up the laststeep piece to throw himself down beside his friend. 

They lay for some few minutes enjoying themselves, their ideas ofenjoyment consisting in lying face downward resting upon their crossedarms, which formed a pillow for their chins, and kicking the turf withtheir toes. Then, as if moved by the same spirit, they leaped to theirfeet with all a boy's energy and vital force. 

"Let's do something, " exclaimed Scar. "Shall we go to the lake?"

"That's just what I was going to say, " cried Fred; but they did not gofar in an aimless way--they began to descend the hill slowly at first, then at a trot, then at headlong speed, till they stopped a part of theway up the next slope, after crossing the bottom of the little coombebetween the hills. 

This second hill looked wearisome after their rapid descent, so theycontented themselves with walking along its side parallel with thebottom of the little valley, talking of indifferent matters till theycame upon a little flock of grey and white gulls feeding amongst theshort herbage, where the rain had brought out various soft-bodiedcreatures good in a gull's eyes for food. 

The beautiful white-breasted creatures rose on their long narrow wings, and flapped and floated away. 

From force of habit, Fred took up a stone and threw it after the birds, not with any prospect of hitting them, for they were a couple of hundredyards away. 

"Wish I could fly like that, " said Scarlett. "Look at them; they'regoing right over the Rill Head. "

The two boys stopped and watched until the birds glided out of sight, beyond the lion-like headland, an object, however, which grew lesslion-like the nearer they drew. 

"What would be the good?" replied Fred. "It would soon be very stupidto go gliding here and there. "

"But see how easy it would be to float like that. "

"How do you know?" said practical Fred. "I dare say a bird's wings achesometimes as much as our legs do with running. I say, Scar. "

"Yes. "

"Let's go and have a look at the caves. "

"What caves?"

"Down below the Rill. Now, only think of it; we were born here, andnever went and had a look at them. Samson says that one of them isquite big and runs in ever so far, with a place like a chimney at oneend, so that you can get down from the land side. "

"And Nat said one day that it was all nonsense; that they were just likeso many rabbit-holes--and that's what he thought they were. "

"But our Samson said he had been in them; and if they were no biggerthan rabbit-holes, he couldn't have done that. Let's go and see. "

"Bother! I had enough of poking about in that damp old passage, and allfor nothing. I thought we were going to find the way in there. "

"Well, so we did. "

"But I mean the other end. "

"Bother, bother! what's the good!"

"How do I know? It's very curious. There's something seems to draw youon when you are underground, " said Scarlett, dreamily. 

"Hark at the old worm! Why, Scar, I believe you'd like to liveunderground. "

Scarlett shook his head. 

"I mean to find that way in to our place some day, whether you help meor whether you do not. Never mind what your Samson said about the Rillcaves. He don't know. Let's go and see. "

"What's the good?"

"I don't know that it will be any good, but let's see. There may be allkinds of strange things in a cave. I've read about wonderful placesthat went into the earth for a long way. "

"Yes; but our Rill cave would not. My father told me one day about twocaves he went into in Derbyshire. One had a little river running out ofit, and he went in and walked by the side of the water for a long waytill he came to a black arch, and there the gentlemen who were with himlit candles and they waded into the water and crept under the dark arch, and then went on and on for a long way through cave after cave, all wetand dripping from the top. Sometimes they were obliged to wade in thestream, and sometimes they walked along the edge. "

"And what did they find?"

"Mud, " said Fred, laconically. 

"Nothing else?"

"No; only mud, sticky mud, no matter how far they went; and at last theygot tired of it, and turned back to find that the water had risen, andwas close up to the top of the arch under which they had crept, so thatthey had to wait half a day before it went down. "

"What made the water rise?" asked Scarlett; "the tide?"

"No; there were no tides there right in among the hills. "

"Then how was it?"

"There had been a storm, and the water had run down and filled thelittle river. "

As they chatted, the lads walked steadily on, and began to ascend thelong, low eminence, which formed, as it were, the large body of thecouchant lion, but which from where they were, seemed like the mostordinary of hills. 

"There was another cave, too, that my father went into, but that wasvery different. It was high up in among the hills, and you went downquite a hole to get to it, and then it was just as if the inside of thehill had come full of cracks and splits along which he kept climbing andwalking with the two sides just alike, just as if the stone had beenbroken in two. "

"Then this was stone, not mud, " said Scarlett, who was deeplyinterested. 

"Yes, solid stone--rock; and every here and there you could see curiousshapes, just as if water had been running down, and it had all beenturned into stone. "

"I should like to go and see a place like that, " said Scarlett. 

"Yes; I shouldn't mind seeing a cave like that. Father says it went infor miles, and nobody had ever got to the end of it, for it branched offinto narrow slits, and sometimes you were walking on shelves, and youcould hold the candle over and look down horrible holes that were nobodyknows how deep, and there you could hear the water gurgling at thebottom, and hissing and splashing, and--Oh!"

"Scar!" yelled Fred, making a dash at his companion just in time tocatch him by the arm as he suddenly dropped down through a narrowopening in the midst of the short green turf over which they werewalking. 

So narrow was the opening, and so nearly hidden by grass and heath, thatScarlett had no difficulty in supporting himself by spreading out hisarms, as soon as he had recovered from the first startling effect of hisslip. 

But he did not stop many minutes in this position. Fred hung on to hisarm. He threw himself sidewise, grasped tightly hold of a stout branchof heath, and scrambled out. 

"Who'd have thought of there being a hole like that?" said Scarlett, assoon as he was safe. "But I don't suppose it's very deep, after all. Got a stone?"

"No. Listen. "

Fred had thrown himself upon his breast, and craned his neck over theplace, trying to peer down, but only into darkness, the hole evidentlynot going down straight; it being, in fact, a narrow crack, such as hehad described in telling of the Derbyshire cavern. 

Scarlett, who looked rather white from the shock he had received, joinedhis companion, and bent down to listen. 

"Hear that?" said Fred in a whisper. 

"Yes; water. "

"Water! Yes, of course; but listen again. "

They kept silence, and there ascended from below, through the almosthidden crevice, a low whisper of an echoing roar, which died away in apeculiar hissing sound that was thrilling in its strange suggestiveness. 

"There must be a waterfall somewhere below there, " said Scarlett atlast. 

"Why, don't you know what it is?"

"No. "

"The sea. Didn't think it was the end of your passage, did you?"

"What there? Nonsense!"

"Yes, it's the cave; and the sea runs right up here. "

"It couldn't; it's too far away. "

"I don't care; that's the sea. Now listen again, how regularly itcomes. Every wave must be rushing in, and you can hear it go whishingout. "

Scarlett and his companion listened for a few minutes. 

"Yes; it's the sea, sure enough, " said Scarlett. "Why, Fred, I didn'tthink we had such a place here. "

"No, " said Fred. "But, then, nobody ever comes up here. Why, it'squite a discovery, Scar. Let's get down to the shore, and go in. "

"Yes, I'm ready;" and together the two lads made their way to the edgeof the slaty cliffs, and then a long way by the edge, before they couldfind a rift of a sufficient slope to warrant their attempting a descent. 

Even this selected path looked far more easy than it proved; but by theexercise of a little care they got about half-way down, and thenstopped; for it was plain enough to see, from the point of vantage theyhad gained, that even if they climbed to the narrow line of black slatyshingle between them and the perpendicular rock, they could not reachthe face of the Rill Head, which projected, promontory-like, into thesea, and low down in which for certain the cave must be. 

"What a bother!" exclaimed Fred. "I thought we were going to have afine bit of adventure, and discover seals, and lobsters, and crabs, andall kinds of things. What shall we do?"

"Wait till low water. "

"But it's nearly low water now. Can't you see?"

The marks of the last tide were plainly visible high up on the ruggedrock-face, the last tide having left every ledge covered with washed-upfucus and bladder-wrack, speckled with white shells and sandy patches. 

"Then it must always be deep in water?" said Scarlett. 

"Well, I tell you what, then, let's borrow somebody's boat and try andget right in that way. "

"I don't know who somebody is, " said Scarlett, drily; "and if I did, Idon't suppose he has got a boat. "

"Don't talk like that, " cried Fred. "I say, couldn't we get a boat?"

"There isn't one for miles. Old Porlett bought one--don't yourecollect?--and the sea knocked it all to pieces in the first storm. "

"Yes, I recollect, " said Fred, thoughtfully, "though it was twenty feetup on a broad shelf of rock. Shall we swim to the cave?"

Scarlett shook his head. "No, " he said. "It would be too risky. "

"What shall we do, then?"

"Give it up. "

"And I just won't, " cried Fred, emphatically. "I say, Scar, look here. "

"Well?"

"If we can't get in one way, let's get in the other. "

Scarlett stared at him wonderingly, "Let's go down the same way that youwere going, only not in such a hurry, " he added with a gun. 

"What, climb down the hole?" said Scarlett, thoughtfully, and ignoringthe smile. "Yes. Why not?"

"Oh yes, we could, with a rope. Drive an iron bar down into the earth, and tie one end of the rope to it, and then go down. "

"You would not dare to go down that way. "

"Yes, I would, " said Fred, stoutly; "and so would you, " he added. 

"I don't know, " said Scarlett, dreamily. "But I do. Shall we do it?I'm ready if you are. Come along, then, back to our place, and let'smake old Samson lend as couple of good ropes. "

Scarlett nodded acquiescence, and the two lads, little thinking howtheir act would be importance in the future, re-climbed the cliff andstarted toward the Manor at a run. 

It proved very easy to propose getting a rope, but much harder to getone, for everything in the shape of hempen cord was under the care ofSamson Dee, who had to be found, not at all a difficult task, for he wasdigging--at least, handling a spade--down the garden. 

Samson greeted the coming of the lads with a smile, for it was anotherexcuse for taking a foot from the ground, and resting it upon the spade. But as soon as he heard the want, the smile faded from his face. "Youwant a what?" he said. "You know what I said, Samson, so no nonsense. Let us have one directly. "

"You want a rope, Master Fred?"

"There, I told you that you did hear me. Yes; I want the longest ropeabout the place directly. "

"What yer want it for?"

"Never you mind. I tell you I want the rope. "

"To make a swing with, of course. Well, then, you can't have it. "

"Can't I?" said Fred, sharply. "We'll soon see about that. Come along, Scar. Any one would think the ropes were his. "

"Look here, Master Fred, if you--"

Samson ceased speaking, for he was wise enough to see that he waswasting words in shouting after the two lads. But he began mutteringdirectly about a "passell o' boys" coming and bothering him when hehadn't a moment to spare. 

"And look here, " he shouted, as he saw his visitors trotting off with acoil of strong new rope belonging to the waggon, "mind you bring thatrope back again. Now, I wonder what them two are going to do?" he endedby muttering, and then set to work digging once more, but in so slow andmethodical a fashion that the worms had plenty of time to get away fromthe sharp edge of the spade before it was driven home and cut them inhalf. 

"Poor old Samson!" said Fred; "he seems to think that everything belongsto him. "

"So does our Nat, " replied Scarlett. "I often fancy he thinks I belongto him as well, from the way he shouts and orders me about. "

"But you never do what he tells you. "

"Of course not; and--Oh, Fred!"

"What's the matter?"

"We've got the rope; but what are we going to fasten the end to when wego down?" Fred stopped short, and rubbed one ear. 

"You hold it while I go down, and I'll hold it while you go down. "

"I shouldn't like to try that, " said Scarlett. "We're not strongenough. "

"Nonsense! Not if we let the rope bite on the edge of the hole?"

"That would not do, " said Scarlett, decisively. 

"I know, then, " cried Fred. "Come along. "

"No. Let's go back and get an iron bar to drive down in the earth. "

"I've got a better way than that, " said Fred. "There's a pole acrossthe opening in that stone wall half-way up the hill. We'll lay thatacross, and tie the rope to it. "

Scarlett nodded acquiescence, and they trotted on to the rough stonewall, built up of loose fragments piled one on the other, the gatewayleft for the passage of cattle being closed by a couple of poles laidacross like bars, their ends being slipped in holes left for thepurpose. 

The straighter of these two was slipped out by Scarlett and shouldered, and they hastened on, attracted by the discovery they had made, butrecalling, as they went on, that they had been told before about theexistence of this opening by more than one person, though it had slippedfrom their memory for the time. 

"Who's going down first?" said Fred, as they slowly climbed the lasthundred yards of the slope. 

"I will. "

"No; I think I ought to go first. "

"Long bent, short bent, " said Scarlett, picking a couple of strands ofgrass, breaking them off so that one was nearly double the length of theother, and then, after placing two ends level and hiding the others, offering them to his companion to draw one out. 

Fred drew the shorter, and Scarlett had the right to go down first--aright which but for the look of the thing he would willingly havesurrendered. For as they reached the long, narrow, grass-grown crack, the strange whispering and plashing sounds which came from belowsuggested unknown dangers, which were more repellent than theattractions of the mysterious hole. 

Fred looked curiously at Scarlett, who noted the look, and tightenedhimself up, assuming a carelessness he did not feel. 

"Doesn't go down quite straight, seemingly, " he said. 

"All the better. I say, shall I go down first?"

"What for? I won the choice, and I'm going, " said Scarlett, sharply, ashe took one end of the rope and tied it to the middle of the pole, whichproved to be of ample length to go well across the opening. 

"Tie it tightly, Scar, " cried Fred. 

"Never fear. Mind the rope is so that it will uncoil easily. There, run it down, and let's see if it is long enough to get to the bottom. "

Fred raised the rings of stiff twisted hemp, and dropped them down outof sight; but it was evident that the rope did not descend very far, themain portion lodging only a little way down; but Fred raised it a yardor two and shook it, with the effect that more fell down and lodged, butonly to be shaken loose again and again, showing plainly enough that thehole went down in a sharp slope for a long way, and then that the ropehad dropped over a perpendicular part, for as it was drawn up and downit fell heavily now. 

"There, " said Fred, "that's it. I dare say that reaches the bottom. Ifit doesn't, you must come up again. Ready?"

"Yes. "

And with all the recklessness of boys who never see the reality ofdanger until it is there, Scarlett stripped off his jerkin and loweredhimself down into the crack, hanging with one arm over the pole for afew moments before seizing the rope, twisting his legs round it, andletting himself slide down. 

"Keep on calling out what it's like; and as soon as you get down, sing`Bottom!' and then I'll come too. "

Scarlett nodded, and let himself slide slowly, to find, and call up tohis companion, that the hole went down at a slope into the darkness, sothat he was not swinging by the rope, but supporting himself thereby, ashe glided down over the shaley earth of which the hill was composed, butonly to come to a sudden stop as he found that the hole zigzagged backin the opposite direction at a similar angle to that by which he haddescended. 

"Are you right?" cried Fred from above. 

"Yes. "

"Is it easy?"

"Yes, quite. "

"Then I shall come down now. "

"No, no, " cried Scarlett; "the rope is not strong enough for two. "

"Make haste, then. I want to see what there is. Found anything good?"

"No, " said Scarlett, as he glided slowly down into the darkness, withhis companion's words buzzing in his ears, just as if they were spokenclose by, and listening as he descended to the peculiar, trickling, rushing noise of the scraps of disintegrating slate which he dislodgedin passing, and which fell rapidly before him. 

"Keep talking, " said Fred from above. 

"There's nothing to talk about, " cried Scarlett. "I'm only sliding downa slope, and--yes, now I'm hanging clear, and turning round. Hold therope: it's twisting so. "

"I am holding it tight, " came back; "but I can't help its turning round. What's it like now?"

"Just like day beginning to break, and I can see something shining downbelow. "

"Is it the water?"

"Yes, I suppose so. Shall I go down any lower?"

"Yes, of course. "

"It isn't water that's shining, " said Scarlett, after turning slowlyround two or three times, as he descended another twenty feet. 

"What is it, then?--gold or silver?"

"It's only a reflection, I suppose; but I can't quite see. "

"Aren't you at the bottom yet?" cried Fred, impatiently. 

"No. "

"Make haste, then. "

"Yes, I am at the bottom, " cried Scarlett, directly after, as his feettouched firm rock. 

"Look out, then, " cried Fred. "Down I come. "

"No, no; wait a moment, " was the reply. "I want to try and find outwhat it's like. "

_Whirr, whizz_!

"What's the matter?" cried Fred, as he heard his companion utter a loud, "Oh!"

"Something rushed by me. "

"What was it?"

"I couldn't see. Ah! there it is again. "

"Hold tight; I'm coming, " cried Fred. "I dare say it was an owl or abat. Oh my! doesn't it scrape you?"

Scarlett's response was a sharp ejaculation and a jerk at the rope. 

"Here, what are you doing?" cried Fred. 

There was no answer, only a panting noise. 

"Don't swing the rope about like that, Scar! Do you hear? I won't comedown, if you don't leave off. "

"Hah! that's it, " came from below. 

"What's the matter? What are you doing?" cried Fred, who had paused atthe bottom of the first slope, holding tightly by the rope, whichScarlett seemed to be trying to jerk out of his hand. 

"It's all right now, " panted Scarlett. "You sent down a lot of slateand earth, and it came on my head. "

"Well, I couldn't help it. Why didn't you stand on one side?"

"I did, " cried Scarlett, "and stepped back off the edge. Fortunately, Ihad tight hold of the rope, but slipped down ever so far, and had toclimb up again. Come along down, now. "

There was a serious sound and a spice of danger in this little recital, which, added to the darkness into which Fred had plunged, made himdescend for the rest of the way slowly and very cautiously down thesecond slope, and then, as he hung perpendicularly, and felt himselfslowly turning round, he kept on asking how much farther it was, tillhis feet touched his companion's hands, and he stood directly by hisside in the faint grey light, which seemed to strike up from below, bothclutching the rope tightly in the excitement of the novel position, andtrying to pierce the gloom. 

"Ugh! What's that?" cried Fred, suddenly, as he kicked againstsomething which made a rattling noise. 

"I don't know. Sounds like pieces of wood. "

"Ugh!" ejaculated Fred again, "bones! Come away, Scar; it's askeleton. "

The two boys shrank away in horror, and for some moments neitherventured to speak, while, as they clung together, each could feel hisfellow suffering from no little nervous tremor. 

"Some one must have slipped down the hole and died here of starvation, "whispered Scarlett at last. "You know how dangerous it is. "

"Yes, " said Fred, thoughtfully, and with his shrinking feeling on theincrease. "No, " he exclaimed directly after, "I don't think it's that. I know--at least, I should know if I touched it. "

"What do you mean?"

"It's some sheep slipped down when feeding, and never been missed. "

"Do you think it's that?" said Scarlett, eagerly. 

"I feel sure of it. If it had been a man, he would have found some wayof getting out. I say, Scar, will you stoop down and touch it?"

"No, " said Scarlett, with a shudder. 

"Well, I will, then. Yes; I'm right. It is a sheep's bones. "

"How do you know?"

"You can feel some wool down here. If it had been a man, it would havebeen clothes. Well, I am glad. "

Scarlett showed his satisfaction by drawing a long breath full ofrelief, and the spirits of both seemed relieved by the knowledge thatthe grisly relics told no tale of a human being's terrible fate. 

"I dare say there are more bones about, if we were to search, " saidFred. "But what a great gloomy place it is! Who'd have thought thatthere was such a cave on our shore?"

"I can't see any good, now we have got down in it, " said Scarlett, rather discontentedly. "I don't suppose we shall find anything. "

"Why, we have found something. "

"Yes; bones. I wish we had a light. "

"Where was it you stepped over?" said Fred, speaking in a whisper now, for the silence and darkness were not without their effect upon him. 

"There. "

"Where's there? I can't see which way you mean. "

"Exactly behind you, " said Scarlett. 

Fred made an involuntary movement in the opposite direction, oneimitated by Scarlett, with the result that they edged along about adozen feet before they were stopped by the wall of rock, which slopedaway above their heads. 

"I wish it wasn't dark, " said Fred. "Now let's try how far we can getthis way. "

Still holding on tightly by the rope, they moved in a fresh direction, finding the rock upon which they stood made irregular by the heaps ofslate and earth which had crumbled down from above; but over this theycautiously made their way for seven or eight yards, when they were againstopped by the sloping wall of rock. 

The next investigation suggested itself as being the edge over whichScarlett had stepped, and for the moment they shrank from that, and madetheir way cautiously back, keeping close to the wall. 

"Let's see how far it goes in that direction, " whispered Scarlett. "Ifancy that's where the light comes from. "

Fred acquiesced, and the little mounds of slate were crossed, and theway followed till they had nearly reached the limit of the line, when, low down before them, they made out a dark, rough-looking edge, blackupon the very pale light which struck into the cave. 

"Why, that's the edge of the rough shelf we are standing on, " saidScarlett. "Now, let's get close to the line there, and look over. "

"Shall we?"

"Yes; why not? I don't feel half so frightened now I've got over thatfall. "

"I never felt frightened at all, " said Fred. 

"Oh?"

"Well, not much. Come along. "

They approached cautiously, finding that the shelf grew narrower, andevidently ended in a point. 

"Mind!"

"Mind what?"

"I've got to the end of the rope. "

"Well, let's leave go, and creep to the edge without it. "

"No, " said Fred, who felt that the rope was like a hand connecting themwith the upper surface. "Perhaps it has caught somewhere, and wehaven't got it all loose. Wait till I give it a jerk. Here, leave gofor a moment. "

Scarlett loosened his hold, and Fred stepped back a foot or two beforesending a wave along the cord, which was followed by a rattling noise, as if a quantity of the shale and earth had been set at liberty, and wasfalling in a shower upon the rocky floor. 

"There, I told you so, " cried Fred. "I can draw yards and yards in, andyards and--"

He was suiting the action to the word, hauling more and more of the ropetowards him, when there was an end to the rattling sound, and one dullflap. 

"What is it, Fred?"

"I--I'm not sure. "

"I am, " cried Scarlett, in agony. "Why, you've dragged at the rope tillit has come untied. "

"I'm afraid so, " faltered Fred, in a husky voice. 

"And nobody saw us come here, " cried Scarlett. "Oh, Fred, Fred, weshall be buried alive!"

CHAPTER SIX. 

UNEXPECTED AID. 

For a few minutes the two lads were so overcome by the horror of theirposition that they stood there in silence, afraid to move. ThenScarlett recovered himself a little, and said huskily--

"Pull the rope again, and make sure. "

"I'm sure enough, " said Fred, sulkily. "It's all down here. How couldyou have tied it so badly?"

"I don't know. I thought it was tight. Ah! there it is again. "

There was a whizzing, whirring sound heard above the plash and whisperof the water down below, and for a few moments the boys remainedperfectly still. 

"Why, I know what that is, " cried Fred. "Pigeons. I've often seen themfly into the holes of the rocks. They build in these places, and roosthere of a night. "

"Wish I was a pigeon, " said Scarlett, sadly. "We shall never be able toclimb up that hole. "

"We shall have to try, " said Fred, "unless we can find a way down. Here, let's creep to the edge and look. "

Scarlett hesitated for the moment, but it was a work, of sternnecessity; and together, using the greatest caution the while, theycrept on hands and knees to the edge of the great shelf, and looked overto see that the light came in from some opening away to the right, to bereflected from the wall of rock opposite, and shed sufficiently strong adawn to let them see fifty feet below them the creamy foaming waterwhich flowed in and then ran back. 

"Don't see any way down, " said Fred, rather despondently. "This placesticks right out over everything. "

"But we can get down by fixing the rope up here, and sliding down. "

"I'd forgotten the rope, " said Fred, with a deep sigh. "But suppose wedo get down. What then?"

"Why, we can find our way to the mouth of the cave, and look out andshout at the first boat that comes by. "

Fred brightened up. 

"I say, Scar, " he said cheerfully, "what a clever fellow you are! Let'stry at once. "

"Hadn't we better try first whether we can climb up the hole?"

The suggestion was so good that it was at once tried, but withouteffect; for a very few minutes' search proved that there was aperpendicular face of rock to scale, and, unless they cut steps withtheir knives, ascent in that way was impossible. 

"It's of no use, Scar, " said Fred, "unless we can get away by the mouth. I say, is it as dark as it was when we first came down?"

"Our eyes are getting used to it, " said Scarlett, as they both stoodgazing across the opening at the black-looking rock-face before them, and, gaining courage from familiarity, they once more approached theedge of the shelf, and felt their way about, seeking vainly for themeans of descent. 

"I'm afraid it's of no use, Fred. The only way is for one of us to letthe other down with the rope, and the one who goes down to call forhelp. "

"But why not both go down?"

"Because there is nowhere to fasten the rope; and, after it slipped asit did just now, I should not like to venture. "

"That was with your tying. You wait till I've found a place. "

There did not seem much risk of a fall after Fred's securing of therope, for the simple reason that he was not likely to tie it. Everywhere, as they searched, they found smooth rock without aprojection, or shivering shaley slate, which crumbled down at a touch, and, at last, Fred gave up with a sigh of despair. 

"It's of no use, " he said. "One of us must go down and try the mouth ofthe cave. I don't want to, but I will go if you'll hold the rope. "

"I feel so much afraid of not being strong enough, that I ought to go, and let you. "

"Let's have a look, and see if we can make out what it's like first, "said Fred; and, creeping cautiously to the edge, he lay down, and peeredover, Scarlett following his example, and looking into the gloom beneathfrom close by his side. 

"Looks very horrible, " said Fred; "but I suppose it's because it's sodark. I don't believe it would be anything to mind, if it was so lightwe could see clearly. "

"Perhaps not, " replied Scarlett, gloomily; "but then, it is dark; andhow dreadful the water sounds as it rushes into the mouth of the cave!"

"Oh, it always does; but there's nothing to mind. "

"But suppose one of us did get down and found the mouth?"

"Well, we must find the mouth, because that's where the light and watercome in. "

"But if we did, the water's deep outside, and we should have to swimround to somewhere and land. "

"Seems to me very stupid that we know so little about the shore underthe rocks, " said Fred, as he tried to pierce the pale grey light below. "Seems a stupid sort of shore, all steep cliff, and nowhere hardly toget down. Well, what shall we do? Will you go down, or shall I?"

"I'd rather trust to your holding the rope than mine. "

"That's just how I feel, " cried Fred. "But you went down first, and nowit's my turn, so here goes. Now then, let's gather the rope into acoil, and throw one end down. Then you sit flat here on the ledge, withyour legs stretched out, hold tight by the rope with both hands, andthen let it hang between your legs and over the edge. It won't be hardto hold. "

"I'll try, " said Scarlett, nervously; "but I hardly like doing it. "

"And I don't like going down, but it has got to be done, and the morefuss we make over it, the worse it will be. When you've got to takephysic, down with it at once. "

"Yes, " said Scarlett, drily, "that's the best way, but the best way isoften the hardest. "

Fred had gathered the rope into rings, and was taking a final glancedown at what seemed to be an uglier descent the more it was inspected, and but for very shame he would have given up. He set his teeth, though, and handed one end of the rope to his companion. 

"Catch hold--tight, " he said in a low voice. "If you let that go we'redone. Now then--one, two--"

He did not say three, for at that moment a gruff, husky voice camerumbling and echoing down toward them with the cheery hail of--

"Anybody at home?"

"Now, I wonder what them boys are going to do, " said Samson, over andover again, and each time that he said so he sighed and rubbed his back, and ended by resting upon the handle of his spade. 

"No good, I'm sure, " he muttered. "Yes, " he added, after a thoughtfulpause, "that's it--going to let one another down over the cliffs so asto break their necks; and if they do, a nice mess I shall be in, for thecolonel 'll say it was all my fault for letting them have the rope. "

Samson turned over a couple of spadefuls of earth, and then drove thetool in with a fierce stab, leaving it sticking up in the ground. 

"Here, I can't go on digging and knowing all the time as them lads isbreaking their necks over the cliff side. Never was in such a muddle asthis before. Why didn't they say what they were going to do?"

"Here, this must be stopped--this must be stopped!" he cried, with adisplay of energy such as he had not before shown that day; and, snatching up his jacket, he started off in the direction taken by thelads, he having had no difficulty in seeing that their aim was the massof slaty rock, rounded and covered with short green turf, known as theRill Head, up which he climbed just in time to shout down the grassycrevice the words which sent joy into the boys' hearts. 

"Hurrah! There's help!" cried Scarlett, starting up. 

"Mind! you nearly knocked me over. "

"I could not help it, Fred. Here, hi!"

"Anybody at home? Where are you?"

"Why, it's old Samson, " cried Fred, groping his way to where he believedthe bottom of the crack by which they had descended to be. "Hi!Samson!"

"Hullo!" came back. "Where are you? What are you doing?"

Fred hastily explained their plight. 

"Serve you both right, " cried Samson; and his voice, as it rumbled downthe hole into the cavern, sounded, as Scarlett thought, like the voiceof a giant. "Well, what are you going to do? Live there?"

"No; you must help us out. "

"Help you out?"

"Yes. How did you know we were here?"

"How did I know you were there, indeed!" growled Samson, withaggravating repetition of the other's words. "Why, I knowed you'd be insome mischief as soon as I saw you both go by with that rope. "

"But you didn't see us come down here. "

"No; but I see your clothes lying aside the hole. What did you wanthere? Somebody's sheep tumbled down again?"

"Hear that?" whispered Fred. "No, Samson; but don't stand theretalking. Did you bring a rope?"

"How could I bring the rope, when you'd got it?"

"Go and fetch another. "

"There isn't one that'll bear you. Can't you throw up the end of thatone?"

"Impossible! You must fetch another. "

"And who's to do my gardening while I'm hunting all over Coombeland forropes as nobody won't lend?"

"Look here, Samson, " cried Scarlett. "Go up to the Hall, and ask Nat tolend you one of ours. "

"Go up and ask my brother Nat to lend me a rope?"

"Yes. "

"I'd sooner go and jump off the cliff. There!"

"Well, you must do something, and pray make haste. "

"What am I to do?"

"I know, " cried Fred. "Go and get your garden line. "

"Why, that wouldn't bear a cat, let alone a boy like you. "

"You do as I tell you, and bring a big round stone, too, one that youcan tie to one end of the line. Be quick. "

"Oh, I'll go, " said Samson; "but mind you, I warn you it won't bear. "

"You do as I tell you, " cried Fred, again; "and don't tell my motherwhere we are. "

"I may tell the colonel, I suppose?" said Samson, with a laugh tohimself. 

"No, no, no!" cried Fred; but the words were not heard, for Samson hadset off down the hill at a trot. 

"I say, what a pair of stupids we are, " said Fred, after trying two orthree times over to find out whether Samson was still there. 

"Don't talk, " replied Scarlett. "Let's listen for his coming back. "

"But he must be half an hour, at least; and we know we are all rightnow. I say, Scar, I've a good mind to go down lower, and see if there'sa way to the sea. "

"No, you will not, " said Scarlett, rather gruffly. "Let's sit down andthink. "

"It's too dark to think, " cried Fred, petulantly. "I wonder how thisplace came. Think it was made by the hill cracking, or by the seawashing it out?"

"I don't know. But shall we come again, and bring a lanthorn?"

"Yes, and regularly examine the place. We will some day. I wonderwhether we're the first people who ever came down into it? I mean, "said Fred, "the first people who were not sheep. Here, hi! Scar! whatare you thinking about?"

"I was thinking what a hiding-place it would make for anybody who didnot want to be found. "

"Do for smugglers. Wonder whether any smugglers ever knew of it?"

"No; if they had there would have been some way down to the mouth. "

"And perhaps there is, only it's too dark for us to see where it is. "

Then the conversation languished, and they sat on the rough shaleyearth, trying to pierce the gloom, and listening with quite a start fromtime to time to the sharp whirr of the pigeons' wings as they darted inand out. 

At last, just when they were beginning to think it a terribly long time, Samson's voice was heard. 

"Here you are! I've brought my line. "

"And a big stone?"

"Yes, Master Fred; eight or nine pounder. But I warn you once more thatline won't bear you boys. "

"You do as I tell you. Now tie the stone to the line. "

There was a few moments' pause, during which they seemed to see thered-faced gardener as he busied himself over his task, and then downcame the words--

"All right. "

"Lower it down. "

"What?--the stone?"

"Yes. Quick. "

Directly after, there was a rattling and falling of tiny bits of shale, which went on as Samson shouted--

"She won't come no farther. "

"Draw the line and start it again. "

Samson started the stone after hauling it up a bit, and this time itglided out of the angle in which it had rested, increased its speed, bringing down quite a shower of shale, and then there was a dull thud. 

"That's it, Samson. I've got it. "

"Good job, for there ain't much more. "

"There's quite enough, " cried Fred, as he rapidly set the stone loose, and tied the line to the rope's end. "Now, then, haul away. "

"No, no, my lad; I tell you it won't bear you. You'd only have a nastytumble. "

"Haul!"

"And I shall be blamed. "

"Will you haul? Oh, only wait till I come up!"

Samson gave quite a snatch at the line, and drew it up rapidly, whilethe boys waited to hear what he would say when he found their meaning. 

"Why couldn't you have said as you meanted that!" he grumbled. "I seenow. Want me to make this here fast to the pole. "

"Yes, of course; then we can climb up. "

"To be sure you can. I see now. "

"Make it quite fast, Samson. "

"I will, sir. And try it, too, " he added under his breath, as heknotted the rope fast, seized and drew it tight, and then loweringhimself into the crevice, he began to glide down rapidly, sending atremendous shower of shale on to Fred's head, and making him start awayjust as he had drawn the rope tight ready to ascend. 

"Why, what are you doing?" he shouted. 

"Coming down, sir, " panted Samson; and the next minute he was on thebroad shelf in company with nearly enough disintegrated rock to bury theskeleton of the sheep. 

"Well, 'pon my word, young gentlemen, " cried the gardener, "you've gotrum sort of ideas. Wouldn't no other place please you for a game butthis?"

"We wanted to explore it, " exclaimed Fred; "to see if there's a way downto the shore. "

"Well, you can hear there is, lads. But why didn't you bring alanthorn?"

"I wish we had. "

"Wish again, " said Samson, with a chuckle. 

"What for?"

"Because then you'll get one, " said the gardener, laughing. 

"Why, Samson, what do you mean?" cried Scarlett. 

"This here!"

There was a rattling sound, a clicking noise of flint upon steel, andsoon after a glowing spark appeared, then a blue flame, a splint burstinto a blaze, and directly after Samson's red and shining features couldbe seen by the light of the candle he had lit inside a lanthorn. 

"There, lads, " he said, closing the door with a snap; "you didn't thinkto tell me to bring that, but I thought of it, and there we are. Now wecan see what we're about, " he continued, as he swung the lanthorn abovehis head; "and not much to see nayther. Only an 'ole. Yes, of course. There you are. Sheep's bones. Dessay many a one's tumbled down here. Hole don't go up very high, " he added, once more raising the lanthornabove his head; "but it goes down to the sea for sartain. "

"Oh, Samson, and you've left the line up above. If we had it here, wemight have swung the lanthorn down and seen how deep it was. "

"That's just like you, Master Fred, " said Samson. "You always thinkother folk will do what you'd do. You'd ha' left the line up at thetop, same as you did your clothes, but being only a gardener, and a verybad one, as my brother Nat says, I put that there line in my pocket, andhere it is. "

Fred's answer was a slap on Samson's hard broad back, as he tied one endof the line to the lanthorn-ring, swung it over the edge of the shelf, and they watched it go down sixty or seventy feet, feebly illumining thesides of the cave, and as it grew lower an additional radiance wasdisplayed by the light striking on the bottom, which proved to be fullof water kept slightly in motion by the influx of the waves outside. 

"Not much to see, my lads, " said Samson. "No gold, nor silver, nornothing. Shouldn't wonder if there's pigeons' nesties, though, only youcouldn't get at 'em without a ladder. There! seen enough?"

"No; I want to see whether there is any way down, " said Fred. 

"Any way down?" said Samson, swinging the lanthorn to and fro. "No, mylad--yes, there is. Easily get down at that corner. Slide down or slipdown. See!"

"Yes, " said the lads in a breath; and long afterwards they recalledtheir eagerness to know about a means of descent from that shelf. 

"Yes, " said Samson; "you might make a short cut down to the sea this wayif you wanted to. But you don't want to, and it wouldn't be any good ifyou did, because you'd be obliged to have a boat outside; and if theboat wasn't well-minded, it would soon be banged to matchwood among therocks. There, my bit o' ground's waiting to be dug, and I've got youtwo out of your hobble, so here goes back. "

As he spoke, he rapidly hauled up the lanthorn, forming the line intorings, untying the end from the ring, and, after giving it a twist, thrusting it back into his pocket, while he undid the strap he woreabout his waist, thrust an end through the lanthorn-ring, and buckled iton once more. 

"Will you go first, Samson?" said Fred. 

"No; I mean to go last. I don't leave here till I see you both safe. What should I have said to your mothers if you'd been lost and not foundfor a hundred years? Nice state of affairs that would ha' been. "

"Go on first, Scar, " said Fred; "we'll hold the rope tight, so that itwill be easy. "

Scarlett reached up, seized the rope, and began to climb, getting thethick cord well round his legs, as he struggled up for nearly twentyfeet, and then he slipped down again. 

"Can't we go down the other way, and climb the cliff?"

"No, you can't, " said Samson, gruffly. "You've got to go up as you comedown. Here, Master Fred, show him the way. "

Fred seized the rope, and began to climb, but with no better success;and he, too, glided down again after a severe struggle. 

"The rope's so slippery, " he said angrily. 

"And you call yourselves young gentlemen!" grunted Samson. "Why, you'dha' been just as badly off if your rope hadn't slipped. Here, give ushold. "

Samson seized the rope, and they heard him grunt and pant and cease hisstruggle, and then begin to grunt and pant again for quite ten minutes, when, just as they rather maliciously hoped that he would prove asawkward as themselves, they heard the lanthorn bang against the rock, ashower of shale fell as it was kicked off, and Samson's voice camedown--

"Line is a bit slithery, " he said; "but I'm all right now. "

They could not see, but they in imagination felt that he had reached thefirst slope, up which he was climbing, and then felt when he passed upthe second, showers of shale and earth following every moment, till, allat once, there was a cessation of noise, and of the shower, and Samson'sbluff voice exclaimed--

"Up a top! Now, then, lay hold, and I'll have you up to where you canclimb. "

"Go on, Scar. "

"Go on, Fred. "

The boys spoke together, and, after a little argument, Scarlett seizedthe rope, felt himself hoisted up, and, once up at the slope, he soonreached daylight, Fred following in the same way, to stand in thesunshine, gazing at his companions, who, like himself, were covered withperspiration and dust. 

"You look nice ones, you do, " said Samson, grinning; "and all that theretrouble for nothing. "

But Samson was a very ignorant man, who knew a great deal aboutgardening, but knew nothing whatever about the future, though in thatinstance his want of knowledge was shared by Fred and Scarlett, who, after resuming their jerkins, took, one the pole, the other the coil ofneatly ringed rope, and trudged back to the Manor with Samson, whodelivered quite a discourse upon waste of time; but he did not return tohis digging, contenting himself with extracting his spade from theground, wiping it carefully, and hanging it up in his tool-house, closeto the lanthorn. 

"Going home, Master Scarlett?" said Samson. 

"Yes, directly. "

"Won't have a mug o' cider, I suppose?"

"No, thank ye, Samson. "

"Because I thought Master Fred was going to fetch some out, and youcould have a drop too. "

"Hark at him, Scar! There never was such a fellow for cider. "

"Oh yes, there was; but I've yearned it anyhow to-day. "

"So you have, and I'll fetch you a mug, " said Fred, darting off. 

"Ah, that's better, " grunted Samson. "Never such a fellow for cider!Why, my brother's a deal worse than I am, and you wouldn't ketch himleaving his work to take all the trouble I did to-day, Master Scarlett. Hah! here he comes back. Thank ye, Master Fred, lad. Hah! what goodcider. Puzzle your Nat to make such stuff as that. "

"He says ours is better, " said Scarlett. 

"Let him, sir; but that don't make it better. "

"Bother the old cider! Who cares?" cried Fred. "Look here, Samson, don't say a word to anybody about our having found that hole. "

"No, sir; not I. "

"Why did you tell him that!" said Scarlett, as they walked away. 

"I don't know, " said Fred, starting. 

"Perhaps I thought we ought not to tell, in case we wanted to hide someday. "

"Hide! What from whom from!"

"I don't know, " said Fred again, as he looked in a puzzled way at hiscompanion; and then they parted. Fred felt that he should have liked tohave told his friend why he wished the discovery to be kept a secret, but the puzzled feeling grew more intense, and when at last he dismissedit, he was obliged to own that he did not know himself any more thanwhen he spoke. 

CHAPTER SEVEN. 

FRED TAKES A JUMP. 

The adventure in the Rill cave was talked about for a few days, andseveral plans were made for its further exploration; but, in spite ofthe talking, no further visit was made in that direction. 

"You see, we ought to get a boat, " Fred said, "and row right to themouth, and go in that way next time, and we haven't got a boat. "

"And no likelihood of getting one, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully. "Shallwe go down again, and take your Samson with us this time?"

"I don't see that there's any good in it; and see what a mess we shouldbe in again. I was full of little tiny bits of slate all in my hair, and down my back, and, after all, it wasn't worth the trouble. "

"Made me feel a bit queer. I say, Scar, only fancy being shut up there, and starving to death. "

Scarlett gave an involuntary shiver. 

"Don't talk about it. "

"I say, starving to death makes you think about eating. When are yourpeople coming over again to supper?"

"I don't know, " said Scarlett, with an uneasy sensation. 

"What's the matter, Scar?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure. I think your father and mine have fallenout again. "

"What makes you think that?"

"Something I heard my mother saying to him. "

"Well, they'll soon be friends again, I dare say. "

"I hope so. But, Fred, how everybody seems to be talking now about thetroubles in the east. "

"Well, let them, " laughed Fred. "We don't want any of their troubles inthe west. What do you say to an afternoon's nutting?"

"The nuts are not half ripe. "

"Well, let's get your Nat's ferret, and try for a rabbit. "

"He would not lend it to us. "

"Let's go down on the shore, and collect shells for your Lil. "

"She has more than she wants now. "

"Well, let's do something. I vote we go down and hunt out the way intothat passage. We can do that without getting our heads full of slate. "

Scarlett acceded readily, the more so that ever since their adventure inthe passage, the place had had a peculiar fascination for both lads. They often stopped in the middle of some pursuit to talk about thecurious idea of making a door to be entered by lying down, andcontriving it out of a stair. Then there were the ingeniouspeculiarities of the old passage, and the strange gloom of the oakchamber, and the dark vault, with its heap of old arms, which theyregretted not to have brought out to try and restore to something liketheir former condition. 

For, in spite of previous failure, the idea of discovering the secondentrance to that passage was often suggesting itself to the lads; and, in consequence, they began to haunt the edge of the lake, feeling surethat some day or another accident would direct them to the very spotthey had searched for so long. 

Scarlett insisted that they would find the opening right down in thewater, while, on the other hand, Fred maintained the opposite. 

"Nobody would be such a noodle as to build his back-door right down inthe water, " he said, "unless he meant the place for a bath. No; weshall find that doorway out in the wood somewhere, you mark my words, Scar. I dare say, if we were to take billhooks and cut and hack awaythe branches, we should find it soon enough. "

Scarlett shook his head, but joined in the search, one which, in spiteof their peering about, proved to be in vain, and, after being wellscratched by brambles and briars, Scarlett had his own way again, andthey began to hunt the shore. 

The broad sheet of water ran up in quite a bay toward the fine oldEnglish mansion, and round this bay were dense clumps of hazels, patchesof alder, and old oak-trees grew right on the edge of the perpendicularbank, their roots deep down beneath the black leaf-mould, which hereformed the bottom of the clear water. 

"It must be here somewhere, " said Scarlett, one sunny afternoon, as theysat on the mossy roots of one of the great oaks, and idly picked offsheets of delicate green vegetable velvet and flakes of creamy and greylichen to throw into the water. 

"Yes, it must be here somewhere, of course; but I don't see any use ingetting scratched by briars for nothing. We never seem to get anynearer to it. Perhaps we were wrong, and it's only a kind of well, after all. "

"No, " said Scarlett; "they would not make a well there. "

"Then we got muddled over the way we went, and, perhaps, while we arelooking for the entrance this side, it's over the other. "

"No, " said Scarlett again, "I don't think that. "

"But if there had been a way in here from the lake, some one must haveseen it before now. We should have noticed it when we were fishing ornesting. Or, if we had not seen it, your Nat or one of the othergardeners must have found it. "

"No, they must not. I don't see any must about it. Perhaps it's toocleverly hidden away, or I shouldn't wonder if, since it was made, atree had grown all over the entrance, and shut it right up. "

"And we shall never find it. "

"Not unless we cut the tree down. "

"And, of course, we don't know which tree to cut. "

"And if we did, my father would not have a tree touched on any account. Remember how angry he was with the wind?"

"What, when it blew down the big elm?"

"Yes. "

There was a pause. 

"I say, " said Fred, yawning, "let's give it up. What do we care aboutwhere the passage comes out! We know where it goes in. "

"Foxes always have two holes, " said Scarlett, dreamily. 

"So do rabbits. Lots of holes sometimes. But we're not foxes, andwe're not rabbits. "

"No; but you'll be like a water-rat directly, if you sit on that moss. It's as slippery as can be close to the edge. Come and get some nuts. "

"Not ripe enough, " said Fred, idly. 

"Never mind; let's get some, whether or no. "

"Where shall we go? We've got all there are about the edge of thelake. "

"Let's go down there by the big oaks. There's a great clump of nutsjust beyond, where we have not been yet. "

"Oh yes, we have, " said Fred, laughing; "leastwise, I have--one day whenI came over and you weren't at home. "

"That's always your way, Fred. I never come over to your place and takeyour things. "

"Halloa!" laughed Fred, rising slowly from where he had lounged upon themossy, buttress-like roots. "Who came and helped himself to mygilliflower apples?"

Scarlett laughed. "Well, they looked so tempting, and we were to havepicked them that day. Come along. "

They went crushing and rustling through the woody wilderness for about ahundred yards from the side of the lake. It was a part sacred to thebirds and rabbits, a dense dark thicket where oaks and beeches shut outthe light of day, and for generations past the woodman's axe had neverstruck a blow. Here and there the forest monarchs had fallen from oldage, and where they had left a vacancy hazel stubs flourished, springingup gaily, and revelling on the rotten wood and dead leaves which coveredthe ground, and among which grew patches of nuts and briar, with thedark dewberry and swarthy dwale. 

Here, as they walked, the lads' feet crushed in the moss-covered, rottenwood, and at every step a faint damp odour of mould, mingled with thestrong scent of crushed ferns and fungi, rose to their nostrils. 

"Never mind the nuts, " said Fred; "let's get out in the sunshine again. Pst! there he goes. "

He stopped short as he spoke, watching the scuttling away of a rabbit, whose white cottony tail was seen for a moment before it disappeared ina tunnel beneath a hazel clump. 

"No; we'll have a few while we are here, " said Scarlett, making a boundon to the trunk of a huge oak which had been blown down and layhorizontally; but while one portion of its roots stood up shaggy andweird-looking, the rest remained in the ground, and supported the lifeof the old tree, which along its mighty bole was covered with sturdyyoung shoots for about thirty feet from the roots. There it forked intotwo branches, each of which was far bigger than the trunk of an ordinarytree; but while one was fairly green, the other was perfectly dead, andsuch verdure as it displayed was that of moss and abundant patches ofpolypody, which flourished upon the decaying wood. 

Opposite the spot where Scarlett leaped upon the tree-trunk--that is tosay, on the other side--the thicket was too dense to invite descent, andthe lad began to walk along toward the fork, pressing the young branchesaside as he went, followed by Fred, who had leapt up and joined him. 

"Here, I'm getting so hot, " cried the latter. "What's the good ofslaving along here! Let's go back. "

"I don't like going back in anything, " replied Scarlett, as he walked ontill he reached the fork, and continued his way along the living branchof the old tree, with Fred still following, till they stood in the midstof a maze of jagged and gnarled branches rising high above their heads, and shutting them in. 

These dead boughs were from the fellow limb to that on which they stood, the two huge trunks being about six feet apart. 

"There, now we must go back, " said Fred. 

"No. It looks more open there, " cried Scarlett. "If we could jump onto the other trunk, we could go on beyond. "

"Well, anybody could jump that, " said Fred. 

"Except Fred Forrester, " replied Scarlett, mockingly. 

"What! not jump that? I'll soon show you. "

"No, no; you can't do it, Fred, and you may hurt yourself. "

"Well, that will not hurt you. Here goes. "

"Mind that branch there. "

"Oh yes, I'll mind the branches; and you have to do it when I've done. Way he!"

Fred stooped down, with his feet close together and his arms pressed tohis sides, bent forward and jumped cleverly quite over the interveningspace, and came down upon the great dead moss-covered trunk. 

There was a crash, and it seemed to Scarlett for the moment that hiscompanion's heels had slipped, and that he had gone down on the otherside among the bushy growth that sprung up; but a second glance showedhim that the apparently solid trunk was merely a shell, through whichFred had passed completely out of sight. 

"Hoi! Fred! Hurt yourself!" cried Scarlett, laughing heartily. 

There was no reply. 

"Fred! Hoi! Where are you?"

Still no reply. And now, beginning to feel alarmed, Scarlett loweredhimself down, and forced his way through the tangle of little shrubbyboughs growing round him, to the dead trunk, and found himself within abreastwork of rotten bark as high as he could reach, and which crumbledaway as he tried to get up, one great green mossy patch breaking downand covering him with damp, fungus-smelling touchwood. 

"Fred! Where are you? Don't be stupid, and play with a fellow. Do youhear?"

Still there was no reply, and Scarlett gave an angry stamp on the softground. 

"He's hiding away. I won't trouble about him, " muttered the boy. Thenaloud--"Very well, lad. I shan't come after you. I'm going back to thelake side. "

Scarlett began to struggle back, making a great deal of rustling andcrackling of dead wood; but he had not the slightest intention ofleaving his companion behind, in case anything might have happened tohim. So he clambered back through the brush of oak shoots on to thesound limb, and walked slowly back to the folk to try and walk along thedead portion of the tree; but before he had progressed six feet, hebegan to find that it was giving way, so he descended, and then slowlycreeping in and out among the dead branches, sometimes crawling underand sometimes over, he began to make his way to the spot where Fred haddisappeared. 

It proved, however, a far more difficult task than he had imagined, forpieces of the jagged oak boughs caught in his jerkin; then he found thatin stretching over one leg he had stepped into a perfect tangle ofbramble, whose hooked thorns laid tight hold of his breeches, andscratched him outrageously as he tried to draw his limb back. Findingthat to go forward was the easier, he pushed on, and took three moresteps, vowing vengeance against his companion the while. 

"It's horribly stupid of me, " he muttered. "I don't see why I shouldtake all this trouble to help a fellow who is only playing tricks, andwill laugh when I find him. Oh, how sharp!"

Still there was the latent thought that Fred might have hurt himself, and Scarlett pressed on; but, all the same, seeing in imagination Fred'slaughing face and mocking eyes. In fact, so sure, after all, did hefeel that his companion was watching him from somewhere close by, thathe kept thrusting the rough growth aside, and looking in all directions. 

"I'll give him such a topper for this, " he muttered; and then as hestruggled on another foot, he suddenly stopped short, looked straightahead, and exclaimed loudly, "There, I can see you. Don't be stupid, you old ostrich, hiding there. Now then, come out. "

Scarlett's ruse was a failure. "He knows it isn't true, " muttered thelad. "Serve me right for telling lies. It was only my fun, Fred, " hecried hastily, to make honest confession of his fib. "But don't go onlike that. Come out now, and let's get back. It makes me so hot. "

He listened, and in the stillness of the wilderness he could have heardany one breathing, if he had been close at hand; but all was perfectlystill, until, high up in a neighbouring tree, a greenfinch uttered itsmournful little harsh note, which sounded like the utterance of the word_wheeze_. 

"Surely he hasn't hurt himself, " muttered Scarlett; and then aloud, asan uncomfortable sensation came over him--"Here, Fred! Fred! lad, whereare you? Why don't you speak?"

"As if I don't know where he is, " muttered Scarlett again, now growingthoroughly alarmed. "He must have slipped and hurt his back. --Allright; I'm coming, " he cried. "With you directly, as soon as I can getthrough this horrible tangle. --That's better. Now then, what's thematter? Fred, where are you? I say, do call out, or something. Idon't like it. Fred, lad, are you hurt?"

And all this time he was forcing his way onward, the brambles tearingand the old oak wood crackling. The greenfinch uttered its mournful_wheeze_ once more, and fled in alarm as Scarlett broke down agood-sized branch which barred his way, the rotten dry wood snappingwith a sharp report; and then, panting and hot after his heavy labour toget through so short a space, he forced himself to the place where Fredhad landed, and, to his utter astonishment, found that on his side thewhole of the trunk was gone, merely leaving the shell-like portion whichhad impeded him before, while below the crumbled tree-trunk was a greatgap. 

For a few moments he stood there aghast. Then, recovering his presenceof mind, he pushed aside more of the growth which impeded him, andlooked down into a narrow pit which was choked with broken wood andferns. 

"Fred!" he shouted; but there was no reply. There, however, beneathhim, he could see his companion's head and shoulders, with eyes closed, or seeming to be in the dim light, and only about five feet below wherehe stood. 

Without a moment's hesitation, but trembling the while for fear thatthis might be some terribly deep pit into which his companion might fallif once the broken boughs which supported him gave way, Scarlett triedbough after bough of the old oak to find one upon which he could depend;but they all crackled in a way that threatened snapping if he trustedone; so, reaching back, he got hold of a stout hazel which seemed to bea dozen or fourteen feet high, dragged it down, and holding it bytwisting his hand among the twigs at the top, he began to descend. 

At every movement the earth crumbled, and the bed of rotten woodsupporting Fred, as he lay back with his face to the light, shook sothat at any moment Scarlett expected to see it descend into the profoundabyss below. But in spite of this, as he climbed down the shortdistance, he realised the state of affairs--that in its fall the oak hadcrushed in the masonry arch over some old well-like place, leaving thisterrible hole securely covered till the wood had rotted away; and thatnow it had been Fred's misfortune to leap upon the spot, go through, andbe held up by the broken wood, which formed a kind of rough scaffold ashort distance below. 

Should he run back for help?

No; he could not leave Fred like that. And yet when he reached him hewas afraid that the slightest touch would send him down; and now herealised how fortunate it was that Fred had been hurt, and had remainedinsensible, for if he had struggled, the possibility was that he musthave gone through at once. 

Short as the distance was, Scarlett had to take the greatestprecautions, for, as he tried to get foothold, something gave waybeneath him, and he hung by the hazel, feeling as if all the blood inhis body had rushed to his heart, for there was a loud hollow splash, which went echoing horribly away, and he found himself with his eyes ona level with the old crumbling masonry forming an arch. 

He recovered himself though directly, for he could stretch out a handand touch Fred. 

The touch had instant effect, for the lad opened his eyes, stared at himwildly, and then said quickly--

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing much, if you are careful. You have fallen, and are hanginghere. Now--"

"Fallen? Oh yes, I remember; the tree, " cried Fred. "Oh, my head, myhead!"

"Never mind your head, " whispered Scarlett. "Now listen. "

"I say, what hole's this? Is it a well?" said Fred, eagerly. 

"Don't, pray don't talk. Now, can you reach up and get hold of thehazel above my hands?"

"Dare say I can, " said Fred, coolly. "Yes. There!"

"Then be careful. You are held up by that broken wood. Now try anddraw yourself out. "

"Can't, " said Fred, after one effort. "I'm held tight; wedged in bythis wood. "

"Try again; but be careful, whatever you do. "

"Wait a moment. Oh, my head, my head! I hit the back of it onsomething. "

"Ah, mind!" cried Scarlett, in agony. "Don't think about what isbeneath you, but try to climb up. "

"Of course: only my head hurts so. I gave it such a knock. "

"Yes, yes, " cried Scarlett, impatiently; "but do mind. "

"Well, I am minding; only don't be in such a fuss. I must get thispiece of broken bough away. "

"No, " cried Scarlett, in agony; "don't leave go your hold. "

"But can't you see, " cried Fred, impatiently, "that this is just like awire trap? I've gone through it, and the points are all round me, holding me from coming back. "

"Yes, I see something of the sort; but if you leave go, you may fall. "

"How?"

"By passing through. Now, I'll pull you if I can. Make a struggle atonce before you grow weaker. "

"Wait a bit. I'm not going to grow weaker. I mean to get stronger. Don't you fidget. I'll be up there in no time. "

Scarlett groaned in his nervous agony, and the great drops stood uponhis brow. He had found hold for one foot by thrusting it in above asnake-like root which formed quite a loop in the broken-away soil, andnow, reaching down, he thrust his hand within the collar of Fred'sjerkin, and held with all his force. 

In those moments of excitement, he could not help thinking how often itwas that the looker-on suffered far more than the one in peril, and hefound himself marvelling at his companion's coolness, suspended there ashe was with the dreadful echoing abyss below him, that which had givenforth so terrible a splash when the stones of the old arch gave way. 

"Now then, " cried Fred, as he gazed in his companion's ghastly face, "when I say `Now, ' you give a good tug, and I'll shake myself clear inno time. "

"No, no; I dare not, " faltered Scarlett. 

"What a coward! Well, then, let go, and let me do it myself. "

"No, no, Fred; pray take my advice. Don't attempt to stir like that. Only try making one steady draw upward. As soon as you get free ofthose broken branches, which hold you so tightly, they'll all fall witha splash below. "

"Of course they will, " said Fred, coolly. 

"I don't seem to be able to make you understand your danger. "

"Isn't any, " said Fred. 

"No danger?"

"No; and, look here, it's getting precious cold to my legs, so heregoes. "

"Fred, listen! If you shake and move those branches which hold youdown, you will go to the bottom. "

"Can't, " cried Fred. 

"How can you be so foolish, when I am advising you for your good?"

"I'm not foolish. I want to get out, and you want me to stay. "

"But you'll fall to the bottom of this horrible hole. "

"Can't, " cried Fred. 

"Can't?"

"No; I'm standing on the bottom now. "

"Fred!"

"Well, so I am, with the water just over my knees. "

"Oh!"

"Well, if you don't believe it, come down here and try. "

CHAPTER EIGHT. 

THE SUBTERRANEAN WAY. 

Scarlett hung there from the hazel bough staring, and for a few momentsutterly unable to realise that which his companion had said, till Fredgave himself a shake, like a great dog coming out of the water, and bydegrees got one leg free, then the other, trampling down the brokenwood, and standing at last on a level with his companion. 

"Did you think it was deep?" said the lad. 

"Deep? Yes; I did not know how deep. Then it is not a well?"

"Why, of course not. Don't you see it's the passage we were lookingfor, and it does go down to the lake. "

"The passage?"

"Of course. Look, you can see a little both ways. Of course the top'sbroken in here. Isn't it droll that we should find it like this. Butoh! my head. I gave it such a crack when I fell. It served me just asif I was a rabbit. I don't know how long I've been like that. "

Scarlett could not answer him, so excited had he become at the strangeturn things had taken. 

"There, my head's better now, " said Fred, as he sat at the edge of thehole after climbing lightly out: and as he spoke he amused himself bykicking down fragments of the side to listen to the echoing splash. "What do you say to going up to the house for a light? No; let's getNat's stable lanthorn, and then go down here and see where the way outgoes. "

"I know, " cried Scarlett, eagerly. 

"Where?"

"Why, down there, right away by the old tree clump--right out yonder. "

"There can't be a way out there, because we should have seen it. "

"Perhaps it's covered up so as to keep it hidden till it was wanted. "

"Let's go and see. But, stop a moment. We don't want another way in, now we've got this. "

"No, " said Scarlett. "I don't know, though. Let's go and see. "

"All right; it will dry my legs, " replied Fred. And, getting up, thetwo lads made their way down to the head of the little bay nearest tothe house, and then worked along among the alders which hung over thelake till they came to the part of the old forest Scarlett had named--anevergreen patch of about an acre, on which stood a dozen or two of thefinest trees in the park. 

"Why, " cried Scarlett, "I remember old Dee--"

"Nat's father?"

"Yes--saying that there once used to be a boathouse down here. "

"Then, why didn't we look there first?"

"Because it was not a likely place, all that distance away. "

Neither did it seem a likely place now, as they climbed over a rough, moss grown fence, and entered the unfrequented spot, to find old massesof rock peering out of the soil, ancient trees coated with ivy, and anabundance of thick undergrowth such as they had been fighting with ashort time before. 

The task was less difficult, and they spent the next half-hour huntingalong the edge of the lake, whose shore here was for the most part highand rocky, but broken here and there by shrubby patches of gorse andheather, in company with fine old birches, whose silvery trunks werereflected in the lake. 

"I knew you were wrong, " said Fred at last, as he sat down in a sunnyspot to let his legs dry, "it couldn't be here. "

"Why not?"

"Because, if it were here, we should have found it. "

Scarlett said nothing, but stood at the edge of the rocky bank, nowlooking down into the water, now toward the bushes which wereoverhanging the lake. There were plenty of rather likely places, butnone quite likely enough, and reluctantly agreeing at last that he mighthave been mistaken, he turned slowly away from the ivy coveredperpendicular bank, and sauntered slowly back with his companion insilence. 

"My legs are getting drier now, " said Fred, suddenly. "What do yousay--shall we fetch a lanthorn, and go down into the passage?"

"I don't see what you want with dry legs, if you are going to wade, "replied Scarlett, thoughtfully. 

"You don't want to go. "

"Yes, I do. "

"You're afraid. "

"Perhaps so, " replied Scarlett; "but you are not, so let's go and getthe lanthorn. "

A quarter of an hour later, the lanthorn was secretly obtained, lighted, and a supply of pieces of candle included, and then the question arose, How were they to get it down to the little wilderness unseen?

"Somebody would be sure to come and look what we were doing. "

"I know, " cried Scarlett. "Let's get a big bucket, and a couple ofrods, and they'll think we are going to fish. "

The idea was accepted at once, and the lads marched off, rods overshoulder, and the bucket swinging between them, its light unseen in thebroad sunshine. The place was soon reached, and, taught by experience, they found a better way to the prostrate oak, and after a littlestruggling and scratching, stood gazing down. 

"Look hear, Scar, " cried Fred, "if we find a better way in, we caneasily cover this place over with some old branches and fern roots, because it must be a secret way, or it's of no use. "

Scarlett quite agreed to this, and there they stood gazing up at thearrowy beams of sunshine which shot down through the leaves. Then theyhad a look down into the hole which, with its watery floor and darkness, was anything but tempting. 

"Don't look very nice, Scar, does it?"

"Not at all. Shall we give it up?"

"If we do, as soon as we get home, we shall say what cowards we were. "

"Yes, I shall, " replied Scarlett, "but, all the same, I don't want to godown. Do you?"

"No. "

"And you don't want me to go alone?"

"No, I don't think so. Here, Scar, don't let's give ourselves a chanceto call ourselves cowards. I'll go, if you will. "

"I don't want to go, but I will, if you will. Come along. "

The hesitation was gone. 

"I'll go first, " said Scar, "because you have been down, but I supposewe must be careful so as not to loosen any stones. "

"Very well, " said Fred, rather unwillingly. "Give me the lanthorn tohold. "

The light was drawn out of the bucket, and Scarlett prepared to descend;but this proved it longer task than was expected, for it was firstnecessary to drag out several pieces of broken branch. 

This being done, Scarlett looked up at his companion, who let himselfdown without hesitation, and they stood together with the daylight abovethem, and the narrow lugged stone passage stretching away to right andleft. 

"Which way shall we go first?" asked Scarlett. 

"This way, " cried Fred, and his voice sounded so strange and hollow, that as he stood there up to his knees in water, which glimmered andshimmered on the black surface, he hesitated and wished that he had notagreed to go. 

For there before them lay a narrow path of light, ending in quite asharp point, and seeming to point to the end of their journey. 

They both told themselves that they were not likely to meet anythingthat would do them harm, but, all the same, neither of them could helpwondering whether there would be any unpleasant kind of fish in thedepths as they neared the lake. That word depth, too, troubled them. It was easy enough to wade now, but suppose it should grow deepersuddenly, and they should step into some horrible hole. Suppose--

"Look here, " cried Fred, suddenly, as they waded slowly on, listening tothe whisper and splash of the water, "I wish you'd be quiet with yoursuppose this, and suppose that. You don't want to frighten me, do you?"

"Why, I never spoke, " cried Scar. 

"Then you must have been thinking aloud, for it seemed to me as if youwere saying things on purpose to scare me. "

"Well, it is enough to scare anybody, Fred; and I don't mind saying toyou that I don't like it. "

"But we will not go back?"

"No. "

"Only you might hold the light a little higher. "

Scarlett obeyed, and they cautiously went on, with the water still aboutthe same depth, and for prospect above, before, and on either side, there was the arch of rugged stones, the dripping wall, and the gleamingwater. 

That was all, and after going about fifty yards, Fred exclaimed--

"I say, this can never be of any use to us. Who's going to wade throughwater for the sake of having a secret place?"

"Nobody, " replied Scarlett; "but let's go on, as we've gone so far. "

"Ugh!"

"What's the matter?" cried Scarlett, stopping short suddenly. 

"I thought something laid hold of my leg. Mind!"

Scarlett nearly dropped the lanthorn. "Oh, I say, Scar, that would betoo horrible. Do be careful. I don't want to be in the dark again. "

"It was your fault, you pretending to be frightened. "

"I didn't pretend. I was frightened. It did seem as if somethingtouched my leg. I say, how much farther do you think it is?"

"What! to the end? I don't know. Come along. "

"Well, if anyone had told me that I should do such a thing as this, Iwouldn't have believed him, " grumbled Fred. "How cold the water feels!"

"You wouldn't mind if it was one of the streams, and we were aftertrout. "

"No; because it would be all light and warm there, and we could see whatwe were doing. Don't you think we might go back?"

"No. Let's go to the end now. I'm sure this is the way down to thelake, and we shall find the entrance. Perhaps we shall find the endblocked up, and then when we open it all the water will rush out, and weshall have a dry passage after all. "

"Then you will not give it up?"

"No, " said Scarlett, doggedly. "It's our place, and I want to be ableto tell father all about it. "

"No, no; don't do that, " cried Fred, in dismay. 

"I don't mean yet. I mean when we've done with it. "

"I've done with it now, " muttered Fred. "I don't see any fun in goingsop, sop, squeeze, squatter, through all this cold, dark water. Eh!what's that--the end of it?"

"I think so, " said Scarlett, holding the lanthorn up as high as hecould. "Here are some steps and a door. "

"Of course; then that must be the door that opens on the lake. "

"No, it can't be, for the steps are dry, and--I say, Fred!"

"What is it?"

"Look here, " cried Scarlett. "This is strange. Here's a chamber orcellar. "

"Just like the other we found. "

"Like it, " cried Scarlett; "why, it is it!"

"What nonsense! That one was toward the house. This one is toward thelake. "

"Nonsense or no, there's the old armour in the corner. "

The two lads stood with the lanthorn held up, staring at the heap, andthen at the rusty hinged door, and lastly at one another. 

"Do you believe in enchantment, Fred?" said Scarlett, at last. 

"No, not a bit. Enchantment, and witches, and goblins, and all thosesort of things, are nothing but stuff, father says. "

"But isn't it curious that we should have found ourselves here? It isthe same, isn't it?"

"I think so. Yes, that's the way into the house, " said Fred, staringalong the dark passage. "But I don't care whether it is or whether itisn't. My legs are so wet that I mean to get out as soon as I can. "

Scarlett held the lanthorn up again, and had one more good look round. Then, without a word, he turned, descended the steps into the water, andbegan to wade back. 

"Oh, I say, it is wet!" grumbled Fred, as he followed the lanthorn, watching their grotesque shadows on the wall, the flashing of the lighton the water, and the glimmering on the damp walls. 

Neither of the lads spoke now as they waded on, for each was trying topuzzle out the problem of how it was that they should have journeyedbackward; but no light came. 

"I shall make it out, " said Fred, "as soon as we get in the sunshineagain. Go on a bit faster, Scar. "

But there was no temptation to go faster, and the slow wading wascontinued, till a glimmering of light cheered them; and then quickerprogress was made, for the opening seemed to send down more and morelight as they approached, till they could see quite a fringe of roots, which had forced their way through the arch of rugged stones, and atlast make out how the roof of the passage had been driven in by the fallof the tree. 

"Oh! there is something now, " cried Scarlett, starting. 

"What is it?"

"Something did touch my leg. "

"Kick it!" cried Fred, huskily. "Look out, Scar! it's swimming towardsyou. Mind, mind!"

The boy had raised up his foot to kick, but placed it down again, forthe terror proved to be a piece of rotten wood floating on the surface. 

"How easy it is to be frightened!" said Scarlett, drawing a long breath, as they stood once more at the opening. 

"Yes, far too easy, " grumbled Fred. "I wish it wasn't. Shall I go upfirst, or will you?"

"Isn't it a pity to go up without finding the way?" said Scarlett, hesitatingly. 

"It does seem to be; but I've had enough of it. Let's go up now. "

"Shall we? I know we shall want to come down again. "

"Yes, " said Fred, hesitating; "I suppose we shall. Do you feel to mindit so much now?"

"I don't think so. "

"Let's go on, then. "

"Shall we, Fred?"

"Yes; didn't I say so?" cried Fred, crossly. "Go on; you've got thelight. "

Without another word, Scarlett held the light above his head. 

"It seems very rum though, Scar. That must be the way to the house. "

"Well, let's see. "

Scarlett started once more with the lanthorn along the tunnel in theother direction, apparently toward the house, while, with a maliciouslymerry laugh on his face, Fred hung back, and half hid himself among thefallen wood and stones. 

Scarlett went on quite a couple of dozen yards, talking the while, everyword he said coming back as in a loud whisper distinctly to the mouth ofthe hole. 

"Don't seem to get any deeper, Fred. I'm glad we came, because we shallfind it out this time. "

Fred chuckled and watched, and, to his surprise, he saw his companionand the light gradually disappear, leaving the tunnel in obscurity. 

"Why, I shall have to go in the dark, " cried Fred to himself. "Oh!"And, startled more than he had startled his companion, he hurried afterhim, so eager to overtake the light that he nearly went headlong in thewater, for his body went quicker than his legs. 

"Hi! stop a minute, Scar!" he cried; and he noted, as he hurried on, that the passage made a great curve, though it was so gradual that hecould not tell its extent. 

"Why, I thought you were close behind me, " said Scarlett, as he overtookhim. "Lean a little forward, and you'll find it easier to go alongthrough the water. It's getting just a little deeper now. "

"Then this must be the way to the lake, after all. "

They persevered, going steadily on for some time, and, with the watergradually creeping up and up till it was mid-thigh, and then higher andhigher till it was almost to their hips, and then they stopped. 

"I shan't go any farther, Scar, " cried Fred. "I don't want to have toswim. "

"Yes, it is getting deep, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully. 

"Couldn't get a boat down here, could we!"

"No; but we might get one of the big tubs, " replied Scarlett. "It wouldhold us both. Shall we go back now?"

"Yes; we're so horribly wet; but hold the lanthorn up higher, and--Oh, Isay!"

Scarlett had obeyed, and raised it so high that the lanthorn struckslightly against the rough roof, and, as the candle happened to bealready burning away in the socket, this was sufficient to extinguishit, and for the moment they were in total darkness, or so it seemed tothem in the sudden change. 

Then Fred cried exultantly, "Look! look!" and pointed to a bright, rough-looking star of light. 

"Sunshine, " cried Scarlett. "Then that is the entrance. Shall we goon?"

Fred had already squeezed by him, and was wading on toward the light, which proved to be not more than fifty feet away. 

"Come along!" he cried; "it isn't very much deeper, only up to my middlenow. Here, I'm touching it. This is the end, and--it's--it's--no, Ican't quite make out where it is, " he continued, as he darkened the holeby placing his face to it; "but I can see the lake, and I could seewhere, only there's a whole lot of ivy hanging down. "

"Can you get your head through?"

"No; too small. Come and look. "

Fred made way for his companion, and, while he was peering through, theother amused himself by feeling the flat surface which stopped fartherprogress, and soon made out that there was a wall of rugged stone, builtup evidently to stop the entrance; and this was matted together with ivystrands and roots which had forced their way in. 

"Yes, " said Scarlett, at last, as he drew away; "this is the entrance, and now we've got to find it from outside. "

"Yes; but how?"

"Oh, we shall soon find it. Get the boat, and hunt all along till wefind a place that has been built like a wall, and then search for thishole. "

"And how about the ivy all over it?"

Scarlett was silent for a while. 

"I had forgotten all about the ivy, " he said. 

"If we could tell about where it was, I dare say we could soon find it. "

"Yes, but we can't tell yet. "

"And we shan't find out by stopping here, Scar; and oh, I say--"

"What's the matter?"

"The water's right up in my pockets. Come along back. "

"But we've got to go in the dark. "

"Can't help it. I don't mind so much now, for we can't go wrong. Comealong. "

Fred took the lead now, and they went steadily back, feeling their wayalong by the damp wall, and casting back from time to time regretfullooks at the bright star of light, which grew less and less, and thendisappeared; but as it passed from sight, they saw to their greatdelight that there was a faint dawn, as it were, on ahead, and this grewbrighter and brighter, till they seemed to turn a corner, and saw thebright rays shooting down through the hole, which they reached with arather confused but correct notion that about here the passage took adouble curve, somewhat in the shape of the letter S; but they were tooeager to get out into the wood again to give much attention to theconfiguration of the place. 

"Hah!" exclaimed Fred, taking a long breath, and then beginning tosqueeze the water out of his nether garment, "that's better. I say, hadn't we better hide this hole?"

"I don't think we need; nobody ever comes here. Let's go and have alook down by the lake. "

CHAPTER NINE. 

SOMETHING THE MATTER. 

The two lads were so accustomed to rough country life and to makingwading expeditions for trout in the little rivers, or rushing in afterthe waves down by the seashore, that, after giving their garments athorough good wring, they soon forgot all about the dampness in theinterest of searching for the entrance to the secret passage down by thelake. 

"I know how it must all have been, " said Scarlett. "When our house wasbuilt, there must have been wars. I dare say it was in the War of theRoses, and that place was contrived, so that in case of need any onecould escape. "

"Yes; and if the place was taken, the rightful owners could get inagain. "

"And now it's all peace, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully, "and we can makeit our cave, and do what we like there. "

"But it isn't all peace, " said Fred. "I heard father say that if theking went on much longer as he's going on now, there might be war. "

"Who with--France?"

"No; a civil war. "

"What Englishmen against Englishmen! They couldn't. "

"But they did in the Wars of the Roses. "

"Ah, that was when people knew no better, and there were different kingswanted to reign! Such things never could occur again. "

"I hope not. "

"There! this is where the entrance must be. "

The two lads had reached the edge of the lake now, and began once moreto search along the most likely spots where the rocky banks wereperpendicular and high, and covered with ivy and overhanging trees. 

But it was labour in vain, and at last, as the afternoon grew late, theysat down on a piece of slaty rock in the hot sunshine, swinging theirlegs over the side, gazing out at the bright waters of the lake. 

"I don't care, " cried Fred, pettishly; "I'm tired of it. I don't mindnow whether there's a way in or a way out. It's of no use, and I'mhungry. I shall go home now. "

"No; stop and have supper with us. "

"Very well. I don't mind; only let's go. "

The two boys went straight up to the Hall, passing Nat on the way, readyto exchange a salute and a grin. 

"What are you laughing at, Nat?" cried Fred. 

"Only at you two, sir. You've been up to some mischief, I know. "

The boys exchanged hasty glances, which, being interpreted, meant, "Hashe been watching us?"

"I always knows, " said Nat, with a chuckle. 

"No, you don't, " cried Fred. "You're just like our Samson. "

"So would you be, Master Fred, if you was a twin. "

"I did not mean that. I meant being so precious cunning and sure abouteverything when you don't know anything at all. "

"Ah, don't I, sir! Ha, ha, ha! I could tell Sir Godfrey a deal morethan you think for. "

"Yes, you'd better, " cried Fred. "You do, that's all, and I'll go homeand lead Samson such a life. "

"Wish you would, sir, for he deserves it. A nasty, stuck-up, obstintfellow as never was. I never meet him without he wants to quarrel withme and fight. Thinks he's the strongest man there is, and that he cando anything. And talk about a temper!"

"Shan't, " cried Fred. "What do we want to talk about tempers for? OurSamson has got as good a temper as you have. "

"Nay, nay, Master Fred; now that aren't a bit true. And I beg yourpardon, sir: our Sampson's father was my father. "

"Oh yes! and his mother was your mother. That's what you always say. "

"Which it's a truth, Master Fred, " said the gardener, reprovingly; "andMaster Penrose say as a truth can't be told too often. "

"Then I don't think the same as Master Penrose. Do you, Scar?"

"No, of course not. Well, Nat, what were you going to say?"

"Only, sir, that Sampson's my brother; but I'm mortal sorry as he's thegardener for any friends of yours, for a worse man there never was in agarden, and I never see it without feeling reg'lar ashamed of theManor. "

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Fred. "Why, that's just what our Samson saysabout your garden. "

"What, sir? Our Samson said that about the Hall garden?"

"Yes, lots of times. "

Nat had a hoe in his hand, and he let the shaft fall into the hollow ofhis arm as he moistened his hands, took a fresh hold of the ash pole asif it was a quarter-staff, and made half a dozen sharp blows at nothingbefore letting the tool resume its place on the earth. 

"That's what's going to happen to Samson Dee next time we meets, MasterFred; so p'raps you'll be good enough to tell him what he has got toexpeck. "

"Tell him yourself, Nat, " said Scarlett, shortly. "Come along, Fred. "

The gardener stood looking after them till they disappeared through thegreat door of the Hall, and then went on hoeing up weeds very gently, asif he did not like to injure their tender fibres. 

"Master Samson won't be happy till I've given him stick enough to makehis bones sore. Hah! we shall have to get it over somehow. Samsonwon't be content till we've had it out. "

The supper of those days was ready when the boys entered the greatdining-room, Fred having declared himself ravenous while upstairs inScarlett's bedroom, where, the lads being much of a size, he had beenaccommodated with a complete change, even to dry shoes. 

Sir Godfrey and Lady Markham were waiting, the former looking veryserious, and his countenance becoming more grave as he saw Fred enter. 

"You bad boys, " whispered Scarlett's sister, as she ran up to them, withher dark hair tossed about her shoulders. "Father was beginning toscold. "

"How do, Lady Markham?" said Fred, and her ladyship looked troubled asshe took the boy's hand. "How do, sir? It was so late, and I am sohungry, that I thought you would not mind my stopping to supper withScar. "

"Ahem! No, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey, trying to be cordial, butspeaking coldly. "Sit down. Been out with Scarlett?"

"Yes, sir. All the afternoon in the woods, " replied Fred, looking atthe baronet wonderingly, for he had never heard him speak in such a tonebefore. 

Ever since he could remember he had been in and out of the Hall atmeal-times, even sleeping there often, and Scarlett's visits to theManor had been of the same character. To all intents and purposes thelife of the boys had been that of brothers, while that of their fathershad been much the same. 

It was a genuine old-fashioned Coombeshire repast to which the hungryboys sat down, eating away as boys of fifteen or sixteen can eat, andbread and butter, ham, cake, junket and cream, disappeared at amarvellous rate. 

"Is your father poorly?" whispered Fred, after satisfying his hunger tosome extent. "I don't know. Don't speak so loud. "

"Wasn't speaking so loud, " said Fred, kicking Scarlett under the table. "What's the matter with him?"

"I don't know. Heard some bad news, perhaps. "

"Shall we tell him about the secret way? He'd like to hear, I daresay. "

"No, no; let's keep it to ourselves for the present. "

That something was troubling Sir Godfrey was evident, for his supper washardly tasted, and twice over, when Lady Markham spoke to him, andpressed him to eat, he declined in an irritable way. 

"I shall have to join them, if these things go on, Margaret. "

"Godfrey!"

"Yes; I feel it is a duty to one's self and country. If we countrygentlemen are not staunch now, and do not rally round his majesty, whatare we to come to?"

Lady Markham shook her head, and softly applied her handkerchief to hereyes, ending by rising and going to where Sir Godfrey sat and, layingher hand upon his shoulder, she bent down and whispered a few words tohim, which seemed to have a calming effect, for he took her hand fromwhere it lay, raised it to his lips, and looked up in his wife's eyesfor a few moments before she returned to her place. 

All this seemed very strange to the lads, who, feeling uncomfortable, began chatting to Lil, but a complete damp was thrown over what wasgenerally a pleasant, sociable meal, and it was with quite a sense ofrelief that Fred rose at a hint from Scarlett, and they went out intothe hall to walk up and down, --talking for a few minutes before Scarlettran up the stairs and down once or twice to make sure that all was rightby the topmost balusters. 

"Glad I did not make up my mind to tell father, " he said, as he stoodonce more by the open door. 

"What's the matter?"

"I don't know. Father has had letters, I suppose, that have upset him. "

"But he said something about the king--and rallying round him. "

"Yes. "

"Well, never mind that. Shall we get the boat out to-morrow morning, and have a hunt along the side of the lake? We must find that archway. "

"Yes, of course. "

"What time shall I come--directly after breakfast?"

"Yes, and I'll have the boat baled out. She's half full of water. Jobfor Nat. "

"Then I'll run home now. Good night. --Good night. "

The second good night came from half-way to the west end of the lake, asFred ran on down to the narrow track which skirted the water-side. 

"He will not go and hunt for it by himself, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully, as he turned to go in, little thinking what a shadow wasfalling over his home. "No, " he added laconically, "too dark;" and, after a glance toward the woodlands at the east end of the gate, heentered the house whistling merrily. 

CHAPTER TEN. 

CAPTAIN MILES. 

Fred's way across the fields to the Manor was among sweet autumn scents, and with moth and bird taking his attention at almost every step. 

The white owl was out, with its peculiar grating cry; so was the tawnyowl, breaking forth into its loud hail--_hoi-hoi-hoi_! Skimming aboutthe oak-trees he saw the nightjars again, every swoop meaning death tosome unfortunate moth or beetle. 

But all these objects were too familiar to call for more than a passingglance as the boy hurried on. Down in the hollows the mists weregathering and floating a little way above the ground, as if there were afire near, while far away in the east a bright planet burned like silveropposite to the warm glow left in the west. 

"Hurrah! there we are, " cried Fred, as he topped the last hill, andlooked down at the lights which showed where home lay; and he was notlong in getting over the ground, almost quicker than he was satisfiedwith, for he was making his plans for the next morning respecting thediscovery of the entrance to the passage. 

For the whole of the incidents in connection with the secret chamber hadthoroughly excited him, and he felt as if he could not rest till he hadfound out everything about the place. 

To his great surprise, as he entered the house, he found that supper wasnot begun. 

"Been waiting for me, mother?" he cried to the calm, sweet-faced ladyseated working by the light of rather a dim candle. 

"No, Fred, " she said, smiling gravely, as she drew him down and kissedhis brow. 

"Because I had mine with Scar. Where's father?"

"In the library. He has a gentleman with him. "

"Gentleman?"

"Yes; he has come from Bristol to see your father on business. "

"Oh!" said Fred, carelessly; and he sat down and rested his head uponhis hand. 

"Does your head ache, my boy?" asked his mother. 

"Head? No, mother. I was only thinking, " said the boy, as his mother'swords brought him back from wandering in the water-floored passage. 

"Thinking of your studies?"

Fred started a little, for his studies had been rather neglected oflate. 

"No, mother, only of a hunt Scar and I had in the Hall woods to-day. "

It was in the boy's heart to tell his mother all that had passed, andtheir discovery from beginning to end, but he argued, "If I do, it willnot be a secret any longer. "

There was a pause. 

"Father said that a well-intentioned boy would have no secrets from hisfather and mother, and that they should be always looked upon as hisbest friends. But it isn't mine altogether, " argued Fred, after anothervery long pause; "and I've no business to tell Scar's secret to any onetill he has told it to his own father and mother; and, besides, as it'sa private place, they would not like any one to know about it, and--"

"Yes, Forrester, we may throw away all compunction now, " said a loud, firm voice; and Fred rose from his seat as his father entered in companywith a tall, broad-shouldered man, whose grizzled, slightly curly hairwas cut very close to his head, and whose eyes seemed to pierce the boy, as he gave him a sternly searching look. He had a stiff, militarybearing, and he did not walk down the long low room, but seemed to marchrather awkwardly, as if he had been riding a great deal. 

He nodded familiarly to Mistress Forrester, who looked at him in rathera troubled way, as he marched straight to Fred, slapped him sharply onthe shoulder, and gripped it so hard as to give him acute pain. But theboy did not flinch, only set his teeth hard, knit his brow, and gazedresentfully in the visitor's dark eyes, which seemed full of malice andenjoyment in the pain he was giving. 

"So this is Fred, is it?" he said in a harsh voice, which sounded as ifhe was ordering Colonel Forrester to answer. 

"Yes, sir, " said Mistress Forrester, with dignity, "this is our son;"and she looked wonderfully like her boy in the resentful glance shedarted at her guest, for she could read Fred's suffering. 

"Hah! made of the right stuff, like his father, Mistress Forrester. Didthat hurt you, my boy?"

"Of course it did, " said Fred, sharply. 

"Then why didn't you cry out or flinch, eh?"

This was accompanied by a tighter grip, which seemed as if thestranger's fingers were made of iron. 

The grip was but momentary, and the boy stood like a rock. 

"Well, " said the stranger again, "why didn't you cry out?"

"Because I would not, " replied the boy, frowning. 

"Shake hands. "

Fred tried to hold back, but the command was so imperious, and the firm, sinewy hand before his face seemed to draw him, and he laid his ownwithin it, to feel the fingers close in a warm but gentle grasp, thepressure being firm and kindly; and in place of the fierce look apleasant, winning expression came into the visitor's countenance, whilethe left hand was now clapped upon the boy's shoulder, and closed in apressure as agreeable as the other was harsh. 

"Glad to know you, my lad. That's frank and manly of you. The rightstuff in him, Mistress Forrester. He'll make a good man, colonel. Well?"

"I didn't speak, sir, " said Fred, in answer to the question and look. 

"That's right, too. Don't be in too great a hurry to speak, " said thevisitor; and somehow, to his own astonishment, Fred felt himself drawntoward this imperious personage, who seemed to take command of every onein the place. "Well, Forrester, you'll make a soldier of him. "

"I--"

The hesitatingly spoken pronoun came from Mistress Forrester, who seemedchecked by the guest's quick look of reproof. 

"I had not decided yet, " said Colonel Forrester, gravely; and Frednoticed that his father seemed to have suddenly grown rigid and stern inmanner and tone of voice. "What do you say, Fred? should you like to bea soldier?"

"Yes, father; like you have been. "

"No, no, Fred, my boy!" cried his mother. 

"Madam, " said their guest, "ladies do not always understand Latin, but acertain Roman poet called Horace once said, `_Dulce et decorum est propatria mori_'. Let me modify it by saying, `to offer in time of need todie for your country. ' It does not follow that a man who fights for hishome and liberty dies. Good lad. Be a soldier. "

"I will, sir, " said Fred, firmly. "Father didn't die, mother. "

"No, nor you shall not, my boy. There, now, we know one another, and Ihope we shall become well-tried friends. "

"But I don't know you yet, sir. You have not told me your name. "

The visitor clapped Fred on the shoulder again, and there was a merry, kindly light in his eyes as he cried--

"Come, I like this, Forrester. Your Coombeland boys are the genuine, frank English stuff. Fred, my lad, I like your out-spoken ways. Fromsome lads it would have been insolence, but from you it seems sturdy, honest independence. You may know me for the present, my boy, asCaptain Miles. "

"Miles, a soldier, " said Fred to himself but the visitor heard him. 

"Right, " he cried. "Miles, a soldier. Mistress Forrester, Icongratulate you on your home and surroundings. And now, pardon myfrankness, I have travelled far to-day and I journey far to-morrow, I ama-hungered and a-thirst, madam; and afterwards, as your good husband andtried soldier and I have done our business, I shall be glad to press apleasant west-country bed. "

With winning courtesy, but at the same time with a half-shrinking, troubled look in her eyes, Mistress Forrester led the way to the table, and as soon as he was seated the guest seemed to cast off his imperiousmilitary manner, and become the courtly scholarly gentleman who had readmuch, travelled far, and thought deeply. So pleasant and interestingwas his conversation that Fred grew more and more attracted by him, andlistened with wide-open eyes to all he said. 

Only once did the business-like, firm and decisive officer appear aftersupper, when he suddenly apologised and rose. 

"I have an old-fashioned way of looking after my best friends, MistressForrester, " he said. "At the present moment, on this journey, my horseis one of my best friends. You will excuse my visiting him?"

"If you will trust me, Captain Miles, " said Colonel Forrester, placingsome emphasis on the name, "I can promise you that your good horse haseverything that will help him to make a long journey to-morrow. "

"I do trust you, Forrester, " said the visitor, smiling. "I would I hadten men like you, and as worthy of trust. "

As he spoke, he subsided into his chair, but Fred was already on hislegs. 

"I'll go and see after the horse, " he said. 

The visitor gave him a kindly approving nod, and the boy left the room. 

"How old is he, Mistress Forrester?" he said. 

"Sixteen, " replied the hostess, sadly. 

"Just on the dawn of manhood, madam. Hah, Forrester, old friend, it isa grand thing to be sixteen, and with life before you. God bless allboys! How little they know how grand a thing it is to be young!"

There was silence after this speech--a silence which lasted till Fredentered eagerly. 

"The horse is quite right, sir, " he cried. 

"How do you know, boy?"

"How do I know, sir? Because he is eating his corn so well, and feelsso comfortable and cool. I say--"

"Well?"

"He's a fine horse. "

"Yes. So he is. A splendid fellow. There, my kind hosts, I'll saygood night. I would I had come on another mission, but it is only duty, and you must forgive me. I shall be off at dawn. Good night, madam. Good night, Forrester. I knew I could depend on you. Good night, myboy. You'll forgive me for pinching your shoulder so hard. It was totry your mettle. "

"Oh, I didn't mind, " cried Fred. "Good night, sir; and when I do becomea soldier, will you have me in your regiment?"

"I will, " thundered out the guest. "Forrester, that's a bargain. Goodnight. "

There was silence in the room as the two men went out together; and assoon as the door was closed, Mistress Forrester dropped into the nearestchair, and covered her face with her hands. 

"Mother, dear mother, " cried Fred, going on his knees before her, andthrowing his arms about her neck, "you are crying because I said I wouldbe a soldier!"

"No, my boy, " she said, looking up, "I was weeping for the evil days instore for us all. Heaven be with us, and guide us all aright. Goodnight, my boy, good night. "

Fred kissed her tenderly, and suffered her to lead him to the door onhis way to his room. 

He passed his father on the stairs, and there was a troubled look in thecolonel's eyes, as he bade his son good night. 

A quarter of an hour after, Fred was in bed dreaming of secret passages, and the captain helping him to fight men in rusty armour after they hadwon their way to the inner chamber where the old arms lay; and then itseemed to him that he heard the trampling of horses, and he woke to findit was morning, and the sun shining into his room. 

CHAPTER ELEVEN. 

NAT IS VERY MUCH IN THE WAY. 

Fred lay for some few moments thinking over his vivid dream and unablefor a time to realise that he had been fast asleep. That was themorning sunshine sure enough, and this was his room; but his head feltin a whirl, and as if it was mixed up with some puzzle. 

But that was not the coinage of his brain that distant _pit-pat_ of ahorse's hoofs upon the hard road; and springing out of bed, he ran tothe window, threw it open, and looked out, straining his neck to get aglimpse of the distant way. 

For a few moments he could see nothing. Then there came into sight, rising out of a hollow, the head and broad shoulders of a horseman. Ashe progressed, more and more of his figure appealed as he ascended aslope, till at last the horse was in full view, but directly afterwardsthey seemed to top the ascent and begin to go down on the other side, with the sun flashing from stirrup and buckle, and from the hilt of therider's sword. There were other bright flashes too all around, but theywere from the dewdrops which spangled grass and leaf, as the riderseemed to grow shorter, his horse disappearing, till only his head andshoulders appeared above the ridge, and then they passed away, and the_pit-pat_ of the horse's hoofs died out. 

"Gone!" said Fred, thoughtfully. "No! there he is again;" and hestrained his eyes to gaze at the tiny distant form of themilitary-looking man who had made so strong an impression upon him, buthe did not become visible; it was only the sound of his horse's hoofswhich were heard for the space of a minute, faint but clear, on themorning air. Then all was silent. 

"I half like that Captain Miles, " said Fred to himself. "Wish I wasgoing with him. Wonder where he has gone? To Plymouth, perhaps. "

Fred began to dress, after hesitating whether he should go to bed again. But the bright morning was so attractive, and after the firstapplication of cold water, he felt a positive eagerness to get out inthe fresh air. 

All the time he was dressing his head was full of his confused dream andthe fight in the narrow passage, while the events of the preceding dayhad so impressed him that he hurried downstairs, glanced at the hallclock, which pointed to a quarter to five, and, taking his hat, ran out, and down the garden. 

"Morning, Master Fred, " came from behind the hedge; and it was so suddenthat the lad jumped. 

"You, Samson?" he cried. "Yes; I've been starting that gen'leman whocome yesterday. Had to get up at four and have his horse ready. Goingfishing?"

"No; only for a walk. "

"Over to the Hall?"

"Yes, Samson, " replied the lad, impatiently. "Then, if you see that badbrother o' mine, Master Fred, don't you speak to him. I'm gettingashamed of him. "

"No: he's getting ashamed of you, Sam, " cried Fred, tauntingly. "What?"

"Well, he said so last night. "

"Ashamed of me, sir. I should like to see him be 'shamed of me. I'dgive him something to be 'shamed about. "

"Oh yes, of course, " cried Fred; and he ran on, forgetting all about thegardener in his eagerness to get to the lake. 

The birds were twittering and singing in the woods and coppices, thesoft, silvery mists were rising from the hollow, and each broad fernfrond glistened as if set with tiny jewels of every prismatic hue. Awaytoo in the distance, as he topped a hill, one corner of the Hall lakecould be seen glistening like burnished silver set in a frame of vividgreen. 

But these were too common objects to take the boy's attention as hewalked up the hill slope and trotted down the other side, for he wasintent upon one thing only, a faint indication of which was given by hisexclaiming once--

"How surprised old Scar will be!"

It was not to go under his window and rouse Scar by throwing pebbles upat the lattice-pane, for instead of taking the dewy path round, by thehigh trees, which would have taken him at once to the house, Fred randown the sharp slope into the little coombe, through which ran off thesurplus waters of the lake. Here there was a clump of alders growingamongst the sandstone rocks, and three of the larger trees had been cutdown to act as posts, to one of which the old flat-bottomed boat wasfastened by a chain. 

The boy had about fifty yards to go through this clump of alders, alittle winding path trampled by the cattle forming his way; and alongthis he turned, so as to get to the opening where the trees had been cutdown, and the boat lay. 

But before he was three-parts of the way through, he heard a peculiarscraping sound, followed by a splash, and then a repetition, and anotherrepetition, in regular rhythm and measure. 

Fred stopped short, listening. "How tiresome!" he muttered. "Scar musthave told old Nat to bale her out before he went to bed. Wonder howlong he'll be?" Evidently intending to wait until the man whom he heardwas gone, Fred crept softly along, listening to the rhythmic splash ofwater, till he could peer through the thin growth at the person bailingout the boat. 

No sooner did he catch sight of him than he dashed forward to whereScarlett sat on the edge of the old punt wielding a shallow iron pot. 

"Fred!"

"Scar!"

"Why, what brought you over so soon?"

"What are you doing there?"

"Baling. "

"Yes; and you were going over yonder without me?"

Scarlett sat tapping the gunwale of the boat with the pot, having ceasedto bale. 

"Yes, I knew you were, " continued Fred, in an altered tone, as the otherremained silent. 

"Come, now, confess. "

"I don't know that I need call it confessing, " said Scarlett, throwingback his head and speaking haughtily. "It's our boat, and our lake, andthat place is all ours. "

"Yes; but we were schoolfellows, and we found it together. "

Scarlett winced a little at this. "And you were going to steal a marchand find it all out by yourself. I do call it mean, " cried Fred, angrily. "I didn't think you'd do such a thing, Scar, and--"

"You thought just the same, " said Scarlett, quickly, "and meant to takethe boat before I was up, and that's why you are here. "

He looked sharply at Fred, who thrust his hands in his pockets, andsuddenly became interested in the movements of a bald coot, which waspaddling in and out among the reeds which grew right into the lake. 

"There now, you're found out too, and you're as bad as I am, " criedScarlett. 

"Well, I only meant it as a surprise. Is she very leaky?"

Scarlett seemed disposed to hold off, but the interest of the project inhand swept all that away, and he replied sociably enough. 

"No; she has been so deep in the water and got so soaked, that I don'tthink much comes in. "

"Bale away, then, " cried Fred. 

"Suppose you have a turn. I'm getting hot. "

Fred required no further hint, but stripping off his jerkin and rollingup his sleeves, he was soon at work scooping up the water and sending itflying and sparkling in the morning sunshine, while Scarlett sat andchatted. 

"I didn't care to ask Nat to clean out the boat, " he said, "for he'ssuch an inquisitive fellow. He'd have wanted to know what I was goingto do, and if I hadn't told him--"

"I know, " said Fred, making a momentary iris as he sent the waterflying, "he'd have hidden away and watched you. "

"Yes; sure to. "

"And Samson's just the same. I have to cheat him sometimes. But itdidn't matter cheating old Nat. What I think was so shabby was tryingto cheat me. "

Scarlett was silent for a minute. 

"I should have told you afterwards, " he said. "Here, let me have a turnnow. "

"No; I shall finish, " replied Fred, wielding the old pot with increasedenergy, "just to show you how forgiving I am. "

"Ah! but you're found out too, " cried Scarlett. 

"Well, I didn't mean any harm, " cried Fred, with a droll look, "andshould have told you afterwards. "

"Yes; but--"

"Look here, " cried Fred, "you say another word about it, and I'll throwall the water over you. "

"Let's make haste, then, and go and find the way in before breakfast. "

For answer Fred scooped away at such a rate that he had soon cleared theboat down to the little well-like hollow arranged to catch thedrainings. 

"Now then, " he cried, "I'm tired. You row. "

Scarlett unhooked the chain, gave the boat a good thrust, seized theoars, and in ten minutes more they were coasting along as near to thebank as the overhanging trees and projecting bushes would allow. 

For quite half an hour they searched to and fro, but without result. There were plenty of likely looking places overgrown with ivy, andsheltered by the willows, alders, and birches, but not one showed a signof having been built up with rough blocks of stone, or presented a holesuch as they had seen from the inside. 

"We shall never find it like this, " said Fred, at last. 

"How are we to find it, then? And we must go soon, as some one will seeus, and wonder what we are doing. "

"Oh no; they'll only think we are fishing, " said Fred. "I'll tell youhow to find it. "

"How?"

"We must cut a long willow, and strip it all but the leaves on the end. "

"What for?"

"Then one of us must go down the opening yonder, wade along the passage, poke the stick out through the hole, and shout. "

"Yes; that would do it nicely, " said Scarlett. "But who's to do it?"

"Let's both go. "

"Then we should be no wiser, because there would be no one out here tolisten. "

"No, " said Fred; and then, "Let's have another try. "

They had another try--a long and careful search, but the entrance hadbeen too cunningly masked. 

"It's of no use, " said Scarlett, drawing in the oars. "One of us mustgo. "

Silence. And Fred seemed to be deeply interested in the proceedings ofa great flap-winged heron which had alighted on the further shore. 

"Will you go, Fred?" said Scarlett, at last. 

"No. It's your place, and you ought to go. "

"Yes, " said Scarlett, slowly; "I suppose I ought. "

"No, no, I'll go, " cried Fred, eagerly. "I will not be so shabby. Let's cut a stick, and then set me ashore. "

Scarlett nodded, and resuming the rowing, ran the boat's head ashore, close to a clump of willows. Then, taking out his knife, he hacked offa rod about ten feet long, trimmed off the twigs and leaves, all but apatch on the end, and, before his companion could realise what heintended, he had leaped ashore, given the boat a thrust, and run up thebank. 

"No, no, " cried Fred. "I'll go. "

"It's my place, and I shall go myself, " replied his companion. "Takethe oars and row gently along. I don't think I shall mind. If I do, I'll come back and you shall go. "

"But you have no light. "

"No, " said Scarlett, gravely; "but I know the way now, and that there'sno danger, so I shall not care. " Before Fred could offer furtherremonstrance, Scarlett had run into the nearest patch of woodland anddisappeared. 

"I don't like letting him go, " muttered Fred, as he gazed at the spotwhere his companion had disappeared. "It seems as if I were a coward. Perhaps I am, for it does seem shivery work to do. Never mind, I'll gonext time, " he added quickly; and, taking the oars, he sat down wherehis companion had vacated the seat, and began to row slowly back towhere he fancied the entrance must be. 

Then followed so long a period of waiting that the boy grew anxious, andafter rowing to and fro for some time outside the thick growth whichedged that portion of the lake, he made up his mind that something mustbe wrong, and determined to land and go in search of Scarlett. 

"How horrible if he has waded into a deep place, and gone down!" hemuttered, as he bent over the oars, to pull with all his might, when hefancied he heard a distant hail. 

He ceased rowing, and the water rippled about beneath the front as helistened. 

"Where are you?" he cried. 

"Here, " came from apparently a great distance. 

"Where's here?"

"Here, here, here. Can't you see?"

The voice seemed to come from far away, and he drew in the oars, andstood up in the boat to look from side to side, searching eagerly, andtrying to pierce the bushes and overhanging ivy, which screened therocky shore. 

"Here! Hoy!"

Fred faced round now, and looked across the lake, to see Nat standing onthe farther shore. 

"What are you doing? Got any?" shouted Nat. 

Fred put his hands to the sides of his mouth, and shouted back. 

"No! not yet. "

"Where's Master Scarlett?"

"Ashore. "

"Oh!"

"He thinks we've been setting eel-lines, " muttered Fred, as, to hisgreat annoyance, he saw the gardener seat himself on the distant bankand watch him. 

"Oh, what a bother!" he cried, with an impatient stamp on the bottom ofthe boat. "Well, he must think so, then. "

To induce the spy upon his proceedings to go on in this belief, Fredstooped down in the boat, and picked up and threw in an imaginary line. After which, he took up one oar, and, standing upright, began to paddlethe boat in toward the bank, where a large birch drooped over and dippedits delicate sprays of leaves almost into the surface of the lake. 

"I'll moor her fast here, " thought Fred, "and go ashore and warn Scar. We can't do any more, with that fellow watching. "

To this end, he paddled the boat close to the silver trunk of the birch, whose roots ran down into the clear water, forming quite a delicatefringe, amongst which the tiny perch loved to play. 

He was in the act of fastening the chain as he stood up, and had passedit round one of the lower boughs, being fairly well screened now fromNat's observation by the delicate spray, when a fly seemed to tickle hisear. 

Fred struck at it viciously without looking round, and went on fasteningthe chain, when the fly again seemed to tickle him, this time low downin the nape of his neck. 

"Get out! Will you?" he cried: and he turned, sharply struck at thefly, and caught--

The end of the willow rod with its tuft of leaves. 

"Oh!" he ejaculated, as the tug he gave at the wand was replied to byanother at the end; and as he looked, he saw that it came from out of adense mass of twiggy alder above his head, where a quantity of ivy grew. 

"Scar, " he cried, giving the wand a shake, "are you there?"

"Yes, " came in a faint whisper that sounded very hollow and strange. "Didn't you hear me shout!"

"No. "

"I was afraid to cry too loud, because it goes backward so, rumbling allalong the passage. Whereabouts is it?"

"By the big birch-tree; just where we thought it couldn't be. "

"Eh? Speak up. "

"By the big birch-tree; just where we thought it couldn't be; and Ican't speak louder, because Nat's over the other side, watching. "

"Can he see you now?"

"No. But are you all right!"

"Yes. "

"You're higher up than I thought. Stop till I push the boat closer, andI'll see if I can find any loose stones. "

"Stop a minute, " said Scarlett, in the same smothered voice, whichsounded faint as a whisper. "Let me see if I can move any of them. "

Fred waited, and, peering through the twigs, he could see that Nat waspatiently waiting for him to come in sight again. 

"Some of them seem loose, " came from within; "but I can't get them out. "

"Don't stop to try now, " said Fred. "Let's come another time; we can'tmake any mistake, now. Oh!"

The cry was involuntary, for all at once a patch of ivy just above thelevel of the water seemed to be driven outward, and several stones aboutthe size of his head fell with a splash down among the alder roots, followed by a heavy gush of water, which poured forth fiercely into thewoody edge of the lake, and continued to pour as if a fresh lake wasdischarging its waters into the old one. 

So near was the edge of the boat, that the water nearly rushed in; butthough it was afterwards slightly drawn toward it, a snatch at a boughdrew it back, and Fred stood gazing wonderingly at the rush which foamedin. 

Then he looked across the lake, wondering whether Nat could hear andsee. But he was too far distant to see more than a little ebullitionwhich might have been caused by the movement of the oars and boat, forthe water that poured in was discharged in quite a dense thicket ofmoisture-loving growth. 

"I say, Scar, " cried Fred, at last, alarmed by the silence, and afterlistening to the surging noise of the water for a few minutes. 

"Yes. "

"Are you all safe?"

"Yes, of course. "

"What does all this water mean?"

"I was pushing against the wall high up, and slipped, and my kneesstruck against the bottom, driving out some of the stones. "

"Then--Stop a minute; Nat's going away. "

The lad held some of the twigs aside, and could see that the gardenerwas moving off, apparently tired of waiting, and, once he was out ofsight, there was no occasion to be so particular about shouting, and aconversation was painfully carried on above the rushing noise of thewater. 

"I can't understand it, Scar, " cried Fred. "There must be a streamrunning through that passage. "

There was no reply; but the willow wand was withdrawn, and the nextminute it appeared through the hole where the water was rushing. 

"I say, Scar. "

"Yes. "

"Haven't you done some harm, and oughtn't we to let them know up at thehouse?"

"I don't know. I couldn't help it. "

"I thought the passage was partly under the water, " said Fred tohimself, "and so it ran in; but it couldn't have been meant to be wetlike that. I say, Scar, " he cried aloud, "whereabouts is the bottomwhere your feet are?"

"Eh?"

"I say, where are your feet?"

"Where this stick is, " came back more clearly now. 

And it suddenly struck Fred that the water was not pouring out in quiteso great a volume. But for the moment he could not see the stick forthe foam. Directly after, though, he made out where it was being movedto and fro, exactly on a level with the surface of the lake. 

"I'm coming back now, " cried Scarlett; and his voice was plainly heard, after which Fred sat watching the water, rapidly draining away with lessand less violence, till he heard a shout, answered it, and soon afterScarlett came along, forcing his way through the hazels till he reachedthe edge of the lake, and, by the help of one of the boughs of thebirch, swung himself lightly into the boat, and began looking curiouslyat the opening, nearly hidden by the growth, through which the waterstill poured. 

"No wonder we could not find the place, " he said, as he at once placedthe right construction on the presence of the water; "and, do you know, all that could not have come from the lake. "

"Where could it have come from, then?"

"It must have drained in by degrees from the sides in wet weather, andthe stones at the end dammed it up, so that it couldn't get away. "

"Nonsense! The water would have pushed the stones down. "

"It did, as soon as I pushed too. The wall was only just strong enoughbefore. "

"I tell you it must have run in from the lake. "

"It couldn't, Fred. The bottom of the passage is higher; and when Icame out the water was only just over my shoes. By to-morrow you see ifit isn't drained right out. There, you see, it has pretty well stoppednow. "

Scarlett was quite right, for the water was now flowing out silently, and in very small volume. 

"Well, we will not argue about it, " said Fred. "Perhaps you're right, but I don't think you are. Anyhow, we've found the way in, and youcouldn't have done it without me. "

"No; nor you without me, Fred. "

"No; and I say--Oh!"

"What's the matter?"

"Don't I want my breakfast. "

"Yes; it must be nearly time. Come up and have some with me. "

Fred shook his head. 

"No, " he said. "Your father did not seem to want me there last night. "

"Nonsense!"

"Oh no, it was not. You come home with me. What's that?"

Scarlett listened, for there was a rustling and crashing noise, as ofsome animal forcing its way down through the hazel stubs to get to theedge of the lake to drink. 

They waited breathlessly as the sounds grew nearer, and then stopped. The silence only lasted a minute, and then plainly enough came afamiliar voice. 

"I thought it was just here. Now, where have they got themselves to?"

Then the rustling was continued, and Nat came into sight. 

The boys glanced sharply at the place where the water flowed, but therewas nothing now but a feeble trickle, not likely to excite attention. 

"Oh, there you are, Master Scarlett! Well, how many have you caught?"

"Not one, Nat, " cried Fred, sharply. 

"You don't put your lines in the right places, lads. Where are theynow?"

"Not going to tell you, " replied Fred, sharply. "There, hear that?Didn't some one call?"

"No, " cried Nat; "I didn't hear nobody. Show me where your lines arelaid. Aren't put any down here, have you?"

"No; it wouldn't be any use. "

"I should think not. Why, if you hooked an eel, he'd run in and outamong the dead wood and roots till your lines would be all tangledtogether, and you'd lose them. "

"Will you come and show us a good place, then, Nat?" said Fred, forScarlett was a little puzzled as to what was going on. 

"Yes; I'll show you, " said the gardener, who, like most of his class, was as much interested in the chance of a little fishing as the boysthemselves. So, swinging himself into the boat, he took the oars, and, to the great relief of the two lads, rowed right away towards where alittle rivulet entered the lake. 

"Glad I saw what you were both going to do, " continued Nat. "Only wasteof time muddling in there among the wood. You might catch a few perchor an old carp, but that would be about all. "

Ten minutes later he ceased rowing in front of the mouth of the rivulet. 

"There, " he said; "set your lines about here, and you'll catch as manyas you want, and--breakfast-time. Let's get ashore. "

CHAPTER TWELVE. 

THE COLONEL'S MESSAGE. 

No farther visit was paid to the passage that day; but the next, in theafternoon, the boys made their way down toward the lake, and met Nat, who approached them with rather a mysterious look on his face. 

"What's the matter?" asked Scarlett. 

"Ah, that's what I want to know, sir. You didn't hear it, of course, because you were out in the boat. "

"Hear what?"

"Oh, I don't know, sir, " said the gardener, mysteriously. "I've justcome from the kitchen, where the servants was talking about it. "

"About what?"

"It, sir, it; I don't know what it is. I told 'em it was howls, but Idon't think it was. Still, if you tell maid-servants as there'ssomething wrong in the house, they'll either go out of the house or outof their skins. "

"Do you know what you are talking about, Nat?"

"Yes, sir. Course I do. "

"Well, then, just be a little plain, and don't go smothering your wordsup as if they were seeds that you'd put in to come up in a month. Now, then, what is it?"

"You needn't be quite so chuff with a man, Master Scarlett--a man as istrying to do his duty. "

"Well, go on, then. "

"I will, sir. I went into the kitchen, and the women was all talkingabout it. Her ladyship's maid was the one who heard it, yes'daymorning, before breakfast. "

"Heard what?"

"Groans, sir, and cries. "

"Where?"

"That's what they can't make out. All she could say was that it soundedclose to the best bedroom, and it was as if somebody was crying for helpin a weak voice, and then shouting, `Red--red!' which they think meansblood. "

"Stuff and rubbish, Nat!" cried Fred, hastily. 

"That's what I said to them, sir. "

"Then go and tell them so again, " cried Fred. "Come along, Scar; I wanta run. "

He hurried his companion away, and they went off down to the lake, leaving Nat staring after them before going slowly away toward thegarden, muttering to himself--

"It's all very well, " he said; "but it couldn't be howls. "

"What made you hurry away so?" cried Scarlett, as they walked on, and hecame to a stop. "Let's go back and speak to my father. Something maybe wrong. How do we know? Nat--"

Fred burst out laughing. 

"Why, don't you see?"

"No: what do you mean?"

"Didn't you tell me you were afraid to shout yesterday because yourvoice went echoing along the passage?"

"Yes. "

"Well, what did you call?"

"Fred--Fred!"

"Well, wouldn't that sound to any one who heard it like, `Red--red'?"

"Of course, " cried Scarlett, laughing. "I never thought of that. "

"Now, then, which way shall we go? Straight to the mouth where thewater ran, or to the hole in the wood?"

"To the hole;" and, after taking the trouble to make quite a circuit, soas to be sure of avoiding observation, they entered the little wood, made their way to the prostrate oak, and found that the bottom of thehole was dry. 

"There!" cried Scarlett, "I was right. "

They dropped down, and found that by the time they had reached the endof the portion illumined by the light which came down the hole, faintrays were there to meet them from the other end, the light striking instrongly from the bottom of the walled-up entrance, and showing that thefloor which they had to follow was damp, but every drop of water haddrained away. 

On reaching the end, it was quite light; and a little examination provedthat other stones at the bottom were sufficiently loose to be easilypushed out, Fred sending out a couple, which went down into deep waterat once. 

"I wouldn't have done that, " said Scarlett. "It's like opening a wayfor any one right into our house. "

"But any one will not know the way, " replied Fred, as he went down onhands and knees, and thrust out his head and shoulders. "Easy enough toget out now, " he said, as he thrust the bushes aside, "only we shouldwant the boat. Water's quite deep here. Stop a moment!" he criedexcitedly, as he twisted himself round and looked up before drawing hishead back. "Why, Scar, we could climb up or down there as easily ascould be. "

"Could we?"

Scarlett crept partly out in turn, and looked up for a minute or two. 

"Yes, " he said, as he returned, "that would be easy enough. "

"Then, do you know what we have to do next?"

"No. "

"Go and stop up the big hole in the wood. "

Scarlett thought for a moment, and then agreed, following his companionto the opening, and climbing out in turn. 

"How shall we do it?" he said. 

"The rougher the better, " cried Fred, who was by far the more practicalof the two. "Let's get great dead branches, and lay them over anyhow, leaving a hole like a chimney, so as to give light. Come along; I'llshow you. The more natural the better, in case any one should comehere. "

"Which is not likely, " replied Scarlett. 

"I don't know; Nat might. Work away. "

They did work away, and with good effect. They had no difficulty ingetting plenty of rough pieces, which they laid across, first like therafters over a shed, and then piled others upon them in the mostcareless-looking fashion, after which some long strands of ivy andbramble were dragged across, to act the double purpose of binding alltogether and looking natural. 

"But they seem as if they had been just placed there, " said Scarlett, looking rather dissatisfied with their work. 

"Of course they do to-day; but before a week has gone by, they'll haveall their leaves turned up to the light, and go on growing fast. Now, then, who could tell that there was a way down there?"

Scarlett was fain to confess that the concealment would be perfect assoon as the leaves were right, and a shower of rain had removed theirtracks. 

"And we shall not want to come here at all now, only get in by theproper way. I wish that hole was not broken through. "

"We should not have found it without. "

"Oh yes, we should, " said Fred; "because some day we should have boughtcandles, and waded down to the mouth. "

"Well, " said Scarlett, as they strolled away at last, "what's the goodof it all, now we have found it out?"

"It doesn't seem quite so much now we have found everything; but stillit is interesting, and it will do to hide in when we want to get awayfrom everybody. "

"But we never do. "

"No, " said Fred. "But never mind; there's no knowing of what use it maybe, and it's our secret, isn't it?"

"Oh yes, it's our secret, Fred. "

"And how we could scare the servants now, by hiding and groaning. "

"Till my father examined and found it all out. I shouldn't like to lookhim in the face when he did. "

"No, " said Fred; "it wouldn't be nice. I say, what stupids we shouldlook!"

"Did you get up so early on purpose to come over here yesterday?" saidScarlett, suddenly. 

"No. I was woke up by hearing Captain Miles go. "

"Captain Miles? Who is he?"

"I don't know; an old fellow-officer of my father, I think. I say, Scarlett, I'm to be a soldier. "

Scarlett laughed, and his companion felt nettled. 

"Well, " he said, "I shall grow older and stronger some day. "

"Why, you couldn't pull a sword right out of its sheath, " said Scarlett. 

"Couldn't I? Let's go into the house and try. "

"Come along, then, " cried Scarlett; and the two lads ran right into theHall, where Fred seized an old weapon from one of the suits of armour, and proved his ability by drawing it from the sheath, Scarlett followinghis example. 

"Now, then!" cried Fred; "_en garde_!"

Nothing loth, Scarlett crossed swords with him, just as his father camethoughtfully out of the library, and stopped to watch them. 

"I say, this old sword is heavy though, " said Fred, as the point of thelong blade seemed attracted toward the ground. 

"It's because you haven't muscle enough, " replied Scarlett, as theblades grated together. "Wonder whether this one ever cut off a man'shead?"

"Is this an omen?" said Sir Godfrey to himself. "Friend against friend, perhaps brother against brother, all through our unhappy land. Well, Heaven's will be done! My duty is to my king. "

Meanwhile, the two boys were laughingly making a few cuts and guardswith the clumsy old weapons; but directly after they started apart inconfusion, as Sir Godfrey said aloud--

"Boys, do you remember the words of Scripture!"

Neither answered; but, with the points of the swords resting on the oldoak floor, they stared at him abashed. 

"`They that take the sword shall perish with the sword. '"

There was silence in the grand old hall for a brief space, as the twoboys stood there in the centre, with the bright lights from thestained-glass windows showering down upon them, and the portraits ofScarlett's warlike ancestors seeming to be watching intently all thatwas taking place. 

Then Sir Godfrey moved slowly across the hall, paused and looked back, and then said gently--

"Put the weapons away, my lads. Warfare is too terrible to be evenmimicked in sport. "

He sighed and passed through the farther door, leaving the boys gazingat each other in silence. 

"How serious he is!" said Scarlett, at last. "Let's put them away. Ithought he was going to scold us for taking them down. "

"Yes, I thought that, " said Fred. "But I should like to be a soldier, all the same, only without any war. Ugh! only fancy giving a man a chopwith a thing like that, " he added, as he replaced the weapon. "Here, I'm off home, " he cried, as he ran to the door. 

"Good-bye, old soldier without any war. I say, Fred. "

"Well?"

"That will be a capital place for you to hide in when you are a soldier, and the war comes. "

"That's right, " said Fred, good-humouredly; "laugh away. I dare say Iam a coward, but I don't believe everybody is brave. Coming overto-night?"

"Perhaps, " was the reply; and Fred went off homeward at a trot, thinkingof how delightful it would be to grow into a man, and carry a sword andride about on a horse like Captain Miles. 

He thought a good deal about Captain Miles as he went home, and wonderedwhether he had gone to Plymouth. 

"Because he might have been going to Tavistock or Barnstaple. "

The recollection of the sturdy, keen-eyed soldier seemed to oust everyother thought from the boy's brain, and he saw in imagination thedistant figure as it mounted the rising ground, and, passing over, disappeared. 

"I wonder what he came for?" thought Fred. "It didn't seem like thevisit of a friend, and it could not be about business, because fathernever does any business now; but they were so serious, and my motherlooked so troubled. "

Fred gave his ear a rub, as if he were vexed. 

"I suppose it was thinking so much about that rabbit-hole of a place upat the Hall, " he muttered. "I never thought any more about motherlooking so serious, and having tears in her eyes. I'll ask her what'sthe matter. "

He walked slowly on till he came in sight of the western road, whichlooked like a narrow path crossing the distant hill. 

"Why, there's somebody coming, " he cried, as he sheltered his eyes tomake out what was evidently a mounted man moving slowly along the road. "He's coming this way, " said Fred, musingly. "I wonder who it is?"

Not much of a matter for consideration, in modern days; but to thedwellers in that retired part of Coombeland, far away from a town, thecoming of a strange horseman was an event, and, regardless of where heput his feet, Fred went on trying to keep the mounted man in view, as hedisappeared at times in the hollows, and then came into sight again, evidently moving at a foot's pace. 

"It must be Captain Miles coming back, " cried Fred, as the figuredisappeared from view in consequence of the lad having to descend into ahollow before rising the opposite hill. 

"That old place will be no end of a game when we have cleared it out, "mused the boy, as he went slowly down the hill. "It will be a lot oftrouble though, and we shall have to sweep and clear away the dust andcobwebs too. I wish we could set Samson and Nat to work, only we can'tdo that, because, if we did, it wouldn't be a secret place; and, besides, they would do nothing but quarrel, and get no work done. Wonder whether brothers always do quarrel. Why, they're worse than Scarand I are, though we do have a pretty good row sometimes. "

Ten minutes later he was mounting the hill, and, as he reached the top, he hastened his pace, so as to get within view of the coming horseman, who was for the moment shut out from view by a patch of woodland; butthe regular beat of the horse's hoofs came plainly enough. 

"Sounds in the distance just like my pony's trot, " said Fred, thoughtfully; and directly after he burst out with a loud, "Oh!" full ofvexation in its tone. "Why, it's only old Samson, after all, " he cried. "Think of me taking him for Captain Miles!"

He set off at a sharp run across the moorland, so as to cut off a greatpiece of the road, and reach a point by which the Manor gardener mustpass. 

Samson was not long in recognising him, and, checking the speed of thestout cob he rode, the mutual effort brought the two together at thesought-for spot. 

"Here you, Samson, who told you to exercise my pony?"

"Exercise, Master Fred? You look at him. "

"Look at him? I am looking at him. Poor old fellow! he's all in alather. "

"Yes; he hasn't had such a gallop for months. "

"How dare you, then! Jump off directly, and walk him home. "

"Shan't!" was the laconic refusal, accompanied by a grin. 

"What!" cried Fred, doubling his fists threateningly. 

"Shan't come off, sir. There!"

"Oh, won't you!" cried Fred, seizing Samson by the leg, and proceedingas if to tilt him over. 

"You leave your father's special messenger alone, Master Fred, or you'llget into trouble. "

"Did my father tell you to take the pony?"

"Course he did, and to take what he called a despatch. "

"Despatch?"

"Yes. To Barnstaple. "

"What for?"

"How should I know? It was a big letter, all tied round with ribbon andsealed up, and I've got another like it in here. "

As he spoke in a voice full of importance, he tapped a leathern walletslung over his right shoulder. 

"Why, Samson, who did you take it to?"

"To that gen'leman who was here the other night. "

"Captain Miles?"

"Yes. At Barnstaple, and some more gen'lemen was with him when I gotthere, and he read the letter, and they read the letter, and then theysaid they'd write another, and I was to go down and have some bread andcheese and cider, and I did--a lot. "

"I wonder what it means?" said Fred, as he walked on beside the pony, holding by its thick mane, for it was uphill. 

"I think I know, Master Fred. "

"You do? What is it?"

"Well, sir, it's something to do with the king and the Parliament. Theywere talking about it at the Red Hind. "

"King and the Parliament?"

"Yes, Master Fred; and there were some there as said we should mostlikely have to fight for our rights. "

"But we haven't got any rights to fight for. "

"Oh yes, we have, Master Fred, " said Samson, importantly. "A man theretold me all about it. "

"What did he say?"

"Well, sir, I don't quite understand, but they're trying to take ourrights away. "

"Who are?"

"Well, that's what I didn't get quite clear, you see, sir. But it'ssome'at like this. Every man has--I don't quite remember what it was hesaid there, but I do recollect he said that if things were not altered, we should have to fight. "

Fred looked at him wonderingly. 

"I should have got it all quite pat, you see, only just as I was gettinginto the marrow of it and understanding it all, that captain sent forme, and give me the big letter I've got in here. And now I must hurryon. " For the top of the hill was reached, and the pony broke into asharp trot without urging. 

But Fred kept hold of the mane, and ran easily by his side, coming soonafter in sight of Colonel Forrester, standing at the garden gate, evidently waiting for his messenger's return. 

As soon as he saw them descending the slope, he walked quickly forwardto meet them, holding out his hand for the despatch, and looking soanxious and severe that his son forbore to speak. 

"Take the cob round to the stables, and treat him well, " said thecolonel, sharply, as he tore open the missive and began to read. 

Fred felt eagerness itself to know its contents, and he was about tostop, examining the missive the while with eager eyes; but, recollectinghimself, he went off at a trot after Samson, who had dismounted, and wasleading the pony. 

"Hope it's good news, Master Fred. "

"I dare say it is. I don't know. "

"The captain said I was a gardener, wasn't I; and I told him the truth, and said I was. "

"Why, of course, stupid. "

"Ah, you don't understand, Master Fred. It isn't every day that agardener has to carry despatches. And then he said, as he give me theanswer, `Well, you say you are a gardener, don't let the grass growunder your feet. ' I didn't, Master Fred. Ask Dodder. "

"No need to ask him, poor old fellow, " said Fred, patting hisfavourite's neck. 

"Fred!" came from the road. 

"Yes, father, " cried the boy, and he ran back. 

"I thought you were by me, my boy, " said the colonel, gravely, as helaid one hand upon his son's shoulder, and held the despatch in theother, gazing thoughtfully before him toward the old house they wereapproaching. 

"I hope you have not had bad news, father, " hazarded Fred. 

"No, on the whole, good. It must come--it must come. "

Fred looked at him inquiringly. 

"What are you, Fred--sixteen, isn't it?"

"Yes, father. "

"Ah, if you had been six and twenty, how useful to me you could havebeen!"

Fred flushed. 

"I could be useful to you now, father, if you would let me be, " he saidin an injured tone. "I could have ridden over to Barnstaple with yourletter quicker than Samson did, and I shouldn't have tired Dodder somuch. "

"Yes, I thought of that, Fred, but you are only a boy, and you were atplay. "

There was a silence for a few moments, and then Fred spoke. 

"Is it wrong for a boy to play, father?"

"Heaven forbid. No; of course not. Play goes with youth, and it givesboys energy, strength, and decision. Yes, Fred, play while you can. Manfully and well. But play. "

Fred looked up at his father in a puzzled way, as he stopped short, andbegan beating his side with the despatch he had received. There was adreamy look in his eyes, which were fixed on vacancy, as he muttered--

"Yes; I must be right. I have hesitated long, but it is a duty. Butwhat does it mean--friendships broken; the land in chaos; brotheragainst brother; perhaps father against son. No, no, " he added, with ashudder, as he turned sharply on his boy. "Fred, my lad, " he tried, "iftrouble comes upon our land, and I have to take side with those whofight--"

He stopped short. 

"Who fight, father? You are not going to fight. "

"I don't know yet, my boy; but if I do, it will be for those I believeto be in the right. What I believe to be right, you, too, must believein, and follow. "

"Of course, father, " said the boy, quietly. 

"No matter what is said against me, or how you may be influenced. Iknow about these matters better than you do, and I shall ask you totrust to me. "

Fred smiled, as if his father's words amused him, for it seemed absurdthat he should have any opinion against his own father. 

"Why, of course, I shall do as you tell me, " he said, taking hold of hisfather's arm, and they walked together into the house, where MistressForrester, looking pale and large-eyed, was awaiting her husband'sreturn. 

She did not speak, but looked up in his eyes with so eager and inquiringan air that he bent down and kissed her forehead. 

"Yes, " he said. 

"Oh, husband!"

"It cannot be avoided. My duty is with the people. That duty I mustdo. "

"But home--me--Fred?"

"You will be safe here, " he said. "It is not likely that the tide oftrouble will flow this way. "

"But Fred, " she whispered. 

"Fred. Ah, yes, Fred, " said the colonel, thoughtfully. 

"Oh no, no, no, " cried Mistress Forrester, in agony, as she saw herhusband's hesitating way, and suspected the truth. "No, no, husband, heis too young. "

"He will grow older, " said the colonel, with quiet firmness. "Wife, when the country calls for the help of her son, he must give it freely. If your boy is needed in his country's service, he will have to go. "

Fred heard these words, and went slowly and thoughtfully away--thoughtfully, for his head was in a whirl--the coming of his father'smilitary friend--his father's old life as a soldier--and these hintsabout civil war. 

"I don't think I should mind, " he said to himself, "not if Scar wenttoo. He and I could get on so well together. Of course we should betoo young for regular soldiers, but we should soon grow older. "

Then he began to recall different things of which he had heard and read, about youths going off to the war in olden times to be esquires, andafter deeds of valour to become belted knights who had won their spurs. 

Fred's was not a romantic nature, for that night, quite late, after hehad gone up to bed, he sat at his window looking out at the starlit sky. And as he gazed all the thoughts of the evening came back to make himburst into a derisive laugh. 

"It's all nonsense, " he said; "knights and squires never did half thethings they say. And if we had a war, and I had to go, I'm afraid itwould be all rough and different to life here at home. But if Scar wenttoo, I should not mind. They want all the men at such a time as this. Samson would have to go, and Nat, and no end of the farm lads about. "

Fred rose from his seat, and closed the window softly, for fear that heshould be heard, and at last lay down, but not to sleep, for his youngbrain was excited, and a feeling of awe came over him as he beganthinking of her who was sleeping only a few yards away. 

"If father goes and takes me with him, and there is a terrible war, whatwill my mother say?"

CHAPTER THIRTEEN. 

THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE. 

"Godfrey!"

"Hush, my darling; think of the children. Be firm. Be firm. "

"But it is too horrible. "

"Is this my dear wife speaking?" said Sir Godfrey, gravely, as he tookhis dame's hand. 

"Yes, " said Lady Markham, excitedly. "Would you have me sit silent whensuch a demand is made?"

Sir Godfrey's brow was knit, and his nether lip quivered as he heard hiswife's words, while Lil, who seemed alarmed, crept to her brother's sideand held his hand. 

"The demand is just, wife, " said Sir Godfrey, at last. "I am a soldier, sworn to help my king. "

"You were a soldier once, love, " interposed Lady Markham. 

"I am a soldier, wife. Still a soldier, though during these peacefulyears I have been allowed to live peacefully here at home. The time hasnow come when my master needs the help of all his loyal servants. Hecalls me to his help, and do you think I am going to play the coward andknave, and hide here in idleness while every rogue is striking at thecrown? Come: be a woman. Do your duty. "

"My duty is to those children, Godfrey, " said Lady Markham, piteously. 

"And to your husband. You, as a brave, true woman, now that theperilous time has come when ruin and destruction threatens the kingdom, you, I say, should be the first to buckle on your husband's sword. "

"Father!" cried Scarlett, "are you going away?"

"Yes, boy; I am summoned to Exeter. From there, perhaps to Bristol. "

"And when do you come back?"

Sir Godfrey was silent for a few moments, and then said calmly--

"Heaven knows!"

"Godfrey!" cried Lady Markham, and she threw herself sobbing on herknees. 

"Oh, father, father!" cried Lil, running to him and catching his hand, but only to be snatched up to his breast and kissed passionately;"don't, pray don't go away. You'll break poor mother's heart. "

"Hush, child!" said Sir Godfrey, sternly. "Do you think I wish to leaveall who are dear to me for the risks of war? Remember there is such athing as duty. "

"Yes, father, " sobbed Lil, nestling to his breast. 

"Scar, my boy, what have you to say? You have heard the king's throneis in danger, and he calls upon his loyal west-country gentlemen to cometo his help. Are we loyal or are we not?"

"Loyal, father, of course. "

"And you say, then?"

"That you must go, father. Yes, you must go. "

"Right! my brave boy, right!" cried Sir Godfrey, seizing the lad's hand. "I must go--at once. And you, while I am gone, will be your mother'shelp and support--your sister's protector. "

Scarlett did not speak, but looked his father firmly in the face. 

"I shall leave everything in your hands, and from this day forward youmust cease to be a boy, and act as a calm and thoughtful man. I makeyou my steward and representative, Scarlett. Do your best, and by yourquiet, consistent conduct, make yourself obeyed. You understand?"

"I hear what you say, father. "

"Well, sir, why do you speak in that hesitating way?"

"Because, father, I shall not be here. "

"Scarlett!" cried Sir Godfrey, in a tone full of displeasure. 

"Don't be angry with me, father, " cried the lad. "You are going away--because the king wants the help of every loyal heart. Well, father, youwill take me too. "

"Take--you? Scar! No, no; you are too young. "

"I expected to hear you say that, but I shall soon be older; and, thoughI am only a boy, I could be useful to you in a hundred ways. I supposeI am too young to fight. "

"Yes, yes; of course. "

"Well, others could do the fighting. Couldn't you make me something--your esquire?"

"Knights do not have esquires now, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey, with asmile; "but--"

He stopped short, while his son gazed at him eagerly, waiting for theend of his speech. 

"Yes, father--but--?" said Scarlett, after waiting some time. 

"I was only thinking, my son, as to which was my duty--to bid you watchover your mother and sister here, or to devote you to the service ofyour king. "

"Devote me to the service of my king, father, " cried Scarlett, proudly. 

"No, no, my boy, " cried Lady Markham. "Don't try to stop me, mother, "said Scarlett. "You know I should have to stay here in peace to takecare of you who are not in danger; but ought you not rather wish to haveme trying to watch over him who will be in the war?"

Lady Markham bowed her head. She could not trust herself to speak, forher son's words had set his going in a new light. But she stillhesitated, clinging first to father, then to son, and ending byexclaiming--

"Heaven's will be done! I can say no more. "

"No, mother. Let me go, and I will do all I can to protect my father. "

She gazed piteously at him through her tears, and then cast herselfsobbing upon his breast, while Sir Godfrey gravely set his daughter byher mother's side, and laid his hand upon her head. 

"Scarlett is right, dearest. He can do more good by embracing hisfather's profession at once. He will learn to be a soldier, and--perhaps--he may be able to protect me. Who can tell!"

Lady Markham took and kissed her husband's hand, and then once moreembraced her son, ending by taking her daughter to her heart, andweeping over her silently, while Sir Godfrey paced the room. 

"Yes, my boy?" he said suddenly, as he caught his son's eye. 

"When shall you start, father?"

"To-morrow at the latest. Quite early in the morning, if we can getaway. "

"So soon?"

"Yes. Have you begun to repent already?"

"Oh no, father; but I thought that I should like to go over to the Manorto say good-bye. "

Sir Godfrey held up his hand. 

"Impossible, my boy. By the same despatch I learned that ColonelForrester--unhappy man!--has cast in his lot with the Roundheads. I amtold, too, that he has been harbouring one of the enemy's generals, whohas been about the country organising revolt against his majesty, underthe name of Captain Miles. Scarlett, my boy, the Forresters are theenemies of the king, and therefore ours. "

"Poor Fred!" said Scarlett, half aloud. 

"Ay, poor Fred!" said Sir Godfrey. "Do you think it possible that youcould save him from this fate by bringing him over to us? He is yourfriend, Scarlett?"

"Yes, father, but--"

"Yes, my boy, you are right. It would be a cowardly deed to try andseparate father and son. Would it were otherwise, for I like the boy. "

"Like him, father? It seems horrible; just as if one was losing abrother, and could not stretch out a hand. And you would not like me tosay good-bye to Fred, father?"

"You cannot now, my boy; neither while he is against us can I takeColonel Forrester's hand again. "

There was a painful pause here, broken by Lady Markham's sobs; and then, with a sudden display of soldierly firmness, Sir Godfrey bent down andkissed his wife. 

"Come, my darling, " he said, "remember your duty as the wife and motherof two soldiers suddenly called away. "

"I'll try, " said Lady Markham, rising sadly. 

"And succeed, " replied Sir Godfrey, gently. "Come, Scarlett, my boy. Time flies. You will choose which horse you like, and prepare the veryfew necessaries that you can carry. We shall get our equipment atExeter, so work hard, as if you momentarily expected to hear the trumpetcall, `To horse. ' Why, it stirs my blood again, after all these yearsof idleness. That's better, my darling. Women should not weep whenthose they love are about to leave on duty, but give them smiles. "

"Smiles, Godfrey!" said Lady Markham, sadly. 

"Yes, smiles. Every soldier who goes to fight does not get hard blowsor wounds. Many escape everything, and come back covered with glory andfull of the sense of duty done. There, Scarlett, my boy, away with youand pack your valise. Recollect you are a soldier now. "

Scarlett dashed at his mother, kissed her, and then, bewildered byexcitement, he hurried out to go to the stable and select the horse hemight need to carry him in many a perilous time; but before he reachedthe long range of buildings where Sir Godfrey's horses led theirpeaceful life, he was attacked by Nat. 

"Here, Master Scar, " he cried excitedly, catching the lad by the sleeve, "is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"That the war's coming nigher our way, and they've sent for the masterto fight?"

"Yes, Nat; true enough, " said the lad, proudly drawing himself up. "SirGodfrey and I are going off to the wars to-morrow morning. "

"You, Master Scar? You?"

"Yes, Nat; to-morrow. "

"Why, dear heart alive, Master Scar, lad, " cried Nat, laying his handaffectionately on the boy's shoulder, "it seems only t'other day as youused to come and coax me to leave my mowing and go on hands and knees tomake a horse for you to ride, and now you're talking about going to thewar. "

"Yes, Nat. Time goes. "

"But, dear lad, " cried the gardener, letting his hand slide down toScarlett's biceps, "why, you haven't got the muscle in your arm tohandle a scythe, let alone a sword to mow down men. "

"I can't help that, Nat, " cried Scarlett, angrily. "Let go. There'llbe muscle enough to thrash you some day. "

"I hope so, dear lad. But try and thrash brother Samson first. Ishould like to see you do that. "

"Don't talk nonsense. And come along. I want to look at the horses. "

"But are you really going, Master Scar?"

"I--am--really--going, Nat, and I want to settle which horse I shallride. So please say no more about it. "

Nat took off his hat and scratched his head, his face wrinkling up allover as he followed his young master to the stables, just like one ofhis own pippins which had been lying in the apple loft all through thewinter. 

Then, as they reached the door, and Scarlett entered, Nat put on hiscap, gave his knee a slap, and with one set of wrinkles disappearingfrom his countenance to make room for another, like a human dissolvingview, he burst out into a low chuckle. 

"That'll knock the wind out of old Samson's sails! A miserable, cowardly, fat-headed old puddick. He wouldn't have the courage to dothat. "

"Nat!"

"Coming, Master Scar;" and Nat hurried into the stables to find hisyoung master standing beside the light cob his father often rode. "Hullo, Master Scar, sir, thinking about having Moorcock?"

"Yes, Nat. My father is sure not to take him for his charger, and hewould suit me exactly. "

"Well, yes, sir, I dare say he would. But why not have Black Adder?"

"Because I thought my father would like him. "

"Nay, sir; master'll choose Thunder, as sure as can be, and--Hush! Herehe is. "

"Well, my boy, have you made your selection?" said Sir Godfrey, as heentered the stables, where eight horses raised their heads to look roundand utter a low whinny. 

"Yes, father; I have been hesitating between Moorcock and Black Adder, but I thought you would like the black. "

"No, my boy, I have made up my mind to have Thunder. "

"I think I'll take Moorcock all the same, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully. 

"He will suit you better now. Two years hence, I should have said takeBlack Adder. "

"Why not take 'em both, Master Scarlett?" said Nat, respectfully. "Black Adder knows me by heart, and I could ride him and take care ofhim when you didn't want him, or he'd do for master if Thunder was outo' sorts. "

"Why, Nat, my good fellow, " said Sir Godfrey, smiling, "you will be hereat the Hall, helping to protect her ladyship and cutting cabbages. "

"No, I shan't, Sir Godfrey, " replied the gardener, with a stubborn lookin his bluff English face. "I shan't be here, but along o' you andMaster Scarlett, and 'stead of cutting cabbages, I shall be cutting offheads. "

"Nonsense, man!" said Sir Godfrey, but with far less conviction in histone. 

"Beg your pardon, sir, but I don't see no nonsense in it. I'vesharpened scythes till they cut like razors, and if you don't believeit, look at our lawn. Think, then, if I take my best rubber with me, Ican't sharpen a sword?"

"Oh, nobody doubts that, my man; but--"

"Why, look here, Sir Godfrey, I'll keep yours and Master Scar's swordswith such an edge on 'em as shall frighten your enemies into fits. You'll let me go, won't you, dear master? I can't stay behind. " SirGodfrey shook his head. "Master Scarlett, sir, put in a word for me. Don't go and leave me behind. I'll be that faithful and true as neverwas. "

"Nobody doubts that, my man. "

"Then let me go, Sir Godfrey. Why, see how useful I can be. I can washfor you, and cook for you--anything, and cut a few armfuls of heath of anight to make your beds. And, look here, gen'lemen, soldiers on themarch never gets a bit o' vegetable; but if there's any within a dozenmiles of where you are, you shall always have it. So there!"

"You do not know the hardships of a soldier's life, my good fellow, "said Sir Godfrey, as he patted the neck of the noble-looking, dark-dappled grey in one of the stalls. Nat laughed. 

"Well, master, " he said, "if you gen'lemen as never gets yourselves wetcan bear 'em, I should think I can. Let me go, sir, please. " SirGodfrey hesitated. 

"Well, my lad, " he said, "I must warn you of the risks of what you ask. We both go with our lives and liberties in our hands. "

"All right, sir; and I'll take my life and liberty in my hand, though Idon't zackly know what you mean. "

"I mean that any day you may be cut down or shot. "

"Oh, that, Sir Godfrey! Well, so's our flowers and fruits every day. That's their chance, I suppose, and I'll take mine same as you takeyours. Maybe I might help to keep off a bit o' danger from both on you, and I don't suppose Master Scarlett would let any man give me a chop, ifhe could stop it. "

Sir Godfrey gave his horse a final pat on his fine arching neck, andwalked back out of the stall, to stand gazing full at his man, whoslipped off his hat, and drew himself up awkwardly in soldierly fashion. Then, without a word, and to Nat's dismay, he turned to his son. 

"Yes, " he said; "take Moorcock, my boy, and the stoutest saddle andbridle you can find. "

Then he walked straight out of the stables, leaving Nat gazing after himin dismay. 

"And me with such arms, Master Scar!" he cried, in a protesting tone. "Look here, sir. "

He stripped off his jerkin and rolled his shirt up over his knottedlimbs, right to the shoulder, displaying thew and sinew of which agladiator might have been proud. 

"Well, Master Scar, sir, as I'm not to go, I wish I could chop off themtwo arms, and give 'em to you, for you'd find 'em very useful when youcame to fight. "

Just then the stable door was darkened by the figure of Sir Godfrey, wholooked in, and said sharply--

"Scarlett, my boy, I have been thinking that over. It would be wise totake Black Adder too, in case one of our steeds breaks down. "

Nat's ears gave a visible twitch, and seemed to cock towards thespeaker, as he continued--

"I'll leave it in your hands to settle about Nat. You can take him ifyou wish. "

He walked away, and in an instant Nat was squatting down, and goingthrough what is known to boys as the cobbler's hornpipe for a fewmoments, a triumphal terpsichorean performance, which he ended directly, and ran to the wall, ducked down head and hands, till he planted them onthe stone floor, and, throwing up his heels, stood upon his head, andtapped the wall with the backs of his boots. 

"Nat, come down, " cried Scarlett, laughing. "Why, what does that mean?"

"Mean, sir? Why, I feel as if I could jump out o' my skin. "

"Why?"

"Because I'm a-going along o' you, and to show my brother Samson aswe've got some stuff in our family. "

"But I didn't say that you were to go. "

"No, Master Scar; but you're going to, aren't you?"

Scarlett was silent. 

"Oh, Master Scar, sir, don't you run back. Do, do pray take me. Ah, Isee a twinkle at the corner of your mouth. You're only teasing afellow. I may go, sir?"

"Yes, Nat; and I'm very, very glad. "

Nat startled the horses by throwing his cap to the roof of the stable, and made them tug at their halters, but it did not seem to matter tohim, for he caught up a pitchfork, shouldered it, and began to march upand down, shouting rather than singing a snatch of a song he had heardsomewhere in the neighbourhood, where the war fever had been catchingmore men than they knew--

 "`So it's up with the sword that will fight for the crown, And down with the--down with the--down with the--'

"I say, Master Scar, what comes next?"

"I don't know at all. But I'll tell you what must come next. "

"Yes sir. "

"Pack up and be ready for the march to-morrow, and we've got to saygood-bye. "

"Yes, Master Scar, and glad I'll be when it's over, for there'll be somewet eyes in the Hall, both parlour and kitchen, before we set away. "

Nat was right. There were tears, many and bitter, for master and manthat night; and next morning when, after tying a scarf round her son'sshoulder, Lady Markham clung to him passionately, till, with a lasthasty kiss to his sister, a final embrace to his mother, Scarlett setspurs to his sturdy horse, and galloped off across the park to where Natwas waiting, and there he drew rein to allow his father to come up. 

Sir Godfrey rode fast till he was within about twenty yards, when hesigned to them to ride on, and the trio went forward slowly till theywere at the top of the slope, where they instinctively turned to take afarewell look at the old Hall and the handkerchiefs waving adieu. 

"So peaceful and happy, " said Scarlett to himself; and then, with acurious sensation as of a film being drawn over his eyes, he turnedaway, pressed his horse's sides, and when he strained round in thesaddle again to look back, it was to see the tops of trees growing abouthis home, and the moorland spreading away to the sea. Nothing more. 

"Hah! I'm glad that's over, Master Scar, " said Nat, with a sigh ofrelief as they went gently along the lane which opened upon thehigh-road lying to west and east, and there crossed it and led ontowards the Manor. 

They were within twenty yards of the cross-roads, when Nat lookedcautiously back, to see if his master was within hearing, and seeingthat he was not, he chuckled and said softly--

"Master Scar, sir. "

"Yes, " said Scarlett, starting from a reverie full of recollectionsabout the times he and Fred had traversed that road on very differentmissions to the present. 

"I was just thinking, sir, that I'd give every penny I've saved up againI get married, which may happen some day, to see our Samson comeshuffling up yonder lane. How he would stare, and how mad he would be, and--"

"Hush, Nat. Look!"

The ex-gardener sat up, round-eyed and as if turned into stone, whilethe clatter of horse's hoofs behind told that Sir Godfrey had set spursto his horse, and was riding on to join them, which he did, drawing reinas they reached the cross-roads, an act duly imitated by the group ofthree horsemen coming up the lane from the opposite direction, and thereat the intersection of the great main western road, the two littleparties sat gazing at each other, accident having arranged that master, son, and servant from Hall and Manor should be exactly opposite to eachother, gazing in each other's eyes. 

For full a minute no one spoke, and then Thunder, Sir Godfrey's charger, threw up his noble head and whinnied loudly what might have been takenas a defiance. 

"Now, Master Scar, " whispered Nat, "isn't the master going to give theword. It's war now, and we can soon do them. "

"Silence!" cried Sir Godfrey, sternly; and then, turning to ColonelForrester, he raised his plumed Cavalier hat, the colonel responding bylifting the steel morion he wore. 

Then it was as if Sir Godfrey's command had had its effect upon allpresent, for they gazed straight at each other, Nat and Samson with thelook of a couple of angry dogs waiting to be let loose and fight; thetwo lads in a puzzled manner, as if ready to shake hands, and held backby some invisible chain; and their fathers with a haughty look of angerand disdain. 

Sir Godfrey was the first to speak in a stern tone of voice, as helooked straight in Colonel Forrester's eyes. 

"May I ask, sir, " he said, "in which direction you are going?"

"No, sir, " was the calm reply. "You have no right to make such ademand. "

"Then I will address you in a more friendly spirit, Colonel Forrester. The road here to the east leads towards the king's followers--the gentryof the west who are gathering together beneath his banner to put an endto the disorder and anarchy now running riot through the land. Youwill, I presume, as a loyal gentleman, join us, and we can ridetogether. "

"Is this banter or earnest, Sir Godfrey?" replied the colonel, as thetwo boys sat with their ears tingling. 

"Earnest, Colonel Forrester. What other course could I expect anofficer to take?"

"Then, if it be in earnest, sir--no; I ride not with you to help tobolster up a tyranny which makes every true man in England blush for hiscountry. "

"Colonel Forrester!"

"Sir Godfrey Markham!"

There was a pause, during which the two old friends gazed defiantly ateach other, and then Colonel Forrester continued--

"No, sir; I ride to the west, to join those whom you call the incitersto riot, anarchy, and confusion; but whom we, as true, honestEnglishmen, think of as those who are fighting to free our land and torescue it from the degradation to which it has been brought. Let meentreat you, sir, as a gentleman, to think twice before you take theroad to the east, for the way is open still to the west. Ride with us, Sir Godfrey. So old and gallant a soldier would be most welcome to ourranks. "

"And a traitor to the king, whose commission I hold, and whose uniform Ishall once again wear. "

"Traitor!" said Colonel Forrester, starting, and his hand darted to thehilt of his sword; but he drew it back with a hasty "Pish!"

"Yes, sir, traitor, as you seem disposed to prove; but I warn you intime. The king will prove the master over the wretched band ofanarchists who have risen against him. "

"Enough!" said Colonel Forrester. "That has to be proved. "

"Proved or no, sir, I command you to ride with me or to return to yourhome. You are in arms against the king, the government, and the law ofthis land. Surrender!"

"Sir Godfrey, too much commanding of slaves to your wishes has renderedyou absurd of speech. "

"Do you hear me, sir?" cried Sir Godfrey. "I order you to follow me. "

Colonel Forrester's hand went again to his sword, but he snatched itback. 

"I cannot answer your intemperate words, Sir Godfrey, " he said; "and Iwill not presume to utter so vain a command to you. This is freeEngland, sir, where every man who dares to think, thinks according tohis belief. We have been old friends; our boys have grown up togetheras brothers, but the exigencies of our political faith sunder us widelyapart. Ride you your way, sir, and I pray you let me go mine; and mayour ways be farther and farther separated, so that we may never meetagain till it is in peace. "

As he spoke, he turned his horse, and rode slowly away down the westernroad, leaving Sir Godfrey chafing angrily, and fidgeting with the hiltof his sword, as he sat gazing after his old friend calmly ignoring hispresence, and followed by his son and his serving-man. 

"I ought to arrest him--a man openly in arms against the law; an enemyto his majesty, who may work him terrible ill. But I cannot do it; Icannot do it. Old friends--brothers; our wives who have been assisters. "

He paused for a few moments, gazing after the retiring figures, and thenjerked his horse round so sharply that the poor beast reared. 

"Left! Forward!" cried Sir Godfrey then, and he rode on to the east, followed at a short distance by Nat and his son. 

Before they had gone a dozen yards, Nat, who was fidgeting about in hissaddle, evidently in a state of considerable mental perturbation, wrenched himself round and looked after the Manor people, to see thatSamson was waiting for him to do so; and as soon as he did look, it wasto see a derisive threatening gesture, Samson, by pantomime, suggestingthat if he only had his brother's head under his arm, he would punch hisnose till he made it bleed. 

"Ur-r-r-r!" snarled Nat, with a growl like that of an irritated dog. 

"What's the matter, Nat?"

"Matter, sir? See that Samson--ah, he's a rank bad 'un--shaking hisfist at me, and pretending to punch me? Here, I must go and give it himnow. "

"No, no, " cried Scar, catching at Black Adder's rein. "Your orders areto follow your colonel. "

"But are we to let that brother of mine insult his majesty's troops?"

"We can afford to treat it with contempt, " said Scarlett, solemnly, though Nat's words and allusions made him feel disposed to laugh. 

"But I want to treat it to a big leathering, Master Scar. Here, sir, mayn't I ride after him and fetch him off his horse?"

"No; certainly not. "

"But, Master Scar, what could your father be thinking of? Here had wegot three of the ugliest Philistines in Coombeland in our hand, andwe've let 'em go to blight and freeze and blast everything. What couldSir Godfrey be thinking about?"

"Nat. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Do you know what is a soldier's first duty?"

"To fight, sir. "

"No: to obey orders. "

"But we aren't soldiers yet. "

"I think we are; so be silent. "

"Yes, sir; but if I only had leave, I'd draw my sword, gallop after thatbad brother of mine, and fetch him off his horse, or jackass, orwhatever the miserable beast is that he has his legs across. "

"And kill him? Your own brother?"

"Kill him? Not I, sir. He arn't worth it. No; I'd take him prisoner, nearly knock his head off, and then I'd tie his hands to the tail of myhorse, and drag him to the king's camp in triumph. "

Scarlett made no answer, for he had no faith in his servant's threats;and together they rode on and on after Sir Godfrey, over the pleasantmoor, and on to the cultivated lands, and then on and on still into thedarkness, which seemed, as it thickened, like the gross darkness of warand destruction, sweeping down upon the fair and sunny west. 

So thought Scarlett Markham, as he still rode on through the darkness, and then his thoughts returned to home, and his mother's attitude as sheflung herself upon her knees, her clasped hands toward heaven, as sheuttered a prayer for the protection of those she loved. 

Sir Godfrey made no sign. He merely turned from time to time to see ifthose he led were close behind, and then rode slowly on to join thosewhose hands were raised against their brothers--father and sons toplunge into the terrible warfare, which, once begun, seemed to know noend. 

CHAPTER FOURTEEN. 

WARLIKE EXPERIENCES. 

A year rapidly passed away, during which, young and slight as they were, Scarlett Markham and Fred Forrester seemed to have changed into boyishyoung men. The excitement of a soldier's life had forced them on, andwith great rapidity they had mastered the various matters of disciplinethen known to the army. Sir Godfrey and Colonel Forrester were receivedby the opposing factions with delight, their old military knowledgemaking them invaluable, and they were at once placed in command ofregiments of horse, newly raised, and whose training caused them immenseeffort. 

But the men were of splendid material, and before long Forrester's andMarkham's Horse were looked upon with respect; soon after with envy. 

In these two regiments the boys from Coombeland served six months asordinary soldiers, till, partly for their ability, partly from the dashthey had shown, they were nominally raised to the rank of officers, themen of their troops willingly following the lead of the brave boys whorode with them into dangers many enough. 

For, in those stern times, no father could spare his son. Those whoelected to serve had to run all risks, and the consequence was that oneither side the making of a good fighting army took but little time. 

"It do me good to see you, Master Scar, " Nat used to say, as he rodealways at his young master's heels. "Think of a boy like you being anorficer!"

"A very poor one, Nat. "

"Nay, Master Scar, I don't know another in the regiment the men wouldsooner follow. "

Equality of situation brings similarity of remark, and it was in likewords that Samson, after a tirade about his unnatural brother forfighting against him, would address his young master from the Manor. 

And so another six months passed away, with the war-tide setting hereand there on the borders of Coombeland, but never spreading itsdevastating influence there. The two lads grew more and more imbuedwith the war-faith of their parties, and as they became sturdier andmore manly, hardened as they were by the rough, open air life they led, a feeling of bitterness foreign to their natures rapidly increased, tillthey were ready to speak with hate and contempt of the enemy they blamedfor destroying the peace of the land. 

And all this time, to Fred and Scar, home was becoming rapidly a memory. By the merest chances, they heard that all was well, and, compelled tobe content with this scanty news, they plunged into their work again, till the roar of cannon and clash of steel became familiar as were theterrors of the scene of some desperate fight, such as modern soldierswould speak of as a desultory skirmish. 

Eighteen months with the army, and, in spite of exposure, neither of theCoombeland lads had met, or, as far as they knew, been near each other, and neither of the two little parties from Hall and Manor had met with awound. 

But sterner times were near at hand. After much desultory fighting, theParliamentary forces were mustering strongly in the far west, and thoseof the king had made Bristol a stronghold, and were moving on. 

There were two leaders of opposing ideas, who prayed that the war mightnot sweep their way, but, as they prayed, they felt that the prayer wasvain, and their brows grew rugged as they read how surely what theydreaded must follow, and felt how likely a battle-ground the moor wouldprove in the neighbourhood of their peaceful homes. 

The little petty encounters kept on day after day, week after week, asif each side was practising its men and trying their strength for somegreat fight to come, and all the while, round and about Barnstaple andaway toward Exeter, the forces were gathering, till all at once, whenleast expected, scouts came in from east and west with news that told ofa probable encounter, perhaps before another sun had set. 

Those who knew best, however, were not so sanguine till after that sunhad set, and among those was General Hedley, who gradually andcautiously advanced, feeling his way step by step, each step being anatural stronghold, which would help him against the dashing onslaughtsof Charles's cavaliers. 

But forty-eight hours had not elapsed before the rival forces were faceto face, when a little skirmishing took place, and then darkness put anend to the varied encounters, the combatants waiting for daylight, whena battle was bound to ensue. This fight must inevitably prove seriousto one or the other side, and either the Parliamentarian forces would bedriven back into the far west, where their scattered strength could bequenched as the remains of a fire are beaten out, or else the king's menwould be driven towards Exeter, after what must prove a deadly blow. 

That night the occupants of Hall and Manor lay down to sleep withinhearing of the sentinels of each army, and the two lads, worn out withfatigue, slept heavily, to dream of the homes they were so near--dreamsfull of trouble and anxiety, as they seemed to see the sweet faces ofthose they loved anxiously listening to the roar of gun and clash ofsword, and wondering what was to be their fate and where they could fleeif matters came to the worst. 

A trumpet roused Scarlett Markham from his dream of home. The deep rollof drums awakened Fred, and as daylight came, and the larks sprang fromthe dewy moor to carol high in the soft, grey, gold flecked sky, therewas the trampling of men and the snorting of horses, and then the firstgun belched forth its destroying message against the advancing forces ofthe king. 

Needless to tell of that fight of brother against brother with thehorrors of the field. Hour after hour went by, hours of manoeuvring andchange of front, and always with the king's men gaining ground, anddriving back the Parliamentarians, whose position seemed to be growingdesperate. And as the Royalist leaders saw their advantage, they grewmore reckless, and urged their men on, till it seemed as if a dozenlesser fights were in progress, the grim men of the Commonwealthfighting hard to hold their own. 

This went on till the afternoon, when, in their exhaustion, the king'smen paused almost with wonder at the stubborn front still presented totheir steel. 

"It is their last despairing stand, " said the Royalist general tohimself, and he gathered his men for a final advance upon the low hillcrowned by the enemy. 

The advance was made by men wearied out, against those who had not donehalf the marching and counter-marching, and as they swept on, they sawthe change in the front for which they had looked so long--at first withtriumph, then with despair. For now General Hedley sent forward hisgrim squadrons, held so long in reserve, and, raging with their longinaction, they dashed down the slope like a thunderbolt which met theCavaliers half-way, broke through them, rode them down, and before thetwo parts into which they were divided could recover in the slightestdegree, from the right and left flanks fresh squadrons broke down uponthem, and in five minutes the imaginary triumph had become a rout. 

The king's banner that day lay low, the royal standard trailing in thedust, as a wild shout of victory was raised by the soldiers of theParliament, and the gaily caparisoned Cavaliers in bitter despair fledbroken and in disorder for their lives. 

"Oh, evil fortune!" groaned Sir Godfrey, as he reluctantly galloped awaybeside his son, their jaded horses going heavily, with heaving flanks. "Quick, my boy, quick!"

"Oh, father, " cried Scarlett, "and we are galloping away from home. "

CHAPTER FIFTEEN. 

FRED FORRESTER'S PRISONER. 

Wild nearly with excitement, Fred Forrester kept his place in the ranksof his father's regiment all through that busy day of advance, retreat, and skirmish; but the Forresters were held in reserve during the finalcharge which resulted in the scattering of the king's forces before thewarriors of the Parliament. 

The day was won, and pursuit was going on in all directions; but themain body of the Parliamentarians were camping for the night, and tentswere being set up, the wounded brought in, and strong parties engaged inburying the dead, while, as troop after troop returned with batches ofprisoners, these were placed under guard, after being carefullydisarmed. 

The Forresters had dismounted at the edge of a beautiful, grove-likepatch of timber at the foot of a hill. A stream of pure water babbledamong the rocks, and, as the soft summer evening came slowly on, thegrim, warlike aspect of the scene seemed to die out, and the smoke ofthe camp-fires, the pennons fluttering in the evening breeze, and theglinting of breastplate and morion formed a picture against thebackground of green, which might from a distance have been taken for oneof peace. 

Fred had dismounted, and, after taking off his heavy morion, which hewould never own was too big and uncomfortable to a degree, hung it fromthe pommel of his saddle, while he patted and made much of his horse, unbuckling the bit, and leading the handsome beast to where it couldmake a meal from the soft, green grass. 

"Poor old lad!" he said; "you must be nearly tired out. "

The horse whinnied, and began feeding at once, while, after watching themen making their preparations for the bivouac, Fred was about to throwhimself down, being too weary after his many hours in the saddle to carefor food, when his father rode up, followed by a couple of the officers. 

"Ah, Fred, my boy, " he cried; "that's right: take care of your horse. There will be some supper ready in about half an hour. A glorious day, my boy, a glorious day; and I'm proud of the way you behaved!"

"Are you, father, " said Fred, sadly. "I don't think I have done much. "

"You have done all I could wish to see you do. But, there, I must goand see after our men. Come up to my quarters soon, and eat, and thenlie down and sleep. I may want you before long. "

"To go on guard, sir?"

"No; for any little duty--to take charge of prisoners, perhaps. Whereis Samson?"

"Gone, father. "

"What? Not killed?"

"I hope not, father; but after that gallop, when we last changed front, I missed him, and, though we have searched, we can't find him. I'mafraid the enemy carried him off. "

"Poor lad! A brave fellow, Fred. There, I must go. "

"Shall I come with you now, father?"

"No; lie down and rest till the meal is ready. "

Colonel Forrester rode off with his followers, and his son walkedwearily to where his horse was feeding, and led it where it could have ahearty drink of the pure water. Then, having turned it loose again, hethrew himself down, and lay gazing at the sunlit scene, wishing that thewar was over, and that he could go back to the dear old manor house, andenjoy the pleasures of home and peace. 

How beautiful it all looked, the golden sunshine glorifying theoak-trees with their tender leaves, and turning the pine trunksbronze-red! The films of wood smoke from the camp-fires spread in apale blue vapour, and the babbling stream flashed. But, restful as thescene was, and pleasant as the reclining posture was to his achingbones, Fred did not feel happy, for he knew that not far away men werelying in fever and weariness, cut, stabbed, trampled by horse hoof, andshattered by bullet, many of them waiting anxiously for death, the samedeath that had come upon so many of their fellows, who were lying starkon the field, or being hastily laid in rows in their shallow grave. 

"When will it all be over?" he said to himself. "I wonder where Scaris;" and then he thought how horrible it would be if ever he were tomeet his old friend in action. 

"And him with a sword in his hand and me with a sword in mine, " hemuttered. "Should we fight? I suppose so, " he added, after a fewmoments' thought. "We are enemies now. "

He started up on his elbow, for just then there was a cheer, insalutation of a man who was coming slowly up, leading his horse; and itonly needed a second glance to show that it was Samson. 

Fred forgot his weariness, sprang up, and ran toward his follower, whocaught sight of him directly, and hastened to meet him. 

"Oh!" ejaculated Fred, as he drew nearer and caught sight of the man'sface. "What a horrible wound! Samson, lad, we thought you a prisoner, or dead. "

"I arn't a prisoner, because I'm here, " grumbled Samson; "and I arn'tdead yet, thank ye, Master Fred. "

"But your wound. Come on to the surgeon at once. "

"My wound, sir?"

"Yes. Your face looks terrible. How did you manage to get here?"

"Face looks terrible--manage to get here! I'll tell you, sir. A bigfellow with a broad grey hat and feathers, and all long hair and raggedlace, spurred at me, and, if I hadn't been tidy sharpish, he'd have rodeme down. Hit at me, too, he did, with his sword, and caught me on theshoulder, but it didn't cut through the leather; and, 'fore he could getanother cut at me, I give him a wipe on the head as made him rise up inhis sterrups and hit at me with his fist. "

"His fist, Samson?"

"Yes, sir. There was his sword in it, of course, and the pommel hit meright on the nose; and before I could get over it, he was off along withthe rest, full gallop, and I was sitting on the ground, thinking aboutmy mother and what a mess I was in, and my horse looking as if he wasashamed of me, as I was of myself. I wonder he didn't gallop off, too;but I s'pose he thought he wouldn't get a better master. "

"But your face, Samson? It looks horrid. "

"Well, I can't help that, Master Fred, can I? Didn't make my own face. Good enough to come and fight with. "

"Come along with me to the surgeon. "

"What, and leave my horse? Not I, sir. "

"A man's wounds are of more consequence than a horse. "

"Who says so? I think a mortal deal more o' my horse than I do o' mywounds. 'Sides I arn't got no wounds. "

"You have, and don't know it. You have quite a mask of blood on yourface. It is hideous. "

"Yah! that's nothing. It's my nose. It always was a one to bleed. Whenever that brother o' mine, who went to grief and soldiering, used tomake me smell his fist, my nose always bled, and his fist was quite ashard as that hard-riding R'y'list chap's. Called me a Roundhead dog, too, he did, as he hit me. If I'd caught him, I'd ha' rounded his headfor him. "

"Yes, yes, of course, Samson; but come down to the stream, and batheyour face. Your horse is grazing now. "

"You're getting too vain and partic'lar, Master Fred, " grumbled Samson. "You're thinking of looking nice, like the R'y'lists, when you ought tobe proud of a little blood shed in the good cause. "

"I am proud and ready too, Samson; but come and wash your face. "

"I'll come, " grumbled Samson; "and I never kears about washing myselfnow. Never a drop o' hot water, no towels, no soap, and no well, and nobuckets. Once a week seems quite enough, specially as you has to waittill you get dry. "

By a little persuasion, Samson was led to the stream, where he kneltdown and bathed his face, looking up to his master from time to time toask if that was better, the final result being that, beyond a littleswelling on one side, Samson's nose was none the worse for theencounter. 

"There!" he cried at last; "I suppose that will do, sir. "

"Yes, my lad, and I'm very, very glad you have escaped so well. "

"Oh, I've 'scaped well enough, Master Fred; deal better than I deserved. We're a wicked, bad, good-for-nothing family. Look at our Nat, fighting against his own brother. "

"It is very sad, Samson, " said Fred; "but, remember, you are fightingagainst him. "

"That I arn't, sir. It's him fighting against me, and I only wish I mayrun against him some day. I'd make him so sore that he'll lie down andhowl for his mother, poor soul, and she breaking her heart about himturning out so badly; and, I say, Master Fred, if I don't have somethingto eat, I shall be only fit to bury to-morrow. "

"Come with me, Samson; I'm going up to my father's quarters. I'll seethat you have plenty to eat, if there is anything. "

"Who'd be without a good master?" muttered Samson; and then aloud, "Herehe comes. "

For Colonel Forrester came cantering up. 

"Alive and well, Samson? Good lad! We couldn't spare you. Fred, myboy, news has come in that a little party of the enemy has taken shelterin the woodland yonder over the hill. Take a dozen men, surround them, and bring them in. Don't let one of them escape. Turned back by one ofthe regiments crossing their path as they were in retreat. Now, then, to horse and away!"

Burning with excitement, Fred forgot all his weariness, buckled hishorse's bit, mounted, and turned to select his men, when he found Samsonalready mounted, and at his elbow. 

"Here, what do you want, sir?" he cried. 

"What do I want, Master Fred? Why, to go with you. "

"Nonsense! You are fagged out. Go and rest, and your horse too. "

"Now, I do call that likely, Master Fred. Let you go without me. Ishould just think not. "

"But this is nonsense, Samson. I want fresh men. "

"Just what I thought, sir. Nonsense for you to go without me, and youdon't want no fresh men. You want me, and I'm coming--there!"

Fred had neither time nor inclination to combat his follower's desire;in fact, he was rather glad to have the sturdy, west-country man at hiselbow, so he rode up to the main portion of the regiment, selectedeleven out of a hundred who wanted to go with the young officer, androde off at a moderate trot across country, forded the stream, and then, bearing away from the woodland, made as if to leave it on his right, soas not to excite suspicion in case they were seen. But just as he waswell opposite, he gave an order, the men divided in two parties, and setoff at a gallop to surround the trees, the mounted men halting at abouta hundred yards apart, and waiting for the signal to advance. 

The manoeuvre was soon executed, and the circle moved steadily towardthe centre of the park-like patch of ground, so open that as the ringgrew smaller there was not the slightest prospect of any of the enemybreaking through unseen. 

Fred, in his anxiety to carry out his father's commands successfully, had remained at the foot of the wooded slope, Samson being on his rightand another trustworthy fellow on his left, for he felt sure that thoseof whom they were in search would break out in his direction. In fact, he sat there waiting for his men to drive the intended prisoners downfor him to take. 

The task was not long, for the tramping of horses was heard, and therustling and crackling of the undergrowth; but the enemy did not breakcover. 

At last, though, there was a rush and the clash of steel, and, with hisheart throbbing, the lad signed to his nearest men to close up, and theyadvanced together, then set spur to their horses, and made a dash for aclump of bushes, where three horsemen were striving to get out throughthe tangle; and as they reached them Fred uttered an exclamation full ofanger. 

"Look at that!" cried Samson. "Why, they're our own men. "

Fred uttered an impatient cry. 

"Couldn't you see them?" he said to the first man who struggled out ofthe bushes. 

"No, sir; nobody there. "

"Then you must have missed them, and they are there now. "

"We searched the place well, " said another man; and one by one, as theparty closed up, they told the same tale. 

"Father was deceived, " thought Fred; and the more readily, that it wasnot the first example by many of pieces of false news brought in byspies. 

"Here!" he cried aloud, "we'll all ride through again. Ah! look yonder. Forward! Gallop!" he shouted; and, setting spurs to his horse, hedashed off, followed by his men, for there, a quarter of a mile to theleft, was a little party of six horsemen stealing along a narrow coombe, after evading their pursuers in some way. 

They were well in view as Fred emerged from the wooded land, and wereevidently spurring hard to escape, and for the next quarter of an hourthe chances seemed even, for the distance was maintained, and each partykept well together; but after that the pace began to tell, and horse andman tailed off till both parties seemed to be straggling over theground, the better-mounted to the front, the worse hanging behind. 

It was soon evident that the pursuers' horses were far fresher thanthose of the Royalists; and after shouting to his men to come on, Fredraced forward, with Samson close behind, and after a headlong gallop ofabout ten minutes, the young leader had overtaken the hindmost horseman, who was standing in his stirrups, his morion close down over his eyes, his back up, and apparently blind to everything that was before him aswell as behind. 

"Have him, Samson, lad, " cried Fred, as he spurred on past this fugitiveto try and overtake the leader, a young-looking man in showy cavalierhat and feathers, who kept on turning in his saddle and encouraging hismen to fresh exertions. 

The next minute, as they thundered along, Samson rode straight at theman with the morion over his eyes, but before he could reach him thefugitive's horse made a poor attempt to clear a bush in his way, stumbled, fell headlong, and shot his rider half a dozen yards in front. 

"Prisoners; and don't hurt them, " shouted Fred, waving his sword, andhis men gave an answering yell. So did the pursued, for no sooner didthe young leader discover that one of his men was down than he checkedhis horse, held up his sword for the others to rally round him, andturned at once on the party headed by Fred. 

It was a gallant attempt, but useless. Their horses were spent, and asthey were checked before they could make any effective stand, Fred'sparty literally sprung at them. There was a sharp shock; the exchangeof a few blows, and it was all over, the little party being literallyridden down, their leader going over, horse and all, at Fred's charge. 

The young Cavalier struggled free from his fallen horse, and tried todrag a pistol from the holster at his saddle-bow, for his sword hadflown a dozen yards away among the bushes; but Fred had him by the neckdirectly, his hand well inside the steel gorget he wore, and in onebreath he shouted, as he held his sword at his breast, "Surrender!" andthen, "Scar Markham! You!"

"Yes. Give up, my lads, " cried the prisoner. "We've done all we could. Let the crop-ears have a few prisoners for once in a way. "

CHAPTER SIXTEEN. 

TEASING A PRISONER. 

Fred Forrester was too much astonished at the result of his pursuit tomake any sharp retort, but sat holding his prisoner by the gorget, staring wildly at his old playmate, who seemed wonderfully changed sincetheir last meeting, and who had looked, in spite of dust and sweat, talland handsome in his gay frippery, scarf, scarlet feather, and longcurling hair. 

"Well, rebel, " cried the prisoner; and Fred started from his reverie. "Am I the first you ever had the luck to take that you stare in thatway? Don't choke me. "

Fred's tanned cheeks grew crimson, and his brow was knit as he turnedaway his face to look after his men, who in the meantime had taken thewhole of the little party, dismounted those who needed it, bound theirarms behind; their back, and collected the horses. 

"Look ye here, sir, " cried Samson, dragging forward the man in themorion, who came behind limping, "I've got him at last. This is mywretch of a brother, who has taken up arms against me. "

"Against you--you ill-looking dog!" cried Scarlett, fiercely. "How dareyou! Crop-eared rebel!"

"That will do, sir, " said Fred, sternly; for, after being a littleoverawed by the gallant aspect of his prisoner, he was recoveringhimself, and recollecting his position. "Will you give your promise notto escape, or must I have you bound?"

"Promise to a set of knaves like you?" cried the youth, fiercely. "No. Do what you will; only, mind this--our time will come. "

"Yes; and when it does, " cried Nat, shaking his head to get rid of theiron cap which was over his eyes, for his hands were bound, "we'll showthem what it is to be rebels, eh, Master Scarlett--captain, I mean?"

"Silence, sir!" cried Fred, angrily; and, after giving the men orders, the little party returned with their prisoners in their midst, Scarlettbehind, gazing haughtily before him, and paying no heed to a few wordsaddressed to him at first by his captor, who reined back at the slight, and followed afterwards at the rear of his little troop, angry andindignant at Scarlett's contemptuous manner, and at the same time sorryand glad, the latter feeling perhaps predominating, for he hadsuccessfully carried out his father's commands. 

"I wish it had been some one else, " he was thinking, as the little partyrode on, the prisoners mounted on their horses, but looking in sorryplight with their hands bound behind. "What will my father say when hesees who it is?"

At that moment the sound of angry voices and a hoarse laugh from thetroopers made Fred urge his horse forward. 

"What is this?" he said. "I will not have the prisoners insulted. "

"It's the prisoners insulting us, Master Fred--I mean captain. It'sthis ne'er-do-well of a brother o' mine bragging and bouncing becausehis hair's grown a bit longer than mine. He keeps calling me crop-ears, sir, and showing off as if he was a Cavalier. "

"So you are a crop-ear and a rebel, " said Nat, for his fall had hurthim, and made him disagreeable. 

"Silence, sir!" cried Fred, as he made a gesture as if to strike theex-gardener a blow with the flat of his sword. 

"Shan't silence, " said Nat. "You're not my master. Rebels can't bemasters, and you daren't hit me now I'm tied up, much as you'd like to. Cowards, all of you!"

"Beg pardon, captain, " said Samson, "but may I untie his arms, sir, andhave him down under the trees with our buffs off? I could give him sucha leathering in five minutes. "

"Silence! Forward! Samson, rein back;" and they rode slowly on tillthe outskirts of the camping place were reached, sentries challengingand men cheering the little party as they came in with their captivesright to where the regiment lounged about the camp-fires. 

Here Colonel Forrester strode out from his tent, followed by half adozen officers, all ready to cheer the boy who had so successfullycarried out the reconnaissance. 

"Any one hurt?" asked the colonel, looking very cold and stern, andhardly glancing at his son. 

"Only a few scratches and bruises, sir. We took the whole party. "

"That's well. Which is the leader? Here, you!"

Scarlett paid no heed to the command, but a couple of the troopersseized his arms, and hurried him before the colonel. 

"Which way has the main body of your forces gone, sir?"

"You had better follow and find out for yourself, Colonel Forrester, "said the prisoner, coldly. "You will get no information from me. "

"Scar Markham!" exclaimed the colonel, in astonishment. "My poor boy, Iam sorry that we should meet like this. "

"And I am glad, sir, " cried Scarlett, excitedly, "for it gives me anopportunity to say that I, too, am sorry to see you like this, a rebeland traitor to your king. "

"Silence, sir! How dare you! Take the prisoners away, and see thatthey are well used. "

"Yes, father, " replied Fred; and he saw the five men disposed of, andthen led Scarlett to his own little tent which he had placed at hisdisposal, and saw that he had an ample supply of food. 

He then took his own, of which he was in sore need, and began to eat insilence, furtively watching the prisoner, who remained silent, andrefused the food, though he was famishing. 

Fred's anger had subsided now, and remembering the old days before thesetimes of civil war and dissension, he said quietly--

"I am sorry I have nothing better to offer you. "

Scarlett turned upon him sharply, with a flash of the eye, as if aboutto speak; but he turned away again, and sat looking straight before him. 

There was a long silence then, during which Fred thought how hard it wasfor his old friend to be dragged there a prisoner, and he said softly--

"I was only doing my duty, Scar. I was sent out to take the party seenfrom our outposts. "

"Have the goodness to keep your pity for those who need it, crop-ear, "said Scarlett, scornfully; "and recollect that I am, though a prisoner, one of his Majesty's officers, one who holds no converse with rebels. "

Fred's cheeks flushed again, and his brow wrinkled. 

"Very well, " he said angrily. "We are fighting on opposite sides, but Idid not know that we need insult each other when we met. "

As he spoke he left the tent, and Scarlett winced, and his eyessoftened. 

"Poor old Fred!" he said below his breath; "and I used to think he waslike a brother. "

It was a glorious evening as Fred Forrester strolled away from the tent, stopping to speak to one of the sentries about the prisoner in thelittle tent, though he felt that he need hardly take any precaution, forScarlett was not likely to try to escape and leave his men behind. 

"Wonder whether we shall ever be friends again, " he thought, "and beback at the old places as before. This terrible fighting cannot alwaysgo on. What's that?"

A great deal of shouting and laughter in the centre of a little crowd ofsoldiers took his attention, and one of the voices sounding familiar, hewalked slowly toward the group, hardly caring in which direction he wentso that it was away from his tent. 

"What are they doing?" he asked of one of the men. 

"Don't quite know, sir. Teasing one of the prisoners, I think. "

Feeling that his father would be angry if the prisoners were annoyed inany way, he walked sharply to the throng, and, as he reached it, heheard a familiar voice say--

"Now, that's what I call behaving like a brother should, gentlemen. Hegoes away into bad company and disgraces his name, lets his hair growragged and greasy and long, and comes here a prisoner with a nasty dirtyface, so what have I done? I give him my supper because he was hungry, and he ate it all, and called me a crop-eared rebel for my pains. Soafter that I washed his face for him and cut his hair, and made him lookdecent, but I didn't crop his ears, though the shears went very nearthem two or three times. But look at him now. "

There was a roar of laughter at this, and Fred could hardly keep fromjoining in, so comical was the aspect of Sir Godfrey Markham's oldservant, as he stood there with his hands bound behind him. 

For, as Samson said, his brother was now quite clean, and he had cut hishair, which had grown long, in a bad imitation of a Cavalier's. Butthis was not merely cut off now, but closely cropped, so that Nat's headwas round and close as a great ball. 

"All right, Sam, " he said, as his brother came close to him. "Wait abit till our side wins, and then perhaps I may take you prisoner, and ifso--"

"Well, if you do--what then?"

"Wait, my lad, and see. "

Fred Forrester could never after fully explain his feelings. He leftthe group feeling as if some spirit of mischief had taken possession ofhim, and kept suggesting that he too had fed his brother, had given upeverything to him, and been reviled for his pains. Why should not heshow Scarlett Markham that courtesy was due to those who had made himprisoner of war? As it was, his old companion seemed to have grownarrogant and overbearing. He had spoken to him as if he were a dog, andlooked at him as if he were one of the most contemptible objects underthe sun. 

"No, " he said, with a half-laugh, "I could not do it. "

Then he recalled a long list of injuries he had received from Scarlett, things which had made his blood boil, and he felt tempted again. 

But his better self prevailed the next minute, and, shaking his head, hereturned to his tent, to find that after all Scarlett had partaken ofthe food, and had now thrown himself down on Fred's cloak and gone tosleep. 

As he lay there in the dim light, Fred gazed at his old companion'shandsome young face, flowing curls, and soiled but still handsomeuniform, with something like envy. But this passed away; and soon afterhe lay down outside the tent, to fall into a fit of musing, which wasmingled with the pace of sentries, hoarse orders, and the blare oftrumpets. Then all was silent, and he fell fast asleep, out there onthe bare ground, only to awaken at the morning calls. 

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. 

A LESSON IN SELF-CONTROL. 

"You will take twelve men as escort, and guard those prisoners to NewtonAbbott; there you will give them up, and return as quickly as you can tome. "

"Yes, sir. The men need not be bound?"

"Yes; every one. "

"Scar Markham, father?"

"Yes; you must run no risks. You might meet a party of the enemy, andif your prisoners fought against you, what then? Let them be boundwhile on the road. They will have comparative freedom when you havegiven them up. "

The stern school of war in which Fred Forrester was taking his earlylessons of discipline and obedience had already taught him to hear andto obey. 

This was after a halt of three days in their temporary camp, duringwhich the careful general of the little army had thought it better torest and recruit his men than to weary them in a vain pursuit at a timewhen they were pretty well exhausted with previous work. 

Fred had seen a great deal of the prisoners during the time, but onlyfor the estrangement between him and his old companion to grow greater. For Scarlett was suffering bitterly from the reverses which had befallenhis party, and was in agony about his father's fate. He had tried toobtain some news of the division to which they had been attached, butall he could learn was that in the late engagement it had been cut topieces, and its components who remained had fled in all directions, while he could not discover whether his father had been among the manyslain. 

Stung by his sufferings, and irritable to a degree, he was in no mood tomeet Fred's advances, looking upon him, as he did, as one of hisfather's murderers, and when he did not give him a fierce look ofresentment, he turned his back upon him, and treated him with thegreatest scorn and contempt. 

Their relations under these circumstances did not promise well, then, for their journey to Newton Abbott, and matters seemed to culminate forill when the escort was ready, the prisoners' horses brought out, andFred announced that the time of departure had come. Scarlett rose fromwhere he had been lying upon his cloak in silence; but the sight of hisold companion seemed to rouse him to speak; and in a bitterlycontemptuous way he turned to his men, saying to Nat--

"They might have sent a man to take charge of us, my lads. "

Fred winced, and felt small in his military uniform. He bit his lip, and told himself that he would not notice the petty remark, but thewords leaped out--

"I dare say I shall be man enough to take you safely to your prison, sir;" but Scarlett turned angrily away. 

The prisoners took their cue from their leader, and behaved in anexaggerated, swaggering manner, that was galling in the extreme. 

"Seem to have starved our horses, " said Nat, to one of his fellows; and, less fall of control than his leader, Samson spoke out. 

"No, we haven't, for we've given the poor things a good fill out, suchas they hadn't had for a month; and my word, Nat, you look quiterespectable without those long greasy corkscrews hanging about yourears. " Nat turned upon him fiercely. "Do I?" he cried. "Wait till ourturn comes, and I'll crop you. "

"Don't want it, " cried Samson, gleeful at his brother's rage. 

"Your hair don't, but your ears do, so look out. "

"Silence!" cried Fred, sternly; and then he gave the order for all tomount. 

As he was obeyed, and Scarlett swung himself into the saddle, hisnostrils dilated, and as he felt the sturdy horse between his knees, heinvoluntarily glanced round at the surrounding country. 

Fred saw it, and smiled. "No, sir, not this time, " he said. "I thinkyou will be too well guarded for that. "

Scarlett showed that he was well dubbed; for his pale cheeks flushed thecolour of his name as he turned away, feeling hot that his action shouldhave been plain enough for his enemy to read his thoughts. 

Then he set his teeth fast, and they grated together, as he heard Fred'snext orders, and saw a couple of men close up on either side of theprisoners, thrust a stake beneath their arms and across their backs, towhich stake their arms were firmly bound, and the ends of the cordswhich formed their bonds made fast to their horses' necks. 

"No fear o' you cantering off, Master Nat, " said Samson, as, with keenappreciation of his masterful position, he tied his brother as tightlyas he could, while Nat resisted and struggled so that he had to be heldby Samson's companion, his steel headpiece falling off in the encounter. "That's got him, I think, " said Samson, tightening the last knot whichheld him to the horse. "Dropped your cap, have you? All right, youshall have it. There!"

A burst of laughter followed Samson's act of politeness, for he hadstuck on the steel jockey-like cap with its peak towards the back, andthe curve, which was meant to protect the back of the head, well downover his eyes. 

"Only wait, " grumbled Nat; "I'll save all this up for you. "

"Thank ye, Nat. I say, you haven't got a feather in your cap. Anybodygot a feather? No. I've a good mind to cut off his horse's tail for aplume; the root of the tail would just stick upon that spike. Hallo, what's the matter there?"

Nat turned sharply from his brother to where Scarlett was hotlyprotesting. 

"It is a mistake, " he said, angrily, to the two men who had approachedhim on either side with stake and cord. "I am an officer and agentleman, and refuse to be bound. "

"It's the captain's orders, sir, " said one of the men, surlily. 

"Then go and tell him that you have mistaken his orders, " criedScarlett, ignoring the fact that Fred was seated within half a dozenyards. 

The men turned to their officer, who pressed his horse's sides andclosed up. 

"What is the matter?" he said. "Of what do you complain, MasterMarkham?"

"Tell your officer I am Captain Markham, of Prince Rupert's cavalry, "said Scarlett, haughtily. 

"I beg your pardon, captain, " said Fred, coldly. "Now, then, of what doyou complain?"

"Of your scoundrelly rabble, sir, " cried Scarlett, turning upon himfiercely. "You see, they are about to treat me as if I were a dog. "

"They were going to bind you, sir, as your men are bound. In our army, the officers are not above suffering and sharing with their men. "

Scarlett winced at this, and flushed more deeply, but he tried to turnit off by a fierce attack. 

"Then this is some cowardly plot of yours to insult one who has falleninto your hands. "

"I am obeying the orders of my superior officer, who placed you and theother prisoners in my charge, with instructions that they were to beconveyed bound to their destination. "

"The men, not their officer, sir. "

"Ah, " replied Fred, coldly. And then, laconically, "Bind him. "

"You insolent dog!" cried Scarlett, in his rage. "It is your malignantspite. You shall not bind me, if I die for it. "

As he spoke, he struck his spurs into his horse's flanks, snatched thestout ash stall one of the men held from his hand, leaned forward, andthen, as Fred seized his horse's bridle to stop him from galloping off, struck his captor with all his might. 

The blow was intended for Fred's head, but the movement of the horses inthe _melee_ caused the staff to fall heavily across the young officer'sthigh. 

Unable to restrain a cry of rage and pain, Fred snatched his swordthree-parts from its sheath, and then thrust it back, angry with himselffor his loss of temper, while Scarlett sat struggling vainly, for theman who held the rope had skilfully used it just as a child would askipping rope, throwing it over the prisoner's arms, crossing his hands, and passing one end to a soldier on the other side. In an instant, Scarlett's elbows were bound tightly to his ribs, and there held, whilea couple more men thrust a fresh staff behind his back and under hisarms, another rope was used, and with the rapidity which comes ofpractice upon hundreds of previous prisoners, the passionate youngofficer was literally bound and trussed, the ends of rope being madefast to the horse he rode. 

The men who were looking on, murmured angrily at the blow which they sawfall on their young officer. 

"Hang him to the nearest tree, " shouted one of the party. 

"Silence!" cried Fred, sternly; and speaking quite calmly now, though hewas quivering with pain, he pressed his horse closely to that upon whichhis prisoner rode. 

"That was a cowardly blow, Scar Markham, " he said, in a whisper. "I wasonly doing my duty. You'll ask my pardon yet. "

"Pardon?" raged the lad; "never! Oh, if I only were free and had mysword, I'd make you beg mine for this indignity. Miserable wretch!Rebel! I shall live yet to see you and your traitor of a father hung. "

Fred started angrily at this, but he checked himself, reined back hishorse, and looking very white now from anger and pain, he gave the wordof command. Six of his men formed up in front of the prisoners, theother six took their places behind; swords were drawn, and the horsesbearing the prisoners needed no guiding, but in accordance with theirtraining as cavalry mounts, set off in rank as the word "March!" wasgiven, the young leader waiting till all had passed, and then taking hisplace beside the last two men, one of whom was Samson. 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. 

A COWARDLY REVENGE. 

No word was spoken as they crossed the fields that separated them fromthe road, which they reached by the leading men turning their horsesinto the rapid stream, and letting them wade for a few yards through theflashing water knee-deep, and sending the drops foaming and sparkling inthe bright morning sun. 

"Left, " shouted Fred, as the road was reached, and the next minute thelittle detachment was trampling up the dust which rose behind them. 

"Did it hurt you much, Master Fred?" whispered Samson. 

"Hurt me? I felt as if my leg was cut off; and it is just now as if thebone was broken. "

"Perhaps you'd better not go, sir. "

"Not go? I'd go if it was ten times as bad. "

"And what are you going to do to Master Scar?"

"Half kill him some day. "

"Why not to-day, sir? Draw up somewhere in a wood, and we'll all seefair. You can whip him, Master Fred; I know you can. We'll set themfree for a bit, and I'll stand by you, and Nat shall stand by his youngmaster. "

"Don't talk nonsense, Samson. "

"'Tisn't nonsense, sir. You nearly always used to whip him when you twofell out, and you're bigger and stronger now. "

"But we are in different positions now, Samson, " said Fred, thoughtfully; "and it is impossible. "

"Don't say that, sir. The men would like to see you whip him for whathe did. "

"No, Samson. It could not be done. "

"You aren't afraid of him, are you, sir?"

"Afraid? How dare you?"

"Oh, I beg pardon, sir. I was only saying so because I thought the menwould think you were, for putting up with a crack like that. "

Samson's words stung more deeply than he expected, though he had meantthen to rankle, for to his mind nothing would have been more fairer ormore acceptable than for his young leader to face the Royalist prisonerwith nature's weapons, and engage in a regular up and down fight, suchas would, he felt sure, result in victory for their side. 

They rode on in silence for some time before Samson hazarded anotherword. 

"Beg pardon, sir, " he then said, humbly. "I didn't mean to hurt yourfeelings. "

"No, no; I know that, Samson. "

"It was only because I thought that the men might think you afraid ofMaster Scarlett. "

Fred turned upon him angrily. 

"I beg your pardon again, sir, " whispered Samson; "but it's just as Isay. I know you aren't scared of him a bit, because I've knowed youever since you was a little tot as I give pigabacks and rides a-top ofthe grass when I'd a barrow full. But the men don't know you as I do, sir. Call a halt, sir, and fight him. "

"Samson, I am talking to you as my old friend now, not as your officer. It is impossible. "

"Not it, sir. The men would like it. So would you; and as for me--letme fight brother Nat same time, and I'll give him such a beating as hewon't know whether it's next We'n'sday or last We'n'sday, or the yearbefore last. "

"I tell you, man, it's impossible, so say no more. "

"Very well, Master Fred. I only tell you the truth; and if you find thelads aren't so willing to follow you, mind, it's that. "

"I have my duty to do, sir, so say no more. "

"What a nuisance dooty is, " said Samson to himself, as his young leaderwent slowly to the front, and rode for a time beside the leading file. "They'll set him down as a coward. 'Course I know he isn't, but they'llthink so. Ha, ha, ha!"

"What are you laughing at?" said the man on his right. 

"At him, " cried Samson, pointing forward at his brother. "Looks justlike a trussed turkey. "

"Ah, " said the man, quietly, "and who knows when it may be our turn toride prisoners just the same? Knew him before, didn't you?"

"Eh? knew him? Well, just a little, " said Samson, drily. "Come fromthe same part o' Coombeland. Me and him's had many a fight when we wasboys. "

"And the young captain and that long-haired popinjay met before, haven'tthey?"

"Often. I was gardener to our captain's father--the colonel, you know;and that fellow with his headpiece on wrong was gardener to his fatheras hit our officer. "

"Took it pretty quiet, didn't he?" said the man. 

"Well, just a little. That's his way. "

"Wasn't afraid of him, was he?"

"Afraid? Why, he don't know what it means!"

"Humph! Looked as if he did, " grumbled the man; and furtherconversation was stayed by Fred checking his horse, and letting thedetachment pass on till he was in the rear. 

They rode on hour after hour, till the horses began to show the need ofwater, and the men were eager for a halt to be called, so that theymight dine and rest for a couple of hours under some shady tree; but forsome time no suitable spot was found, and the advance and rear guardsrode on, keeping a keen look-out for danger one minute, for a shadygrove and water the next. 

Once there was an alarm. One of the advance guard came galloping backafter seeing a body of horsemen about half a mile away, their armsglittering in the sun; but the party, whatever it was, seemed to becrossing the road at right angles, and for safety's sake, Fred drew backhis men and took refuge among some trees in a hollow a hundred yardsfrom the road, where, to the great satisfaction of all, a spring wasfound rushing out of the rock. 

Here in a regular military fashion the horses' girths were loosened, they were watered, and allowed to crop the grass. Outposts wereplanted, hidden by the trees; sentries were placed over the prisoners, whose bonds were not unloosed, and the men opened their wallets topartake of a hasty meal. 

As soon as all the arrangements had been made, Fred saw that hisprisoners were supplied with food, a man being deputed to attend totheir wants, and this done, the young officer strolled off to the edgeof the woodland, where the road could be seen east and west, and stoodthere watching for the first approach of danger. 

His thoughts were divided between his charge and Scar's blow andinsulting, contemptuous conduct, which rankled bitterly, for he couldnot help feeling that the men would judge him according to their lights;and, think of the matter how he would, he felt that he had placedhimself at a disadvantage. 

"If I had only struck him back I wouldn't have cared. "

"Thought that over, sir?"

Fred started, and turned to find that Samson had followed him andapproached over the soft moist ground beneath the trees unheard. 

"Thought that over?" faltered the young officer. 

"Yes, sir. Here's a splendid place for it just below among the bigtrees. Nice bit of open turf, quite soft for when you tumble down; andit would just please the men to see my young dandy cockerel's comb cutafter what he did for you. "

"Samson, you are talking nonsense. After serving so long in the army, you ought to know something of what an officer's duties are. "

"No, sir; I shall never learn nothing about dooties. I can fight, because it comes nat'ral to a man, and I'm obliged to; but I shall nevermake a good soldier. "

"You don't know, then, what you are saying. "

"Oh yes, I do, sir; and I know what the men are saying; and if you won'tfight, it must be me, for there's bound to be a rumpus if they go onsaying you behaved as if you had a white feather in your cap. "

"Who dared to say that?"

"Several of 'em, sir; and I wouldn't hit out, because I thought youwould think better of it and fight. "

Fred turned away angrily. 

"Well, sir, I can't help speaking plainly; and I thought it better totell you what the lads are saying about it. "

"I cannot help what they say, sir; I am doing my duty. Now go back toyours. "

"Yes, captain; but don't be angry with your old servant as followed youto the wars. Give me leave to fight Nat, and that will be something. "

"Impossible, sir. "

"But it would keep the men's tongues quiet, sir. Just about a quarterof an hour would do for me to thrash him, and it would be all rightafterwards. The men wouldn't talk so much about you. "

Fred marched up and down without a word. 

"You see, sir, it's like this. Young Master Scar Markham's bouncingabout and ordering and behaving as if he was everybody. --You won't fighthim, sir?"

"No!"--emphatically. 

"Then why not do something just to show him he isn't everybody, and thatyou are not afraid of him?"

"You know I am not afraid of him, Samson, " cried Fred, hotly. 

"Of course I do, sir; but the men don't know. How could they? Thereisn't one there as took you in hand from a little one, when you wasalways tumbling down and knocking the skin off your knees. "

Fred made an impatient gesture. 

"You see, sir, if you'd only do something it wouldn't so much matter. Any one would think, to see the airs he puts on, that he was PrinceRupert himself. "

Fred turned away, and stood with his back to his henchman, lest Samsonshould see from his face how he longed to forget his duty, and to ceasebeing an officer for a few minutes, becoming once more the careless boywho could retaliate sharply for the blow received. 

"He's sitting yonder, sir, in his scarlet and gold and feathers, andtossing his head so as to make his ringlets shake all over hisshoulders. Proud as a peacock he is, and looking down on us all like mybrother Nat did till I sheared off his long hair, and made him acrop-ear too. It's done him no end of good. I only wish some one wouldserve his lordship the same. "

Samson little thought what effect his words would have on his youngleader, who again turned away and walked up and down to master theemotion which troubled him. The blow he had received seemed to smart;he pictured the faces of his men looking at him with covert smiles ontheir lips, and he seemed to see Scarlett sneering at him as some one socowardly as to be utterly beneath his notice; and he was suffering allthis because he believed it to be his duty. 

The blood rushed up into Fred's cheeks, and then to his brain, makinghim feel giddy as he strode away to avoid temptation, for his nerveswere all a-tingle, and the desire kept on intensifying to seize somestout staff and thrash his prisoner till he begged his pardon before allthe men. 

But he could not do such a thing. He told himself he must suffer and bestrong. He had certain duties to perform, and he would do them, boy ashe was, like a man. And to this end he walked quietly back to thelittle camp, giving a long look round to see that all was safe. 

The mossy ground beneath the trees deadened his footsteps as heapproached his prisoners to see that all were right; and there, asSamson had described, sat Scarlett, looking proud and handsome in hisuniform, while he fanned his face with his broad-leafed felt hat andfeathers, each waft of air sending his curls back from, his face. 

Fred had involuntarily stopped short among the bushes to gaze at theprisoner, heedless of the fact that Nat and the other men were justbefore him, hidden by a screen of hazels. 

Then the blood seemed to rush back to his breast, for a familiar voicesaid--

"Don't tell me. He used to be a decent young fellow when he came overto our place in the old days; but since he turned rebel and associatedwith my bad brother, he's a regular coward--a cur--good for nothing butto be beaten. See how white he turned when the captain hit him withthat staff. White-livered, that's what he is. Do you hear, sentries?White-livered!"

The men on guard uttered a low growl, but they did not say a word intheir officer's defence; and a bitter sensation of misery crept throughFred, seeming for the moment to paralyse him, and as he felt himselftouched, he turned slowly to look in a despondent way at Samson, whostood close behind him, pointing toward the group as another prisonersaid--

"Why, if we had our hands free, and our swords and pistols, we'd soonsend these wretched rebels to the right-about. Miserable rabble, with amiserable beggar of a boy to lead them, while we--just look at the youngcaptain! That's the sort of man to be over a troop of soldiers. "

It was doubtful whether Scarlett heard them, as he sat there stillfanning his face, till at last, in a fit of half-maddening pique, Fredturned again on Samson, and signed to him to follow. 

Then, striding forward, he made his way to the sentry nearest to whereScarlett was seated. 

"Why are your prisoner's arms at liberty, sir?" he cried. 

"Don't know, sir, " said the man, surlily. "I didn't undo them. "

Fred gazed at him fiercely, for he had never been spoken to before likethis, and he grasped the fact that he was losing the confidence of thosewho ought to have looked up to him as one who had almost the power oflife and death over them. 

"How came your lianas at liberty, sir?" cried Fred, sternly, as heturned now on Scarlett. 

The latter looked in his direction for a moment, raised his eyebrows, glanced away, then back, in the most supercilious manner, and went onfanning himself. 

"I asked you, sir, how your hands came to be at liberty?"

"And, pray, how dare you ask me, insolent dog?" flashed out Scarlett. 

The altercation brought three more of the guard up to where they stood, and just in time to see Fred's passion master him. 

"Dog, yourself, you miserable popinjay!" cried Fred. "Here, Samson!Another of you--a fresh rope and stake. You must be taught, sir, thevirtue of humility in a prisoner. "

Without a moment's hesitation, he sprang at the young officer, andseized him by the wrists, but only to hold him for a moment before onehand was wrenched away, and a back-handed blow sent Fred staggeringback. 

He recovered himself directly, and was dashing at his assailant to takeprompt revenge for this second blow; but Samson already had Scarlett bythe shoulders, holding on tightly while the staff was thrust under hisarmpits, and he was rapidly bound as firmly as two strong men couldfasten the bonds. 

Fred woke to the fact that his followers were watching him curiously, asif to see what steps he would take now, after receiving this secondblow; but, to their disgust, he was white as ashes, and visiblytrembling. 

"Be careful, " he said. "Don't spoil his plumage. We don't have so finea bird as this every day. Mind that feathered hat, Samson, my lad. Hewill want it again directly. Here, follow me. "

Scarlett burst into an insulting laugh as Fred strode away--a laughforeign to the young fellow's nature; but his position had half maddenedhim, and he was ready to do and say anything, almost, to one who, hefelt, was, in a minor way, one of the betrayers of his father; while asFred went on, gazing straight before him, he could not but note thepeculiar looks of his men, who were glancing from one to the other. 

Fred felt that he must do something, or his position with his men wouldbe gone for ever. They could not judge him fairly; all they couldmeasure him by was the fact that they had seen him struck twice withoutresenting the blows. 

What should he do?

He could not challenge and meet his prisoner as men too often fought, and he could not fight him after the fashion of schoolboys, and as theyhad fought after a quarrel of old. 

Fred was very pale as he stopped short suddenly and beckoned Samson tohis side, the result being that the ex-gardener ran to his horse, wasbusy for a few moments with his haversack, and then returned to wherehis master was standing, looking a shy white now, and with the drops ofagony standing upon his brow. 

The next minute Fred had tossed off the heavy steel morion he wore, throwing it to his follower, who caught it dexterously, and thenfollowed closely at his leader's heels. 

"Master or Captain Scarlett Markham, " he said, in a husky voice, "youhave taken advantage of your position as a prisoner to strike me twicein the presence of my men. It was a cowardly act, for I could notretaliate. "

Scarlett uttered a mocking laugh, which was insolently echoed by hismen. 

Fred winced slightly, but he went on--

"All this comes, sir, from the pride and haughtiness consequent uponyour keeping the company of wild, roystering blades, who call themselvesCavaliers--men without the fear of God before their eyes, and certainlywithout love for their country. You must be taught humility, sir. "

Scarlett laughed scornfully, and his men again echoed his forced mirth. 

"Pride, sir, " continued Fred, quietly, "goes with gay trappings, andsilken scarves, and feathered hats. Here, Samson, give this prisoner adecent headpiece while he is with us. "

He snatched off the plumed hat, and tossed it carelessly to hisfollower. 

"And while you are with us, sir, you must be taught behaviour. You aretoo hot-headed, Master Scarlett. You will be better soon. "

Scarlett was gazing fiercely and defiantly in his old companion's face, hot, angry, and flushed, as he felt himself seized by the collar. Thenhe sat there as if paralysed, unable to move, stunned, as it werementally, in his surprise, and gradually turning as white as Fred asthere were a few rapid snips given with a pair of sheep shears, androughly but effectively his glossy ringlets were shorn away, to fallupon his shoulders. 

Then he flung himself back with a cry of rage. But it was too late; thecurls were gone, and he was closely cropped as one of theParliamentarian soldiers, while his enemy-guard burst into a roar. 

"There, Master Scarlett Markham, " said Fred, quietly, "your head will becooler now; and you will not be so ready to use your hands against onewhose position makes him unarmed. Samson, the headpiece. Yes, thatwill do. Master Scarlett, shall I put it on, as your hands are bound?"

"You coward!" cried Scarlett, hoarsely, as he gazed full in Fred's eyes;and then again, with his face deadly pale, "You miserable coward! Bah!"

He turned away with a withering look of scorn, and, amid the cheering ofhis men, Fred tossed the shears to Samson, and strode away sick at heartand eager to walk right off into the wood, where, as soon as he was outof eye-shot, he threw himself down and buried his face in his hands. 

"Miserable coward!" he said hoarsely. "Yes, he is right. How could Ido such a despicable thing!"

CHAPTER NINETEEN. 

A CLEVER SCHEMER. 

Fred Forrester felt that he had had his revenge--that he had hit back ina way that humbled and wounded his enemy more deeply than any physicalstroke could possibly have done; and, as has been the case withthousands before and since, he had found out that the trite oldaphorism, "Revenge is sweet, " is a contemptible fallacy. For even ifthere is a sweet taste in the mouth, it is followed by a twang of suchintense bitterness that no sensible being ever feels disposed to tasteagain. 

He had struck back fiercely, and bruised himself, so that he felt sorein a way which made him writhe; and at last, when, urged by theknowledge that he must attend to his duty, he rose, instead of walkingback to where his men were waiting the orders to continue the route, proud and elate, he felt as if he were guilty and ashamed to look hisprisoners in the face. 

No sooner, however, was he seen by his men than there was a loud buzz ofvoices, and he learned what a change had taken place between them, forinstead of being welcomed back with sidelong glances and a half meaninglook, the soldiers saluted him with a loud cheer, in which sentries andthe two outposts joined. 

His action, then, was endorsed by his followers, who began laughing andtalking merrily among themselves, looking from time to time at theprisoners, among whom sat Scarlett, with his arms upon his knees and hisface lowered into his hands. 

Fred's first inclination was to go straight to his captive, offer himhis hand, and beg his pardon for what he had done; but two strong powersheld him back--shame and dread. What would Scarlett say to him for thedegradation? and what would his men say? They would think him ten timesthe coward they thought him before. 

It was impossible; so giving his orders stoutly and sharply, the horseswere bitted and the girths tightened. The prisoners were then helpedinto their saddles, and the ends of the ropes made fast after anexamination to see that the bonds were secure, and once more they soughtthe road, the advance guard well to the front, and the relativepositions of the early part of the march resumed. 

There does not seem to be much in a few snips with a pair of bigscissors; but the young leader's use of those cutting implements hadcompletely changed the state of affairs in the little party. For whilethe guard were merry, and looked in the best of spirits, the commonprisoners seemed as if they felt most bitterly the insult offered totheir young captain, sitting heavily in their saddles, with their chinsdown upon their chests, and neither looking to right nor left, whileScarlett Markham gazed straight before him, his eyes flashing beneaththe steel headpiece he now wore. His face was very pale, and his wholeform was rigid as he sat there with his arms well secured to the crossstaff at his back, and his lips tightened and slightly drawn back fromhis teeth as he drew his breath with a low hissing sound. 

A few hours before, although a prisoner, he had looked the dashing youngCavalier in his scarlet, feathers, and gold, and, in spite of hisuniform being stained and frayed with hard service, the lad's mien hadhidden all that, and he seemed one to look up to and respect. 

Now all was changed: the gay hat and feathers had been replaced by thebattered steel morion; the long clustering effeminate curls were shornaway, and the poor fellow looked forlorn, degraded, and essentially anobject for pity; his uniform showed every stain, and the places wherethe gold lace was frayed--and all through the working of a pair ofshears among his locks. A short time before the smart young Cavalier, now only Fred Forrester's prisoner--nothing more. 

As they rode onward the men commented upon the change aloud; but nothalf so intently as did Fred Forrester in silence. 

The afternoon grew hotter; there was a glorious look of summereverywhere, for nature was in her brightest livery; but to the youngleader everything seemed shrouded in gloom, and twice over he foundhimself wishing that a party of the enemy would come upon them suddenlyand rescue those of whom he had charge. 

As they rode on slowly with Fred in the rear, he noted that the two menwho formed the advance guard were not in their proper places; and, seeking relief from his torturing thoughts in striving to give thestrictest attention to his father's military lessons, he turned toSamson. 

"Ride forward and tell those men to advance another hundred yards. Theyare far too near in case of surprise. "

Samson spurred his horse, cantered forward, gave the order, and thenhalted as the advance guard trotted on for a hundred yards or so. 

As the party came up, Samson exchanged looks with his brother, whoselips moved as if he were saying--

"Only just you wait, my fine fellow, and I'll serve you out for this. "

But Samson laughed and rode to his old place in the rear beside hiscaptain. 

As Samson went by Fred, the latter caught sight of something scarlet, and the colour suggesting his prisoner, he turned sharply upon hisfollower. 

"What's that?" he said. 

"Only the young captain's hat, sir. "

Fred frowned as he saw that Samson had fastened the grey felt hat withits gay feathers to his saddle, and then glanced forward at Scarlett, whose cropped head was sheltered by the heavy, uneasy steel cap. 

"Ride forward, " he said, "and give the prisoner back his hat. "

Samson stared, but of course obeyed. Untying the hat from his saddle, he rode forward to where Scarlett sat, gazing straight before him. 

"Captain sent your hat, sir. Shall I put it on?"

There was no reply. 

"Your hat, sir. Shall I put it on?"

Scarlett took not the slightest notice, and after a momentary hesitationSamson uttered a grunt, pressed his horse a little closer, took thesteel cap from the young prisoner's head, and placed the feathered feltthere instead. 

Then, backing his horse, he allowed the party to pass on, while heresumed his place, hanging the steel headpiece to his saddle-bow by thestrap and chain. 

"What's that? Look!" cried Fred, sharply. 

He checked his horse as he spoke, and looked back, needing no answer, for there behind them in the dusty road, battered and disfigured, layScarlett's dashing head-gear; for so badly had it been replaced that, inhis suppressed rage, the prisoner had given his head an angry toss, thefelt hat had fallen, and it seemed as if, out of malice, every horse hadpassed over it, and trampled it down in the dust. 

"Shall I pick it up, sir?" said Samson. 

"No; let it be there, " was the reply. "Take the prisoner the headpieceagain. "

Samson muttered to himself as he unhooked the steel cap and rodeforward, while, in his resentment at having to go through the same dutytwice, he took pains to treat the helmet as if it were an extinguisher, literally putting Scarlett out, so far as seeing was concerned. 

And all the while, with his arms bound behind him, Scarlett Markham rodeon with his head erect. 

"Another insult, " he said to himself. "The miserable coward! I couldkill him as I would a wasp!"

The afternoon glided slowly by, and the detachment kept to a walk, forthe heat was great, there was no special haste needed, and Fred wantedto spare his horses as much as possible. But after a short halt forrefreshment at a roadside inn, where the landlord dispensed cider andbread-and-cheese liberally to either side, so long as he was well paid, but all the same with a strong leaning toward the Royalists, the littleparty rode on at a trot, very much to the disgust of the landlord, whostood watching them from his door. 

"Poor lad!" he said. "Must be Sir Godfrey Markham's son from overyonder toward the sea. How glad he seemed of that draught of milk thelass gave him! Seems hard to be a prisoner, and to his oldschoolfellow, for that's young Forrester, sure enough. I've a good mindto. No; it's interfering, and I might be found out, and have to hang onone of my own apple-trees as a traitor. But I've a good mind to. Yes, I will. Dick!"

"Yes, master, " came from the stable, and a stout boy with some oat chaffin his rough hair made his appearance. 

"How long would it take you to get to Brownsand?"

"On the pony?"

"Of course. "

"Four hours by road. Two hours across the moor. "

"Take the pony, then, and go across the moor. There's a regiment ofhorse there. "

"Them as went by day afore yesterday?"

"Yes. Ride straight there and tell the officer. No, I can't do it. "

"Oh, do, father, please--please!"

"You here, Polly?"

"Yes, father, " said his rosy-cheeked daughter, who had fetched the mugof milk from the dairy. "You were going to send and ask them to savethe prisoners. "

"Was I, mistress? And pray how do you know?"

"I guessed it, father. That poor boy!"

"Perhaps I was, " grumbled the landlord; "but I'm not going to do sonow. "

"Oh, don't say that, father!"

"But I have said it; and now, both of you go about your work. "

"Oh, father, pray, pray send!"

"Do you want to see me hung, madam?"

"No, no, father; but nobody will know. "

"I know--you know--he knows; and there's an end of it. Be off!"

The girl and boy both went out, and directly after the former made asign which the latter interpreted to mean "Come round to the kitchen. "

As soon as the landlord was left alone he drew himself a mug of cider, lit his pipe, and chuckled. 

"Wonder how my apples are getting on?" he said. "I must have a goodcider year this time; ought to be, anyhow. " Then aloud at the door, "Keep an eye to the door, Polly, " he cried. "I'm going down theorchard. "

"Yes, father; I'll mind. "

"That'll do it, " said the landlord, laughing till his face grew as redas his own apples. "Nobody can't come and accuse me of sending the boy, and they'll never suspect her. "

He walked right down the orchard, and then crept quickly to the hedge, stooped down, went nearer to the house, and then watched and listened. 

"Ha! ha! ha!" he laughed softly. "I knew she would. Good-hearted girl!There he goes. "

The landlord rubbed his hands as, turning to a hole in the hedge, he sawhis boy Dick go off at a canter, lying flat down on the back of a littleExmoor pony, his arms on each side of the pony's neck, till he was overthe nearest hill and descending into the valley, when he sat up andurged the pony on at as fast a gallop as the little beast could go. 

"Nice promise of apples, " said the landlord, contentedly smiling up atthe green clusters. "Now, if I could have my wish, I should like asplendid crop of fox-whelps and gennet-moyles. Then I should likepeace. Lastly, I should like to see all the gentry who are fighting andcutting one another's throats shake hands outside my door, and have amug of my best cider. And all these wishes I wish I may get. There, now I'll go in. "

He went slowly back to the house, puffing away at his pipe, and directlyafter encountered his red-faced daughter, who looked ruddier than everas the old man looked at her searchingly, chuckling to himself thewhile. "I'll give her such a scare, " he said. 

"Want me, father?"

"Want you? Of course I do. Go and call Dick. "

"Dick, father?" she faltered. 

"Yes; didn't I speak plainly! Call Dick. "

"He's--he's out. "

"Who sent him out?"

"I--I did, father. "

"Oh, you did, did you--without my leave?"

"Oh, father--father, " cried the girl, sobbing, "don't--don't be angrywith me!"

"Not I, Polly, " he cried, bending down and kissing her. "Only I don'tknow anything, and I don't want to know anything, mind. "

"And you're not cross about it?"

"I'm not cross about anything; but I shall be if I don't have a mug ofcider, for I've been thinking, and thinking's thirsty work. "

"Then you had been thinking that--"

"Never you mind what I had been thinking, my lass. My thoughts aremine, and your thoughts are yours, so keep 'em to yourself. When I'vehad my drop o' cider, I think I shall go out for a ride. "

"Oh father!" cried the girl. 

The old man chuckled. 

"Don't you tell me that the pony has gone out, too, " he said. "There, it's all right, Polly, only I don't know anything, and I won't be told. "

CHAPTER TWENTY. 

A SUDDEN REVERSE. 

And all this time Fred Forrester rode on at the rear of his littledetachment, longing to get to Newton Abbot and be rid of his painfulcharge. The evening grew more pleasant and cool, the moths came out, and with them the bats, to dart and flit, and capture the myriad gnatswhich danced here and there beneath the trees. Then, as they passedbeneath some umbrageous oak, which stretched its ponderous and gnarledarms across the road, a night-hawk swooped from where it had beenresting upon its parrot toes, its beak toward the bole of the tree, andskimmed round and round for a time to capture a great moth or two in itswidespread, bristly-edged gape, before swiftly darting back to itsperch, where it commenced its loud, continuous purring noise, which diedsoftly away as the party rode on. 

Sweet moist scents rose from the dewy ground, and as they neared amarshy pool, a low, musical whining and croaking told that the frogswhich made the stagnant place their home had a full belief that beforelong it would rain. 

Tired though the party were, it was pleasant travelling now, and as somehorse, feeling freshened by the cool moist air, snorted and tossed itshead, there followed a loud tinkling of accoutrements and anuncalled-for increase of pace. 

As they rode on deep down in a hollow between mighty hedges, a loud hailseemed to come from the road on the hillside, "Hoi, hoi!" which wasfollowed by another on the opposite slope, but no one stirred. The callof the hoot-owl was too familiar to the Coombeland men to deceive. 

It was so dark at times down there amid the trees that the horses' headswere hardly visible, and when fire was struck by an impatient hoof froma loose stone, the flash given forth seemed by comparison to lighten upthe lane. 

Half an hour's increasing darkness was followed by a glow in the east, and then, slowly rolling up, came the moon, to silver the patches offirs, to lighten the pensile birches, and make the glossy-leaved beechesglisten as if wet with rain or frosted with silver. The little riverwhich ran at the bottom of the valley, meandering on its way, shone outwith flashes of light, as the moon rose higher; and once, in the midstof Fred's gloomiest thoughts, came, like a gleam of the moon on thewater to lighten all around, the feeling that the world was, after all, a very beautiful place, and that it was man himself who made itmiserable. 

"I mean boy, " said Fred, in his musings. "No, I do not; I mean man, forhe is to blame for all this terrible war in which we are going againstthe king. But my father says it is just, so I have no right to thinkdifferently. "

"How far are we from Newton, Samson?" he asked his follower. 

"'Bout four miles now, sir. We've got to turn out of the main westroad, and go through the wood next. Soon be there now. "

The turning was reached at the end of another half mile, and the advanceguard soon after came to the edge of the wood, through which a good roadhad been cut, the only drawback being that the overhanging trees made itdark. 

Upon this occasion, though, the moon was rising higher and higher, pouring down a flood of silver light, which lit up the denser part withits soft diaphanous rays. 

The solemn beauty of the scene, with its velvety shadows and silverylight, impressed every member of the party, so that they rode on insilence, the horses' hoofs sounding loudly, and the night being so stillthat the patter of the advance guard and of those in the rear wasplainly audible. 

"How much more is there of this woodland, Samson?" asked Fred, after atime. 

"Not much more, sir, though I can't be sure--it's so many years since Irode through it with your father--when I was quite a boy. "

"What's that?"

"Nothing, sir. Fox, perhaps, or a deer. Everything sounds so plainlyon a night like this. Hear the advance?"

"Yes. Keep close, my lads, " cried Fred. "No straggling in thedarkness. "

The men closed up, and they were going steadily on, congratulatingthemselves on the fact that they would soon be out in the open. A keeneye was kept upon the prisoners, though there was very little chance fortheir escape. The bonds were secure, and their horses' bridles out oftheir reach, while, had there been a disposition to urge a horse awayfrom the rest, and make a dash for it in the darkness, the chances werethat the poor beast would have declined to stir from his companions. The horse is by nature an animal which, for mutual protection, goes witha drove of his fellows; and, allowing for the formality of cavalrymovements, there is something in the formation of troops and squadronsso similar to the natural habits of the horse, that they keep together, to such an extent that in warfare the "trooper" that has lost his riderregains the regiment and keeps in his place. 

They were so near the edge of the wood now that the advance guard hadpassed through into the clear moonlight, and were going calmly on infull security, as they believed, when all at once a clear sharp orderrang out on the night air; there was a quick trampling of horses, andthe road in front was occupied by a strong body of men, whose positionwas between Fred's little detachment and their advance guard. 

To have gone on burdened with their prisoners would have meant failure, to have plunged to right or left into the dense black wood no betterthan madness. There was only one course open--retreat; and in theemergency, young as he was in military evolutions, Fred proved himselfworthy of his charge. 

Setting spurs to his horse, he dashed to the front, giving his orderspromptly. The men faced round ready for action, and, in defiance of theloudly shouted commands to surrender, the prisoners' bridles were seizedand a rapid retreat commenced; but only for the little party to realisethat they were in a trap, for in the darkness ahead they heard freshshouts to surrender, from a second body of horsemen, who had been hiddenin the wood till they had passed, and now occupied the road--how strongit was impossible to tell. 

However, here lay their route now. If he had known that he had an enemyin his rear, Fred would have made a dash forward to try and reach hisadvance guard. Under the circumstances, it would have been fresh wasteof time to turn, so again rushing to the front, he cheered on his men, and, sword in hand, charged, hoping by a bold manoeuvre to reach hisrear guard now, and gallop back with his prisoners. 

It was a vain hope. He had time to get his men well in hand, and thecompact little body charged along the dark road, captors and captivestogether, for about a hundred yards, when there was the shock of meetingan advancing troop of the Royalist cavalry. The clashing of swords andthe sharp rattle of blows struck at helmet and breast-piece; theplunging of horses, yells, and shouts; the deep groans of wounded men;and then, in the midst of the wild turmoil and hopeless struggle, itseemed to Fred that there was a short sharp crash of thunder, accompanied by a mingling of tiny flashes of lightning, and then thenoise and confusion of the skirmish died away--and that was all. 

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. 

COMPANIONS IN MISFORTUNE. 

It was quite in keeping with his life for Fred Forrester to be awakenedby the blast of a trumpet, and, according to his habit, he made one turnand was about to spring from his rough pallet. 

But he did nothing of the kind. He let his head fall back and his armdrop, as he uttered a groan of pain and weakness, which seemed to beechoed from close at hand. 

Then there was a peculiar dizzy feeling of sickness; mists floatedbefore his eyes, and, in a confused, feverish, dreamy fashion, he laywondering what it all meant. 

After a time he felt clearer, and found himself gazing at a small squarewindow, unglazed, one through which a great beam of sunshine fell, making a widening bar of light which cast a distorted image of theopening upon a rough brick wall. That beam of light was full of tinymotes which rose and fell and danced into the brightest part, and awayinto the gloom till, as they skurried and floated here and there, itseemed as if he were gazing at a miniature snowstorm, of which all theflakes were gold. 

There were sounds outside of trampling feet; of hoofs and the snortingof horses; but all seemed distant and confused, as if his ears werestopped or the sounds were coming from a distance; but directly after avery familiar note arose--the sharp, cheery chirping of a sparrow, followed by a low groan. 

But it did not seem to matter, for he was tired and sleepy and in pain, and he seemed to drop off to sleep and wake again wondering what it allmeant, and why it was, and how he came to be lying there. 

After a time he stretched out one hand in a feeble way, to find that hewas touching straw, and that beneath the straw there were boards. Butthere was straw everywhere; even the ceiling seemed to be straw, coarsestraw, till he realised that it was reed thatch, and by degrees that hemust be in the upper part of a stable--the loft, for he could smell hay;and as he satisfied himself that he was right so far, he discoveredsomething more--that there were horses somewhere below, for there was aloud snorting and the rattle of a headstall. 

But still it did not seem to matter, for everything connected with thewar and his duties had passed entirely from his mind, till he heard oncemore a groan from somewhere close at hand, and then a familiar voicesaid--

"Don't go on like that, lad. I dare say you're very bad, but so am I;and you'll disturb the captain. "

"Captain? what captain?" thought Fred, dreamily, and who was he that heshould not be disturbed?

But he felt no inclination to speak, but lay listening to the chirpingof the sparrows, and moved his head slightly to find that it was restingupon a piece of sacking laid over the straw. 

That movement brought on the dizzy sensation again, and his headthrobbed painfully for a time. 

But the pain grew easier, and he lay perfectly still, watching thebeautiful beam of sunshine which came through the open window, abovewhich the roof went into a point, showing him that this was the gableend of the loft where he lay. 

This did not surprise him, for he had been accustomed for months past tosleep in shed, stable, or loft, as well as in houses with decent rooms. At one time for a month a church had been the barracks where he hadlain. Rough quarters had become a matter of course, and he lay quitestill, for how long he did not know, to be roused once more by a deepgroan. 

"Do you hear, lad? What's the good of going on like that?" said thefamiliar voice again. 

"My head--my head!" moaned some one. 

"Well, and my head, and my ribs, if you come to that; but I don't howland groan. "

"Samson!"

"Master Fred! Captain, I mean. Hey, but it does a man good to hear youspeak, again. Don't die this time, dear lad. "

"Die? I don't understand you. "

"Then the Lord be praised, you are not going to die!"

Fred lay wondering, for there came something like a sob from close athand, though when he tried to turn towards the sound the horribledizziness came back. 

"Samson!"

"Yes, Master Fred. "

"What are you doing there?"

"Blubbering, dear lad, like a great calf as has lost its mother; butit's only because I'm so glad. "

"But, Samson, what does it all mean?"

"What, don't you know, my lad?"

"No. "

"Not that you are badly wounded--cut down same as I was when wecharged?"

"When we charged?"

"Yes, when they took us front and rear in the dark wood. "

"Dark--wood?"

"Yes, lad. Some of us killed--I don't mean us--Smithers and Pelldike. The advance escaped, and so did the rear. All of us with the prisonersgot hurt more or less. "

"Oh!"

The scene in the gloomy wood came back now clearly enough; and in anexcited tone Fred exclaimed--

"And the prisoners, Samson?"

"Oh, they were taken again! They're right enough. "

"Scarlett Markham?"

"Yes; he came up here yesterday to see how we were. "

"Oh!"

"What's the matter, my lad?"

"My father--my charge. Samson, I'm disgraced for ever. "

"What, because about sixty men surprised us in that hollow road, and cutus all down? I don't see no disgrace in fighting like a man, and beingbeaten by five to one, or more than that. "

"But how came we to be surprised so suddenly?"

"Dunno, Master Fred. Some one must have known we were going throughthat wood, and set a trap for us. "

"And I allowed my poor fellows to walk right into it. Oh, Samson, I cannever look my father in the face again!"

"Hark at him! Nonsense! It's all ups and downs--sometimes one sidewins, sometimes t'other side. We had the best of it, and then they havethe best of it, and we're prisoners. Wait till we get well, and it willbe our side again. Long as we're not killed, what does it matter?"

"Then you are wounded, Samson?"

"Well, yes, lad; I got a tidy chop aside of the head, and a kick in theribs from a horse in the scrummage. Leastwise, it wasn't a kick, 'causeit was done with a fore leg, when somebody's horse reared up after I'dcut his master down. "

"And there is some one else wounded?"

"Yes, sir--Duggen. "

"Badly?"

"Tidy, sir; tidy chop. But we shall soon mend again. Bark 'll growover, same as it does when we've chopped an apple tree. I was afraid, though, as you was badly, sir?"

"Was I wounded, Samson? I feel so weak. "

"Wounded, sir! Well, it was a mercy you wasn't killed!"

"It seems all so confused. I cannot recollect much. "

"Of course you can't, sir. All the sense was knocked out of your head. But it'll soon come back again. "

"Samson!"

"Yes, sir. "

There was a pause, and Fred's henchman rose painfully on one arm to tryand make out the reason of the silence, but he could only see that theyoung officer was staring at the window. 

"Poor boy!" said Samson to himself. "Seems hard for him to be made intoa soldier at his time o' life. Ought to be at school instead of wearinga sword. "

"Yes, sir, " he said aloud. 

"Yes?"

"You called me, sir. "

"Did I?" said Fred, vacantly. 

"Yes, sir; you said `Samson. '"

"Oh yes, I remember. Did you see much of the fight, Samson?"

"As much as any one could for the dark. "

"We were attacked front and rear, weren't we?"

"That's it, sir. Trapped. "

"It was all my fault, I suppose, " said Fred, with a sigh. 

"Fault, sir; not it. Nobody's fault. People can't do impossibilities. Why, there was sixty-five of 'em in the troop, and of course theyregularly rode us down!"

"But you did see something of the fighting?"

"To be sure I did, sir. "

"Did--did I disgrace myself, Samson?"

"Did you what yourself, sir? Come, I like that! If digging your spursinto your horse, and shouting to us to come on, and then going to workwith your sword as if it was a scythe, and the pleasaunce hadn't beencut for a month in June's disgracing yourself, why, I suppose you did!"

"Then I did fight?"

"Fight! I should think you aid. "

"Like a man, Samson--like an officer should?"

"Why, of course you did, sir!"

"As my father would have liked to see me fight, if he had been there?"

"Well, sir, that question's a puzzler. You see, fathers is fathers, and, as far as ever I've been able to find out, they don't like theirboys to fight. Why, my father was always giving me and Nat the strapfor fighting, because we was always at it--strap as he wore round hiswaist, when he wasn't banging our heads together. You see, Nat wasalways at me, and knocking me about. We never did agree; but our oldman wouldn't let us fight, and I don't believe your father would haveliked to see you trying to cut people's heads off with that sword ofyours. "

"Well, then, " said Fred, smiling faintly, "would my colonel have beensatisfied with what I did to save the prisoners and my men?"

"Wouldn't be much of a colonel if he wasn't. There, dear lad, don't youfret yourself about that. I've heered the men here say you did wondersfor such a boy, and a big sergeant who fetched you off your horse was uphere yesterday--"

"Yesterday?" interrupted Fred. "Why, we were travelling yesterday!"

"That we were not, my lad, for we've been lying here two days. "

"Oh!" ejaculated Fred. 

"While you've been off your head. "

"Oh, Samson!"

"Well, sir, that's better than your head being off you. "

"Then you are sure I did my duty?"

"Duty, sir? Yes; that's what I was going to tell you. The big six-footsergeant who fetched you off your horse with a great cut of his heavysword was up here yesterday to see you; and I heered him say to himself, `Poor boy! I feel ashamed of myself for cutting him down. What wouldhis poor mother say to me if she knew?'"

"I can lie patiently now till I get well, " said Fred, after a pause. "Iwas frightened by my thoughts, Samson. "

"Yes; them's what frightens most of us, sir. "

"I mean by the thought that I had not done my duty by my charge. "

"But you did, sir; and it's the fortune o' war. They was prisoners theother day; now we're prisoners this day. "

"And Master Scarlett Markham, and your brother, and the other men?"

"All here, sir. There's about a thousand of the enemy about, waiting, Isuppose, to drop upon our side, if our side doesn't drop upon them. Fortune o' wars sir--fortune o' war. "

Samson waited for Fred to speak again; but as he remained silent, theex-gardener went on--

"I've been expecting to hear some news of my beautiful brother, but Ihaven't heered a word, only that he's about somewhere. Oh, I am proudof him, Master Fred! I shouldn't wonder if we was to be sent offsomewhere--Exeter or Bristol, maybe, and Master Scarlett and my brotherhad charge of us. Be rum, wouldn't it?"

Fred sighed as he recalled the past. 

"Couldn't cut our hair short, sir, could they?"

Fred remained silent, and his follower went on. 

"Nat said first chance he had, he'd crop my ears. That's like him allover. But he dursn't, sir. Not he. I should just like to catch him atit. Pst! some one coming. "

Fred had already heard steps below, and then the creaking of a ricketyladder, as if some one were ascending. 

Directly after a door on his left was thrown open, a flood of sunshineburst into the cobweb-hung loft, and an officer and a private of cavalrycame rustling through the straw till they were within the scope of thewounded lad's gaze, and a chill of misery ran through him like a shudderas he saw Scarlett Markham, followed by Samson's brother Nat. 

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. 

SAMSON AND HIS BROTHER. 

In spite of the cropped appearance of his head, a cropping that wasstill closer now in consequence of his having had Fred Forrester'sclumsy shearing regulated, Scarlett Markham had pretty well regained hisold dashing cavalier aspect. He had somehow obtained a fresh hat andfeathers, and, as he stood at the foot of Fred's straw bed, with onehand resting upon the hilt of his long sword, the other carelesslybeating a pair of leather gauntlet gloves against his leg, he looked, inhis smart scarlet and gold uniform, the beau ideal of a young officer. 

Following the action of his leader, Nat passed on, and stopped at thespot where his brother lay, to stand gazing down at the wounded man. 

Fred was too weak to do more than move his head slightly, so as to gazeback at his enemy; but he met Scarlett's stern look defiantly, andwaited for him to speak. 

And as he lay there the rough loft and its straw seemed to pass away, for the background of his mental picture to become the park and groundsabout the old Hall, on one of the old sunny days when he and Scarletthad had a quarrel about some trivial matter, and were gazingthreateningly at each other after uttering dire words, and weredeclaring that everything between them was quite at an end, and thatthey were never going to speak to each other again. 

Then the present came back, and there stood Scarlett, looking stern andfrowning, as he involuntarily passed his great gloves into his lefthand, and began to let his finger and thumb play about his lips, wherehe tried to find--and failed--an imaginary moustache, which, all thesame, he twisted up into airy points to add to his fierce aspect. Alittle bit of conceit which he had picked up during his soldier life. 

"What a miserable peacock he has grown!" thought Fred. "And I am in thepower now of such a court fop, whose only idea is dress and show. Well, I'm glad I belong to the haul, quiet Parliamentarians. Better thanbeing like that. "

But somehow, all the while, Fred could not help thinking of his ownplain buff-leather uniform, with its heavy, clumsy, steel breast andback plates, which, like his hard, head-aching helmet, were more oftenrusty than bright, and, though he would not have owned it, he could nothelp admiring the figure before him, and looking at it with somethinglike envy. 

"Why don't he speak?" thought Fred, with a faint flush coming into hischeeks. "Does he think he is going to stare me down?"

The faint flush deepened a little, as he grew indignant at his enemycoming to triumph over him in his helplessness; and then he thought ofhow he had triumphed when it was his day, and how he had humbled his oldcompanion to the dust. 

"And what a mean, contemptible triumph it was, and how it stung me farmore than it did him! But he shan't humble me. I can be as defiant ashe is, and I'll die before I'll show him that he has gained the day. "

But as Fred defiantly returned Scarlett's calm, stern look, a thick mistseemed to gather slowly between them, making the face of the youngCavalier grow faint and distant, a singing noise came in his ears, andslowly and painfully everything seemed to pass away till all was darkonce more. 

Meanwhile, Nat Dee had crept close to his brother's head, and, kneelingin the straw, allowed a grin to overspread his rustic countenance. 

"You've got it, then, this time?" he whispered. 

Samson had "got it this time, " indeed, for his bandages wanted changing, and his wounds were hot and painful; but, in spite of his anguish, heechoed, so to speak--visibly echoed his brother's broad grin, andacknowledged the fact, fully resolved that, as Nat had come to triumphover him, he should be disappointed. 

"Yes, " he said in a cheerful whisper; "I've got it this time, Natty. "

"Don't you feel ashamed of yourself?"

"Not a bit. "

"Then you ought to. Suppose your poor mother saw you now, what do youthink she would say?"

"Say? Say, `Get your ugly great carcase out of the way, and let poorSamson have room to breathe. '"

"Nay, she would not; she'd say, `Here's my wicked young black sheep asleaped out of the fold to go among the wolves, properly punished, andI'm very glad of it. '"

"Well, then, I'm very glad she isn't here to listen to her ugly son Nattelling such a pack of lies. "

"Nay, it's the truth. "

"Not it, " said Samson, cheerily. "My poor old mother couldn't say suchwords as that. She'd more likely say, `If I didn't know you two boyswas my twins, I should say that Nat belonged to some one else, and waspicked up by accident. '"

"Nay, she wouldn't; she'd be ashamed of you. "

"Never was yet, Nat; and if I wasn't lying here too weak and worn-out tomove, I'd get up and punch your ugly head, Nat, till you could seebetter, and make you feel sorry for saying such wicked things about mypoor old mother. "

"She's my mother as much as she is yours. "

"Yes, poor old soul; and sick and sorry she is to have such a son asyou. "

"Nay, it's sick and sorry she is to have a son as deserts his king, andgoes robbing and murdering all over the country with a pack of ruffiansscraped from everywhere. "

"No, I didn't; I never desarted no king. I wasn't the king's servant, lad. "

"Yes, you was. "

"Not I, Natty. I was master's servant, and he says, `Will you come andfight for me, Samson, ' he says, `against oppression?' `'Course I will, master, ' I says. `And handle a sword instead of a spade, ' he says. `You give me hold of one, master, ' I says, `and I'll show you. ' That'show it was, Natty. "

"Your master's a bad man, and him and you will be hung or chopped assure as you're alive. "

"You always was a muddlehead, Natty. It's your master as is the badman; Colonel Forrester's a thorough gentleman, and we always had betterfruit and garden stuff at the Manor than you had at the Hall, and that'swhat makes you so wild against me. "

"Yah! Why, you never grew anything but weeds at the Manor. Your gardenwas just as if pigs had got into it. "

"Did you think so, Natty?" said Samson, good-temperedly. 

"Yes. "

"That shows what I say 's right. You always was such a muddlehead thatyou couldn't tell good from bad, and you don't know any better now. Poor old Nat, I don't bear you any malice or hatred in my heart. I'msorry for you. "

Nat ground his teeth gently, for his brother's easy-going way angeredhim. 

"Sorry for me?" he said. "Why, you're a miserable rebel, that's whatyou are. "

"Not I, Natty; not a bit miserable. If you was not here, I should lieback and sing. "

"Shall you sing when they take you out and hang you?"

"Not going to hang me, Natty; not ugly enough. Now, if it had beenyou--I say, Nat, I should like to have you hung up in the Manor gardento keep away the birds. "

"What?"

"To scare 'em. You do look such an old Guy Fawkes. I say, who cut yourhair?"

Nat's hand went involuntarily to his freshly shorn head, and a dull redglow came into his cheeks. 

"You wait till I get better, and I'll crop it for you neatly. Why, youdon't look one thing nor the other now. Cavaliers wouldn't own you, andI should be ashamed to set aside you in our ranks. "

"Go on, " said Nat, grinning viciously. "That's your nastiness; but itdon't tease me. I'm sorry for you, Samson. What a pass for arespectable Dee to come to, only you never was respectable. But there'san end to all things. Made your will?"

"Nay, Natty, not yet. "

"Thought you might like to leave any clothes you've got to yourbrother. "

"Well, I did think about it, Natty; but, you see, my brother's grown tobe such a high and mighty sort of chap as wouldn't care for anythingthat wasn't scarlet and gold. I say, Natty, I have got something thoughas you may as well have--hidden away in the roof of my tool-shed. "

"Eh? What is it?" said Nat, who was betrayed into eagerness by the ideathat perhaps his brother had a pot of money hidden away in the thatch. 

"Perhaps I'd better not let you have it. You're proud enough as it is. "

"You can do as you like with it, of course, " said Nat, with assumedindifference. 

"Ah, well, it will be useful to you, if what you say's true about me. It would be a pity for any one else to get it, wouldn't it?"

"Well, I am your brother, after all, " said Nat, quietly. 

"Yes, so you are, Natty; and you're just the chap to be proud of it, andwear it stuck in your steel pot. Look here, you go into the tool-shedat the Manor, first time you're that way, and as soon as you're insidethe door, reach up your hand, and in the dark corner you'll find abundle of our old peacock's moultings when he dropped his tail. Youshall have 'em, Nat, and I hope I shall live to see you with 'em in youriron cap. My! you will look fine!"

"If you wasn't such a miserable scrunched-up garden-worm of a man, I'dbaste you with my sword-belt, Samson, " whispered Nat, angrily. 

"Thank ye, Nat, lad. Thank ye. It's very kind of you to say so. Saveit up, lad, till I'm better. It will be pleasanter then for us both. "

"Nat, " said Scarlett just then. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Come here. "

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE. 

AN EXCITING WATCH. 

Fred lay insensible for a few minutes, and when he did struggle backinto consciousness, it seemed to him that he must be still dreaming, orelse that the bewildering excitement of the civil war, with the misery, despair, and wretchedness, was all the result of his feveredimagination. 

What did it all mean? he asked himself. Were they back at home, and hadhe fallen from the pony and struck his head against a rock? or was heover at the Hall, and was this the time when he climbed the great elm toget the magpie's nest, and had that horrible fall?

No; it was all true--this was the war time--he was badly wounded, andhis enemy, Scarlett Markham, the young Cavalier, was bending over him inmocking triumph at his downfall, and revenging himself for the insult hehad received in the loss of his flowing curls. 

It was a cruel revenge--one which, in spite of his efforts, brought theweak tears to his eyes, and, as he closed them tightly to hide hisemotion three or four great drops were shut out by the lids, and rolledslowly down on either side, tickling him for the time before they werewashed away. 

Then, as the time glided on, Fred opened his eyes, and looked up inScarlett's, as he again asked himself whether it was all a dream, theconsequence of his fevered state. 

For there, kneeling in the straw, was Scarlett Markham, his buffgauntlet gloves thrust in his sword-belt, his cavalier hat cast aside, and his brow knit and glistening with perspiration, as he kept ondipping a white kerchief in a bowl of cold water held by some one at theback, and carefully bathed Fred's forehead. 

How cool and delightful that water felt as the kerchief was opened out, and spread right across the brow from temple to temple! Then how hot itgrew, till it was softly removed, to be resoaked and applied once morewith all the tender solicitude that would have been shown by a woman. 

Fred wanted to speak, but no words would come; he could only lie there, with his breast heaving, as he watched the calmly stern, handsome facebending over him, and thought of the past--their old boyish friendship, the delightful days when they frolicked in the park; and fished, andsought for plovers' eggs on the moor. How short a time ago it seemed, and now they were acting the parts of men fighting on either side in theterrible civil war which was devastating old England; enemies--deadlyenemies, and Scarlett Markham was pouring coals of fire upon his head. 

"Shall I fetch some more water, sir? This is getting quite warm, " saida pleasant voice. 

"Yes, I was going to ask you to get some more, " said Scarlett. "Bequick, my lass; we shall be called away directly. "

Then Fred had a glimpse of a bonny, little, round-faced lass, with redcheeks and hands, as the bowl was borne away. The straw rustled, andsteps were heard upon the rough loft ladder, to be followed by therattle of a chain, and the creaking of a windlass, Fred seeming to seeall as plainly as if he were there, and watching the girl's actions atthe draw-well in the yard below. 

And all this time the two boys gazed at each other in silence--a silencethat was broken by the splash of water; then there were footsteps on theladder again, and the red-faced lass came back, knelt down behind theinjured lad's head, the kerchief was soaked, and the cool refreshingwater did its work. 

"And we are enemies, " thought Fred, with his eyes now closed, and a calmrestful feeling coming over him like the beginning of sleep, from whichhe started, for there was the loud trampling of horses, the jingling ofaccoutrements, and the brazen bray of a trumpet. 

Scarlett started up, shook the water from his hands, snatched up hisbroad-leafed hat, and took his gloves from his belt. 

"Bathe his forehead for a few minutes longer, and then let him sleep. We shall be back before many hours, but the surgeon will be here beforethen. "

"Yes, sir. "

"And tell your father that General Markham will see that he is paid forall his trouble. "

"Oh, sir, " said the girl, "you need not think of that. We'll do ourbest. "

By this time Scarlett was at the door, and Fred had turned his eyestoward him, but he did not look back. 

"Come, Nat, " he cried loudly; and his follower stumped over the roughstraw; the steps creaked, and voices were heard below. Loud ordersfollowed. Then the trumpet brayed out again, the trampling of horsesfollowed, and the girl set down the bowl, and went to the end of theloft, where she climbed up and looked through the little window, stayingthere till the trampling of the horses had died away. 

"Gone, " she said, as she returned to Fred's side, and prepared to bathehis brow once more. 

"No, " he said gently; "let me sleep now. But haven't I seen youbefore?"

"Yes, sir; you came here and brought Captain Markham and the prisoners, "said the girl, turning a deeper red, as she recalled her own action uponthat occasion, and gazed suspiciously in his face for signs that he knewof all that she had done. 

"Yes, I remember now. "

"And I suppose you were wounded when they were rescued by a party of theking's horse?"

"Yes, " sighed Fred. "I thought I remembered you. The little inn nearthe moor. "

"Yes, sir. Father's inn. "

"And you are Royalists, I suppose?"

"I don't know what we are, sir. We only wish the war was over, and wewant to do all we can for the poor wounded folk. "

"For rebels, too?" said Fred, bitterly. 

"For any one who is in trouble, sir; and if you don't want me to batheyour head again, I'll go and attend to your servant. Father saysthere's nothing like clean cold water for a cut. "

"Yes, go and help the two poor fellows; but, one moment--there was quitea regiment there, was there not?"

"Yes, sir; the greater part of one. Came from the town. "

"Do you know where they have gone?"

"No, sir, only along the Exeter road. News came, I think, of the enemybeing there, and I'm afraid we shall be having more wounded to-night. "

The girl went on to where Samson and the other man lay, and soonafterward the landlord's red face appeared at the head of the stairs, tocry hastily--

"Here, Polly! Dick has just come in from the top of the hill, and hecould see soldiers riding this way to meet the regiment going along theroad. There'll be a fight not far from here, I'll wager, and--Hark atthat!"

"I don't hear anything, father. "

"But I do. Horses galloping. Now can you hear?"

There was a faint distant sound, gradually increasing--a sound whichsoon developed into the rapid beat of horses' hoofs, and the girlclimbed to the window to look out again. 

"Yes, father, I can see them, " she cried. 

"Well, well, what is it? the king's regiment?"

"Yes, father, coming galloping back along the road, and--yes, I can seethem too, a great regiment of the other side galloping after them, andyou can see more soldiers off on the moor. "

"Coming this way?"

"No; going right off behind the wood. "

"To cut them off, " cried the landlord. "It's some one who knows thecountry, and if the king's regiment keeps to the road those last willget before them; they'll be between two parties of the rebels, andthey'll be cut to pieces. "

"Hooray!" came from the straw where Samson lay, and the landlord turnedupon him angrily, but there was too much that was exciting outside tolet him find words of reproof. 

The clatter of hoofs and jingle of sword against stirrup increased, andFred lay with his eyes glittering, panting heavily as, full ofexcitement, he listened to the sounds of hurried flight. 

Then came another trumpet blast, sounding distant, and a rushing soundas of a coming storm, ever increasing in power. 

Then another blast, and another, both sounding farther away, and as thewounded lad lay there, he pictured to himself the advance of two moreregiments of the Parliamentary cavalry rapidly coming on in pursuit, hismental pictures being endorsed by the words of the landlord's daughter, as she forced her head out of the little opening to watch the retreatand pursuit, turning from time to time to speak to her father in answerto some eager question. 

"Are they keeping to the road, Polly? Quick, my girl? Why don't youspeak?"

"Yes, father; they are keeping to the road. "

"Can't you tell 'em to turn off across the moor?"

"No, father; they are too far away. "

"Shout to them. "

"It's of no use, father. One, two, three rebel regiments are comingalong at full gallop. "

"All on the road?"

"No; one on the road, the others across the moor. "

"The poor fellows will be cut all to pieces. Can nothing be done?Here, Polly, come down, and let me look. "

"There is plenty of room beside me, father. How they are gallopingnow!"

In spite of his weakness, Fred had turned himself a little on one side, so as to watch the backs of the pair who were now blocking out thelittle light which came from the window; and as the exciting events wenton, and he listened to the galloping of the horses, the shouts of thehorsemen--his own party--and the trumpet calls, the perspiration due toexcitement stood upon his brow, and he at last groaned out--

"Oh, if I could only see!"

"Ay, Master Fred, if we could only see!" came from close at hand. "Harkat 'em! hark at 'em!"

There was no need for Samson's adjuration, for Fred's sense of hearingwas strained to the utmost, and he was picturing mentally the effects ofthe scattered shots which were now being fired. 

"All waste, Samson; all waste, " he said hoarsely. "No man can take aimwhen he's galloping full stretch. "

"No, Master Fred; but it'll scare t'other side a bit, p'raps make someof 'em surrender. "

Fred shook his head slowly, and then listened again as the girlexclaimed excitedly--

"Look, father; there's one down!"

"Ay, how could he expect to leap the wall on a horse blown like that?"

"Those two have galloped up to him. Ah, cowards! two to one. Father, they're killing him. Oh!"

"They're not, " cried Fred, hotly. "They're taking him prisoner. "

"Right!" cried the landlord, turning sharply; "but how did you know?"

"Because I know our side would not act like butchers with a defencelessman, " said Fred, proudly, "They take prisoners, sir, and always givequarter. "

The landlord uttered a grunt, and turned sharply to watch the progressof the fight and pursuit. 

"Look, Polly!" he cried; "they have got to the top of the hill, and seetheir danger. "

"Yes, father; look, look--they have halted and turned. Yes; they arecoming back. "

"Can the two regiments trying to cut them off see them?"

"No, I think not; they are down in the hollows. Look, father; they'recoming back. "

"The enemy?"

"No; the king's men. Can't you see!"

"See? yes, " cried the landlord, with increased excitement. "Why, they're mad. They're coming right into danger. Whatever do they mean?"

"I don't know, father. Why, they'll all be taken. "

"They must have a fool for leader. "

"Ah!" sighed Fred, as he strained his ears to catch every word and soundfrom outside. 

But the landlord was wrong. The king's regiment of horse had no foolfor colonel. On the contrary, he had suddenly woke to the fact that aregiment of Ironsides on his left, and another on his right, were tryingto get round him by short cuts, so as to head him back to the regimentin pursuit; and, what was more, he saw that there could be no doubt ofthe success of the manoeuvre. 

With a gallantry that almost approached recklessness he faced round hisregiment, and in the full intent of attacking his enemies, corps bycorps, he gave the order to charge, and dashed right at the pursuingregiment. 

This movement resulted in bringing the engagement well within view ofthe spectators in the loft, or rather, it should be said, of thespectator; for, as soon as the landlord's daughter saw that a deadlyshock was inevitable, she covered her face with her hands, stepped downfrom beside her father, and fell upon her knees in the straw close towhere Fred lay. 

"God help them, poor men!" she murmured. "How horrible it is!"

Then there was a painful silence within that straw-spread loft, whilewithout there was a rushing sound, as of two great torrents hurrying tomeet, and above this came the jingling of sword and spur, the hoarseshouting of words of command; then the brazen blare of trumpets, followed by a distant cheer; then one more near; and then one horrible, crashing, hurtling noise, as man and beast dashed at man and beast, andcame into collision. There was the clash of sword upon sword, of swordupon helmet, and again of sword upon breastplate. Yells of pain, wildshrieks, shouts of defiance, and then one confused din, broken by a loud"Hah!" from the landlord. 

"Polly, " he cried, "it's awful! Ah, here comes another regiment, and--yes, here comes the other!"

Almost as he spoke, came the sound of another shock, and then ofanother, followed by desperate clashing of steel, which grew less andless and less, and then gradually died out, to be followed by a dull, low murmur, and then silence, which lasted only a few moments, to besucceeded by a series of deafening cheers. 

"Is it all over, father?" whispered Polly, with hands over her face. 

"Yes, my girl, " said the landlord, in a sad voice; "it is all over forthe poor fellows. "

"Who have won, father?"

"What's the use of asking that? What could you expect, when it wasthree to one? Plenty of killed and wounded, and not a man escaped. Yes; there they are, two or three hundred of them, and all prisoners. "

"Will they bring the wounded here, father?"

"I don't know, Polly. Where are we to put them, if they do?"

"Ah!" sighed the girl, rising and wiping her eyes, "it is very dreadful, and I nearly swooned away when they brought the first wounded men here;but I must be about and ready to help when they come. They'll want allwe can do. "

She smoothed down her apron in a calm, matter-of-fact way, and thenmoved over the rustling straw, as if ready for any duty; but she seemedto recollect something, and came back to where Fred lay. 

"It's your side that has won, sir, " she said. "You will not be aprisoner any longer, and--"

"Yes?" said Fred, for she stopped short. 

"You heard what my father said, sir? You know he likes the Royalists, and if he fought would fight for the king?"

"Yes, I could see all that from his manner. I had no need to hear hiswords. "

"But he is so good and kind, sir. He would not hurt a hair of any man'shead. You will not betray him to the soldiers, sir, and let him betreated as a spy. "

Fred was conscious that the girl was talking to him, but her wordsseemed to be coming through a thick mist, and she looked far awaysomewhere down a long vista of light, which stretched right away intospace, beginning upon the straw where he was lying, and passing rightout through the end of the loft. And there, within this vista of light, surrounded by dancing motes, was the landlord's daughter. Then, as if athin filmy cloud had passed over the sun, a cloud which grew thicker andthicker, so that the broad beam of light gradually died away, thepleasant young homely face grew less and less distinct, and, lastly, allwas confused and mingled with singing noises and murmurs in his head, and then--a complete blank. 

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR. 

DISCOVERING THE TRAITOR. 

When Fred came to himself, he was no longer lying upon straw, but upon acomfortable bed, in a clean, white-washed room. It was evening, for thesun seemed to be low, and sending a ruddy glow through the open window. 

For a time he felt puzzled, and wondered why he was there; and as hetried to collect his thoughts, and the memory of the fight which he hadheard came back, it seemed as if it was all a dream. 

But no; that was no dream. Tramp--tramp! tramp--tramp!--the heavy marchof an armed man. It was a sentinel going to and fro beneath the windowsure enough; for the footsteps sounded faint, grew gradually louder, asif passing close to the window, became gradually fainter, and then grewlouder once more, and this over and over again. 

At the same time that he was listening to this, he became aware of apeculiar scratching noise close by, but until in his heavy drowsy statehe had settled in his own mind that it was a sentinel, he could not payany heed to the scratching. 

By degrees he recognised the sound as being that of a pen, and knew thatsome one was writing, and just as he had arrived at this conclusion, there was the faint scrape of a chair, a clinking noise such as might bemade by the hilt of a sword against a breastplate, and directly after asun-browned, anxious face was gazing earnestly into his. 

"Father!" whispered Fred, feebly. 

"My dear boy! Thank Heaven!"

The first sentence was uttered aloud--the second breathed softly. 

"How is it with you, Fred?"

"Bad, father, bad, " he murmured. "I seem to have no strength left, and--and--and--oh, father, " he gasped, as he clung to the hand whichtook his, "I did--indeed, I did my best. "

"Why, Fred, my boy, Fred. Don't--don't take it so seriously as that. You were overpowered and wounded. "

"Yes, father, but you trusted me with the prisoners, and I allowedmyself to be out-manoeuvred, and I have disgraced myself. "

"What! How?"

"And I did try so hard to do my duty. I wish now I had been killed. "

"Fred! My son!"

"Don't be angry with me now I am so weak. "

"Yes, too weak, my dear boy, " said Colonel Forrester, as he knelt downby the bedside, and passed his arm beneath the lad's neck as he kissedhis forehead, "too weak to talk about all this. Be silent and listen tome. "

Fred answered by a look. 

"You think you have disgraced yourself by letting your enemiesout-manoeuvre you, and with the prisoners turn the table on your littleescort?"

Fred gave another pitiful look. 

"That you have disgraced yourself for ever as a young officer?"

"Yes, " whispered the wounded lad. 

"And that I, your father and your colonel, am angry for what you lookupon as a lapse?"

Fred tried to bow his head, but failed. 

"Well, then, my dear boy, let me set your poor weak head at rest. Iknow everything you did from your start until you were trapped in thewood, the enemy letting you pass one troop, and having another waitingfor you at the end of the wood. "

"Yes, that is how it was, and I did not take sufficient care. "

"Yes, you did, my boy; your precautions were all that an officer on sucha duty could take, and all that I should have taken. "

"You seem to be giving me fresh life, father, " whispered Fred. "But howdid you know?"

"Partly from the advance guard, partly from Samson; and both join insaying that my son behaved as a gallant officer should. I am quitesatisfied, my boy. I sent you upon a dangerous expedition, and in spiteof the perils of your journey, you have escaped with life, and you areno longer a prisoner. In fact, we have turned the tables on the enemyagain, and read them a lesson they will not forget. "

"Yes; I heard the fighting, father. "

"And do you know whose men they were?"

"No. "

"Sir Godfrey Markham's. "

"Father?"

"Yes; and his son, lately your prisoner, was with them. "

"And they are prisoners now?"

"No, my boy; they cut their way out with about a hundred mere, andescaped. This war is one of constant change. "

"Then you are not angry with me, father?"

"On the contrary, Fred, I am proud. You acted better than many olderofficers would have done. "

"You say that to comfort me over my disgrace. "

"I say it because it is true, and because you are not in disgrace. Afar more experienced man would easily have been led into such an ambush, betrayed as you were. "

"Betrayed?" said Fred. 

"Yes; some one must have carried information to the enemy. "

"You think that?"

"Of course. "

"But who could have done so? We had no traitors with us. "

"Perhaps not, but the enemy may have had friends near. "

"Impossible, father!"

"Quite possible, my boy. Where did you stay to refresh your men?"

"Here, father--at this very place. At least, " added Fred, as he glancedround, "if this is the little inn where I was a prisoner in the loft. "

"The very place, my boy; and now the secret is out. Lie still now, anddon't speak. "

Fred gazed at his father eagerly as he rose from his knees and crossedto the door, which he opened, passed out on to the landing, called forthe host, and returned. 

Instead of the florid landlord, there was a heavy step on the stairs, and the shock-headed boy of the place entered the room to look from Fredto Colonel Forrester and back. 

"Where does the nearest doctor live?" said the colonel, quietly. 

"At Brownsand, " replied the lad, with another sympathetic glance at thewounded officer. 

"Rather a long ride?"

"Only twelve miles, sir. "

"But that's where a body of the king's men lie, is it not?"

"Well, no, sir, I don't think so now. Those is them that you had tofight with. They were at Brownsand t'other day. "

"You have a horse here, have you not?"

"No, sir, only a pony; and if I took the short cut it would not be along journey. "

"But could the pony do the journey to-day?"

"Do it to-day, sir? Yes; she's as hard as a stag. "

"That will do for the present, " said Colonel Forrester. 

"Shall I ride over for the doctor, sir?"

"No. Send up your master. "

The lad went down quite sulkily, and delivered his message, whileColonel Forrester smiled at his son. 

"Well, Fred, " he said, "I suppose you see now?"

Fred's answer was cut short off by the heavy step of the landlord, whocame up with a sympathising look in his face, and seemed eager to serve. 

"The young gentleman's not worse, sir, I hope. "

"You are sorry for him, then?" said the colonel, quietly. 

"Sorry for him, sir? Why of course I am. "

"As sorry as you were for the young prisoner he brought by here. "

"Oh yes, sir, I was sorry for him, too; but he was not wounded. "

"You treacherous dog!" cried the colonel, in a voice of thunder, as heseized the landlord by the throat, and forced him to his knees; "sonothing would do but you must bid that boy take the pony and ride overto Brownsand so as to betray the fact that an escort of prisoners hadhalted at your house and were gone on by the Brownsand road. "

"No, sir; I never--I never did. "

"You lie, you old villain: tell the truth before I hand you over to mymen, and have you hung for a spy on the nearest tree. "

"I swear, colonel, I never did anything of the kind, " cried thelandlord, piteously. 

"No, sir, it is not true, " cried a girlish voice; and the landlord'slittle daughter appeared in the doorway. 

"Then pray who did?" cried Colonel Forrester. 

"I did, sir, " said the girl, undauntedly. 

"And pray, why?"

"Because I heard that the young officer was Sir Godfrey Markham's son, and it seemed so horrible that he should be dragged off a prisoner. "

"What do you know of Sir Godfrey Markham?" asked the colonel, sternly. 

"I had heard my father speak of him, sir. "

"And so you planned all this and executed it yourself?"

"Yes, sir; I sent our lad off with a message to where the king's menlay. "

"I need not ask, I suppose, whether you are telling the truth, " said thecolonel, grimly. 

"No, sir. Why should I tell a lie?" replied the girl, quietly; and shelooked unflinchingly in her questioner's face. 

"And at the first opportunity, I suppose, you will betray us into theenemy's hands?"

"Oh no, sir, " said the girl, with the tears in her eyes, as she glancedat Fred. "I would sooner try and save you, though you are the enemiesof our king. "

"Silence, girl! there is no king now in England, only a man who callshimself king. A tyrant who has been driven from the throne. "

The girl flushed and held up her head. 

"It is not true, " she cried, proudly. "God save the king!"

"What!" cried Colonel Forrester, in a voice of thunder; and for thefirst time the innkeeper spoke, his ruddy face now mottled with white, and his hands trembling as he placed them together beseechingly. 

"Don't take any notice of what she says, sir. She's a foolish, wilfulgirl, sir. I've been a miserable coward to hold my tongue so long, butI will speak now. It was all my doing. I held back so as not to seemin the business, because I wanted to be friends with both sides, sir;but I could not bear to see the young squire carried off a prisoner, andI winked at it all. It was my doing, sir. Don't believe a word shesays. "

"Father, what have you said?" cried his child, clinging to him. 

"Hush! Hold your tongue, " he whispered angrily. 

"So we have the truth at last, " said the colonel. "You convict yourselfof being a spy and traitor; and you know your fate, I suppose?"

As Colonel Forrester spoke, he rose and walked to the window, made asign with his hand, and directly after heavy steps were heard upon thestairs, accompanied by the clank of arms. 

In an instant the girl was at the colonel's feet. 

"Oh, sir, what are you going to do?" she shrieked. "He is my father. "

The guilty innkeeper's lips were quivering, and the white portions inhis face were gradually increasing, to the exclusion of the red, for thesteps of the soldiers on the stairs brought vividly before his eyes thescene of a spy's fate. He knew what such a traitor's end would be, and, speechless with terror, he could hardly keep his feet, as he looked fromhis child to the stern colonel and back again. 

"Father!" she cried, "why don't you speak? Why don't you ask him toforgive us?"

"Mercy--mercy!" faltered the wretched man. 

"What mercy did you have on my poor boy?" cried the colonel, fiercely. "Through your treachery, he was surrounded by five times the number ofhis own men; and, for aught you cared, instead of lying wounded here hemight have been dead. "

"Mercy! I did not know, " gasped the miserable culprit. 

"Mercy? Yes; you shall have the choice of your own trees on which tohang, " cried the colonel. 

"No, no; mercy!" gasped the trembling man, dropping on his knees; "formy child's sake--for Heaven's sake--spare me!"

"Father!" cried Fred, excitedly. 

"Silence, boy! I am their judge, " said Colonel Forrester, sternly. "Yes, man, for your child's sake, I will spare you, in spite of yourcowardly treachery. "

"Father, father!" cried the girl, excitedly; but he could not speak. 

"Yes, I will spare you for your child's sake, " said the colonel again. "There, little woman, I forgive you, for you are as brave andtrue-hearted as can be. I believe you--every word. Your little heartwas moved to pity for the prisoner, as it has been moved to pity for mypoor boy here, and for my men. "

He took her hand in his, and held it. 

"I have heard of all your busy nursing, and I do not blame you; I wouldrather praise. There, help the old man downstairs, and I am not afraidof your betraying us. "

The girl raised his hand and kissed it before rushing to her father, flinging her arms about him, and helping him away, so weak andsemi-paralysed by fright that he could hardly totter from the room, thecolonel following to the door, and signing to the soldiers to go down. 

"There, he has had his punishment, " said the colonel, smiling; "and nowyou will be able to rest in peace. "

"Thank you, father, thank you, " whispered Fred, huskily. 

"You see you were not to blame now. "

"Not so much as I thought, father. "

"Not to blame at all. There, make haste and grow strong, my boy, beforewe are driven out in turn by the enemy. "

"Are they near, father?"

"No; as far as I know, my boy. But the victors of yesterday are thedefeated to-day, perhaps to win again to-morrow. Ah, my boy, it isfratricidal work! and, though I love my cause as well as ever, I wouldgive all I possess as one of the richest men in our county to see homesmiling again in peace. "

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE. 

TOWARDS HOME. 

Weeks followed of desultory warfare. One day messengers came bringingnews to the little inn--which had gradually become head-quarters fromthe coming there of General Hedley, and the centre to whichreinforcements were continually gathering--that the king's men were oncemore in force, and preparations were made for a hasty move. 

"Far sooner than I could wish, my boy, " said the colonel, as he satbeside his son after a busy day. 

"But I feel quite strong again, father, " pleaded Fred. "You are tooanxious about me. "

"Too anxious, my boy? No, I think not. Well, you will have to try andsit your horse again, even if you are a non-combatant. "

"Which way shall we retreat?" asked Fred. 

"Retreat? Who said anything about retreat?" cried a stern voice, andGeneral Hedley entered the room. "Oh, you, eh, boy?" he continued, shaking one of his buff gauntlets at the convalescent. "Don't you letCaptain Miles hear you say that again. We may move to a differentposition, but we will not talk of retreat yet. "

Fred felt the colour burning once more in his pale cheeks, and thegeneral went on--

"Forrester, I want a chat with you. Come into my room. I have freshdespatches. "

The colonel followed his leader out of the little parlour which had beendevoted to the wounded lad by the general's command, he having insistedupon its being retained when he joined them there, and tents had sprungup in all directions upon the moor close to the inn. 

Directly after, there was a hoarse cough heard outside, in company witha heavy step. 

"Hem! Master Fred, sir. "

"You, Samson?"

"Yes, sir. Alone, sir?"

"Yes. "

"May I speak to you!"

"Yes; go on. "

Samson's head appeared at the window, upon the sill of which he leanedhis arms as he gazed in. 

"Getting quite tidy again, arn't you, sir!" he said, in a hoarsewhisper. 

"Yes, quite strong; and you?"

"Never better, sir; only wind feels a little short sometimes, and I getstoo hot too soon. "

"You didn't come to tell me that, Samson. "

"No, sir; I come to tell you there's news in the camp. "

"What of?--a movement?"

"Yes, sir; that's it. "

"Do you know where we're going next!"

"No, sir; do you?"

"No, Samson; and I should say that is the general's secret. We shallknow when we get there. "

"Start to-morrow, don't we, sir?"

"Impossible to say. What do they say in the camp?"

"Weather-cockery. "

"What?"

"Well, sir, it's just like a vane in a wind: now it's east, now it'swest, and when it ain't east or west, it's north or south. Everybodysays everybody else is wrong. But we are going somewhere directly;that's for certain. And, I say, Master Fred. "

"Yes?"

"How do you feel about mounting your horse again?"

"I long to, Samson. How are the poor beasts?"

"Lovely, sir. The farrier doctored the cuts and scratches they got inthe skirmish, and they're pretty well healed up now. It's a cowardlything to cut at a horse. Then you feel strong enough to have a try, sir?"

"You wait till we get the orders to start, Samson, and you shall see. "

Samson rubbed his hands and began to smile, but the pleasant look wasousted by a grotesque twitching of the countenance. 

"What's the matter?"

"I always forget, sir. Wound reminds me when I go too fast, and aren'tcareful. All right again soon, though. Don't hear no noos of the warbeing over, sir, I s'pose?"

"No, Samson, none. Tired of it?"

"Tired, sir? I don't know about tired, but I can't help thinking of themanor now and then, and what sort of a state my garden will be in. Why, Master Fred, sir, you know that bit under the north wall, where themistress's herbs and simples grow!"

"Yes. "

"Well, sir, I shan't know that bit again. That there patch inpartic'lar 'll be one big touzle o' weeds, and--"

_Tantara, tantara, tantara_! A trumpet rang out, sending a thrillthrough Fred, as he grasped its meaning, and that of the blasts thatfollowed, with the rush of feet and trampling of horses. For amessenger had come in bearing a despatch, and in an incredibly shortspace of time tents were struck, baggage waggons loaded, and the littleforce was marching slowly to the west, Fred having only time to shakehands with his little nurse, and assure the landlord for the fiftiethtime that he forgave him for being the cause of his wounds, and was mostgrateful for the kindness he had received. 

Then, to his intense delight, he was once more mounted on his horse, which gave a whinny of recognition as his master patted his neck andsmoothed his velvet muzzle. The trumpets rang out the advance, and withthe sun flashing from the men's arms, the array moved slowly off, andthe youth's eyes sparkled as he drew in long breaths of the soft sweetair, while he gazed wonderingly in the direction they were taking, hisbreast filled with new hopes, in which he was afraid to indulge, lestthey should prove to be false. 

The longing to question his superior officers was intense, though heknew that even they would probably be in ignorance of their route; andnever before had he felt so strongly that a soldier is only a portion ofone great piece of mechanism moved by one--the general in command. 

As they settled down at last into the line of march, Fred found himselffor the present with the staff, riding behind his father, who wasGeneral Hedley's most trusted follower, but hours went on before a wordpassed between father and son. Such conversation as did ensue was withSamson, who rode behind, neither being considered sufficiently recoveredto go back to the regiment, but settling down to the work ofaide-de-camp and orderly. 

And as they rode slowly on, the cavalry halting from time to time togive the infantry opportunities for keeping up and preserving theirposition in the column, it soon became evident that the Royalists, whohad made no sign in their neighbourhood for weeks, must be somewherenear at hand. For the greatest precautions were taken, scouting partieswere out, and a regiment of horse formed flankers well away on eitherside to guard against surprise. 

Fred was riding slowly on at a short distance behind his father, thinking with all a convalescent's freedom from fever and pain, of howbeautiful everything around seemed to be, and longing to cast aside thetrammels of discipline, so as to be a boy in nature once more, as wellas in years, when a low voice behind him made him sharply turn his head. 

"Don't it seem a pity, Master Fred?"

"Eh? What, Samson?"

"Why, sir, that we should be all riding and walking along here over thismoor, thinking about hoeing up and raking down people and mowing 'emoff, instead of enjoying ourselves like Christians?"

"Ah, yes, " sighed Fred; "it does. It is very beautiful, though, all thesame. "

"Beautiful, sir? Ah, Master Fred, how I should like to put away mytools--I mean this here sword and pistol--and for you and me to take offour boots and stockings, and wade up yonder stream after the trout. "

"Hah!" ejaculated Fred, with his eyes brightening. "Yes. "

"Or to go away north, and get out on that there short soft grass, asalways looks as if it had been kept well-mown, out there by the RillHead, and lie down on our backs, and look at the sun shining on the seaand ships a-sailing along, eh, Master Fred?"

"Oh, Samson, Samson, don't talk about it!" sighed Fred, as he gazedright away in imagination at the scene his rough companion painted. 

"Can't help it, sir. Feel as if I must. Steady, my lad! you mustn'tbreak away for a gallop. We're soldiers now. "

This was to his horse, which felt grass beneath its feet and the windblowing, and wanted to be off. 

"'Member how the rabbits used to scuttle off up there, Master Fred, andshow their white tails as they popped into their holes?"

Fred nodded, and let his reins fall upon his horse's neck. 

"And that there hole up in the Rill, sir? 'Member how I come and foundyour clothes up beside it, and fetched my garden line to fish for yourrope?"

"Oh yes, yes, yes!" said Fred, sadly. 

"And we never went down that place again, after all, sir. Well, let'shope that we shall some day. I'm getting tired of soldiering, and feelas if it would be a real pleasure to have a mug of our cider again, andpull up a weed. "

"I'm afraid I am getting tired of it, too, Samson; but I cannot see theend. "

"And on a fine day like this, sir, with the blue sky up above, and thegreen grass down below, and the birds singing, it's just lovely. Why, Ifeel so well and happy this morning that I do believe, if he was here, Icould go so far as to shake hands with my brother Nat. "

"Why, of course, Samson, " said Fred, thoughtfully. 

"No, " added Samson, "I don't think I could go so far as that. "

"And if Scarlett Markham were here, " thought Fred, "I believe I couldgrasp his hand, and be like a brother again, as in the past. "

"Wonder where we are going, and whether it means another fight, sir?"said Samson, after a pause. "Look, sir!--the colonel. Master's wavinghis hand. "

Fred saw the motion, and trotted up to his father's side. 

"Fred, my boy, do you know where we are making for?"

"No, father!"

"Home. "

"Oh, father!" said Fred, with his pale face flushing. "I am glad. "

"Oh, Fred, my boy, " replied his father, seriously, "I am very sorry. "

"Sorry, father? Why, we may have a chance to see them all again. "

"Yes--perhaps; but we are taking the horrors of war to the abode ofpeace, my boy. "

"Yes, " said Fred, thoughtfully. "I did not think of that. "

"It was our duty and hope that we might keep the ruin and misery broughtby war from our pleasant moors and lanes. Better not see those we loveat such a cost. "

"Then, don't let's go, father. "

Colonel Forrester shook his head. 

"A soldier's duty is to obey, Fred. Our general has had his orders, andfeels that for military reasons our district will be the most suitableplace for intercepting a force which is threatening the west; and ourduty is to go. "

"Yes, father. But shall we see my mother?"

"I hope not, Fred. "

"Oh, father!"

"Not yet awhile, my boy. We must only think of those we love when ourduty to our country is done. "

They rode on in silence for a time, with Fred picturing, amid thetrampling of hoofs and jingle of weapons, the scenes of his boyhood, butto be awakened from his dream by his father's voice. 

"Do not talk about our destination. I only tell you, my boy, because itis a matter which interests us both. "

"No, father. You may trust me. "

"I know that, or I should not speak. Our destination is--"

"Not the Manor, father?"

"No, my boy, the Hall. "

Fred sat staring wildly at his father, as bit by bit he grasped whatthis really meant to these who had always been their nearest friends;and then, bubbling over with excitement, he exclaimed--

"Oh, father, Sir Godfrey will think this is your doing. "

"Yes, my boy. "

"And is it, father?"

There was a pause. 

"Oh, father, how could you?"

"Don't misjudge me, boy, " said the colonel, sternly. "I have doneeverything I could to stop it. "

"And--"

"Failed, Fred. It is a strong position for many reasons, and I havebeen compelled, by my duty to my country, to hold my peace. Rein back. "

It was the officer speaking now, and Fred checked his steed till Samsonwas nearly abreast of him again, when, after quite a dozen attempts todraw his young master into conversation, Samson muttered to himself, "Inthe grumps;" and rode on in silence too. 

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. 

A PETITION TO THE GENERAL. 

It seemed to Fred Forrester a strange stroke of fate, when, after threedays' slow and steady advance, feeling their way cautiously, as if atany hour they might meet the enemy, he rode with the advance to takepossession of the Hall, for in spite of the colonel offering his ownhome again, the general kept to his decision that the Hall was the moresuitable place for head-quarters. 

The day was bright as one of those when, full of boyish spirits, he usedto run over to spend the day with Scarlett Markham; and where was henow? A fugitive, perhaps; who could say where? And Sir Godfrey, wherewas he?

Fred felt very sad as he rode on, with the horses' hoofs tramplingdeeply into the soft green turf. But how beautiful it all seemed, withthe rich red-brown stone of the old house contrasting so well with thegreen of the stately trees. The lake glistened like a sheet of silverin the sunshine, and all seemed familiar and welcome, and yet somehow asthough connected with his life long, long ago, and as if it wasimpossible it could have been so short a time since he was a boy, andplayed about there. 

"I hope the men will be careful, " he found himself thinking; "and thatevery one will be respectful to Lady Markham. "

He had not much time for thought after that, for the men were halted onthe level grass land in front of the terrace garden, and he foundhimself one of the officers who, after an advance guard had ridden up tothe front, and others had been despatched to form piquets surroundingthe place, rode up in the train of the general. 

To Fred's surprise, Lady Markham and her daughter came to the broad stepin front of the entrance, and the general touched his horse's sides withthe spurs, and rode up. 

Fred was so near that he heard every word, and he bent forward, lookingin vain for some token of recognition from the pale, careworn lady andher shrinking daughter, who received the general. 

The latter saluted Lady Markham gravely. 

"I regret to trouble you, madam, " he said; "but we are compelled to takepossession of your house for the present. "

Lady Markham bowed coldly. 

"We are at your mercy, sir, " she said. 

"Nonsense, madam!" cried the general, shortly. "You and the prettyyoung lady there by your side need not talk about mercy. The sternnecessities of war bring us here, so all I have to say is, be goodenough to reserve such apartments as you need for yourselves. You andyour servants will be perfectly unmolested. "

Lady Markham bowed once more. 

"The housekeeper is here, " she said, "and will provide all we have. Wehave no men-servants now, to show where the stables and granary lie. "

"Pray don't trouble yourself about these matters, madam. My men willfind what they want, and I dare say, " he added sarcastically, "unlessGeneral Markham comes to look us up, and forces us to make morereprisals, we shall ride away, and you will find the Hall little theworse for our visit. "

A sudden change came over Lady Markham at the mention of her husband'sname, and after a few minutes' hesitation, she stepped out to stand withjoined hands, looking supplicatingly at the general. 

"My husband?" she said imploringly, "is--is he well?"

"You ask me a question I cannot answer, madam, " said the general, takingoff his morion, and speaking in a quiet sympathising voice. "But thereis one of my young followers who may be able to give you someinformation. "

He turned and made a sign to Fred, who touched his horse's flanks, androde forward with a peculiar singing noise in his ears. 

"You!" said Lady Markham, looking at the young officer in a startledmanner, and then turning from him with a look of disgust, while he sawthat Lil shivered. 

"They look upon me as if I were some one who had been the cause of allthis, " he thought; but his countenance lightened directly, as LadyMarkham turned to him again, and said gently--

"Forgive me, Fred. This meeting brought up the past. It seemed soterrible that my boy's companion should be among our enemies. "

As she spoke, she held out her hand, which Fred seized and held for afew moments before he could speak, and when he did give utterance to hiswords, they were in a voice broken by emotion. 

"I am not your enemy, Lady Markham, " he said. "I would do anything tospare you pain. Lil, won't you shake hands?"

The girl hesitated for a few moments, and then held out her little handtimidly, but only to turn to her mother directly, and cling to her asshe strove to keep back her sobs. 

"Ask him--ask him, " she whispered. 

"Yes. Tell us, Fred--my poor boy, " said Lady Markham, in a low voice, so as to be unheard by the soldiers close at hand. "Where is myhusband?"

"The last I heard of him, Lady Markham, was that he was with the Cornishmen beyond Plymouth. They are all on the king's side there. "

"But was he safe and well?"

"Yes; quite safe and well, and Scarlett--"

"Yes; pray go on. I dared not ask, for fear of hearing bad news. "

"I heard that he was quite well, too, and acting as his father'saide-de-camp. "

"Thank Heaven!" sighed Lady Markham, piously. "It is so long since wehad heard from them. Now I can feel more at rest. "

She seemed to gain strength from the news; and after a pause she wenton--

"Tell your leader, " she said, "that I am grateful, for my child's sake. He has been most courteous. I did not expect this consideration. "

"Oh, Lady Markham, I am sure that you have nothing to fear. Thediscipline is so strict among our men. They will only take food andshelter for a night or two. Any act of disorder would be punished. "

Lady Markham drew a breath of relief. 

"You are our enemy, Fred, " she said softly, "and when we meet again, Ishall not forget to tell my husband of the treatment we have received. There, Lilian and I will go to our room. You know the place by heart. See that everything is done for your officers' comfort. Let them learnthat Sir Godfrey Markham can show hospitality, even to his foes. "

She bowed stiffly, and, taking her daughter's hand, was withdrawing intothe house, when Lil snatched her hand away, and stepped quickly toFred's side. 

"I hate you, " she whispered. "You are dear father's and Scar's cruelenemy; but please, please, Fred, don't let them do us any harm. "

"Don't be afraid, dreadful enemy, " said Fred, smiling, as he saw thedepth of his old playmate's hatred. "I'll do everything I can, Lildear, for all your sakes. Good-bye, if I do not see you again. "

She gave him a quick look, which seemed in an instant to bring up sunnydays when he had swung her on the lawn, rowed on the lake, and climbedthe apple-trees to get her fruit; and then she was gone, and he waslistening to the trampling of horses, the shouting of orders, and he wascalled away. 

Directly after, he was making use of his knowledge of the place tofulfil Lady Markham's wishes, and over these he worked the harder, because he felt that by hastening the production of the necessaries forthe troops, much waste and destruction would be spared. 

The result was that in less than an hour the Hall was occupied by thelittle force, which was in high good humour with its pleasant quarters, while sentries were put in different directions, and every precautiontaken against surprise. 

"Capital quarters, my boy, " said the general, as he sat with hisofficers in the old oak dining-room; "and I wish your father was here toshare them. But you have not taken care of yourself in all thisbusiness. "

"Oh, I have snatched a little food, sir, " replied Fred. "I'm nothungry, but--"

"Well, what is it? Speak out. What do you want?"

Fred hesitated for a moment, as if collecting himself. 

"You know that the Manor is only two miles from here, sir?"

"Eh? So near. No; I knew it was somewhere about this part, " said thegeneral, smiling. "Oh, I see, my boy. Well, it's quite right, butrisky. And besides, we may stay here a week or we may stay a minute. How do I know how soon the enemy may rout us out? No, Fred, my boy, love must give way to duty. I cannot spare my young officer, even to goand see his mother, much as I should like to say `Yes. '"

"You mistake me, sir, " said Fred, colouring a little. "I would not haveasked leave at this busy time for that. "

"Then what do you want, my boy?"

"Lady Markham and her daughter, sir. This is no place for them. "

"Humph! No. But we have no time for paying attentions to ladies. "

"No, sir; but what I want to do is a little thing. We may stay heresome time, and other troops join us. "

"Yes, I am expecting reinforcements. What do you want to do?"

"As this may be quite a rendezvous for some time, to get them away. "

"I cannot undertake such duties, my boy; but Lady Markham and herdaughter are free to go anywhere. "

"Thank you, sir. That is what I want; but the only asylum for them isour old home, and they would not go there unasked. "

"Well, ask them. "

"It would be of no use. "

"My good lad, I am tired out. I want to snatch a few hours' sleep. What is it you want?"

"I want to take half a dozen men to ride over and fetch my mother here. They were once dear friends, and if my mother came, she could persuadeLady Markham, for her child's sake, to go back with her. "

The general sat frowning for a few minutes, during which he poured out alittle wine in a long Venice glass, filled up with water, and drank. 

"Yes, " he said in a quiet, decided voice, as he set down his glass, "take a sergeant and half a dozen--no, a dozen men, ride over and do thebusiness as quickly as you can, so that the men and their horses may getback and rest. It means a double journey, you see. No; no thanks. Despatch!"

Fred looked his thanks, and retired with the promptness loved by hisleader; and a very short time later, just as the turret clock wasstriking ten, he rode out with his little detachment, being challengedagain and again by the mounted sentries placed along the road whichskirted the west end of the lake. 

"Only think of it, Master Fred, " whispered Sergeant Samson Dee, as theyrode slowly along beneath the light of the stars--"going home in thisway. What will the mistress say?"

They were not long in hearing. 

As they rode over the familiar ground, Samson was very silent, for hewas thinking of the old garden, while Fred felt a swelling sensation athis breast as every object so well-known peered cut of the surroundingdarkness. There was the pond in which Dodder took refuge one day afterhe had broken out of the field to escape capture, and there stuck sotightly in the mud that cart ropes had to be thrown over him, and he wasdragged out looking the most drenched and deplorable object possible. 

There, looming up under the stars, was the great hollow elm where theowls regularly bred and slept all day. Another minute, and the horses'hoofs were slashing up the babbling water of the stream which crossedthe road--the tiny river where they had so often waded after trout andstone loaches. 

There at last, calm and still in the starlight, lay the Manor, and theyoung officer felt a wild kind of joy, which he had to fight down, lesthe should seem childish before his followers, for the impulse of themoment was to leap from the horse and rush through the garden, over thelawn, and up to the doorway, shouting for joy. 

But discipline, the desire to seem manly, and a strange feeling of dreadkept him calm and stern beyond his years, the feeling of dread soondominating the other sensations. For how could he tell but that a partyof the enemy had ridden up to his dear old home, as they had thatevening ridden up to Scarlett's, and were perhaps behaving with far lessconsideration than they had shown? and how did he know that his oldhabitation was not a ruin, and his mother a wanderer far away. 

A curious dimness came over his sight at these terrible thoughts, and hefelt as if he were going to fall from his horse. His old injuriesthrobbed and stung, and it seemed to him that his fears were correct, for the old Manor did not look as it should be. Surely the windows wereall bare of glass, the great chimney stack was down, and the ivy whichclothed the front torn away and scorched by fire. 

The giddy sensation increased, and he involuntarily clutched the pommelof his saddle as he bent forward, staring wildly at the dear old place, when he was suddenly brought to himself by the voice of Samson, who saidaloud--

"All fast asleep. Oh, Master Fred, I wonder how my dear old gardenlooks. "

The misty, giddy sensation had gone, and in a firm voice Fred cried, "Halt!"

For there before him, dimly seen in the starlight, lay the old Manor, quite unscathed, for the tide of war had not yet swept over that part ofthe pleasant land. 

Fred dismounted, passed through the little oaken gate, and walking upthe path, was about to rap at the door with the hilt of his sword. 

But the trampling of horses and a loud neigh like a challenge hadawakened those within. A well-known casement was opened, and a familiarvoice exclaimed--

"Who's there?"

"Mother!" whispered Fred, hoarsely. 

There was a cry of joy from the open window; then a clicking noise offlint and steel, a light gleamed blue and faint on the ivy leaves whichframed the casement; then a brighter light, and in a few minutes thelower windows were illumined; there was the sound of the bolts beingshot, and directly after Fred was in the little hall, clasped in hismother's arms. 

"My boy!" she whispered in a deep voice. Then, in a quick, agitatedmanner, "Your father?"

"Safe and well, mother. "

"And you have come to stay? Thank God, thank God. "

"No, not to stay, " he cried earnestly, "but to ask you to perform aduty, an act of kindness towards--"

"Some wounded men? Yes, yes, my boy; bring the poor fellows in. "

"No, no, mother, not towards men, " said Fred, holding her tightly to hisside, "to one who was once your dearest friend--to her and her child. "

"Lady Markham? Oh, Fred, my boy, they are still dear to me, though thisterrible war keeps us apart. But they are there. Oh, why do you stop?Bring them in at once. "

"No, no, dearest mother, you are too hasty, " whispered Fred. "They areat their own place. But it is taken by our troops. It is to be alittle camp for us, perhaps for weeks. It is no place for them. General Hedley consents, and I want you to come and fetch them here. "

"Yes, yes, my boy; but Lady Markham would not leave her home. "

"Yes, she will, at your persuasion, mother. You must come at once. "

Mistress Forrester drew a long breath, stifled a sob, and said firmly--

"I will be ready in a few minutes. "

"Shall I saddle Dodder, mistress, or will you ride pillion behind thecaptain?" said a gruff voice at the door. 

"Ah, Samson, my good, true lad, " cried Mistress Forrester, "I am glad tohear your voice again. "

She ran forward, and held out her hand. 

"And it's like the sweet music of the birds to hear yours, mistress, "said the rough fellow, kissing the extended hand. 

"Quick, my boy!" whispered Mistress Forrester. "Give your menrefreshment. Saddle the pony, Samson. I will soon be down. "

She ran to the staircase, and Samson tramped off to the old stable, thrust his hand in the thatch over the door, where, to use hisexpression, "the key always laid, " and a neigh of recognition greetedhim as soon as he spoke. 

In five minutes he was leading the pony round to the gate, where he wasin time to find a huge black jack of cider being passed round with hornsto the men, one of the maids having hastily dressed and come down. 

Directly after, in her dark riding-habit and hat, Mistress Forrester wasat the door, was helped into the saddle by her son, and the littlecavalcade was on its way back through the dark lanes, and over thestretch of moor. 

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. 

HOW SCARLETT VISITED HIS MOTHER. 

"Oh, mother darling, how shocking it all seems!" said Lil, after a longburst of weeping, as she knelt by her mother in the darkness of theirown chamber that dreary night. 

"Yes, yes, my child; but we must be patient and wait. "

"But it seems so terrible. These men here--our dear old home full ofsoldiers, and poor father and Scar--"

"Hush, hush, my darling!" whispered Lady Markham. "You do not know whatpain you are giving me. Heaven's will be done, my child. Let us prayfor the safety of those we love. "

She softly sank upon her knees beside her child in the darkness of thesombre chamber, and through a broken casement the bright starlight shonedown, shedding sufficient lustre to show the two upturned faces withtheir closed eyes. 

The trampling and bustle had gradually died out. The loud orders andbuzz of talking had ceased by degrees, and now the silence of the nightwas only broken by the impatient stamp of a horse, the regular tramp ofarmed sentries, and from time to time a low firm challenge. 

Some time before Lady Markham's attention had been drawn by Lil to thegathering of a little detachment of horsemen, and she had recognised thevoice of him who gave the order to advance, while from the open window, themselves unseen, they had watched the faint gleam of the men'sbreastplates, as they rode down the avenue, to be seen afterwards like afaint moving shadow on the banks of the lake before they disappeared. 

Then all was still. The frightened servants had gathered, as it were, under the wings of their mistress, and two of them were occupying theinner room--Lil's, and had sobbed themselves to sleep. 

"But you will not go to bed, mother?" Lil had whispered. 

"No, my child; I will sit up, and watch by you. "

"But I could not sleep, mother, " said Lil; and the result was that theywere keeping vigil, and sank at last in prayer for those in danger faraway. 

How still it all seemed as Lady Markham rose from her knees at last, andwent with Lil to the open window, where they seated themselves to lookout at the darkened landscape, and the faint glimmer of the starreflections in the lake. 

They felt calm now and refreshed, but neither spoke. It was as if theywere unconsciously waiting for something--they knew not what, butsomething that was to happen before long--and in which they were to playsome part. 

Tramp, tramp! tramp, tramp! on the terrace; and tramp, tramp the sentry, whose post was from the porch right into the great oaken-panelled halland back. 

The weary troopers were asleep, and the stillness of the oldwest-country home was oppressive, not a sound coming now from theundulating moorland stretching to the sea. For there is a grandsolemnity at such times in the wild open country, away from busy towns, and when the sentry by the porch let his thoughts stray back to the daysof peace, and some merry-making in the village from which he came, andbegan to hum gently to himself the air of an old ballad, it sounded sostrange that he stopped short, shifted his heavy gun, and continued histramp in silence. 

He had just reached the front of the great stone porch, and was gazingout across the park, and then to right and left, before turning toresume his march right up the hall to the back, when--

_C-r-r-rack_!

The man turned sharply, brought his clumsy piece to the present, andstood listening and gazing before him into the dark hall. 

Not another sound. 

Should he fire and give the alarm?

What for? It was not likely that danger would come from within. Itcould not. The place was too well guarded on all sides. Besides, if hefired and gave an alarm that turned out to be false, there would be asevere reprimand from the officers, and a long course of ridicule andannoyance from the men. 

Shifting his piece once more, the sentry stood listening for a fewminutes, and then drawing his sword, he walked boldly into the darkhall, looking to right and left, then along all the sides, and ended bystanding at the foot of the stairs, gazing up at the gallery whichcrossed the end, and went right and left into the two wings of the greathouse, where the rooms were occupied by the officers and men. 

"Wonder whether one of the officers did that to see if I was on thelook-out?" thought the man. "If he did, and he only came within reach, I'd let him see that I'm wideawake. "

He stood, with his sword drawn, looking up that staircase for quite fiveminutes, but there was not a sound, and gloomy as the hall was by day, with its narrow stained-glass windows, it was almost blackness itself bynight. 

"Something must have fallen, " thought the sentry at last, as he recalledseeing, by a light carried by one of the officers as he went upstairs, that the walls were ornamented with trophies of old weapons. 

"Yes; something must have tumbled down, " he said again, as he returnedhis sword to its sheath, changed his piece to its old position, andfaced round and marched toward the door. 

As he did so, something--not the something which the sentry said hadfallen down, but another something which had lain at full length in thetop stair but one--moved gently. There was a faint gliding sound, andthen perfect stillness, as the sentry marched in again right to the footof the stairs and listened. 

He turned, walked right round the hall, and out once more to the frontof the porch, while something long and soft seemed in the darkness torise out of the top stair but one, as from a long box, on to the stairbelow. 

The sentry marched in again, slowly and steadily, right to the end ofthe hall, and back to the front of the porch; and as he went the glidingsound was heard again, followed during the next march back by a veryfaint crack, and then for quite five minutes the long, soft-lookingfigure lay on the stair motionless. 

Then, when the sentry was tramping along the porch, the figure gave aquick writhe and lay still a step higher. 

Again, when the sentry was his farthest, there was another writhe, andthe figure was on the top of the stairs, to roll by degrees gently overand over across the landing, and lie close to the panelled wall. Thenbegan a slow crawling motion as if some hugely thick short serpent werecreeping along the polished oaken boards almost without a sound, tillthe end of the gallery was reached. Then all was still but the regulartramp of the sentry, who told himself that he had done wisely in notgiving the alarm. 

Not the first man who has congratulated himself upon making a greatmistake. 

Meanwhile, Lady Markham was seated at the window, with Lil's handclasped in hers, waiting, as it were, for that something which seemed asif it would happen. No great wonder, at a time when change succeededchange with marvellous rapidity. They had neither of them spoke forsome time, till suddenly Lil pressed her mother's hand. 

"What is it, dear?"

"Listen!"

Lady Markham bent forward, and remained silent for some minutes beforesaying--

"I heard nothing, Lil. "

"I thought I heard horses a long way off. Oh!"

She started violently, for there was a sharp, but faint tap on the panelof the door, as if some one had sharply loosened one finger-nail withthe other. 

Neither stirred for a few moments, and then the sharp cracking sound wasrepeated. 

Lady Markham did not hesitate, but walked across to the door. 

"Who is there?" she said in a low, firm voice. 

There was a faint rustle, as of some one moving a hand over the dooroutside, and then from low down came a low--

"Hist!"

It was from the keyhole without a doubt, and stooping, Lady Markhamrepeated her question, placing her ear close to the keyhole, as shelistened for the answer. 

That reply sent the blood thrilling through her veins, as it waswhispered through the keyhole, and for the moment, she felt giddy withanguish, love, and fear. 

It came again, with an addition. 

"Mother! Open! Quick!"

With her hands trembling so that they almost refused their office, sheturned the key, felt a strong grasp on the handle, the door was thrustopen softly, closed, and locked, as she stood trembling there, and apair of arms were clasped around her neck. 

"Mother, dearest mother!"

"Scar, dear Scar, me too, " whispered Lil, for Lady Markham wasspeechless with emotion. 

Brother and sister were locked in a loving embrace, and then Lil shrankaway. 

"Scar, " she whispered; "why you are all wet. "

"Yes, " he said, with a half-laugh. "I had to swim across part of thelake. "

"Oh, my boy, my boy, how did you get here?" whispered Lady Markham. 

"Oh, I found a way, mother dear. "

"But your father? Oh! There is no bad news?"

"No, no; don't tremble so. He is quite well, and not many miles away. "

"Thank Heaven!" she sighed; "but, Scar, my darling, you do not know. "

"Oh yes, I do, dear, " he said calmly; "the house is full of rebels, andthey have their outposts everywhere. I have had a fine task to get herewithout being seen. "

"And you must not stay a moment, my darling. You must escape before youare discovered. "

"Hush! don't speak so loudly; we may be heard. There is no danger, ifyou keep still. "

"But, Scar, my boy, why have you run this terrible risk?"

"Soldiers have to run risks, mother. My father, who is at Ditton, witha strong body of horse, was terribly anxious about home. A spy came inand said the rebels were in this direction, so I said I could make myway here and get news, and he trusted me to come. That's all. "

"But if you are taken, Scar?"

"I don't mean to be taken, mother. I shall go back as I came. Rebelsentinels are clever, but some people can manage to elude them. "

"Oh, my boy, my boy!"

"Don't--don't fidget, dear, like that. I tell you there is no risk. But I must not stay long. "

"Are you sure no one saw you come?"

"Quite certain. But I am sorry that I have such poor news to lake back. But, mother dear, they have treated you with respect?"

"Oh yes, my boy. Fred Forrester's with them. "

"Ah!" ejaculated Scarlett, angrily. 

"And he has been most respectful and kind. "

"For a traitor. "

"Do not speak harshly of him, Scar. "

"Not I; but have they sacked the place?"

"No, no. Nothing has been touched. "

"I'm glad of that, for poor father's sake. He will be enraged when heknows they have taken possession here. "

"But he is in no danger, Scar?"

"Not more than usual, " said Scarlett, grimly. 

"And when is he coming home?" said Lil, thoughtfully. 

"Coming home, Lil! Ah, who can say that? Well, I must soon be going. If I stay, it is to be taken prisoner. "

"My darling!"

"Hush, mother! the sentries may hear you speak. They are all around. "

"I will be careful, dear, " she whispered. "Then you must go? So soon?"

"Yes; and it is bad news to take to my father, but he will not care whenhe hears that you are safe and well. What's that?"

He ran softly to the window, and they realised that he was barefooted, and only dressed in light breeches and shirt. 

There was the sound of a challenge, a reply, and then the trampling ofhorses came through the open casement. 

Lady Markham seized her son's hand as he stood listening at the deepmullioned window, while Lil clung to the other. 

"A fresh detachment joined, I suppose, " whispered Scarlett, as he drewback. "Perhaps I had better wait half an hour before I go back. "

"Oh, Scar, Scar!" half sobbed Lil. 

"And you so cold and wet, my darling, " sighed Lady Markham. 

"Pish! what of that. I don't mind. I would not go so soon, for it isquite delightful to be with you again, but I must be right away beforeit's light, and one never knows how far one may have to go round toescape notice from the enemy's men. They seem to swarm about here, mother. "

Lady Markham could say nothing, only kiss and embrace her boy, torn asshe was by conflicting emotions--the desire to keep him, and that ofwishing him safe away. 

All at once, Scar started from his mother's encircling arm, and dartedto the window, but only to draw back, for there were two sentinelstalking just beneath. 

Then he ran to the door, but drew back, for steps of armed men wereheard coming along the corridor, and escape was cut off there. 

"Caught, " he said grimly. "Poor father will not get his news. "

At that moment there was the sharp summons of a set of knuckles on thedoor. 

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT. 

HOW LADY MARKHAM LEFT THE HALL. 

"Hist!" whispered Lady Markham, in her agitation snatching at the firststraw that offered. "They may think we are asleep, and will go away. "

Vain hope; there was another sharp rapping at the door. 

"Answer, " said Scarlett, in a low, firm voice. "Hear what they have tosay. "

"Who is there?"

"I, Fred Forrester, Lady Markham. Have the goodness to open. "

"The traitor!" muttered Scar, glancing once more at the window, but thesounds from without told him that attempt to escape there was vain, for, if he dropped from the sill, the chances were that he would hurthimself, and even if he succeeded in reaching the ground unharmed, thealarm would be given by the sentinels, who would fire at him, and ifthey missed, there was a detachment of horse waiting to ride him down, for the steeds were stamping impatiently, and uttering a loud snort fromtime to time. 

"Why am I disturbed at this time of the night?" said Lady Markham, trying to speak firmly and haughtily. 

"I am sorry to have you disturbed, Lady Markham; but there is goodreason. My mother is here. "

"A ruse, " said Scarlett, softly. "Never mind, dear. It is not thefirst time I have been a prisoner. It is madness to try to escape. Isurrender. "

"No, no, " whispered Lady Markham. "You shall not. " Then aloud. "Irefuse to open my door at this time of night. "

"Lady Markham, will you admit me alone to speak with you?" came now fromoutside. 

"Hist!" whispered Scarlett. "They do not know I'm here. Open the door. It will be best. "

As soon as he had spoken, he ran toward the great bedstead, but cameback and whispered quickly--

"Open, dear mother, and try to invent some plan to get them all awayfrom this room. Then I can easily escape. Quick. Open. "

He darted to the bedstead, and drew one of the head curtains round him;while driven, as it were, to obey the stronger will of her son, urged, too, by his words about escape, Lady Markham went to the door, openedit, and Mistress Forrester stepped in, to pause for a moment, then, forgetful of everything but their old friendship in the happy days, shethrew her arms about the trembling woman, and kissed her passionately. 

"I have come to fetch you and dear Lilian, " she said, "at my son's wish. He has obtained permission from the general, and horses are waiting. You are to come at once. "

"Come--leave my husband's house?"

"Hush! do not oppose the plan, " said Mistress Forrester, gently. "Thisis no longer a place for you. Perhaps for some time to come it may bethe retreat of rough soldiery. My home is so near, and you will beatpeace. "

"I cannot leave my husband's home, " said Lady Markham, firmly. 

"You must, " said her visitor. "It is for Lilian's sake as well as yourown. "

For Lilian's sake? Yes, and it was for Scarlett's sake. For what hadhe said? Get them away from this room, and he could escape. How orwhen she had no idea. All she knew was that he had said decidedly thathe could, and she must believe him. 

"Ah, you are hesitating!" said Mistress Forrester, tenderly. "You arethinking of enemies. What is this warfare to us? We are mothers, andour duty is toward our children. Say that you will come and stay withme in peace till better times are here. "

Lady Markham hesitated no longer. It was a way of escape for her son, and protection for herself and daughter. Besides which, the oldsisterly affection was as warm as ever. 

"He would tell me to go, if he were here, " she said to herself. "It isto save my boy;" and without another word she laid her hand in hervisitor's. 

Mistress Forrester kissed her eagerly, embraced Lilian, who stood theretrembling and cold, and then ran to the door. 

"Fred, my boy, " she said quickly; "have all ready. Lady Markham willcome. "

There was the first sense of relief to the trembling mother's overladenheart as she heard the tramp of men in the corridor, and she glancedquickly toward the curtains which concealed her son. 

"It will leave the way open for his escape, " she said to herself. Thento Mistress Forrester, as she pointed at the farther door--

"Two of the servants who have remained with me through the troubles arethere, " she said. 

"And they will accompany us, of course, " said her visitor. "Will youtell them to get ready?"

"If you would not mind, " said Lady Markham, appealingly; and withoutfurther parley Mistress Forrester crossed the room, tapped lightly, andpassed through the door, while Lady Markham darted to the curtain andseized her son by the arm. 

"Am I doing right?" she whispered. 

"Quite, dearest mother, " he replied in so low a tone that she couldhardly hear. "Some day perhaps Fred and I may be friends again. "

"Then I am to go?"

"Yes; it will give me a chance to escape. "

"They are dressed and ready, " said Mistress Forrester, returning. "Poorthings, they have not been to bed. "

At that moment there was another tap at the door, and upon its beingopened, Fred was standing there. 

"The horses are ready, " he said quietly. "I have had your pony saddled, Lilian. Lady Markham, the two servants will have to ride pillion behinda couple of our men. "

For answer Lady Markham drew her hood over her head, and assistedLilian, who was ready to burst into a fit of hysterical sobbing; and infear lest she should betray her brother's whereabouts, her motherhurried her to the door, but stopped to see all out before her, leavinglast, and taking the precaution to slip the key from the lock, lest someone should come and her son should find it fast. 

Ten minutes later, Scarlett Markham stood at the window listening to thesetting off of the little party, with his head well hidden behind thecurtain, and remained motionless till the trampling of the horses diedaway in the silence of the night. 

"Ah, " he said to himself, "nothing could have happened better, as theenemy is in possession. Poor mother! Poor Lil! What a pang to have toleave the dear old home; but they will be away from the tumult andbloodshed if the rebels stand. Now for my news, if I can carry itwithout being caught. "

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE. 

SCARLETT ESCAPES UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 

"Ugh! it's cold, " said Scarlett, as he moved away from the window in hismother's chamber, and gave one look round in the gloom at the familiarold place, associated with his childhood and boyish life before he wasforced into this premature manhood by the exigencies of the war. "Butnever mind; I shall soon be warm enough--hot enough, if I am seen andpursued. "

He tightened the belt he wore, and drew a long breath, as if about tostart running. Then crossing the room softly, he opened the door, meaning, as his mission was at an end, to make a bold quick rush for thesecret stair, to open the slide and pass in. If he made a little noisethere, the sentry might hear it and welcome, he would discover nothing. 

A sudden thought struck him. 

"Capital!" he said to himself, joyously. "Fifty men quietly introducedby the secret passage, and led right into the house. Why, we couldsurprise them all asleep, and the place would be taken without loss oflife. What a result to an accidental discovery!"

Then a damping thought occurred. 

"No, " he muttered; "Fred will have remembered it, and made all safe. Perhaps let us get in, and trap us. He is too clever to leave thatplace open. He has not had time to secure it yet. What a pity we twoare on opposite sides!"

As he thought this, he involuntarily raised his hand to his shortly cuthair, and a look of vexation crossed his face. 

"Forward!" he muttered, as if giving an order, and to put an end to hismusings; and at the word he was in the act of passing through thedoorway, and had taken a step into the corridor when there was a sharpchallenge from the sentry down in the hall. But the password was given, and by the sounds it seemed to Scarlett that two armed men had begun toascend the stairs. 

Yes, undoubtedly two, for one said something lightly, and he caught thereply. 

"We'll soon see about that. "

The words were in a subdued tone of voice, and passing back into theroom, Scarlett drew the door after him, leaving a mere crack, so that hecould listen. 

"Officers going to their quarters, " he thought. "I wonder which roomthey occupy. "

He listened, and they reached the top of the stairs, turning to theleft, a movement which brought them towards him. 

He would have closed the door entirely, but dreading a noise that mightbetray him, he left it ajar, and stood waiting for them to pass, butonly to flush crimson with indignation as a sudden thought struck him inanswer to his wondering question. 

"They would not dare!" he ejaculated in an angry whisper; and he turnedto flee into the farther room, where the servants had been, and where asa rule his sister slept. But as he moved towards it quickly, itoccurred to him that there were no such voluminous curtains for hidingbehind, and, quick as thought, he darted to his old place ofconcealment, only just having time to throw the heavy hangings round himas the door was thrust back, and two men strode into the room. 

"The cowardly, plundering villains!" muttered Scarlett, and his handsinvoluntarily clenched, and he felt ready to rush out and face thesenocturnal marauders, but he checked the desire. 

"Poor mother!" he sighed; "she would not value every jewel she possessesas a featherweight against my safety. They must go, I suppose; but oh, what a delight to make the rogues disgorge!"

"Plaguey dark, " said one of the new-comers. "Light enough for what wewant to do, my lad. Shut and fasten the door. We don't want any one toshare our bit of luck. "

"No. Just enough for two. It may be weeks before we get such anotherchance. "

They were evidently well-to-do men, by their conversation, probablyofficers; and Scarlett bit his lip with rage as he thought of hismother's watch and chain, and the beautiful set of pearls, his father'spresent to her in happier days. Then, too, there was a case with ringsand brooches, beside many other elegant little trifles that would bewelcome to a plunderer. 

Once more the desire to rush out and face these wretches was strong uponhim, but a moment's reflection told him that to do so was to surrenderhimself a prisoner, and place himself beyond the power of givingvaluable information to the general, his father, who might unwittinglycome on to his old home and walk into a trap. 

"Better lose a thousand times as many jewels, " he muttered, "than that. Let them steal, for I suppose my poor mother would not have placed hertreasures in a place of safety. " He listened breathlessly behind thethick curtain, hoping that the plunderers would be quick and leave, andgive him the opportunity to escape. 

The chance came more quickly than he had anticipated, for it seemed fromthe footsteps that the men had gone into the inner chamber, leaving himfree to slip out. 

His hand was upon the thick fold of the curtain, for all was still inhis mother's room, and he was mentally going on tiptoe to the door, whenthere was a loud yawn from the _prie dieu_ chair close to the bed'shead, and a voice almost at his elbow said--

"Well, what's it like?"

"Can't see much; but it seems a cosy little nest, as soft as can be. "

"Which will you have, that or this?"

"Oh, I'll stop here, " was the reply. 

"Then may the trumpeter forget to blow for twenty-four hours, " said thevoice at Scarlett's elbow, "and the enemy never know that we are here. "

"Amen!" came from the further room. 

"And, I say, " exclaimed Scarlett's neighbour, as he seemed to be movingabout vigorously. 

"Yes. "

"Don't disturb anything. Poor ladies! it's like sacrilege to takepossession here; but when there's a soft bed on one side and some strawon the boards of a loft on the other, one falls into temptation. "

Clump went a heavy boot on the thick rug, and then another. 

"Yes. Goodnight. Don't talk any more, " came from the inner room. 

"Not I, " said Scarlett's neighbour; and there was the sound of asword-belt being unbuckled, and the weapon laid across a table. 

Then, as Scarlett stood there, hot and indignant, he heard the softsound of stockinged feet crossing the room, and directly after a faintrattle at the door, followed by an angry exclamation, and then by a loudrumbling noise. 

"What are you doing?" came from Lil's chamber. 

"Pushing something against the door--big table. There's no key. "

"Oh!"

The table seemed to be followed by something else heavy, and directlyafter the occupant of the room crossed to the bed, and it seemed toScarlett that he threw himself upon his knees for a few minutes. 

Then he rose, sighed, and yawned. 

"Oh, for dear old home again, and peace, " he muttered, and threwhimself, all dressed as he was, upon the bed. 

"By your leave, Dame Markham, " he muttered again, with a sigh ofsatisfaction. "If you knew how dog-tired this poor soldier is, youwould forgive me. Hah!"

There was a long deep sigh, and as Scarlett stood there so closely thathe could have laid his hand upon his enemy's head, he felt that he wascompletely trapped, and that perhaps even to move was to ensure capture. 

"What shall I do?" he asked himself. "It will be getting toward morningsoon;" and now the necessity for escaping at once seemed ten thousandtimes more clear. 

"He will come in search of me, for he will never think that the enemycan be at the Hall, or if he does, he will come to try and save me, thinking I am a prisoner, and there will be a battle here. "

As he listened, trying hard to stifle his breathing and the throbbingsof his heart, which sounded so loud that he felt sure he would be heard, the Parliamentary officer turned uneasily upon his bed, mutteredsomething about home, and then his breathing became regular and deep. 

When Scarlett had started upon his expedition to see if the enemy werenear, and finding that they had taken possession of the Hall, determinedto make use of the secret passage and see how his mother fared, he knewthat everything depended upon quickness of movement, and that fightingwould be of no avail. So he had stripped off buff jerkin and gorget, and placed them, his weapons, cavalier hat, and heavy horseman's bootsin the wood where he had secured his horse. Hence he was absolutelydefenceless. 

He thought of this as he for a moment dwelt upon the possibility ofslaying this man as he slept, and so escaping. 

But he indignantly thrust from him the treacherous thought, and trustingto the possibility of getting away when his enemy should be soundasleep, he gradually let the curtain fall to his feet. 

In the silence of that room the noise made as the thick material rustleddown, seemed to Scarlett to be enough to awaken the sleeper, but he didnot stir; and after wailing a few minutes, which seemed like an hour, the young Royalist began to move gently from his hiding-place. 

The distance he had to traverse was very short, but there was a greatdifficulty awaiting him--the removal of the table and the other objectplaced against the door. But the sleeper was sound enough now, andScarlett's hopes began to rise as, with outstretched hands, he softlytouched the stand upon which lay the sword, and then his heart'spulsations seemed to stop, for he kicked against one of the heavyjack-boots in the darkness, and the great stiff leather foot and legcovering fell over with what seemed quite a loud noise, while to hishorror Scarlett learned that the door between the rooms was open, soplainly sounded the other officer's voice. 

"Anything the matter?" he said; and there was the rustling sound of onerising upon his elbow. 

It was the saving instinct of the moment, and it had its intendedeffect, the boldness of the conception carrying all before it. For, asthe officer in his sister's room asked that question, Scarlett coveredhis face with his hand, and uttered a deep yawn, like that of ahalf-sleeping man. 

For a moment or two he dreaded lest he had betrayed himself, but to hisintense delight, as he stood with every sense on the strain, he heardthe questioner subside in his place, and Scarlett, with a quickappreciation of his difficulties, seized the opportunity of the man'smovement to cover the sound he made as he glided quickly across the roomto the door, laid his hand upon the table, and recognised it by thetouch as the one which generally stood in the great embayment of thewindow. 

But, just as he touched the heavy carved side, he broke out into a coldperspiration, for there came in a sharp, short, imperious tone--

"Halt!"

"He was not asleep, " thought Scarlett; and in an instant he had seizedthe table to drag it away, when a loud sound from the adjoining chambermade him drop down on his hands and knees, in the expectation of abullet from a petronel. 

The sound he had heard was that of a man leaping from his bed. Thenthere were the dull soft steps of stockinged feet, and he could hear thesecond officer enter the room. 

"What's the matter?" he said, as he advanced toward the bed where hiscompanion lay. 

"Left troop to the front!" came from the bed. 

"Poor old fellow!" muttered the second officer. "He cannot even keepthis weary work out of his sleep. "

Scarlett heard him walk back to the inner room, and as soon as he feltthat the door was passed, he began to feel for the second obstaclebetween him and liberty. 

For a few moments he could not make out what it was. He tried softly toleft and right, but there was nothing. All he could detect was that theend of the long table was against the door, and then as he rose andstretched his hand across it, he discovered at once what it was--nothingbut a heavy oaken chest, which had been lifted up and stood upon thetable, to give it weight. 

Meanwhile, he could hear every movement of the occupant of the innerchamber, and a dull feeling of despair came upon him, as he knew that toattempt to stir the table, heavily laden as it was, would make so muchnoise that he would be detected. 

"But could I get through in time to reach the stair?" he thought. 

Impossible! He would be heard by the officer, and probably by thesentinel in the hall, and with his heart sinking, he determined to makefor the window, and drop down from there. 

The casement was still open, and crossing softly, he cautiously lookedout, to find that a couple of sentinels were marching to and fro to meetevery minute just beneath the spot where he stood. 

"No, " he said to himself, "there is but one road;" and going back to thetable, he nerved himself for the effort, and began to draw it softlyaway by almost imperceptible degrees. 

Fortunately for him, the floor by the door was covered by a thick rug, over which the table began to move; but, to Scarlett's horror, it hadnot passed a couple of inches before there was a sharp crack. 

An impatient movement came from the far room, and Scarlett knew as wellas if he were present in the broad daylight, that the officer hadstarted up and was listening; but, fortunately at that moment, the heavysleeper said something aloud and stirred upon the bed. 

This was sufficient to satisfy his companion, who lay down again. Butit was impossible to attempt more for a time, and the would-be fugitivewas forced to crouch there, letting the valuable moments fly, andfretting, as he knew how impossible it would be for him to escape if hewaited till day. 

At last, with the feeling of despair upon him strongly, he seized thetable again, and, lifting one end, drew it slowly towards him, this timefinding, to his great delight, that the rug glided with it over theoaken boards, so that he knew that with a little more effort, theobstacle would be sufficiently far away for him to open the door. 

Had it been light, he would have seen the danger, but, all he realisedwas that the table came along more and more easily, and then in theblack darkness there was a loud crash, the coffer placed upon the tablehad, consequent upon its being inclined, glided slowly over the polishedsurface, till it was right beyond the edge, and then it was but a matterof moments before it overbalanced and fell. 

Scarlett heard two loud ejaculations and the leaping of his enemies fromtheir beds; but, quick as thought, he had dragged the door open, boundedinto the corridor, and ran to the left to the top of the stairs. 

He was in the act of seizing the balustrade, when shouts came from thedoor he had left. Worse still, he saw a faint spark of light below him, and heard the challenge of the sentry in the hall. 

To have tried to escape by the passage would have meant the discovery ofthe way, for there was not time to get the stair open, so withouthesitation, as he heard the alarm spreading, he dashed down the stairs, followed by the shouts of the two officers as other doors were opened, and the noise of gathering feet could be heard. 

There was a sharp flash, a loud report, and Scarlett heard the thud inthe wainscot beside him as he leaped the last half-dozen stairs, righton to the sentinel, who was driven backward by the force of the blow, while Scarlett darted across the hall, through the porch, and betweentwo of the men stationed outside so closely that they touched him. 

"Fire, fire!" roared a voice from the gallery, and matches were blown, and shots went whizzing after the fugitive, who was hard followed byhalf a dozen of the heavily armed men. 

But the darkness held good, and Scarlett had the advantage of knowingevery inch of the ground, every bush and clump which could give himshelter; and besides, he was dressed for running, his pursuers beingheavily hindered by their thick garments, steel protections, and heavyboots. 

Still the pursuit was kept up, and the piquets round, alarmed by thesounds of firing, began to close in. 

It was a desperate game to play, but Scarlett played it. He madestraight for the lake, and kept as near to its bank as he could for theoverhanging trees, till he neared the eastern end, where, with theshouts of his pursuers ringing in his ears, he slowly lowered himselfdown by the steep rocky bank, stepped silently into the clear water, which looked terribly black and treacherous, waded out a short distance, with the water rapidly rising to his chest, then to his chin, and beganswimming as easily as an otter for the opposite side. 

It was a cold plunge, but Scarlett did not notice it in his excitement. His mind was too much taken up with endeavouring to swim steadily andquietly, so as not to betray his whereabouts by a splash. 

As he swam, he could see lights moving about in the Hall, and he couldtell by the shouts that his pursuers were not very far distant, whilesoon after he began to realise, with a profound feeling of satisfaction, that the men and their leaders had come to the conclusion that they hadonly to form a line across from the house down to the shore in twoplaces to succeed in capturing him, for the lake would be an effectualbar to his escape in that direction. 

"And all the time this is the high-road to freedom, " Scarlett said tohimself, as he swam on, thinking of how long it would take him to reachthe further side, and reaping now the advantage of having acquired anaccomplishment in his earlier days, whose value he little appreciatedthen. 

The distance seemed greater than he had reckoned upon, and he had notbeen in the water for a long time before that night, the consequencebeing that after he had been swimming about ten minutes, a peculiarweary sensation began to make itself felt in his arms, and a strangeaching at the nape of his neck, as if he had been forcing his head toofar back so as to enable him to keep his lips and nostrils above thesurface. 

Then, too, he became aware that swimming without clothes was one thing, with them clinging to his limbs another; and the thought occurred tohim, as unpleasant thoughts will, just when they are not wanted, that itwas somewhere out here he and Fred Forrester had lowered down a weightat the end of a piece of twine, to find in one spot it was twenty feet, in another twenty-five; but all over this eastern end there was a greatdepth of water. 

It was impossible after that to help thinking about people losing theirlives. A boy had once been drowned out there through trying to crossthe ice before it was sufficiently strong, and--

A curious hysterical sensation attacked Scarlett Markham just then, andfor a few moments, unnerved by the excitement of the evening, he beganto strike out more quickly, under the mistaken notion that he wouldreach the opposite side much sooner; but the fatigue of the effortwarned him that he was doing wrong, and growing calmer, he turned overon his back to float for a few minutes, while he diverted his thoughtsfrom his position by forcing himself to think about his pursuers, whomhe could hear plainly enough calling and answering each other. 

Then once more the thought forced itself upon him that it was terriblydeep down below, that he was growing utterly exhausted, and that if hesank and was drowned, no one had seen him enter the water, and hisfather--his mother--

"Oh, am I such a coward as this!" he muttered angrily. "After being inbattle and skirmish, and hearing the cannons roar, I will swim across. "

He turned, and will did what will often does, gives to those who aredetermined powers that others do not seem to possess; and so it camethat the rest of the task grew comparatively easy, the bank which in thegloom had seemed to be so distant suddenly loomed over him, with thependent branches of the birches within easy reach, and a few momentslater he was ashore, had climbed the bank, paused to look back, and thenstarted off at an easy run, with the load of water he carried becominglighter at every step. 

Later on, mounted men came round both ends of the lake, and began tosearch on the further side, but by this time the fugitive was well ontoward where he had left his horse and arms, and his dangers lay infront, and not behind. 

Long before all this, Lady Markham had arrived at the Manor, with Lilweeping silently at her side. There had been a brief and formalleave-taking, a quick embrace from his mother, and Fred rode back withhis detachment, to reach the Hall, take possession of the quartersassigned to him, and after thinking deeply of the events of the night, he dropped asleep. He was aroused by the noise, and heard that thesentinels had fired upon an escaping figure, which had endeavoured tobreak into the room occupied by two of the officers. 

There were those who said it was an attempt at assassination, and othersthat it was a false alarm, which the ill success of the search-partyseemed to confirm. 

Then fresh sentinels were posted, and the day soon after began to breakwith its promise of a glorious morrow, and soon after the first glow oforange in the east told of the coming sun, and as it shone through thecasement of a long low room where a pale slight girl was lying asleep, it illumined the handsome sad countenance of one who had not slept, buthad knelt there praying for the safety of her son. 

CHAPTER THIRTY. 

A DESPERATE GALLOP. 

To Fred's great satisfaction, the sturdy, serious-looking followers ofGeneral Hedley treated the Hall and its surroundings with a fair amountof respect. 

They did not scruple to make bountiful use of the contents of thegarden; and, as far as they went, revelled on the productions of thedairy, while they one and all declared the cider to be excellent. 

So comfortable were the quarters, that the absence of news of theexpected reinforcements gave great satisfaction to all but the general, who walked up and down Sir Godfrey's library fretting at the inaction, and shaking his head at his young follower, who was for the time beingacting as his secretary, but with no despatches to write. 

"It's bad, Fred Forrester--bad, " he said. "When you have anything todo, let it be done firmly and well. Let there be no procrastination. Your father ought to be here by now. "

"I don't think it can be his fault, sir, " said Fred, stoutly. 

"It's somebody's fault, " said the general, angrily. "No, no; I am sureit is not his. Well, I must have the men out to do something. No rust, Fred Forrester, no rust. What are you going to do?"

"Take my place in the regiment, sir, if you have no more writing for meto do. "

"Don't want to go over to the Manor, then, to see the ladies, and askhow all are?"

"Of course I should like to, sir, but I was not going to ask leave. "

"You can go, my lad. There is no news of the enemy, and the scouts arewell out in every direction. Be on the look-out though, and I cannotgive you more than three hours. "

Overjoyed at this unexpected piece of good fortune, Fred hurried to hissleeping quarters, to try and give a few touches to his personalappearance, for, after months in the field, he did not feel at all proudof his sombre and shabby uniform. 

This done, he made off just as the little force of well-mounted, sturdymen under the general's command were filing slowly out, and making forthe broad open park, where a long and arduous drill was to be carriedout. 

It was a glorious day, and the prospect of being at home for even soshort a time, and seeing his mother and those who had been his bestfriends was delightful. There was no sign of warfare anywhere, such ashe had seen in other parts, in the shape of devastated crops and burnedouthouses. But as he rose one of the hills that he had to cross, aglint of steel, where the sun shone on a morion, showed where one of theoutposts was on the look-out. Further on, away to the left, he caughtsight of another, and knowing pretty well where to look, he had nodifficulty, sooner or later, in making out where the different vedetteswere placed. 

"Puzzle an enemy to catch our weasel asleep, " he said to himself, laughingly, as he trotted on. "Why, if all our leaders were likeGeneral Hedley and my father, the war would soon be at an end--and agood thing too. "

He rode on, thinking of the reception he would get, and hoping that LadyMarkham would not behave coldly to him; and then the watchfulness of thepupil in military matters came out. 

It was not his business to see where the outposts were, but it seemed tocome natural to him to note their positions. 

"I might have to place men myself, some day, " he said; "and it's as wellto know. "

"Yes; there he is, " he muttered, as he caught sight of another and thenof another far away, but forming links of a chain of men round the camp, well within touch of each other, and all ready to gallop at the firstalarm. 

"There ought to be one out here, " said Fred, at last, just as he wasnearing the Manor; and for the moment he was ready to pass him over, andthink of nothing but those whom he had come to see, but disciplinemastered. 

The spot he was approaching was a little eminence, which commanded adeep valley or coombe, that went winding and zigzagging for miles, andhere he looked in vain for the outpost. 

"Strange!" thought Fred; and he rode on a little further, till he wasnearly to the top of the eminence, when his heart leaped, and byinstinct he clapped his hand to his sword. For there, with loweredhead, cropping the sweet short grass among the furze and heath, was theoutpost's horse; and this, to Fred's experienced eye, meant the ridershot down at his post. 

Half dreaming a similar fate, he looked sharply round, and then utteredan angry exclamation, as he touched his horse's flanks, and rode forwardto where the man lay between two great bushes. 

But not wounded. The secret of his fall was by his side. By some meanshe had contrived to get a large flask of wine up at the Hall, and thevessel lay by him empty, while he was sound asleep. 

"You scoundrel!" cried Fred, closing up and bending down to take hold ofthe man's piece, where it stood leaning against a bush. 

As he raised it, a distant flash caught his eye, and there, windingslowly and cautiously along the bottom of the coombe, with advancedguards, came a strong body of horsemen, whose felt hats and feathershere and there told only too plainly that they belonged to theCavaliers. 

To his horror, Fred saw that some of the advance were coming up the sideof the valley not two hundred yards away, and that unless the alarm weregiven, the little force so calmly going through their manoeuvres in thepark would be surprised. At the same moment, he saw that he had beennoticed before he caught sight of the approaching enemy, but he did nothesitate. Raising the heavy piece, he fired, and at the shot thegrazing horse tossed its head and cantered to his side, leaving itsmaster to take his chance. 

"He'll get no wine as a prisoner, " said Fred, bitterly, as he spurredhis horse to a gallop, just as shot after shot from the other outpostscarried on his alarm--while, following a shout to him to surrender, cameshots that were not intended to give the alarm, but to bring him down. 

Fred glanced back once, and saw that the advance guard of the enemy werein full pursuit, a sight which made him urge on his steed to its utmost, while as he glanced back on getting to the top of the next hill, hecould see that the enemy had divided into two bodies, and throwing offall concealment, they were thundering on, so as to get up with those whowould spread the alarm, intending to spread it themselves, and to adangerous extent. 

"They'll overtake me, " muttered Fred, as he looked back and saw how wellsome of the leading men were mounted, and also that some of those in themain body were better mounted still, and were rapidly diminishing thedistance between them and their advance guard. 

Right and left and well ahead of him he could see their own outpostsgalloping in toward the centre, but, strive how he would, he felt thathe must be overtaken long before he could reach the Hall. 

"They will not kill me, " he said to himself. "They would only make aprisoner of me, unless some fierce Cavalier cuts me down. "

"But I have saved them from a surprise, " he continued; and he once moretried to get a little speed out of the worn-out horse he rode. 

It was a neck-or-nothing gallop, and over and over again Fred would havebeen glad to change his mount, and leap on to the trained horse whichkept its place riderless by his side. But the enemy were thundering onin full pursuit, and to have paused meant certain capture. 

On they rode, the Cavaliers behind, with their blades flashing, andtheir feathers streaming, and in the excitement of the race he could nothelp thinking of the gallant appearance they made, as they spurred oneagainst the other in their reckless endeavour to overtake him. 

He had forsaken the road, and turned on to the rough moorland, a moredifficult way, but he and his horse were more at home there, and he knewhow to avoid the roughest rocky portions, and the pieces of bog, whilethere was always the hope that the pursuers might try to make some cutto intercept him, and so find themselves foundered in the mire. 

The race had lasted some minutes now, and the fugitive was in full hopethat the alarm had been spread by the inner line of vedettes, when abright thought flashed across his brain. 

He glanced back, and could see about a dozen of the Cavaliers some fortyyards behind, and a few hundred yards behind them a couple of regiments. 

"They will follow my pursuers, " he argued; and as he came to thatconclusion, he drew his right rein, and bore off a little, makingstraight for a deep hollow where the peat lay thick, and it wasimpossible for a horse to cross. 

If they followed him there, he could swerve off to the right again as hereached the treacherous ground, and edge safely round it, while the mainbody of his pursuers would in all probability plunge in. 

"That would ensure their defeat, " he said to himself, as in imaginationhe saw the gallant regiments floundering saddle deep in the black, half-liquid peat. 

As he had hoped, so it seemed to be. His nearest pursuers turned offafter him, so did the main body, and, almost indifferent now as tocapture, so long as he could save those at the park, he turned to lookback, when, just as the Cavaliers were thundering on to destruction, onehorseman dashed in front, waving his plumed hat, and meeting them--sending all but about half a score round to the left, so that theyskirted the morass, just as they were on the point of charging in. 

"Some one who knows the danger, " muttered Fred, as he galloped on. "Scarlett, of course. It must have been he. "

Another five minutes, with the foremost men not half a dozen yardsbehind, brought Fred to the top of a hill, beyond which he could see thepark, and to his horror the general's men were only then hurrying upinto formation, with their officers galloping excitedly to and fro. 

"Hold out, good old horse, " panted Fred, --as he glanced back once moreto see that capture must be certain now. "Another five minutes, and Icould be with them, " he sobbed out breathlessly; and, as if his horseunderstood him, or else nerved by the sight of his fellows so near athand, he lay out like a greyhound, just as a trumpet blast rang out onFred's left from the main body of the Cavaliers, a call whose effect wasthat Fred's pursuers who had skirted the right of the morass, turned offto the left, and rode on so as to regain their places in the ranks, where their presence would be of more value than in pursuing a fewscattered outposts. 

To an ordinary commander, the act of the Royalist leader seemed uttermadness. The horses of his men were half-blown by a long gallop, andthey were about to charge a body of sturdy cavalry, whose mounts wererested and fresh. 

But there was no hesitation. As they drew near, the trumpets rang out, steel flashed, feathers flew, the horses snorted, and with a wildhurrah! the Royalist troops literally raced against the advancingParliamentarians. There was a shock, the crash of steel, a roar as ofthunder, horse and man went headlong down on the green turf of the Hallpark, and to General Hedley's chagrin, and in spite of the valour of hisofficers, and the stern stuff of which his men were composed, thegallantry and dash of the first regiment was such that it seemed as if awedge had been driven through his ranks, and his discomfiture wascompleted by the following charge of the second Cavalier line. 

One minute his well-trained horsemen were advancing in good formation tomeet the shock of the Royalists, the next, discipline seemed to be at anend, and the Parliamentarians were in full flight. 

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE. 

SAMSON TO THE RESCUE. 

Unscathed, in spite of the terrible dangers of the _melee_, Fred, aftersucceeding in reaching his companions, joined them in their charge, andwas driven back in their reverse, riding headlong as they rode in whatwas hardly a retreat, but rather a running fight, till seeing hisopportunity, he made for where he could see General Hedley striving, incompany with the officers, to check the retrograde movement, butstriving in vain. 

For there was a wild valour and dash exhibited by the Cavaliers, whichfor the time being carried all before them. No sooner had somethinglike a rally been made by the Parliamentarians, than the Royalistscharged at them in a headlong rush, which would have ended in almosttotal destruction with some troops. 

But there was a sturdy solidity about the followers of General Hedley, and the result of these charges was that, while some fell, the otherswere merely moved here and there, and as soon as their assailants hadpassed on they seemed to hang together again, driven outward always, butnot scattered. In fact, for mile after mile the running fight wascontinued, growing slower and slower as horse and man were wearied out, till, had a minute's grace been afforded them, General Hedley felt thathe could have gathered his men together, and by one vigorous charge havechanged the state of affairs. 

But the opportunity for re-formation was never afforded, and the greatcrowd of mounted men of both parties rode on mingled together inconfusion, right over the wild moorland countryside. The number ofindividual combats was almost countless, and their track was marked bythe heather being dotted with fallen men, the wounded, and often thedismounted, and by exhausted or hopelessly foundered horses. 

And still the fight went on, with the attacks growing more feeble, tillthe Cavaliers' horses could hardly be spurred into a canter, and many aone stopped short. 

It was a strange flight, in which the beaten gave way slowly, and withan obstinate English tenacity of purpose, which made them cling to theirenemies, and refuse to acknowledge their rout. They were broken up, and, according to all preconceived notions of cavalry encounters, theyought to have scattered and fled, but they only went on as they weredriven and broken up in knots, and the Cavalier leader knew perfectlywell that the moment he ceased his efforts, the other party would, as itwere, flow together again and return their charge, perhaps with fatalresults to his little force, for his men were growing completelyexhausted. 

"If I could only get a troop together!" muttered General Hedley betweenhis teeth; and again and again he tried to rally his men. But theCavaliers dashed at them directly, the efforts proved vain, and the_melee_ continued--a struggle in which order was absent, and men struckand rode at each other, broke their weapons, and often engaged in amounted wrestling bout, which ended in a pair of adversaries fallingheadlong to the ground. Fred would have been out of the skirmish earlyin the engagement from the exhaustion of his horse, but as the pace grewslower, the poor brute recovered itself somewhat, and whenever flight orattack grew more rapid, exerted itself naturally to keep as near ascould be in the ranks. 

The scene was terrible for one so young, as he sat there grimly, oftenin the middle of a confused crowd, his sword drawn ready more fordefence than offence, for now that the excitement of the flight wasover, and he had rejoined his regiment, there was little of the blinddesire to strike and slay in Fred Forrester's breast. He contentedhimself with turning aside thrusts and meeting blows with a cleverguard, as some Cavalier tried to reach him, while twice over he foundanother sword interposed on his behalf. 

The fight must have lasted for half an hour, when about a dozen of theCavaliers raised a shout, and made a dash at where General Hedley wasslowly retreating, their object being evidently to take him prisonerbefore, from sheer exhaustion, the pursuit was given up. 

But the idea was not so easy to carry out, though for the moment thegeneral was alone. The horse he rode was strong and fairly fresh, thoseof his would-be captors pretty well foundered, and, in addition, therewas help at hand. 

Fred had just had a narrow escape, for a stout Cavalier had forced hisown horse alongside, contriving, in spite of the lad's efforts, to getupon his left or weaker side, and pressing him sorely. Fred had needfor all the skill with the sword he had picked up since he had been withthe army, and he had dire need for more power in his muscles, for aftera minute's foining and thrusting, he found his guard beaten down throughhis adversary's superior strength, a hand was outstretched, catching himby the collar of his jerkin, and in spite of his efforts he was draggedsidewise toward the pommel of his enemy's horse. 

"I'll have one prisoner, at all events, " growled the man, fiercely; andhe gave Fred's horse a savage kick in the ribs, with the intention ofmaking him start away. 

Had the horse followed the enemy's wishes, his rider would have beenunseated, but, instead of starting away, the well-drilled beast pressedcloser alongside the horse by his side, and Fred still clung to thesaddle. 

"Ah, you wretched young Puritan spawn! Would you sting?" growled theman, as Fred made a desperate effort to use his sword. "Then takethat. "

The Cavalier rose in his stirrups, and was in the act of striking withall his might, when a fresh sword parted the air like a flash, swung asit was by a muscular arm, and the middle of the blade caught theCavalier trooper right upon the plated cheek-strap of the morion hewore, dividing it so that the steel cap flew off, and the man droppedback over the cantle of his saddle, his frightened horse making a boundforward and carrying his master a dozen yards before he fell heavily onthe heath. 

"Who says I can't use a sword as well as a scythe?" cried a familiarvoice. 

"Oh, Samson, you've saved my life, " cried Fred. 

"Serve you right, too, my lad--I mean, serve him right, too. Trying tochop down a boy like you. "

"I am sorry. Look, look, look!" cried Fred, excitedly. 

"Eh? Look? What at?"

"Over yonder, where all those Cavaliers are crowding together to makeanother charge. "

"Yes, I see 'em. What a state their horses are in!"

"But don't you see Scarlett Markham? And who's that with them? I seenow. Your brother. "

"What, Nat? Where, where? Let me get at him. There's going to be aprisoner took now, Master Fred, and he'll have to look sharp to getaway. "

Samson set spurs to his horse, but Fred checked him by seizing thebridle. 

"No, no, " he said; "keep by me, and let's close up to the general. Thisis no time for personal feelings, Samson. We must think only of ourparty. "

"Ah, well, I won't hurt him, Master Fred; but how would you like yourbrother to be hunting you about the country, as Nat has been hunting us?Wouldn't you like to have a turn at him?"

"I have no brother, Samson, " replied Fred, as he glanced in thedirection where, about a hundred yards away, Scarlett was in the midstof a group of the Cavaliers, who were steadily driving the grimCromwellian troopers before them, and effectually keeping them fromcombining so as to retaliate with effect. 

Then Scarlett was hidden from his sight, and yielding slowly step bystep, the Parliamentarians kept up a defiant retreat. 

It might be supposed that at such a time the slaughter would beterrible; but, after the first onset, when men went down headlong, thenumber of killed and wounded were few. For there were no witheringvolleys of musketry, no field-pieces playing upon the disorganisedcavalry from a distance; it was a sheer combat of mounted men armed withthe sword, against whose edge and point defensive armour was worn; andin consequence many of the wounds were insignificant, more injuriesbeing received by men being dismounted than by the blades. 

The officers of the retreating party kept up their efforts to rallytheir little force, but always in vain, for the gathering together of acluster of men resulted in the Cavaliers making that the point for whichthey made, and they carried all before them. 

"They are more than two to one, literally, " growled the general, fiercely, as he felt that there was nothing to be done but to summon hismen to follow, and, taking advantage of the fresher state of theirhorses, put on all the speed they could, and make for a valley rightahead, where they might elude their pursuers, and accepting the presentdefeat endeavour to make up for it another time. 

Giving the order then, the trumpet rang out, and the men sullenlyobeyed, setting spurs to their horses, and for the most part extricatingthemselves from their pursuers, whose horses began to stagger and evenstop as their masters urged them to the ascent of a slope, up which theParliamentarians were retreating. 

This being the case, their own leader ordered his trumpeter to sound ahalt, and the successful party set up a tremendous cheer as they wavedtheir hats and flashed their swords in the sunshine. 

"Yes, " muttered General Hedley, as he looked back at his triumphantenemies exulting over his defeat, but too helpless to pursue, "make muchof it; a reverse may come sooner than you expect. "

"I don't like being beaten like this, Master Fred, " grumbled Samson, leaning over to smooth the reeking coat of the horse his young masterrode; "and it's all your fault. "

"My fault? How?"

"Holding me back as you did, and letting that brother of mine get awaysneering and sniggering at me, with his nose cocked up in the air, andswelling with pride till he's like the frog in the fable. "

"How do you know he was sneering at you?" said Fred, who felt stiff, sore, and as if he would give anything to dismount and lie down amongthe soft elastic heather. 

"How do I know, sir? Why, because it's his nature to. You don'tunderstand him as I do. I can't see him, because I can't look throughthat hill, but I know as well as can be that he's riding on his horseclose to Master Scarlett, and going off. "

"Going off?"

"Yes, sir, in little puffs of laughing. It's his aggravating way. Andhe's keeping on saying, `Poor old Samson!' till it makes my blood bile. "

"What nonsense! He is more likely to be riding away jaded, and sore, and disheartened. "

"Not he, sir, because he aren't got no heart, and never had none--leastways, not a proper sort of heart. I can feel it, and I alwayscould. He's a-sneering at us all, and thinking how he has beaten us, when, if you had let me have my head, I could have gone at him sword inhand--"

"And cut his head off?"

"Cut his head off, sir? Why, it aren't worth cutting off. I mean tokeep my sword, which is a real good bit o' stuff, and as sharp as ascythe, for better heads than his. I wouldn't stoop to do it. No, Master Fred, I tell you what I'd have done: I'd have ridden up to himright afore 'em all, and I should have said, `Nat, my lad, your time'scome;' and I should have laid hold of him by the scruff of the neck, andbeat him with the flat of the blade till he went down on his knees andsaid he wouldn't do so any more. "

"Do what any more, Samson?"

"Everything as he have been doing. "

"And suppose he wouldn't have let you beat him before all the others?"

"Wouldn't have let me, Master Fred? He'd have been obliged to. Ishould have made him. "

"You are too modest, Samson, " said Fred, laughing. 

"Oh no, I'm not, sir--not a bit. I wish sometimes I was a bit more so. But you should have let me go at him, sir. I'd have made him run, likea sheep with a dog at his heels. "

"Ah, Samson, " cried Fred, wearily, "it's sore work when brothers arefighting against each other. "

"No worse, sir, than two such friends as you and Master Scarlett was. Why, you was more than brothers. Oh, I don't like this here at all. "

"What?"

"Running away with our tails between our legs, like so many dogs withstones thrown at 'em. "

"It is miserable work, but better than being taken prisoners. "

They rode on down into the coombe, and followed its wanderings with rearand advance guards, though they felt but little fear of pursuit, and fora long time hardly a word was spoken along the ranks. The horses weregoing at a foot-pace, and as they went the troopers played surgeon toeach other, and bound up the slight wounds they had received, for thesewere many, though not enough to render them beyond fighting if necessityshould occur. 

Once the general called a halt, and posted scouts on the hills around, while he gave his men an opportunity to water their horses at therunning stream at the bottom of the coombe, and to attend to the woundsthe poor beasts had received, many a sword-cut intended for the riderhaving fallen upon his horse. 

The surgery in these cases was simple and effectual. It consisted inthrusting a pin, sometimes two, through the skin which formed the lipsof the wound, and then twisting a piece of thread round and round thepin, passing it first under the head, and then under the point, theresult being that the wound was drawn close, and so retained with a padof thread. This rough treatment generally proved sufficient, and whilethe treatment was in progress the poor animals stood patiently turningtheir great, soft, earnest eyes upon the operator with a mournful lookwhich seemed to say, "Don't hurt me more than you can help. " Sometimes, but these were the exceptions, when instead of the above a stab had tobe attended to, and a plug of flax thrust in, the horse would start, andgive an angry stamp with its hoof, but only to stand patiently again, asif it resigned itself to its master, who must know what was best. 

The general soon gave orders to continue the march, for he knew that thelonger they stayed the stiffer and sorer his force would be; and oncemore the retreat was continued in a south-westerly direction, while, asthe afternoon began to grow old, Samson, after having been very silentfor a long time, turned sharply round. 

"What are you thinking about, Master Fred?"

"I was wondering whether Scarlett Markham will behave as well to mymother as I did to his. "

"He'd better, " said Samson, fiercely. Then, after a pause, "Oh, I don'tfeel afraid about that, sir. He's sure to. You see, he's a gentleman, and there's a deal in being a gentleman. He'll take care of her, neverfear. That's not what I was thinking. "

"What were you thinking, then?" said Fred, anxiously. 

"Well, sir, to speak the plain, downright, honest truth, as a Coombelandman should, whether he be a soldier or a gardener--"

"Yes, yes. Go on. You talk too much, Samson, " said Fred, pettishly, for he was faint and sore. 

"Well, sir, suppose I do. But I aren't neglecting anything, and there'snothing else to do. Seems quite a rest to hear one's self speak. "

"Then speak out, and say what you were thinking. "

"I was thinking, sir, that I wish I was a horse just now. "

"A horse? Why?"

"So as I could have a good fill of water, and keep on taking a bite ofsweet fresh green grass. "

"Why, Samson!"

"Ah, you don't know, Master Fred. I'm that hungry, it wouldn't be safeto trust me anywhere near meat; and not so much as a turnip anywhere, nor a chance to catch a few trout. I wish I could tickle a few; I'd eat'em raw. "

"I'm sorry, Samson, and I haven't a scrap of food with me. "

"No, sir, nor nobody else. You see, we were all out for exercise, andnot on the march, with our wallets full. And that aren't the worst ofit. Master Fred, I could lie down and cry. "

"Because you are so hungry?"

"No, sir; but when I think of what we've left behind at the Hall. Ducks, sir, and chickens; and there was hams. Oh!" groaned Samson, laying his hand just below his heart, "those hams!"

Fred was weak, tired, faint, and low-spirited, but the doleful aspect ofhis henchman was so comic that he burst into a fit of laughter. 

"Well, Master Fred, " said the ex-gardener, letting the reins rest on thehorse's neck, as he involuntarily tightened his belt, "I did thinkbetter of you than to s'pose you'd laugh at other folk's troubles. Thenthere was the cider, too. It wasn't so good as our cider at the Manor, sir, for they hadn't got the apples at the Hall to give it the flavour, spite of old Nat's bragging and boasting; but still, it wasn't so verybad for a thirsty man, though I will say it was too sharp, and some Itasted yesterday told tales. "

"What of, Samson?"

"My lazy, good-for-nothing brother, sir, " said Samson, triumphantly. 

"Told tales of your brother--of Nat?"

"Yes, sir. There was a twang in that cider that said quite aloud, `Dirty barrel, ' and that he hadn't taken the trouble to properly wash itout before it was used; but all the same, though it was half spoiled byhis neglect, I'd give anything for a mugful of it now, and a good bighome-made bread cake. "

"So would I, Samson, " said Fred, smiling. 

"And them enemies with my brother are all riding comfortably back tofeast and sleep; and while we're camping cold and miserable on thehills, they'll all be singing and rejoicing. "

"I hope they are thinking more of the poor wounded fellows they willhave to pick up on their way back. Hallo! Look! Steady there. Halt!"

He passed the word received from the front, for half a mile ahead, onone of the hills, a scout was signalling. 

Fresh men were sent forward, and as the signals evidently meant dangerahead, the general hurriedly took up a position of advantage, one whichgave him the choice of advance or retreat. 

"Dismount!" was the next order, so as to rest the horses as much aspossible. 

"More fighting, " said Samson, in a low, grumbling tone. "Well, if onedon't get enough to eat, one get's enough hard knocks, and I never feltmiserly over them. Look here, Master Fred, are we going to have anotherscrummage?"

"Hush! Yet, I think so. "

"So do I, sir, " said Samson, taking up his belt another hole. "Verywell, then; I'm that hungry, that I'm regularly savage now, and thistime I mean to hit with all my might. "

"Silence, there!" said a deep stern voice, and General Hedley rode alongthe regiment, scrutinising his little force, and waiting the return ofthe men sent out before deciding whether he should make a bold advanceor a cautious retreat. 

The horses took advantage of the halt to begin cropping the tendergrowth around, and as Fred listened and watched the movements of thescouts far away on the hillside, it seemed hard to realise that he wasin the midst of war, for high overhead a lark was singing sweetly, as itcircled round and round, ever rising heavenward; and at his feet therewas the regular tearing sound of the grass. 

These recollections of home and peace came back as, with a look ofboyish pleasure on his face, Samson pointed to the lovely little copperbutterflies flitting here and there, their dotted wings glistening inthe sun. 

"Look at 'em, Master Fred, " he whispered; and then stood with his handupon his horse's withers, the stern man of war once more, as his mastermade a gesture bidding him hold his peace. 

For quite half an hour they stood there by their horses' sides, everyminute being of value in the rest and refreshment it afforded the wearybeasts. 

The scouts could be seen following up, as it were, the movements of someforce hidden by the hills from where the regiment had halted, and bydegrees they began to work over the eminence and disappeared, while thegeneral seemed to be fretting with impatience, till all at once thosenear him heard him utter a low "Hah!" and he gave the order to his mento prepare to mount. 

A thrill ran through the long line of men, and Fred heard his followerutter a low, adjuration to his unwilling steed. 

"Leave off eating, will you? Hold your head up. Who are you, that youare to go on feasting while your master starves?"

The horse looked at him reproachfully, and had to content itself withchewing a few strands of grass off his bit. 

The reason for the general's order was plain enough directly, for theycould see one of the advance men coming back at full gallop down thedistant hill, and long before he could reach them the other scoutsappeared, retiring slowly in two lines, one sitting fast and facing theapproaching force, while the other careered by them, and took up a freshposition in their rear. 

There were only ten men out, at a distance of sixty or seventy yardsapart, but as they drew nearer to their goal their lines contracted, andthis was continued so that they could ride in as a compact little knot. 

Meanwhile the first man came tearing in as fast as his horse could go, and when he was a few hundred yards away, the order was given, and thedismounted men sprang into the saddle. 

"Don't seem to have a bit of fight left in me now, " muttered Samson. "No dinner, and no Nat here to make a man feel savage. Wish I was backat the Manor, digging my bit o' ground. Anybody might fight for me. "

At that moment a fresh order was given, and every man sat stern andready for the advance or retreat, wondering which way they would go, andof what nature the force was, evidently advancing fast. 

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO. 

THE HALL CHANGES MASTERS AGAIN. 

The cheering and triumphant congratulation amongst the Royalist partywas mingled with regret at being unable to crown their little victory bytaking their opponents prisoners to a man. But their horses wereexhausted, and they had the mortification of seeing the little bodyunder General Hedley ride away. 

Then the order to return was given, and a strong party was told off tothe painful duty of picking up the wounded, and bearing them back to theHall. 

Sir Godfrey Markham gave the order that they should be taken there, andScarlett was deputed to see that the work was properly carried out--agruesome task enough; but he was growing used to such scenes, and thefeeling of doing good and affording help to those in need robbed theduty of much of its terrors. 

In this case the task was comparatively light, for there were very fewdead, and of the wounded, fully one-half were able to limp slowly backtoward the Hall, the troops remaining to cover them till they hadreached one of the great barns which was set apart for the temporaryhospital. 

To the credit of all concerned, be it said that, principally due to theaction of Sir Godfrey Markham, who was in command of the two regimentswhich had routed the late occupants of the Hall, the wounded weretreated as wounded men, no distinction being made as to whether theywere Cavalier or Roundhead. 

All this took some time, and at last Scarlett rode up to where hisfather was standing among a group of dismounted officers, whosefollowers were letting their tired steeds crop the grass in the same wayas that practised by their enemies, when one of the outposts camegalloping in with news which sent the Cavaliers once more into theirsaddles, when lines were formed, and Sir Godfrey gave the order toadvance. 

"Could you hear what he said?" whispered Scarlett to Nat, who was closebehind him. 

"Coming back, sir, three times as strong, " whispered Nat. "Meansanother fight. "

The hurried orders and the excitement displayed on the part of theofficers endorsed Nat's words; though, had there been any doubt, thesummons Scarlett had to his father's side cleared it away at once. 

"Listen, my boy, " said the general, as Scarlett cantered up; "the enemyare upon us, and we shall perhaps have to retreat, for, jaded as we are, they will be too much for us. Be cautious, and don't let your men getout of hand through rashness. We must give way as they did to-day. "

"Run, father?"

"No; bend back right to the earth if necessary, so that the rebound maybe the stronger. Now, to your place. "

As Scarlett regained his troop, the young officer over him was talkingloudly to his men. 

"They're not satisfied with the beating they have already had, " he wassaying. "Let's show them now what we can do when we are in earnest. Itwas a mistake to show the rascals mercy this morning. Why, if I hadbeen in command of the men, instead of Sir Godfrey, I would not haveleft two of the rebels together. Now you see the mistake. "

"I have no doubt that my father and Colonel Grey did what was right, "said Scarlett, hotly. 

"And what does a boy like you know about it, sir?" cried the youngofficer, fiercely. "To your place. "

Scarlett felt ready to retort angrily, but he knew his duty, youngsoldier as he was, and resumed his place without a word. 

It was none too soon, for directly after there was a glint of steel overthe edge of one of the undulations of the moor, and seen at the distancethey were, with the western sun shining full upon them, it seemed as ifa long array of armed men was rising from the earth, as first theirhelmets, then their shoulders, breastplates, and soon after the horses'heads appeared, and then more and more, till a line of well-mountedtroops appeared advancing at a walk, while behind them, gradually cominginto view in the same way, a second line could be seen. 

As they approached over the moor, a third line came into view, while, inobedience to their orders, the Cavaliers retired by troops in sloworder, each in turn having the duty of facing the advancing enemy. 

When it came to Scarlett's turn to sit there motionless watching theirapproach, he could not help letting his eyes stray over the moor, everyfoot of which was familiar. Away behind him to the left the groundrapidly descended to the park, with its lake and woods, through which hehad made his way so short a time before. There, hidden by the nobletrees which flourished as soon as the moorland proper, with its blackpeaty soil, was passed, lay the Hall, and a feeling of sadness anddepression came over him as he thought of his home being made the sceneof a bloody fight, and again falling into the enemy's hands. 

"May I speak a word, Master Scarlett?" said a voice behind him, in awhisper. 

"Yes; what is it?" said the young officer, without turning his head. 

"Hit hard, Master Scarlett, and do your best. I don't like killingfolk, and you needn't do that; but do hit hard. "

"For the king, " said Scarlett, thoughtfully. 

"Yes, I suppose so, sir, " said Nat, mournfully; "but I was thinkingabout the old home and my garden. "

"Silence, there!" came in a stern voice from the leader of the troop;and the next instant the trumpet rang out, and they had to face aboutand trot behind the foremost troop of all, leaving another to face thecoming enemy. 

This went on till the slope was reached upon which General Hedley's menhad been going through their evolutions in the morning; and here, infull view of the old Hall, Sir Godfrey Markham and the colonel of theother regiment drew up in a favourable position for receiving the chargewhich seemed to be imminent from the action of the enemy. 

This position would force the Parliamentarians to gallop up a hill, andit was the intention of Sir Godfrey to meet them half-way with the_elan_ given by a rapid descent, when he hoped to give them a severecheck, one which would enable him to either rid himself of his enemiesor give him time to make good his retreat on one of the towns in hisrear, where he hoped to find reinforcements. 

All turned out as he expected, with one exception. The troop in whichScarlett rode was selected by him, naturally enough, to go on in fronton the line of retreat, while the rest of his little force sat fast onthe hill slope, waiting the moment when the enemy were coming up thehill for their own advance to be made. 

The young officer at the head of the little troop of about forty menmuttered angrily at having such a task thrust upon him, but he did hisduty steadily and well, riding slowly on over the moor down toward theManor, which, like the Hall, would be left upon their right. 

As they passed over the top of the hill, Scarlett glanced back to seethat the enemy were evidently about to deliver their charge; and hisheart beat painfully as he felt that he would have to imagine what wouldtake place, and pray that no harm might happen to his father. 

The next minute the long slope with its dotted trees was out of sight, and he was descending steadily, his ears strained to catch the sound ofthe impending shock, as the notes of a trumpet, softened by thedistance, fell upon his ear, and then his heart gave a sudden bound, andseemed to stand still. 

For at that moment their advance guard came galloping back, and beforethey could more than realise their danger, a line of fully a hundred andfifty men wheeled into sight, right in their front, from behind a patchof wood a hundred yards away, and came sweeping down upon them. 

To have retreated would have meant annihilation, and with a ringingcheer the little band dashed down to meet their advancing foes. 

Then, in the midst of the wild excitement, as the moor seemed to quiverbeneath their horses' feet, there was a cheer, a clash of steel, andamidst shouts and the blaring of trumpets, the stronger prevailed overthe weaker, and Scarlett found himself in the midst of a confused groupof his men being driven back upon the main body higher and higher up thehill, till he reached the summit among a scattered party of his ownside, through whose ranks the Puritans were riding furiously. 

One glance showed him where his leaders were, and he made for the spot, fully realising that the Royal force had been driven back by the boldcharge delivered, and then in the midst of the confusion consequentthereon, utterly routed and scattered by the dashing attack on theirrear, while, to fulfil the truth of the adage about misfortunes nevercoming singly, a fresh troop wheeled up on their flank and completed thedownfall. 

"Ah, quick, my boy! Here!" cried a familiar voice, as Scarlett rode up, and a party of about fifty dashed down the slope, headed by Sir Godfrey, and, hotly pursued by a squadron of the enemy, galloped round the headof the lake, leaping the stream and then the low stone wall of the Hallgarden, to take refuge there. 

As they reached this haven, a trumpet sounded a recall, and the pursuingsquadron missed their opportunity of capturing the flying band, while, when they advanced again, it was to find that the horses were wellsecured within the Hall yard, whose stout oaken gates were closed, andthat the old house was garrisoned by a desperate little force ready towithstand a siege. 

"Better than giving up as prisoners, Scar, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey, sadly; "and better than being hunted down. All was over, and it was invain to keep up the fight. It only meant the useless loss of bravemen. "

"Will they attack us here, sir?" said Scarlett. 

"Most likely, and if they do, we'll fight till the very end--fight forour hearth and home, my boy. But there, we must do all we can to makethe place more secure before night comes. "

"Look!" said Scarlett, pointing. 

"Yes, I see, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey, sadly; "completely scattered, and a strong body in pursuit. Ah, they are going to bivouac there, andwe shall have them here directly foraging for food and shelter. Well, cheer up. These are times of reverses. They were here yesterday; it isour turn to-day. "

And without another word, Sir Godfrey went into the hall, to pay thedouble part of commander and host, his words and example soon puttingspirit in the disheartened band. 

"But we shall have to surrender, Sir Godfrey, shall we not, unless wewait till dark, and then take our horses and try to get away?"

"You may depend upon one thing, gentlemen, " said Sir Godfrey, "the enemyare far stronger than we think. Every path will be carefully guarded, our horses are worn-out, and we are safe to be taken. "

"But we cannot defend this place, sir, " said another. 

"Why not? I say, defend it as long as one stone stands upon another. "

"But food--ammunition. "

"Plenty, sir, for a month, " continued the general, "unless all wascarried off by our friends. No fear. Their occupation was too short, and we took them too much by surprise. Why, look there, " he said, pointing to one corner of the hall, "there are enough of their piecesthere to arm us all. What is it to be, gentlemen? Surrender or fight?"

For answer, hats were tossed in the air, and the carved beams of theroof rang with the hearty cheers of the Cavaliers, and the cry of--

"God save the king!"

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE. 

WHAT FRED FOUND IN THE WOOD. 

"Why, Fred, my boy, what a long face. What's the matter?"

For answer, Fred pointed to the trampled garden, the litter in the park, and the desolation visible at the Hall, where window casements had beeneither smashed or taken off, and rough barricades erected; so that whereall had once been so trim and orderly, desolation seemed to reign. 

For the little band of devoted Royalists, under Sir Godfrey Markham, hadoffered a desperate defence to every attempt made by the attackingparty, which for want of infantry and guns, had settled down to the taskof starving them out. 

The prisoners and the wounded from the barn, irrespective of party, hadbeen sent to the nearest town; and as no immediate call was being madeupon his services, and his orders were to wait for reinforcements, so asto render the men under his command something like respectable innumber, General Hedley set himself seriously to the task of cripplingthe Royalist forces, by securing the person of Sir Godfrey Markham, whose influence in the district was very great, and whose prowess as asoldier had worked terrible disaster to the Puritan cause. 

The little siege of the Hall had been going on four days, when ColonelForrester, who had been with the relieving party, found his soncontemplating the ruin. 

"Yes, " he said, "it is bad; but better so than that these Royalistsshould be destroying our home, my boy. "

"Is it, father?" said Fred, doubtingly. 

"Is it, sir? Of course. That is the home of our most deadly enemy, aman who has wrought endless mischief to our cause and country. Why, youdo not sympathise with him?"

"I was not thinking of sympathy, father, but of the happy days ScarMarkham and I used to spend here. "

"Pish! Don't talk like a child, sir. You are growing a man, and youhave your duty to do. "

"Yes, father, and I'm going to try and do it. "

"Of course. That's better, Fred. As to Markham, we are behaving noblyto him by having his wife and daughter at the Manor, and caring for themthere. "

"I don't see much in that, father. "

"What, sir?"

"Men do not make war upon women, and I think it was our duty to protectLady Markham, and I acted accordingly. "

Colonel Forrester turned fiercely upon his son, but checked himself. 

"Humph! Yes. I suppose you were right, Fred. There, we need not arguesuch points as these. Too much to do. "

"Of course, father; but one cannot quite forget the past. "

"No, certainly not. But do your duty to your country, my boy, and leavethe rest. "

"Yes, father, " said Fred; "but are we going to attack the place againsoon?"

"Yes; and this time most vigorously. The nest of hornets must becleared out, eh, Hedley?" he said, as the general came up from the roughtent erected under one of the spreading trees. 

"Of what are you talking?"

"My boy, here, asks me if we are going to attack the Hall again. "

"Yes; if they do not march out by to-night, and give themselves up, Ishall attack, and as I shall send them word, they must expect littlemercy. By the way, Forrester, I want to talk to you. " The pair marchedslowly away, leaving Fred to his contemplation of the Hall and itssurroundings; and he seated himself upon the mossy roots of a huge beechon the slope facing the old red stone building, and gazed eagerly at thedistant figures which appeared at the window openings from time to time, wondering whether either of them was Scarlett, if he was with hisfather, for he was not among the wounded, or whether he had escapedamong the scattered Royalists after that last fierce charge. 

"He is sure to be there, " said the lad to himself, as he sat on therough buttress with his sword across his knees. "Poor old Scar! how Iremember our taking down the swords and fighting, and Sir Godfrey comingand catching us. It seemed a grand thing to have a sword then--muchgrander than it seems now, " he added, as he looked gloomily at theweapon he held. 

He gazed moodily across the lake again, and then thought of his father'swords about his duty to his country; and his young brow grew more andmore wrinkled. 

"Yes, " he said; "I ought to do my duty to my country. Those people canhold us off, and there'll be a desperate fight, and some of our men willbe killed, and nearly all theirs. I could stop it all and make an endof the fight easily enough by doing my duty to my country. But if Idid, I should be sending Sir Godfrey and poor old Scar to prison, perhaps get them killed, because they would fight desperately, and Ishould make Lady Markham and poor little Lil miserable, and be behavinglike a wretch. I don't like doing such duty. "

"Let me see, " continued Fred, as he gazed across the lake, "how should Ido it? Easily enough. Get thirty or forty men, and take them in theold boat across to the mouth of the passage, ten at a time. Whatnonsense! March them after dark round to the wilderness, pull away theboughs, drop down, and thread our way right along the old passage intothe Hall, surprise every one, and the place would be ours. 

"And a nice treacherous thing to do; and I should fail, " he criedjoyously, "for Scar will have given me the credit of planning such athing, and I'll be bound to say he has blocked the place up with stones. 

"No; I couldn't do that, and if ever we meet again as friends, and Scartells me he was sure I should attack them there, and that he guardedagainst it, I'll kick him for thinking me such a dishonourable traitor. "

Fred sat musing still--wondering what the garrison were doing, andfighting hard to keep the thought of the secret passage out of his mind. 

What would his father say if he knew of the secret he was keeping back?and conscience ran him very hard on the score of duty to his country. 

"But, " he said at last, "duty to one's country does not mean beingtreacherous to one's old friends. I'm obliged to fight against them;but I'll fight fairly and openly. I will not, duty to my country or noduty, go crawling through passages to stab them in the dark. "

It was a glorious day, succeeding two during which a western gale hadbeen blowing, drenching the attacking party, and making everythingwretched around; and as Fred lose from where he had been seated andwalked slowly along by the edge of the lake towards its eastern end, thewater, moor, and woodlands looked so lovely that there was a mingledfeeling of joy and misery in the lad's breast. 

He thought of the besieged, then of those who were in all probabilitystill at the Manor, from which duty had kept him absent, even his fatherhaving refrained from going across, though they had had dailyinformation as to Mistress Forrester's welfare. Fred thought then ofhis own position, and all the time he was gazing down into the clearwater, where he could see the bar-sided perch sailing slowly about, andthe great carp and tench heavily wallowing among the lily stems, andsetting the great flat leaves a-quiver as they floated on the surface. Ah, how it all brought back the pleasant old days when he and Scar usedto spend so much time about the water-side!

"I wonder whether he can see me now, " he muttered, as he came up to oneof the little patches of woodland, and stood gazing across the lake atthe ivy and bush-grown bank where the secret passage had its opening. 

"No; I don't suppose Scar would know me at this distance, " he said; andhe took half a dozen steps forward, to be stopped short by the rattle ofarms and a sharp "Halt!"

For the moment Fred thought himself in the presence of one of the enemy, and his hand darted to the hilt of his sword; but he realised directlyafter that it was one of their own men posted there, and he shivered ashe wondered whether the sentry had noted the direction of his gaze. 

"Only taking a stroll round, my man, " said Fred, as he gave thepassword. 

"Not going into the wood, are you, sir?"

"Yes; right on, towards the Hall. "

"Better take care, sir. There are some clever marksmen there, and Ishould get into trouble if you were hurt. "

"Don't be alarmed, " replied Fred, smiling. "I'll take care. "

He pushed on, and the sentinel remained at his hidden post, while, as ifhe found a certain pleasure in revisiting the spots familiar to him inthe boyish adventures with his old companion, Fred wandered listlesslyhere and there, meeting sentry after sentry, posted so that the besiegedshould not have an opportunity of getting away, or sending a messengerin search of help. 

"And all the time, " muttered Fred, "I know how easily a messenger couldbe sent, and help obtained. "

He stopped short at last, with his head in a whirl, wondering whichcourse he ought to pursue, as the thought occurred to him that he shouldbe answerable for the injury to his own party if Scarlett did send forassistance, making use of the passage as a means by which he could avoidthe sentries. 

"But he would not avoid the sentries, for they would catch the messengerall the same, " he cried; "and I am driving myself half crazy aboutnothing, and--What's that?"

He stood listening, for it seemed to him that a low harsh moan had comefrom out of the dark shady woodland near where he stood. 

He listened, but there was no further sound, and then he looked round, puzzled for the moment as to where he was. But he recognised certainfeatures in the dense piece of forest directly after, and found that hehad during his musings wandered in and in among the trees till he was inthe old wilderness, close to the great fallen tree where they had madethe discovery of the broken way into the hole. 

He turned angrily away, for the thought of the secret passage broughtback his mental struggle, as to which course he ought to pursue, andflight being certainly the easiest, he was about to hurry off, when oncemore the low harsh moan smote his ear. 

"Two boughs rubbing together, " he muttered, after listening for arepetition of the sound, recalling the while what peculiarly strangenoises two fretting branches would make. 

"But there's no wind, " he said to himself; and directly after there camethe sharp chirp of a bird, and then the low moan. 

It was so unmistakably a cry of pain, that Fred took a few steps forwardamong the dense bushes, and then looked around. 

There was nothing visible, but he was not surprised, for he was closenow to the hidden hole down which he had fallen when he made his jump, and crushed through part of the touchwood trunk, and everywhere therewas a dense thicket of undergrowth, through which, after another pause, he forced his way. 

Nothing to see--nothing to hear; and he paused again, listeningintently, and bending forward in the direction of the hidden opening, asthe thought struck him that the cry might come from there. 

Still, there was no further sound, and feeling convinced that he had hitupon the true source of the noise, and with a shiver of dread runningthrough him as a dozen terrible suggestions offered themselves inconnection with the sound and with Scarlett, he was about to force hisway to the hole and drag away some of the broken branches which they hadheaped there, and which he could now see were intact, and with the fernsand brambles and ivy growing luxuriantly, when a fresh moan met his ear, evidently from quite another direction. 

It was with a feeling of relief that he turned from the way to thepassage, and forcing his way on for some little distance, he pausedagain, and listened with almost a superstitious dread, for the soundsheard were in the midst of the gloomy wilderness, where the foot of manrarely trod, and appealed strongly to the superstitious part of theyouth's nature. 

In fact, after listening some time, and hearing nothing, theuncomfortable sensation increased, and he began to back away, when thesound was again heard--a harsh, wild, but very subdued cry from quite adifferent direction, thrilling the lad's nerves, and making him turnhastily to flee from the dark precincts. 

For it was like no other sound which he had ever heard. No animal orbird could cry like that. The hedgehog, if shut up in a pit, wouldsometimes utter a wild strange noise, which, heard in the darkness, wasstartling as the shriek or hoot of an owl. But it was none of these, and giving way for the moment to ignorant superstition, Fred began toget out of the wilderness as fast as he could, till he stumbled over abriar stretched right across his way, fell heavily, and as he struggledup again, he heard the cry repeated. 

"Oh, how I wish some one was here to knock me over!" he mutteredangrily. "What a miserable coward I am!"

And now, fully convinced that some unhappy wounded man had crawled intothe thicket to die, he went sharply back to where he had seemed nearestto the sound, and began to search once more. 

It was for some time in vain, and probably he would have had to give upwhat seemed to be a hopeless task, had he not suddenly seen a bramblestrand feebly thrust aside, and the point of a rusty sword directedtoward him. 

He drew his own weapon, and beat the rusty blade away, hacking through afew bramble strands, and there, deep down in a tunnel of strands andboughs, was the ghastly blood-besmeared countenance of a man, withhollow cheeks, sunken eyes, and a look of weakness that stronglyresembled that which, to his sorrow, he had so often seen upon the fieldof battle. 

The wretched man seemed to make an effort to raise his rusty swordagain, but it fell from his grasp, and he lay staring wildly at hisfinder. 

"Who are you? How came you here?" began Fred, involuntarily, though hefelt that he knew; and then, with a cry of surprise and horror, hedropped upon his knees beside the wounded man. "Nat, my poor fellow, "he cried, "is it you?"

The man looked at him wildly for a few moments, as if he were dreaming, before the light of recognition came into his sunken eyes. 

"Master Fred!" he whispered. "You? That's right. Put me out of mymisery at once. "

"Are you wounded?"

"Water--for Heaven's sake, water!"

Fred started up. 

Water? How could he get water?

The lake was close at hand, if he could reach it unseen, for he shrankfrom calling help, which meant condemning the poor fellow to aprisoner's life as soon as he grew better. So, forcing his way along ascautiously as he could, he contrived to reach one of the trees whoseboughs overhung the lake, and taking advantage of the shelter, he laydown upon his chest, grasped a stout hazel, lowered himself to where hecould reach the surface, where he took off his steel morion, dipped itfull, and rose carefully to bear the refreshing fluid to the sufferingman. 

It was not an easy task, for the undergrowth seemed to be more tangledthan ever; but by stepping cautiously, he managed to bear almost everydrop, and kneeling down, he gave the poor fellow a little at a time, anappealing look in the sufferer's eyes seeming to ask for more and more. 

"Can you speak, Nat?" Fred said at last, as the man lay back with hiseyes closed, and without opening them he softly bent his head. 

"Are you wounded?"

"Yes; badly, " came in a faint whisper. 

"You were hurt at the last encounter?"

"Yes, and crawled here. Water!"

Fred administered more, every drop seeming delicious to the fevered lipsof the wounded man. 

Just then Fred remembered that he had a little bread in the wallet athis side; and breaking it up, he soaked a small piece in the water, andplaced it between poor Nat's lips. 

This was eaten, and a few more scraps, the refreshment seeming to revivethe sufferer wonderfully, and he looked up now in Fred's eyes, as hewhispered faintly--

"I was dying of thirst. I hid here--after the fight--and used to crawlat night to my old garden for food. Then I grew too weak. Master Fred, it would have been all over, if you had not come. "

"Thank Heaven! I heard you, " said Fred, giving the poor fellow a fewmore scraps of the moistened bread till he signed to him to cease, andthen he looked up in his benefactor's face with a faint smile on hisparched and cracked lips. 

"Oughtn't you to kill me, Master Fred?" he whispered. 

"Oh, Nat, don't talk like that, my lad! I can't forget the past. "

"Nor can I, Master Fred. But tell me, lad, Master Scarlett? Don't sayhe's dead. "

"No, no; I believe he's alive and well, " cried Fred, eagerly. And hesaw the poor fellow close his eyes and lie back, with his lips moving asif he were in prayer. 

But he opened them again, and looked round wildly, as if he wereslightly delirious, but as his eyes rested on Fred's face he grew calm, his lips parted, and he looked earnestly at him who was playing the goodSamaritan where he lay. 

"Ah, that seems to put life in me!" he sighed; "but you'll get introuble, Master Fred, for helping such a one as me. We're enemies, don't you see?"

"Wounded men cease to be enemies, Nat, " said Fred, bluntly, "so don'ttalk about that. You were separated from your master?"

"Yes, sir, with a sword. I don't know whose it was; but it went throughmy shoulder and laid open my head. "

"Ah, well, don't talk. Drink a little more water, and I'll go and bringsome men with a litter to fetch you away, and you shall be tendedcarefully; rest assured of that. "

"No, no, Master Fred; let me bide here. How do I know but what MasterScar will come looking for me with some of our lads. I've beenexpecting them every minute, ever since I crawled in among the bushes;but it seemed a long time, and no one came, and no one--"

He ceased speaking, and lay back fainting. 

Fred sprinkled and bathed his face for a few minutes, and then becomingalarmed at the poor fellow's long-continued swooning, he was about toget up and run for help, when Nat slowly opened his eyes again and hislips moved. 

"Where's that Samson?" he whispered faintly. 

"With my regiment. "

"Not hurt badly like me, is he, Master Fred?"

"No; he has escaped wonderfully. "

"I'm glad of that, sir, because I shouldn't like for anybody else togive him his lesson. That's to be my job, as soon as I get better. I'mgoing to take him in hand, Master Fred, and weed him. He's full o'rubbish, and I'm going to make him a better man. A villain! fightingagain his own brother. "

"There, Nat, drink a little more water, and eat some of this cake, andthen I'll go and get help to have you carried up to camp. "

"What? A prisoner? No, Master Fred. Sooner die where I am, than letthat Samson see me like this, and jump upon me. "

"Nonsense! Samson's a good fellow at heart, and as soon as he sees youin trouble, he'll be only too glad to help you. "

"Not he, sir; he's my born enemy. "

"He's your brother, and I shall send him, for one, to fetch you. "

"No, Master Fred, don't; don't, pray don't, sir. Let me lie here. Idon't feel the cold and wet much, and if you'd come once a day and bringme a bit o' bread and a drop o' water, I shall soon get well. Don'thave me made a prisoner, sir. "

"But I can't leave you helpless, and--"

He was about to add dying, but he checked himself. 

"And free, Master Fred? Why not? You let me alone, sir. You've savedme this time, for I was going to die to-night. Now I'm going to live. Rather strange for enemies, sir, isn't it? Hark!"

Fred was already listening to a trumpet call, and springing to his feet, he prepared to go. 

"I shall send a litter for you to be borne up to camp, " he said. 

"No, Master Fred, please. I'm a poor helpless thing now, not strongenough to lift a spade, but if you leave me the rest of that bread, Ishall do; and if you can come and look at me once or twice, that will beall I shall want. But, Heaven bless you, sir! don't have me made aprisoner. "

"Well, Nat, I shall leave you to-night, as it's going to be fine. Butlet me look at your wounds. "

"No, sir, let them bide. I did all I could to them. Come backto-morrow, sir, and if I ain't better then, you may talk of sending meaway a prisoner, with my brother Samson to stand and sneer because I amso weak. "

A second trumpet call rang out, and, unable to stay longer, Fred hurriedback into the open, and made his way over to the little camp, askinghimself whether he had not better disregard the poor wounded man'sprayers, and have him fetched out, always coming back to the conclusionthat he would at all events leave him for another day, when he wouldtake him an ample store of provision, if possible, and decide then as tohis future course. 

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR. 

A VAIN APPEAL. 

That same night, an officer was sent with a flag of truce to the Hall, and bearing a summons to surrender. 

To his intense delight at first, and intense sorrow afterwards, Fredfound that it was to be his duty to bear the flag and the message to theofficer in command of the little garrison. 

He received his instructions and a despatch to Sir Godfrey Markham, andcarrying a small white flag, and preceded by a trumpeter, he rode slowlythrough the evening mist, which was rising from the lake and the lowmeadows down by the stream, till he reached the path leading up to theHall garden, where he stopped short, gave the order, and the man blew acheery call, which echoed and re-echoed from the red stone walls. 

Then, riding forward with his white flag well displayed, he advancedboldly to the front of the barricaded porch. 

For a few minutes he sat there gazing up at the front, and wonderingthat no heed was paid to his coming. So still was everything, that itseemed as if the Hall had been deserted, till, happening to glance tohis left, he caught sight of a dark eye at one of the windows, anddirectly after he realised that this eye was glancing along a heavypiece, the owner taking careful aim at him as if about to fire. 

It was impossible under the circumstances to avoid a feeling oftrepidation; but second thoughts came to whisper to him as it were--

"You are under a flag of truce--an ambassador, and sacred. "

"But he might be ignorant, and fire, " thought Fred, as he glanced to hisright, where, to his horror, he saw a second man taking aim at him, andapparently only waiting the word. 

Fred's first thought was that he ought to clap spurs to his horse, wheelround suddenly so as to disorder the men's aim, and gallop back for hislife. 

"And then, " he said to himself, "how should I dare face the general andmy father?"

Drawing a long breath, he sat firm, and then fighting hard to keep downhis trepidation, he turned his head, and called to his follower, biddinghim summon the garrison once more. 

The man raised his trumpet to his lips, and blew another call, fallingback again at a sign from the flag-bearer, and though he would not showthat he knew of their presence, a glance to right and left told Fredthat the two men were taking aim at him still. 

"They dare not fire. They dare not!" he said to himself, as he satfast; and directly after a group of showily dressed Cavaliers appearedat the large open window above the broad porch. 

He could see that Sir Godfrey Markham was in the centre, with a tallfair man with a pointed beard on one side, a grey dark man on the other, and half behind him stood Scarlett, with some dozen more. 

"Well, sir, " said Sir Godfrey, sternly, and speaking as if he had neverseen the messenger before, "what is your business?"

"I am the bearer of a despatch, sir, " replied Fred, "for the chiefofficer here. "

"That will be you, sir, " said Sir Godfrey to the gentleman on his right. "Well, boy, pass the letter here. "

"How, sir?"

"Put it on the point of your pike, and pass it up. "

Fred did as he was bidden, and sticking the folded missive on the pointof the pike which carried the white flag, he held it up, and it wastaken. 

"You had better retire while it is read, " said Sir Godfrey, contemptuously. "I see there are two of our men paying attention toyou. Rein back, if you are afraid. "

It was a hard struggle, for with those two fierce-looking trooperswatching him along the barrels of their pieces, Fred's inclination wasstill to turn and gallop away as fast as his horse would go. 

But at that moment he raised his eyes, and could see that Scarlett waslooking down at him, as if to watch the effect of Sir Godfrey's words. 

This look seemed to stiffen him, and he sat perfectly erect upon hishorse, with the pike-shaft resting upon his toe, as he told himself thathe hoped if the men fired they would miss; that before he would runaway, with Scar Markham to laugh at his flight, they might riddle himwith bullets through and through. 

"Well, sir, " said Sir Godfrey, half mockingly, "are you going toretire?"

"I am under a flag of truce, Sir Godfrey, " said Fred, quietly. "Ithought the Royalist party were gentlemen, and knew the meaning of sucha sign. "

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the tall Cavalier by the general's side. "That'sa good sharp retort for you, Markham. Well done, youngster! Don't beafraid. "

"I am not, " said Fred, stoutly; but at the same time he said to himself, "Oh, what a horrible lie, when I'm all of a cold shiver. "

"I didn't quite mean afraid, " said the tall officer, laughing, "I meantto say that no one here shall harm you, my young ambassador. But lookhere, how comes it that you, who are evidently a gentleman, are takingsides with that beggarly scum of tatterdemalions who have taken up armsagainst their sovereign?"

"Look here, sir, " said Fred, "is this meant for flattery or insult?"

"Neither one nor the other, young ferocity, " said the Cavalier, laughing. "But don't look like that; you alarm me. Here, youngMarkham, you had better come and deal with this pernicious enemy; he istoo much for me. "

But Scarlett did not move, and Fred drew a deep breath, as he preparedfor the next verbal encounter, for the fair Cavalier was leaningcarelessly out of the window, and looking down at him till, as iffascinated by his look, and after a long struggle to keep his gaze fixedon the stonework upon a level with his nose, Fred raised his eyes, andfound that the Cavalier was regarding him with a pleasant, friendlysmile. 

"I did not mean to affront you, " he said; "I only thought it a pity thatsuch a stout lad as you should be on the opposite side. "

"Thank you, " said Fred, haughtily. 

"I suppose we are enemies, are we not!"

Fred nodded. 

"And next time we meet you will be trying to send the point of yoursword through me, or to ride me down, eh?"

"I suppose I shall try, " said Fred, smiling in spite of himself, andshowing his white teeth. 

"Ah, it's a pity. You're going wrong way, young man. Better come inhere, and fight for the king. "

"Better stand up manfully for my own side, and not be a traitor, "retorted Fred, hotly. "How dare you, standing there in safety, keep onthis wretched temptation?"

"Wounds and wonder!" cried the Cavalier, "what a fire-eater it is. Here, I don't wonder that we are shut up helplessly here. I say, Roundhead, will you have a glass of wine?"

"Keep your wine, " said Fred. "I've come on business, not to talk anddrink. "

At that moment, Sir Godfrey spoke to those about him, drawing back fromthe window, and the conversational Cavalier followed, leaving Fredsitting stiff and fretful, with all his moral quills set up, the morefull of offence that he believed Scarlett was still watching him. 

As he sat there, assuming the most utter indifference, and gazing with asolidity that was statuesque straight before him, he could hear a loudbuzzing of voices, following the firm deep tones of Sir Godfrey Markham, who had evidently been laying the contents of the message before hiscompanion. 

"Will they surrender?" thought Fred. "I hope they will. They aredebating the question. It would be a relief; and Scarlett Markham andI--no, Scar and I, " he said, mentally correcting himself--"might perhapsbe together again. If he would promise not to take up arms, I dare saymy father and General Hedley would let him off from being a prisoner ifI asked, and he could go with me to where poor Nat lies out in the wood, and look after him. "

"Huzza! God save the king!"

The shout and words came so suddenly that the little horse Fred rodestarted and reared, and he was in the act of quieting it down, feelingthe while that his ambassage had been in vain, when the party defendingthe Hall reappeared at the window. 

"Youngster!" began Sir Godfrey, in a stern deep voice which annoyedFred. 

"When he knows me as well as he does his own son!"

"Ride back, and tell your leaders that I have laid the contents of theirletter before the gallant gentlemen who are my companions here. "

There was a buzz, and an attempt at cheering, which ceased as SirGodfrey went on. 

"They all join heart and soul with me in the determination to hold myhome here in the name of his majesty the king, so long as there is aroof above us and a piece of wall to act as shelter, to help us keepyour rascally rebellious cut-throats out of the place. "

Fred felt all of a tingle, and his eyes flamed as he gazed up defiantlyat the speaker. 

"Tell your leaders that if they will at once lay down their arms andreturn to their homes, they shall be allowed to do so in peace. "

"Huzza!" came from within. 

"But if they still keep in arms against his majesty, they must expect nomercy. Once more. Tell your leaders that we treat their proposal withthe contempt it deserves. "

"As we shall treat your silly proposition, sir, " said Fred, quite losinghis temper at being made the bearer of such an absurd defiance from alittle knot of men, completely surrounded as they were. "Am I to fullyunderstand that you are obstinate enough to say you will hold out?"

"Look here, insolent boy, " said Sir Godfrey, sternly, "you are safe--your character of messenger makes you so--but if you stay where you arein front of this my doorstep another five minutes, one of the men shallbeat you away with a staff. Go!"

Fred turned white, then red, and he felt the bitterness of the general'swords the more keenly from having forgotten himself and departed fromhis neutral position of messenger to speak as he had. He wanted to saysomething angry that should show Sir Godfrey and his companions, andabove all, Scarlett, that he was obliged to go, but that it was onaccount of his duty, and not that he feared the man with the staff. Butsuitable words would not come, and, bubbling over with impotent wrathand annoyance, he touched his horse's flanks with the spurs, turned asslowly and deliberately as he could, and began to move away, but only toface round fiercely as the tall Cavalier at the window saidbanteringly--

"Good-bye, young game-cock. "

There was a roar of laughter from the careless party looking on. 

"You coward!"

"Not I, my lad, " came back in cheery tones. "I was only joking. Good-bye, and good luck go with you, though you are a Roundhead. Thinkbetter of it; let your hair grow, and then come and ask for Harry Grey. I shall have a regiment again some day, and I shall be proud to have youat my side. "

The words were so frankly and honestly said that Fred's eyes brightened, and passing the pike-shaft into his bridle hand, he raised his steel capto the Cavalier, replaced it, and rode off, while the Royalist officerturned to Scarlett. 

"As frank and sturdy a boy as I have ever met, excepting you, ScarlettMarkham, of course, " he added, as merrily as if there were no dangernear. 

"Yes, he's as true as steel, " said Scarlett, flushing. "He always was. "

"You know him?"

"It's Fred Forrester, Colonel Forrester's son, from the Manor. We werecompanions till the war broke out. "

"Three cheers for bonnie Coombeland and its boys, " said the Cavalier. "Why, Scarlett, my lad, we shall have to get him away from thesewretched rebels. Can't it be done?"

"No, " said Scarlett, gravely. "Fred is too staunch and true. "

And staunchly enough, Fred, with his trumpeter behind, was riding backto camp with his message, which he delivered to General Hedley and hisfather. 

There was a pause after he had done, and the general sat gazing straightbefore him. 

"Well, Forrester, " he said at last, "I have done my duty so far, and Imust go on. We cannot leave this little nest of hornets in our rear toact as a point to which other insects will gather for the destruction ofthose who are fighting for their homes. It is of no use to give themtime. "

"No, " said Colonel Forrester, sternly. "I agree with you. They mustfall, or be taken to a man. "

"And their blood be upon their own heads. "

"Amen, " said Colonel Forrester, in a deep voice; and as Fred glanced athim he saw that he was very pale, while a cold chill of dread ranthrough the lad's veins as, in imagination, he seemed to see stout, handsome Sir Godfrey Markham borne down by numbers, with Scarlett makingfrantic efforts to save him; and then all seemed to be dark--a darknesswhich hung over his spirit, so that he led his horse mechanically to theimprovised stabling beneath the trees, seeing nothing, hearing nothing, till a voice said--

"No, no, Master Fred, I'll see to your horse;" and he turned and foundSamson there, and this set him thinking about poor Nat lying helpless inthe wood. 

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE. 

SAMSON VISITS HIS BROTHER. 

No orders were given for attack that night, and Fred went to the roughshelter that served him for tent, to lie down, but not to sleep, for histhoughts were either at the Manor, which was to him as if it were ahundred miles away; at the Hall, where he knew that the little Royalistparty were doing everything to resist the impending attack; or in thegloomy old patch of ancient forest they called the wilderness, wherepoor Nat lay helpless, and very little removed from death. 

"I can't sleep, " said Fred, at last, as he rose from his bed, whichconsisted of a pile of heather, over which his horseman's cloak wasthrown, and impetuously hurrying out, he stood gazing up at the brightstars, with the cool moist wind from the north-west bearing to his hotcheeks the freshness of the sea. 

"Perhaps dying, " he said to himself at last. "I can't lie therethinking about it. I will go, at all costs, and he shall go with me. "

He stepped back into his rough tent, buckled on his sword, threw thestrap of a wallet over his head, and then took the remainder of hisevening meal and a small flask, which he placed in the wallet. Thisdone, he paused for a few moments, and then sought a scarf and a coupleof handkerchiefs, which he also thrust into the wallet. 

The next minute he was groping his way toward the place in a thick grovewhere the horses were picketed; and he had not far to look, on reachinghis own, before finding Samson curled up in a half-sitting, half-lyingposition between the mossy buttresses formed by the roots of a hugebeech. 

Stooping down, he seized his henchman's shoulder, and shook him, butonly elicited a grunt. 

He shook him again, but though his act was more vigorous, it onlyelicited a fresh series of grunts. 

"You idle pig!" cried Fred, angrily, as he administered a kick; "getup!"

_Snore_!

A long-drawn, deep-toned snore. 

"Samson! I want you. " No response. Samson's senses were so deeplysteeped in sleep that nothing seemed to rouse him. 

"I wish I had a pin, " muttered Fred, as he kicked and shook again, without effect. "And there isn't a thorn anywhere near. Spurs!" heexclaimed. "No, " he added in a disappointed tone--"too blunt. There'sno water to rouse him nearer than the lake; and if there was, it wouldbe too bad to let him go about drenched. What shall I do? Samson, getup; I want you. I'll prick you with my sword, if you don't wake up. "

"Tell him the enemy's here, sir, " said a sleepy man lying close by. 

"Wouldn't wake him, if he did, " grumbled another. 

The men's remarks suggested an idea which made Fred smile, as he wentdown on one knee, placed his lips close to Samson's ear, and whispered--

"Well, I wouldn't let him meddle with my garden. Your brother Nat. "

That one word, "Nat, " seemed to run echoing through all the convolutionsof Samson Dee's brain, and he started up at once, full of eagerness andthoroughly awakened, as if by a magic touch. 

"Nat?" he said. "Who spoke of Nat? Here, where is he?"

"Are you awake?"

"Awake, sir? Yes, sir. I was dreaming about my brother Nat coming andinterfering with our garden. Beg pardon, Master Fred, but I was deadasleep. Want me, sir? Your horse?"

"I want you to come with me. "

"Yes, sir, of course, " cried Samson, "Ready in a minute. "

He was ready in less, for all the dressing he had to do consisted inbuckling on the sword, which hung from a knot in the beech-tree, andsticking on his steel cap. 

"Don't ask questions, Samson, but come along. "

Fred led the way out of the camp and down by the lake, which he skirtedtill he had passed round the extreme end, when, to Samson'sastonishment, Fred struck out straight for the wilderness. 

"We going to surprise them up at the Hall, sir, and take it all byourselves?" Samson whispered at last, for he could contain himself nolonger. 

"No; I am going to surprise you, Samson, " was the reply, in a lowwhisper, as they went on, their way lying between two lines ofsentinels, the outposts being posted further away, and those who hemmedin the little garrison being run right up as near as possible to theHall, so as to guard against any sally or attempt at evasion. 

"Nothing won't surprise me now, " muttered Samson, as he tramped onslowly behind his leader in a very ill humour, which he did not display, for it was not pleasant for a heavy sleeper to be roused from his rest. "But it don't matter. I'm about ready for anything now. Why, what's hegoing to do up in the old wilderness? Oh, I know; after rabbits. Well, that's better. A biled rabbit for dinner to-morrow, and a bit o' bacon, will be like a blessing to a hungry man. Heigh--ho! ha--hum! how sleepyI do feel. "

"Hist!"

"Right, Master Fred. "

"There are sentinels a hundred yards to the right, and a hundred yardsto the left, " whispered Fred, in his companion's ear. 

"Which as you haven't measured it, sir, you don't know, " said Samson tohimself. But replying in a whisper, he said, "Yes, Master Fred, but youdidn't fetch me out of bed to tell me that. "

"No; I tell you now, to keep you from yawning like the Silcombe bull. "

"Well, I couldn't help it, sir; but I won't do so no more. "

"Keep close behind me, tread softly, and as soon as we get up to thewilderness move every bough as carefully as you can. "

"Rabbits, sir?"

"No, no. Silence! Follow me. "

"'Course I'll follow him; but what's he going after? Well, I aren'tsurprised. Nothing surprises me now that the place is turned upsidedown. I don't believe I should feel surprised if my brother Nat was towant to shake hands, though that would be a startler. "

Samson went on musing after his fashion, as he kept close to Fred'sheels, and they went quickly and silently on over the soft wet grass, till a great black patch began to loom over them, grew more dark, andthen, after a few moments' hesitation and trying to right and left, Fredplunged in, to force his way as carefully as possible, but making veryslow progress toward the spot he sought, for to a great extent it wasguess-work in the utter blackness which reigned around. 

"I say, Master Fred?" whispered Samson, as a pause was made. 

"Yes. "

"You said something just now about the Silcombe bull. "

"Well?"

"I wish he was here. "

"Why?"

"So as to go first and make a way. I'm getting scratched all to bits. "

"I think we are right. Come along. "

"Come along it is, sir; but I'm getting so thirsty. "

They went on for a few minutes more, and then Samson uttered anexclamation. 

"Hush!" whispered Fred. 

"But didn't you hear that, sir? It's the guytrash. "

"Here, this way, " whispered Fred. "I can find the place now. "

"No, no, dear lad, don't go near it, " said Samson, under his breath. "You never know what may happen, if you go near it. Don't, pray don'tgo. "

Samson emphasised his appeal by holding tightly to his young master'sjerkin, impeding his movements to such an extent that Fred turned uponhim fiercely. 

"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, " he said, "with your guytrashesand goblins, and witches and nonsense. "

"What, sir! Why, didn't you hear it moan yonder?"

"I heard a sigh. "

"Well, sir, that was the guytrash calling to you to come, so as to gethold of you; and if it did I should never see you again. "

"Not if it keeps as dark as this, you stupid old grub. I know what madethat sound. Come along. "

"What, are you going to risk it, sir, in spite of all I said?"

"Yes; I am going on there. "

"Very well, sir. I didn't want to die like this in the dark, and Idon't know whether weapons is of any use against things like that; butI'll stand by you, Master Fred, to the end. "

As he spoke, there was a faint grating sound which attracted Fred'sattention. 

"Were you drawing your sword?" he whispered. 

"Yes, sir. "

"What for?"

"To cut the guytrash down, if I can. "

"Put it away, " whispered Fred, angrily. "What you have come to seewants no cutting down. It's a wounded man. "

"Oh!" ejaculated Samson, as he thrust his sword back into its sheath. "Why didn't you say so sooner, Master Fred?"

"This way--this way, " came back to him, accompanied by the rustling ofbranches and the sharp tearing noise made by thorns. "Yes; here weare. "

Samson followed closely, with his arms outstretched, and in a minute ortwo he heard a sound which made him bend down to feel that Fred waskneeling, and the next moment talking to some one prostrate there in thedarkness. 

"Well, how are you?"

"Is that you, Master Fred?" came in a husky whisper, which made Samsonstart. 

"Yes; I've brought you some bread and wine. How are the wounds?"

"Don't give me much pain, sir, now. "

"Master Fred. "

"Well?"

"Who's that?"

"Can't you hear, Samson? Your brother Nat. "

There was utter silence for a minute, during which it seamed as ifSamson was holding his breath, for at the end of that pause, he gavevent to a low hissing sound, which continued till it seemed wonderfulthat the man should have been able to retain so much air. 

"Drink some of this, " Samson heard Fred whisper; and there was thepeculiar gurgling sound as of liquid escaping from a bottle, followed byanother whisper bidding the sufferer eat. 

"Look here, Master Fred, " said Samson, as soon as he had sufficientlyrecovered from his surprise to speak. 

"What is it?"

"Do you know who it is you're talking to there in the dark?"

"Yes; your brother Nat. "

Samson remained silent and motionless as one of the trees for a minute. Then he caught Fred by the shoulder. 

"What is it, Samson? Do you hear any one?"

"No, sir; I was only thinking about what I ought to do now. Just standaside, and let me come. "

"What for?"

"Well, sir, that's what I don't know. Ought I to--? You see, he's anenemy. "

"Samson, we can't leave him here, poor fellow! He may die for want ofattention. "

"Well, sir, then there'd be one enemy the less. "

"Yes. Shall we leave him to die?"

"No, sir; that we won't, " said Samson, severely. "We've got to make himprisoner, taking him up to my quarters, let the doctor make him well, and then I've got to spend an hour with him, just to set him to rightsand pay him all I owe. Here, you sir, do you know who I am?"

"Yes, " said the wounded man, feebly. 

"Then look here; you've got to come on my back, and I'm going to carryyou up to the camp. "

"Master Fred. "

"Yes, my lad. "

"Don't let him touch me, " whispered Nat. "I couldn't bear to be moved, sir. "

"Not if we carried you gently?"

"No, sir; I feel as if it would kill me. If you could leave me somebread, sir, and some water, and let me alone, I should get well in time. I'm only doing what the dogs do, sir, when they're hurt. I've crawledinto a hole, sir, and I shall either die or get well, just the same asthey do. "

Fred refused to be convinced, but on trying to raise the poor fellow heseemed to inflict so much agony that he gave up, and felt disposed toreturn to his first ideas of coming to see the poor fellow from time totime, and giving him food. 

"Better, after all, Samson, " he said. 

"What, leaving him, sir?"

"Yes. You do not want to see him a prisoner?"

"I don't want to see him at all, sir. He has disgraced his family byfighting against his brother. Did you bring anything to cover him up, sir?"

"No, Samson, I did not think of that. "

"Well, sir, you mustn't let him die, " muttered Samson; and there was apeculiar rasping sound. 

"What are you doing?"

"Only getting off my leather coat, sir. Lay that over him. It may rainagain any time, and he might be getting cold. "

Fred caught the coat, laid it gently over the wounded man, and he was inthe act of bending down to hear what he whispered by way of thanks, whenthere was a sharp report close at hand. 

"Quick! An attack, " said Fred, excitedly; and the next moment he andSamson were struggling out of the wilderness, just as shot after shotran along the line, as the alarm spread, and directly after theear-piercing call rang out on the clear night air, and was echoed againand again among the distant hills. 

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX. 

COLONEL FORRESTER IS NOT ANGRY. 

It was no easy task to run the gauntlet of the sentinels, now that thealarm had spread, for they were falling back upon the camp, and twiceover Fred was challenged, and had to run the risk of a bullet; butpartly by knowing the ground far better than those who challenged, andpartly from the darkness, the pair succeeded in reaching the littlecamp, to find all in commotion, horses saddled, men ready to mount, andan intense desire existent to know from which side to expect the attack. 

After a time the hurry and excitement quieted down, for after scouts andpatrols had done their work, the whole alarm was traced to one of thesentinels, who had heard whispering in the wood near which he wasstationed, and had fired at once, his nearest fellow having taken up thesignal, fired, and slowly fallen back. 

"Better too much on the _qui vive_ than too drowsy, " said the general, at last, good-humouredly. "I was afraid, Forrester, it was an attempton the part of the enemy to escape. "

"And we could clear it all up with a word, Samson, " said Fred, who wasfull of self-reproach. 

"But don't you speak it, Master Fred, " whispered Samson, who hadcontrived to get another jerkin. "If you tell, they'll go down to thewood, and find that brother of mine, and bring him in, and here he'll belying in clover, and doctored up, and enjoying himself, while poor weare slaving about in sunshine and rain, and often not getting anythingto eat, or a rag to cover us. "

"I shall not speak, Samson, for there was no harm done, " said Fred, quietly; "but I wonder at your covering your enemy from the cold. "

"Needn't wonder, sir. Didn't I always cover my tender plants from thecold? It wasn't because I liked them, but so as they'd be usefulby-and-by. My brother Nat will be useful by-and-by. I want him. Ishall give him such a lesson one of these days as shall make him ashamedof himself. "

A trumpet rang out again on the night air, and men dismounted, picketedtheir horses once more, and some lay down to snatch a few hours' rest, while others sat together talking and asking one another questions aboutthe attack they foresaw would most probably take place that day, for thenight was waning, and they knew that before long the dawn would beshowing in the east, and that it would be morn; while, in spite ofplenty of sturdy courage and indifference to danger, there were menthere who could not refrain from asking themselves whether they wouldlive to see the next day. 

It was somewhere about sunrise when Fred fell asleep, to dream of beingin the dense thicket, carrying Nat, the Hall gardener, on his back tothe hole broken through into the secret passage, where he threw himdown, and covered him up with bushes to be out of the way till he gotbetter; but, as fast as he threw him down, he came back again, rebounding like a bladder, till Samson came to his help, drew his sword, and pricked him, when he sank down to the bottom and lay still. ThenScarlett seemed to come out of the hole and reproach him for being acoward and a rebel, seizing him at last and shaking him severely, andall the while, though he struggled hard, he could not free himself fromhis grasp. So tight was his hold that he felt helpless and halfstrangled, the painful sensation of inability to move increasing till heseemed to make one terrible effort, seized the hands which held him, looked fiercely in his assailant's eyes, and exclaimed, "Coward, yourself!"

"Well, sir, dare say I am, " was the reply; "but what can you expect of aman when you take him out of his garden and make a soldier of him all atonce. "

"Samson!"

"Yes, sir. Breakfast's ready, sir, such as it is. What's the matterwith you? I never had such a job to waken you before. "

"I--I was very sound asleep, " stammered Fred, rising hastily. "Did--didI say anything?"

"Pitched an ugly word at my head about not being so brave as you thoughtI ought to be, that's all. "

"Don't take any notice of what I said, I must have been dreaming. "

"That's what I often wake up and feel I've been doing, " said Samson. "Ioften don't know whether I'm on my head or my heels; it seems sostrange. Wonder how that Nat is. He always gets the best of it. Lyingthere with nothing to do. Just his way, sir, curling himself up snug, and letting other people do his work. There you are, sir, bucket ofclean water from the lake. Have a good wash, and you'll feel like a newman. What a difference it must make to you, sir, dressing yourself outhere, after having your comfortable room at home, and you so near it, too. Why, sir, the colonel might have told you to go home to sleep. Say, sir!"

"Well?" said Fred, taking his head out of the bucket of clear coldwater, and feeling afterwards, as he rubbed himself dry, that new lifewas running through his veins. 

"Wouldn't it be nice for you to run down to the Manor to breakfast, sir, and bring back a few decent things to eat? I wouldn't mind coming withyou and carrying the basket. "

Fred looked hard at Samson, whose face was perfectly stolid for a fewmoments; but a little ripple gradually spread over his left cheek, andincreased till it was a broad grin. 

"Well, sir, you see it is so tempting. I'd give anything for a bowl ofnew warm milk. When are we going to have a good forage again, so as wemight catch some chickens and ducks or a young pig?"

"I'm afraid there'll be other work on hand to-day, Samson, " repliedFred, sadly, as he glanced in the direction of the Hall. "There, takeaway that bucket. "

"Yes, sir. Done you good, hasn't it? and you can dry your head. Puzzlesome of them long-haired chaps to get theirs dry. "

Samson went off with his young master's simple toilet arrangements, andFred joined his brother-officers in their frugal meal, after which hespent the morning in a state of indecision. 

"I will do it, " he said, when afternoon had come; and, giving hissword-belt a hitch, and thrusting his morion a little on one side, hebegan striding forward, planting his boots down heavily on the softheather, in which his great spurs kept catching till he at last nearlyfell headlong. 

Recovering himself, he went on, hand upon hip, and beating his glovesupon his thigh, till he came to where Colonel Forrester was slowlypacing up and down, with his hands clasped behind his back. 

As Fred drew nearer, an orderly came up to the colonel, and presented aletter, which brought the lad to a standstill. He had been having along struggle with self, and had mastered his shrinking, but he was sonear the balance of vacillation still, that he felt glad of the excuseto hang back, and walked aside, feeling like one who has been reprieved. 

"How do I know what he will say?" thought Fred, glancing back at hisfather's stern, wrinkled countenance as he read his despatch. "It isn'tlike the old days, though I used sometimes to feel shrinking enoughthen. It is not between father and son, but between colonel and one ofhis followers. "

Fred felt as if he would like to walk right off; but there were those atthe Hall occupying his thoughts, and he made an effort over his moralcowardice and stopped short, meaning to go to his father as soon as themessenger had left. 

He had not long to wait, for the orderly saluted and rode off, but therewas something else now to check him. His father looked so very severe, and as if there was something very important on his mind. 

"I have chosen a bad time, " thought Fred. "I'll go away and wait. "

"No, no, " he said, half aloud; "how can I be so foolish? I will go upand speak to him like a man. It is mean and cowardly to hang back. "

He stepped toward the colonel again, but there was another reprieve forhim, the general riding up; and for the next quarter of an hour the twoofficers were in earnest converse. 

"Yes, " said Fred; "I have chosen a bad time. I'll go. "

But he did not stir, for at the same moment he felt that the generalmight be planning with his father that which he sought to prevent. 

"I'll go and speak now they are together, " he said to himself, desperately. "General Hedley likes me, I think, and he could not bevery cross. "

"No, I dare not, " he muttered; and he paced to and fro again till thegeneral touched his horse's flanks, and rode slowly away, ColonelForrester following him thoughtfully for some distance, till in a fit ofdesperation Fred hurried to his side. 

"Want me, my boy?" said the colonel, gravely. 

"Yes, father. I want to ask you something. "

"Yes; go on. I am very much occupied just now. "

Fred looked at him piteously, his words upon his lips, but refusing tobe spoken. 

"Well, my boy, what is it? Are you in some great trouble?"

The words came in so much more kindly a tone, that Fred made a steptoward his father, and the barrier of discipline gave way, and it seemedto be no longer the stern officer but the father of the old Manor housedays he was longing to address. 

"Well, my boy, what is the trouble?" said Colonel Forrester, kindly. 

"It is about--"

Fred did not finish his sentence, but pointed across the lake. 

"Ah, yes, about the Hall!" said the colonel, with a sigh. "Well, myboy, what do you wish to say?"

"Are they keeping to what was in Sir Godfrey's message, father?"

"Yes, my boy, " sternly. 

"But don't you think they could be persuaded to surrender?"

"Yes, Fred. "

"Oh, father, I am glad, " cried the boy, joyously. 

"Yes, persuaded, " continued Colonel Forrester, in measured tones, "withsword and gun, not till they are utterly helpless. Then they may. "

"Oh, father!"

"Yes, my boy; it is very sad, but they will not see that their case isdesperate. "

"Is the attack to be made to-day, father?"

"I am not the general in command, my boy. That is a matter for anotherto decide. "

"Yes; but you know, father, and you can trust me. "

"Of course I can, Fred, and I will. Yes; the attack is to be madedirectly. "

"And will it succeed?"

"It must. It shall. No. I will not interfere, " he added to himself amoment later. 

"And you, father?" said Fred, anxiously. 

"Well, my boy, what of me?"

"You--Oh, father. Must I speak out. Don't be angry with me. I have noright to say such things to you, but I always looked upon Scar Markhamas a brother, and they always treated me at the Hall as if I was a son;and it does seem so terrible for you to be going up at the head of armedmen to attack our dear old friends. "

Colonel Forrester stood with his brow knit. 

"You are angry with me, father; but I can't help speaking. I say itseems so terrible. You ought not to do this thing. "

Fred's hesitation had gone. He had taken the plunge, and now he feltdesperate, and ready to speak on to the end. He gazed full in the sternface with the lowering brows, but it checked him no longer. His wordscame fast, and he caught his father by the arm. 

"If you speak to General Hedley, he will listen to you, for Sir Godfreyis your oldest friend; and think, father, how horrible it would be ifthe Markhams were to be killed. "

The brows appeared to be knit more closely, and Colonel Forrester's gazeseemed fierce enough to wither his son. 

But Fred kept on, begging and importuning his father to do something tochange the general's purpose, without obtaining any reply. 

"Then you are going to lead the attack on the Hall, father?" said Fredat last. 

The colonel turned upon him sharply. 

"You must not, you shall not, " cried Fred, excitedly. "Yes; I see youare angry with me; but--"

"No, my boy, not angry, " said the colonel, gravely; "but very, veryproud of you. No, my boy, I am not going to head the fight. "

"Father!" cried Fred, joyously. 

"And I have done more than beg General Hedley to excuse me from allparticipation in to-day's work. "

"Then it really will be to-day?"

"Yes, my boy, it really will be to-day, and I'd give anything for thisday to be past, and the worst known. "

"But they will give them quarter, father?"

"Yes, my boy, of course, but who can say what may happen in dealing withfierce, reckless men, fighting as they believe for their lives. Thosewith whom they are engaged may be willing to take them prisoners, butthey will fight with terrible desperation, incited by Sir Godfrey'sexample, and no one can say how the attack will end. "

"Yes, father, I see, " said Fred, sadly, "but could you not persuadeGeneral Hedley to give up the attack?"

Colonel Forrester was silent for a few moments, and then said sadly--

"No. "

"Oh, father! think of Lady Markham and of little Lil. "

"I have thought about them, my boy, " said the colonel, speaking in aslow, measured voice, "and I have three times over begged of the generalto spare the Hall and its defenders, and to let us go on at once. "

"And what did he say?" cried Fred, eagerly. 

"He asked me if it was the voice of duty speaking, or that offriendship, and what could I say?"

Fred looked at him piteously. 

"How could I leave that nest of hornets to harass our rear, and gather afresh and stronger force together, so as to be ready for the nextdetachment which comes along west. No, boy, I am obliged as an officerto agree with my superior that every man must be cleared out of thatHall before we can stir. Sir Godfrey Markham has his fate in his ownhands. "

"What do you mean, father? Surrender?"

"Of course. He shall have due respect paid to him and his followers;but it is madness to expect it of him, even for their sake. "

"For their sake, father?"

"Yes, my boy. There, I may as well tell you. I am not the stern, implacable enemy you think me. I wrote to Sir Godfrey last night, asking him to surrender for his wife and daughter's sake. "

"You did this, father?" cried Fred, eagerly. 

"I did, my boy. "

"And what did he say?"

"He sent a stern, insulting message, similar to his last, and those whowere with him threatened to crop the next ambassador's ears if he daredpresent himself at the Hall. "

"Let me go and make another appeal to Sir Godfrey. "

"You heard the threat?" said Colonel Forrester, looking at his soncuriously. 

"Yes, I heard, father. "

"And will you risk it, if I give you a message to take?"

"Yes, father, it was a vain boast. They dare not insult a messenger. "

"No, my boy, you shall not go, " said Colonel Forrester, laying his handupon his son's shoulder. "It would be courting injury for no goodpurpose. "

"But if it would save Sir Godfrey and poor Scarlett?"

"It would not, Fred. "

"Don't say that, father. If I could see Scar Markham, he would perhapslisten to me; and if he did, he might have as much influence upon SirGodfrey as I have upon you. Father, let me try. "

"No, Fred, it cannot be, " said the colonel, sternly. "I am not incommand here. The general has sent twice, the second appeal being madethrough my request, and in each case the answer was an insult. "

"Bit, father--"

"It is useless, my boy, so say no more. Sir Godfrey brings the assaulton himself. I have done all I can. General Hedley acknowledges it, andyou see I have ceased to be the stern officer to you, and have spokenkindly and in the spirit you wish. "

"But one moment, father. Do you think we could persuade Sir Godfreythrough Scarlett?"

"No, my boy, and I am afraid I should act precisely the same were I inhis place. No more now. "

"But, father, shall I be expected to go forward with the troops?"

"No. I have provided against that, Fred. You and I will not becombatants here. "

"Why, father!" cried Fred, excitedly. "Look!"

"Yes, " said Colonel Forrester, sadly. "They have begun. I thought itwould not be long. I dreaded being in the general's confidence overthis. "

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN. 

WATCHING THE ATTACK. 

That which Fred had dreaded had indeed begun, for about a hundred andfifty men had been told off for the attack, and these had preparedthemselves by picketing their horses, arming themselves with stout axesfor the barricades, and dragging after them stout scaling-ladders. 

The advance had seemed to be dilatory before, and the generally receivedopinion in the camp had been that the defending party, to save risk, wasto be starved into submission. 

But those who judged did not know the general. He had been waiting histime, for sundry reasons: respect for Colonel Forrester, and mercy, being among these; but now that he found it necessary to adopt strongcoercive measures, he was prompt and quick in every step. 

Fred Forrester was freed from the terrible necessity of taking part inthe attack, but that did not lessen his eagerness to see what would bethe result, and in consequence he hurried to the top of the nearestwoodland summit, and from thence prepared to witness the issue of thefight. 

As he reached the clump of beeches which crowned the hill, he caughtsight of the back of some one lying at the very edge of the wood, in thecommanding spot he had selected for himself, and where he had oftenstood to make signs to Scarlett in the old boyish days. For a moment ortwo he hesitated, and then approached, wondering who it could be, andtaking the precaution to draw his sword, for it was not likely to be oneof their own men. 

It was disconcerting to find any one there, and for the moment he wasready to draw back. But, on the other hand, it might be a spy of theenemy, who had crept up there to watch their proceedings; and underthese circumstances, Fred felt that there were only two courses open tohim, flight or bold attack. 

To make such an attack in cold blood required consideration. It was notlike taking part in an exciting charge, amid the stirring din of battle, when the pulses were bounding, and the bray of the trumpet called themto advance. He, a mere youth, had to go single-handed to an encounterwith a great broad-backed fellow, who, at the first brunt, might turnthe tables upon him. 

"But he is a spy, " said Fred to himself; "and he is sure to be halfafraid;" and without further hesitation, the lad advanced softly, keeping well behind. 

As he drew nearer he could see that the man was upon his chest with hisarms folded for a support; his morion was tilted back over his ears, sothat it covered his neck, and as he watched the advance, he slowlyraised first one and then the other leg, crossing them backwards andforwards, and beating the ground with his toes as if they were portionsof a pick-axe. 

A peculiar feeling of hesitation came over Fred again, and he foundhimself asking whether he ought not to go down for help, and whetherthere were any of the man's companions near. 

This he felt was only common prudence; and, stepping back, he carefullysearched among the trees and round the edge of the hill. But no, theman seemed to have come up quite alone; and, gaining confidence fromthis, he went softly back, taking care not to trample upon any deadtwig, so as to give the alarm. 

In a few minutes he was again at the edge of the wood, near enough tosee that the man wore a backpiece, and that the hilt of his sword wasquite near his hand. 

The hesitation was gone now. A glance showed that the attacking partywere near the end of the lake, and that outposts of three or four menwere dotted here and there, ready to drive back or capture any of theCavaliers who might try to make their escape. 

"I'll do it, " said Fred to himself; and, stooping down, he crept nearerand nearer, holding back any twig or obtruding branch with his sword, and wincing and preparing for a spring, when a bramble grated againstthe edge of his blade. 

But the man was too intent upon the scene below, and paid no heed to awarning which, had he been on the alert, would have placed Fred at aterrible disadvantage. 

The lad's eyes, as he crept on with sword in advance, were fixed on theback of the man's half-hidden neck; and he had made his plans, but forall that he could not help glancing down at the advancing men, andpausing to note that the Cavaliers were at the barricaded windows, readyfor their enemy. 

And now for a moment Fred again wondered whether he was doing right, andwhether his more sensible plan would not have been to go down to thecamp and spread the alarm. 

His answer to this thought was to set his teeth, which grated so loudlythat his grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, and he felt sure thathe must have been heard. 

But no; the man lay perfectly still, watching intently, as motionless, in fact, as if he had been asleep; and Fred crept step by step nearerand nearer, till he felt that he was within springing distance, and thenstopped to take breath. 

"How easy it would be to kill him, " he thought, "and how cowardly;" andhe was about to put his first idea into action, namely, to make one boldspring forward, and snatch the man's sword from the sheath. 

But the sword might stick, the sheath clinging to it tightly, as itwould sometimes; and if it did, instead of the man being helpless, itwould be he who was at the mercy of one who might beat him off withease. 

So, giving up that idea, he paused a few moments, till the man raisedhis head a little higher, so as to get a better view of those below, andthen with one bold spring, Fred was upon his back, with the point of hissword driven in a peculiar way into the soft earth. 

That idea had occurred to him at the last moment, and even in theintense excitement of the moment he smiled, as he saw in it success, forit effectually baffled the man in what was his first effort--to draw hissword, which was pinned, as it were, to the ground by Fred's weaponbeing passed directly through the hilt. 

There was an angry snort, as of a startled beast, a tremendous heave, and a coarse brown hand made a dart at the sword-blade, and was snatchedaway with an exclamation of pain. Then in fiercely remonstrant tones aharsh voice shouted--

"You coward! Only let me get a chance!"

"Samson!" cried Fred, starting back as he removed his knee from the backof the man's head, and the ex-gardener's steel cap rolled over to theside. 

"Master Fred!" was the answer; and Samson turned over and sat up, staring in his assailant's face. 

"You here?"

"Here, sir, yes; and look what you've done. Don't ketch me sharpingyour sword again, if you're going to serve me like that. "

He held up his hand, which was bleeding from the fact of his havingseized hold of the blade which had pinned down his hilt. 

"But I thought you were one of the enemy--a spy. "

"Then you'd no business to, sir. I only come up here to see the fight. "

"But I thought you were down in the ranks--gone to the attack. "

"Me? Now, was it likely, sir, as I should go and fight against theHall? No, sir, my bad brother Nat, who is as full of wickedness as agooseberry's full of pips, might go and try and take the Manor, if itwas only so as to get a chance to ransack my tool-shed; but you knowbetter than to think I'd go and do such a thing by him. Would you mindtying that, sir?"

Samson had taken a strip of linen out of his morion, and after twistingit round the slight, freely bleeding cut on his finger, held it up forFred to tie. 

"Thank ye kindly, sir. I meant that for a leg or a wing, but it will doagain for them. "

"I am very sorry, Samson, " said Fred, giving the knot a final pull. 

"Oh, it don't matter, sir; only don't try any o' them games again. Soyou thought I was a spy?"

"Yes. "

"And what was you going to do with me?"

"Make you a prisoner, and take you down to camp. "

"Well, you are a one!" said Samson, looking at his young master, andlaughing. "Think of a whipper-snapper like you trying to capture a bigchap like me. "

Fred winced angrily. 

"Well, not so much of a whipper-snapper as Master Scarlett, sir; but youhaven't got much muscle, you know. "

"Muscle enough to try. "

"Yes, sir, " said the ex-gardener, thoughtfully; "but it isn't the muscleso much as the try. It's the thinking like and scheming. You see a bitof rock stands up, and you can't move it with muscle, but if you put alittle bit of rock close to it, and then get a pole or an iron bar, andputs it under the big rock and rests it on the little, and then pushesdown the end, why, then, over the big rock goes, and it's out of yourway. "

"Yes, Samson, " said Fred, thoughtfully, as he watched the advance; "andso you didn't care to go to the attack?"

"No, sir, I wouldn't; but it was tempting, though; ay, that it was. "

"Tempting?"

"Well, you see, Master Fred, Nat has got some chyce cabbage seed, andhe'd never give me a pinch, try how I would; no, nor yet sell a man apen'orth. He kept it all to himself, just out of a nasty greedy spirit, so that his cabbages might be bigger and heavier than ours at the Manor. I'd have had some of that seed if I'd gone, for he couldn't have comeand stopped me now. "

"No, poor fellow! I wonder how he is?"

"Getting better, sir. He's as tough as fifty-year-old yew. Nothingcouldn't kill him; but look, sir, look! See how they're getting up tothe terrace. Ah!"

This exclamation was made as a white puff suddenly seemed to dart fromone of the windows of the Hall, and then there was another, and another, the reports seeming to follow, and then to echo from the next hill. 

But no one in the attacking force seemed to fall, neither did it checkthem. On the contrary, they appeared to be spurred into action, andinstead of creeping on as it were in a slow steady march, they broke upinto little knots, and dashed forward, while a second line kept steadilyon. 

"Look at them! look at them, Master Fred! Don't it make you feel as ifyou wished you was in it?" cried Samson, excitedly. "That's it; fireaway; but you won't stop 'em. All Coombeland boys, every man-jack of'em, and you can't stop them when they mean business. "

"No, " said Fred between his teeth, as he tried to keep down the feelingsof elation engendered by the gallantry of the attack, by forcing himselfto think of how it would be were he Scarlett Markham, and these menenemies attacking his home. "Look, look, Samson!" he whispered, withhis throat dry, his tongue clinging to the roof of his mouth, and thescar of his worst wound beginning to throb. 

"Yes, I'm a-looking, sir, " said Samson, in as husky a voice. "There, they've got a ladder up against the big long window, and they'reswarming up it. They'll be indirectly, and drive the long-hairedgentlemen flying like leaves before a noo birch broom. "

"No, " said Fred, shading his eyes with his hands; "no. Ah, did you hearthe crash? How horrible! Some of them must be killed. "

"Not they, Master Fred. But I don't see how they did it. Fancy turningthe ladder right back with seven or eight lads running up it! But itwas well done. "

"Can you see whether any one is hurt?"

"Not at this distance, sir. Not they, though, unless they've got any ofthose long thin swords skewered into them. I've tumbled twice thatheight out of apple-trees, and no one to fall upon. They'd all got someone to tumble on, except the bottom one, and I don't suppose he's muchhurt. "

"Hurt, man? He must be killed. "

"Tchah! not he, sir. T'others would be too soft. Look, sir; don't losenone of it. You may never have such a chance again. Yes; there, they've got the ladder up once more, and some's holding it while theothers goes up. Yes. Huzza! they'll do it now. No. If they haven'toverturned it again. "

"Yes, " said Fred, sadly, and yet unable to help feeling pleased, sothoroughly were his sympathies on both sides. "They're giving it up, Samson; they're retiring. "

"No, sir; only carrying some of the hurt ones out of the fight. Theregoes another ladder up--two. Hah! look at that!"

Fred's eyes were already riveted on the fresh scene, for, plainly seeneven at that distance, the strong oaken-boarding screen nailed over thewindow at the end of the terrace on the ground floor was suddenly throwndown, and with a shout which was faintly heard on the hill, a party ofabout five and twenty Cavaliers rushed out, sword in hand, taking theattacking party in the flank with such vigour that they gave way, thetwo scaling-ladders were overturned, and for the moment the Puritanstook to flight, and the attack seemed to have failed. 

"Beaten, Samson, " said Fred, unable to crush down a feeling ofsatisfaction, even at the reverse of his own party. 

"Beaten, sir? Not they. Only driven back. It's just like the wavesdown by the cave, yonder; they come back again stronger than ever. Toldyou so, sir. Look at that. "

Samson Dee was right, for a solitary figure had suddenly stepped forwardfrom the second rank, rallied the beaten men, and advanced with themslowly and steadily. There was a desperate _melee_, as the Cavaliers, reinforced by more from within, tried to complete their rout, and then, as it seemed to the excited watchers, the Royalists were driven backstep by step, by sheer force of numbers. Then in the midst of aseething confusion, all swayed here and there along the terrace, and onand on, till the barricaded windows and porch were reached, and then, asthey were checked by the stubborn walls as water is stopped by a pier, they struggled fighting ever sidewise, a stream of mingled men along thefront of the house and over the broken-down boarding, till the tide ofconfusion set right through the open window into the Hall. 

At first this human current was a mingling of both sides; then theCavalier element seemed to disappear, and as Fred watched with startingeyes, he could see at last that it was a steady stream of their own menwhich flowed through the opening. 

"They're in, Master Fred! The day's ours. Hark! Hear them firinginside? Look! Look!"

It was plain enough to see: from the window, whence the scaling-ladderswere thrown down, men come dropping forth sword in hand, Cavaliersevidently, to be encountered by those of the Puritan party stillwithout. Then out came other Puritans, to take the Cavaliers in therear, as they fought together in a knot facing all round, with theirswords flashing as they made their gallant defence. 

Then a rush seemed to take place, and they were overpowered, while thesmoke came slowly rolling out from the open window, though the firinghad ceased. 

The fighting still went on within for a few minutes; then a rush as madeout from door and window, and a tremendous cheer arose, loud enough tostrike well upon the spectators' ears, helmets were seen flashing, swords flourished in the air, and it was plain enough that resistancehad ceased, while the attacking force were gathering together onceagain. 

"Smoke seems long while rolling out, Master Fred; must ha' been a dealo' firing we did not hear. "

"Oh!" shouted Fred, as like a flash the truth came home to him. 

"What's the matter, lad? Are you hurt?" cried Samson. 

"No, no; look! The dear old Hall!" cried Fred. "Don't you see?"

"Smoke, sir? Yes. "

"No, no, my good fellow, not smoke alone; the poor old place is onfire. "

And without another word, Fred, followed closely by Samson, dashed downthe hill. 

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT. 

"IS THERE NOTHING WE CAN SAVE?"

It was too true. 

Whether started by some smouldering wad, or by a piece of furniturebeing driven into one of the fire-places, or, as was more probable, bythe wilful act of one of the Royalist party, who was determined that thevictors should not profit by their success, the Hall was on fire, andthe smoke, which rapidly increased in volume, showed that the dangermust be great. 

"Don't run quite so fast, Master Fred, " panted Samson. "You can't keepup at that pace. Better take it a bit more coolly. "

There was wisdom in the hurried words, and Fred slackened his speed alittle, so as to allow his follower to come alongside; and in this way, taking in the whole proceedings as they ran, they continued their coursedown the park slope, toward the lake. 

There before them in the evening glow was the fine old house, with thedense cloud of smoke slowly rising, and shouts reached them as men wereseen running to and fro in obedience to the orders, but what thoseorders were it was impossible to tell. 

In front of the building a strong body of the general's men was drawnup, and in their midst the prisoners stood in a knot, while from time totime horsemen came slowly in, leading other prisoners, who had evidentlybeen captured in efforts to escape. 

But though Fred strained his eyes eagerly, the distance kept him fromrecognising any familiar faces, and a terrible sense of heart-sinkingincreased as he hurried on. 

All at once the thundering of horses' hoofs was heard behind, and afamiliar voice shouted Fred's name. 

He turned to see that it was his father, who slightly checked hispowerful horse as he came up. 

"Quick! you two, " he cried; "lay hold of the mane, and run. "

Fred grasped the idea in an instant, seized the horse's thick mane, anddropped into step as the sturdy beast trotted on. But the mane was allon Fred's side, and Samson missed his opportunity, but as the horsepassed on, he made a snatch at the tail, twisted his hand in the thickhair, was nearly jerked off his feet, but recovered himself, and heldon, improving his position by degrees, and contriving to keep up. 

"They must have done this themselves, Fred, " said Colonel Forrester, ina deeply troubled voice. "Hah! that's right. We must save the place. "

"What are they doing, father?"

"Our men are joining line toward the stable yard, and getting buckets, Ithink. Hold on tightly. "

"I'm quite right, father, " panted Fred; and he kept up till they reachedthe men who surrounded the prisoners, and who burst into a cheer as thecolonel came up. 

Fred's position prevented him from seeing exactly who were numberedamong the prisoners, and at that moment the general drew rein at theirside. 

"You shouldn't have let them fire the place, Hedley, " said ColonelForrester, in a voice full of reproach. 

"It was not our doing, man. Some of their own party started it. Therewas a fire in the big dining-room. Hangings, chairs, and linen werethrown upon it. The fire blazed up the oak panellings, and the openwindows fanned the draft. "

"We must save it. Come on. "

"We are doing everything possible, man; but the water is in a well, andwhat can we do with three or four buckets?"

"Give me a score of men to try and tear down the burning part, " criedColonel Forrester, who had leaped from his horse, and thrown the reinsto the nearest soldier. "Here, quick! fifty of you come on. "

He was close up to the porch, from which the men were tearing down thebarricade, but the general was bending over him directly. 

"Look at me, Forrester, " he said. 

The latter gazed up at him sharply, to see that his face was blackenedwith smoke, and the general's lips parted to speak. 

"I stayed in yonder till I was driven out by the fire. It is not safeto go. "

"But we must save the place, " cried the colonel; and he dashed throughthe opening the men had made, followed by Fred and Samson, a dozen more, including the general, influenced by his friend's example, rushing afterthem. 

They reached the Hall, but only to find that the flames were literallyrushing out of the great dining-room door, on the one side, and runningup the panelled walls, setting the beautiful ceiling ablaze, while fromthe library, on the other, there was a furnace-like roar, as the flamesliterally charged up the oaken staircase, whose balusters were alreadyglowing, and the gallery and corridor were fast flaring up as the firelicked and darted and played about. 

"You see, " said the general, as he seized the colonel's arm again, "ifwe had ample water and the proper means, we could do nothing. "

Colonel Forrester groaned as he saw the fire darting up the panels, thecarved beams of fine old oak already well alight, and the variousfamiliar objects falling victims to the flames. Even as he gazed, withthe cool air of evening rushing in behind them through the porch, andwafting the clouds of smoke upward to pass rapidly along the corridor asif it were some large horizontal chimney, he saw the canvases of the oldfamily paintings heave and crumple up, while the faces of Sir Godfrey'sancestors seemed to Fred to be gazing fiercely through the lurid light, and reproaching him for helping to desolate their home. 

Frames, panelling, the oaken gallery rails, blazed up as if they hadbeen of resin in the tremendous heat; the stained-glass in the variouswindows crackled, flew, and fell tinkling down. 

"Well, " said the general, quietly, "you see, the place was fired in twoplaces. We can do nothing?"

"No, " groaned Colonel Forrester, as he looked wildly round. Then, in adespairing tone, as he gripped his son's arm, "Fred, is there nothing wecan save?"

As he spoke, a great burning fragment of the gallery balustrade fellwith a crash on to the oaken floor, the embers scattering in alldirections, the gallery floor rose in the intense heat, as if a wavewere passing through it, and as all backed involuntarily toward thedoor, one of the suits of armour fell forward with a crash. 

"It would be utter madness, " said General Hedley. "At least here. Wecould not have stayed a minute but for the cool air rushing in behind. If you wish to try and save anything, we must break in through thewindows from outside. "

The argument was unanswerable; and after a last wild gaze round, thelittle party gave way step by step, and were literally driven out by thetremendous heat, Fred's last look back being at the splendid staircase, now one raging mass of fire, which was spreading upward with terrificspeed. 

As they stood outside once more, the dense clouds of smoke were pouringthrough the upper windows, and directly after, from the broad casementabove the porch, where Fred had held converse with the Cavaliers in hischaracter of ambassador, a great billowy wave of lurid smoky flamelapped and flapped like a fiery banner, and then floated upward into thesoft cool air. 

The afternoon had been calm and windless, but now it seemed as if asharp breeze was setting in toward the doomed house, fanning the flamesand making them roar, while overhead, and rapidly increasing in volume, floated a huge cloud of smoke, spreading and spreading till it resembledthe head of a gigantic tree, whose black and purply grey foliagebrightened from time to time with a lurid glow. 

But by this time axes were at work breaking down the stout boarding fromthe wide drawing-room window to the right of the porch. This great widewindow had been completely covered, as a means of defence, save thathere and there slits had been left to enable the defenders to fire ontheir enemies. 

So stoutly was this work done with boards torn from stabling and barn atthe back of the house, that it took some time to clear an opening anddash in a portion of the casement, and the fire had been gainingstrength so potent, that as the first casement was driven in a volume ofhot stifling smoke shot out, was apparently driven in by the air whichrushed toward the house, there was a dull report, and the interior, thathad been black the moment before, suddenly glowed with dull red, whichwas brightened by flashes. 

Colonel Forrester was checked for the moment, as he tried to climb in, but calling on Samson and his son to follow, he rushed on. 

Samson was second, and Fred had reached the sill, when there was abright flame, which illumined the smoke-filled room, and he uttered acry for help, and hesitated, for he had caught a glimpse of those whohad preceded him lying prone upon the floor. 

The help was quickly rendered, a dozen stalwart troopers dashing in, half to come struggling out choking and blinded. 

What followed, Fred hardly recalled. He knew that he had leaped down totry and drag his father out, when something seemed to seize him by thethroat, a terrible dizziness robbed him of sense, and the next thing hecomprehended was that he was lying on the grass, with a man bathing hisface, and that for a few minutes he could not speak or make out what itall meant. 

"Better, my lad?" said a well-known voice; and he recognised the face ofthe general bent down over him, and saw that the morion he wore gleamedin the bright light cast upon it. 

"My father!" cried Fred, as his understanding grew more clear. 

"Safe. He has just recovered a little. Your servant, too. Yes; herehe is. "

"Fred, my boy, " said a husky voice. "Thank Heaven! he is safe. "

"Safe? Yes, father; only a little giddy. You have escaped?"

"Yes; they dragged us out in time. Look at the poor Hall. "

Fred turned to see that from half the windows the flames were rushingout with a fearful violence, the centre of the old building being now aglowing furnace, whose flames fluttered and roared and leaped, while thewings were rapidly being eaten into by the flames. 

"And we can save nothing, Hedley, " said the colonel, sadly. 

"Yes, sir, our lives. We can do no more. Pretty well that we got youout, and that the prisoners left the place. "

Fred had risen, and was standing by the general's side, looking at himwildly. 

"Well?" said the latter. "What are you thinking?"

"The wounded, sir--the dead?" said Fred, huskily. 

"There were no dead. The wounded were all brought out, I feel sure. Myboy, we have done our best. Forrester, are you well enough to move?"

"Yes; better now. "

"You see the place is doomed. It is a sad affair; but we are guiltless. I will place the prisoners in your hands. See that they arecourteously treated, and send them off under the escort of a troop toBarnstaple--at once. You can go and help. "

This last was to Fred, who accepted the duty eagerly, and the nextminute he was making his way with his father in the direction of theknot of prisoners, whose armour shone in the light of the glowing pile. 

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE. 

A FRUITLESS SEARCH. 

As Colonel Forrester and his son approached the prisoners, who werelying about on the grass in a variety of easy, careless attitudes, gazing at the fire, which had now assumed terrible proportions, Fredbecame aware of the fact that in place of being despondent, theCavaliers were chatting away in the most indifferent manner. 

But their conversation ceased, for from behind came a loud crashingnoise, caused by some floor falling, and a buzz of wonder and admirationarose as the glowing windows suddenly belched forth flame, spark, andglowing flakes of fire, in so many eddying, whirling columns, which roseup and up to mingle and gild the lower surface of the cloud of smokewhich glowed with orange and purple and red, while sparks flashed andglittered as they darted here and there like the flakes of a snowstormsuddenly changed to gold. 

The scene was glorious now, for after a moment's pause, the burning woodwhich had fallen formed fresh fuel to the mighty furnace within thethick walls, and the flames rushed up with renewed violence, illuminingthe scene far and near. Great sombre trees grew visible, brightened bythe wondrous glow; the lawn seemed to be cut up into paths of light, andfurther away, ruddy reflections flashed from the lake; while the nobleold Hall seemed to stand out against a dark background, with everyangle, battlement, and vane clearly cut, till the smallest carving wasplainly defined. 

But for the horror of the scene, Fred could have stood and gazed withdelight at the wondrous series of changes that were taking place; theclouds of smoke, which seemed to form vast spirals, ever turning, androlling over, now dull red, now bursting into light, as if from firestherein; the eddying scintillations which crackled and exploded, anddisappeared; the ruddy tongues of flame which darted in and out as ifthe long low windows were monstrous dragons' mouths, from which thedarting forks came to play over golden stony lips, and lick the mullionsand buttresses around. Then came a fresh explosion, as pent-up gases, generated by heat, burst forth to augment the fire with hiss, crackle, and flutter, as it seemed to gain its climax, and then sank down with alow dull roar. 

From time to time there was a sharp tinkling, as the higher windowscracked, broke, and fell upon the stones. Then came pouring down aspouting torrent of silver fire, shooting right out of a stonegargoyle-mouth as the molten lead from one part of the roof, dammed upby other lead which had not melted, at last forced its way spattering onto the paved terrace below. 

But after these brilliant bursts, which had enchained Fred's attentionfor a time, he turned once more toward the group of prisoners, whoseloud, careless talking had begun again, and he passed between two of theguard stationed round them in a circle, while lying outside, in aconfused heap, just as they had been thrown, were the weapons of whichthe Cavaliers had been deprived. 

As Fred drew nearer, he could see that the careless attitudes of some ofthe party were assumed, for in spite of the glow shed by the fire, itwas plain enough that the cheeks of several were of a deathly pallor, and that they were suffering intense pain. One had a scarf tied tightlyround his arm; another had a broad bandage about his brow; hardly oneseemed to have escaped some injury in the desperate sally and defence. But the aim of all was to carry their defeat with an air of the mostcareless indifference--as if wounds were nothing to them, and they heldtheir Puritan captors in the most profound contempt. 

"Hallo!" shouted a voice Fred had before heard, "here's my fire-eatingyoung ambassador. Why, hang it all, sirrah! How is it you were not tothe front before? I'd rather have given up my sword to you than havehad it knocked out of my hand by the ugliest crop-eared knave I evermet. "

Fred, the moment before, was eagerly scanning the group in search of SirGodfrey and his old companion; but he had searched in vain, and he wasanxiously debating within himself as to whether that meant bad news orgood. Had they escaped? and were they now safe, or--?

He was checked by the greeting of the tall, fair Cavalier, and advancedto him at once, the high-spirited officer continuing his banteringspeech the while. 

"Why, you heinous young rebel, " he cried, "have you come to trample onyour poor prisoners now you have taken them; or are we to be shot, orhung, or what?"

"Don't talk to me like that, sir, " said Fred, eagerly, as he paused bywhere the Cavalier lay; and now he could see that his jerkin wasdarkened in one spot with blood. 

"How do you want me to talk, then, eh?"

"Sir Godfrey?--Scarlett Markham? Where are they?"

"Escaped, " said a gentleman lying by, with careless levity. "Run forit--broken through your lines, and got clean away. "

"Not they, " said the tall Cavalier, warmly. "Sir Godfrey Markham wasnot the man to leave his friends in the lurch; and as for my youngfriend Scarlett, he would have stood by us to the end. "

"But they are not here?" said Fred, anxiously. 

"Here, sir? No. They must be with your other prisoners. "

"Other prisoners?" faltered Fred, turning pale, as a horrible thoughtassailed him, and he darted a frightened glance at the burning Hall;"there are no other prisoners but these. "

"What!" cried the Cavalier, starting to his feet, and then turningfaint, so that he would have fallen, but for Fred's arm. "Thank you, mylad, " he said frankly; "a little weak, I suppose. Yes; I will liedown. "

Fred helped him into a reclining position again upon the turf. 

"Tell me all you know about them, sir, " said Fred, going down on oneknee to help the wounded officer. "Scarlett and I used to be greatfriends. Did they escape right away?"

The Cavalier seemed at first to be about to respond in his old careless, bantering, half-mocking way, but as he saw the eagerness of manner, andthe anxiety in the lad's eyes, his manner changed. 

This was no ruse, he saw; no cunning trick to find out which way theMarkhams had gone, but a true honest feeling for one who had been afriend, but was now transformed by political troubles into an enemy. 

"Shake hands, " he said warmly. "I like you, boy. I'll tell you all Iknow. "

Fred eagerly took the prisoner's hand, as the others looked oncuriously, their assumption of carelessness gone, and a dull look ofdespair making its appearance in their eyes and at the angles of theirmouths. And as Fred took that hand, it was cold and damp, and the gripwas feeble, as its owner said slowly--

"Sir Godfrey Markham and I divided our little force, after drawing lotsfor choice; I won the choice, and selected the task of making the sally. It would have been too irksome to me to stay behind a barrier and waitto be attacked. I suppose you know--your people were too strong for us, and we were beaten back, followed by your men, till we were all togetherstruggling in the dining-room, from there into the hall, and then on thegreat staircase. I saw Sir Godfrey and young Scarlett several timesduring the struggle; then we were all pell-mell, here, there, andeverywhere, and I recollect no more. "

"But where did you see them last?"

"I cannot say--in the drawing-room, I think. "

"Yes. What were they doing?"

"What do you think they were likely to be doing, boy? Fighting bravelyfor their king. "

There was a pause. 

"You do not think that--"

Fred did not finish his sentence. "That they set fire to the Hall? No;Sir Godfrey was too proud of his old home to destroy it. "

"I did not mean that, " said Fred, hoarsely; "I meant--"

"Wounded--killed?" Fred bowed his head. He could not speak, for therewas a horrible idea tugging at his brain, one which he could not shakeoff. 

"Wounded? Perhaps. Killed? Heaven forbid! No; I hope and believethat they fought to the last, and then escaped, or else, far morelikely, they are--"

He stopped short, for the idea that troubled Fred had now beencommunicated to him, and he drew in his breath with a look of horror. Then, as if unable to control himself, he glanced sharply at the burningbuilding, while, giddy and weak with emotion, Fred walked slowly back, to make his way to his father, who met him and took his arm. 

"Have you heard any news of them?" said the colonel, hoarsely. 

"No, father, " half whispered Fred; and he repeated the Cavalier's words. 

Colonel Forrester glanced at the burning Hall, nearly every portion ofwhich had now been seized upon by the flames, and he drew a deep hissingbreath, as he whispered to himself--

"No, no; impossible! They must have escaped. Fred, " he said aloud, "they will not tell us if we ask--it is quite natural; so we are quitein the dark as to how many the defenders were. There were none killed, and I find that the wounded were all carried out. Sir Godfrey and hisson must have escaped, or if not, they will be brought in by some of theoutposts. "

Fred made no answer; he could not speak, for a terrible picture wasbefore his eyes--that of Sir Godfrey, wounded to the death, unable tostir, and Scarlett trying to bear him out to safety, but only to beovertaken and beaten down by the flames. 

He walked on by his father in silence, while the latter gazed straightbefore him, thinking to himself of the past, when he and Sir Godfreywere the fastest of friends. 

"This cruel war!" he said to himself. "Friend against friend, brotheragainst brother. Poor Godfrey! Poor Scarlett! So full of bravemanliness and courage. Fitting end for two brave spirits; but I feel asif I had assisted at their death. "

But at that moment Fred made a mental effort. 

"I will not believe it, " he said, with a shudder. "It is too horrible. "Then aloud, "Father, may I take something to the prisoners, and helpthem? They look very bad. "

"Yes, yes; of course, " said the colonel, starting as it were back to thepresent. "Poor fellows! The surgeon must be with them now; but go anddo your best. "

But hard as Fred worked by the light of the burning house, he could dolittle to assuage the pains, mental and bodily, of the prisoners. Theyassumed a careless indifference, a good-humoured contempt for theircaptors. They were Cavaliers--gentlemen who did not scruple to serve asordinary soldiers for the benefit of their country; and they smiled atthe rough stern men of the Puritan ranks. But deep in their heartsthere was a despairing rage at being conquered, which bit and stung, andmade them writhe more than the throbbings of their wounds. 

The refreshments Fred took to them, helped by Samson, were simple, butmost welcome; and more than one eye brightened and directed a friendlygrateful look at the lad who busied himself on the captives' behalf. 

"No; no more, my boy, " said the tall, fair Cavalier, smiling at Fred, ashe pressed him to eat. "I have a wound here that throbs as if some onewere thrusting a red-hot iron through my shoulder. I suppose it is allright, but your surgeon has not hands like some delicate lady. "

"Can I do anything?" said Fred, eagerly. "Shall I bathe the wound?"

"No, my desperate and deadly enemy, no, " said the Cavalier, smiling ashe look Fred's hand; "and look here: some of these days the war will beover, and if you and I are not sleeping too soundly, you must come andsee me, and I'll come and see you. At present our duty is to kill eachother, or take one another prisoner. By-and-by we shall have more time. There, " he said, drawing a ring from his finger; "you wear that, andremember that Harry Grey always feels respect and esteem for a braveenemy, while for you--Oh, curse it! We are not enemies. God bless you, my lad! You and Scar Markham ought to be working together as a pair. "

He turned impatiently away, laid his head upon the folded cloak, ofwhich Fred had made a pillow and closed his eyes, as if annoyed that heshould have seemed weak; while, after pressing the ring tightly down inits place, Fred stood back watching the group of wounded and captive menfor a few minutes, before turning away, and then stopping short by thelittle heap of swords of which they had been deprived. 

As it happened, one with a peculiarly shaped guard took his attention, for he remembered having seen it hanging to the belt of the Cavalier hehad been tending. 

Stooping down, he was in the act of drawing it from among the others, when the sentinel made a movement to arrest his hand. 

"Don't interfere, " said Fred, sharply. "I will be answerable to ColonelForrester for what I have done. "

The man drew back, and stood resting upon his clumsy firelock again, while, as the lad stood with the sword in his hand, he raised his eyesfrom the hilt, and found that the Cavalier was watching him, and makinga sign to him to approach once more. 

Fred stepped to his side. 

"No, " he said; "you cannot have it. You are a prisoner. "

"Of course, " said the wounded man, smiling; "though if I had it, I couldnot use it. I was going to say I am glad you have taken it. A capitalblade, my boy. Here, unbuckle the belt, and take it and the sheath. Yes, I insist. That's right. Keep it, lad, and don't, if we meetagain, use it on me. No, no thanks; it is yours by right of capture. Now I want a nap. "

CHAPTER FORTY. 

A SAD REPORT. 

The Cavalier let his head sink once more upon his pillow, and Fred wentslowly away, to go and watch the flames rising and falling as the Hallburned rapidly, sending forth a glow of heat that could be felt faraway. 

And now that the hurry and excitement were at an end, Fred had time oncemore to think of those of whose fate he was still uncertain. 

Just then a prisoner was being brought in, and he hurried to the spot, but only to turn away disappointed, to go and gaze once more at theburning pile, musing sadly on the times when he had passed such pleasanthours about the place which had been to him as a second home; andthinking, as he gazed through the open windows into the furnace within, of the various rooms where every object was so familiar--picture, ornament, carved cabinet, trophy--and now all turning to glowing embers. 

"Seems a pity, Master Fred, don't it?" said a voice at his elbow. 

"You here, Samson?"

"Yes, sir; just come from round at the back. "

"Has the fire made its way there?"

"Oh, bless you, sir, it's been creeping and rushing and leaping overeverything! Even the big tool-house and fruit-room's burned. Such apity. Nice lot of tools all destroyed; and, not that I want to findfault, but a deal better set than we ever had at the Manor. Why, therewas a barrow, sir, as run that light in your hands, no matter how youfilled it, as made it a pleasure to work. "

"And all burned, Samson?"

"All burned into ashes, sir. I never could understand it, but it alwaysdid seem hard as a man like brother Nat should have such a barrow asthat, while I had one as I was ashamed of. "

"We must get to the wilderness to-night, Samson, somehow. "

"Oh, he won't hurt, sir, " said Samson, roughly. "He's right enough; butI've got a bottle o' cider, and three bread-cakes, and half a roast fowlto take with us when we go. "

"That's right, " said Fred, smiling in spite of himself; but only to turnserious as an agonising thought shot through him, for a portion of theroof of the Hall fell just then, and a whirlwind of sparks sprang intothe evening sky. 

"Have you heard any news, Samson?" whispered Fred. 

"News, sir?"

"Of Sir Godfrey and Scarlett?"

Samson stood gazing straight at the fire, his eyes half shut, and hisforehead a maze of puckers and wrinkles, and he seemed not to have heardin the intentness of his watching the progress of the fire. 

"Do you hear what I say?" reiterated Fred. "Is there any news of SirGodfrey and Scarlett?"

"Yes, I hear what you say, sir. "

"Then why don't you speak?"

"'Cause I haven't nothing good to say. "

"Oh, Samson, there is no bad news?"

"No, sir; there's no bad news at all. "

"Then what do you mean? What have you heard?"

"Don't, don't ask me, my lad. "

"But I do ask you, and I will know. "

"I only know what the men think, and of course that may mean nothing. "

"What do they think?"

"Now, look ye here, Master Fred, " cried Samson, appealingly, "what's thegood of your bullying me into saying things which will only make youcross with me, and call me a thundering idiot, or some other prettything like that?"

"But anything's better than suspense, and I want to know the worst. "

"Well, then, you can't, " said Samson, gruffly. "There aren't no worse, because it's all guessing. "

"Well, then, what do they guess?"

"Now, look ye here, Master Fred--is it fair to make me tell you, and putyou in a passion; and you a-standing there with a sword by your side, and another in your hand?"

"Speak, sir--speak!"

"Very well, sir; here goes. And if you fly in a passion, and doanything rash to me, it will only be another triumph for my brotherNat. "

"Will you speak, sir?"

"Yes, I'm going to, sir; but one must make a beginning. Well, then, Master Fred, it's only hearsay, and you know what hearsay is. Some oneheard one of the prisoners say that he saw Sir Godfrey go down wounded, and young Master Scarlett jump across him, fighting like a madman; andthen people were driven all sorts of ways, but not before there was aregular burst of fire sweeping along; and they think that Sir Godfreyand poor Master Scarlett was overtaken by the flames. Master Fred!Master Fred! don't take on like that. It's only what they say, youknow, dear lad, and it may be all wrong. "

The rough fellow laid his hand upon his master's arm, as Fred turnedaway. 

"But it's what I fear--it's what I fear, " he groaned. "And my fatherthinks the same; I know he does. Oh, Samson, how horrible! howhorrible! If I only knew who fired the place!"

"Oh, I know that, sir, " said Samson. "One of the prisoners boastedabout it--not one of the gentleman Cavaliers, but one of the roughfellows like me. He says he set the place a-fire in two places, when hesaw the game was up; and he said that it was so as we shouldn't havecomfortable quarters--a mean hound!"

"Poor Scar! poor old Scar!" groaned Fred, walking slowly away, to tryand get somewhere alone with his sorrow, as he thought of his brave, manly young friend. 

He walked on till he was right away down by one of the clumps of treesat the west end of the lake; and as he groaned again he started, for hethought he was alone, but Samson had followed him softly. 

"Don't 'ee take on, Master Fred, lad. Be a man. I feel as if I shouldlike to sit down and blubber like a big calf taken away from its mother, but it won't do, lad, it won't do; we're soldiers now. But if I couldhave my way, I'd just get them all together as started this here war, and make 'em fight it out themselves till there wasn't one left, andthen I'd enjoy myself. "

"Don't talk of enjoyment. Samson, my lad. "

"But I must, for I just would. I'd go and get the sharpest spade Icould find, and take off my jerkin, and bury what was left of 'em, andthat would be the finest thing that could happen for old England. "

"Nonsense, man! You don't understand these things, " said Fred, sadly. 

"And I don't want to, sir. What I understand is that instead offighting the French, or the Spaniards, or any other barbarous enemies, we're all fighting against one another like savages; and there's thebeautiful old Hall burning down to the ground like a beacon fire on ahill, and who knows but what it may be our turn next?"

"What, at the Manor, Samson?"

"Yes, sir. Why not?"

"Heaven forbid, man! Heaven forbid!"

"And I say `Amen, ' sir. But come back to camp, and let's get you a bitof something to eat; and, I say, sir, you did give my hand a deep cut. Think that new sword you've got's as sharp as the one I whetted foryou?"

"I don't know, Samson, " said Fred, drearily. "I hate the very name ofsword. "

"And so do I, sir, proud as I was the first day I buckled mine on. Iaren't much of a smith, but I can blow the bellows like hooray, and whenthe time comes, as it says in the Bible, I'll make the fire roar whilesome one hammers all the swords and spears into plough-shares andpruning-hooks, and cuts all the gun-barrels up into pipes. That'sright, sir; come along. "

Fred said no more, but, with their shadows darkly shown upon thetrampled grass, the pair walked back to camp. 

CHAPTER FORTY ONE. 

NAT IS LOST. 

"Have I been to sleep, Samson?"

"Yes, sir, sound as a top. You dropped off after you had that bread andcider. "

"And the Hall?--is it still burning?"

"Yes, sir; a regular steady fire down at the bottom, with the wallsstanding up all round. "

"And the prisoners?"

"All gone, sir. They packed 'em off to the west'ard in a couple ofwaggons, and a troop of our men as escorts. Fine fellows, sir, all butthat one as fired the Hall. I couldn't help being sorry to see howwounded and helpless they were. But how they carried it off, laughingand talking there till they'd been seen to, and were tired and gotstiff! Then it began to tell on 'em, and they had to be lifted into thewaggons and laid on the straw almost to a man. "

"I hope they'll all recover, " said Fred, sadly. 

"So do I, sir, even if we have to fight 'em again. But we shall see nomore of the poor lads for a long time, unless some of their partyrescues them, cures them, and the game begins over again. Feel ready, sir?"

"Ready?"

"Yes; it's about twelve o'clock, and I thought you might like to comeand help me bully that ugly brother of mine. "

"Why, Samson, " said Fred, with a sad smile, "every one says you two areso like. "

"So we are, sir, to look at, " replied Samson, grinning; "but I neversaid I was good-looking, did I?"

"Yes, I'm ready, " said Fred, rising from his heather couch. "Oh, howstiff and cold I am!"

"You've just wakened; that's why. You'll be as fresh as fresh soon. Come along, sir, and we'll give that rascal such a bullying. "

"With care and chicken, " said Fred, with a miserable attempt at beingjocose. 

"Now, don't I keep telling you it's only to make him strong, so as hecan feel it all the sharper when I give him the big beating I'vepromised him? Come along, sir. "

Fred made a few inquiries as to the state of affairs; learned that thecamp was quite at rest, and that he was not likely to be called on duty, and then, with a terrible depression of spirits, increasing at everystep, he walked on beside Samson on as dark a night as he could recall. 

"Dark, sir?" said the ex-gardener, in response to a remark. "Well, yes, sir, it is; but it don't make any difference to us. We could find ourway where we are going with our eyes shut. "

The darkness was not their only difficulty: they had to avoid thesentinels again, and neither could say for certain whether any changeshad been made. 

Still, both had been on moorland, over bog, and through the deepestwoods in the dark on trapping expeditions times enough. They had evenbeen in the darkness on the dangerous cliff slopes again and again, sothat they had no hesitation in going rapidly on till the lake had beenskirted and the wilderness reached, without their being challenged. Then the dense undergrowth was entered, and they stood listening for afew moments. 

There were distant sounds--the snort of a horse where it was picketed, alow humming as if some sentry were cheering his dreary watch byrecollections of an old west-country ditty, and then from a littledistance there was the half-hissing, half-grating cry of a white owl, asit flapped along upon its downy, silent pinions, while, through thetrees at the edge of the wood, there was a dull red light, which showedwhere the embers of the great oaken beams of the Hall sent forth theirdying glow. 

"Let's go on, " whispered Fred, just as something came gliding along theedge of the wilderness, and as they moved it uttered a piercing screech, turned, and swept away. 

"Ugh!" ejaculated Samson; but Fred's hand was upon his lips, and theystood close together with throbbing hearts, wondering whether the twocries would alarm the nearest sentinel. 

But they heard nothing, and as silently as possible stole in among thetrees, it being impossible to make any selection of route. 

"How them owls do chill one, like, in a unked place like this! 'Memberthat one as come out of the wood shed as we went in last winter? Alwaysscares me. "

"I dare say it scares them more than it does us, " whispered back Fred. "Now don't speak. "

"Right, sir. "

Fred led on, moving more by instinct than sight, and seeming to feelwhich was the way to the spot where they had left the injured man; butit was a long and arduous task, and not till after he had gone astraythree times did he pause in perplexity. 

"If I could get any idea of where the Hall lay, perhaps I could findhim, " whispered Fred; "but we have turned about so, that I don't knowwhich way we are looking now. "

"More don't I, sir; for aught I know we might be somewhere hundreds ofmiles away. It's so plaguey dark. "

"Look! Isn't that the reflection of the fire?"

"No, sir; there's nothing there. Ah, look there!"

A dull low sound fell upon their ears, and simultaneously there was aflash of light in quite a different direction to that in which they hadbeen straining their eyes. 

"What's that, sir?"

"Some part of the Hall fallen in. "

"And made the fire flash up just as it does when you're burning rubbish. That's right, sir. "

"Yes; and I can find it now, " whispered Fred. 

The struggle through the undergrowth was resumed, every step having tobe taken with the greatest caution; and at last, after making endlessdiversions to avoid tree-trunks and masses of tangled growth that theycould not force their way through, Fred stopped short. 

"What is it, sir?"

"This is the place. "

"No, sir, I don't think it is. "

"Yes; I can tell by the touch. I am close up to the fallen tree. There, I can feel the touchwood. Be quiet. Hist! Nat! Nat!"

There was no reply, and after a pause, Fred called again, as loudly ashe dared. 

"No, sir; I thought it wasn't, " said Samson, softly. "It's further up. "

"Be silent, man, " said Fred, impatiently. "I am sure we are right. Itmay be a little to the left or a little to the right, but its closehere. "

He called again and again softly, but without result. 

"Let me try, Master Fred, as you are so sure. "

Fred gave his consent, whispering to his companion to be careful. 

"Nobody won't take any notice of what I do, Master Fred, " whisperedSamson. "I'll give him an old cry we used to have on the moor, when wewere boys;" and directly after, sounding distant and strange, and as ifit could not possibly have been given by his companion, there rang out apeculiar low piping whistle, followed by a short jerky note or two. 

"That's oyster-catcher, Master Fred, as you well know. If he hears thathe'll answer and know it's friends--I mean enemies. "

Fred made no reply to his follower's paradoxical speech, but listenedintently. 

"Again, " he said, after a time; and the cry rang out, to be followed bya dull thud as of footsteps, and a clink of steel against steel. 

Fred felt his arm grasped, and Samson's hot breath in his ear. 

"Keep quiet. There's a sentry close by, and they're going the rounds. "

The dull sound of footsteps died away, and not till then did Samsonventure upon another call, that proved to be as unavailing as thosewhich had preceded it. 

"P'raps he's asleep, " said Samson, softly; "but that ought to haveroused him. "

Fred drew a long breath, as in imagination he saw the poor woundedfellow lying there in the dark and cold; and as a chilly perspirationbedewed his face, he felt a horrible feeling of reproach for not havinggiven notice of an injured man lying in the wood. For he told himself, and the thought gathered strength, that perhaps they had come too late. 

For a few minutes he could not speak, and when he did, his heart wasbeating heavily, as he whispered--

"Samson, do you think--?"

He could not finish the terrible sentence, one which his companionmisconstrued. 

"Of course I do, sir. I told you so. This aren't the place, I'm sure. "

"It is! it is!" said Fred, with passionate energy, "Here, I am touchingthe old tree; and, yes--I know. Here is the place where he must belying. "

"Very well, then, sir, stoop down and lay hold of his leg gently, andgive it a pull. Be on the look-out, for he can be very nasty at beingwoke up. Maybe he'll kick out. He used to when we were boys. "

Fred felt dizzy as he listened to his companion's careless utterance, and he asked himself whether he should tell him what he thought. Twiceover he was on the point of speaking, but he clung to the hope that hisideas might be only fancy, and he stood there turning icily cold. 

The idea seemed so terrible--to stoop down there in that utter darknessand touch the form of the poor fellow who had been left in despair andloneliness to die, untended and without a soul to whom he could say afarewell word. No; he could not do it, and he felt as if he must turnand rush out of the wood. 

"Feel him, Master Fred?" whispered Samson. 

Again the sensation of cold and dread came over Fred, and he was aboutto yield to it and hurry away, when his determination mastered, and, setting his teeth fast, he bent down, went upon hands and knees, andfelt on before him, letting his hand sink slowly so as to reverentlytouch him who he felt must be lying dead. 

"Well, sir--got him?"

"No!" whispered Fred, hoarsely, as his hand touched the twigs andleaves. 

"Try again, sir. "

Fred crept on, and again stretched out his hand. 

"Now you have him, sir?"

"No, " said Fred, with a throb of excitement sending a thrill throughhim; "he is not here. "

"There, what did I tell you!" said Samson, in a satisfied tone. "Youwould be so obstinate. This aren't the place. "

"But it is, " whispered Fred. "I can feel where he laid. The twigs areall levelled down. "

"Nonsense, sir!"

"I tell you I am right; it's the hole he made for himself. This is theplace, and--Hah!"

"Got him?"

"No; but here is your jerkin that you left to cover him. "

"Then you are right, sir. Well, feel about more. "

"I cannot get any further. This is the place, and he has either beenfound, or he has crept away, and--Yes, that's it; he hasn't had strengthto creep back. "

"Then we must call again. "

"Yes. "

Samson repeated his cry, over and over again, without result, and then, Fred having rejoined him, they stood listening. 

"We cannot find him to-night, Samson. "

"No, sir. Well, it doesn't much matter. He's ever so much better, orhe wouldn't have gone out for a walk. Here, let's sit down and eat thishere bread and chicken, and drink the cider, sir. I feel as if I hadn'thad anything for a week, and the food has been bumping about my lips andasking to go in ever since we started. I'm glad now I brought it, butI've been sorry I was so stupid all along. "

"Do you think we could find him if we searched?" said Fred, ignoring hiscompanion's remark about the food. 

"Sure we couldn't, sir, without a lanthorn; and if we had one wedurstn't use it. Let's set down and have a bite. "

"No, no. Look here! If he has crept away, he is sleeping somewhere notfar off, and he is sure to come back. Give me the food, and I'll lay itin there ready for him. He'll find it when it's light. "

"Put it there, sir?"

"Yes. "

"But the slugs and snails and beetles and things 'll come and eat it allbefore morning. Don't let's waste good food, sir, like that. "

"Do as I bid you, sir. Give me the food. "

Samson sighed and obeyed. The bread and fowl were placed with thebottle on the jerkin at the far end of the little tunnel where Nat hadlain, and Fred backed out. 

"Come, " he said laconically. 

Samson grunted dismally, and followed his leader; and after they hadstruggled out of the wilderness, they made their way back to campwithout any further check than a challenge or two, the password enablingthem to reach the tent not long before morning dawned. 

CHAPTER FORTY TWO. 

BAITING A TRAP. 

"Yes, my boy; sad, sad indeed, " said Colonel Forrester. "I would havegiven anything to have prevented it. "

Father and son were walking round the ruins of the Hall, which werestill too heated to allow of approach, while from the heap of _debris_within a thin filmy smoke arose. 

"Do you think there is any hope, father?" said Fred, after a long pause. 

Colonel Forrester looked at him quickly. 

"I mean of Sir Godfrey and poor Scar being alive?"

Colonel Forrester did not reply, but turned away with his brow full ofdeep furrows; and feeling as if everything like happiness was at an end, Fred turned away from the scene of desolation, and walked up toward thelittle camp on the hill, wondering how it would be possible to conveythe terrible tidings to the two who must be suffering a very martyrdomof anxiety at the Manor. 

"I could not do it. I dare not, " muttered Fred. "And besides, it istoo soon. There may be hope. "

But as he said those last words to himself, he pictured the woundedfather defended by his son, and then the rushing flames, and he groanedin spirit as he felt how hopeless it all seemed. 

"Heard all the news, Master Fred, I s'pose?"

Fred started, for he had not heard the approach of Samson. 

"No; I have heard nothing. I have been with my father at the ruins. "

"I was there at 'bout six o'clock, sir. Couldn't have thought the oldplace would have burnt so fast. "

"But you said news, Samson?" cried Fred, eagerly. "Not news of them?"

"No, sir; not news of them, " replied Samson, sadly. "News of ourstopping here for the present. "

"No. "

"Well, sir, I hear that's to be it, unless a stronger party comes anddrives us away. Seems to me as we're like the little ones playing kingo' the castle; and no sooner is one up a-top than another comes andpushes him down. But, Master Fred; had your breakfast, haven't you?"

"Yes, " said Fred, whose thoughts were at the ruins. 

"So have I, sir. Well, look here, sir; I want to see whether the slugsand snails have been at that there food in the wood. What do you say togoing to see?"

"We cannot go till night, Samson, " said Fred, sadly. 

"Yes, we can, sir. Look here; I'll cut a couple o' long willows, andget some worms in the Hall garden, and I dare say I can find a basket. Then let's you and me go careless like to the far end of the lake, justas if we were going to try for a fish or two, and nobody will notice usthen. Once we are there, we can creep up through the bushes to thewilderness, and get that bit o' food. "

"And see if your brother is better?"

"Nay, nay; I'm not going to take all that trouble 'bout such a fellow ashim, sir. 'Tis 'bout that food I'm thinking. Shall we go, sir?"

"Yes, Samson, yes; and look here: don't try to deceive me like this, because it will not do. "

"Oh well, it never was no use to argue with you, sir, when you was aschoolboy. Now you're a young officer, you're harder still. There, I'mnot going to say any more; but is it likely I should do all this 'boutan enemy, unless it was to make him a prisoner? There, I'm off to getthem rods and worms. "

Samson went across to the Hall garden, and shortly afterwards reappearedwith a pot and basket. 

"We can get the two rods somewhere down by the lake, " he said; and oneof the sentinels as he stood, firelock in hand, smiled grimly, andthought of how he would like to leave his monotonous task, and go downto the lake side to fish, after the fashion he had so loved when a boy. 

This man watched them right to the edge of the water, where he sawSamson select and cut two long willow rods, and strip them clean of leafand twig before shouldering them, and marching on beside his master. 

"It's well to be them, " grumbled the man, "for who knows whether inthese days of bloodshed a lad may ever have a chance to fish again?"

He shouldered his firelock, and continued his slow tramp to and fro, looking out for the enemy, but more often turning his gaze toward hisfishing friends. 

"Bring the hooks and lines, Master Fred?" said Samson, as they went ontoward the west end of the lake. 

"Hooks and lines? No. "

"Well, sir, we can't fish without lines. Didn't I tell you to get 'emwhile I got the worms?"

"No. "

"Well, now, that's strange. But I did mean to, sir. What are we to do?Go back?"

"No, no! Don't let's waste time. "

"But we can't catch no fish without a hook. "

"We don't want to catch any fish. "

"But we want people to think we do. "

"Yes; and if they see us with rods down by the water, they will thinkso. "

"More stoopids they, sir. I needn't carry this here ugly pot o' wormsand the basket, then, no longer, sir?"

"Yes, you must. Don't throw them away. We had better keep up the lookof being fishermen. "

"Very well, sir; just as you like. But I say, Master Fred, what's thegood of all this? Don't let's go. "

"Not go?"

"I don't see why we should take the trouble to go and look after afellow like Nat. He never was any credit to me, and he never will be. Like as not, if he gets better, he'll give me a topper. "

"Come along, and hold your tongue, Samson. Do you suppose I can't seethrough you?"

"Yes, I do, sir, " said Samson, with a chuckle. "Chap did try to make ahole through me just after we turned soldiers, but it's all grown upagain. I say, Master Fred, though, ser'us--think Nat is alive?"

"Yes, of course, poor fellow! No, don't hurry now. Some one may bewatching us. Let's pretend to be picking out a good place. "

"Poor fellow!" grumbled Samson, as he obeyed, and began holdingoverhanging boughs aside and leaning over the water. "Don't supposeyou'd say, `Poor fellow!' if I was to be lying wounded there, MasterFred. "

"No, of course not, " said Fred, angrily; "I should say I was very gladto get rid of you, and I wouldn't stir a step to bring you bread orwater or anything. "

Samson stopped short, and burst into a roar of laughter. 

"What's the matter, now?" cried Fred, wonderingly. 

"Oh, you can tell 'em when you like, sir, " cried Samson. "Haw, haw, haw! No, no, no; you won't get me to believe that. But let's get on, sir; we're 'bout out o' sight of the sentries. No; there's one lookingat us over the hill. Let's sit down just yonder, and seem to begin. "

A glance casually taken showed the wisdom of this proceeding, and onechose a spot by a tree, the other went twenty yards further toward thewood, and they began to go through the motions of people fishing, changing their places from time to time, Samson passing right on beyondFred, and the latter after a few minutes going on past Samson, till theywere well in among the trees, and not far from the steep rocky bankwhere the passage came down to the lake. 

For the first time since the discovery, Fred went on without recallingthat day when they drained the place, for he was too eager to go insearch of Nat, who must be, he felt sure, lying somewhere in the wood, weak and suffering, and praying for their help. 

"Now, " said Samson, at last, "let's carry our rods a little way in andhide 'em with the basket, ready for us when we've done. I may pitch thepot o' worms away now, sir, mayn't I?"

"No, no; put them with the basket. There, in that bush--that's theplace. "

The rods were thrust in amongst the thick undergrowth, and then Fredtook a final look round, seeing nothing, and then leading the way, easily enough now by day, for the displaced twigs showed to theirpractised eyes where they had passed before. 

But even now it was no easy task to achieve before they came to thefallen oak, with its two mighty trunks, the one living, the other dead. 

Then they stopped--startled; for there was a loud rustling, the leavesand twigs were forced apart, and for the moment they felt that they werediscovered. 

"Only a rabbit, " said Samson, coolly, as the sound died away. "What anoise them little chaps can make, Master Fred! Go along. "

"No, no; stop, " cried Fred. 

"It was only a rabbit, sir. "

"Yes, I know; but don't you see?"

"See what, sir?"

"If there have been rabbits here, it's a sure sign that Nat is not inhis hiding-place. "

"Yes; I didn't think of that, " said Samson, taking off his steel cap togive his head a scratch. "Never mind, sir; go on. He may have beenback and gone out for a walk. It's just like him; being as awk'ard andcontrary as can be. "

Fred hesitated a moment or two, and then, feeling depressed anddisappointed, thinking that the poor faithful follower of the Markhamswas sharing their misfortunes, and perhaps lying dead hidden among thebushes, he took a step or two further on, pressed the twigs aside, andpeered into the verdant tunnel Nat had made his temporary home. 

"He is not here, " he said sadly, as he crept in. 

"Nor yet been there, sir?"

"No! Yes, " cried Fred, changing his tone from one full of despondencyto the very reverse. "He has been here, Samson. The food is all gone. "

"Don't shout, sir. We may be heard. But that don't prove nothing. Rabbits and rats and field mice and all sorts of things may have beenand eaten it. Cake and chicken! What waste! I might as well haveeaten it myself, " he muttered. Then, once more aloud, "We may as welldrink what's in the bottle, sir. "

"But it's gone, Samson, " cried Fred, from the end of the tunnel. 

"Gone, sir? The rabbits couldn't have--"

"And your jerkin is gone, too. "

"Hooray! Then the poor old--"

Samson checked his jubilant speech before it was half ended, andcontinued, in a grumbling tone--

"That's just like Nat I told you how awk'ard he could be. "

Fred came struggling back out of the verdant tunnel, and rose to hisfeet. Then, looking round, he said--

"We must try and follow his track, Samson. Which way is he likely tomove--"

He, too, stopped short, staring wildly before him; and then he caughtSamson's arm, unable to speak, so sudden was the hope which had flashedin upon his brain. 

"See him, sir?" whispered Samson, as he stood gazing in a startledfashion in the same direction. "Oh, Master Fred, sir, " he burst out, "don't, don't say the poor lad's dead. Nat, Nat, old chap, not withoutone good-bye grip of the hand. "

"No, no, no, " gasped Fred, half dragging his companion back. 

"Not dead, sir?" panted Samson. 

"No, no, no!"

"And you couldn't see him, sir?"

"No. "

"Then what do you mean by serving a fellow like that?" muttered Samsonto himself. "I didn't think I could make such a fool of myself--aboutan enemy, too. "

"Samson, " whispered Fred, excitedly, "can I trust you?"

"No, sir. 'Tarn't likely, " growled the man, morosely. "I'm sartain togo and tell tales everywhere, and blab it all out, whatever it is. "

"No, no; I don't believe you, lad. You always were true as steel, Samson. "

"Master Fred, lad, I'd die for you!" half sobbed Samson, with his faceworking; and he clung now to the hand extended to him. "But do, dospeak, sir. Poor Nat aren't dead?"

"No, no! How could I have been such an idiot!"

"Such a what, sir? Here, who says so?" cried Samson, truculently. 

"I can't think how it was I never thought of it before. "

"Here, sir, 'pon my head, I don't know which hole you're coming out of. What do you mean?"

"They're alive, Samson; they're alive!"

"_He's_ alive, sir--_he's_ alive, you mean. "

"No; I mean they must be alive. "

"But there never was but one Nat, sir; and that was quite enough. "

"You don't understand me, man. "

"No, sir, and nobody else could, talking like that. "

"No, of course not. That's why I said could I trust you. Scar and SirGodfrey and Nat must be all safe. "

"Do you know what you are talking about, sir, or are you a bit off yourhead?"

"I'm as clear-headed as you are, man. Look there!"

"Yes, sir, I'm a-looking, and there's a heap o' sere 'ood with a bit ofa hole in it. "

"Yes; some one has been through there. "

"What, do you think he has made himself another hole?"

"Yes, Samson. "

Fred gave a quick, excited look round, but they were alone in the patchof forest. 

"Yes, sir, I'm a-listening. "

"There's a secret passage leads from there right up to the Hall. "

"Secret grandmother, sir!"

"There is, I tell you, " cried Fred, with his voice trembling fromexcitement. "Scar and I found it one day, and traced it right to theedge of the lake. "

"Not gammoning me, are you, sir?"

"No, no, Samson. "

"You didn't dream all this?"

"No, I tell you. We found it by accident, and when we were looking forthe end we found that hole where that fallen tree had broken a way intothe passage. We piled up all those branches to hide the place. "

"Well, you stun me, Master Fred. And you think our Nat heard 'em there, and has gone to jine 'em?"

"He found them, or they found him. Hist!"

Fred crept close to the heap of dead wood, a portion of which, sufficient for a man to creep through, had been removed, and pressing asfar in as he could, he made a trumpet of his hands and cried softly--

"Any one there?"

Samson had followed close to him, and he listened to his master's voiceas it seemed to go in a hollow whisper echoing along under the earth. 

"Well, it do stun me, " he said, taking off his morion for a freshscratch. 

"Is any one there?" cried Fred again, as loudly as he dared; and therewas no response. "Scar! Nat! Sir Godfrey!" he cried again; and afterpausing to listen each time for a reply which did not come, he turned atlast to encounter Samson's dubious face. 

"Hope you're right, sir!" he said. 

"Yes, man, certain. You see? You can hear?"

"Yes, sir, I can hear; and I suppose there's a sort of drain there. "

"Drain, man? I tell you it's a secret passage. "

"Maybe, sir; but that don't prove they are hiding in it. "

"But they must be, " cried Fred, excitedly. "Scar knew of it. They werecut off by the fire. They took refuge there, and I am sure they arehiding now; and, thank Heaven, safe. "

"Well, sir, they're all mortal enemies, but I'm so glad to hear it thatI say _Amen_ with all my heart; but is it true?"

"Oh, yes, I am sure; it's true enough!" cried Fred, with his eyes fullof the joy he felt. "Samson, I don't know how to contain myself--how tobe thankful enough! Poor old Scar! I should never have felt happyagain. "

Samson's iron pot-like cap was tilted off again, and he scratched hishead on the other side as he looked at Fred with a quaint smile upon hiscountenance. 

"Well, sir, all this here puzzles me. It do--it do really. These hereare our enemies, and we've been taught to smite 'em hip and thigh; andbecause we find they're living, instead of dead, here's you ready tojump out of your skin, and me feeling as if I could shake hands with oldNat. Of course I wouldn't; you see, I couldn't do it. Indeed, if hewas here I should hit him, but I feel as if I should shake hands all thesame. "

"What will be best to do, Samson?"

"Do, sir? If you're right, get off as soon as we can. "

"And them wanting our help. "

"Tchah! They don't want our help. They want us to be out of their way. If they come and catch us here, sir, how do we know but what they mayturn savage, and try to serve us out?"

"Samson, you are talking nonsense, " said Fred, angrily; and he ran tothe hole again and called aloud the names of those he believed to be inhiding, his words echoing and whispering along the dark passage, tillSamson made him jump by touching him on the shoulder just as he waslistening vainly for a reply. 

"Don't do that, sir. "

"Why not?"

"If that there passage goes right up to the Hall, the men yonder by theruins on dooty will hear you hollering and find out all about it. "

Fred started away as if he had been stung. 

"You are right, Samson, " he said; "I did not think of that. "

"You didn't, sir?"

"No. "

"Then that shows you that I am not so stoopid as you tell me I amsometimes. "

"Oh, but I don't always mean it. "

"Then you shouldn't say it, sir. Well, hadn't we better get back now?"

"But I want to make perfectly sure that they are hiding there, Samson, my good fellow; and how can we find out without waiting and watching?"

"Oh, I can soon do that for you, sir. "

"How?"

"Set a trap. "

"What?"

"Set a trap, and bait it same as you would for a fox, or a polecat, orone of them big hawks we see on the moor. "

"I don't understand you. Pray do speak out. What trap could we set?"

"Oh, I'll soon show you that, sir. Here's the bait for it. "

Samson opened his wallet, and drew therefrom a round flat cake, whichhad been cut open; and as he held it on his hand he raised the top, treating it as if it were the lid of a box, and grinned at Fred as heshowed him within four slices of boiled salt pork. 

"There, sir, " he said, as he shut the top down again, "there's a baitfor a trap as would catch any hungry man. "

"Yes; but what are you going to do?"

"I'll show you, sir. I'm just going to hang that inside yonder hole;and if my brother Nat's there he'll smell it half a mile away, and comeand take it. I know him like a lesson. We'll leave it there, go away, and come back again; and if the cake's gone we know they are there. "

"We shall know some one is there, " Fred said thoughtfully. "Yes, weshall know that Scar is there, " he added with more show of animation, "for no one but us two know of the existence of that hole. He must havecome out and found your brother. "

"Shall I bait the trap, then, sir?" said Samson. 

"Yes, of course. "

"Ah, " said Samson, placing the cake in a fork of one of the deadbranches right in the hole, "you often laugh at me, sir, for bringing abit o' food with me, but now you see the good of it. There!"

He drew back to look admiringly at his work. 

"That'll catch him, sir, " he said. 

"Yes, they'll see that, " cried Fred, eagerly. "Now let's get back tothe lake, and fish for an hour. "

"But we aren't got no lines, sir. "

"Never mind; we must pretend, in case we are watched. Come alongquickly. "

Fred spoke in a low excited whisper, just as if he had helped in thesetting of a gin for some wild creature; and as he hurried Samson backtoward the lake he turned once, full of exultation, and shook hisfollower warmly by the hand. 

"What's that there for?" said Samson, feigning ignorance, but with hiseyes sparkling and his face bright with satisfaction. 

"Because I feel so happy, " cried Fred. "It's a long time since I havefelt so satisfied as I do now. "

"Ah, I gets puzzleder and puzzleder, " said Samson, grimly, "more thanever I was. I never knowd why we all began fighting, and you don't makeit a bit clearer, Master Fred. I believe you're a reg'lar sham, sir, pretendin' that Master Scar's your enemy, and all the time you seem asif you'd go through fire and water to help him. Why, we shall be havingyour father and Sir Godfrey shaking hands and dining together just asthey did in the old times. "

"And you and Nat quarrelling good-temperedly again as to which is thebest cider, that at the Manor or theirs at the Hall. "

"No, Master Fred; that's going a little too far, sir. Eh? What say?"

"Look here; I'll show you where the proper entrance to the passage is. That hole, as I told you, was only broken through. "

Fred turned off a little, and made his way down to the edge of the lakeby the rocky bank where the birches drooped down till their delicateleaves nearly dipped in the water; and as they hung over, after acareful look round, Fred pointed out the opening. 

"What! that little bit of a hole, sir?"

"That's where Scarlett kicked out a stone or two. The whole of the restof the arch is built up. "

"Well, sir, I s'pose it's true, as you tell me it is, " said Samson, thoughtfully; "but if anybody had told me all this without showing methe place, I should have said, `Thank ye; now see if you can tell abigger story. '"

"You know now it's true, " said Fred, thoughtfully. "And look here, " hecontinued, after he had related in full how he and Scarlett discoveredthe place, "let's go up to the Hall, and see if there is any sign of theopening there. Think the ruins will be cool?"

"No, sir, nor yet for another week. Why, some of the men was roastingmeat in the hot embers, and cooking bread there this morning. "

"Never mind. I had not the heart to go there when I woke. I am eagerto see everything now, and I tremble for fear that the way may have beenlaid open. Come along. "

Samson followed, nothing loth, the rods and basket being forgotten, andthey made their way round by the edge of the lake on the side nearest tothe Hall, Fred having hard work to keep from gazing back at the patch ofthe old forest which concealed the passage where he felt certain now hisfriends--he mentally corrected himself--his enemies, must lie. 

A sad feeling came over the lad, though, once more, as he led the waythrough the hazel wood, where Sir Godfrey had had endless paths cut, every one of which was carpeted with moss; for there were the marks ofhoofs, hazel stubs had been wantonly cut down, and the nearer they drewto the ruined Hall, the more frequent were the traces of destruction, while, when at last they came from the shrubbery and stood in full viewof the place, the picture of desolation was so painful that Fred stoodstill, and his eyes felt dim. 

"Poor Lady Markham! poor little Lil!" he said in a low voice. "Whatwill they say?"

"Yes, and your mother, Master Fred, sir; she'll be terribly cut up too. "

"Well, Fred, my lad, " said a grave voice, "have you, too, come to see?"

Fred started round, to find that his father was leaning against one ofthe fine old beeches with his arms folded, gazing at the still smokingruins. 

He did not wait to be answered, but sighed deeply, and walked slowlyaway. 

"Don't he know?" whispered Samson. 

Fred shook his head, and stood gazing after his father till his followertouched his sleeve. 

"Aren't you going to tell him, Master Fred?"

"I was wondering whether I ought. "

"So was I, sir; and you oughtn't. "

"You think that?"

"Yes, sir. If you tell him, he'll feel it's his duty to send in searchof them, and make 'em prisoners. "

"Yes, " said Fred, thoughtfully. 

"And that's just what we want done, of course, Master Fred; only theyought to be our prisoners, and we want to do just what we like about'em, not be enterfered with--eh?"

"Don't talk to me, please, " said Fred, as he watched his father go wherehis horse was being held, and saw him mount and ride thoughtfully away. 

"Now, Samson, quick! and don't point or seem to be taking any particularnotice. "

"I understand, sir. "

"Let us look as if we were walking round just out of curiosity, and donothing to excite the attention of any sentinel who may have us underhis eye. "

Fred led the way, and Samson followed, as he walked completely round theruins of the old building, apparently indifferent, but taking ineverything with the most intense eagerness. But, look as he would, hecould see no trace of any opening in the skeleton of the fine old Hall. Every vestige of roof had gone, and in its fall parti-walls had beentoppled over, and where they still stood it was in such a chaos of ruinsthat the eye soon grew confused. 

As to finding the entrance to the passage, that was impossible. It waseasy enough to trace the entrance hall, but the carven beams of the roofhad entirely gone, and there was not the slightest trace visible of thegrand staircase or the corridor which ran to right and left. Smouldering ashes, calcined stone, and here and there the projectingcharred stump of some beam; but no sign of a passage running betweenwalls, and at last Samson, who had edged up closely, whispered--

"Are you sure you are right, sir? I can't see aught. "

"I am certain, " was the reply. "But let us go now. No one is likely tofind the entrance here. "

"And no one is likely to get out of it here, " said Samson to himself, asthey walked slowly away, to be hailed directly after by one of theofficers. 

"I thought you two had gone fishing?"

"Yes, sir, " said Samson; "and we've left our rods by the lake. We'regoing down again by-and-by to see if there is a bite. "

The officer nodded, laughed at them, and went on. 

"You let your tongue run too freely, " said Fred, angrily. 

"Well, sir, you wouldn't speak; and it's quite true. When shall we godown and see if we've got a bite?"

"This evening, " said Fred, shortly; and they went back to the camp tostay a few hours, and then get leave to go down again, making their wayround the east end of the lake, up through the scattered woodland to theold patch of forest, and then in and out till they gained the broken-inentrance hidden by the dead blanches of the oak. 

"It's all right, sir, " said Samson, drily, as he caught sight of theopening at the same time as his master. 

Yes: it was all right; for the bait Samson had placed there to test thepresence of his brother was gone. 

"Samson, " whispered Fred, "this is our secret. I want to be loyal to myparty; but I feel as if I must help these poor fellows. "

"That's very sad, sir, " replied Samson; "and I feel as if I ought to goand fetch a dozen of our men to search this place; but whatever you tellme to do, I shall do--that is to say, so long as you don't ask me andNat to make it up. "

"I will not ask you, Samson, " said Fred; "I'll leave you to ask me ifyou may. "

CHAPTER FORTY THREE. 

THROUGH THE FIRE. 

That fight within the Hall was more desperate than Fred had imagined, for until overpowered by numbers, Sir Godfrey, his son, and the braveand reckless Cavaliers by whom he had been surrounded, had fought in amanner that kept their enemies at bay. 

In the rush and noise and confusion of the struggle, Sir Godfrey had notat first noticed the smoke, and when he did he was under the impressionthat it was merely the result of the firing, and caused by the heavypowder of the period. It was not until the flames had gained a hold oneither side that he realised the truth; and when it did come home tohim, he had staggered forward to strike at a couple of the many enemiesby whom he was surrounded, and whose swords had wounded him severely infour places. 

That blow was the last he could give, for, faint from loss of blood, theeffort was too great; he overreached himself, stumbled and fell proneupon the polished floor. The moment before, his enemies were retiring, but at the sight of the fallen officer one of the men raised a joyousshout, and half a dozen charged back to make him prisoner. 

It was at that moment Scarlett saw the great danger, and boy as he was, rushed to the rescue, striking out boldly as he leaped across hisfather, and keeping the enemy at bay. 

The odds were absurd, and the men were only kept back by the suddennessand dash of the youth's attack. Then, with a laugh of derision, theywere about to seize both, when a warning shout reached them, and theyrushed away to avoid the onslaught of the terrible enemy against whichtheir weapons were of no avail. 

Scarlett saw the danger, and cowered down over his father as a wave offlame was wafted above their heads, fortunately for them a current ofair keeping off the next just long enough for him to seize Sir Godfreyby the wrists and drag him back into the centre of the hall, thepolished boards rendering the task an easy one. 

"Escape, Scarlett. I am spent, " said Sir Godfrey, faintly. 

"What! and leave you, father?" cried Scarlett, excitedly. 

"Yes. You cannot get away here for the fire. Run upstairs, my boy, quick--leap from one of the windows. "

"If you will come with me, father, " said Scarlett. 

"No, no, my boy; I am helpless. Make haste. The fire--for Heaven'ssake, make haste!"

The flames and their accompanying suffocating fumes advanced so fastthat for the moment the terrible peril unnerved Scarlett. The naturalinclination was to flee, and he received an additional impulse from hisfather's words, which in their tone of urgent command made him dashhalf-way up the broad staircase before he checked himself, turnedsharply, with one bound leaped down again to the floor, and ran to SirGodfrey's side. 

"Father, I can't leave you to be burned to death, " he cried. "It is toohorrible. "

"Horrible? Yes, " panted the wounded man; "but I can do nothing, my boy;and you--you are so young. The poor old Hall--the poor old Hall!"

For a few moments Scarlett knelt beside his father, suffocating in thegathering smoke, and looking about wildly for a way of escape, butfinding none; for the defenders had taken such precautions to keep theenemy out, that in this time of peril, they had kept themselves in. Even now Scarlett felt that, by making a bold rush through the fire andsmoke gathering in force to right and left, he might escape, singed andscorched, perhaps, but with life. To attempt this, however, with awounded man, was impossible; and, with the strong desire for lifethrilling every fibre, he uttered a despairing groan. 

As the mournful sound escaped his lips, he caught tightly hold of hisfather's hands, to cling to them as if seeking strength, and asking himto keep his weak nature from repeating its former act and taking refugein so cowardly a flight. 

The hands he grasped felt wet and cold, and in the misty choking gloomScarlett could see that his father's eyes were nearly closed, and thatthere was in them a fixed and glassy stare. 

"He's dying!" he groaned; "he's dying!"

His son's cry seemed to rouse Sir Godfrey to a knowledge of his danger, for his eyes opened wildly, and he gazed before him, and then struggledto rise, but sank back against his son's arm. 

"You have not gone!" he groaned. "Scarlett, my boy, escape!"

"I cannot leave you, father. Let me try and help you. If we could getto the upper windows!"

"And ask our enemy to take us prisoners! No, no; my poor old home iscrumbling around me--where could I die better?"

"Oh, father!"

"But you, my boy, with all your young life before you! There is yettime. God bless you, Scar! Good-bye!"

He made a faint effort to thrust his son away, but Scarlett still heldhis hands, while the fire crackled and roared in the rooms on eitherside, and kept on narrowing the space they occupied, as the great smokewreaths, pierced by ruddy tongues, rolled heavily overhead. 

Scarlett set his teeth and closed his eyes for a moment, as a feeling ofhorror ran through him, and there before him, beyond the smoke of theburning woodwork, he saw in a instant the bright sunshiny paths of lifeinviting him on and on for a long career, such as youth may look forwardto in its growing vigour; but he made a desperate effort to crush outthe temptation, clinging frantically to his father's hands as he groaneddespairingly--

"I cannot leave him. It would be too base. "

Till that moment the shock of their position had robbed him of energy, but no sooner had he come to the brave determination to stop and diethat horrible death by his father's side, than the strong current oflife seemed to bound again in his veins, and, with a feeling of wonderthat he could have been so supine--

"Father!" he cried; but there was no reply. "Father!"

Still no response, and he could just make out that the wounded man'seyes were closed. But Scarlett was full of energy now, and, leaping up, he seized Sir Godfrey by the arm, and dragged him by main force to thefoot of the great staircase. 

"I must get him to the corridor somehow, " he thought; and, stoopingdown, he clasped his arms about him, terribly impeded by the breastplateand backpiece he wore, and then, panting and suffocating, he dragged himup step by step, every one being into a more stifling atmosphere. Theincreasing heat bathed him with perspiration, and a growing sense oflanguor made him feel as if each step would be the last. 

But, raging and grinding his teeth in his efforts, he toiled on till thetopmost step was reached, and there he paused, chilled now by a terribleand despairing sense of his position. The fire had eaten its wayupwards, and to drag his insensible burden to the right through the doorleading to the servants' apartments, or to the left along the corridor, was on either hand into a burning furnace. 

Scarlett Markham sank upon his knees beside his father on the polishedoaken floor of the gallery, and giddy now with the heat and exhaustion, his lips cracking, and every breath he drew laden with the poisonousfumes, he felt that all was over, and, with a prayer coming confusedlyto his mind, he made a snatch at his father's hand, missed it, and fellsidewise. 

But even then there was the natural involuntary effort to save himselffrom falling headlong backwards from top to bottom of the stairs, andone hand grasped at the balustrade, caught one of the carved oakenpilasters; there was a sharp cracking sound, the stair by his shouldershot back an inch or two, and a draught of cold revivifying airliterally rushed whistling through the orifice. 

It was life, energy, hope, renewed courage, all in one, as he gasped andpanted and wildly thrust back the loose stair till the way was open;and, gathering strength as the fresh air rushed up into his nostrils onits way to fan the growing flames, he seized his father where he lay onthe top of the staircase, drew him towards his breast, and let him dropright into the opening, whose sloping floor made the rest comparativelyeasy. 

But Scarlett worked manfully, lying down beside his father, and edginghim along a few feet, before going back to close the opening in thestairs. 

He paused for a few moments, feeling now that he was safe, and gazedupon the ruddy smoke clouds, listened to the roar and crackle of theflames, which were now within a few feet; and as he gazed, he could seethat the sharp draught rushing by him drove the flame and smoke back, and fanned the former till it glowed more brightly. 

But there was no time to lose. Seizing the woodwork, he drew it overhis head, to find to his horror that already the heat had warped thewood so that it was hard to move; and, feeling that no time was to belost, he rolled himself along, forced his father on and on, till thehorizontal shallow passage was at an end--a passage already growingheated above where the fire licked the boards, and then, standingupright and breathing freely, he paused to think of his next proceeding. 

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR. 

IN UTTER DARKNESS. 

It was not easy to think and lay plans in such a position as that inwhich Scarlett Markham found himself. His temples throbbed painfully, his head swam, and at every exertion it seemed to him as if hot moltenlead were rolling from side to side of his head. But the cool damp aircame by him in a continuous draught, and feeling now that before longthe narrow passages and the little chamber beyond must certainly growheated in the conflagration, perhaps be swept away in the generaldestruction, he set himself the task of getting Sir Godfrey upon hisback, and, after several failures, found that his first step in thatdirection must be to unbuckle and cast aside the defensive armour hisfather wore. 

This done, the steel falling on the stone floor of the passage with aheavy clang, he once more tried, successfully, and, bending beneath theweight of his load, traversed the narrow passage, with a dull low roarsounding in a muffled way on his left. 

The air came fresher and fresher as he pressed on in the intensedarkness, till, recalling by an effort of memory every step he and Fredhad formerly taken, he felt his way into the little chamber, havingdrawn his sword and used it for a staff, and to guide his way. 

How well he recalled the shape of that little hiding-place, with itsdust and cobwebs, and the colourless strands of ivy hanging down! Andas he paused here, asking himself whether he should stay for thepresent, a silent answer was given to his question, for the hand whichrested upon the wall felt that the stones were, growing sensibly warm, sufficiently so to suggest that the fire was raging on the other side. 

Taking a long breath of the cool fresh air, he had no difficulty intelling which way to turn for the further door, whose half-open edge theextended sword touched directly. Then, grasping it with his hand, itgrated heavily as he drew it towards him, passed through the lowopening, and knew that he he was at the top of the long narrowdescending stairs. 

What a terrible depth it seemed as he went down very slowly step bystep, but heartened each minute by the feeling that every step took themmore out of the reach of the fire, while the steady current of air drawnin from the wilderness and the lake side by the fire within thebuilding, rendered it certain that no flame or suffocating fume couldreach them there. 

The bottom at last! and Scarlett paused to rest. He was bathed inperspiration, and a curious dull feeling of exhaustion was setting in, but he did not speak; he had set for himself the goal which he mustreach, and at which they would rest for the present. After he had boundup his father's wounds, he might recover somewhat, so as to walk alittle with assistance; and then the opening at the end of the passagewas there, and freedom for them both, if the enemy had gone. 

But he had not reached that vault-like refuge yet, and the way seemed tobe interminable. The excitement and effort had produced a dull, halfstupefying effect upon his senses, and this was growing rapidly now, somuch so, that with legs bending beneath him, he dropped his sword, whichfell with an echoing clamour upon the stones, and supported himself bythe wall. 

And now in that pitchy darkness he crept slowly along, with a singularnightmare-like sensation growing upon him; he ceased to have any commandof the power of thought, and went on and on, inch by inch, ever ready tosink beneath his burden, but always at the last moment making adesperate effort, and regaining enough strength to go on. 

How long it took, how he ever got through his terrible task, he neverknew. All that he could ever recall was a feeling of journeying on andon beneath an ever-increasing load, till suddenly the support on eitherside ceased; he made a desperate effort to save himself, but went downupon his hands and knees, felt that the burden he bore had suddenlyrolled from his back, and that his face was resting on the cool dampstones. 

Then all was darkness, mental as well as visual, and he sank into astupor, which lasted he could not tell how long. 

The awaking was strange. 

Scarlett opened his eyes involuntarily, and looked above him and toright and left. He closed his eyes, and the effect was the same. Thenhe lay for a time thinking that he must be asleep, and that this wassome portion of a dream. 

But the sensation of faintness, his aching head, and the sore stiffnessof every muscle--so painful that he could hardly move--soon warned himthat he was awake, and he set himself to battle with his confused brain, to try and make out where he was, and what it all meant. For, as far asthe past was concerned, it was as if a dense black curtain were drawnacross his mind, and this great veil he could not thrust aside. 

He was cold--he was stiff and sore--he was hungry and feverishlythirsty, --he could realise all these things, but that was all, and helay thinking and asking himself again and again, "What does it allmean?"

The first hint which his brain seemed to seize upon was given by a lowdeep sigh which came from close at hand. 

Scarlett started up, staring wildly in the direction from which thesound came, while his hands and brow grew moist with terror--a terrorwhich passed away, as a flash of mental light illumined his obscuredbrain, and he cried aloud--

"Father!"

There was no reply, and Scarlett's horror and dread grew more intense, not from weak foolish imagination, but from the feeling that his fatherwas lying wounded there, perhaps at the point of death, while he, whoought to have been aiding him in every way, must have been selfishlyasleep. 

The self-shame was not deserved, for nature had been too strong forScarlett Markham, and it was more the stupor of utter exhaustion towhich he had succumbed than sleep. 

He crept to where Sir Godfrey lay, and felt for his face, which was coldand clammy, sending a shudder through the fingers which touched the icybrow, and then sought for the region of the heart. 

Incongruous ideas of a trivial nature occur to people even in the mostterrible times, and it was so here, for as Scarlett's hand sought forhis father's breast, he found himself thinking of how good a thing itwas that he removed the armour when he took him upon his back. 

The heart was beating faintly, but the pulsations could be plainly felt, and this gave Scarlett some little hope, such as was badly needed atthis crucial time. But what was he to do? How could he help him? Foraught he could tell, they must have been there many hours, and once morea terrible chill ran through the youth, as the thought struck him thathis father might be bleeding to death. 

And what could he do? He was in utter darkness, and could not tellwhere the wounds might be. 

There was comfort once more in the fresh thought which came, suggestedby his experience in the skirmishes in which he had been engaged, and byhis duties in tending the wounded. 

For he recalled how, in the majority of cases, unless some importantvessel was divided, Nature interposed as the great surgeon for thepreservation of her children's lives, causing the veins to chill andcontract, and the bleeding to cease; and as Scarlett Markham kneltbeside his father, and pressed his lips to the icy brow, he prayed thatit might be so now, and that his life might be spared. 

"Now, what is to be done?" he said to himself, half rising, as if theact he had done had given him refreshment and a new access of thought. 

He stood for a few moments thinking, and then, feeling his way about theplace, he satisfied himself where the openings out of the little vaultlay, his doubt as to which led to the lake being solved by the stepsdown to where it was formerly water, but which on testing he now foundto be firm floor, and by the little heap of rusty arms over which henearly fell as he crept about. 

His first need was light and help for his father, and to obtain these hefelt that perhaps it would be best to surrender. 

With this aim in view, he made his way back along the passage, kickingagainst and recovering his sword, and up the flight of narrow stonesteps, becoming conscious that the air was growing warmer as heproceeded, and finally that the walls were hot, while straight beforehim, as he reached the top and tried to penetrate into the chamber, there was a confused pile of heavy stones leaning towards him, as ifsome party wall or portion of the roof had fallen in that direction, andblocked the way. 

He could not stay to investigate, the heat was too great; but thefreedom with which he breathed taught him that the ruins had notcompletely stopped all the chamber, for a steady current of air wasflowing past him from below. 

He felt instinctively that the fire must have done its work, and thatthe greater part of the secret passage had been obliterated by thefalling ruins, so that he must not look for help from that direction. 

Retracing his steps, then, he once more reached the vault, whosecoolness was pleasant after the stifling heat above. Then, crossing thedark place, he slowly descended the steps, and went onward with extendedhands, feeling his way toward the two entries--the original, and thatwhich had been broken through by the fallen tree. 

He had not far to go before a faint light stole down to guide his way, and he reached the spot where the passage was roofed in with deadbranches and twigs, and as he reached it, just faintly heard, came theshrill cry of a blackbird--_Pink-pink-pink_!--from somewhere in the woodabove. 

A trifle that he would not have heeded at another time, but which nowsent a thrill of hope through him, for it told of light and liberty, andhelp for the sufferer lying in that gloomy vault. 

But he wasted no time, passing over the crackling refuse of broken woodand stones which here impeded his way, till almost directly after he hadcleared all this, and made a turn, catching sight of the brightstar-like light low down by the floor of the passage--the opening thathe had made, and by which the water which had been gathering probablyfor generations had been drained away. 

He was soon at the rough wall which stopped the arch, and, going down onone knee, he listened, for peril had made him cautious, besides whichthe lessons of life he was receiving in his regimental work taught thenecessity for being prepared for enemies at every turn. 

All seemed to be perfectly still, and as far as he could judge it wasearly morning, soon after daybreak. The first rays of the sun appearedto be brightening the surface of the lake as he tried to peer throughthe orifice, and every now and then the cry of the water-fowl and thesplash of water endorsed his belief in there being no danger near. 

Feeling satisfied that there was no danger, he returned to the brokenopening and stopped short as he heard a sharp rustling, followed by asound that was evidently the sharp utterance of some one impatient athis position, or because one expected did not come. 

Did whoever it was know of the existence of the hole through which thefaint light streamed down, showing the configuration of the roughbranches which covered the broken place? It seemed only probable, and, feeling the necessity for the greater caution, Scarlett stepped slowlyand carefully among the broken fragments till he had passed the riskyspot, and then hurried on as rapidly as he could till he reached thesteps, and, mounting them cautiously, he stood once more in the chamber. 

Feeling rapidly about, he uttered a cry of joy, for his hand touched hisfather's brow; and as it did so, he felt it raised by the burningfingers of the sufferer, who began talking quickly. 

"Quick! Which way did they go--Lady Markham--my child Lilian? Why doyou not speak? Tell me; they are not in the burning house?"

"Father! don't you know my voice?" whispered Scarlett. 

"Know your voice--know you? Yes, yes, my boy. Scar, lad, help me. They must be somewhere here. I am looking for them. Yes, somewhere inthe house. "

"No, no, father; they are in safety down at the Manor. "

"Here, I tell you, sir. Help me to find them. Quick! They are in theburning house and Scar, my boy, is that you?"

Then, seeming to drop off to sleep as his son knelt by him, there was asigh or two, and then he was breathing regularly, although theinspirations sounded faint and low. 

Scarlett could contain himself no longer, but, rising from his knees, hehurried down the few steps and along the lower passage, pausing for amoment before stealing carefully beneath the broken portion of thearched tunnel. For there could be no doubt about the matter: there wasa rustling sound somewhere above that did not seem such as would be madeby any wild animals likely to haunt the forest, and a certainty wasgiven to his ideas by a low-muttering arising, followed by a hastyejaculation as of impatience or pain. 

So near did this sound, that Scarlett remained motionless in theobscurity of the tunnel arch, afraid to stir for quite an hour, duringwhich he listened, feeling assured that this opening had been discoveredby the enemy, and that they had placed a sentry there to trap any onewho attempted to escape. 

"Oh!" ejaculated Scarlett at last, softly, as what he believed to beenlightenment flashed across his brain. "Why did I not think of thatbefore? Fred Forrester, of course! He remembered our discovery, and hehas explained all to his father, with the result that there aresentinels all about, waiting to take every poor wounded wretch who seeksto escape. "

It was a painful thought, for it troubled him to think that Fred hadbeen so unprincipled as to betray their old boyish secret. 

"He might have been content to fight with his party against ours, andnot make use of his knowledge to do his old friends an evil turn. "

The feeling of bitter anger mingled with scorn increased as he stoodthere in weary inactivity, longing to rejoin Sir Godfrey, but dreadingto stir, for fear he should bring danger upon his father's head. 

And all this time he might be awake, and in grievous suffering; perhapsdying, and feebly stretching out his hands for help, even believing thathis son had left him there to die. 

Scarlett could bear the agony of his thoughts no longer; at any cost hemust pass beneath that opening, and rejoin his father, and to this endhe stepped forward softly, to find that he had planted his foot upon arotten stick fallen from above, and lightly as he trod, the dry, decayedpiece of wood parted with a loud noise. 

Scarlett turned cold, and the chilly moisture gathered upon his brow andwithin the palms of his hands. 

"It is all over!" he muttered, as his hand went involuntarily to thehilt of his sword; and then he dragged it from its sheath, and raisedthe point, thinking of how strong his position was, and how few menwould dare to descend with that sharp point awaiting the first enemy whocame. 

Then, half stifled by holding his breath, he began to breathe freelyonce more, for there came a low sigh from above, then a faint rustling, and then the regular, low breathing of some man asleep. 

Scarlett stayed no longer, but stepped quickly across the wood-strewnpatch of the floor, and then hastened along the passage, and up the fewsteps in the total darkness; and after a very little groping about, found himself beside his father, who was sleeping peacefully, while hishead was cool, telling how the fever of his wounds had gone down. 

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE. 

COMPANIONS IN MISFORTUNE. 

Scarlett Markham passed some hours by his father's side, listening tohis breathing in the darkness, and from time to time taking his hand asa low moan was uttered, accompanied by a restless movement; but as thetime passed on, in spite of anxiety and his own weariness and pain, anintense desire for food of some kind kept on attacking him, and eachtime with more force. 

What was he to do?

Had he been alone the task would have been simple. He would have goneat once to the broken archway, waited his opportunity, and crept out. Then he would have done his best to escape, and the worst that couldhave happened to him would have been seizure by the enemy, who, in spiteof party hatred, would have given their prisoner food. 

But he felt that he could not take this course, and risk capture, whichwould mean imprisonment to his father as well. 

The difficulty was solved at last by an uneasy movement on Sir Godfrey'spart. He seemed to start suddenly from sleep, and, after listening fora few moments, Scarlett said gently--

"Are you in pain, father?"

"Ah, my boy, you there?" said Sir Godfrey, feebly. "I was puzzled andconfused. I recollect now. Have I been asleep long?"

"Yes, father, I think so. I cannot tell, for I have been asleep too. "

"Where are we?"

Scarlett explained, and from time to time Sir Godfrey uttered a fewwords of surprise and wonder, till his son had finished. 

"I could hardly have thought it possible, " he said, as Scarlett ceased. "Then we are so far safe?"

"Yes; but your wounds, father? What am I to do about getting help?"

Sir Godfrey remained silent for a few minutes, and then said quietly--

"I am terribly weak, boy, and in a good deal of pain; but from what Iknow of such things, I do not think my wounds are either deep ordangerous, and if this is so, nature is the best chirurgeon. But yousay there is a way out?"

"Yes, father; and I am afraid that Fred Forrester has given notice, andthat it is watched. "

"The young villain!" muttered Sir Godfrey, and somehow those wordsseemed to send a sting through Scarlett's brain. 

After a silence, Sir Godfrey went on. 

"Well, my boy, " he said, "I shall not be able to escape for days tocome. You must go and try and make your way to our friends. "

"And leave you?"

"Only for a time, my boy, of course. You must find some of our men, andcome and get me away. "

"I cannot leave you, father;" said Scarlett, firmly; and Sir Godfreyremained silent for a time. 

"Thank you, Scar, " he said at last; "and of course I do not want to beleft. Can you propose any better way, for my thinking powers are veryweak?"

Scarlett was silent in turn, and then he said quietly--

"Yes, father; I will wait my chance, steal out, and then contrive tomake my way to some cottage where I can get food. I can bring it back, and we can continue to remain here in hiding till you are strong enoughto go. "

"Not a very pleasant prospect, Scar, " said Sir Godfrey, "but I canpropose no better. "

"I might be able to make my way to the Manor. "

"No, no; you must not get help from there, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey, hastily. 

"Why not, father? My mother and Lilian are there. "

"True, Scarlett, but--"

"Mrs Forrester would be only too eager to help us. "

"Her husband's enemies?"

"She is affording protection to my mother. Yes, " added the lad, after apause, "I must go there. "

Sir Godfrey remained silent. 

"Father. "

"Yes. "

"You frightened me by being so still. "

"I was only thinking, Scarlett, " replied Sir Godfrey, sadly--"thinking Iwas wrong to speak as I did. There, I have fought my best, and it is myturn to lie down. I would we were both prisoners in such good hands. "

"Then you consent to my going, father?"

There was another pause before Sir Godfrey said in a low, weary voice--

"Yes, my boy; you must throw yourself upon their mercy. This is no timeto nurse one's hatred against one's foes. When shall you start?"

"Directly I can get unseen from the opening, for you must haverefreshment, father, and it is absolutely necessary that I should beback to-night. "

"Heaven's will be done, " said Sir Godfrey, softly; and, after a longfirm pressure of the hand, he added, "Be careful, my boy; keep yourliberty if you can. The king wants the help of every loyal hand. "

"And you will not mind my leaving you?"

"No, my boy. I dare say, in my weak state, I shall pass many hours insleep. "

Even then Scarlett felt that he could not go, and it was not until longafter, when he felt the absolute necessity of obtaining food and help, that he at last tore himself away, but with the one satisfaction ofknowing that Sir Godfrey had dropped into a heavy sleep. 

It was while he was once more making his way to the opening thatScarlett realised how faint and weak he, too, was. But, summoning allhis energy, he stood at last beneath the opening, trying to make outwhere the sentinel or sentinels might be. 

He drew his sword ready for action, and then, with an impatientmovement, restored the weapon to its sheath, realising fully that if hewas to succeed, it must be by cunning stratagem, not by blows. 

All was silent, but the occasional twitter of some bird. If a watcherwas there, he gave no sign of his presence, and quite a couple of hoursmust have passed away before, utterly tired out, and hearing not theslightest sound, Scarlett determined to venture so far as to get hishead above the top of the opening. 

No; he felt that would be only to court seizure, for his position wouldbe so disadvantageous that he could not defend himself if he wereseized. Besides, he would be betraying his father into the enemies'hands. 

In spite of his trouble and anxiety, a smile came upon his lip, as hethought of a plan by which he might make the watcher or watchersdiscover their presence. He believed thoroughly that he had not so farbeen heard, and, under that impression, he took hold of one of thehazels above his head, and, trusting to old forest recollections in thedays when he had hunted rabbits with Fred Forrester, he shook the boughabove him so as to make a sharp rustling noise, and uttered with hiscompressed lips a sharp screeching sound such as is made by the littlewhite-tailed furry denizen of the wood when trapped or chased by astoat. 

"That will bring him to see, " thought Scarlett, as he felt that such asound would suggest to a foraging soldier a capital addition to hiscamp-fire supper. 

But there was not a sound in reply, and, beginning to doubt his beliefthat there was a sentry watching, he uttered the shrill squeal again. Then his heart gave a bound, for there was a movement close at hand, asof some one trying to pass through the bushes, but it was not continued;and, while the lad was wondering, there came a low groan. 

"No sentinel! Some poor wounded fellow who has crept into the oldwilderness for safety, " thought Scarlett. 

"But will it be an enemy?" he asked himself. 

"No; one of ours, " his heart replied. "An enemy would have called forhelp. "

"Ah, if I was only as I used to be!" came in a low-muttering tone. "Ishe in agin?"

"Nat!" cried Scarlett, the word starting from his lips involuntarily, and without his seeming to have the power to stay it. 

"Eh!" came from close by, "who called? Master Scar, that you?"

"Yes, yes, " cried Scarlett; and, leaping up, he caught at a bough, whichsnapped in two, and he dropped down again. But his next attempt wasmore successful, for he drew himself out, and the next minute waskneeling by his old follower, as Nat lay nearly hidden among theundergrowth. 

"I say, don't play tricks, sir, " said Nat, feebly. "I aren't dreaming, are I?"

"Dreaming, Nat?"

"I mean, I've been all in a squabble, with things mixed up in my head, and people talking to me, and rabbits squealing, and Master Scarshouting `Nat, ' I aren't asleep now, are I?"

"Asleep now, Nat? No, no, my dear old fellow, " cried Scarlett, whosevoice sounded thick with emotion. "But you are badly hurt eh?"

"Well, tidy, Master Scar, tidy. They give it to me pretty well. ButI'm better now, dear lad; I'm better now. Oh, oh, I say, Master Scar, lad, hit me in both eyes hard. I'm so weak I'm going to blubber like agal. "

"No, no, my dear old Nat, " whispered Scarlett. "Keep up, man, keep up. I want you to help me. "

"Help you, Master Scarlett? Why, I don't believe I could even pull mysword out of its sheath!"

"But you will soon, Nat, " whispered Scarlett, eagerly. "I want yourhelp. My father is wounded, and in hiding close by here. "

"The master?"

"Yes, yes. "

"Sir Godfrey?"

"Yes, yes, Nat; badly wounded. We were nearly burned in the fire, whenthe Hall was in a blaze; but we got out, and he is badly wounded, and Iwas going to try and get food. "

"Oh, if that's it, " said Nat, feebly, "it's time there was an end to allthis nonsense. Here, give's a hand, Master Scar. I must get up. "

The poor fellow made an effort, then sank back with a groan. 

"Pitchforks and skewers!" he muttered. "Didn't that go through one. "

"Lie still, Nat. "

"Needn't be afraid, Master Scar, " groaned the poor fellow, with acomical look in his young master's face. "I don't think I shall get upyet. "

"No; lie still. I'm going to try and steal away to the Manor. "

"Eh? Then if you come across my brother Samson, you knock him down, sir. Don't you hesitate a moment. Knock him down. "

"Nonsense! Now look here. "

"Oh yes, sir, I'm a-looking, " said Nat, dismally; "and a pretty dirtyface you've got. "

"What do you mean?"

"Why, it's all black, as if you'd been--"

"Why, Master Scar, what yer been a-doing to your hair?"

"Hair? My hair?"

"Yes, sir. Them Roundhead vagabonds cut it all off before, but now it'sall scorched and singed away. "

"Eh? Yes. I suppose so, " said Scarlett, sadly. "I did not know, Nat. I suppose it was in the fire. "

"And your face all scorched too. "

"Is it, Nat? I did feel that it smarted and was sore. "

"Why, my poor dear lad, what have you been a-doing of? And me not withyou, but lying here like a pig in a sunny hole, pretending I was bad!"

"Hush! not so loud. Never mind the singeing, Nat. There, keep quiettill I come back with some food. Do you want a drink of water?"

"Food? What did you say about some food?"

"I'm going to try and get some, Nat. I am starving. "

"Think of that now!" cried Nat, feebly. "Why, I've got some here. Master Scar! Now, let me think. I'm all in a muddle like in the head, and can't tell what's been dreaming and what isn't; but I've got a sorto' notion that some one come in the dark, and talked to me or talkedabout me, and then said they'd leave me something to eat. "

"Dreaming, Nat, my poor fellow! Your loss of blood has made you alittle off your head. "

"Well, then, if I was dreaming, there aren't nothing to eat, MasterScar. But if I warn't dreaming, there's something close by me here, and--There, Master Scar, it warn't a dream!"

"Nat!" cried Scarlett, joyfully, as the poor fellow feebly brought forththe food Fred and Samson had left. "May--may I take some?" he faltered. 

"Take it all, my dear lad, take it all, and yeat it. I couldn't yeatanything now. Shouldn't mind a big mug o' water. That's about mytune. "

In spite of himself, Scarlett broke off a piece of the bread cake, andbegan to eat ravenously. 

But he recollected himself directly, and placed some to the woundedman's lips. 

"Thank ye, lad, no, " said Nat, sadly; "but if you could get me a drop o'water, I'd be 'bliged, for I feel just like a flower a-drying up in thesun. "

Poor Nat did not look it, whatever he might feel; but almost before hehad ceased speaking, Scarlett had slipped through the hole as the safestway, gone to the opening by the lake, dipped his hat three-parts full ofwater, and borne it back, placing it safely between two boughs at theside of the top, while he climbed out; and the next minute he washolding the dripping felt to Nat's lips. 

"Hah!" ejaculated the poor fellow, feebly; "it's worth being chopped abit and lying here for the sake of the appetite it gives you. "

"Appetite, Nat?" said Scarlett, taking up the bread. 

"'Tite for water, lad. That's the sweetest drop I ever did taste, Iwill say. "

"Drink again?"

"Ay, that I will, hearty, " whispered Nat; and he partook of another longdraught. "There, " he said, "now you give me one bit o' that cake tonibble, and you may go. To get food, didn't you say, sir, just now?"

"I want some--for my father, Nat, but--if--I can have some of this?"

"Take it all, my dear lad, take it all. Where is the master, sir?"

Scarlett told him in as few words as possible, and Nat stared at him. 

"No, it's of not a bit o' good, Master Scar, " he said sadly. "I knowyou're telling me something, but I bled all the sense out of me, and Ican't understand what you mean. Never mind me. I dare say it's allright. "

"But, Nat, " cried Scarlett, eagerly, as a thought struck him, and herealised that it was useless to try and impress upon the poor fellowabout the secret passage, "you are lying out here. "

"Yes, sir; not a nice place, but cool and fresh. "

"Could you, if I helped you, get down that hole, where my father lies?"

"Sir Godfrey?"

"Yes. "

"But you said you were going away somewhere, sir. "

"Only to get some food, and you have enough for the day. To-night I'llgo out and get more. Do you think you could crawl down?"

"I think I could try, sir, if it comes to that. "

"And trying is half the battle, Nat. "

"Right, sir; I'll try. That drop o' water seemed to put life in me. "

"But--"

Scarlett stopped short, thinking. Some one had been and brought Natfood, for there it was in solid reality, tempting him to eat; and if hetook the poor fellow down into the secret passage, it would no longerprove to be a secure hiding-place, for those who missed the wounded manwould search perhaps and find. 

That did not follow, though. They might think that he had crept away;and besides, the case was desperate, and he must risk it. 

"You said, `But, ' Master Scar, " said Nat, feebly, after waiting for hisyoung master to go on. 

"Nothing, nothing, " said Scarlett, hastily, for his mind was made up. "Now then, pass your arms round my neck, clasp your hands together, andhold tightly. I'll draw you out of that place. "

"Take the food first, Master Scar. There, stuff it in your wallet, lad. "

Scarlett did not hesitate, but placed the precious treasure in thereceptacle, and then bent down. Nat obeyed his instructions, and by astrong effort he was drawn out. 

"Have I hurt you much, Nat?" said Scarlett, as he gazed through the dimlight at the pallid face so close to his. 

"Well, sir, not to make much bones about it, tidy, pretty tidy. Whatnext, sir?"

"I want to lower you down through the branches into that hole. "

"Eh?" ejaculated Nat, forgetting his weakness and the aching pain hesuffered, as he gave quite a start. "No, no, Master Scar, don't dothat. "

"But you will be safe there for the present, Nat. "

"Safe enough, I suppose, sir, " groaned the poor fellow. 

"Well, let me lay your legs here, and I can slide you down. "

"But I aren't dead yet, dear lad. Don't hurry it so fast as that. "

"What do you mean?"

"Going to bury me, aren't you, sir?"

"What nonsense, man! There's a long passage there leading to a vault. "

"Yes, sir; that's what I thought. Don't do it till I'm quite gone. "

In spite of hunger, misery, anxiety, and pain, Scarlett Markham couldnot refrain from laughing at Nat's perplexed countenance, with soreassuring an effect that the poor fellow smiled feebly in return, tookheart, and allowed himself to be slid down through the opening, the taskbeing so well managed that Nat sank on the stone floor, and whenScarlett loosened his hands, he subsided gently against the wall. 

Then, after removing a few of the tracks of his passage, the elasticityof the undergrowth and its springing up helping the concealment, Scarlett descended to his henchman's side, and after a pause helped himalong the passage right to the vault, where, as soon as he had got ridof his burthen, the lad found his father sleeping calmly. 

"Aren't it a bit dark, Master Scar, or be it my eyes?" said Nat, feebly. 

"Dark, Nat, quite dark. But you will, I hope, be safe here till we canescape. "

"Right, sir. I'll do what you tell me, for I feel just like a big babbynow with no legs, and my head all of a wobble, 'cause there's no bone inthe neck. Yes, sir, thank ye, sir. Ease my head down gently. That'sit. That's it. That's it. That's it. Ah!" the poor fellow kept onrepeating to himself, and ended with a low sigh of relief; and whenspoken to again there was no reply. 

Scarlett's heart seemed to cease beating, and then it gave a leap. 

Had he done wrong in getting the poor fellow down there, exhausted as hewas? How did he know but that he might have caused the wounds to bleedagain?

There was consolation directly after, for he could hear Nat's calm, regular breathing, and, satisfied and relieved, Scarlett stepped now tohis father's side to touch him, but found that he too was still sleepingcalmly, while for the present it seemed that his duty was to keep guard. 

He seated himself on the stone floor, with his back in one of theangles, and listened for a time to the regular breathing; then hisravenous hunger made itself known to such an extent that, aftercomforting himself with the promise that he would get food that night, he took out and broke a piece off the bread cake, put it back, thoughtthat those by him might require it, and determined to fight down hishunger. 

Hunger won the day. 

Scarlett made a brave fight, but he was weak; and, try how he would, hishand kept on going to the pocket wallet, and at last he did what wasquite necessary under the circumstances--he ate heartily and well; andthen, with a guilty feeling; troubling him, he yielded to a secondkindly enemy. 

The breathing of his two patients was as regular as clockwork, and thesilence and darkness seemed to increase, with the result that they actedin a strangely lulling way, and with such potency that, after a time, Scarlett started up, and stared about him at the dense blackness around. 

"Have I been to sleep?" he muttered, as he drew himself up a little moretightly, and prepared to keep his black watch firmly and well to theend--that is to say, till the time when he would start at dusk for theManor. 

The next instant he was on his way there, creeping cautiously throughthe undergrowth, listening to the crackling of the wood he pressed withhis feet, and finally making his way to the old house, where he was ableto embrace his mother and sister, feeling his cheek wet with theirtears, while Mistress Forrester made him up a basket of dainties, suchas would invite the appetite of a wounded man. 

How delightful it all was! only he had to start back so soon, and as hehurried away, his mother called him back. "Scarlett! Scarlett!" Howthe words rang in his ears, as he looked back through the darkness--

Scarlett leaped to his feet, with a feeling of shame and contrition. 

"I must have been asleep, " he exclaimed; and he listened to thebreathing once more. "And what a vivid dream that was! How real itseemed!" he added. "I'll go along to the opening, and look out. Thatwill keep me from going to sleep again. "

He started down the steps, and climbed out, wondering whether he hadslept a minute, an hour, or a day, and to his delight he found and tookback with him the provision lately placed there by Fred and Samson. 

"Well, we shall not starve, " said Scarlett, thankfully, as he beganthinking of his dream; but all the same, the voice which had broken inupon him calling his name sounded wonderfully real. 

CHAPTER FORTY SIX. 

SAMSON DISOBEYS ORDERS. 

"Ho! Scar!"

No answer. 

"Hoi! Scar Markham!"

The second call was louder, and this time Fred Forrester had thrust hishead down the hole, so that his voice went echoing along the passage, and died away in a whisper; but the only effect it had was to produce alow chuckling sound from Samson. 

"What are you laughing at, sir?" cried Fred, angrily. 

"Only at you, Master Fred, sir. "

"How dare--"

"No, no; don't be cross with me, sir. I only felt as you'd have felt ifyou'd been me, and I'd been you. "

"What do you mean?"

"Why, it seemed so rum for us to have slipped down here again, pretending to fish, so as to be laughed at because we hadn't caught any, and for you to turn yourself upside down, with your head in the hole, and your legs up in the air, shouting like that!"

"Don't be a donkey, Samson. "

"No, Master Fred; I'll promise you that, faithful like; but it do seemrum. 'Tarn't likely, you know, sir, 'tarn't likely. "

"What isn't likely?"

"Why, that aren't, sir. Even if Master Scar is hiding there. "

"If? He must be. Nobody else knows of the existence of the place. "

"Wouldn't our Nat, sir?"

"No. How could he?"

"Well, sir, I can't say how he could; but he always was a nastyhunting-up-things sort of boy. So sure as I hid anything in my box athome, or anywhere else, he'd never rest till he found it; and as he washiding away here, he may have hunted out this hole, and took possessionlike a badger. "

"It might be so, " said Fred, thoughtfully; and he approached the holeonce more. 

"'Tarn't no good, Master Fred, " said Samson, chuckling. "You might justas well go to a rabbit's hole, and shout down that, `Hoi! bunny, bunny, come out and have your neck broken. '"

"Don't talk so, " said Fred, angrily. 

"No, sir, not a word; but you forget that we're enemies now, and thatit's of no use to call to Master Scarlett or our Nat to come, becausethey won't do it. There's two ways, sir, and that's all I can make out, after no end of thinking. "

As Samson spoke, he held up his hand, and went back a few yards toreconnoitre. 

"Don't see nor hear nothing, Master Fred, " he said, as he returned; "butwe're making a regular path through the wilderness, so plain that soonevery one will see. "

"Then we must go for the future to the opening by the lake, and try whatwe can do there. "

"And get wet!"

"What did you mean by your two ways of finding out whether they arethere?"

"Well, sir, one's by putting bread and meat bait afore the hole, andcoming to see whether it's been taken. "

"But we've tried that again and again, and it is taken, " said Fred, impatiently. "What's the other way?"

Samson chuckled, and thrust his hand into his wallet, where he made arattling noise. 

"Don't be stupid, Samson, " cried Fred, angrily. "What do you mean?"

"These here, sir, " cried Fred's follower, drawing something out of thewallet. 

"Well, what's that--flint and steel?"

"Tinder box and bit o' candle, Master Fred. That's the best way, afterall. "

"Samson!" cried Fred, joyously. "I did not think of that. Come along. "

"Stop a moment, my lad; don't let's do nothing rash. Just think a bit. "

"I've no time to think. "

"Ay, but you must, sir. That there's a long hole, and you're thinkingof going down it. "

"Yes, of course. "

"Suppose there's somebody at home?"

"That's just what I hope to find. "

"But we shall be like a couple of rabbits running into a fox's hole, andhe may bite. "

"Not if he knows that we come as friends. "

"No, Master Fred, p'raps not; but we're enemies. "

"No, we're not, Samson, and you are wasting time. "

"Which I don't want to contradict you, Master Fred; but enemies we areby Act o' Parliament, and that you know as well as me. "

"Then you are afraid of the adventure?"

"Who says so?" growled Samson. 

"I do, sir. So you had better go back, and I'll make the venturealone. "

"I wish you was somebody else, Master Fred. "

"Why?"

"Oh, I'd know, sir. "

"Give me the flint and steel and the candle. "

"What for, sir?"

"To light, " cried Fred, impatiently. 

"Nay, I'm going to light that candle, and I'm going along with you, Master Fred. Why, what would the colonel say if he found out that I'dleft you in the lurch?"

"Better leave me than give me a coward for a companion. "

"Well, I do call that cruel to a man as only wanted to tell you what arisk it was. Never know'd me to be a coward yet, Master Fred, never! Ionly wanted you to understand the worst. Come along, sir. "

Before Fred could interfere, Samson had taken two or three strides, andthen made a leap right on to the dead branches which masked the entranceto the hole. The result was as might be expected; he crashed throughfeet first, and disappeared. 

"Samson!" exclaimed Fred, as he dashed to the opening. 

"I'm all right, sir, so far, " said the rough fellow, looking up with agrim smile on his face. "That's the worst of being a coward and afraid. It makes you rush at things, instead of taking 'em coolly. Here, letme help you down. "

"I can manage, " replied Fred, quietly, as he felt annoyed with himself. "Better draw your sword. "

"No, sir, " said Samson, coolly; "if I do they'll think I'm afraid; andbesides, there's no room to give it a good swing for a cut, and thepoint's blunt since I used it for digging up potatoes. "

"No, no; I can get down, " said Fred, quickly, as Samson once moreoffered his help, and the next moment he was also standing in the oldpassage, peering before him, and listening. 

All was as silent as the grave, and a chilly feeling of dread came overthe lad, as he wondered whether poor Nat had, after all, only crawled inthere to die, just as some unfortunate wounded creature seeks a hole tobe at rest. 

"What nonsense! when he took the food we put there, " he muttered thenext moment. 

"What say, sir? Shall I strike a light?"

Samson did not wait for an answer to his first question beforepropounding the second. 

"Yes. Go a few steps forward out of the light, " whispered Fred, "andthen we are not likely to be heard. "

"Not from outside, " grumbled Samson; "but how about them inside?They'll come down and spit us like black cock on a big skewer. "

"What are you muttering about?" whispered Fred, as his companion wentforward and knelt down. 

"I was only saying, don't blame me if they come down on us with swordsthat hasn't been used to dig potatoes, Master Fred. "

"Let me come by you, and I'll stand on guard while you strike a light. "

"No, sir; I shan't, " said Samson, gruffly. 

"What's that?"

"You heared, sir. "

"Yes, I did hear, " whispered Fred, angrily; "and please remember, sir, that I am your officer. "

"Can't remember that now, Master Fred, only that you're to be took careof. I had strict orders to be always ready to shove my big body infront of you when anybody was going to" (_nick_, _nick_) "cut at you"(_nick_, _nick_, _nick_)--"Look at that!--with a sword. "

"Who gave you those orders?" said Fred, sharply. 

"Your mother, sir, 'fore we" (_nick_, _nick_) "started for the wars atfirst. " (_Nick_, _nick_) "I shall never get a light. "

Samson was down upon his knees, striking a piece of flint sharply upon athin bar of steel turned over at each end, so as to form a double hook, which the operator grasped in his left hand, while Fred stood gazingstraight before him, sword drawn, and the point held over his man'shead, ready to receive any attack. 

At every stroke with the flint, a number of sparks shone out for amoment, lighting up the striker's face, but though he kept on nickingaway, there was no result. 

"Why, Samson, " whispered Fred, as he mastered a curious sensation ofemotion at the man's words, which brought up the memory of a pair oftender, loving eyes gazing into his at the moment of farewell, "you haveforgotten the tinder!"

The nicking sound ceased on the instant, and Samson began indignantly--

"Well, I do like that, Master Fred. I mayn't be a scholar, and I neverlarnt Latin, and that sort of stuff, but I'll grow vegetables and makecider with any man in Coombeland. "

"What has making cider to do with tinder, you great oaf!" cried Fred, angrily, so as to hide his emotion. 

"Nothing at all, sir; only you seem to think I'm such a bog-walker thatI haven't sense to know how to strike a light. "

"Well, where is the light? and how can you expect to get one withouttinder?"

"I don't. Here's the tinder in a box, but all the sparks are blown overit by the draught. "

"Then strike lower man. "

"There, then, " cried Samson, viciously, as he nicked harder, with theresult that one of the tiny sparks, instead of fading out, seemed toremain motionless on the floor. This spark Samson blew till itincreased and glowed more brightly, showing his face close to the light, and the point of something yellow being applied to the red glow. 

That something yellow, being a pointed match dipped in brimstone, beganto melt, and then boil and burst into a blue fluttering flame, whichignited the match; and the next minute Samson held up the lighted candleclose to the arched roof of the passage, exclaiming, "There!" in atriumphant tone; and then, "Why, this is only a big drain, Master Fred!"

"Hist! Give me the light, " said Fred, as he listened intently. 

"Going along here, sir?"

"Yes, of course. "

"All right, sir; I'm candlestick, " said Samson, making a rattling noiseas he replaced the light-engendering apparatus in his pouch. 

"No, no; I'll go first, " said Fred, impatiently. 

"Yes, sir; you shall go first after the light. "

"Samson!"

"Yes, sir. What would your mother say, if I let you go straight intodanger like this, with me here?"

"Will you recollect that you are a soldier, sir?"

"Of course I will, Master Fred. How is a man to help it, with an ironpot on his head rubbing him bald? Ready, sir?"

"Ready? Yes. "

"Then here goes!" said Samson. "Can't expect a man to obey orders whenhe's underground. "

Samson strode on with the candle in his left hand and his sword now inhis right, leading the way, with his young master close behind, andtheir shadows following and seeming to dance on the floor and walls, which glistened here and there with moisture. 

They proceeded slowly, Samson twice over hazarding a remark on thedampness, but only to be sternly told to proceed, till at last thelittle flight of steps appeared leading into the vault, where they cameto a sudden halt, for something suddenly flashed in the light of thecandle, and a harsh voice cried--

"Stand!"

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN. 

AT THE POINT OF THE SWORD. 

Fred Forrester had been expecting the challenge from the moment theybegan to move, but so suddenly and unexpectedly did it come at last, that he remained for the moment speechless, gazing at the dimly seenfigure framed in the arched way, with the light playing upon the swordextended toward his breast. 

Samson was the first to speak. 

"Take hold of the candle now, " he whispered, "and I'll rush him. Thereisn't room to strike, sir; and I can put aside his point. "

"No, no, " said Fred, forcing himself to the front, and addressing himwho barred the way. "Put up your sword; we are friends. "

"Friends!" came back mockingly. "Then put up your own weapon. "

"Of coarse, " said Fred, quickly sheathing his sword. "I didn't know whomight be here. Scar Markham, we're come to help you. "

"To help?" said the guardian of the vault, in a voice which soundedstrangely hollow in the narrow place. "Is this some fresh treachery?"

"What!" shouted Fred, angrily, as he stepped forward and pressed rightup to the point of the sword. Military life and training both wereforgotten, and in an instant the lad felt back in the old boyish dayssit home, when some sharp contention had taken place between him and hiscompanion. 

"Stand back, sir!" said Scarlett, sternly, "or--"

"No, you wouldn't, " cried Fred. "Put down your sword. You wouldn't besuch a coward. How dare you accuse me of treachery?"

Without a moment's hesitation, the sword-point was dropped, and Fredcried eagerly--

"Now, then, come out into the daylight, and--Oh, what a fool I am! ScarMarkham, we've come to help you. I say, where's Sir Godfrey? Is hesafe?"

Scarlett tried to answer, but his feelings were too much for him. Hunger, misery, confinement in that dark, depressing place, and themental agony he had been called upon to bear, rendered him speechless, and he half turned away. 

Fred sprang at once to his side, and his quick movement excitedScarlett's suspicion for the moment; but he thrust his sword back intoits sheath, and stood there motionless. 

"Look here, " said Fred, excitedly, "of course, we're enemies, Scar; butwe want to help you all the same. "

"I suppose we must surrender now, " said Scarlett, sadly. "I can do nomore. Have you your men outside?"

"No; I haven't got my men outside, " cried Fred, in a boyish, petulantway. "Can't you believe me? What am I to say?"

"Nothing, Fred Forrester, " replied Scarlett, mournfully. "I believeyou, though we can't shake hands now. "

"Can't we?" said Fred, in a disappointed tone. 

Scarlett shook his head. 

"I have held out as long as I could. I thought we might escape; but itwas impossible with two wounded men, and I could not get through thelines in search of food. "

Fred raised the light above his head, and then bent down over where hecould see some one lying on the stone floor. 

"Yes; he is asleep, " said Scarlett, sadly. 

"Is he much hurt?" whispered Fred. 

"Terribly; but he is better now, and--"

"Here he is, Master Fred, " whispered Samson, as he knelt beside thegrim-looking figure of his brother, who seemed to be smiling mockinglyin his face. "Nice object, isn't he? Brother to be proud on!"

"Silence!" said Fred, sternly; and at that moment there was anejaculation, a hasty movement, and Sir Godfrey made an effort to raisehimself upon his arm, the light, feeble as it was, dazzling him so thathe could not see. 

"Scarlett! My boy! Are we prisoners, then?"

"No, Sir Godfrey, " cried Fred, hastily; "right or wrong, I'd sooner goand jump off Rill Head into the sea than give you up. "

"Ah, my lad, " said Sir Godfrey, faintly, "these are sad times; but, forpity's sake, tell me--my wife and child?"

"Quite, quite safe, Sir Godfrey. "

"Ah!" ejaculated the wounded man; and then, as he stretched out his handto Fred, "God bless you for that news!"

Fred eagerly grasped the extended hand, and wrung it, to turn directlyafter in a shamefaced way toward Scarlett, as if apologising to him forletting his father grasp hands with so bitter a foe. 

Scarlett stood gazing sadly at him for a few moments, and then slowlyraised his own cold, thin hand, which was literally snatched by Fred, and the lads stood together in silence, neither daring to trust himselfto speak. 

Fred was the first to break the silence. 

"What would it be best for me to do, Sir Godfrey?" he said at last. 

"Send for some of your men, my boy, and I will surrender. "

"Father!" cried Scarlett, in anguished tones. 

"It is not fair to you to keep you shut up in this dreadful place. Letus give up, and--No, you can leave me safely in Fred Forrester's hands. He will not hinder your escape. "

"No, father, " said Scarlett, sadly, "he will not. "

"What do you mean, my boy?"

"You know, father. "

"Yes, " said Sir Godfrey, after a pause; and his voice sounded sadly weakand broken. "I have prayed to him to escape, Fred; but he would neverleave me, and he will not go now. "

"No, father! I will not go now, " said Scarlett, turning away. 

There was silence for a few minutes, and then Fred said slowly, and in adiscontented way--

"I'm very sorry, Sir Godfrey, but I'm too stupid to think of anythingbetter. This is a terrible place; but I suppose you must be here tillyou grow strong enough to walk or ride. We shall have to bring you foodand things as well as we can. "

"No, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey, sadly; "you must not compromise yourselfby helping the enemy. "

"But, then, I don't feel as if you are an enemy, Sir Godfrey. There, it's of no use; come what may, I will help you. "

"Don't want to speak without leave, Master Fred, sir, " said Samson, inhis gruff tones; "but I've been thinking about my brother here. "

"Yes, Samson; quite right, " said Fred. 

"No, sir, it ain't quite right. He'll be no end of time getting well ina place like this. "

"I'm afraid so, Samson. "

"Well, sir, why not you and me and Master Scarlett there set to workfirst dark night, and get 'em away, one at a time, on old Dodder?"

"The pony?"

"Yes, sir. "

"But where to, man--where to?"

"Well, sir, I've been thinking about that, and I thought of the Manor, where they'd be comfortable; but that place wouldn't be safe, nor thebarns nor stables, nor none of the cottages round. "

"No; it would be madness to attempt it. "

"But it wouldn't be, if we got 'em to the Rill caves. "

"Samson!" cried Fred; "the very place. "

"Hah!" ejaculated Samson, drawing along breath, as if perfectlysatisfied with himself. 

"What do you say, Scarlett, to that?"

"Yes, " replied Scarlett, thoughtfully, "if you think it could be done. "

"If it could be done, " said Sir Godfrey, faintly. "I might live if youcould get me there, Scar, my boy. For their sake--for their sake, " headded sadly to himself. 

"Oh, I know it could be done, " said Samson. "If Master Fred makes uphis mind to do it, and asks me to help him, it's as good as done. Hearthat, you ugly Coombeland ruffian?" he added in a whisper, as he pressedhis doubled first in the semi-darkness against his brother's nose. 

"Just you wait till I get well, " whispered back Nat, doubling his ownfist and holding it against Samson's nose in return. 

"Yes, and just you wait till I get you well, " whispered Samson. "I'dgive it to you now, only it would be like hitting at a bit o' clay. Why, you're as soft as boiled bacon! I'd be ashamed to call myself aman!"

"Just you say all that again when I get well, " whispered Nat. 

"Yes, that I will a hundred times over. --Yes, sir?"

"We must be going now, Samson. Leave what food you have. "

"I stood it in the corner there, sir. "

"And the flint, steel, tinder, and matches. I wish I had thought tobring more candles. This one will not last very long. "

"So you did, Master Fred. Leastwise, I did. There's five there, andone before makes six. "

"Hah! that's right, " cried Fred, joyfully. "Then, now you can have alight sometimes: and look here, Scar Markham--to-morrow I'll go and lookat the Rill caves, and see what can be done, so be ready to escape at amoment's notice. We may come any time now. Good-bye, Sir Godfrey. Lady Markham shall know that you and Scarlett are safe. "

"It is compromising yourself, my boy, " said Sir Godfrey; "but I cannotsay to you forbear. "

"Good-bye!"

"God bless you, my lad! and may this war soon cease, " added the knightto himself, as his son followed their two visitors to the opening. 

"Till we meet again, Scar Markham, " whispered Fred, as Samson climbedout first to reconnoitre. 

"Till we meet again, Fred, " said Scarlett, once more holding out hishand. 

"As friends?"

"As enemies in name. Thank you, for my father's sake. "

"It's all clear, Master Fred, " was whispered down the hole; and, afteranother word or two of warning to be prepared for a sudden move, Fredseized Samson's extended hand, leaped up out of the hole, and they madetheir way back to camp unquestioned, while Scarlett Markham crept backto his father's side, to sit there, listening to his breathing, and tothink of the possibility of escape to the cavern beneath Rill Head, where perhaps they might end by obtaining a boat to go right away. 

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT. 

HOW SAMSON TRIED TO PASS THE SENTINELS. 

"Samson!" cried Fred, the next morning, in a fit of excitement, "oh, ifwe had properly looked over that cave in the old days, and seen what itwas like!"

"Well, sir, I s'pose it would have been better, sir. All the nicer, too, for Sir Godfrey, if we'd reg'larly furnished it, and set up acouple of four-post bedsteads, and had down carpets and such. "

"Do you mean this for banter, sir?"

"No, sir; I was only thinking it was stoopid of you to talk in thatway. "

"Samson!"

"Master Fred! How are we to know what's going to happen so as to beprepared? Human folks aren't seeds, as you know what they'll do. If Iputs in a bean, it comes up beans; but you never know what we're goingto come up. "

"Don't ramble on like that. Now, listen to me. We must get them to thecave at once. "

"Right, sir. "

"Then what shall we do first?"

"First thing's wittling the place, and putting in some stores. "

"Now, that sounds sensible. Quite right. We must get some blankets. "

"From the Manor, sir?"

"Right again, Samson. And all the food we can. Why, Samson--"

"Yes, sir; I know what you are going to say. We've got to tell theladies at the old home to hold their tongues, and say nothing to nobody, but go up to the Rill Head with a basket o' wittles, and enjoythemselves, looking at the ships sailing by on the sea, and not eatnothing themselves, but tumble everything down that hole, with blanketsand pillows, too, if they like, and do it every day. "

"Samson, " said Fred, joyously, "I did not think of half that, and I'llnever call you a stupid again. The very thing. "

"Ah, I am a clever one, I am, sir, when you come to know me. But howare you going to get to the Manor?"

"You will have to go with a message from me to my mother. Yes, thisvery day; but don't tell them whom the provisions are for, and bid thembe very cautious. "

"You leave that to me, sir, " said Samson. "And now, how are you goingto get them to the cave?"

"We shall want a rope. "

"I'll have it ready, sir. When?"

"This very night. "

"Yes, sir. "

"And we'll take them some of our men's caps and cloaks. "

"Good, sir, and a pair of shears. "

"What for?"

"No use to dress 'em up as our men when they've got long hair. Did yousee our Nat, sir?"

"Yes, of course; but what do you mean?"

"Hair sprouted all over his head like a badly cut hedge, sir. He's beentrying to grow like a Cav'lier, and he looks more like a half-fledgedcuckoo. "

"Don't waste time in folly. Can you get over to the Manor thisafternoon?"

"Yes, sir, if you get me leave. "

"And I will get the caps and cloaks. "

"Don't want a donkey, I suppose, sir?"

"No, Samson; we must risk getting our horses there behind the Hall. "

"Risky's the name for it, sir. "

"Yes; but the poor wounded men cannot walk. We can do it no other way, and at any cost it must be done. "

"Will they shoot us if we're caught, sir?"

"Don't talk about it. Leave the consequences, and act. "

"Right, Master Fred; but I hope they won't catch and shoot us for beingtraitors. "

"Don't call our act by that ugly name. "

"Right, sir; but if we are caught and I am shot, you see if my brotherNat don't laugh. "

"Why, man, why?"

"Because he'll say I was such a fool. "

"So shall I, Samson, if you talk like that. Now, I cannot ask my fatherfor leave to go across to the Manor without his questioning me as to whyI wish you to go. You must get leave to go, so do what is necessary andget off at once. "

"Don't you fear about that, Master Fred. And about poor Sir Godfrey, Master Scar, and that brother of mine? They must be terribly hungry. "

"They must wait. We cannot go near them to-day. What we left must do, and they will be watching the more eagerly for us, all ready?"

"Then you mean it to-night, sir, without fail?"

"Without fail, Samson. Sir Godfrey must be got away to-night. "

"Rope, wittles, blankets, and anything they like, " said Samson, as heparted from his master; and after hesitating a little about asking leaveto quit the camp, he came to the conclusion that it would be wiser toget permission from his officer to fish, and then, after selecting aspot where the trees overhung the water, steal off through the wood. 

This he proceeded to put in force at once, to be met with a stern rebufffrom the officer in question, a sour-looking personage, who refused himpoint-blank, and sent Samson to the right-about, scratching his head. 

"This is a nice state of affairs, this is!" he grumbled to himself. "Here's Master Fred, thinking me gone off to carry out his orders, andI'm shut up like a blackbird in a cage. Whatever shall I do? It's nouse to ask anybody else. "

Samson had another scratch at his head, and then another, and all invain; he could not scratch any good idea into it or out of it; and atlast, in sheer despair, he walked slowly away, with the intention ofevading the outposts, and, being so well acquainted with the countryround, dodging from copse to coombe, and then away here and there tillhe was beyond the last outpost, when he could easily get to the Manor. 

Now, it had always seemed one of the easiest things possible to get outof camp. So it was in theory--"only got to keep out of the roads andpaths, cross the fields and keep to the moor, and there you are. "

But when, after making up his mind which way to go, Samson tried topractise instead of theorise, he found the task not quite so easy. Hisplan was to go out of the park to the south, and then work round to thewest; but he had not gone fifty yards beyond the park, and was chucklingto himself about how easy it was, and how an enemy might get in, when, just as he was saying to himself, "Sentinels, indeed! Why, I'd makebetter sentinels out of turnips!"

"Halt!" rang out, and a man appeared from behind a tree. 

"Halt? What for? You know me. "

"Yes, " said the sentry. "I know you. Can't go out of the lines withouta pass. "

"What! Not for a bit of a walk?"

"Where's your pass?"

"Didn't get one. No pass wanted for a bit of a ramble. "

"Go back. "

"Nonsense! You won't turn a man--"

"Your pass, or go back. "

"Go back yourself. "

Samson took a step forward, and the man blew the match of his heavypiece, and presented it. 

"Back, or I fire!" he cried. 

"Yes; you dare, that's all!" cried Samson. "Such nonsense!"

But the man was in earnest, that was plain enough; and, seeing this, Samson went growling back, made a long _detour_, and started again. 

This time he thought he had got through the chain of sentinels, and, congratulating himself on his success, he made for a little grove ofbirch-trees. 

"Only wanted a little trying, " he said. 

"Stand!"

He started back in amazement, for he had walked right up to the muzzleof a firelock, the man who bore it proving more stern and severe thanthe one he had before encountered. 

Samson went back, growling savagely; and this was the first line ofsentinels! A second would have to be passed, and beyond that there werepatrols of cavalry guarding the camp in every direction. 

"Well, Master Fred shan't say I didn't try, " he muttered, as he made nowfor the back of the Hall, where the great groves of trees sheltered theplace from the north and easterly winds. 

Here he again hoped to be successful, and, feeling assured at last thathe had avoided the the sentries, he was about to make for a narrowcoombe on ahead, when once more a man stood in his path, and asked forhis pass. 

"Haven't got it here, " said Samson, gruffly. 

"Then go back. "

"Go back yourself, " growled Samson; and, putting in effect awest-country wrestling trick, he threw the sentry on his back, anddashed down the slope toward the coombe. "He daren't go and tell, "muttered the fugitive, "for he'd get into trouble for letting me go by. "

_Bang_!

Samson leaped off the ground a couple of feet, and on coming down uponthe steep slope, staggered and nearly fell. Not that he was hit, butthe bullet sent to stop him cut up the turf close to his legs, andstartled him nearly out of his wits. 

"I'll serve you out for that, my lad, " he muttered, "I shall know youagain. "

He ran on the faster though, and then to his disgust, found that anothersentry was at the bottom of the coombe, and well on the alert, runningto intercept him, for the shot fired had spread the alarm. 

Seeing this, Samson dodged into the wood that clothed the western sideof the coombe, and by a little scheming crept out a couple of hundredyards from where the sentry was on the watch. 

"Tricked him this time, " said Samson, chuckling, and once more starting, for a bullet whistled by his ear, and directly after there was thereport. 

But he ran on feeling that he had passed two of the chains of sentries, and that now all he had to do was to clear the mounted patrols. 

This he set himself to do with the more confidence that there was nohorseman in sight; and, with his hopes rising, he kept on now at asteady trot, which he changed for a walk as he reached the irregularsurface of the moor, scored into hundreds of little valleys running intoone another, and the larger toward the sea. 

"Nothing like a bow, after all, " muttered Samson, as he ran. "Shootfour or five arrows while you're loading one of those clumsy great guns. Got away from you this time, my lad. Ay, you may shout, " he mutteredas he heard a hail. "Likely! You'd have to holloa louder to bring meback, and--Well, now, look at that!" he grumbled, as he got about fivehundred yards away, and suddenly found that he was the quarry of two ofthe mounted men, who had caught sight of him, and were coming fromopposite directions, bent on cutting him off. "Well, I think I knowthis bit o' the country better than you do, and if I aren't mounted on ahorse, I'm mounted on as good a pair o' legs as most men, and dealbetter than my brother Nat's. "

He said all this in an angry tone, as he made straight for a patch ofwoodland at the edge of the moor, when, seeing this, and that the man onfoot was steadily running in Samson's track, the two horsemenimmediately bore away so as to intercept the fugitive on the furtherside, and soon disappeared from view. 

"I thought you'd do that, " said Samson to himself; and he turned sharplyround, ran a few yards towards his pursuer, and then turned along one ofthe courses of a stream, and in a minute was out of sight, but only todouble again in quite a different direction along the dry course ofanother rivulet, which wound here and there to the south. 

"Get round 'em somehow, " said Samson; and, settling himself into a slowtrot, he ran on and on for quite a quarter of an hour, to where thehollow in which he had been running opened out on to open moor allcovered with whortleberry and bracken, offering good hiding should anenemy be in sight, and with the further advantage of being only about amile from the Manor. 

"I shall trick 'em now, " he said. "Once I've told 'em at the old house, they may catch me if they like; but they won't care to when they see megoing back to camp. "

"Halt!"

A sword flashed in poor Samson's eyes, and he found that the opening ofthe dry course was guarded by another mounted man, who spurred up to himand caught him by the collar before he had dashed away a dozen yards. 

"Don't choke a fellow. I give in, " grumbled Samson, as the man heldhim, and presented his sword-point at his breast. "There, I won't tryto run. It's of no good, " he added; and he made no opposition to astrap being thrown round his neck, drawn tight, and as soon as the manhad buckled the end to his saddle-bow, he walked his horse slowly backtoward the camp. 

Before they had gone far, the other two mounted men trotted up, andseemed ready to administer a little correction with the flat of theirswords. 

"Yes, you do, " said Samson, showing his teeth; "and as soon as this bito' trouble's over, I'll pay you back, or my name aren't what it is. "

"Let him alone, " said his captor. "Come on, lad. "

He spurred his horse to a trot, and Samson ran beside him, while the twoothers returned to their posts. 

As it happened, Fred was riding along the outside of the camp with hisfather as the prisoner was brought in, and as soon as he saw who it was, the colour flushed to his face, and he felt that it was all over, andthat he would have to confess. 

"How now, sir!" cried the colonel. "You?"

"Yes, sir. I was only stretching my legs a bit, and this man tried torun me down. "

"Are you the man reported by the sentry as trying to desert?"

"Me trying to desert, sir!" cried Samson, indignantly. "Do I look thesort o' man likely to desert, colonel, unless it was to get a gooddraught o' cider?"

"But you were out of bounds, sir. "

"Father, " began Fred, who was in agony, "let me--"

"Silence, sir! He is a soldier now, and must be treated as a soldier. "

"Yes; don't you say nothing about me, Master Fred, sir. I can bear allI get. "

"Go back to your quarters, sir. You are under arrest, mind, I will dealwith you to-morrow. "

Samson gave Fred a meaning look as he was marched off, and Fred's agonyof spirit increased as he asked himself whether he ought not to confidein his father. A dozen times over he was about to speak, but only tohesitate, for he knew that the colonel would sacrifice his friend on thealtar of duty, even if he had to sacrifice himself. 

"I must save them, " muttered Fred, as he went slowly back to his tent. "I am not firm and stern like my father;" and then, as soon as he wasalone, he sat down to think of how he was to contrive the escape unaidedand alone. 

Night came, with his mind still vacillating, for he could see no way outof his difficulty, and, to render his position more difficult, thecolonel came to his tent and sat till long after dark chatting about thelikelihood of the war coming to an end, and their prospects of once moresettling down at the home whose open doors were so near. 

"And the Royalists, father? What of them?" said Fred at last. 

"Exiles, I fear, my boy, for their cause is lost. They must suffer, aswe must have suffered, had our side gone to the wall. "

"Father, " said Fred, "if you could help a suffering enemy now, would youdo it?"

"If it was such help as my duty would allow--yes; if not, no. Recollect, we are not our own masters, but servants of the country. Good night, my boy. I think you may sleep in peace to-night;" and hestrode out of the little tent, where his seat had been a horseman'scloak thrown over a box. 

"Sleep!" said Fred to himself, "with those poor fellows starving in thathole. I must, I will help them, and ask his forgiveness later on. Buthow?"

"Pst! ciss!" came from the back of the tent. 

CHAPTER FORTY NINE. 

SAMSON IS NOT TO BE BEATEN. 

"What's that? Who's there?" said Fred, sharply. 

"Pst! Master Fred. Don't make all that noise. You'll have the guardhear you. "

The mischief was done, for there was the tramp of feet, and directlyafter a sergeant and his men stopped opposite Fred's tent. 

"Must have been somewhere here, " said the sergeant, in a deep voice. 

"Yes, " said Fred, stepping to the tent opening; "it was I, sergeant. Ithought I heard some one call. "

"No, sir; all's well. Good night, sir. "

"Good night. "

"You nearly did it that time, Master Fred, " whispered Samson. "Whatmade you holloa like that?"

"You, sir. How came you here?"

"Slit a hole in the guard tent, and crept out; that's all, sir. Tentwalls are soft enough. Now, then, are you ready?"

"Ready? Yes--no--what can we do?"

"What you said, sir. "

"But we cannot take them to the place to starve. "

"Who's going to, sir?"

"What do you mean?"

"Only that I crept out o' the tent hour and a half ago, ran down to theManor--easy enough in the dark--and told 'em what to do as soon as itwas light in the morning, and then ran back. "

"But the rope?"

"Here it is, sir; wound round me like a belt. Come along, and let'sgo. "

"But the horse--how are we to get Sir Godfrey there?"

"I dunno, sir, only that we've got to try. Come on; we can only make amess of it. "

Fred hesitated no longer; but taking his sword and cloak, he stepped outinto the dark night, joined his man, and then stole with him cautiouslyalong the tents to where the horses were tethered. Samson untied thehalters which kept them prisoners, and led them silently away over thesoft glass. 

The task proved more easy than they had expected, for there were nowatchers near. Strict ward and watch were kept, but only by those onduty. Those who were off devoted the time to rest and sleep. 

All round the camp there was every precaution taken against surprise;but in the interior of the tented space there seemed to be none tointerrupt. 

"Bridles, saddles?" whispered Fred. 

"If we can't do what we want without them, sir, we shan't do it at all, "said Samson. "Tie your halter to his head, and leave the horses alone. The two beasts 'll follow us like dogs, and it's all right so long asthey don't whinny. "

Samson was correct. The two horses followed them like dogs, their hooftramp being almost inaudible, and they went on through the darkness at apace which seemed terrible to Fred in its sluggishness, nearly down tothe lake, and then round its western end, and in front of the ruinedHall. 

"We shall never get them there. "

"Oh yes, we shall, if we can get them through the lines, and it's sodark that I don't feel no fear of that. Now, sir, we'll tether them tothese two trees, and then get to work. "

Fred followed his companion's example, glancing round from time to time, and listening as every sigh of the wind seemed to be the breath of awatcher; and then, tethering his steed, which calmly began to crop theluxuriant grass, Fred started for the wilderness, his sword drawn tofeel his way beneath the trees, and at last contrived to reach the spotwhere they had entered from time to time. 

"Shall I go first, Master Fred?" whispered Samson. 

"No, no. "

"Better let me. I'm thicker-skinned, and it's going to be all feeling, sir. "

But Fred would not give up, and, entering the tangled underwood at once, he went cautiously on, till about half-way, when a rush through thebushes brought his heart to his mouth. 

"Only rabbit, sir. Keep on, " grumbled Samson. 

"Think we are going right?"

"Yes, sir, far as I can tell; but it's blind man's work. "

Instinct or guess-work, one or the other, led them right to the fallentree, when the hole was soon discovered, and Fred crept through anddropped into the passage, closely followed by Samson. 

"Don't find fault, sir, " whispered the latter, as he touched the bottom, "I should ha' done it, only I was took. "

"What do you mean?"

"Brought a light. "

"Never mind; I can find my way. "

"Let me go first, sir. "

"No; follow closely, and don't talk now. "

"Only this one word, sir, " whispered Samson, holding tightly by hismaster's arm. "When we get 'em safe off, and my brother Nat startsboasting, mind, sir, it was to help Sir Godfrey and Master Scar I came--not him. "

"Silence!"

"How like his father he do grow!" muttered Samson; and he obeyed. 

Fred wondered to himself that he felt no shrinking at the strange task, before creeping step by step into the utter darkness of this place; buthe was strung up now, and determined to carry his task through, comewhat might. 

Never before had the way seemed so long ere he struck his foot againstthe first short flight of steps; and then, as he reached the topunchallenged, a horrible sense of dread assailed him, for all was assilent as it was dark, and he asked himself what had happened to hisfriends. 

He stood listening, but could hear nothing; and at last he grippedSamson by the shoulder, and whispered--

"What does it mean? Have they gone?"

"That's what I was asking myself, sir. Speak--or shall I? Anybodyhere?" he said aloud. 

There was a whispering echo, nothing more, and Fred felt the coldperspiration ooze from his brow, as he tried to imagine what could havehappened since they were there last. 

Those moments seemed long-drawn minutes, and then relief came in a long, low sigh; and as that ended, the breathing of a sleeper and a restlessmovement were plainly heard from the corner of the vault. 

"Hist!" whispered Samson; "hear that, sir?"

"Yes; they are asleep. "

"No, sir; that behind us?"

"No. "

"Listen. "

Fred listened intently, and his hand went to the hilt of his sword, for, sure enough, there was the sound of steps coming slowly and cautiously, and as if he who made them listened, along the passage from thedirection of the lake. 

"Some one tracking us, " said Fred, with his lips to his follower's ear. "Stand aside. Don't strike. Let him enter, and then we must seize andgag him when I say `_Now_!'"

A pressure of Samson's ear against his lips told of his acquiescence, and they stood, one on each side of the arched opening, waiting as thesteps came nearer, apparently more and more cautiously, till thestairway was reached, against which whoever it was stumbled slightly, and then ascended with many pauses, and stepped right inside the vault, breathing heavily, and seeming to listen. 

"What shall I do?" thought Fred. "Seize him, or what?"

"Master Fred--Master Fred, do say `_Now_', or our chance is gone, " saidSamson to himself; and as if this was communicated to the young officerby some peculiar sense, he was drawing in his breath previous to givingthe word and dashing at their tracker, when a low, piteous voice saidhalf aloud--

"Gone, or he has forgotten us. What shall--"

"Don't you talk like that o' Master Fred, sir, " cried Samson, inindignant tones. 

"Scar!" cried Fred; and he threw his arms round his boyhood's companion, who uttered a low sigh, and would have sunk to the stony floor but forFred's support. 

"Samson. "

"Well, sir, what did he mean by scaring us and talking like that?"

"Have you been outside?"

"No, " said Scarlett, in a low, hesitating voice. "I was ill andfeverish. I went to the end to get some water, and I think I must havefallen down and slept. I have not slept much, and it has been so longand dark, and I thought you had forsaken us. "

"Forsaken you!" cried Fred, reproachfully. "But your father--and Nat?"

"I hardly know; they seem to have done nothing but sleep. "

"Don't talk now. Rouse them at once. You must escape. "

"Escape? Where?"

"I have provided the refuge for you. Horses are waiting in front of theHall. Now, let's try and get them out at once. "

"In front of the Hall?" said Scarlett, whose weakness seemed to bechased away by his old friend's words. 

"Yes. "

"Fred, we can get down from the oak chamber into the ruins. A piece ofthe wall has fallen. Will not that be a better way?"

"Of course, " cried Fred. "Then wake them at once. "

This was done, and the news of the coming of help conveyed to SirGodfrey and his man, who rose with pain to their feet; but it soonbecame evident that the former could not stir a step, though Natdeclared he could walk anywhere, and nearly fell on trying to cross thevault. 

"It is of no use, " said Scarlett; "but I thank you, Fred Forrester, andI can never call you enemy again. "

"No, " said Sir Godfrey, piteously. "I am too weak to stir; but Godbless you, my brave, true boy--never our enemy again. "

"Look ye here, " said a gruff voice, "I don't know nothing 'bout no otherway, so you've got to show me or lead me. I'll hold a strap in myteeth, and some one can lead me by that. What you've got to do, MasterFred, is to set Sir Godfrey well on my back, and I can carry himanywhere. Never mind about that brother o' mine. Chuck him down in anycorner, if he won't walk. I aren't going to carry him. "

Nat uttered a low grunt, and muttered something out of the darknessabout kicking, as, after a vain protest, Sir Godfrey was helped on toSamson's back, the sturdy fellow stooping down, and then rising up witha bit of a laugh. 

"Dessay him I was named after was pretty strong; but he couldn't ha'carried you, sir, any better than that. "

"My brave-hearted fellow!" said Sir Godfrey, faintly; and he set histeeth hard to keep back a moan of pain. 

"Now, then, " said Samson, "what sort of a way is it?"

"Just like that we came, " said Fred, quickly as he drew Nat's arm overhis shoulder. 

"Then I don't want no leading, " said Samson; "some one go first, and Ican feel my way with my ears. "

"Go first, Scar, " whispered Fred. "Don't speak; only tell him when youreach the stairs. Now, forward!"

"Forward it is, gen'lemen. March! Never mind about that Nat. Got himall right, Master Fred?"

There was a low chuckle by Fred's ear that sounded like one of Samson's, as he answered--"Yes. Go on. "

"Go on it is, gen'lemen; give the old donkey the spur, if he won't go. "

The long passage was slowly traversed, and then began the toilsomeascent of the stairs leading to the oak chamber, poor Nat being veryfeeble, and Fred's task hard; but the top was reached at last, and thesoft fresh night air blew freely upon the rescuers' heated brows, as, under Scarlett's guidance, they crossed the little room to the cornerwhere the wall had fallen away. 

Here greater difficulties began in the getting down to the level of theground floor, stones giving way, and the darkness adding to thedifficulty. Once there was quite a little avalanche of calcinedmaterial; but perseverance won, and all stood safely at last on thetrampled lawn in front of the ruined Hall. 

"Shall we let them rest here for a bit?" whispered Fred. 

"No, Master Fred, sir; they must rest on the horses' backs. Come on;they're not fifty yards away. "

A low whinny from one of the faithful beasts followed this speech, andthe party listened in dread that the sound might have been heard. 

"Come on, sir, " whispered Samson; "heard or no, now's our time;" and hewalked quickly to where the horses were tethered, with the others closebehind. "Now, sir, " he said in a whisper, "I've got to get you on thathorse. If you can put a leg over, do. If you can't--"

Answer came in the shape of a brave effort on Sir Godfrey's part, andthe next instant he was sitting erect on the horse's back. 

"Hooroar!" whispered Samson. "Now t'other one. Foot in my hands like alady. Nat, old chap. Ready? Up you go. That's brave. Yah! I forgotas we was enemies. Come along. You lead him, Master Fred, as you wouldbring him along. "

"Can you walk all right, Scar?" whispered Fred. 

"Yes. I'll take hold, though, of the horse's mane. "

"Ready, Samson?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then, forward, and not a word; we must leave everything to chance. Ouronly hope is that we may pass between the sentinels, and that thedarkness may screen us from their eyes. "

A quarter of an hour's slow and careful progress over the soft grassymoor, and then they stopped short, for there was the chink of metal andthe sharp stamp of a horse. 

"If ours challenge him with a neigh, we are lost, " thought Fred, as hestood trembling, and patting his horse's nose. 

"Poor old lad, then!" whispered Samson; and, their attention taken bytheir masters' caressing hands, the brave beasts remained silent, andthen moved on till there was a road to be crossed, and Samson halted. 

"Can't help it, sir; there's no other way, " he whispered; "and it's allstones. "

"Forward!" whispered Fred; and they crossed the road, but not withoutmaking a sharp sound or two. Then they were once more on the soft turf, and bore away more and more to their right, till Scarlett whispered--

"Are you making for the shore?"

"No; for the Rill Head--the cavern, " said Fred. 

"Then it must be close here, for we are only a little way from the edgeof the cliffs. "

Endorsement of his words came in the low roar of a breaking wave frombelow; and just then the stars peeped out from behind a cloud, and theysaw exactly where they stood. 

Ten minutes later they were close by the narrow entrance, and as Fredsearched for the exact place he uttered a cry of satisfaction, for thereby the gaping rift lay two large bundles, whose contents he pretty wellguessed. 

CHAPTER FIFTY. 

BACK TO CAMP. 

"Now, Samson, " whispered Fred, "we must trust to our horses standingfast. "

"You let their halters lie on the ground, sir, and they'll not move, "was the reply. "Wait a minute, till I've unrolled the rope from mywaist, and then I'm ready. "

"What can I do?" said Scarlett, in a low anxious voice. 

"Nothing, sir. Now, Master Fred, let's get them two down first off thehorses, and they can lie on the grass till we're ready for them. Then, if you think as I do, me being strongest, you'll go down first, while Ihold the rope. "

"Can you?"

"Can I?" exclaimed Samson, in a tone full of contempt. "Then whenyou're down, I'll lower down the stuff first, and you take it and castthe rope loose each time; and next, I'll let Sir Godfrey down and MasterScar, and then--"

He stopped short. 

"Your brother, " said Fred, sharply. "We cannot do better. "

Everything was done according to Samson's plans, beginning with thehelping down of the two wounded riders, after which Fred took the end ofthe rope, and was lowered into what, in spite of his determination, seemed to be an awful chasm. 

But he had no time to think, for directly he touched the shaley floor, the rope was drawn up, and almost directly after, he was hastily takingfrom the rope the burdens which it bore, while, to his surprise, Scarlett came next. 

"You?" said Fred in his wonder. 

"Yes; I thought I could help most here; and it seemed so terrible aplace for you to be alone. "

"Scar!" whispered Fred, quickly, as a thought struck him, due toSamson's general forethought, "open those bundles, and see if there isanything to get a light. "

Sir Godfrey was lowered down, and when Fred was helping Nat to sinkgently on the flooring of the cave, the sharp clicking of flint andsteel fell upon his ears, and soon after the gloomy place was illuminedby a candle stuck in a niche of the rock. 

"I wouldn't be longer than 'bout an hour, Master Fred, sir, " came downthe opening. "We may as well get back safe if we can. "

Fred answered, and then set to work, to find that the forethought ofthose at the Manor had provided ample store for the prisoners; and ifever wine was welcome to man, it was to the sufferers lying exhaustedthere upon the shaley bed of the cave. 

"As soon as I am up, " said Fred at last, "I shall throw down the rope, and with the light you can explore the lower part of the cave, and seewhat means there are of getting to the mouth; for sooner or later a boatand men shall come to take you both where you will. Now, Scar Markham, God bless you, and good-bye!"

Fred had previously bidden Sir Godfrey farewell. Nat had sunk into thesleep of exhaustion long before, and now he stood grasping Scarlett'shands in his. 

"Some day, " said the latter, sadly, "this war must end, and then we maymeet again. "

"And not till then, Scar, for I can--I must do no more. Good-bye. "

He snatched his hands from the grasp that held them, caught hold of therope, and calling up to Samson, in another minute he was half-way up, but only to call down to Scarlett--

"Have no fear about supplies; there are those not far away who will seethat you have all you want. "

There was no reply, for in his weakness and misery Scarlett Markham hadthrown himself upon his face, and lay for hours almost without moving, and till long after the light had burned out, and the faint bluish dawnrose from the chasm below. 

Meanwhile Fred had reached the top, lowered down the rope till itsweight made it glide swiftly from his hands, and then mounted his horseto ride back, through the darkness, trusting to chance to reach the campunchallenged. 

This time they were not so successful, for all at once a sharp voicebade them halt and give the word. 

"Forward's the word, Master Fred, " whispered Samson, "full speed, kneeto knee. "

Their horses answered to the touches of their heels, and bounded throughthe darkness, the man who challenged trying to fire in their direction;but the match merely made the priming flash, and before he couldcommunicate with his fellows, Fred and Samson were far over the moortoward the park, dashing by an outpost, whose men fired and raised thealarm. It was too late to stop the adventurous pair, who were close upto the tents and off the horses, which they left to their fate, whilethe men whom they encountered now treated them as others who had beenalarmed by the firing on the moor. Drums were beating, trumpetssounding, and men mustered quickly, waiting a night attack, till thesentinels were questioned and told their tale. An hour more, and it wasbroad daylight, and the men dismissed, after what was treated as a falsealarm. 

"And when I went to the tethering stakes, Master, Fred, sir, " whisperedSamson, "there were our horses standing alongside o' the others, withtheir halters hanging down just as if they'd never left their places. "

"But weren't you missed? You were a prisoner. "

"No, sir, s'pose not. I should ha' thought they'd ha' looked at me nowand then; but I'd done nothing very wrong, and when a man did tramp intothe tent, he found me lying down, and didn't see the slit through whichI crept out and in. "

"Then you are released, Samson?"

"Yes, sir; your father ordered me to be let out, and, oh, how sleepy Ido feel! I say, though, sir, if the colonel know'd all we done lastnight, what would he say?"

"Don't talk about it, my good fellow. I hope he would be glad at heart;but as a soldier--Samson, we must keep our secret, perhaps for years. "

Samson gave his mouth a slap with his horny palm, and walked away. 

CHAPTER FIFTY ONE. 

GREETINGS AFTER LONG YEARS. 

During the month which followed Sir Godfrey's escape, the forces of theParliamentarians achieved success after success, Colonel Forrester andhis son being despatched with a little column to the east two dayslater. 

The dilemma to Fred before starting seemed terrible, but just as he feltthat there was nothing left for him to do but confess all he had done tohis father, he encountered Samson. 

"Why, Master Fred!" he exclaimed, "you look as if you'd got the worrieson you. "

"Worry? Why, man, we have to march almost directly, and those poorpeople in the cave are--"

"What poor people? in what cave? Only wish I was one of 'em. Having itluscious, that's what they're a-having, Master Fred, sir. Chicken andeggs, and butter and new bread, and milk and honey, and nothing to do. Blankets to wrap 'em in, and cider and wine, and ladies to go and talkto 'em. "

"Samson, are you sure of this?" cried Fred, joyfully. 

"Wish I was as sure as all this human being cock-fighting was nearlyover, Master Fred. "

"Then you've been over?"

"'Course I have, sir. I aren't like the colonel, about here all theseweeks, and never going home nor letting you go. I got leave this time, for I met the general, and told him how near I was to my garden, and howanxious I was about the weeds, and he laughed and give me a passdirectly. "

"And my mother?"

"Your mother, Master Fred? Why, I couldn't get to know about them inthe cave for her asking me questions about the colonel and her boy! Shewould call you a boy, sir, though you think you're a man, and no moremuscle in your arms than a carrot. "

"But the people in the cave, Samson?"

"Don't I tell you they're all right, sir--right as right can be; andfirst chance there's going to be a boat round from Barnstaple to takeSir Godfrey and Miss Lil and my lady away across the sea to France, andPshaw! I never heard the like of it; they're going to take that greatrough ugly brother of mine with them. They're all right. "

Many weeks of busy soldiering followed, by which time the king's powerwas crushed, and the Parliamentary forces had swept away all opposition. Regiments were gradually disbanded, and the Forresters at last returnedto the Manor, from which Colonel Forrester's stern sense of duty hadkept him away, as much as the calls of his military life. 

"There, Samson, " he said, smiling, as they rode home, "you may sheatheyour sword, and sharpen your rusty scythe; while you, Fred--what are weto do with you? Send you back to school?"

"No, father, I must be what I am--a soldier still, " said Fred, proudly;"but I hope in peace more than in war. "

"Yes; we have had enough of war for years to come. "

The colonel drew rein that sunny afternoon as they were passing theruined Hall, and Fred heard him sigh, but he forgot that directly afterin his eagerness to get home; and soon after father and son were lockedin turn in sobbing Mistress Forrester's arras. 

There was abundance to tell that night as they sat in the old, old room, where mother and son exchanged glances, each silently questioning theother with the eye as to whether the time had not come for telling all;but still they hesitated, till all at once Colonel Forrester exclaimedsadly--

"This is nearly perfect happiness--home and peace once more; but it isnot complete. You say Lady Markham and her daughter left a month agofor France?"

"Yes, dearest, " replied Mistress Forrester. 

"Ah!" sighed the colonel, "I'd give all I have to know that mine enemywas saved from the horrors of that terrible evening. "

"Will you give your forgiveness, father?" said Fred, rising. 

"Forgiveness?"

"Yes: to one who was somewhat of a traitor to his cause. "

"My boy! what do you mean?" cried the colonel; and Fred told all heknew, Mistress Forrester supplementing his narrative with a vividdescription of how the fugitive Royalists had been helped into thecavern, and had then escaped by sea. 

The colonel rose, and stood staring straight before him, and then heslowly went to the door, signed to them not to follow, and they heardhim go upstairs, where, in dread at last, Mistress Forrester followed, to find him on his knees. 

When, half an hour after, he returned to the dining-room, his faceseemed charged, and there was a bright look in his eyes as if a weighthad been lifted from his mind, while twice over his son heard himwhisper softly--"Thank God! Thank God!"

It was after years had passed, and various political changes had takenplace, that one bright May day, bright as such days are sometimes seenin the west, a heavy carriage drawn by four horses, and attended by twogentlemen and a sturdy servitor on horseback, passed slowly up and downthe hills along the road leading to the Hall. 

One gentleman was stern and grey-looking, the other tall and gravebeyond his years, while, seated in the carriage were a careworn-lookinglady and a beautiful, graceful-looking girl. 

As they neared the old entrance to the park, the gentleman ordered thecoachman to stop, and himself opened the carriage door, afterdismounting, and handed the ladies out on to the soft turf. 

"It is more humble for pilgrims to travel a-foot, " he said, with a sadsmile. "Do you think you feel strong enough to bear the visit?"

The lady could not answer for a few moments. Then, mastering heremotion, she said, "Yes;" and, taking the speaker's arm, they weremoving off, followed by the younger pair, the whole party looking likecourtly foreigners, when, after tethering the horses to so many trees, and leaving them in charge of the coachman, the stout serving-man strodeup to the elderly gentleman. 

"Would your honour let me have a look at my old garden once again?"

"Yes, Nat, yes. Take a farewell look. It is a fancy to see the oldplace in ruins, and have an hour's dream over the past. Then we willsay good-bye for good. "

The man touched his hat, and turned off through the plantation, whilethe party moved on slowly along the familiar old drive, the ladies, withtheir eyes veiled with tears, hardly daring to look up till they hadnearly reached the great entrance to the fine old place, when theystarted at a cry from the younger man. 

"Father!" he cried. "What does this mean? This is your work--asurprise?"

"Scar, my boy, no; I am astounded. "

For there before them, almost precisely as it was of old, stood theHall, rebuilt, refurnished, bright and welcoming, the lawn, terrace, andparterre gay with flowers, all as if the past had been a dream, while atthat moment Colonel and Mrs Forrester appeared with Fred, hat in hand, in the porch. 

Sir Godfrey Markham drew himself up, and his eyes flashed as he turnedupon the colonel. 

"I see, " he cried. "Usurper! Well, I might have known!"

"That this was the act of an old friend to offer as a welcome when youshould return, " said Colonel Forrester, holding out his hand. 

Sir Godfrey looked at the extended hand, then in Colonel Forrester'seyes, and again round him in utter astonishment. 

"I--I--came, " he faltered, "to--to see the ruins of my dear old home. How could I know that the man whom I once called friend--"

"Till all those dreadful changes came, and set us wide apart. Yes, Iheard you were coming down. "

"Godfrey! husband!" whispered Lady Markham; "can you not see?"

"I am confused. I do not understand, " he faltered, as he caught hiswife's hand in his. 

"Lil, can't you shake hands with your old friend?" said Fred, as thetall graceful girl looked at him half pleased, half shrinkingly. 

"And your father has done all this, Fred?" said Scarlett, in an eagerwhisper. 

"Yes; I found him busy one day when I came home for a visit, and it hasbeen his task ever since. "

"But--for Heaven's sake, man, be frank with me--he meant it for yourhome?"

"Scarlett Markham, because my father differed from you in politics, andsided against the king, don't brand him as a cowardly miser. No; hesaid that some day Sir Godfrey would return, and that he would show himthat he had not forgotten they once were friends. "

"Father, do you hear this?" cried Scarlett. "Colonel Forrester, is theold time coming back?"

"Please God, my boy, now that the sword is to be beaten into aploughshare. Godfrey Markham, I did this in all sincerity. Will youaccept it from your enemy?"

"No, " cried Sir Godfrey; "but I will from my true old friend. " And as, trembling with emotion, he grasped the colonel's hands, he turned to seeLady Markham in Mistress Forrester's arms. 

Meanwhile, a curious scene had been taking place at the back of theHall, where Nat had directed his steps to lament over the weeds and ruinof the neglected place. He had walked on along familiar paths throughthe plantation to the back of the kitchen garden, passed through an oldoaken gate in the high stone wall, and there stopped aghast. 

"Here, who's been meddling now?" he cried. "Who's been doing this?"

For, in place of the ruin he had expected, he found everything in thetrimmest order--young crops sprung, trees pruned, walks clean, everything as it should be; and, worse than all, a broad-shouldered man, looking like himself, busy at work with a hoe destroying the weeds whichhad sprung up since the last shower. 

Nat did not hesitate, but walked down the path, and at right angles onto the bed, where he hit the intruder on the chest with his doubledfist. 

"So it's you, is it, Samson?"

"Yes, it's me, Nat, " was the reply; and the blow was returned. 

"How are you, Samson?" said Nat; and he hit his brother again on theother side. 

"Tidy, Nat. How are you?" replied Samson, returning the blow. 

"You've got a bit stouter. "

"So have you. "

"Long time since we met. "

"Ay, 'tis. "

"Like this here garden?"

"Middling. "

Each of these little questions and answers was accompanied by a blowdealt right out from the shoulder, sharp and short, till the men'schests must have been a mass of bruises. Then they drew back, andstared at each other. 

"Who told you to come and work in my garden?" said Nat at last. 

"Nobody; I did it out of my own head. "

"And pray why?"

"Because I thought, if ever you came back, it would make you mad. "

"So it has. How would you like me to come and rout about in yourgarden?"

"Dunno. Come and try. "

"Well, I would ha' put in that row o' beans straight if I did. "

"Straight enough, Natty; it's your eyes are crooked. Come back tostop?"

"No; going back to furren abroad. "

"Then what's the good of my master building up the house again?"

"What? Did he?"

"Ay; came and see me doing up your garden as it had never been done upbefore, and went away and ordered in the workpeople. "

"Hum!" said Nat. 

"Ha!" said Samson. 

"Well, aren't you going to shake hands?"

"Ay, might as well. How are you, Nat?"

"Quite well, thank you, Samson. How are you?"

"Feel as if I should be all the better for a mug o' cider. What saysyou?"

"Same as you. "

"Then come on. "

And Nat came on. 

For peace was made, and though rumours of the next war at theRestoration came down to the west, those who had been enemies stirrednot from the ingle-side again till Fred Forrester was called away; butScarlett had become a student and a scholar, and the young friends metno more in strife. When they did encounter, and ran over the troublesof the past, it was with a calm feeling of satisfaction in the present, and the old war time as years slipped by seemed to them both as a dream. 

"Yes, " cried Sir Godfrey, eagerly, as he laid his hand on ColonelForrester's shoulder; "some day, with all my heart. "

"I am very glad, " said the stern colonel, smiling at a group by thehouse where the ladies were seated, and Fred and Lil, so intent on eachother's converse, that they did not perceive that they were watched. 

But other eyes had noted everything during the past year, and it wasevident that the time would come when Fred Forrester and ScarlettMarkham would be something more than friends. 

THE END.