e. She has been
warned as you were, by an old mad woman, and she assures me that she
feels confident the warning should not be disregarded. Though I have no
great fears on the matter, my gallantry compels me to ride over there at
once to afford the ladies such security as the presence of a gentleman
can give; and I will beg that a body of fencibles may be sent to arrive
soon after dusk. If no more men can be spared, we must obtain a few
cavalry, as fortunately some troops arrived here a few days ago, and are
to remain a short time to obtain recruits in the neighbourhood. I will
see their commanding officer, and take care that they are sent off in
time to reach Texford by dark. You may go home, therefore, Mr
Groocock, with your mind at rest on the subject. They will soon be at
your heels, and you will, I daresay, look after them and see that they
are provided with a supply of good cheer, such as soldiers expect under
the circumstances."

"No fear of that, Mr Shallard," answered the steward. "I must no
longer delay, for I am already late, and with my own good will I would
rather not be out after dusk, considering the sort of people likely to
be abroad."

"By-the-bye, I have not congratulated you on Lieutenant Castleton's safe
return. I received the news from Miss Pemberton just as I was leaving
home yesterday, and nothing has given me greater pleasure in life. A
fine young fellow your future baronet, and I heartily wish that all
difficulties in the way of his happiness may be overcome. He will prove
a worthy successor to his excellent uncle. I have no doubt about that,
though neither you nor I, Mr Groocock, can properly wish him to come
into possession for many years."

"I wish that all were like him. He will make a kind master whoever
serves him, but my head will be laid at rest before then," answered the
steward, with a sigh. "However, I must be on my journey," and Mr
Groocock, shaking hands with the lawyer, mounted his cob and rode back
towards Texford.

The family at Texford were assembled in the drawing-room. Dinner had
been put off, as they were every minute expecting the arrival of Harry
and his friends, and Sir Ralph, usually so calm, kept moving about the
room, frequently expressing his surprise that they had not come.

"I hope nothing has happened to them," he said to himself. "Is it
possible that they can have encountered that fellow Gaffin and his
ruffian crew?"

Julia in vain endeavoure