reakfast-table. Philip's friends were, of
course, all devoted to this grave, sweet girl, although not bitter
rivals.

"Philip dear," said Barbara swiftly, when, after breakfast, she had
drawn her brother into her room and locked the door "there is in the
castle at this moment a messenger from the Prince, who has come to see
our father on grave business. You can guess what such business would
be. He dare not follow him to London, and must leave to-night for the
nearest seaport, his errand all unperformed. I sent for you and your
friends because the gentleman is our guest, and must be treated with
courtesy and care. He is unattended, and the countryside is alive with
traitors. You and your friends will protect him to-night, will you not?"

"To the death," said Philip.

"Ah, I knew!" said his sister proudly.

"Barbara," exclaimed Philip, "it was fine of you to send for us!" And
he hugged her mightily. "But where is the gentleman?"

"In hiding," she answered; "but mind, not a word of this to the others.
Tell them enough to stop questions. Not a soul knows he is here save
you and me. Later they must know, for one of you will have to lend him
clothes. Only three of you can ride as his guard."

"But, Barbara," cried Philip in alarm, "it is not I who will stay
behind? It could not be. I am his host. And what build of man is he,
Barbara? Say he is not my size."

"No, Phil dear; he is taller by a hand's breadth."

"Ah," sighed Philip, with intense relief, "then it must be Rupert! Poor
Rupert!"

"Now," said Barbara, "forget all about it, and have a good holiday with
the boys. The evening is distant yet."

"I wish it were here!" Phil exclaimed fervently as he ran off.

Philip at once sought out Rupert, and, slipping his hand into his arm,
led him away from the others. He wanted to break the news gently.

"I say, Rupert," he said, "you remember that crossbow of mine you
wanted so much?"

Rupert remembered.

"Well, it is yours," said Philip. "And I want you to ride Tiger oftener
than you do." (Tiger was Philip's most prized horse.)

Rupert was beginning to be mystified, but he could see that all this
was but the preamble to something more important.

"And, Rupert," Philip continued, "you know how keen we all are to smash
those Roundheads, don't you?"

Rupert knew.

"But it isn't always possible, you understand, for everyone to fight
and be in the front, is it? Some have to do quieter work where they are
not se