ile on the more level spots were to be
seen corn-fields and orchards smiling in the rays of the setting sun.
Beyond the town was Colway House, a substantial mansion, once the
residence of the Cobham family; and about a mile from it, on the
opposite side of the valley, was a collection of buildings known as
Hayes Farm, both of which had been fortified, and occupied as outposts.

We had, we knew, not many days to prepare for the defence; and I am
proud to say that, scrap of a boy as I was, I worked as hard as many of
my elders. Late in the evening, when it was already dusk, my father
found me, with Lancelot and Dick, still at our self-imposed task.

"Come, boys," he said, "it is time for you to go home and get some
sleep. You must leave it to stronger men to labour during the night."

"Just let us carry a few more basketfuls, sir," answered Lancelot. "See
that gap; we have undertaken to fill it up, and, for what we can tell,
the enemy may be upon us before the morning."

"Well, well, lads, I like your spirit. I will not baulk you. Give me a
spade; I will try what I can do to expedite the work." And my revered
father, as soon as the spade had been handed to him, began digging away
with right goodwill, filling the baskets, which were carried up to the
embankment. He soon became so interested in the work that he was as
unwilling to knock off as we were.

"Run back and get a lantern. Its light will help us to finish our task
more quickly. Maybe the host of the `Three Tankards' will lend thee
one; or Master Harris who lives opposite; or, if you cannot get one
nearer, go home and bring our big lantern which hangs inside the hall
door. See that it is well trimmed, though."

"Ay, ay, father," I answered, and set off. Knowing every foot of the
way, I was not afraid of running, even though the gathering darkness
made it difficult to see objects at any distance beyond my nose.

At the first places where I called, all the lanterns had been put into
requisition, and so I had to run on until I reached our house. I found
my sister Audrey, and Margaret our maid, wondering why we were so long
absent. Supper was on the table, and the viands getting cold. On
hearing why I wanted the lantern, they both wished to come and help us,
Audrey declaring that she could carry a basket as well as either of us
boys.

"You must stop and take care of the house," I answered, feeling a little
jealous that a girl should fancy she could