roadstead for shelter, most of which,
belonging to London merchants, dared not therefore put into any port
held by the Cavaliers. Three or four had dropped their anchors while we
were out fishing. We hailed one of them, which had come in from the
westward, to ask the news.

"Bad news!" was the answer. "The Malignants have taken Exeter, and many
other places in the west country, and are now marching in great force on
London."

"I hope they won't come to Lyme on their way, for if they do, we shall
have but small chance of withstanding them," I observed to my companions
as we sailed on.

"I have but little fear on that score," replied Lancelot. "We'll fight
while a man remains on his legs, or a gun can be fired from our
batteries."

Lancelot's enthusiasm inspired me. The breeze freshened. We soon
rounded the Cob, when we pulled up among the small craft which crowded
the harbour, to a spot where Lancelot usually kept his boat. As soon as
we had moored her we sprang on shore, and hurried through the lower part
of the town, which was almost deserted.

We found the greater portion of the inhabitants collected at the
northern side; and I had scarcely time to ask a question of my father,
whom I joined, before we saw a body of troops approaching, led by an
officer on horseback. He was a strong-built man, of moderate height,
with a fair and florid complexion, and, contrary to the fashion general
among Puritans, his hair, in rich profusion, was seen escaping beneath
his broad-brimmed hat, while he wore large whiskers, but no beard--his
countenance unmistakably exhibiting firmness and determination. He
returned in a cordial manner the salutes of the principal townsmen, who
had gone out to meet him.

"Who is he?" I asked of my father.

"That, my son, is Colonel Blake. He has come with five hundred men of
Popham's regiment, to protect us from a large army of Malignants--twenty
thousand men, it is said--under Prince Maurice, cousin to the King. He
threatens to annihilate our little town; but though we shall have a hard
struggle to beat them back, God will protect the right."

The bells we had heard had been set ringing on the announcement of the
approach of Colonel Blake; and now, as he and his brave followers
entered the town, they pealed forth with redoubled energy.

While the men were sent to their quarters, he, accompanied by the
Governor and Mayor, and several officers, rode round the outskirts of
the town,