Bardon declared.

Young Ingrow took him up. "When it floats on such noble tipple I am a
god-swilling nectar." Halfman slapped his chest.

"Come, lads!" he cried; "when Cavaliers drink the King's health they
should sing the King's song," and in another moment his mellow voice
was setting his friends a sturdy example. "Gallants of England," he
warbled:

"Gallants of England, shall not the King land
Safely in town to knock Parliament down?
Shall we not ever strive to endeavor
Glory to win for our King and our crown?
Shall not the Roundhead soon be confounded?
Sa, sa, sa, sa, boys, ha, ha, ha, ha, boys,
Then we'll return home in triumph and joy.
Then we'll be merry, drink sack and sherry,
And we will sing, boys, God save the King, boys,
Cast up our hats, and sing Vive le Roy."

XI

AT BAY

Brilliana and the Cavaliers, stirred by the enthusiasm of Halfman's
stanza, caught up the cry commanded and sent it rolling through the
hall.

"Vive le Roy! God bless the King!" they shouted, with the loyal tears
in their eyes. Brilliana gave Halfman a grateful smile.

"Well sung, well done," she approved. Halfman glowed. Sir Rufus
frowned a little. Turning hurriedly to his companions, he said:

"Friends, I have another toast for you. I give you the King's sweet
warrior, Oxfordshire's blithe viceroy, 'The Lady of Loyalty House.'"

"Never a better toast in the world," Halfman shouted. "Drink,
gallants, drink."

Brilliana crossed her fingers before her face. Through the living
lattice her eyes peeped brightly.

"I protest you make too much of me," she pleaded, while Halfman and
the Cavaliers quickly filled their glasses again and lifted them
high in air. A chorus of "The Lady of Loyalty House!" rang out, and
again the toast was honored.

"I thank you with all my heart," Brilliana panted, blushing and
excited at the tumult and the praise. There was a moment's silence.
Everything worth saying seemed to have been said, everything worth
doing to have been done. Suddenly, in that silence, Bardon caught
sight of Evander where he stood apart, disdainful, between his
guards, and the sight pricked his wits. Turning to his mates, he
thumbed at the prisoner over his shoulder.

"Should we not make the crop-ear yonder pledge the Lady of Loyalty
House?" he questioned. Radlett rubbed approving hands.

"Well thought. Let him honor his conqueror," he began. The Lord
Fawley tr