pelled to silence him. He
told me he was sure that if Sir Granby knew how utterly unlikely it was
for any of the disaffected people to come into this neighbourhood he
would immediately cancel the orders, and, under the circumstances, he
could not refrain from advising me to act according to his advice."

"And what was his advice, mother?"

"To put a stop to the foolish preparations, which could only bring
ridicule upon all here."

"He said something of the kind to me; more than I told you."

"Why did you not tell me all?"

"Because it seemed so paltry."

"Nothing is too paltry when we have so much at stake, Roy."

"And was that the end of it?"

"No, my boy; he made me indignant by his presumption, and I told him to
remember who he was."

"What did he say to that?"

"Begged my pardon humbly, and said that perhaps I was right, and that he
would do everything he could to help me in this painful situation. I am
glad he has spoken out and forced me to be plain. Now he will keep his
place."

"Yes, he will now," said Roy. "I know what he felt; of course he was
annoyed at my taking the lead, after his going out leaving me only his
pupil, and coming back to find me seeming to do exactly as I pleased.
But I must go, mother, for there is such a lot to do. Don't ask me to
begin wearing silk and gold and feathers yet, though, please."

Lady Royland smiled proudly as she kissed her son, and Roy hurried back
to his lieutenant, who was anxiously expecting him.

"Farmer Raynes has come over, sir, to see you. Wanted to know what the
guns were fired for."

"Where is he?"

"Yonder, sir, watching the corporal drill the men."

Roy went to the gate-way, where the trooper was busy at work drilling
the men in the use of their firelocks, adding to his verbal instructions
the examples of the two soldiers who came with him, these falling in
just in front, and executing every order in the carriage of the piece,
loading and firing, so that the servants could more easily understand.

"Morning, Master Roy," said the farmer, stepping out of the guard-room
door-way. "Heard the guns last night, and couldn't make out where the
noise come from. Found out this morning, though, and run over. Mean
fighting, then, if they come here?"

"Certainly," said Roy. "My father sent word for us to be prepared. I
was going to send for you this morning. I want your men and you to come
in, and be ready in case you are wanted."

"Parson