the
force drawn up in the court, and saw fully half of them march towards
the great gate-way. Then he heard the drawbridge lowered, and the
heavy, hollow tramp of the men as they passed across. Soon after, the
neighing of horses reached his ears, and then came the beating of hoofs
on the bridge, raising echoes from the walls at the other end, as a
troop rode in and were drawn up on either side--sturdy-looking fellows,
who sat their horses well, as Roy was fain to grant in spite of Ben
Martlet's disparaging remarks.

He was still watching the troopers and their horses, when he heard a
movement outside his door as if the sentries had presented arms; and
directly after the general strode into the room, with his stern,
thoughtful countenance lighting up as he encountered Roy's frank, bold
eyes.

"Good-morning," he said, holding out his hand.

Roy flushed, but made no movement to take it.

"As one gentleman to another, Roy Royland," he said, smiling. "We can
be enemies again when we have fighting to do. Come, we can be friends
now."

Roy felt drawn towards him, and he slowly raised his hand, which was
firmly gripped and held for a few moments.

"Ah, that's better!--Well, prisoner, how have you slept?"

"I? Not at all," said Roy, bitterly.

"That is a pity, too," said the general. "You ought to have slept. You
had no guilty conscience to keep you awake. You only had the knowledge
of duty done."

"And what about the poor fellows who fell fighting for us? Would not
that keep me awake?"

"Ah, yes!" said the general, laying his hand on Roy's shoulder. "That
is right. Well, as far as I have ascertained, not a man failed to cross
the moat after his plunge. There are some ugly wounds, no doubt, but
the doctor tells me that my men have suffered worse than yours, and he
does not anticipate that any of your brave fellows will even have to
stay in bed."

"That is good news," said Roy in spite of himself, for he meant to be
very stern and distant.

"Better than was given me, my boy. There, come along; breakfast is
waiting."

Roy shrank back.

"I would rather have some bread and water here," he said.

"Indeed! But I'm not going to feed my prisoner upon bread and water. I
find you have plenty here, and that plenty you shall share. Ah! I see
you do not want to meet our friend Pawson."

Roy started violently, and changed colour.

"He will not be with us, sir. Master Pawson prefers to stay in his own