a stout cob,
which his uncle had given him to be sold in London for his benefit.

"Your father's friend Mr Handscombe will certainly find a purchaser,"
observed the Colonel. "Now, farewell, my lad, it may be months, it may
be years, before you come back; you know not to what part of the world
you may be sent. You have acted wisely; continue to do so, and should
your life be preserved you will rise in your profession."

Roger's other farewells were made, and he mounted his horse. He carried
a brace of pistols in his holsters, a sword by his side, and a valise
strapped on behind the saddle. John Platt rode with an arquebuss
hanging at his back, a good pistol in one holster, and a broadsword
which had done duty in the Civil War. The Colonel ordered them to push
forward as fast as possible towards London, that they might get clear of
the excitement caused by the Duke's landing, and have less chance of
being interrupted. John Platt promised to carry out his master's
instructions.

"They shall pay dear, whether king's men or rebels, if they attempt to
stop us," he said, as he clutched his big sword, which in his younger
days he had used with powerful effect as a trooper under the Colonel,
though at present it seemed doubtful whether his arm had still strength
enough to wield it. The Colonel gave them his parting charges as they
rode out of the court-yard and pushed forward, as they had been
directed, towards Salisbury by by-paths with which John Platt was well
acquainted. Here and there they met peasants hurrying towards Lyme, who
eagerly inquired news of the Duke. Some asked if a battle had already
been fought; others said that they understood the Duke had landed with
an army of ten thousand men, which by this time had increased to twenty
thousand.

"He landed with not ten thousand or not ten hundred either," answered
John dryly. "He may have a thousand or two about him by this time. If
you take my advice you will go back home and not risk your necks by
joining him."

The advice, however, was seldom if ever followed, the men looking upon
honest John as a malignant. As they advanced they met bodies of militia
marching westward under Tory country gentlemen, who considered it their
duty to side with the king though they had no personal affection for
him. Roger on each occasion had to give an account of himself, and he
found some difficulty in persuading some of these zealous Royalists that
his intentions wer