oposed allowing the soldiers to
occupy the hall, while the sergeant might place his guards as he
considered necessary. The sergeant, on his arrival, was well pleased
with the arrangements that had been made. Not being without human
feeling, he was satisfied that the worn-out prisoners should enjoy the
comfort of beds and good food, while he was pleased with the ample fare
provided by Madam Pauline for himself and his comrades.

The Colonel looked out anxiously for the return of Alice, for he was
afraid lest some accident should happen to her. There were wild
characters abroad who pretended to be in search of rebels, and had
succeeded in obtaining blood-money by capturing several. While Tobias
Platt took care that the soldiers should be well supplied with food and
good liquor, he did not forget the prisoners, especially the young
Battiscombes, to whom he carried more delicate food, suited to their
present condition.

The Colonel was on the point of setting out for Langton Hall in order to
meet Alice should she have left it, when she arrived, having ridden hard
the whole distance. She had been detained in discussing plans with Mr
Battiscombe, as also while a package of clothes, of which she had
observed they stood in need, was preparing. She had brought it secured
to her saddle.

"We need not let the soldiers see the package delivered," she observed;
"Tobias Platt can carry it in as part of their bedding. The clothes
will enable them to present an appearance very different from what they
do now."

Tobias, with whom Stephen was a favourite, took good care to carry in
the clothes as proposed, without being observed by the soldier on guard.
The windows were barred with iron, intended rather to prevent ingress
than egress, but answering both purposes. The sergeant, on examining
them, considered that his prisoners were perfectly secure in the rooms.
Both he and his comrades were kept generously supplied with food and
good cider, together with somewhat potent beer; as they had been out all
the day in the hot sun, they were well inclined to keep up their
carouse.

"It is tiring work, Master," said Tobias Platt, bringing a comfortable
chair to where the sentry was pacing up and down. "You can watch as
well seated as walking, I suppose, and I will get you a pipe of tobacco,
if you have a mind for it."

"Ay, that I have, and I say, Master, a glass of something to keep the
throat moist won't come amiss."

"You sha