with those in authority to obtain the pardon of his
sons. Every day he gained was of consequence. He also hoped leave
might be obtained to enable them to perform the journey on horseback.
In the evening he came over to see his two sons. The parting was an
affecting one. Though he had been exerting himself to obtain their
pardon, he knew too well that his efforts might prove fruitless. He
remained that night at the manor-house, that he might be with them as
long as possible. When he asked leave of the sergeant to allow his sons
to ride on horseback, the request was refused, on the ground that he
could not grant them a favour which was denied to the other prisoners,
and that as he and his men would have to march on foot, they must be
content to proceed in the same manner.

A sad procession set forth from Eversden Manor on the early dawn of a
bright autumn morning. Each prisoner was conducted by two guards with
loaded muskets. Farewells had been spoken, and the order to march was
given.

Though no mention has been made of the other prisoners, they had been
treated at the manor-house with every kindness and consideration, and
had been supplied with means for purchasing provisions on the way, as
well as on their arrival. Mr Battiscombe rode a short distance beyond
the Hall with his sons. Upon his return home, Mr Battiscombe said that
he had left the party marching on in tolerably good spirits, not
believing, from the numbers already executed, that many more victims
would be required to satisfy the demands of the law. Alas! they were to
find that they were terribly mistaken.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

The assize at Dorchester was opened on the 3rd of September. Jeffreys
had already passed through Hampshire, and succeeded in Winchester in
pronouncing sentence on the Lady Lisle for harbouring two fugitives from
Sedgemoor. He condemned her to be burnt alive that very afternoon, but,
happily, the excessive barbarity moved the feelings of the clergy of the
cathedral, who induced him to put off the execution; and though every
effort was made to obtain her pardon, the utmost that was gained was
that her sentence should be commuted from burning to being beheaded.
She was put to death on a scaffold in the market-place of Winchester,
and underwent her fate with serene courage. At Dorchester more than
three hundred prisoners were to be tried. The court was hung with
scarlet, an indication of the bloody purpose of the Chie