nd young ones."
"Fetch them into the meeting-house and make them dance." "Ay, by God,
we'll tie their petticoats round their necks and then make them dance."

There was a rush of men to the door of the meeting-house. Lord
Dunseveric and Captain Twinely were borne back before they could see
what was going on. Some one struck a light and illuminated a branch of
bogwood which he held above his head as a torch.

"Drag in the prisoner," yelled a voice. "We'll give him a place in the
front and let him see his wenches dance."

Lord Dunseveric, unable to make his voice heard above the tumult, saw
Neal Ward, his arms bound to his sides by a belt strapped round him,
dragged into the meeting-house. His face was cut and bleeding slightly.
His coat was rent from collar to skirt.

"Make way, make way, for the ladies."

A trooper entered with two women. He had an arm clasped round each.
Lord Dunseveric recognised with amazement and horror his daughter and
sister-in-law. Una made no resistance. She was terrified into a state of
helplessness. The Comtesse struggled desperately, tearing with her hands
at the trooper's face. Captain Twinely recognised the ladies almost
immediately, and strove to reach them. Before he could make his way Lord
Dun-severic's voice rang out above the tumult.

"Maurice, are you there? Come in here at once."

There was something in his voice, a tone of authority, a note of grim
determination, which cowed the rabble of men for an instant. Maurice St.
Clair pushed his way through the door in silence.

"Maurice," said Lord Dunseveric, this time in quiet, even tones, "take
that scoundrel by the throat, and if he offers any resistance choke
him."

The man loosed his hold of the two women, and his hand flew to his sword
hilt, but before he could draw it, Maurice bounded upon him and flung
him to the ground. Once, twice, thrice, as the trooper strove to raise
himself, his head was dashed down on the hard earthen floor of the
meeting-house.

After the third time he lay still. Maurice rose and stood over him.

"Captain Twinely," said Lord Dunseveric, "loose the belt from your
prisoner's arms at once."

The order was obeyed, and Neal stood free. "Bid your men leave the
meeting-house, all but the man who holds the torch and the one who lies
there on the floor."

The men, cowed and sullen, went out.

"Now," said Lord Dunseveric, "I will have this matter cleared up and I
will have justice done." He turned t