make such a
demand."

"Then I will address you in a more friendly spirit, Colonel Forrester.
The road here to the east leads towards the king's followers--the gentry
of the west who are gathering together beneath his banner to put an end
to the disorder and anarchy now running riot through the land. You
will, I presume, as a loyal gentleman, join us, and we can ride
together."

"Is this banter or earnest, Sir Godfrey?" replied the colonel, as the
two boys sat with their ears tingling.

"Earnest, Colonel Forrester. What other course could I expect an
officer to take?"

"Then, if it be in earnest, sir--no; I ride not with you to help to
bolster up a tyranny which makes every true man in England blush for his
country."

"Colonel Forrester!"

"Sir Godfrey Markham!"

There was a pause, during which the two old friends gazed defiantly at
each other, and then Colonel Forrester continued--

"No, sir; I ride to the west, to join those whom you call the inciters
to riot, anarchy, and confusion; but whom we, as true, honest
Englishmen, think of as those who are fighting to free our land and to
rescue it from the degradation to which it has been brought. Let me
entreat you, sir, as a gentleman, to think twice before you take the
road to the east, for the way is open still to the west. Ride with us,
Sir Godfrey. So old and gallant a soldier would be most welcome to our
ranks."

"And a traitor to the king, whose commission I hold, and whose uniform I
shall once again wear."

"Traitor!" said Colonel Forrester, starting, and his hand darted to the
hilt of his sword; but he drew it back with a hasty "Pish!"

"Yes, sir, traitor, as you seem disposed to prove; but I warn you in
time. The king will prove the master over the wretched band of
anarchists who have risen against him."

"Enough!" said Colonel Forrester. "That has to be proved."

"Proved or no, sir, I command you to ride with me or to return to your
home. You are in arms against the king, the government, and the law of
this land. Surrender!"

"Sir Godfrey, too much commanding of slaves to your wishes has rendered
you absurd of speech."

"Do you hear me, sir?" cried Sir Godfrey. "I order you to follow me."

Colonel Forrester's hand went again to his sword, but he snatched it
back.

"I cannot answer your intemperate words, Sir Godfrey," he said; "and I
will not presume to utter so vain a command to you. This is free
England, sir, where every man