, and
Scarlett was deputed to see that the work was properly carried out--a
gruesome task enough; but he was growing used to such scenes, and the
feeling of doing good and affording help to those in need robbed the
duty of much of its terrors.

In this case the task was comparatively light, for there were very few
dead, and of the wounded, fully one-half were able to limp slowly back
toward the Hall, the troops remaining to cover them till they had
reached one of the great barns which was set apart for the temporary
hospital.

To the credit of all concerned, be it said that, principally due to the
action of Sir Godfrey Markham, who was in command of the two regiments
which had routed the late occupants of the Hall, the wounded were
treated as wounded men, no distinction being made as to whether they
were Cavalier or Roundhead.

All this took some time, and at last Scarlett rode up to where his
father was standing among a group of dismounted officers, whose
followers were letting their tired steeds crop the grass in the same way
as that practised by their enemies, when one of the outposts came
galloping in with news which sent the Cavaliers once more into their
saddles, when lines were formed, and Sir Godfrey gave the order to
advance.

"Could you hear what he said?" whispered Scarlett to Nat, who was close
behind him.

"Coming back, sir, three times as strong," whispered Nat. "Means
another fight."

The hurried orders and the excitement displayed on the part of the
officers endorsed Nat's words; though, had there been any doubt, the
summons Scarlett had to his father's side cleared it away at once.

"Listen, my boy," said the general, as Scarlett cantered up; "the enemy
are upon us, and we shall perhaps have to retreat, for, jaded as we are,
they will be too much for us. Be cautious, and don't let your men get
out of hand through rashness. We must give way as they did to-day."

"Run, father?"

"No; bend back right to the earth if necessary, so that the rebound may
be the stronger. Now, to your place."

As Scarlett regained his troop, the young officer over him was talking
loudly to his men.

"They're not satisfied with the beating they have already had," he was
saying. "Let's show them now what we can do when we are in earnest. It
was a mistake to show the rascals mercy this morning. Why, if I had
been in command of the men, instead of Sir Godfrey, I would not have
left two of the rebels together.