r prevailed over
the weaker, and Scarlett found himself in the midst of a confused group
of his men being driven back upon the main body higher and higher up the
hill, till he reached the summit among a scattered party of his own
side, through whose ranks the Puritans were riding furiously.

One glance showed him where his leaders were, and he made for the spot,
fully realising that the Royal force had been driven back by the bold
charge delivered, and then in the midst of the confusion consequent
thereon, utterly routed and scattered by the dashing attack on their
rear, while, to fulfil the truth of the adage about misfortunes never
coming singly, a fresh troop wheeled up on their flank and completed the
downfall.

"Ah, quick, my boy! Here!" cried a familiar voice, as Scarlett rode up,
and a party of about fifty dashed down the slope, headed by Sir Godfrey,
and, hotly pursued by a squadron of the enemy, galloped round the head
of the lake, leaping the stream and then the low stone wall of the Hall
garden, to take refuge there.

As they reached this haven, a trumpet sounded a recall, and the pursuing
squadron missed their opportunity of capturing the flying band, while,
when they advanced again, it was to find that the horses were well
secured within the Hall yard, whose stout oaken gates were closed, and
that the old house was garrisoned by a desperate little force ready to
withstand a siege.

"Better than giving up as prisoners, Scar, my boy," said Sir Godfrey,
sadly; "and better than being hunted down. All was over, and it was in
vain to keep up the fight. It only meant the useless loss of brave
men."

"Will they attack us here, sir?" said Scarlett.

"Most likely, and if they do, we'll fight till the very end--fight for
our hearth and home, my boy. But there, we must do all we can to make
the place more secure before night comes."

"Look!" said Scarlett, pointing.

"Yes, I see, my boy," said Sir Godfrey, sadly; "completely scattered,
and a strong body in pursuit. Ah, they are going to bivouac there, and
we shall have them here directly foraging for food and shelter. Well,
cheer up. These are times of reverses. They were here yesterday; it is
our turn to-day."

And without another word, Sir Godfrey went into the hall, to pay the
double part of commander and host, his words and example soon putting
spirit in the disheartened band.

"But we shall have to surrender, Sir Godfrey, shall we not, unless