the history is written not merely
in the stone of its building, but is inferred in the changes of
structure. Then the sweeping changes which followed the Norman Conquest
wiped out all lesser records than its own. To-day we must accept it as
one of the earliest castles of the Conquest, probably not later than the
time of Henry I. Roman and Norman were both wise in their retention of
places of approved strength or utility. So it was that these surrounding
heights, already established and to a certain extent proved, were
retained. Indeed, such characteristics as already pertained to them were
preserved, and to-day afford to us lessons regarding things which have
themselves long since passed away.

"So much for the fortified heights; but the hollows too have their own
story. But how the time passes! We must hurry home, or your uncle will
wonder what has become of us."

He started with long steps towards Lesser Hill, and Adam was soon
furtively running in order to keep up with him.

CHAPTER IV--THE LADY ARABELLA MARCH

"Now, there is no hurry, but so soon as you are both ready we shall
start," Mr. Salton said when breakfast had begun. "I want to take you
first to see a remarkable relic of Mercia, and then we'll go to Liverpool
through what is called 'The Great Vale of Cheshire.' You may be
disappointed, but take care not to prepare your mind"--this to Adam--"for
anything stupendous or heroic. You would not think the place a vale at
all, unless you were told so beforehand, and had confidence in the
veracity of the teller. We should get to the Landing Stage in time to
meet the _West African_, and catch Mr. Caswall as he comes ashore. We
want to do him honour--and, besides, it will be more pleasant to have the
introductions over before we go to his _fete_ at the Castle."

The carriage was ready, the same as had been used the previous day, but
there were different horses--magnificent animals, and keen for work.
Breakfast was soon over, and they shortly took their places. The
postillions had their orders, and were quickly on their way at an
exhilarating pace.

Presently, in obedience to Mr. Salton's signal, the carriage drew up
opposite a great heap of stones by the wayside.

"Here, Adam," he said, "is something that you of all men should not pass
by unnoticed. That heap of stones brings us at once to the dawn of the
Anglian kingdom. It was begun more than a thousand years ago--in the
latter part o