which thrilled
through every nerve of our bodies. I have never heard such a wail of
despair. We pulled up our horses, as did the troopers behind us, and
strained our ears for some sign as to whence the sound proceeded, for
some were of opinion that it came from our right and some from our left.
The main body with the waggons had come up, and we all listened intently
for any return of the terrible cry. Presently it broke upon us again,
wild, shrill, and agonised: the scream of a woman in mortal distress.

'Tis over there, Major Hooker,' cried Sir Gervas, standing up in his
stirrups and peering through the darkness. 'There is a house about two
fields off. I can see some glimmer, as from a window with the blind
drawn.'

'Shall we not make for it at once?' I asked impatiently, for our
commander sat stolidly upon his horse as though by no means sure what
course he should pursue.

'I am here, Captain Clarke,' said he, 'to convey supplies to the army,
and I am by no means justified in turning from my course to pursue other
adventures.'

'Death, man! there is a woman in distress,' cried Sir Gervas. 'Why,
Major, you would not ride past and let her call in vain for help? Hark,
there she is again!' As he spoke the wild scream rang out once more from
the lonely house.

'Nay, I can abide this no longer,' I cried, my blood boiling in my
veins; 'do you go on your errand, Major Hooker, and my friend and I
shall leave you here. We shall know how to justify our action to the
King. Come, Sir Gervas!'

'Mark ye, this is flat mutiny, Captain Clarke,' said Hooker; 'you are
under my orders, and should you desert me you do so at your peril.'

'In such a case I care not a groat for thy orders,' I answered hotly.
Turning Covenant I spurred down a narrow, deeply-rutted lane which
led towards the house, followed by Sir Gervas and two or three of the
troopers. At the same moment I heard a sharp word of command from Hooker
and the creaking of wheels, showing that he had indeed abandoned us and
proceeded on his mission.

'He is right,' quoth the Baronet, as we rode down the lane; 'Saxon or
any other old soldier would commend his discipline.'

'There are things which are higher than discipline,' I muttered.
'I could not pass on and leave this poor soul in her distress. But
see--what have we here?'

A dark mass loomed in front of us, which proved as we approached to be
four horses fastened by their bridles to the hedge.

'Cavalry horses