ring that trained men and a
numerous horse have great advantage by daylight, I should be in favour
of a camisado or night onfall.'

'The same thought was in my mind,' said Grey. 'Our friends here know
every inch of the ground, and could guide us to Chedzoy as surely in the
darkness as in the day.'

'I have heard,' said Saxon, 'that much beer and cider, with wine and
strong waters, have found their way into their camp. If this be so
we may give them a rouse while their heads are still buzzing with the
liquor, when they shall scarce know whether it is ourselves or the blue
devils which have come upon them.'

A general chorus of approval from the whole council showed that the
prospect of at last coming to an engagement was welcome, after the weary
marchings and delays of the last few weeks.

'Has any cavalier anything to say against this plan?' asked the King.

We all looked from one to the other, but though many faces were doubtful
or desponding, none had a word to say against the night attack, for it
was clear that our action in any case must be hazardous, and this had at
least the merit of promising a better chance of success than any other.
Yet, my dears, I dare say the boldest of us felt a sinking at the heart
as we looked at our downcast, sad-faced leader, and asked ourselves
whether this was a likely man to bring so desperate an enterprise to a
success.

'If all are agreed,' said he, 'let our word be "Soho," and let us come
upon them as soon after midnight as may be. What remains to be settled
as to the order of battle may be left for the meantime. You will now,
gentlemen, return to your regiments, and you will remember that be the
upshot of this what it may, whether Monmouth be the crowned King of
England or a hunted fugitive, his heart, while it can still beat, will
ever bear in memory the brave friends who stood at his side in the hour
of his trouble.'

At this simple and kindly speech a flush of devotion, mingled in my
own case at least with a heart-whole pity for the poor, weak gentleman,
swept over us. We pressed round him with our hands upon the hilts of our
swords, swearing that we would stand by him, though all the world stood
between him and his rights. Even the rigid and impassive Puritans were
moved to a show of loyalty; while the courtiers, carried away by zeal,
drew their rapiers and shouted until the crowd beneath caught the
enthusiasm, and the air was full of the cheering. The light returned