to Monmouth's eye and the colour to his cheek as he listened to the
clamour. For a moment at least he looked like the King which he aspired
to be.

'My thanks to ye, dear friends and subjects,' he cried. 'The issue rests
with the Almighty, but what men can do will, I know well, be done by you
this night. If Monmouth cannot have all England, six feet of her shall
at least be his. Meanwhile, to your regiments, and may God defend the
right!'

'May God defend the right! cried the council solemnly, and separated,
leaving the King with Grey to make the final dispositions for the
attack.

'These popinjays of the Court are ready enough to wave their rapiers
and shout when there are four good miles between them and the foe,'
said Saxon, as we made our way through the crowd. 'I fear that they will
scarce be as forward when there is a line of musqueteers to be faced,
and a brigade of horse perhaps charging down upon their flank. But here
comes friend Lockarby, with news written upon his face.'

'I have a report to make, Colonel,' said Reuben, hurrying breathlessly
up to us. 'You may remember that I and my company were placed on guard
this day at the eastern gates?'

Saxon nodded.

'Being desirous of seeing all that I could of the enemy, I clambered up
a lofty tree which stands just without the town. From this post, by the
aid of a glass, I was able to make out their lines and camp. Whilst I
was gazing I chanced to observe a man slinking along under cover of the
birch-trees half-way between their lines and the town. Watching him, I
found that he was indeed moving in our direction. Presently he came so
near that I was able to distinguish who it was--for it was one whom I
know--but instead of entering the town by my gate he walked round under
cover of the peat cuttings, and so made his way doubtless to some other
entrance. He is a man, however, who I have reason to believe has no true
love for the cause, and it is my belief that he hath been to the
Royal camp with news of our doings, and hath now come back for further
information.'

'Aye!' said Saxon, raising his eyebrows. 'And what is the man's name?'

'His name is Derrick, one time chief apprentice to Master Timewell at
Taunton, and now an officer in the Taunton foot.'

'What, the young springald who had his eye upon pretty Mistress Ruth!
Now, out on love, if it is to turn a true man into a traitor! But
methought he was one of the elect? I have heard him hold forth to t