ved for something great, for you will never be nearer your grave
until you do actually step into it. This Major Ogilvy hath made great
interest both for you and for a wounded comrade of yours who lies at
Bridgewater. Your name hath been given to the commanders of horse, with
orders to bring you in unscathed should you be taken. Yet it is but fair
to tell you that though the Major's good word may save you from martial
law, it will stand you in small stead before a civil judge, before whom
ye must in the end take your trial.'

'I desire to share the same lot and fortune as has befallen my
companions-in-arms,' I answered.

'Nay, that is but a sullen way to take your deliverance,' cried the
smaller officer. 'The situation is as flat as sutler's beer. Otway would
have made a bettor thing of it. Can you not rise to the occasion? Where
is she?'

'She! Who?' I asked.

'She. The she. The woman. Your wife, sweetheart, betrothed, what you
will.'

'There is none such,' I answered.

'There now! What can be done in a case like that?' cried he
despairingly. 'She should have rushed in from the wings and thrown
herself upon your bosom. I have seen such a situation earn three rounds
from the pit. There is good material spoiling here for want of some one
to work it up.'

'We have something else to work up, Jack,' exclaimed his companion
impatiently. 'Sergeant Gredder, do you with two troopers conduct the
prisoner to Gommatch Church. It is time that we were once more upon our
way, for in a few hours the darkness will hinder the pursuit.'

At the word of command the troopers descended into the field where their
horses were picketed, and were speedily on the march once more, the tall
Captain leading them, and the stage-struck cornet bringing up the
rear. The sergeant to whose care I had been committed--a great
square-shouldered, dark-browed man--ordered my own horse to be brought
out, and helped me to mount it. He removed the pistols from the
holsters, however, and hung them with my sword at his own saddle-bow.

'Shall I tie his feet under the horse's belly?' asked one of the
dragoons.

'Nay, the lad hath an honest face,' the sergeant answered. 'If he
promises to be quiet we shall cast free his arms.'

'I have no desire to escape,' said I.

'Then untie the rope. A brave man in misfortune hath ever my goodwill,
strike me dumb else! Sergeant Gredder is my name, formerly of Mackay's
and now of the Royals--as hard-worked and badl