"With all my heart, sir, though ’tis a somewhat lengthy tale. Know then, it commences with a stout corporal but half concealed behind a large laurel bush. Ah, ha! Sir Whipcord, you look guilty! Now this same corporal was a spy and an eavesdropper, and eavesdroppers must not be surprised if at times they overhear that which _is_ intended for their ears. ’Twas so in this case. The corporal, who bore a strange resemblance to this gentleman, overheard a pretty little plot, discussed especially for his edification, he stole and read a cunning little note, written for his eyes alone. Being a gentleman of extraordinary blindness, he walked into the trap as prettily as a bird. The rest was simple. It remained but to send a messenger, whom your soldiers kindly permitted to pass, to inform Rupert of our arrangements. Cicely and I, disguised but in linsey petticoats and woollen hoods (’tis passing strange how dress can make or mar a man) went down to the village this afternoon, and later I—I returned, alone. Perchance—I say perchance, ’twas I whom your corporal saw enter; and yet, sure, how could it be?" "And your cousin?" "Cicely? Oh, she is away passing the evening with Rupert, who, thanks to the corporal’s kind thoughtfulness, in withdrawing all his men from the roads and the village, was enabled to visit her with perfect safety at a certain house we wot of. But, indeed, the time has passed so quickly while you have been here, that he will by now have returned whence he came, and I fear—I greatly fear you have missed him." Then at last Corporal Crutch, convinced of the truth of her statement, opened his mouth and commenced to swear; to swear so roundly that Barbara covered her ears, and Captain Protheroe curtly bade him be silent. "’Tis thine own doing, thou blundering fool," he said angrily. "Wherefore didst not follow the messenger and trap the fellow in his hiding-place?" "Nay, captain, give me some credit for the business," interposed Barbara cheerily. "’Twas a most excellently conceived plan. And yet," she mused, "I doubt if ever men were more easily fooled." "And may I ask, madame, what part in the plot this evening’s entertainment served?" "Oh that! Well, I cannot say that was altogether necessary, though I desired to keep you here till Rupert was safe away. But," she added roguishly, "’twas vastly amusing. And besides, methinks you deserved no better treatment after forcing your way thus churlishly into a lone woman’s house." Captain Protheroe turned brusquely on his heel. "There is nothing further to be gained by remaining here, corporal," he said. "Call up the men and march them back to quarters. And as for this fellow," he added, pointing to the smith, who had watched the scene with deep enjoyment, "keep him safe till morning; we may have need of him." "And what of the wench, captain? Can’t we lay hands on her for aiding and abetting?" Captain Protheroe scowled.