The hawker cowered before such a prospect, and discovering after much protestation and evasion that the captain evidently knew more of the matter than he had expected, he decided to tell the truth. Thereupon he gave a full account of the transaction, up to the time of his escape from the smithy, omitting only (out of respect for the Corporal’s threats) to refer to his interview with that worthy. Captain Protheroe listened attentively to the narrative, smiling slightly at the complaint of Barbara’s treatment. When it was ended he turned coldly on Simon. "That will do. You can go." "But the reward, your honour," began the hawker nervously. The captain eyed him sternly. "An I had my will with you, fellow, you should to the pillory as a thief and extortioner. But as, in this world, a rogue must be paid for his roguery, take your liberty and deem it meet reward for information which I received an hour since. Be off with you." The hawker, with a deep, heartfelt curse, shuffled out of the room. "I would that I had seen her braving the fellow," muttered the captain as he recharged his pipe. So engrossed was he in his meditations that he paid no heed to a sudden clamour in the yard without, and he sprang to his feet with an oath of astonishment when the door was flung wide open, and the corporal burst violently into the room. "We have him, captain!" he cried, almost dancing with eagerness, "we have him at last, the very fellow himself. Caught as clean as a bird in a net." "What means this, sirrah?" interrupted the captain sharply. "Art mad, or drunk; or both together?" The corporal’s face fell. He pulled himself together and saluted in a somewhat crestfallen fashion. "Your pardon, captain," he continued more calmly. "But an it please you, we have taken Sir Rupert Winslow himself." It was now Captain Protheroe’s turn to betray excitement. "Taken Sir Rupert Winslow! Why, fellow, ’tis impossible. You are dreaming." "Dreaming or no," answered the corporal sulkily, "he is without. We spied him skulking round the stables to the back o’ the Inn. I doubt not wi’ intent to steal a fresh horse. There we ambushed him. He made a fierce resistance, but," with an air of supreme complaisance, "I soon overpowered him." "The devil take the rash fool!" muttered the captain. "Well, bring him in, corporal. And do you see that the men get to rest, we must be off at daybreak to-morrow. I will see to the security of the prisoner." The corporal saluted, and a moment later ushered his prisoner into the room. Captain Protheroe looked up curiously at his entrance, and for some minutes silently surveyed him, until the prisoner, weary of such intent scrutiny, tossed his hat on to the table, and flung himself back into a chair with a half-embarrassed, half-reckless air. The captain broke the silence. "This is a strange ending, sir, to so lengthy a chase," he said gravely.