'Yes; and look you there. That's Isaac Harley, as was in the waggon. I wish I had Isaac's gun, I'd shoot the chap that has charge of him. How ever came Isaac to be taken?' 'Ay; and he is cuffed to Joseph Stibbard.' 'Stibbard broke into the parson's house at Littleport, and took his silver spoons and money.' 'He needed them more than did the parson.' 'Of course he did, and had a right to take them. Joseph Stibbard's sister married my nephew, Philip Easy. I hope he handed on the spoons to her before the soldiers took him.' Such were the comments passed. Some of those looking on endeavoured to push between the soldiers, and get at their relatives who were being conveyed to prison, but were repelled by their guards. Comments of another sort were expressed less loudly, though not less frankly. 'There rides Drownlands. He has been along with the dragoons all the day. He has been pointing out whom they are to take; and if there is hanging to be done, i' fecks! it is he who has twisted the rope for their necks, poor fellows.' 'I knew he was out and about all last night.' 'Yes, and has been all this morning with the magistrates. But they haven't taken Pip Beamish yet.' 'I am sure they would be put to it for witnesses, if it were not for Tiger Ki. Which of us would peach? Wouldn't we do the other thing, and swear 'em off?' 'You are right there. I suppose Ki Drownlands knows what he is doing. But I reckon that this will be remembered against him, and he will be paid out for it some day or other.' 'Trust our chaps for that, and the day will not be distant.' Drownlands observed the sullen looks, the scowls with which he was greeted, and noticed the whispers that passed as he rode by, but treated all with indifference or contempt. 'They do not love me. I scoff at them,' said he to Sir Bates Dudley. 'They have done their worst. We are clearing the Fens of the only lads with any spirit in them to do mischief. Those that remain are arrant cowards.' Then he turned his horse's head down the drove to Prickwillow. 'I am not needed till to-morrow. Here is my home.' His eye lighted on Zita, who had come forth to see the soldiers pass with their prisoners. Near her were Mrs. Tunkiss, Sarah, and the farm serving-men. Zita uttered an exclamation and ran forward, caught Drownlands' horse by the bridle, and exclaimed— 'What is the meaning of this? Why is Mark Runham taken? This is your doing.' 'Why not? He headed the rioters.' 'He did not head them. It is false. You know it is so. Set him at liberty at once.' 'I cannot do that. He has been arrested. He will appear before the magistrates to-morrow.' 'Very well, so will I. I can bear witness as well as you.' Then Zita darted nimbly between the soldiers, in spite of their protests, which were not roughly enforced, for the quick eyes of the dragoons saw that she was pretty. She made her way to Mark, who was handcuffed. 'Mark,' said she, 'I will help you.'