Dick sat still, holding the reins, whilst the horses drooped their heads and lashed at the flies with their tails. Giles was soon back. He sprang down into the lane lightly with a pleasant jingle of spurs and chains and scabbard. "There was a skirmish, Dick, which we've missed," he said. "They took one of his troopers, who says Dent had spies here, who saw you ride off yesterday. He turned up at dawn, and Slingsby caught him in the fields over yonder. He was killed the first of the lot. The--the household down there seem to have heard, or seen, nothing." "Oh, Giles, what a good thing you sent a troop overnight! But I'm sorry we missed the fighting," said Dick. Giles stood thoughtfully twisting his moustache. "But have we done all His Majesty directed, Dick?" he said at length. "His friends have fled--they were not numerous. He is dead; we cannot, therefore, send him to trial." "Is there a clergyman there? We were to look after him, Giles, as His Majesty particularly mentioned. You were to find him something to do, weren't you? What? My cousin once said she would try and find a parson as tutor for me. Giles, dear, send him away, quickly! She might keep him for that, if not." Giles laughed a little. "Come along," he said absently, taking his bridle over his arm and moving slowly towards the gate. But he stopped when they reached the door of the house. "My part in the game's played, Dick. Go you in and tell all the news to her Ladyship. Ask her hospitality for Slingsby and his men. I'll wait here." "You'll not!" said Dick. "You'll come in, Giles, and help tell her." Giles shook his head gently. "Go you in, Dickie, and tell her your tale--'tis your tale, and I want her to hear what her waif has done for her, from himself. Believe me, she'll like it better so. And if you've a mind to please me, Dick, you will say nothing of the Earl of Lumley; but you may tell her that Giles was sent to help you--you, mind,--and that this same Giles, stable-helper and what-not, awaits her Ladyship's permission to enter." "A rare jest!" said Dick, laughing. "She will call me a little blockhead ever to have thought you a stableman when she sees you." "Maybe," said Giles curtly. CHAPTER XXII DICK'S RETURN