'I cannot sleep, Madam,' he said, 'for thinking of these poor prisoners; I hear that among them is none other than Sir Christopher Challis, a gentleman of great esteem and well stricken in years. And there is also the pious and learned--but most unfortunate--Dr. Comfort Eykin, who rode with the army and preached daily, and is now, I hear, grievously wounded and bedridden.' 'Sir,' I said, 'Dr. Comfort Eykin is my father. It is most true that he is a prisoner, and that he is wounded.' He heaved a deep sigh and wiped a tear from his eyes. 'It is now certain,' he said, 'that Lord Jeffreys will come down to conduct the trials. Nay, it is reported that he has already arrived at Salisbury, breathing fire and revenge, and that he hath with him four other Judges and a troop of horse. What they will do with so many prisoners I know not. I fear that it will go hard with all; but, as happens in such cases, those who have money, and know how to spend it, may speedily get their liberty.' 'How are they to spend it?' 'Why, Madam, it is not indeed to be looked for that you should know. But when the time comes for the trial, should I, as will very likely happen, be in the way, send for me, and whatever the sentence I warrant we shall find a way to 'scape it--even if it be a sentence of death. Send for me--my name is George Penne, and I am a well-known merchant of Bristol.' It was then that Barnaby came to the other side of the wicket. We could talk, but could not touch each other. 'All is well, Sis,' he said: 'Dad is neither better nor worse, and Sir Christopher is hearty, though the prison is like the 'tween decks of a ship with Yellow Jack aboard--just as sweet and pleasant for the air and just as merry for the crew.' 'Barnaby,' I said, 'the Judges are now at Salisbury.' 'Ay, ay; I thought they would have been there before. We shall be tried, they tell me, at Wells, which it is thought will be taken after other towns. So there is still a tidy length of rope. Sis, this continual smoking of tobacco to keep off infection doth keep a body dry. Cider will serve, but let it be a runlet, at least.' 'He called you "Sister," Madam,' said Mr. Penne curiously. 'Have you brother as well as father in this place?' 'Alas! Sir, I have not only my father, my mother, and my brother in this place, but my father-in-law (as I hoped soon to call him); and in Exeter Jail is my lover and his cousin. Oh! Sir, if you mean honestly'---- 'Madam'--he laid his hand upon his breast--'I assure you I am all honesty. I have no other thought, I swear to you, than to save, if possible, the lives of these poor men.'