Afterward there came a long time when he had not strength even to sob, when the slackening fire meant nothing to him, and, lying motionless and stupid, he realized only that the light was paling in the chamber. The door was pushed open, and mechanically he rolled a little out of the way of it. The serving man he remembered came in with supper, and at sight of him Hugh lifted up his head and entreated brokenly: “Tell me, what has happened? Have they taken my father? For the love of Heaven, tell me.” The man hesitated, then, as he passed to the doorway, bent down and whispered: “They’ve beat the Cavaliers into the church, sir, but they’ve not taken the captain yet. Lord bless you, don’t cry so, sir.” For the sheer nervous relief had set Hugh choking and sobbing again without pride or strength enough left to hold himself in check. As the darkness closed in, however, he grew a little calmer, though sheer exhaustion more than inner comfort held him quiet. His eyes were hot and smarting, and his throat ached, so he crept over to the chest where the food was placed, and laying hands on a jug of water gulped down a good deal and splashed some over his face. After that he stretched himself again upon the floor, where for pure weariness he dropped at length into a heavy sleep. He awoke in darkness, his blood tingling and his pulses a-jump in a childish momentary fear at the strangeness of the place and a something else he could not define. He had recollected his position and laid down his head again, with a little effort to place himself more comfortably upon the floor, when there came a second time the noise that must have wakened him,—a stealthy faint click of the latch, as if the door were being softly opened. Hugh sprang to his feet and set his back to the wall, in the best position for defence, if it were some enemy, if it were Captain Oldesworth came seeking him. The door was opening, he perceived, as his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness. “Who is it?” he asked in a guarded tone. “Hush! ’Tis I, Lois.” Hugh caught his breath in a gasp of relief. “Lois, you’ve come to free me?” he whispered, and, stepping softly to her, fumbled in the dark and found her hand. “Yes, yes. I was afraid for you. I told Master Oldesworth that Peregrine was bragging how the captain would serve you. He saved you that time. But ’tis possible the captain will lay hands on you again. I slipped into Master Oldesworth’s chamber and took the key. I know ’tis wicked; I care not. Pull off your boots and come away, quick.”