“Young gentleman,” said he, “are you a cipher in this game? A barony hangs on this. Are you as stubborn and unruly as the head of your house?” Garrett Enderby made no reply, but turned and walked into the library, his father’s and sister’s eyes following him in doubt and dismay, for the chance was his at that moment to prove himself. A moment afterwards Lord Rippingdale was placing his men to attack the house, disposing of some to secure a timber to batter in the door, and of some to make assaults upon the rear of the building. Enderby had placed his men advantageously to resist attack, giving the defence of the rear of the house to his son. Mistress Felicity he had sent to an upper room in the care of her aunt. Presently the King’s men began the action, firing wherever a figure showed itself, and carrying a log to batter in the entrance door. Enderby’s men did good work, bringing down four of the besiegers at the first volley. Those who carried the log hesitated for a moment, and Enderby called encouragingly to his men. At this exciting moment, while calling to his men, he saw what struck him dumb--his son hurrying forward with a flag of truce to Lord Rippingdale! Instantly my lord commanded his men to retire. “Great God!” said Sir John, with a groan, “my son--my only son--a traitor!” Turning to his men he bade them cease firing. Throwing open the entrance doors, he stood upon the steps and waited for Lord Rippingdale. “You see, Sir John Enderby, your son--” began my lord. “It was to maintain my rights, and for my son’s sake and my daughter’s, that I resisted the command of the King,” interrupted the distressed and dishonoured gentleman, “but now--” “But now you yield?” He inclined his head, then looking down to the place where his son stood, he said: “My son--my only son!” And his eyes filled with tears. His distress was so moving that even Rippingdale was constrained to say: “He did it for your sake. His Majesty will--” With a gesture of despair Enderby turned and entered the house, and passed into the library, where he found his daughter. Pale and tearful she threw herself into his arms. At eleven o’clock that night as they sat in the same room, while Lord Rippingdale and his officers supped in the dining-room, Sir Richard Mowbray hurriedly entered. “Come quickly,” said he; “the way is clear--here by this window. The sentinels are drunk. You will find horses by the gate of the grape-garden, and two of your serving-men mounted. They will take you to a hiding-place on the coast--I have instructed them.” As he talked he helped them through the window, and bade them good-bye hurriedly; but he did not let Mistress Felicity’s hand drop till he had kissed it and wished her a whispered God-speed. When they had gone he listened for a time, but hearing no sound of surprise or discovery, he returned to the supper room, where Garrett Enderby sat drinking with Lord Rippingdale and the cavaliers. II