"It has, and our affair at Beachley will strengthen it. He'll want to be back on what he believes the winning side now more than ever. His communication to me, though carefully worded, means that, if anything. But we'll be better able to judge when our despatch-bearers report themselves at High Meadow House. I think we may look for a letter from him." It was at High Meadow House their men were encamped; the main body under Massey having just arrived, while Sir Richard, with his troopers in advance, had been there overnight. And that same morning the cadgers, hastily summoned from their home at Ruardean, had been despatched to Monmouth market: Jack, or rather the sister, with secret instructions, and Jinkum with full panniers. "They ought to be back soon now," added Sir Richard, again raising the glass to his eye, and turning it on the town, his object to see if the market people had all gone away. When he last looked, they were streaming out through the gates, the commercial business of the market being over long ago. And now there were only some stragglers on the outgoing roads, men who had lingered by the ale-houses in gossip, or standing treat to the ever-thirsty soldiery. Just then there came within his field of view a group composed of elements altogether different from the home-returning rustics. "What do you see?" asked Massey, observing the telescope steadied, and the knight looking through it with fixed, earnest gaze. "A party of horse, carrying the lance--most of them." "Where?" "Just coming out of the northern gate." "A patrol, perhaps?" "No; something more. There are too many of them for that. Over a hundred have passed out already. And--yes; prisoners with them?" "Let me have a look," said the Governor, stretching out his hand for the telescope, which, of course, the other surrendered to him. Reluctantly though, as Sir Richard felt more than a common interest in the prisoners so escorted. "You're right," said Massey, soon as sighting them. "Prisoners they have. But whither can they be taking them? That's the road to Ross." "To Hereford also, your Excellency. The route; are the same as far as Whitchurch." "Ah, true. Still it's odd their starting out at such an hour! And why carrying prisoners away to Hereford? Surely Monmouth Castle affords gaol room enough. I hope it's not so full. If so, all the more reason for our doing what we can to empty it." "I don't think they're for Hereford, either. If I'm not mistaken, I saw something which tells of a different destination. If your Excellency will allow me another look through the telescope, perhaps--" "Oh, by all means, take it!" said the Governor, interrupting, and again handing over the glass.