These observations and reflections occupied but an instant, to end in his responding,-- "For the Parliament?" He might as well make a clean breast of it, and tell the truth. "We see you are. Come on!" Surprised was he at the rejoinder as at the voice that gave utterance to it, which seemed familiar to him. But his surprise became astonishment when the speaker added, "Quick, Trevor! we're in ambuscade;" and drawing nearer, the sun now out of his eyes, he saw that well-known banneret, with sword-pierced crown in its field, waving above the head of Sir Richard Walwyn! CHAPTER FIFTY. AN AMBUSCADE. Steaming at the nostrils Saladin was for the second time brought to a stand, head to head with old stable comrades that snorted recognition. For with Colonel Walwyn was Rob Wilde and others of his troop. A hurried explanation ensued, Sir Richard first asking,-- "Your guards? You were being escorted?" "Yes; I've given them the slip." "Where are they now?" "Coming up the hill--you hear them?" "Hush!" enjoined the knight, speaking to those around him; and all became silent, listening. Voices, with a quick trample of hoofs, and at short intervals a call as of command, from far below and but faintly heard. The road was almost subterranean, and wound up through a dense wood. "What's their number?" again questioned the knight. "Nigh two hundred--nearly all Lingen's force--and about twenty prisoners." "Is Lingen with them?" eagerly asked an officer by Sir Richard's side, who seemed to share the command with him. "Colonel Kyrle--Captain Trevor," said the knight, introducing them. "I suppose you're aware we've taken Monmouth?" "I was not; but am happy to hear it. Yes, Colonel," replying to Kyrle, "Lingen is with them; coming on in the pursuit." Over the features of the ex-Royalist came an expression of almost savage joy, as one who had been longing to confront an old and hated foe, and knew the opportunity near. "I'm glad?" he exclaimed, as in soliloquy; then seemed to busy himself about his arms. "His presence was near being a sorry thing for me--the inhuman scoundrel!" rejoined the escaped prisoner. "How so?" "I heard him give the order to fire on me, as I was making off." "And they did?" "Yes. Every one who could get piece, or pistol, ready in time." "That explains the shots we heard, Walwyn. Well, young sir," to Trevor, "you seem to bear a charmed life. But we must back into ambush. You take the right, Dick; let me look to the left and give the cue to fall on. I ask that from my better knowing the ground." "So be it!" assented Sir Richard, and the two commanders, parting right and left, rode back a little way within the wood, where each had a body of horse drawn up, and ready for the charge.