"Rees! Ride back through the firs; gently, and as if looking for something left behind. When on the other side go as fast as ever you can; out through the back gate. First round to Ruardean, to the cadger's cottage. Tell Winny to come up to the house in all haste. Then gallop along the Gloucester road, and, if you meet your master, turn him back. You understand?" Rees was a quick-witted Welshman, and did understand. Said so; and at once started to execute the order; riding slowly off towards the spinney, in zigzags, with body bent and eyes searching over the ground. Once under cover of the trees, however, he straightened himself in the saddle, and was soon outside the inclosure. The despatching him had been but the work of a few seconds, and he was gone before any movement had been made by the soldiers, who were still halted at the gate. "What have they stopped for?" again wondered Vaga. "Surely they intend going on to the house?" "'Tis we who have stopped them. Their faces are turned this way--they see us?" "Ah, yes! And two have separated from the rest--are coming towards us! What ought we to do?" "We may as well await them here; 'twould be impossible to shun them now." "How should we receive them?" "Why, civilly of course. We've no alternative but be civil to them. If it be the Lord Herbert we need not fear any special rudeness. Although they are Papists, the Raglan people have never yet--" "It's not the Lord Herbert?" interrupted Vaga of keener sight; her eye more occupied with the two making approach. "How know, you it's not?" demanded her sister, in some wonder. "You never saw him did you?" "No; but I've seen the one we've been taking for him--the shining peacock, as you call him. So have you." "Who is he, then?" "Prince Rupert!" "So it is, indeed! And the other--" "Reginald Trevor!" By this the two horsemen were so near, there was no opportunity for the sisters to exchange further speech, save in undertone; Sabrina, as a last word of caution, whispering,-- "We are helpless, and must play a part I've thought of it; will tell you when we're alone. So be more than civil; very polite." "I will try." Rupert, a little in the advance, was now up; and suddenly checked his charger to a halt, in such wise as to present the attitude of Mercury just alighted on a "heaven-kissing hill." "Fair ladies?" he said. "I have not the pleasure of knowing you. But this gentleman, who has, if you object not, will do me the honour of an introduction." "His Royal Highness, Prince Rupert," announced Trevor, after saluting on his own account, somewhat awkwardly. The "fair ladies" acknowledged the introduction with a bow; even smilingly, which was more than might have been expected. They said nothing, however, leaving the Prince to direct the course of conversation. Well pleased with his reception he went on,-- "Apologies are owing for the interruption of your sport. I fear we've done that?"