And not a moment lost the trumpeter, knowing that when Colonel Walwyn gave an order in such excited strain it meant promptest obedience. Snatching up his trumpet, as he hurried out through the ante-room, he was in the street in an instant hurrying towards the cavalry quarters. CHAPTER SIXTY THREE. AN EXCITING EPISTLE. "Trevor!" cried the colonel to his troop captain, now also upon his feet, and sharing his excitement; "send out an orderly to summon Harley and our other officers. Perhaps you had best go yourself. You know where to find them, I suppose?" "I think I do, colonel." "Use all despatch. As we've made up our minds to this thing, the sooner we're in the saddle the better." The counsel to make haste was little called for. Eustace Trevor itched to be in the saddle, as ever disciple of Saint Hubert on the first day of foxhunting. But just as he was about to step over the threshold of the outer door, he saw a party approaching evidently with the design to enter. Two individuals they were, a man and woman, still within the dim light of the overshadowing houses. For all, he had no difficulty in recognising them. Colossal stature as theirs was far from common; the pair being Rob Wilde and Winny. He saw them with some surprise--at least the woman. For he had not expected seeing her there. There she was, though; and, as quick intuition told him, her presence might have some bearing on that he was about to issue forth, for he awaited their coming up. Soon they stood at the door, face to face with him; the sergeant saluting soldier fashion, while the woman curtseyed. "You, Winifred!" exclaimed the young officer. "I was not aware of your being in Gloucester." "Her han't been in it more'n ten minutes, captain," said the sergeant, speaking for her. "I ha' just lets her in at the gate. Her be wantin' a word wi' the colonel." "She'll be welcome to that, I'm sure. But first go in yourself and see." This was in accordance with military etiquette, indeed regulations; no stranger admitted to the presence of a commanding officer without being announced, and permission given. Rob himself came not under the rule, and was about to pass inside; when a thought occurring to Captain Trevor, the latter turned upon his heel and preceded him. "Well, Wilde, what is it?" asked Sir Richard, as they entered the room. Eagerly, too, seeing that the features of the big sergeant wore a portentous expression. "Any trouble with your gate-guard?" "No, Colonel; nothin' o' that." "Some news come in?" "Just so, Sir Richard; an' not o' the best neyther." "Indeed! What news? Whence?" "Fra Ruardean, or, to speak more partickler, fra Hollymead House." Both colonel and captain were now all ears. No spot on the habitable globe had such interest for them as Hollymead House, and from nowhere was intelligence so eagerly desired. "Tell it, sergeant!" was the impatient command. "A party o' the King's soldiers be quartered there--cavalry."