"Let me leave the word unsaid till I see what sort of following is after them. There appeared to be a good many from Mitcheldean, likely to be joined by more at Drybrook, to say nothing of the contingent from nearer home. Everything must depend on their numbers and the spirit we find them in." "I understand," said the other, with an assenting nod, "and will trust all to you." This brief dialogue was at the door of Hollymead House, its owner standing in the porch, Sir Richard still on horseback, just arrived from that passage at courier-speed through Ruardean. It ended by his dismounting and giving his horse to Hubert, with directions to take both their animals round to the stable-yard, and there keep them under saddle and bridle. Some other instructions were delivered to the same _sotto voce_. Then to the symphony of clanking spurs the knight ascended to the porch; and after a few more words exchanged with the master of the house, he passed on into the withdrawing-room. His entrance was a welcome intrusion, as the company inside consisted of the awkward number three. And soon they paired, each pair passing into the embayment of a window, and there taking stand. Not to talk of love, or even think of it; though something equally serious occupied their thoughts--something less agreeable. All were alike imbued with an instinct of danger drawing nigh, and so close, their eyes were now on the alert, apprehensively gazing down the oak-shadowed avenue. A few seconds more and they saw what they were expecting--horses, plumed hats, and the glancing of armour--a troop outside the park gate halted till its fastenings could be undone. In an instant it was dashed open, and soldiers seen filing through--the same as they had descried on the hill beyond Drybrook. On came they up the avenue, without making stop till within fifty yards of the house, where they were again brought up at the entrance to the ornamental grounds. These were enclosed by a _haw-haw_; the causeway which crossed it having a gate also. And while this was being got open all four looking from the windows had now no difficulty in identifying Reginald Trevor in one of the officers at the head of the troop; while two of them at the same time recognised the other. "Why, bless me!" exclaimed the ex-gentleman-usher, "that's Colonel Lunsford." "As I live, Tom Lunsford!" was the almost simultaneous exclamation of the knight. "Colonel Lunsford?" interrogated Vaga, addressing herself to him by her side. "Tom Lunsford?" in like manner questioned Sabrina, but with more earnestness as she saw Sir Richard's brow suddenly darken. "Who and what is he?" "One of the most notorious--but never mind, now. By-and-by we'll talk, of him. Like enough he'll favour us with a taste of his quality before leaving Hollymead. But," he added, the cloud upon his brow becoming darker, "if he do--."