"Now, Master Trevor! Time's come for action. I'm not going to let our good host be plundered without an effort to prevent it. Of course you can do as you like--remain neutral if it so please you." "But it don't so please me," promptly responded the ex-gentleman-usher. "If there's to be fighting, I draw swords too." "On which side?" "Oh, Sir Richard! Why do you ask that? After what I've just seen and heard, you might know. Never was I aware that the King sanctioned such doings as these, nor will I be the one to abet them. Besides, you seem to forget my debt to yourself--my life; and I've been longing for an opportunity to pay it. My sword is at your service, as my heart, ever since you conquered both." "Eustace Trevor!" exclaimed the knight, with more than ordinary warmth, "I now know that you are not only my friend, but the friend of our cause, which is that of country and humanity. Your generous offer of alliance delights me, and I am grateful for it. But all the more reluctant you should compromise yourself with your father--your people. Reflect before drawing you sword! Among those we are to fight with--if it come to that--is your own kinsman, your cousin, and you may have to cross blades with _him_." "Be it so. I have reflected, and well, before espousing your cause. 'Tis now more to me than cousin--a matter of conscience. Reginald's on the wrong side--I the right one; and if we must cross swords, let him take the consequences as will I." Not often in man's face might be seen such expression as came over that of Sir Richard Walwyn while listening to these determined words. The handsome youth he had made chance acquaintance with on the road, liking him at first sight; continuing to like him notwithstanding their adverse political faith; reluctant to quarrel with him; refusing it till there was no alternative with honour--this youth, now no more enemy either to him or his cause, but friend of both, professed and sure of proving true--at thought of all this the eyes of the soldier knight sparkled with an ecstatic joy which they alone can feel who fight for country, not king. "Enough!" he said, grasping the youth's hand and warmly pressing it. "Glad am I to think you will be with us. Swords such as yours were an accession to any cause; and ere long, even now, there may be fine opportunity for you to prove it--baptise your new faith in the blood of Freedom's foes. Come with me!" Their dialogue had occupied but a brief interval of time; and as the knight brought it to an end, he strode hastily out into the hall, spurs still on and clanking. There to encounter their host, also hurrying about, and shouting to his domestics to shutter the windows. The door he had already made secure. In the hallway the three came together, but only for a few moments to remain so. The occasion called for quick, instant action, allowing scant time for speech. Nor was there much said; Sir Richard hurriedly saying to their host,--