"Right, brave boys, and don't leave one stone upon another until you have found your captain." Ralph burst out into a fit of laughter, and then felt annoyed with himself, as the man turned round scowling. "What do you mean by that, boy?" "That your men would have their work cut out, sir," said Ralph sharply. "This way, please." The captain uttered a low growl, signed to three of his men, and the party followed the lad, who, to his annoyance, once more came across his sister, hurrying along the passage. "Salute, brave boys, salute," cried the captain. "Youth and beauty in front--the worship of the gallant soldiers of the king." He struck an attitude, which was roughly imitated by the men. "A sister, on my life," cried the captain. "This way," said Ralph shortly, and with the colour coming into his cheeks, as he felt indignant with the man for daring to notice his sister, and angry with her for being there. The door of Sir Morton's room was thrown open, and the captain strode in, followed by his men; and, as he saw the knight, standing with his back to the fireplace, he struck a fresh attitude. "Ah! at last!" he cried. "My old brave companion-in-arms! Well met, once more." He stretched out his hands, and swaggered forward to grasp Sir Morton's. "Halt!" cried that gentleman sharply, without stirring from his position. "Now, Captain Purlrose, what is your business with me?" "Business with you? Is this my reception, after long years of absence? Ah, I see! The war-worn soldier forgotten once again. Ah, Sir Morton Darley, why humble me before my gallant men?" "I have not forgotten you, Captain Purlrose. I remember you perfectly, and you are not changed in the least. Now, if you please, be brief, and explain your business." "My business! I thought I was coming to an old friend and brother." "No, sir; you thought nothing of the kind. Come, you know I understand you thoroughly. State your business, if you please." The three men laughed aloud, and Sir Morton, who had not before noticed them, turned upon them sharply, with the result that the laughter died out, and they looked uncomfortable. "And this before my men! Humbled thus! Have I fallen so low?" "You are wasting words, Captain Purlrose; and, as you have found where I lived, and have evidently journeyed long, tell me at once why you have come." "I will," cried the captain, resuming his swaggering air. "I, as an old soldier, sir, came to ask favours of no man." "Then why have you come, sir, if not to ask a favour?" "I was passing this way, and, as an old brother-in-arms lived here, I thought I would call." "You were not passing this way, sir; no brother-in-arms lived here, but an officer, under whom you once served; and you had some object in view to make you cross our desolate moors," said Sir Morton, sternly. "If you want help, speak out." "I am no beggar, Sir Morton Darley," said the man, in blustering tones. "I am glad to hear it. Now, then, what is it?"