In the Diamond, before the guard-house, he met Colonel Murray in company with Captain Ashe, and Walker, the newly-made governor. Gervase knew the fighting parson of Donaghmore at a glance. The tall, burly figure and frank face full of boldness and resolution spoke of action rather than of study, and the sword that he carried at his side was little in keeping with his clerical calling. As Gervase came up he was engaged in an animated conversation, emphasizing his points with copious gestures and disregarding all interruptions. “This is the young gentleman of whose adventures I have been telling you but now, Governor Walker,” said Murray, placing his hand on his arm as Gervase doffed his beaver. “I am pleased to meet with you, sir,” said Walker with a fine, pleasant smile. “I learn that your mission miscarried, as I doubt not it was intended it should by those who sent you, and that you alone of your party have returned in safety. We have now, I trust, cleared out the nest of traitors, and brave men can fight without fearing the treachery of their friends. You were of Mountjoy´s regiment, I think?” Gervase bowed in acquiescence. “Then, sir, you must show that your Colonel was the only traitor in the regiment, and I do not doubt you will. Our men are eager, but they want discipline. I am no soldier myself, but I have set myself to learn, and we want you gentlemen of the sword to teach us. You were not here for the fight of yesterday?” “I had not the good fortune.” “´Tis ever ill fortune, sir, to be in a fight, but being there, ´tis well to strike hard and stand to it. You would then have seen what it is our soldiers lack. Their zeal outran their discretion.” “And some of them outran the enemy,” added Murray, with a shrug of his shoulders, “but I have no doubt Mr. Orme will do his duty. Have you yet heard anything of Captain Macpherson?” “Not a word. I fear he has fallen into the hands of the enemy or we should have seen him ere now. He is not a man to let the grass grow under his feet.” “We can ill spare him now, for a stouter soldier I never met, and one with knowledge gathered on half the battle-fields of Europe.” “Was his heart in the cause?--that is the main thing.” “You would not ask the question if you knew the man; Cromwell won Naseby with his fellows.” “H´m!” Walker said, turning away. “Captain Ashe, will you walk as far with me as the Town House? Good-morning, sir.” Murray stood for a moment looking after the tall retreating figure of the old parson, and then turned to Gervase with a smile. “That smacks too much of dissent for the Governor´s nose, Mr. Orme. There´s a great heart in yon cassock but half of him is only a parson, after all. He would have us drilled from the pulpit steps, and no man may march but to the tune of the prayer-book. A very good tune too, but every man can´t step to the time. But I wonder how it has gone with your old captain--I wouldn´t lose Macpherson for a regiment.”