"Forgive me," said Cecily, looking on the ground as if seeking something. "It was very sharp at the moment. A newly broken flint, I suppose. May I take your hand for a minute? It is hard to see where one puts one's foot in this light." "Certainly, madam," said the officer, rather pleased than otherwise; for, though a Puritan, he had an eye for a pretty face, more especially when no one was by to see him. "I trust you feel better already?" "I thank you, sir--yes." "You were saying----" "Ah, yes--about the niches. In one was placed the figure of Abbot Swincow, and in the other that of a Father Anthony, who was supposed to have aided him in the building and institution of the house. But they have suffered much through time and weather, and now bear but small resemblance to the originals, I trow." "As a true servant of the Lord Protector it is my duty to destroy such images, as contrary to the tables of the law, and being the work of men's hands, but other business is to the fore at the moment, and the capture of rebels is a more meritorious employment than knocking off the heads of statues." "Doubtless, sir, and surely they will wait your time, seeing it is some hundreds of years since they took up their position." "Cease jesting, maiden. Quips and cranks are not seemly in a woman, nor in a man either, seeing the days are evil. You and I have got on better since you have bridled your tongue." "As you will, sir; and now, if it be your pleasure, I will lead you to the gardens and stables." "Ah, trooper! Any news?"--as a figure approached them from out the gloom. "None, captain--not a living soul--not so much as a rabbit has crossed my path." "Is it so? Keep your loins girt and your ears and eyes open, and we may yet prevail. Lead on, maiden." Round the gardens, through the stables, up into the loft and store chambers went the captain and Cecily, the latter talking all the time, but in a lower tone and far more naturally than before the stumble on the gravel in front of the Abbey. At length the round was completed, and as the officer again entered the hall with Cecily, he said-- "Well, all has been done that can be done. The man I want is not here. He must have passed on, deeming it too dangerous a spot wherein to rest. But I'll have him yet." "That is as may be, sir. Still, in any case, I trust that you will not deem either my aunt or myself wanting in courtesy in affording you all the help in our poor power in your search." "Nay, maiden. If I judge rightly, you have done all you can to aid the ruler of this realm. You have done your duty." "I have," thought Cecily, though she merely bowed modestly and kept silence. "Trooper Piety, bid the lieutenant get the men together; we must away." "Not before you have supped with us, sir?" said the courteous Lady Travers. "Combe Abbey never turned away a hungry man, were he friend or enemy."