As night drew on, and a tendency to riot was again manifested, the bellman was sent round to warn the inhabitants that not more than two persons would be allowed to walk together in the streets after dark, unless guarded by the prince's troops, and that any attempt at tumult or disturbance would be severely punished. In addition to this, pickets of men patrolled the streets throughout the night, so that the town was kept tolerably quiet. On the same evening about eight o'clock a meeting of the principal inhabitants took place at the Bull's Head--a warrant having been sent to the magistrates by the prince's secretary, Mr. Murray, commanding them, on pain of military execution, to raise a subsidy of five thousand pounds from the town by four o'clock on the following day. "What is to be done?" demanded Mr. Walley. "I fear it will be impossible to raise the large sum required by the appointed time--and if we fail we are to be held responsible with our lives. You must help us, gentlemen." And he looked round at the assemblage, but no offer was made. "Surely you won't allow us to be shot?" cried Mr. Fowden. "This is a mere threat," said old Mr. James Bayley, an eminent merchant of the town. "The prince cannot be in earnest." "You are mistaken, Mr. Bayley," rejoined Mr. Fowden. "It is no idle threat. The prince is so highly offended by the reception given him that he has laid this heavy tax upon the town--and he will have it paid." "The contributions must be levied by force," observed Mr. Walley. "We shall never get the money in any other way." "Such a course will render you extremely unpopular," observed Mr. Bayley. "Better be unpopular than be shot, Mr. Bayley," rejoined Mr. Fowden. "Try to place yourselves in our position, gentlemen. Will you help us to pay the money in case we should be driven to extremity?" But no answer was made to the appeal, and the magistrates were in despair. At this moment the door opened, and Colonel Townley, attended by Captain Dawson, Captain Deacon, and Ensign Syddall, entered the room. The magistrates rose in consternation, wondering what was the meaning of the visit. "Pardon my intrusion, gentlemen," said the colonel, saluting them. "But I think I can help you out of a difficulty. I am aware that five thousand pounds must be raised from the town by to-morrow afternoon. Feeling certain you will never be able to accomplish this task unassisted, I beg to offer you my aid. You shall have a party of men, under the command of these officers, to go round with you, and help you to make the collection." "We gladly accept your offer, colonel," cried both magistrates eagerly. "The plan will relieve you from all personal responsibility," said Colonel Townley, "and will secure the contributions." The magistrates were profuse in their thanks, and it was then arranged that the party should commence their rounds at an early hour next morning. CHAPTER VI. A FALSE MESSAGE BROUGHT TO HELEN.