In order to thwart Colonel Blood, whom he knew would try to ferret her out, he hired a coach, and, with Lieutenant Garnet and himself inside, he trusted the reins to Bob Bertram, who lashed up the animals, and started off at a great pace towards the town residence of Sir Richard Warbeck. “You have done for Phillip Redgill at last,” said Garnet, in a whisper, for fear of disturbing the sleeping girl. “Yes, I think so,” Ned replied; “but it was in fair fight.” “Oh, no doubt of that. I did not see it, but was told by those who did; in fact, I was too much engaged in storming the Block-house to observe anything but the skeleton devils jumping out of window into the river.” “How the old building did burn, to be sure; such a blaze.” “Yes; it was a grand sight, and lit up that part of the town most beautifully.” “A fit end for such an infamous rendezvous.” “So say I, and a gallant exploit it was, and reflects all honour on those engaged in it.” “I wonder what the king will say to it when he hears it?” “Why, reward all who were concerned in it; at least, he ought to do so, if he’s got a spark of generosity in him.” “What do you intend?” asked Garnet, after a pause. “I shall leave Ellen in charge of my uncle, and go to the palace at once.” “But how can you gain admission?” “Easily enough,” said Ned. “Do you see this ring? I found it near the ale-house.” “What a splendid one it is. Why, it is a signet ring,” said Garner, “and bears the royal coat of arms.” “So it does; and inside, as you will perceive, it has the royal cipher, with the inscription, ‘Whoever presents this is admitted.’” “How could it have been lost?” said Garnet, closely examining it. “There is no doubt it belongs to the king.” “I know it does.” “How?” “Ellen Harmer explained it all to me. Captain Jack and his men entered Colonel Blood’s house, and while there discovered the king, who was bent, during the colonel’s absence, to forcibly abduct her. The king was recognised by Captain Jack, and to regain his freedom without discovery by any one of the colonel’s household he gave the ring to Captain Jack; in the hurry, I suppose, he lost it.” “It was a lucky discovery for you,” said Garnet. “Yes; and I intend to make the best possible use of it, as you will see,” said Ned, “and this very night also.” By this time, and while they thus conversed in whispers, the carriage drove up to Sir Richard Warbeck’s residence. The door was soon opened, and, to the old knight’s great surprise, Ned explained to him all that had happened. “What, in another scrape?” said Sir Richard, “and bring a lady home with you?” “Yes, uncle,” said Ned, laughing; “one who is beautiful, and deserving of the temporary protection she asks of you.” “Whether beautiful or not an injured female is always welcome to the shelter and protection of my roof, Ned.”