"Powder and shot in plenty. Twelve hundred and fifty barrels of powder lie in the Square Tower, and two hundred in the vaults of the Town Mount; but of provisions we are sorely short. Witness my breakfast, a piece of rusk bread and a herring. If you will do me the honour, comrade, perchance we may find enough for us all." We were certainly nearly famished with hunger, and even a sorry meal of bread and fish, washed down with ale, was welcome. Finally, the Governor dismissed us, saying that pressing work was before him, and we filed out of his presence. At the door I happened to glance behind me, and to my surprise I saw a waiting-man stealthily thrust a paper into Chaloner's hand; but, treating the matter as of small moment, I soon forgot the incident. In the street we parted, the captain expressing his intention of returning to his post, for he had been entrusted with the holding of Southsea Castle, which Colonel Firestone had described as the key of the position, while the colonel, Granville, and I repaired to a lodging in Little Penny Lane. Tired with our exertions, though 'twas but eleven o'clock in the morning, we retired and rested well till the following day. We were early abroad, for Colonel Firestone was anxious to obtain proper arms and equipment on the strength of Goring's order. At the armourer's in St. Nicholas' Street he carefully selected a stout and heavy broadsword, a pair of pistols, and a petronel, while a breastplate, tassettes, and a steel cap with barrets completed his soldierly equipment. Strangely enough, he still retained his salt-stained jackboots, refusing the suggestion that a pair of Spanish riding-boots would better suit his purpose. The armourer had no difficulty in fitting me with a breastplate and steel cap, for my frame was as great as many a man's; but Granville's slighter build was encased in a steel covering which fitted so loosely that I could not refrain from jesting with him on the matter. "Never mind, Master Granville," said Firestone. "A few months' active service and I'll warrant you'll fill it right enow." There was nothing about our appearance to mark us as cavaliers, save our long hair, and I remarked this to Firestone. "Faith," he replied, "I am well aware of it, though 'tis a small matter to conceal our locks under our steel caps. But, as 'tis certain we must break away and join the King as soon as possible, strategy must needs play its part." "And your plan----?" "Is to find a way out--how, I know not at present. The countryside must be alive with these rebels, so that we must be prepared where necessary to give and receive hard knocks. As your father, Sir Reginald, is with the King, 'tis best to make for Ashley, gain definite information, and then ride northwards as hard as we can travel." "What think ye of Goring?" I asked boldly. He looked strangely at me for a moment, then replied