She knew at once that Captain Rattenbury had returned, earlier than he had proposed, and she had been prepared to expect, and at ease in her mind she laid her head again on the pillow for sleep. But not an hour had elapsed before she again heard a hand on the door, followed by loud knocking. She paused a while, expecting the master of the house to respond; but as he did not do so, she opened the casement and asked who caused the disturbance. 'We want Job Rattenbury,' was the imperious reply. 'He is abed, asleep.' 'Open the door.' 'I will call him――the house is his, not mine.' 'The fox is awake, never doubt.' 'Who are you?' 'King's service men. Now will you unbar?' 'I will call the master. You must have patience till I slip into my clothes, and can light a candle.' Some words were whispered outside the house, and in obedience to orders a couple of men went about the cottage to guard the back. The moon had now set; it was dark. Jane was not ready for some time. It took long in those days, before the phosphorus match had been invented, to light a candle. Flint and steel had to be struck till sparks falling ignited tinder. Then a sulphur match had to be applied to the smouldering fire, and when the match blazed then only could the wick be ignited. It was for this reason that usually a rush-light was kept burning in every house. Burglars might break in and plunder it before the master could get light by which to see them. It was true that ashes still smouldered on the hearth in the kitchen. Jane had heaped them up purposely before going to bed, so as to save her the trouble of striking a light in the morning, with the inseparable risk of skinning her knuckles, but she did not have recourse to the embers: she deemed it advisable to detain the men without as long as possible, so as to allow the master time to secrete anything he desired to conceal before the servants of the Crown were admitted. But before she was ready to go to the door, his tread was audible on the stair; he descended leisurely, and as she entered the kitchen with a candle, she saw him with towzled head, rubbing his eyes and half-clothed. 'Jane,' said he, 'who are these disturbing me in the night?' 'The gaugers,' she replied. 'What do they want with me?' he asked. 'They are outside――ask them. How should I know?' He undid the bars and turned the key. 'So!' said he. 'What is your business here at this hour?' 'We must search your house.' 'Have you a warrant?' 'No――we do not require one when the scent lies strong. The drag leads this way.' 'I do not demand one. Come in. For what are you in search?'