Winifred was not long in deciding what to do. She put down her burden and raised the poor gentleman's head upon her lap. She then moistened his lips with milk from the bottle, and with great difficulty forced a few drops into his mouth. In a few moments, the sick man opened his eyes. "Who is this?" he asked, faintly. "A friend!" answered Winifred, who was now moistening some bits of bread with milk. "Try to swallow this." The poor sufferer eagerly took the food offered him, and presently was able to sit up and feed himself. "May God bless you, my maid!" said he. "I thought all was over with me, but I seem already to feel new strength. I believe you have saved my life. How did you find me out?" Winifred related the story of Jack's adventure. The gentleman smiled faintly. "It was I who frightened your brother and robbed him of his basket as well," said he. "I had managed to crawl to the barley field in the hope of carrying off a little straw to add to my bedding, when I was surprised by his approach, and shrank behind the sheaves. At that moment I felt such a deadly faintness and hunger come over me that I could not resist the impulse to call upon him for aid—an impulse I bitterly regretted when I saw how frightened he was. I expected no less than that he would bring back a crowd with him, and crept to my hiding-place, carrying the basket with me. I was, however, too far exhausted to profit by its contents, and I believe should soon have died but for your timely aid. I have been hiding in this den for a week, in all which time I have eaten nothing but wild fruits and berries and the remains of a loaf which a poor woman gave me. But, my maid, can you tell me what has become of the Duke of Monmouth?" "He and my Lord Grey were taken alive, and carried to London," replied Winifred. "We do not know what is become of them, but I heard my Lady Peckham say they would doubtless be put to death." "Aye, doubtless!" said the stranger, with much bitterness. "He has fallen into hands which know not mercy. Are the soldiers of the king still in the neighborhood?" "They have mostly gone from Bridgewater," replied Winifred; "though there are still a few scattered about the country—too many for any of the duke's men to be safe." "I see you have guessed my secret," the stranger began, but Winifred interrupted him. "I think, if you please, sir, you had better not tell me who you are, and then if any one questions me, I shall have nothing to say." "You are a wise little, maid. You will never betray me, I am sure!"