m. "What madcap trick is
this?"

The girl for answer flung her bridle to a servant and climbed into the
coach beside him. Once more the wheels moved.

"Oh, father, dearest father, pray forgive me. I have been so anxious.
When you fell I begged Tony to give up the plan, but he assured me you
had taken no hurt. Tell me you are none the worse."

Mr. Lovel began to laugh, and there was relief in his laugh, for he had
been more disquieted than he would have confessed.

"I am very greatly the worse!" He nodded to his bonds. "I do not like
your endearments, Cis."

"Promise me not to try to escape, and I will cut them." The girl was
very grave as she drew from a reticule beneath her cloak a pair of
housewife's scissors.

Mr. Lovel laughed louder. "I promise to bide where I am in this foul
weather."

Neatly and swiftly she cut the cords and he stretched arms and legs in
growing comfort.

"Also I have not supped."

"My poor father. But in two hours' time you will have supper. We sleep
at--but that I must not say."

"Where does this journey end? Am I to have no news at all, my dear?"

"You promised, remember, so I will tell you. Tony and I are taking you
to Chastlecote."

Mr. Lovel whistled. "A long road and an ill. The wind blows bitter on
Cotswold in December. I would be happier in my own house."

"But not safe." The girl's voice was very earnest. "Believe me, dearest
father, we have thought only of you. Tony says that London streets will
soon be running blood. He has it from secret and sure sources. There is
a King's faction in the Army and already it is in league with the Scots
and our own party to compass the fall of Cromwell. He says it will be
rough work and the innocent will die with the guilty.... When he told
me that, I feared for your life--and Tony, too, for he loves you. So
we carry you to Chastlecote till January is past, for by then Tony says
there will be peace in England."

"I thank you, Cis,--and Tony also, who loves me. But if your news be
right, I have a duty to do. I am of Cromwell's party, as you and Tony
are of the King's. You would not have me run from danger."

She primmed her pretty mouth. "You do not run, you are carried off.
Remember your promise."

"But a promise given under duress is not valid in law."

"You are a gentleman, sir, before you are a lawyer. Besides, there are
six of Tony's men with us--and all armed."

Mr. Lovel subsided with a chuckle. This daughter of his should