tely for some minutes. Then a plan came to him
which, if successful, would make the humiliation of the Roundhead
complete. "Yes," he said "I'll do it;" and forthwith he urged his horse
towards the town at a smart trot leading the other by the reins and
talking loudly with its imaginary rider. The ruse was successful. The
Roundhead Captain was, as Philip had suspected, in ambush just at the
outskirts, all ready to dart forth and at last make the capture. When
within a dozen yards of his form, dimly outlined in the fog, Philip
loosed the led horse, and lashing it sharply over the flanks, turned
his own steed, and rode off at full gallop which he did not slacken
till he reached home. He glowed as he rode.

Barbara's head appeared at the window in response to his clatter.
Calling the single word "Safe!" from the gate, he spurred on to
Framshott.

"Outwitted clean!" said the Captain to himself, as he came up at last
with the riderless animal two hours after. "Outwitted, discredited, and
by a parcel of children! However, let's make the best of it;" and so
saying, he urged his horse towards Myddelton Hall, leading the
stranger's by the bridle.

At three in the morning, when the sun was rising, and the air was sweet
and cool, and songs of birds made music all around him, Philip rode
into the yard of the school-house. He found Rupert waiting for him.

"Hugh and Vernon are in the kitchen making a famine," said Master
Ommaney. "Old Full's down there with them, and he's as pleased as a
Merry Andrew about it all! He keeps shaking hands with us."

"It's been grand," said Philip, as he shut the stable door on his
horse. "I'm so sorry you couldn't come, too, Rupe, old boy."

At about the same time the Captain thundered on the Hall door. The
blacksmith very deliberately descended the stairs to unlock it. Barbara
followed.

"You must give me lodging to-night," the Captain said curtly. "My men
will be here soon, and there are three good fellows to be cared for to
whom your servants have done serious mischief."

Barbara, looking contrite, told the Captain that a room was at his
service, and there was food in the kitchen. He attended first to his
horse, and then she set a brave supper before him and the smith.

"Well, young lady," said the Captain at length, "I must compliment you
on your cleverness. You nested your bird well, and you saw to it that
he flew well, too. All we have to show for it is a broken nose, a
broken shoulder