to march them back to the columns. While they were
doing this he went from house to house to see that none of the party
were lurking there. At the door of the last house of the village three
women were standing.

"Are any of the soldiers here?" he asked.

The women gave him an unintelligible answer in the country patois, and
passing between them he entered the cottage. On the table stood a large
jug of water, and lifting it he took a long draught. There was a sudden
crash, and he fell heavily, struck down from behind with a heavy mallet
by one of the women. He was stunned by the blow, and when he recovered
his senses he found that he was bound hand and foot, a cloth had been
stuffed tightly into his mouth, and he was covered thickly with a heap
of straw and rubbish. He struggled desperately to free himself, but so
tightly were the cords bound that they did not give in the slightest.

A cold perspiration broke out on his forehead as he reflected that he
was helpless in the power of these savage peasants, and that he should
probably be put to death by torture. Presently he could hear the shouts
of his men, who, on finding that he did not return, had scattered
through the village in search of him. He heard the voice of his
sergeant.

"These old hags say they saw an officer walk across to the left. The
captain may have meant us to march the prisoners at once to the column,
and be waiting just outside the village for us, but it is not likely. At
any rate, lads, we will search every house from top to bottom before we
leave. So set to work at once; search every room, cupboard, and shed.
There may be foul play; though we see no men about, some may be in
hiding."

Malcolm heard the sound of footsteps, and the crashing of planks as
the men searched the cottages, wrenched off the doors of cupboards, and
ransacked the whole place. Gradually the sound ceased, and everything
became quiet. Presently he heard the sound of drums, and knew that the
regiment which formed the rear guard was passing.

It was bitterness indeed to know that his friends were within sound of a
call for aid, and that he was bound and helpless. The halting place for
the night was, he knew, but a mile or two in advance, and his only hope
was that some band of plunderers might in the night visit the village;
but even then his chances of being discovered were small indeed, for
even should they sack and burn it he would pass unnoticed lying hidden
in the stra