et on the third fellow, who was at that moment about to
run his weapon into the body of the prostrate man, that he compelled him
to draw back. Placing himself across the body, he kept the fellow at
bay, till another wound which his father bestowed on his antagonist made
him retreat; when, the sound of carriage-wheels being heard in the
distance, the three fellows, leaping on their horses, took to flight,
leaving Christison and Wenlock masters of the field; the fallen man,
only slightly stunned, had been slowly recovering; and when Christison
stooped down to help him up, he was able, without much difficulty, to
rise to his feet.

"Thanks, my friends, whoever you are," he said. "I observed the brave
way in which you attacked my dastardly assailants; and I observed also
the gallant manner in which this young gentleman defended me, when one
of them would have run me through the body. To him I feel, indeed, that
I am indebted for my life."

CHAPTER SIX.

In a country house near Wanstead, in Essex, one of England's bravest
admirals,--Sir William Penn,--lay on a bed of sickness. By his side
stood a grave-looking gentleman in a scarlet cloak, and huge ruffles on
his wrists.

"Tell me honestly, Master Kennard, whether you deem this sickness unto
death?"

"Honestly, Sir William, as you ask me, I confess that you are in a worse
state than I have before known you. At all events, it behoves you to
make such preparations as you deem important, should you be summoned
from the world."

"It is enough; I understand you, my friend," said the admiral, with a
smile. "I would rather it were so. I am weary of the world, and am
ready to leave it; but there is one who seems but little able to watch
over his own interests, and, I fear me much, will be subjected to many
persecutions in consequence of the opinions he has of late adopted. I
would therefore ask you to indite a letter in my name to our gracious
Sovereign and his royal brother, that I may petition them to extend to
him those kind offices which they have ever shown to me. The Duke of
York is his godfather, as you know; and, whatever may be his faults, he
is an honest man, and will fulfil his promises. You will find paper and
pen on yonder table. I pray thee perform this kind office for me."

Dr Kennard did as he was requested, and forthwith the letter was
despatched by a trusty hand to London. Soon after it had been sent off,
a servant announced that Master Wil