ger at once to form a body of cavalry.

"Quick, young gentleman, and mount," whispered the landlord; "they have
already secured all the steeds they could find at the `Pig and Whistle,'
and will be here anon."

Roger threw himself into the saddle. As he galloped off he heard shouts
calling him back, but using whip and spur he was soon out of the town,
nor did he pull rein till he was beyond reach of any pursuers. At the
first hamlet through which he passed, several of the people seeing him
riding fast, inquired if anything unusual had happened. Without
considering that his prudent course would have been to keep silence, he
replied, "Yes, the Duke of Monmouth landed this evening at Lyme, and I
saw his standard set up in the market-place; what he is going to do,
however, is more than I can say."

"Hurrah! At last he has come to free us from our Popish tyrants and
taxes," cried one of the villagers; and another raised the shout of "A
Monmouth! A Monmouth! We will go to him and fight for him if he wants
us."

Roger rode on, and at the next village gave the same information with a
like result. No sooner had he told the people that the Duke had landed,
than nearly all were eager to join him. Roger had promised Stephen to
ride straight for Langton Hall to inform Mr Battiscombe of what had
occurred. He was delayed here and there by having to answer numerous
interrogations, and at length he reached the Hall, by which time it was
nearly dark. He told a servant to hold his horse while he went into the
hall where the family were assembled at supper.

"What brings you here, Master Roger, and what has become of Stephen?"
asked Mr Battiscombe.

"He has joined the standard of the Duke of Monmouth, who landed this
afternoon, and he bade me ride on and tell you, being assured that you
would approve of his proceeding."

"Would that I could join him myself!" exclaimed Mr Battiscombe.

"But I can, and I can," cried out two of his other sons, rising from
their chairs as they spoke. "We will join him this very night; and you
will return with us, Roger, of course."

"I am bound homewards," answered Roger. "I could not take such a step
without consulting my uncle and father."

"For so glorious a cause we ought not to hesitate for a moment,"
exclaimed one of the young Battiscombes; "but if you will not go with us
we must set out without you."

"Better wait till to-morrow morning," said Mr Battiscombe. "Employ
this eveni