towards him. Though he soon
discovered that they were superior in numbers to him, he drew up his men
to receive them. They came on, led by a young officer, who showed
abundant bravery if not much skill. As the party advanced Stephen gave
the word to charge. Shots were rapidly exchanged, and swords were
clashing as the combatants met in a doubtful fight. First to fall was
the young officer. Two of Stephen's men dropped from their horses, two
others directly afterwards were shot. Notwithstanding, the Royal
troopers, discouraged by the loss of their officer, wheeled round and
took to flight. Several more of his men had been wounded, so that
Stephen was unable to pursue the enemy, and he judged it wise to make
the best of his way back to Taunton, fearing that he might be shut up in
the town. The Duke at once resolved to march on Bridgewater, where he
might hope to obtain arms and pecuniary assistance from the wealthy
inhabitants devoted to his cause. It had been proposed to fortify
Taunton, but since its memorable siege, when defended by Blake, the
walls and fortifications had been destroyed, and a considerable number
of men would have been required for its defence. The day after Monmouth
had assumed the kingly title he marched out of Taunton at the head of an
army, which, in point of numbers, might well have encouraged him with
hopes of success, but Stephen Battiscombe observed with regret that he
looked dispirited, in spite of the acclamations of the devoted thousands
which were raised wherever he appeared. Stephen, as he was passing out
of the town, observed Mr Ferguson, the Duke's chaplain, whom he had
often met, standing with a drawn sword in his hand, looking more like a
lunatic than a sane minister of the Gospel.

"What can have come over the man?" remarked Stephen to his brother.
"Hark! hear what he is saying."

"Look at me, you have heard of me," shouted the chaplain. "I am
Ferguson, the famous Ferguson, for whose head so many hundred pounds
have been offered." Thus he continued uttering the same or similar
phrases till the army had passed by.

"I have long ago taken the man's measure, and have heartily wished that
the Duke had a better adviser," said Andrew.

The two brothers rode on with their men, keeping a watchful look-out on
every side in case the enemy should suddenly appear. Bridgewater was
reached without opposition, and in the evening Monmouth's army, now
mustering six thousand tolerab