be ready
to pay any sum he can afford to save our lives; should we even now
obtain our liberty, the person who enables us to escape would be
handsomely rewarded."

"He will probably be shot or lose his commission if caught, besides
which, to do so he would neglect his duty as a soldier," answered the
Cornet. "No, no, young gentlemen, I gave you advice for your benefit,
not for my own. I am not surprised at your making the proposal to me;
some might take it. I thirst for no man's blood, and I have no wish to
handle blood-money. My father served under Cromwell, and though I am in
the service of King James, I have not forgotten the principles of my
ancestors. Would that I could free you without dishonour!"

These remarks accounted for the Cornet's kind treatment to his
prisoners. They had too much reason to fear that they should not find
many like him in the camp. As they could reach no town that night, all
the horses being too tired, the Cornet knocked at the door of a
farm-house and demanded admittance. The farmer cast an eye of
compassion on the two prisoners, but said nothing, and, without a
moment's hesitation, admitted the officer and his troopers, while he
sent two of his men to lead their horses to the stables. His wife, on
observing that two of the troopers were wounded, came forward and
offered at once to dress their hurts.

"I have some skill in that way," she said, "and I hope that if any of
the Duke of Monmouth's men were to come asking help, I should not be
hardly dealt with if I gave it."

"I would advise you, dame, not to try the experiment," said Cornet
Bryce. "I fear you and your goodman would run a great risk of being
hung up if you were to afford help to the youngest drummer-boy in the
rebel army."

"Alack! alack! these are cruel times," cried the good woman. "We hear
that the king's General is hanging up the poor people by scores; we do
not desire to get our necks into the same noose. You will note, good
sir, that we are peaceable people, that we gave you an instant welcome,
and will provide the best our house can afford."

"Do as you propose, good dame, and I will report as well of you as I
can," said the Cornet, placing himself at the table, where he directed
his two prisoners to sit, close to him. The farmer busied himself in
helping his wife. As Stephen examined his countenance, he thought he
recognised it as that of a man who had been in Monmouth's army. He made
no remark.