loyalty----," began Captain Twinely.

"My loyalty to the king and the Irish constitution is not to be
suspected or impugned by Mr. Twinely, of Killulta."

"My lord, I consider that an unhandsome speech. I am only a plain
gentleman, but I am loyal. We county gentlemen ought to stand together.
I expected more consideration from you, my lord. I do not like your
sneering tone. By God, if it were not that I am on the king's busi--"

"Yes, if you were not on the king's business----"

But Captain Twinely did not finish his speech.

"I shall have some refreshment brought in here to you, Captain Twinely,"
said Lord Dunseveric. "I shall, with your permission, order a servant to
ride to Ballintoy and bring your troop here. When they arrive I shall be
ready to go with you. In the meanwhile, I beg you to excuse my leaving
you. I have some private matters to arrange before we start."

He walked to the door, drew back the bolt, bowed, and left the room.

CHAPTER IV

Lord Dunseveric returned to the dining-room. He found the Comtesse
seated on a chair which had been placed on the table to give dignity to
her position. On the floor, beneath this lofty throne, knelt Neal
Ward, his hands tied behind him with a dinner napkin. Maurice, with a
carving-knife in his hand, stood on guard over the prisoner. Una, her
eyes shining with laughter, was making a speech.

"Please, don't interrupt," said the Comtesse, "we are holding a
courtmartial on Mr. Neal. Una is acting as prosecutor; I am the judge.
In a few minutes, when I have delivered my sentence, Maurice will flog
the prisoner, and afterwards hang him with one of the bell ropes."

"I want to speak to you, Neal," said Lord Dunseveric, gravely.

Neal pulled his hands from their bandage, and rose, blinking and
uncomfortable, to his feet.

"How solemn you are!" said the Comtesse. "What has that very boorish
Captain Twinely been telling you? Has a rebellion broken out? Is there
going to be a battle? Have they come to arrest Mr. Neal in real earnest?
I believe they have. Never mind, Mr. Neal, we will organise a rescue
party. They are not real soldiers, you know--only---only--what do you
call them?--ah, yes, yeomen. We will fall upon these yeomen after dark
and carry you off to safety."

"Maurice," said Lord Dunseveric, "have two horses saddled, and get on
your boots. I shall want you to ride along with me. Come, Neal."

The three men left the room.

"Una," said the Comtesse, "