u call
yourself a captain? And is this your notion of discipline? I guess,
young fellow, if we'd had you with General Greene in Carolina we'd have
combed you out and flogged the drunken ragamuffins you're supposed to be
commanding. But I reckon you're just the meanest kind of Britisher there
is, that kind that swaggers and runs away."

"Seize that man," said Captain Twinely. "Tie him up. Flog him. Cut the
life out of him."

Lord Dunseveric touched his horse with the spur and rode forward.
"Captain Twinely, I told you I should have no flogging here. I mean to
be obeyed. And you, sir, you are a stranger here. Who are you?"

"This," said Micah Ward, laying his hand on his brother's arm, "is my
brother."

"Captain Twinely, dismount two of your men. Let them conduct Mr. Ward
and his brother back to the manse and mount guard at the door. Maurice,
tie your horse to the tree yonder, and go with them. See that no
incivility is used. When they are safe in the manse you can return
here."

Neal walked to the rear of the troop, and stood at the side of the road
near the wall, while his father and uncle were marched away under charge
of two troopers and Maurice St. Clair.

"Sergeant," said Captain Twinely, "take four men and force this door."

Neal heard his name called in a low voice by some one near him.

"Neal, Neal, Neal Ward."

It was Una's voice. His father and uncle had passed down the road. The
yeomen were eagerly watching their comrades' attempts to force the door.

Neal stepped over the low stone wall. He felt a hand grasp his and heard
Una speak again.

"Neal, stay with us. I'm frightened."

A low musical laugh followed, and then the voice of the Comtesse--

"You are a most ungallant cavalier, Mr. Neal. You left us alone in one
ditch this evening already. You really must not leave us in another."

The effort to force the door of the meeting-house was unsuccessful.

"Put a musket to the key-hole," said Captain Twinely, "and blow off the
lock."

There was an explosion. The woodwork was splintered and shattered. A
single push opened the door.

"Now," said Captain Twinely, "come in and search."

The little meeting-house was scantily furnished. A high, octangular
wooden pulpit with a precentor's pew in front of it stood at the far
end. The place was bare of hanging or cupboard which could have been
used as a hiding-place. The men tramped about, upsetting the benches and
cursing as they tripped upon them.