flint and steel, a light gleamed blue and faint on the ivy leaves which
framed the casement; then a brighter light, and in a few minutes the
lower windows were illumined; there was the sound of the bolts being
shot, and directly after Fred was in the little hall, clasped in his
mother's arms.

"My boy!" she whispered in a deep voice. Then, in a quick, agitated
manner, "Your father?"

"Safe and well, mother."

"And you have come to stay? Thank God, thank God."

"No, not to stay," he cried earnestly, "but to ask you to perform a
duty, an act of kindness towards--"

"Some wounded men? Yes, yes, my boy; bring the poor fellows in."

"No, no, mother, not towards men," said Fred, holding her tightly to his
side, "to one who was once your dearest friend--to her and her child."

"Lady Markham? Oh, Fred, my boy, they are still dear to me, though this
terrible war keeps us apart. But they are there. Oh, why do you stop?
Bring them in at once."

"No, no, dearest mother, you are too hasty," whispered Fred. "They are
at their own place. But it is taken by our troops. It is to be a
little camp for us, perhaps for weeks. It is no place for them.
General Hedley consents, and I want you to come and fetch them here."

"Yes, yes, my boy; but Lady Markham would not leave her home."

"Yes, she will, at your persuasion, mother. You must come at once."

Mistress Forrester drew a long breath, stifled a sob, and said firmly--

"I will be ready in a few minutes."

"Shall I saddle Dodder, mistress, or will you ride pillion behind the
captain?" said a gruff voice at the door.

"Ah, Samson, my good, true lad," cried Mistress Forrester, "I am glad to
hear your voice again."

She ran forward, and held out her hand.

"And it's like the sweet music of the birds to hear yours, mistress,"
said the rough fellow, kissing the extended hand.

"Quick, my boy!" whispered Mistress Forrester. "Give your men
refreshment. Saddle the pony, Samson. I will soon be down."

She ran to the staircase, and Samson tramped off to the old stable,
thrust his hand in the thatch over the door, where, to use his
expression, "the key always laid," and a neigh of recognition greeted
him as soon as he spoke.

In five minutes he was leading the pony round to the gate, where he was
in time to find a huge black jack of cider being passed round with horns
to the men, one of the maids having hastily dressed and come down.

Directly after, in her da