both sides; then the
Cavalier element seemed to disappear, and as Fred watched with starting
eyes, he could see at last that it was a steady stream of their own men
which flowed through the opening.

"They're in, Master Fred! The day's ours. Hark! Hear them firing
inside? Look! Look!"

It was plain enough to see: from the window, whence the scaling-ladders
were thrown down, men come dropping forth sword in hand, Cavaliers
evidently, to be encountered by those of the Puritan party still
without. Then out came other Puritans, to take the Cavaliers in the
rear, as they fought together in a knot facing all round, with their
swords flashing as they made their gallant defence.

Then a rush seemed to take place, and they were overpowered, while the
smoke came slowly rolling out from the open window, though the firing
had ceased.

The fighting still went on within for a few minutes; then a rush as made
out from door and window, and a tremendous cheer arose, loud enough to
strike well upon the spectators' ears, helmets were seen flashing,
swords flourished in the air, and it was plain enough that resistance
had ceased, while the attacking force were gathering together once
again.

"Smoke seems long while rolling out, Master Fred; must ha' been a deal
o' firing we did not hear."

"Oh!" shouted Fred, as like a flash the truth came home to him.

"What's the matter, lad? Are you hurt?" cried Samson.

"No, no; look! The dear old Hall!" cried Fred. "Don't you see?"

"Smoke, sir? Yes."

"No, no, my good fellow, not smoke alone; the poor old place is on
fire."

And without another word, Fred, followed closely by Samson, dashed down
the hill.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

"IS THERE NOTHING WE CAN SAVE?"

It was too true.

Whether started by some smouldering wad, or by a piece of furniture
being driven into one of the fire-places, or, as was more probable, by
the wilful act of one of the Royalist party, who was determined that the
victors should not profit by their success, the Hall was on fire, and
the smoke, which rapidly increased in volume, showed that the danger
must be great.

"Don't run quite so fast, Master Fred," panted Samson. "You can't keep
up at that pace. Better take it a bit more coolly."

There was wisdom in the hurried words, and Fred slackened his speed a
little, so as to allow his follower to come alongside; and in this way,
taking in the whole proceedings as they ran, they continued t