ss with me?"

"Business with you? Is this my reception, after long years of absence?
Ah, I see! The war-worn soldier forgotten once again. Ah, Sir Morton
Darley, why humble me before my gallant men?"

"I have not forgotten you, Captain Purlrose. I remember you perfectly,
and you are not changed in the least. Now, if you please, be brief, and
explain your business."

"My business! I thought I was coming to an old friend and brother."

"No, sir; you thought nothing of the kind. Come, you know I understand
you thoroughly. State your business, if you please."

The three men laughed aloud, and Sir Morton, who had not before noticed
them, turned upon them sharply, with the result that the laughter died
out, and they looked uncomfortable.

"And this before my men! Humbled thus! Have I fallen so low?"

"You are wasting words, Captain Purlrose; and, as you have found where I
lived, and have evidently journeyed long, tell me at once why you have
come."

"I will," cried the captain, resuming his swaggering air. "I, as an old
soldier, sir, came to ask favours of no man."

"Then why have you come, sir, if not to ask a favour?"

"I was passing this way, and, as an old brother-in-arms lived here, I
thought I would call."

"You were not passing this way, sir; no brother-in-arms lived here, but
an officer, under whom you once served; and you had some object in view
to make you cross our desolate moors," said Sir Morton, sternly. "If
you want help, speak out."

"I am no beggar, Sir Morton Darley," said the man, in blustering tones.

"I am glad to hear it. Now, then, what is it?"

"Well, sir, you boast of knowing me thoroughly. Let me tell you that I
know you, and your position here."

"And find it is in every respect a strong one, sir. Well?"

"You live here, close at hand to an enemy who covets your lands, and
with whom you have fought again and again. You and your ancestors were
always enemies with the Edens."

"Quite right, sir. Well, what is that to you?"

"This, Sir Morton Darley. The war is over. I and my brave fellows are
idle, our swords rusting in their sheaths."

"More shame to the brave fellows who do not keep their weapons bright.
Well, this is a long preamble to tell me that you have all been
dismissed from the king's service. Go on."

The captain stared and scowled, but he could not fully meet the
searching eyes which looked him down.

"Well," he said, rather blunderingly now, "