nd Mark
Eden could be friendly enough to act in some way together without the
help or knowledge of their fathers, and make an attack upon these men,
so as to put an end to a state of things which kept all women-kind
prisoners in their homes, and the men in a state of suspense as to when
next they should be attacked and plundered of all they had.

It was only natural that Master Rayburn should talk in an almost similar
way to Mark Eden and his father, but only for Sir Edward to promise and
not perform. And one day the old man actually took Ralph's idea, and
said suddenly to Mark:

"Look here, young fellow, why don't you take the bit in your teeth,
collect your men quietly, get Ralph Darley to do the same, and you boys
go together and thrash those ruffians out, kill them, or take them
prisoners. Old as I am, I'll come and help."

"Yes, why not?" cried Mark eagerly. "No," he said directly; "the
Darleys would not and could not join us even if I were willing; and I'm
not."

Old Master Rayburn's words went deeper into the breasts of the two lads
than they knew. Their natures were in those early days rather like
tinder, and in his angry flint and steely way, the old man had struck a
spark into each, which lay there latent, waiting to be blown into a hot
glow; and who should perform that office but Captain Purlrose himself?

It was in this way. One bright morning, Sir Edward was examining a
young partly-broken horse that had been reared in the pastures across
the river, and expressed himself delighted with its appearance.

"What do you say to it, Mark?" he cried. "Not strong enough to carry
me, but I should think it would suit Mary exactly."

"Couldn't be better, father," said the lad, though he felt a little
disappointed, for he half expected that his father would have given it
to him.

"Call her, then, and she shall try it. And by the way, Mark, there is
that other--that chestnut--which will do for you."

The lad flushed with pleasure, for he had fully believed that his father
intended the handsome, strongly made chestnut for his own use. Mary
Eden was fetched, came out, and tried the gentle, slightly-built
palfrey, and the chestnut was brought too, proving everything that could
be desired.

"There!" said Sir Edward, after their paces had been tried in one of the
meadows; "now you are both better mounted than any young people in the
Midlands, so go and have a good round together, and get back well before