All around her rode the Lancers, tall pennoned weapons swinging from stirrup and loop, bridles loose under their clasped hands.

The men seemed stupefied with fatigue; yet every now and then they roused themselves to inquire after her comfort or to offer her a place behind them.

She timidly asked Berkley if she tired him, but he begged her to stay, alarmed lest the vision of Ailsa depart with her; and she remained, feeling contented and secure in her drowsy fatigue.

Colonel Arran dropped back from the head of the column once to ride beside her.

He questioned her kindly; spoke to Berkley, also, asking with grave concern about his wound.