"We have business here down yonder at the ford." "Business?
What business ?" They told him, and scarce had they got the words out than he cut in impatiently.

"That's no matter now.
"Not yet, perhaps," said Mr.Wilding; "but it will be if that letter gets to Whitehall." "Odso!" was the impatient retort, "there's other news travelling to Whitehall that will make small-beer of this--and belike it's well on its way there already." "What news is that ?" asked Trenchard.

Vallancey told them.

"The Duke has landed--he came ashore this morning at Lyme." "The Duke ?" quoth Mr.Wilding, whilst Trenchard merely stared.

"What Duke ?" "What Duke! Lord, you weary me! What dukes be there?
The Duke of Monmouth, man." "Monmouth!" They uttered the name in a breath.