It was a prettily written little note, and Walter was delighted at receiving it.
"Well, my boy," Captain Davenant said with a little smile, when Walter told him next morning that he had heard from Miss Conyers, "as you seem specially interested in this affair, I will let you have the honour and glory of being the first to come to the rescue of Miss Conyers and her mother, if they should need it; and therefore, whether I am here or not, I give you permission to cross at once, in the two boats, if you get the signal.

But on reaching the other side you are to send the two boats back at once, with two men in each, and I will bring the rest of the troop across as fast as possible.

There is no saying what force you may find there.

I shall leave it to your discretion to attack at once, or to wait until I come up with reinforcements.

You will, of course, be guided partly by the strength of the enemy, partly by the urgency for instant interference for the protection of the ladies." Four days passed quietly.