It was late in the afternoon before John woke.

He started up, as his eyes fell upon Captain Davenant.
"You have had a good sleep, and I hope you are all the better for it," Captain Davenant said, kindly.

"My son has been telling me all about your expedition, and I honour you very much, for the courage you have shown in thus risking your life to get food for those starving children.

I quite approve of the promise Walter has given to assist you, and if you should, by any chance, be taken prisoner, I will stand your friend." John expressed his gratitude warmly.
"It is a sad thing, in these civil wars, when friends are arrayed against friends," Captain Davenant said.

"Who would have thought, three months ago, that you and Walter would be arrayed on opposite sides?
It is true you are neither of you combatants, but I have no doubt you would gladly have joined in some of the sallies, just as Walter is eager to be riding in my troop.