Another word, you puppy, and I'll have you in irons!" With an effort Philip obeyed, remembering the duty the night held for him; and he and Digger together carried Barbara to her room, followed by the soldier, who took up his stand at the door.
On resuming their search, the soldiers did no more than thrust their pikes up the chimney, and in a few minutes proceeded to the other rooms.
An hour later the Captain sent for Philip, who sauntered into his presence whistling a country dance.
"I am going at once," said the Captain.
Philip had it in his mind to press him ironically to stay, with a word of regret that his visit was so short; but he stifled the temptation, and simply nodded.
"But I am not in the least satisfied," the Captain continued, "and I mean to leave three soldiers behind to guard the entries and your sister's room.

No one leaves the Hall to-night." Philip's face fell.

"But I must," he said.

"I am at school at Framshott, and we, my companions and I, must ride back to-night." "Your companions!" said the Captain.
"Yes," said Philip; "I will call them." And he shouted from the window to the boys playing bowls in the garden.
They came up, and were passed before the scrutinizing eyes of the Roundhead.
"Royalist whelps!" he muttered.

"Very well," he said at length, "you may go.