But mind, no one else leaves the house." Then, giving careful instructions to the three men left in charge, he rode off with the others.
News spreads rapidly in villages at all times, and it was, therefore, not surprising that Matthew Hale should hear that there were Roundheads at Myddelton Hall very soon after they had clattered into the courtyard.
"Roundheads at the Hall, are there ?" he said.

"Then I reckon I'll join them.

It won't be the first time I've met a Roundhead--no, nor smashed one, either." So saying, he laid aside his hammer, and, taking instead a bar of iron, he left his boy in charge of the smithy, and set out for the Hall.
Matthew reached the Hall a few minutes after the Captain and two of the Roundheads had ridden off.

The first person he saw was Philip, who, with the three boys and little Jack, were plotting together in the shrubbery.
"Hullo, Matt!" cried Philip; "come here.

We want you." Matthew turned aside from the carriageway, and joined the little group.
They all looked profoundly grave and important.
"What is it, young master ?" said the blacksmith.