That will leave merely the captain, who is certain to ride to the port.

You, Philip, will divert him, and the way will thus be clear and open to me to get on board.

Please God, we all get through safely!" So saying, the stranger shook hands with Hugh and Vernon, who were convinced by something in his voice that this was their master and nothing more was to be said, and in a moment he and Philip were gone.
Events happened precisely as the stranger had foretold.

Vernon and Hugh, riding full tilt towards Portallan, attracted each a Roundhead soldier, and each boy used his knowledge of the country to lead the men a wild-goose chase.

Vernon's pursuer succumbed first, for he and his horse fell into a small but sufficient chalk-pit a mile or two from Framshott just as dawn was breaking.