Me and the lads'll blow the old place up first." "Mark, my boy," cried Sir Edward just then; "here, I want you." The lad hurried to his father's side, and a strong hand was clapped upon his shoulder, Sir Edward looking him full in the face, but with his eyes thoughtful and fixed.
"No," he said suddenly, "they could not think that if you go alone." "Who, father?
Where ?" said Mark, staring.
"I've been thinking, boy," said Sir Edward.

"We can make up a good muster, but we ought to be as strong as we can, and it is only right to give Sir Morton's poor fellows who are left a chance of striking a blow for their master and young mistress.

Would you mind riding over to the enemy's camp, and asking all who can to come and join us in our expedition this evening ?" "Mind?
No, father: I should like to." "Then go at once." "Yes, father." "And bring back with you all you can.

If it's only four or five sturdy fellows, it is worth while; and I hope they will be willing to come under my command--no, this will be better: ask them if they will follow you." "I think I can bring them," cried Mark, flushing.
"Then off.

Tell them we have plenty of arms." Mark hurried away, gave Dummy orders to saddle the cob, and ran in and up to his own room, whose door he opened softly, to start in surprise on finding a nurse assisting Master Rayburn, and seated by the head of the bed, fanning the heated brow of the poor disfigured lad, as he lay muttering in delirium.
"You here, Mary," said Mark, in a sharp whisper.
"Of course she is, boy," cried the old man testily.