"
"Go on, William! You interest me deeply."
"I found them, sir, at the bottom of the garden, torn to rags, sir!"
"And sold 'em for fivepence! Eh, thrifty William?"
"Sixpence, to be exact, sir!"
The Colonel rushed me off, but I found time to give the rascal a crown,
which put him sixpence in pocket. A servant ought to have his vails, and,
besides, William's concern amused me a good crown's worth.
This was late on in the night after the final decision to go back, and
since then I had been scouting miles behind the main body of our
rear-guard, so as to make sure that the Duke's horse were not on our
track. I had slept by driblets as opportunity offered. Now, my purpose
accomplished, I was looking forward to supper and bed, having left a
patrol of fresh men some six miles back to watch the southern road.
There was one thing in my mind, however, that must be attended to first.
I must see Mistress Hardy of Hardiwick. My heart ached for her, for I knew
how sorely she would feel the retreat of the Prince. Moreover, the
clansmen were not likely to discriminate between her and other townsfolk,
and I would save her from disturbance.
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