The Black Tor | Page 5

I do not come back, boys,
you know what to do."
There was a shout at this, and hands struck sword-hilts with a loud
clang.
"Right, brave boys, and don't leave one stone upon another until you
have found your captain."
Ralph burst out into a fit of laughter, and then felt annoyed with
himself, as the man turned round scowling.
"What do you mean by that, boy?"

"That your men would have their work cut out, sir," said Ralph sharply.
"This way, please."
The captain uttered a low growl, signed to three of his men, and the
party followed the lad, who, to his annoyance, once more came across
his sister, hurrying along the passage.
"Salute, brave boys, salute," cried the captain. "Youth and beauty in
front--the worship of the gallant soldiers of the king."
He struck an attitude, which was roughly imitated by the men.
"A sister, on my life," cried the captain.
"This way," said Ralph shortly, and with the colour coming into his
cheeks, as he felt indignant with the man for daring to notice his sister,
and angry with her for being there.
The door of Sir Morton's room was thrown open, and the captain strode
in, followed by his men; and, as he saw the knight, standing with his
back to the fireplace, he struck a fresh attitude.
"Ah! at last!" he cried. "My old brave companion-in-arms! Well met,
once more."
He stretched out his hands, and swaggered forward to grasp Sir
Morton's.
"Halt!" cried that gentleman sharply, without stirring from his position.
"Now, Captain Purlrose, what is your business with me?"
"Business with you? Is this my reception, after long years of absence?
Ah, I see! The war-worn soldier forgotten once again. Ah, Sir Morton
Darley, why humble me before my gallant men?"
"I have not forgotten you, Captain Purlrose. I remember you perfectly,
and you are not changed in the least. Now, if you please, be brief, and
explain your business."

"My business! I thought I was coming to an old friend and brother."
"No, sir; you thought nothing of the kind. Come, you know I
understand you thoroughly. State your business, if you please."
The three men laughed aloud, and Sir Morton, who had not before
noticed them, turned upon them sharply, with the result that the
laughter died out, and they looked uncomfortable.
"And this before my men! Humbled thus! Have I fallen so low?"
"You are wasting words, Captain Purlrose; and, as you have found
where I lived, and have evidently journeyed long, tell me at once why
you have come."
"I will," cried the captain, resuming his swaggering air. "I, as an old
soldier, sir, came to ask favours of no man."
"Then why have you come, sir, if not to ask a favour?"
"I was passing this way, and, as an old brother-in-arms lived here, I
thought I would call."
"You were not passing this way, sir; no brother-in-arms lived here, but
an officer, under whom you once served; and you had some object in
view to make you cross our desolate moors," said Sir Morton, sternly.
"If you want help, speak out."
"I am no beggar, Sir Morton Darley," said the man, in blustering tones.
"I am glad to hear it. Now, then, what is it?"
"Well, sir, you boast of knowing me thoroughly. Let me tell you that I
know you, and your position here."
"And find it is in every respect a strong one, sir. Well?"
"You live here, close at hand to an enemy who covets your lands, and
with whom you have fought again and again. You and your ancestors

were always enemies with the Edens."
"Quite right, sir. Well, what is that to you?"
"This, Sir Morton Darley. The war is over. I and my brave fellows are
idle, our swords rusting in their sheaths."
"More shame to the brave fellows who do not keep their weapons
bright. Well, this is a long preamble to tell me that you have all been
dismissed from the king's service. Go on."
The captain stared and scowled, but he could not fully meet the
searching eyes which looked him down.
"Well," he said, rather blunderingly now, "knowing what I did of my
old officer's state--"
"`Old officer' is better, Captain Purlrose. Go on, sir."
"I said, here am I, a brave soldier, with a handful of stout followers,
eager to do good, honest work; why should I not go and offer my sword
to Sir Morton Darley? He is sorely pressed."
"Wrong," said Sir Morton.
"He would be glad of our help," continued the man, without heeding
the interruption; "we could garrison his castle and help him to drive his
enemy from the field. Twelve of them, all well-tried soldiers, who can
make him king of the