The Black Tor | Page 5

"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 country round. That, sir, is why I have come, to confer a favour more than ask one. Now, sir, what do you say? Such a chance for you may never occur again."
"Hah!" ejaculated Sir Morton; "and all this out of pure good fellowship!"
"Of course; save that a retainer who risks his life in his chief's service is worthy of his hire."
"Naturally, sir. So that is your meaning--your object in coming?"
"That is it, Sir Morton. We can put your castle in a state of defence, make raids, and harass the enemy, fetch in stores from the surrounding country, and make you a great man. Think of how you can humble the Edens."
Sir Morton frowned as he looked back at the past, and then from thence up to his present position, one in which he felt that he played a humble part in presence of his stronger enemy; and Ralph watched him, read in