“But they will not hang him here in the village. Most likely they will take him to the nearest large town, perhaps to London, for all I know.”

“I wish they would take him to London,” said Ned, with a smile.

“Indeed! And what then, pray?”

“Why, I would arm and lead on a party of gallant youths. We would soon beat back the soldiers.”

While they were speaking thus, a servant announced that a stranger had arrived at the Hall.

“His name?”

“Mr. Phillip Redgill, sir.”

“Show him up; he is no stranger; he is a relation. Show him up.”

The knight seemed pleased at the unexpected coming of his nephew.

Phillip soon entered.