'You were some sort of rearguard, I suppose? They tell me the main body of your horse rode clean through and escaped. Do you happen to know what became of Chester?'
'Chester?' I echoed.
'He commanded our post at the bridge, as I understand. . . . When I say "ours" 'tis from habit merely. In the early part of the campaign I led a troop, but withdrew from His Majesty's service more than a month ago, not being able to stomach Dick Grenville. You know Dick Grenville?'
'By repute.'
'But not Chester? . . . Chester was at one time his led-captain: but they have quarrelled since, and it looks as if—'
He did not finish the sentence, but left me to guess what remained.
'You mean,' said I, 'it looks as if Chester sold the pass? Well, if he did, I know nothing about it, or about him. This is the first I have heard of him. But speaking at a venture, I should say that either his neck's in a halter or he has changed sides and is riding off with our troops.'
Sir Luke nodded, but said nothing; and after a while strode to the window. When he spoke again it was with his back turned to me.
'I wonder,' he said, 'my fellows didn't kill you out of hand.'
'They were making a plaguy near bid for it,' I answered; 'but Lady
Glynn interposed.'