Captain Harrington again turned to his recent adversary, who still leaned back, with half-closed eyes.
"I trust, sir," he said anxiously, "I have not been so excessively clumsy as to wound you in our affray. 'Tis a thing I never do, unless mortally."
Ralph smiled faintly.
"Rest assured, sir, your hand is still sure."
"Sir Ralph Trevellyan is but recovering from a fever," interposed Barbara gently; "the encounter hath exhausted him."
"I am well enough, Barbara," exclaimed Ralph, struggling to his feet.
"Indeed, you are not," she answered firmly. "Sit still while I fetch some water."
But now Captain Harrington was all contrition. He flew for water, he sent his men for wine. He hovered over Barbara with most assiduous attentions, while she ministered to her exhausted companion.
"What may I do now?" implored the little officer, when Barbara had finished her task; "what may I do to further atone for my mistake? Where are you bound for now, eh?"
"We are on our road to Durford; it lies north of Taunton, you know; but we can hardly set out to-night. Is there any place hereabouts fit to spend the night in?" asked Captain Protheroe doubtfully.