"There is nothing further to be gained by remaining here, corporal," he said. "Call up the men and march them back to quarters. And as for this fellow," he added, pointing to the smith, who had watched the scene with deep enjoyment, "keep him safe till morning; we may have need of him."
"And what of the wench, captain? Can't we lay hands on her for aiding and abetting?"
Captain Protheroe scowled.
"Leave me to deal with her, sirrah. I will follow you anon. And harkee. There is a certain hawker wandering in or near the village. Yon fellow can describe him. If we can lay hands on him, I doubt not he can tell us what may prove useful."
Corporal Crutch started guiltily.
"A hawker, captain? Why, I know the fellow. I have him safe under—that is—er—I doubt not I can speedily lay hands on him."
"Do so. See to it to-night, and we may yet catch our hare. Now begone."
The corporal saluted and went out.
Captain Protheroe glanced at Barbara, and he saw that no trace of her triumphant merriment remained.
He turned and walked to the window and stood for some time in silence gazing out into the darkness while the last echoes of the retreating footsteps died away. Then all was still.