"The escort will accompany you thither."
"I had thought my submission had been proof enough of my good faith, but as you will," answered Barbara carelessly, passing through the gate.
"Barbara, I must with you to Taunton, indeed I must," pleaded Cicely, as she hastened after her cousin. "'Tis monstrous that you should go alone with these men."
"Thou, Cicely? Impossible! What could'st thou do there? Where could'st thou lodge? Not i' the gaol indeed."
"There be many kindly folk in the town who would house me, and they will perchance advise too what 'twere best to do for thee. There is good Mistress Lane, the wool-merchant's wife, I will seek her out. But go with you I must indeed."
"In truth, Cicely," answered Barbara with a quick sigh, "I would fain have thee near, if 'twere only to teach myself the folly of my fears by laughing at thine."
With a tyranny born of his newly acquired importance, Corporal Crutch refused to allow his prisoner more than a few minutes' preparation before her journey to Taunton, but having resigned herself to fate Barbara had no mind to delay, and in less than half an hour after their return to the house the two enforced travellers were ready for departure.
Barbara's resolution was by no means strengthened at sight of the ramshackle cart provided to convey her to Taunton.
"To what low estate our fortunes have fallen!" she muttered with a wry face.
"Rebels cannot expect to be treated like honest folk," remarked the Corporal complacently.