“Of course.”
“But who could have done so? We had no traitors with us.”
“Perhaps not, but the enemy may have had friends near.”
“Impossible, father!”
“Quite possible, my boy. Where did you stay to refresh your men?”
“Here, father—at this very place. At least,” added Fred, as he glanced round, “if this is the little inn where I was a prisoner in the loft.”
“The very place, my boy; and now the secret is out. Lie still now, and don’t speak.”
Fred gazed at his father eagerly as he rose from his knees and crossed to the door, which he opened, passed out on to the landing, called for the host, and returned.
Instead of the florid landlord, there was a heavy step on the stairs, and the shock-headed boy of the place entered the room to look from Fred to Colonel Forrester and back.
“Where does the nearest doctor live?” said the colonel, quietly.