Meanwhile the first man came tearing in as fast as his horse could go, and when he was a few hundred yards away, the order was given, and the dismounted men sprang into the saddle.
“Don’t seem to have a bit of fight left in me now,” muttered Samson. “No dinner, and no Nat here to make a man feel savage. Wish I was back at the Manor, digging my bit o’ ground. Anybody might fight for me.”
At that moment a fresh order was given, and every man sat stern and ready for the advance or retreat, wondering which way they would go, and of what nature the force was, evidently advancing fast.
Chapter Thirty Two.
The Hall Changes Masters Again.
The cheering and triumphant congratulation amongst the Royalist party was mingled with regret at being unable to crown their little victory by taking their opponents prisoners to a man. But their horses were exhausted, and they had the mortification of seeing the little body under General Hedley ride away.
Then the order to return was given, and a strong party was told off to the painful duty of picking up the wounded, and bearing them back to the Hall.
Sir Godfrey Markham gave the order that they should be taken there, and Scarlett was deputed to see that the work was properly carried out—a gruesome task enough; but he was growing used to such scenes, and the feeling of doing good and affording help to those in need robbed the duty of much of its terrors.