A look of pride beamed in the man’s face and was reflected in those of his companions, but he spoke out directly.
“Well, we have tried to get to be soldiers, sir, hard; haven’t us, mates?”
“Ay!” was growled in chorus.
“Yes, you have done well,” cried Roy, “and I’m heartily glad to see you safely here.”
Chapter Nineteen.
The Young Castellan speaks out.
The day passed anxiously on, and it was getting well towards sunset, but there was no sign of the farm men, neither did the enemy appear in sight. Farmer Raynes appealed to Roy again and again for permission to go in search of his people; but, anxious as the young castellan was for news, he could not risk losing one of the strongest and most dependable men he had.
“They may get here yet, Master Raynes,” he said; “and I’d give anything to see them; but I’d rather lose the swords of all ten than lose yours.”