"He knows all, and Rupert knows."
On the sudden Lady Derby lost herself. Knowledge that the King praised her, sheer relief that the Prince was marching to her aid, came like rain about her, breaking up the long time of drought. Then she dried her eyes.
"I, too, have fought," she explained, "and have carried wounds. Now, sir, by your leave, are you rested sufficiently? Well, then, I need you for a sortie by and by."
From the boy's laughter, his sharp call to attention, she knew again that he was of the soldier's breed.
"Weeks ago—it seems years by now—this Colonel Rigby who besieges us planted a mortar outside our gates. Our men sallied and killed many, and brought the mortar in."
"Good," said Kit. "I saw it as I came through the courtyard, and wondered whether you or they had put it out of action."
"My folk put it out of action. And now they've brought up another mortar. We dare not let it play even for a day on crumbling walls. There's to be a sortie within the hour. One of my officers is dead, and two are wounded. Sir, will you lead a company for me?"
"Luck always comes my way," assented Kit.
"But you do not ask what strength you have to follow you?"
"What strength you can give me. I am at your service."