"No; rather make ready thine house here, for I know Ingle well enough to be sure of hot fighting and many hurt. We shall need a hospital and a nurse. Tear thy linen into bandages, and set Cecil to preparing lint for wounds. Now, good-bye, and may God have you both in his keeping till we meet again!"
As the door closed after her, Elinor felt that a strong presence had passed out and she shivered. Now she caught the sharp clash of combat at the gate and the rival cries,—
"Ingle! Ingle! Claiborne and Ingle!"
Then, louder still,—
"Hey for St. Mary's, and wives for us all!"
Her heart failed her as she looked at Cecil, and she thought of the powerful arm that might have been near to protect both her boy and her. She breathed a deep sigh.
"Mother," whispered Cecil, "I will guard thee; do not fear!" But he crowded closer against her skirt.
"Sweet one, 'tis for thee I fear most. Run thou within and hide thyself while thou canst."
"Mother!" cried the boy, "I am a Calvert. Dost think Cousin Giles would ever speak with me again if I deserted thee? Why, I am almost a man. See, up to thy shoulder already. I can, at least, throw a stone;" and he picked one up from the road.