"Amen," replied Firestone piously. "But how goes the garrison? Are the munitions and provisions like to last out?"
"Powder and shot in plenty. Twelve hundred and fifty barrels of powder lie in the Square Tower, and two hundred in the vaults of the Town Mount; but of provisions we are sorely short. Witness my breakfast, a piece of rusk bread and a herring. If you will do me the honour, comrade, perchance we may find enough for us all."
We were certainly nearly famished with hunger, and even a sorry meal of bread and fish, washed down with ale, was welcome.
Finally, the Governor dismissed us, saying that pressing work was before him, and we filed out of his presence.
At the door I happened to glance behind me, and to my surprise I saw a waiting-man stealthily thrust a paper into Chaloner's hand; but, treating the matter as of small moment, I soon forgot the incident.
In the street we parted, the captain expressing his intention of returning to his post, for he had been entrusted with the holding of Southsea Castle, which Colonel Firestone had described as the key of the position, while the colonel, Granville, and I repaired to a lodging in Little Penny Lane.
Tired with our exertions, though 'twas but eleven o'clock in the morning, we retired and rested well till the following day.
We were early abroad, for Colonel Firestone was anxious to obtain proper arms and equipment on the strength of Goring's order.
At the armourer's in St. Nicholas' Street he carefully selected a stout and heavy broadsword, a pair of pistols, and a petronel, while a breastplate, tassettes, and a steel cap with barrets completed his soldierly equipment.
Strangely enough, he still retained his salt-stained jackboots, refusing the suggestion that a pair of Spanish riding-boots would better suit his purpose.