"I have brought an air bed for you from home," I exclaimed.
"An air what, forsooth?" asked my father.
I hastened to explain the nature of this admirable contrivance as given by worthy Master Royston, and, on arriving at our lines, I sent Lawson to get the novel article from the baggage.
We talked till late in the evening, my parent plying me with questions concerning affairs at home, and telling us of the events of the last few weeks.
"Dost know that, according to the rebel order, Ashley Castle no longer belongs to the Markhams?" asked my father.
"Nay, sir," I replied. "What dost thou mean; is it a jest?"
"Hardly a jest, Humphrey. Only yester-night we surprised a rebel despatch-bearer on the road near Stratford, and amongst other papers was a list of manors and castles to be bestowed by the Parliament on their chief supporters, and amongst the places named was mine own castle."
"And on whom is it bestowed?"
"On one Captain Chaloner."
"Captain Chaloner!" exclaimed Firestone. "Why, 'tis the man who allowed the rebels to seize Southsea Castle, the same who was hand in glove with the turncoat, Goring."