“Yes, it looks rather dark for you at the moment, and you seem less merry than when I met you earlier.”
“Oh, there were more amusing things happening then, that’s all. How’s your horse?”
“We are neither of us the worse for our encounter. Do n’t you wish you could say the same for yourself?”
“I do, and I thank you for your sympathy.”
“Have you sent the woman to Lichfield?” asked the officer-in-chief of his subordinate.
“Yes, Colonel; some two hours ago.”
“Very well. We will relieve you of your prisoner. Take your men to Birmingham.”
“Is there any truth in the Royalist rising there, Colonel?”
“None in the least. Have you heard anything?”
“Nothing but a rumor that there was an outbreak of some sort. I heard that a detachment from Lichfield was to leave for Birmingham.”