"Where are you conveying the prisoners?" demanded the officer.
"We are taking them to Codsall, and shall deliver them to Colonel Ashenhurst."
"I am Colonel Ashenhurst," replied the officer.
Taken aback by the answer, the sturdy miller did not know what to say. But William Penderel came to his relief.
"Shall we deliver the prisoners to you here, colonel?" he said, "or shall we take them on to Codsall? Since we have come thus far, it matters not if we go a little further. We have been to Chillington House, but did not find Colonel James there."
"Colonel James hath just changed his quarters, and is gone to Brewood," replied Ashenhurst. "Is the chief prisoner badly hurt?"
"He is wounded in the head," rejoined William Penderel. "I do not think he can live long."
"Nay, then, take him and his attendant to Codsall," said Colonel Ashenhurst. "I have other business on hand, and do not desire to go back. I trust to make an important capture before morn. A couple of my men shall go with you, if you desire it, but I cannot very well spare them."
"I thank your honour—but we do not require them," replied William Penderel.
"You will find a physician at Codsall, who will attend to the wounded malignant," continued Colonel Ashenhurst.