This pretty and pleasantly situated little town is much changed since those days. Most of the old houses are gone, and have given place to modern habitations far less picturesque, but the general features of the place are the same, and the old inn at which the Royalists put up, as we shall proceed to relate, is still in existence.
As they entered the village, Captain Ellesdon pointed out a pretty little house with a garden in front, and said:
"That is Limbry's dwelling. I will see whether he is at home."
He then rode towards the house, and calling out lustily, the summons was immediately answered by a buxom woman and her daughter, a good-looking damsel of some sixteen or seventeen.
In answer to the captain's inquiries, Dame Limbry informed him that her husband had just gone out, but would return presently.
"He has not gone to Lyme, I hope?" said the captain.
"No; he is somewhere in the village," replied the dame.
"That's right," cried Ellesdon. "I am going to the inn with these gentlemen. Send him there. I want to speak to him on business—on important business, mind."
Dame Limbry promised compliance, and the captain rode off. Not being devoid of curiosity, both mother and daughter watched the party alight at the inn, which was close at hand.
"I wonder what Captain Ellesdon's important business can be," remarked Dame Limbry. "I shall make your father tell me."