“What brings you here, Master Roger, and what has become of Stephen?” asked Mr Battiscombe.
“He has joined the standard of the Duke of Monmouth, who landed this afternoon, and he bade me ride on and tell you, being assured that you would approve of his proceeding.”
“Would that I could join him myself!” exclaimed Mr Battiscombe.
“But I can, and I can,” cried out two of his other sons, rising from their chairs as they spoke. “We will join him this very night; and you will return with us, Roger, of course.”
“I am bound homewards,” answered Roger. “I could not take such a step without consulting my uncle and father.”
“For so glorious a cause we ought not to hesitate for a moment,” exclaimed one of the young Battiscombes; “but if you will not go with us we must set out without you.”
“Better wait till to-morrow morning,” said Mr Battiscombe. “Employ this evening in preparing your arms, and collecting such articles as you may require.”
After Roger’s sturdy refusal to join the Duke, the young Battiscombes treated him with unusual coldness, barely indeed with civility; he, therefore, wishing them good-evening, mounted his horse and made his way towards the manor-house.
“Have you heard anything more about the ships Alice saw last night?” asked his father.
“Yes,” answered Roger, and he described who had landed from them. “Stephen has joined the Duke, and wanted me much to do the same, but I declined till I had consulted you.”