them, "came off the Duke's own frigate at daybreak to-day. They were
put ashore at Seatown, and they rode straight to Mr. Speke's with the
news, returning afterwards to Lyme."

"What men has the Duke with him, did you learn?" asked Wilding.

"Not more than a hundred or so, from what Dare told us."

"A hundred! God help us all! And is England to be conquered with a
hundred men? Oh, this is midsummer frenzy."

"He counts on all true Protestants to flock to his banner," put in
Trenchard, and it was not plain whether he expressed a fact or sneered
at one.

"Does he bring money and arms, at least?" asked Wilding.

"I did not ask," answered Vallancey. "But Dare told us that three
vessels had come over, so that it is to be supposed he brings some
manner of provision with him."

"It is to be hoped so, Vallancey; but hardly to be supposed," quoth
Trenchard, and then he touched Wilding on the arm and pointed with his
whip across the fields towards Taunton. A cloud of dust was rising
from between tall hedges where ran the road. "I think it were wise to
be moving. At least, this sudden landing of James Scott relieves my
mind in the matter of that letter."

Wilding, having taken a look at the floating dust that announced the
oncoming of their pursuers, was now lost in thought. Vallancey, who,