bridle.

At three in the morning, when the sun was rising, and the air was sweet and
cool, and songs of birds made music all around him, Philip rode into the
yard of the school-house. He found Rupert waiting for him.

"Hugh and Vernon are in the kitchen making a famine," said Master Ommaney.
"Old Full's down there with them, and he's as pleased as a Merry Andrew
about it all! He keeps shaking hands with us."

"It's been grand," said Philip, as he shut the stable door on his horse.
"I'm so sorry you couldn't come, too, Rupe, old boy."

At about the same time the Captain thundered on the Hall door. The
blacksmith very deliberately descended the stairs to unlock it. Barbara
followed.

"You must give me lodging to-night," the Captain said curtly. "My men will
be here soon, and there are three good fellows to be cared for to whom your
servants have done serious mischief."

Barbara, looking contrite, told the Captain that a room was at his service,
and there was food in the kitchen. He attended first to his horse, and then
she set a brave supper before him and the smith.

"Well, young lady," said the Captain at length, "I must compliment you on
your cleverness. You nested your bird well, and you saw to it that he flew
well, too. All we have to show for it is a broken nose, a broken shoulder,
and a broken back. It is a sad business for us all; bad for you, when head
quarters come to hear of it, and bad for me, in not being sharper. But it