"Are you sure of what you say, Diggory?" said Lady Woodley.

"Sure as that I stand here, my lady. There was sword and shot and
smoke all round. I stood it all till Farmer Ewins was cut down a-
one-side of me, ma'am, and Master Edmund, more's the pity, with his
brains scattered here and there on the banks of the river."

There was another cry among the children, and Walter made such a
violent gesture, that Rose, covering her face with her handkerchief,
whispered to him, "Walter dear, take care." Walter relieved his mind
by returning, "Oh that I could cudgel the rogue soundly!"

At the same time Colonel Enderby turned to their mother, saying,
"Take comfort, madam, this fellow's tale carries discredit on the
face of it. Let me examine him, with your permission. Where did you
last see your master?"

"I know none of your places, sir," answered Diggory, sullenly.

Colonel Enderby spoke sternly and peremptorily. "In the town, or in
the fields? Answer me that, sirrah. In the field on the bank of the
river?"

"Ay."

"There you left your ranks, you rogue; that was the way you lost
sight of your master!" said the colonel. Then, turning to Lady
Woodley, as Diggory slunk off, "Your ladyship need not be alarmed.
An hour after the encounter, in which he pretends to have seen your
son slain, I saw him in full health and soundness."