Again Kenneth hesitated. Then recalling Ashburn's high favour
with the Parliament, and seeing that it could but advance his
cause to state the true sum of his journey:

"From Castle Marleigh," he replied.

"Verily, sir, you seem yet in some doubt. Whither do you go?"

"To London."

"On what errand?" The sergeant's questions fell swift as
sword-strokes.

"With letters for Colonel Pride."

The reply, delivered more boldly than Kenneth had spoken
hitherto, was not without its effect.

"From whom are these letters?"

"From Mr. Joseph Ashburn, of Castle Marleigh."

"Produce them."

With trembling fingers Kenneth complied. This the sergeant
observed as he took the package.

"What ails you, man?" quoth he.

"Naught, sir 'tis the cold."