"Thou shalt have it," said the captain, drawing his writing materials
nearer to him. "There, my lad. It may be thou dost serve thy Maker
as well by the plough as by the sword."

Steadfast pulled his forelock, thanked the captain, was reminded of
the word for the night, and safely reached home again.




CHAPTER XII.

FAREWELL TO THE CAVALIERS.



"If no more our banners shew
Battles won and banners taken,
Still in death, defeat, and woe,
Ours be loyalty unshaken."
SCOTT


The next day the whole family turned out to gather in the corn.
Rusha was making attempts at reaping, while Emlyn played with little
Ben, who toddled about, shouting and chasing her in and out among the
shocks. Now and again they paused at the low, thunderous growl of
the great guns in the distance, in strange contrast to their peaceful
work, and once a foraging party of troopers rode up to the gate of