fear, ere we have done; though I hoped the English nature was more
kindly."

Then using the word of command, sending his aides-de-camp, and with
much shouting and calling, Prince Rupert got the troop together
again, very sulky at being baulked of their plunder. They were all
made to go out of the farm yard, and ride away before him, and then
the two princes halted where the poor children, scarce knowing that
their home was burning behind them, were gathered round their father,
Patience stroking his face, Steadfast chafing his hands, Jephthah
standing with folded arms, and a terrible look of grief and wrath on
his face.

"Is there no hope?" asked Prince Maurice, sorrowfully.

"He is dead. That's all," muttered Jeph between his clenched teeth.

"Mark," said Prince Rupert, "this mischance is by no command of the
King or mine. The fellow shall be brought to justice if you can
swear to him."

"I would have hindered it, if I could," said the other prince, in
much slower, and more imperfect English. "It grieves me much. My
purse has little, but here it is."

He dropped it on the ground while setting spurs to his horse to
follow his brother.

And thus the poor children were left at first in a sort of numb
dismay after the shock, not even feeling that a heavy shower had