I see your fellows are hard at work already on the viands which my orderly brought for them in his havresack; but first let us move away to the tree over yonder, for verily the scent of blood and of roasted flesh is enough to take away one's appetite, little squeamish as these wars have taught us to be." Captain Burgh asked no questions until Malcolm had finished his meal.

"I have plenty more food," he said, "for we have brought three led horses well laden; but it were better that you eat no more at present, tis ill overloading a fasting stomach.

My men will not be back from the pursuit for a couple of hours yet, for they will not draw rein so long as their horses can gallop, so excited are they over the tales of the horrible cruelties which have been perpetrated on all our men who have fallen into the hands of the peasants, so now you can tell me in full the tale of your adventures.

I had no time to ask any questions of your sergeant, for we were called up and sent off five minutes after he arrived with the news that you with three men were beleaguered here by a party of peasants." Malcolm related the whole incidents which had befallen him since he had been suddenly felled and made captive by the women in the hut in the village.

The Swede laughed over this part of the adventure.
"To think," he said, "of you, a dashing captain of the Green Brigade, being made captive by a couple of old women.