As we supped, I explained to him what our errand was, and narrated the adventures of the night, without making mention of our destination.
'You are bound for Monmouth's camp,' he said quietly, when I had finished, looking me full in the face with his keen dark eyes.

'I know it, but ye need not fear lest I betray you, even were it in my power.
What chance, think ye, hath the Duke against the King's forces ?' 'As much chance as a farmyard fowl against a spurred gamecock, did he rely only on those whom he hath with him,' Saxon answered.

'He hath reason to think, however, that all England is like a powder magazine, and he hopes to be the spark to set it alight.' The old man shook his head sadly.

'The King hath great resources,' he remarked.

'Where is Monmouth to get his trained soldiers ?' 'There is the militia,' I suggested.
'And there are many of the old parliamentary breed, who are not too far gone to strike a blow for their belief,' said Saxon.