'If I were nearer I should give you some return for the notice which you have taken of me.' 'What proof have we that ye are not in the pay of the usurper, and on your way to oppress the faithful ?' asked the Puritan divine.
'I tell you, man,' said Saxon impatiently, 'that we have travelled all the way from Hampshire to fight against James Stuart.

We will ride with ye to Monmouth's camp, and what better proof could ye desire than that ?' 'It may be that ye do but seek an opportunity of escaping from our bondage,' the minister observed, after conferring with one or two of the leading peasants.

'It is our opinion, therefore, that before coming with us ye must deliver unto us your swords, pistols, and other carnal weapons.' 'Nay, good sir, that cannot be,' our leader answered.

'A cavalier may not with honour surrender his blade or his liberty in the manner ye demand.

Keep close to my bridle-arm, Clarke, and strike home at any rogue who lays hands on you.' A hum of anger rose from the crowd, and a score of sticks and scythe-blades were raised against us, when the minister again interposed and silenced his noisy following.
'Did I hear aright ?' he asked.