Why, what brings you here ?" After exchanging hearty greetings, Walter led him away from the group, and the two sat down together on a bank.
"What brings you here ?" Walter repeated.
"All the waggons within miles round Dublin have been requisitioned," John said; "and as our three were called for, my father suggested that I should accompany them, to see that the horses were fed and cared for." "Which are your waggons ?" Walter asked.
"The three last in the column." Walter immediately ran to his father, told him what had happened, and begged that the three waggons should be exempted from the general destruction.

Captain Davenant at once rode up to the men, and ordered the waggons to be unloaded and their contents added to the pyre which was being prepared, but that the waggons themselves should be taken back a quarter of a mile along the road, and left there under the charge of their drivers, who were not to move until joined by their owner.

He then rode back, and shook hands with John.
"I am glad to see you," he said.

"All are well, I hope, at both our homes ?" "Quite well, sir." "Thank God for that! Now, I must leave you to see that our work is thoroughly carried out.

You will find your waggons safe, a quarter of a mile along the road.