This died out when the colonel spoke, and two of the troopers seized him, but at that moment his eye fell upon one of the English officers.
"Colonel L'Estrange!" he exclaimed.
The officer started, at hearing his name called out by the prisoner, but he did not recognize him.
"I am Walter Davenant.

You remember, sir, the wreck off Bray ?" "Good heavens!" Colonel L'Estrange exclaimed, pressing forward.
"It is the lad who saved my life, General Hamilton! "Gentlemen, this young officer saved my life at the risk of his own.

I cannot and will not stand by and see him murdered." The Hessian colonel signed to four of his men, who seized Walter and dragged him towards the tree.

Colonel L'Estrange drew his sword.
"My men," he shouted, to some English soldiers who were mingled with the crowd of onlookers, which had rapidly increased during the dispute, "stand by me, and don't let this brave young officer be murdered." A score of soldiers pushed through the crowd, and ranged themselves by Colonel L'Estrange.

He dashed forward, sword in hand, and in a moment Walter was torn from the grasp of the soldiers, and placed in the centre of his rescuers, who were now joined by General Hamilton and the other officers.
Several men had run off at full speed, to the British camp, to bring up aid.