On resuming their search, the soldiers did no more than thrust their pikes
up the chimney, and in a few minutes proceeded to the other rooms.
An hour later the Captain sent for Philip, who sauntered into his presence
whistling a country dance.
"I am going at once," said the Captain.
Philip had it in his mind to press him ironically to stay, with a word of
regret that his visit was so short; but he stifled the temptation, and
simply nodded.
"But I am not in the least satisfied," the Captain continued, "and I mean
to leave three soldiers behind to guard the entries and your sister's room.
No one leaves the Hall to-night."
Philip's face fell. "But I must," he said. "I am at school at Framshott,
and we, my companions and I, must ride back to-night."
"Your companions!" said the Captain.
"Yes," said Philip; "I will call them." And he shouted from the window to
the boys playing bowls in the garden.
They came up, and were passed before the scrutinizing eyes of the Roundhead.
"Royalist whelps!" he muttered. "Very well," he said at length, " you may
go. But mind, no one else leaves the house."
Then, giving careful instructions to the three men left in charge, he rode
off with the others.
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