“And, yet, I have never failed to read that prayer, as well as all the rest.  You have not objected, hitherto.”

“I have not, for I have considered the war as being waged with parliament and the ministers, whereas it is now clearly with the king.  This paper is certainly a plain and forcible document.”

“And what is that paper?  Not the Westminster Confession of Faith, or the Saybrook Platform, I hope; one of which will certainly supersede the Thirty-nine Articles in all our churches, if this rebellion prosper.”

“It is the manifesto issued by congress, to justify their declaration of independence.  Bob has brought it with him, as a proof how far matters have been carried; but, really, it seems to be a creditable document, and is eloquently reasoned.”

“I see how it is, Willoughby—­I see how it is.  We shall find you a rebel general yet; and I expect to live to hear you talk about ‘our Zion’ and ‘providential accidents.’”

“Neither, Woods.  For the first, I am too old; and, for the last, I have too much taste, I trust.  Whether I shall always pray for the king is another matter.  But, here is the major, ready for his sortie.  Upon my word, his masquerade is so complete, I hardly know him myself.”

Chapter XIV.

  He could not rest, he could not stay
  Within his tent to wait for day;
  But walked him forth along the sand,
  Where thousand sleepers strewed the strand.

  Siege of Corinth.

It was now so late that most of the men of the Hut, and all the women and children, were housed for the night, provided no alarm occurred.  There was consequently little risk in the major’s venturing forth, disguised as he was, should care be taken not to approach a light.  The great number of the latter, streaming through the windows of the western wing of the building, showed how many were now collected within the walls, and gave an unusual appearance of life and animation to the place.  Still, the court was clear, the men seeking their pallets, in readiness for their coming watches, while the women were occupied with those great concerns of female life, the care of children.

The captain, major, and chaplain, each carrying a rifle, and the two former pistols, moved rapidly across the court, and passed the gate.  The moveable leaf of the latter was left unbarred, it being the orders of the captain to the sentinels without, on the approach of an enemy, to retire within the court, and then to secure the fastenings.