They had scarcely time to throw themselves in the saddle, when the Enniskilleners charged down.  For a minute or two there was a confused medley, and then three or four of the troopers rode off at full speed, hotly pursued by the Enniskilleners.

Walter had discharged his pistols and drawn his sword, but before he had time to strike a blow, his horse was rolled over by the rush of the enemy, and, as he was falling, he received a blow on the head from a sabre which stretched him insensible on the ground.  He was roused by two men turning him over and searching his pockets.  A slight groan burst from his lips.

“The fellow is not dead,” one of the men said.

“We will soon settle that,” the other replied.

“Don’t kill him,” the first speaker said.  “Wait till the captain has spoken to him.  We may be able to get some information from him.  We can finish him afterwards.”

Walter lay with his eyes closed.  He well knew that the Enniskilleners took no prisoners, but killed all who fell into their hands, and he determined to show no signs of returning consciousness.  Presently, he heard the sound of a party of horsemen returning, and by the exclamations of disappointment which greeted the news they gave, he learned that some, at least, of his men had made their escape.

Some time later, several men came up to him.  One leaned over him, and put his hand to his heart.

“He is alive.”

“Very well,” another voice said.  “Then we will take him with us.  He is an officer, and will be able to tell us all about their strength.

“Watkins, you have a strong beast, and do not weigh much.  Do you mount, and then we will tie him to your back.”

A minute later Walter was lifted up, and felt that he was placed on a horse with his back to that of the rider.  A rope was wound several times round his body.  He remained perfectly passive, with his head hanging down on his breast.  Then a word of command was given, and the troop set off.

For a time, there was no need for him to pretend insensibility, for the pain of his wound and the loss of blood overpowered him, and for some time he was unconscious.  After two hours’ riding, the troop was halted.  Walter felt the rope taken off him.  Then he was lifted down, dragged a short distance, and thrown down on some straw.  Then a door shut, and he heard a key turned.  He felt sure that he was alone, but for some time lay perfectly quiet, as it was possible that one of the men might have remained to watch him.

After a quarter of an hour, hearing not the slightest sound, he opened his eyes and looked round.  He was, as he supposed, alone.  The place in which he was lying was a stable, lighted only by a small opening high up in the wall.  Certain, therefore, that he was not overlooked, he made an effort to rise to his feet, but he was so weak and giddy that he was obliged, for some time, to remain leaning against the wall.  Seeing a bucket in one corner, he made to it, and found, to his delight, that it was half full of water, for he was parched with a devouring thirst.