and stables, his sheds, and the new, unfinished barracks. We could see it all very plainly from the hilltop where we had gathered.

“Alsop Hunt was taken,” said a militiaman. “They robbed him of his watch and purse, damning him for a rebel broad-brim. He’s off to the Provost, I fear.”

“They took Mr. Reed, too,” said another. “They had a dozen neighbours under guard when I left.”

Sheldon, looking like death, sat his saddle a little apart. No one spoke to him. For even a deeper disgrace had now befallen the dragoons in the loss of their standard left behind in Lockwood’s house.

“What a pitiful mess!” whispered Boyd. “Is there nothing to be done but sit here and see the red beasts yonder sack the town?”