the family. As for obtaining assistance to oppose the troopers, that
he knew to be impossible. As he thought of what must take place, he
thanked God for having allowed him to gain the knowledge of what was
to happen, and hastened on his way. He had been about eight miles from
Arnwood when he had concealed himself in the fern. Jacob first went to
his cottage to deposit his gun, saddled his forest pony, and set off
for Arnwood. In less than two hours the old man was at the door of the
mansion; it was then about three o'clock in the afternoon, and being
in the month of November, there was not so much as two hours of
daylight remaining. "I shall have a difficult job with the stiff old
lady," thought Jacob, as be rung the bell; "I don't believe that she
would rise out of her high chair for old Noll and his whole army at
his back. But we shall see."




CHAPTER II.


Before Jacob is admitted to the presence of Miss Judith Villiers, we
must give some account of the establishment at Arnwood. With the
exception of one male servant, who officiated in the house and stable
as his services might be required, every man of the household of
Colonel Beverley had followed the fortunes of their master, and as
none had returned, they, in all probability had shared his fate. Three
female servants, with the man above mentioned, composed the whole
household. Indeed, there was every reason for not increasing the
establishment, for the rents were either paid in part, or not paid at
all. It was generally supposed that the property, now that the