need no swords but our own to strike for our lawful monarch!"
"Faith, those cursed Roundheads," answered Evelyn, "Are strongly placed. No cause, however good, is the worse for help. But now, gentlemen, to decide on our proceedings."
A unanimous exclamation called upon Evelyn himself to speak; and, after a minute's politic pause, he went on to state his plan.
"You are aware that Colonel Mainwaring will to-night attempt to land from the Isle of Wight, with a small but picked body in the disguise of smugglers. A bright light flung in the air will announce the success of their landing, when they will disperse through the town; and one, a cool, bold fellow, whom I know well, will unlock the town gate, and—for he has various talents—hopes, through his influence with a pretty daughter of one of the wardens, to leave unbarred a certain wicket in the postern on the seaward side. Our part is now to ride with all speed to Southampton. We shall assemble in the avenue leading to the town; for though I hear no tidings of troops in the neighbourhood, it is best to be cautious; and, to avoid suspicion, we will separate and seek our rendezvous in parties of two and
