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Rh “Now, lad, your name and story, and quickly,” he said with kindly imperiousness.

David gathered his scattered faculties and answered, and while he spoke those who had  gathered close to listen murmured their surprise, horror, indignation, and, when it had  become evident that the boy on the pallet had  traveled that trail in some ten hours, admiration.

“Well done, in sooth!” exclaimed Major Simon Willard heartily when David had  ended. “You are a brave boy, David, and there is one not far who will be prouder of  your courage than I! Bide you here and  rest you, lad. Mistress Farwell will look to your wants and when we return you shall be  sent safely to your home. Unless, mayhap, your father has other views. That we shall determine later.” He turned to the others  and sprang to his feet. “You have heard, masters! To horse, then, and let us push forward, for the road is long and our presence is sore needed. I give you good-day, young sir!”

“Nay, sir, an it please you,” cried David, clutching at the Major’s doublet. “Take me with you, I beg. I can fight, sir! And I am well and strong again, now that I have slept.”