"Gerrard has slipped through out of South Wales, by Worcester, and now
_en route_ to join the King at Oxford. I've got orders from the
Committee to march out and intercept him, if possible at Evesham, or
before he can cross the Cotswolds. I shall want every man of my
command. So draw off from the Ruardean, for Gloucester, and reinforce
its garrison. Start soon as you get this--lose not a moment. Time is
pressing.
"E. Massey."
When Sir Richard returned to the hawking party his hurried manner, with
the serious expression upon his features, admonished Vaga Powell that
her presentiment was on the eve of being fulfilled. Sure was she of it
on hearing his answer to Sabrina, who had anxiously questioned him on
his coming up.
"Yes, dearest! A courier from Massey at Gloucester. I'm commanded to
proceed thither in all haste. We must home."
And home went they to Hollymead, hurriedly as once before. But not to
stay there; only to leave the ladies within a few minutes in getting
ready for the "route." Then back down to Ruardean to order the
"Assembly" sounded; soon after "Boots and saddles"; in fine, the
"Forward, march!" and before the sun had sunk over the far Hatteral
Hills, the sequestered village had resumed its wonted tranquillity, not
a soldier to be seen in its streets, nor anywhere round it.