The mill was built of wood, and the cannon shot went through and through it.  But Harry directed his men to place rows of sacks along each floor facing the enemy, and lying down behind these to fire through holes pierced in the planks.  For half an hour the cannonade continued, and then the enemy were seen advancing, carrying beams and the trunks of small trees, to make a bridge across the stream.  Had Harry’s men been armed with muskets it would have been next to impossible for the enemy to succeed in doing this in the face of their fire.  But the fire of their short weapons was wild and uncertain, except at short distances.  Very many of the Roundheads fell, but others pressed forward bravely, and succeeded in throwing their beams across the stream.  By this time Harry had led out all his force from the mill, and a desperate fight took place at the bridge.  The enemy lined the opposite bank in such force that none of the defenders could show their heads above the barricade of sacks, and Harry came to the conclusion that further resistance was vain.  He ordered Jacob to take all the men with the exception of ten and to retire at once across the ford.  He himself with the remainder would defend the bridge till they were fairly across, and would then rush over and join them as he might.

With a heavy heart Jacob was preparing to obey this order, when he heard a loud cheer, and saw Prince Rupert, heading a large body of horse, dash into the river on the other side.  The enemy saw him too.  There was an instant cessation of their fire, and before Prince Rupert had gained the bank the Roundheads were already in full retreat for Reading.  The bridge was hastily repaired, and the prince pursued for some distance, chasing their cavalry well-nigh into Reading.  Their infantry, however, held together, and regained that town in safety.

Upon his return Prince Rupert expressed his warm admiration at the prolonged and gallant defense which Harry had made, and said that the oldest soldier in the army could not have done better.  At Harry’s request he promised the villagers that the next day money should be sent out from the king’s treasury to make good the losses which they had sustained.  Then he left a strong body of horse to hold the village, and directed Harry to ride with him with his troop to Oxford.

“I have a mission for you, Master Furness,” he said, as they rode along.  “I have already told his majesty how coolly and courageously you conducted yourself in that sore strait in which we were placed together.  The king has need of a messenger to Scotland.  The mission is a difficult one, and full of danger.  It demands coolness and judgment as well as courage.  I have told his majesty that, in spite of your youth, you possess these qualities, but the king was inclined to doubt whether you were old enough to be intrusted with such a commission.  After to-day’s doings he need have no further hesitation.  I spoke to your father but yesterday, and he has given consent that you shall go, the more readily, methinks, because the good Cavalier thinks that the morals and ways of many of our young officers to be in no wise edifying for you, and I cannot but say that he is right.  What sayest thou?”