Among the prisoners taken at Naseby was Harry Furness, whose troop had been with Langdale’s horse, and who, his charger having been shot, had fallen upon the field, his head being cut by the sweep of the sword of a Roundhead soldier, who struck at him as he was lying on the ground.  Soon after the battle, when it became known what prisoners had been taken, he was visited by his friend Herbert.

“We are changing sides, Herbert,” Harry said, with a faint smile.  “The last time we met you were nigh falling into the hands of the Royalists, now I have altogether fallen into yours.”

“Yes, and unfortunately,” Herbert said, “I cannot repeat your act of generosity.  However, Harry, I trust that with this great battle the war is nearly over, and that all prisoners now taken will speedily be released.  At any rate, I need not assure you that you will have my aid and assistance in any matter.”

The Parliamentary leaders did not allow the grass to grow under their feet after Naseby.  Prince Rupert, with considerable force, had marched to Bristol, and Fairfax and Cromwell followed him there.  A considerable portion of the prisoners were sent to London, but some were retained with the army.  Among these was Harry Furness, whom it was intended to confine with many others in some sure place in the south.  Under a guard they were conducted to Reading, where they were for awhile to be kept.  Essex and Cromwell advanced to Bristol, which they surrounded; and Prince Rupert, after a brave defense, was forced to capitulate, upon terms similar to those which had been granted by the king to the army of Lord Essex the year before.  In his conduct of the siege the prince had certainly not failed.  But this misfortune aroused the king’s anger more than the faults which had done such evil service on the fields of Naseby and Marston, and he wrote to the prince, ordering him to leave the kingdom at once.

It would have been well had King Charles here ceased the struggle, for the cause of the Royalists was now hopeless.  Infatuated to the last, however, and deeming ever that the increasing contentions and ill-will between the two parties in Parliament would finally end by one of them bidding for the Royal support, and agreeing to his terms, the king continued the contest.  Here and there isolated affrays took place; risings in Kent and other counties occurring, but being defeated summarily by the vigor of Fairfax and his generals.

The time passed but slowly with Harry at Reading.  He and his fellow-prisoners were assigned quarters in a large building, under the guard of a regiment of Parliament troops.  Their imprisonment was not rigorous.  They were fairly fed and allowed exercise in a large courtyard which adjoined the house.  The more reckless spirits sang, jested, wrote scurrilous songs on the Roundheads, and passed the time as cheerfully as might be.  Harry, however, with the restlessness of his age, longed for liberty.  He knew that