“You speak a great truth, fair lady.  We do indeed go forth upon the service of our country, and of the great Duke, who is a master to be trusted and obeyed.  He is never reckless.  He never throws away lives needlessly.  Never was general in battle so tender for the wounded as he.  His first thought after a fight is for his injured soldiers; and he looks personally after the arrangements for their comfort.  This fact should be enough to show you that he is careful of human life, and would not intrust men with missions that are too perilous to be successfully carried out.”

Mother and sister took heart at this, and trusted to see Tom return safe and sound from his present journey.

This farewell was more easily gone through than the last, although Tom felt a keener sense of affection for his relatives than he had done on the first occasion, and a greater affection for his home.  But he had made trial of a new life now, and was full of hopeful confidence; and both mother and sister had begun to believe in him, and had shown pride and satisfaction in his career.

So they rode forth in the first sunshine of a bright February morning, with three stout serving men from Gablehurst to attend them as far as Harwich.  Lord Claude was willing to accept the escort, as the road was unfamiliar to him, and he wanted no needless delays along the route.

Rachel brought the stirrup cup, and the household assembled to cheer the travellers as they rode away.  There were tears in the mother’s eyes, but she smiled and waved her hand bravely.  The horses were in first-rate condition, and full of life and spirit.  They were delighted to find themselves travelling side by side again; and the riders were pretty well occupied for the first few miles of the road in curbing their gay spirits.

They had plenty of time to get to Harwich before the light failed them, and the servants knew the road and the best inns to bait at.  The journey was performed without misadventure; and Tom dismissed his retainers when he and his companion were safely installed in a good inn upon the quay, as the servants intended making one or two stages on the homeward road before stopping for the night.

Lord Claud had gone straight down to the harbour so soon as they arrived, leaving Tom to make arrangements for the night.  So far he had said almost nothing as to the errand upon which they were bent, and Tom had asked no questions, knowing he should be told what was needful in due time.  So when he had ordered a plentiful supper, he strolled out upon the quay, and presently saw his comrade returning with a satisfied look upon his face.

“Well, Tom, we are in luck’s way.  There is a skipper in harbour who has unshipped his cargo, and is going back almost empty by the morning’s tide.  He is glad enough to take us and our good horses safely across to Rotterdam; and, with the light, favouring breeze that has been blowing steadily these last three days, he declares we ought to make the anchorage there before nightfall.  With the sea as smooth as this, too, I am not afraid to adventure the horses; which I should be were a gale to blow.”