'It was very foolish of Sergeant Hoskins to hand the boy his weapon,' said Churchill wryly. 'A lad of this age is no match for a veteran soldier. Whatever possessed the sergeant to be so reckless?'

The soldier licked his lips. 'He had put his sword aside, my lord.'

'How do you know? You were not present at the time.'

'It's the only explanation.'

'Very well,' said Churchill courteously. 'You've given me your version of events and I daresay that your companion at the farm will tell the same tale. Now I would like to hear what really happened.'

'I've already told you,' insisted the man.

'Let the others speak — they were actually there. Now,' he went on, looking at Daniel, 'where did this distressing incident take place?'

'In the parlour, my lord,' said the soldier.

'Hold your peace,' advised Churchill, making it more of a polite request than a brusque command.

'It was in my parents' bedroom, sir,' said Daniel quietly. 'He had no right to be there and to be doing…what he was doing. If you don't believe me,' he added with a hint of truculence, 'you can come to the farm and see for yourself. The bed sheets are covered in blood.'

'A visit will not be necessary,' said Churchill. 'You came to your mother's aid as any good son would do in that situation. You are to be commended, Daniel Rawson.'

Daniel and his mother exchanged a glance of surprise.

'He killed Sergeant Hoskins, my lord,' argued the soldier. 'He must pay the penalty for that. I say that he should hang beside his father and be left to rot.'

'Fortunately,' said Churchill suavely, 'sentence will not be left to you. Indeed, you are more likely to be facing justice than dispensing it. If I learn that you condoned the actions of Sergeant Hoskins, you and your companion will answer to me. I'll not tolerate rape or pillage. I saw enough of both in Tangier to last me my whole life. Men who serve under me have a code of honour and I'll not let one of them besmirch that code.' He pointed a peremptory finger. 'Wait outside.'