Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/264

 being full of muck, Pablo took them into it and mounted them. They plunged and kicked at first, and tried all they could to get rid of him, but they sank so deep into the muck that they were soon tired out; and, after a month, they were all three tolerably quiet to ride.

The snow was so deep all over the country, that there was little communication with the metropolis. The Intendant's letters spoke of King Charles raising another army in Holland, and that his adherents in England were preparing to join him as soon as he marched southward.

"I think, Edward," said the Intendant, "that the King's affairs do now wear a more promising aspect; but there is plenty of time yet. I know your anxiety to serve your King, and I cannot blame it. I shall not prevent your going, although of course I must not be cognizant of your having so done. When the winter breaks up I shall send you to London. You will then be able better to judge of what is going on, and your absence will not create any suspicion; but you must be guided by me."

"I certainly will, Sir," replied Edward. "I should indeed like to strike one blow for the King, come what will."

"All depends upon whether they manage affairs well in Scotland; but there is so much jealousy and pride, and I fear treachery also, that it is hard to say how matters may end."

It was soon after this conversation that a messenger arrived from London with letters, announcing that King Charles had been crowned in Scotland, with great solemnity and magnificence.

"The plot thickens," said the Intendant; "and by this letter from my correspondent Ashley Cooper, I find that the King's army is well appointed, and that David Lesley is Lieut.-General; Middleton commands the horse, and Wemyss the artillery. That Wemyss is certainly a good officer, but was not true to the late king:—may he behave better to the present! Now, Edward, I