Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/285

 "A right Beverley reply," said the King, "and so we shall see to it, Middleton."

After a few more courteous words from his Majesty, they withdrew, but General Middleton was recalled by the King for a minute or two to receive his commands. When he rejoined Edward and Chaloner, he said to Edward—

"I have orders to send in for his Majesty's signature your commission as captain of horse, and attached to the King's personal staff; it is a high compliment to the memory of your father, Sir, and, I may add, your own personal appearance. Chaloner will see to your uniforms and accoutrements; you are well mounted, I believe; you have no time to lose, as we march tomorrow for Warrington, in Cheshire."

"Has anything been heard of the Parliamentary army?"

"Yes; they are on the march towards London by the Yorkshire road, intending to cut us off if they can. And now, gentlemen, farewell; for I have no idle time, I assure you."

Edward was soon equipped, and now attended upon the King. When they arrived at Warrington, they found a body of horse drawn up to oppose their passage onwards. These were charged, and fled with a trifling loss; and as they were known to be commanded by Lambert, one of Cromwell's best generals, there was great exultation in the King's army; but the fact was, that Lambert had acted upon Cromwell's orders, which were to harass and delay the march of the King as much as possible, but not to risk with his small force anything like an engagement. After this skirmish it was considered advisable to send back the Earl of Derby and many other officers of importance into Lancashire, that they might collect the King's adherents in that quarter and in Cheshire. Accordingly the Earl, with about two hundred officers and gentlemen, left the army with that intention. It was then considered that it would be advisable to march the army direct to London; but the men were so fatigued with the rapidity of