Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/287

 "He must be patient, perforce," replied Chaloner; "he plays for a crown, and it is a high stake, but he cannot command the minds of men, although he may the persons. I am no croaker, Beverley, but this I do say, that if we succeed with this army, as it is at present disorganized, we shall perform a miracle."

"We must hope for the best," replied Edward; "common danger may cement those who would otherwise be asunder; and when they have the army of Cromwell before them, they may be induced to forget their private quarrels and jealousies, and unite in the good cause."

"I wish I could be of your opinion, Beverley," replied Chaloner, "but I have mixed with the world longer than you have, and I think otherwise."

Several more days passed, during which no defences were thrown up, and the confusion and quarrelling in the army continued to increase, until at last news arrived that Cromwell was within half a day's march of them, and that he had collected all the militia on his route, and was now in numbers nearly double to those in the King's army. All was amazement and confusion—nothing had been done—no arrangements had been made—and Chaloner told Edward that all was lost if immediate steps were not taken.

On the 3rd of October, the army of Cromwell appeared in sight. Edward had been on horseback, attending the King, for the best part of the night; the disposition of the troops had been made as well as it could; and it was concluded, as Cromwell's. army remained quiet, that no attempt would be made on that day. About noon the King returned to his lodging, to take some refreshment after his fatigue. Edward was with him; but before an hour had passed, the alarm came that the armies were engaged. The King mounted his horse, which was ready saddled at the door; but before he could ride out of the city, he was met and nearly beaten back by the whole body almost of his own ca-