Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/301

 will tell him of our arrangements, in case we are disturbed by the military parties."

"It is a most excellent arrangement," said Chaloner, when Edward had made the communication; "and it was a lucky day when I first fell in with you, Beverley."

"Not Beverley, I pray you; that name is to be forgotten; it was only revived for the occasion."

"Very true; then, Master Secretary Armitage, I think the arrangement excellent: the only point will be to find out what troops are sent down in this directions, as we must of course belong to some other regiment, and have been pursued from the field of battle. I should think that Lambert's squadrons will not be this way."

"We will soon ascertain that; let your horses be saddled and accoutred, so that should any of them make their appearance, the horses may be at the door. It is my opinion that they will be here some time to-day."

"I fear that it will be almost impossible for the King to escape," observed Chaloner.

"I hardly know what to think of his leaving us in that way."

"I have reflected upon it," replied Edward, "and I think it was perhaps prudent: some were to be trusted, and some not; it was impossible to know who were and who were not,—he therefore trusted nobody. Besides, his chance of escape, if quite alone, is greater than if in company."

"And yet I feel a little mortified that he did not trust me," continued Edward; "my life was at his service."

"He could no more read your heart, than he could mine or others," observed Chaloner; "and any selection would have been invidious: on the whole, I think he acted wisely, and I trust that it will prove so. One thing is certain, which is, that all is over now, and that for a long while—we may let our swords rest in their scabbards. Indeed, I am sickened with it, after