Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/304

 dress. Humphrey, keep a look-out and let us know when they come."

Chaloner and Edward went in, and Edward put on his dress of secretary. Shortly afterwards, a party of cavalry were seen galloping towards the cottage. They soon arrived there, and pulled up their horses. An officer who headed them, addressed Humphrey in a haughty tone, and asked him who he was.

"I am one of the verderers of the forest, Sir," replied Humphrey, respectfully.

"And whose cottage is that? and who have you there?"

"The cottage is mine, Sir; two of the horses at the door belong to two troopers who have come in quest of those who fled from Worcester, the other horse belongs to the secretary of the Intendant of the forest, Master Heatherstone, who has come over with directions from the Intendant as to the capture of the rebels."

At this moment, Edward came out and saluted the officer.

"This is the secretary, Sir, Master Armitage," said Humphrey, falling back.

Edward saluted the officer, and said—

"Master Heatherstone, the Intendant, has sent me over here to make arrangements for the capture of the rebels. This man is ordered to lodge two troopers as long as they are considered necessary to remain; and I have directions to tell any officer whom I may meet, that Master Heatherstone and his verderers will take good care that none of the rebels are harboured in this direction; and that it will be better that the troops scour the southern edge of the forest, as it is certain that the fugitives will try all that they can to embark for France."

"What regiment do the troopers belong to that you have here?"

"I believe to Lambert's troop, Sir, but they shall come out