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Rh the King, and to it they had journeyed all night long from Worcester. Whilst waiting for the arrival of the two Penderels, the King had been advised to rub his hands on the back of the chimney and then his face with them in order to disguise himself. Some one also cut off his long locks, and "His Majesty," says Thomas Blount, one of his faithful followers, "having put off his blue ribbon, buff coat, and other princely ornaments, put on a coarse shirt of Edward Martin's, who lived in the house, and Richard Penderel's green suit and leather doublet, but had not time to be so exactly disguised as he was afterwards; for both William and Richard Penderel did advertise the company to make haste away, in regard there was a troop of rebels commanded by Colonel Ashenhurst quartered at Cotsall, but three miles distant; some of which troop came to the house within half an hour after the company were gone."

"Richard Penderel conducted the King out at a back door, unknown to most of the company, except some of the lords and Colonel Roscarrock, who waited on his Majesty into the back side, and there with sad hearts took leave of him."

It must indeed have been an affecting moment for both parties. They mounted their horses, and rode off northward with the view of joining General Leslie, who was retreating with the main