CHAPTER III.
HOW THE KING AND CARELESS TOOK REFUGE IN THE OAK.
Careless would have followed, but was prevented by the king, who strodequickly towards the spot where he was standing with Trusty Dick, andforbade him to stir.
"Spare me a moment, I beseech you, sire," cried Careless. "I must havea word with this youth."
"Stir not," said Charles, in an authoritative tone. "He has told me allit is necessary I should know, and you can question him on your ownaccount at a more convenient season."
"But there seems to be a misunderstanding, sire, which may be rectifiedin an instant, if you will only allow me----"
"Not now," interrupted Charles. "No time must be wasted in idle talk.The youth has come to warn me that this house of Boscobel will probablybe searched to-day by Colonel James, who is quartered at Chillington."
"Humphrey has just informed me that the rebel troopers were at the milllast night, sire," observed Dick; "and they told him they were sureyour majesty was concealed somewhere hereabouts, and they would neverrest till they found you."
"They told him something more," said Charles. "They offered him a largereward to betray me."
"He didn't tell me that," said Dick. "But Humphrey is no traitor, sire."
"He is as loyal and faithful as yourself, Dick. I cannot say more. Butnow--give me your frank opinion. In the event of a rigorous search bythis confounded Colonel James, do you think I should be safe in yonderhouse?"
"Well, your majesty might be discovered--and you might not," hesitatedDick.
"That's no answer, Dick," said the king. "Speak plainly, man."
"I've already had some misgivings, sire. While these scoundrellytroopers are about, and especially when they've got an active leader,who will peer into every hole and corner, my honest opinion is thatyour majesty will be safer in the wood than in the house. There areno hiding-places like those of Boscobel--that I'll uphold--but yourmajesty's safety is too precious to be trifled with."
"Nothing must be left to chance," said Careless. "I am of Trusty Dick'sopinion that till this threatened danger has blown over, your majestywill be safest in the wood. We have found a tree in which you canhide."
"I hope it is an oak," cried Charles. "I would rather owe my safety tothe king of the forest than to any inferior tree."
"Truly it is an oak--a grand old oak--and hath not its peer in theforest," said Dick.
"Take me to it," said Charles.
In another minute he stood before the tree.
He was gazing at it with admiration, when William Penderel and hisbrother John were seen at a distance, evidently in quest of hismajesty, and no sooner did they descry him than they hurried forward.
"You are looking for me, William?" said the king.
"Your majesty must be pleased to return at once to the house," repliedWilliam Penderel. "Indeed, I must make bold to say it is highlyimprudent to stray so far away, when the enemy is lurking about. John,who has been acting as scout, brings word that a small detachmentof troopers, with Colonel James at their head, are coming fromChillington, and are almost certain to find their way here."
"I have run so fast to get before them that I have well-nigh lost mybreath," gasped John. "But I beseech your majesty to conceal yourselfwithout delay."
"I mean to do so--in this tree," replied Charles.
"In this tree!" cried William, in a tone of disappointment. "Everythingis prepared in the house."
"His majesty has decided upon taking refuge in this oak," said Careless.
"Nay, then, no more need be said," observed William Penderel. "Andperhaps it may be for the best. But you have not breakfasted, sire. Andmy good dame has got all ready for you."
"I must dispense with breakfast, I fear," observed Charles, with a sigh.
"Oh! we can breakfast in the tree," cried Careless. "There is everyconvenience among the branches. Can't you bring a basket of provisions,William, with a flask of wine?"
"Suppose I am caught by the Roundheads, they will at once conclude theprovisions and wine are intended for his majesty. Most assuredly, thehouse will be watched."
"You cannot be too cautious, William," observed the king. "I care nothow long I fast."
"But I do," groaned Careless.
"Help me to climb the tree," cried Charles.
The king, who was remarkably active, scarcely needed the assistance hedemanded, and, with very slight aid from William Penderel, was quicklyamong the branches.
"Your majesty is as nimble as a squirrel," cried the forester, inadmiration.
"Are you coming to me, Careless?" said the king, looking down.
"Most certainly, sire," replied the major.
And in another instant he was by the king's side.
"Do not tarry here longer, my good friends," cried Charles to thebrothers. "I feel quite safe, now I am in this oak. Return to me whenyou can do so without risk."
In obedience to his commands, the three brothers departed--WilliamPenderel returning to the house, while Trusty Dick and John postedthemselves in different parts of the wood, but at no great distancefrom the oak in which the king was hidden.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 46