The Children of the New Forest

  CHAPTER XXIV.

  It was only to Oswald that Edward made known what had occurred; he knewthat he was to be trusted. The next day, Edward resumed his forester'sdress, while another one was preparing for him, and went over to thecottage, where, with the consent of the intendant, he proposedremaining for a few days. Of course, Edward had not failed to acquaintthe intendant with his proposed plans relative to Chaloner andGrenville, and received his consent; at the same time advising thatthey should gain the other side of the Channel as soon as they possiblycould. Edward found them all very anxious for his arrival. Humphrey andPablo had been to the cottage, which they had found undisturbed sincethe capture of the robbers, and made every thing ready for thereception of the two Cavaliers, as, on their first journey, they tookwith them a cart-load of what they knew would be necessary. Chalonerand Grenville appeared to be quite at home already, and not verywilling to shift their quarters. They, of course, still retained theirtroopers' clothes, as they had no other to wear until they could beprocured from Lymington; but, as we have before mentioned, they were inno want of money. They had been amusing the girls and Humphrey with adescription of what had occurred during the campaign, and Edward foundthat he had but little to tell them, as Chaloner had commenced hisnarrative with an account of his first meeting with Edward when he hadbeen attacked by the highwaymen. As soon as he could get away, Edwardwent out with Humphrey to have some conversation with him.

  "Now, Humphrey, as you have pretty well heard all my adventures sinceour separation, let me hear what you have been doing."

  "I have no such tales of stirring interest to narrate as Chaloner hasbeen doing as your deputy, Edward," replied Humphrey. "All I can sayis, that we have had no visitors--that we have longed for yourreturn--and that we have not been idle since you quitted us."

  "What horses were those in the stable," said Ed ward, "that you turnedout to make room for ours when we arrived?"

  Humphrey laughed, and then informed Edward of the manner in which theyhad succeeded in capturing them.

  "Well, you really deserve credit, Humphrey, and certainly were not bornto be secluded in this forest."

  "I rather think that I have found that I was born for it," repliedHumphrey, "although, I must confess, that since you have quitted us, Ihave not felt so contented here as I did before. You have returned, andyou have no idea what an alteration I see in you since you have mixedwith the world, and have been a party in such stirring scenes."

  "Perhaps so, Humphrey," replied Edward; "and yet do you know, that,although I so ardently wished to mix with the world, and to follow thewars, I am any thing but satisfied with what I have seen of it; and sofar from feeling any inclination to return to it, I rather feel moreinclined to remain here, and remain in quiet and in peace. I have beendisappointed, that is the truth. There is a great difference betweenthe world such as we fancy it when we are pining for it, and the worldwhen we actually are placed within the vortex, and perceive the secretsprings of men's actions. I have gained a lesson, but not asatisfactory one, Humphrey; it may be told in a very few words. It is amost deceitful and hollow world! and that is all said in a few words."

  "What very agreeable, pleasant young men are Master Chaloner andGrenville," observed Humphrey.

  "Chaloner I know well," replied Edward; "he is to be trusted, and he isthe only one in whom I have been able to place confidence, andtherefore I was most fortunate in falling in with him as I did on myfirst starting. Grenville, I know little about; we met often, it istrue, but it was in the presence of the king, being both of us on hisstaff; at the same time, I must acknowledge that I know nothing againsthim; and this I do know, which is, that he is brave."

  Edward then narrated what had passed between the intendant and himsince his return; and how well satisfied the intendant had been withhis ruse in returning to him in the dress of a trooper.

  "Talking about that, Edward, do you not think it likely that we shallhave the troopers down here in search of the king?"

  "I wonder you have not had them already," replied Edward.

  "And what shall we do if they arrive?"

  "That is all prepared for," replied Edward; "although, till youmentioned it, I had quite forgotten it. The intendant was talking withme on the subject last night, and here is an appointment for you asverderer, signed by him, which you are to use as you may findnecessary; and here is another missive, ordering you to receive intoyour house two of the troopers who may be sent down here, and find themquarters and victuals, but not to be compelled to receive more. Untilthe search is over, Chaloner and Grenville must retain theiraccouterments and remain with us. And, Humphrey, if you have not madeany use of the clothes which I left here--I mean the first dress I hadmade when I was appointed secretary, and which I thought rather toofaded to wear any longer--I will put it on now, as should any militarycome here as scouters to the intendant, I shall have some authorityover them."

  "It is in your chest, where you left it, Edward. The girls did proposeto make two josephs out of it for winter wear, but they never havethought of it since, or have not had time. By-the-by, you have not toldme what you think of Alice and Edith after your long absence."

  "I think they are both very much grown and very much improved," repliedEdward; "but I must confess to you that I think it is high time thatthey were, if possible, removed from their present homely occupations,and instructed as young ladies should be."

  "But how, Edward, is that to be?"

  "That I can not yet tell, and it grieves me that I can not; but still Isee the necessity of it, if ever we are to return to our position insociety."

  "And are we ever to return?"

  "I don't know. I thought little of it before I went away and mixed insociety; but since I have been in the world, I have been compelled tofeel that my dear sisters are not in their sphere, and I have resolvedupon trying if I can not find a more suitable position for them. Had webeen successful I should have had no difficulty, but now I hardly knowwhat to do."

  "I have not inquired about Mistress Patience, brother; how is she?"

  "She is as good and as handsome as ever, and very much grown; indeed,she is becoming quite womanly."

  "And Clara?"

  "Oh, I do not perceive any difference in her: I think she is grown, butI hardly observed her. Here comes Chaloner; we will tell him of ourarrangements in case we are disturbed by the military parties."

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

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

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

  "We will soon ascertain that; let your horses be saddled andaccoutered, so that should any of them make their appearance, thehorses may be at the door. It is my opinion that they will be here sometime 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 inthat way."

  "I have reflected upon it," replied Edward, "and I think it was perhapsprudent: some were to be trusted and some not; it was impossible toknow 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," continuedEdward; "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 thewhole, I think he acted wisely, and I trust that it will prove so. Onething is certain, which is, that all is over now, and that for a longwhile we may let our swords rest in their scabbards. Indeed, I amsick
ened with it, after what I have seen, and would gladly live herewith you, and help to till the land, away from the world and all itsvexations. What say you, Edward; will you and your brother take me as alaborer till all is quiet again?"

  "You would soon tire of it, Chaloner; you were made for active exertionand bustling in the world."

  "Nevertheless, I think, under two such amiable and pretty mistresses, Icould stay well contented here; it is almost Arcadian. But still it isselfish for me to talk in this way; indeed, my feelings are contrary tomy words."

  "How do you mean, Chaloner?"

  "To be candid with you, Edward, I was thinking what a pity it is thattwo such sweet girls as your sisters should be employed here indomestic drudgery, and remain in such an uncultivated state--if I maybe pardoned for speaking so freely--but I do so because I am convincedthat, if in proper hands, they would grace a court; and you must feelthat I am right."

  "Do you not think that the same feelings have passed in my mind,Chaloner? Indeed, Humphrey will tell you that we were speaking on thesame subject but an hour ago. You must, however, be aware of thedifficulty I am in: were I in possession of Arnwood and its domain,then indeed--but that is all over now, and I presume I shall shortlysee my own property, whose woods are now in sight of me, made over tosome Roundhead, for good services against the Cavaliers at Worcester."

  "Edward," replied Chaloner, "I have this to say to you, and I can sayit because you know that I am indebted to you for my life, and that isa debt that nothing can cancel: if at any time you determine uponremoving your sisters from this, recollect my maiden aunts at Portlake.They can not be in better hands, and they can not be in the hands ofany person who will more religiously do their duty toward them, and bepleased with the trust confided to them. They are rich, in spite ofexactions; but in these times, women are not fined and plundered as menare; and they have been well able to afford all that has been takenfrom them, and all that they have voluntarily given to the assistanceof our party. They are alone, and I really believe that nothing wouldmake them more happy than to have the care of the two sisters of EdwardBeverley--be sure of that. But I will be more sure of it if you willfind means of sending to them a letter which I shall write to them. Itell you that you will do them a favor, and that if you do not acceptthe offer, you will sacrifice your sisters' welfare to your ownpride--which I do not think you would do."

  "Most certainly I will not do that," replied Edward; "and I am fullysensible of your kind offer; but I can say no more until I hear whatyour good aunts may reply to your letter. You mistake me much,Chaloner, if you think that any sense of obligation would prevent mefrom seeing my sisters removed from a position so unworthy of them, butwhich circumstances have driven them to. That we are paupers, isundeniable, but I never shall forgot that my sisters are the daughtersof Colonel Beverley."

  "I am delighted with your reply, Edward, and I fear not that of my goodaunts. It will be a great happiness to me when I am wandering abroad toknow that your sisters are under their roof, and are being educated asthey ought to be."

  "What's the matter, Pablo?" said Humphrey to the former, who camerunning, out of breath.

  "Soldiers," said Pablo, "plenty of them, gallop this way--gallop everyway."

  "Now, Chaloner, we must get ourselves out of this scrape, and I trustthat afterward all be well," said Edward. "Bring the horses out to thedoor; and, Chaloner, you and Grenville must wait within; bring my horseout also, as it will appear as if I had just ridden over. I must in tochange my dress. Humphrey, keep a look-out and let us know when theycome."

  Chaloner and Edward went in, and Edward put on his dress of secretary.Shortly afterward, a party of Roundhead cavalry were seen gallopingtoward the cottage. They soon arrived there, and pulled up theirhorses. An officer who headed them addressed Humphrey in a haughtytone, 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 twotroopers who have come in quest of those who fled from Worcester, theother horse belongs to the secretary of the intendant of the forest,Master Heatherstone, who has come over with directions from theintendant 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, fallingback.

  Edward again saluted the officer, and said--

  "Master Heatherstone, the intendant, has sent me over here to makearrangements for the capture of the rebels. This man is ordered tolodge two troopers as long as they are considered necessary to remain;and I have directions to tell any officer whom I may meet, that MasterHeatherstone and his verderers will take good care that none of therebels are harbored in this direction; and that it will be better thatthe troops scour the southern edge of the forest, as it is certain thatthe 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 and answerfor themselves. Tell those men to come out," said Edward to Humphrey.

  "Yes, sir, but they are hard to wake, for they have ridden fromWorcester; but I will rouse them."

  "Nay, I can not wait," replied the officer. "I know none of Lambert'stroops, and they have no information to give."

  "Could you not take them with you, sir, and leave two of your meninstead of them; for they are troublesome people to a poor man, anddevour every thing?" said Humphrey, submissively.

  "No, no," replied the officer, laughing, "we all know Lambert'speople--a friend or enemy is much the same to them. I have no powerover them, and you must make the best of it. Forward! men," continuedthe officer, saluting Edward as he passed on; and in a minute or twothey were far away.

  "That's well over," observed Edward. "Chaloner and Grenville are tooyoung-looking and too good-looking for Lambert's villains; and a sightof them might have occasioned suspicion. We must, however, expect morevisits. Keep a good look-out, Pablo."

  Edward and Humphrey then went in and joined the party inside thecottage, who were in a state of no little suspense during the colloquyoutside.

  "Why, Alice, dearest! you look quite pale!" said Edward, as he came in.

  "I feared for our guests, Edward. I'm sure that if they had come intothe cottage, Master Chaloner and Master Grenville would never have beenbelieved to be troopers."

  "We thank you for the compliment, Mistress Alice," said Chaloner; "butI think, if necessary, I could ruffle and swear with the best, orrather the worst of them. We passed for troopers very well on the roadhere."

  "Yes, but you did not meet any other troopers."

  "That's very true, and shows your penetration. I must acknowledge that,with troopers, there would have been more difficulty; but still, amongso many thousands, there must be many varieties, and it would be anawkward thing for an officer of one troop to arrest upon suspicion themen belonging to another. I think when we are visited again I shallsham intoxication--that will not be very suspicious."

  "No, not on either side," replied Edward. "Come, Alice, we will eatwhat dinner you may have ready for us."

  For three or four days the Parliamentary forces continued to scour theforest, and another visit or two was paid to the cottage, but withoutsuspicion being created, in consequence of the presence of Edward andhis explanations. The parties were invariably sent in anotherdirection. Edward wrote to the intendant, informing him what hadoccurred, and requesting permission to remain a few days longer at thecottage; and Pablo, who took the letter, returned with one from theintendant, acquainting him that the king had not yet been taken; andrequesting the utmost vigilance on his part to insure his capture, withdirections to search various places, in company with the troopers whohad been stationed at the cottage; or, if he did not like to leave thecottage, to shew the letter to any officer commanding parties
insearch, that they might act upon the suggestions contained in it. Thisletter Edward had an opportunity of showing to one or two officers,commanding parties, who approached the cottage, and to whom Edward wentout to communicate with, thereby preventing their stopping there.

  At last, in about a fortnight, there was not a party in the forest; allof them having gone down to the seaside, to look out for the fugitives,several of whom were taken.

  Humphrey took the cart to Lymington, to procure clothes for Chalonerand Grenville, and it was decided that they should assume those ofverderers of the forest, which would enable them to carry a gun. Assoon as Humphrey had obtained what was requisite, Chaloner andGrenville were conducted to Clara's cottage, and took possession, ofcourse never showing themselves outside the wood which surrounded it.Humphrey lent them Holdfast as a watch, and they took leave of Aliceand Edith with much regret. Humphrey and Edward accompanied them totheir new abode. It was arranged that the horses should remain underthe care of Humphrey, as they had no stable at Clara's cottage.

  On parting, Chaloner gave Edward the letter for his aunts; and thenEdward once more bent his steps toward the intendant's house, and foundhimself in the company of Patience and Clara.

  Edward narrated to the intendant all that had occurred, and theintendant approved of what he had done, strongly advising that Chalonerand Grenville should not attempt to go to the Continent till allpursuit was over.

  "Here's a letter I have received from the government, Edward, highlycommending my vigilance and activity in pursuit of the fugitives. Itappears that the officers you fell in with have written up to statewhat admirable dispositions we had made. It is a pity, is it not,Edward, that we are compelled to be thus deceitful in this world?Nothing but the times, and the wish to do good, could warrant it. Wemeet the wicked, and fight them with their own weapons; but although itis treating them as they deserve, our conscience must tell us that itis not right."

  "Surely, sir, to save the lives of people who have committed no otherfault except loyalty to their king, will warrant our so doing--atleast, I hope so."

  "According to the Scriptures, I fear it will not, but it is adifficult, question for us to decide. Let us be guided by our ownconsciences; if they do not reproach us, we can not be far from right."

  Edward then produced the letter he had received from Chaloner,requesting that the intendant would have the kindness to forward it.

  "I see," replied the intendant; "I can forward these through Langton. Ipresume it is to obtain credit for money. It shall go on Thursday."

  The conference was then broken up, and Edward went to see Oswald.