Then Captain Norris made Rupert stand by him, on the side opposite Merrylips, whom he still held fast, and he pointed out to him on the map lines that were paths and little specks that stood for villages. Point by point he taught Rupert the way to the nearest Cavalier outpost at King's Slynton, fifteen miles distant, and he gave him a pass-word, by which the commander of that garrison should know that he came indeed from Monksfield, and was to be helped upon his journey.
"He will find means to send you both to Walsover," said Captain Norris. "Your troubles all are at an end when once you reach King's Slynton, and the distance thither is not great."
Then he laid upon the table a handful of small coins, shillings and sixpences and groats. These he bade Rupert hide within his clothes.
"Show but one piece at a time," he cautioned. "'Twill rouse question if so young a boy seem too well stored with money."
"And shall I take my carabine, sir, for our defence?" asked Rupert.
He was fairly a-quiver with eagerness, and his face fell when the captain answered, "No."
But Rupert felt better when the captain pointed to the form by the fire and said that yonder lay what they must bear upon their journey. For on the form was not only a packet of what seemed food, and a flask, but a small pistol, with a steel patron full of cartridges and a touch-box, all complete.
"You have your orders," said Captain Norris. "Now rest you here till you are sent for, and eat your suppers too."
He rose as if the talk were at an end, and for the first time spoke to Merrylips.
"Thou must lay off that Cavalier sash, be sure," he said. "And art thou warmly clad against this journey?"