"There would have been six stout-hearted rebels the less to fight against King Charles," said Captain Stanhope.
"Are the prisoners released?" asked Maud, with an exclamation of joy.
"Nay, nay, not yet; but we cannot afford to execute them, for the rebel army hath five thousand of our loyal troopers, and they propose to exchange some of these for the handful we have here in our prison, and Harry Drury is specially named as one of them—Harry Drury and Gilbert Clayton, whom Prince Rupert's men captured some time since."
To describe Maud's feelings when she heard how near Harry had been to an ignominious death would be impossible. For a time she could only bow her head in her hands, and weep out her thanksgiving to God for His great mercy; but by degrees the hope that she should soon see him gradually stole over her, until she recollected that Harry would scarcely venture to call upon them, even though he had seen her in the town; for she doubted not but that the prisoner who had looked at her so closely was Harry, although she had failed to recognise him.
When Master Drury came in soon afterwards, it was evident he had heard the news, although Harry's name was not mentioned.
"Maud," he said, drawing his chair close to hers as soon as they were left alone, "you heard that the King's cabinet had been captured at the battle of Naseby?"
Maud bowed. "Hath it been retaken?" she asked.
Master Drury shook his head. "Prithee, I would it had never existed," he said, "or that I knew not aught of it."
"Have you seen the King's letters?" asked Maud.
"All the world will see them shortly," sighed the gentleman. "The rebels have published some of his papers, calling it 'The King's Cabinet Opened.'"