"And whose cottage is that? and who have you there?"
"The cottage is mine, sir; two of the horses at the door belong to two troopers who have come in quest of those who fled from Worcester, the other horse belongs to the secretary of the intendant of the forest, Master Heatherstone, who has come over with directions from the intendant 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, falling back.
Edward again saluted the officer, and said—
"Master Heatherstone, the intendant, has sent me over here to make arrangements for the capture of the rebels. This man is ordered to lodge two troopers as long as they are considered necessary to remain; and I have directions to tell any officer whom I may meet, that Master Heatherstone and his verderers will take good care that none of the rebels are harbored in this direction; and that it will be better that the troops scour the southern edge of the forest, as it is certain that the 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 answer for themselves. Tell those men to come out," said Edward to Humphrey.
"Yes, sir, but they are hard to wake, for they have ridden from
Worcester; but I will rouse them."
"Nay, I can not wait," replied the officer. "I know none of Lambert's troops, and they have no information to give."