"No, sir, I was brought up at Arnwood. I was playmate of the children of Colonel Beverley."
"Educated with them?"
"Yes, for as far as my willfulness would permit, the chaplain was always ready to give me instruction."
"Where were you when Arnwood was burned down?"
"I was at the cottage at that time," replied Edward, grinding his teeth and looking wildly.
"Nay, nay, I can forgive any expression of feeling on your part, young man, when that dreadful and disgraceful deed is brought to your memory. It was a stain that can never be effaced—a deed most diabolical, and what we thought would call down the vengeance of Heaven. If prayers could avert, or did avert it, they were not wanting on our side."
Edward remained silent: this admission on the part of the Roundhead prevented an explosion on his part. He felt that all were not so bad as he had imagined. After a long pause, he said:
"When I came here, sir, it was to seek Oswald Partridge, and obtain the hounds which he had promised us; but I presume that my journey is now useless."
"Why so?"
"Because you have the control of the forest, and will not permit dogs for the chase to be given away to those who are not employed by the powers that now govern."