"From whom?" demanded Careless, with a sneer.
"From the Lord General Cromwell, who is hastening hither with his legions."
"The city will be ours, and thou and thy rebel horde will be destroyed ere that arch-traitor and parricide can arrive," cried Careless, fiercely.
"Keep guard upon thy tongue, or I will not answer for thy safety," said the commandant, checking the musketeers behind him, who were preparing to give fire. "Take back my answer to the king, thy master. I have nothing to add to it."
"We will soon be with you," shouted Careless.
And, shaking his hand menacingly at the soldiers, he rode off with his attendant.
While this interview took place, Charles remained on Perry Wood with his generals. He was not in the least surprised to learn from Careless that his gracious offer had been rejected by the commandant.
"Let the attack be made at once," he cried. "I will lead it in person."
"I admire your majesty's spirit," observed General Dalyell. "But I pray you not to run so much risk."
"Risk, say you?" cried Charles, gaily. "Faith, Tom, you would have all the credit of the affair. But you shall not rob me of it. I mean to be first to enter yonder fort."