Dick explained the object that had brought him thither, and when he concluded, Careless said, "You are right, Dick. In that oak our royal master will be safe from his enemies. I will bear him company while he hides within the tree. But I must look at it more closely."
Not content with inspecting the tree, Careless determined to test its efficiency as a place of concealment, and with his companion's aid, he therefore climbed up into it, and concealed himself among the smaller branches.
"Canst see me now, Dick?" he called out.
"See you!—not a bit," rejoined the other. "I should never guess your honour was up there."
The assurance was quite enough for Careless, and he quickly descended.
"Thou hast made a most lucky discovery, Dick," he cried. "'Tis a famous tree to hide in. His majesty will be as comfortable amid its branches as if seated in an arm-chair. I will tell him so."
While returning to the house they caught sight of two persons approaching through the trees, and might have felt some alarm had not Dick instantly recognised his brother Humphrey.
With Humphrey Penderel was a well-clad youth, whose slight figure contrasted strikingly with that of the stalwart miller.
As the pair advanced, Careless's curiosity was much excited by the appearance of this youth, and he questioned Dick concerning him.
"He is named Jasper," was the reply. "He is page to Mistress Jane Lane."