Careless would have followed, but was prevented by the king, who strode quickly towards the spot where he was standing with Trusty Dick, and forbade him to stir.
"Spare me a moment, I beseech you, sire," cried Careless. "I must have a word with this youth."
"Stir not," said Charles, in an authoritative tone. "He has told me all it is necessary I should know, and you can question him on your own account at a more convenient season."
"But there seems to be a misunderstanding, sire, which may be rectified in an instant, if you will only allow me——"
"Not now," interrupted Charles. "No time must be wasted in idle talk. The youth has come to warn me that this house of Boscobel will probably be searched to-day by Colonel James, who is quartered at Chillington."
"Humphrey has just informed me that the rebel troopers were at the mill last night, sire," observed Dick; "and they told him they were sure your majesty was concealed somewhere hereabouts, and they would never rest till they found you."
"They told him something more," said Charles. "They offered him a large reward to betray me."
"He didn't tell me that," said Dick. "But Humphrey is no traitor, sire."
"He is as loyal and faithful as yourself, Dick. I cannot say more. But now—give me your frank opinion. In the event of a rigorous search by this confounded Colonel James, do you think I should be safe in yonder house?"
"Well, your majesty might be discovered—and you might not," hesitated Dick.