[CHAPTER IV.]
HOW CARELESS CAPTURED AN OWL IN THE OAK.
Seated upon a large bough, and with his feet upon a lower branch, the king looked down at Careless, and could not help laughing at him.
"This would be an amusing adventure if your majesty's safety were not in question," observed the major.
"I suppose you never spent a day in a tree, Will?"
"Never, sire. I don't know what it's like. I have done a good many strange things in my time, but this is one I never yet did. We must make ourselves as cheerful as we can under the circumstances."
"You have the happy knack of being always cheerful, Will."
"I am not half so light-hearted as your majesty. Besides, I have nothing to trouble me. I have not lost a kingdom. I have not even lost a mistress."
"I am not so certain of that," laughed Charles.