"Do you hear me?" cried a voice which they both recognised. "'Tis I—Jasper. Come down quickly. There is danger."
"Danger of what?" demanded Careless.
But no answer was made. The page was gone.
"We had best attend to the warning, sire," observed Careless.
Charles thought so too, and they were preparing to descend, when they were stopped by hearing other voices—rough and menacing in tone—at the foot of the tree. It was evident that the speakers were a couple of troopers, who had tied up their horses and come thither on foot.
"If it should turn out as I conjecture, Ezra," said one of them, "and Charles Stuart proves to be hidden in this tree, we shall easily effect his capture, and obtain the reward."
"Without doubt. But why dost thou think he is here hidden, Madmannah?"
"A revelation seemed made to me, when I came hither an hour or two ago with Colonel James," replied Madmannah. "But I would not disclose what was then imparted to me—save to thee, Ezra. Thou shalt share the reward."
"And the danger," observed Ezra.
"The danger will be mine, seeing that I mean to climb the tree," said Madmannah. "Thou wilt remain here."