"Truly, I have been well guarded," said Charles, looking gratefully at his attendants. "But thou wilt be astonished to hear that we have had an encounter with Colonel Ashenhurst. We owe our escape to a device of that clever little page Jasper."
"What do I hear?" cried Careless. "Has your majesty seen Jasper?"
"I have only just parted with him," replied Charles. "Nay, do not trouble yourself. He is safe enough. I left him at Pendeford Mill."
"This is good news, indeed!" cried Careless, joyfully.
"I knew it would delight thee," said Charles, smiling. "But let us to the house. Art thou appointed to do the honours?"
"Mr. Whitgreave is at hand," replied Careless. "If your majesty will be pleased to walk on a little further, I will present him to you. You will find him a most excellent host."
They then marched quickly along the lime-tree walk, until they came to the close which we have said was designated Allport's Leasow.
Here Careless gave the signal agreed upon, and Mr. Whitgreave, who had passed a very anxious hour in the dry pit, immediately issued forth from it.
"Do not present him," said the king, in a low voice, as his host approached. "I should like to see whether he will recognise me."
For a moment or two, Mr. Whitgreave was perplexed.