"I am delighted with my room," said the king to his host; "but where are the hiding-places? I should like to see them, in case an emergency should arise."
"I intended to show them to you to-morrow, my liege," replied Mr. Whitgreave. "But you shall see them at once."
With this he led the king along a narrow passage to another chamber, in which there was a small bed.
"This is my room," said Careless, who accompanied them. "But I am quite ready to give it up to your Majesty, should you prefer it to the large oak chamber you have just seen."
"I have no such desire," rejoined Charles.
"Wait till you have seen the arrangements, my liege," said Careless.
"This room has a false floor, my liege," he said, "and beneath is a narrow passage leading to the ground floor by the brewhouse chimney. But this I will more fully explain to your majesty on the morrow."
"Enough," replied Charles. "I am quite content with what I have seen. I shall now sleep soundly."
He then returned to the oak chamber, and his recent privations made him greatly enjoy the luxury of the large and comfortable bed.