But the loyal butler had his own duties to fulfil, and could not neglect them without exciting suspicion. Praying the king, therefore, to excuse him, he proceeded to serve supper, and while he was thus occupied, Margaret Rider, by his directions, brought a jug of metheglin for the king.
For more than an hour Charles was left alone in the butler's pantry, but at the end of that time Pope reappeared.
"I am now entirely at your majesty's service," he said.
"Sit down, and take a cup of metheglin," said Charles. "I want to have a chat with you."
After some hesitation the butler complied.
"To prove that I place entire confidence in you, Pope," observed the king, "I will tell you what I desire to do, and possibly you can aid me. My object is to obtain a passage for France. Do you think I shall be able to find a vessel at Bristol to take me to Bordeaux?"
"Very few vessels sail from Bristol to France, my liege. You had better hire a schooner for Cardiff or Swansea."
"But I have no money," said Charles.
"Mistress Jane Lane can procure any sum your majesty may require from Mr. Norton," replied Pope. "But of course she will be obliged to enter into explanations with him."
"I should not feel uneasy on that score, because I know your master can be trusted," observed the king.