"You have done admirably," cried Charles, joyfully. "But when will Captain Rooker sail?"
"To-night," replied Careless. "To-morrow, I hope your majesty will be at Swansea. Once there, you cannot fail to secure a passage to France."
"Yes, I shall feel perfectly safe at Swansea. But where am I to embark?"
"I am unable to inform your majesty at this moment. All I know is, that Captain Rooker means to send his lugger down the Avon to-day, and the vessel will wait for us at some point where we can safely go on board. Come to Bristol to-night, and then I shall be able to give you exact information."
"You have forestalled my plans," said Charles. "I had arranged with Pope, the butler at Abbots Leigh, who turns out to be a trusty fellow, to go to Bristol to-night, and we meant to visit the Dolphin."
"Then let that tavern be our place of rendezvous," rejoined Careless. "We will meet there at nine o'clock to-night. And now, unless your majesty has some further commands for me, I will take my departure."
"I have nothing more to say," said the king. "At nine o'clock expect me at the Dolphin."
Thereupon, Careless mounted his steed, and bowing profoundly to the king, rode down the avenue.
When he had disappeared, Charles turned and walked slowly towards the house. On arriving there, he repaired at once to the butler's pantry, where he found Pope, and acquainted him with the arrangements made by Careless. The butler approved of the plan, and thought it could be safely carried out.
Later on in the day the king had an opportunity of conferring with Jane Lane, who did not seek to disguise her uneasiness, when she was informed of the scheme.