"I will strive to think so," rejoined Careless.
Again forcibly repressing his emotion, he added in a firm voice, "Your majesty has some commands for me?"
"You know Colonel Francis Wyndham, I think? He now resides at Trent, in Somersetshire, and I intend to seek an asylum in his house. Do you approve of the plan?"
"Perfectly, my liege. Frank Wyndham is a staunch Royalist. You will be quite secure with him."
"I am glad to hear you say so, though I did not doubt his loyalty. You must ride on to Trent, and advise him of my coming."
"Give me till to-morrow, my liege, and I shall be ready to set out. Were I to start to-day, I might break down on the road."
[CHAPTER II.]
HOW JANE LANE AGREED TO ATTEND THE KING TO TRENT.
Quitting the stable, Charles repaired to the butler's pantry, where he found Pope. When the latter was informed of the arrangements made he undertook to provide Major Careless with a horse for his journey to Trent.