And as the king opened the secret door and disappeared, she and Joan removed every article likely to betray his presence.
"Carry these to my chamber quickly, and hide them," continued Juliana. "That done, bring down everything from my dressing-table, and we will arrange them here, as if the room were mine."
Joan obeyed, and in another minute returned with hair-brushes, combs, and other articles of the toilette, which were quickly placed as Juliana had directed.
"Now go down-stairs and do thy best to dupe them," cried Juliana. "I will remain here."
Left by herself, the young damsel stepped to one of the lattice windows that looked upon the yard, and being partially open, it enabled her to hear what was passing outside. She could not see the Reverend Mr. Meldrum, but she heard his voice, and perceived the troopers, who stood behind him.
The servants, it appeared, had locked the kitchen door, which was of strong oak, studded with nails, and positively refused to unfasten it. They were talking to him through a small barred window.
While Juliana was listening to what was going on, the secret door was cautiously opened, and Charles peeped out.
"Are they gone?" he called out in a low voice, perceiving she was alone.
"No, no," she replied in the same tone. "Do not quit your hiding-place. They are below, but the servants won't let them into the kitchen."
"That's a pity," cried Charles. "Most likely they would have stopped there. Those rogues are fond of the kitchen."