"I will tell him exactly what you say, my liege," rejoined Dr. Henchman.
"Perhaps he may bring me news," said the king. "Perhaps I may have news to give him. In any case, let him be prepared."
"Heaven protect your majesty!" exclaimed Dr. Henchman. "I trust your deliverance is at hand!"
With a profound obeisance he departed, and Charles and Mrs. Hyde returned to the house.
The king found his attendants in the hall, and at once communicated his intentions to them. After breakfast the whole party took leave of Mrs. Hyde and her brother-in-law, mounted their horses, and set off apparently for Salisbury.
[CHAPTER XXIV.]
HOW CHARLES ENCOUNTERED DESBOROUGH ON SALISBURY PLAIN.
After riding for a short distance along the banks of the Avon, the party separated, Colonel Philips and Colonel Wyndham proceeding towards Salisbury in the expectation of meeting Lord Wilmot, and perhaps Colonel Gunter; and the king and his fair companion, attended by Careless, shaping their course in the direction of Stonehenge, which was fixed as the general place of rendezvous.