The betrothed pair had just risen, when the trampling of horse was heard.
"They come! they come!" exclaimed the king, joyously. "You were only just in time."
And he hastened to the entrance of the pile.
When he reached the outer circle he perceived Lord Wilmot, accompanied by Colonel Wyndham and Colonel Philips, galloping towards the spot. With them was a fourth Cavalier, whom he doubted not was Colonel Gunter.
In another minute the party came up, sprang from their steeds, and advanced towards the king, who could not fail to read good news in their countenances.
"Welcome, my lord! thrice welcome!" he cried to Lord Wilmot.
"Yes, I bring you good news, my liege," replied his lordship. "But it is for Colonel Gunter to tell it."
Colonel Gunter was then presented to the king, and after making a profound obeisance, said:
"Your majesty will be pleased to hear that I have succeeded in hiring a vessel at Shoreham to transport you to Dieppe. She is only sixty tons, but a good, stout, well-built bark, and her master, Nicholas Tattersall, is perfectly honest and loyal. The vessel is laden with sea-coal, and bound for Poole, and Tattersall will at first stand for the Isle of Wight, but when he has been out at sea for a few hours he will alter his course, and make for the French coast. The skipper will be ready to sail as soon as your majesty and your companions reach Shoreham. With your permission I will attend you thither."
"This is good news indeed!" cried Charles, transported with delight. "All my difficulties and dangers seem now at an end."