Trusty Dick was first to arrive, and Charles was as well pleased with his looks as he had been with those of the younger brother. William was powerfully built, and quite as tall as George. "His majesty has resolved to disguise himself, Dick," said Captain Giffard. "What sort of attire ought he to put on?" "If his majesty will condescend to wear a suit of my clothes," said Richard Penderel, "I'll engage that not a rebel trooper among them all will recognise him. My best jerkin, leather doublet and green trunk hose, will just fit you, sire, and I haven't worn them more than once or twice." "The disguise will suit me exactly," cried Charles. "I will become a Brewood forester like thyself. We are about the same height, as I think, though thou hast the advantage of me in respect of bulk." "Truly, I am somewhat clumsier than your majesty." "Haste, and fetch the clothes, Dick, for I presume thou hast not got them with thee," said Captain Giffard. "One thing more is needful to complete the disguise," said Richard Penderel. "I scarce like to mention it. Yet if it be neglected, all else will be marred." "What is the indispensable matter?" asked Charles. "Your majesty must consent to part with your long locks," replied Dick. "Oddsfish! I had not thought of that," exclaimed the king. "But I see the necessity. Better lose my locks than my head. Go fetch the clothes." Trusty Dick made a humble reverence and departed. Not long afterwards, William Penderel of Boscobel made his appearance. He was the most remarkable of this remarkable brotherhood. All were tall--not one of them being under six feet in height--but William towered above the others by a couple of inches. Although gigantic in stature, he was well proportioned, and possessed prodigious strength. His features were cast in a massive mould, and though somewhat heavy, had the same honest expression that characterised the whole family. On entering the house he found Lord Derby in the hall, and its appearance--filled as it was with Cavaliers, with the king's horse in the midst of them--satisfied him that some great disaster had occurred. "Your lordship is welcome back," he said, bowing reverently; "though I own I would rather not have seen you again so soon. Rumours of a terrible defeat at Worcester have reached us, I know not how." "Ill news, they say, travels quickly," replied the earl, surprised; "but this news must have travelled through the air, if it has reached you before us, for we have ridden here direct from Worcester, and almost without stoppage." "Oh, my lord, messengers doubtless have galloped from post to post, and so have gotten before you. But tell me, I pray you," he added, anxiously, "is the king safe?" "The king is here," replied the earl. "Come with me and you shall see him." So saying he opened the door of a parlour panelled with dark oak, and fitted up with oak furniture. Charles was seated in the room, and Lord Wilmot, Captain Giffard, and Careless were with him.