"These are but badges of royalty, and can be easily replaced," said Charles. "A kingdom is not so easily got back." With his attendant's aid he then divested himself of the blue riband, the George of diamonds, and all his ornaments. "My watch has stopped," he remarked. "I have neglected to wind it up." "It has been struck by a bullet," said Careless, examining it. "Look how deeply the case is dinted, sire. This watch has saved your majesty's life." "Then I will bestow it on the best friend I have," said the king. "Wear it for my sake, Will." "I will wear it next my heart," was the fervent reply. "Your majesty could not have bestowed upon me a more precious gift." Just then Lord Wilmot, Colonel Roscarrock, Colonel Blague, and some others came in, and almost started back on seeing how strangely the king was metamorphosed. "You see, gentlemen, to what a state I am reduced," he observed, with a sad smile. "I must commit these ornaments to your custody," he added. "I hope we shall soon be able to restore them to your majesty," said Lord Wilmot, who received the George. "What has been decided?" inquired Charles. "Do you all join Leslie?" "The majority have so determined," replied Lord Wilmot. "But I shall take another course. Perhaps I may attempt to reach London. I shall not be far from your majesty," he added, in a low tone. "What is to be done with your horse, my liege?" asked Colonel Lane. "Have you any further occasion for him?" "None whatever," replied Charles. "If the horse should be found here, he might lead to my discovery." "Then I will gladly take him, for my own steed is dead beaten," rejoined Colonel Lane. The saddest moment was now at hand. The Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Derby, and the other nobles came in to take leave of the king. Charles was profoundly affected, and the nobles were overpowered by emotion. Very little was said by them, for their grief was too real and too deep to find expression in words. Ceremony was laid aside, and Charles embraced them all. With very gloomy forebodings they then left the room--Lord Derby being the last to retire. "I trust we shall soon meet again, my dear lord," said Charles, as he stood beside him, with his arm upon the earl's shoulder. "I do not think I shall ever behold your majesty again in this world," replied Lord Derby, in a melancholy tone. "I have a presentiment that I am going to my doom." "Then stay with me," said the king. "The hiding-places at Boscobel belong of right to you. Proceed thither at once." "Heaven forbid that I should endanger your majesty's safety by any attempt to preserve myself," exclaimed the earl. "If I fall into the hands of the enemy, I shall be cheered by the firm conviction that your majesty will escape, and in the end will be restored to your kingdom. That I shall live to see that happy day I doubt--nay, I am well assured I shall not--but it will come nevertheless."