Dick explained the object that had brought him thither, and when he concluded, Careless said, "You are right, Dick. In that oak our royal master will be safe from his enemies. I will bear him company while he hides within the tree. But I must look at it more closely." Not content with inspecting the tree, Careless determined to test its efficiency as a place of concealment, and with his companion's aid, he therefore climbed up into it, and concealed himself among the smaller branches. "Canst see me now, Dick?" he called out. "See you!--not a bit," rejoined the other. "I should never guess your honour was up there." The assurance was quite enough for Careless, and he quickly descended. "Thou hast made a most lucky discovery, Dick," he cried. "'Tis a famous tree to hide in. His majesty will be as comfortable amid its branches as if seated in an arm-chair. I will tell him so." While returning to the house they caught sight of two persons approaching through the trees, and might have felt some alarm had not Dick instantly recognised his brother Humphrey. With Humphrey Penderel was a well-clad youth, whose slight figure contrasted strikingly with that of the stalwart miller. As the pair advanced, Careless's curiosity was much excited by the appearance of this youth, and he questioned Dick concerning him. "He is named Jasper," was the reply. "He is page to Mistress Jane Lane." "Mistress Jane Lane's page! Impossible!" cried Careless, whose surprise increased as the youth drew nearer, and his delicately-formed features could be more clearly discerned. "Nay, 'tis quite certain," remarked Dick. "He came with her the other night to Hobbal Grange. He is a forward youth, and talked much with the king, who sat beside him, and seemed to notice him." "I marvel his majesty did not tell me of the meeting," cried Careless. "Doubtless, he had forgotten it," said Dick. They had waited till the others came up, and as the page approached, he seemed somewhat confused, but quickly regained his composure. Humphrey Penderel, the miller of Boscobel, was just as big, and as strongly-built as his brothers, but his broad good-humoured countenance did not wear its customary smile. On the contrary, he appeared anxious. After returning the sturdy miller's salutation, Careless addressed the page, who for the moment completely engrossed his attention. "Good morrow, Jasper!" he said. "I give your honour good day," replied the page, doffing his cap, and letting fall locks that had evidently not been subjected to Puritan scissors. "I believe I am speaking with Major Careless." "Right, good youth. If thou hast aught to say to me in private, prithee step aside." "I have nothing to say to your honour that the others may not hear," returned Jasper, declining the invitation. "I will only ask you to bring me to his majesty." "I know not that his majesty will see you," said Careless. "I will take your message to him."