"I am quite sure he will see me," rejoined the page. "Mention my name to him, and 'twill suffice." "Aha! you think so. His majesty will laugh at me if I tell him that a saucy page desires to be admitted to his presence." "I pray you make the trial," said Jasper. "You will find that I am right, and you are wrong." "Do you bring a message from Mistress Jane Lane?" "Your honour must excuse my answering that question. My business is important--very important--and does not admit of delay. If you decline to take me to his majesty, I will proceed to the house, and endeavour to find him. I will not be thwarted in my purpose." "You have boldness enough for anything." "'Tis a duty to be bold when the object is to serve the king." "How knew you that his majesty is at Boscobel? Tell me that." "I obtained the information from Humphrey Penderel, who brought me here. But do not question me now--I must and will see the king." "'Must and will' see him?" "Ay, and without delay. You will incur his sovereign displeasure if you detain me." "I will put that to the test," cried Careless. "You must stay here while I go to him." An end, however, was put to the discussion by the appearance of the royal personage to whom it related. Charles, having finished his devotions in the oratory, had come forth into the garden, and after lingering there for a short time had passed out into the wood, where he chanced upon an opening that gave him a view of the vast sylvan scene with the Clee Hills and the rounded Wrekin in the distance. After gazing at the fair prospect for a few minutes he moved in another direction, and presently came in sight of the party standing beneath the trees. Great was his surprise, when the page, who could not be restrained by Careless, ran towards him, and would have bent the knee, if the king had not checked him. "How is this?" cried Charles. "Have you left your mistress to follow the fortunes of a fugitive Cavalier?" "I hope soon to rejoin Mistress Jane Lane, my liege," replied Jasper. "I have not come in quest of Major Careless, for sooth to say, I did not know he was here. I have come to warn your majesty that your enemies are on your track, and will search for you here to-day." "Here!" exclaimed Charles.