"Perhaps so, sire. But I would not have my motive misconstrued. 'Tis devotion to you that has induced me to take this step. When I learnt that Colonel James was at Chillington--in quest of you--and resolved to discover your retreat, I felt you were in great danger, and I therefore made up my mind to warn you. Had I not found you here I should have gone to all the places where you were likely to take refuge. I have discharged my duty--and unless your majesty has some commands for me, I shall take my departure for Moseley Hall, where I hope to find Mistress Jane Lane. If she has gone on to Bentley Hall, I shall follow her thither." "Shall I send Major Careless with you?" "On no account. Humphrey Penderel has undertaken to take charge of me. Heaven guard your majesty!" Making an obeisance to the king, Jasper hastened back to the party who had been watching the interview with some curiosity, and signing to Humphrey Penderel, the sturdy miller instantly started off through the trees, while the page followed him, totally disregarding Major Careless's entreaties to him to stop. CHAPTER III. HOW THE KING AND CARELESS TOOK REFUGE IN THE OAK. Careless would have followed, but was prevented by the king, who strode quickly towards the spot where he was standing with Trusty Dick, and forbade him to stir. "Spare me a moment, I beseech you, sire," cried Careless. "I must have a word with this youth." "Stir not," said Charles, in an authoritative tone. "He has told me all it is necessary I should know, and you can question him on your own account at a more convenient season." "But there seems to be a misunderstanding, sire, which may be rectified in an instant, if you will only allow me----" "Not now," interrupted Charles. "No time must be wasted in idle talk. The youth has come to warn me that this house of Boscobel will probably be searched to-day by Colonel James, who is quartered at Chillington." "Humphrey has just informed me that the rebel troopers were at the mill last night, sire," observed Dick; "and they told him they were sure your majesty was concealed somewhere hereabouts, and they would never rest till they found you." "They told him something more," said Charles. "They offered him a large reward to betray me." "He didn't tell me that," said Dick. "But Humphrey is no traitor, sire." "He is as loyal and faithful as yourself, Dick. I cannot say more. But now--give me your frank opinion. In the event of a rigorous search by this confounded Colonel James, do you think I should be safe in yonder house?" "Well, your majesty might be discovered--and you might not," hesitated Dick. "That's no answer, Dick," said the king. "Speak plainly, man."