"Most certainly, sire," replied the major. And in another instant he was by the king's side. "Do not tarry here longer, my good friends," cried Charles to the brothers. "I feel quite safe, now I am in this oak. Return to me when you can do so without risk." In obedience to his commands, the three brothers departed--William Penderel returning to the house, while Trusty Dick and John posted themselves in different parts of the wood, but at no great distance from the oak in which the king was hidden. CHAPTER IV. HOW CARELESS CAPTURED AN OWL IN THE OAK. Seated upon a large bough, and with his feet upon a lower branch, the king looked down at Careless, and could not help laughing at him. "This would be an amusing adventure if your majesty's safety were not in question," observed the major. "I suppose you never spent a day in a tree, Will?" "Never, sire. I don't know what it's like. I have done a good many strange things in my time, but this is one I never yet did. We must make ourselves as cheerful as we can under the circumstances." "You have the happy knack of being always cheerful, Will." "I am not half so light-hearted as your majesty. Besides, I have nothing to trouble me. I have not lost a kingdom. I have not even lost a mistress." "I am not so certain of that," laughed Charles. "At any rate, her loss does not give me much concern. Women are enigmas, and pass my comprehension." "Thou art thinking of one in particular." "The sex are all alike--whimsical, capricious, inconstant." "But always attractive. What hath displeased thy mistress with thee?" "On my honour, sire, I know not. Methought she was flying at higher game." "You need fear no rival in me, Will. I am proof against all feminine wiles just now. I have something else to think of. But let us examine our quarters." "Climb a little higher up, my liege, and you will find a most comfortable seat--there!--between the main stem and one of the upper branches." "I have it," said Charles, seating himself. "Oddsfish! how thick the foliage is! 'Tis a perfect luxury to sit amongst it. Find a place near me if thou canst." Careless obeyed, and while searching for a convenient place among the branches, suddenly called out: "Adzooks! We have a companion, sire." "A companion!" exclaimed the king, in surprise. "What sort of companion?" "An owl," replied Careless. "A great horned owl. Behold him!--perched on that branch, puffing angrily at me for intruding upon his rest. I wonder he has not taken flight. I'll try and capture him. He may be of use to us." "In what way useful? We are better without him than with him, methinks." But the interdiction was too late. Careless had caught the owl by throwing his mantle over him. "Here he is, sire!" he cried, delighted with his success. "If thou couldst cook him now he is caught, there would be some gain," laughed Charles.