While he was cautiously descending, a voice, which both recognised, called out: "'Tis I, William Penderel!" "Heaven grant he has brought us something to eat!" exclaimed the king. "Go down to him quickly, Will." On emerging from the foliage, Careless beheld William Penderel at the foot of the tree, having a basket in his hand and a cushion under his arm. "Never wert thou more welcome, friend William," cried Careless, enchanted at the sight. "His majesty is well-nigh famished, and I should have been forced to come to thee for food hadst thou not made thy appearance." "You must not quit the tree on any consideration," returned William. "Boscobel is surrounded by the enemy. I have been obliged to steal hither by a path known only to myself, and even then I ran the greatest risk. Do not come down, I pray your honour," he added, seeing that Careless, who was standing on the lowest bough, was about to descend. "I will hand the basket up to you." The feat would have been difficult to any man of less gigantic stature than William Penderel, but was easily accomplished by him. Just as Careless obtained possession of the basket, the king appeared above his head. "Here is your majesty's breakfast," cried Careless, gleefully. "And here is a cushion for your majesty to sit upon while breakfasting," said William, handing it up. "Truly, thou art most thoughtful, William," said the king. "I cannot thank thee sufficiently." "I must not remain here longer now," said the forester. "I will return when I can do so with safety. Meantime, I counsel your majesty to keep close hidden." "Answer me one question before you go, William," said Charles. "Has the house been searched?" "No, sire," he replied. "But it is strictly watched by the rebel soldiers. Apparently, they are waiting for their leader. I must get back before he arrives!" With this he departed. The king and Careless then took the basket to the upper part of the tree, and arranged the cushion between the forked branches, so that it formed a very comfortable seat. Evidently replenished by Dame Joan, the basket contained all that could be desired for a substantial meal--cold meat, a cold pie, bread, butter, and cheese, with wooden platters, wooden spoons, horn cups, and every other requisite, including a couple of white napkins. Nor was a flask of canary omitted. "Heaven bless that thoughtful Dame Joan! How much we owe her!" cried Charles, as he spread a napkin on his knee. "Give me some of that pie, Will, and take good care you let none fall while cutting it." "Fear me not, sire," said Careless, performing the office of carver very dexterously, all things considered, and handing a large piece of pigeon-pie to the king.