Putting down a couple of the pistoles he had received from Careless, he then threw, calling out "Quatre," as he made the cast, and he continued throwing until stopped by Careless, who exclaimed: "Doublets above ten. Your majesty passes and wins." "I thought I was in luck to-day," cried Charles. The play went on, without much benefit to Careless. Ere long, every pistole was swept up by the king, who was put into very good humour by his success. "Oddsfish! I have won all thy money, Will," he exclaimed. "But take back half, and let us begin anew. Since we have found out this pleasant pastime, I care not how long I am detained here. Never, sure, was oak so enchanting as this." "Suppose we try 'in and in,' by way of variety, sire?" said Careless. Charles assented, and they began to play again, and soon became so excited by the game, that they neglected the dictates of prudence, and talked louder than they ought to have done. Suddenly a sound from below, like the clapping of hands, brought them to their senses. They became instantly silent, and regarded each other anxiously. CHAPTER VIII. HOW THEY HAD A VISITOR IN THE OAK, AND IN WHAT MANNER THEY TREATED HIM. The sound was repeated. Though believing it to be a signal, they did not dare to respond. "Do you hear me?" cried a voice which they both recognised. "'Tis I--Jasper. Come down quickly. There is danger." "Danger of what?" demanded Careless. But no answer was made. The page was gone. "We had best attend to the warning, sire," observed Careless. Charles thought so too, and they were preparing to descend, when they were stopped by hearing other voices--rough and menacing in tone--at the foot of the tree. It was evident that the speakers were a couple of troopers, who had tied up their horses and come thither on foot. "If it should turn out as I conjecture, Ezra," said one of them, "and Charles Stuart proves to be hidden in this tree, we shall easily effect his capture, and obtain the reward." "Without doubt. But why dost thou think he is here hidden, Madmannah?" "A revelation seemed made to me, when I came hither an hour or two ago with Colonel James," replied Madmannah. "But I would not disclose what was then imparted to me--save to thee, Ezra. Thou shalt share the reward." "And the danger," observed Ezra. "The danger will be mine, seeing that I mean to climb the tree," said Madmannah. "Thou wilt remain here." "I am content," replied Ezra. "But I have little faith that thou wilt find him thou seekest." This discourse reached those above. "There are but two of them, sire," remarked Careless to the king. "Shall we descend and attack them?" "Not so," replied Charles. "Let this fellow come up if he will. We can hurl him down on his comrade's head." It now became evident from the noise that Madmannah was climbing the tree. "Give me thy dagger," said the king. "I will deal with him." Careless obeyed, but held himself in readiness to assist the king.