After the long and anxious day he had passed in the oak, it was with a feeling of indescribable satisfaction that Charles found himself once more in Boscobel House--not in the parlour into which he had been shown in the morning, but in the large comfortable hall--a couple of nicely roasted chickens before him, and Dame Joan in attendance. Careless, who was seated at the opposite side of the table, was quite as well pleased as his royal master, and both did justice to the repast provided for them. Charles, as we have already remarked, possessed a happy temperament, that enabled him to cast off his cares, and with plenty to eat, and a flask of good wine within reach--to say nothing of a black-jack full of strong ale, he desired nothing better--and laughed heartily while recounting the many alarming incidents of the day to Joan. "What trials your majesty must have gone through!" exclaimed the good dame, lifting up her hands. "The saints be praised that you are here to describe them." "I shouldn't mind passing another day in the oak," observed Charles, "if I were certain of having such a supper as this at the end of it. I trust the noble tree that has given me shelter may 'scape the woodman's axe!" Just then the door opened, and William Penderel entered, followed by his two brothers. "William," cried his wife, with irrepressible enthusiasm, "his majesty expects you and your brothers to protect the royal oak!" "The royal oak!" cried William. "Thy wife has so named the tree," said the king, "and I approve the designation." "Then the royal oak it shall be called," cried William, sharing Joan's enthusiasm, as did his brothers. "Pledge me in this cup of wine that you will protect the good old oak," cried Charles, drinking from the cup which he had just before filled, and handing it to William Penderel, who received it on his knees with the utmost respect. "I pledge myself to preserve the royal oak, so far as lies in my power," he said, placing the cup to his lips. When he had finished, each of his brothers knelt down, and drank the pledge solemnly. "Your majesty may depend that the royal oak will be well protected," cried Joan. "I doubt it not," said Charles. "Now tell me what you have done with the prisoner?" he added to Trusty Dick. "We took him to Rock Coppice in Chillington Park," replied Dick, "and forced him to descend into a deep dry pit, from which he will find some difficulty in getting out." "But he may know you again?" said Charles. "No fear of that," said John. "We didn't remove the bandage from his eyes, and disguised our voices. Here are his pistols." "Give them to me," said William. "I may need them. I shall keep watch throughout the night." "John and I will remain here likewise to relieve guard," said Dick; "so that his majesty may rest securely." "No discovery was made when the house was searched by the enemy to-day? ha!" cried Charles. "None whatever, sire," replied Joan. "Our lady be praised for misleading them."