"I have not been long here," said the page. "I have been hidden in the forest, and have had several narrow escapes of capture." "Both his majesty and myself have been most anxious for your safety," said Careless. "You look sadly tired." "Fasting does not very well agree with me," replied Jasper. "One cannot find much to eat in the forest. I have had nothing for nearly twenty-four hours, and I find myself particularly hungry, I can assure you." "No wonder," cried Careless, in a sympathising tone. "Come with me into the house, and I will get you some breakfast at once." "The offer is too welcome to be refused--though I confess I have some scruples. What will his majesty think of me?" "His majesty will be delighted to see you--but he has not yet left his couch." What more passed between them we do not pretend to say, but they remained within the arbour for another minute or so, and then descending from the mount proceeded with very leisurely footsteps towards the porch. "How strange is this meeting!" murmured Careless. "Never did I dream we should be here together." "'Tis a charming old place, I think, and I could be quite happy here for a month, if those Roundhead soldiers wouldn't molest me." They were now not far from the porch, when a rustling was heard among the ivy that clothed the base of the chimney-stack, and the next moment the king came forth from the secret postern. Jasper was quite startled by the sudden apparition, for so well concealed was the outlet that it could scarcely be detected, even when the observers were close at hand. Charles smiled at the page's look of astonishment. "You are not familiar with the wonders of this enchanted castle," he said. "But, i'faith, I should not have ventured forth if I had not reconnoitred you through a loophole." "I hope your majesty has rested well," said the page, with an obeisance. "Never better," replied Charles. "I made one long nap of it. Where did you find a couch?" "Partly at the foot of a tree, sire, and partly in yonder arbour, where Major Careless found me a few minutes ago." "Oddsfish! then you have passed the night in the forest?" "Precisely so, sire." "And I fear without supper?" "Supper would have been superfluous, if I had dined." "Careless, we must have breakfast instantly," cried Charles. "Let me know when it is ready." "Come with me, Jasper, thou may'st be needed." "No; Jasper will remain with me. I want to talk to him." Careless rather reluctantly departed. The king then began to question the page as to his adventures in the forest, but had not learnt all particulars, when Careless came back. "Oddsfish! thou hast made haste," exclaimed Charles. "Dame Joan desires to know what it will please your majesty to have for breakfast." "Didst tell her I have company?" "I explained that there is a hungry page with your majesty, and she thought he had best come in and render help." "Willingly," cried Jasper. "Nay, we will all go in," said Charles.