"Halt! and give an account of yourselves. Are you good and true men?" "Good and true men, and friends of the Commonwealth," replied John Penderel, boldly. "Heaven pardon me for the lie," he muttered. "So far well," said the officer. "But who have you got with you on horseback?" "A wounded malignant and his servant, who is likewise wounded," replied Humphrey. "The Cavalier is disguised in the garb of a forester, as you see, but he could not 'scape us." "Where are you conveying the prisoners?" demanded the officer. "We are taking them to Codsall, and shall deliver them to Colonel Ashenhurst." "I am Colonel Ashenhurst," replied the officer. Taken aback by the answer, the sturdy miller did not know what to say. But William Penderel came to his relief. "Shall we deliver the prisoners to you here, colonel?" he said, "or shall we take them on to Codsall? Since we have come thus far, it matters not if we go a little further. We have been to Chillington House, but did not find Colonel James there." "Colonel James hath just changed his quarters, and is gone to Brewood," replied Ashenhurst. "Is the chief prisoner badly hurt?" "He is wounded in the head," rejoined William Penderel. "I do not think he can live long." "Nay, then, take him and his attendant to Codsall," said Colonel Ashenhurst. "I have other business on hand, and do not desire to go back. I trust to make an important capture before morn. A couple of my men shall go with you, if you desire it, but I cannot very well spare them." "I thank your honour--but we do not require them," replied William Penderel. "You will find a physician at Codsall, who will attend to the wounded malignant," continued Colonel Ashenhurst. "I don't think any physician will do him much good," said Humphrey, unable to resist the jest. "Your honour is scarcely likely to find him--alive, I mean--on your return." Colonel Ashenhurst did not hear the remark. He had no suspicion whatever of the trick played him, and ordered his men to ride on, gladdening the hearts of the stalwart brothers by his departure. "I owe my preservation to you, Jasper," said Charles, as he removed the kerchief from his brow. "Ay, but for this stratagem your majesty might have been captured," remarked Trusty Dick. "I tremble to think of it." "You have something more to do, Dick," said Jasper. "You must invent some probable story to account for your not delivering the prisoners at Codsall." "True," cried Charles. "I fear you may suffer on my account." "Think not of us," said Trusty Dick. "We must take our chance. 'Tis sufficient that your majesty has escaped." The road to Codsall lay on the right, but Charles and his companions had no intention of taking it, even as a feint, for Colonel Ashenhurst and his troop were already out of sight. Though anticipating no further danger, they quickened their pace, and soon reached Long Birch.