As an answer to this threat of the Cavaliers, Ezra discharged his carabine at the foremost of them, but evidently without effect, for the individual he had aimed at uttered a fierce exclamation, and would certainly have cut down the trooper, if the gate had not hindered him, and during the time required to force it open, Ezra had made good his retreat. Nor did Madmannah stand his ground. When his comrade took to his heels, he fled likewise, and they both sought refuge in the grove that skirted the close. Here they were quickly pursued by the Cavaliers, who did not rest till they had driven them away from the house, Madmannah's horse being seized upon as lawful spoil by the victors. Charles and Father Huddlestone were still standing at the window looking out upon the scene, though all those engaged in the conflict had disappeared, when Mr. Whitgreave, who had been roused by the report of the carabine, entered the room, and learnt what had occurred. "Who can those Cavaliers be?" inquired the king. "'Tis strange they should have arrived so opportunely." "Perhaps Major Careless has returned, my liege, and has brought Colonel Lane with him," observed Mr. Whitgreave. "No other persons would be likely to come here to-night. I will go forth and see." Mr. Whitgreave's conjecture proved correct. By the time he reached the close, Careless and Colonel Lane had returned to it, and they then explained that they had come to conduct the king to Bentley House. "I do not think his majesty could safely remain here another day, Mr. Whitgreave," said Colonel Lane. "I have been given to understand that Captain Stone, the governor of Stafford Castle, intends to search this house to-morrow, and to bring Southall, the redoubted priest-catcher, with him. It seems quite certain that, in some way or other, the king has been tracked to Moseley Hall, and I am therefore of opinion that he ought to change his quarters without delay." "I do not believe that even Southall will discover the hiding-places in my house," rejoined Whitgreave. "Still, the king ought not to be exposed to any risk that can be avoided; and if you are prepared to receive him at Bentley House, I think he had best go there to-night. At all events, after what you tell me of Captain Stone's threatened visit, I should not dare to oppose the plan." Mr. Whitgreave then returned to the house, and told the king what he had seen and heard. "Your two faithful adherents are waiting to take you hence, sire," he said. "Colonel Lane affirms," he added, with a sigh, "that my house is no longer a safe place of refuge for your majesty, and though I cannot agree with him, I will not urge you to stay."