Mr. Petre was a good deal alarmed on hearing that a troop of soldiers had preceded them, but Jane sought to reassure him by saying that they should be able to pass through the town without being noticed by the men, and he made no more remarks till they drew near Wootton Wawen, a small town about midway between Henley and Stratford. He then discovered that some of the Roundheads must have halted in this little town, as a dozen troopers, at least, were refreshing themselves at the inn. It was impossible to avoid them, except by making a considerable détour, and this the timorous gentleman declared he would do; and after some discussion he actually turned back with his wife, while Jane and the king rode boldly on towards Wootton. As they approached the village, two mounted troopers barred the road, and ordered the supposed groom to halt and give an account of himself. Before Charles could answer, an officer, fully accoutred, came forth from the inn with the evident intent of interrogating the travellers. But Jane anticipated his design, and holding out a piece of paper, exclaimed: "I have a pass for myself and my man from Captain Stone, governor of Stafford. Here it is." The officer took the paper, and glancing at it, said, in a respectful tone: "You are the lady herein described, I presume?" "I am Jane Lane, of Bentley House," she rejoined, haughtily. "This is my servant, Will Jones." "Has he been long in your service?" pursued the officer, fixing a keen glance on Charles, who bore his scrutiny well. "Not long," she replied. "He is a tenant of my brother's." "Whither are you going?" he demanded. "I require a precise answer." "I am going to Long Marston, the residence of my relative, Mr. Tombs, and shall pass the night there," she rejoined. "Long Marston is four miles beyond Stratford-on-Avon." "I know the house," rejoined the officer. "Mr. Tombs is a notorious malignant, but your pass is sufficient. You may proceed on your journey." Charles did not neglect the hint, but moved on instantly. As soon as they were gone the officer said to the mounted troopers: "Follow them, but at such a distance as not to cause alarm. Enter the house where they stop, and examine the groom. I suspect him." The troopers promised strict obedience to the command, and set off cautiously after the travellers. CHAPTER IX. HOW THEY ARRIVED AT LONG MARSTON.