"Yes, I shall feel perfectly safe at Swansea. But where am I to embark?" "I am unable to inform your majesty at this moment. All I know is, that Captain Rooker means to send his lugger down the Avon to-day, and the vessel will wait for us at some point where we can safely go on board. Come to Bristol to-night, and then I shall be able to give you exact information." "You have forestalled my plans," said Charles. "I had arranged with Pope, the butler at Abbots Leigh, who turns out to be a trusty fellow, to go to Bristol to-night, and we meant to visit the Dolphin." "Then let that tavern be our place of rendezvous," rejoined Careless. "We will meet there at nine o'clock to-night. And now, unless your majesty has some further commands for me, I will take my departure." "I have nothing more to say," said the king. "At nine o'clock expect me at the Dolphin." Thereupon, Careless mounted his steed, and bowing profoundly to the king, rode down the avenue. When he had disappeared, Charles turned and walked slowly towards the house. On arriving there, he repaired at once to the butler's pantry, where he found Pope, and acquainted him with the arrangements made by Careless. The butler approved of the plan, and thought it could be safely carried out. Later on in the day the king had an opportunity of conferring with Jane Lane, who did not seek to disguise her uneasiness, when she was informed of the scheme. "I pray that your majesty may not be drawn into some snare," she said. "I have great fears that the captain of the lugger may prove treacherous." "Why should you distrust him?" cried Charles. "Careless has perfect faith in his honesty." "I can give no reason for my suspicions," she replied, "and I hope they may prove groundless. Zeal for your majesty makes me anxious. Pray allow me to consult with Mr. Norton." "No," replied the king, in a decided tone. "'Tis needless to do so." "Your majesty, I am sure, has not a more devoted follower than Major Careless. But he may be deceived." "Tut! these are idle fears!" exclaimed Charles. "I never knew you so timorous before. Ordinarily, you are full of courage." "I cannot conquer my apprehensions, sire. I have a presentiment of ill, and I beseech you to listen to me." "I can scarcely think that it is the high-spirited Jane Lane who speaks to me thus," said the king. "Think of me as you please, my liege, but follow my counsel," she rejoined. "Again, I entreat you to let me consult with Mr. Norton." "No--no--no," cried Charles. "Not till I am gone will I allow you to tell him who has been his guest." Nothing more passed between them. The prospect of immediate escape, now held out to the king, threw him into such a state of excitement, that he felt it almost impossible to continue to play the sick man, and in order to avoid observation, he withdrew to his chamber, and remained there till evening, all his time being occupied in watching the sails on the broad estuary of the Severn.