The next day passed very tranquilly at Trent House. After an agreeable walk in the garden with the fair Juliana, whose lively talk helped to chase away the gloom which, despite all his efforts, began to steal upon him, Charles had returned to his room, and was conferring with Careless as to what ought to be done, when Colonel Wyndham came in, with a letter in his hand, and having a very joyful expression of countenance. "I have just received a piece of information that promises to make amends for our disappointment of yesterday," he said. "My friend, and your majesty's most loyal subject, Colonel Bullen Reymes, of Wadden, in Dorsetshire, writes me word that he has succeeded in obtaining for Sir John Berkeley a passage to France through Captain William Ellesdon, of Lyme Regis. I am not personally acquainted with Captain Ellesdon, but I know him to be a man of strict honour and a staunch Royalist--as indeed this action proves him. What he has done for Sir John Berkeley he can do for your majesty." "Oddsfish! this Captain Ellesdon seems to be the very man we require," cried Charles. "But how comes it you never thought of him before?" "He did occur to me, my liege," replied the colonel. "But though I felt sure of his desire to serve your majesty, I doubted his ability. Now I entertain a very different opinion. With your majesty's approval, I will ride over to Lyme to-morrow and see him." "Do so, by all means," cried Charles, eagerly. "Careless shall go with you. The plan holds out every prospect of success. Captain Ellesdon, I conclude, can be told for whom the vessel is to be hired?" "You may entirely confide in him, sire," replied the colonel. "He is loyalty itself, and will feel honoured by being thus employed." "Then see him without delay," cried Charles, rising from his seat, and pacing the room with manifest signs of impatience. "I am eager to be off. Can you not set out this evening? Nay, I am taxing your loyalty too strongly." "Not a whit, my liege," replied the colonel. "I will obey you in everything. Major Careless and myself will start this evening. We will sleep at Axminster, and ride thence betimes to-morrow to Lyme." "You are a zealous friend, indeed, Frank," cried Charles, looking well pleased. "With this important matter on my mind, sire, I shall not be able to rest till I have seen Captain Ellesdon," said the colonel. "Are you prepared to start so soon?" he added to Careless. "I need only five minutes to saddle my horse," replied the other. "Should a satisfactory arrangement be made, your majesty shall be immediately apprised of it," said Colonel Wyndham. "I shall take Harry Peters with me." Thereupon the conference ended, and Colonel Wyndham quitted the king to give such instructions to his wife as he deemed necessary before his departure. CHAPTER IX. CAPTAIN ELLESDON, OF LYME REGIS.