"'Tis a pity he did not die a soldier's death," observed Trubshaw. "His body was found in the Severn below the city, near Bunshill. Whether he was accidentally drowned, or thrown into the river, is uncertain." "Wicked Will's death was a judgment," observed a deep voice behind them. Trubshaw and some others turned at the remark, and perceived a tall, thin man, moving away in the direction of the river. Hitherto this person had eluded observation as he had been standing among the horses. "A spy has been amongst us!--a Roundhead!" cried Vosper, springing to his feet. "Seize the rogue and make him give an account of himself," cried Trubshaw, likewise starting up. "What ho! stand!" he shouted. The spy paid no heed to the summons, but speeded towards the river. The Scottish sentries were too far off to challenge him, and did not fire. Vosper and Trubshaw started in pursuit. But the spy reached the river before them, and jumped into a boat, which he had doubtless moored to the bank. When his pursuers came up he was pulling vigorously across the stream. A pistol was fired at him by Vosper, but without effect. With a mocking laugh he then altered his course, and rowing down the stream, soon disappeared beneath one of the narrow arches of the bridge. CHAPTER XI. COLONEL ROSCARROCK RELATES NOW THE EARL OF DERBY WAS ROUTED AT WIGAN. Ill news came to Charles on the morrow. He was in his cabinet with his secretary, Captain Fanshaw, when Careless entered and informed him that Colonel Roscarrock was without. "Roscarrock!" exclaimed the king, struck by Careless's looks. "What news brings he from the Earl of Derby?" "Ask me not, I beseech you, my liege," rejoined Careless, sadly. "The colonel will tell his own tale. I grieve to say he is wounded." Comprehending at once what had occurred, Charles merely said, "Bring in Colonel Roscarrock." And as the aide-de-camp departed, he arose and paced the cabinet with anxious steps, trying to summon his firmness for the painful interview. Presently Careless returned supporting the colonel, whose left arm was in a sling. Roscarrock was a tall, soldier-like, handsome man, but loss of blood and excessive fatigue gave a haggard expression to his features. The dusty state of his apparel and boots showed that he had ridden far. "Alas, sire, I bring you bad news!" he exclaimed, in dolorous accents. "Be seated, colonel, and I will hear you," said Charles, aiding him to a chair. "We have sustained a defeat, I perceive, but ere you enter into details, relieve my anxiety respecting the Earl of Derby." "His lordship is sore hurt," replied Roscarrock, "but he is in safety, and will be with your majesty ere many days." "Thank Heaven for that!" exclaimed Charles, earnestly.