"You have said words enough," returned James, who evidently liked ill the turn of the conversation. "Had best withdraw from our presence now." I went out of the chamber with my colours flying, General Feversham in attendance upon me. The gallant soldier chuckled mightily when we were safely out of earshot of the King. "Faith, madam," he said, "you made a fine end. Ride you to-morrow morning?" "Sir," said I, "a word in your ear. You will not betray me?" "On the faith of a soldier, no." "I fear the King, I fear Lord Jeffreys more. He is capable of apprehending me and destroying the pardons. Therefore, I ride to-night." "But you are road-weary." "What of that? I will take an unfrequented road, and lie to-morrow in some quiet spot until I be recovered." "You shall not go alone," said Feversham. "The peril that you mention is not imaginary. I myself will ride the night through with you. Nay, I have a wife and daughters older than yourself. You may trust me without fear." "Indeed, I do," I cried, gladly extending my hand, which the brave soldier took and shook vigorously. "I will see you safely over the frontiers. Damn that Jeffreys for a black-hearted villain. He is a man of peace, but he hath slain and tortured more in his Bloody Assize than even that most ruthless soldier Kirke himself." Which was putting it pretty strongly, indeed, I thought! _Chapter_ XI _Wherein Sir Hugh Richmond finds me, not unwilling, thrust upon him_ Six days after, my return progress being slower than my dash southward, I rode through the gates of Edinburgh. The Earl of Feversham had been as good as his word. He had convoyed me by retired roads until all possibility of interference had been avoided. At the first convenient opportunity I had lain down and slept a day and a night straight through. Had I not enjoyed this chance for rest, I should have died of sheer fatigue and nervous strain. As it was, I was still a wreck of a woman when I was halted by the soldiers of the guard at the familiar city gate. "Is your name Carthew?" cried the officer, who had been summoned by the sentry as I approached. "Well, sir, I have sometimes been so called," I answered. "Humph!" He read from a lengthy written description in his hand: "'Young, slight, fair of face, a woman in man's attire, a riding suit of blue and silver, sometimes known as Carthew.'" The description certainly fitted me. "Madam, or sir, whatever you be, you are under arrest," he said. "We have been searching for you for ten days. I have orders to convey you instantly you are apprehended to the castle and turn you over to the Commandant or the Lord Chief Justice." "I would fain make some change in my apparel, sir. You have guessed right; I am a woman. I should like to resume the garments of my sex, but after that, I shall be at your service. Indeed, you could do me no greater kindness than to take me speedily where you mention."