Soon after I rode away with a light heart in spite of my cares, and my many doubts. I knew nothing of Otho's plans, and for aught I could tell he might have spies all around the house; but no one molested me. Indeed although I listened carefully all was silent as death, and I concluded that the Killigrews had mustered all their forces in order to be ready when Charles Stuart landed. When I reached Veryan Bay all was silent. It was perhaps ten o'clock, only two or three hours before the Pretender was supposed to land, but not a soul was visible. I rode across country in order to avoid coming into contact with any of the friends of the Stuarts: for I knew that were I caught it would mean instant death. Every footstep was, I was sure, beset with danger; for while Hugh Boscawen had given me a passport whereby I should be safe among his followers, I knew not where the enemy might be lurking. Presently I reached the woods just above Veryan Bay, and with as little noise as possible crept along under the trees. A few seconds later I was surrounded by armed men. They had been lying quietly amidst the brushwood until orders for action came. No sooner was my passport seen than I was conducted to Hugh Boscawen. "Saw you that old man?" I asked. "Yes, but not until I had first received your letter." "Well, what did he say?" "He seemed weighted with important news at first, but presently he talked of the most senseless matters." "Ah," I said, and instantly I surmised what it meant. Uncle Anthony had guessed that I had penetrated his disguise, and had sent a message. "Did you see him immediately on his arrival?" "No, I had many things to occupy me, and I kept him waiting some time. Your letter prepared me for the foolish things he had to say." "All your arrangements have been carried out then?" "Yes; one thousand men lie in this wood and a thousand more on the other side of the valley. It was all I could raise on such short notice. But they are enough. The Pretender's friends have got wind of my prompt action. They have abandoned the idea of coming here. I am sorry, but it does not matter; the craft containing Charles is on its way, and he will be here in a few hours." He tried to speak coolly, but I could see that he was excited beyond measure. His voice shook, and was fairly husky. "How do you know that they have abandoned the idea of bringing their forces here?" "My spies discovered it," he said shortly. "Oh, I have not been idle, young man; my men have had eyes and ears everywhere."