"I would not stand in their shoes for something," he replied significantly. "In spite of the Act of Oblivion," I suggested. "Act of Oblivion! Think you that the new king will forget the name of those who killed his father? Why I do hear that Sir Charles Denman is even now being followed by those who were faithful to Charles I." "Sir Charles Denman, who is he?" I asked, for I had never heard his name before. "Never heard of Sir Charles Denman! Why where have you lived, young master? He was one who cried loudest for the death of Charles I, and who hath ever since Richard Cromwell died done his utmost to persuade General Monk against having aught to do with the new king. He hath spoken words which are said to be treasonable, and what is more is as fanatical a preacher as Hugh Peters himself." "Ay, but there are no edicts out against him?" I queried. "But there are, young master; at least so men say. Some have it that the king, no sooner was he invited to come back to his throne, than he sent secret instructions that Sir Charles should be arrested and imprisoned until his Majesty's pleasure be known." "Know you aught of Sir Charles?" I asked. "Nay, I know naught, but men have it that he is a dangerous man, and not to be trusted. I have been told that his very preaching is only a cloak to cover up his misdoings. Men say he hath never married, and yet he is accompanied on his journeys by one who ought to be his wife. It is said, too, that he whips her as a man might whip a spaniel. A sullen, cruel man whom no one loves." At this I was silent, whereupon the man went on. "Some have it that he is married to this woman, who is of low degree, while other gossips say that he hath stolen her from her father's house, because she will inherit a great fortune when her father dies." "Have you ever seen him?" "Nay, but I am told he is the best swordsman in the kingdom, that he is deadly with the pistol, and that he shews no mercy anywhere?" "And are all the people loyal around here?" I asked. "Ay, what would you?" "And all the old families will receive the new king with open arms?" "Ay, all as far as I know." "I do not know the names of these families--at least not of all," I said, feeling my way towards the information I desired, "but you as an important man doubtless know them all." "Ay," he replied, sitting back in his chair with a look of importance on his face. "There be the Jeffries and old Sir Michael Oldbury, and Admiral Billton, and Squire Barton, and my Lord Bridgman, and others. Most of them nod to me when they come to town." "I think I have heard of a Master Pycroft," I said, "know you him?" He shook his head. "No," he replied, "there be no man of note within ten miles of Folkestone who bears that name." At this my heart seemed to sink in my shoes, for it seemed as though I had come on a fool's errand. Still I kept a brave face, and answered as though the matter were of no import.