"What sort of road lieth betwixt here and Newport?" inquired one, a dark-featured man dressed in russet cloth, and armed with rapier and pistols. "Hilly, but not easily mistaken," I replied. "'Tis an hour and a half's good walk." Two of the men were sitting astern, and one in the bows. As we neared the opposite side of the creek I turned my head to see how the boat was heading, and, to my surprise, the stranger who sat in the bows gave me a resounding smack on the back. "Markham!" he cried. "By the powers! What are you doing here--and in this garb?" In a moment I recalled the man's features 'twas Captain Dixon, the same who was the transport officer at Dartmouth Castle. A few words sufficed to explain my presence in the Isle of Wight then the captain interrupted me by asking: "And you know the island well?" "As a fox knows its lair." "Then come with us if ye be a true Cavalier. In Brading Harbour lies the _Happy Adventure_. I trove you remember her full well? Peste! A wretched mess we have made of things up to now, for we have been hopelessly lost amid these winding lanes. Canst lead us to Carisbrooke ere midnight?" "With ease," I replied confidently. "Then do so, and a greater service to His Majesty you'll never again perform." By this time the boat had reached the opposite shore, and tying it safely to an iron ring, I set off briskly for the hill, the three cavaliers panting at my heels. Seeing that they were armed, I left them for a time to get my sword from the cottage, then once more we resumed our journey. Naturally, I was curious to know the nature of our midnight errand, and the three officers (for they were all of Sir Henry Cary's regiment) were not loth to tell me. "With the blessing of Heaven we hope, ere dawn, to have his sacred Majesty safely aboard the _Happy Adventure_, and well on his way to France!" explained Captain Dixon. "All preparations are complete; swift horses are in readiness in Carisbrooke Village, where Fire--Fire----" "Firestone?" I asked eagerly. "Nay, but I cannot call the man's name to mind." "'Tis Firebrace, His Majesty's page," explained another, Major Hosken. "Ay, Firebrace. Well, where Firebrace has arranged to meet us." "His Majesty is a close prisoner?" "Close after a fashion, though not so unguarded as before poor Captain Burley's blundering attempt at rescue. No good came of it, for His Majesty was detained within the walls, and Burley was hanged, drawn, and quartered for his pains. Heaven forfend that will not be our lot." "Burley had courage, but lacked caution, and his hotheadedness was his undoing. We, I take it, have laid our plans aright, using discretion tempered with bravery. Therein lies the difference; though we be willing to risk our lives in His Majesty's cause, we take good care to keep open every possible channel of escape."