Part 15 (2/2)

”Murder!” exclaimed Edward.

”Yes, deliberate murder, sir; in short, they have beheaded King Charles, our sovereign.”

”Have they dared to do it?”

”They have,” replied Oswald. ”We in the forest know little that is going on; but when I saw you last, I heard that he was then in London, and was to be tried.”

”Tried!” exclaimed Edward. ”How could they try a king? by the laws of our country, a man must be tried by his equals; and where were his equals?”

”Majesty becomes naught, I suppose,” replied Oswald; ”but still it is as I say. Two days after you left, the intendant hastened up to London, and, from what I have understood, he was strongly opposed to the deed, and did all he could to prevent it; but it was of no use. When he left, he gave me strict injunctions not to go away from the cottage for an hour, as his daughter was left alone; and as I promised, I could not come to you; but, nevertheless, Patience received letters from him, and told me what I tell you.”

”You have not dined, Oswald?” said Edward.

”No, that I have not.”

”Alice, dear, get some dinner, will you? And Oswald, while you dine, excuse me if I leave you for a while. Your intelligence has so astounded me that I can listen to nothing else till I have had a little while to commune with myself and subdue my feelings.”

Edward was indeed in a state of mind which required calming down. He quitted the cottage and walked out for some distance into the forest, in deep thought.

”Murdered at last!” exclaimed he. ”Yes, well may it be called murder, and no one to save him-not a blow struck in his defense-not an arm raised. How much gallant blood has been shed in vain! Spirit of my fathers, didst thou leave none of thy mettle and thy honour behind thee; or has all England become craven? Well, the time will come, and if I can no longer hope to fight for my king, at all events I can fight against those who have murdered him.”

Such were Edward's thoughts as he wandered through the forest, and more than an hour elapsed before his impetuous blood could return to its usual flow; at last, his mind having partially resumed its wonted calmness, he returned to the cottage and listened to the details which Oswald now gave to him of what he had heard.

When Oswald had finished, Edward asked him whether the intendant had returned.

”Yes, or I should not have been here,” replied Oswald. ”He came back yesterday, looking most disconsolate and grave, and I hear that he returns to London in a few days. Indeed, he told me so himself, for I requested permission to come over to see your grandfather. He said that I might go, but must return soon, as he must go back to London. I believe, from what Miss Patience told me, and what I have seen myself, that he is sincerely amazed and vexed at what has taken place; and so, indeed, are many more, who, although opposed to the king's method of government, never had an idea that things should have turned out as they have done. I have a message from him to you, which is, that he begs you will come to see him, that he may thank you for the preservation of his child.”

”I will take his thanks from you, Oswald: that will do as well as if he gave them me in person.”

”Yes, perhaps so; but I have another message from another party, which is-the young lady herself. She desires me to tell you that she will never be happy till she has seen you, and thanked you for your courage and kindness; and that you have no right to put her under such an obligation, and not give her an opportunity of expressing what she feels. Now, Mr. Edward, I am certain that she is earnest in what she says, and she made me promise that I would persuade you to come. I could not refuse her, for she is a dear little creature; as her father will go to London in a few days, you may ride over and see her without any fear of being affronted by any offers which he may make to you.”

”Well,” replied Edward, ”I have no great objection to see her again, for she was very kind to me; and as you say that the intendant will not be there, I perhaps may come. But now I must talk to you about other matters.”

Edward then put many questions to Oswald relative to the value of various articles, and to the best method of disposing of his venison.

Oswald answered all his questions, and Edward took down notes and directions on paper.

Oswald remained with them for two days, and then bade them farewell, exacting a promise from Edward that he would come to the ranger's cottage as soon as he could. ”Should the intendant come back before he is expected I will come over and let you know; but I think, from what I heard him say he expected to be at least a month in London.”

Edward promised that Oswald should see him in less than ten days, and Oswald set out on his journey.

”Humphrey,” said Edward, as soon as Oswald was gone, ”I have made up my mind to go to Lymington to-morrow We must have some flour, and many other articles, which Alice says she can no longer do without.”

”Why should we not both go, Edward?” replied Humphrey.

”No, not this time,” replied Edward. ”I have to find out many things and many people, and I had rather go by myself; besides, I can not allow my sisters to be left alone. I do not consider there is any danger, I admit; but should any thing happen to them, I should never forgive myself. Still, it is necessary that you should go to Lymington with me some time or another, that you may know where to purchase and sell, if required. What I propose is, that I will ask Oswald to come and stay here a couple of days. We will then leave him in charge of our sisters, and go to Lymington together.”

”You are right, Edward, that will be the best plan.”

As Humphrey made this remark, Oswald re-entered the cottage.

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