Part 41 (1/2)

”This is excellent! Two people meet, both bound on the same business, both going to the same rendezvous, and for three days do not venture to trust each other.”

”The times require caution,” replied Edward, as he replaced his letter.

”You are right,” answered Chaloner, ”and you are of my opinion. I know now that you have both prudence and courage. The first quality has been scarcer with us Cavaliers than the last; however, now, all reserve is over, at least on my part.”

”And on mine also,” replied Edward. Chaloner then talked about the chances of the war. He stated that King Charles's army was in a good state of discipline, and well found in everything; that there were hundreds in England who would join it, as soon as it had advanced far enough into England; and that every thing wore a promising appearance.

”My father fell at the battle of Naseby, at the head of his retainers,” said Chaloner, after a pause; ”and they have contrived to fine the property, so that it has dwindled from thousands down to hundreds. Indeed, were it not for my good old aunts, who will leave me their estates, and who now supply me liberally, I should be but a poor gentleman.”

”Your father fell at Naseby?” said Edward. ”Were you there?”

”I was,” replied Chaloner.

”My father also fell at Naseby,” said Edward.

”Your father did?” replied Chaloner; ”I do not recollect the name-Armitage-he was not in command there, was he?” continued Chaloner.

”Yes, he was,” replied Edward.

”There was none of that name among the officers that I can recollect, young sir,” replied Chaloner, with an air of distrust. ”Surely you have been misinformed.”

”I have spoken the truth,” replied Edward; ”and have now said so much that I must, to remove your suspicion say more than perhaps I should have done. My name is not Armitage, although I have been so called for some time. You have set me the example of confidence, and I will follow it. My father was Colonel Beverley, of Prince Rupert's troop.”

Chaloner started with astonishment.

”I'm sure that what you say is true,” at last said he; ”for I was thinking who it was that you reminded me of. You are the very picture of your father. Although a boy at the time, I knew him well, Master Beverley; a more gallant Cavalier never drew sword. Come, we must be sworn friends in life and death, Beverley,” continued Chaloner, extending his hand, which was eagerly grasped by Edward, who then confided to Chaloner the history of his life. When he had concluded, Chaloner said,

”We all heard of the firing of Arnwood, and it is at this moment believed that all the children perished. It is one of the tales of woe that our nurses repeat to the children, and many a child has wept at your supposed deaths. But tell me, now, had you not fallen in with me, was it your intention to have joined the army under your a.s.sumed name of Armitage?”

”I hardly know what I intended to do. I wanted a friend to advise me.”

”And you have found one, Beverley. I owe my life to you, and I will repay the debt as far as is in my power. You must not conceal your name to your sovereign; the very name of Beverley is a pa.s.sport, but the son of Colonel Beverley will be indeed welcomed. Why, the very name will be considered as a harbinger of good fortune. Your father was the best and truest soldier that ever drew sword; and his memory stands unrivaled for loyalty and devotion. We are near to the end of our journey; yonder is the steeple of Bolton church. The old ladies will be out of their wits when they find that they have a Beverley under their roof.”

Edward was much delighted at this tribute paid to his father's memory; and the tears more than once started into his eyes as Chaloner renewed his praise.

Late in the evening they arrived at Portlake, a grand old mansion situated in a park crowded with fine old timber. Chaloner was recognized, as they rode up the avenue, by one of the keepers, who hastened forward to announce his arrival; and the domestics had opened the door for them before they arrived at it. In the hall they were met by the old ladies, who expressed their delight at seeing their nephew, as they had had great fear that something had happened to him.

”And something did very nearly happen to me,” replied Chaloner, ”had it not been for the timely a.s.sistance of my friend here, who, notwithstanding his Puritan attire, I hardly need tell you, is a Cavalier devoted to the good cause, when I state that he is the son of Colonel Beverley, who fell at Naseby with my good father.”

”No one can be more welcome, then,” replied the old ladies, who extended their hands to Edward. They then went into a sitting-room, and supper was ordered to be sent up immediately.

”Our horses will be well attended to, Edward,” said Chaloner; ”we need not any longer look after them ourselves. And now, good aunts, have you no letters for me?”

”Yes, there are several; but you had better eat first.”

”Not so; let me have the letters; we can read them before supper, and talk them over when at table.”

One of the ladies produced the letters, which Chaloner, as he read them, handed over to Edward for his perusal. They were from General Middleton, and some other friends of Chaloner's who were with the army, giving him information as to what was going on, and what their prospects were supposed to be.