Part 41 (2/2)

”You see that they have marched already,” said Chaloner, ”and I think the plan is a good one, and it has put General Cromwell in an awkward position. Our army is now between his and London, with three days' march in advance. And we shall now be able to pick up our English adherents, who can join us without risk, as we go along. It has been a bold step, but a good one; and if they only continue as well as they have begun, we shall succeed. The Parliamentary army is not equal to ours in numbers, as it is; and we shall add to ours dayly. The king has sent to the Isle of Man for the Earl of Derby, who is expected to join to-morrow.”

”And where is the army at this moment?” inquired Edward.

”They will be but a few miles from us to-night, their march is so rapid; to-morrow we will join, if it pleases.”

”Most willingly,” replied Edward.

After an hour's more conversation, they were shown into their rooms, and retired for the night.

CHAPTER XXIII.

The next morning, before they had quitted their beds, a messenger arrived with letters from General Middleton, and from him they found that the king's army had encamped on the evening before not six miles from Portlake. As they hastily dressed themselves, Chaloner proposed to Edward that a little alteration in his dress would be necessary; and taking him to a wardrobe in which had been put aside some suits of his own, worn when he was a younger and slighter-made man than he now was, he requested Edward to make use of them. Edward, who was aware that Chaloner was right in his proposal, selected two suits of colors which pleased him most; and dressing in one, and changing his hat for one more befitting his new attire, was transformed into a handsome Cavalier. As soon as they had broken their fast they took leave of the old ladies, and mounting their horses set off for the camp. An hour's ride brought them to the outposts; and communicating with the officer on duty, they were conducted by an orderly to the tent of General Middleton, who received Chaloner with great warmth as an old friend, and was very courteous to Edward as soon as he heard that he was the son of Colonel Beverley.

”I have wanted you, Chaloner,” said Middleton; ”we are raising a troop of horse; the Duke of Buckingham commands it, but Ma.s.sey will be the real leader of it; you have influence in this county, and will, I have no doubt, bring us many good hands.”

”Where is the Earl of Derby?”

”Joined us this morning; we have marched so quick that we have not had time to pick our adherents up.”

”And General Leslie?”

”Is by no means in good spirits: why, I know not. We have too many ministers with the army, that is certain, and they do harm; but we can not help ourselves. His majesty must be visible by this time; if you are ready, I will introduce you; and, when that is done, we will talk matters over.”

General Middleton then walked with them to the house in which the king had taken up his quarters for the night; and after a few minutes' waiting in the anteroom, they were admitted into his presence.

”Allow me, your majesty,” said General Middleton, after the first salutations, ”to present to you Major Chaloner, whose father's name is not unknown to you.”

”On the contrary, well known to us,” replied the king, ”as a loyal and faithful subject whose loss we must deplore. I have no doubt that his son inherits his courage and his fidelity.”

The king held out his hand, and Chaloner bent his knee and kissed it.

”And now, your majesty will be surprised that I should present to you one of a house supposed to be extinct-the eldest son of Colonel Beverley.”

”Indeed!” replied his majesty; ”I heard that all his family perished at the ruthless burning of Arnwood. I hold myself fortunate, as a king, that even one son of so loyal and brave a gentleman as Colonel Beverley has escaped. You are welcome, young sir-most welcome to us; you must be near us; the very name of Beverley will be pleasing to our ears by night or day.”

Edward knelt down and kissed his majesty's hand, and the king said-

”What can we do for a Beverley? let us know, that we may show our feelings toward his father's memory.”

”All I request is, that your majesty will allow me to be near you in the hour of danger,” replied Edward.

”A right Beverley reply,” said the king; ”and so we shall see to it, Middleton.”

After a few more courteous words from his majesty, they withdrew, but General Middleton was recalled by the king for a minute or two to receive his commands. When he rejoined Edward and Chaloner, he said to Edward- ”I have orders to send in for his majesty's signature your commission as captain of horse, and attached to the king's personal staff; it is a high compliment to the memory of your father, sir, and, I may add, your own personal appearance. Chaloner will see to your uniforms and accouterments; you are well mounted, I believe; you have no time to lose, as we march to-morrow for Warrington, in Ches.h.i.+re.”

”Has any thing been heard of the Parliamentary army?”

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