“I believe you, gentlemen—I believe you,” replied the king. “Wilmot, thou art wrong in doubting these good fellows.”
“I hope I am,” replied his lordship; “but I must be permitted to observe, that if I perceive the slightest indication of treachery on their part, I shall not hesitate to shoot both of them through the head.”
“If his Majesty is satisfied with our professions we are content,” said Goldspur.
“And so I am,” replied the king—” though it will be needful to keep a wary eye upon them,” he muttered to himself. “Sit down, gentlemen. Stand not upon ceremony with me, but fill your glasses to the brim.”
“Mine shall be emptied to a pledge that I drink daily,” quoth Goldspur. May the king enjoy his own again, and that right speedily!
“I echo the sentiment!” added Rumboldsdyke.
“I thank you both for this display of your loyalty and attachment,” said Charles; “but I must pray you to be prudent, and make no further demonstration of your zeal. We are bound to Bramber, and perhaps to Brightelmstone. Is there any danger on the way?”
“A troop of horse has just gone on to Shoreham, sire,” said Goldspur. “But they will have passed through Bramber before you get there.”
“Can you tell us aught of Stelfax, Captain Goldspur?” inquired Clavering.
“The detested dog is still at Lewes,” replied the other, “and is constantly occupied in scouring the country, and searching houses for fugitive Cavaliers. It is not for me to inquire into his Majesty’s plans, but if they are such as to require the service of scouts upon the motions of the enemy, so as to give timely notice of danger, I and Master Rumboldsdyke will be ready to perform the office, and we have companions who will lend us aid.”
“May it not be advisable to employ these men as scouts?” said Charles, in a low tone to Clavering.
“I think so, most undoubtedly,” the young man replied. “Hark ye, Captain Goldspur,” he continued aloud, “his Majesty thinks well of your proposal. You and your friend, I presume, are provided with horses. Ride to Lewes, or the neighbourhood, with all possible dispatch. Station your scouts about Southover, and about the western side of the town, and if any sudden movements are made this evening by Stelfax, or the Ironsides, give us immediate warning at my father’s residence, Ovingdean Grange. You know the way to it, I make no doubt, across the downs.”
“It will not be the first time that I and Master Rumboldsdyke have visited Ovingdean Grange,” replied Goldspur. “We have recently become acquainted with your worthy father, Colonel Maunsel.”
“Indeed!” exclaimed Clavering in surprise
“And I may add,” pursued Goldspur, “we have served him in the capacity we are about to serve his Majesty; we have acted as his scouts upon the detested Stelfax. Nay, more, we have watched over Mock-Beggar Hall, where worthy Master Beard and his daughter, the lovely Mistress Dulcia, were lodged during their stay at Lewes, and we escorted them back to the Grange.”
“What you tell me, captain, satisfies me that you may indeed be trusted,” said Clavering.
“Why, it seems we have stumbled on the very men we needed,” observed Charles. “But who is this lovely Mistress Dulcia Beard they have guarded?”
“The daughter of my father’s chaplain. Your Majesty will behold her at Ovingdean Grange,” replied Clavering.
“And shall find her, no doubt, well worthy our regard,” replied the king, noticing the young man’s heightened colour.
“Have we your Majesty’s commands to set forward to Lewes on this service?” demanded Goldspur.
“You have, sir,” replied Charles. “And we pray you to lose no time by the way. If there should be danger, you will not fail to make it known to Colonel Maunsel, at Ovingdean Grange.”
“On that your Majesty may rely. We now humbly take our leave.” On this the twain made a profound obeisance and departed.
“And your Majesty is of opinion that these fellows may be trusted?” observed Lord Wilmot, as soon as they were gone.
“I am convinced of it,” replied Charles. “I have not the slightest misgiving as to their fidelity. Nay, I think it very lucky we encountered them.”