In this way time passed quickly away. It had now struck one o’clock. Nothing had been heard of Clavering Maunsel and his party, and Charles almost began to despair of seeing Colonel Gunter again.
“In another hour your Majesty will be thinking of starting, I presume,” observed Tattersall.
“True,” replied Charles, looking at the clock; “I did not think it was so late. But I hope our friends will be here before then.”
“They are here now, or I am much mistaken,” cried Lord Wilmot, starting up, as the sound of horses’ feet was heard in the inn-yard.
“Look out, and make sure that the Ironsides have not returned,” said Charles.
His lordship obeyed, and after cautiously peering through the window-curtain, declared it was Clavering Maunsel and the others. “And I am almost certain Gunter is with them,” added his lordship.
“Now heaven be thanked!” exclaimed Charles. “That is good news indeed!”
At this moment, a cautious knocking was heard at the yard door.
“Admit them straight, my good host,” cried the king. And Smith flew to execute his Majesty’s commands.
Immediately afterwards quick footsteps were heard in the passage, and Colonel Gunter and Clavering entered the room. They were followed in another moment by Colonel Philips and Captain Gunter, and three other persons, who remained in the background.
“I am as good as my word, you see, my gracious liege,” said Colonel Gunter. “I promised to be back before your Majesty left, and here I am.”
“And delighted I am to see you again,” replied the king. “But how did you manage to escape from those rascally Ironsides?”
“My friends rescued me, as I felt sure they would,” rejoined Gunter, pointing to Clavering and the others; “but they had hard work to do it.”
“So it would seem,” replied Charles, noticing that the young man and those near him bore marks of a recent and severe conflict. “Tell me how it chanced?”
“Your Majesty has some enemies the less,” replied Clavering. “But you have lost one faithful subject,” he added, gravely.
“How?” exclaimed Charles, glancing at the group in the background. “I discover not stout John Habergeon. Is he gone?”
“Ay, my liege,” Clavering replied. “He died like a brave and loyal man, sword in hand, smiting the enemies of his king. Thus it fell out: I and those with me were aware of the visit of the Iron-sides to this inn, for we were scouting about the town; but we did not think it prudent to attack them, lest the townsfolk should come to their aid. Ensconced where we could observe them, we saw them issue forth with a single prisoner—your Majesty we feared it might be. But be it whom it might, we resolved upon a rescue. I ought to mention, that we had been joined by three recruits, two of whom are here present, and who rendered us good service. The Ironsides left Brightelmstone, and rode across the downs in the direction of Lewes. We followed, but did not come up with them until they reached Kingston Hill. We then shouted loudly to them to stop, and they drew up and awaited our approach. Sword in hand we charged them—your name, my liege, forming our battle-cry. So furious was our assault that it proved irresistible. The shock scattered them, and a hand-to-hand conflict ensued—such a conflict as, since the days of the old Romans, I verily believe that hill hath never seen- The turf is reddened with the blood of your enemies, sire. We were triumphant. Half a dozen Ironsides now lie stark upon Kingston Hill. Amongst them, alas! is John Habergeon. But he sold his life dearly. Three of our foemen—their sergeant Delves being among the number—fell by his hand. Give me a glass of wine, my good hostess. I am somewhat faint.”
“That task be mine,” cried Charles, filling a glass for him. “You have gained a glorious victory, but I would it had not been purchased by the death of John Habergeon.”
“He died as he would have wished to die—with your Majesty’s name upon his lips,” rejoined Clavering.
Charles was silent for a moment, and then said: “A brave fellow is gone, but he has left good men behind him. I am glad to see that Ninian Saxby has escaped unhurt—”