, as fast as his age would permit him. As soon as he
was within hearing, he asked them what news? They related all that had
passed at Twyford's cottage; he heard them with the greatest eagerness
of attention, and as soon as they came to the great event, "I knew it! I
knew it!" exclaimed Joseph; "I was sure it would prove so! Thank God
for it! But I will be the first to acknowledge my young lord, and I will
live and die his faithful servant!" Here Joseph attempted to kneel to
him, but Edmund prevented him with a warm embrace.

"My friend! my dear friend!" said he, "I cannot suffer a man of your age
to kneel to me; are you not one of my best and truest friends? I
will ever remember your disinterested affection for me; and if heaven
restores me to my rights, it shall be one of my first cares to render
your old age easy and happy." Joseph wept over him, and it was some time
before he could utter a word.

Oswald gave them both time to recover their emotion, by acquainting
Joseph with Edmund's scheme for his departure. Joseph wiped his eyes and
spoke. "I have thought," said he, "of something that will be both agree
and useful to my dear master. John Wyatt, Sir Philip Harclay's servant,
is now upon a visit at his father's; I have heard that he goes home
soon; now he would be both a guide and companion, on the way."

"That is, indeed, a happy circumstance," said Edmund; "but how shall we
know certainly the time of his departure?"

"Why, Sir, I will go to him, and enquire; and bring you word directly."

"Do so," said Edmund, "and you will oblige me greatly."

"But, Sir," said Oswald, "I think it will be best not to let John
Wyatt know who is to be his companion; only let Joseph tell him that a
gentleman is going to visit his master, and, if possible, prevail upon
him to set out this night."

"Do so, my good friend," said Edmund; "and tell him, further, that this
person has business of great consequence to communicate to his master,
and cannot delay his journey on any account."

"I will do this, you may depend," said Joseph, "and acquaint you with my
success as soon as possible; but, sir, you must not go without a guide,
at any rate."

"I trust I shall not," said Edmund, "though I go alone; he that has
received such a call as I have, can want no other, nor fear any danger."

They conversed on these points till they drew near the castle, when
Joseph left them to go on his errand, and Edmund attended his Lord
at dinner.