idently much worse; but Edward had no idea how
much worse he was. Edward assisted Humphrey in the farm, and in the
evening again went to Jacob, and then told him of the arrangement he had
made to meet Oswald Partridge on the following morning.

"Go, my boy," said Jacob; "be as intimate with him as you can, and make
a friend of him--nay, if it should be necessary, you may tell him who
you are; I did think of telling him myself, as it might be important to
you one day as evidence. I think you had better bring him here
to-morrow night, Edward; tell him I am dying, and wish to speak to him
before I go. Alice will read the Bible to me now, and I will talk with
you another time."

Early the next morning Edward set off to the appointed rendezvous with
Oswald Partridge. The Clump Royal, as it was called, from the peculiar
size and beauty of the oaks, was about seven miles from the cottage; and
at the hour and time indicated Edward, with his gun in his hand, and
Smoker lying beside him, was leaning against one of those monarchs of
the forest. He did not wait long. Oswald Partridge, similarly
provided, made his appearance, and Edward advanced to meet him.

"Welcome, Oswald," said Edward.

"And welcome to you also, my fine lad," replied Oswald. "I have been
hard questioned about you since we parted--first, by the Roundhead
Heatherstone, who plied me in all manner of ways to find out whether you
are what you assert, the grandson of Jacob,--or some other person. I
really believe that he fancies you are the Duke of York--but he could
not get any more from me than what I knew. I told him that your
grandfather's cottage was his own property, and a grant to his
forefathers: that you were brought up at Arnwood, and had joined your
grandfather after the death of the colonel, and the murderous burning of
the house and all within it by his party. But the pretty little
daughter was more curious still. She cross-questioned me in every way
when her father was not present, and at last begged me as a favour to
tell you not to take the deer, as her father was very strict in his
duty, and, if caught, you would be imprisoned."

"Many thanks to her for her caution, but I hope to take one to-day,
nevertheless," replied Edward; "a hart royal is not meat for Roundheads,
although the king's servants may feast on them."

"That's truly said. Well, now I must see your woodcraft. You shall be
the leader of the chase."

"Think you we can