during which Oswald
expressed his opinion that the old man was sinking fast, and would not
last more than three or four days. Oswald had a bed made up for him on
the floor of the room where Edward and Humphrey slept, and the next
morning they set off, at an early hour, with the pony and cart, loaded
it with the venison, and took it across the forest to the keeper's
lodge. It was so late when they arrived that Edward consented to pass
the night there, and return home on the following morning. Oswald went
into the sitting-room to speak with the Intendant of the forest, leaving
Edward in the kitchen with Phoebe, the maidservant. He told the
Intendant that he had brought home some fine venison, and wished his
orders about it. He also stated that he had been assisted by Edward
Armitage, who had brought the venison home for him in his cart, and who
was now in the kitchen, as he would be obliged to pass the night there;
and, on being questioned, he was lavish in his praises of Edward's skill
and knowledge of woodcraft, which he declared to be superior to his own.

"It proves that the young man has had much practice, at all events,"
replied Mr Heatherstone, smiling. "He has been living at the king's
expense, but he must not follow it up at the cost of the Parliament. It
would be well to take this young man as a ranger if we could; for
although he is opposed to us, yet, if he once took our service, he would
be faithful, I am sure. You can propose it to him, Oswald. The
haunches of that hart royal must be sent up to General Cromwell
to-morrow: the remainder we will give directions for as soon as I have
made up my mind how to dispose of it."

Oswald left the room, and came back to Edward. "General Cromwell is to
have the haunches of your stag," said he to Edward, smiling; "and the
Intendant proposes that you should take service as one of the rangers."

"I thank you," replied Edward, "but I've no fancy to find venison for
General Cromwell and his Roundheads; and so you may tell the Intendant,
with many thanks for his good-will towards me, nevertheless."

"I thought as much; but the man meant kindly, that I really think. Now,
Phoebe, what can you give us to eat, for we are hungry?"

"You shall be served directly," replied Phoebe. "I have some steaks on
the fire."

"And you must find a bed for my young friend here."

"I have none in the house, but there is plenty of good straw over the
stables."

"That will do,"