eason. If he does not come soon I shall ride over and see what is
the matter."

Edward then replaced the money in the chest, and he and Humphrey then
went out to the farm-yard to go on with their work.

It was not until six weeks after the death of old Jacob that Oswald
Partridge made his appearance.

"How is the old man, sir?" was his first question.

"He was buried a few days after you left," replied Edward.

"I expected as much," said the forester. "Peace be with him--he was a
good man. And how is your arm?"

"Nearly well," replied Edward. "Now, sit down, Oswald, for I have a
great deal to say to you; and first let me ask you what has detained you
from coming here according to your promise?"

"Simply, and in few words--murder."

"Murder!" exclaimed Edward.

"Yes, deliberate murder, sir; in short, they have beheaded the king--
beheaded King Charles, our sovereign."

"Have they dared to do it?"

"They have," replied Oswald. "We know little that is going on in the
forest; but when I saw you last I heard that he was then in London, and
was to be tried."

"Tried!" exclaimed Edward. "How could they try a king? By the laws of
our country a man must be tried by his equals; and where were his
equals?"

"Majesty becomes nought, I suppose," replied Oswald; "but still it is as
I say. Two days after you left the Intendant hastened up to London; and
from what I have understood, he was strongly opposed to the deed, and
did all he could to prevent it, but it was of no use. When he left he
gave me strict injunctions not to go away from the cottage for an hour,
as his daughter was left alone, and as I promised, I could not come to
you; but, nevertheless, Patience received letters from him, and told me
what I tell you."

"You have not dined, Oswald?" said Edward.

"No, that I have not."

"Alice, dear, get some dinner, will you? And Oswald, while you dine,
excuse me if I leave you for a while. Your intelligence has so
astounded me that I can listen to nothing else till I have had a little
while to commune with myself and subdue my feelings."

Edward was indeed in a state of mind which required calming down. He
quitted the cottage and walked out for some distance into the forest in
deep thought.

"Murdered at last!" exclaimed he. "Yes, well may it be called murder,
and no one to save him--not a blow struck in his defence--not an arm
raised. How much gallant blood has been shed in vain! Spirit of my