eve that he might have made
known the existence of the children to the Villiers family, and that
they would never have been harmed by anybody. That by the burning of
the mansion they might have perished in the flames, had they been in
bed, as they would have been at that hour, had he not obtained
intelligence of what was about to be done, is true; but that there was
any danger to them on account of their father having been such a staunch
supporter of the king's cause, is very unlikely, and not borne out by
the history of the times; but the old forester thought otherwise; he had
a hatred of the Puritans, and their deeds had been so exaggerated by
rumour that he fully believed that the lives of the children were not
safe. Under this conviction, and feeling himself bound by his promise
to Colonel Beverley to protect them, Jacob resolved that they should
live with him in the forest, and be brought up as his own grandchildren.
He knew that there could be no better place for concealment; for,
except the keepers, few people knew where his cottage was; and it was so
out of the usual paths, and so embosomed in lofty trees, that there was
little chance of its being seen, or being known to exist. He resolved,
therefore, that they should remain with him till better times; and then
he would make known their existence to the other branches of the family,
but not before. "I can hunt for them, and provide for them," thought
he, "and I have a little money, when it is required; and I will teach
them to be useful; they must learn to provide for themselves. There's
the garden, and the patch of land: in two or three years the boys will
be able to do something. I can't teach them much; but I can teach them
to fear God. We must get on how we can, and put our trust in Him who is
a Father to the fatherless."

With such thoughts running in his head, Jacob arrived at the cottage,
and found the children outside the door, watching for him. They all
hastened to him, and the dog rushed before them, to welcome his master.
"Down, Smoker, good dog. Well, Mr Edward, I have been as quick as I
can. How have Mr Humphrey and your sisters behaved? But we must not
remain outside to-day, for the troopers are scouring the forest, and may
see you. Let us come in directly; for it would not do that they should
come here."

"Will they burn the cottage down?" inquired Alice, as she took Jacob's
hand.

"Yes, my dear, I think they would, if they found th