und them much
tamer than they were at first, and during the day, following the same
plan, they were both brought to the stable and secured alongside of the
other. One was a bay pony with black legs, and the other a brown one.
The bay pony was a mare, and the other two horses. Alice and Edith were
delighted with the new ponies, and Humphrey was not a little pleased
that he had succeeded in capturing them, after what had passed between
Edward and himself. After two days' fasting, the poor animals were so
tame that they ate out of Pablo's hand and submitted to be stroked and
caressed; and before they were a fortnight in the stable. Alice and
Edith could go up to them without danger. They were soon broken in; for
the yard being full of muck, Pablo took them into it and mounted them.
They plunged and kicked at first, and tried all they could to get rid of
him, but they sank so deep into the muck that they were soon tired out;
and after a month they were all three tolerably quiet to ride.

The snow was so deep all over the country that there was little
communication with the metropolis. The Intendant's letter spoke of King
Charles raising another army in Holland, and that his adherents in
England were preparing to join him as soon as he marched southward.

"I think, Edward," said the Intendant, "that the king's affairs do now
wear a more promising aspect, but there is plenty of time yet. I know
your anxiety to serve your king, and I cannot blame it. I shall not
prevent your going, although of course I must not be cognisant of your
having so done. When the winter breaks up I shall send you to London.
You will then be able better to judge of what is going on, and your
absence will not create any suspicion; but you must be guided by me."

"I certainly will, sir," replied Edward. "I should indeed like to
strike one blow for the king, come what will."

"All depends upon whether they manage affairs well in Scotland; but
there is so much jealousy and pride, and I fear treachery also, that it
is hard to say how matters may end."

It was soon after this conversation that a messenger arrived from London
with letters, announcing that King Charles had been crowned in Scotland
with great solemnity and magnificence.

"The plot thickens," said the Intendant; "and by this letter from my
correspondent Ashley Cooper, I find that the king's army is well
appointed, and that David Lesley is Lieutenant-General: Middleton
commands t