th due reserve as respects
ourselves and our own plans. Is this to continue? If so, of course you
have but to say so; but if you feel inclined to trust me, I have the
same feeling towards you. By your dress I should imagine that you
belonged to a party to which I am opposed; but your language and manners
do not agree with your attire; and I think a hat and feathers would
grace that head better than the steeple-crowned affair which now covers
it. It may be that the dress is only assumed as a disguise: you know
best. However, as I say, I feel confidence in you, to whatever party
you may belong, and I give you credit for your prudence and reserve in
these troubled times. I am a little older than you, and may advise you;
and I am indebted to you, and cannot therefore betray you--at least I
trust you believe so."

"I do believe it," replied Edward; "and I will so far answer you, Master
Chaloner, that this attire of mine is not the one which I would wear if
I had my choice."

"I believe that," replied Chaloner; "and I cannot help thinking you are
bound north on the same business as myself, which is, I confess to you
honestly, to strike a blow for the king. If you are on the same errand,
I have two old relations in Lancashire who are stanch to the cause; and
I am going to their house to remain until I can join the army. If you
wish it, you shall come with me, and I will promise you kind treatment
and safety while under their roof."

"And the names of these relatives of yours, Master Chaloner?" said
Edward.

"Nay, you shall have them; for when I trust, I trust wholly. Their name
is Conynghame."

Edward took his letters from out of his side-pocket, and handed one of
them to his fellow-traveller. The address was, "To the worthy Mistress
Conynghame, of Portlake, near Bolton, county of Lancaster."

"It is to that address that I am going myself," said Edward, smiling.
"Whether it is the party you refer to you best know."

Chaloner burst out with a loud laugh.

"This is excellent! Two people meet, both bound on the same business,
both going to the same rendezvous, and for three days do not venture to
trust each other."

"The times require caution," replied Edward, as he replaced his letter.

"You are right," answered Chaloner, "and you are of my opinion. I know
now that you have both prudence and courage. The first quality has been
scarcer with us Cavaliers than the last; however, now all reserve is
over, at