o be.

"You see that they have marched already," said Chaloner, "and I think
the plan is a good one, and it has put General Cromwell in an awkward
position. Our army is now between his and London, with three days march
in advance. And we shall now be able to pick up our English adherents,
who can join us without risk, as we go along. It has been a bold step,
but a good one; and if they only continue as well as they have begun we
shall succeed. The Parliamentary army is not equal to ours in numbers,
as it is; and we shall add to ours daily. The king has sent to the Isle
of Man for the Earl of Derby, who is expected to join to-morrow."

"And where is the army at this moment?" inquired Edward.

"They will be but a few miles from us to-night, their march is so rapid;
to-morrow we will join if it pleases."

"Most willingly," replied Edward.

After an hour's more conversation, they were shown into their rooms, and
retired for the night.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

The next morning, before they had quitted their beds, a messenger
arrived with letters from General Middleton, and from him they found
that the king's army had encamped on the evening before not six miles
from Portlake. As they hastily dressed themselves, Chaloner proposed to
Edward that a little alteration in his dress would be necessary; and
taking him to a wardrobe in which had been put aside some suits of his
own, worn when he was a younger and slighter-made man than he now was,
he requested Edward to make use of them. Edward, who was aware that
Chaloner was right in his proposal, selected two suits of colours which
pleased him most; and dressing in one, and changing his hat for one more
befitting his new attire, was transformed into a handsome Cavalier. As
soon as they had broken their fast they took leave of the old ladies,
and, mounting their horses, set off for the camp. An hour's ride
brought them to the outposts; and communicating with the officer on
duty, they were conducted by an orderly to the tent of General
Middleton, who received Chaloner with great warmth as an old friend, and
was very courteous to Edward as soon as he heard that he was the son of
Colonel Beverley.

"I have wanted you, Chaloner," said Middleton; "we are raising a troop
of horse; the Duke of Buckingham commands it, but Massey will be the
real leader of it; you have influence in this county, and will, I have
no doubt, bring us many good hands."

"Where is the Earl