at first, and advanced towards him in a
very leisurely manner, to ascertain what the trooper might wish to
inquire. But Edward called him Oswald, and that was sufficient. In few
words Edward told him how all was lost, and how he had escaped by
changing clothes with one of the enemy.

"I am now come to bring the news to the Intendant, Oswald. You
understand me, of course?"

"Of course I do, Master Edward, and will take care that it is well-known
that you have been fighting by the side of Cromwell all this time. I
should recommend you to show yourself in this dress for the remainder of
the day, and then every one will be satisfied. Shall I go to the
Intendant's before you?"

"No, no, Oswald; the Intendant does not require me to be introduced to
him, of course. I must now gallop up to his house and announce myself.
Farewell for the present--I shall see you during the day."

Edward put spurs to his horse, and arrived at the Intendant's at full
speed, making no small clattering in the yard below as he went in, much
to the surprise of Sampson, who came out to ascertain what was the
cause, and who was not a little surprised at perceiving Edward, who
threw himself off the horse, and desiring Sampson to take it to the
stable, entered the kitchen, and disturbed Phoebe, who was preparing
breakfast. Without speaking to her, Edward passed on to the Intendant's
room, and knocked.

"_Who_ is there?" said the Intendant.

"Edward Armitage," was the reply, and the door was opened. The
Intendant started back at the sight of Edward in the trooper's costume.

"My dear Edward, I am glad to see you in any dress; but this requires
explanation. Sit down and tell me all."

"All is soon told, sir," replied Edward, taking off his iron skull-cap,
and allowing his hair to fall down on his shoulders.

He then, in few words, stated what had happened, and by what means he
had escaped, and the reason why he had kept on the trooper's
accoutrements and made his appearance in them.

"You have done very prudently," replied the Intendant, "and you have
probably saved me; at all events you have warded off all suspicion, and
those who are spies upon me will now have nothing to report except to my
favour. Your absence has been commented upon, and made known at high
quarters, and suspicion has arisen in consequence. Your return as one
of the Parliamentary forces will now put an end to all ill-natured
remarks. My dear Edward, you have done