rming him what had
occurred, and requesting permission to remain a few days longer at the
cottage; and Pablo, who took the letter, returned with one from the
Intendant, acquainting him that the king had not yet been taken; and
requesting the utmost vigilance on his part to ensure his capture, with
directions to search various places, in company with the troopers who
had been stationed at the cottage; or if he did not like to leave the
cottage, to show the letter to any officer commanding parties in search,
that they might act upon the suggestions contained in it. This letter
Edward had an opportunity of showing to one or two officers commanding
parties, who approached the cottage, and to whom Edward went out to
communicate with, thereby preventing their stopping there.

At last, in about a fortnight, there was not a party in the forest, all
of them having gone down to the sea-side, to look-out for the fugitives,
several of whom were taken.

Humphrey took the cart to Lymington, to procure clothes for Chaloner and
Grenville, and it was decided that they should assume those of verderers
of the forest, which would enable them to carry a gun. As soon as
Humphrey had obtained what was requisite, Chaloner and Grenville were
conducted to Clara's cottage, and took possession,--of course never
showing themselves outside the wood which surrounded it. Humphrey lent
them Holdfast as a watch dog, and they took leave of Alice and Edith
with much regret. Humphrey and Edward accompanied them to their new
abode. It was arranged that the horses should remain under the care of
Humphrey, as they had no stable at Clara's cottage.

On parting, Chaloner gave Edward the letter for his aunts; and then
Edward once more bent his steps towards the Intendant's house, and found
himself in the company of Patience and Clara.

Edward narrated to the Intendant all that had occurred, and the
Intendant approved of what he had done; strongly advising that Chaloner
and Grenville should not attempt to go to the continent till all pursuit
was over.

"Here's a letter I have received from the Government, Edward, highly
commending my vigilance and activity in pursuit of the fugitives. It
appears that the officers you fell in with have written up to state what
admirable dispositions we had made. It is a pity, is it not, Edward,
that we are compelled to be thus deceitful in this world? Nothing but
the times, and the wish to do good, could warrant it.