CHAPTER III.
HOW WILL JONES FOUND A FRIEND IN THE STABLE.
As they passed through the back part of the house on the way tothe stables, they met two or three women-servants, who glancedinquisitively at the new groom, and thought him a good-looking youngfellow. In the court-yard they found Colonel Lane and Lord Wilmot. Theformer was talking with his head falconer, Randal Gates, and tellinghim that he should require the hawks and spaniels after breakfast.
"I mean to give this gentleman, Mr. Harris," he said, glancing at LordWilmot, "a little sport. My sister is going to Long Marston, and wewill ride with her as far as Packington Hall."
"The hawks and spaniels shall be ready for you, colonel, whenever yourequire them, and as there are plenty of partridges in the corn fields,I make no doubt you will be able to show Mr. Harris some good sport."
The falconer then retired, and Colonel Lane turned to bid Careless goodmorning--glancing significantly at the same time at the king, who stoodrespectfully aside with his cap in his hand.
"Maybe you don't know me, colonel," said Charles, with an awkward bow.
"Oh! yes, I know thee well enough, Will," replied Colonel Lane. "Thouart David Jones's son, and my sister's new groom. I hope thou wiltserve her well. Put down thy portmanteau and come with me to thestables."
Charles obeyed, and followed Colonel Lane and the others to thestables, which were very large, but there were not many horses in thestalls. Lutwyche came forward as his master entered with the others. Hestared when he saw the king in his groom's attire, and a cunning smilelighted up his hard features.
"This is Will Jones, my sister's new groom, Lutwyche," said thecolonel. "Explain to him what he will have to do."
"I should guess he has not had much experience, colonel," replied theold groom with a grin. "Mistress Jane, I understand, is going toBristol, but she has not yet told me which horse she will ride. Herfavourite steed has not been right since she returned from Worcester.She can't take him. The horse that came in last night is strong enoughto carry double, and I think would do very well."
"Ay, he is a good horse," replied the colonel, in a doubtful tone. "Butthere are some objections to him."
"I don't see 'em," said the groom. "I wish your honour would just lookat him. I fancy he did some hard work yesterday, but he seems quitefresh this morning."
The whole party then went to look at the horse, and he certainly seemedto deserve the groom's praises.
As Charles went into the stall and patted him, the horse turned roundand whinnied gently, as if in recognition.
"He knows you, Will Jones," remarked Lutwyche.
"Ay, that's plain enough," replied the king. Then turning to ColonelLane, he added, "Your honour seems to have some objections to thishorse, or I would make bold to recommend him for the journey. WereI allowed the choice, I should prefer him to any other horse in thestable."
"Well, since you like him so much, Will, e'en take him," said thecolonel. "My sister ought to have been consulted on the point, but Ihave no doubt she will be content."
"Here comes the fair lady herself," cried Lord Wilmot, as Jane enteredthe stable.
While saluting the rest of the party, she looked round for the king,and discovering him, greeted him with a smile.
Charles then came out of the stall, and making a rustic bow, inquiredwhether she had any commands for him.
"I am glad to find thou hast arrived safely, Will," she said. "But Ihave no special orders to give thee, except that thou must be ready tostart soon after breakfast."
"I shall be ready at any moment you may require me," replied Charles.
"Will this horse suit you, Jane?" asked her brother.
"Perfectly," she replied. "I have been admiring him ever since I cameinto the stable. Since I cannot have my favourite steed, this will makean excellent substitute. Where did you procure him?"
"Never mind where I got him," replied her brother. "I rode him atNewport, and lost him there, but he has since been captured from aRoundhead trooper, who might recognise him."
After consulting the king by a glance, Jane said, "I will have thathorse, and no other."
Colonel Lane shrugged his shoulders and went out of the stables,followed by the others.
As soon as they were gone, Lutwyche said to the king:
"I don't want to know who you are, but I am certain you are not agroom. Go into the house and breakfast comfortably. I will get allready for the journey."
Charles thanked him heartily, and telling him he placed entire faith inhim, quitted the stable, and proceeded to the house.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 65
