Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651
Page 70
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW THEY WERE STOPPED BY THE TROOPERS AT WOOTTON WAWEN.
Once more the party were in motion, and they now proceeded along aroad skirted by high hedges, that for a time shut out the view of thebroad well-cultivated meadows on either side. For the most part, thepersons they encountered on their way were husbandmen and common folk.Carts were frequently to be seen, and now and then a waggon with itsteam of strong horses. Occasionally they met a farmer and his wife on a"double horse," but none of the gentry of the neighbourhood. The latterevidently deemed it prudent to keep at home. Mr. Petre often pulledup to have a word with the husbandmen, and their talk was generallyconcerning the battle of Worcester. Many sympathised with the king forhis misfortunes, and expressed concern at his defeat; but all blamedhim for bringing the Scots to England.
Thus they journeyed on through a rich agricultural district, past farmsand homesteads well stocked with cattle, till they came to a woodytract that had once formed part of the forest of Arden, some vestigesof which could yet be discerned. These woodlands offered a pleasantcontrast to the richly cultivated district just left behind, and havingskirted a park, they reached the picturesque old town of Henley inArden.
Here they halted, and while Charles, in his quality of groom, attendedto the horses, Jane and the others went to view the old cross whichthen stood in the market-place. To support his character, Charlesthought it necessary to drink a pot of ale with the ostler; and theman's tongue being loosened by the good liquor, he informed the kingthat about two hours previously a troop of horse had passed through thetown on their way to Stratford-on-Avon.
"That doesn't matter to us, friend," said Charles. "We are on the rightside, and belong to the Parliament."
"An that be so, you'll be glad to hear that the malignant prince hasbeen captured," observed the ostler. "We shall have no further troublewith him."
"That's too good news to be true I fear, friend," rejoined Charles."Where did you learn it?"
"From the troopers I've just mentioned. They couldn't be misinformed.Charles Stuart was caught in a woodcutter's hut in Brewood Forest. Hefought so hard that it took ten men to secure him, and the reward willbe divided among 'em, consequently, they'll only have a hundred apiece.Well, here's Old Noll's health, and hoping he may soon reign over us."
"Reign over us?" cried Charles.
"Ay, reign," said the ostler. "When he has cut off Charles Stuart'shead he'll be King of England. He has got the army with him, and can doas he likes."
"He aims at the crown, I make no doubt," said Charles. "But here comesmy young mistress. She'll be greatly surprised to learn that CharlesStuart is taken."
Having mounted their horses, the party quitted the little town and tookthe road to Stratford-on-Avon.
Mr. Petre was a good deal alarmed on hearing that a troop of soldiershad preceded them, but Jane sought to reassure him by saying thatthey should be able to pass through the town without being noticedby the men, and he made no more remarks till they drew near WoottonWawen, a small town about midway between Henley and Stratford. He thendiscovered that some of the Roundheads must have halted in this littletown, as a dozen troopers, at least, were refreshing themselves at theinn. It was impossible to avoid them, except by making a considerabled?tour, and this the timorous gentleman declared he would do; and aftersome discussion he actually turned back with his wife, while Jane andthe king rode boldly on towards Wootton.
As they approached the village, two mounted troopers barred the road,and ordered the supposed groom to halt and give an account of himself.
Before Charles could answer, an officer, fully accoutred, came forthfrom the inn with the evident intent of interrogating the travellers.But Jane anticipated his design, and holding out a piece of paper,exclaimed:
"I have a pass for myself and my man from Captain Stone, governor ofStafford. Here it is."
The officer took the paper, and glancing at it, said, in a respectfultone:
"You are the lady herein described, I presume?"
"I am Jane Lane, of Bentley House," she rejoined, haughtily. "This ismy servant, Will Jones."
"Has he been long in your service?" pursued the officer, fixing a keenglance on Charles, who bore his scrutiny well.
"Not long," she replied. "He is a tenant of my brother's."
"Whither are you going?" he demanded. "I require a precise answer."
"I am going to Long Marston, the residence of my relative, Mr. Tombs,and shall pass the night there," she rejoined. "Long Marston is fourmiles beyond Stratford-on-Avon."
"I know the house," rejoined the officer. "Mr. Tombs is a notoriousmalignant, but your pass is sufficient. You may proceed on yourjourney."
Charles did not neglect the hint, but moved on instantly.
As soon as they were gone the officer said to the mounted troopers:
"Follow them, but at such a distance as not to cause alarm. Enter thehouse where they stop, and examine the groom. I suspect him."
The troopers promised strict obedience to the command, and set offcautiously after the travellers.