we expected to
be discovered, but a thick fog favoured our design, and we got away,
creeping along hedges and under banks, until we were clear outside the
enemy's entrenchments as well as our own.
Proceeding northward, we reached a wide-spreading tree on the top of a
high bank, where we sat down to rest and consult as to our future
course. The moon rising and the fog blowing off, we saw spread out
before us the white tents of the Cavalier army, covering a wide extent
of ground. We agreed that it would be wise to wait until daylight,
lest, approaching the camp, we might be shot by the sentries. Dick
produced some food which he had brought in his pocket. We ate it with
good appetites. We then stretched ourselves on the sward, not supposing
that we should go to sleep, but in spite of our anxiety we dropped off.
When we awoke it was broad daylight.
It was fortunate we were not discovered, for Dick's dress looked so
draggled and dirty that no one would have taken him for a young lady. I
set to work to brush and clean him, and make him more presentable. We
had resolved to walk boldly on unless challenged, until we could reach
the Prince's tent, when Dick would ask leave as if his request was sure
to be granted to see his father as though on family matters. If
refused, we would wait about the camp until we could find an opportunity
of gaining our object. We came sooner than we expected on a sentry, who
at once challenged us.
"You won't stop us, my good man," answered Dick, going up and slipping a
silver crown into his hand. "We have come to see our father, and surely
you would not interfere with two young children like us, who can do no
harm to anyone."
The man, a fresh recruit, who knew nothing about military discipline,
having pocketed the coin, was easily persuaded to allow us to proceed.
The next sentry Dick managed in the same way. We advanced, Dick holding
my hand, until we were within the camp. Several persons spoke to us,
but did not seem to think it necessary to interfere with our progress,
and at length, by dint of inquiring the way we found ourselves standing
before a large tent, occupied we were told, by Prince Maurice.
We were waiting for leave to enter, when the curtain was drawn aside,
and a Cavalier in cuirass and plumed hat, a light moustache, his locks
curling over his shoulders, came forth.
"Who are you, my pretty maiden?" he asked, looking at Dick.
"An' it please you, sir, I've co
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