he
powers that now govern."

"You have judged correctly, in so far that my duty is to prevent it; but
as the promise was made previous to the date of my commission, I
presume," said he, smiling, "you think I have no right to interfere, as
it will be an _ex post facto_ case, if I do: I shall not therefore
interfere, only I must point out to you that the laws are still the same
relative to those who take the deer in the forest by stealth--you
understand me?"

"Yes, sir, I do; and if you will not be offended, I will give you a
candid reply."

"Speak then."

"I consider that the deer in this forest belong to King Charles, who is
my lawful sovereign, and I own no authority but from him. I hold myself
answerable to him alone for any deer I may kill, and I feel sure of his
permission and full forgiveness for what I may do."

"That may be your opinion, my good sir, but it will not be the opinion
of the ruling powers; but if caught, you will be punished, and that by
me, in pursuance of the authority vested in me."

"Well, sir; if so, so be it. You have dismissed the Armitages on
account of their upholding the king, and you cannot, therefore, be
surprised that they uphold him more than ever. Nor can you be surprised
if a dismissed verderer becomes a poacher."

"Nor can you be surprised if a poacher is caught, that he incurs the
penalty," replied the Roundhead. "So now there's an end of our
argument. If you go into the kitchen, you will find wherewithal to
refresh the outward man, and if you wish to remain till Oswald Partridge
comes home, you are welcome."

Edward, who felt indignant at being dismissed to the kitchen, nodded his
head and smiled upon the little girl, and left the room. "Well,"
thought he, as he went along the passage, "I came here for two puppies,
and I have found a Roundhead. I don't know how it is, but I am not so
angry with him as I thought I should be. That little girl had a nice
smile--she was quite handsome when she smiled. Oh, this is the kitchen,
to which," thought he, "the Lord of Arnwood is dismissed by a Covenanter
and Roundhead, probably a tradesman or outlaw, who has served the cause.
Well, be it so; as Humphrey says, `I'll bide my time.' But there is no
one here, so I'll try if there is a stable for White Billy, who is
tired, I presume, of being at the gate."

Edward returned by the way he came, went out of the front door, and
through the garden to where the pony was made fast,