rey, be on
the safe side, and do not trust him too far, until you know more of
him."

"That I most certainly will not," replied Humphrey. "When do you
purpose going over to the keeper's cottage, Edward?"

"In a day or two; but I am not exactly in a humour now to be very civil
to the Roundheads, although the one I have promised to visit is a lady,
and a very amiable, pretty little girl into the bargain."

"Why, Edward, what has made you feel more opposed to them than usual?"

"In the first place, Humphrey, the murder of the king--for it was
murder, and nothing better--I cannot get that out of my head; and
yesterday I obtained what I consider as almost a gift from Heaven; and
if it is so, it was not given but with the intention that I should make
use of it."

"And what was that, Edward?"

"Our gallant father's sword, which he drew so nobly and so well in
defence of his sovereign, Humphrey, and which I trust his son may one
day wield with equal distinction, and, it may be, better fortune. Come
in with me, and I will show it to you."

Edward and Humphrey went into the bedroom, and Edward brought out the
sword, which he had placed by his side on the bed.

"See, Humphrey, this was our father's sword; and," continued Edward,
kissing the weapon, "I trust I may be permitted to draw it to revenge
his death, and the death of one whose life ever should have been
sacred."

"I trust that you will, my dear brother," replied Humphrey; "you will
have a strong arm and a good cause. Heaven grant that both may prosper!
But tell me how you came by it."

Edward then related all that had passed during his visit with Oswald to
Lymington, not forgetting to tell him of Benjamin's appearance, and the
arrangements he had made relative to the sale of the venison.

As soon as dinner was over, Edward and Humphrey took down their guns,
having agreed that they would go and hunt the wild cattle.

"Humphrey, have you any idea where the herd of cattle are feeding at
this time?"

"I know where they were feeding yesterday and the day before, and I do
not think that they will have changed their ground; for the grass is yet
very young, and only grown on the southern aspects. Depend upon it we
shall fall in with them not four miles from where we now are, if not
nearer."

"We must stalk them as we do the deer, must we not? They won't allow us
to approach within shot, Humphrey, will they?" said Edward.

"We have to take our chance, Edwar