e honest. He was allowed, however, to go on, till at
length the time came for his separating from John Platt. They warmly
shook hands, as Roger did not consider it derogatory.

"Circumspect Master Roger," said the old man, "do not let strangers get
into your confidence; give them the cold shoulder rather; ride straight
on; when you arrive at an inn, see to your horse yourself that he gets
properly fed; if a stranger enters into conversation, listen to what he
may have to say, but give him as little information as you can in
return."

Roger promised to follow the old soldier's advice, and found it greatly
to his advantage. His horse held out well, and by judicious management
he contrived to get to London in five days after leaving Eversden. On
entering London he found the city perfectly quiet, not the slightest
sign, as far as he could discover, of a proposed outbreak, the fact
being that the king had arrested all suspicious persons of influence.
He inquired his way to the house of Mr Handscombe, who lived not far
from the Thames. The cloth-merchant was at home, and received him
kindly. He was looking somewhat pale and anxious, and made many
inquiries as to what was going forward in the south. Roger gave him all
the information he possessed, but Mr Handscombe made but few remarks in
return.

"Now, my lad," he said in a kind tone, "the sooner you get on board your
ship the better for you. Captain Benbow is expecting you, and I
promised to send you down as soon as you arrived, for I may not remain
here long. Before you go you must take some refreshment, and I in the
meantime will order a boat to be in waiting."

"Where snail I find the _Benbow_ frigate?" asked Roger.

"She is not the ship you are to join," answered Mr Handscombe. "Her
Captain has parted with her, and is now in command of a fine king's
ship, the _Ruby_, of fifty guns, lying at Deptford."

Mr Handscombe was absent while Roger was taking the food provided for
him; he appeared, on his return, in a travelling dress.

"I have made arrangements for the sale of your horse as your father
requests me; here is the amount which the animal will probably fetch,
put it in your pocket and do not throw it away; and now come along."

"What, are you going with me, sir?" asked Roger.

"Yes, in the character of your father, going to see you on board your
ship. Circumstances make it convenient to be away from London just at
present, and the idea has struck