The next morning, before they had quitted their beds, a messenger
arrived with letters from General Middleton, and from him they found
that the king's army had encamped on the evening before not six miles
from Portlake. As they hastily dressed themselves, Chaloner proposed to
Edward that a little alteration in his dress would be necessary; and
taking him to a wardrobe in which had been put aside some suits of his
own, worn when he was a younger and slighter-made man than he now was,
he requested Edward to make use of them. Edward, who was aware that
Chaloner was right in his proposal, selected two suits of colours which
pleased him most; and dressing in one, and changing his hat for one more
befitting his new attire, was transformed into a handsome Cavalier. As
soon as they had broken their fast they took leave of the old ladies,
and, mounting their horses, set off for the camp. An hour's ride
brought them to the outposts; and communicating with the officer on
duty, they were conducted by an orderly to the tent of General
Middleton, who received Chaloner with great warmth as an old friend, and
was very courteous to Edward as soon as he heard that he was the son of
Colonel Beverley.
"I have wanted you, Chaloner," said Middleton; "we are raising a troop
of horse; the Duke of Buckingham commands it, but Massey will be the
real leader of it; you have influence in this county, and will, I have
no doubt, bring us many good hands."
"Where is the Earl of Derby?"
"Joined us this morning; we have marched so quick that we have not had
time to pick our adherents up."
"And General Lesley?"
"Is by no means in good spirits: why I know not. We have too many
ministers with his army, that is certain, and they do harm; but we
cannot help ourselves. His majesty must be visible by this time; if you
are ready I will introduce you; and when that is done we will talk
matters over."
General Middleton then walked with them to the house in which the king
had taken up his quarters for the night; and after a few minutes'
waiting in the anteroom they were admitted into his presence.
"Allow me, your majesty," said General Middleton, after the first
salutations, "to present to you Major Chaloner, whose father's name is
not unknown to you."
"On the contrary, well-known to us," replied the king, "as a loyal and
faithful subject, whose loss we must deplore. I have no doubt that his
son inherits his courage and his fidelity."
The king held out his hand, and Chaloner bent his knee and kissed it.
"And now, your majesty will be surprised that I should present to you
one of a house supposed to be extinct--the eldest son of Colonel
Beverley."
"Indeed!" replied his majesty; "I heard that all his family perished at
the ruthless burning of Arnwood. I hold myself fortunate, as a king,
that even one son of so loyal and brave a gentleman as Colonel Beverley
has escaped. You are welcome, young sir--most welcome to us; you must
be near us; the very name of Beverley will be pleasing to our ears by
night or day."