"Go, my boy," said Jacob; "be as intimate with him as you can, and
make a friend of him--nay, if it should be necessary, you may tell him
who you are; I did think of telling him myself, as it might be
important to you one day as evidence. I think you had better bring him
here to-morrow night, Edward; tell him I am dying, and wish to speak
to him before I go. Alice will read the Bible to me now, and I will
talk with you another time."
Early the next morning Edward set off to the appointed rendezvous with
Oswald Partridge. The Clump Royal, as it was called, from the peculiar
size and beauty of the oaks, was about seven miles from the cottage;
and at the hour and time indicated, Edward, with his gun in his hand,
and Smoker lying beside him, was leaning against one of those monarchs
of the forest. He did not wait long. Oswald Partridge, similarly
provided, made his appearance, and Edward advanced to meet him.
"Welcome, Oswald," said Edward.
"And welcome to you also, my fine lad," replied Oswald. "I have been
hard questioned about you since we parted--first by the Roundhead
Heatherstone, who plied me in all manner of ways to find out whether
you are what you assert, the grandson of Jacob--or some other person.
I really believe that he fancies you are the Duke of York--but he,
could not get any more from me than what I knew.
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