"It proves that the young man has had much practice, at all events,"
replied Mr. Heatherstone, smiling. "He has been living at the king's
expense, but he must not follow it up at the cost of the Parliament.
It would be well to take this young man as a ranger if we could; for
although he is opposed to us, yet, if he once took our service, he
would be faithful, I am sure. You can propose it to him, Oswald. The
hunches of that hart royal must be sent up to General Cromwell to-
morrow: the remainder we will give directions for, as soon as I have
made up my mind how to dispose of it."
Oswald left the room, and came back to Edward. "General Cromwell is to
have the hunches of your stag," said he to Edward, smiling: "and the
intendant proposes that you should take service as one of the
rangers."
"I thank you," replied Edward, "but I've no fancy to find venison for
General Cromwell and his Roundheads; and so. you may tell the
intendant, with many thanks for his good-will toward me,
nevertheless."
"I thought as much, but the man meant kindly, that I really think.
Now, Phoebe, what can you give us to eat, for we are hungry?"
"You shall be served directly," replied Phoebe. "I have some steaks on
the fire."
"And you must find a bed for my young friend here.
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