If he does not come soon, I shall ride over and see what
is the matter."
Edward then replaced the money in the chest, and he and Humphrey then
went out to the farmyard to go on with their work.
It was not until six weeks after the death of old Jacob that Oswald
Partridge made his appearance.
"How is the old man, sir?" was his first question.
"He was buried a few days after you left," replied Edward.
"I expected as much," said the forester. "Peace be with him--he was a
good man. And how is your arm?"
"Nearly well," replied Edward. "Now sit down, Oswald, for I have a
great deal to say to you; and first, let me ask you what has detained
you from coming here according to your promise?"
"Simply, and in few words--murder."
"Murder!" exclaimed Edward.
"Yes, deliberate murder, sir; in short, they have beheaded King
Charles, our sovereign."
"Have they dared to do it?"
"They have," replied Oswald. "We in the forest know little that is
going on; but when I saw you last, I heard that he was then in London,
and was to be tried."
"Tried!" exclaimed Edward. "How could they try a king? by the laws of
our country, a man must be tried by his equals; and where were his
equals?"
"Majesty becomes naught, I suppose," replied Oswald; "but still it is
as I say.
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