"Our horses will be well attended to, Edward," said Chaloner; "we need
not any longer look after them ourselves. And now, good aunts, have
you no letters for me?"
"Yes, there are several; but you had better eat first."
"Not so; let me have the letters; we can read them before supper, and
talk them over when at table."
One of the ladies produced the letters, which Chaloner, as he read
them, handed over to Edward for his perusal. They were from General
Middleton, and some other friends of Chaloner's who were with the
army, giving him information as to what was going on, and what their
prospects were supposed to be.
"You see that they have marched already," said Chaloner, "and I think
the plan is a good one, and it has put General Cromwell in an awkward
position. Our army is now between his and London, with three days'
march in advance. And we shall now be able to pick up our English
adherents, who can join us without risk, as we go along. It has been a
bold step, but a good one; and if they only continue as well as they
have begun, we shall succeed. The Parliamentary army is not equal to
ours in numbers, as it is; and we shall add to ours dayly. The king
has sent to the Isle of Man for the Earl of Derby, who is expected to
join to-morrow.
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