"All the pursuit will be to the northward, to intercept
and overtake the retreat into Scotland. I can not therefore go to
Lancashire; and, indeed, as they know that I am out, they will be
looking for me every where."
"Then come with me," said Edward, "I will find you protection till you
can decide what to do. Let us ride on away from this, and we will talk
over the matter as we go; but depend upon it. the further south we get
the safer we shall be, but still not safe, unless we can change our
costume. There will be a strict search for the king to the south, as
they will presume that he will try to get safe to France. Hark! what
is that? I heard the report of arms. Let us ride up this hill and see
what is going on."
They did so, and perceived that there was a skirmish between a party
of Cavaliers and some of the Parliamentary cavalry, at about a quarter
of a mile distant.
"Come, Chaloner, let us at all events have one blow," said Edward.
"Agreed," replied Chaloner, spurring his horse; and down they went at
full speed, and in a minute were in the melee, coming on the rear of
the Parliamentary troops.
This sudden attack from behind decided the affair. The Parliamentary
troopers, thinking that there were more than two coming upon them,
made off after another minute's combat, leaving five or six of their
men on the ground.
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