The
first person he encountered was, very fortunately, Oswald, who was at
his cottage door. Edward beckoned to him, being then about one hundred
yards off; but Oswald did not recognize him at first, and advanced
toward him in a very leisurely manner, to ascertain what the trooper
might wish to inquire. But Edward called him Oswald, and that was
sufficient. In a few words Edward told him how all was lost, and how
he had escaped by changing clothes with one of the enemy.
"I am now come to bring the news to the intendant, Oswald. You
understand me, of course?"
"Of course I do, Master Edward, and will take care that it is well
known that you have been fighting by the side of Cromwell all this
time. I should recommend you to show yourself in this dress for the
remainder of the day, and then every one will be satisfied. Shall I go
to the intendant's before you?"
"No, no, Oswald; the intendant does not require me to be introduced to
him, of course. I must now gallop up to his house and announce myself.
Farewell for the present--I shall see you during the day."
Edward put spurs to his horse, and arrived at the intendant's at full
speed, making no small clattering in the yard below as he went in,
much to the surprise of Sampson, who came out to ascertain what was
the cause, and who was not a little surprised at perceiving Edward,
who threw himself off the horse, and desiring Sampson to take it to
the stable, entered the kitchen, and disturbed Phoebe, who was
preparing breakfast.
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