"
"No, not on either side," replied Edward. "Come, Alice, we will eat
what dinner you may have ready for us."
For three or four days the Parliamentary forces continued to scour the
forest, and another visit or two was paid to the cottage, but without
suspicion being created, in consequence of the presence of Edward and
his explanations. The parties were invariably sent in another
direction. Edward wrote to the intendant, informing him what had
occurred, and requesting permission to remain a few days longer at the
cottage; and Pablo, who took the letter, returned with one from the
intendant, acquainting him that the king had not yet been taken; arid
requesting the utmost vigilance on his part to insure his capture,
with directions to search various places, in company with the troopers
who had been stationed at the cottage; or, if he did not like to leave
the cottage, to shew the letter to any officer commanding parties in
search, that they might act upon the suggestions contained in it. This
letter Edward had an opportunity of showing to one or two officers,
commanding parties, who approached the cottage, and to whom Edward
went out to communicate with, thereby preventing their stopping there.
At last, in about a fortnight, there was not a party in the forest;
all of them having gone down to the seaside, to look out for the
fugitives, several of whom were taken.
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