Humphrey took the cart to Lymington, to procure clothes for Chaloner
and Grenville, and it was decided that they should assume those of
verderers of the forest, which would enable them to carry a gun. As
soon as Humphrey had obtained what was requisite, Chaloner and
Grenville were conducted to Clara's cottage, and took possession, of
course never showing themselves outside the wood which surrounded it.
Humphrey lent them Holdfast as a watch, and they took leave of Alice
and Edith with much regret. Humphrey and Edward accompanied them to
their new abode. It was arranged that the horses should remain under
the care of Humphrey, as they had no stable at Clara's cottage.
On parting, Chaloner gave Edward the letter for his aunts; and then
Edward once more bent his steps toward the intendant's house, and
found himself in the company of Patience and Clara.
Edward narrated to the intendant all that had occurred, and the
intendant approved of what he had done, strongly advising that
Chaloner and Grenville should not attempt to go to the Continent till
all pursuit was over.
"Here's a letter I have received from the government, Edward, highly
commending my vigilance and activity in pursuit of the fugitives. It
appears that the officers you fell in with have written up to state
what admirable dispositions we had made.
Pages:
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417