The old forester made his obeisance.

"You have important business with us, I am told," observed Miss
Judith.

"Most important, madam," replied Jacob. "In the first place, it is
right that you should be informed that his majesty, King Charles, has
escaped from Hampton Court."

"His majesty escaped!" replied the lady.

"Yes; and is supposed to be secreted somewhere in this neighborhood.
His majesty is not in this house, madam, I presume?"

"Jacob, his majesty is not in this house: if he were, I would suffer
my tongue to be torn out sooner than I would confess it, even to you."

"But I have more for your private ear, madam."

"Agatha, retire; and Agatha, be mindful that you go down stairs, and
do not remain outside the door."

Agatha, with this injunction, bounced out of the room, slamming-to the
door so as to make Miss Judith start from her seat.

"Ill-mannered girl!" exclaimed Miss Judith. "Now, Jacob Armitage, you
may proceed."

Jacob then entered into the detail of what he had overheard that