Hayslope Grange | Page 9

every one spurns me."
"Say not so, Harry," said Gilbert, in a gentle tone. "Remember the word
of the Lord, 'When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord
will take me up.'"
"But I know not that I have the right to that promise," said Harry,
moodily.
"But you confess that you need it," said Gilbert.
"Yes, I need it," said Harry.
"Then Christ came to satisfy the needy, whatever their wants might be.
He came to show us the love of the Father that it was inexhaustible, not

like the love of earthly friends, which is often cold and changeful, but
ever full, free, and unchangeable."
Harry sighed.
"I feel utterly desolate and deserted," he said.
"Then will you not go to Him who is waiting to take you up and adopt
you into His family, and make you His son in Christ Jesus? He wishes
to do so. He is waiting to be gracious."
"Go on," said Harry, when Gilbert paused. "I am listening; your words
are like water to a thirsty soul;" and Gilbert went on until they reached
the village, where Gilbert bought a loaf of rye bread, and after eating
this, and drinking some water from the spring, they started on their
journey to London; for although Gilbert was not a poor man, they had
not much money with them, not enough to buy a horse, and
stage-coaches were unheard of in those days.

CHAPTER IV.
CROMWELL'S IRONSIDES.
Gilbert Clayton and Harry Drury kept on their weary tramp to London,
and at length reached the little village of Whitechapel, which was
outside the city walls. They had run some risks from highwaymen and
footpads; but now they thought all danger was over, for they had
almost reached their destination. But just as they were about to leave
the village, a party of the King's pikemen rode in, and at once seized
upon the travellers, to compel them to enter the King's service.
This was a dilemma neither of them had foreseen. To declare they were
in favour of the Parliament would be the signal for their arrest as
traitors to his Majesty; and to escape on any other pretext, without
telling an actual lie, seemed equally impossible. Gilbert was seized first,
and asked his name and condition. The latter was not easy to comply

with, as he had left the army on account of his wounds, and was not at
all sure that he should be received back again. He therefore gave his
former occupation--a mercer of the city of London. Harry gave his as a
farmer, for although he did not look much like one, he spoke of that
being his occupation. After a few more questions had been asked and
answered, they were marched off to the captain of the band, who began
his examination by asking Harry his name.
"Drury!" he repeated. "Are you one of the Hayslope Drurys?"
"My father lives at Hayslope Grange," said Harry.
"Ay, a right true and trusty servant of the King's is Master Drury. I
marvel that he has not sent you to do service for the King ere this," said
the officer.
"My father meddleth not with public matters," said Harry, pondering
what would come next.
"I trow not, I trow not," said the soldier, shaking his head; "but I must
have a word with Master Drury on this same matter as I pass through
the village, and I doubt not he will bid you wield your arms for King
Charles after your visit to London. You may pursue your journey now,
young man; but nathless you will speed your return, for the King needs
trusty men to do him service in these troublous times. But we wish not
to force our friends too much in this matter, therefore will I suffer you
both to depart."
All the time he was speaking he eyed Gilbert most narrowly, as if
trying to recall where he had seen that face before, as in truth he had,
for they had met in the first battle fought between Charles and his
Parliament, at Edgehill, on the borders of Warwickshire.
Gilbert remembered Captain Stanhope quite well, for he had been his
prisoner for a little while, until an exchange of prisoners took place.
Long illness had, however, altered Gilbert far more than the two years'
campaign had altered the captain; and he rode away, thinking his eyes
had played him false for once. Perhaps his being in the company of one

whose family was known to be so strongly attached to the royal cause
helped his escape; for he could not think it possible that a Drury would
hold any intimacy with the Claytons.
"We have had a narrow escape, Harry, and we must not stay long in
London," said