The Children of the New Forest | Page 7

you know; then there's Benjamin and you."
"And what can you and two men do against a troop of horse, my dear
boy? If we could defend the place against them, Jacob Armitage would
be the first; but it is impossible, my dear boy. Recollect your sisters.
Would you have them burned to death, or shot by these wretches? No,
no, Mr. Edward; you must do as I say, and lose no time. Let us pack up

what will be most useful, and load White Billy with the bundles; then
you must all come to the cottage with me, and we will make it out how
we can."
"That will be jolly!" said Humphrey; "come, Edward."
But Edward Beverley required more persuasion to abandon the house;
at last, old Jacob prevailed, and the clothes were put up in bundles as
fast as they could collect them.
"Your aunt said Martha was to go with your sisters, but I doubt if she
will," observed Jacob, "and I think we shall have no room for her, for
the cottage is small enough."
"Oh no, we don't want her," said Humphrey; "Alice always dresses
Edith and herself too, ever since mamma died."
"Now we will carry down the bundles, and you make them fast on the
pony while I go for your sisters."
"But where does aunt Judith go?" inquired Edward.
"She will not leave the house, Master Edward; she intends to stay and
speak to the troopers."
"And so an old woman like her remains to face the enemy, while I run
away from them!" replied Edward. "I will not go."
"Well, Master Edward," replied Jacob, "you must do as you please; but
it will be cruel to leave your sisters here; they and Humphrey must
come with me, and I can not manage to get them to the cottage without
you go with us; it is not far, and you can return in a very short time."
To this Edward consented. The pony was soon loaded, and the little
girls, who were still playing in the garden, were called in by Humphrey.
They were told that they were going to pass the night in the cottage,
and were delighted at the idea.
"Now, Master Edward," said Jacob, "will you take your sisters by the

hand and lead them to the cottage? Here is the key of the door; Master
Humphrey can lead the pony; and Master Edward," continued Jacob,
taking him aside, "I'll tell you one thing which I will not mention
before your brother and sisters: the troopers are all about the New
Forest, for King Charles has escaped, and they are seeking for him.
You must not, therefore, leave your brother and sisters till I return.
Lock the cottage-door as soon as it is dark. You know where to get a
light, over the cupboard; and my gun is loaded, and hangs above the
mantlepiece. You must do your best if they attempt to force an entrance;
but above all, promise me not to leave them till I return. I will remain
here to see what I can do with your aunt, and when I come back we can
then decide how to act."
This latter ruse of Jacob's succeeded. Edward promised that he would
not leave his sisters, and it wanted but a few minutes of twilight when
the little party quitted the mansion of Arnwood. As they went out of the
gates they were passed by Benjamin, who was trotting away with
Martha behind him on a pillion, holding a bundle as large as herself.
Not a word was exchanged, and Benjamin and Martha were soon out of
sight.
"Why, where can Martha be going?" said Alice. "Will she be back
when we come home to-morrow?"
Edward made no reply, but Humphrey said, "Well, she has taken plenty
of clothes in that huge bundle for one night, at least."
Jacob, as soon as he had seen the children on their way, returned to the
kitchen, where he found Agatha and the cook collecting their property,
evidently bent upon a hasty retreat.
"Have you seen Miss Judith, Agatha?"
"Yes; and she told me that she should remain, and that I should stand
behind her chair that she might receive the troopers with dignity; but I
don't admire the plan. They might leave her alone, but I am sure that
they will be rude to me."

"When did Benjamin say he would be back?"
"He don't intend coming back. He said he would not, at all events, till
to-morrow morning, and then he would ride out this way, to ascertain if
the report was false or true. But Martha has gone with him."
"I wish I could persuade the old lady to leave the house," said Jacob,
thoughtfully. "I fear they will