Papist, had sheltered him in Boscobel House, not far distant from
where they then rode. Hearing this, the king resolved to trust
this same faithful fellow, and for the present seek such refuge
as Pendrell could afford. It was not easy, however, for his
majesty to escape the Scots; but when night came, he and his
gentlemen slipped away from the high road, which the others
continued to pursue, and made for Boscobel Wood, led by Charles
Giffard, a loyal gentleman and true. The house they sought was
situated between Tong Castle and Brewood, in a woody place most
fitting for retreat; it was, moreover, six and twenty miles from
Worcester, and stood in Shropshire, on the borders of
Staffordshire.

In order to gain this haven of rest, it was necessary for them to
pass through Stourbridge, where a troop of the Republican army
lay quartered. Midnight had fallen ere they reached the town,
which was now wrapt in darkness, and was, moreover, perfectly
still. The king and his friends, dismounting, led their horses
through the echoing streets as softly as possible, being filled
the while with dire apprehensions. Safely leaving it, they rode
into the wood until they came to the old convent of Whiteladies,
once the home of Cistercian nuns, who had long since been driven
from their peaceful retreat. The house was now the habitation of
the Giffard family, with whom George Pendrell lived as servant.
On being aroused, he came forth with a lantern, and admitted
them, when Charles Giffard made known to him in whose presence he
stood, and acquainted him with their situation. Thereupon the
honest fellow promised to serve the king faithfully, and sent
immediately for his brothers four: William, who took charge of
Boscobel House, not far removed; Humphrey, who was miller at