which has on one side many rocks and boulders, and on the other a sort of
hedge of trees and shrubs. It was here that the enemies of the King, that
is, some stilt-walkers, with two dishonourable gentlemen who had suffered
from the King's oppressions, placed themselves to way lay his Majesty.
Lord Rippingdale had published it abroad that the King's route was
towards Horncastle, but at Stickney by the fens the royal party
separated, most of the company passing on to Horncastle, while Charles,
Lord Rippingdale and two other cavaliers proceeded on a secret visit to a
gentleman at Louth.

It was dark when the King and his company came to the combe. Lord
Rippingdale suggested to his Majesty that one of the gentlemen should
ride ahead to guard against surprise or ambush, but the King laughed, and
said that his shire of Lincoln bred no brigands, and he rode on. He was
in the coach with a gentleman beside him, and Lord Rippingdale rode upon
the right. Almost as the hoofs of the leaders plunged into the stream
there came the whinny of a horse from among the boulders. Alarmed, the
coachman whipped up his team and Lord Rippingdale clapped his hand upon
his sword.

Even as he did it two men sprang out from among the rocks, seized the
horses' heads, and a dozen others swarmed round, all masked and armed,
and calling upon the King's party to surrender, and to deliver up their
valuables. One ruffian made to seize the bridle of Lord Rippingdale's
horse, but my lord's sword severed the fellow's hand at the wrist.

"Villain," he shouted, "do you know whom you attack?"

For answer, shots rang out; and as the King's gentlemen gathered close to
the coach to defend him, the King himself opened the door and stepped