seven in the
evening
Major Legg shortly after arrived , and told them that the king had determined , when he went into his private room for evening prayer , to slip away , and make for the river side , where they were to be in readiness for him with horses . Harry had brought his followers with him , and had left them at an inn while he visited Lord Ashburnham . William Long at once rode back to Kingston , and there purchased two good horses , with saddles , for the king and Major Legg . At seven in the evening the party mounted , William Long and Jacob each leading a spare horse . Lord Ashburnham and Sir John Berkeley joined them outside the village , and they rode together until , crossing the bridge at Hampton , they stopped on the river bank , at the point arranged , near the palace . Half an hour passed , and then footsteps were heard , and two figures approached . Not a word was spoken until they were near enough to discern their faces .