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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:51:12 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:51:12 -0700 |
| commit | bc491c53cf3b6f634b52972bb6c2cd10f1f0cc11 (patch) | |
| tree | ad15ae17fc9e800b074037e005ecf247e2e30e28 /17460-h | |
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diff --git a/17460-h/17460-h.htm b/17460-h/17460-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..74d2426 --- /dev/null +++ b/17460-h/17460-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,31939 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 2em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-family: Times; font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lorna Doone, by R. D. Blackmore + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Lorna Doone + A Romance of Exmoor + +Author: R. D. Blackmore + +Release Date: January 4, 2006 [EBook #17460] +[Last Updated: July 3, 2022] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LORNA DOONE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover.jpg" width="100%" alt="Cover " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="100%" alt="Frontispiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" alt="Titlepage " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece2.jpg" width="100%" alt="Frontispiece2 " /> + </div> + <h1> + LORNA DOONE, + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + A Romance of Exmoor + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by R. D. Blackmore + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> <a href="images/map.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="map-th (198K)" src="images/map-th.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> [Click on map to enlarge to full size] <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#linklink2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a><br /> <br /> <a + href="#linklink2H_PREF2"> PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION </a><br /> <br /> <a + href="#linklink2H_4_0003"> PUBLISHERS' PREFACE</a><br /> <br /> <a + href="#linklink2H_PREF3"> PREFACE BY MISS KATHARINE HILLARD </a><br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I -- ELEMENTS OF EDUCATION </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II -- AN IMPORTANT ITEM</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III -- THE WAR-PATH OF THE DOONES</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV -- A VERY RASH VISIT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V -- AN ILLEGAL SETTLEMENT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI -- NECESSARY PRACTICE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII -- HARD IT IS TO CLIMB</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII -- A BOY AND A GIRL</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX -- THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X -- A BRAVE RESCUE AND A ROUGH RIDE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI -- TOM DESERVES HIS SUPPER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII -- A MAN JUSTLY POPULAR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII -- MASTER HUCKABACK COMES IN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV -- A MOTION WHICH ENDS IN A MULL</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV -- QUO WARRANTO</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI -- LORNA GROWING FORMIDABLE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII -- JOHN IS BEWITCHED</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII -- WITCHERY LEADS TO WITCHCRAFT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX -- ANOTHER DANGEROUS INTERVIEW</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX -- LORNA BEGINS HER STORY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI -- LORNA ENDS HER STORY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII -- A ROYAL INVITATION</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV -- A SAFE PASS FOR KING'S MESSENGER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV -- A GREAT MAN ATTENDS TO BUSINESS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI -- JOHN IS DRAINED AND CAST ASIDE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII -- HOME AGAIN AT LAST</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII -- JOHN HAS HOPE OF LORNA</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX -- REAPING LEADS TO REVELLING</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX -- ANNIE GETS THE BEST OF IT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI -- JOHN FRY'S ERRAND</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII -- FEEDING OF THE PIGS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII -- AN EARLY MORNING CALL</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV -- TWO NEGATIVES MAKE AN AFFIRMATIVE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV -- RUTH IS NOT LIKE LORNA</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI -- JOHN RETURNS TO BUSINESS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII -- A VERY DESPERATE VENTURE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII -- A GOOD TURN FOR JEREMY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX -- A TROUBLED STATE AND A FOOLISH JOKE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL -- TWO FOOLS TOGETHER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI -- COLD COMFORT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII -- THE GREAT WINTER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII -- NOT TOO SOON</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV -- BROUGHT HOME AT LAST</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV -- A CHANGE LONG NEEDED</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI -- SQUIRE FAGGUS MAKES SOME LUCKY HITS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII -- JEREMY IN DANGER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII -- EVERY MAN MUST DEFEND HIMSELF</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX -- MAIDEN SENTINELS ARE BEST</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L -- A MERRY MEETING A SAD ONE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI -- A VISIT FROM THE COUNSELLOR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII -- THE WAY TO MAKE THE CREAM RISE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII -- JEREMY FINDS OUT SOMETHING</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV -- MUTUAL DISCOMFITURE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV -- GETTING INTO CHANCERY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI -- JOHN BECOMES TOO POPULAR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVII -- LORNA KNOWS HER NURSE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0058"> CHAPTER LVIII -- MASTER HUCKABACK'S SECRET</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0059"> CHAPTER LIX -- LORNA GONE AWAY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0060"> CHAPTER LX -- ANNIE LUCKIER THAN JOHN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0061"> CHAPTER LXI -- THEREFORE HE SEEKS COMFORT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0062"> CHAPTER LXII -- THE KING MUST NOT BE PRAYED FOR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0063"> CHAPTER LXIII -- JOHN IS WORSTED BY THE WOMEN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0064"> CHAPTER LXIV -- SLAUGHTER IN THE MARSHES</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0065"> CHAPTER LXV -- FALLING AMONG LAMBS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0066"> CHAPTER LXVI -- SUITABLE DEVOTION</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0067"> CHAPTER LXVII -- LORNA STILL IS LORNA</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0068"> CHAPTER -- JOHN IS JOHN NO LONGERLXVIII </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0069"> CHAPTER LXIX -- NOT TO BE PUT UP WITH</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0070"> CHAPTER LXX -- COMPELLED TO VOLUNTEER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0071"> CHAPTER LXXI -- A LONG ACCOUNT SETTLED</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0072"> CHAPTER LXXII -- THE COUNSELLOR AND THE CARVER</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0073"> CHAPTER LXXIII -- HOW TO GET OUT OF CHANCERY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0074"> CHAPTER LXXIV -- BLOOD UPON THE ALTAR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0075"> CHAPTER LXXV -- BLOOD UPON THE ALTAR</a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>List of Illustrations</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Cover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Frontispiece2 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Map </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Autograph.jpg </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> xii.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> xiv.jpg Cheese-wring </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> xv.jpg Malmsmead </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> Map </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> 001a.jpg </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> 001b.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> Greek1.jpg </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> Greek2.jpg </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> 002.jpg John Ridd's School Desk </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> 005.jpg The School Room </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> 014.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0018"> 019.jpg Great Coach and Six Horses Labouring + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0019"> 021.jpg Where Be Us Now? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0020"> 026.jpg Said It Was But a Pixie </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0021"> 028.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0022"> 029.jpg He Rode at the Doone Robber </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0023"> 030.jpg Father Was Found Dead on the Moor + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0024"> 034.jpg Here is a Lady, Counsellor </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0025"> 037.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0026"> 042.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0027"> 043.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0028"> 045.jpg Won Skill in Target Practice </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0029"> 051.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0030"> 058.jpg A Long Pale Slide of Water </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0031"> 062.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0032"> 063.jpg Sate Upright </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0033"> 069.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0034"> 070.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0035"> 072.jpg John Ridd at Supper </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0036"> 077.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0037"> 079.jpg A Brave Rescue </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0038"> 081.jpg Tom Faggus </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0039"> 083.jpg Bill Dadds </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0040"> 084.jpg A Rough Ride </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0041"> 085.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0042"> 086.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0043"> 092.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0044"> 093.jpg Tom Faggus </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0045"> 100.jpg To Be Upon the Beach </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0046"> 102.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0047"> 103.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0048"> 105.jpg Uncle Ben in Our Warm Chimney-corner + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0049"> 113.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0050"> 114.jpg Farmer Snow Sat up in the Chair </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0051"> 118.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0052"> 120.jpg Hugh de Whichehalse </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0053"> 127.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0054"> 128.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0055"> 129.jpg Let Annie Scold Me Well </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0056"> 131.jpg The Meadow Ruffled in The Breeze </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0057"> 132.jpg Willow-bushes over the Stream </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0058"> 136.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0059"> 137.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0060"> 142.jpg Mother Melldrum </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0061"> 143.jpg Tarr-steps </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0062"> 145.jpg The Devil's Cheese-wring </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0063"> 146.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0064"> 150.jpg “Lie Down!” I Shouted </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0065"> 152.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0066"> 153.jpg Fields Spread With Growth </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0067"> 157.jpg Here Be Some Mistress Lorna </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0068"> 159.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0069"> 160.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0070"> 162.jpg I Went to Wipe Her Eyes </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0071"> 163.jpg Jewels Lately Belonging to Others + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0072"> 165.jpg Gwenny Carfax </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0073"> 168.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0074"> 169.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0075"> 172.jpg She Led Me in a Courtly Manner </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0076"> 178.jpg Glen Doone </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0077"> 179.jpg Marwood de Whichehase </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0078"> 182.jpg Spring Was in Our Valley </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0079"> 185.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0080"> 186.jpg Mistress Ridd </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0081"> 190.jpg Read, Read Read! </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0082"> 194.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0083"> 195.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0084"> 197.jpg Jeremy Kept Me in Jokes </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0085"> 203.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0086"> 204.jpg Westminster Hall, 1650 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0087"> 212.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0088"> 213.jpg His Lordship Busy With Letters </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0089"> 221.jpg Exmoor Hills </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0090"> 222.jpg The Luttrell Arms </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0091"> 223.jpg Home at Last </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0092"> 225.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0093"> 226.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0094"> 236.jpg The Signal </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0095"> 237.jpg A Wealth of Harvest </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0096"> 242.jpg Annie and Lizzie </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0097"> 243.jpg Harvest </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0098"> 245.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0099"> 246.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0100"> 248.jpg Spare Pipe </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0101"> 253.jpg Maidens Are Such Wondrous Things </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0102"> 256.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0103"> 267.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0104"> 268.jpg Charles II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0105"> 271.jpg Thatching of the Ricks </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0106"> 274.jpg Ha, Ha! Charlie Boy </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0107"> 277.jpg The Pigs </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0108"> 280.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0109"> 281.jpg Autumn's Mellow Hand </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0110"> 283.jpg At Last Then, You Are Come John </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0111"> 286.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0112"> 290.jpg Gotten the Best of Mother </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0113"> 292.jpg Carver Doone </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0114"> 294.jpg Poor Ruth Huckaback Herself </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0115"> 296.jpg She Had Tears in Her Eyes </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0116"> 299.jpg Guy Fawkes </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0117"> 304.jpg Nevertheless, I Went Warily </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0118"> 306.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0119"> 318.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0120"> 328.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0121"> 339.jpg Hand Forth Your Money </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0122"> 341.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0123"> 342.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0124"> 351.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0125"> 358.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0126"> 361.jpg None Can Tell What the Labour Was + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0127"> 368.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0128"> 369.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0129"> 370.jpg Open Country </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0130"> 378.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0131"> 379.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0132"> 383.jpg Set All My Power Against the Door + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0133"> 387.jpg In the Settle Was My Lorna </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0134"> 389.jpg Marwood Whichehalse </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0135"> 397.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0136"> 399.jpg Jump in and Swim </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0137"> 401.jpg He Clad Her over the Loins </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0138"> 407.jpg “Master Faggus,” Began My Mother </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0139"> 409.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0140"> 410.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0141"> 411.jpg Something Fell on My Head </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0142"> 413.jpg Tom Faggus Took It Eagerly </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0143"> 419.jpg With a Wave of his Hat </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0144"> 421.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0145"> 422.jpg The Bagworthy Water </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0146"> 432.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0147"> 433.jpg The Moon Was High </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0148"> 437.jpg I Took Him by the Beard </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0149"> 440.jpg Annie Bound the Broken Arm </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0150"> 441.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0151"> 442.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0152"> 454.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0153"> 455.jpg Counsellor </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0154"> 464.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0155"> 472.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0156"> 474.jpg Snug Little House Blinked on Me </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0157"> 482.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0158"> 483.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0159"> 494.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0160"> 495.jpg Devonshire Town </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0161"> 502.jpg In a Shower of Damask Roses </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0162"> 504.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0163"> 505.jpg Lorna </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0164"> 517.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0165"> 518.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0166"> 519.jpg In the Churchyard </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0167"> 524.jpg Kept My Eyes from Her </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0168"> 531.jpg Little Ruth Was at the Bridle </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0169"> 534.jpg Master Huckaback Cast Back his Coat + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0170"> 535.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0171"> 541.jpg Never Had Seen the Like Before </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0172"> 544.jpg Swung Me on High </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0173"> 546.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0174"> 547.jpg Wizard </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0175"> 559.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0176"> 566.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0177"> 567.jpg Dulverton Church and Street </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0178"> 572.jpg What is Your Advice to Me? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0179"> 575.jpg Lynmouth </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0180"> 582.jpg Waved a Blue Flag Vehemently </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0181"> 586.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0182"> 587.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0183"> 595.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0184"> 596.jpg James I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0185"> 604.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0186"> 612.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0187"> 613.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0188"> 623.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0189"> 631.jpg Old London Bridge </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0190"> 632.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0191"> 639.jpg Two Bad Men </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0192"> 644.jpg Coat of Arms </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0193"> 645.jpg John Ridd Admiring his Coat of Arms + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0194"> 652.jpg Siezed Poor Margery </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0195"> 654.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0196"> 657.jpg Disdainful Smile </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0197"> 660.jpg Volley Sang With a Roar </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0198"> 663.jpg Having Pipes and Schnapps </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0199"> 664.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0200"> 665.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0201"> 671.jpg Law and Justice </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0202"> 677.jpg Rising Moonlight </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0203"> 679.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0204"> 680.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0205"> 685.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0206"> 686.jpg Entrance to Oare Church </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0207"> 693.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0208"> 694.jpg Illustrated Capital </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0209"> 703.jpg Tailpiece </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linklink2H_PREF" id="linklink2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + This work is called a “romance,” because the incidents, characters, time, + and scenery, are alike romantic. And in shaping this old tale, the Writer + neither dares, nor desires, to claim for it the dignity or cumber it with + the difficulty of an historic novel. + </p> + <p> + And yet he thinks that the outlines are filled in more carefully, and the + situations (however simple) more warmly coloured and quickened, than a + reader would expect to find in what is called a “legend.” + </p> + <p> + And he knows that any son of Exmoor, chancing on this volume, cannot fail + to bring to mind the nurse-tales of his childhood—the savage deeds + of the outlaw Doones in the depth of Bagworthy Forest, the beauty of the + hapless maid brought up in the midst of them, the plain John Ridd's + Herculean power, and (memory's too congenial food) the exploits of Tom + Faggus. + </p> + <p> + March, 1869. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_PREF2" id="linklink2H_PREF2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION + </h2> + <p> + Few things have surprised me more, and nothing has more pleased me, than + the great success of this simple tale. + </p> + <p> + For truly it is a grand success to win the attention and kind regard, not + of the general public only, but also of those who are at home with the + scenery, people, life, and language, wherein a native cannot always + satisfy the natives. + </p> + <p> + Therefore any son of Devon may imagine, and will not grudge, the Writer's + delight at hearing from a recent visitor to the west that '“Lorna Doone,' + to a Devonshire man, is as good as clotted cream, almost!” + </p> + <p> + Although not half so good as that, it has entered many a tranquil, happy, + pure, and hospitable home, and the author, while deeply grateful for this + genial reception, ascribes it partly to the fact that his story contains + no word or thought disloyal to its birthright in the fairest county of + England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/autograph.jpg" width="100%" alt="Autograph.jpg " /> + </div> + <p> + January, 1873. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_4_0003" id="linklink2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PUBLISHERS' PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + In putting this new and somewhat elaborate edition of “Lorna Doone” upon a + market already supplied with various others, some of them excellent in + quality, we ask the literary men and women of the country to give us their + kind support for the reasons set forth herewith. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, it seems to us that of the countless thousands of + books that have been written in all the various languages, and during the + many ages since first man took to scribbling, no one has ever yet appeared + which is the equal of this in its delicate and beautiful touches of both + nature and human nature. We have had, in various ways, abundant proof that + our feeling in this respect is not individual to ourselves, and we desire + to thank heartily the many friends who have sent us their words and + letters of encouragement, sympathy, and interest during the past year as + they have by chance become aware of our plans. + </p> + <p> + While there were creditable editions already published, the fact that none + existed just such as we ourselves wished for our own library was our + primary incentive in undertaking this task. The labor upon which we + entered was in short, one of love, and great as has been the expenditure + of time, trouble, and money in the preparation of this book, we have faith + to believe that there are a sufficient number of lovers of the peerless + maiden, <i>Lorna</i>, to greet her appearance in this new dress with an + enthusiasm that will in time repay us. + </p> + <p> + We earnestly hope that our judgment in the selection of artists, means, + and materials has been, in the main, at least, wise, and that such, will + be the verdict of book-lovers. Also, we hope that our lack of experience + as publishers will disarm the critic, and that he will examine the book + regarding only the excellences which he may find, and passing over its + defects. + </p> + <p> + One special feature we wish particularly to call to the attention of all, + and that is the beautiful map of the country we have introduced. This may + be regarded by some as an innovation in a romance, but we hope that it + will be found such a manifest convenience as to be its own sufficient + excuse. + </p> + <p> + In this place it seems to be a duty, also, to call attention to the + sympathizing and intelligent interest that has been so freely shown by the + noble band of workers, artists, printers, engravers, etc., who have + assisted us upon this work. To Mr. Henry Sandham, Mr. George Wharton + Edwards, Mr. Harry Fenn, Mr. William Hamilton Gibson, Mr. W. H. Drake, Mr. + Irving R. Wiles, Mr. George E. Graves, Mr. Charles Copeland, Mr. Harper + Pennington, Mrs. Margaret MacDonald Pullman, Miss Harriet Thayer Durgin, + Mr. A. V. S. Anthony, Mr. George T. Andrew, Goupil & Co. of Paris, Mr. + Kurtz, The Wright Gravure Co., Mr. Fillebrown, Mr. William J. Dana, and + our very able printers, Messrs. Fleming, Brewster & Alley-to them all + we therefore extend our cordial acknowledgment of our indebtedness for + their services. The fine map is the work of Messrs. Matthews, Northrup + & Co. + </p> + <p> + Very respectfully, + </p> + <p> + The Burrows Brothers Co. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/xii.jpg" width="100%" alt="xii.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_PREF3" id="linklink2H_PREF3"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE BY MISS KATHARINE HILLARD + </h2> + <p> + Author Of “The Doones Of Exmoor,” In “Harper's Magazine,” Vol. LXV. Page + 835. + </p> + <p> + A novel that has stood the test of time so well as Mr. Blackmore's + charming story of “Lorna Doone” scarcely needs a preface. Certainly no + word of introduction is necessary to testify to its exquisite humor, its + dramatic force, its under-current of poetic feeling, its fine touches of + landscape-painting, and the novelty and interest of its subject. Since it + first appeared in 1869 all these have become as household words, only, + perhaps, all the admirers of “Lorna Doone” have not had the good fortune + to wander through the romantic and picturesque region where the scene of + the story is laid. To travel in North Devon, and over its border into + Somerset (“the Summerland,” as the old Northmen call it), is to be + confronted with the scenes of the novel at every turn; for Mr. Blackmore + has so successfully woven the legends of the whole countryside into his + story that one grows to believe it a veritable history, and is as + disappointed to find traces of the romancer's own hand here and there as + to find the hills and valleys laid bare of the forests which adorned them + in the time of the Doones. + </p> + <p> + It is a singular country, this Devonshire coast, made up as it is of a + series of rocky headlands jutting far out into the sea, and holding + between their stretching arms deep fertile wooded valleys called <i>combes</i> + (pronounced <i>coomes</i>), watered by trout and salmon streams, and + filled with an Italian profusion of vegetation, myrtles and fuchsias, + growing in the open air, and the walls hidden with a luxuriant tapestry of + ferns and ivies and blossoming vines. Even the roofs are covered with + flowers; every cranny bears a blossom or a tuft of green. Then above, long + stretches of barren heath (with a few twisted and wind-tortured trees), + where the sheep pasture and the sky-lark sings, and in and out of the + red-fronted cliffs the querulous sea-gulls flash in the sunshine, and make + their plaintive moan. Near Lynton there is the famous Valley of Rocks, + where the wise woman, <i>Mother Melldrum</i>, had her winter quarters + under the Devil's Cheese-wring. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/xiv.jpg" width="100%" alt="xiv.jpg Cheese-wring " /> + </div> + <p> + The irregular pile of rocks that goes by this name is wrongly called + Cheese-<i>ring</i> (or <i>scoop</i>) in some editions of “Lorna Doone,” + instead of Cheese-<i>wring</i> or (<i>press</i>), which it somewhat + resembles in shape. Southey began the fortune of Lynton as a + watering-place, and wrote a glowing description of the village and the + Valley of Rocks. Of the latter he says: “A palace of the pre-Adamite + kings, a city of the Anakim must have appeared so shapeless and yet so + like the ruins of what had been shaped after the waters of the flood + subsided.” Great bowlders, half hidden by the bracken, lie about in + wildest confusion; the remains of what seem to be Druidic circles can be + traced here and there, and it is hard to persuade one's self that the + ragged towers and picturesque piles of rock are not the work of Cyclopean + architects. + </p> + <p> + “Our home-folk always call it the 'Danes,' or the 'Denes,' which is no + more, they tell me, than a hollow place, even as the word 'den' is,” says + <i>John Ridd</i>. “It is a pretty place,” he adds, “though nothing to + frighten any body, unless he hath lived in a gallipot.” The valley is well + protected from the wind, and “there is shelter and dry fern-bedding and + folk to be seen in the distance from a bank whereon the sun shines.” Here + <i>John Ridd</i> came to consult the wise woman toward the end of March, + while the weather was still cold and piercing. In the warm days of summer + she lived “in a pleasant cave facing the cool side of the hill, far + inland, near Hawkridge, and close over Tarr-steps—a wonderful + crossing of Barle River, made (as every body knows) by Satan for a wager.” + But the antiquarians of to-day assert that the curious steps were made by + the early British. + </p> + <p> + Not far beyond the Valley of Rocks are the grounds of Ley Abbey, a modern + mansion, but occupying the site of Lev Manor, to whose owner, <i>Baron de + Whichehalse, John Ridd</i> accompanies <i>Master Huckaback</i> in search + of a warrant against the <i>Doones</i>. In fact, all the way from + Barnstaple over the parapet of whose bridge <i>Tom Faggus</i> leaped his + wonderful mare, every nook and corner of the countryside teems with + legends of the <i>Doones</i>. From Lynton we drive over the border into + Porlock, in Somerset that quaint little village where Coleridge wrote his + “Kubla Khan,” and where Lord Lovelace brought Ada Byron to his seat of + Ashley Combe. + </p> + <p> + It was while riding home from Porlock market that <i>John Ridd's</i> + father was murdered by the <i>Doones</i>, and from Porlock we drove in a + pony-trap over the high moors to Malmsmead, in search of the ruined huts + of the <i>Doones</i>. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/xv.jpg" width="100%" alt="xv.jpg Malmsmead " /> + </div> + <p> + Over the heights of Yarner Moor, and past Oare Ford (now bridged over), + the road lay past the old church of Oare, where <i>Lorna Doone</i> and <i>John + Ridd</i> were married, and then into the deep flowery lanes that are the + glory of Devon and Somerset. Malmsmead proved to be a little cluster of + heavily thatched cottages, nestled under overhanging trees, where stood an + ancient signboard with “Ba<i>d</i>gworthy” on one of its arms, pointing + the way we should go. This <i>d</i> on the old sign-board accounted for + the local pronunciation of <i>Badgery</i>, as the river is always called. + </p> + <p> + At Malmsmead the road ends, and thence one must proceed on foot. Several + deep and flowery lanes lead one at length to the river where a lonely + stone cottage stands on its further brink. This is Clowd Farm, and here + all paths cease. Two hundred years ago, in the time of the <i>Doones</i>, + the narrow valley through which the Bagworthy now dances in the open + sunshine was filled with trees; but now, with the exception of a withered + and stunted old orchard and grove near the farm, there is not a tree to be + seen, and the Bagworthy, a lonely but cheerful trout stream, rattles along + in the broad sunshine through a deep valley, whose sides slope steeply + upward. + </p> + <p> + After walking about three miles into the heart of the wilderness, another + deep glen, shut in by the same sloping heather-covered hills, suddenly + opens to the right. There are no cliffs, no overhanging trees, not even a + bush, but all along the stream, “with its soft, dark babble,” lie heaps + and half-circles of stone nearly buried in the turf, and almost hidden by + the tall ferns and foxgloves. And this is what we went out for to see! + These are the ruins of the <i>Doones''</i> huts. There could not be + anything more disappointing. Two hundred years have effectually destroyed + all distinctive traits, and they might have been sheep-folds or pig-sties, + or any other innocent agricultural erection for aught that we could tell. + “Not a single house stood there but was the home of murder,” says their + historian. The suns and rains of two hundred and odd years have + effectually washed out their blood-stains, and there is nothing left there + but peace. + </p> + <p> + Some way beyond the ruins stands a small stone cottage of the most modern + order. We found it to be the abode of a shepherd, away with his flock on + the hills, but his wife, no shepherdess of the Dresden china order, but a + hearty and substantial dame, gave us a cordial welcome. She was in a state + of intense delight at our disappointment about the ruins, and discussed + the situation in that soft Somersetshire accent that gives such breadth + and jollity to the language. “E'll not vind it a beet loike ta buik,” she + said, with her cheery laugh. “Buik's weel mad' up; it houlds 'ee loike, + and 'ee can't put it by, but there's nobbut three pairts o't truth. + Hunnerds cooms up here to se't,” she added, with a chuckle. + </p> + <p> + The fact is that the traditional and the ideal are as inextricably mixed + in this charming story of “Lorna Doone” as the thousand varieties of seeds + in the fairy tale which the princess was expected to sort out, and it + would be almost as difficult to separate them. Perhaps the best way, after + all, is—not to try. + </p> + <p> + Katharine Hillard. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/001a.jpg" width="100%" alt="001a.jpg " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0001" id="linklink2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + ELEMENTS OF EDUCATION + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/001b.jpg" alt="001b.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + If anybody cares to read a simple tale told simply, I, John Ridd, of the + parish of Oare, in the county of Somerset, yeoman and churchwarden, have + seen and had a share in some doings of this neighborhood, which I will try + to set down in order, God sparing my life and memory. And they who light + upon this book should bear in mind not only that I write for the clearing + of our parish from ill fame and calumny, but also a thing which will, I + trow, appear too often in it, to wit—that I am nothing more than a + plain unlettered man, not read in foreign languages, as a gentleman might + be, nor gifted with long words (even in mine own tongue), save what I may + have won from the Bible or Master William Shakespeare, whom, in the face + of common opinion, I do value highly. In short, I am an ignoramus, but + pretty well for a yeoman. + </p> + <p> + My father being of good substance, at least as we reckon in Exmoor, and + seized in his own right, from many generations, of one, and that the best + and largest, of the three farms into which our parish is divided (or + rather the cultured part thereof), he John Ridd, the elder, churchwarden, + and overseer, being a great admirer of learning, and well able to write + his name, sent me his only son to be schooled at Tiverton, in the county + of Devon. For the chief boast of that ancient town (next to its woollen + staple) is a worthy grammar-school, the largest in the west of England, + founded and handsomely endowed in the year 1604 by Master Peter Blundell, + of that same place, clothier. + </p> + <p> + Here, by the time I was twelve years old, I had risen into the upper + school, and could make bold with Eutropius and Cæsar—by aid of an + English version—and as much as six lines of Ovid. Some even said + that I might, before manhood, rise almost to the third form, being of a + persevering nature; albeit, by full consent of all (except my mother), + thick-headed. But that would have been, as I now perceive, an ambition + beyond a farmer's son; for there is but one form above it, and that made + of masterful scholars, entitled rightly “monitors”. So it came to pass, by + the grace of God, that I was called away from learning, whilst sitting at + the desk of the junior first in the upper school, and beginning the Greek + verb + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/greek1.jpg" height="21" width="82" alt="Greek1.jpg" /> + </div> + <p> + My eldest grandson makes bold to say that I never could have learned + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/greek2.jpg" height="23" width="75" alt="Greek2.jpg" /> + </div> + <p> + ten pages further on, being all he himself could manage, with plenty of + stripes to help him. I know that he hath more head than I—though + never will he have such body; and am thankful to have stopped betimes, + with a meek and wholesome head-piece. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/002.jpg" + alt="002.jpg John Ridd's School Desk " /> + </div> + <p> + But if you doubt of my having been there, because now I know so little, go + and see my name, “John Ridd,” graven on that very form. Forsooth, from the + time I was strong enough to open a knife and to spell my name, I began to + grave it in the oak, first of the block whereon I sate, and then of the + desk in front of it, according as I was promoted from one to other of + them: and there my grandson reads it now, at this present time of writing, + and hath fought a boy for scoffing at it—“John Ridd his name”—and + done again in “winkeys,” a mischievous but cheerful device, in which we + took great pleasure. + </p> + <p> + This is the manner of a “winkey,” which I here set down, lest child of + mine, or grandchild, dare to make one on my premises; if he does, I shall + know the mark at once, and score it well upon him. The scholar obtains, by + prayer or price, a handful of saltpetre, and then with the knife wherewith + he should rather be trying to mend his pens, what does he do but scoop a + hole where the desk is some three inches thick. This hole should be left + with the middle exalted, and the circumference dug more deeply. Then let + him fill it with saltpetre, all save a little space in the midst, where + the boss of the wood is. Upon that boss (and it will be the better if a + splinter of timber rise upward) he sticks the end of his candle of tallow, + or “rat's tail,” as we called it, kindled and burning smoothly. Anon, as + he reads by that light his lesson, lifting his eyes now and then it may + be, the fire of candle lays hold of the petre with a spluttering noise and + a leaping. Then should the pupil seize his pen, and, regardless of the + nib, stir bravely, and he will see a glow as of burning mountains, and a + rich smoke, and sparks going merrily; nor will it cease, if he stir + wisely, and there be a good store of petre, until the wood is devoured + through, like the sinking of a well-shaft. Now well may it go with the + head of a boy intent upon his primer, who betides to sit thereunder! But, + above all things, have good care to exercise this art before the master + strides up to his desk, in the early gray of the morning. + </p> + <p> + Other customs, no less worthy, abide in the school of Blundell, such as + the singeing of nightcaps; but though they have a pleasant savour, and + refreshing to think of, I may not stop to note them, unless it be that + goodly one at the incoming of a flood. The school-house stands beside a + stream, not very large, called Lowman, which flows into the broad river of + Exe, about a mile below. This Lowman stream, although it be not fond of + brawl and violence (in the manner of our Lynn), yet is wont to flood into + a mighty head of waters when the storms of rain provoke it; and most of + all when its little co-mate, called the Taunton Brook—where I have + plucked the very best cresses that ever man put salt on—comes + foaming down like a great roan horse, and rears at the leap of the + hedgerows. Then are the gray stone walls of Blundell on every side + encompassed, the vale is spread over with looping waters, and it is a hard + thing for the day-boys to get home to their suppers. + </p> + <p> + And in that time, old Cop, the porter (so called because he hath copper + boots to keep the wet from his stomach, and a nose of copper also, in + right of other waters), his place is to stand at the gate, attending to + the flood-boards grooved into one another, and so to watch the torrents + rise, and not be washed away, if it please God he may help it. But long + ere the flood hath attained this height, and while it is only waxing, + certain boys of deputy will watch at the stoop of the drain-holes, and be + apt to look outside the walls when Cop is taking a cordial. And in the + very front of the gate, just without the archway, where the ground is + paved most handsomely, you may see in copy-letters done a great P.B. of + white pebbles. Now, it is the custom and the law that when the invading + waters, either fluxing along the wall from below the road-bridge, or + pouring sharply across the meadows from a cut called Owen's Ditch—and + I myself have seen it come both ways—upon the very instant when the + waxing element lips though it be but a single pebble of the founder's + letters, it is in the license of any boy, soever small and undoctrined, to + rush into the great school-rooms, where a score of masters sit heavily, + and scream at the top of his voice, “P.B.” + </p> + <p> + Then, with a yell, the boys leap up, or break away from their standing; + they toss their caps to the black-beamed roof, and haply the very books + after them; and the great boys vex no more the small ones, and the small + boys stick up to the great ones. One with another, hard they go, to see + the gain of the waters, and the tribulation of Cop, and are prone to kick + the day-boys out, with words of scanty compliment. Then the masters look + at one another, having no class to look to, and (boys being no more left + to watch) in a manner they put their mouths up. With a spirited bang they + close their books, and make invitation the one to the other for pipes and + foreign cordials, recommending the chance of the time, and the comfort + away from cold water. + </p> + <p> + But, lo! I am dwelling on little things and the pigeons' eggs of the + infancy, forgetting the bitter and heavy life gone over me since then. If + I am neither a hard man nor a very close one, God knows I have had no lack + of rubbing and pounding to make stone of me. Yet can I not somehow believe + that we ought to hate one another, to live far asunder, and block the + mouth each of his little den; as do the wild beasts of the wood, and the + hairy outrangs now brought over, each with a chain upon him. Let that + matter be as it will. It is beyond me to unfold, and mayhap of my + grandson's grandson. All I know is that wheat is better than when I began + to sow it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0002" id="linklink2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + AN IMPORTANT ITEM + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/005.jpg" alt="005.jpg the School Room " /> + </div> + <p> + Now the cause of my leaving Tiverton school, and the way of it, were as + follows. On the 29th day of November, in the year of our Lord 1673, the + very day when I was twelve years old, and had spent all my substance in + sweetmeats, with which I made treat to the little boys, till the large + boys ran in and took them, we came out of school at five o'clock, as the + rule is upon Tuesdays. According to custom we drove the day-boys in brave + rout down the causeway from the school-porch even to the gate where Cop + has his dwelling and duty. Little it recked us and helped them less, that + they were our founder's citizens, and haply his own grand-nephews (for he + left no direct descendants), neither did we much inquire what their + lineage was. For it had long been fixed among us, who were of the house + and chambers, that these same day-boys were all “caddes,” as we had + discovered to call it, because they paid no groat for their schooling, and + brought their own commons with them. In consumption of these we would help + them, for our fare in hall fed appetite; and while we ate their victuals, + we allowed them freely to talk to us. Nevertheless, we could not feel, + when all the victuals were gone, but that these boys required kicking from + the premises of Blundell. And some of them were shopkeepers' sons, young + grocers, fellmongers, and poulterers, and these to their credit seemed to + know how righteous it was to kick them. But others were of high family, as + any need be, in Devon—Carews, and Bouchiers, and Bastards, and some + of these would turn sometimes, and strike the boy that kicked them. But to + do them justice, even these knew that they must be kicked for not paying. + </p> + <p> + After these “charity-boys” were gone, as in contumely we called them—“If + you break my bag on my head,” said one, “how will feed thence to-morrow?”—and + after old Cop with clang of iron had jammed the double gates in under the + scruff-stone archway, whereupon are Latin verses, done in brass of small + quality, some of us who were not hungry, and cared not for the + supper-bell, having sucked much parliament and dumps at my only charges—not + that I ever bore much wealth, but because I had been thrifting it for this + time of my birth—we were leaning quite at dusk against the iron bars + of the gate some six, or it may be seven of us, small boys all, and not + conspicuous in the closing of the daylight and the fog that came at + eventide, else Cop would have rated us up the green, for he was churly to + little boys when his wife had taken their money. There was plenty of room + for all of us, for the gate will hold nine boys close-packed, unless they + be fed rankly, whereof is little danger; and now we were looking out on + the road and wishing we could get there; hoping, moreover, to see a good + string of pack-horses come by, with troopers to protect them. For the + day-boys had brought us word that some intending their way to the town had + lain that morning at Sampford Peveril, and must be in ere nightfall, + because Mr. Faggus was after them. Now Mr. Faggus was my first cousin and + an honour to the family, being a Northmolton man of great renown on the + highway from Barum town even to London. Therefore of course, I hoped that + he would catch the packmen, and the boys were asking my opinion as of an + oracle, about it. + </p> + <p> + A certain boy leaning up against me would not allow my elbow room, and + struck me very sadly in the stomach part, though his own was full of my + parliament. And this I felt so unkindly, that I smote him straightway in + the face without tarrying to consider it, or weighing the question duly. + Upon this he put his head down, and presented it so vehemently at the + middle of my waistcoat, that for a minute or more my breath seemed + dropped, as it were, from my pockets, and my life seemed to stop from + great want of ease. Before I came to myself again, it had been settled for + us that we should move to the “Ironing-box,” as the triangle of turf is + called where the two causeways coming from the school-porch and the + hall-porch meet, and our fights are mainly celebrated; only we must wait + until the convoy of horses had passed, and then make a ring by + candlelight, and the other boys would like it. But suddenly there came + round the post where the letters of our founder are, not from the way of + Taunton but from the side of Lowman bridge, a very small string of horses, + only two indeed (counting for one the pony), and a red-faced man on the + bigger nag. + </p> + <p> + “Plaise ye, worshipful masters,” he said, being feared of the gateway, + “carn 'e tull whur our Jan Ridd be?” + </p> + <p> + “Hyur a be, ees fai, Jan Ridd,” answered a sharp little chap, making game + of John Fry's language. + </p> + <p> + “Zhow un up, then,” says John Fry poking his whip through the bars at us; + “Zhow un up, and putt un aowt.” + </p> + <p> + The other little chaps pointed at me, and some began to hallo; but I knew + what I was about. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, John,” I cried, “what's the use of your coming now, and Peggy + over the moors, too, and it so cruel cold for her? The holidays don't + begin till Wednesday fortnight, John. To think of your not knowing that!” + </p> + <p> + John Fry leaned forward in the saddle, and turned his eyes away from me; + and then there was a noise in his throat like a snail crawling on a + window-pane. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, us knaws that wull enough, Maister Jan; reckon every Oare-man knaw + that, without go to skoo-ull, like you doth. Your moother have kept arl + the apples up, and old Betty toorned the black puddens, and none dare set + trap for a blagbird. Arl for thee, lad; every bit of it now for thee!” + </p> + <p> + He checked himself suddenly, and frightened me. I knew that John Fry's way + so well. + </p> + <p> + “And father, and father—oh, how is father?” I pushed the boys right + and left as I said it. “John, is father up in town! He always used to come + for me, and leave nobody else to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Vayther'll be at the crooked post, tother zide o' telling-house.* Her + coodn't lave 'ouze by raison of the Chirstmas bakkon comin' on, and zome + o' the cider welted.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The “telling-houses” on the moor are rude cots where the + shepherds meet to “tell” their sheep at the end of the + pasturing season. +</pre> + <p> + He looked at the nag's ears as he said it; and, being up to John Fry's + ways, I knew that it was a lie. And my heart fell like a lump of lead, and + I leaned back on the stay of the gate, and longed no more to fight + anybody. A sort of dull power hung over me, like the cloud of a brooding + tempest, and I feared to be told anything. I did not even care to stroke + the nose of my pony Peggy, although she pushed it in through the rails, + where a square of broader lattice is, and sniffed at me, and began to crop + gently after my fingers. But whatever lives or dies, business must be + attended to; and the principal business of good Christians is, beyond all + controversy, to fight with one another. + </p> + <p> + “Come up, Jack,” said one of the boys, lifting me under the chin; “he hit + you, and you hit him, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Pay your debts before you go,” said a monitor, striding up to me, after + hearing how the honour lay; “Ridd, you must go through with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Fight, for the sake of the junior first,” cried the little fellow in my + ear, the clever one, the head of our class, who had mocked John Fry, and + knew all about the aorists, and tried to make me know it; but I never went + more than three places up, and then it was an accident, and I came down + after dinner. The boys were urgent round me to fight, though my stomach + was not up for it; and being very slow of wit (which is not chargeable on + me), I looked from one to other of them, seeking any cure for it. Not that + I was afraid of fighting, for now I had been three years at Blundell's, + and foughten, all that time, a fight at least once every week, till the + boys began to know me; only that the load on my heart was not sprightly as + of the hay-field. It is a very sad thing to dwell on; but even now, in my + time of wisdom, I doubt it is a fond thing to imagine, and a motherly to + insist upon, that boys can do without fighting. Unless they be very good + boys, and afraid of one another. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I said, with my back against the wrought-iron stay of the gate, + which was socketed into Cop's house-front: “I will not fight thee now, + Robin Snell, but wait till I come back again.” + </p> + <p> + “Take coward's blow, Jack Ridd, then,” cried half a dozen little boys, + shoving Bob Snell forward to do it; because they all knew well enough, + having striven with me ere now, and proved me to be their master—they + knew, I say, that without great change, I would never accept that + contumely. But I took little heed of them, looking in dull wonderment at + John Fry, and Smiler, and the blunderbuss, and Peggy. John Fry was + scratching his head, I could see, and getting blue in the face, by the + light from Cop's parlour-window, and going to and fro upon Smiler, as if + he were hard set with it. And all the time he was looking briskly from my + eyes to the fist I was clenching, and methought he tried to wink at me in + a covert manner; and then Peggy whisked her tail. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I fight, John?” I said at last; “I would an you had not come, + John.” + </p> + <p> + “Chraist's will be done; I zim thee had better faight, Jan,” he answered, + in a whisper, through the gridiron of the gate; “there be a dale of + faighting avore thee. Best wai to begin gude taime laike. Wull the geatman + latt me in, to zee as thee hast vair plai, lad?” + </p> + <p> + He looked doubtfully down at the colour of his cowskin boots, and the mire + upon the horses, for the sloughs were exceedingly mucky. Peggy, indeed, my + sorrel pony, being lighter of weight, was not crusted much over the + shoulders; but Smiler (our youngest sledder) had been well in over his + withers, and none would have deemed him a piebald, save of red mire and + black mire. The great blunderbuss, moreover, was choked with a dollop of + slough-cake; and John Fry's sad-coloured Sunday hat was indued with a + plume of marish-weed. All this I saw while he was dismounting, heavily and + wearily, lifting his leg from the saddle-cloth as if with a sore crick in + his back. + </p> + <p> + By this time the question of fighting was gone quite out of our + discretion; for sundry of the elder boys, grave and reverend signors, who + had taken no small pleasure in teaching our hands to fight, to ward, to + parry, to feign and counter, to lunge in the manner of sword-play, and the + weaker child to drop on one knee when no cunning of fence might baffle the + onset—these great masters of the art, who would far liefer see us + little ones practise it than themselves engage, six or seven of them came + running down the rounded causeway, having heard that there had arisen “a + snug little mill” at the gate. Now whether that word hath origin in a + Greek term meaning a conflict, as the best-read boys asseverated, or + whether it is nothing more than a figure of similitude, from the beating + arms of a mill, such as I have seen in counties where are no waterbrooks, + but folk make bread with wind—it is not for a man devoid of + scholarship to determine. Enough that they who made the ring intituled the + scene a “mill,” while we who must be thumped inside it tried to rejoice in + their pleasantry, till it turned upon the stomach. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, I felt upon me now a certain responsibility, a dutiful need to + maintain, in the presence of John Fry, the manliness of the Ridd family, + and the honour of Exmoor. Hitherto none had worsted me, although in the + three years of my schooling, I had fought more than threescore battles, + and bedewed with blood every plant of grass towards the middle of the + Ironing-box. And this success I owed at first to no skill of my own; until + I came to know better; for up to twenty or thirty fights, I struck as + nature guided me, no wiser than a father-long-legs in the heat of a + lanthorn; but I had conquered, partly through my native strength, and the + Exmoor toughness in me, and still more that I could not see when I had + gotten my bellyful. But now I was like to have that and more; for my heart + was down, to begin with; and then Robert Snell was a bigger boy than I had + ever encountered, and as thick in the skull and hard in the brain as even + I could claim to be. + </p> + <p> + I had never told my mother a word about these frequent strivings, because + she was soft-hearted; neither had I told by father, because he had not + seen it. Therefore, beholding me still an innocent-looking child, with + fair curls on my forehead, and no store of bad language, John Fry thought + this was the very first fight that ever had befallen me; and so when they + let him at the gate, “with a message to the headmaster,” as one of the + monitors told Cop, and Peggy and Smiler were tied to the railings, till I + should be through my business, John comes up to me with the tears in his + eyes, and says, “Doon't thee goo for to do it, Jan; doon't thee do it, for + gude now.” But I told him that now it was much too late to cry off; so he + said, “The Lord be with thee, Jan, and turn thy thumb-knuckle inwards.” + </p> + <p> + It was not a very large piece of ground in the angle of the causeways, but + quite big enough to fight upon, especially for Christians, who loved to be + cheek by jowl at it. The great boys stood in a circle around, being gifted + with strong privilege, and the little boys had leave to lie flat and look + through the legs of the great boys. But while we were yet preparing, and + the candles hissed in the fog-cloud, old Phoebe, of more than fourscore + years, whose room was over the hall-porch, came hobbling out, as she + always did, to mar the joy of the conflict. No one ever heeded her, + neither did she expect it; but the evil was that two senior boys must + always lose the first round of the fight, by having to lead her home + again. + </p> + <p> + I marvel how Robin Snell felt. Very likely he thought nothing of it, + always having been a boy of a hectoring and unruly sort. But I felt my + heart go up and down as the boys came round to strip me; and greatly + fearing to be beaten, I blew hot upon my knuckles. Then pulled I off my + little cut jerkin, and laid it down on my head cap, and over that my + waistcoat, and a boy was proud to take care of them. Thomas Hooper was his + name, and I remember how he looked at me. My mother had made that little + cut jerkin, in the quiet winter evenings. And taken pride to loop it up in + a fashionable way, and I was loth to soil it with blood, and good filberds + were in the pocket. Then up to me came Robin Snell (mayor of Exeter thrice + since that), and he stood very square, and looking at me, and I lacked not + long to look at him. Round his waist he had a kerchief busking up his + small-clothes, and on his feet light pumpkin shoes, and all his upper + raiment off. And he danced about in a way that made my head swim on my + shoulders, and he stood some inches over me. But I, being muddled with + much doubt about John Fry and his errand, was only stripped of my jerkin + and waistcoat, and not comfortable to begin. + </p> + <p> + “Come now, shake hands,” cried a big boy, jumping in joy of the spectacle, + a third-former nearly six feet high; “shake hands, you little devils. Keep + your pluck up, and show good sport, and Lord love the better man of you.” + </p> + <p> + Robin took me by the hand, and gazed at me disdainfully, and then smote me + painfully in the face, ere I could get my fence up. + </p> + <p> + “Whutt be 'bout, lad?” cried John Fry; “hutt un again, Jan, wull 'e? Well + done then, our Jan boy.” + </p> + <p> + For I had replied to Robin now, with all the weight and cadence of + penthemimeral caesura (a thing, the name of which I know, but could never + make head nor tail of it), and the strife began in a serious style, and + the boys looking on were not cheated. Although I could not collect their + shouts when the blows were ringing upon me, it was no great loss; for John + Fry told me afterwards that their oaths went up like a furnace fire. But + to these we paid no heed or hap, being in the thick of swinging, and + devoid of judgment. All I know is, I came to my corner, when the round was + over, with very hard pumps in my chest, and a great desire to fall away. + </p> + <p> + “Time is up,” cried head-monitor, ere ever I got my breath again; and when + I fain would have lingered awhile on the knee of the boy that held me. + John Fry had come up, and the boys were laughing because he wanted a + stable lanthorn, and threatened to tell my mother. + </p> + <p> + “Time is up,” cried another boy, more headlong than head-monitor. “If we + count three before the come of thee, thwacked thou art, and must go to the + women.” I felt it hard upon me. He began to count, one, too, three—but + before the “three” was out of his mouth, I was facing my foe, with both + hands up, and my breath going rough and hot, and resolved to wait the turn + of it. For I had found seat on the knee of a boy sage and skilled to tutor + me, who knew how much the end very often differs from the beginning. A + rare ripe scholar he was; and now he hath routed up the Germans in the + matter of criticism. Sure the clever boys and men have most love towards + the stupid ones. + </p> + <p> + “Finish him off, Bob,” cried a big boy, and that I noticed especially, + because I thought it unkind of him, after eating of my toffee as he had + that afternoon; “finish him off, neck and crop; he deserves it for + sticking up to a man like you.” + </p> + <p> + But I was not so to be finished off, though feeling in my knuckles now as + if it were a blueness and a sense of chilblain. Nothing held except my + legs, and they were good to help me. So this bout, or round, if you + please, was foughten warily by me, with gentle recollection of what my + tutor, the clever boy, had told me, and some resolve to earn his praise + before I came back to his knee again. And never, I think, in all my life, + sounded sweeter words in my ears (except when my love loved me) than when + my second and backer, who had made himself part of my doings now, and + would have wept to see me beaten, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Famously done, Jack, famously! Only keep your wind up, Jack, and you'll + go right through him!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile John Fry was prowling about, asking the boys what they thought + of it, and whether I was like to be killed, because of my mother's + trouble. But finding now that I had foughten three-score fights already, + he came up to me woefully, in the quickness of my breathing, while I sat + on the knee of my second, with a piece of spongious coralline to ease me + of my bloodshed, and he says in my ears, as if he was clapping spurs into + a horse,— + </p> + <p> + “Never thee knack under, Jan, or never coom naigh Hexmoor no more.” + </p> + <p> + With that it was all up with me. A simmering buzzed in my heavy brain, and + a light came through my eyeplaces. At once I set both fists again, and my + heart stuck to me like cobbler's wax. Either Robin Snell should kill me, + or I would conquer Robin Snell. So I went in again with my courage up, and + Bob came smiling for victory, and I hated him for smiling. He let at me + with his left hand, and I gave him my right between his eyes, and he + blinked, and was not pleased with it. I feared him not, and spared him + not, neither spared myself. My breath came again, and my heart stood cool, + and my eyes struck fire no longer. Only I knew that I would die sooner + than shame my birthplace. How the rest of it was I know not; only that I + had the end of it, and helped to put Robin in bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0003" id="linklink2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + THE WAR-PATH OF THE DOONES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/014.jpg" alt="014.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + From Tiverton town to the town of Oare is a very long and painful road, + and in good truth the traveller must make his way, as the saying is; for + the way is still unmade, at least, on this side of Dulverton, although + there is less danger now than in the time of my schooling; for now a good + horse may go there without much cost of leaping, but when I was a boy the + spurs would fail, when needed most, by reason of the slough-cake. It is to + the credit of this age, and our advance upon fatherly ways, that now we + have laid down rods and fagots, and even stump-oaks here and there, so + that a man in good daylight need not sink, if he be quite sober. There is + nothing I have striven at more than doing my duty, way-warden over Exmoor. + </p> + <p> + But in those days, when I came from school (and good times they were, too, + full of a warmth and fine hearth-comfort, which now are dying out), it was + a sad and sorry business to find where lay the highway. We are taking now + to mark it off with a fence on either side, at least, when a town is + handy; but to me this seems of a high pretence, and a sort of landmark, and + channel for robbers, though well enough near London, where they have + earned a race-course. + </p> + <p> + We left the town of the two fords, which they say is the meaning of it, + very early in the morning, after lying one day to rest, as was demanded by + the nags, sore of foot and foundered. For my part, too, I was glad to + rest, having aches all over me, and very heavy bruises; and we lodged at + the sign of the White Horse Inn, in the street called Gold Street, + opposite where the souls are of John and Joan Greenway, set up in gold + letters, because we must take the homeward way at cockcrow of the morning. + Though still John Fry was dry with me of the reason of his coming, and + only told lies about father, and could not keep them agreeable, I hoped + for the best, as all boys will, especially after a victory. And I thought, + perhaps father had sent for me because he had a good harvest, and the rats + were bad in the corn-chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was high noon before we were got to Dulverton that day, near to which + town the river Exe and its big brother Barle have union. My mother had an + uncle living there, but we were not to visit his house this time, at which + I was somewhat astonished, since we needs must stop for at least two + hours, to bait our horses thorough well, before coming to the black + bogway. The bogs are very good in frost, except where the hot-springs + rise; but as yet there had been no frost this year, save just enough to + make the blackbirds look big in the morning. In a hearty black-frost they + look small, until the snow falls over them. + </p> + <p> + The road from Bampton to Dulverton had not been very delicate, yet nothing + to complain of much—no deeper, indeed, than the hocks of a horse, + except in the rotten places. The day was inclined to be mild and foggy, + and both nags sweated freely; but Peggy carrying little weight (for my + wardrobe was upon Smiler, and John Fry grumbling always), we could easily + keep in front, as far as you may hear a laugh. + </p> + <p> + John had been rather bitter with me, which methought was a mark of ill + taste at coming home for the holidays; and yet I made allowance for John, + because he had never been at school, and never would have chance to eat + fry upon condition of spelling it; therefore I rode on, thinking that he + was hard-set, like a saw, for his dinner, and would soften after + tooth-work. And yet at his most hungry times, when his mind was far gone + upon bacon, certes he seemed to check himself and look at me as if he were + sorry for little things coming over great. + </p> + <p> + But now, at Dulverton, we dined upon the rarest and choicest victuals that + ever I did taste. Even now, at my time of life, to think of it gives me + appetite, as once and awhile to think of my first love makes me love all + goodness. Hot mutton pasty was a thing I had often heard of from very + wealthy boys and men, who made a dessert of dinner; and to hear them talk + of it made my lips smack, and my ribs come inwards. + </p> + <p> + And now John Fry strode into the hostel, with the air and grace of a + short-legged man, and shouted as loud as if he was calling sheep upon + Exmoor,— + </p> + <p> + “Hot mooton pasty for twoo trarv'lers, at number vaive, in vaive minnits! + Dish un up in the tin with the grahvy, zame as I hardered last Tuesday.” + </p> + <p> + Of course it did not come in five minutes, nor yet in ten or twenty; but + that made it all the better when it came to the real presence; and the + smell of it was enough to make an empty man thank God for the room there + was inside him. Fifty years have passed me quicker than the taste of that + gravy. + </p> + <p> + It is the manner of all good boys to be careless of apparel, and take no + pride in adornment. Good lack, if I see a boy make to do about the fit of + his crumpler, and the creasing of his breeches, and desire to be shod for + comeliness rather than for use, I cannot 'scape the mark that God took + thought to make a girl of him. Not so when they grow older, and court the + regard of the maidens; then may the bravery pass from the inside to the + outside of them; and no bigger fools are they, even then, than their + fathers were before them. But God forbid any man to be a fool to love, and + be loved, as I have been. Else would he have prevented it. + </p> + <p> + When the mutton pasty was done, and Peggy and Smiler had dined well also, + out I went to wash at the pump, being a lover of soap and water, at all + risk, except of my dinner. And John Fry, who cared very little to wash, + save Sabbath days in his own soap, and who had kept me from the pump by + threatening loss of the dish, out he came in a satisfied manner, with a + piece of quill in his hand, to lean against a door-post, and listen to the + horses feeding, and have his teeth ready for supper. + </p> + <p> + Then a lady's-maid came out, and the sun was on her face, and she turned + round to go back again; but put a better face upon it, and gave a trip and + hitched her dress, and looked at the sun full body, lest the hostlers + should laugh that she was losing her complexion. With a long Italian glass + in her fingers very daintily, she came up to the pump in the middle of the + yard, where I was running the water off all my head and shoulders, and + arms, and some of my breast even, and though I had glimpsed her through + the sprinkle, it gave me quite a turn to see her, child as I was, in my + open aspect. But she looked at me, no whit abashed, making a baby of me, + no doubt, as a woman of thirty will do, even with a very big boy when they + catch him on a hayrick, and she said to me in a brazen manner, as if I had + been nobody, while I was shrinking behind the pump, and craving to get my + shirt on, “Good leetle boy, come hither to me. Fine heaven! how blue your + eyes are, and your skin like snow; but some naughty man has beaten it + black. Oh, leetle boy, let me feel it. Ah, how then it must have hurt you! + There now, and you shall love me.” + </p> + <p> + All this time she was touching my breast, here and there, very lightly, + with her delicate brown fingers, and I understood from her voice and + manner that she was not of this country, but a foreigner by extraction. + And then I was not so shy of her, because I could talk better English than + she; and yet I longed for my jerkin, but liked not to be rude to her. + </p> + <p> + “If you please, madam, I must go. John Fry is waiting by the tapster's + door, and Peggy neighing to me. If you please, we must get home to-night; + and father will be waiting for me this side of the telling-house.” + </p> + <p> + “There, there, you shall go, leetle dear, and perhaps I will go after you. + I have taken much love of you. But the baroness is hard to me. How far you + call it now to the bank of the sea at Wash—Wash—” + </p> + <p> + “At Watchett, likely you mean, madam. Oh, a very long way, and the roads + as soft as the road to Oare.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh-ah, oh-ah—I shall remember; that is the place where my leetle + boy live, and some day I will come seek for him. Now make the pump to + flow, my dear, and give me the good water. The baroness will not touch + unless a nebule be formed outside the glass.” + </p> + <p> + I did not know what she meant by that; yet I pumped for her very heartily, + and marvelled to see her for fifty times throw the water away in the + trough, as if it was not good enough. At last the water suited her, with a + likeness of fog outside the glass, and the gleam of a crystal under it, + and then she made a curtsey to me, in a sort of mocking manner, holding + the long glass by the foot, not to take the cloud off; and then she wanted + to kiss me; but I was out of breath, and have always been shy of that + work, except when I come to offer it; and so I ducked under the + pump-handle, and she knocked her chin on the knob of it; and the hostlers + came out, and asked whether they would do as well. + </p> + <p> + Upon this, she retreated up the yard, with a certain dark dignity, and a + foreign way of walking, which stopped them at once from going farther, + because it was so different from the fashion of their sweethearts. One + with another they hung back, where half a cart-load of hay was, and they + looked to be sure that she would not turn round; and then each one laughed + at the rest of them. + </p> + <p> + Now, up to the end of Dulverton town, on the northward side of it, where + the two new pig-sties be, the Oare folk and the Watchett folk must trudge + on together, until we come to a broken cross, where a murdered man lies + buried. Peggy and Smiler went up the hill, as if nothing could be too much + for them, after the beans they had eaten, and suddenly turning a corner of + trees, we happened upon a great coach and six horses labouring very + heavily. John Fry rode on with his hat in his hand, as became him towards + the quality; but I was amazed to that degree, that I left my cap on my + head, and drew bridle without knowing it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0018" id="linkimage-0018"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/019.jpg" width="100%" + alt="019.jpg Great Coach and Six Horses Labouring " /> + </div> + <p> + For in the front seat of the coach, which was half-way open, being of the + city-make, and the day in want of air, sate the foreign lady, who had met + me at the pump and offered to salute me. By her side was a little girl, + dark-haired and very wonderful, with a wealthy softness on her, as if she + must have her own way. I could not look at her for two glances, and she + did not look at me for one, being such a little child, and busy with the + hedges. But in the honourable place sate a handsome lady, very warmly + dressed, and sweetly delicate of colour. And close to her was a lively + child, two or it may be three years old, bearing a white cockade in his + hat, and staring at all and everybody. Now, he saw Peggy, and took such a + liking to her, that the lady his mother—if so she were—was + forced to look at my pony and me. And, to tell the truth, although I am + not of those who adore the high folk, she looked at us very kindly, and + with a sweetness rarely found in the women who milk the cows for us. + </p> + <p> + Then I took off my cap to the beautiful lady, without asking wherefore; + and she put up her hand and kissed it to me, thinking, perhaps, that I + looked like a gentle and good little boy; for folk always called me + innocent, though God knows I never was that. But now the foreign lady, or + lady's maid, as it might be, who had been busy with little dark eyes, + turned upon all this going-on, and looked me straight in the face. I was + about to salute her, at a distance, indeed, and not with the nicety she + had offered to me, but, strange to say, she stared at my eyes as if she + had never seen me before, neither wished to see me again. At this I was so + startled, such things being out of my knowledge, that I startled Peggy + also with the muscle of my legs, and she being fresh from stable, and the + mire scraped off with cask-hoop, broke away so suddenly that I could do no + more than turn round and lower my cap, now five months old, to the + beautiful lady. Soon I overtook John Fry, and asked him all about them, + and how it was that we had missed their starting from the hostel. But John + would never talk much till after a gallon of cider; and all that I could + win out of him was that they were “murdering Papishers,” and little he + cared to do with them, or the devil, as they came from. And a good thing + for me, and a providence, that I was gone down Dulverton town to buy + sweetstuff for Annie, else my stupid head would have gone astray with + their great out-coming. + </p> + <p> + We saw no more of them after that, but turned into the sideway; and soon + had the fill of our hands and eyes to look to our own going. For the road + got worse and worse, until there was none at all, and perhaps the purest + thing it could do was to be ashamed to show itself. But we pushed on as + best we might, with doubt of reaching home any time, except by special + grace of God. + </p> + <p> + The fog came down upon the moors as thick as ever I saw it; and there was + no sound of any sort, nor a breath of wind to guide us. The little stubby + trees that stand here and there, like bushes with a wooden leg to them, + were drizzled with a mess of wet, and hung their points with dropping. + Wherever the butt-end of a hedgerow came up from the hollow ground, like + the withers of a horse, holes of splash were pocked and pimpled in the + yellow sand of coneys, or under the dwarf tree's ovens. But soon it was + too dark to see that, or anything else, I may say, except the creases in + the dusk, where prisoned light crept up the valleys. + </p> + <p> + After awhile even that was gone, and no other comfort left us except to + see our horses' heads jogging to their footsteps, and the dark ground pass + below us, lighter where the wet was; and then the splash, foot after foot, + more clever than we can do it, and the orderly jerk of the tail, and the + smell of what a horse is. + </p> + <p> + John Fry was bowing forward with sleep upon his saddle, and now I could no + longer see the frizzle of wet upon his beard—for he had a very brave + one, of a bright red colour, and trimmed into a whale-oil knot, because he + was newly married—although that comb of hair had been a subject of + some wonder to me, whether I, in God's good time, should have the like of + that, handsomely set with shining beads, small above and large below, from + the weeping of the heaven. But still I could see the jog of his hat—a + Sunday hat with a top to it—and some of his shoulder bowed out in + the mist, so that one could say “Hold up, John,” when Smiler put his foot + in. “Mercy of God! where be us now?” said John Fry, waking suddenly; “us + ought to have passed hold hash, Jan. Zeen it on the road, have 'ee?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0019" id="linkimage-0019"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:36%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/021.jpg" alt="021.jpg Where Be Us Now? " /> + </div> + <p> + “No indeed, John; no old ash. Nor nothing else to my knowing; nor heard + nothing, save thee snoring.” + </p> + <p> + “Watt a vule thee must be then, Jan; and me myzell no better. Harken, lad, + harken!” + </p> + <p> + We drew our horses up and listened, through the thickness of the air, and + with our hands laid to our ears. At first there was nothing to hear, + except the panting of the horses and the trickle of the eaving drops from + our head-covers and clothing, and the soft sounds of the lonely night, + that make us feel, and try not to think. Then there came a mellow noise, + very low and mournsome, not a sound to be afraid of, but to long to know + the meaning, with a soft rise of the hair. Three times it came and went + again, as the shaking of a thread might pass away into the distance; and + then I touched John Fry to know that there was something near me. + </p> + <p> + “Doon't 'e be a vule, Jan! Vaine moozick as iver I 'eer. God bless the man + as made un doo it.” + </p> + <p> + “Have they hanged one of the Doones then, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, lad; niver talk laike o' thiccy. Hang a Doone! God knoweth, the + King would hang pretty quick if her did.” + </p> + <p> + “Then who is it in the chains, John?” + </p> + <p> + I felt my spirit rise as I asked; for now I had crossed Exmoor so often as + to hope that the people sometimes deserved it, and think that it might be + a lesson to the rogues who unjustly loved the mutton they were never born + to. But, of course, they were born to hanging, when they set themselves so + high. + </p> + <p> + “It be nawbody,” said John, “vor us to make a fush about. Belong to + t'other zide o' the moor, and come staling shape to our zide. Red Jem + Hannaford his name. Thank God for him to be hanged, lad; and good cess to + his soul for craikin' zo.” + </p> + <p> + So the sound of the quiet swinging led us very modestly, as it came and + went on the wind, loud and low pretty regularly, even as far as the foot + of the gibbet where the four cross-ways are. + </p> + <p> + “Vamous job this here,” cried John, looking up to be sure of it, because + there were so many; “here be my own nick on the post. Red Jem, too, and no + doubt of him; he do hang so handsome like, and his ribs up laike a horse + a'most. God bless them as discoovered the way to make a rogue so useful. + Good-naight to thee, Jem, my lad; and not break thy drames with the + craikin'.” + </p> + <p> + John Fry shook his bridle-arm, and smote upon Smiler merrily, as he jogged + into the homeward track from the guiding of the body. But I was sorry for + Red Jem, and wanted to know more about him, and whether he might not have + avoided this miserable end, and what his wife and children thought of it, + if, indeed, he had any. + </p> + <p> + But John would talk no more about it; and perhaps he was moved with a + lonesome feeling, as the creaking sound came after us. + </p> + <p> + “Hould thee tongue, lad,' he said sharply; 'us be naigh the Doone-track + now, two maile from Dunkery Beacon hill, the haighest place of Hexmoor. So + happen they be abroad to-naight, us must crawl on our belly-places, boy.” + </p> + <p> + I knew at once what he meant—those bloody Doones of Bagworthy, the + awe of all Devon and Somerset, outlaws, traitors, murderers. My little + legs began to tremble to and fro upon Peggy's sides, as I heard the dead + robber in chains behind us, and thought of the live ones still in front. + </p> + <p> + “But, John,” I whispered warily, sidling close to his saddle-bow; “dear + John, you don't think they will see us in such a fog as this?” + </p> + <p> + “Never God made vog as could stop their eyesen,” he whispered in answer, + fearfully; “here us be by the hollow ground. Zober, lad, goo zober now, if + thee wish to see thy moother.” + </p> + <p> + For I was inclined, in the manner of boys, to make a run of the danger, + and cross the Doone-track at full speed; to rush for it, and be done with + it. But even then I wondered why he talked of my mother so, and said not a + word of father. + </p> + <p> + We were come to a long deep “goyal,” as they call it on Exmoor, a word + whose fountain and origin I have nothing to do with. Only I know that when + little boys laughed at me at Tiverton, for talking about a “goyal,” a big + boy clouted them on the head, and said that it was in Homer, and meant the + hollow of the hand. And another time a Welshman told me that it must be + something like the thing they call a “pant” in those parts. Still I know + what it means well enough—to wit, a long trough among wild hills, + falling towards the plain country, rounded at the bottom, perhaps, and + stiff, more than steep, at the sides of it. Whether it be straight or + crooked, makes no difference to it. + </p> + <p> + We rode very carefully down our side, and through the soft grass at the + bottom, and all the while we listened as if the air was a + speaking-trumpet. Then gladly we breasted our nags to the rise, and were + coming to the comb of it, when I heard something, and caught John's arm, + and he bent his hand to the shape of his ear. It was the sound of horses' + feet knocking up through splashy ground, as if the bottom sucked them. + Then a grunting of weary men, and the lifting noise of stirrups, and + sometimes the clank of iron mixed with the wheezy croning of leather and + the blowing of hairy nostrils. + </p> + <p> + “God's sake, Jack, slip round her belly, and let her go where she wull.” + </p> + <p> + As John Fry whispered, so I did, for he was off Smiler by this time; but + our two pads were too fagged to go far, and began to nose about and crop, + sniffing more than they need have done. I crept to John's side very + softly, with the bridle on my arm. + </p> + <p> + “Let goo braidle; let goo, lad. Plaise God they take them for + forest-ponies, or they'll zend a bullet through us.” + </p> + <p> + I saw what he meant, and let go the bridle; for now the mist was rolling + off, and we were against the sky-line to the dark cavalcade below us. John + lay on the ground by a barrow of heather, where a little gullet was, and I + crept to him, afraid of the noise I made in dragging my legs along, and + the creak of my cord breeches. John bleated like a sheep to cover it—a + sheep very cold and trembling. + </p> + <p> + Then just as the foremost horseman passed, scarce twenty yards below us, a + puff of wind came up the glen, and the fog rolled off before it. And + suddenly a strong red light, cast by the cloud-weight downwards, spread + like fingers over the moorland, opened the alleys of darkness, and hung on + the steel of the riders. + </p> + <p> + “Dunkery Beacon,” whispered John, so close into my ear, that I felt his + lips and teeth ashake; “dursn't fire it now except to show the Doones way + home again, since the naight as they went up and throwed the watchmen atop + of it. Why, wutt be 'bout, lad? God's sake—” + </p> + <p> + For I could keep still no longer, but wriggled away from his arm, and + along the little gullet, still going flat on my breast and thighs, until I + was under a grey patch of stone, with a fringe of dry fern round it; there + I lay, scarce twenty feet above the heads of the riders, and I feared to + draw my breath, though prone to do it with wonder. + </p> + <p> + For now the beacon was rushing up, in a fiery storm to heaven, and the + form of its flame came and went in the folds, and the heavy sky was + hovering. All around it was hung with red, deep in twisted columns, and + then a giant beard of fire streamed throughout the darkness. The sullen + hills were flanked with light, and the valleys chined with shadow, and all + the sombrous moors between awoke in furrowed anger. + </p> + <p> + But most of all the flinging fire leaped into the rocky mouth of the glen + below me, where the horsemen passed in silence, scarcely deigning to look + round. Heavy men and large of stature, reckless how they bore their guns, + or how they sate their horses, with leathern jerkins, and long boots, and + iron plates on breast and head, plunder heaped behind their saddles, and + flagons slung in front of them; I counted more than thirty pass, like + clouds upon red sunset. Some had carcasses of sheep swinging with their + skins on, others had deer, and one had a child flung across his + saddle-bow. Whether the child were dead, or alive, was more than I could + tell, only it hung head downwards there, and must take the chance of it. + They had got the child, a very young one, for the sake of the dress, no + doubt, which they could not stop to pull off from it; for the dress shone + bright, where the fire struck it, as if with gold and jewels. I longed in + my heart to know most sadly what they would do with the little thing, and + whether they would eat it. + </p> + <p> + It touched me so to see that child, a prey among those vultures, that in + my foolish rage and burning I stood up and shouted to them leaping on a + rock, and raving out of all possession. Two of them turned round, and one + set his carbine at me, but the other said it was but a pixie, and bade him + keep his powder. Little they knew, and less thought I, that the pixie then + before them would dance their castle down one day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0020" id="linkimage-0020"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/026.jpg" width="100%" + alt="026.jpg Said It Was But a Pixie " /> + </div> + <p> + John Fry, who in the spring of fright had brought himself down from + Smiler's side, as if he were dipped in oil, now came up to me, all risk + being over, cross, and stiff, and aching sorely from his wet couch of + heather. + </p> + <p> + “Small thanks to thee, Jan, as my new waife bain't a widder. And who be + you to zupport of her, and her son, if she have one? Zarve thee right if I + was to chuck thee down into the Doone-track. Zim thee'll come to un, + zooner or later, if this be the zample of thee.” + </p> + <p> + And that was all he had to say, instead of thanking God! For if ever born + man was in a fright, and ready to thank God for anything, the name of that + man was John Fry not more than five minutes agone. + </p> + <p> + However, I answered nothing at all, except to be ashamed of myself; and + soon we found Peggy and Smiler in company, well embarked on the homeward + road, and victualling where the grass was good. Right glad they were to + see us again—not for the pleasure of carrying, but because a horse + (like a woman) lacks, and is better without, self-reliance. + </p> + <p> + My father never came to meet us, at either side of the telling-house, + neither at the crooked post, nor even at home-linhay although the dogs + kept such a noise that he must have heard us. Home-side of the linhay, and + under the ashen hedge-row, where father taught me to catch blackbirds, all + at once my heart went down, and all my breast was hollow. There was not + even the lanthorn light on the peg against the cow's house, and nobody + said “Hold your noise!” to the dogs, or shouted “Here our Jack is!” + </p> + <p> + I looked at the posts of the gate, in the dark, because they were tall, + like father, and then at the door of the harness-room, where he used to + smoke his pipe and sing. Then I thought he had guests perhaps—people + lost upon the moors—whom he could not leave unkindly, even for his + son's sake. And yet about that I was jealous, and ready to be vexed with + him, when he should begin to make much of me. And I felt in my pocket for + the new pipe which I had brought him from Tiverton, and said to myself, + “He shall not have it until to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + Woe is me! I cannot tell. How I knew I know not now—only that I + slunk away, without a tear, or thought of weeping, and hid me in a + saw-pit. There the timber, over-head, came like streaks across me; and all + I wanted was to lack, and none to tell me anything. + </p> + <p> + By-and-by, a noise came down, as of woman's weeping; and there my mother + and sister were, choking and holding together. Although they were my + dearest loves, I could not bear to look at them, until they seemed to want + my help, and put their hands before their eyes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0004" id="linklink2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + A VERY RASH VISIT + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0021" id="linkimage-0021"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/028.jpg" alt="028.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + My dear father had been killed by the Doones of Bagworthy, while riding + home from Porlock market, on the Saturday evening. With him were six + brother-farmers, all of them very sober; for father would have no company + with any man who went beyond half a gallon of beer, or a single gallon of + cider. The robbers had no grudge against him; for he had never flouted + them, neither made overmuch of outcry, because they robbed other people. + For he was a man of such strict honesty, and due parish feeling, that he + knew it to be every man's own business to defend himself and his goods; + unless he belonged to our parish, and then we must look after him. + </p> + <p> + These seven good farmers were jogging along, helping one another in the + troubles of the road, and singing goodly hymns and songs to keep their + courage moving, when suddenly a horseman stopped in the starlight full + across them. + </p> + <p> + By dress and arms they knew him well, and by his size and stature, shown + against the glimmer of the evening star; and though he seemed one man to + seven, it was in truth one man to one. Of the six who had been singing + songs and psalms about the power of God, and their own regeneration—such + psalms as went the round, in those days, of the public-houses—there + was not one but pulled out his money, and sang small beer to a Doone. + </p> + <p> + But father had been used to think that any man who was comfortable inside + his own coat and waistcoat deserved to have no other set, unless he would + strike a blow for them. And so, while his gossips doffed their hats, and + shook with what was left of them, he set his staff above his head, and + rode at the Doone robber. With a trick of his horse, the wild man escaped + the sudden onset, although it must have amazed him sadly that any durst + resist him. Then when Smiler was carried away with the dash and the weight + of my father (not being brought up to battle, nor used to turn, save in + plough harness), the outlaw whistled upon his thumb, and plundered the + rest of the yeoman. But father, drawing at Smiler's head, to try to come + back and help them, was in the midst of a dozen men, who seemed to come + out of a turf-rick, some on horse, and some a-foot. Nevertheless, he smote + lustily, so far as he could see; and being of great size and strength, and + his blood well up, they had no easy job with him. With the play of his + wrist, he cracked three or four crowns, being always famous at + single-stick; until the rest drew their horses away, and he thought that + he was master, and would tell his wife about it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0022" id="linkimage-0022"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/029.jpg" width="100%" + alt="029.jpg he Rode at the Doone Robber " /> + </div> + <p> + But a man beyond the range of staff was crouching by the peat-stack, with + a long gun set to his shoulder, and he got poor father against the sky, + and I cannot tell the rest of it. Only they knew that Smiler came home, + with blood upon his withers, and father was found in the morning dead on + the moor, with his ivy-twisted cudgel lying broken under him. Now, whether + this were an honest fight, God judge betwixt the Doones and me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0023" id="linkimage-0023"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/030.jpg" width="100%" + alt="030.jpg Father Was Found Dead on the Moor " /> + </div> + <p> + It was more of woe than wonder, being such days of violence, that mother + knew herself a widow, and her children fatherless. Of children there were + only three, none of us fit to be useful yet, only to comfort mother, by + making her to work for us. I, John Ridd, was the eldest, and felt it a + heavy thing on me; next came sister Annie, with about two years between + us; and then the little Eliza. + </p> + <p> + Now, before I got home and found my sad loss—and no boy ever loved + his father more than I loved mine—mother had done a most wondrous + thing, which made all the neighbours say that she must be mad, at least. + Upon the Monday morning, while her husband lay unburied, she cast a white + hood over her hair, and gathered a black cloak round her, and, taking + counsel of no one, set off on foot for the Doone-gate. + </p> + <p> + In the early afternoon she came to the hollow and barren entrance, where + in truth there was no gate, only darkness to go through. If I get on with + this story, I shall have to tell of it by-and-by, as I saw it afterwards; + and will not dwell there now. Enough that no gun was fired at her, only + her eyes were covered over, and somebody led her by the hand, without any + wish to hurt her. + </p> + <p> + A very rough and headstrong road was all that she remembered, for she + could not think as she wished to do, with the cold iron pushed against + her. At the end of this road they delivered her eyes, and she could scarce + believe them. + </p> + <p> + For she stood at the head of a deep green valley, carved from out the + mountains in a perfect oval, with a fence of sheer rock standing round it, + eighty feet or a hundred high; from whose brink black wooded hills swept + up to the sky-line. By her side a little river glided out from underground + with a soft dark babble, unawares of daylight; then growing brighter, + lapsed away, and fell into the valley. Then, as it ran down the meadow, + alders stood on either marge, and grass was blading out upon it, and + yellow tufts of rushes gathered, looking at the hurry. But further down, + on either bank, were covered houses built of stone, square and roughly + cornered, set as if the brook were meant to be the street between them. + Only one room high they were, and not placed opposite each other, but in + and out as skittles are; only that the first of all, which proved to be + the captain's, was a sort of double house, or rather two houses joined + together by a plank-bridge, over the river. + </p> + <p> + Fourteen cots my mother counted, all very much of a pattern, and nothing + to choose between them, unless it were the captain's. Deep in the quiet + valley there, away from noise, and violence, and brawl, save that of the + rivulet, any man would have deemed them homes of simple mind and + innocence. Yet not a single house stood there but was the home of murder. + </p> + <p> + Two men led my mother down a steep and gliddery stair-way, like the ladder + of a hay-mow; and thence from the break of the falling water as far as the + house of the captain. And there at the door they left her trembling, + strung as she was, to speak her mind. + </p> + <p> + Now, after all, what right had she, a common farmer's widow, to take it + amiss that men of birth thought fit to kill her husband. And the Doones + were of very high birth, as all we clods of Exmoor knew; and we had enough + of good teaching now—let any man say the contrary—to feel that + all we had belonged of right to those above us. Therefore my mother was + half-ashamed that she could not help complaining. + </p> + <p> + But after a little while, as she said, remembrance of her husband came, + and the way he used to stand by her side and put his strong arm round her, + and how he liked his bacon fried, and praised her kindly for it—and + so the tears were in her eyes, and nothing should gainsay them. + </p> + <p> + A tall old man, Sir Ensor Doone, came out with a bill-hook in his hand, + hedger's gloves going up his arms, as if he were no better than a labourer + at ditch-work. Only in his mouth and eyes, his gait, and most of all his + voice, even a child could know and feel that here was no ditch-labourer. + Good cause he has found since then, perhaps, to wish that he had been one. + </p> + <p> + With his white locks moving upon his coat, he stopped and looked down at + my mother, and she could not help herself but curtsey under the fixed + black gazing. + </p> + <p> + “Good woman, you are none of us. Who has brought you hither? Young men + must be young—but I have had too much of this work.” + </p> + <p> + And he scowled at my mother, for her comeliness; and yet looked under his + eyelids as if he liked her for it. But as for her, in her depth of + love-grief, it struck scorn upon her womanhood; and in the flash she + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “What you mean I know not. Traitors! cut-throats! cowards! I am here to + ask for my husband.” She could not say any more, because her heart was now + too much for her, coming hard in her throat and mouth; but she opened up + her eyes at him. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Sir Ensor Doone—being born a gentleman, although a + very bad one—“I crave pardon of you. My eyes are old, or I might + have known. Now, if we have your husband prisoner, he shall go free + without ransoms, because I have insulted you.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said my mother, being suddenly taken away with sorrow, because of + his gracious manner, “please to let me cry a bit.” + </p> + <p> + He stood away, and seemed to know that women want no help for that. And by + the way she cried he knew that they had killed her husband. Then, having + felt of grief himself, he was not angry with her, but left her to begin + again. + </p> + <p> + “Loth would I be,” said mother, sobbing with her new red handkerchief, and + looking at the pattern of it, “loth indeed, Sir Ensor Doone, to accuse any + one unfairly. But I have lost the very best husband God ever gave to a + woman; and I knew him when he was to your belt, and I not up to your knee, + sir; and never an unkind word he spoke, nor stopped me short in speaking. + All the herbs he left to me, and all the bacon-curing, and when it was + best to kill a pig, and how to treat the maidens. Not that I would ever + wish—oh, John, it seems so strange to me, and last week you were + everything.” + </p> + <p> + Here mother burst out crying again, not loudly, but turning quietly, + because she knew that no one now would ever care to wipe the tears. And + fifty or a hundred things, of weekly and daily happening, came across my + mother, so that her spirit fell like slackening lime. + </p> + <p> + “This matter must be seen to; it shall be seen to at once,” the old man + answered, moved a little in spite of all his knowledge. “Madam, if any + wrong has been done, trust the honour of a Doone; I will redress it to my + utmost. Come inside and rest yourself, while I ask about it. What was your + good husband's name, and when and where fell this mishap?” + </p> + <p> + “Deary me,” said mother, as he set a chair for her very polite, but she + would not sit upon it; “Saturday morning I was a wife, sir; and Saturday + night I was a widow, and my children fatherless. My husband's name was + John Ridd, sir, as everybody knows; and there was not a finer or better + man in Somerset or Devon. He was coming home from Porlock market, and a + new gown for me on the crupper, and a shell to put my hair up—oh, + John, how good you were to me!” + </p> + <p> + Of that she began to think again, and not to believe her sorrow, except as + a dream from the evil one, because it was too bad upon her, and perhaps + she would awake in a minute, and her husband would have the laugh of her. + And so she wiped her eyes and smiled, and looked for something. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, this is a serious thing,” Sir Ensor Doone said graciously, and + showing grave concern: “my boys are a little wild, I know. And yet I + cannot think that they would willingly harm any one. And yet—and + yet, you do look wronged. Send Counsellor to me,” he shouted, from the + door of his house; and down the valley went the call, “Send Counsellor to + Captain.” + </p> + <p> + Counsellor Doone came in ere yet my mother was herself again; and if any + sight could astonish her when all her sense of right and wrong was gone + astray with the force of things, it was the sight of the Counsellor. A + square-built man of enormous strength, but a foot below the Doone stature + (which I shall describe hereafter), he carried a long grey beard + descending to the leather of his belt. Great eyebrows overhung his face, + like ivy on a pollard oak, and under them two large brown eyes, as of an + owl when muting. And he had a power of hiding his eyes, or showing them + bright, like a blazing fire. He stood there with his beaver off, and + mother tried to look at him, but he seemed not to descry her. + </p> + <p> + “Counsellor,” said Sir Ensor Doone, standing back in his height from him, + “here is a lady of good repute—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, sir; only a woman.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0024" id="linkimage-0024"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/034.jpg" width="100%" + alt="034.jpg Here is a Lady, Counsellor " /> + </div> + <p> + “Allow me, madam, by your good leave. Here is a lady, Counsellor, of great + repute in this part of the country, who charges the Doones with having + unjustly slain her husband—” + </p> + <p> + “Murdered him! murdered him!” cried my mother, “if ever there was a + murder. Oh, sir! oh, sir! you know it.” + </p> + <p> + “The perfect rights and truth of the case is all I wish to know,” said the + old man, very loftily: “and justice shall be done, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I pray you—pray you, sirs, make no matter of business of it. + God from Heaven, look on me!” + </p> + <p> + “Put the case,” said the Counsellor. + </p> + <p> + “The case is this,” replied Sir Ensor, holding one hand up to mother: + “This lady's worthy husband was slain, it seems, upon his return from the + market at Porlock, no longer ago than last Saturday night. Madam, amend me + if I am wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “No longer, indeed, indeed, sir. Sometimes it seems a twelvemonth, and + sometimes it seems an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Cite his name,” said the Counsellor, with his eyes still rolling inwards. + </p> + <p> + “Master John Ridd, as I understand. Counsellor, we have heard of him + often; a worthy man and a peaceful one, who meddled not with our duties. + Now, if any of our boys have been rough, they shall answer it dearly. And + yet I can scarce believe it. For the folk about these parts are apt to + misconceive of our sufferings, and to have no feeling for us. Counsellor, + you are our record, and very stern against us; tell us how this matter + was.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Counsellor!” my mother cried; “Sir Counsellor, you will be fair: I + see it in your countenance. Only tell me who it was, and set me face to + face with him, and I will bless you, sir, and God shall bless you, and my + children.” + </p> + <p> + The square man with the long grey beard, quite unmoved by anything, drew + back to the door and spoke, and his voice was like a fall of stones in the + bottom of a mine. + </p> + <p> + “Few words will be enow for this. Four or five of our best-behaved and + most peaceful gentlemen went to the little market at Porlock with a lump + of money. They bought some household stores and comforts at a very high + price, and pricked upon the homeward road, away from vulgar revellers. + When they drew bridle to rest their horses, in the shelter of a peat-rick, + the night being dark and sudden, a robber of great size and strength rode + into the midst of them, thinking to kill or terrify. His arrogance and + hardihood at the first amazed them, but they would not give up without a + blow goods which were on trust with them. He had smitten three of them + senseless, for the power of his arm was terrible; whereupon the last man + tried to ward his blow with a pistol. Carver, sir, it was, our brave and + noble Carver, who saved the lives of his brethren and his own; and glad + enow they were to escape. Notwithstanding, we hoped it might be only a + flesh-wound, and not to speed him in his sins.” + </p> + <p> + As this atrocious tale of lies turned up joint by joint before her, like a + “devil's coach-horse,” * mother was too much amazed to do any more than + look at him, as if the earth must open. But the only thing that opened was + the great brown eyes of the Counsellor, which rested on my mother's face + with a dew of sorrow, as he spoke of sins. + </p> + <p> + * The cock-tailed beetle has earned this name in the West of England. + </p> + <p> + She, unable to bear them, turned suddenly on Sir Ensor, and caught (as she + fancied) a smile on his lips, and a sense of quiet enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “All the Doones are gentlemen,” answered the old man gravely, and looking + as if he had never smiled since he was a baby. “We are always glad to + explain, madam, any mistake which the rustic people may fall upon about + us; and we wish you clearly to conceive that we do not charge your poor + husband with any set purpose of robbery, neither will we bring suit for + any attainder of his property. Is it not so, Counsellor?” + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt his land is attainted; unless is mercy you forbear, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Counsellor, we will forbear. Madam, we will forgive him. Like enough he + knew not right from wrong, at that time of night. The waters are strong at + Porlock, and even an honest man may use his staff unjustly in this + unchartered age of violence and rapine.” + </p> + <p> + The Doones to talk of rapine! Mother's head went round so that she + curtseyed to them both, scarcely knowing where she was, but calling to + mind her manners. All the time she felt a warmth, as if the right was with + her, and yet she could not see the way to spread it out before them. With + that, she dried her tears in haste and went into the cold air, for fear of + speaking mischief. + </p> + <p> + But when she was on the homeward road, and the sentinels had charge of + her, blinding her eyes, as if she were not blind enough with weeping, some + one came in haste behind her, and thrust a heavy leathern bag into the + limp weight of her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Captain sends you this,” he whispered; “take it to the little ones.” + </p> + <p> + But mother let it fall in a heap, as if it had been a blind worm; and then + for the first time crouched before God, that even the Doones should pity + her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0005" id="linklink2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + AN ILLEGAL SETTLEMENT + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0025" id="linkimage-0025"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/037.jpg" alt="037.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Good folk who dwell in a lawful land, if any such there be, may for want + of exploration, judge our neighbourhood harshly, unless the whole truth is + set before them. In bar of such prejudice, many of us ask leave to explain + how and why it was the robbers came to that head in the midst of us. We + would rather not have had it so, God knows as well as anybody; but it grew + upon us gently, in the following manner. Only let all who read observe + that here I enter many things which came to my knowledge in later years. + </p> + <p> + In or about the year of our Lord 1640, when all the troubles of England + were swelling to an outburst, great estates in the North country were + suddenly confiscated, through some feud of families and strong influence + at Court, and the owners were turned upon the world, and might think + themselves lucky to save their necks. These estates were in co-heirship, + joint tenancy I think they called it, although I know not the meaning, + only so that if either tenant died, the other living, all would come to + the live one in spite of any testament. + </p> + <p> + One of the joint owners was Sir Ensor Doone, a gentleman of brisk + intellect; and the other owner was his cousin, the Earl of Lorne and + Dykemont. + </p> + <p> + Lord Lorne was some years the elder of his cousin, Ensor Doone, and was + making suit to gain severance of the cumbersome joint tenancy by any fair + apportionment, when suddenly this blow fell on them by wiles and woman's + meddling; and instead of dividing the land, they were divided from it. + </p> + <p> + The nobleman was still well-to-do, though crippled in his expenditure; but + as for the cousin, he was left a beggar, with many to beg from him. He + thought that the other had wronged him, and that all the trouble of law + befell through his unjust petition. Many friends advised him to make + interest at Court; for having done no harm whatever, and being a good + Catholic, which Lord Lorne was not, he would be sure to find hearing + there, and probably some favour. But he, like a very hot-brained man, + although he had long been married to the daughter of his cousin (whom he + liked none the more for that), would have nothing to say to any attempt at + making a patch of it, but drove away with his wife and sons, and the + relics of his money, swearing hard at everybody. In this he may have been + quite wrong; probably, perhaps, he was so; but I am not convinced at all + but what most of us would have done the same. + </p> + <p> + Some say that, in the bitterness of that wrong and outrage, he slew a + gentleman of the Court, whom he supposed to have borne a hand in the + plundering of his fortunes. Others say that he bearded King Charles the + First himself, in a manner beyond forgiveness. One thing, at any rate, is + sure—Sir Ensor was attainted, and made a felon outlaw, through some + violent deed ensuing upon his dispossession. + </p> + <p> + He had searched in many quarters for somebody to help him, and with good + warrant for hoping it, inasmuch as he, in lucky days, had been open-handed + and cousinly to all who begged advice of him. But now all these provided + him with plenty of good advice indeed, and great assurance of feeling, but + not a movement of leg, or lip, or purse-string in his favour. All good + people of either persuasion, royalty or commonalty, knowing his + kitchen-range to be cold, no longer would play turnspit. And this, it may + be, seared his heart more than loss of land and fame. + </p> + <p> + In great despair at last, he resolved to settle in some outlandish part, + where none could be found to know him; and so, in an evil day for us, he + came to the West of England. Not that our part of the world is at all + outlandish, according to my view of it (for I never found a better one), + but that it was known to be rugged, and large, and desolate. And here, + when he had discovered a place which seemed almost to be made for him, so + withdrawn, so self-defended, and uneasy of access, some of the + country-folk around brought him little offerings—a side of bacon, a + keg of cider, hung mutton, or a brisket of venison; so that for a little + while he was very honest. But when the newness of his coming began to wear + away, and our good folk were apt to think that even a gentleman ought to + work or pay other men for doing it, and many farmers were grown weary of + manners without discourse to them, and all cried out to one another how + unfair it was that owning such a fertile valley young men would not spade + or plough by reason of noble lineage—then the young Doones growing + up took things they would not ask for. + </p> + <p> + And here let me, as a solid man, owner of five hundred acres (whether + fenced or otherwise, and that is my own business), churchwarden also of + this parish (until I go to the churchyard), and proud to be called the + parson's friend—for a better man I never knew with tobacco and + strong waters, nor one who could read the lessons so well and he has been + at Blundell's too—once for all let me declare, that I am a + thorough-going Church-and-State man, and Royalist, without any mistake + about it. And this I lay down, because some people judging a sausage by + the skin, may take in evil part my little glosses of style and glibness, + and the mottled nature of my remarks and cracks now and then on the + frying-pan. I assure them I am good inside, and not a bit of rue in me; + only queer knots, as of marjoram, and a stupid manner of bursting. + </p> + <p> + There was not more than a dozen of them, counting a few retainers who + still held by Sir Ensor; but soon they grew and multiplied in a manner + surprising to think of. Whether it was the venison, which we call a + strengthening victual, or whether it was the Exmoor mutton, or the keen + soft air of the moorlands, anyhow the Doones increased much faster than + their honesty. At first they had brought some ladies with them, of good + repute with charity; and then, as time went on, they added to their stock + by carrying. They carried off many good farmers' daughters, who were sadly + displeased at first; but took to them kindly after awhile, and made a new + home in their babies. For women, as it seems to me, like strong men more + than weak ones, feeling that they need some staunchness, something to hold + fast by. + </p> + <p> + And of all the men in our country, although we are of a thick-set breed, + you scarce could find one in three-score fit to be placed among the + Doones, without looking no more than a tailor. Like enough, we could meet + them man for man (if we chose all around the crown and the skirts of + Exmoor), and show them what a cross-buttock means, because we are so + stuggy; but in regard of stature, comeliness, and bearing, no woman would + look twice at us. Not but what I myself, John Ridd, and one or two I know + of—but it becomes me best not to talk of that, although my hair is + gray. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps their den might well have been stormed, and themselves driven out + of the forest, if honest people had only agreed to begin with them at once + when first they took to plundering. But having respect for their good + birth, and pity for their misfortunes, and perhaps a little admiration at + the justice of God, that robbed men now were robbers, the squires, and + farmers, and shepherds, at first did nothing more than grumble gently, or + even make a laugh of it, each in the case of others. After awhile they + found the matter gone too far for laughter, as violence and deadly outrage + stained the hand of robbery, until every woman clutched her child, and + every man turned pale at the very name of Doone. For the sons and + grandsons of Sir Ensor grew up in foul liberty, and haughtiness, and + hatred, to utter scorn of God and man, and brutality towards dumb animals. + There was only one good thing about them, if indeed it were good, to wit, + their faith to one another, and truth to their wild eyry. But this only + made them feared the more, so certain was the revenge they wreaked upon + any who dared to strike a Doone. One night, some ten years ere I was born, + when they were sacking a rich man's house not very far from Minehead, a + shot was fired at them in the dark, of which they took little notice, and + only one of them knew that any harm was done. But when they were well on + the homeward road, not having slain either man or woman, or even burned a + house down, one of their number fell from his saddle, and died without so + much as a groan. The youth had been struck, but would not complain, and + perhaps took little heed of the wound, while he was bleeding inwardly. His + brothers and cousins laid him softly on a bank of whortle-berries, and + just rode back to the lonely hamlet where he had taken his death-wound. No + man nor woman was left in the morning, nor house for any to dwell in, only + a child with its reason gone.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *This vile deed was done, beyond all doubt. +</pre> + <p> + This affair made prudent people find more reason to let them alone than to + meddle with them; and now they had so entrenched themselves, and waxed so + strong in number, that nothing less than a troop of soldiers could wisely + enter their premises; and even so it might turn out ill, as perchance we + shall see by-and-by. + </p> + <p> + For not to mention the strength of the place, which I shall describe in + its proper order when I come to visit it, there was not one among them but + was a mighty man, straight and tall, and wide, and fit to lift four + hundredweight. If son or grandson of old Doone, or one of the northern + retainers, failed at the age of twenty, while standing on his naked feet + to touch with his forehead the lintel of Sir Ensor's door, and to fill the + door frame with his shoulders from sidepost even to sidepost, he was led + away to the narrow pass which made their valley so desperate, and thrust + from the crown with ignominy, to get his own living honestly. Now, the + measure of that doorway is, or rather was, I ought to say, six feet and + one inch lengthwise, and two feet all but two inches taken crossways in + the clear. Yet I not only have heard but know, being so closely mixed with + them, that no descendant of old Sir Ensor, neither relative of his + (except, indeed, the Counsellor, who was kept by them for his wisdom), and + no more than two of their following ever failed of that test, and relapsed + to the difficult ways of honesty. + </p> + <p> + Not that I think anything great of a standard the like of that: for if + they had set me in that door-frame at the age of twenty, it is like enough + that I should have walked away with it on my shoulders, though I was not + come to my full strength then: only I am speaking now of the average size + of our neighbourhood, and the Doones were far beyond that. Moreover, they + were taught to shoot with a heavy carbine so delicately and wisely, that + even a boy could pass a ball through a rabbit's head at the distance of + fourscore yards. Some people may think nought of this, being in practice + with longer shots from the tongue than from the shoulder; nevertheless, to + do as above is, to my ignorance, very good work, if you can be sure to do + it. Not one word do I believe of Robin Hood splitting peeled wands at + seven-score yards, and such like. Whoever wrote such stories knew not how + slippery a peeled wand is, even if one could hit it, and how it gives to + the onset. Now, let him stick one in the ground, and take his bow and + arrow at it, ten yards away, or even five. + </p> + <p> + Now, after all this which I have written, and all the rest which a reader + will see, being quicker of mind than I am (who leave more than half behind + me, like a man sowing wheat, with his dinner laid in the ditch too near + his dog), it is much but what you will understand the Doones far better + than I did, or do even to this moment; and therefore none will doubt when + I tell them that our good justiciaries feared to make an ado, or hold any + public inquiry about my dear father's death. They would all have had to + ride home that night, and who could say what might betide them. Least said + soonest mended, because less chance of breaking. + </p> + <p> + So we buried him quietly—all except my mother, indeed, for she could + not keep silence—in the sloping little churchyard of Oare, as meek a + place as need be, with the Lynn brook down below it. There is not much of + company there for anybody's tombstone, because the parish spreads so far + in woods and moors without dwelling-house. If we bury one man in three + years, or even a woman or child, we talk about it for three months, and + say it must be our turn next, and scarcely grow accustomed to it until + another goes. + </p> + <p> + Annie was not allowed to come, because she cried so terribly; but she ran + to the window, and saw it all, mooing there like a little calf, so + frightened and so left alone. As for Eliza, she came with me, one on each + side of mother, and not a tear was in her eyes, but sudden starts of + wonder, and a new thing to be looked at unwillingly, yet curiously. Poor + little thing! she was very clever, the only one of our family—thank + God for the same—but none the more for that guessed she what it is + to lose a father. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0026" id="linkimage-0026"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/042.jpg" width="100%" alt="042.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0006" id="linklink2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + NECESSARY PRACTICE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0027" id="linkimage-0027"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/043.jpg" alt="043.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + About the rest of all that winter I remember very little, being only a + young boy then, and missing my father most out of doors, as when it came + to the bird-catching, or the tracking of hares in the snow, or the + training of a sheep-dog. Oftentimes I looked at his gun, an ancient piece + found in the sea, a little below Glenthorne, and of which he was mighty + proud, although it was only a match-lock; and I thought of the times I had + held the fuse, while he got his aim at a rabbit, and once even at a red + deer rubbing among the hazels. But nothing came of my looking at it, so + far as I remember, save foolish tears of my own perhaps, till John Fry + took it down one day from the hooks where father's hand had laid it; and + it hurt me to see how John handled it, as if he had no memory. + </p> + <p> + “Bad job for he as her had not got thiccy the naight as her coom acrass + them Doones. Rackon Varmer Jan 'ood a-zhown them the wai to kingdom come, + 'stead of gooin' herzel zo aisy. And a maight have been gooin' to market + now, 'stead of laying banked up over yanner. Maister Jan, thee can zee the + grave if thee look alang this here goon-barryel. Buy now, whutt be + blubberin' at? Wish I had never told thee.” + </p> + <p> + “John Fry, I am not blubbering; you make a great mistake, John. You are + thinking of little Annie. I cough sometimes in the winter-weather, and + father gives me lickerish—I mean—I mean—he used to. Now + let me have the gun, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Thee have the goon, Jan! Thee isn't fit to putt un to thy zhoulder. What + a weight her be, for sure!” + </p> + <p> + “Me not hold it, John! That shows how much you know about it. Get out of + the way, John; you are opposite the mouth of it, and likely it is loaded.” + </p> + <p> + John Fry jumped in a livelier manner than when he was doing day-work; and + I rested the mouth on a cross rack-piece, and felt a warm sort of surety + that I could hit the door over opposite, or, at least, the cobwall + alongside of it, and do no harm in the orchard. But John would not give me + link or fuse, and, on the whole, I was glad of it, though carrying on as + boys do, because I had heard my father say that the Spanish gun kicked + like a horse, and because the load in it came from his hand, and I did not + like to undo it. But I never found it kick very hard, and firmly set to + the shoulder, unless it was badly loaded. In truth, the thickness of the + metal was enough almost to astonish one; and what our people said about it + may have been true enough, although most of them are such liars—at + least, I mean, they make mistakes, as all mankind must do. Perchance it + was no mistake at all to say that this ancient gun had belonged to a noble + Spaniard, the captain of a fine large ship in the “Invincible Armada,” + which we of England managed to conquer, with God and the weather helping + us, a hundred years ago or more—I can't say to a month or so. + </p> + <p> + After a little while, when John had fired away at a rat the charge I held + so sacred, it came to me as a natural thing to practise shooting with that + great gun, instead of John Fry's blunderbuss, which looked like a bell + with a stalk to it. Perhaps for a boy there is nothing better than a good + windmill to shoot at, as I have seen them in flat countries; but we have + no windmills upon the great moorland, yet here and there a few barn-doors, + where shelter is, and a way up the hollows. And up those hollows you can + shoot, with the help of the sides to lead your aim, and there is a fair + chance of hitting the door, if you lay your cheek to the barrel, and try + not to be afraid of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0028" id="linkimage-0028"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/045.jpg" width="100%" + alt="045.jpg Won Skill in Target Practice " /> + </div> + <p> + Gradually I won such skill, that I sent nearly all the lead gutter from + the north porch of our little church through our best barn-door, a thing + which has often repented me since, especially as churchwarden, and made me + pardon many bad boys; but father was not buried on that side of the + church. + </p> + <p> + But all this time, while I was roving over the hills or about the farm, + and even listening to John Fry, my mother, being so much older and feeling + trouble longer, went about inside the house, or among the maids and fowls, + not caring to talk to the best of them, except when she broke out + sometimes about the good master they had lost, all and every one of us. + But the fowls would take no notice of it, except to cluck for barley; and + the maidens, though they had liked him well, were thinking of their + sweethearts as the spring came on. Mother thought it wrong of them, + selfish and ungrateful; and yet sometimes she was proud that none had such + call as herself to grieve for him. Only Annie seemed to go softly in and + out, and cry, with nobody along of her, chiefly in the corner where the + bees are and the grindstone. But somehow she would never let anybody + behold her; being set, as you may say, to think it over by herself, and + season it with weeping. Many times I caught her, and many times she turned + upon me, and then I could not look at her, but asked how long to + dinner-time. + </p> + <p> + Now in the depth of the winter month, such as we call December, father + being dead and quiet in his grave a fortnight, it happened me to be out of + powder for practice against his enemies. I had never fired a shot without + thinking, “This for father's murderer”; and John Fry said that I made such + faces it was a wonder the gun went off. But though I could hardly hold the + gun, unless with my back against a bar, it did me good to hear it go off, + and hope to have hitten his enemies. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother, mother,” I said that day, directly after dinner, while she + was sitting looking at me, and almost ready to say (as now she did seven + times in a week), “How like your father you are growing! Jack, come here + and kiss me”—“oh, mother, if you only knew how much I want a + shilling!” + </p> + <p> + “Jack, you shall never want a shilling while I am alive to give thee one. + But what is it for, dear heart, dear heart?” + </p> + <p> + “To buy something over at Porlock, mother. Perhaps I will tell you + afterwards. If I tell not it will be for your good, and for the sake of + the children.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless the boy, one would think he was threescore years of age at least. + Give me a little kiss, you Jack, and you shall have the shilling.” + </p> + <p> + For I hated to kiss or be kissed in those days: and so all honest boys + must do, when God puts any strength in them. But now I wanted the powder + so much that I went and kissed mother very shyly, looking round the corner + first, for Betty not to see me. + </p> + <p> + But mother gave me half a dozen, and only one shilling for all of them; + and I could not find it in my heart to ask her for another, although I + would have taken it. In very quick time I ran away with the shilling in my + pocket, and got Peggy out on the Porlock road without my mother knowing + it. For mother was frightened of that road now, as if all the trees were + murderers, and would never let me go alone so much as a hundred yards on + it. And, to tell the truth, I was touched with fear for many years about + it; and even now, when I ride at dark there, a man by a peat-rick makes me + shiver, until I go and collar him. But this time I was very bold, having + John Fry's blunderbuss, and keeping a sharp look-out wherever any lurking + place was. However, I saw only sheep and small red cattle, and the common + deer of the forest, until I was nigh to Porlock town, and then rode + straight to Mr. Pooke's, at the sign of the Spit and Gridiron. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pooke was asleep, as it happened, not having much to do that day; and + so I fastened Peggy by the handle of a warming-pan, at which she had no + better manners than to snort and blow her breath; and in I walked with a + manful style, bearing John Fry's blunderbuss. Now Timothy Pooke was a + peaceful man, glad to live without any enjoyment of mind at danger, and I + was tall and large already as most lads of a riper age. Mr. Pooke, as soon + as he opened his eyes, dropped suddenly under the counting-board, and drew + a great frying-pan over his head, as if the Doones were come to rob him, + as their custom was, mostly after the fair-time. It made me feel rather + hot and queer to be taken for a robber; and yet methinks I was proud of + it. + </p> + <p> + “Gadzooks, Master Pooke,” said I, having learned fine words at Tiverton; + “do you suppose that I know not then the way to carry firearms? An it were + the old Spanish match-lock in the lieu of this good flint-engine, which + may be borne ten miles or more and never once go off, scarcely couldst + thou seem more scared. I might point at thee muzzle on—just so as I + do now—even for an hour or more, and like enough it would never + shoot thee, unless I pulled the trigger hard, with a crock upon my finger; + so you see; just so, Master Pooke, only a trifle harder.” + </p> + <p> + “God sake, John Ridd, God sake, dear boy,” cried Pooke, knowing me by this + time; “don't 'e, for good love now, don't 'e show it to me, boy, as if I + was to suck it. Put 'un down, for good, now; and thee shall have the very + best of all is in the shop.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho!” I replied with much contempt, and swinging round the gun so that it + fetched his hoop of candles down, all unkindled as they were: “Ho! as if I + had not attained to the handling of a gun yet! My hands are cold coming + over the moors, else would I go bail to point the mouth at you for an + hour, sir, and no cause for uneasiness.” + </p> + <p> + But in spite of all assurances, he showed himself desirous only to see the + last of my gun and me. I dare say “villainous saltpetre,” as the great + playwright calls it, was never so cheap before nor since. For my shilling + Master Pooke afforded me two great packages over-large to go into my + pockets, as well as a mighty chunk of lead, which I bound upon Peggy's + withers. And as if all this had not been enough, he presented me with a + roll of comfits for my sister Annie, whose gentle face and pretty manners + won the love of everybody. + </p> + <p> + There was still some daylight here and there as I rose the hill above + Porlock, wondering whether my mother would be in a fright, or would not + know it. The two great packages of powder, slung behind my back, knocked + so hard against one another that I feared they must either spill or blow + up, and hurry me over Peggy's ears from the woollen cloth I rode upon. For + father always liked a horse to have some wool upon his loins whenever he + went far from home, and had to stand about, where one pleased, hot, and + wet, and panting. And father always said that saddles were meant for men + full-grown and heavy, and losing their activity; and no boy or young man + on our farm durst ever get into a saddle, because they all knew that the + master would chuck them out pretty quickly. As for me, I had tried it + once, from a kind of curiosity; and I could not walk for two or three + days, the leather galled my knees so. But now, as Peggy bore me bravely, + snorting every now and then into a cloud of air, for the night was growing + frosty, presently the moon arose over the shoulder of a hill, and the pony + and I were half glad to see her, and half afraid of the shadows she threw, + and the images all around us. I was ready at any moment to shoot at + anybody, having great faith in my blunderbuss, but hoping not to prove it. + And as I passed the narrow place where the Doones had killed my father, + such a fear broke out upon me that I leaned upon the neck of Peggy, and + shut my eyes, and was cold all over. However, there was not a soul to be + seen, until we came home to the old farmyard, and there was my mother + crying sadly, and Betty Muxworthy scolding. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, now,” I whispered to Annie, the moment supper was over; “and + if you can hold your tongue, Annie, I will show you something.” + </p> + <p> + She lifted herself on the bench so quickly, and flushed so rich with + pleasure, that I was obliged to stare hard away, and make Betty look + beyond us. Betty thought I had something hid in the closet beyond the + clock-case, and she was the more convinced of it by reason of my denial. + Not that Betty Muxworthy, or any one else, for that matter, ever found me + in a falsehood, because I never told one, not even to my mother—or, + which is still a stronger thing, not even to my sweetheart (when I grew up + to have one)—but that Betty being wronged in the matter of marriage, + a generation or two agone, by a man who came hedging and ditching, had now + no mercy, except to believe that men from cradle to grave are liars, and + women fools to look at them. + </p> + <p> + When Betty could find no crime of mine, she knocked me out of the way in a + minute, as if I had been nobody; and then she began to coax “Mistress + Annie,” as she always called her, and draw the soft hair down her hands, + and whisper into the little ears. Meanwhile, dear mother was falling + asleep, having been troubled so much about me; and Watch, my father's pet + dog, was nodding closer and closer up into her lap. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Annie, will you come?” I said, for I wanted her to hold the ladle + for melting of the lead; “will you come at once, Annie? or must I go for + Lizzie, and let her see the whole of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, then, you won't do that,” said Annie; “Lizzie to come before me, + John; and she can't stir a pot of brewis, and scarce knows a tongue from a + ham, John, and says it makes no difference, because both are good to eat! + Oh, Betty, what do you think of that to come of all her book-learning?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God he can't say that of me,” Betty answered shortly, for she never + cared about argument, except on her own side; “thank he, I says, every + marning a'most, never to lead me astray so. Men is desaving and so is + galanies; but the most desaving of all is books, with their heads and + tails, and the speckots in 'em, lik a peg as have taken the maisles. Some + folk purtends to laugh and cry over them. God forgive them for liars!” + </p> + <p> + It was part of Betty's obstinacy that she never would believe in reading + or the possibility of it, but stoutly maintained to the very last that + people first learned things by heart, and then pretended to make them out + from patterns done upon paper, for the sake of astonishing honest folk + just as do the conjurers. And even to see the parson and clerk was not + enough to convince her; all she said was, “It made no odds, they were all + the same as the rest of us.” And now that she had been on the farm nigh + upon forty years, and had nursed my father, and made his clothes, and all + that he had to eat, and then put him in his coffin, she was come to such + authority, that it was not worth the wages of the best man on the place to + say a word in answer to Betty, even if he would face the risk to have ten + for one, or twenty. + </p> + <p> + Annie was her love and joy. For Annie she would do anything, even so far + as to try to smile, when the little maid laughed and danced to her. And in + truth I know not how it was, but every one was taken with Annie at the + very first time of seeing her. She had such pretty ways and manners, and + such a look of kindness, and a sweet soft light in her long blue eyes full + of trustful gladness. Everybody who looked at her seemed to grow the + better for it, because she knew no evil. And then the turn she had for + cooking, you never would have expected it; and how it was her richest + mirth to see that she had pleased you. I have been out on the world a vast + deal as you will own hereafter, and yet have I never seen Annie's equal + for making a weary man comfortable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0007" id="linklink2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + HARD IT IS TO CLIMB + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0029" id="linkimage-0029"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/051.jpg" alt="051.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + So many a winter night went by in a hopeful and pleasant manner, with the + hissing of the bright round bullets, cast into the water, and the + spluttering of the great red apples which Annie was roasting for me. We + always managed our evening's work in the chimney of the back-kitchen, + where there was room to set chairs and table, in spite of the fire + burning. On the right-hand side was a mighty oven, where Betty threatened + to bake us; and on the left, long sides of bacon, made of favoured pigs, + and growing very brown and comely. Annie knew the names of all, and ran up + through the wood-smoke, every now and then, when a gentle memory moved + her, and asked them how they were getting on, and when they would like to + be eaten. Then she came back with foolish tears, at thinking of that + necessity; and I, being soft in a different way, would make up my mind + against bacon. + </p> + <p> + But, Lord bless you! it was no good. Whenever it came to breakfast-time, + after three hours upon the moors, I regularly forgot the pigs, but paid + good heed to the rashers. For ours is a hungry county, if such there be in + England; a place, I mean, where men must eat, and are quick to discharge + the duty. The air of the moors is so shrewd and wholesome, stirring a + man's recollection of the good things which have betided him, and whetting + his hope of something still better in the future, that by the time he sits + down to a cloth, his heart and stomach are tuned too well to say “nay” to + one another. + </p> + <p> + Almost everybody knows, in our part of the world at least, how pleasant + and soft the fall of the land is round about Plover's Barrows farm. All + above it is strong dark mountain, spread with heath, and desolate, but + near our house the valleys cove, and open warmth and shelter. Here are + trees, and bright green grass, and orchards full of contentment, and a man + may scarce espy the brook, although he hears it everywhere. And indeed a + stout good piece of it comes through our farm-yard, and swells sometimes + to a rush of waves, when the clouds are on the hill-tops. But all below, + where the valley bends, and the Lynn stream comes along with it, pretty + meadows slope their breast, and the sun spreads on the water. And nearly + all of this is ours, till you come to Nicholas Snowe's land. + </p> + <p> + But about two miles below our farm, the Bagworthy water runs into the + Lynn, and makes a real river of it. Thence it hurries away, with strength + and a force of wilful waters, under the foot of a barefaced hill, and so + to rocks and woods again, where the stream is covered over, and dark, + heavy pools delay it. There are plenty of fish all down this way, and the + farther you go the larger they get, having deeper grounds to feed in; and + sometimes in the summer months, when mother could spare me off the farm, I + came down here, with Annie to help (because it was so lonely), and caught + well-nigh a basketful of little trout and minnows, with a hook and a bit + of worm on it, or a fern-web, or a blow-fly, hung from a hazel + pulse-stick. For of all the things I learned at Blundell's, only two abode + with me, and one of these was the knack of fishing, and the other the art + of swimming. And indeed they have a very rude manner of teaching children + to swim there; for the big boys take the little boys, and put them through + a certain process, which they grimly call “sheep-washing.” In the third + meadow from the gate of the school, going up the river, there is a fine + pool in the Lowman, where the Taunton brook comes in, and they call it the + Taunton Pool. The water runs down with a strong sharp stickle, and then + has a sudden elbow in it, where the small brook trickles in; and on that + side the bank is steep, four or it may be five feet high, overhanging + loamily; but on the other side it is flat, pebbly, and fit to land upon. + Now the large boys take the small boys, crying sadly for mercy, and + thinking mayhap, of their mothers, with hands laid well at the back of + their necks, they bring them up to the crest of the bank upon the eastern + side, and make them strip their clothes off. Then the little boys, falling + on their naked knees, blubber upwards piteously; but the large boys know + what is good for them, and will not be entreated. So they cast them down, + one after other into the splash of the water, and watch them go to the + bottom first, and then come up and fight for it, with a blowing and a + bubbling. It is a very fair sight to watch when you know there is little + danger, because, although the pool is deep, the current is sure to wash a + boy up on the stones, where the end of the depth is. As for me, they had + no need to throw me more than once, because I jumped of my own accord, + thinking small things of the Lowman, after the violent Lynn. Nevertheless, + I learnt to swim there, as all the other boys did; for the greatest point + in learning that is to find that you must do it. I loved the water + naturally, and could not long be out of it; but even the boys who hated it + most, came to swim in some fashion or other, after they had been flung for + a year or two into the Taunton pool. + </p> + <p> + But now, although my sister Annie came to keep me company, and was not to + be parted from me by the tricks of the Lynn stream, because I put her on + my back and carried her across, whenever she could not leap it, or tuck up + her things and take the stones; yet so it happened that neither of us had + been up the Bagworthy water. We knew that it brought a good stream down, + as full of fish as of pebbles; and we thought that it must be very pretty + to make a way where no way was, nor even a bullock came down to drink. But + whether we were afraid or not, I am sure I cannot tell, because it is so + long ago; but I think that had something to do with it. For Bagworthy + water ran out of Doone valley, a mile or so from the mouth of it. + </p> + <p> + But when I was turned fourteen years old, and put into good small-clothes, + buckled at the knee, and strong blue worsted hosen, knitted by my mother, + it happened to me without choice, I may say, to explore the Bagworthy + water. And it came about in this wise. + </p> + <p> + My mother had long been ailing, and not well able to eat much; and there + is nothing that frightens us so much as for people to have no love of + their victuals. Now I chanced to remember that once at the time of the + holidays I had brought dear mother from Tiverton a jar of pickled loaches, + caught by myself in the Lowman river, and baked in the kitchen oven, with + vinegar, a few leaves of bay, and about a dozen pepper-corns. And mother + had said that in all her life she had never tasted anything fit to be + compared with them. Whether she said so good a thing out of compliment to + my skill in catching the fish and cooking them, or whether she really + meant it, is more than I can tell, though I quite believe the latter, and + so would most people who tasted them; at any rate, I now resolved to get + some loaches for her, and do them in the self-same manner, just to make + her eat a bit. + </p> + <p> + There are many people, even now, who have not come to the right knowledge + what a loach is, and where he lives, and how to catch and pickle him. And + I will not tell them all about it, because if I did, very likely there + would be no loaches left ten or twenty years after the appearance of this + book. A pickled minnow is very good if you catch him in a stickle, with + the scarlet fingers upon him; but I count him no more than the ropes in + beer compared with a loach done properly. + </p> + <p> + Being resolved to catch some loaches, whatever trouble it cost me, I set + forth without a word to any one, in the forenoon of St. Valentine's day, + 1675-6, I think it must have been. Annie should not come with me, because + the water was too cold; for the winter had been long, and snow lay here + and there in patches in the hollow of the banks, like a lady's gloves + forgotten. And yet the spring was breaking forth, as it always does in + Devonshire, when the turn of the days is over; and though there was little + to see of it, the air was full of feeling. + </p> + <p> + It puzzles me now, that I remember all those young impressions so, because + I took no heed of them at the time whatever; and yet they come upon me + bright, when nothing else is evident in the gray fog of experience. I am + like an old man gazing at the outside of his spectacles, and seeing, as he + rubs the dust, the image of his grandson playing at bo-peep with him. + </p> + <p> + But let me be of any age, I never could forget that day, and how bitter + cold the water was. For I doffed my shoes and hose, and put them into a + bag about my neck; and left my little coat at home, and tied my + shirt-sleeves back to my shoulders. Then I took a three-pronged fork + firmly bound to a rod with cord, and a piece of canvas kerchief, with a + lump of bread inside it; and so went into the pebbly water, trying to + think how warm it was. For more than a mile all down the Lynn stream, + scarcely a stone I left unturned, being thoroughly skilled in the tricks + of the loach, and knowing how he hides himself. For being gray-spotted, + and clear to see through, and something like a cuttle-fish, only more + substantial, he will stay quite still where a streak of weed is in the + rapid water, hoping to be overlooked, not caring even to wag his tail. + Then being disturbed he flips away, like whalebone from the finger, and + hies to a shelf of stone, and lies with his sharp head poked in under it; + or sometimes he bellies him into the mud, and only shows his back-ridge. + And that is the time to spear him nicely, holding the fork very gingerly, + and allowing for the bent of it, which comes to pass, I know not how, at + the tickle of air and water. + </p> + <p> + Or if your loach should not be abroad when first you come to look for him, + but keeping snug in his little home, then you may see him come forth + amazed at the quivering of the shingles, and oar himself and look at you, + and then dart up-stream, like a little grey streak; and then you must try + to mark him in, and follow very daintily. So after that, in a sandy place, + you steal up behind his tail to him, so that he cannot set eyes on you, + for his head is up-stream always, and there you see him abiding still, + clear, and mild, and affable. Then, as he looks so innocent, you make full + sure to prog him well, in spite of the wry of the water, and the sun + making elbows to everything, and the trembling of your fingers. But when + you gird at him lovingly, and have as good as gotten him, lo! in the go-by + of the river he is gone as a shadow goes, and only a little cloud of mud + curls away from the points of the fork. + </p> + <p> + A long way down that limpid water, chill and bright as an iceberg, went my + little self that day on man's choice errand—destruction. All the + young fish seemed to know that I was one who had taken out God's + certificate, and meant to have the value of it; every one of them was + aware that we desolate more than replenish the earth. For a cow might come + and look into the water, and put her yellow lips down; a kingfisher, like + a blue arrow, might shoot through the dark alleys over the channel, or sit + on a dipping withy-bough with his beak sunk into his breast-feathers; even + an otter might float downstream likening himself to a log of wood, with + his flat head flush with the water-top, and his oily eyes peering quietly; + and yet no panic would seize other life, as it does when a sample of man + comes. + </p> + <p> + Now let not any one suppose that I thought of these things when I was + young, for I knew not the way to do it. And proud enough in truth I was at + the universal fear I spread in all those lonely places, where I myself + must have been afraid, if anything had come up to me. It is all very + pretty to see the trees big with their hopes of another year, though dumb + as yet on the subject, and the waters murmuring gaiety, and the banks + spread out with comfort; but a boy takes none of this to heart; unless he + be meant for a poet (which God can never charge upon me), and he would + liefer have a good apple, or even a bad one, if he stole it. + </p> + <p> + When I had travelled two miles or so, conquered now and then with cold, + and coming out to rub my legs into a lively friction, and only fishing + here and there, because of the tumbling water; suddenly, in an open space, + where meadows spread about it, I found a good stream flowing softly into + the body of our brook. And it brought, so far as I could guess by the + sweep of it under my knee-caps, a larger power of clear water than the + Lynn itself had; only it came more quietly down, not being troubled with + stairs and steps, as the fortune of the Lynn is, but gliding smoothly and + forcibly, as if upon some set purpose. + </p> + <p> + Hereupon I drew up and thought, and reason was much inside me; because the + water was bitter cold, and my little toes were aching. So on the bank I + rubbed them well with a sprout of young sting-nettle, and having skipped + about awhile, was kindly inclined to eat a bit. + </p> + <p> + Now all the turn of all my life hung upon that moment. But as I sat there + munching a crust of Betty Muxworthy's sweet brown bread, and a bit of cold + bacon along with it, and kicking my little red heels against the dry loam + to keep them warm, I knew no more than fish under the fork what was going + on over me. It seemed a sad business to go back now and tell Annie there + were no loaches; and yet it was a frightful thing, knowing what I did of + it, to venture, where no grown man durst, up the Bagworthy water. And + please to recollect that I was only a boy in those days, fond enough of + anything new, but not like a man to meet it. + </p> + <p> + However, as I ate more and more, my spirit arose within me, and I thought + of what my father had been, and how he had told me a hundred times never + to be a coward. And then I grew warm, and my little heart was ashamed of + its pit-a-patting, and I said to myself, “now if father looks, he shall + see that I obey him.” So I put the bag round my back again, and buckled my + breeches far up from the knee, expecting deeper water, and crossing the + Lynn, went stoutly up under the branches which hang so dark on the + Bagworthy river. + </p> + <p> + I found it strongly over-woven, turned, and torn with thicket-wood, but + not so rocky as the Lynn, and more inclined to go evenly. There were bars + of chafed stakes stretched from the sides half-way across the current, and + light outriders of pithy weed, and blades of last year's water-grass + trembling in the quiet places, like a spider's threads, on the transparent + stillness, with a tint of olive moving it. And here and there the sun came + in, as if his light was sifted, making dance upon the waves, and shadowing + the pebbles. + </p> + <p> + Here, although affrighted often by the deep, dark places, and feeling that + every step I took might never be taken backward, on the whole I had very + comely sport of loaches, trout, and minnows, forking some, and tickling + some, and driving others to shallow nooks, whence I could bail them + ashore. Now, if you have ever been fishing, you will not wonder that I was + led on, forgetting all about danger, and taking no heed of the time, but + shouting in a childish way whenever I caught a “whacker” (as we called a + big fish at Tiverton); and in sooth there were very fine loaches here, + having more lie and harbourage than in the rough Lynn stream, though not + quite so large as in the Lowman, where I have even taken them to the + weight of half a pound. + </p> + <p> + But in answer to all my shouts there never was any sound at all, except of + a rocky echo, or a scared bird hustling away, or the sudden dive of a + water-vole; and the place grew thicker and thicker, and the covert grew + darker above me, until I thought that the fishes might have good chance of + eating me, instead of my eating the fishes. + </p> + <p> + For now the day was falling fast behind the brown of the hill-tops, and + the trees, being void of leaf and hard, seemed giants ready to beat me. + And every moment as the sky was clearing up for a white frost, the cold of + the water got worse and worse, until I was fit to cry with it. And so, in + a sorry plight, I came to an opening in the bushes, where a great black + pool lay in front of me, whitened with snow (as I thought) at the sides, + till I saw it was only foam-froth. + </p> + <p> + Now, though I could swim with great ease and comfort, and feared no depth + of water, when I could fairly come to it, yet I had no desire to go over + head and ears into this great pool, being so cramped and weary, and cold + enough in all conscience, though wet only up to the middle, not counting + my arms and shoulders. And the look of this black pit was enough to stop + one from diving into it, even on a hot summer's day with sunshine on the + water; I mean, if the sun ever shone there. As it was, I shuddered and + drew back; not alone at the pool itself and the black air there was about + it, but also at the whirling manner, and wisping of white threads upon it + in stripy circles round and round; and the centre still as jet. + </p> + <p> + But soon I saw the reason of the stir and depth of that great pit, as well + as of the roaring sound which long had made me wonder. For skirting round + one side, with very little comfort, because the rocks were high and steep, + and the ledge at the foot so narrow, I came to a sudden sight and marvel, + such as I never dreamed of. For, lo! I stood at the foot of a long pale + slide of water, coming smoothly to me, without any break or hindrance, for + a hundred yards or more, and fenced on either side with cliff, sheer, and + straight, and shining. The water neither ran nor fell, nor leaped with any + spouting, but made one even slope of it, as if it had been combed or + planed, and looking like a plank of deal laid down a deep black staircase. + However, there was no side-rail, nor any place to walk upon, only the + channel a fathom wide, and the perpendicular walls of crag shutting out + the evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0030" id="linkimage-0030"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:36%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/058.jpg" + alt="058.jpg a Long Pale Slide of Water " /> + </div> + <p> + The look of this place had a sad effect, scaring me very greatly, and + making me feel that I would give something only to be at home again, with + Annie cooking my supper, and our dog Watch sniffing upward. But nothing + would come of wishing; that I had long found out; and it only made one the + less inclined to work without white feather. So I laid the case before me + in a little council; not for loss of time, but only that I wanted rest, + and to see things truly. + </p> + <p> + Then says I to myself—“John Ridd, these trees, and pools, and + lonesome rocks, and setting of the sunlight are making a gruesome coward + of thee. Shall I go back to my mother so, and be called her fearless boy?” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I am free to own that it was not any fine sense of shame + which settled my decision; for indeed there was nearly as much of danger + in going back as in going on, and perhaps even more of labour, the journey + being so roundabout. But that which saved me from turning back was a + strange inquisitive desire, very unbecoming in a boy of little years; in a + word, I would risk a great deal to know what made the water come down like + that, and what there was at the top of it. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, seeing hard strife before me, I girt up my breeches anew, with + each buckle one hole tighter, for the sodden straps were stretching and + giving, and mayhap my legs were grown smaller from the coldness of it. + Then I bestowed my fish around my neck more tightly, and not stopping to + look much, for fear of fear, crawled along over the fork of rocks, where + the water had scooped the stone out, and shunning thus the ledge from + whence it rose like the mane of a white horse into the broad black pool, + softly I let my feet into the dip and rush of the torrent. + </p> + <p> + And here I had reckoned without my host, although (as I thought) so + clever; and it was much but that I went down into the great black pool, + and had never been heard of more; and this must have been the end of me, + except for my trusty loach-fork. For the green wave came down like great + bottles upon me, and my legs were gone off in a moment, and I had not time + to cry out with wonder, only to think of my mother and Annie, and knock my + head very sadly, which made it go round so that brains were no good, even + if I had any. But all in a moment, before I knew aught, except that I must + die out of the way, with a roar of water upon me, my fork, praise God + stuck fast in the rock, and I was borne up upon it. I felt nothing except + that here was another matter to begin upon; and it might be worth while, + or again it might not, to have another fight for it. But presently the + dash of the water upon my face revived me, and my mind grew used to the + roar of it, and meseemed I had been worse off than this, when first flung + into the Lowman. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I gathered my legs back slowly, as if they were fish to be + landed, stopping whenever the water flew too strongly off my shin-bones, + and coming along without sticking out to let the wave get hold of me. And + in this manner I won a footing, leaning well forward like a draught-horse, + and balancing on my strength as it were, with the ashen stake set behind + me. Then I said to my self, “John Ridd, the sooner you get yourself out by + the way you came, the better it will be for you.” But to my great dismay + and affright, I saw that no choice was left me now, except that I must + climb somehow up that hill of water, or else be washed down into the pool + and whirl around it till it drowned me. For there was no chance of + fetching back by the way I had gone down into it, and further up was a + hedge of rock on either side of the waterway, rising a hundred yards in + height, and for all I could tell five hundred, and no place to set a foot + in. + </p> + <p> + Having said the Lord's Prayer (which was all I knew), and made a very bad + job of it, I grasped the good loach-stick under a knot, and steadied me + with my left hand, and so with a sigh of despair began my course up the + fearful torrent-way. To me it seemed half a mile at least of sliding water + above me, but in truth it was little more than a furlong, as I came to + know afterwards. It would have been a hard ascent even without the + slippery slime and the force of the river over it, and I had scanty hope + indeed of ever winning the summit. Nevertheless, my terror left me, now I + was face to face with it, and had to meet the worst; and I set myself to + do my best with a vigour and sort of hardness which did not then surprise + me, but have done so ever since. + </p> + <p> + The water was only six inches deep, or from that to nine at the utmost, + and all the way up I could see my feet looking white in the gloom of the + hollow, and here and there I found resting-place, to hold on by the cliff + and pant awhile. And gradually as I went on, a warmth of courage breathed + in me, to think that perhaps no other had dared to try that pass before + me, and to wonder what mother would say to it. And then came thought of my + father also, and the pain of my feet abated. + </p> + <p> + How I went carefully, step by step, keeping my arms in front of me, and + never daring to straighten my knees is more than I can tell clearly, or + even like now to think of, because it makes me dream of it. Only I must + acknowledge that the greatest danger of all was just where I saw no + jeopardy, but ran up a patch of black ooze-weed in a very boastful manner, + being now not far from the summit. + </p> + <p> + Here I fell very piteously, and was like to have broken my knee-cap, and + the torrent got hold of my other leg while I was indulging the bruised + one. And then a vile knotting of cramp disabled me, and for awhile I could + only roar, till my mouth was full of water, and all of my body was + sliding. But the fright of that brought me to again, and my elbow caught + in a rock-hole; and so I managed to start again, with the help of more + humility. + </p> + <p> + Now being in the most dreadful fright, because I was so near the top, and + hope was beating within me, I laboured hard with both legs and arms, going + like a mill and grunting. At last the rush of forked water, where first it + came over the lips of the fall, drove me into the middle, and I stuck + awhile with my toe-balls on the slippery links of the pop-weed, and the + world was green and gliddery, and I durst not look behind me. Then I made + up my mind to die at last; for so my legs would ache no more, and my + breath not pain my heart so; only it did seem such a pity after fighting + so long to give in, and the light was coming upon me, and again I fought + towards it; then suddenly I felt fresh air, and fell into it headlong. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0008" id="linklink2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + A BOY AND A GIRL + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0031" id="linkimage-0031"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/062.jpg" alt="062.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + When I came to myself again, my hands were full of young grass and mould, + and a little girl kneeling at my side was rubbing my forehead tenderly + with a dock-leaf and a handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am so glad,” she whispered softly, as I opened my eyes and looked + at her; “now you will try to be better, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + I had never heard so sweet a sound as came from between her bright red + lips, while there she knelt and gazed at me; neither had I ever seen + anything so beautiful as the large dark eyes intent upon me, full of pity + and wonder. And then, my nature being slow, and perhaps, for that matter, + heavy, I wandered with my hazy eyes down the black shower of her hair, as + to my jaded gaze it seemed; and where it fell on the turf, among it (like + an early star) was the first primrose of the season. And since that day I + think of her, through all the rough storms of my life, when I see an early + primrose. Perhaps she liked my countenance, and indeed I know she did, + because she said so afterwards; although at the time she was too young to + know what made her take to me. Not that I had any beauty, or ever + pretended to have any, only a solid healthy face, which many girls have + laughed at. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I sate upright, with my little trident still in one hand, and + was much afraid to speak to her, being conscious of my country-brogue, + lest she should cease to like me. But she clapped her hands, and made a + trifling dance around my back, and came to me on the other side, as if I + were a great plaything. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0032" id="linkimage-0032"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:36%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/063.jpg" alt="063.jpg Sate Upright " /> + </div> + <p> + “What is your name?” she said, as if she had every right to ask me; “and + how did you come here, and what are these wet things in this great bag?” + </p> + <p> + “You had better let them alone,” I said; “they are loaches for my mother. + But I will give you some, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, how much you think of them! Why, they are only fish. But how + your feet are bleeding! oh, I must tie them up for you. And no shoes nor + stockings! Is your mother very poor, poor boy?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I said, being vexed at this; “we are rich enough to buy all this + great meadow, if we chose; and here my shoes and stockings be.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, they are quite as wet as your feet; and I cannot bear to see your + feet. Oh, please to let me manage them; I will do it very softly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't think much of that,” I replied; “I shall put some + goose-grease to them. But how you are looking at me! I never saw any one + like you before. My name is John Ridd. What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Lorna Doone,” she answered, in a low voice, as if afraid of it, and + hanging her head so that I could see only her forehead and eyelashes; “if + you please, my name is Lorna Doone; and I thought you must have known it.” + </p> + <p> + Then I stood up and touched her hand, and tried to make her look at me; + but she only turned away the more. Young and harmless as she was, her name + alone made guilt of her. Nevertheless I could not help looking at her + tenderly, and the more when her blushes turned into tears, and her tears + to long, low sobs. + </p> + <p> + “Don't cry,” I said, “whatever you do. I am sure you have never done any + harm. I will give you all my fish Lorna, and catch some more for mother; + only don't be angry with me.” + </p> + <p> + She flung her little soft arms up in the passion of her tears, and looked + at me so piteously, that what did I do but kiss her. It seemed to be a + very odd thing, when I came to think of it, because I hated kissing so, as + all honest boys must do. But she touched my heart with a sudden delight, + like a cowslip-blossom (although there were none to be seen yet), and the + sweetest flowers of spring. + </p> + <p> + She gave me no encouragement, as my mother in her place would have done; + nay, she even wiped her lips (which methought was rather rude of her), and + drew away, and smoothed her dress, as if I had used a freedom. Then I felt + my cheeks grow burning red, and I gazed at my legs and was sorry. For + although she was not at all a proud child (at any rate in her + countenance), yet I knew that she was by birth a thousand years in front + of me. They might have taken and framed me, or (which would be more to the + purpose) my sisters, until it was time for us to die, and then have + trained our children after us, for many generations; yet never could we + have gotten that look upon our faces which Lorna Doone had naturally, as + if she had been born to it. + </p> + <p> + Here was I, a yeoman's boy, a yeoman every inch of me, even where I was + naked; and there was she, a lady born, and thoroughly aware of it, and + dressed by people of rank and taste, who took pride in her beauty and set + it to advantage. For though her hair was fallen down by reason of her + wildness, and some of her frock was touched with wet where she had tended + me so, behold her dress was pretty enough for the queen of all the angels. + The colours were bright and rich indeed, and the substance very sumptuous, + yet simple and free from tinsel stuff, and matching most harmoniously. All + from her waist to her neck was white, plaited in close like a curtain, and + the dark soft weeping of her hair, and the shadowy light of her eyes (like + a wood rayed through with sunset), made it seem yet whiter, as if it were + done on purpose. As for the rest, she knew what it was a great deal better + than I did, for I never could look far away from her eyes when they were + opened upon me. + </p> + <p> + Now, seeing how I heeded her, and feeling that I had kissed her, although + she was such a little girl, eight years old or thereabouts, she turned to + the stream in a bashful manner, and began to watch the water, and rubbed + one leg against the other. + </p> + <p> + I, for my part, being vexed at her behaviour to me, took up all my things + to go, and made a fuss about it; to let her know I was going. But she did + not call me back at all, as I had made sure she would do; moreover, I knew + that to try the descent was almost certain death to me, and it looked as + dark as pitch; and so at the mouth I turned round again, and came back to + her, and said, “Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I thought you were gone,” she answered; “why did you ever come here? + Do you know what they would do to us, if they found you here with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Beat us, I dare say, very hard; or me, at least. They could never beat + you.” + </p> + <p> + “No. They would kill us both outright, and bury us here by the water; and + the water often tells me that I must come to that.” + </p> + <p> + “But what should they kill me for?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you have found the way up here, and they never could believe it. + Now, please to go; oh, please to go. They will kill us both in a moment. + Yes, I like you very much”—for I was teasing her to say it—“very + much indeed, and I will call you John Ridd, if you like; only please to + go, John. And when your feet are well, you know, you can come and tell me + how they are.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you, Lorna, I like you very much indeed—nearly as much + as Annie, and a great deal more than Lizzie. And I never saw any one like + you, and I must come back again to-morrow, and so must you, to see me; and + I will bring you such lots of things—there are apples still, and a + thrush I caught with only one leg broken, and our dog has just had puppies—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear, they won't let me have a dog. There is not a dog in the valley. + They say they are such noisy things—” + </p> + <p> + “Only put your hand in mine—what little things they are, Lorna! And + I will bring you the loveliest dog; I will show you just how long he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” A shout came down the valley, and all my heart was trembling, like + water after sunset, and Lorna's face was altered from pleasant play to + terror. She shrank to me, and looked up at me, with such a power of + weakness, that I at once made up my mind to save her or to die with her. A + tingle went through all my bones, and I only longed for my carbine. The + little girl took courage from me, and put her cheek quite close to mine. + </p> + <p> + “Come with me down the waterfall. I can carry you easily; and mother will + take care of you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she cried, as I took her up: “I will tell you what to do. They + are only looking for me. You see that hole, that hole there?” + </p> + <p> + She pointed to a little niche in the rock which verged the meadow, about + fifty yards away from us. In the fading of the twilight I could just + descry it. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see it; but they will see me crossing the grass to get there.” + </p> + <p> + “Look! look!” She could hardly speak. “There is a way out from the top of + it; they would kill me if I told it. Oh, here they come, I can see them.” + </p> + <p> + The little maid turned as white as the snow which hung on the rocks above + her, and she looked at the water and then at me, and she cried, “Oh dear! + oh dear!” And then she began to sob aloud, being so young and unready. But + I drew her behind the withy-bushes, and close down to the water, where it + was quiet and shelving deep, ere it came to the lip of the chasm. Here + they could not see either of us from the upper valley, and might have + sought a long time for us, even when they came quite near, if the trees + had been clad with their summer clothes. Luckily I had picked up my fish + and taken my three-pronged fork away. + </p> + <p> + Crouching in that hollow nest, as children get together in ever so little + compass, I saw a dozen fierce men come down, on the other side of the + water, not bearing any fire-arms, but looking lax and jovial, as if they + were come from riding and a dinner taken hungrily. “Queen, queen!” they + were shouting, here and there, and now and then: “where the pest is our + little queen gone?” + </p> + <p> + “They always call me 'queen,' and I am to be queen by-and-by,” Lorna + whispered to me, with her soft cheek on my rough one, and her little heart + beating against me: “oh, they are crossing by the timber there, and then + they are sure to see us.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” said I; “now I see what to do. I must get into the water, and you + must go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, yes, away in the meadow there. But how bitter cold it will be + for you!” + </p> + <p> + She saw in a moment the way to do it, sooner than I could tell her; and + there was no time to lose. + </p> + <p> + “Now mind you never come again,” she whispered over her shoulder, as she + crept away with a childish twist hiding her white front from me; “only I + shall come sometimes—oh, here they are, Madonna!” + </p> + <p> + Daring scarce to peep, I crept into the water, and lay down bodily in it, + with my head between two blocks of stone, and some flood-drift combing + over me. The dusk was deepening between the hills, and a white mist lay on + the river; but I, being in the channel of it, could see every ripple, and + twig, and rush, and glazing of twilight above it, as bright as in a + picture; so that to my ignorance there seemed no chance at all but what + the men must find me. For all this time they were shouting and swearing, + and keeping such a hullabaloo, that the rocks all round the valley rang, + and my heart quaked, so (what with this and the cold) that the water began + to gurgle round me, and to lap upon the pebbles. + </p> + <p> + Neither in truth did I try to stop it, being now so desperate, between the + fear and the wretchedness; till I caught a glimpse of the little maid, + whose beauty and whose kindliness had made me yearn to be with her. And + then I knew that for her sake I was bound to be brave and hide myself. She + was lying beneath a rock, thirty or forty yards from me, feigning to be + fast asleep, with her dress spread beautifully, and her hair drawn over + her. + </p> + <p> + Presently one of the great rough men came round a corner upon her; and + there he stopped and gazed awhile at her fairness and her innocence. Then + he caught her up in his arms, and kissed her so that I heard him; and if I + had only brought my gun, I would have tried to shoot him. + </p> + <p> + “Here our queen is! Here's the queen, here's the captain's daughter!” he + shouted to his comrades; “fast asleep, by God, and hearty! Now I have + first claim to her; and no one else shall touch the child. Back to the + bottle, all of you!” + </p> + <p> + He set her dainty little form upon his great square shoulder, and her + narrow feet in one broad hand; and so in triumph marched away, with the + purple velvet of her skirt ruffling in his long black beard, and the + silken length of her hair fetched out, like a cloud by the wind behind + her. This way of her going vexed me so, that I leaped upright in the + water, and must have been spied by some of them, but for their haste to + the wine-bottle. Of their little queen they took small notice, being in + this urgency; although they had thought to find her drowned; but trooped + away after one another with kindly challenge to gambling, so far as I + could make them out; and I kept sharp watch, I assure you. + </p> + <p> + Going up that darkened glen, little Lorna, riding still the largest and + most fierce of them, turned and put up a hand to me, and I put up a hand + to her, in the thick of the mist and the willows. + </p> + <p> + She was gone, my little dear (though tall of her age and healthy); and + when I got over my thriftless fright, I longed to have more to say to her. + Her voice to me was so different from all I had ever heard before, as + might be a sweet silver bell intoned to the small chords of a harp. But I + had no time to think about this, if I hoped to have any supper. + </p> + <p> + I crept into a bush for warmth, and rubbed my shivering legs on bark, and + longed for mother's fagot. Then as daylight sank below the forget-me-not + of stars, with a sorrow to be quit, I knew that now must be my time to get + away, if there were any. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, wringing my sodden breaches, I managed to crawl from the bank + to the niche in the cliff which Lorna had shown me. + </p> + <p> + Through the dusk I had trouble to see the mouth, at even the five + land-yards of distance; nevertheless, I entered well, and held on by some + dead fern-stems, and did hope that no one would shoot me. + </p> + <p> + But while I was hugging myself like this, with a boyish manner of + reasoning, my joy was like to have ended in sad grief both to myself and + my mother, and haply to all honest folk who shall love to read this + history. For hearing a noise in front of me, and like a coward not knowing + where, but afraid to turn round or think of it, I felt myself going down + some deep passage into a pit of darkness. It was no good to catch the + sides, the whole thing seemed to go with me. Then, without knowing how, I + was leaning over a night of water. + </p> + <p> + This water was of black radiance, as are certain diamonds, spanned across + with vaults of rock, and carrying no image, neither showing marge nor end, + but centred (at it might be) with a bottomless indrawal. + </p> + <p> + With that chill and dread upon me, and the sheer rock all around, and the + faint light heaving wavily on the silence of this gulf, I must have lost + my wits and gone to the bottom, if there were any. + </p> + <p> + But suddenly a robin sang (as they will do after dark, towards spring) in + the brown fern and ivy behind me. I took it for our little Annie's voice + (for she could call any robin), and gathering quick warm comfort, sprang + up the steep way towards the starlight. Climbing back, as the stones glid + down, I heard the cold greedy wave go japping, like a blind black dog, + into the distance of arches and hollow depths of darkness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0033" id="linkimage-0033"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/069.jpg" width="100%" alt="069.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0009" id="linklink2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0034" id="linkimage-0034"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/070.jpg" alt="070.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + I can assure you, and tell no lie (as John Fry always used to say, when + telling his very largest), that I scrambled back to the mouth of that pit + as if the evil one had been after me. And sorely I repented now of all my + boyish folly, or madness it might well be termed, in venturing, with none + to help, and nothing to compel me, into that accursed valley. Once let me + get out, thinks I, and if ever I get in again, without being cast in by + neck and by crop, I will give our new-born donkey leave to set up for my + schoolmaster. + </p> + <p> + How I kept that resolution we shall see hereafter. It is enough for me now + to tell how I escaped from the den that night. First I sat down in the + little opening which Lorna had pointed out to me, and wondered whether she + had meant, as bitterly occurred to me, that I should run down into the + pit, and be drowned, and give no more trouble. But in less than half a + minute I was ashamed of that idea, and remembered how she was vexed to + think that even a loach should lose his life. And then I said to myself, + “Now surely she would value me more than a thousand loaches; and what she + said must be quite true about the way out of this horrible place.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore I began to search with the utmost care and diligence, although + my teeth were chattering, and all my bones beginning to ache with the + chilliness and the wetness. Before very long the moon appeared, over the + edge of the mountain, and among the trees at the top of it; and then I + espied rough steps, and rocky, made as if with a sledge-hammer, narrow, + steep, and far asunder, scooped here and there in the side of the + entrance, and then round a bulge of the cliff, like the marks upon a great + brown loaf, where a hungry child has picked at it. And higher up, where + the light of the moon shone broader upon the precipice, there seemed to be + a rude broken track, like the shadow of a crooked stick thrown upon a + house-wall. + </p> + <p> + Herein was small encouragement; and at first I was minded to lie down and + die; but it seemed to come amiss to me. God has His time for all of us; + but He seems to advertise us when He does not mean to do it. Moreover, I + saw a movement of lights at the head of the valley, as if lanthorns were + coming after me, and the nimbleness given thereon to my heels was in front + of all meditation. + </p> + <p> + Straightway I set foot in the lowest stirrup (as I might almost call it), + and clung to the rock with my nails, and worked to make a jump into the + second stirrup. And I compassed that too, with the aid of my stick; + although, to tell you the truth, I was not at that time of life so agile + as boys of smaller frame are, for my size was growing beyond my years, and + the muscles not keeping time with it, and the joints of my bones not + closely hinged, with staring at one another. But the third step-hole was + the hardest of all, and the rock swelled out on me over my breast, and + there seemed to be no attempting it, until I espied a good stout rope + hanging in a groove of shadow, and just managed to reach the end of it. + </p> + <p> + How I clomb up, and across the clearing, and found my way home through the + Bagworthy forest, is more than I can remember now, for I took all the rest + of it then as a dream, by reason of perfect weariness. And indeed it was + quite beyond my hopes to tell so much as I have told, for at first + beginning to set it down, it was all like a mist before me. Nevertheless, + some parts grew clearer, as one by one I remembered them, having taken a + little soft cordial, because the memory frightens me. + </p> + <p> + For the toil of the water, and danger of labouring up the long cascade or + rapids, and then the surprise of the fair young maid, and terror of the + murderers, and desperation of getting away—all these are much to me + even now, when I am a stout churchwarden, and sit by the side of my fire, + after going through many far worse adventures, which I will tell, God + willing. Only the labour of writing is such (especially so as to construe, + and challenge a reader on parts of speech, and hope to be even with him); + that by this pipe which I hold in my hand I ever expect to be beaten, as + in the days when old Doctor Twiggs, if I made a bad stroke in my exercise, + shouted aloud with a sour joy, “John Ridd, sirrah, down with your + small-clothes!” + </p> + <p> + Let that be as it may, I deserved a good beating that night, after making + such a fool of myself, and grinding good fustian to pieces. But when I got + home, all the supper was in, and the men sitting at the white table, and + mother and Annie and Lizzie near by, all eager, and offering to begin + (except, indeed, my mother, who was looking out at the doorway), and by + the fire was Betty Muxworthy, scolding, and cooking, and tasting her work, + all in a breath, as a man would say. I looked through the door from the + dark by the wood-stack, and was half of a mind to stay out like a dog, for + fear of the rating and reckoning; but the way my dear mother was looking + about and the browning of the sausages got the better of me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0035" id="linkimage-0035"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/072.jpg" width="100%" alt="072.jpg John Ridd at Supper " /> + </div> + <p> + But nobody could get out of me where I had been all the day and evening; + although they worried me never so much, and longed to shake me to pieces, + especially Betty Muxworthy, who never could learn to let well alone. Not + that they made me tell any lies, although it would have served them right + almost for intruding on other people's business; but that I just held my + tongue, and ate my supper rarely, and let them try their taunts and jibes, + and drove them almost wild after supper, by smiling exceeding knowingly. + And indeed I could have told them things, as I hinted once or twice; and + then poor Betty and our little Lizzie were so mad with eagerness, that + between them I went into the fire, being thoroughly overcome with laughter + and my own importance. + </p> + <p> + Now what the working of my mind was (if, indeed it worked at all, and did + not rather follow suit of body) it is not in my power to say; only that + the result of my adventure in the Doone Glen was to make me dream a good + deal of nights, which I had never done much before, and to drive me, with + tenfold zeal and purpose, to the practice of bullet-shooting. Not that I + ever expected to shoot the Doone family, one by one, or even desired to do + so, for my nature is not revengeful; but that it seemed to be somehow my + business to understand the gun, as a thing I must be at home with. + </p> + <p> + I could hit the barn-door now capitally well with the Spanish match-lock, + and even with John Fry's blunderbuss, at ten good land-yards distance, + without any rest for my fusil. And what was very wrong of me, though I did + not see it then, I kept John Fry there, to praise my shots, from + dinner-time often until the grey dusk, while he all the time should have + been at work spring-ploughing upon the farm. And for that matter so should + I have been, or at any rate driving the horses; but John was by no means + loath to be there, instead of holding the plough-tail. And indeed, one of + our old sayings is,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “For pleasure's sake I would liefer wet, + Than ha' ten lumps of gold for each one of my sweat.” + </pre> + <p> + And again, which is not a bad proverb, though unthrifty and unlike a + Scotsman's,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “God makes the wheat grow greener, + While farmer be at his dinner.” + </pre> + <p> + And no Devonshire man, or Somerset either (and I belong to both of them), + ever thinks of working harder than God likes to see him. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I worked hard at the gun, and by the time that I had sent + all the church-roof gutters, so far as I honestly could cut them, through + the red pine-door, I began to long for a better tool that would make less + noise and throw straighter. But the sheep-shearing came and the hay-season + next, and then the harvest of small corn, and the digging of the root + called “batata” (a new but good thing in our neighbourhood, which our folk + have made into “taties”), and then the sweating of the apples, and the + turning of the cider-press, and the stacking of the firewood, and netting + of the woodcocks, and the springles to be minded in the garden and by the + hedgerows, where blackbirds hop to the molehills in the white October + mornings, and grey birds come to look for snails at the time when the sun + is rising. + </p> + <p> + It is wonderful how time runs away, when all these things and a great many + others come in to load him down the hill and prevent him from stopping to + look about. And I for my part can never conceive how people who live in + towns and cities, where neither lambs nor birds are (except in some shop + windows), nor growing corn, nor meadow-grass, nor even so much as a stick + to cut or a stile to climb and sit down upon—how these poor folk get + through their lives without being utterly weary of them, and dying from + pure indolence, is a thing God only knows, if His mercy allows Him to + think of it. + </p> + <p> + How the year went by I know not, only that I was abroad all day, shooting, + or fishing, or minding the farm, or riding after some stray beast, or away + by the seaside below Glenthorne, wondering at the great waters, and + resolving to go for a sailor. For in those days I had a firm belief, as + many other strong boys have, of being born for a seaman. And indeed I had + been in a boat nearly twice; but the second time mother found it out, and + came and drew me back again; and after that she cried so badly, that I was + forced to give my word to her to go no more without telling her. + </p> + <p> + But Betty Muxworthy spoke her mind quite in a different way about it, the + while she was wringing my hosen, and clattering to the drying-horse. + </p> + <p> + “Zailor, ees fai! ay and zarve un raight. Her can't kape out o' the watter + here, whur a' must goo vor to vaind un, zame as a gurt to-ad squalloping, + and mux up till I be wore out, I be, wi' the very saight of 's braiches. + How wil un ever baide aboard zhip, wi' the watter zinging out under un, + and comin' up splash when the wind blow. Latt un goo, missus, latt un goo, + zay I for wan, and old Davy wash his clouts for un.” + </p> + <p> + And this discourse of Betty's tended more than my mother's prayers, I + fear, to keep me from going. For I hated Betty in those days, as children + always hate a cross servant, and often get fond of a false one. But Betty, + like many active women, was false by her crossness only; thinking it just + for the moment perhaps, and rushing away with a bucket; ready to stick to + it, like a clenched nail, if beaten the wrong way with argument; but + melting over it, if you left her, as stinging soap, left along in a basin, + spreads all abroad without bubbling. + </p> + <p> + But all this is beyond the children, and beyond me too for that matter, + even now in ripe experience; for I never did know what women mean, and + never shall except when they tell me, if that be in their power. Now let + that question pass. For although I am now in a place of some authority, I + have observed that no one ever listens to me, when I attempt to lay down + the law; but all are waiting with open ears until I do enforce it. And so + methinks he who reads a history cares not much for the wisdom or folly of + the writer (knowing well that the former is far less than his own, and the + latter vastly greater), but hurries to know what the people did, and how + they got on about it. And this I can tell, if any one can, having been + myself in the thick of it. + </p> + <p> + The fright I had taken that night in Glen Doone satisfied me for a long + time thereafter; and I took good care not to venture even in the fields + and woods of the outer farm, without John Fry for company. John was + greatly surprised and pleased at the value I now set upon him; until, what + betwixt the desire to vaunt and the longing to talk things over, I + gradually laid bare to him nearly all that had befallen me; except, + indeed, about Lorna, whom a sort of shame kept me from mentioning. Not + that I did not think of her, and wish very often to see her again; but of + course I was only a boy as yet, and therefore inclined to despise young + girls, as being unable to do anything, and only meant to listen to orders. + And when I got along with the other boys, that was how we always spoke of + them, if we deigned to speak at all, as beings of a lower order, only good + enough to run errands for us, and to nurse boy-babies. + </p> + <p> + And yet my sister Annie was in truth a great deal more to me than all the + boys of the parish, and of Brendon, and Countisbury, put together; + although at the time I never dreamed it, and would have laughed if told + so. Annie was of a pleasing face, and very gentle manner, almost like a + lady some people said; but without any airs whatever, only trying to give + satisfaction. And if she failed, she would go and weep, without letting + any one know it, believing the fault to be all her own, when mostly it was + of others. But if she succeeded in pleasing you, it was beautiful to see + her smile, and stroke her soft chin in a way of her own, which she always + used when taking note how to do the right thing again for you. And then + her cheeks had a bright clear pink, and her eyes were as blue as the sky + in spring, and she stood as upright as a young apple-tree, and no one + could help but smile at her, and pat her brown curls approvingly; + whereupon she always curtseyed. For she never tried to look away when + honest people gazed at her; and even in the court-yard she would come and + help to take your saddle, and tell (without your asking her) what there + was for dinner. + </p> + <p> + And afterwards she grew up to be a very comely maiden, tall, and with a + well-built neck, and very fair white shoulders, under a bright cloud of + curling hair. Alas! poor Annie, like most of the gentle maidens—but + tush, I am not come to that yet; and for the present she seemed to me + little to look at, after the beauty of Lorna Doone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0010" id="linklink2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + A BRAVE RESCUE AND A ROUGH RIDE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0036" id="linkimage-0036"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/077.jpg" alt="077.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + It happened upon a November evening (when I was about fifteen years old, + and out-growing my strength very rapidly, my sister Annie being turned + thirteen, and a deal of rain having fallen, and all the troughs in the + yard being flooded, and the bark from the wood-ricks washed down the + gutters, and even our water-shoot going brown) that the ducks in the court + made a terrible quacking, instead of marching off to their pen, one behind + another. Thereupon Annie and I ran out to see what might be the sense of + it. There were thirteen ducks, and ten lily-white (as the fashion then of + ducks was), not I mean twenty-three in all, but ten white and three + brown-striped ones; and without being nice about their colour, they all + quacked very movingly. They pushed their gold-coloured bills here and + there (yet dirty, as gold is apt to be), and they jumped on the triangles + of their feet, and sounded out of their nostrils; and some of the + over-excited ones ran along low on the ground, quacking grievously with + their bills snapping and bending, and the roof of their mouths exhibited. + </p> + <p> + Annie began to cry “Dilly, dilly, einy, einy, ducksey,” according to the + burden of a tune they seem to have accepted as the national duck's anthem; + but instead of being soothed by it, they only quacked three times as hard, + and ran round till we were giddy. And then they shook their tails + together, and looked grave, and went round and round again. Now I am + uncommonly fond of ducks, both roasted and roasting and roystering; and it + is a fine sight to behold them walk, poddling one after other, with their + toes out, like soldiers drilling, and their little eyes cocked all ways at + once, and the way that they dib with their bills, and dabble, and throw up + their heads and enjoy something, and then tell the others about it. + Therefore I knew at once, by the way they were carrying on, that there + must be something or other gone wholly amiss in the duck-world. Sister + Annie perceived it too, but with a greater quickness; for she counted them + like a good duck-wife, and could only tell thirteen of them, when she knew + there ought to be fourteen. + </p> + <p> + And so we began to search about, and the ducks ran to lead us aright, + having come that far to fetch us; and when we got down to the foot of the + court-yard where the two great ash-trees stand by the side of the little + water, we found good reason for the urgency and melancholy of the + duck-birds. Lo! the old white drake, the father of all, a bird of high + manners and chivalry, always the last to help himself from the pan of + barley-meal, and the first to show fight to a dog or cock intruding upon + his family, this fine fellow, and pillar of the state, was now in a sad + predicament, yet quacking very stoutly. For the brook, wherewith he had + been familiar from his callow childhood, and wherein he was wont to quest + for water-newts, and tadpoles, and caddis-worms, and other game, this + brook, which afforded him very often scanty space to dabble in, and + sometimes starved the cresses, was now coming down in a great brown flood, + as if the banks never belonged to it. The foaming of it, and the noise, + and the cresting of the corners, and the up and down, like a wave of the + sea, were enough to frighten any duck, though bred upon stormy waters, + which our ducks never had been. + </p> + <p> + There is always a hurdle six feet long and four and a half in depth, swung + by a chain at either end from an oak laid across the channel. And the use + of this hurdle is to keep our kine at milking time from straying away + there drinking (for in truth they are very dainty) and to fence strange + cattle, or Farmer Snowe's horses, from coming along the bed of the brook + unknown, to steal our substance. But now this hurdle, which hung in the + summer a foot above the trickle, would have been dipped more than two feet + deep but for the power against it. For the torrent came down so vehemently + that the chains at full stretch were creaking, and the hurdle buffeted + almost flat, and thatched (so to say) with the drift-stuff, was going + see-saw, with a sulky splash on the dirty red comb of the waters. But + saddest to see was between two bars, where a fog was of rushes, and + flood-wood, and wild-celery haulm, and dead crowsfoot, who but our + venerable mallard jammed in by the joint of his shoulder, speaking aloud + as he rose and fell, with his top-knot full of water, unable to comprehend + it, with his tail washed far away from him, but often compelled to be + silent, being ducked very harshly against his will by the choking fall-to + of the hurdle. + </p> + <p> + For a moment I could not help laughing, because, being borne up high and + dry by a tumult of the torrent, he gave me a look from his one little eye + (having lost one in fight with the turkey-cock), a gaze of appealing + sorrow, and then a loud quack to second it. But the quack came out of + time, I suppose, for his throat got filled with water, as the hurdle + carried him back again. And then there was scarcely the screw of his tail + to be seen until he swung up again, and left small doubt by the way he + sputtered, and failed to quack, and hung down his poor crest, but what he + must drown in another minute, and frogs triumph over his body. + </p> + <p> + Annie was crying, and wringing her hands, and I was about to rush into the + water, although I liked not the look of it, but hoped to hold on by the + hurdle, when a man on horseback came suddenly round the corner of the + great ash-hedge on the other side of the stream, and his horse's feet were + in the water. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, there,” he cried; “get thee back, boy. The flood will carry thee down + like a straw. I will do it for thee, and no trouble.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0037" id="linkimage-0037"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/079.jpg" width="100%" alt="079.jpg a Brave Rescue " /> + </div> + <p> + With that he leaned forward, and spoke to his mare—she was just of + the tint of a strawberry, a young thing, very beautiful—and she + arched up her neck, as misliking the job; yet, trusting him, would attempt + it. She entered the flood, with her dainty fore-legs sloped further and + further in front of her, and her delicate ears pricked forward, and the + size of her great eyes increasing, but he kept her straight in the turbid + rush, by the pressure of his knee on her. Then she looked back, and + wondered at him, as the force of the torrent grew stronger, but he bade + her go on; and on she went, and it foamed up over her shoulders; and she + tossed up her lip and scorned it, for now her courage was waking. Then as + the rush of it swept her away, and she struck with her forefeet down the + stream, he leaned from his saddle in a manner which I never could have + thought possible, and caught up old Tom with his left hand, and set him + between his holsters, and smiled at his faint quack of gratitude. In a + moment all these were carried downstream, and the rider lay flat on his + horse, and tossed the hurdle clear from him, and made for the bend of + smooth water. + </p> + <p> + They landed some thirty or forty yards lower, in the midst of our + kitchen-garden, where the winter-cabbage was; but though Annie and I crept + in through the hedge, and were full of our thanks and admiring him, he + would answer us never a word, until he had spoken in full to the mare, as + if explaining the whole to her. + </p> + <p> + “Sweetheart, I know thou couldst have leaped it,” he said, as he patted + her cheek, being on the ground by this time, and she was nudging up to + him, with the water pattering off her; “but I had good reason, Winnie + dear, for making thee go through it.” + </p> + <p> + She answered him kindly with her soft eyes, and smiled at him very + lovingly, and they understood one another. Then he took from his waistcoat + two peppercorns, and made the old drake swallow them, and tried him softly + upon his legs, where the leading gap in the hedge was. Old Tom stood up + quite bravely, and clapped his wings, and shook off the wet from his + tail-feathers; and then away into the court-yard, and his family gathered + around him, and they all made a noise in their throats, and stood up, and + put their bills together, to thank God for this great deliverance. + </p> + <p> + Having taken all this trouble, and watched the end of that adventure, the + gentleman turned round to us with a pleasant smile on his face, as if he + were lightly amused with himself; and we came up and looked at him. He was + rather short, about John Fry's height, or may be a little taller, but very + strongly built and springy, as his gait at every step showed plainly, + although his legs were bowed with much riding, and he looked as if he + lived on horseback. To a boy like me he seemed very old, being over + twenty, and well-found in beard; but he was not more than four-and-twenty, + fresh and ruddy looking, with a short nose and keen blue eyes, and a merry + waggish jerk about him, as if the world were not in earnest. Yet he had a + sharp, stern way, like the crack of a pistol, if anything misliked him; + and we knew (for children see such things) that it was safer to tickle + than tackle him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0038" id="linkimage-0038"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:29%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/081.jpg" alt="081.jpg Tom Faggus " /> + </div> + <p> + “Well, young uns, what be gaping at?” He gave pretty Annie a chuck on the + chin, and took me all in without winking. + </p> + <p> + “Your mare,” said I, standing stoutly up, being a tall boy now; “I never + saw such a beauty, sir. Will you let me have a ride of her?” + </p> + <p> + “Think thou couldst ride her, lad? She will have no burden but mine. Thou + couldst never ride her. Tut! I would be loath to kill thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Ride her!” I cried with the bravest scorn, for she looked so kind and + gentle; “there never was horse upon Exmoor foaled, but I could tackle in + half an hour. Only I never ride upon saddle. Take them leathers off of + her.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with a dry little whistle, and thrust his hands into his + breeches-pockets, and so grinned that I could not stand it. And Annie laid + hold of me in such a way that I was almost mad with her. And he laughed, + and approved her for doing so. And the worst of all was—he said + nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Get away, Annie, will you? Do you think I'm a fool, good sir! Only trust + me with her, and I will not override her.” + </p> + <p> + “For that I will go bail, my son. She is liker to override thee. But the + ground is soft to fall upon, after all this rain. Now come out into the + yard, young man, for the sake of your mother's cabbages. And the mellow + straw-bed will be softer for thee, since pride must have its fall. I am + thy mother's cousin, boy, and am going up to house. Tom Faggus is my name, + as everybody knows; and this is my young mare, Winnie.” + </p> + <p> + What a fool I must have been not to know it at once! Tom Faggus, the great + highwayman, and his young blood-mare, the strawberry! Already her fame was + noised abroad, nearly as much as her master's; and my longing to ride her + grew tenfold, but fear came at the back of it. Not that I had the smallest + fear of what the mare could do to me, by fair play and horse-trickery, but + that the glory of sitting upon her seemed to be too great for me; + especially as there were rumours abroad that she was not a mare after all, + but a witch. However, she looked like a filly all over, and wonderfully + beautiful, with her supple stride, and soft slope of shoulder, and glossy + coat beaded with water, and prominent eyes full of docile fire. Whether + this came from her Eastern blood of the Arabs newly imported, and whether + the cream-colour, mixed with our bay, led to that bright strawberry tint, + is certainly more than I can decide, being chiefly acquaint with + farm-horses. And these come of any colour and form; you never can count + what they will be, and are lucky to get four legs to them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0039" id="linkimage-0039"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:31%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/083.jpg" alt="083.jpg Bill Dadds " /> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Faggus gave his mare a wink, and she walked demurely after him, a + bright young thing, flowing over with life, yet dropping her soul to a + higher one, and led by love to anything; as the manner is of females, when + they know what is the best for them. Then Winnie trod lightly upon the + straw, because it had soft muck under it, and her delicate feet came back + again. + </p> + <p> + “Up for it still, boy, be ye?” Tom Faggus stopped, and the mare stopped + there; and they looked at me provokingly. + </p> + <p> + “Is she able to leap, sir? There is good take-off on this side of the + brook.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Faggus laughed very quietly, turning round to Winnie so that she might + enter into it. And she, for her part, seemed to know exactly where the fun + lay. + </p> + <p> + “Good tumble-off, you mean, my boy. Well, there can be small harm to thee. + I am akin to thy family, and know the substance of their skulls.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me get up,” said I, waxing wroth, for reasons I cannot tell you, + because they are too manifold; “take off your saddle-bag things. I will + try not to squeeze her ribs in, unless she plays nonsense with me.” + </p> + <p> + Then Mr. Faggus was up on his mettle, at this proud speech of mine; and + John Fry was running up all the while, and Bill Dadds, and half a dozen. + Tom Faggus gave one glance around, and then dropped all regard for me. The + high repute of his mare was at stake, and what was my life compared to it? + Through my defiance, and stupid ways, here was I in a duello, and my legs + not come to their strength yet, and my arms as limp as a herring. + </p> + <p> + Something of this occurred to him even in his wrath with me, for he spoke + very softly to the filly, who now could scarce subdue herself; but she + drew in her nostrils, and breathed to his breath and did all she could to + answer him. + </p> + <p> + “Not too hard, my dear,” he said: “let him gently down on the mixen. That + will be quite enough.” Then he turned the saddle off, and I was up in a + moment. She began at first so easily, and pricked her ears so lovingly, + and minced about as if pleased to find so light a weight upon her, that I + thought she knew I could ride a little, and feared to show any capers. + “Gee wug, Polly!” cried I, for all the men were now looking on, being then + at the leaving-off time: “Gee wug, Polly, and show what thou be'est made + of.” With that I plugged my heels into her, and Billy Dadds flung his hat + up. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, she outraged not, though her eyes were frightening Annie, + and John Fry took a pick to keep him safe; but she curbed to and fro with + her strong forearms rising like springs ingathered, waiting and quivering + grievously, and beginning to sweat about it. Then her master gave a shrill + clear whistle, when her ears were bent towards him, and I felt her form + beneath me gathering up like whalebone, and her hind-legs coming under + her, and I knew that I was in for it. + </p> + <p> + First she reared upright in the air, and struck me full on the nose with + her comb, till I bled worse than Robin Snell made me; and then down with + her fore-feet deep in the straw, and her hind-feet going to heaven. + Finding me stick to her still like wax, for my mettle was up as hers was, + away she flew with me swifter than ever I went before, or since, I trow. + She drove full-head at the cobwall—“Oh, Jack, slip off,” screamed + Annie—then she turned like light, when I thought to crush her, and + ground my left knee against it. “Mux me,” I cried, for my breeches were + broken, and short words went the furthest—“if you kill me, you shall + die with me.” Then she took the court-yard gate at a leap, knocking my + words between my teeth, and then right over a quick set hedge, as if the + sky were a breath to her; and away for the water-meadows, while I lay on + her neck like a child at the breast and wished I had never been born. + Straight away, all in the front of the wind, and scattering clouds around + her, all I knew of the speed we made was the frightful flash of her + shoulders, and her mane like trees in a tempest. I felt the earth under us + rushing away, and the air left far behind us, and my breath came and went, + and I prayed to God, and was sorry to be so late of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0040" id="linkimage-0040"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/084.jpg" width="100%" alt="084.jpg a Rough Ride " /> + </div> + <p> + All the long swift while, without power of thought, I clung to her crest + and shoulders, and dug my nails into her creases, and my toes into her + flank-part, and was proud of holding on so long, though sure of being + beaten. Then in her fury at feeling me still, she rushed at another device + for it, and leaped the wide water-trough sideways across, to and fro, till + no breath was left in me. The hazel-boughs took me too hard in the face, + and the tall dog-briers got hold of me, and the ache of my back was like + crimping a fish; till I longed to give up, thoroughly beaten, and lie + there and die in the cresses. But there came a shrill whistle from up the + home-hill, where the people had hurried to watch us; and the mare stopped + as if with a bullet, then set off for home with the speed of a swallow, + and going as smoothly and silently. I never had dreamed of such delicate + motion, fluent, and graceful, and ambient, soft as the breeze flitting + over the flowers, but swift as the summer lightning. I sat up again, but + my strength was all spent, and no time left to recover it, and though she + rose at our gate like a bird, I tumbled off into the mixen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0041" id="linkimage-0041"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/085.jpg" width="100%" alt="085.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0011" id="linklink2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + TOM DESERVES HIS SUPPER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0042" id="linkimage-0042"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/086.jpg" alt="086.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + “Well done, lad,” Mr. Faggus said good naturedly; for all were now + gathered round me, as I rose from the ground, somewhat tottering, and + miry, and crest-fallen, but otherwise none the worse (having fallen upon + my head, which is of uncommon substance); nevertheless John Fry was + laughing, so that I longed to clout his ears for him; “Not at all bad + work, my boy; we may teach you to ride by-and-by, I see; I thought not to + see you stick on so long—” + </p> + <p> + “I should have stuck on much longer, sir, if her sides had not been wet. + She was so slippery—” + </p> + <p> + “Boy, thou art right. She hath given many the slip. Ha, ha! Vex not, Jack, + that I laugh at thee. She is like a sweetheart to me, and better, than any + of them be. It would have gone to my heart if thou hadst conquered. None + but I can ride my Winnie mare.” + </p> + <p> + “Foul shame to thee then, Tom Faggus,” cried mother, coming up suddenly, + and speaking so that all were amazed, having never seen her wrathful; “to + put my boy, my boy, across her, as if his life were no more than thine! + The only son of his father, an honest man, and a quiet man, not a + roystering drunken robber! A man would have taken thy mad horse and thee, + and flung them both into horse-pond—ay, and what's more, I'll have + it done now, if a hair of his head is injured. Oh, my boy, my boy! What + could I do without thee? Put up the other arm, Johnny.” All the time + mother was scolding so, she was feeling me, and wiping me; while Faggus + tried to look greatly ashamed, having sense of the ways of women. + </p> + <p> + “Only look at his jacket, mother!” cried Annie; “and a shillingsworth gone + from his small-clothes!” + </p> + <p> + “What care I for his clothes, thou goose? Take that, and heed thine own a + bit.” And mother gave Annie a slap which sent her swinging up against Mr. + Faggus, and he caught her, and kissed and protected her, and she looked at + him very nicely, with great tears in her soft blue eyes. “Oh, fie upon + thee, fie upon thee!” cried mother (being yet more vexed with him, because + she had beaten Annie); “after all we have done for thee, and saved thy + worthless neck—and to try to kill my son for me! Never more shall + horse of thine enter stable here, since these be thy returns to me. Small + thanks to you, John Fry, I say, and you Bill Dadds, and you Jem Slocomb, + and all the rest of your coward lot; much you care for your master's son! + Afraid of that ugly beast yourselves, and you put a boy just breeched upon + him!” + </p> + <p> + “Wull, missus, what could us do?” began John; “Jan wudd goo, now wudd't + her, Jem? And how was us—” + </p> + <p> + “Jan indeed! Master John, if you please, to a lad of his years and + stature. And now, Tom Faggus, be off, if you please, and think yourself + lucky to go so; and if ever that horse comes into our yard, I'll hamstring + him myself if none of my cowards dare do it.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody looked at mother, to hear her talk like that, knowing how quiet + she was day by day and how pleasant to be cheated. And the men began to + shoulder their shovels, both so as to be away from her, and to go and tell + their wives of it. Winnie too was looking at her, being pointed at so + much, and wondering if she had done amiss. And then she came to me, and + trembled, and stooped her head, and asked my pardon, if she had been too + proud with me. + </p> + <p> + “Winnie shall stop here to-night,” said I, for Tom Faggus still said never + a word all the while; but began to buckle his things on, for he knew that + women are to be met with wool, as the cannon-balls were at the siege of + Tiverton Castle; “mother, I tell you, Winnie shall stop; else I will go + away with her, I never knew what it was, till now, to ride a horse worth + riding.” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said Tom Faggus, still preparing sternly to depart, “you know + more about a horse than any man on Exmoor. Your mother may well be proud + of you, but she need have had no fear. As if I, Tom Faggus, your father's + cousin—and the only thing I am proud of—would ever have let + you mount my mare, which dukes and princes have vainly sought, except for + the courage in your eyes, and the look of your father about you. I knew + you could ride when I saw you, and rarely you have conquered. But women + don't understand us. Good-bye, John; I am proud of you, and I hoped to + have done you pleasure. And indeed I came full of some courtly tales, that + would have made your hair stand up. But though not a crust have I tasted + since this time yesterday, having given my meat to a widow, I will go and + starve on the moor far sooner than eat the best supper that ever was + cooked, in a place that has forgotten me.” With that he fetched a heavy + sigh, as if it had been for my father; and feebly got upon Winnie's back, + and she came to say farewell to me. He lifted his hat to my mother, with a + glance of sorrow, but never a word; and to me he said, “Open the gate, + Cousin John, if you please. You have beaten her so, that she cannot leap + it, poor thing.” + </p> + <p> + But before he was truly gone out of our yard, my mother came softly after + him, with her afternoon apron across her eyes, and one hand ready to offer + him. Nevertheless, he made as if he had not seen her, though he let his + horse go slowly. + </p> + <p> + “Stop, Cousin Tom,” my mother said, “a word with you, before you go.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, bless my heart!” Tom Faggus cried, with the form of his countenance + so changed, that I verily thought another man must have leaped into his + clothes—“do I see my Cousin Sarah? I thought every one was ashamed + of me, and afraid to offer me shelter, since I lost my best cousin, John + Ridd. 'Come here,' he used to say, 'Tom, come here, when you are worried, + and my wife shall take good care of you.' 'Yes, dear John,' I used to + answer, 'I know she promised my mother so; but people have taken to think + against me, and so might Cousin Sarah.' Ah, he was a man, a man! If you + only heard how he answered me. But let that go, I am nothing now, since + the day I lost Cousin Ridd.” And with that he began to push on again; but + mother would not have it so. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Tom, that was a loss indeed. And I am nothing either. And you should + try to allow for me; though I never found any one that did.” And mother + began to cry, though father had been dead so long; and I looked on with a + stupid surprise, having stopped from crying long ago. + </p> + <p> + “I can tell you one that will,” cried Tom, jumping off Winnie, in a trice, + and looking kindly at mother; “I can allow for you, Cousin Sarah, in + everything but one. I am in some ways a bad man myself; but I know the + value of a good one; and if you gave me orders, by God—” And he + shook his fists towards Bagworthy Wood, just heaving up black in the + sundown. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Tom, hush, for God's sake!” And mother meant me, without pointing + at me; at least I thought she did. For she ever had weaned me from + thoughts of revenge, and even from longings for judgment. “God knows best, + boy,” she used to say, “let us wait His time, without wishing it.” And so, + to tell the truth, I did; partly through her teaching, and partly through + my own mild temper, and my knowledge that father, after all, was killed + because he had thrashed them. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Cousin Sarah, good-night, Cousin Jack,” cried Tom, taking to + the mare again; “many a mile I have to ride, and not a bit inside of me. + No food or shelter this side of Exeford, and the night will be black as + pitch, I trow. But it serves me right for indulging the lad, being taken + with his looks so.” + </p> + <p> + “Cousin Tom,” said mother, and trying to get so that Annie and I could not + hear her; “it would be a sad and unkinlike thing for you to despise our + dwelling-house. We cannot entertain you, as the lordly inns on the road + do; and we have small change of victuals. But the men will go home, being + Saturday; and so you will have the fireside all to yourself and the + children. There are some few collops of red deer's flesh, and a ham just + down from the chimney, and some dried salmon from Lynmouth weir, and cold + roast-pig, and some oysters. And if none of those be to your liking, we + could roast two woodcocks in half an hour, and Annie would make the toast + for them. And the good folk made some mistake last week, going up the + country, and left a keg of old Holland cordial in the coving of the + wood-rick, having borrowed our Smiler, without asking leave. I fear there + is something unrighteous about it. But what can a poor widow do? John Fry + would have taken it, but for our Jack. Our Jack was a little too sharp for + him.” + </p> + <p> + Ay, that I was; John Fry had got it, like a billet under his apron, going + away in the gray of the morning, as if to kindle his fireplace. “Why, + John,” I said, “what a heavy log! Let me have one end of it.” “Thank'e, + Jan, no need of thiccy,” he answered, turning his back to me; “waife + wanteth a log as will last all day, to kape the crock a zimmerin.” And he + banged his gate upon my heels to make me stop and rub them. “Why, John,” + said I, “you'm got a log with round holes in the end of it. Who has been + cutting gun-wads? Just lift your apron, or I will.” + </p> + <p> + But, to return to Tom Faggus—he stopped to sup that night with us, + and took a little of everything; a few oysters first, and then dried + salmon, and then ham and eggs, done in small curled rashers, and then a + few collops of venison toasted, and next to that a little cold roast-pig, + and a woodcock on toast to finish with, before the Scheidam and hot water. + And having changed his wet things first, he seemed to be in fair appetite, + and praised Annie's cooking mightily, with a kind of noise like a smack of + his lips, and a rubbing of his hands together, whenever he could spare + them. + </p> + <p> + He had gotten John Fry's best small-clothes on, for he said he was not + good enough to go into my father's (which mother kept to look at), nor man + enough to fill them. And in truth my mother was very glad that he refused, + when I offered them. But John was over-proud to have it in his power to + say that such a famous man had ever dwelt in any clothes of his; and + afterwards he made show of them. For Mr. Faggus's glory, then, though not + so great as now it is, was spreading very fast indeed all about our + neighbourhood, and even as far as Bridgewater. + </p> + <p> + Tom Faggus was a jovial soul, if ever there has been one, not making bones + of little things, nor caring to seek evil. There was about him such a love + of genuine human nature, that if a traveller said a good thing, he would + give him back his purse again. It is true that he took people's money more + by force than fraud; and the law (being used to the inverse method) was + bitterly moved against him, although he could quote precedent. These + things I do not understand; having seen so much of robbery (some legal, + some illegal), that I scarcely know, as here we say, one crow's foot from + the other. It is beyond me and above me, to discuss these subjects; and in + truth I love the law right well, when it doth support me, and when I can + lay it down to my liking, with prejudice to nobody. Loyal, too, to the + King am I, as behoves churchwarden; and ready to make the best of him, as + he generally requires. But after all, I could not see (until I grew much + older, and came to have some property) why Tom Faggus, working hard, was + called a robber and felon of great; while the King, doing nothing at all + (as became his dignity), was liege-lord, and paramount owner; with + everybody to thank him kindly for accepting tribute. + </p> + <p> + For the present, however, I learned nothing more as to what our cousin's + profession was; only that mother seemed frightened, and whispered to him + now and then not to talk of something, because of the children being + there; whereupon he always nodded with a sage expression, and applied + himself to hollands. + </p> + <p> + “Now let us go and see Winnie, Jack,” he said to me after supper; “for the + most part I feed her before myself; but she was so hot from the way you + drove her. Now she must be grieving for me, and I never let her grieve + long.” + </p> + <p> + I was too glad to go with him, and Annie came slyly after us. The filly + was walking to and fro on the naked floor of the stable (for he would not + let her have any straw, until he should make a bed for her), and without + so much as a headstall on, for he would not have her fastened. “Do you + take my mare for a dog?” he had said when John Fry brought him a halter. + And now she ran to him like a child, and her great eyes shone at the + lanthorn. + </p> + <p> + “Hit me, Jack, and see what she will do. I will not let her hurt thee.” He + was rubbing her ears all the time he spoke, and she was leaning against + him. Then I made believe to strike him, and in a moment she caught me by + the waistband, and lifted me clean from the ground, and was casting me + down to trample upon me, when he stopped her suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “What think you of that, boy? Have you horse or dog that would do that for + you? Ay, and more than that she will do. If I were to whistle, by-and-by, + in the tone that tells my danger, she would break this stable-door down, + and rush into the room to me. Nothing will keep her from me then, + stone-wall or church-tower. Ah, Winnie, Winnie, you little witch, we shall + die together.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned away with a joke, and began to feed her nicely, for she was + very dainty. Not a husk of oat would she touch that had been under the + breath of another horse, however hungry she might be. And with her oats he + mixed some powder, fetching it from his saddle-bags. What this was I could + not guess, neither would he tell me, but laughed and called it + “star-shavings.” He watched her eat every morsel of it, with two or three + drinks of pure water, ministered between whiles; and then he made her bed + in a form I had never seen before, and so we said “Good-night” to her. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards by the fireside he kept us very merry, sitting in the great + chimney-corner, and making us play games with him. And all the while he + was smoking tobacco in a manner I never had seen before, not using any + pipe for it, but having it rolled in little sticks about as long as my + finger, blunt at one end and sharp at the other. The sharp end he would + put in his mouth, and lay a brand of wood to the other, and then draw a + white cloud of curling smoke, and we never tired of watching him. I wanted + him to let me do it, but he said, “No, my son; it is not meant for boys.” + Then Annie put up her lips and asked, with both hands on his knees (for + she had taken to him wonderfully), “Is it meant for girls then cousin + Tom?” But she had better not have asked, for he gave it her to try, and + she shut both eyes, and sucked at it. One breath, however, was quite + enough, for it made her cough so violently that Lizzie and I must thump + her back until she was almost crying. To atone for that, cousin Tom set + to, and told us whole pages of stories, not about his own doings at all, + but strangely enough they seemed to concern almost every one else we had + ever heard of. Without halting once for a word or a deed, his tales flowed + onward as freely and brightly as the flames of the wood up the chimney, + and with no smaller variety. For he spoke with the voices of twenty + people, giving each person the proper manner, and the proper place to + speak from; so that Annie and Lizzie ran all about, and searched the clock + and the linen-press. And he changed his face every moment so, and with + such power of mimicry that without so much as a smile of his own, he made + even mother laugh so that she broke her new tenpenny waistband; and as for + us children, we rolled on the floor, and Betty Muxworthy roared in the + wash-up. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0043" id="linkimage-0043"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/092.jpg" width="100%" alt="092.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0012" id="linklink2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + A MAN JUSTLY POPULAR + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0044" id="linkimage-0044"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/093.jpg" alt="093.jpg Tom Faggus " /> + </div> + <p> + Now although Mr. Faggus was so clever, and generous, and celebrated, I + know not whether, upon the whole, we were rather proud of him as a member + of our family, or inclined to be ashamed of him. And indeed I think that + the sway of the balance hung upon the company we were in. For instance, + with the boys at Brendon—for there is no village at Oare—I was + exceeding proud to talk of him, and would freely brag of my Cousin Tom. + But with the rich parsons of the neighbourhood, or the justices (who came + round now and then, and were glad to ride up to a warm farm-house), or + even the well-to-do tradesmen of Porlock—in a word, any settled + power, which was afraid of losing things—with all of them we were + very shy of claiming our kinship to that great outlaw. + </p> + <p> + And sure, I should pity, as well as condemn him though our ways in the + world were so different, knowing as I do his story; which knowledge, + methinks, would often lead us to let alone God's prerogative—judgment, + and hold by man's privilege—pity. Not that I would find excuse for + Tom's downright dishonesty, which was beyond doubt a disgrace to him, and + no credit to his kinsfolk; only that it came about without his meaning any + harm or seeing how he took to wrong; yet gradually knowing it. And now, to + save any further trouble, and to meet those who disparage him (without + allowance for the time or the crosses laid upon him), I will tell the + history of him, just as if he were not my cousin, and hoping to be heeded. + And I defy any man to say that a word of this is either false, or in any + way coloured by family. Much cause he had to be harsh with the world; and + yet all acknowledged him very pleasant, when a man gave up his money. And + often and often he paid the toll for the carriage coming after him, + because he had emptied their pockets, and would not add inconvenience. By + trade he had been a blacksmith, in the town of Northmolton, in Devonshire, + a rough rude place at the end of Exmoor, so that many people marvelled if + such a man was bred there. Not only could he read and write, but he had + solid substance; a piece of land worth a hundred pounds, and right of + common for two hundred sheep, and a score and a half of beasts, lifting up + or lying down. And being left an orphan (with all these cares upon him) he + began to work right early, and made such a fame at the shoeing of horses, + that the farriers of Barum were like to lose their custom. And indeed he + won a golden Jacobus for the best-shod nag in the north of Devon, and some + say that he never was forgiven. + </p> + <p> + As to that, I know no more, except that men are jealous. But whether it + were that, or not, he fell into bitter trouble within a month of his + victory; when his trade was growing upon him, and his sweetheart ready to + marry him. For he loved a maid of Southmolton (a currier's daughter I + think she was, and her name was Betsy Paramore), and her father had given + consent; and Tom Faggus, wishing to look his best, and be clean of course, + had a tailor at work upstairs for him, who had come all the way from + Exeter. And Betsy's things were ready too—for which they accused him + afterwards, as if he could help that—when suddenly, like a + thunderbolt, a lawyer's writ fell upon him. + </p> + <p> + This was the beginning of a law-suit with Sir Robert Bampfylde, a + gentleman of the neighbourhood, who tried to oust him from his common, and + drove his cattle and harassed them. And by that suit of law poor Tom was + ruined altogether, for Sir Robert could pay for much swearing; and then + all his goods and his farm were sold up, and even his smithery taken. But + he saddled his horse, before they could catch him, and rode away to + Southmolton, looking more like a madman than a good farrier, as the people + said who saw him. But when he arrived there, instead of comfort, they + showed him the face of the door alone; for the news of his loss was before + him, and Master Paramore was a sound, prudent man, and a high member of + the town council. It is said that they even gave him notice to pay for + Betsy's wedding-clothes, now that he was too poor to marry her. This may + be false, and indeed I doubt it; in the first place, because Southmolton + is a busy place for talking; and in the next, that I do not think the + action would have lain at law, especially as the maid lost nothing, but + used it all for her wedding next month with Dick Vellacott, of Mockham. + </p> + <p> + All this was very sore upon Tom; and he took it to heart so grievously, + that he said, as a better man might have said, being loose of mind and + property, “The world hath preyed on me like a wolf. God help me now to + prey on the world.” + </p> + <p> + And in sooth it did seem, for a while, as if Providence were with him; for + he took rare toll on the highway, and his name was soon as good as gold + anywhere this side of Bristowe. He studied his business by night and by + day, with three horses all in hard work, until he had made a fine + reputation; and then it was competent to him to rest, and he had plenty + left for charity. And I ought to say for society too, for he truly loved + high society, treating squires and noblemen (who much affected his + company) to the very best fare of the hostel. And they say that once the + King's Justitiaries, being upon circuit, accepted his invitation, + declaring merrily that if never true bill had been found against him, mine + host should now be qualified to draw one. And so the landlords did; and he + always paid them handsomely, so that all of them were kind to him, and + contended for his visits. Let it be known in any township that Mr. Faggus + was taking his leisure at the inn, and straightway all the men flocked + thither to drink his health without outlay, and all the women to admire + him; while the children were set at the cross-roads to give warning of any + officers. One of his earliest meetings was with Sir Robert Bampfylde + himself, who was riding along the Barum road with only one serving-man + after him. Tom Faggus put a pistol to his head, being then obliged to be + violent, through want of reputation; while the serving-man pretended to be + a long way round the corner. Then the baronet pulled out his purse, quite + trembling in the hurry of his politeness. Tom took the purse, and his + ring, and time-piece, and then handed them back with a very low bow, + saying that it was against all usage for him to rob a robber. Then he + turned to the unfaithful knave, and trounced him right well for his + cowardice, and stripped him of all his property. + </p> + <p> + But now Mr. Faggus kept only one horse, lest the Government should steal + them; and that one was the young mare Winnie. How he came by her he never + would tell, but I think that she was presented to him by a certain + Colonel, a lover of sport, and very clever in horseflesh, whose life Tom + had saved from some gamblers. When I have added that Faggus as yet had + never been guilty of bloodshed (for his eyes, and the click of his pistol + at first, and now his high reputation made all his wishes respected), and + that he never robbed a poor man, neither insulted a woman, but was very + good to the Church, and of hot patriotic opinions, and full of jest and + jollity, I have said as much as is fair for him, and shown why he was so + popular. Everybody cursed the Doones, who lived apart disdainfully. But + all good people liked Mr. Faggus—when he had not robbed them—and + many a poor sick man or woman blessed him for other people's money; and + all the hostlers, stable-boys, and tapsters entirely worshipped him. + </p> + <p> + I have been rather long, and perhaps tedious, in my account of him, lest + at any time hereafter his character should be misunderstood, and his good + name disparaged; whereas he was my second cousin, and the lover of my—But + let that bide. 'Tis a melancholy story. + </p> + <p> + He came again about three months afterwards, in the beginning of the + spring-time, and brought me a beautiful new carbine, having learned my + love of such things, and my great desire to shoot straight. But mother + would not let me have the gun, until he averred upon his honour that he + had bought it honestly. And so he had, no doubt, so far as it is honest to + buy with money acquired rampantly. Scarce could I stop to make my bullets + in the mould which came along with it, but must be off to the Quarry Hill, + and new target I had made there. And he taught me then how to ride bright + Winnie, who was grown since I had seen her, but remembered me most kindly. + After making much of Annie, who had a wondrous liking for him—and he + said he was her godfather, but God knows how he could have been, unless + they confirmed him precociously—away he went, and young Winnie's + sides shone like a cherry by candlelight. + </p> + <p> + Now I feel that of those boyish days I have little more to tell, because + everything went quietly, as the world for the most part does with us. I + began to work at the farm in earnest, and tried to help my mother, and + when I remembered Lorna Doone, it seemed no more than the thought of a + dream, which I could hardly call to mind. Now who cares to know how many + bushels of wheat we grew to the acre, or how the cattle milched till we + ate them, or what the turn of the seasons was? But my stupid self seemed + like to be the biggest of all the cattle; for having much to look after + the sheep, and being always in kind appetite, I grew four inches longer in + every year of my farming, and a matter of two inches wider; until there + was no man of my size to be seen elsewhere upon Exmoor. Let that pass: + what odds to any how tall or wide I be? There is no Doone's door at + Plover's Barrows and if there were I could never go through it. They vexed + me so much about my size, long before I had completed it, girding at me + with paltry jokes whose wit was good only to stay at home, that I grew + shame-faced about the matter, and feared to encounter a looking-glass. But + mother was very proud, and said she never could have too much of me. + </p> + <p> + The worst of all to make me ashamed of bearing my head so high—a + thing I saw no way to help, for I never could hang my chin down, and my + back was like a gatepost whenever I tried to bend it—the worst of + all was our little Eliza, who never could come to a size herself, though + she had the wine from the Sacrament at Easter and Allhallowmas, only to be + small and skinny, sharp, and clever crookedly. Not that her body was out + of the straight (being too small for that perhaps), but that her wit was + full of corners, jagged, and strange, and uncomfortable. You never could + tell what she might say next; and I like not that kind of women. Now God + forgive me for talking so of my own father's daughter, and so much the + more by reason that my father could not help it. The right way is to face + the matter, and then be sorry for every one. My mother fell grievously on + a slide, which John Fry had made nigh the apple-room door, and hidden with + straw from the stable, to cover his own great idleness. My father laid + John's nose on the ice, and kept him warm in spite of it; but it was too + late for Eliza. She was born next day with more mind than body—the + worst thing that can befall a man. + </p> + <p> + But Annie, my other sister, was now a fine fair girl, beautiful to behold. + I could look at her by the fireside, for an hour together, when I was not + too sleepy, and think of my dear father. And she would do the same thing + by me, only wait the between of the blazes. Her hair was done up in a knot + behind, but some would fall over her shoulders; and the dancing of the + light was sweet to see through a man's eyelashes. There never was a face + that showed the light or the shadow of feeling, as if the heart were sun + to it, more than our dear Annie's did. To look at her carefully, you might + think that she was not dwelling on anything; and then she would know you + were looking at her, and those eyes would tell all about it. God knows + that I try to be simple enough, to keep to His meaning in me, and not make + the worst of His children. Yet often have I been put to shame, and ready + to bite my tongue off, after speaking amiss of anybody, and letting out my + littleness, when suddenly mine eyes have met the pure soft gaze of Annie. + </p> + <p> + As for the Doones, they were thriving still, and no one to come against + them; except indeed by word of mouth, to which they lent no heed whatever. + Complaints were made from time to time, both in high and low quarters (as + the rank might be of the people robbed), and once or twice in the highest + of all, to wit, the King himself. But His Majesty made a good joke about + it (not meaning any harm, I doubt), and was so much pleased with himself + thereupon, that he quite forgave the mischief. Moreover, the main + authorities were a long way off; and the Chancellor had no cattle on + Exmoor; and as for my lord the Chief Justice, some rogue had taken his + silver spoons; whereupon his lordship swore that never another man would + he hang until he had that one by the neck. Therefore the Doones went on as + they listed, and none saw fit to meddle with them. For the only man who + would have dared to come to close quarters with them, that is to say Tom + Faggus, himself was a quarry for the law, if ever it should be unhooded. + Moreover, he had transferred his business to the neighbourhood of Wantage, + in the county of Berks, where he found the climate drier, also good downs + and commons excellent for galloping, and richer yeomen than ours be, and + better roads to rob them on. + </p> + <p> + Some folk, who had wiser attended to their own affairs, said that I (being + sizeable now, and able to shoot not badly) ought to do something against + those Doones, and show what I was made of. But for a time I was very + bashful, shaking when called upon suddenly, and blushing as deep as a + maiden; for my strength was not come upon me, and mayhap I had grown in + front of it. And again, though I loved my father still, and would fire at + a word about him, I saw not how it would do him good for me to harm his + injurers. Some races are of revengeful kind, and will for years pursue + their wrong, and sacrifice this world and the next for a moment's foul + satisfaction, but methinks this comes of some black blood, perverted and + never purified. And I doubt but men of true English birth are stouter than + so to be twisted, though some of the women may take that turn, if their + own life runs unkindly. + </p> + <p> + Let that pass—I am never good at talking of things beyond me. All I + know is, that if I had met the Doone who had killed my father, I would + gladly have thrashed him black and blue, supposing I were able; but would + never have fired a gun at him, unless he began that game with me, or fell + upon more of my family, or were violent among women. And to do them + justice, my mother and Annie were equally kind and gentle, but Eliza would + flame and grow white with contempt, and not trust herself to speak to us. + </p> + <p> + Now a strange thing came to pass that winter, when I was twenty-one years + old, a very strange thing, which affrighted the rest, and made me feel + uncomfortable. Not that there was anything in it, to do harm to any one, + only that none could explain it, except by attributing it to the devil. + The weather was very mild and open, and scarcely any snow fell; at any + rate, none lay on the ground, even for an hour, in the highest part of + Exmoor; a thing which I knew not before nor since, as long as I can + remember. But the nights were wonderfully dark, as though with no stars in + the heaven; and all day long the mists were rolling upon the hills and + down them, as if the whole land were a wash-house. The moorland was full + of snipes and teal, and curlews flying and crying, and lapwings flapping + heavily, and ravens hovering round dead sheep; yet no redshanks nor + dottrell, and scarce any golden plovers (of which we have great store + generally) but vast lonely birds, that cried at night, and moved the whole + air with their pinions; yet no man ever saw them. It was dismal as well as + dangerous now for any man to go fowling (which of late I loved much in the + winter) because the fog would come down so thick that the pan of the gun + was reeking, and the fowl out of sight ere the powder kindled, and then + the sound of the piece was so dead, that the shooter feared harm, and + glanced over his shoulder. But the danger of course was far less in this + than in losing of the track, and falling into the mires, or over the brim + of a precipice. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I must needs go out, being young and very stupid, and feared + of being afraid; a fear which a wise man has long cast by, having learned + of the manifold dangers which ever and ever encompass us. And beside this + folly and wildness of youth, perchance there was something, I know not + what, of the joy we have in uncertainty. Mother, in fear of my missing + home—though for that matter, I could smell supper, when hungry, + through a hundred land-yards of fog—my dear mother, who thought of + me ten times for one thought about herself, gave orders to ring the great + sheep-bell, which hung above the pigeon-cote, every ten minutes of the + day, and the sound came through the plaits of fog, and I was vexed about + it, like the letters of a copy-book. It reminded me, too, of Blundell's + bell, and the grief to go into school again. + </p> + <p> + But during those two months of fog (for we had it all the winter), the + saddest and the heaviest thing was to stand beside the sea. To be upon the + beach yourself, and see the long waves coming in; to know that they are + long waves, but only see a piece of them; and to hear them lifting + roundly, swelling over smooth green rocks, plashing down in the hollow + corners, but bearing on all the same as ever, soft and sleek and + sorrowful, till their little noise is over. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0045" id="linkimage-0045"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/100.jpg" width="100%" alt="100.jpg to Be Upon the Beach " /> + </div> + <p> + One old man who lived at Lynmouth, seeking to be buried there, having been + more than half over the world, though shy to speak about it, and fain to + come home to his birthplace, this old Will Watcombe (who dwelt by the + water) said that our strange winter arose from a thing he called the + “Gulf-stream”, rushing up Channel suddenly. He said it was hot water, + almost fit for a man to shave with, and it threw all our cold water out, + and ruined the fish and the spawning-time, and a cold spring would come + after it. I was fond of going to Lynmouth on Sunday to hear this old man + talk, for sometimes he would discourse with me, when nobody else could + move him. He told me that this powerful flood set in upon our west so hard + sometimes once in ten years, and sometimes not for fifty, and the Lord + only knew the sense of it; but that when it came, therewith came warmth + and clouds, and fog, and moisture, and nuts, and fruit, and even shells; + and all the tides were thrown abroad. As for nuts he winked awhile, and + chewed a piece of tobacco; yet did I not comprehend him. Only afterwards I + heard that nuts with liquid kernels came, travelling on the Gulf stream; + for never before was known so much foreign cordial landed upon our coast, + floating ashore by mistake in the fog, and (what with the tossing and the + mist) too much astray to learn its duty. + </p> + <p> + Folk, who are ever too prone to talk, said that Will Watcombe himself knew + better than anybody else about this drift of the Gulf-stream, and the + places where it would come ashore, and the caves that took the in-draught. + But De Whichehalse, our great magistrate, certified that there was no + proof of unlawful importation; neither good cause to suspect it, at a time + of Christian charity. And we knew that it was a foul thing for some + quarrymen to say that night after night they had been digging a new cellar + at Ley Manor to hold the little marks of respect found in the caverns at + high-water weed. Let that be, it is none of my business to speak evil of + dignities; duly we common people joked of the “Gulp-stream,” as we called + it. + </p> + <p> + But the thing which astonished and frightened us so, was not, I do assure + you, the landing of foreign spirits, nor the loom of a lugger at twilight + in the gloom of the winter moonrise. That which made us crouch in by the + fire, or draw the bed-clothes over us, and try to think of something else, + was a strange mysterious sound. + </p> + <p> + At grey of night, when the sun was gone, and no red in the west remained, + neither were stars forthcoming, suddenly a wailing voice rose along the + valleys, and a sound in the air, as of people running. It mattered not + whether you stood on the moor, or crouched behind rocks away from it, or + down among reedy places; all as one the sound would come, now from the + heart of the earth beneath, now overhead bearing down on you. And then + there was rushing of something by, and melancholy laughter, and the hair + of a man would stand on end before he could reason properly. + </p> + <p> + God, in His mercy, knows that I am stupid enough for any man, and very + slow of impression, nor ever could bring myself to believe that our Father + would let the evil one get the upper hand of us. But when I had heard that + sound three times, in the lonely gloom of the evening fog, and the cold + that followed the lines of air, I was loath to go abroad by night, even so + far as the stables, and loved the light of a candle more, and the glow of + a fire with company. + </p> + <p> + There were many stories about it, of course, all over the breadth of the + moorland. But those who had heard it most often declared that it must be + the wail of a woman's voice, and the rustle of robes fleeing horribly, and + fiends in the fog going after her. To that, however, I paid no heed, when + anybody was with me; only we drew more close together, and barred the + doors at sunset. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0046" id="linkimage-0046"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/102.jpg" width="100%" alt="102.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0013" id="linklink2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + MASTER HUCKABACK COMES IN + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0047" id="linkimage-0047"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:39%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/103.jpg" alt="103.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Reuben Huckaback, whom many good folk in Dulverton will remember long + after my time, was my mother's uncle, being indeed her mother's brother. + He owned the very best shop in the town, and did a fine trade in soft + ware, especially when the pack-horses came safely in at Christmas-time. + And we being now his only kindred (except indeed his granddaughter, little + Ruth Huckaback, of whom no one took any heed), mother beheld it a + Christian duty to keep as well as could be with him, both for love of a + nice old man, and for the sake of her children. And truly, the Dulverton + people said that he was the richest man in their town, and could buy up + half the county armigers; 'ay, and if it came to that, they would like to + see any man, at Bampton, or at Wivelscombe, and you might say almost + Taunton, who could put down golden Jacobus and Carolus against him. + </p> + <p> + Now this old gentleman—so they called him, according to his money; + and I have seen many worse ones, more violent and less wealthy—he + must needs come away that time to spend the New Year-tide with us; not + that he wanted to do it (for he hated country-life), but because my mother + pressing, as mothers will do to a good bag of gold, had wrung a promise + from him; and the only boast of his life was that never yet had he broken + his word, at least since he opened business. + </p> + <p> + Now it pleased God that Christmas-time (in spite of all the fogs) to send + safe home to Dulverton, and what was more, with their loads quite safe, a + goodly string of packhorses. Nearly half of their charge was for Uncle + Reuben, and he knew how to make the most of it. Then having balanced his + debits and credits, and set the writs running against defaulters, as + behoves a good Christian at Christmas-tide, he saddled his horse, and rode + off towards Oare, with a good stout coat upon him, and leaving Ruth and + his head man plenty to do, and little to eat, until they should see him + again. + </p> + <p> + It had been settled between us that we should expect him soon after noon + on the last day of December. For the Doones being lazy and fond of bed, as + the manner is of dishonest folk, the surest way to escape them was to + travel before they were up and about, to-wit, in the forenoon of the day. + But herein we reckoned without our host: for being in high festivity, as + became good Papists, the robbers were too lazy, it seems, to take the + trouble of going to bed; and forth they rode on the Old Year-morning, not + with any view of business, but purely in search of mischief. + </p> + <p> + We had put off our dinner till one o'clock (which to me was a sad + foregoing), and there was to be a brave supper at six of the clock, upon + New Year's-eve; and the singers to come with their lanthorns, and do it + outside the parlour-window, and then have hot cup till their heads should + go round, after making away with the victuals. For although there was + nobody now in our family to be churchwarden of Oare, it was well admitted + that we were the people entitled alone to that dignity; and though + Nicholas Snowe was in office by name, he managed it only by mother's + advice; and a pretty mess he made of it, so that every one longed for a + Ridd again, soon as ever I should be old enough. This Nicholas Snowe was + to come in the evening, with his three tall comely daughters, strapping + girls, and well skilled in the dairy; and the story was all over the + parish, on a stupid conceit of John Fry's, that I should have been in love + with all three, if there had been but one of them. These Snowes were to + come, and come they did, partly because Mr. Huckaback liked to see fine + young maidens, and partly because none but Nicholas Snowe could smoke a + pipe now all around our parts, except of the very high people, whom we + durst never invite. And Uncle Ben, as we all knew well, was a great hand + at his pipe, and would sit for hours over it, in our warm chimney-corner, + and never want to say a word, unless it were inside him; only he liked to + have somebody there over against him smoking. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0048" id="linkimage-0048"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:37%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/105.jpg" + alt="105.jpg Uncle Ben in Our Warm Chimney-corner " /> + </div> + <p> + Now when I came in, before one o'clock, after seeing to the cattle—for + the day was thicker than ever, and we must keep the cattle close at home, + if we wished to see any more of them—I fully expected to find Uncle + Ben sitting in the fireplace, lifting one cover and then another, as his + favourite manner was, and making sweet mouths over them; for he loved our + bacon rarely, and they had no good leeks at Dulverton; and he was a man + who always would see his business done himself. But there instead of my + finding him with his quaint dry face pulled out at me, and then shut up + sharp not to be cheated—who should run out but Betty Muxworthy, and + poke me with a saucepan lid. + </p> + <p> + “Get out of that now, Betty,” I said in my politest manner, for really + Betty was now become a great domestic evil. She would have her own way so, + and of all things the most distressful was for a man to try to reason. + </p> + <p> + “Zider-press,” cried Betty again, for she thought it a fine joke to call + me that, because of my size, and my hatred of it; “here be a rare get up, + anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “A rare good dinner, you mean, Betty. Well, and I have a rare good + appetite.” With that I wanted to go and smell it, and not to stop for + Betty. + </p> + <p> + “Troost thee for thiccy, Jan Ridd. But thee must keep it bit langer, I + reckon. Her baint coom, Maister Ziderpress. Whatt'e mak of that now?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that Uncle Ben has not arrived yet, Betty?” + </p> + <p> + “Raived! I knaws nout about that, whuther a hath of noo. Only I tell 'e, + her baint coom. Rackon them Dooneses hath gat 'un.” + </p> + <p> + And Betty, who hated Uncle Ben, because he never gave her a groat, and she + was not allowed to dine with him, I am sorry to say that Betty Muxworthy + grinned all across, and poked me again with the greasy saucepan cover. But + I misliking so to be treated, strode through the kitchen indignantly, for + Betty behaved to me even now, as if I were only Eliza. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Johnny, Johnny,” my mother cried, running out of the grand + show-parlour, where the case of stuffed birds was, and peacock-feathers, + and the white hare killed by grandfather; “I am so glad you are come at + last. There is something sadly amiss, Johnny.” + </p> + <p> + Mother had upon her wrists something very wonderful, of the nature of + fal-lal as we say, and for which she had an inborn turn, being of good + draper family, and polished above the yeomanry. Nevertheless I could never + bear it, partly because I felt it to be out of place in our good + farm-house, partly because I hate frippery, partly because it seemed to me + to have nothing to do with father, and partly because I never could tell + the reason of my hating it. And yet the poor soul had put them on, not to + show her hands off (which were above her station) but simply for her + children's sake, because Uncle Ben had given them. But another thing, I + never could bear for man or woman to call me, “Johnny,” “Jack,” or “John,” + I cared not which; and that was honest enough, and no smallness of me + there, I say. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother, what is the matter, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you need not be angry, Johnny. I only hope it is nothing to + grieve about, instead of being angry. You are very sweet-tempered, I know, + John Ridd, and perhaps a little too sweet at times”—here she meant + the Snowe girls, and I hanged my head—“but what would you say if the + people there”—she never would call them “Doones”—“had gotten + your poor Uncle Reuben, horse, and Sunday coat, and all?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, mother, I should be sorry for them. He would set up a shop by the + river-side, and come away with all their money.” + </p> + <p> + “That all you have to say, John! And my dinner done to a very turn, and + the supper all fit to go down, and no worry, only to eat and be done with + it! And all the new plates come from Watchett, with the Watchett blue upon + them, at the risk of the lives of everybody, and the capias from good Aunt + Jane for stuffing a curlew with onion before he begins to get cold, and + make a woodcock of him, and the way to turn the flap over in the inside of + a roasting pig—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother dear, I am very sorry. But let us have our dinner. You know + we promised not to wait for him after one o'clock; and you only make us + hungry. Everything will be spoiled, mother, and what a pity to think of! + After that I will go to seek for him in the thick of the fog, like a + needle in a hay-band. That is to say, unless you think”—for she + looked very grave about it—“unless you really think, mother, that I + ought to go without dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, John, I never thought that, thank God! Bless Him for my children's + appetites; and what is Uncle Ben to them?” + </p> + <p> + So we made a very good dinner indeed, though wishing that he could have + some of it, and wondering how much to leave for him; and then, as no sound + of his horse had been heard, I set out with my gun to look for him. + </p> + <p> + I followed the track on the side of the hill, from the farm-yard, where + the sledd-marks are—for we have no wheels upon Exmoor yet, nor ever + shall, I suppose; though a dunder-headed man tried it last winter, and + broke his axle piteously, and was nigh to break his neck—and after + that I went all along on the ridge of the rabbit-cleve, with the brook + running thin in the bottom; and then down to the Lynn stream and leaped + it, and so up the hill and the moor beyond. The fog hung close all around + me then, when I turned the crest of the highland, and the gorse both + before and behind me looked like a man crouching down in ambush. But still + there was a good cloud of daylight, being scarce three of the clock yet, + and when a lead of red deer came across, I could tell them from sheep even + now. I was half inclined to shoot at them, for the children did love + venison; but they drooped their heads so, and looked so faithful, that it + seemed hard measure to do it. If one of them had bolted away, no doubt I + had let go at him. + </p> + <p> + After that I kept on the track, trudging very stoutly, for nigh upon three + miles, and my beard (now beginning to grow at some length) was full of + great drops and prickly, whereat I was very proud. I had not so much as a + dog with me, and the place was unkind and lonesome, and the rolling clouds + very desolate; and now if a wild sheep ran across he was scared at me as + an enemy; and I for my part could not tell the meaning of the marks on + him. We called all this part Gibbet-moor, not being in our parish; but + though there were gibbets enough upon it, most part of the bodies was gone + for the value of the chains, they said, and the teaching of young + chirurgeons. But of all this I had little fear, being no more a schoolboy + now, but a youth well-acquaint with Exmoor, and the wise art of the + sign-posts, whereby a man, who barred the road, now opens it up both ways + with his finger-bones, so far as rogues allow him. My carbine was loaded + and freshly primed, and I knew myself to be even now a match in strength + for any two men of the size around our neighbourhood, except in the Glen + Doone. “Girt Jan Ridd,” I was called already, and folk grew feared to + wrestle with me; though I was tired of hearing about it, and often longed + to be smaller. And most of all upon Sundays, when I had to make way up our + little church, and the maidens tittered at me. + </p> + <p> + The soft white mist came thicker around me, as the evening fell; and the + peat ricks here and there, and the furze-hucks of the summer-time, were + all out of shape in the twist of it. By-and-by, I began to doubt where I + was, or how come there, not having seen a gibbet lately; and then I heard + the draught of the wind up a hollow place with rocks to it; and for the + first time fear broke out (like cold sweat) upon me. And yet I knew what a + fool I was, to fear nothing but a sound! But when I stopped to listen, + there was no sound, more than a beating noise, and that was all inside me. + Therefore I went on again, making company of myself, and keeping my gun + quite ready. + </p> + <p> + Now when I came to an unknown place, where a stone was set up endwise, + with a faint red cross upon it, and a polish from some conflict, I + gathered my courage to stop and think, having sped on the way too hotly. + Against that stone I set my gun, trying my spirit to leave it so, but + keeping with half a hand for it; and then what to do next was the wonder. + As for finding Uncle Ben that was his own business, or at any rate his + executor's; first I had to find myself, and plentifully would thank God to + find myself at home again, for the sake of all our family. + </p> + <p> + The volumes of the mist came rolling at me (like great logs of wood, + pillowed out with sleepiness), and between them there was nothing more + than waiting for the next one. Then everything went out of sight, and glad + was I of the stone behind me, and view of mine own shoes. Then a distant + noise went by me, as of many horses galloping, and in my fright I set my + gun and said, “God send something to shoot at.” Yet nothing came, and my + gun fell back, without my will to lower it. + </p> + <p> + But presently, while I was thinking “What a fool I am!” arose as if from + below my feet, so that the great stone trembled, that long, lamenting + lonesome sound, as of an evil spirit not knowing what to do with it. For + the moment I stood like a root, without either hand or foot to help me, + and the hair of my head began to crawl, lifting my hat, as a snail lifts + his house; and my heart like a shuttle went to and fro. But finding no + harm to come of it, neither visible form approaching, I wiped my forehead, + and hoped for the best, and resolved to run every step of the way, till I + drew our own latch behind me. + </p> + <p> + Yet here again I was disappointed, for no sooner was I come to the + cross-ways by the black pool in the hole, but I heard through the patter + of my own feet a rough low sound very close in the fog, as of a hobbled + sheep a-coughing. I listened, and feared, and yet listened again, though I + wanted not to hear it. For being in haste of the homeward road, and all my + heart having heels to it, loath I was to stop in the dusk for the sake of + an aged wether. Yet partly my love of all animals, and partly my fear of + the farmer's disgrace, compelled me to go to the succour, and the noise + was coming nearer. A dry short wheezing sound it was, barred with coughs + and want of breath; but thus I made the meaning of it. + </p> + <p> + “Lord have mercy upon me! O Lord, upon my soul have mercy! An if I cheated + Sam Hicks last week, Lord knowest how well he deserved it, and lied in + every stocking's mouth—oh Lord, where be I a-going?” + </p> + <p> + These words, with many jogs between them, came to me through the darkness, + and then a long groan and a choking. I made towards the sound, as nigh as + ever I could guess, and presently was met, point-blank, by the head of a + mountain-pony. Upon its back lay a man bound down, with his feet on the + neck and his head to the tail, and his arms falling down like stirrups. + The wild little nag was scared of its life by the unaccustomed burden, and + had been tossing and rolling hard, in desire to get ease of it. + </p> + <p> + Before the little horse could turn, I caught him, jaded as he was, by his + wet and grizzled forelock, and he saw that it was vain to struggle, but + strove to bite me none the less, until I smote him upon the nose. + </p> + <p> + “Good and worthy sir,” I said to the man who was riding so roughly; “fear + nothing; no harm shall come to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Help, good friend, whoever thou art,” he gasped, but could not look at + me, because his neck was jerked so; “God hath sent thee, and not to rob + me, because it is done already.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Uncle Ben!” I cried, letting go the horse in amazement, that the + richest man in Dulverton—“Uncle Ben here in this plight! What, Mr. + Reuben Huckaback!” + </p> + <p> + “An honest hosier and draper, serge and longcloth warehouseman”—he + groaned from rib to rib—“at the sign of the Gartered Kitten in the + loyal town of Dulverton. For God's sake, let me down, good fellow, from + this accursed marrow-bone; and a groat of good money will I pay thee, safe + in my house to Dulverton; but take notice that the horse is mine, no less + than the nag they robbed from me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Uncle Ben, dost thou not know me, thy dutiful nephew John Ridd?” + </p> + <p> + Not to make a long story of it, I cut the thongs that bound him, and set + him astride on the little horse; but he was too weak to stay so. Therefore + I mounted him on my back, turning the horse into horse-steps, and leading + the pony by the cords which I fastened around his nose, set out for + Plover's Barrows. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Ben went fast asleep on my back, being jaded and shaken beyond his + strength, for a man of three-score and five; and as soon he felt assured + of safety he would talk no more. And to tell the truth he snored so + loudly, that I could almost believe that fearful noise in the fog every + night came all the way from Dulverton. + </p> + <p> + Now as soon as ever I brought him in, we set him up in the chimney-corner, + comfortable and handsome; and it was no little delight to me to get him + off my back; for, like his own fortune, Uncle Ben was of a good round + figure. He gave his long coat a shake or two, and he stamped about in the + kitchen, until he was sure of his whereabouts, and then he fell asleep + again until supper should be ready. + </p> + <p> + “He shall marry Ruth,” he said by-and-by to himself, and not to me; “he + shall marry Ruth for this, and have my little savings, soon as they be + worth the having. Very little as yet, very little indeed; and ever so much + gone to-day along of them rascal robbers.” + </p> + <p> + My mother made a dreadful stir, of course, about Uncle Ben being in such a + plight as this; so I left him to her care and Annie's, and soon they fed + him rarely, while I went out to see to the comfort of the captured pony. + And in truth he was worth the catching, and served us very well + afterwards, though Uncle Ben was inclined to claim him for his business at + Dulverton, where they have carts and that like. “But,” I said, “you shall + have him, sir, and welcome, if you will only ride him home as first I + found you riding him.” And with that he dropped it. + </p> + <p> + A very strange old man he was, short in his manner, though long of body, + glad to do the contrary things to what any one expected of him, and always + looking sharp at people, as if he feared to be cheated. This surprised me + much at first, because it showed his ignorance of what we farmers are—an + upright race, as you may find, scarcely ever cheating indeed, except upon + market-day, and even then no more than may be helped by reason of buyers + expecting it. Now our simple ways were a puzzle to him, as I told him very + often; but he only laughed, and rubbed his mouth with the back of his dry + shining hand, and I think he shortly began to languish for want of some + one to higgle with. I had a great mind to give him the pony, because he + thought himself cheated in that case; only he would conclude that I did it + with some view to a legacy. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the Doones, and nobody else, had robbed good Uncle Reuben; and + then they grew sportive, and took his horse, an especially sober nag, and + bound the master upon the wild one, for a little change as they told him. + For two or three hours they had fine enjoyment chasing him through the + fog, and making much sport of his groanings; and then waxing hungry, they + went their way, and left him to opportunity. Now Mr. Huckaback growing + able to walk in a few days' time, became thereupon impatient, and could + not be brought to understand why he should have been robbed at all. + </p> + <p> + “I have never deserved it,” he said to himself, not knowing much of + Providence, except with a small p to it; “I have never deserved it, and + will not stand it in the name of our lord the King, not I!” At other times + he would burst forth thus: “Three-score years and five have I lived an + honest and laborious life, yet never was I robbed before. And now to be + robbed in my old age, to be robbed for the first time now!” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon of course we would tell him how truly thankful he ought to be + for never having been robbed before, in spite of living so long in this + world, and that he was taking a very ungrateful, not to say ungracious, + view, in thus repining, and feeling aggrieved; when anyone else would have + knelt and thanked God for enjoying so long an immunity. But say what we + would, it was all as one. Uncle Ben stuck fast to it, that he had nothing + to thank God for. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0014" id="linklink2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + A MOTION WHICH ENDS IN A MULL + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0049" id="linkimage-0049"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/113.jpg" alt="113.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Instead of minding his New-Year pudding, Master Huckaback carried on so + about his mighty grievance, that at last we began to think there must be + something in it, after all; especially as he assured us that choice and + costly presents for the young people of our household were among the goods + divested. But mother told him her children had plenty, and wanted no gold + and silver, and little Eliza spoke up and said, “You can give us the + pretty things, Uncle Ben, when we come in the summer to see you.” + </p> + <p> + Our mother reproved Eliza for this, although it was the heel of her own + foot; and then to satisfy our uncle, she promised to call Farmer Nicholas + Snowe, to be of our council that evening, “And if the young maidens would + kindly come, without taking thought to smoothe themselves, why it would be + all the merrier, and who knew but what Uncle Huckaback might bless the day + of his robbery, etc., etc.—and thorough good honest girls they were, + fit helpmates either for shop or farm.” All of which was meant for me; but + I stuck to my platter and answered not. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Farmer Snowe came up, leading his daughters after him, like + fillies trimmed for a fair; and Uncle Ben, who had not seen them on the + night of his mishap (because word had been sent to stop them), was + mightily pleased and very pleasant, according to his town bred ways. The + damsels had seen good company, and soon got over their fear of his wealth, + and played him a number of merry pranks, which made our mother quite + jealous for Annie, who was always shy and diffident. However, when the hot + cup was done, and before the mulled wine was ready, we packed all the + maidens in the parlour and turned the key upon them; and then we drew near + to the kitchen fire to hear Uncle Ben's proposal. Farmer Snowe sat up in + the corner, caring little to hear about anything, but smoking slowly, and + nodding backward like a sheep-dog dreaming. Mother was in the settle, of + course, knitting hard, as usual; and Uncle Ben took to a three-legged + stool, as if all but that had been thieved from him. Howsoever, he kept + his breath from speech, giving privilege, as was due, to mother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0050" id="linkimage-0050"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/114.jpg" + alt="114.jpg Farmer Snow Sat up in the Chair " /> + </div> + <p> + “Master Snowe, you are well assured,” said mother, colouring like the + furze as it took the flame and fell over, “that our kinsman here hath + received rough harm on his peaceful journey from Dulverton. The times are + bad, as we all know well, and there is no sign of bettering them, and if I + could see our Lord the King I might say things to move him! nevertheless, + I have had so much of my own account to vex for—” + </p> + <p> + “You are flying out of the subject, Sarah,” said Uncle Ben, seeing tears + in her eyes, and tired of that matter. + </p> + <p> + “Zettle the pralimbinaries,” spoke Farmer Snowe, on appeal from us, “virst + zettle the pralimbinaries; and then us knows what be drivin' at.” + </p> + <p> + “Preliminaries be damned, sir,” cried Uncle Ben, losing his temper. “What + preliminaries were there when I was robbed; I should like to know? Robbed + in this parish as I can prove, to the eternal disgrace of Oare and the + scandal of all England. And I hold this parish to answer for it, sir; this + parish shall make it good, being a nest of foul thieves as it is; ay, + farmers, and yeomen, and all of you. I will beggar every man in this + parish, if they be not beggars already, ay, and sell your old church up + before your eyes, but what I will have back my tarlatan, time-piece, + saddle, and dove-tailed nag.” + </p> + <p> + Mother looked at me, and I looked at Farmer Snowe, and we all were sorry + for Master Huckaback, putting our hands up one to another, that nobody + should browbeat him; because we all knew what our parish was, and none the + worse for strong language, however rich the man might be. But Uncle Ben + took it in a different way. He thought that we all were afraid of him, and + that Oare parish was but as Moab or Edom, for him to cast his shoe over. + </p> + <p> + “Nephew Jack,” he cried, looking at me when I was thinking what to say, + and finding only emptiness, “you are a heavy lout, sir; a bumpkin, a + clodhopper; and I shall leave you nothing, unless it be my boots to + grease.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, uncle,” I made answer, “I will grease your boots all the same for + that, so long as you be our guest, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Now, that answer, made without a thought, stood me for two thousand + pounds, as you shall see, by-and-by, perhaps. + </p> + <p> + “As for the parish,” my mother cried, being too hard set to contain + herself, “the parish can defend itself, and we may leave it to do so. But + our Jack is not like that, sir; and I will not have him spoken of. Leave + him indeed! Who wants you to do more than to leave him alone, sir; as he + might have done you the other night; and as no one else would have dared + to do. And after that, to think so meanly of me, and of my children!” + </p> + <p> + “Hoity, toity, Sarah! Your children, I suppose, are the same as other + people's.” + </p> + <p> + “That they are not; and never will be; and you ought to know it, Uncle + Reuben, if any one in the world ought. Other people's children!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” Uncle Reuben answered, “I know very little of children; + except my little Ruth, and she is nothing wonderful.” + </p> + <p> + “I never said that my children were wonderful Uncle Ben; nor did I ever + think it. But as for being good—” + </p> + <p> + Here mother fetched out her handkerchief, being overcome by our goodness; + and I told her, with my hand to my mouth, not to notice him; though he + might be worth ten thousand times ten thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + But Farmer Snowe came forward now, for he had some sense sometimes; and he + thought it was high time for him to say a word for the parish. + </p> + <p> + “Maister Huckaback,” he began, pointing with his pipe at him, the end that + was done in sealing-wax, “tooching of what you was plaized to zay 'bout + this here parish, and no oother, mind me no oother parish but thees, I use + the vreedom, zur, for to tell 'e, that thee be a laiar.” + </p> + <p> + Then Farmer Nicholas Snowe folded his arms across with the bowl of his + pipe on the upper one, and gave me a nod, and then one to mother, to + testify how he had done his duty, and recked not what might come of it. + However, he got little thanks from us; for the parish was nothing at all + to my mother, compared with her children's interests; and I thought it + hard that an uncle of mine, and an old man too, should be called a liar, + by a visitor at our fireplace. For we, in our rude part of the world, + counted it one of the worst disgraces that could befall a man, to receive + the lie from any one. But Uncle Ben, as it seems was used to it, in the + way of trade, just as people of fashion are, by a style of courtesy. + </p> + <p> + Therefore the old man only looked with pity at Farmer Nicholas; and with a + sort of sorrow too, reflecting how much he might have made in a bargain + with such a customer, so ignorant and hot-headed. + </p> + <p> + “Now let us bandy words no more,” said mother, very sweetly; “nothing is + easier than sharp words, except to wish them unspoken; as I do many and + many's the time, when I think of my good husband. But now let us hear from + Uncle Reuben what he would have us do to remove this disgrace from amongst + us, and to satisfy him of his goods.” + </p> + <p> + “I care not for my goods, woman,” Master Huckaback answered grandly; + “although they were of large value, about them I say nothing. But what I + demand is this, the punishment of those scoundrels.” + </p> + <p> + “Zober, man, zober!” cried Farmer Nicholas; “we be too naigh Badgery 'ood, + to spake like that of they Dooneses.” + </p> + <p> + “Pack of cowards!” said Uncle Reuben, looking first at the door, however; + “much chance I see of getting redress from the valour of this Exmoor! And + you, Master Snowe, the very man whom I looked to to raise the country, and + take the lead as churchwarden—why, my youngest shopman would match + his ell against you. Pack of cowards,” cried Uncle Ben, rising and shaking + his lappets at us; “don't pretend to answer me. Shake you all off, that I + do—nothing more to do with you!” + </p> + <p> + We knew it useless to answer him, and conveyed our knowledge to one + another, without anything to vex him. However, when the mulled wine was + come, and a good deal of it gone (the season being Epiphany), Uncle Reuben + began to think that he might have been too hard with us. Moreover, he was + beginning now to respect Farmer Nicholas bravely, because of the way he + had smoked his pipes, and the little noise made over them. And Lizzie and + Annie were doing their best—for now we had let the girls out—to + wake more lightsome uproar; also young Faith Snowe was toward to keep the + old men's cups aflow, and hansel them to their liking. + </p> + <p> + So at the close of our entertainment, when the girls were gone away to + fetch and light their lanthorns (over which they made rare noise, blowing + each the other's out for counting of the sparks to come), Master Huckaback + stood up, without much aid from the crock-saw, and looked at mother and + all of us. + </p> + <p> + “Let no one leave this place,” said he, “until I have said what I want to + say; for saving of ill-will among us; and growth of cheer and comfort. May + be I have carried things too far, even to the bounds of churlishness, and + beyond the bounds of good manners. I will not unsay one word I have said, + having never yet done so in my life; but I would alter the manner of it, + and set it forth in this light. If you folks upon Exmoor here are loath + and wary at fighting, yet you are brave at better stuff; the best and + kindest I ever knew, in the matter of feeding.” + </p> + <p> + Here he sat down with tears in his eyes, and called for a little mulled + bastard. All the maids, who were now come back, raced to get it for him, + but Annie of course was foremost. And herein ended the expedition, a + perilous and a great one, against the Doones of Bagworthy; an enterprise + over which we had all talked plainly more than was good for us. For my + part, I slept well that night, feeling myself at home again, now that the + fighting was put aside, and the fear of it turned to the comfort of + talking what we would have done. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0015" id="linklink2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + <i>QUO WARRANTO</i>? + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0051" id="linkimage-0051"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/118.jpg" alt="118.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + On the following day Master Huckaback, with some show of mystery, demanded + from my mother an escort into a dangerous part of the world, to which his + business compelled him. My mother made answer to this that he was kindly + welcome to take our John Fry with him; at which the good clothier laughed, + and said that John was nothing like big enough, but another John must + serve his turn, not only for his size, but because if he were carried + away, no stone would be left unturned upon Exmoor, until he should be + brought back again. Hereupon my mother grew very pale, and found fifty + reasons against my going, each of them weightier than the true one, as + Eliza (who was jealous of me) managed to whisper to Annie. On the other + hand, I was quite resolved (directly the thing was mentioned) to see Uncle + Reuben through with it; and it added much to my self-esteem to be the + guard of so rich a man. Therefore I soon persuaded mother, with her head + upon my breast, to let me go and trust in God; and after that I was + greatly vexed to find that this dangerous enterprise was nothing more than + a visit to the Baron de Whichehalse, to lay an information, and sue a + warrant against the Doones, and a posse to execute it. + </p> + <p> + Stupid as I always have been, and must ever be no doubt, I could well have + told Uncle Reuben that his journey was no wiser than that of the men of + Gotham; that he never would get from Hugh de Whichehalse a warrant against + the Doones; moreover, that if he did get one, his own wig would be singed + with it. But for divers reasons I held my peace, partly from youth and + modesty, partly from desire to see whatever please God I should see, and + partly from other causes. + </p> + <p> + We rode by way of Brendon town, Illford Bridge, and Babbrook, to avoid the + great hill above Lynmouth; and the day being fine and clear again, I + laughed in my sleeve at Uncle Reuben for all his fine precautions. When we + arrived at Ley Manor, we were shown very civilly into the hall, and + refreshed with good ale and collared head, and the back of a Christmas + pudding. I had never been under so fine a roof (unless it were of a + church) before; and it pleased me greatly to be so kindly entreated by + high-born folk. But Uncle Reuben was vexed a little at being set down side + by side with a man in a very small way of trade, who was come upon some + business there, and who made bold to drink his health after finishing + their horns of ale. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Uncle Ben, looking at him, “my health would fare much better, + if you would pay me three pounds and twelve shillings, which you have owed + me these five years back; and now we are met at the Justice's, the + opportunity is good, sir.” + </p> + <p> + After that, we were called to the Justice-room, where the Baron himself + was sitting with Colonel Harding, another Justiciary of the King's peace, + to help him. I had seen the Baron de Whichehalse before, and was not at + all afraid of him, having been at school with his son as he knew, and it + made him very kind to me. And indeed he was kind to everybody, and all our + people spoke well of him; and so much the more because we knew that the + house was in decadence. For the first De Whichehalse had come from + Holland, where he had been a great nobleman, some hundred and fifty years + agone. Being persecuted for his religion, when the Spanish power was + everything, he fled to England with all he could save, and bought large + estates in Devonshire. Since then his descendants had intermarried with + ancient county families, Cottwells, and Marwoods, and Walronds, and Welses + of Pylton, and Chichesters of Hall; and several of the ladies brought them + large increase of property. And so about fifty years before the time of + which I am writing, there were few names in the West of England thought + more of than De Whichehalse. But now they had lost a great deal of land, + and therefore of that which goes with land, as surely as fame belongs to + earth—I mean big reputation. How they had lost it, none could tell; + except that as the first descendants had a manner of amassing, so the + later ones were gifted with a power of scattering. Whether this came of + good Devonshire blood opening the sluice of Low Country veins, is beyond + both my province and my power to inquire. Anyhow, all people loved this + last strain of De Whichehalse far more than the name had been liked a + hundred years agone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0052" id="linkimage-0052"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:27%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/120.jpg" alt="120.jpg Hugh de Whichehalse " /> + </div> + <p> + Hugh de Whichehalse, a white-haired man, of very noble presence, with + friendly blue eyes and a sweet smooth forehead, and aquiline nose quite + beautiful (as you might expect in a lady of birth), and thin lips curving + delicately, this gentleman rose as we entered the room; while Colonel + Harding turned on his chair, and struck one spur against the other. I am + sure that, without knowing aught of either, we must have reverenced more + of the two the one who showed respect to us. And yet nine gentleman out of + ten make this dull mistake when dealing with the class below them! + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben made his very best scrape, and then walked up to the table, + trying to look as if he did not know himself to be wealthier than both the + gentlemen put together. Of course he was no stranger to them, any more + than I was; and, as it proved afterwards, Colonel Harding owed him a lump + of money, upon very good security. Of him Uncle Reuben took no notice, but + addressed himself to De Whichehalse. + </p> + <p> + The Baron smiled very gently, so soon as he learned the cause of this + visit, and then he replied quite reasonably. + </p> + <p> + “A warrant against the Doones, Master Huckaback. Which of the Doones, so + please you; and the Christian names, what be they?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I am not their godfather; and most like they never had any. But + we all know old Sir Ensor's name, so that may be no obstacle.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Ensor Doone and his sons—so be it. How many sons, Master + Huckaback, and what is the name of each one?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell you, my lord, even if I had known them all as well as my + own shop-boys? Nevertheless there were seven of them, and that should be + no obstacle.” + </p> + <p> + “A warrant against Sir Ensor Doone, and seven sons of Sir Ensor Doone, + Christian names unknown, and doubted if they have any. So far so good + Master Huckaback. I have it all down in writing. Sir Ensor himself was + there, of course, as you have given in evidence—” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my lord, I never said that: I never said—” + </p> + <p> + “If he can prove that he was not there, you may be indicted for perjury. + But as for those seven sons of his, of course you can swear that they were + his sons and not his nephews, or grandchildren, or even no Doones at all?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I can swear that they were Doones. Moreover, I can pay for any + mistake I make. Therein need be no obstacle.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, he can pay; he can pay well enough,” said Colonel Harding + shortly. + </p> + <p> + “I am heartily glad to hear it,” replied the Baron pleasantly; “for it + proves after all that this robbery (if robbery there has been) was not so + very ruinous. Sometimes people think they are robbed, and then it is very + sweet afterwards to find that they have not been so; for it adds to their + joy in their property. Now, are you quite convinced, good sir, that these + people (if there were any) stole, or took, or even borrowed anything at + all from you?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, do you think that I was drunk?” + </p> + <p> + “Not for a moment, Master Huckaback. Although excuse might be made for you + at this time of the year. But how did you know that your visitors were of + this particular family?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it could be nobody else. Because, in spite of the fog—” + </p> + <p> + “Fog!” cried Colonel Harding sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Fog!” said the Baron, with emphasis. “Ah, that explains the whole affair. + To be sure, now I remember, the weather has been too thick for a man to + see the head of his own horse. The Doones (if still there be any Doones) + could never have come abroad; that is as sure as simony. Master Huckaback, + for your good sake, I am heartily glad that this charge has miscarried. I + thoroughly understand it now. The fog explains the whole of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Go back, my good fellow,” said Colonel Harding; “and if the day is clear + enough, you will find all your things where you left them. I know, from my + own experience, what it is to be caught in an Exmoor fog.” + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben, by this time, was so put out, that he hardly knew what he + was saying. + </p> + <p> + “My lord, Sir Colonel, is this your justice! If I go to London myself for + it, the King shall know how his commission—how a man may be robbed, + and the justices prove that he ought to be hanged at back of it; that in + his good shire of Somerset—” + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon a moment, good sir,” De Whichehalse interrupted him; “but I + was about (having heard your case) to mention what need be an obstacle, + and, I fear, would prove a fatal one, even if satisfactory proof were + afforded of a felony. The mal-feasance (if any) was laid in Somerset; but + we, two humble servants of His Majesty, are in commission of his peace for + the county of Devon only, and therefore could never deal with it.” + </p> + <p> + “And why, in the name of God,” cried Uncle Reuben now carried at last + fairly beyond himself, “why could you not say as much at first, and save + me all this waste of time and worry of my temper? Gentlemen, you are all + in league; all of you stick together. You think it fair sport for an + honest trader, who makes no shams as you do, to be robbed and wellnigh + murdered, so long as they who did it won the high birthright of felony. If + a poor sheep stealer, to save his children from dying of starvation, had + dared to look at a two-month lamb, he would swing on the Manor gallows, + and all of you cry 'Good riddance!' But now, because good birth and bad + manners—” Here poor Uncle Ben, not being so strong as before the + Doones had played with him, began to foam at the mouth a little, and his + tongue went into the hollow where his short grey whiskers were. + </p> + <p> + I forget how we came out of it, only I was greatly shocked at bearding of + the gentry so, and mother scarce could see her way, when I told her all + about it. “Depend upon it you were wrong, John,” was all I could get out + of her; though what had I done but listen, and touch my forelock, when + called upon. “John, you may take my word for it, you have not done as you + should have done. Your father would have been shocked to think of going to + Baron de Whichehalse, and in his own house insulting him! And yet it was + very brave of you John. Just like you, all over. And (as none of the men + are here, dear John) I am proud of you for doing it.” + </p> + <p> + All throughout the homeward road, Uncle Ben had been very silent, feeling + much displeased with himself and still more so with other people. But + before he went to bed that night, he just said to me, “Nephew Jack, you + have not behaved so badly as the rest to me. And because you have no gift + of talking, I think that I may trust you. Now, mark my words, this villain + job shall not have ending here. I have another card to play.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean, sir, I suppose, that you will go to the justices of this shire, + Squire Maunder, or Sir Richard Blewitt, or—” + </p> + <p> + “Oaf, I mean nothing of the sort; they would only make a laughing-stock, + as those Devonshire people did, of me. No, I will go to the King himself, + or a man who is bigger than the King, and to whom I have ready access. I + will not tell thee his name at present, only if thou art brought before + him, never wilt thou forget it.” That was true enough, by the bye, as I + discovered afterwards, for the man he meant was Judge Jeffreys. + </p> + <p> + “And when are you likely to see him, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe in the spring, maybe not until summer, for I cannot go to London on + purpose, but when my business takes me there. Only remember my words, + Jack, and when you see the man I mean, look straight at him, and tell no + lie. He will make some of your zany squires shake in their shoes, I + reckon. Now, I have been in this lonely hole far longer than I intended, + by reason of this outrage; yet I will stay here one day more upon a + certain condition.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon what condition, Uncle Ben? I grieve that you find it so lonely. We + will have Farmer Nicholas up again, and the singers, and—” + </p> + <p> + “The fashionable milkmaids. I thank you, let me be. The wenches are too + loud for me. Your Nanny is enough. Nanny is a good child, and she shall + come and visit me.” Uncle Reuben would always call her “Nanny”; he said + that “Annie” was too fine and Frenchified for us. “But my condition is + this, Jack—that you shall guide me to-morrow, without a word to any + one, to a place where I may well descry the dwelling of these scoundrel + Doones, and learn the best way to get at them, when the time shall come. + Can you do this for me? I will pay you well, boy.” + </p> + <p> + I promised very readily to do my best to serve him, but, of course, would + take no money for it, not being so poor as that came to. Accordingly, on + the day following, I managed to set the men at work on the other side of + the farm, especially that inquisitive and busybody John Fry, who would pry + out almost anything for the pleasure of telling his wife; and then, with + Uncle Reuben mounted on my ancient Peggy, I made foot for the westward, + directly after breakfast. Uncle Ben refused to go unless I would take a + loaded gun, and indeed it was always wise to do so in those days of + turbulence; and none the less because of late more than usual of our sheep + had left their skins behind them. This, as I need hardly say, was not to + be charged to the appetite of the Doones, for they always said that they + were not butchers (although upon that subject might well be two opinions); + and their practice was to make the shepherds kill and skin, and quarter + for them, and sometimes carry to the Doone-gate the prime among the + fatlings, for fear of any bruising, which spoils the look at table. But + the worst of it was that ignorant folk, unaware of their fastidiousness, + scored to them the sheep they lost by lower-born marauders, and so were + afraid to speak of it: and the issue of this error was that a farmer, with + five or six hundred sheep, could never command, on his wedding-day, a + prime saddle of mutton for dinner. + </p> + <p> + To return now to my Uncle Ben—and indeed he would not let me go more + than three land-yards from him—there was very little said between us + along the lane and across the hill, although the day was pleasant. I could + see that he was half amiss with his mind about the business, and not so + full of security as an elderly man should keep himself. Therefore, out I + spake, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Uncle Reuben, have no fear. I know every inch of the ground, sir; and + there is no danger nigh us.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear, boy! Who ever thought of fear? 'Tis the last thing would come + across me. Pretty things those primroses.” + </p> + <p> + At once I thought of Lorna Doone, the little maid of six years back, and + how my fancy went with her. Could Lorna ever think of me? Was I not a lout + gone by, only fit for loach-sticking? Had I ever seen a face fit to think + of near her? The sudden flash, the quickness, the bright desire to know + one's heart, and not withhold her own from it, the soft withdrawal of rich + eyes, the longing to love somebody, anybody, anything, not imbrued with + wickedness— + </p> + <p> + My uncle interrupted me, misliking so much silence now, with the naked + woods falling over us. For we were come to Bagworthy forest, the blackest + and the loneliest place of all that keep the sun out. Even now, in + winter-time, with most of the wood unriddled, and the rest of it pinched + brown, it hung around us like a cloak containing little comfort. I kept + quite close to Peggy's head, and Peggy kept quite close to me, and pricked + her ears at everything. However, we saw nothing there, except a few old + owls and hawks, and a magpie sitting all alone, until we came to the bank + of the hill, where the pony could not climb it. Uncle Ben was very loath + to get off, because the pony seemed company, and he thought he could + gallop away on her, if the worst came to the worst, but I persuaded him + that now he must go to the end of it. Therefore he made Peggy fast, in a + place where we could find her, and speaking cheerfully as if there was + nothing to be afraid of, he took his staff, and I my gun, to climb the + thick ascent. + </p> + <p> + There was now no path of any kind; which added to our courage all it + lessened of our comfort, because it proved that the robbers were not in + the habit of passing there. And we knew that we could not go astray, so + long as we breasted the hill before us; inasmuch as it formed the rampart, + or side-fence of Glen Doone. But in truth I used the right word there for + the manner of our ascent, for the ground came forth so steep against us, + and withal so woody, that to make any way we must throw ourselves forward, + and labour as at a breast-plough. Rough and loamy rungs of oak-root bulged + here and there above our heads; briers needs must speak with us, using + more of tooth than tongue; and sometimes bulks of rugged stone, like great + sheep, stood across us. At last, though very loath to do it, I was forced + to leave my gun behind, because I required one hand to drag myself up the + difficulty, and one to help Uncle Reuben. And so at last we gained the + top, and looked forth the edge of the forest, where the ground was very + stony and like the crest of a quarry; and no more trees between us and the + brink of cliff below, three hundred yards below it might be, all strong + slope and gliddery. And now for the first time I was amazed at the + appearance of the Doones's stronghold, and understood its nature. For when + I had been even in the valley, and climbed the cliffs to escape from it, + about seven years agone, I was no more than a stripling boy, noting + little, as boys do, except for their present purpose, and even that soon + done with. But now, what with the fame of the Doones, and my own + recollections, and Uncle Ben's insistence, all my attention was called + forth, and the end was simple astonishment. + </p> + <p> + The chine of highland, whereon we stood, curved to the right and left of + us, keeping about the same elevation, and crowned with trees and + brushwood. At about half a mile in front of us, but looking as if we could + throw a stone to strike any man upon it, another crest just like our own + bowed around to meet it; but failed by reason of two narrow clefts of + which we could only see the brink. One of these clefts was the Doone-gate, + with a portcullis of rock above it, and the other was the chasm by which I + had once made entrance. Betwixt them, where the hills fell back, as in a + perfect oval, traversed by the winding water, lay a bright green valley, + rimmed with sheer black rock, and seeming to have sunken bodily from the + bleak rough heights above. It looked as if no frost could enter neither + wind go ruffling; only spring, and hope, and comfort, breathe to one + another. Even now the rays of sunshine dwelt and fell back on one another, + whenever the clouds lifted; and the pale blue glimpse of the growing day + seemed to find young encouragement. + </p> + <p> + But for all that, Uncle Reuben was none the worse nor better. He looked + down into Glen Doone first, and sniffed as if he were smelling it, like a + sample of goods from a wholesale house; and then he looked at the hills + over yonder, and then he stared at me. + </p> + <p> + “See what a pack of fools they be?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do, Uncle Ben. 'All rogues are fools,' was my first copy, + beginning of the alphabet.” + </p> + <p> + “Pack of stuff lad. Though true enough, and very good for young people. + But see you not how this great Doone valley may be taken in half an hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to be sure I do, uncle; if they like to give it up, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Three culverins on yonder hill, and three on the top of this one, and we + have them under a pestle. Ah, I have seen the wars, my lad, from Keinton + up to Naseby; and I might have been a general now, if they had taken my + advice—” + </p> + <p> + But I was not attending to him, being drawn away on a sudden by a sight + which never struck the sharp eyes of our General. For I had long ago + descried that little opening in the cliff through which I made my exit, as + before related, on the other side of the valley. No bigger than a + rabbit-hole it seemed from where we stood; and yet of all the scene before + me, that (from my remembrance perhaps) had the most attraction. Now gazing + at it with full thought of all that it had cost me, I saw a little figure + come, and pause, and pass into it. Something very light and white, nimble, + smooth, and elegant, gone almost before I knew that any one had been + there. And yet my heart came to my ribs, and all my blood was in my face, + and pride within me fought with shame, and vanity with self-contempt; for + though seven years were gone, and I from my boyhood come to manhood, and + all must have forgotten me, and I had half-forgotten; at that moment, once + for all, I felt that I was face to face with fate (however poor it might + be), weal or woe, in Lorna Doone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0053" id="linkimage-0053"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/127.jpg" width="100%" alt="127.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0016" id="linklink2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <h3> + LORNA GROWING FORMIDABLE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0054" id="linkimage-0054"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/128.jpg" alt="128.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Having reconnoitred thus the position of the enemy, Master Huckaback, on + the homeward road, cross-examined me in a manner not at all desirable. For + he had noted my confusion and eager gaze at something unseen by him in the + valley, and thereupon he made up his mind to know everything about it. In + this, however, he partly failed; for although I was no hand at fence, and + would not tell him a falsehood, I managed so to hold my peace that he put + himself upon the wrong track, and continued thereon with many vaunts of + his shrewdness and experience, and some chuckles at my simplicity. Thus + much however, he learned aright, that I had been in the Doone valley + several years before, and might be brought upon strong inducement to + venture there again. But as to the mode of my getting in, the things I + saw, and my thoughts upon them, he not only failed to learn the truth, but + certified himself into an obstinacy of error, from which no + after-knowledge was able to deliver him. And this he did, not only because + I happened to say very little, but forasmuch as he disbelieved half of the + truth I told him, through his own too great sagacity. + </p> + <p> + Upon one point, however, he succeeded more easily than he expected, viz. + in making me promise to visit the place again, as soon as occasion + offered, and to hold my own counsel about it. But I could not help smiling + at one thing, that according to his point of view my own counsel meant my + own and Master Reuben Huckaback's. + </p> + <p> + Now he being gone, as he went next day, to his favourite town of + Dulverton, and leaving behind him shadowy promise of the mountains he + would do for me, my spirit began to burn and pant for something to go on + with; and nothing showed a braver hope of movement and adventure than a + lonely visit to Glen Doone, by way of the perilous passage discovered in + my boyhood. Therefore I waited for nothing more than the slow arrival of + new small-clothes made by a good tailor at Porlock, for I was wishful to + look my best; and when they were come and approved, I started, regardless + of the expense, and forgetting (like a fool) how badly they would take the + water. + </p> + <p> + What with urging of the tailor, and my own misgivings, the time was now + come round again to the high-day of St. Valentine, when all our maids were + full of lovers, and all the lads looked foolish. And none of them more + sheepish or innocent than I myself, albeit twenty-one years old, and not + afraid of men much, but terrified of women, at least, if they were comely. + And what of all things scared me most was the thought of my own size, and + knowledge of my strength, which came like knots upon me daily. In honest + truth I tell this thing, (which often since hath puzzled me, when I came + to mix with men more), I was to that degree ashamed of my thickness and my + stature, in the presence of a woman, that I would not put a trunk of wood + on the fire in the kitchen, but let Annie scold me well, with a smile to + follow, and with her own plump hands lift up a little log, and fuel it. + Many a time I longed to be no bigger than John Fry was; whom now (when + insolent) I took with my left hand by the waist-stuff, and set him on my + hat, and gave him little chance to tread it; until he spoke of his family, + and requested to come down again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0055" id="linkimage-0055"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/129.jpg" width="100%" + alt="129.jpg Let Annie Scold Me Well " /> + </div> + <p> + Now taking for good omen this, that I was a seven-year Valentine, though + much too big for a Cupidon, I chose a seven-foot staff of ash, and fixed a + loach-fork in it, to look as I had looked before; and leaving word upon + matters of business, out of the back door I went, and so through the + little orchard, and down the brawling Lynn-brook. Not being now so much + afraid, I struck across the thicket land between the meeting waters, and + came upon the Bagworthy stream near the great black whirlpool. Nothing + amazed me so much as to find how shallow the stream now looked to me, + although the pool was still as black and greedy as it used to be. And + still the great rocky slide was dark and difficult to climb; though the + water, which once had taken my knees, was satisfied now with my ankles. + After some labour, I reached the top; and halted to look about me well, + before trusting to broad daylight. + </p> + <p> + The winter (as I said before) had been a very mild one; and now the spring + was toward so that bank and bush were touched with it. The valley into + which I gazed was fair with early promise, having shelter from the wind + and taking all the sunshine. The willow-bushes over the stream hung as if + they were angling with tasseled floats of gold and silver, bursting like a + bean-pod. Between them came the water laughing, like a maid at her own + dancing, and spread with that young blue which never lives beyond the + April. And on either bank, the meadow ruffled as the breeze came by, + opening (through new tuft, of green) daisy-bud or celandine, or a shy + glimpse now and then of the love-lorn primrose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0056" id="linkimage-0056"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/131.jpg" width="100%" + alt="131.jpg the Meadow Ruffled in The Breeze " /> + </div> + <p> + Though I am so blank of wit, or perhaps for that same reason, these little + things come and dwell with me, and I am happy about them, and long for + nothing better. I feel with every blade of grass, as if it had a history; + and make a child of every bud as though it knew and loved me. And being + so, they seem to tell me of my own delusions, how I am no more than they, + except in self-importance. + </p> + <p> + While I was forgetting much of many things that harm one, and letting of + my thoughts go wild to sounds and sights of nature, a sweeter note than + thrush or ouzel ever wooed a mate in, floated on the valley breeze at the + quiet turn of sundown. The words were of an ancient song, fit to laugh or + cry at. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0057" id="linkimage-0057"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/132.jpg" width="100%" + alt="132.jpg Willow-bushes over the Stream " /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + “Love, an if There Be One, + Come My Love to Be, + My Love is for the One + Loving Unto Me. + + Not for me the show, love, + Of a gilded bliss; + Only thou must know, love, + What my value is. + + If in all the earth, love, + Thou hast none but me, + This shall be my worth, love: + To be cheap to thee. + + But, if so thou ever + Strivest to be free, + 'Twill be my endeavour + To be dear to thee. + + So shall I have plea, love, + Is thy heart and breath + Clinging still to thee, love, + In the doom of death.” + </pre> + <p> + All this I took in with great eagerness, not for the sake of the meaning + (which is no doubt an allegory), but for the power and richness, and + softness of the singing, which seemed to me better than we ever had even + in Oare church. But all the time I kept myself in a black niche of the + rock, where the fall of the water began, lest the sweet singer (espying + me) should be alarmed, and flee away. But presently I ventured to look + forth where a bush was; and then I beheld the loveliest sight—one + glimpse of which was enough to make me kneel in the coldest water. + </p> + <p> + By the side of the stream she was coming to me, even among the primroses, + as if she loved them all; and every flower looked the brighter, as her + eyes were on them, I could not see what her face was, my heart so awoke + and trembled; only that her hair was flowing from a wreath of white + violets, and the grace of her coming was like the appearance of the first + wind-flower. The pale gleam over the western cliffs threw a shadow of + light behind her, as if the sun were lingering. Never do I see that light + from the closing of the west, even in these my aged days, without thinking + of her. Ah me, if it comes to that, what do I see of earth or heaven, + without thinking of her? + </p> + <p> + The tremulous thrill of her song was hanging on her open lips; and she + glanced around, as if the birds were accustomed to make answer. To me it + was a thing of terror to behold such beauty, and feel myself the while to + be so very low and common. But scarcely knowing what I did, as if a rope + were drawing me, I came from the dark mouth of the chasm; and stood, + afraid to look at her. + </p> + <p> + She was turning to fly, not knowing me, and frightened, perhaps, at my + stature, when I fell on the grass (as I fell before her seven years agone + that day), and I just said, “Lorna Doone!” + </p> + <p> + She knew me at once, from my manner and ways, and a smile broke through + her trembling, as sunshine comes through aspen-leaves; and being so + clever, she saw, of course, that she needed not to fear me. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed,” she cried, with a feint of anger (because she had shown her + cowardice, and yet in her heart she was laughing); “oh, if you please, who + are you, sir, and how do you know my name?” + </p> + <p> + “I am John Ridd,” I answered; “the boy who gave you those beautiful fish, + when you were only a little thing, seven years ago to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the poor boy who was frightened so, and obliged to hide here in the + water.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you remember how kind you were, and saved my life by your + quickness, and went away riding upon a great man's shoulder, as if you had + never seen me, and yet looked back through the willow-trees?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I remember everything; because it was so rare to see any except—I + mean because I happen to remember. But you seem not to remember, sir, how + perilous this place is.” + </p> + <p> + For she had kept her eyes upon me; large eyes of a softness, a brightness, + and a dignity which made me feel as if I must for ever love and yet for + ever know myself unworthy. Unless themselves should fill with love, which + is the spring of all things. And so I could not answer her, but was + overcome with thinking and feeling and confusion. Neither could I look + again; only waited for the melody which made every word like a poem to me, + the melody of her voice. But she had not the least idea of what was going + on with me, any more than I myself had. + </p> + <p> + “I think, Master Ridd, you cannot know,” she said, with her eyes taken + from me, “what the dangers of this place are, and the nature of the + people.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know enough of that; and I am frightened greatly, all the time, + when I do not look at you.” + </p> + <p> + She was too young to answer me in the style some maidens would have used; + the manner, I mean, which now we call from a foreign word “coquettish.” + And more than that, she was trembling from real fear of violence, lest + strong hands might be laid on me, and a miserable end of it. And to tell + the truth, I grew afraid; perhaps from a kind of sympathy, and because I + knew that evil comes more readily than good to us. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, without more ado, or taking any advantage—although I + would have been glad at heart, if needs had been, to kiss her (without any + thought of rudeness)—it struck me that I had better go, and have no + more to say to her until next time of coming. So would she look the more + for me and think the more about me, and not grow weary of my words and the + want of change there is in me. For, of course, I knew what a churl I was + compared to her birth and appearance; but meanwhile I might improve myself + and learn a musical instrument. “The wind hath a draw after flying straw” + is a saying we have in Devonshire, made, peradventure, by somebody who had + seen the ways of women. + </p> + <p> + “Mistress Lorna, I will depart”—mark you, I thought that a powerful + word—“in fear of causing disquiet. If any rogue shot me it would + grieve you; I make bold to say it, and it would be the death of mother. + Few mothers have such a son as me. Try to think of me now and then, and I + will bring you some new-laid eggs, for our young blue hen is beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you heartily,” said Lorna; “but you need not come to see me. You + can put them in my little bower, where I am almost always—I mean + whither daily I repair to read and to be away from them.” + </p> + <p> + “Only show me where it is. Thrice a day I will come and stop—” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Master Ridd, I would never show thee—never, because of peril—only + that so happens it thou hast found the way already.” + </p> + <p> + And she smiled with a light that made me care to cry out for no other way, + except to her dear heart. But only to myself I cried for anything at all, + having enough of man in me to be bashful with young maidens. So I touched + her white hand softly when she gave it to me, and (fancying that she had + sighed) was touched at heart about it, and resolved to yield her all my + goods, although my mother was living; and then grew angry with myself (for + a mile or more of walking) to think she would condescend so; and then, for + the rest of the homeward road, was mad with every man in the world who + would dare to think of having her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0058" id="linkimage-0058"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/136.jpg" width="100%" alt="136.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0017" id="linklink2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN IS BEWITCHED + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0059" id="linkimage-0059"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/137.jpg" alt="137.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + To forget one's luck of life, to forget the cark of care and withering of + young fingers; not to feel, or not be moved by, all the change of thought + and heart, from large young heat to the sinewy lines and dry bones of old + age—this is what I have to do ere ever I can make you know (even as + a dream is known) how I loved my Lorna. I myself can never know; never can + conceive, or treat it as a thing of reason, never can behold myself + dwelling in the midst of it, and think that this was I; neither can I + wander far from perpetual thought of it. Perhaps I have two farrows of + pigs ready for the chapman; perhaps I have ten stones of wool waiting for + the factor. It is all the same. I look at both, and what I say to myself + is this: “Which would Lorna choose of them?” Of course, I am a fool for + this; any man may call me so, and I will not quarrel with him, unless he + guess my secret. Of course, I fetch my wit, if it be worth the fetching, + back again to business. But there my heart is and must be; and all who + like to try can cheat me, except upon parish matters. + </p> + <p> + That week I could do little more than dream and dream and rove about, + seeking by perpetual change to find the way back to myself. I cared not + for the people round me, neither took delight in victuals; but made + believe to eat and drink and blushed at any questions. And being called + the master now, head-farmer, and chief yeoman, it irked me much that any + one should take advantage of me; yet everybody did so as soon as ever it + was known that my wits were gone moon-raking. For that was the way they + looked at it, not being able to comprehend the greatness and the + loftiness. Neither do I blame them much; for the wisest thing is to laugh + at people when we cannot understand them. I, for my part, took no notice; + but in my heart despised them as beings of a lesser nature, who never had + seen Lorna. Yet I was vexed, and rubbed myself, when John Fry spread all + over the farm, and even at the shoeing forge, that a mad dog had come and + bitten me, from the other side of Mallond. + </p> + <p> + This seems little to me now; and so it might to any one; but, at the time, + it worked me up to a fever of indignity. To make a mad dog of Lorna, to + compare all my imaginings (which were strange, I do assure you—the + faculty not being apt to work), to count the raising of my soul no more + than hydrophobia! All this acted on me so, that I gave John Fry the + soundest threshing that ever a sheaf of good corn deserved, or a bundle of + tares was blessed with. Afterwards he went home, too tired to tell his + wife the meaning of it; but it proved of service to both of them, and an + example for their children. + </p> + <p> + Now the climate of this country is—so far as I can make of it—to + throw no man into extremes; and if he throw himself so far, to pluck him + back by change of weather and the need of looking after things. Lest we + should be like the Southerns, for whom the sky does everything, and men + sit under a wall and watch both food and fruit come beckoning. Their sky + is a mother to them; but ours a good stepmother to us—fearing to + hurt by indulgence, and knowing that severity and change of mood are + wholesome. + </p> + <p> + The spring being now too forward, a check to it was needful; and in the + early part of March there came a change of weather. All the young growth + was arrested by a dry wind from the east, which made both face and fingers + burn when a man was doing ditching. The lilacs and the woodbines, just + crowding forth in little tufts, close kernelling their blossom, were + ruffled back, like a sleeve turned up, and nicked with brown at the + corners. In the hedges any man, unless his eyes were very dull, could see + the mischief doing. The russet of the young elm-bloom was fain to be in + its scale again; but having pushed forth, there must be, and turn to a + tawny colour. The hangers of the hazel, too, having shed their dust to + make the nuts, did not spread their little combs and dry them, as they + ought to do; but shrivelled at the base and fell, as if a knife had cut + them. And more than all to notice was (at least about the hedges) the + shuddering of everything and the shivering sound among them toward the + feeble sun; such as we make to a poor fireplace when several doors are + open. Sometimes I put my face to warm against the soft, rough maple-stem, + which feels like the foot of a red deer; but the pitiless east wind came + through all, and took and shook the caved hedge aback till its knees were + knocking together, and nothing could be shelter. Then would any one having + blood, and trying to keep at home with it, run to a sturdy tree and hope + to eat his food behind it, and look for a little sun to come and warm his + feet in the shelter. And if it did he might strike his breast, and try to + think he was warmer. + </p> + <p> + But when a man came home at night, after long day's labour, knowing that + the days increased, and so his care should multiply; still he found enough + of light to show him what the day had done against him in his garden. + Every ridge of new-turned earth looked like an old man's muscles, + honeycombed, and standing out void of spring, and powdery. Every plant + that had rejoiced in passing such a winter now was cowering, turned away, + unfit to meet the consequence. Flowing sap had stopped its course; fluted + lines showed want of food, and if you pinched the topmost spray, there was + no rebound or firmness. + </p> + <p> + We think a good deal, in a quiet way, when people ask us about them—of + some fine, upstanding pear-trees, grafted by my grandfather, who had been + very greatly respected. And he got those grafts by sheltering a poor + Italian soldier, in the time of James the First, a man who never could do + enough to show his grateful memories. How he came to our place is a very + difficult story, which I never understood rightly, having heard it from my + mother. At any rate, there the pear-trees were, and there they are to this + very day; and I wish every one could taste their fruit, old as they are, + and rugged. + </p> + <p> + Now these fine trees had taken advantage of the west winds, and the + moisture, and the promise of the spring time, so as to fill the tips of + the spray-wood and the rowels all up the branches with a crowd of eager + blossom. Not that they were yet in bloom, nor even showing whiteness, only + that some of the cones were opening at the side of the cap which pinched + them; and there you might count perhaps, a dozen nobs, like very little + buttons, but grooved, and lined, and huddling close, to make room for one + another. And among these buds were gray-green blades, scarce bigger than a + hair almost, yet curving so as if their purpose was to shield the blossom. + </p> + <p> + Other of the spur-points, standing on the older wood where the sap was not + so eager, had not burst their tunic yet, but were flayed and flaked with + light, casting off the husk of brown in three-cornered patches, as I have + seen a Scotchman's plaid, or as his legs shows through it. These buds, at + a distance, looked as if the sky had been raining cream upon them. + </p> + <p> + Now all this fair delight to the eyes, and good promise to the palate, was + marred and baffled by the wind and cutting of the night-frosts. The + opening cones were struck with brown, in between the button buds, and on + the scapes that shielded them; while the foot part of the cover hung like + rags, peeled back, and quivering. And there the little stalk of each, + which might have been a pear, God willing, had a ring around its base, and + sought a chance to drop and die. The others which had not opened comb, but + only prepared to do it, were a little better off, but still very brown and + unkid, and shrivelling in doubt of health, and neither peart nor lusty. + </p> + <p> + Now this I have not told because I know the way to do it, for that I do + not, neither yet have seen a man who did know. It is wonderful how we look + at things, and never think to notice them; and I am as bad as anybody, + unless the thing to be observed is a dog, or a horse, or a maiden. And the + last of those three I look at, somehow, without knowing that I take + notice, and greatly afraid to do it, only I knew afterwards (when the time + of life was in me), not indeed, what the maiden was like, but how she + differed from others. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0060" id="linkimage-0060"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/142.jpg" alt="142.jpg Mother Melldrum " /> + </div> + <p> + Yet I have spoken about the spring, and the failure of fair promise, + because I took it to my heart as token of what would come to me in the + budding of my years and hope. And even then, being much possessed, and + full of a foolish melancholy, I felt a sad delight at being doomed to + blight and loneliness; not but that I managed still (when mother was + urgent upon me) to eat my share of victuals, and cuff a man for laziness, + and see that a ploughshare made no leaps, and sleep of a night without + dreaming. And my mother half-believing, in her fondness and affection, + that what the parish said was true about a mad dog having bitten me, and + yet arguing that it must be false (because God would have prevented him), + my mother gave me little rest, when I was in the room with her. Not that + she worried me with questions, nor openly regarded me with any unusual + meaning, but that I knew she was watching slyly whenever I took a spoon + up; and every hour or so she managed to place a pan of water by me, quite + as if by accident, and sometimes even to spill a little upon my shoe or + coat-sleeve. But Betty Muxworthy was worst; for, having no fear about my + health, she made a villainous joke of it, and used to rush into the + kitchen, barking like a dog, and panting, exclaiming that I had bitten + her, and justice she would have on me, if it cost her a twelvemonth's + wages. And she always took care to do this thing just when I had crossed + my legs in the corner after supper, and leaned my head against the oven, + to begin to think of Lorna. + </p> + <p> + However, in all things there is comfort, if we do not look too hard for + it; and now I had much satisfaction, in my uncouth state, from labouring, + by the hour together, at the hedging and the ditching, meeting the bitter + wind face to face, feeling my strength increase, and hoping that some one + would be proud of it. In the rustling rush of every gust, in the graceful + bend of every tree, even in the “lords and ladies,” clumped in the scoops + of the hedgerow, and most of all in the soft primrose, wrung by the wind, + but stealing back, and smiling when the wrath was passed—in all of + these, and many others there was aching ecstasy, delicious pang of Lorna. + </p> + <p> + But however cold the weather was, and however hard the wind blew, one + thing (more than all the rest) worried and perplexed me. This was, that I + could not settle, turn and twist as I might, how soon I ought to go again + upon a visit to Glen Doone. For I liked not at all the falseness of it + (albeit against murderers), the creeping out of sight, and hiding, and + feeling as a spy might. And even more than this. I feared how Lorna might + regard it; whether I might seem to her a prone and blunt intruder, a + country youth not skilled in manners, as among the quality, even when they + rob us. For I was not sure myself, but that it might be very bad manners + to go again too early without an invitation; and my hands and face were + chapped so badly by the bitter wind, that Lorna might count them unsightly + things, and wish to see no more of them. + </p> + <p> + However, I could not bring myself to consult any one upon this point, at + least in our own neighbourhood, nor even to speak of it near home. But the + east wind holding through the month, my hands and face growing worse and + worse, and it having occurred to me by this time that possibly Lorna might + have chaps, if she came abroad at all, and so might like to talk about + them and show her little hands to me, I resolved to take another opinion, + so far as might be upon this matter, without disclosing the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Now the wisest person in all our parts was reckoned to be a certain wise + woman, well known all over Exmoor by the name of Mother Melldrum. Her real + name was Maple Durham, as I learned long afterwards; and she came of an + ancient family, but neither of Devon nor Somerset. Nevertheless she was + quite at home with our proper modes of divination; and knowing that we + liked them best—as each man does his own religion—she would + always practise them for the people of the country. And all the while, she + would let us know that she kept a higher and nobler mode for those who + looked down upon this one, not having been bred and born to it. + </p> + <p> + Mother Melldrum had two houses, or rather she had none at all, but two + homes wherein to find her, according to the time of year. In summer she + lived in a pleasant cave, facing the cool side of the hill, far inland + near Hawkridge and close above Tarr-steps, a wonderful crossing of Barle + river, made (as everybody knows) by Satan, for a wager. But throughout the + winter, she found sea-air agreeable, and a place where things could be had + on credit, and more occasion of talking. Not but what she could have + credit (for every one was afraid of her) in the neighbourhood of + Tarr-steps; only there was no one handy owning things worth taking. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, at the fall of the leaf, when the woods grew damp and irksome, + the wise woman always set her face to the warmer cliffs of the Channel; + where shelter was, and dry fern bedding, and folk to be seen in the + distance, from a bank upon which the sun shone. And there, as I knew from + our John Fry (who had been to her about rheumatism, and sheep possessed + with an evil spirit, and warts on the hand of his son, young John), any + one who chose might find her, towards the close of a winter day, gathering + sticks and brown fern for fuel, and talking to herself the while, in a + hollow stretch behind the cliffs; which foreigners, who come and go + without seeing much of Exmoor, have called the Valley of Rocks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0061" id="linkimage-0061"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/143.jpg" width="100%" alt="143.jpg Tarr-steps " /> + </div> + <p> + This valley, or goyal, as we term it, being small for a valley, lies to + the west of Linton, about a mile from the town perhaps, and away towards + Ley Manor. Our homefolk always call it the Danes, or the Denes, which is + no more, they tell me, than a hollow place, even as the word “den” is. + However, let that pass, for I know very little about it; but the place + itself is a pretty one, though nothing to frighten anybody, unless he hath + lived in a gallipot. It is a green rough-sided hollow, bending at the + middle, touched with stone at either crest, and dotted here and there with + slabs in and out the brambles. On the right hand is an upward crag, called + by some the Castle, easy enough to scale, and giving great view of the + Channel. Facing this, from the inland side and the elbow of the valley, a + queer old pile of rock arises, bold behind one another, and quite enough + to affright a man, if it only were ten times larger. This is called the + Devil's Cheese-ring, or the Devil's Cheese-knife, which mean the same + thing, as our fathers were used to eat their cheese from a scoop; and + perhaps in old time the upmost rock (which has fallen away since I knew + it) was like to such an implement, if Satan eat cheese untoasted. + </p> + <p> + But all the middle of this valley was a place to rest in; to sit and think + that troubles were not, if we would not make them. To know the sea outside + the hills, but never to behold it; only by the sound of waves to pity + sailors labouring. Then to watch the sheltered sun, coming warmly round + the turn, like a guest expected, full of gentle glow and gladness, casting + shadow far away as a thing to hug itself, and awakening life from dew, and + hope from every spreading bud. And then to fall asleep and dream that the + fern was all asparagus. + </p> + <p> + Alas, I was too young in those days much to care for creature comforts, or + to let pure palate have things that would improve it. Anything went down + with me, as it does with most of us. Too late we know the good from bad; + the knowledge is no pleasure then; being memory's medicine rather than the + wine of hope. + </p> + <p> + Now Mother Melldrum kept her winter in this vale of rocks, sheltering from + the wind and rain within the Devil's Cheese-ring, which added greatly to + her fame because all else, for miles around, were afraid to go near it + after dark, or even on a gloomy day. Under eaves of lichened rock she had + a winding passage, which none that ever I knew of durst enter but herself. + And to this place I went to seek her, in spite of all misgivings, upon a + Sunday in Lenten season, when the sheep were folded. + </p> + <p> + Our parson (as if he had known my intent) had preached a beautiful sermon + about the Witch of Endor, and the perils of them that meddle wantonly with + the unseen Powers; and therein he referred especially to the strange noise + in the neighbourhood, and upbraided us for want of faith, and many other + backslidings. We listened to him very earnestly, for we like to hear from + our betters about things that are beyond us, and to be roused up now and + then, like sheep with a good dog after them, who can pull some wool + without biting. Nevertheless we could not see how our want of faith could + have made that noise, especially at night time, notwithstanding which we + believed it, and hoped to do a little better. + </p> + <p> + And so we all came home from church; and most of the people dined with us, + as they always do on Sundays, because of the distance to go home, with + only words inside them. The parson, who always sat next to mother, was + afraid that he might have vexed us, and would not have the best piece of + meat, according to his custom. But soon we put him at his ease, and showed + him we were proud of him; and then he made no more to do, but accepted the + best of the sirloin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0062" id="linkimage-0062"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/145.jpg" width="100%" + alt="145.jpg the Devil's Cheese-wring " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0018" id="linklink2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + WITCHERY LEADS TO WITCHCRAFT + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0063" id="linkimage-0063"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/146.jpg" alt="146.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Although wellnigh the end of March, the wind blew wild and piercing, as I + went on foot that afternoon to Mother Melldrum's dwelling. It was safer + not to take a horse, lest (if anything vexed her) she should put a spell + upon him; as had been done to Farmer Snowe's stable by the wise woman of + Simonsbath. + </p> + <p> + The sun was low on the edge of the hills by the time I entered the valley, + for I could not leave home till the cattle were tended, and the distance + was seven miles or more. The shadows of rocks fell far and deep, and the + brown dead fern was fluttering, and brambles with their sere leaves + hanging, swayed their tatters to and fro, with a red look on them. In + patches underneath the crags, a few wild goats were browsing; then they + tossed their horns, and fled, and leaped on ledges, and stared at me. + Moreover, the sound of the sea came up, and went the length of the valley, + and there it lapped on a butt of rocks, and murmured like a shell. + </p> + <p> + Taking things one with another, and feeling all the lonesomeness, and + having no stick with me, I was much inclined to go briskly back, and come + at a better season. And when I beheld a tall grey shape, of something or + another, moving at the lower end of the valley, where the shade was, it + gave me such a stroke of fear, after many others, that my thumb which lay + in mother's Bible (brought in my big pocket for the sake of safety) shook + so much that it came out, and I could not get it in again. “This serves me + right,” I said to myself, “for tampering with Beelzebub. Oh that I had + listened to parson!” + </p> + <p> + And thereupon I struck aside; not liking to run away quite, as some people + might call it; but seeking to look like a wanderer who was come to see the + valley, and had seen almost enough of it. Herein I should have succeeded, + and gone home, and then been angry at my want of courage, but that on the + very turn and bending of my footsteps, the woman in the distance lifted up + her staff to me, so that I was bound to stop. + </p> + <p> + And now, being brought face to face, by the will of God (as one might say) + with anything that might come of it, I kept myself quite straight and + stiff, and thrust away all white feather, trusting in my Bible still, + hoping that it would protect me, though I had disobeyed it. But upon that + remembrance, my conscience took me by the leg, so that I could not go + forward. + </p> + <p> + All this while, the fearful woman was coming near and more near to me; and + I was glad to sit down on a rock because my knees were shaking so. I tried + to think of many things, but none of them would come to me; and I could + not take my eyes away, though I prayed God to be near me. + </p> + <p> + But when she was come so nigh to me that I could descry her features, + there was something in her countenance that made me not dislike her. She + looked as if she had been visited by many troubles, and had felt them one + by one, yet held enough of kindly nature still to grieve for others. Long + white hair, on either side, was falling down below her chin; and through + her wrinkles clear bright eyes seemed to spread themselves upon me. Though + I had plenty of time to think, I was taken by surprise no less, and unable + to say anything; yet eager to hear the silence broken, and longing for a + noise or two. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art not come to me,” she said, looking through my simple face, as if + it were but glass, “to be struck for bone-shave, nor to be blessed for + barn-gun. Give me forth thy hand, John Ridd; and tell why thou art come to + me.” + </p> + <p> + But I was so much amazed at her knowing my name and all about me, that I + feared to place my hand in her power, or even my tongue by speaking. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear of me, my son; I have no gift to harm thee; and if I had, it + should be idle. Now, if thou hast any wit, tell me why I love thee.” + </p> + <p> + “I never had any wit, mother,” I answered in our Devonshire way; “and + never set eyes on thee before, to the furthest of my knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet I know thee as well, John, as if thou wert my grandson. Remember + you the old Oare oak, and the bog at the head of Exe, and the child who + would have died there, but for thy strength and courage, and most of all + thy kindness? That was my granddaughter, John; and all I have on earth to + love.” + </p> + <p> + Now that she came to speak of it, with the place and that, so clearly, I + remembered all about it (a thing that happened last August), and thought + how stupid I must have been not to learn more of the little girl who had + fallen into the black pit, with a basketful of whortleberries, and who + might have been gulfed if her little dog had not spied me in the distance. + I carried her on my back to mother; and then we dressed her all anew, and + took her where she ordered us; but she did not tell us who she was, nor + anything more than her Christian name, and that she was eight years old, + and fond of fried batatas. And we did not seek to ask her more; as our + manner is with visitors. + </p> + <p> + But thinking of this little story, and seeing how she looked at me, I lost + my fear of Mother Melldrum, and began to like her; partly because I had + helped her grandchild, and partly that if she were so wise, no need would + have been for me to save the little thing from drowning. Therefore I stood + up and said, though scarcely yet established in my power against hers,— + </p> + <p> + “Good mother, the shoe she lost was in the mire, and not with us. And we + could not match it, although we gave her a pair of sister Lizzie's.” + </p> + <p> + “My son, what care I for her shoe? How simple thou art, and foolish! + according to the thoughts of some. Now tell me, for thou canst not lie, + what has brought thee to me.” + </p> + <p> + Being so ashamed and bashful, I was half-inclined to tell her a lie, until + she said that I could not do it; and then I knew that I could not. + </p> + <p> + “I am come to know,” I said, looking at a rock the while, to keep my voice + from shaking, “when I may go to see Lorna Doone.” + </p> + <p> + No more could I say, though my mind was charged to ask fifty other + questions. But although I looked away, it was plain that I had asked + enough. I felt that the wise woman gazed at me in wrath as well as sorrow; + and then I grew angry that any one should seem to make light of Lorna. + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd,” said the woman, observing this (for now I faced her bravely), + “of whom art thou speaking? Is it a child of the men who slew your + father?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell, mother. How should I know? And what is that to thee?” + </p> + <p> + “It is something to thy mother, John, and something to thyself, I trow; + and nothing worse could befall thee.” + </p> + <p> + I waited for her to speak again, because she had spoken so sadly that it + took my breath away. + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd, if thou hast any value for thy body or thy soul, thy mother, + or thy father's name, have nought to do with any Doone.” + </p> + <p> + She gazed at me in earnest so, and raised her voice in saying it, until + the whole valley, curving like a great bell echoed “Doone,” that it seemed + to me my heart was gone for every one and everything. If it were God's + will for me to have no more of Lorna, let a sign come out of the rocks, + and I would try to believe it. But no sign came, and I turned to the + woman, and longed that she had been a man. + </p> + <p> + “You poor thing, with bones and blades, pails of water, and door-keys, + what know you about the destiny of a maiden such as Lorna? Chilblains you + may treat, and bone-shave, ringworm, and the scaldings; even scabby sheep + may limp the better for your strikings. John the Baptist and his cousins, + with the wool and hyssop, are for mares, and ailing dogs, and fowls that + have the jaundice. Look at me now, Mother Melldrum, am I like a fool?” + </p> + <p> + “That thou art, my son. Alas that it were any other! Now behold the end of + that; John Ridd, mark the end of it.” + </p> + <p> + She pointed to the castle-rock, where upon a narrow shelf, betwixt us and + the coming stars, a bitter fight was raging. A fine fat sheep, with an + honest face, had clomb up very carefully to browse on a bit of juicy + grass, now the dew of the land was upon it. To him, from an upper crag, a + lean black goat came hurrying, with leaps, and skirmish of the horns, and + an angry noise in his nostrils. The goat had grazed the place before, to + the utmost of his liking, cropping in and out with jerks, as their manner + is of feeding. Nevertheless he fell on the sheep with fury and great + malice. + </p> + <p> + The simple wether was much inclined to retire from the contest, but looked + around in vain for any way to peace and comfort. His enemy stood between + him and the last leap he had taken; there was nothing left him but to + fight, or be hurled into the sea, five hundred feet below. + </p> + <p> + “Lie down, lie down!” I shouted to him, as if he were a dog, for I had + seen a battle like this before, and knew that the sheep had no chance of + life except from his greater weight, and the difficulty of moving him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0064" id="linkimage-0064"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/150.jpg" width="100%" alt="150.jpg 'lie Down!' I Shouted " /> + </div> + <p> + “Lie down, lie down, John Ridd!” cried Mother Melldrum, mocking me, but + without a sign of smiling. + </p> + <p> + The poor sheep turned, upon my voice, and looked at me so piteously that I + could look no longer; but ran with all my speed to try and save him from + the combat. He saw that I could not be in time, for the goat was bucking + to leap at him, and so the good wether stooped his forehead, with the + harmless horns curling aside of it; and the goat flung his heels up, and + rushed at him, with quick sharp jumps and tricks of movement, and the + points of his long horns always foremost, and his little scut cocked like + a gun-hammer. + </p> + <p> + As I ran up the steep of the rock, I could not see what they were doing, + but the sheep must have fought very bravely at last, and yielded his + ground quite slowly, and I hoped almost to save him. But just as my head + topped the platform of rock, I saw him flung from it backward, with a sad + low moan and a gurgle. His body made quite a short noise in the air, like + a bucket thrown down a well shaft, and I could not tell when it struck the + water, except by the echo among the rocks. So wroth was I with the goat at + the moment (being somewhat scant of breath and unable to consider), that I + caught him by the right hind-leg, before he could turn from his victory, + and hurled him after the sheep, to learn how he liked his own compulsion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0019" id="linklink2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <h3> + ANOTHER DANGEROUS INTERVIEW + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0065" id="linkimage-0065"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/152.jpg" alt="152.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Although I left the Denes at once, having little heart for further + questions of the wise woman, and being afraid to visit her house under the + Devil's Cheese-ring (to which she kindly invited me), and although I ran + most part of the way, it was very late for farm-house time upon a Sunday + evening before I was back at Plover's Barrows. My mother had great desire + to know all about the matter; but I could not reconcile it with my respect + so to frighten her. Therefore I tried to sleep it off, keeping my own + counsel; and when that proved of no avail, I strove to work it away, it + might be, by heavy outdoor labour, and weariness, and good feeding. These + indeed had some effect, and helped to pass a week or two, with more pain + of hand than heart to me. + </p> + <p> + But when the weather changed in earnest, and the frost was gone, and the + south-west wind blew softly, and the lambs were at play with the daisies, + it was more than I could do to keep from thought of Lorna. For now the + fields were spread with growth, and the waters clad with sunshine, and + light and shadow, step by step, wandered over the furzy cleves. All the + sides of the hilly wood were gathered in and out with green, silver-grey, + or russet points, according to the several manner of the trees beginning. + And if one stood beneath an elm, with any heart to look at it, lo! all the + ground was strewn with flakes (too small to know their meaning), and all + the sprays above were rasped and trembling with a redness. And so I + stopped beneath the tree, and carved L.D. upon it, and wondered at the + buds of thought that seemed to swell inside me. + </p> + <p> + The upshot of it all was this, that as no Lorna came to me, except in + dreams or fancy, and as my life was not worth living without constant sign + of her, forth I must again to find her, and say more than a man can tell. + Therefore, without waiting longer for the moving of the spring, dressed I + was in grand attire (so far as I had gotten it), and thinking my + appearance good, although with doubts about it (being forced to dress in + the hay-tallat), round the corner of the wood-stack went I very knowingly—for + Lizzie's eyes were wondrous sharp—and then I was sure of meeting + none who would care or dare to speak of me. + </p> + <p> + It lay upon my conscience often that I had not made dear Annie secret to + this history; although in all things I could trust her, and she loved me + like a lamb. Many and many a time I tried, and more than once began the + thing; but there came a dryness in my throat, and a knocking under the + roof of my mouth, and a longing to put it off again, as perhaps might be + the wisest. And then I would remember too that I had no right to speak of + Lorna as if she were common property. + </p> + <p> + This time I longed to take my gun, and was half resolved to do so; because + it seemed so hard a thing to be shot at and have no chance of shooting; + but when I came to remember the steepness and the slippery nature of the + waterslide, there seemed but little likelihood of keeping dry the powder. + Therefore I was armed with nothing but a good stout holly staff, seasoned + well for many a winter in our back-kitchen chimney. + </p> + <p> + Although my heart was leaping high with the prospect of some adventure, + and the fear of meeting Lorna, I could not but be gladdened by the + softness of the weather, and the welcome way of everything. There was that + power all round, that power and that goodness, which make us come, as it + were, outside our bodily selves, to share them. Over and beside us + breathes the joy of hope and promise; under foot are troubles past; in the + distance bowering newness tempts us ever forward. We quicken with largesse + of life, and spring with vivid mystery. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0066" id="linkimage-0066"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/153.jpg" width="100%" + alt="153.jpg Fields Spread With Growth " /> + </div> + <p> + And, in good sooth, I had to spring, and no mystery about it, ere ever I + got to the top of the rift leading into Doone-glade. For the stream was + rushing down in strength, and raving at every corner; a mort of rain + having fallen last night and no wind come to wipe it. However, I reached + the head ere dark with more difficulty than danger, and sat in a place + which comforted my back and legs desirably. + </p> + <p> + Hereupon I grew so happy at being on dry land again, and come to look for + Lorna, with pretty trees around me, that what did I do but fall asleep + with the holly-stick in front of me, and my best coat sunk in a bed of + moss, with water and wood-sorrel. Mayhap I had not done so, nor yet + enjoyed the spring so much, if so be I had not taken three parts of a + gallon of cider at home, at Plover's Barrows, because of the lowness and + sinking ever since I met Mother Melldrum. + </p> + <p> + There was a little runnel going softly down beside me, falling from the + upper rock by the means of moss and grass, as if it feared to make a + noise, and had a mother sleeping. Now and then it seemed to stop, in fear + of its own dropping, and wait for some orders; and the blades of grass + that straightened to it turned their points a little way, and offered + their allegiance to wind instead of water. Yet before their carkled edges + bent more than a driven saw, down the water came again with heavy drops + and pats of running, and bright anger at neglect. + </p> + <p> + This was very pleasant to me, now and then, to gaze at, blinking as the + water blinked, and falling back to sleep again. Suddenly my sleep was + broken by a shade cast over me; between me and the low sunlight Lorna + Doone was standing. + </p> + <p> + “Master Ridd, are you mad?” she said, and took my hand to move me. + </p> + <p> + “Not mad, but half asleep,” I answered, feigning not to notice her, that + so she might keep hold of me. + </p> + <p> + “Come away, come away, if you care for life. The patrol will be here + directly. Be quick, Master Ridd, let me hide thee.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not stir a step,” said I, though being in the greatest fright that + might be well imagined, “unless you call me 'John.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well, John, then—Master John Ridd, be quick, if you have any to + care for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have many that care for me,” I said, just to let her know; “and I will + follow you, Mistress Lorna, albeit without any hurry, unless there be + peril to more than me.” + </p> + <p> + Without another word she led me, though with many timid glances towards + the upper valley, to, and into, her little bower, where the inlet through + the rock was. I am almost sure that I spoke before (though I cannot now go + seek for it, and my memory is but a worn-out tub) of a certain deep and + perilous pit, in which I was like to drown myself through hurry and fright + of boyhood. And even then I wondered greatly, and was vexed with Lorna for + sending me in that heedless manner into such an entrance. But now it was + clear that she had been right and the fault mine own entirely; for the + entrance to the pit was only to be found by seeking it. Inside the niche + of native stone, the plainest thing of all to see, at any rate by day + light, was the stairway hewn from rock, and leading up the mountain, by + means of which I had escaped, as before related. To the right side of this + was the mouth of the pit, still looking very formidable; though Lorna + laughed at my fear of it, for she drew her water thence. But on the left + was a narrow crevice, very difficult to espy, and having a sweep of grey + ivy laid, like a slouching beaver, over it. A man here coming from the + brightness of the outer air, with eyes dazed by the twilight, would never + think of seeing this and following it to its meaning. + </p> + <p> + Lorna raised the screen for me, but I had much ado to pass, on account of + bulk and stature. Instead of being proud of my size (as it seemed to me + she ought to be) Lorna laughed so quietly that I was ready to knock my + head or elbows against anything, and say no more about it. However, I got + through at last without a word of compliment, and broke into the pleasant + room, the lone retreat of Lorna. + </p> + <p> + The chamber was of unhewn rock, round, as near as might be, eighteen or + twenty feet across, and gay with rich variety of fern and moss and lichen. + The fern was in its winter still, or coiling for the spring-tide; but moss + was in abundant life, some feathering, and some gobleted, and some with + fringe of red to it. Overhead there was no ceiling but the sky itself, + flaked with little clouds of April whitely wandering over it. The floor + was made of soft low grass, mixed with moss and primroses; and in a niche + of shelter moved the delicate wood-sorrel. Here and there, around the + sides, were “chairs of living stone,” as some Latin writer says, whose + name has quite escaped me; and in the midst a tiny spring arose, with + crystal beads in it, and a soft voice as of a laughing dream, and dimples + like a sleeping babe. Then, after going round a little, with surprise of + daylight, the water overwelled the edge, and softly went through lines of + light to shadows and an untold bourne. + </p> + <p> + While I was gazing at all these things with wonder and some sadness, Lorna + turned upon me lightly (as her manner was) and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Where are the new-laid eggs, Master Ridd? Or hath blue hen ceased + laying?” + </p> + <p> + I did not altogether like the way in which she said it with a sort of + dialect, as if my speech could be laughed at. + </p> + <p> + “Here be some,” I answered, speaking as if in spite of her. “I would have + brought thee twice as many, but that I feared to crush them in the narrow + ways, Mistress Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0067" id="linkimage-0067"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:32%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/157.jpg" + alt="157.jpg Here Be Some Mistress Lorna " /> + </div> + <p> + And so I laid her out two dozen upon the moss of the rock-ledge, unwinding + the wisp of hay from each as it came safe out of my pocket. Lorna looked + with growing wonder, as I added one to one; and when I had placed them + side by side, and bidden her now to tell them, to my amazement what did + she do but burst into a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + “What have I done?” I asked, with shame, scarce daring even to look at + her, because her grief was not like Annie's—a thing that could be + coaxed away, and left a joy in going—“oh, what have I done to vex + you so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing done by you, Master Ridd,” she answered, very proudly, as + if nought I did could matter; “it is only something that comes upon me + with the scent of the pure true clover-hay. Moreover, you have been too + kind; and I am not used to kindness.” + </p> + <p> + Some sort of awkwardness was on me, at her words and weeping, as if I + would like to say something, but feared to make things worse perhaps than + they were already. Therefore I abstained from speech, as I would in my own + pain. And as it happened, this was the way to make her tell me more about + it. Not that I was curious, beyond what pity urged me and the strange + affairs around her; and now I gazed upon the floor, lest I should seem to + watch her; but none the less for that I knew all that she was doing. + </p> + <p> + Lorna went a little way, as if she would not think of me nor care for one + so careless; and all my heart gave a sudden jump, to go like a mad thing + after her; until she turned of her own accord, and with a little sigh came + back to me. Her eyes were soft with trouble's shadow, and the proud lift + of her neck was gone, and beauty's vanity borne down by woman's want of + sustenance. + </p> + <p> + “Master Ridd,” she said in the softest voice that ever flowed between two + lips, “have I done aught to offend you?” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon it went hard with me, not to catch her up and kiss her, in the + manner in which she was looking; only it smote me suddenly that this would + be a low advantage of her trust and helplessness. She seemed to know what + I would be at, and to doubt very greatly about it, whether as a child of + old she might permit the usage. All sorts of things went through my head, + as I made myself look away from her, for fear of being tempted beyond what + I could bear. And the upshot of it was that I said, within my heart and + through it, “John Ridd, be on thy very best manners with this lonely + maiden.” + </p> + <p> + Lorna liked me all the better for my good forbearance; because she did not + love me yet, and had not thought about it; at least so far as I knew. And + though her eyes were so beauteous, so very soft and kindly, there was (to + my apprehension) some great power in them, as if she would not have a + thing, unless her judgment leaped with it. + </p> + <p> + But now her judgment leaped with me, because I had behaved so well; and + being of quick urgent nature—such as I delight in, for the change + from mine own slowness—she, without any let or hindrance, sitting + over against me, now raising and now dropping fringe over those sweet eyes + that were the road-lights of her tongue, Lorna told me all about + everything I wished to know, every little thing she knew, except indeed + that point of points, how Master Ridd stood with her. + </p> + <p> + Although it wearied me no whit, it might be wearisome for folk who cannot + look at Lorna, to hear the story all in speech, exactly as she told it; + therefore let me put it shortly, to the best of my remembrance. + </p> + <p> + Nay, pardon me, whosoever thou art, for seeming fickle and rude to thee; I + have tried to do as first proposed, to tell the tale in my own words, as + of another's fortune. But, lo! I was beset at once with many heavy + obstacles, which grew as I went onward, until I knew not where I was, and + mingled past and present. And two of these difficulties only were enough + to stop me; the one that I must coldly speak without the force of pity, + the other that I, off and on, confused myself with Lorna, as might be well + expected. + </p> + <p> + Therefore let her tell the story, with her own sweet voice and manner; and + if ye find it wearisome, seek in yourselves the weariness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0068" id="linkimage-0068"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/159.jpg" width="100%" alt="159.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0020" id="linklink2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + LORNA BEGINS HER STORY + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0069" id="linkimage-0069"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/160.jpg" alt="160.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + “I cannot go through all my thoughts so as to make them clear to you, nor + have I ever dwelt on things, to shape a story of them. I know not where + the beginning was, nor where the middle ought to be, nor even how at the + present time I feel, or think, or ought to think. If I look for help to + those around me, who should tell me right and wrong (being older and much + wiser), I meet sometimes with laughter, and at other times with anger. + </p> + <p> + “There are but two in the world who ever listen and try to help me; one of + them is my grandfather, and the other is a man of wisdom, whom we call the + Counsellor. My grandfather, Sir Ensor Doone, is very old and harsh of + manner (except indeed to me); he seems to know what is right and wrong, + but not to want to think of it. The Counsellor, on the other hand, though + full of life and subtleties, treats my questions as of play, and not + gravely worth his while to answer, unless he can make wit of them. + </p> + <p> + “And among the women there are none with whom I can hold converse, since + my Aunt Sabina died, who took such pains to teach me. She was a lady of + high repute and lofty ways, and learning, but grieved and harassed more + and more by the coarseness, and the violence, and the ignorance around + her. In vain she strove, from year to year, to make the young men hearken, + to teach them what became their birth, and give them sense of honour. It + was her favourite word, poor thing! and they called her 'Old Aunt Honour.' + Very often she used to say that I was her only comfort, and I am sure she + was my only one; and when she died it was more to me than if I had lost a + mother. + </p> + <p> + “For I have no remembrance now of father or of mother, although they say + that my father was the eldest son of Sir Ensor Doone, and the bravest and + the best of them. And so they call me heiress to this little realm of + violence; and in sorry sport sometimes, I am their Princess or their + Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Many people living here, as I am forced to do, would perhaps be very + happy, and perhaps I ought to be so. We have a beauteous valley, sheltered + from the cold of winter and power of the summer sun, untroubled also by + the storms and mists that veil the mountains; although I must acknowledge + that it is apt to rain too often. The grass moreover is so fresh, and the + brook so bright and lively, and flowers of so many hues come after one + another that no one need be dull, if only left alone with them. + </p> + <p> + “And so in the early days perhaps, when morning breathes around me, and + the sun is going upward, and light is playing everywhere, I am not so far + beside them all as to live in shadow. But when the evening gathers down, + and the sky is spread with sadness, and the day has spent itself; then a + cloud of lonely trouble falls, like night, upon me. I cannot see the + things I quest for of a world beyond me; I cannot join the peace and quiet + of the depth above me; neither have I any pleasure in the brightness of + the stars. + </p> + <p> + “What I want to know is something none of them can tell me—what am + I, and why set here, and when shall I be with them? I see that you are + surprised a little at this my curiosity. Perhaps such questions never + spring in any wholesome spirit. But they are in the depths of mine, and I + cannot be quit of them. + </p> + <p> + “Meantime, all around me is violence and robbery, coarse delight and + savage pain, reckless joke and hopeless death. Is it any wonder that I + cannot sink with these, that I cannot so forget my soul, as to live the + life of brutes, and die the death more horrible because it dreams of + waking? There is none to lead me forward, there is none to teach me right; + young as I am, I live beneath a curse that lasts for ever.” + </p> + <p> + Here Lorna broke down for awhile, and cried so very piteously, that + doubting of my knowledge, and of any power to comfort, I did my best to + hold my peace, and tried to look very cheerful. Then thinking that might + be bad manners, I went to wipe her eyes for her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0070" id="linkimage-0070"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/162.jpg" width="100%" + alt="162.jpg I Went to Wipe Her Eyes " /> + </div> + <p> + “Master Ridd,” she began again, “I am both ashamed and vexed at my own + childish folly. But you, who have a mother, who thinks (you say) so much + of you, and sisters, and a quiet home; you cannot tell (it is not likely) + what a lonely nature is. How it leaps in mirth sometimes, with only heaven + touching it; and how it falls away desponding, when the dreary weight + creeps on. + </p> + <p> + “It does not happen many times that I give way like this; more shame now + to do so, when I ought to entertain you. Sometimes I am so full of anger, + that I dare not trust to speech, at things they cannot hide from me; and + perhaps you would be much surprised that reckless men would care so much + to elude a young girl's knowledge. They used to boast to Aunt Sabina of + pillage and of cruelty, on purpose to enrage her; but they never boast to + me. It even makes me smile sometimes to see how awkwardly they come and + offer for temptation to me shining packets, half concealed, of ornaments + and finery, of rings, or chains, or jewels, lately belonging to other + people. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0071" id="linkimage-0071"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/163.jpg" width="100%" + alt="163.jpg Jewels Lately Belonging to Others " /> + </div> + <p> + “But when I try to search the past, to get a sense of what befell me ere + my own perception formed; to feel back for the lines of childhood, as a + trace of gossamer, then I only know that nought lives longer than God + wills it. So may after sin go by, for we are children always, as the + Counsellor has told me; so may we, beyond the clouds, seek this infancy of + life, and never find its memory. + </p> + <p> + “But I am talking now of things which never come across me when any work + is toward. It might have been a good thing for me to have had a father to + beat these rovings out of me; or a mother to make a home, and teach me how + to manage it. For, being left with none—I think; and nothing ever + comes of it. Nothing, I mean, which I can grasp and have with any surety; + nothing but faint images, and wonderment, and wandering. But often, when I + am neither searching back into remembrance, nor asking of my parents, but + occupied by trifles, something like a sign, or message, or a token of some + meaning, seems to glance upon me. Whether from the rustling wind, or sound + of distant music, or the singing of a bird, like the sun on snow it + strikes me with a pain of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “And often when I wake at night, and listen to the silence, or wander far + from people in the grayness of the evening, or stand and look at quiet + water having shadows over it, some vague image seems to hover on the skirt + of vision, ever changing place and outline, ever flitting as I follow. + This so moves and hurries me, in the eagerness and longing, that + straightway all my chance is lost; and memory, scared like a wild bird, + flies. Or am I as a child perhaps, chasing a flown cageling, who among the + branches free plays and peeps at the offered cage (as a home not to be + urged on him), and means to take his time of coming, if he comes at all? + </p> + <p> + “Often too I wonder at the odds of fortune, which made me (helpless as I + am, and fond of peace and reading) the heiress of this mad domain, the + sanctuary of unholiness. It is not likely that I shall have much power of + authority; and yet the Counsellor creeps up to be my Lord of the Treasury; + and his son aspires to my hand, as of a Royal alliance. Well, 'honour + among thieves,' they say; and mine is the first honour: although among + decent folk perhaps, honesty is better. + </p> + <p> + “We should not be so quiet here, and safe from interruption but that I + have begged one privilege rather than commanded it. This was that the + lower end, just this narrowing of the valley, where it is most hard to + come at, might be looked upon as mine, except for purposes of guard. + Therefore none beside the sentries ever trespass on me here, unless it be + my grandfather, or the Counsellor or Carver. + </p> + <p> + “By your face, Master Ridd, I see that you have heard of Carver Doone. For + strength and courage and resource he bears the first repute among us, as + might well be expected from the son of the Counsellor. But he differs from + his father, in being very hot and savage, and quite free from argument. + The Counsellor, who is my uncle, gives his son the best advice; commending + all the virtues, with eloquence and wisdom; yet himself abstaining from + them accurately and impartially. + </p> + <p> + “You must be tired of this story, and the time I take to think, and the + weakness of my telling; but my life from day to day shows so little + variance. Among the riders there is none whose safe return I watch for—I + mean none more than other—and indeed there seems no risk, all are + now so feared of us. Neither of the old men is there whom I can revere or + love (except alone my grandfather, whom I love with trembling): neither of + the women any whom I like to deal with, unless it be a little maiden whom + I saved from starving. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0072" id="linkimage-0072"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:29%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/165.jpg" alt="165.jpg Gwenny Carfax " /> + </div> + <p> + “A little Cornish girl she is, and shaped in western manner, not so very + much less in width than if you take her lengthwise. Her father seems to + have been a miner, a Cornishman (as she declares) of more than average + excellence, and better than any two men to be found in Devonshire, or any + four in Somerset. Very few things can have been beyond his power of + performance, and yet he left his daughter to starve upon a peat-rick. She + does not know how this was done, and looks upon it as a mystery, the + meaning of which will some day be clear, and redound to her father's + honour. His name was Simon Carfax, and he came as the captain of a gang + from one of the Cornish stannaries. Gwenny Carfax, my young maid, well + remembers how her father was brought up from Cornwall. Her mother had been + buried, just a week or so before; and he was sad about it, and had been + off his work, and was ready for another job. Then people came to him by + night, and said that he must want a change, and everybody lost their + wives, and work was the way to mend it. So what with grief, and + over-thought, and the inside of a square bottle, Gwenny says they brought + him off, to become a mighty captain, and choose the country round. The + last she saw of him was this, that he went down a ladder somewhere on the + wilds of Exmoor, leaving her with bread and cheese, and his travelling-hat + to see to. And from that day to this he never came above the ground again; + so far as we can hear of. + </p> + <p> + “But Gwenny, holding to his hat, and having eaten the bread and cheese + (when he came no more to help her), dwelt three days near the mouth of the + hole; and then it was closed over, the while that she was sleeping. With + weakness and with want of food, she lost herself distressfully, and went + away for miles or more, and lay upon a peat-rick, to die before the + ravens. + </p> + <p> + “That very day I chanced to return from Aunt Sabina's dying-place; for she + would not die in Glen Doone, she said, lest the angels feared to come for + her; and so she was taken to a cottage in a lonely valley. I was allowed + to visit her, for even we durst not refuse the wishes of the dying; and if + a priest had been desired, we should have made bold with him. Returning + very sorrowful, and caring now for nothing, I found this little stray + thing lying, her arms upon her, and not a sign of life, except the way + that she was biting. Black root-stuff was in her mouth, and a piece of + dirty sheep's wool, and at her feet an old egg-shell of some bird of the + moorland. + </p> + <p> + “I tried to raise her, but she was too square and heavy for me; and so I + put food in her mouth, and left her to do right with it. And this she did + in a little time; for the victuals were very choice and rare, being what I + had taken over to tempt poor Aunt Sabina. Gwenny ate them without delay, + and then was ready to eat the basket and the ware that contained them. + </p> + <p> + “Gwenny took me for an angel—though I am little like one, as you + see, Master Ridd; and she followed me, expecting that I would open wings + and fly when we came to any difficulty. I brought her home with me, so far + as this can be a home, and she made herself my sole attendant, without so + much as asking me. She has beaten two or three other girls, who used to + wait upon me, until they are afraid to come near the house of my + grandfather. She seems to have no kind of fear even of our roughest men; + and yet she looks with reverence and awe upon the Counsellor. As for the + wickedness, and theft, and revelry around her, she says it is no concern + of hers, and they know their own business best. By this way of regarding + men she has won upon our riders, so that she is almost free from all + control of place and season, and is allowed to pass where none even of the + youths may go. Being so wide, and short, and flat, she has none to pay her + compliments; and, were there any, she would scorn them, as not being + Cornishmen. Sometimes she wanders far, by moonlight, on the moors and up + the rivers, to give her father (as she says) another chance of finding + her, and she comes back not a wit defeated, or discouraged, or depressed, + but confident that he is only waiting for the proper time. + </p> + <p> + “Herein she sets me good example of a patience and contentment hard for me + to imitate. Oftentimes I am vexed by things I cannot meddle with, yet + which cannot be kept from me, that I am at the point of flying from this + dreadful valley, and risking all that can betide me in the unknown outer + world. If it were not for my grandfather, I would have done so long ago; + but I cannot bear that he should die with no gentle hand to comfort him; + and I fear to think of the conflict that must ensue for the government, if + there be a disputed succession. + </p> + <p> + “Ah me! We are to be pitied greatly, rather than condemned, by people + whose things we have taken from them; for I have read, and seem almost to + understand about it, that there are places on the earth where gentle + peace, and love of home, and knowledge of one's neighbours prevail, and + are, with reason, looked for as the usual state of things. There honest + folk may go to work in the glory of the sunrise, with hope of coming home + again quite safe in the quiet evening, and finding all their children; and + even in the darkness they have no fear of lying down, and dropping off to + slumber, and hearken to the wind of night, not as to an enemy trying to + find entrance, but a friend who comes to tell the value of their comfort. + </p> + <p> + “Of all this golden ease I hear, but never saw the like of it; and, haply, + I shall never do so, being born to turbulence. Once, indeed, I had the + offer of escape, and kinsman's aid, and high place in the gay, bright + world; and yet I was not tempted much, or, at least, dared not to trust + it. And it ended very sadly, so dreadfully that I even shrink from telling + you about it; for that one terror changed my life, in a moment, at a blow, + from childhood and from thoughts of play and commune with the flowers and + trees, to a sense of death and darkness, and a heavy weight of earth. Be + content now, Master Ridd ask me nothing more about it, so your sleep be + sounder.” + </p> + <p> + But I, John Ridd, being young and new, and very fond of hearing things to + make my blood to tingle, had no more of manners than to urge poor Lorna + onwards, hoping, perhaps, in depth of heart, that she might have to hold + by me, when the worst came to the worst of it. Therefore she went on + again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0073" id="linkimage-0073"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/168.jpg" width="100%" alt="168.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0021" id="linklink2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <h3> + LORNA ENDS HER STORY + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0074" id="linkimage-0074"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/169.jpg" alt="169.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + “It is not a twelvemonth yet, although it seems ten years agone, since I + blew the downy globe to learn the time of day, or set beneath my chin the + veinings of the varnished buttercup, or fired the fox-glove cannonade, or + made a captive of myself with dandelion fetters; for then I had not very + much to trouble me in earnest, but went about, romancing gravely, playing + at bo-peep with fear, making for myself strong heroes of gray rock or + fir-tree, adding to my own importance, as the children love to do. + </p> + <p> + “As yet I had not truly learned the evil of our living, the scorn of law, + the outrage, and the sorrow caused to others. It even was a point with all + to hide the roughness from me, to show me but the gallant side, and keep + in shade the other. My grandfather, Sir Ensor Doone, had given strictest + order, as I discovered afterwards, that in my presence all should be + seemly, kind, and vigilant. Nor was it very difficult to keep most part of + the mischief from me, for no Doone ever robs at home, neither do they + quarrel much, except at times of gambling. And though Sir Ensor Doone is + now so old and growing feeble, his own way he will have still, and no one + dare deny him. Even our fiercest and most mighty swordsmen, seared from + all sense of right or wrong, yet have plentiful sense of fear, when + brought before that white-haired man. Not that he is rough with them, or + querulous, or rebukeful; but that he has a strange soft smile, and a gaze + they cannot answer, and a knowledge deeper far than they have of + themselves. Under his protection, I am as safe from all those men (some of + whom are but little akin to me) as if I slept beneath the roof of the + King's Lord Justiciary. + </p> + <p> + “But now, at the time I speak of, one evening of last summer, a horrible + thing befell, which took all play of childhood from me. The fifteenth day + of last July was very hot and sultry, long after the time of sundown; and + I was paying heed of it, because of the old saying that if it rain then, + rain will fall on forty days thereafter. I had been long by the waterside + at this lower end of the valley, plaiting a little crown of woodbine + crocketed with sprigs of heath—to please my grandfather, who likes + to see me gay at supper-time. Being proud of my tiara, which had cost some + trouble, I set it on my head at once, to save the chance of crushing, and + carrying my gray hat, ventured by a path not often trod. For I must be + home at the supper-time, or grandfather would be exceeding wrath; and the + worst of his anger is that he never condescends to show it. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, instead of the open mead, or the windings of the river, I made + short cut through the ash-trees covert which lies in the middle of our + vale, with the water skirting or cleaving it. You have never been up so + far as that—at least to the best of my knowledge—but you see + it like a long gray spot, from the top of the cliffs above us. Here I was + not likely to meet any of our people because the young ones are afraid of + some ancient tale about it, and the old ones have no love of trees where + gunshots are uncertain. + </p> + <p> + “It was more almost than dusk, down below the tree-leaves, and I was eager + to go through, and be again beyond it. For the gray dark hung around me, + scarcely showing shadow; and the little light that glimmered seemed to + come up from the ground. For the earth was strown with the winter-spread + and coil of last year's foliage, the lichened claws of chalky twigs, and + the numberless decay which gives a light in its decaying. I, for my part, + hastened shyly, ready to draw back and run from hare, or rabbit, or small + field-mouse. + </p> + <p> + “At a sudden turn of the narrow path, where it stopped again to the river, + a man leaped out from behind a tree, and stopped me, and seized hold of + me. I tried to shriek, but my voice was still; I could only hear my heart. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, Cousin Lorna, my good cousin,' he said, with ease and calmness; + 'your voice is very sweet, no doubt, from all that I can see of you. But I + pray you keep it still, unless you would give to dusty death your very + best cousin and trusty guardian, Alan Brandir of Loch Awe.' + </p> + <p> + “'You my guardian!' I said, for the idea was too ludicrous; and ludicrous + things always strike me first, through some fault of nature. + </p> + <p> + “'I have in truth that honour, madam,' he answered, with a sweeping bow; + 'unless I err in taking you for Mistress Lorna Doone.' + </p> + <p> + “'You have not mistaken me. My name is Lorna Doone.' + </p> + <p> + “He looked at me, with gravity, and was inclined to make some claim to + closer consideration upon the score of kinship; but I shrunk back, and + only said, 'Yes, my name is Lorna Doone.' + </p> + <p> + “'Then I am your faithful guardian, Alan Brandir of Loch Awe; called Lord + Alan Brandir, son of a worthy peer of Scotland. Now will you confide in + me?' + </p> + <p> + “'I confide in you!” I cried, looking at him with amazement; 'why, you are + not older than I am!' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes I am, three years at least. You, my ward, are not sixteen. I, your + worshipful guardian, am almost nineteen years of age.' + </p> + <p> + “Upon hearing this I looked at him, for that seemed then a venerable age; + but the more I looked the more I doubted, although he was dressed quite + like a man. He led me in a courtly manner, stepping at his tallest to an + open place beside the water; where the light came as in channel, and was + made the most of by glancing waves and fair white stones. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0075" id="linkimage-0075"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/172.jpg" width="100%" + alt="172.jpg She Led Me in a Courtly Manner " /> + </div> + <p> + “'Now am I to your liking, cousin?' he asked, when I had gazed at him, + until I was almost ashamed, except at such a stripling. 'Does my Cousin + Lorna judge kindly of her guardian, and her nearest kinsman? In a word, is + our admiration mutual?' + </p> + <p> + “'Truly I know not,' I said; 'but you seem good-natured, and to have no + harm in you. Do they trust you with a sword?' + </p> + <p> + “For in my usage among men of stature and strong presence, this pretty + youth, so tricked and slender, seemed nothing but a doll to me. Although + he scared me in the wood, now that I saw him in good twilight, lo! he was + but little greater than my little self; and so tasselled and so ruffled + with a mint of bravery, and a green coat barred with red, and a slim sword + hanging under him, it was the utmost I could do to look at him + half-gravely. + </p> + <p> + “'I fear that my presence hath scarce enough of ferocity about it' (he + gave a jerk to his sword as he spoke, and clanked it on the brook-stones); + 'yet do I assure you, cousin, that I am not without some prowess; and many + a master of defence hath this good sword of mine disarmed. Now if the + boldest and biggest robber in all this charming valley durst so much as + breathe the scent of that flower coronal, which doth not adorn but is + adorned'—here he talked some nonsense—'I would cleave him from + head to foot, ere ever he could fly or cry.' + </p> + <p> + “'Hush!' I said; 'talk not so loudly, or thou mayst have to do both + thyself, and do them both in vain.' + </p> + <p> + “For he was quite forgetting now, in his bravery before me, where he + stood, and with whom he spoke, and how the summer lightning shone above + the hills and down the hollow. And as I gazed on this slight fair youth, + clearly one of high birth and breeding (albeit over-boastful), a chill of + fear crept over me; because he had no strength or substance, and would be + no more than a pin-cushion before the great swords of the Doones. + </p> + <p> + “'I pray you be not vexed with me,' he answered, in a softer voice; 'for I + have travelled far and sorely, for the sake of seeing you. I know right + well among whom I am, and that their hospitality is more of the knife than + the salt-stand. Nevertheless I am safe enough, for my foot is the fleetest + in Scotland, and what are these hills to me? Tush! I have seen some border + forays among wilder spirits and craftier men than these be. Once I mind + some years agone, when I was quite a stripling lad—' + </p> + <p> + “'Worshipful guardian,' I said, 'there is no time now for history. If thou + art in no haste, I am, and cannot stay here idling. Only tell me how I am + akin and under wardship to thee, and what purpose brings thee here.' + </p> + <p> + “'In order, cousin—all things in order, even with fair ladies. + First, I am thy uncle's son, my father is thy mother's brother, or at + least thy grandmother's—unless I am deceived in that which I have + guessed, and no other man. For my father, being a leading lord in the + councils of King Charles the Second, appointed me to learn the law, not + for my livelihood, thank God, but because he felt the lack of it in + affairs of state. But first your leave, young Mistress Lorna; I cannot lay + down legal maxims, without aid of smoke.' + </p> + <p> + “He leaned against a willow-tree, and drawing from a gilded box a little + dark thing like a stick, placed it between his lips, and then striking a + flint on steel made fire and caught it upon touchwood. With this he + kindled the tip of the stick, until it glowed with a ring of red, and then + he breathed forth curls of smoke, blue and smelling on the air like spice. + I had never seen this done before, though acquainted with tobacco-pipes; + and it made me laugh, until I thought of the peril that must follow it. + </p> + <p> + “'Cousin, have no fear,' he said; 'this makes me all the safer; they will + take me for a glow-worm, and thee for the flower it shines upon. But to + return—of law I learned as you may suppose, but little; although I + have capacities. But the thing was far too dull for me. All I care for is + adventure, moving chance, and hot encounter; therefore all of law I + learned was how to live without it. Nevertheless, for amusement's sake, as + I must needs be at my desk an hour or so in the afternoon, I took to the + sporting branch of the law, the pitfalls, and the ambuscades; and of all + the traps to be laid therein, pedigrees are the rarest. There is scarce a + man worth a cross of butter, but what you may find a hole in his shield + within four generations. And so I struck our own escutcheon, and it + sounded hollow. There is a point—but heed not that; enough that + being curious now, I followed up the quarry, and I am come to this at last—we, + even we, the lords of Loch Awe, have an outlaw for our cousin, and I would + we had more, if they be like you.' + </p> + <p> + “'Sir,' I answered, being amused by his manner, which was new to me (for + the Doones are much in earnest), 'surely you count it no disgrace to be of + kin to Sir Ensor Doone, and all his honest family!' + </p> + <p> + “'If it be so, it is in truth the very highest honour and would heal ten + holes in our escutcheon. What noble family but springs from a captain + among robbers? Trade alone can spoil our blood; robbery purifies it. The + robbery of one age is the chivalry of the next. We may start anew, and vie + with even the nobility of France, if we can once enrol but half the Doones + upon our lineage.' + </p> + <p> + “'I like not to hear you speak of the Doones, as if they were no more than + that,' I exclaimed, being now unreasonable; 'but will you tell me, once + for all, sir, how you are my guardian?' + </p> + <p> + “'That I will do. You are my ward because you were my father's ward, under + the Scottish law; and now my father being so deaf, I have succeeded to + that right—at least in my own opinion—under which claim I am + here to neglect my trust no longer, but to lead you away from scenes and + deeds which (though of good repute and comely) are not the best for young + gentlewomen. There spoke I not like a guardian? After that can you + mistrust me?' + </p> + <p> + “'But,' said I, 'good Cousin Alan (if I may so call you), it is not meet + for young gentlewomen to go away with young gentlemen, though fifty times + their guardians. But if you will only come with me, and explain your tale + to my grandfather, he will listen to you quietly, and take no advantage of + you.' + </p> + <p> + “'I thank you much, kind Mistress Lorna, to lead the goose into the fox's + den! But, setting by all thought of danger, I have other reasons against + it. Now, come with your faithful guardian, child. I will pledge my honour + against all harm, and to bear you safe to London. By the law of the realm, + I am now entitled to the custody of your fair person, and of all your + chattels.' + </p> + <p> + “'But, sir, all that you have learned of law, is how to live without it.' + </p> + <p> + “'Fairly met, fair cousin mine! Your wit will do me credit, after a little + sharpening. And there is none to do that better than your aunt, my mother. + Although she knows not of my coming, she is longing to receive you. Come, + and in a few months' time you shall set the mode at Court, instead of + pining here, and weaving coronals of daisies.' + </p> + <p> + “I turned aside, and thought a little. Although he seemed so light of + mind, and gay in dress and manner, I could not doubt his honesty; and saw, + beneath his jaunty air, true mettle and ripe bravery. Scarce had I thought + of his project twice, until he spoke of my aunt, his mother, but then the + form of my dearest friend, my sweet Aunt Sabina, seemed to come and bid me + listen, for this was what she prayed for. Moreover I felt (though not as + now) that Doone Glen was no place for me or any proud young maiden. But + while I thought, the yellow lightning spread behind a bulk of clouds, + three times ere the flash was done, far off and void of thunder; and from + the pile of cloud before it, cut as from black paper, and lit to depths of + blackness by the blaze behind it, a form as of an aged man, sitting in a + chair loose-mantled, seemed to lift a hand and warn. + </p> + <p> + “This minded me of my grandfather, and all the care I owed him. Moreover, + now the storm was rising and I began to grow afraid; for of all things + awful to me thunder is the dreadfulest. It doth so growl, like a lion + coming, and then so roll, and roar, and rumble, out of a thickening + darkness, then crack like the last trump overhead through cloven air and + terror, that all my heart lies low and quivers, like a weed in water. I + listened now for the distant rolling of the great black storm, and heard + it, and was hurried by it. But the youth before me waved his rolled + tobacco at it, and drawled in his daintiest tone and manner,— + </p> + <p> + “'The sky is having a smoke, I see, and dropping sparks, and grumbling. I + should have thought these Exmoor hills too small to gather thunder.' + </p> + <p> + “'I cannot go, I will not go with you, Lord Alan Brandir,' I answered, + being vexed a little by those words of his. 'You are not grave enough for + me, you are not old enough for me. My Aunt Sabina would not have wished + it; nor would I leave my grandfather, without his full permission. I thank + you much for coming, sir; but be gone at once by the way you came; and + pray how did you come, sir?' + </p> + <p> + “'Fair cousin, you will grieve for this; you will mourn, when you cannot + mend it. I would my mother had been here, soon would she have persuaded + you. And yet,' he added, with the smile of his accustomed gaiety, 'it + would have been an unco thing, as we say in Scotland, for her ladyship to + have waited upon you, as her graceless son has done, and hopes to do again + ere long. Down the cliffs I came, and up them I must make way back again. + Now adieu, fair Cousin Lorna, I see you are in haste tonight; but I am + right proud of my guardianship. Give me just one flower for token'—here + he kissed his hand to me, and I threw him a truss of woodbine—'adieu, + fair cousin, trust me well, I will soon be here again.' + </p> + <p> + “'That thou never shalt, sir,' cried a voice as loud as a culverin; and + Carver Doone had Alan Brandir as a spider hath a fly. The boy made a + little shriek at first, with the sudden shock and the terror; then he + looked, methought, ashamed of himself, and set his face to fight for it. + Very bravely he strove and struggled, to free one arm and grasp his sword; + but as well might an infant buried alive attempt to lift his gravestone. + Carver Doone, with his great arms wrapped around the slim gay body, smiled + (as I saw by the flash from heaven) at the poor young face turned up to + him; then (as a nurse bears off a child, who is loath to go to bed), he + lifted the youth from his feet, and bore him away into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “I was young then. I am older now; older by ten years, in thought, + although it is not a twelvemonth since. If that black deed were done + again, I could follow, and could combat it, could throw weak arms on the + murderer, and strive to be murdered also. I am now at home with violence; + and no dark death surprises me. + </p> + <p> + “But, being as I was that night, the horror overcame me. The crash of + thunder overhead, the last despairing look, the death-piece framed with + blaze of lightning—my young heart was so affrighted that I could not + gasp. My breath went from me, and I knew not where I was, or who, or what. + Only that I lay, and cowered, under great trees full of thunder; and could + neither count, nor moan, nor have my feet to help me. + </p> + <p> + “Yet hearkening, as a coward does, through the brushing of the wind, and + echo of far noises, I heard a sharp sound as of iron, and a fall of heavy + wood. No unmanly shriek came with it, neither cry for mercy. Carver Doone + knows what it was; and so did Alan Brandir.” + </p> + <p> + Here Lorna Doone could tell no more, being overcome with weeping. Only + through her tears she whispered, as a thing too bad to tell, that she had + seen that giant Carver, in a few days afterwards, smoking a little round + brown stick, like those of her poor cousin. I could not press her any more + with questions, or for clearness; although I longed very much to know + whether she had spoken of it to her grandfather or the Counsellor. But she + was now in such condition, both of mind and body, from the force of her + own fear multiplied by telling it, that I did nothing more than coax her, + at a distance humbly; and so that she could see that some one was at least + afraid of her. This (although I knew not women in those days, as now I do, + and never shall know much of it), this, I say, so brought her round, that + all her fear was now for me, and how to get me safely off, without + mischance to any one. And sooth to say, in spite of longing just to see if + Master Carver could have served me such a trick—as it grew towards + the dusk, I was not best pleased to be there; for it seemed a lawless + place, and some of Lorna's fright stayed with me as I talked it away from + her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0022" id="linklink2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0076" id="linkimage-0076"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/178.jpg" alt="178.jpg Glen Doone " /> + </div> + <p> + After hearing that tale from Lorna, I went home in sorry spirits, having + added fear for her, and misery about, to all my other ailments. And was it + not quite certain now that she, being owned full cousin to a peer and lord + of Scotland (although he was a dead one), must have nought to do with me, + a yeoman's son, and bound to be the father of more yeomen? I had been very + sorry when first I heard about that poor young popinjay, and would gladly + have fought hard for him; but now it struck me that after all he had no + right to be there, prowling (as it were) for Lorna, without any + invitation: and we farmers love not trespass. Still, if I had seen the + thing, I must have tried to save him. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, I was greatly vexed with my own hesitation, stupidity, or + shyness, or whatever else it was, which had held me back from saying, ere + she told her story, what was in my heart to say, videlicet, that I must + die unless she let me love her. Not that I was fool enough to think that + she would answer me according to my liking, or begin to care about me for + a long time yet; if indeed she ever should, which I hardly dared to hope. + But that I had heard from men more skillful in the matter that it is wise + to be in time, that so the maids may begin to think, when they know that + they are thought of. And, to tell the truth, I had bitter fears, on + account of her wondrous beauty, lest some young fellow of higher birth and + finer parts, and finish, might steal in before poor me, and cut me out + altogether. Thinking of which, I used to double my great fist, without + knowing it, and keep it in my pocket ready. + </p> + <p> + But the worst of all was this, that in my great dismay and anguish to see + Lorna weeping so, I had promised not to cause her any further trouble from + anxiety and fear of harm. And this, being brought to practice, meant that + I was not to show myself within the precincts of Glen Doone, for at least + another month. Unless indeed (as I contrived to edge into the agreement) + anything should happen to increase her present trouble and every day's + uneasiness. In that case, she was to throw a dark mantle, or covering of + some sort, over a large white stone which hung within the entrance to her + retreat—I mean the outer entrance—and which, though unseen + from the valley itself, was (as I had observed) conspicuous from the + height where I stood with Uncle Reuben. + </p> + <p> + Now coming home so sad and weary, yet trying to console myself with the + thought that love o'erleapeth rank, and must still be lord of all, I found + a shameful thing going on, which made me very angry. For it needs must + happen that young Marwood de Whichehalse, only son of the Baron, riding + home that very evening, from chasing of the Exmoor bustards, with his + hounds and serving-men, should take the short cut through our farmyard, + and being dry from his exercise, should come and ask for drink. And it + needs must happen also that there should be none to give it to him but my + sister Annie. I more than suspect that he had heard some report of our + Annie's comeliness, and had a mind to satisfy himself upon the subject. + Now, as he took the large ox-horn of our quarantine-apple cider (which we + always keep apart from the rest, being too good except for the quality), + he let his fingers dwell on Annie's, by some sort of accident, while he + lifted his beaver gallantly, and gazed on her face in the light from the + west. Then what did Annie do (as she herself told me afterwards) but make + her very best curtsey to him, being pleased that he was pleased with her, + while she thought what a fine young man he was and so much breeding about + him! And in truth he was a dark, handsome fellow, hasty, reckless, and + changeable, with a look of sad destiny in his black eyes that would make + any woman pity him. What he was thinking of our Annie is not for me to + say, although I may think that you could not have found another such + maiden on Exmoor, except (of course) my Lorna. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0077" id="linkimage-0077"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:32%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/179.jpg" alt="179.jpg Marwood de Whichehase " /> + </div> + <p> + Though young Squire Marwood was so thirsty, he spent much time over his + cider, or at any rate over the ox-horn, and he made many bows to Annie, + and drank health to all the family, and spoke of me as if I had been his + very best friend at Blundell's; whereas he knew well enough all the time + that we had nought to say to one another; he being three years older, and + therefore of course disdaining me. But while he was casting about perhaps + for some excuse to stop longer, and Annie was beginning to fear lest + mother should come after her, or Eliza be at the window, or Betty up in + pigs' house, suddenly there came up to them, as if from the very heart of + the earth, that long, low, hollow, mysterious sound which I spoke of in + winter. + </p> + <p> + The young man started in his saddle, let the horn fall on the horse-steps, + and gazed all around in wonder; while as for Annie, she turned like a + ghost, and tried to slam the door, but failed through the violence of her + trembling; (for never till now had any one heard it so close at hand as + you might say) or in the mere fall of the twilight. And by this time there + was no man, at least in our parish, but knew—for the Parson himself + had told us so—that it was the devil groaning because the Doones + were too many for him. + </p> + <p> + Marwood de Whichehalse was not so alarmed but what he saw a fine + opportunity. He leaped from his horse, and laid hold of dear Annie in a + highly comforting manner; and she never would tell us about it (being so + shy and modest), whether in breathing his comfort to her he tried to take + some from her pure lips. I hope he did not, because that to me would seem + not the deed of a gentleman, and he was of good old family. + </p> + <p> + At this very moment, who should come into the end of the passage upon them + but the heavy writer of these doings I, John Ridd myself, and walking the + faster, it may be, on account of the noise I mentioned. I entered the + house with some wrath upon me at seeing the gazehounds in the yard; for it + seems a cruel thing to me to harass the birds in the breeding-time. And to + my amazement there I saw Squire Marwood among the milk-pans with his arm + around our Annie's waist, and Annie all blushing and coaxing him off, for + she was not come to scold yet. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps I was wrong; God knows, and if I was, no doubt I shall pay for it; + but I gave him the flat of my hand on his head, and down he went in the + thick of the milk-pans. He would have had my fist, I doubt, but for having + been at school with me; and after that it is like enough he would never + have spoken another word. As it was, he lay stunned, with the cream + running on him; while I took poor Annie up and carried her in to mother, + who had heard the noise and was frightened. + </p> + <p> + Concerning this matter I asked no more, but held myself ready to bear it + out in any form convenient, feeling that I had done my duty, and cared not + for the consequence; only for several days dear Annie seemed frightened + rather than grateful. But the oddest result of it was that Eliza, who had + so despised me, and made very rude verses about me, now came trying to sit + on my knee, and kiss me, and give me the best of the pan. However, I would + not allow it, because I hate sudden changes. + </p> + <p> + Another thing also astonished me—namely, a beautiful letter from + Marwood de Whichehalse himself (sent by a groom soon afterwards), in which + he apologised to me, as if I had been his equal, for his rudeness to my + sister, which was not intended in the least, but came of their common + alarm at the moment, and his desire to comfort her. Also he begged + permission to come and see me, as an old schoolfellow, and set everything + straight between us, as should be among honest Blundellites. + </p> + <p> + All this was so different to my idea of fighting out a quarrel, when once + it is upon a man, that I knew not what to make of it, but bowed to higher + breeding. Only one thing I resolved upon, that come when he would he + should not see Annie. And to do my sister justice, she had no desire to + see him. + </p> + <p> + However, I am too easy, there is no doubt of that, being very quick to + forgive a man, and very slow to suspect, unless he hath once lied to me. + Moreover, as to Annie, it had always seemed to me (much against my wishes) + that some shrewd love of a waiting sort was between her and Tom Faggus: + and though Tom had made his fortune now, and everybody respected him, of + course he was not to be compared, in that point of respectability, with + those people who hanged the robbers when fortune turned against them. + </p> + <p> + So young Squire Marwood came again, as though I had never smitten him, and + spoke of it in as light a way as if we were still at school together. It + was not in my nature, of course, to keep any anger against him; and I knew + what a condescension it was for him to visit us. And it is a very grievous + thing, which touches small landowners, to see an ancient family day by day + decaying: and when we heard that Ley Barton itself, and all the Manor of + Lynton were under a heavy mortgage debt to John Lovering of Weare-Gifford, + there was not much, in our little way, that we would not gladly do or + suffer for the benefit of De Whichehalse. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the work of the farm was toward, and every day gave us more ado + to dispose of what itself was doing. For after the long dry skeltering + wind of March and part of April, there had been a fortnight of soft wet; + and when the sun came forth again, hill and valley, wood and meadow, could + not make enough of him. Many a spring have I seen since then, but never + yet two springs alike, and never one so beautiful. Or was it that my love + came forth and touched the world with beauty? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0078" id="linkimage-0078"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/182.jpg" width="100%" + alt="182.jpg Spring Was in Our Valley " /> + </div> + <p> + The spring was in our valley now; creeping first for shelter shyly in the + pause of the blustering wind. There the lambs came bleating to her, and + the orchis lifted up, and the thin dead leaves of clover lay for the new + ones to spring through. There the stiffest things that sleep, the stubby + oak, and the saplin'd beech, dropped their brown defiance to her, and + prepared for a soft reply. + </p> + <p> + While her over-eager children (who had started forth to meet her, through + the frost and shower of sleet), catkin'd hazel, gold-gloved withy, + youthful elder, and old woodbine, with all the tribe of good + hedge-climbers (who must hasten while haste they may)—was there one + of them that did not claim the merit of coming first? + </p> + <p> + There she stayed and held her revel, as soon as the fear of frost was + gone; all the air was a fount of freshness, and the earth of gladness, and + the laughing waters prattled of the kindness of the sun. But all this made + it much harder for us, plying the hoe and rake, to keep the fields with + room upon them for the corn to tiller. The winter wheat was well enough, + being sturdy and strong-sided; but the spring wheat and the barley and the + oats were overrun by ill weeds growing faster. Therefore, as the old + saying is,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Farmer, that thy wife may thrive, + Let not burr and burdock wive; + And if thou wouldst keep thy son, + See that bine and gith have none.” + </pre> + <p> + So we were compelled to go down the field and up it, striking in and out + with care where the green blades hung together, so that each had space to + move in and to spread its roots abroad. And I do assure you now, though + you may not believe me, it was harder work to keep John Fry, Bill Dadds, + and Jem Slocomb all in a line and all moving nimbly to the tune of my own + tool, than it was to set out in the morning alone, and hoe half an acre by + dinner-time. For, instead of keeping the good ash moving, they would for + ever be finding something to look at or to speak of, or at any rate, to + stop with; blaming the shape of their tools perhaps, or talking about + other people's affairs; or, what was most irksome of all to me, taking + advantage as married men, and whispering jokes of no excellence about my + having, or having not, or being ashamed of a sweetheart. And this went so + far at last that I was forced to take two of them and knock their heads + together; after which they worked with a better will. + </p> + <p> + When we met together in the evening round the kitchen chimney-place, after + the men had had their supper and their heavy boots were gone, my mother + and Eliza would do their very utmost to learn what I was thinking of. Not + that we kept any fire now, after the crock was emptied; but that we loved + to see the ashes cooling, and to be together. At these times Annie would + never ask me any crafty questions (as Eliza did), but would sit with her + hair untwined, and one hand underneath her chin, sometimes looking softly + at me, as much as to say that she knew it all and I was no worse off than + she. But strange to say my mother dreamed not, even for an instant, that + it was possible for Annie to be thinking of such a thing. She was so very + good and quiet, and careful of the linen, and clever about the cookery and + fowls and bacon-curing, that people used to laugh, and say she would never + look at a bachelor until her mother ordered her. But I (perhaps from my + own condition and the sense of what it was) felt no certainty about this, + and even had another opinion, as was said before. + </p> + <p> + Often I was much inclined to speak to her about it, and put her on her + guard against the approaches of Tom Faggus; but I could not find how to + begin, and feared to make a breach between us; knowing that if her mind + was set, no words of mine would alter it; although they needs must grieve + her deeply. Moreover, I felt that, in this case, a certain homely + Devonshire proverb would come home to me; that one, I mean, which records + that the crock was calling the kettle smutty. Not, of course, that I + compared my innocent maid to a highwayman; but that Annie might think her + worse, and would be too apt to do so, if indeed she loved Tom Faggus. And + our Cousin Tom, by this time, was living a quiet and godly life; having + retired almost from the trade (except when he needed excitement, or came + across public officers), and having won the esteem of all whose purses + were in his power. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it is needless for me to say that all this time while my month was + running—or rather crawling, for never month went so slow as that + with me—neither weed, nor seed, nor cattle, nor my own mother's + anxiety, nor any care for my sister, kept me from looking once every day, + and even twice on a Sunday, for any sign of Lorna. For my heart was ever + weary; in the budding valleys, and by the crystal waters, looking at the + lambs in fold, or the heifers on the mill, labouring in trickled furrows, + or among the beaded blades; halting fresh to see the sun lift over the + golden-vapoured ridge; or doffing hat, from sweat of brow, to watch him + sink in the low gray sea; be it as it would of day, of work, or night, or + slumber, it was a weary heart I bore, and fear was on the brink of it. + </p> + <p> + All the beauty of the spring went for happy men to think of; all the + increase of the year was for other eyes to mark. Not a sign of any sunrise + for me from my fount of life, not a breath to stir the dead leaves fallen + on my heart's Spring. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0023" id="linklink2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + A ROYAL INVITATION + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0079" id="linkimage-0079"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/185.jpg" alt="185.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Although I had, for the most part, so very stout an appetite, that none + but mother saw any need of encouraging me to eat, I could only manage one + true good meal in a day, at the time I speak of. Mother was in despair at + this, and tempted me with the whole of the rack, and even talked of + sending to Porlock for a druggist who came there twice in a week; and + Annie spent all her time in cooking, and even Lizzie sang songs to me; for + she could sing very sweetly. But my conscience told me that Betty + Muxworthy had some reason upon her side. + </p> + <p> + “Latt the young ozebird aloun, zay I. Makk zuch ado about un, wi' + hogs'-puddens, and hock-bits, and lambs'-mate, and whaten bradd indade, + and brewers' ale avore dinner-time, and her not to zit wi' no winder aupen—draive + me mad 'e doo, the ov'ee, zuch a passel of voouls. Do 'un good to starve a + bit; and takk zome on's wackedness out ov un.” + </p> + <p> + But mother did not see it so; and she even sent for Nicholas Snowe to + bring his three daughters with him, and have ale and cake in the parlour, + and advise about what the bees were doing, and when a swarm might be + looked for. Being vexed about this and having to stop at home nearly half + the evening, I lost good manners so much as to ask him (even in our own + house!) what he meant by not mending the swing-hurdle where the Lynn + stream flows from our land into his, and which he is bound to maintain. + But he looked at me in a superior manner, and said, “Business, young man, + in business time.” + </p> + <p> + I had other reason for being vexed with Farmer Nicholas just now, viz. + that I had heard a rumour, after church one Sunday—when most of all + we sorrow over the sins of one another—that Master Nicholas Snowe + had been seen to gaze tenderly at my mother, during a passage of the + sermon, wherein the parson spoke well and warmly about the duty of + Christian love. Now, putting one thing with another, about the bees, and + about some ducks, and a bullock with a broken knee-cap, I more than + suspected that Farmer Nicholas was casting sheep's eyes at my mother; not + only to save all further trouble in the matter of the hurdle, but to + override me altogether upon the difficult question of damming. And I knew + quite well that John Fry's wife never came to help at the washing without + declaring that it was a sin for a well-looking woman like mother, with + plenty to live on, and only three children, to keep all the farmers for + miles around so unsettled in their minds about her. Mother used to answer + “Oh fie, Mistress Fry! be good enough to mind your own business.” But we + always saw that she smoothed her apron, and did her hair up afterwards, + and that Mistress Fry went home at night with a cold pig's foot or a bowl + of dripping. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0080" id="linkimage-0080"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:33%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/186.jpg" alt="186.jpg Mistress Ridd " /> + </div> + <p> + Therefore, on that very night, as I could not well speak to mother about + it, without seeming undutiful, after lighting the three young ladies—for + so in sooth they called themselves—all the way home with our + stable-lanthorn, I begged good leave of Farmer Nicholas (who had hung some + way behind us) to say a word in private to him, before he entered his own + house. + </p> + <p> + “Wi' all the plaisure in laife, my zon,” he answered very graciously, + thinking perhaps that I was prepared to speak concerning Sally. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Farmer Nicholas Snowe,” I said, scarce knowing how to begin it, “you + must promise not to be vexed with me, for what I am going to say to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaxed wi' thee! Noo, noo, my lad. I 'ave a knowed thee too long for that. + And thy veyther were my best friend, afore thee. Never wronged his + neighbours, never spak an unkind word, never had no maneness in him. Tuk a + vancy to a nice young 'ooman, and never kep her in doubt about it, though + there wadn't mooch to zettle on her. Spak his maind laike a man, he did, + and right happy he were wi' her. Ah, well a day! Ah, God knoweth best. I + never shall zee his laike again. And he were the best judge of a dung-heap + anywhere in this county.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Master Snowe,” I answered him, “it is very handsome of you to say + so. And now I am going to be like my father, I am going to speak my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Raight there, lad; raight enough, I reckon. Us has had enough of + pralimbinary.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what I want to say is this—I won't have any one courting my + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Coortin' of thy mother, lad?” cried Farmer Snowe, with as much amazement + as if the thing were impossible; “why, who ever hath been dooin' of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, courting of my mother, sir. And you know best who comes doing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Wull, wull! What will boys be up to next? Zhud a' thought herzelf wor the + proper judge. No thank 'ee, lad, no need of thy light. Know the wai to my + own door, at laste; and have a raight to goo there.” And he shut me out + without so much as offering me a drink of cider. + </p> + <p> + The next afternoon, when work was over, I had seen to the horses, for now + it was foolish to trust John Fry, because he had so many children, and his + wife had taken to scolding; and just as I was saying to myself that in + five days more my month would be done, and myself free to seek Lorna, a + man came riding up from the ford where the road goes through the Lynn + stream. As soon as I saw that it was not Tom Faggus, I went no farther to + meet him, counting that it must be some traveller bound for Brendon or + Cheriton, and likely enough he would come and beg for a draught of milk or + cider; and then on again, after asking the way. + </p> + <p> + But instead of that, he stopped at our gate, and stood up from his saddle, + and halloed as if he were somebody; and all the time he was flourishing a + white thing in the air, like the bands our parson weareth. So I crossed + the court-yard to speak with him. + </p> + <p> + “Service of the King!” he saith; “service of our lord the King! Come + hither, thou great yokel, at risk of fine and imprisonment.” + </p> + <p> + Although not pleased with this, I went to him, as became a loyal man; + quite at my leisure, however, for there is no man born who can hurry me, + though I hasten for any woman. + </p> + <p> + “Plover Barrows farm!” said he; “God only knows how tired I be. Is there + any where in this cursed county a cursed place called Plover Barrows farm? + For last twenty mile at least they told me 'twere only half a mile + farther, or only just round corner. Now tell me that, and I fain would + thwack thee if thou wert not thrice my size.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I replied, “you shall not have the trouble. This is Plover's + Barrows farm, and you are kindly welcome. Sheep's kidneys is for supper, + and the ale got bright from the tapping. But why do you think ill of us? + We like not to be cursed so.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I think no ill,” he said; “sheep's kidneys is good, uncommon good, + if they do them without burning. But I be so galled in the saddle ten + days, and never a comely meal of it. And when they hear 'King's service' + cried, they give me the worst of everything. All the way down from London, + I had a rogue of a fellow in front of me, eating the fat of the land + before me, and every one bowing down to him. He could go three miles to my + one though he never changed his horse. He might have robbed me at any + minute, if I had been worth the trouble. A red mare he rideth, strong in + the loins, and pointed quite small in the head. I shall live to see him + hanged yet.” + </p> + <p> + All this time he was riding across the straw of our courtyard, getting his + weary legs out of the leathers, and almost afraid to stand yet. A + coarse-grained, hard-faced man he was, some forty years of age or so, and + of middle height and stature. He was dressed in a dark brown riding suit, + none the better for Exmoor mud, but fitting him very differently from the + fashion of our tailors. Across the holsters lay his cloak, made of some + red skin, and shining from the sweating of the horse. As I looked down on + his stiff bright head-piece, small quick eyes and black needly beard, he + seemed to despise me (too much, as I thought) for a mere ignoramus and + country bumpkin. + </p> + <p> + “Annie, have down the cut ham,” I shouted, for my sister was come to the + door by chance, or because of the sound of a horse in the road, “and cut a + few rashers of hung deer's meat. There is a gentleman come to sup, Annie. + And fetch the hops out of the tap with a skewer that it may run more + sparkling.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I may go to a place never meant for me,” said my new friend, now + wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his brown riding coat, “if ever I fell + among such good folk. You are the right sort, and no error therein. All + this shall go in your favour greatly, when I make deposition. At least, I + mean, if it be as good in the eating as in the hearing. 'Tis a supper + quite fit for Tom Faggus himself, the man who hath stolen my victuals so. + And that hung deer's meat, now is it of the red deer running wild in these + parts?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure it is, sir,” I answered; “where should we get any other?” + </p> + <p> + “Right, right, you are right, my son. I have heard that the flavour is + marvellous. Some of them came and scared me so, in the fog of the morning, + that I hungered for them ever since. Ha, ha, I saw their haunches. But the + young lady will not forget—art sure she will not forget it?” + </p> + <p> + “You may trust her to forget nothing, sir, that may tempt a guest to his + comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “In faith, then, I will leave my horse in your hands, and be off for it. + Half the pleasure of the mouth is in the nose beforehand. But stay, almost + I forgot my business, in the hurry which thy tongue hath spread through my + lately despairing belly. Hungry I am, and sore of body, from my heels + right upward, and sorest in front of my doublet, yet may I not rest nor + bite barley-bread, until I have seen and touched John Ridd. God grant that + he be not far away; I must eat my saddle, if it be so.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear, good sir,” I answered; “you have seen and touched John + Ridd. I am he, and not one likely to go beneath a bushel.” + </p> + <p> + “It would take a large bushel to hold thee, John Ridd. In the name of the + King, His Majesty, Charles the Second, these presents!” + </p> + <p> + He touched me with the white thing which I had first seen him waving, and + which I now beheld to be sheepskin, such as they call parchment. It was + tied across with cord, and fastened down in every corner with unsightly + dabs of wax. By order of the messenger (for I was over-frightened now to + think of doing anything), I broke enough of seals to keep an Easter ghost + from rising; and there I saw my name in large; God grant such another + shock may never befall me in my old age. + </p> + <p> + “Read, my son; read, thou great fool, if indeed thou canst read,” said the + officer to encourage me; “there is nothing to kill thee, boy, and my + supper will be spoiling. Stare not at me so, thou fool; thou art big + enough to eat me; read, read, read.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0081" id="linkimage-0081"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:45%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/190.jpg" alt="190.jpg Read, Read Read! " /> + </div> + <p> + “If you please, sir, what is your name?” I asked; though why I asked him I + know not, except from fear of witchcraft. + </p> + <p> + “Jeremy Stickles is my name, lad, nothing more than a poor apparitor of + the worshipful Court of King's Bench. And at this moment a starving one, + and no supper for me unless thou wilt read.” + </p> + <p> + Being compelled in this way, I read pretty nigh as follows; not that I + give the whole of it, but only the gist and the emphasis,— + </p> + <p> + “To our good subject, John Ridd, etc.”—describing me ever so much + better than I knew myself—“by these presents, greeting. These are to + require thee, in the name of our lord the King, to appear in person before + the Right Worshipful, the Justices of His Majesty's Bench at Westminster, + laying aside all thine own business, and there to deliver such evidence as + is within thy cognisance, touching certain matters whereby the peace of + our said lord the King, and the well-being of this realm, is, are, or + otherwise may be impeached, impugned, imperilled, or otherwise + detrimented. As witness these presents.” And then there were four seals, + and then a signature I could not make out, only that it began with a J, + and ended with some other writing, done almost in a circle. Underneath was + added in a different handwriting “Charges will be borne. The matter is + full urgent.” + </p> + <p> + The messenger watched me, while I read so much as I could read of it; and + he seemed well pleased with my surprise, because he had expected it. Then, + not knowing what else to do, I looked again at the cover, and on the top + of it I saw, “Ride, Ride, Ride! On His Gracious Majesty's business; spur + and spare not.” + </p> + <p> + It may be supposed by all who know me, that I was taken hereupon with such + a giddiness in my head and noisiness in my ears, that I was forced to hold + by the crook driven in below the thatch for holding of the hay-rakes. + There was scarcely any sense left in me, only that the thing was come by + power of Mother Melldrum, because I despised her warning, and had again + sought Lorna. But the officer was grieved for me, and the danger to his + supper. + </p> + <p> + “My son, be not afraid,” he said; “we are not going to skin thee. Only + thou tell all the truth, and it shall be—but never mind, I will tell + thee all about it, and how to come out harmless, if I find thy victuals + good, and no delay in serving them.” + </p> + <p> + “We do our best, sir, without bargain,” said I, “to please our visitors.” + </p> + <p> + But when my mother saw that parchment (for we could not keep it from her) + she fell away into her favourite bed of stock gilly-flowers, which she had + been tending; and when we brought her round again, did nothing but exclaim + against the wickedness of the age and people. “It was useless to tell her; + she knew what it was, and so should all the parish know. The King had + heard what her son was, how sober, and quiet, and diligent, and the + strongest young man in England; and being himself such a reprobate—God + forgive her for saying so—he could never rest till he got poor + Johnny, and made him as dissolute as himself. And if he did that”—here + mother went off into a fit of crying; and Annie minded her face, while + Lizzie saw that her gown was in comely order. + </p> + <p> + But the character of the King improved, when Master Jeremy Stickles (being + really moved by the look of it, and no bad man after all) laid it clearly + before my mother that the King on his throne was unhappy, until he had + seen John Ridd. That the fame of John had gone so far, and his size, and + all his virtues—that verily by the God who made him, the King was + overcome with it. + </p> + <p> + Then mother lay back in her garden chair, and smiled upon the whole of us, + and most of all on Jeremy; looking only shyly on me, and speaking through + some break of tears. “His Majesty shall have my John; His Majesty is very + good: but only for a fortnight. I want no titles for him. Johnny is enough + for me; and Master John for the working men.” + </p> + <p> + Now though my mother was so willing that I should go to London, expecting + great promotion and high glory for me, I myself was deeply gone into the + pit of sorrow. For what would Lorna think of me? Here was the long month + just expired, after worlds of waiting; there would be her lovely self, + peeping softly down the glen, and fearing to encourage me; yet there would + be nobody else, and what an insult to her! Dwelling upon this, and seeing + no chance of escape from it, I could not find one wink of sleep; though + Jeremy Stickles (who slept close by) snored loud enough to spare me some. + For I felt myself to be, as it were, in a place of some importance; in a + situation of trust, I may say; and bound not to depart from it. For who + could tell what the King might have to say to me about the Doones—and + I felt that they were at the bottom of this strange appearance—or + what His Majesty might think, if after receiving a message from him + (trusty under so many seals) I were to violate his faith in me as a + churchwarden's son, and falsely spread his words abroad? + </p> + <p> + Perhaps I was not wise in building such a wall of scruples. Nevertheless, + all that was there, and weighed upon me heavily. And at last I made up my + mind to this, that even Lorna must not know the reason of my going, + neither anything about it; but that she might know I was gone a long way + from home, and perhaps be sorry for it. Now how was I to let her know even + that much of the matter, without breaking compact? + </p> + <p> + Puzzling on this, I fell asleep, after the proper time to get up; nor was + I to be seen at breakfast time; and mother (being quite strange to that) + was very uneasy about it. But Master Stickles assured her that the King's + writ often had that effect, and the symptom was a good one. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Master Stickles, when must we start?” I asked him, as he lounged in + the yard gazing at our turkey poults picking and running in the sun to the + tune of their father's gobble. “Your horse was greatly foundered, sir, and + is hardly fit for the road to-day; and Smiler was sledding yesterday all + up the higher Cleve; and none of the rest can carry me.” + </p> + <p> + “In a few more years,” replied the King's officer, contemplating me with + much satisfaction; “'twill be a cruelty to any horse to put thee on his + back, John.” + </p> + <p> + Master Stickles, by this time, was quite familiar with us, calling me + “Jack,” and Eliza “Lizzie,” and what I liked the least of all, our pretty + Annie “Nancy.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be as God pleases, sir,” I answered him, rather sharply; “and + the horse that suffers will not be thine. But I wish to know when we must + start upon our long travel to London town. I perceive that the matter is + of great despatch and urgency.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, so it is, my son. But I see a yearling turkey there, him I + mean with the hop in his walk, who (if I know aught of fowls) would roast + well to-morrow. Thy mother must have preparation: it is no more than + reasonable. Now, have that turkey killed to-night (for his fatness makes + me long for him), and we will have him for dinner to-morrow, with, + perhaps, one of his brethren; and a few more collops of red deer's flesh + for supper, and then on the Friday morning, with the grace of God, we will + set our faces to the road, upon His Majesty's business.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but good sir,” I asked with some trembling, so eager was I to see + Lorna; “if His Majesty's business will keep till Friday, may it not keep + until Monday? We have a litter of sucking-pigs, excellently choice and + white, six weeks old, come Friday. There be too many for the sow, and one + of them needeth roasting. Think you not it would be a pity to leave the + women to carve it?” + </p> + <p> + “My son Jack,” replied Master Stickles, “never was I in such quarters yet: + and God forbid that I should be so unthankful to Him as to hurry away. And + now I think on it, Friday is not a day upon which pious people love to + commence an enterprise. I will choose the young pig to-morrow at noon, at + which time they are wont to gambol; and we will celebrate his birthday by + carving him on Friday. After that we will gird our loins, and set forth + early on Saturday.” + </p> + <p> + Now this was little better to me than if we had set forth at once. Sunday + being the very first day upon which it would be honourable for me to enter + Glen Doone. But though I tried every possible means with Master Jeremy + Stickles, offering him the choice for dinner of every beast that was on + the farm, he durst not put off our departure later than the Saturday. And + nothing else but love of us and of our hospitality would have so persuaded + him to remain with us till then. Therefore now my only chance of seeing + Lorna, before I went, lay in watching from the cliff and espying her, or a + signal from her. + </p> + <p> + This, however, I did in vain, until my eyes were weary and often would + delude themselves with hope of what they ached for. But though I lay + hidden behind the trees upon the crest of the stony fall, and waited so + quiet that the rabbits and squirrels played around me, and even the + keen-eyed weasel took me for a trunk of wood—it was all as one; no + cast of colour changed the white stone, whose whiteness now was hateful to + me; nor did wreath or skirt of maiden break the loneliness of the vale. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0082" id="linkimage-0082"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/194.jpg" width="100%" alt="194.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0024" id="linklink2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <h3> + A SAFE PASS FOR KING'S MESSENGER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0083" id="linkimage-0083"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/195.jpg" alt="195.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + A journey to London seemed to us in those bygone days as hazardous and + dark an adventure as could be forced on any man. I mean, of course, a poor + man; for to a great nobleman, with ever so many outriders, attendants, and + retainers, the risk was not so great, unless the highwaymen knew of their + coming beforehand, and so combined against them. To a poor man, however, + the risk was not so much from those gentlemen of the road as from the more + ignoble footpads, and the landlords of the lesser hostels, and the loose + unguarded soldiers, over and above the pitfalls and the quagmires of the + way; so that it was hard to settle, at the first outgoing whether a man + were wise to pray more for his neck or for his head. + </p> + <p> + But nowadays it is very different. Not that highway-men are scarce, in + this the reign of our good Queen Anne; for in truth they thrive as well as + ever, albeit they deserve it not, being less upright and courteous—but + that the roads are much improved, and the growing use of stage-waggons + (some of which will travel as much as forty miles in a summer day) has + turned our ancient ideas of distance almost upside down; and I doubt + whether God be pleased with our flying so fast away from Him. However, + that is not my business; nor does it lie in my mouth to speak very + strongly upon the subject, seeing how much I myself have done towards + making of roads upon Exmoor. + </p> + <p> + To return to my story (and, in truth, I lose that road too often), it + would have taken ten King's messengers to get me away from Plover's + Barrows without one goodbye to Lorna, but for my sense of the trust and + reliance which His Majesty had reposed in me. And now I felt most bitterly + how the very arrangements which seemed so wise, and indeed ingenious, may + by the force of events become our most fatal obstacles. For lo! I was + blocked entirely from going to see Lorna; whereas we should have fixed it + so that I as well might have the power of signalling my necessity. + </p> + <p> + It was too late now to think of that; and so I made up my mind at last to + keep my honour on both sides, both to the King and to the maiden, although + I might lose everything except a heavy heart for it. And indeed, more + hearts than mine were heavy; for when it came to the tug of parting, my + mother was like, and so was Annie, to break down altogether. But I bade + them be of good cheer, and smiled in the briskest manner upon them, and + said that I should be back next week as one of His Majesty's greatest + captains, and told them not to fear me then. Upon which they smiled at the + idea of ever being afraid of me, whatever dress I might have on; and so I + kissed my hand once more, and rode away very bravely. But bless your + heart, I could no more have done so than flown all the way to London if + Jeremy Stickles had not been there. + </p> + <p> + And not to take too much credit to myself in this matter, I must confess + that when we were come to the turn in the road where the moor begins, and + whence you see the last of the yard, and the ricks and the poultry round + them and can (by knowing the place) obtain a glance of the kitchen window + under the walnut-tree, it went so hard with me just here that I even made + pretence of a stone in ancient Smiler's shoe, to dismount, and to bend my + head awhile. Then, knowing that those I had left behind would be watching + to see the last of me, and might have false hopes of my coming back, I + mounted again with all possible courage, and rode after Jeremy Stickles. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0084" id="linkimage-0084"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/197.jpg" width="100%" + alt="197.jpg Jeremy Kept Me in Jokes " /> + </div> + <p> + Jeremy, seeing how much I was down, did his best to keep me up with jokes, + and tales, and light discourse, until, before we had ridden a league, I + began to long to see the things he was describing. The air, the weather, + and the thoughts of going to a wondrous place, added to the fine company—at + least so Jeremy said it was—of a man who knew all London, made me + feel that I should be ungracious not to laugh a little. And being very + simple then I laughed no more a little, but something quite considerable + (though free from consideration) at the strange things Master Stickles + told me, and his strange way of telling them. And so we became very + excellent friends, for he was much pleased with my laughing. + </p> + <p> + Not wishing to thrust myself more forward than need be in this narrative, + I have scarcely thought it becoming or right to speak of my own + adornments. But now, what with the brave clothes I had on, and the better + ones still that were packed up in the bag behind the saddle, it is almost + beyond me to forbear saying that I must have looked very pleasing. And + many a time I wished, going along, that Lorna could only be here and + there, watching behind a furze-bush, looking at me, and wondering how much + my clothes had cost. For mother would have no stint in the matter, but had + assembled at our house, immediately upon knowledge of what was to be about + London, every man known to be a good stitcher upon our side of Exmoor. And + for three days they had worked their best, without stint of beer or cider, + according to the constitution of each. The result, so they all declared, + was such as to create admiration, and defy competition in London. And to + me it seemed that they were quite right; though Jeremy Stickles turned up + his nose, and feigned to be deaf in the business. + </p> + <p> + Now be that matter as you please—for the point is not worth arguing—certain + it is that my appearance was better than it had been before. For being in + the best clothes, one tries to look and to act (so far as may be) up to + the quality of them. Not only for the fear of soiling them, but that they + enlarge a man's perception of his value. And it strikes me that our sins + arise, partly from disdain of others, but mainly from contempt of self, + both working the despite of God. But men of mind may not be measured by + such paltry rule as this. + </p> + <p> + By dinner-time we arrived at Porlock, and dined with my old friend, Master + Pooke, now growing rich and portly. For though we had plenty of victuals + with us we were not to begin upon them, until all chance of victualling + among our friends was left behind. And during that first day we had no + need to meddle with our store at all; for as had been settled before we + left home, we lay that night at Dunster in the house of a worthy tanner, + first cousin to my mother, who received us very cordially, and undertook + to return old Smiler to his stable at Plover's Barrows, after one day's + rest. + </p> + <p> + Thence we hired to Bridgwater; and from Bridgwater on to Bristowe, + breaking the journey between the two. But although the whole way was so + new to me, and such a perpetual source of conflict, that the remembrance + still abides with me, as if it were but yesterday, I must not be so long + in telling as it was in travelling, or you will wish me farther; both + because Lorna was nothing there, and also because a man in our + neighbourhood had done the whole of it since my time, and feigns to think + nothing of it. However, one thing, in common justice to a person who has + been traduced, I am bound to mention. And this is, that being two of us, + and myself of such magnitude, we never could have made our journey without + either fight or running, but for the free pass which dear Annie, by some + means (I know not what), had procured from Master Faggus. And when I let + it be known, by some hap, that I was the own cousin of Tom Faggus, and + honoured with his society, there was not a house upon the road but was + proud to entertain me, in spite of my fellow-traveller, bearing the red + badge of the King. + </p> + <p> + “I will keep this close, my son Jack,” he said, having stripped it off + with a carving-knife; “your flag is the best to fly. The man who starved + me on the way down, the same shall feed me fat going home.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore we pursued our way, in excellent condition, having thriven upon + the credit of that very popular highwayman, and being surrounded with + regrets that he had left the profession, and sometimes begged to intercede + that he might help the road again. For all the landlords on the road + declared that now small ale was drunk, nor much of spirits called for, + because the farmers need not prime to meet only common riders, neither + were these worth the while to get drunk with afterwards. Master Stickles + himself undertook, as an officer of the King's Justices to plead this case + with Squire Faggus (as everybody called him now), and to induce him, for + the general good, to return to his proper ministry. + </p> + <p> + It was a long and weary journey, although the roads are wondrous good on + the farther side of Bristowe, and scarcely any man need be bogged, if he + keeps his eyes well open, save, perhaps, in Berkshire. In consequence of + the pass we had, and the vintner's knowledge of it, we only met two public + riders, one of whom made off straightway when he saw my companion's + pistols and the stout carbine I bore; and the other came to a parley with + us, and proved most kind and affable, when he knew himself in the presence + of the cousin of Squire Faggus. “God save you, gentlemen,” he cried, + lifting his hat politely; “many and many a happy day I have worked this + road with him. Such times will never be again. But commend me to his love + and prayers. King my name is, and King my nature. Say that, and none will + harm you.” And so he made off down the hill, being a perfect gentleman, + and a very good horse he was riding. + </p> + <p> + The night was falling very thick by the time we were come to Tyburn, and + here the King's officer decided that it would be wise to halt, because the + way was unsafe by night across the fields to Charing village. I for my + part was nothing loth, and preferred to see London by daylight. + </p> + <p> + And after all, it was not worth seeing, but a very hideous and dirty + place, not at all like Exmoor. Some of the shops were very fine, and the + signs above them finer still, so that I was never weary of standing still + to look at them. But in doing this there was no ease; for before one could + begin almost to make out the meaning of them, either some of the wayfarers + would bustle and scowl, and draw their swords, or the owner, or his + apprentice boys, would rush out and catch hold of me, crying, “Buy, buy, + buy! What d'ye lack, what d'ye lack? Buy, buy, buy!” At first I mistook + the meaning of this—for so we pronounce the word “boy” upon Exmoor—and + I answered with some indignation, “Sirrah, I am no boy now, but a man of + one-and-twenty years; and as for lacking, I lack naught from thee, except + what thou hast not—good manners.” + </p> + <p> + The only things that pleased me much, were the river Thames, and the hall + and church of Westminster, where there are brave things to be seen, and + braver still to think about. But whenever I wandered in the streets, what + with the noise the people made, the number of the coaches, the running of + the footmen, the swaggering of great courtiers, and the thrusting aside of + everybody, many and many a time I longed to be back among the sheep again, + for fear of losing temper. They were welcome to the wall for me, as I took + care to tell them, for I could stand without the wall, which perhaps was + more than they could do. Though I said this with the best intention, + meaning no discourtesy, some of them were vexed at it; and one young lord, + being flushed with drink, drew his sword and made at me. But I struck it + up with my holly stick, so that it flew on the roof of a house, then I + took him by the belt with one hand, and laid him in the kennel. This + caused some little disturbance; but none of the rest saw fit to try how + the matter might be with them. + </p> + <p> + Now this being the year of our Lord 1683, more than nine years and a half + since the death of my father, and the beginning of this history, all + London was in a great ferment about the dispute between the Court of the + King and the City. The King, or rather perhaps his party (for they said + that His Majesty cared for little except to have plenty of money and spend + it), was quite resolved to be supreme in the appointment of the chief + officers of the corporation. But the citizens maintained that (under their + charter) this right lay entirely with themselves; upon which a writ was + issued against them for forfeiture of their charter; and the question was + now being tried in the court of His Majesty's bench. + </p> + <p> + This seemed to occupy all the attention of the judges, and my case (which + had appeared so urgent) was put off from time to time, while the Court and + the City contended. And so hot was the conflict and hate between them, + that a sheriff had been fined by the King in 100,000 pounds, and a former + lord mayor had even been sentenced to the pillory, because he would not + swear falsely. Hence the courtiers and the citizens scarce could meet in + the streets with patience, or without railing and frequent blows. + </p> + <p> + Now although I heard so much of this matter, for nothing else was talked + of, and it seeming to me more important even than the churchwardenship of + Oare, I could not for the life of me tell which side I should take to. For + all my sense of position, and of confidence reposed in me, and of my + father's opinions, lay heavily in one scale, while all my reason and my + heart went down plump against injustice, and seemed to win the other + scale. Even so my father had been, at the breaking out of the civil war, + when he was less than my age now, and even less skilled in politics; and + my mother told me after this, when she saw how I myself was doubting, and + vexed with myself for doing so, that my father used to thank God often + that he had not been called upon to take one side or other, but might + remain obscure and quiet. And yet he always considered himself to be a + good, sound Royalist. + </p> + <p> + But now as I stayed there, only desirous to be heard and to get away, and + scarcely even guessing yet what was wanted of me (for even Jeremy Stickles + knew not, or pretended not to know), things came to a dreadful pass + between the King and all the people who dared to have an opinion. For + about the middle of June, the judges gave their sentence, that the City of + London had forfeited its charter, and that its franchise should be taken + into the hands of the King. Scarcely was this judgment forth, and all men + hotly talking of it, when a far worse thing befell. News of some great + conspiracy was spread at every corner, and that a man in the malting + business had tried to take up the brewer's work, and lop the King and the + Duke of York. Everybody was shocked at this, for the King himself was not + disliked so much as his advisers; but everybody was more than shocked, + grieved indeed to the heart with pain, at hearing that Lord William + Russell and Mr. Algernon Sidney had been seized and sent to the Tower of + London, upon a charge of high treason. + </p> + <p> + Having no knowledge of these great men, nor of the matter how far it was + true, I had not very much to say about either of them or it; but this + silence was not shared (although the ignorance may have been) by the + hundreds of people around me. Such a commotion was astir, such universal + sense of wrong, and stern resolve to right it, that each man grasped his + fellow's hand, and led him into the vintner's. Even I, although at that + time given to excess in temperance, and afraid of the name of cordials, + was hard set (I do assure you) not to be drunk at intervals without coarse + discourtesy. + </p> + <p> + However, that (as Betty Muxworthy used to say, when argued down, and ready + to take the mop for it) is neither here nor there. I have naught to do + with great history and am sorry for those who have to write it; because + they are sure to have both friends and enemies in it, and cannot act as + they would towards them, without damage to their own consciences. + </p> + <p> + But as great events draw little ones, and the rattle of the churn decides + the uncertainty of the flies, so this movement of the town, and eloquence, + and passion had more than I guessed at the time, to do with my own little + fortunes. For in the first place it was fixed (perhaps from down right + contumely, because the citizens loved him so) that Lord Russell should be + tried neither at Westminster nor at Lincoln's Inn, but at the Court of Old + Bailey, within the precincts of the city. This kept me hanging on much + longer; because although the good nobleman was to be tried by the Court of + Common Pleas, yet the officers of King's Bench, to whom I daily applied + myself, were in counsel with their fellows, and put me off from day to + day. + </p> + <p> + Now I had heard of the law's delays, which the greatest of all great poets + (knowing much of the law himself, as indeed of everything) has specially + mentioned, when not expected, among the many ills of life. But I never + thought at my years to have such bitter experience of the evil; and it + seemed to me that if the lawyers failed to do their duty, they ought to + pay people for waiting upon them, instead of making them pay for it. But + here I was, now in the second month living at my own charges in the house + of a worthy fellmonger at the sign of the Seal and Squirrel, abutting upon + the Strand road which leads from Temple Bar to Charing. Here I did very + well indeed, having a mattress of good skin-dressings, and plenty to eat + every day of my life, but the butter was something to cry “but” thrice at + (according to a conceit of our school days), and the milk must have come + from cows driven to water. However, these evils were light compared with + the heavy bill sent up to me every Saturday afternoon; and knowing how my + mother had pinched to send me nobly to London, and had told me to spare + for nothing, but live bravely with the best of them, the tears very nearly + came into my eyes, as I thought, while I ate, of so robbing her. + </p> + <p> + At length, being quite at the end of my money, and seeing no other help + for it, I determined to listen to clerks no more, but force my way up to + the Justices, and insist upon being heard by them, or discharged from my + recognisance. For so they had termed the bond or deed which I had been + forced to execute, in the presence of a chief clerk or notary, the very + day after I came to London. And the purport of it was, that on pain of a + heavy fine or escheatment, I would hold myself ready and present, to give + evidence when called upon. Having delivered me up to sign this, Jeremy + Stickles was quit of me, and went upon other business, not but what he was + kind and good to me, when his time and pursuits allowed of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0085" id="linkimage-0085"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/203.jpg" width="100%" alt="203.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0025" id="linklink2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <h3> + A GREAT MAN ATTENDS TO BUSINESS + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0086" id="linkimage-0086"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/204.jpg" + alt="204.jpg Westminster Hall, 1650 " /> + </div> + <p> + Having seen Lord Russell murdered in the fields of Lincoln's Inn, or + rather having gone to see it, but turned away with a sickness and a bitter + flood of tears—for a whiter and a nobler neck never fell before low + beast—I strode away towards Westminster, cured of half my + indignation at the death of Charles the First. Many people hurried past + me, chiefly of the more tender sort, revolting at the butchery. In their + ghastly faces, as they turned them back, lest the sight should be coming + after them, great sorrow was to be seen, and horror, and pity, and some + anger. + </p> + <p> + In Westminster Hall I found nobody; not even the crowd of crawling + varlets, who used to be craving evermore for employment or for payment. I + knocked at three doors, one after other, of lobbies going out of it, where + I had formerly seen some officers and people pressing in and out, but for + my trouble I took nothing, except some thumps from echo. And at last an + old man told me that all the lawyers were gone to see the result of their + own works, in the fields of Lincoln's Inn. + </p> + <p> + However, in a few days' time, I had better fortune; for the court was + sitting and full of business, to clear off the arrears of work, before the + lawyers' holiday. As I was waiting in the hall for a good occasion, a man + with horsehair on his head, and a long blue bag in his left hand, touched + me gently on the arm, and led me into a quiet place. I followed him very + gladly, being confident that he came to me with a message from the + Justiciaries. But after taking pains to be sure that none could overhear + us, he turned on me suddenly, and asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, how is your dear mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Worshipful sir” I answered him, after recovering from my surprise at his + knowledge of our affairs, and kindly interest in them, “it is two months + now since I have seen her. Would to God that I only knew how she is faring + now, and how the business of the farm goes!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I respect and admire you,” the old gentleman replied, with a bow + very low and genteel; “few young court-gallants of our time are so + reverent and dutiful. Oh, how I did love my mother!” Here he turned up his + eyes to heaven, in a manner that made me feel for him and yet with a kind + of wonder. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry for you, sir,” I answered most respectfully, not meaning + to trespass on his grief, yet wondering at his mother's age; for he seemed + to be at least threescore; “but I am no court-gallant, sir; I am only a + farmer's son, and learning how to farm a little.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, John; quite enough,” he cried, “I can read it in thy countenance. + Honesty is written there, and courage and simplicity. But I fear that, in + this town of London, thou art apt to be taken in by people of no + principle. Ah me! Ah me! The world is bad, and I am too old to improve + it.” + </p> + <p> + Then finding him so good and kind, and anxious to improve the age, I told + him almost everything; how much I paid the fellmonger, and all the things + I had been to see; and how I longed to get away, before the corn was + ripening; yet how (despite of these desires) I felt myself bound to walk + up and down, being under a thing called “recognisance.” In short, I told + him everything; except the nature of my summons (which I had no right to + tell), and that I was out of money. + </p> + <p> + My tale was told in a little archway, apart from other lawyers; and the + other lawyers seemed to me to shift themselves, and to look askew, like + sheep through a hurdle, when the rest are feeding. + </p> + <p> + “What! Good God!” my lawyer cried, smiting his breast indignantly with a + roll of something learned; “in what country do we live? Under what laws + are we governed? No case before the court whatever; no primary deposition, + so far as we are furnished; not even a King's writ issued—and here + we have a fine young man dragged from his home and adoring mother, during + the height of agriculture, at his own cost and charges! I have heard of + many grievances; but this the very worst of all. Nothing short of a Royal + Commission could be warranty for it. This is not only illegal, sir, but + most gravely unconstitutional.” + </p> + <p> + “I had not told you, worthy sir,” I answered him, in a lower tone, “if I + could have thought that your sense of right would be moved so painfully. + But now I must beg to leave you, sir—for I see that the door again + is open. I beg you, worshipful sir, to accept—” + </p> + <p> + Upon this he put forth his hand and said, “Nay, nay, my son, not two, not + two:” yet looking away, that he might not scare me. + </p> + <p> + “To accept, kind sir, my very best thanks, and most respectful + remembrances.” And with that, I laid my hand in his. “And if, sir, any + circumstances of business or of pleasure should bring you to our part of + the world, I trust you will not forget that my mother and myself (if ever + I get home again) will do our best to make you comfortable with our poor + hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + With this I was hasting away from him, but he held my hand and looked + round at me. And he spoke without cordiality. + </p> + <p> + “Young man, a general invitation is no entry for my fee book. I have spent + a good hour of business-time in mastering thy case, and stating my opinion + of it. And being a member of the bar, called six-and-thirty years agone by + the honourable society of the Inner Temple, my fee is at my own + discretion; albeit an honorarium. For the honour of the profession, and my + position in it, I ought to charge thee at least five guineas, although I + would have accepted one, offered with good will and delicacy. Now I will + enter it two, my son, and half a crown for my clerk's fee.” + </p> + <p> + Saying this, he drew forth from his deep, blue bag, a red book having + clasps to it, and endorsed in gold letters “Fee-book”; and before I could + speak (being frightened so) he had entered on a page of it, “To + consideration of case as stated by John Ridd, and advising thereupon, two + guineas.” + </p> + <p> + “But sir, good sir,” I stammered forth, not having two guineas left in the + world, yet grieving to confess it, “I knew not that I was to pay, learned + sir. I never thought of it in that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Wounds of God! In what way thought you that a lawyer listened to your + rigmarole?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that you listened from kindness, sir, and compassion of my + grievous case, and a sort of liking for me.” + </p> + <p> + “A lawyer like thee, young curmudgeon! A lawyer afford to feel compassion + gratis! Either thou art a very deep knave, or the greenest of all + greenhorns. Well, I suppose, I must let thee off for one guinea, and the + clerk's fee. A bad business, a shocking business!” + </p> + <p> + Now, if this man had continued kind and soft, as when he heard my story, I + would have pawned my clothes to pay him, rather than leave a debt behind, + although contracted unwittingly. But when he used harsh language so, + knowing that I did not deserve it, I began to doubt within myself whether + he deserved my money. Therefore I answered him with some readiness, such + as comes sometimes to me, although I am so slow. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am no curmudgeon: if a young man had called me so, it would not + have been well with him. This money shall be paid, if due, albeit I had no + desire to incur the debt. You have advised me that the Court is liable for + my expenses, so far as they be reasonable. If this be a reasonable + expense, come with me now to Lord Justice Jeffreys, and receive from him + the two guineas, or (it may be) five, for the counsel you have given me to + deny his jurisdiction.” With these words, I took his arm to lead him, for + the door was open still. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of God, boy, let me go. Worthy sir, pray let me go. My wife + is sick, and my daughter dying—in the name of God, sir, let me go.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” I said, having fast hold of him, “I cannot let thee go unpaid, + sir. Right is right; and thou shalt have it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ruin is what I shall have, boy, if you drag me before that devil. He will + strike me from the bar at once, and starve me, and all my family. Here, + lad, good lad, take these two guineas. Thou hast despoiled the spoiler. + Never again will I trust mine eyes for knowledge of a greenhorn.” + </p> + <p> + He slipped two guineas into the hand which I had hooked through his elbow, + and spoke in an urgent whisper again, for the people came crowding around + us—“For God's sake let me go, boy; another moment will be too late.” + </p> + <p> + “Learned sir,” I answered him, “twice you spoke, unless I err, of the + necessity of a clerk's fee, as a thing to be lamented.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, to be sure, my son. You have a clerk as much as I have. There + it is. Now I pray thee, take to the study of the law. Possession is nine + points of it, which thou hast of me. Self-possession is the tenth, and + that thou hast more than the other nine.” + </p> + <p> + Being flattered by this, and by the feeling of the two guineas and + half-crown, I dropped my hold upon Counsellor Kitch (for he was no less a + man than that), and he was out of sight in a second of time, wig, blue + bag, and family. And before I had time to make up my mind what I should do + with his money (for of course I meant not to keep it) the crier of the + Court (as they told me) came out, and wanted to know who I was. I told + him, as shortly as I could, that my business lay with His Majesty's bench, + and was very confidential; upon which he took me inside with warning, and + showed me to an under-clerk, who showed me to a higher one, and the higher + clerk to the head one. + </p> + <p> + When this gentleman understood all about my business (which I told him + without complaint) he frowned at me very heavily, as if I had done him an + injury. + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd,” he asked me with a stern glance, “is it your deliberate + desire to be brought into the presence of the Lord Chief Justice?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, sir, it has been my desire for the last two months and more.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, John, thou shalt be. But mind one thing, not a word of thy long + detention, or thou mayst get into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “How, sir? For being detained against my own wish?” I asked him; but he + turned away, as if that matter were not worth his arguing, as, indeed, I + suppose it was not, and led me through a little passage to a door with a + curtain across it. + </p> + <p> + “Now, if my Lord cross-question you,” the gentleman whispered to me, + “answer him straight out truth at once, for he will have it out of thee. + And mind, he loves not to be contradicted, neither can he bear a hang-dog + look. Take little heed of the other two; but note every word of the middle + one; and never make him speak twice.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked him for his good advice, as he moved the curtain and thrust me + in, but instead of entering withdrew, and left me to bear the brunt of it. + </p> + <p> + The chamber was not very large, though lofty to my eyes, and dark, with + wooden panels round it. At the further end were some raised seats, such as + I have seen in churches, lined with velvet, and having broad elbows, and a + canopy over the middle seat. There were only three men sitting here, one + in the centre, and one on each side; and all three were done up + wonderfully with fur, and robes of state, and curls of thick gray + horsehair, crimped and gathered, and plaited down to their shoulders. Each + man had an oak desk before him, set at a little distance, and spread with + pens and papers. Instead of writing, however, they seemed to be laughing + and talking, or rather the one in the middle seemed to be telling some + good story, which the others received with approval. By reason of their + great perukes it was hard to tell how old they were; but the one who was + speaking seemed the youngest, although he was the chief of them. A + thick-set, burly, and bulky man, with a blotchy broad face, and great + square jaws, and fierce eyes full of blazes; he was one to be dreaded by + gentle souls, and to be abhorred by the noble. + </p> + <p> + Between me and the three lord judges, some few lawyers were gathering up + bags and papers and pens and so forth, from a narrow table in the middle + of the room, as if a case had been disposed of, and no other were called + on. But before I had time to look round twice, the stout fierce man espied + me, and shouted out with a flashing stare— + </p> + <p> + “How now, countryman, who art thou?” + </p> + <p> + “May it please your worship,” I answered him loudly, “I am John Ridd, of + Oare parish, in the shire of Somerset, brought to this London, some two + months back by a special messenger, whose name is Jeremy Stickles; and + then bound over to be at hand and ready, when called upon to give + evidence, in a matter unknown to me, but touching the peace of our lord + the King, and the well-being of his subjects. Three times I have met our + lord the King, but he hath said nothing about his peace, and only held it + towards me, and every day, save Sunday, I have walked up and down the + great hall of Westminster, all the business part of the day, expecting to + be called upon, yet no one hath called upon me. And now I desire to ask + your worship, whether I may go home again?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, done, John,” replied his lordship, while I was panting with all + this speech; “I will go bail for thee, John, thou hast never made such a + long speech before; and thou art a spunky Briton, or thou couldst not have + made it now. I remember the matter well, and I myself will attend to it, + although it arose before my time”—he was but newly Chief Justice—“but + I cannot take it now, John. There is no fear of losing thee, John, any + more than the Tower of London. I grieve for His Majesty's exchequer, after + keeping thee two months or more.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord, I crave your pardon. My mother hath been keeping me. Not a + groat have I received.” + </p> + <p> + “Spank, is it so?” his lordship cried, in a voice that shook the cobwebs, + and the frown on his brow shook the hearts of men, and mine as much as the + rest of them,—“Spank, is His Majesty come to this, that he starves + his own approvers?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my lord,” whispered Mr. Spank, the chief-officer of evidence, + “the thing hath been overlooked, my lord, among such grave matters of + treason.” + </p> + <p> + “I will overlook thy head, foul Spank, on a spike from Temple Bar, if ever + I hear of the like again. Vile varlet, what art thou paid for? Thou hast + swindled the money thyself, foul Spank; I know thee, though thou art new + to me. Bitter is the day for thee that ever I came across thee. Answer me + not—one word more and I will have thee on a hurdle.” And he swung + himself to and fro on his bench, with both hands on his knees; and every + man waited to let it pass, knowing better than to speak to him. + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd,” said the Lord Chief Justice, at last recovering a sort of + dignity, yet daring Spank from the corners of his eyes to do so much as + look at him, “thou hast been shamefully used, John Ridd. Answer me not + boy; not a word; but go to Master Spank, and let me know how he behaves to + thee;” here he made a glance at Spank, which was worth at least ten pounds + to me; “be thou here again to-morrow, and before any other case is taken, + I will see justice done to thee. Now be off boy; thy name is Ridd, and we + are well rid of thee.” + </p> + <p> + I was only too glad to go, after all this tempest; as you may well + suppose. For if ever I saw a man's eyes become two holes for the devil to + glare from, I saw it that day; and the eyes were those of the Lord Chief + Justice Jeffreys. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Spank was in the lobby before me, and before I had recovered myself—for + I was vexed with my own terror—he came up sidling and fawning to me, + with a heavy bag of yellow leather. + </p> + <p> + “Good Master Ridd, take it all, take it all, and say a good word for me to + his lordship. He hath taken a strange fancy to thee; and thou must make + the most of it. We never saw man meet him eye to eye so, and yet not + contradict him, and that is just what he loveth. Abide in London, Master + Ridd, and he will make thy fortune. His joke upon thy name proves that. + And I pray you remember, Master Ridd, that the Spanks are sixteen in + family.” + </p> + <p> + But I would not take the bag from him, regarding it as a sort of bribe to + pay me such a lump of money, without so much as asking how great had been + my expenses. Therefore I only told him that if he would kindly keep the + cash for me until the morrow, I would spend the rest of the day in + counting (which always is sore work with me) how much it had stood me in + board and lodging, since Master Stickles had rendered me up; for until + that time he had borne my expenses. In the morning I would give Mr. Spank + a memorandum, duly signed, and attested by my landlord, including the + breakfast of that day, and in exchange for this I would take the exact + amount from the yellow bag, and be very thankful for it. + </p> + <p> + “If that is thy way of using opportunity,” said Spank, looking at me with + some contempt, “thou wilt never thrive in these times, my lad. Even the + Lord Chief Justice can be little help to thee; unless thou knowest better + than that how to help thyself.” + </p> + <p> + It mattered not to me. The word “approver” stuck in my gorge, as used by + the Lord Chief Justice; for we looked upon an approver as a very low thing + indeed. I would rather pay for every breakfast, and even every dinner, + eaten by me since here I came, than take money as an approver. And indeed + I was much disappointed at being taken in that light, having understood + that I was sent for as a trusty subject, and humble friend of His Majesty. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I met Mr. Spank waiting for me at the entrance, and very + desirous to see me. I showed him my bill, made out in fair copy, and he + laughed at it, and said, “Take it twice over, Master Ridd; once for thine + own sake, and once for His Majesty's; as all his loyal tradesmen do, when + they can get any. His Majesty knows and is proud of it, for it shows their + love of his countenance; and he says, '<i>bis dat qui cito dat</i>,' then + how can I grumble at giving twice, when I give so slowly?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I will take it but once,” I said; “if His Majesty loves to be + robbed, he need not lack of his desire, while the Spanks are sixteen in + family.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk smiled cheerfully at this, being proud of his children's + ability; and then having paid my account, he whispered,— + </p> + <p> + “He is all alone this morning, John, and in rare good humour. He hath been + promised the handling of poor Master Algernon Sidney, and he says he will + soon make republic of him; for his state shall shortly be headless. He is + chuckling over his joke, like a pig with a nut; and that always makes him + pleasant. John Ridd, my lord!” With that he swung up the curtain bravely, + and according to special orders, I stood, face to face, and alone with + Judge Jeffreys. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0087" id="linkimage-0087"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/212.jpg" width="100%" alt="212.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0026" id="linklink2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN IS DRAINED AND CAST ASIDE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0088" id="linkimage-0088"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/213.jpg" + alt="213.jpg his Lordship Busy With Letters " /> + </div> + <p> + His lordship was busy with some letters, and did not look up for a minute + or two, although he knew that I was there. Meanwhile I stood waiting to + make my bow; afraid to begin upon him, and wondering at his great + bull-head. Then he closed his letters, well-pleased with their import, and + fixed his bold broad stare on me, as if I were an oyster opened, and he + would know how fresh I was. + </p> + <p> + “May it please your worship,” I said, “here I am according to order, + awaiting your good pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art made to weight, John, more than order. How much dost thou tip + the scales to?” + </p> + <p> + “Only twelvescore pounds, my lord, when I be in wrestling trim. And sure I + must have lost weight here, fretting so long in London.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! Much fret is there in thee! Hath His Majesty seen thee?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord, twice or even thrice; and he made some jest concerning me.” + </p> + <p> + “A very bad one, I doubt not. His humour is not so dainty as mine, but apt + to be coarse and unmannerly. Now John, or Jack, by the look of thee, thou + art more used to be called.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, your worship, when I am with old Molly and Betty Muxworthy.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, thou forward varlet! There is a deal too much of thee. We shall + have to try short commons with thee, and thou art a very long common. Ha, + ha! Where is that rogue Spank? Spank must hear that by-and-by. It is + beyond thy great thick head, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, my lord; I have been at school, and had very bad jokes made upon + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! It hath hit thee hard. And faith, it would be hard to miss thee, + even with harpoon. And thou lookest like to blubber, now. Capital, in + faith! I have thee on every side, Jack, and thy sides are manifold; + many-folded at any rate. Thou shalt have double expenses, Jack, for the + wit thou hast provoked in me.” + </p> + <p> + “Heavy goods lack heavy payment, is a proverb down our way, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I hurt thee, I hurt thee, Jack. The harpoon hath no tickle for thee. + Now, Jack Whale, having hauled thee hard, we will proceed to examine + thee.” Here all his manner was changed, and he looked with his heavy brows + bent upon me, as if he had never laughed in his life, and would allow none + else to do so. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to answer, my lord,” I replied, “if he asks me nought beyond + my knowledge, or beyond my honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadst better answer me everything, lump. What hast thou to do with + honour? Now is there in thy neighbourhood a certain nest of robbers, + miscreants, and outlaws, whom all men fear to handle?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord. At least, I believe some of them be robbers, and all of + them are outlaws.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is your high sheriff about, that he doth not hang them all? Or + send them up for me to hang, without more to do about them?” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon that he is afraid, my lord; it is not safe to meddle with them. + They are of good birth, and reckless; and their place is very strong.” + </p> + <p> + “Good birth! What was Lord Russell of, Lord Essex, and this Sidney? 'Tis + the surest heirship to the block to be the chip of a good one. What is the + name of this pestilent race, and how many of them are there?” + </p> + <p> + “They are the Doones of Bagworthy forest, may it please your worship. And + we reckon there be about forty of them, beside the women and children.” + </p> + <p> + “Forty Doones, all forty thieves! and women and children! Thunder of God! + How long have they been there then?” + </p> + <p> + “They may have been there thirty years, my lord; and indeed they may have + been forty. Before the great war broke out they came, longer back than I + can remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, long before thou wast born, John. Good, thou speakest plainly. Woe + betide a liar, whenso I get hold of him. Ye want me on the Western + Circuit; by God, and ye shall have me, when London traitors are spun and + swung. There is a family called De Whichehalse living very nigh thee, + John?” + </p> + <p> + This he said in a sudden manner, as if to take me off my guard, and fixed + his great thick eyes on me. And in truth I was much astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord, there is. At least, not so very far from us. Baron de + Whichehalse, of Ley Manor.” + </p> + <p> + “Baron, ha! of the Exchequer—eh, lad? And taketh dues instead of His + Majesty. Somewhat which halts there ought to come a little further, I + trow. It shall be seen to, as well as the witch which makes it so to halt. + Riotous knaves in West England, drunken outlaws, you shall dance, if ever + I play pipe for you. John Ridd, I will come to Oare parish, and rout out + the Oare of Babylon.” + </p> + <p> + “Although your worship is so learned,” I answered seeing that now he was + beginning to make things uneasy; “your worship, though being Chief + Justice, does little justice to us. We are downright good and loyal folk; + and I have not seen, since here I came to this great town of London, any + who may better us, or even come anigh us, in honesty, and goodness, and + duty to our neighbours. For we are very quiet folk, not prating our own + virtues—” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, good John, enough! Knowest thou not that modesty is the + maidenhood of virtue, lost even by her own approval? Now hast thou ever + heard or thought that De Whichehalse is in league with the Doones of + Bagworthy?” + </p> + <p> + Saying these words rather slowly, he skewered his great eyes into mine, so + that I could not think at all, neither look at him, nor yet away. The idea + was so new to me that it set my wits all wandering; and looking into me, + he saw that I was groping for the truth. + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd, thine eyes are enough for me. I see thou hast never dreamed of + it. Now hast thou ever seen a man whose name is Thomas Faggus?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, many and many a time. He is my own worthy cousin; and I fear he + that hath intentions”—here I stopped, having no right there to speak + about our Annie. + </p> + <p> + “Tom Faggus is a good man,” he said; and his great square face had a smile + which showed me he had met my cousin; “Master Faggus hath made mistakes as + to the title to property, as lawyers oftentimes may do; but take him all + for all, he is a thoroughly straightforward man; presents his bill, and + has it paid, and makes no charge for drawing it. Nevertheless, we must tax + his costs, as of any other solicitor.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, to be sure, my lord!” was all that I could say, not + understanding what all this meant. + </p> + <p> + “I fear he will come to the gallows,” said the Lord Chief Justice, sinking + his voice below the echoes; “tell him this from me, Jack. He shall never + be condemned before me; but I cannot be everywhere, and some of our + Justices may keep short memory of his dinners. Tell him to change his + name, turn parson, or do something else, to make it wrong to hang him. + Parson is the best thing, he hath such command of features, and he might + take his tithes on horseback. Now a few more things, John Ridd; and for + the present I have done with thee.” + </p> + <p> + All my heart leaped up at this, to get away from London so: and yet I + could hardly trust to it. + </p> + <p> + “Is there any sound round your way of disaffection to His Majesty, His + most gracious Majesty?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord: no sign whatever. We pray for him in church perhaps, and we + talk about him afterwards, hoping it may do him good, as it is intended. + But after that we have naught to say, not knowing much about him—at + least till I get home again.” + </p> + <p> + “That is as it should be, John. And the less you say the better. But I + have heard of things in Taunton, and even nearer to you in Dulverton, and + even nigher still upon Exmoor; things which are of the pillory kind, and + even more of the gallows. I see that you know naught of them. + Nevertheless, it will not be long before all England hears of them. Now, + John, I have taken a liking to thee, for never man told me the truth, + without fear or favour, more thoroughly and truly than thou hast done. + Keep thou clear of this, my son. It will come to nothing; yet many shall + swing high for it. Even I could not save thee, John Ridd, if thou wert + mixed in this affair. Keep from the Doones, keep from De Whichehalse, keep + from everything which leads beyond the sight of thy knowledge. I meant to + use thee as my tool; but I see thou art too honest and simple. I will send + a sharper down; but never let me find thee, John, either a tool for the + other side, or a tube for my words to pass through.” + </p> + <p> + Here the Lord Justice gave me such a glare that I wished myself well rid + of him, though thankful for his warnings; and seeing how he had made upon + me a long abiding mark of fear, he smiled again in a jocular manner, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, get thee gone, Jack. I shall remember thee; and I trow, thou wilt'st + not for many a day forget me.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I was never so glad to go; for the hay must be in, and the ricks + unthatched, and none of them can make spars like me, and two men to twist + every hay-rope, and mother thinking it all right, and listening right and + left to lies, and cheated at every pig she kills, and even the skins of + the sheep to go—” + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd, I thought none could come nigh your folk in honesty, and + goodness, and duty to their neighbours!” + </p> + <p> + “Sure enough, my lord; but by our folk, I mean ourselves, not the men nor + women neither—” + </p> + <p> + “That will do, John. Go thy way. Not men, nor women neither, are better + than they need be.” + </p> + <p> + I wished to set this matter right; but his worship would not hear me, and + only drove me out of court, saying that men were thieves and liars, no + more in one place than another, but all alike all over the world, and + women not far behind them. It was not for me to dispute this point (though + I was not yet persuaded of it), both because my lord was a Judge, and must + know more about it, and also that being a man myself I might seem to be + defending myself in an unbecoming manner. Therefore I made a low bow, and + went; in doubt as to which had the right of it. + </p> + <p> + But though he had so far dismissed me, I was not yet quite free to go, + inasmuch as I had not money enough to take me all the way to Oare, unless + indeed I should go afoot, and beg my sustenance by the way, which seemed + to be below me. Therefore I got my few clothes packed, and my few debts + paid, all ready to start in half an hour, if only they would give me + enough to set out upon the road with. For I doubted not, being young and + strong, that I could walk from London to Oare in ten days or in twelve at + most, which was not much longer than horse-work; only I had been a fool, + as you will say when you hear it. For after receiving from Master Spank + the amount of the bill which I had delivered—less indeed by fifty + shillings than the money my mother had given me, for I had spent fifty + shillings, and more, in seeing the town and treating people, which I could + not charge to His Majesty—I had first paid all my debts thereout, + which were not very many, and then supposing myself to be an established + creditor of the Treasury for my coming needs, and already scenting the + country air, and foreseeing the joy of my mother, what had I done but + spent half my balance, ay and more than three-quarters of it, upon + presents for mother, and Annie, and Lizzie, John Fry, and his wife, and + Betty Muxworthy, Bill Dadds, Jim Slocombe, and, in a word, half of the + rest of the people at Oare, including all the Snowe family, who must have + things good and handsome? And if I must while I am about it, hide nothing + from those who read me, I had actually bought for Lorna a thing the price + of which quite frightened me, till the shopkeeper said it was nothing at + all, and that no young man, with a lady to love him, could dare to offer + her rubbish, such as the Jew sold across the way. Now the mere idea of + beautiful Lorna ever loving me, which he talked about as patly (though of + course I never mentioned her) as if it were a settled thing, and he knew + all about it, that mere idea so drove me abroad, that if he had asked + three times as much, I could never have counted the money. + </p> + <p> + Now in all this I was a fool of course—not for remembering my + friends and neighbours, which a man has a right to do, and indeed is bound + to do, when he comes from London—but for not being certified first + what cash I had to go on with. And to my great amazement, when I went with + another bill for the victuals of only three days more, and a week's + expense on the homeward road reckoned very narrowly, Master Spank not only + refused to grant me any interview, but sent me out a piece of blue paper, + looking like a butcher's ticket, and bearing these words and no more, + “John Ridd, go to the devil. He who will not when he may, when he will, he + shall have nay.” From this I concluded that I had lost favour in the sight + of Chief Justice Jeffreys. Perhaps because my evidence had not proved of + any value! perhaps because he meant to let the matter lie, till cast on + him. + </p> + <p> + Anyhow, it was a reason of much grief, and some anger to me, and very + great anxiety, disappointment, and suspense. For here was the time of the + hay gone past, and the harvest of small corn coming on, and the trout now + rising at the yellow Sally, and the blackbirds eating our white-heart + cherries (I was sure, though I could not see them), and who was to do any + good for mother, or stop her from weeping continually? And more than this, + what was become of Lorna? Perhaps she had cast me away altogether, as a + flouter and a changeling; perhaps she had drowned herself in the black + well; perhaps (and that was worst of all) she was even married, child as + she was, to that vile Carver Doone, if the Doones ever cared about + marrying! That last thought sent me down at once to watch for Mr. Spank + again, resolved that if I could catch him, spank him I would to a pretty + good tune, although sixteen in family. + </p> + <p> + However, there was no such thing as to find him; and the usher vowed + (having orders I doubt) that he was gone to the sea for the good of his + health, having sadly overworked himself; and that none but a poor devil + like himself, who never had handling of money, would stay in London this + foul, hot weather; which was likely to bring the plague with it. Here was + another new terror for me, who had heard of the plagues of London, and the + horrible things that happened; and so going back to my lodgings at once, I + opened my clothes and sought for spots, especially as being so long at a + hairy fellmonger's; but finding none, I fell down and thanked God for that + same, and vowed to start for Oare to-morrow, with my carbine loaded, come + weal come woe, come sun come shower; though all the parish should laugh at + me, for begging my way home again, after the brave things said of my + going, as if I had been the King's cousin. + </p> + <p> + But I was saved in some degree from this lowering of my pride, and what + mattered more, of mother's; for going to buy with my last crown-piece + (after all demands were paid) a little shot and powder, more needful on + the road almost than even shoes or victuals, at the corner of the street I + met my good friend Jeremy Stickles, newly come in search of me. I took him + back to my little room—mine at least till to-morrow morning—and + told him all my story, and how much I felt aggrieved by it. But he + surprised me very much, by showing no surprise at all. + </p> + <p> + “It is the way of the world, Jack. They have gotten all they can from + thee, and why should they feed thee further? We feed not a dead pig, I + trow, but baste him well with brine and rue. Nay, we do not victual him + upon the day of killing; which they have done to thee. Thou art a lucky + man, John; thou hast gotten one day's wages, or at any rate half a day, + after thy work was rendered. God have mercy on me, John! The things I see + are manifold; and so is my regard of them. What use to insist on this, or + make a special point of that, or hold by something said of old, when a + different mood was on? I tell thee, Jack, all men are liars; and he is the + least one who presses not too hard on them for lying.” + </p> + <p> + This was all quite dark to me, for I never looked at things like that, and + never would own myself a liar, not at least to other people, nor even to + myself, although I might to God sometimes, when trouble was upon me. And + if it comes to that, no man has any right to be called a “liar” for + smoothing over things unwitting, through duty to his neighbour. + </p> + <p> + “Five pounds thou shalt have, Jack,” said Jeremy Stickles suddenly, while + I was all abroad with myself as to being a liar or not; “five pounds, and + I will take my chance of wringing it from that great rogue Spank. Ten I + would have made it, John, but for bad luck lately. Put back your bits of + paper, lad; I will have no acknowledgment. John Ridd, no nonsense with + me!” + </p> + <p> + For I was ready to kiss his hand, to think that any man in London (the + meanest and most suspicious place, upon all God's earth) should trust me + with five pounds, without even a receipt for it! It overcame me so that I + sobbed; for, after all, though big in body, I am but a child at heart. It + was not the five pounds that moved me, but the way of giving it; and after + so much bitter talk, the great trust in my goodness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0027" id="linklink2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <h3> + HOME AGAIN AT LAST + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0089" id="linkimage-0089"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/221.jpg" alt="221.jpg Exmoor Hills " /> + </div> + <p> + It was the beginning of wheat-harvest, when I came to Dunster town, having + walked all the way from London, and being somewhat footsore. For though + five pounds was enough to keep me in food and lodging upon the road, and + leave me many a shilling to give to far poorer travellers, it would have + been nothing for horse-hire, as I knew too well by the prices Jeremy + Stickles had paid upon our way to London. Now I never saw a prettier town + than Dunster looked that evening; for sooth to say, I had almost lost all + hope of reaching it that night, although the castle was long in view. But + being once there, my troubles were gone, at least as regarded wayfaring; + for mother's cousin, the worthy tanner (with whom we had slept on the way + to London), was in such indignation at the plight in which I came back to + him, afoot, and weary, and almost shoeless—not to speak of upper + things—that he swore then, by the mercy of God, that if the schemes + abrewing round him, against those bloody Papists, should come to any head + or shape, and show good chance of succeeding, he would risk a thousand + pounds, as though it were a penny. + </p> + <p> + I told him not to do it, because I had heard otherwise, but was not at + liberty to tell one-tenth of what I knew, and indeed had seen in London + town. But of this he took no heed, because I only nodded at him; and he + could not make it out. For it takes an old man, or at least a middle-aged + one, to nod and wink, with any power on the brains of other men. However, + I think I made him know that the bad state in which I came to his town, + and the great shame I had wrought for him among the folk round the + card-table at the Luttrell Arms, was not to be, even there, attributed to + King Charles the Second, nor even to his counsellors, but to my own speed + of travelling, which had beat post-horses. For being much distraught in + mind, and desperate in body, I had made all the way from London to Dunster + in six days, and no more. It may be one hundred and seventy miles, I + cannot tell to a furlong or two, especially as I lost my way more than a + dozen times; but at any rate there in six days I was, and most kindly they + received me. The tanner had some excellent daughters, I forget how many; + very pretty damsels, and well set up, and able to make good pastry. But + though they asked me many questions, and made a sort of lord of me, and + offered to darn my stockings (which in truth required it), I fell asleep + in the midst of them, although I would not acknowledge it; and they said, + “Poor cousin! he is weary”, and led me to a blessed bed, and kissed me all + round like swan's down. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0090" id="linkimage-0090"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:45%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/222.jpg" alt="222.jpg the Luttrell Arms " /> + </div> + <p> + In the morning all the Exmoor hills, the thought of which had frightened + me at the end of each day's travel, seemed no more than bushels to me, as + I looked forth the bedroom window, and thanked God for the sight of them. + And even so, I had not to climb them, at least by my own labour. For my + most worthy uncle (as we oft call a parent's cousin), finding it + impossible to keep me for the day, and owning indeed that I was right in + hastening to my mother, vowed that walk I should not, even though he lost + his Saturday hides from Minehead and from Watchett. Accordingly he sent me + forth on the very strongest nag he had, and the maidens came to wish me + God-speed, and kissed their hands at the doorway. It made me proud and + glad to think that after seeing so much of the world, and having held my + own with it, I was come once more among my own people, and found them + kinder, and more warm-hearted, ay and better looking too, than almost any + I had happened upon in the mighty city of London. + </p> + <p> + But how shall I tell you the things I felt, and the swelling of my heart + within me, as I drew nearer, and more near, to the place of all I loved + and owned, to the haunt of every warm remembrance, the nest of all the + fledgling hopes—in a word, to home? The first sheep I beheld on the + moor with a great red J.R. on his side (for mother would have them marked + with my name, instead of her own as they should have been), I do assure + you my spirit leaped, and all my sight came to my eyes. I shouted out, + “Jem, boy!”—for that was his name, and a rare hand he was at + fighting—and he knew me in spite of the stranger horse; and I leaned + over and stroked his head, and swore he should never be mutton. And when I + was passed he set off at full gallop, to call the rest of the J.R.'s + together, and tell them young master was come home at last. + </p> + <p> + But bless your heart, and my own as well, it would take me all the + afternoon to lay before you one-tenth of the things which came home to me + in that one half-hour, as the sun was sinking, in the real way he ought to + sink. I touched my horse with no spur nor whip, feeling that my slow wits + would go, if the sights came too fast over them. Here was the pool where + we washed the sheep, and there was the hollow that oozed away, where I had + shot three wild ducks. Here was the peat-rick that hid my dinner, when I + could not go home for it, and there was the bush with the thyme growing + round it, where Annie had found a great swarm of our bees. And now was the + corner of the dry stone wall, where the moor gave over in earnest, and the + partridges whisked from it into the corn lands, and called that their + supper was ready, and looked at our house and the ricks as they ran, and + would wait for that comfort till winter. + </p> + <p> + And there I saw—but let me go—Annie was too much for me. She + nearly pulled me off my horse, and kissed the very mouth of the carbine. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0091" id="linkimage-0091"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:36%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/223.jpg" alt="223.jpg Home at Last " /> + </div> + <p> + “I knew you would come. Oh John! Oh John! I have waited here every + Saturday night; and I saw you for the last mile or more, but I would not + come round the corner, for fear that I should cry, John, and then not cry + when I got you. Now I may cry as much as I like, and you need not try to + stop me, John, because I am so happy. But you mustn't cry yourself, John; + what will mother think of you? She will be so jealous of me.” + </p> + <p> + What mother thought I cannot tell; and indeed I doubt if she thought at + all for more than half an hour, but only managed to hold me tight, and + cry, and thank God now and then, but with some fear of His taking me, if + she should be too grateful. Moreover she thought it was my own doing, and + I ought to have the credit of it, and she even came down very sharply upon + John's wife, Mrs. Fry, for saying that we must not be too proud, for all + of it was the Lord's doing. However, dear mother was ashamed of that + afterwards, and asked Mrs. Fry's humble pardon; and perhaps I ought not to + have mentioned it. + </p> + <p> + Old Smiler had told them that I was coming—all the rest, I mean, + except Annie—for having escaped from his halter-ring, he was come + out to graze in the lane a bit; when what should he see but a strange + horse coming with young master and mistress upon him, for Annie must needs + get up behind me, there being only sheep to look at her. Then Smiler gave + us a stare and a neigh, with his tail quite stiff with amazement, and then + (whether in joy or through indignation) he flung up his hind feet and + galloped straight home, and set every dog wild with barking. + </p> + <p> + Now, methinks, quite enough has been said concerning this mighty return of + the young John Ridd (which was known up at Cosgate that evening), and + feeling that I cannot describe it, how can I hope that any one else will + labour to imagine it, even of the few who are able? For very few can have + travelled so far, unless indeed they whose trade it is, or very unsettled + people. And even of those who have done so, not one in a hundred can have + such a home as I had to come home to. + </p> + <p> + Mother wept again, with grief and some wrath, and so did Annie also, and + even little Eliza, and all were unsettled in loyalty, and talked about a + republic, when I told them how I had been left without money for + travelling homeward, and expected to have to beg my way, which Farmer + Snowe would have heard of. And though I could see they were disappointed + at my failure of any promotion, they all declared how glad they were, and + how much better they liked me to be no more than what they were accustomed + to. At least, my mother and Annie said so, without waiting to hear any + more; but Lizzie did not answer to it, until I had opened my bag and shown + the beautiful present I had for her. And then she kissed me, almost like + Annie, and vowed that she thought very little of captains. + </p> + <p> + For Lizzie's present was the best of all, I mean, of course, except + Lorna's (which I carried in my breast all the way, hoping that it might + make her love me, from having lain so long, close to my heart). For I had + brought Lizzie something dear, and a precious heavy book it was, and much + beyond my understanding; whereas I knew well that to both the others my + gifts would be dear, for mine own sake. And happier people could not be + found than the whole of us were that evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0092" id="linkimage-0092"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/225.jpg" width="100%" alt="225.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0028" id="linklink2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN HAS HOPE OF LORNA + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0093" id="linkimage-0093"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/226.jpg" alt="226.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Much as I longed to know more about Lorna, and though all my heart was + yearning, I could not reconcile it yet with my duty to mother and Annie, + to leave them on the following day, which happened to be a Sunday. For lo, + before breakfast was out of our mouths, there came all the men of the + farm, and their wives, and even the two crow-boys, dressed as if going to + Barnstaple fair, to inquire how Master John was, and whether it was true + that the King had made him one of his body-guard; and if so, what was to + be done with the belt for the championship of the West-Counties wrestling, + which I had held now for a year or more, and none were ready to challenge + it. Strange to say, this last point seemed the most important of all to + them; and none asked who was to manage the farm, or answer for their + wages; but all asked who was to wear the belt. + </p> + <p> + To this I replied, after shaking hands twice over all round with all of + them, that I meant to wear the belt myself, for the honour of Oare parish, + so long as ever God gave me strength and health to meet all-comers; for I + had never been asked to be body-guard, and if asked I would never have + done it. Some of them cried that the King must be mazed, not to keep me + for his protection, in these violent times of Popery. I could have told + them that the King was not in the least afraid of Papists, but on the + contrary, very fond of them; however, I held my tongue, remembering what + Judge Jeffreys bade me. + </p> + <p> + In church, the whole congregation, man, woman, and child (except, indeed, + the Snowe girls, who only looked when I was not watching), turned on me + with one accord, and stared so steadfastly, to get some reflection of the + King from me, that they forgot the time to kneel down and the parson was + forced to speak to them. If I coughed, or moved my book, or bowed, or even + said “Amen,” glances were exchanged which meant—“That he hath + learned in London town, and most likely from His Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + However, all this went off in time, and people became even angry with me + for not being sharper (as they said), or smarter, or a whit more + fashionable, for all the great company I had seen, and all the wondrous + things wasted upon me. + </p> + <p> + But though I may have been none the wiser by reason of my stay in London, + at any rate I was much the better in virtue of coming home again. For now + I had learned the joy of quiet, and the gratitude for good things round + us, and the love we owe to others (even those who must be kind), for their + indulgence to us. All this, before my journey, had been too much as a + matter of course to me; but having missed it now I knew that it was a + gift, and might be lost. Moreover, I had pined so much, in the dust and + heat of that great town, for trees, and fields, and running waters, and + the sounds of country life, and the air of country winds, that never more + could I grow weary of those soft enjoyments; or at least I thought so + then. + </p> + <p> + To awake as the summer sun came slanting over the hill-tops, with hope on + every beam adance to the laughter of the morning; to see the leaves across + the window ruffling on the fresh new air, and the tendrils of the powdery + vine turning from their beaded sleep. Then the lustrous meadows far beyond + the thatch of the garden-wall, yet seen beneath the hanging scollops of + the walnut-tree, all awaking, dressed in pearl, all amazed at their own + glistening, like a maid at her own ideas. Down them troop the lowing kine, + walking each with a step of character (even as men and women do), yet all + alike with toss of horns, and spread of udders ready. From them without a + word, we turn to the farm-yard proper, seen on the right, and dryly + strawed from the petty rush of the pitch-paved runnel. Round it stand the + snug out-buildings, barn, corn-chamber, cider-press, stables, with a + blinker'd horse in every doorway munching, while his driver tightens + buckles, whistles and looks down the lane, dallying to begin his labour + till the milkmaids be gone by. Here the cock comes forth at last;—where + has he been lingering?—eggs may tell to-morrow—he claps his + wings and shouts “cock-a-doodle”; and no other cock dare look at him. Two + or three go sidling off, waiting till their spurs be grown; and then the + crowd of partlets comes, chattering how their lord has dreamed, and crowed + at two in the morning, and praying that the old brown rat would only dare + to face him. But while the cock is crowing still, and the pullet world + admiring him, who comes up but the old turkey-cock, with all his family + round him. Then the geese at the lower end begin to thrust their breasts + out, and mum their down-bits, and look at the gander and scream shrill joy + for the conflict; while the ducks in pond show nothing but tail, in proof + of their strict neutrality. + </p> + <p> + While yet we dread for the coming event, and the fight which would jar on + the morning, behold the grandmother of sows, gruffly grunting right and + left with muzzle which no ring may tame (not being matrimonial), hulks + across between the two, moving all each side at once, and then all of the + other side as if she were chined down the middle, and afraid of spilling + the salt from her. As this mighty view of lard hides each combatant from + the other, gladly each retires and boasts how he would have slain his + neighbour, but that old sow drove the other away, and no wonder he was + afraid of her, after all the chicks she had eaten. + </p> + <p> + And so it goes on; and so the sun comes, stronger from his drink of dew; + and the cattle in the byres, and the horses from the stable, and the men + from cottage-door, each has had his rest and food, all smell alike of hay + and straw, and every one must hie to work, be it drag, or draw, or delve. + </p> + <p> + So thought I on the Monday morning; while my own work lay before me, and I + was plotting how to quit it, void of harm to every one, and let my love + have work a little—hardest perhaps of all work, and yet as sure as + sunrise. I knew that my first day's task on the farm would be strictly + watched by every one, even by my gentle mother, to see what I had learned + in London. But could I let still another day pass, for Lorna to think me + faithless? + </p> + <p> + I felt much inclined to tell dear mother all about Lorna, and how I loved + her, yet had no hope of winning her. Often and often, I had longed to do + this, and have done with it. But the thought of my father's terrible + death, at the hands of the Doones, prevented me. And it seemed to me + foolish and mean to grieve mother, without any chance of my suit ever + speeding. If once Lorna loved me, my mother should know it; and it would + be the greatest happiness to me to have no concealment from her, though at + first she was sure to grieve terribly. But I saw no more chance of Lorna + loving me, than of the man in the moon coming down; or rather of the moon + coming down to the man, as related in old mythology. + </p> + <p> + Now the merriment of the small birds, and the clear voice of the waters, + and the lowing of cattle in meadows, and the view of no houses (except + just our own and a neighbour's), and the knowledge of everybody around, + their kindness of heart and simplicity, and love of their neighbour's + doings,—all these could not help or please me at all, and many of + them were much against me, in my secret depth of longing and dark tumult + of the mind. Many people may think me foolish, especially after coming + from London, where many nice maids looked at me (on account of my bulk and + stature), and I might have been fitted up with a sweetheart, in spite of + my west-country twang, and the smallness of my purse; if only I had said + the word. But nay; I have contempt for a man whose heart is like a + shirt-stud (such as I saw in London cards), fitted into one to-day, + sitting bravely on the breast; plucked out on the morrow morn, and the + place that knew it, gone. + </p> + <p> + Now, what did I do but take my chance; reckless whether any one heeded me + or not, only craving Lorna's heed, and time for ten words to her. + Therefore I left the men of the farm as far away as might be, after making + them work with me (which no man round our parts could do, to his own + satisfaction), and then knowing them to be well weary, very unlike to + follow me—and still more unlike to tell of me, for each had his + London present—I strode right away, in good trust of my speed, + without any more misgivings; but resolved to face the worst of it, and to + try to be home for supper. + </p> + <p> + And first I went, I know not why, to the crest of the broken highland, + whence I had agreed to watch for any mark or signal. And sure enough at + last I saw (when it was too late to see) that the white stone had been + covered over with a cloth or mantle,—the sign that something had + arisen to make Lorna want me. For a moment I stood amazed at my evil + fortune; that I should be too late, in the very thing of all things on + which my heart was set! Then after eyeing sorrowfully every crick and + cranny to be sure that not a single flutter of my love was visible, off I + set, with small respect either for my knees or neck, to make the round of + the outer cliffs, and come up my old access. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could stop me; it was not long, although to me it seemed an age, + before I stood in the niche of rock at the head of the slippery + watercourse, and gazed into the quiet glen, where my foolish heart was + dwelling. Notwithstanding doubts of right, notwithstanding sense of duty, + and despite all manly striving, and the great love of my home, there my + heart was ever dwelling, knowing what a fool it was, and content to know + it. + </p> + <p> + Many birds came twittering round me in the gold of August; many trees + showed twinkling beauty, as the sun went lower; and the lines of water + fell, from wrinkles into dimples. Little heeding, there I crouched; though + with sense of everything that afterwards should move me, like a picture or + a dream; and everything went by me softly, while my heart was gazing. + </p> + <p> + At last, a little figure came, not insignificant (I mean), but looking + very light and slender in the moving shadows, gently here and softly + there, as if vague of purpose, with a gloss of tender movement, in and out + the wealth of trees, and liberty of the meadow. Who was I to crouch, or + doubt, or look at her from a distance; what matter if they killed me now, + and one tear came to bury me? Therefore I rushed out at once, as if + shot-guns were unknown yet; not from any real courage, but from prisoned + love burst forth. + </p> + <p> + I know not whether my own Lorna was afraid of what I looked, or what I + might say to her, or of her own thoughts of me; all I know is that she + looked frightened, when I hoped for gladness. Perhaps the power of my joy + was more than maiden liked to own, or in any way to answer to; and to tell + the truth, it seemed as if I might now forget myself; while she would take + good care of it. This makes a man grow thoughtful; unless, as some low + fellows do, he believe all women hypocrites. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I went slowly towards her, taken back in my impulse; and said + all I could come to say, with some distress in doing it. + </p> + <p> + “Mistress Lorna, I had hope that you were in need of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; but that was long ago; two months ago, or more, sir.” And saying + this she looked away, as if it all were over. But I was now so dazed and + frightened, that it took my breath away, and I could not answer, feeling + sure that I was robbed and some one else had won her. And I tried to turn + away, without another word, and go. + </p> + <p> + But I could not help one stupid sob, though mad with myself for allowing + it, but it came too sharp for pride to stay it, and it told a world of + things. Lorna heard it, and ran to me, with her bright eyes full of + wonder, pity, and great kindness, as if amazed that I had more than a + simple liking for her. Then she held out both hands to me; and I took and + looked at them. + </p> + <p> + “Master Ridd, I did not mean,” she whispered, very softly, “I did not mean + to vex you.” + </p> + <p> + “If you would be loath to vex me, none else in this world can do it,” I + answered out of my great love, but fearing yet to look at her, mine eyes + not being strong enough. + </p> + <p> + “Come away from this bright place,” she answered, trembling in her turn; + “I am watched and spied of late. Come beneath the shadows, John.” + </p> + <p> + I would have leaped into the valley of the shadow of death (as described + by the late John Bunyan), only to hear her call me “John”; though Apollyon + were lurking there, and Despair should lock me in. + </p> + <p> + She stole across the silent grass; but I strode hotly after her; fear was + all beyond me now, except the fear of losing her. I could not but behold + her manner, as she went before me, all her grace, and lovely sweetness, + and her sense of what she was. + </p> + <p> + She led me to her own rich bower, which I told of once before; and if in + spring it were a sight, what was it in summer glory? But although my mind + had notice of its fairness and its wonder, not a heed my heart took of it, + neither dwelt it in my presence more than flowing water. All that in my + presence dwelt, all that in my heart was felt, was the maiden moving + gently, and afraid to look at me. + </p> + <p> + For now the power of my love was abiding on her, new to her, unknown to + her; not a thing to speak about, nor even to think clearly; only just to + feel and wonder, with a pain of sweetness. She could look at me no more, + neither could she look away, with a studied manner—only to let fall + her eyes, and blush, and be put out with me, and still more with herself. + </p> + <p> + I left her quite alone; though close, though tingling to have hold of her. + Even her right hand was dropped and lay among the mosses. Neither did I + try to steal one glimpse below her eyelids. Life and death to me were + hanging on the first glance I should win; yet I let it be so. + </p> + <p> + After long or short—I know not, yet ere I was weary, ere I yet began + to think or wish for any answer—Lorna slowly raised her eyelids, + with a gleam of dew below them, and looked at me doubtfully. Any look with + so much in it never met my gaze before. + </p> + <p> + “Darling, do you love me?” was all that I could say to her. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I like you very much,” she answered, with her eyes gone from me, and + her dark hair falling over, so as not to show me things. + </p> + <p> + “But do you love me, Lorna, Lorna; do you love me more than all the + world?” + </p> + <p> + “No, to be sure not. Now why should I?” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, I know not why you should. Only I hoped that you did, Lorna. + Either love me not at all, or as I love you for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “John I love you very much; and I would not grieve you. You are the + bravest, and the kindest, and the simplest of all men—I mean of all + people—I like you very much, Master Ridd, and I think of you almost + every day.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not do for me, Lorna. Not almost every day I think, but every + instant of my life, of you. For you I would give up my home, my love of + all the world beside, my duty to my dearest ones, for you I would give up + my life, and hope of life beyond it. Do you love me so?” + </p> + <p> + “Not by any means,” said Lorna; “no, I like you very much, when you do not + talk so wildly; and I like to see you come as if you would fill our valley + up, and I like to think that even Carver would be nothing in your hands—but + as to liking you like that, what should make it likely? especially when I + have made the signal, and for some two months or more you have never even + answered it! If you like me so ferociously, why do you leave me for other + people to do just as they like with me?” + </p> + <p> + “To do as they liked! Oh, Lorna, not to make you marry Carver?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Master Ridd, be not frightened so; it makes me fear to look at you.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have not married Carver yet? Say quick! Why keep me waiting so?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I have not, Master Ridd. Should I be here if I had, think you, + and allowing you to like me so, and to hold my hand, and make me laugh, as + I declare you almost do sometimes? And at other times you frighten me.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they want you to marry Carver? Tell me all the truth of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, not yet. They are not half so impetuous as you are, John. I am + only just seventeen, you know, and who is to think of marrying? But they + wanted me to give my word, and be formally betrothed to him in the + presence of my grandfather. It seems that something frightened them. There + is a youth named Charleworth Doone, every one calls him 'Charlie'; a + headstrong and a gay young man, very gallant in his looks and manner; and + my uncle, the Counsellor, chose to fancy that Charlie looked at me too + much, coming by my grandfather's cottage.” + </p> + <p> + Here Lorna blushed so that I was frightened, and began to hate this + Charlie more, a great deal more, than even Carver Doone. + </p> + <p> + “He had better not,” said I; “I will fling him over it, if he dare. He + shall see thee through the roof, Lorna, if at all he see thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Master Ridd, you are worse than Carver! I thought you were so + kind-hearted. Well, they wanted me to promise, and even to swear a solemn + oath (a thing I have never done in my life) that I would wed my eldest + cousin, this same Carver Doone, who is twice as old as I am, being + thirty-five and upwards. That was why I gave the token that I wished to + see you, Master Ridd. They pointed out how much it was for the peace of + all the family, and for mine own benefit; but I would not listen for a + moment, though the Counsellor was most eloquent, and my grandfather begged + me to consider, and Carver smiled his pleasantest, which is a truly + frightful thing. Then both he and his crafty father were for using force + with me; but Sir Ensor would not hear of it; and they have put off that + extreme until he shall be past its knowledge, or, at least, beyond + preventing it. And now I am watched, and spied, and followed, and half my + little liberty seems to be taken from me. I could not be here speaking + with you, even in my own nook and refuge, but for the aid, and skill, and + courage of dear little Gwenny Carfax. She is now my chief reliance, and + through her alone I hope to baffle all my enemies, since others have + forsaken me.” + </p> + <p> + Tears of sorrow and reproach were lurking in her soft dark eyes, until in + fewest words I told her that my seeming negligence was nothing but my + bitter loss and wretched absence far away; of which I had so vainly + striven to give any tidings without danger to her. When she heard all + this, and saw what I had brought from London (which was nothing less than + a ring of pearls with a sapphire in the midst of them, as pretty as could + well be found), she let the gentle tears flow fast, and came and sat so + close beside me, that I trembled like a folded sheep at the bleating of + her lamb. But recovering comfort quickly, without more ado, I raised her + left hand and observed it with a nice regard, wondering at the small blue + veins, and curves, and tapering whiteness, and the points it finished + with. My wonder seemed to please her much, herself so well accustomed to + it, and not fond of watching it. And then, before she could say a word, or + guess what I was up to, as quick as ever I turned hand in a bout of + wrestling, on her finger was my ring—sapphire for the veins of blue, + and pearls to match white fingers. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you crafty Master Ridd!” said Lorna, looking up at me, and blushing + now a far brighter blush than when she spoke of Charlie; “I thought that + you were much too simple ever to do this sort of thing. No wonder you can + catch the fish, as when first I saw you.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I caught you, little fish? Or must all my life be spent in hopeless + angling for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither one nor the other, John! You have not caught me yet altogether, + though I like you dearly John; and if you will only keep away, I shall + like you more and more. As for hopeless angling, John—that all + others shall have until I tell you otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + With the large tears in her eyes—tears which seemed to me to rise + partly from her want to love me with the power of my love—she put + her pure bright lips, half smiling, half prone to reply to tears, against + my forehead lined with trouble, doubt, and eager longing. And then she + drew my ring from off that snowy twig her finger, and held it out to me; + and then, seeing how my face was falling, thrice she touched it with her + lips, and sweetly gave it back to me. “John, I dare not take it now; else + I should be cheating you. I will try to love you dearly, even as you + deserve and wish. Keep it for me just till then. Something tells me I + shall earn it in a very little time. Perhaps you will be sorry then, sorry + when it is all too late, to be loved by such as I am.” + </p> + <p> + What could I do at her mournful tone, but kiss a thousand times the hand + which she put up to warn me, and vow that I would rather die with one + assurance of her love, than without it live for ever with all beside that + the world could give? Upon this she looked so lovely, with her dark + eyelashes trembling, and her soft eyes full of light, and the colour of + clear sunrise mounting on her cheeks and brow, that I was forced to turn + away, being overcome with beauty. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest darling, love of my life,” I whispered through her clouds of + hair; “how long must I wait to know, how long must I linger doubting + whether you can ever stoop from your birth and wondrous beauty to a poor, + coarse hind like me, an ignorant unlettered yeoman—” + </p> + <p> + “I will not have you revile yourself,” said Lorna, very tenderly—just + as I had meant to make her. “You are not rude and unlettered, John. You + know a great deal more than I do; you have learned both Greek and Latin, + as you told me long ago, and you have been at the very best school in the + West of England. None of us but my grandfather, and the Counsellor (who is + a great scholar), can compare with you in this. And though I have laughed + at your manner of speech, I only laughed in fun, John; I never meant to + vex you by it, nor knew that it had done so.” + </p> + <p> + “Naught you say can vex me, dear,” I answered, as she leaned towards me in + her generous sorrow; “unless you say 'Begone, John Ridd; I love another + more than you.'” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall never vex you, John. Never, I mean, by saying that. Now, + John, if you please, be quiet—” + </p> + <p> + For I was carried away so much by hearing her calling me “John” so often, + and the music of her voice, and the way she bent toward me, and the shadow + of soft weeping in the sunlight of her eyes, that some of my great hand + was creeping in a manner not to be imagined, and far less explained, + toward the lithesome, wholesome curving underneath her mantle-fold, and + out of sight and harm, as I thought; not being her front waist. However, I + was dashed with that, and pretended not to mean it; only to pluck some + lady-fern, whose elegance did me no good. + </p> + <p> + “Now, John,” said Lorna, being so quick that not even a lover could cheat + her, and observing my confusion more intently than she need have done. + “Master John Ridd, it is high time for you to go home to your mother. I + love your mother very much from what you have told me about her, and I + will not have her cheated.” + </p> + <p> + “If you truly love my mother,” said I, very craftily “the only way to show + it is by truly loving me.” + </p> + <p> + Upon that she laughed at me in the sweetest manner, and with such + provoking ways, and such come-and-go of glances, and beginning of quick + blushes, which she tried to laugh away, that I knew, as well as if she + herself had told me, by some knowledge (void of reasoning, and the surer + for it), I knew quite well, while all my heart was burning hot within me, + and mine eyes were shy of hers, and her eyes were shy of mine; for certain + and for ever this I knew—as in a glory—that Lorna Doone had + now begun and would go on to love me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0029" id="linklink2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <h3> + REAPING LEADS TO REVELLING + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0094" id="linkimage-0094"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/236.jpg" alt="236.jpg the Signal " /> + </div> + <p> + Although I was under interdict for two months from my darling—“one + for your sake, one for mine,” she had whispered, with her head withdrawn, + yet not so very far from me—lighter heart was not on Exmoor than I + bore for half the time, and even for three quarters. For she was safe; I + knew that daily by a mode of signals well-contrived between us now, on the + strength of our experience. “I have nothing now to fear, John,” she had + said to me, as we parted; “it is true that I am spied and watched, but + Gwenny is too keen for them. While I have my grandfather to prevent all + violence; and little Gwenny to keep watch on those who try to watch me; + and you, above all others, John, ready at a moment, if the worst comes to + the worst—this neglected Lorna Doone was never in such case before. + Therefore do not squeeze my hand, John; I am safe without it, and you do + not know your strength.” + </p> + <p> + Ah, I knew my strength right well. Hill and valley scarcely seemed to be + step and landing for me; fiercest cattle I would play with, making them go + backward, and afraid of hurting them, like John Fry with his terrier; even + rooted trees seemed to me but as sticks I could smite down, except for my + love of everything. The love of all things was upon me, and a softness to + them all, and a sense of having something even such as they had. + </p> + <p> + Then the golden harvest came, waving on the broad hill-side, and nestling + in the quiet nooks scooped from out the fringe of wood. A wealth of + harvest such as never gladdened all our country-side since my father + ceased to reap, and his sickle hung to rust. There had not been a man on + Exmoor fit to work that reaping-hook since the time its owner fell, in the + prime of life and strength, before a sterner reaper. But now I took it + from the wall, where mother proudly stored it, while she watched me, + hardly knowing whether she should smile or cry. + </p> + <p> + All the parish was assembled in our upper courtyard; for we were to open + the harvest that year, as had been settled with Farmer Nicholas, and with + Jasper Kebby, who held the third or little farm. We started in proper + order, therefore, as our practice is: first, the parson Josiah Bowden, + wearing his gown and cassock, with the parish Bible in his hand, and a + sickle strapped behind him. As he strode along well and stoutly, being a + man of substance, all our family came next, I leading mother with one + hand, in the other bearing my father's hook, and with a loaf of our own + bread and a keg of cider upon my back. Behind us Annie and Lizzie walked, + wearing wreaths of corn-flowers, set out very prettily, such as mother + would have worn if she had been a farmer's wife, instead of a farmer's + widow. Being as she was, she had no adornment, except that her widow's + hood was off, and her hair allowed to flow, as if she had been a maiden; + and very rich bright hair it was, in spite of all her troubles. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0095" id="linkimage-0095"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/237.jpg" width="100%" alt="237.jpg a Wealth of Harvest " /> + </div> + <p> + After us, the maidens came, milkmaids and the rest of them, with Betty + Muxworthy at their head, scolding even now, because they would not walk + fitly. But they only laughed at her; and she knew it was no good to scold, + with all the men behind them. + </p> + <p> + Then the Snowes came trooping forward; Farmer Nicholas in the middle, + walking as if he would rather walk to a wheatfield of his own, yet content + to follow lead, because he knew himself the leader; and signing every now + and then to the people here and there, as if I were nobody. But to see his + three great daughters, strong and handsome wenches, making upon either + side, as if somebody would run off with them—this was the very thing + that taught me how to value Lorna, and her pure simplicity. + </p> + <p> + After the Snowes came Jasper Kebby, with his wife, new-married; and a very + honest pair they were, upon only a hundred acres, and a right of common. + After these the men came hotly, without decent order, trying to spy the + girls in front, and make good jokes about them, at which their wives + laughed heartily, being jealous when alone perhaps. And after these men + and their wives came all the children toddling, picking flowers by the + way, and chattering and asking questions, as the children will. There must + have been threescore of us, take one with another, and the lane was full + of people. When we were come to the big field-gate, where the first sickle + was to be, Parson Bowden heaved up the rail with the sleeves of his gown + done green with it; and he said that everybody might hear him, though his + breath was short, “In the name of the Lord, Amen!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen! So be it!” cried the clerk, who was far behind, being only a + shoemaker. + </p> + <p> + Then Parson Bowden read some verses from the parish Bible, telling us to + lift up our eyes, and look upon the fields already white to harvest; and + then he laid the Bible down on the square head of the gate-post, and + despite his gown and cassock, three good swipes he cut off corn, and laid + them right end onwards. All this time the rest were huddling outside the + gate, and along the lane, not daring to interfere with parson, but + whispering how well he did it. + </p> + <p> + When he had stowed the corn like that, mother entered, leaning on me, and + we both said, “Thank the Lord for all His mercies, and these the + first-fruits of His hand!” And then the clerk gave out a psalm verse by + verse, done very well; although he sneezed in the midst of it, from a + beard of wheat thrust up his nose by the rival cobbler at Brendon. And + when the psalm was sung, so strongly that the foxgloves on the bank were + shaking, like a chime of bells, at it, Parson took a stoop of cider, and + we all fell to at reaping. + </p> + <p> + Of course I mean the men, not women; although I know that up the country, + women are allowed to reap; and right well they reap it, keeping row for + row with men, comely, and in due order, yet, meseems, the men must ill + attend to their own reaping-hooks, in fear lest the other cut themselves, + being the weaker vessel. But in our part, women do what seems their proper + business, following well behind the men, out of harm of the swinging hook, + and stooping with their breasts and arms up they catch the swathes of + corn, where the reapers cast them, and tucking them together tightly with + a wisp laid under them, this they fetch around and twist, with a knee to + keep it close; and lo, there is a goodly sheaf, ready to set up in stooks! + After these the children come, gathering each for his little self, if the + farmer be right-minded; until each hath a bundle made as big as himself + and longer, and tumbles now and again with it, in the deeper part of the + stubble. + </p> + <p> + We, the men, kept marching onwards down the flank of the yellow wall, with + knees bent wide, and left arm bowed and right arm flashing steel. Each man + in his several place, keeping down the rig or chine, on the right side of + the reaper in front, and the left of the man that followed him, each + making farther sweep and inroad into the golden breadth and depth, each + casting leftwards his rich clearance on his foregoer's double track. + </p> + <p> + So like half a wedge of wildfowl, to and fro we swept the field; and when + to either hedge we came, sickles wanted whetting, and throats required + moistening, and backs were in need of easing, and every man had much to + say, and women wanted praising. Then all returned to the other end, with + reaping-hooks beneath our arms, and dogs left to mind jackets. + </p> + <p> + But now, will you believe me well, or will you only laugh at me? For even + in the world of wheat, when deep among the varnished crispness of the + jointed stalks, and below the feathered yielding of the graceful heads, + even as I gripped the swathes and swept the sickle round them, even as I + flung them by to rest on brother stubble, through the whirling yellow + world, and eagerness of reaping, came the vision of my love, as with + downcast eyes she wondered at my power of passion. And then the sweet + remembrance glowed brighter than the sun through wheat, through my very + depth of heart, of how she raised those beaming eyes, and ripened in my + breast rich hope. Even now I could descry, like high waves in the + distance, the rounded heads and folded shadows of the wood of Bagworthy. + Perhaps she was walking in the valley, and softly gazing up at them. Oh, + to be a bird just there! I could see a bright mist hanging just above the + Doone Glen. Perhaps it was shedding its drizzle upon her. Oh, to be a drop + of rain! The very breeze which bowed the harvest to my bosom gently, might + have come direct from Lorna, with her sweet voice laden. Ah, the flaws of + air that wander where they will around her, fan her bright cheek, play + with lashes, even revel in her hair and reveal her beauties—man is + but a breath, we know, would I were such breath as that! + </p> + <p> + But confound it, while I ponder, with delicious dreams suspended, with my + right arm hanging frustrate and the giant sickle drooped, with my left arm + bowed for clasping something more germane than wheat, and my eyes not + minding business, but intent on distant woods—confound it, what are + the men about, and why am I left vapouring? They have taken advantage of + me, the rogues! They are gone to the hedge for the cider-jars; they have + had up the sledd of bread and meat, quite softly over the stubble, and if + I can believe my eyes (so dazed with Lorna's image), they are sitting down + to an excellent dinner, before the church clock has gone eleven! + </p> + <p> + “John Fry, you big villain!” I cried, with John hanging up in the air by + the scruff of his neck-cloth, but holding still by his knife and fork, and + a goose-leg in between his lips, “John Fry, what mean you by this, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Latt me dowun, or I can't tell 'e,” John answered with some difficulty. + So I let him come down, and I must confess that he had reason on his side. + “Plaise your worship”—John called me so, ever since I returned from + London, firmly believing that the King had made me a magistrate at least; + though I was to keep it secret—“us zeed as how your worship were + took with thinkin' of King's business, in the middle of the whate-rigg: + and so uz zed, 'Latt un coom to his zell, us had better zave taime, by + takking our dinner'; and here us be, praise your worship, and hopps no + offence with thick iron spoon full of vried taties.” + </p> + <p> + I was glad enough to accept the ladle full of fried batatas, and to make + the best of things, which is generally done by letting men have their own + way. Therefore I managed to dine with them, although it was so early. + </p> + <p> + For according to all that I can find, in a long life and a varied one, + twelve o'clock is the real time for a man to have his dinner. Then the sun + is at his noon, calling halt to look around, and then the plants and + leaves are turning, each with a little leisure time, before the work of + the afternoon. Then is the balance of east and west, and then the right + and left side of a man are in due proportion, and contribute fairly with + harmonious fluids. And the health of this mode of life, and its reclaiming + virtue are well set forth in our ancient rhyme,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sunrise, breakfast; sun high, dinner; + Sundown, sup; makes a saint of a sinner.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0096" id="linkimage-0096"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/242.jpg" alt="242.jpg Annie and Lizzie " /> + </div> + <p> + Whish, the wheat falls! Whirl again; ye have had good dinners; give your + master and mistress plenty to supply another year. And in truth we did + reap well and fairly, through the whole of that afternoon, I not only + keeping lead, but keeping the men up to it. We got through a matter of ten + acres, ere the sun between the shocks broke his light on wheaten plumes, + then hung his red cloak on the clouds, and fell into grey slumber. + </p> + <p> + Seeing this we wiped our sickles, and our breasts and foreheads, and soon + were on the homeward road, looking forward to good supper. + </p> + <p> + Of course all the reapers came at night to the harvest-supper, and Parson + Bowden to say the grace as well as to help to carve for us. And some help + was needed there, I can well assure you; for the reapers had brave + appetites, and most of their wives having babies were forced to eat as a + duty. Neither failed they of this duty; cut and come again was the order + of the evening, as it had been of the day; and I had no time to ask + questions, but help meat and ladle gravy. All the while our darling Annie, + with her sleeves tucked up, and her comely figure panting, was running + about with a bucket of taties mashed with lard and cabbage. Even Lizzie + had left her books, and was serving out beer and cider; while mother + helped plum-pudding largely on pewter-plates with the mutton. And all the + time, Betty Muxworthy was grunting in and out everywhere, not having space + to scold even, but changing the dishes, serving the meat, poking the fire, + and cooking more. But John Fry would not stir a peg, except with his knife + and fork, having all the airs of a visitor, and his wife to keep him + eating, till I thought there would be no end of it. + </p> + <p> + Then having eaten all they could, they prepared themselves, with one + accord, for the business now of drinking. But first they lifted the neck + of corn, dressed with ribbons gaily, and set it upon the mantelpiece, each + man with his horn a-froth; and then they sang a song about it, every one + shouting in the chorus louder than harvest thunderstorm. Some were in the + middle of one verse, and some at the end of the next one; yet somehow all + managed to get together in the mighty roar of the burden. And if any + farmer up the country would like to know Exmoor harvest-song as sung in my + time and will be sung long after I am garnered home, lo, here I set it + down for him, omitting only the dialect, which perchance might puzzle him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0097" id="linkimage-0097"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/243.jpg" width="100%" alt="243.jpg Harvest " /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Exmoor Harvest-song + 1 + + The corn, oh the corn, 'tis the ripening of the corn! + Go unto the door, my lad, and look beneath the moon, + Thou canst see, beyond the woodrick, how it is yelloon: + 'Tis the harvesting of wheat, and the barley must be shorn. + + (Chorus) + + The corn, oh the corn, and the yellow, mellow corn! + Here's to the corn, with the cups upon the board! + We've been reaping all the day, and we'll reap again the morn + And fetch it home to mow-yard, and then we'll thank the Lord. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 2 + + The wheat, oh the wheat, 'tis the ripening of the wheat! + All the day it has been hanging down its heavy head, + Bowing over on our bosoms with a beard of red: + 'Tis the harvest, and the value makes the labour sweet. + + (Chorus) + + The wheat, oh the wheat, and the golden, golden wheat! + Here's to the wheat, with the loaves upon the board! + We've been reaping all the day, and we never will be beat + And fetch it all to mow-yard, and then we'll thank the Lord. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 3 + + The barley, oh the barley, and the barley is in prime! + All the day it has been rustling, with its bristles brown, + Waiting with its beard abowing, till it can be mown! + 'Tis the harvest and the barley must abide its time. + + (Chorus) + + The barley, oh the barley, and the barley ruddy brown! + Here's to the barley, with the beer upon the board! + We'll go amowing, soon as ever all the wheat is down; + When all is in the mow-yard, we'll stop, and thank the Lord. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 4 + + The oats, oh the oats, 'tis the ripening of the oats! + All the day they have been dancing with their flakes of white, + Waiting for the girding-hook, to be the nags' delight: + 'Tis the harvest, let them dangle in their skirted coats. + + (Chorus) + + The oats, oh the oats, and the silver, silver oats! + Here's to the oats with the blackstone on the board! + We'll go among them, when the barley has been laid in rotes: + When all is home to mow-yard, we'll kneel and thank the Lord. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 5 + + The corn, oh the corn, and the blessing of the corn! + Come unto the door, my lads, and look beneath the moon, + We can see, on hill and valley, how it is yelloon, + With a breadth of glory, as when our Lord was born. + + (Chorus) + + The corn, oh the corn, and the yellow, mellow corn! + Thanks for the corn, with our bread upon the board! + So shall we acknowledge it, before we reap the morn, + With our hands to heaven, and our knees unto the Lord. +</pre> + <p> + Now we sang this song very well the first time, having the parish choir to + lead us, and the clarionet, and the parson to give us the time with his + cup; and we sang it again the second time, not so but what you might + praise it (if you had been with us all the evening), although the parson + was gone then, and the clerk not fit to compare with him in the matter of + keeping time. But when that song was in its third singing, I defy any man + (however sober) to have made out one verse from the other, or even the + burden from the verses, inasmuch as every man present, ay, and woman too, + sang as became convenient to them, in utterance both of words and tune. + </p> + <p> + And in truth, there was much excuse for them; because it was a noble + harvest, fit to thank the Lord for, without His thinking us hypocrites. + For we had more land in wheat, that year, than ever we had before, and + twice the crop to the acre; and I could not help now and then remembering, + in the midst of the merriment, how my father in the churchyard yonder + would have gloried to behold it. And my mother, who had left us now, + happening to return just then, being called to have her health drunk (for + the twentieth time at least), I knew by the sadness in her eyes that she + was thinking just as I was. Presently, therefore, I slipped away from the + noise, and mirth, and smoking (although of that last there was not much, + except from Farmer Nicholas), and crossing the courtyard in the moonlight, + I went, just to cool myself, as far as my father's tombstone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0098" id="linkimage-0098"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/245.jpg" width="100%" alt="245.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0030" id="linklink2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> + <h3> + ANNIE GETS THE BEST OF IT + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0099" id="linkimage-0099"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/246.jpg" alt="246.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + I had long outgrown unwholesome feeling as to my father's death, and so + had Annie; though Lizzie (who must have loved him least) still entertained + some evil will, and longing for a punishment. Therefore I was surprised + (and indeed, startled would not be too much to say, the moon being + somewhat fleecy), to see our Annie sitting there as motionless as the + tombstone, and with all her best fallals upon her, after stowing away the + dishes. + </p> + <p> + My nerves, however, are good and strong, except at least in love matters, + wherein they always fail me, and when I meet with witches; and therefore I + went up to Annie, although she looked so white and pure; for I had seen + her before with those things on, and it struck me who she was. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing here, Annie?” I inquired rather sternly, being vexed + with her for having gone so very near to frighten me. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing at all,” said our Annie shortly. And indeed it was truth enough + for a woman. Not that I dare to believe that women are such liars as men + say; only that I mean they often see things round the corner, and know not + which is which of it. And indeed I never have known a woman (though right + enough in their meaning) purely and perfectly true and transparent, except + only my Lorna; and even so, I might not have loved her, if she had been + ugly. + </p> + <p> + “Why, how so?” said I; “Miss Annie, what business have you here, doing + nothing at this time of night? And leaving me with all the trouble to + entertain our guests!” + </p> + <p> + “You seem not to me to be doing it, John,” Annie answered softly; “what + business have you here doing nothing, at this time of night?” + </p> + <p> + I was taken so aback with this, and the extreme impertinence of it, from a + mere young girl like Annie, that I turned round to march away and have + nothing more to say to her. But she jumped up, and caught me by the hand, + and threw herself upon my bosom, with her face all wet with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, I will tell you. I will tell you. Only don't be angry, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Angry! no indeed,” said I; “what right have I to be angry with you, + because you have your secrets? Every chit of a girl thinks now that she + has a right to her secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have none of your own, John; of course you have none of your own? + All your going out at night—” + </p> + <p> + “We will not quarrel here, poor Annie,” I answered, with some loftiness; + “there are many things upon my mind, which girls can have no notion of.” + </p> + <p> + “And so there are upon mine, John. Oh, John, I will tell you everything, + if you will look at me kindly, and promise to forgive me. Oh, I am so + miserable!” + </p> + <p> + Now this, though she was behaving so badly, moved me much towards her; + especially as I longed to know what she had to tell me. Therefore I + allowed her to coax me, and to kiss me, and to lead me away a little, as + far as the old yew-tree; for she would not tell me where she was. + </p> + <p> + But even in the shadow there, she was very long before beginning, and + seemed to have two minds about it, or rather perhaps a dozen; and she laid + her cheek against the tree, and sobbed till it was pitiful; and I knew + what mother would say to her for spoiling her best frock so. + </p> + <p> + “Now will you stop?” I said at last, harder than I meant it, for I knew + that she would go on all night, if any one encouraged her: and though not + well acquainted with women, I understood my sisters; or else I must be a + born fool—except, of course, that I never professed to understand + Eliza. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will stop,” said Annie, panting; “you are very hard on me, John; + but I know you mean it for the best. If somebody else—I am sure I + don't know who, and have no right to know, no doubt, but she must be a + wicked thing—if somebody else had been taken so with a pain all + round the heart, John, and no power of telling it, perhaps you would have + coaxed, and kissed her, and come a little nearer, and made opportunity to + be very loving.” + </p> + <p> + Now this was so exactly what I had tried to do to Lorna, that my breath + was almost taken away at Annie's so describing it. For a while I could not + say a word, but wondered if she were a witch, which had never been in our + family: and then, all of a sudden, I saw the way to beat her, with the + devil at my elbow. + </p> + <p> + “From your knowledge of these things, Annie, you must have had them done + to you. I demand to know this very moment who has taken such liberties.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, John, you shall never know, if you ask in that manner. Besides, it + was no liberty in the least at all, Cousins have a right to do things—and + when they are one's godfather—” Here Annie stopped quite suddenly + having so betrayed herself; but met me in the full moonlight, being + resolved to face it out, with a good face put upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, I feared it would come to this,” I answered very sadly; “I know he + has been here many a time, without showing himself to me. There is nothing + meaner than for a man to sneak, and steal a young maid's heart, without + her people knowing it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not doing anything of that sort yourself then, dear John, are + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a common highwayman!” I answered, without heeding her; “a man + without an acre of his own, and liable to hang upon any common, and no + other right of common over it—” + </p> + <p> + “John,” said my sister, “are the Doones privileged not to be hanged upon + common land?” + </p> + <p> + At this I was so thunderstruck, that I leaped in the air like a shot + rabbit, and rushed as hard as I could through the gate and across the + yard, and back into the kitchen; and there I asked Farmer Nicholas Snowe + to give me some tobacco, and to lend me a spare pipe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0100" id="linkimage-0100"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/248.jpg" alt="248.jpg Spare Pipe " /> + </div> + <p> + This he did with a grateful manner, being now some five-fourths gone; and + so I smoked the very first pipe that ever had entered my lips till then; + and beyond a doubt it did me good, and spread my heart at leisure. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the reapers were mostly gone, to be up betimes in the morning; + and some were led by their wives; and some had to lead their wives + themselves, according to the capacity of man and wife respectively. But + Betty was as lively as ever, bustling about with every one, and looking + out for the chance of groats, which the better off might be free with. And + over the kneading-pan next day, she dropped three and sixpence out of her + pocket; and Lizzie could not tell for her life how much more might have + been in it. + </p> + <p> + Now by this time I had almost finished smoking that pipe of tobacco, and + wondering at myself for having so despised it hitherto, and making up my + mind to have another trial to-morrow night, it began to occur to me that + although dear Annie had behaved so very badly and rudely, and almost taken + my breath away with the suddenness of her allusion, yet it was not kind of + me to leave her out there at that time of night, all alone, and in such + distress. Any of the reapers going home might be gotten so far beyond fear + of ghosts as to venture into the churchyard; and although they would know + a great deal better than to insult a sister of mine when sober, there was + no telling what they might do in their present state of rejoicing. + Moreover, it was only right that I should learn, for Lorna's sake, how far + Annie, or any one else, had penetrated our secret. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, I went forth at once, bearing my pipe in a skilful manner, as I + had seen Farmer Nicholas do; and marking, with a new kind of pleasure, how + the rings and wreaths of smoke hovered and fluttered in the moonlight, + like a lark upon his carol. Poor Annie was gone back again to our father's + grave, and there she sat upon the turf, sobbing very gently, and not + wishing to trouble any one. So I raised her tenderly, and made much of + her, and consoled her, for I could not scold her there; and perhaps after + all she was not to be blamed so much as Tom Faggus himself was. Annie was + very grateful to me, and kissed me many times, and begged my pardon ever + so often for her rudeness to me. And then having gone so far with it, and + finding me so complaisant, she must needs try to go a little further, and + to lead me away from her own affairs, and into mine concerning Lorna. But + although it was clever enough of her she was not deep enough for me there; + and I soon discovered that she knew nothing, not even the name of my + darling; but only suspected from things she had seen, and put together + like a woman. Upon this I brought her back again to Tom Faggus and his + doings. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Annie, have you really promised him to be his wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Then after all you have no reason, John, no particular reason, I mean, + for slighting poor Sally Snowe so?” + </p> + <p> + “Without even asking mother or me! Oh, Annie, it was wrong of you!” + </p> + <p> + “But, darling, you know that mother wishes you so much to marry Sally; and + I am sure you could have her to-morrow. She dotes on the very ground—” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say he tells you that, Annie, that he dotes on the ground you walk + upon—but did you believe him, child?” + </p> + <p> + “You may believe me, I assure you, John, and half the farm to be settled + upon her, after the old man's time; and though she gives herself little + airs, it is only done to entice you; she has the very best hand in the + dairy John, and the lightest at a turn-over cake—” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Annie, don't talk nonsense so. I wish just to know the truth about + you and Tom Faggus. Do you mean to marry him?” + </p> + <p> + “I to marry before my brother, and leave him with none to take care of + him! Who can do him a red deer collop, except Sally herself, as I can? + Come home, dear, at once, and I will do you one; for you never ate a + morsel of supper, with all the people you had to attend upon.” + </p> + <p> + This was true enough; and seeing no chance of anything more than cross + questions and crooked purposes, at which a girl was sure to beat me, I + even allowed her to lead me home, with the thoughts of the collop + uppermost. But I never counted upon being beaten so thoroughly as I was; + for knowing me now to be off my guard, the young hussy stopped at the + farmyard gate, as if with a brier entangling her, and while I was stooping + to take it away, she looked me full in the face by the moonlight, and + jerked out quite suddenly,— + </p> + <p> + “Can your love do a collop, John?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I should hope not,” I answered rashly; “she is not a mere cook-maid I + should hope.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not half so pretty as Sally Snowe; I will answer for that,” said + Annie. + </p> + <p> + “She is ten thousand times as pretty as ten thousand Sally Snowes,” I + replied with great indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but look at Sally's eyes!” cried my sister rapturously. + </p> + <p> + “Look at Lorna Doone's,” said I; “and you would never look again at + Sally's.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh Lorna Doone. Lorna Doone!” exclaimed our Annie half-frightened, yet + clapping her hands with triumph, at having found me out so: “Lorna Doone + is the lovely maiden, who has stolen poor somebody's heart so. Ah, I shall + remember it; because it is so queer a name. But stop, I had better write + it down. Lend me your hat, poor boy, to write on.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a great mind to lend you a box on the ear,” I answered her in my + vexation, “and I would, if you had not been crying so, you sly + good-for-nothing baggage. As it is, I shall keep it for Master Faggus, and + add interest for keeping.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, John; oh no, John,” she begged me earnestly, being sobered in a + moment. “Your hand is so terribly heavy, John; and he never would forgive + you; although he is so good-hearted, he cannot put up with an insult. + Promise me, dear John, that you will not strike him; and I will promise + you faithfully to keep your secret, even from mother, and even from Cousin + Tom himself.” + </p> + <p> + “And from Lizzie; most of all, from Lizzie,” I answered very eagerly, + knowing too well which of my relations would be hardest with me. + </p> + <p> + “Of course from little Lizzie,” said Annie, with some contempt; “a young + thing like her cannot be kept too long, in my opinion, from the knowledge + of such subjects. And besides, I should be very sorry if Lizzie had the + right to know your secrets, as I have, dearest John. Not a soul shall be + the wiser for your having trusted me, John; although I shall be very + wretched when you are late away at night, among those dreadful people.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I replied, “it is no use crying over spilt milk Annie. You have my + secret, and I have yours; and I scarcely know which of the two is likely + to have the worst time of it, when it comes to mother's ears. I could put + up with perpetual scolding but not with mother's sad silence.” + </p> + <p> + “That is exactly how I feel, John.” and as Annie said it she brightened + up, and her soft eyes shone upon me; “but now I shall be much happier, + dear; because I shall try to help you. No doubt the young lady deserves + it, John. She is not after the farm, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “She!” I exclaimed; and that was enough, there was so much scorn in my + voice and face. + </p> + <p> + “Then, I am sure, I am very glad,” Annie always made the best of things; + “for I do believe that Sally Snowe has taken a fancy to our dairy-place, + and the pattern of our cream-pans; and she asked so much about our + meadows, and the colour of the milk—” + </p> + <p> + “Then, after all, you were right, dear Annie; it is the ground she dotes + upon.” + </p> + <p> + “And the things that walk upon it,” she answered me with another kiss; + “Sally has taken a wonderful fancy to our best cow, 'Nipple-pins.' But she + never shall have her now; what a consolation!” + </p> + <p> + We entered the house quite gently thus, and found Farmer Nicholas Snowe + asleep, little dreaming how his plans had been overset between us. And + then Annie said to me very slyly, between a smile and a blush,— + </p> + <p> + “Don't you wish Lorna Doone was here, John, in the parlour along with + mother; instead of those two fashionable milkmaids, as Uncle Ben will call + them, and poor stupid Mistress Kebby?” + </p> + <p> + “That indeed I do, Annie. I must kiss you for only thinking of it. Dear + me, it seems as if you had known all about us for a twelvemonth.” + </p> + <p> + “She loves you, with all her heart, John. No doubt about that of course.” + And Annie looked up at me, as much as to say she would like to know who + could help it. + </p> + <p> + “That's the very thing she won't do,” said I, knowing that Annie would + love me all the more for it, “she is only beginning to like me, Annie; and + as for loving, she is so young that she only loves her grandfather. But I + hope she will come to it by-and-by.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course she must,” replied my sister, “it will be impossible for her to + help it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah well! I don't know,” for I wanted more assurance of it. “Maidens are + such wondrous things!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0101" id="linkimage-0101"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/253.jpg" + alt="253.jpg Maidens Are Such Wondrous Things " /> + </div> + <p> + “Not a bit of it,” said Annie, casting her bright eyes downwards: “love is + as simple as milking, when people know how to do it. But you must not let + her alone too long; that is my advice to you. What a simpleton you must + have been not to tell me long ago. I would have made Lorna wild about you, + long before this time, Johnny. But now you go into the parlour, dear, + while I do your collop. Faith Snowe is not come, but Polly and Sally. + Sally has made up her mind to conquer you this very blessed evening, John. + Only look what a thing of a scarf she has on; I should be quite ashamed to + wear it. But you won't strike poor Tom, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, my darling, for your sweet sake.” + </p> + <p> + And so dear Annie, having grown quite brave, gave me a little push into + the parlour, where I was quite abashed to enter after all I had heard + about Sally. And I made up my mind to examine her well, and try a little + courting with her, if she should lead me on, that I might be in practice + for Lorna. But when I perceived how grandly and richly both the young + damsels were apparelled; and how, in their curtseys to me, they retreated, + as if I were making up to them, in a way they had learned from Exeter; and + how they began to talk of the Court, as if they had been there all their + lives, and the latest mode of the Duchess of this, and the profile of the + Countess of that, and the last good saying of my Lord something; instead + of butter, and cream, and eggs, and things which they understood; I knew + there must be somebody in the room besides Jasper Kebby to talk at. + </p> + <p> + And so there was; for behind the curtain drawn across the window-seat no + less a man than Uncle Ben was sitting half asleep and weary; and by his + side a little girl very quiet and very watchful. My mother led me to Uncle + Ben, and he took my hand without rising, muttering something not + over-polite, about my being bigger than ever. I asked him heartily how he + was, and he said, “Well enough, for that matter; but none the better for + the noise you great clods have been making.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry if we have disturbed you, sir,” I answered very civilly; “but + I knew not that you were here even; and you must allow for harvest time.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems,” he replied; “and allow a great deal, including waste and + drunkenness. Now (if you can see so small a thing, after emptying flagons + much larger) this is my granddaughter, and my heiress”—here he + glanced at mother—“my heiress, little Ruth Huckaback.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad to see you, Ruth,” I answered, offering her my hand, which + she seemed afraid to take, “welcome to Plover's Barrows, my good cousin + Ruth.” + </p> + <p> + However, my good cousin Ruth only arose, and made me a curtsey, and lifted + her great brown eyes at me, more in fear, as I thought, than kinship. And + if ever any one looked unlike the heiress to great property, it was the + little girl before me. + </p> + <p> + “Come out to the kitchen, dear, and let me chuck you to the ceiling,” I + said, just to encourage her; “I always do it to little girls; and then + they can see the hams and bacon.” But Uncle Reuben burst out laughing; and + Ruth turned away with a deep rich colour. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know how old she is, you numskull?” said Uncle Ben, in his dryest + drawl; “she was seventeen last July, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “On the first of July, grandfather,” Ruth whispered, with her back still + to me; “but many people will not believe it.” + </p> + <p> + Here mother came up to my rescue, as she always loved to do; and she said, + “If my son may not dance Miss Ruth, at any rate he may dance with her. We + have only been waiting for you, dear John, to have a little harvest dance, + with the kitchen door thrown open. You take Ruth; Uncle Ben take Sally; + Master Debby pair off with Polly; and neighbour Nicholas will be good + enough, if I can awake him, to stand up with fair Mistress Kebby. Lizzie + will play us the virginal. Won't you, Lizzie dear?” + </p> + <p> + “But who is to dance with you, madam?” Uncle Ben asked, very politely. “I + think you must rearrange your figure. I have not danced for a score of + years; and I will not dance now, while the mistress and the owner of the + harvest sits aside neglected.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Master Huckaback,” cried Sally Snowe, with a saucy toss of her hair; + “Mistress Ridd is too kind a great deal, in handing you over to me. You + take her; and I will fetch Annie to be my partner this evening. I like + dancing very much better with girls, for they never squeeze and rumple + one. Oh, it is so much nicer!” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear for me, my dears,” our mother answered smiling: “Parson + Bowden promised to come back again; I expect him every minute; and he + intends to lead me off, and to bring a partner for Annie too, a very + pretty young gentleman. Now begin; and I will join you.” + </p> + <p> + There was no disobeying her, without rudeness; and indeed the girls' feet + were already jigging; and Lizzie giving herself wonderful airs with a roll + of learned music; and even while Annie was doing my collop, her pretty + round instep was arching itself, as I could see from the parlour-door. So + I took little Ruth, and I spun her around, as the sound of the music came + lively and ringing; and after us came all the rest with much laughter, + begging me not to jump over her; and anon my grave partner began to smile + sweetly, and look up at me with the brightest of eyes, and drop me the + prettiest curtseys; till I thought what a great stupe I must have been to + dream of putting her in the cheese-rack. But one thing I could not at all + understand; why mother, who used to do all in her power to throw me across + Sally Snowe, should now do the very opposite; for she would not allow me + one moment with Sally, not even to cross in the dance, or whisper, or go + anywhere near a corner (which as I said, I intended to do, just by way of + practice), while she kept me, all the evening, as close as possible with + Ruth Huckaback, and came up and praised me so to Ruth, times and again, + that I declare I was quite ashamed. Although of course I knew that I + deserved it all, but I could not well say that. + </p> + <p> + Then Annie came sailing down the dance, with her beautiful hair flowing + round her; the lightest figure in all the room, and the sweetest, and the + loveliest. She was blushing, with her fair cheeks red beneath her dear + blue eyes, as she met my glance of surprise and grief at the partner she + was leaning on. It was Squire Marwood de Whichehalse. I would sooner have + seen her with Tom Faggus, as indeed I had expected, when I heard of Parson + Bowden. And to me it seemed that she had no right to be dancing so with + any other; and to this effect I contrived to whisper; but she only said, + “See to yourself, John. No, but let us both enjoy ourselves. You are not + dancing with Lorna, John. But you seem uncommonly happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush,” I said; “could I flip about so, if I had my love with me?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0031" id="linklink2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN FRY'S ERRAND + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0102" id="linkimage-0102"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/256.jpg" alt="256.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + We kept up the dance very late that night, mother being in such wonderful + spirits, that she would not hear of our going to bed: while she glanced + from young Squire Marwood, very deep in his talk with our Annie, to me and + Ruth Huckaback who were beginning to be very pleasant company. Alas, poor + mother, so proud as she was, how little she dreamed that her good schemes + already were hopelessly going awry! + </p> + <p> + Being forced to be up before daylight next day, in order to begin right + early, I would not go to my bedroom that night for fear of disturbing my + mother, but determined to sleep in the tallat awhile, that place being + cool, and airy, and refreshing with the smell of sweet hay. Moreover, + after my dwelling in town, where I had felt like a horse on a lime-kiln, I + could not for a length of time have enough of country life. The mooing of + a calf was music, and the chuckle of a fowl was wit, and the snore of the + horses was news to me. + </p> + <p> + “Wult have thee own wai, I reckon,” said Betty, being cross with + sleepiness, for she had washed up everything; “slape in hog-pound, if thee + laikes, Jan.” + </p> + <p> + Letting her have the last word of it (as is the due of women) I stood in + the court, and wondered awhile at the glory of the harvest moon, and the + yellow world it shone upon. Then I saw, as sure as ever I was standing + there in the shadow of the stable, I saw a short wide figure glide across + the foot of the courtyard, between me and the six-barred gate. Instead of + running after it, as I should have done, I began to consider who it could + be, and what on earth was doing there, when all our people were in bed, + and the reapers gone home, or to the linhay close against the wheatfield. + </p> + <p> + Having made up my mind at last, that it could be none of our people—though + not a dog was barking—and also that it must have been either a girl + or a woman, I ran down with all speed to learn what might be the meaning + of it. But I came too late to learn, through my own hesitation, for this + was the lower end of the courtyard, not the approach from the parish + highway, but the end of the sledd-way, across the fields where the brook + goes down to the Lynn stream, and where Squire Faggus had saved the old + drake. And of course the dry channel of the brook, being scarcely any + water now, afforded plenty of place to hide, leading also to a little + coppice, beyond our cabbage-garden, and so further on to the parish + highway. + </p> + <p> + I saw at once that it was vain to make any pursuit by moonlight; and + resolving to hold my own counsel about it (though puzzled not a little) + and to keep watch there another night, back I returned to the + tallatt-ladder, and slept without leaving off till morning. + </p> + <p> + Now many people may wish to know, as indeed I myself did very greatly, + what had brought Master Huckaback over from Dulverton, at that time of + year, when the clothing business was most active on account of harvest + wages, and when the new wheat was beginning to sample from the early parts + up the country (for he meddled as well in corn-dealing) and when we could + not attend to him properly by reason of our occupation. And yet more + surprising it seemed to me that he should have brought his granddaughter + also, instead of the troop of dragoons, without which he had vowed he + would never come here again. And how he had managed to enter the house + together with his granddaughter, and be sitting quite at home in the + parlour there, without any knowledge or even suspicion on my part. That + last question was easily solved, for mother herself had admitted them by + means of the little passage, during a chorus of the harvest-song which + might have drowned an earthquake: but as for his meaning and motive, and + apparent neglect of his business, none but himself could interpret them; + and as he did not see fit to do so, we could not be rude enough to + inquire. + </p> + <p> + He seemed in no hurry to take his departure, though his visit was so + inconvenient to us, as himself indeed must have noticed: and presently + Lizzie, who was the sharpest among us, said in my hearing that she + believed he had purposely timed his visit so that he might have liberty to + pursue his own object, whatsoever it were, without interruption from us. + Mother gazed hard upon Lizzie at this, having formed a very different + opinion; but Annie and myself agreed that it was worth looking into. + </p> + <p> + Now how could we look into it, without watching Uncle Reuben, whenever he + went abroad, and trying to catch him in his speech, when he was taking his + ease at night. For, in spite of all the disgust with which he had spoken + of harvest wassailing, there was not a man coming into our kitchen who + liked it better than he did; only in a quiet way, and without too many + witnesses. Now to endeavour to get at the purpose of any guest, even a + treacherous one (which we had no right to think Uncle Reuben) by means of + observing him in his cups, is a thing which even the lowest of people + would regard with abhorrence. And to my mind it was not clear whether it + would be fair-play at all to follow a visitor even at a distance from home + and clear of our premises; except for the purpose of fetching him back, + and giving him more to go on with. Nevertheless we could not but think, + the times being wild and disjointed, that Uncle Ben was not using fairly + the part of a guest in our house, to make long expeditions we knew not + whither, and involve us in trouble we knew not what. + </p> + <p> + For his mode was directly after breakfast to pray to the Lord a little + (which used not to be his practice), and then to go forth upon Dolly, the + which was our Annie's pony, very quiet and respectful, with a bag of good + victuals hung behind him, and two great cavalry pistols in front. And he + always wore his meanest clothes as if expecting to be robbed, or to disarm + the temptation thereto; and he never took his golden chronometer neither + his bag of money. So much the girls found out and told me (for I was never + at home myself by day); and they very craftily spurred me on, having less + noble ideas perhaps, to hit upon Uncle Reuben's track, and follow, and see + what became of him. For he never returned until dark or more, just in time + to be in before us, who were coming home from the harvest. And then Dolly + always seemed very weary, and stained with a muck from beyond our parish. + </p> + <p> + But I refused to follow him, not only for the loss of a day's work to + myself, and at least half a day to the other men, but chiefly because I + could not think that it would be upright and manly. It was all very well + to creep warily into the valley of the Doones, and heed everything around + me, both because they were public enemies, and also because I risked my + life at every step I took there. But as to tracking a feeble old man + (however subtle he might be), a guest moreover of our own, and a relative + through my mother.—“Once for all,” I said, “it is below me, and I + won't do it.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, the girls, knowing my way, ceased to torment me about it: but + what was my astonishment the very next day to perceive that instead of + fourteen reapers, we were only thirteen left, directly our breakfast was + done with—or mowers rather I should say, for we were gone into the + barley now. + </p> + <p> + “Who has been and left his scythe?” I asked; “and here's a tin cup never + been handled!” + </p> + <p> + “Whoy, dudn't ee knaw, Maister Jan,” said Bill Dadds, looking at me + queerly, “as Jan Vry wur gane avore braxvass.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well,” I answered, “John knows what he is doing.” For John Fry + was a kind of foreman now, and it would not do to say anything that might + lessen his authority. However, I made up my mind to rope him, when I + should catch him by himself, without peril to his dignity. + </p> + <p> + But when I came home in the evening, late and almost weary, there was no + Annie cooking my supper, nor Lizzie by the fire reading, nor even little + Ruth Huckaback watching the shadows and pondering. Upon this, I went to + the girls' room, not in the very best of tempers, and there I found all + three of them in the little place set apart for Annie, eagerly listening + to John Fry, who was telling some great adventure. John had a great jug of + ale beside him, and a horn well drained; and he clearly looked upon + himself as a hero, and the maids seemed to be of the same opinion. + </p> + <p> + “Well done, John,” my sister was saying, “capitally done, John Fry. How + very brave you have been, John. Now quick, let us hear the rest of it.” + </p> + <p> + “What does all this nonsense mean?” I said, in a voice which frightened + them, as I could see by the light of our own mutton candles: “John Fry, + you be off to your wife at once, or you shall have what I owe you now, + instead of to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + John made no answer, but scratched his head, and looked at the maidens to + take his part. + </p> + <p> + “It is you that must be off, I think,” said Lizzie, looking straight at me + with all the impudence in the world; “what right have you to come in here + to the young ladies' room, without an invitation even?” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Miss Lizzie, I suppose mother has some right here.” And with + that, I was going away to fetch her, knowing that she always took my side, + and never would allow the house to be turned upside down in that manner. + But Annie caught hold of me by the arm, and little Ruth stood in the + doorway; and Lizzie said, “Don't be a fool, John. We know things of you, + you know; a great deal more than you dream of.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this I glanced at Annie, to learn whether she had been telling, but + her pure true face reassured me at once, and then she said very gently,— + </p> + <p> + “Lizzie, you talk too fast, my child. No one knows anything of our John + which he need be ashamed of; and working as he does from light to dusk, + and earning the living of all of us, he is entitled to choose his own good + time for going out and for coming in, without consulting a little girl + five years younger than himself. Now, John, sit down, and you shall know + all that we have done, though I doubt whether you will approve of it.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this I kissed Annie, and so did Ruth; and John Fry looked a deal more + comfortable, but Lizzie only made a face at us. Then Annie began as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + “You must know, dear John, that we have been extremely curious, ever since + Uncle Reuben came, to know what he was come for, especially at this time + of year, when he is at his busiest. He never vouchsafed any explanation, + neither gave any reason, true or false, which shows his entire ignorance + of all feminine nature. If Ruth had known, and refused to tell us, we + should have been much easier, because we must have got it out of Ruth + before two or three days were over. But darling Ruth knew no more than we + did, and indeed I must do her the justice to say that she has been quite + as inquisitive. Well, we might have put up with it, if it had not been for + his taking Dolly, my own pet Dolly, away every morning, quite as if she + belonged to him, and keeping her out until close upon dark, and then + bringing her home in a frightful condition. And he even had the impudence, + when I told him that Dolly was my pony, to say that we owed him a pony, + ever since you took from him that little horse upon which you found him + strapped so snugly; and he means to take Dolly to Dulverton with him, to + run in his little cart. If there is law in the land he shall not. Surely, + John, you will not let him?” + </p> + <p> + “That I won't,” said I, “except upon the conditions which I offered him + once before. If we owe him the pony, we owe him the straps.” + </p> + <p> + Sweet Annie laughed, like a bell, at this, and then she went on with her + story. + </p> + <p> + “Well, John, we were perfectly miserable. You cannot understand it, of + course; but I used to go every evening, and hug poor Dolly, and kiss her, + and beg her to tell me where she had been, and what she had seen, that + day. But never having belonged to Balaam, darling Dolly was quite + unsuccessful, though often she strove to tell me, with her ears down, and + both eyes rolling. Then I made John Fry tie her tail in a knot, with a + piece of white ribbon, as if for adornment, that I might trace her among + the hills, at any rate for a mile or two. But Uncle Ben was too deep for + that; he cut off the ribbon before he started, saying he would have no + Doones after him. And then, in despair, I applied to you, knowing how + quick of foot you are, and I got Ruth and Lizzie to help me, but you + answered us very shortly; and a very poor supper you had that night, + according to your deserts. + </p> + <p> + “But though we were dashed to the ground for a time, we were not wholly + discomfited. Our determination to know all about it seemed to increase + with the difficulty. And Uncle Ben's manner last night was so dry, when we + tried to romp and to lead him out, that it was much worse than Jamaica + ginger grated into a poor sprayed finger. So we sent him to bed at the + earliest moment, and held a small council upon him. If you remember you, + John, having now taken to smoke (which is a hateful practice), had gone + forth grumbling about your bad supper and not taking it as a good lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Annie,” I cried, in amazement at this, “I will never trust you again + for a supper. I thought you were so sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “And so I was, dear; very sorry. But still we must do our duty. And when + we came to consider it, Ruth was the cleverest of us all; for she said + that surely we must have some man we could trust about the farm to go on a + little errand; and then I remembered that old John Fry would do anything + for money.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for money, plaize, miss,” said John Fry, taking a pull at the beer; + “but for the love of your swate face.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, John; with the King's behind it. And so Lizzie ran for John + Fry at once, and we gave him full directions, how he was to slip out of + the barley in the confusion of the breakfast, so that none might miss him; + and to run back to the black combe bottom, and there he would find the + very same pony which Uncle Ben had been tied upon, and there is no faster + upon the farm. And then, without waiting for any breakfast unless he could + eat it either running or trotting, he was to travel all up the black + combe, by the track Uncle Reuben had taken, and up at the top to look + forward carefully, and so to trace him without being seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; and raight wull a doo'd un,” John cried, with his mouth in the + bullock's horn. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what did you see, John?” I asked, with great anxiety; though I + meant to have shown no interest. + </p> + <p> + “John was just at the very point of it,” Lizzie answered me sharply, “when + you chose to come in and stop him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let him begin again,” said I; “things being gone so far, it is now + my duty to know everything, for the sake of you girls and mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem!” cried Lizzie, in a nasty way; but I took no notice of her, for she + was always bad to deal with. Therefore John Fry began again, being + heartily glad to do so, that his story might get out of the tumble which + all our talk had made in it. But as he could not tell a tale in the manner + of my Lorna (although he told it very well for those who understood him) I + will take it from his mouth altogether, and state in brief what happened. + </p> + <p> + When John, upon his forest pony, which he had much ado to hold (its mouth + being like a bucket), was come to the top of the long black combe, two + miles or more from Plover's Barrows, and winding to the southward, he + stopped his little nag short of the crest, and got off and looked ahead of + him, from behind a tump of whortles. It was a long flat sweep of moorland + over which he was gazing, with a few bogs here and there, and brushy + places round them. Of course, John Fry, from his shepherd life and + reclaiming of strayed cattle, knew as well as need be where he was, and + the spread of the hills before him, although it was beyond our beat, or, + rather, I should say, beside it. Not but what we might have grazed there + had it been our pleasure, but that it was not worth our while, and + scarcely worth Jasper Kebby's even; all the land being cropped (as one + might say) with desolation. And nearly all our knowledge of it sprang from + the unaccountable tricks of cows who have young calves with them; at which + time they have wild desire to get away from the sight of man, and keep + calf and milk for one another, although it be in a barren land. At least, + our cows have gotten this trick, and I have heard other people complain of + it. + </p> + <p> + John Fry, as I said, knew the place well enough, but he liked it none the + more for that, neither did any of our people; and, indeed, all the + neighbourhood of Thomshill and Larksborough, and most of all Black Barrow + Down lay under grave imputation of having been enchanted with a very evil + spell. Moreover, it was known, though folk were loath to speak of it, even + on a summer morning, that Squire Thom, who had been murdered there, a + century ago or more, had been seen by several shepherds, even in the + middle day, walking with his severed head carried in his left hand, and + his right arm lifted towards the sun. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was very bold in John (as I acknowledged) to venture across + that moor alone, even with a fast pony under him, and some whisky by his + side. And he would never have done so (of that I am quite certain), either + for the sake of Annie's sweet face, or of the golden guinea, which the + three maidens had subscribed to reward his skill and valour. But the truth + was that he could not resist his own great curiosity. For, carefully + spying across the moor, from behind the tuft of whortles, at first he + could discover nothing having life and motion, except three or four wild + cattle roving in vain search for nourishment, and a diseased sheep + banished hither, and some carrion crows keeping watch on her. But when + John was taking his very last look, being only too glad to go home again, + and acknowledge himself baffled, he thought he saw a figure moving in the + farthest distance upon Black Barrow Down, scarcely a thing to be sure of + yet, on account of the want of colour. But as he watched, the figure + passed between him and a naked cliff, and appeared to be a man on + horseback, making his way very carefully, in fear of bogs and serpents. + For all about there it is adders' ground, and large black serpents dwell + in the marshes, and can swim as well as crawl. + </p> + <p> + John knew that the man who was riding there could be none but Uncle + Reuben, for none of the Doones ever passed that way, and the shepherds + were afraid of it. And now it seemed an unkind place for an unarmed man to + venture through, especially after an armed one who might not like to be + spied upon, and must have some dark object in visiting such drear + solitudes. Nevertheless John Fry so ached with unbearable curiosity to + know what an old man, and a stranger, and a rich man, and a peaceable + could possibly be after in that mysterious manner. Moreover, John so + throbbed with hope to find some wealthy secret, that come what would of it + he resolved to go to the end of the matter. + </p> + <p> + Therefore he only waited awhile for fear of being discovered, till Master + Huckaback turned to the left and entered a little gully, whence he could + not survey the moor. Then John remounted and crossed the rough land and + the stony places, and picked his way among the morasses as fast as ever he + dared to go; until, in about half an hour, he drew nigh the entrance of + the gully. And now it behoved him to be most wary; for Uncle Ben might + have stopped in there, either to rest his horse or having reached the end + of his journey. And in either case, John had little doubt that he himself + would be pistolled, and nothing more ever heard of him. Therefore he made + his pony come to the mouth of it sideways, and leaned over and peered in + around the rocky corner, while the little horse cropped at the briars. + </p> + <p> + But he soon perceived that the gully was empty, so far at least as its + course was straight; and with that he hastened into it, though his heart + was not working easily. When he had traced the winding hollow for half a + mile or more, he saw that it forked, and one part led to the left up a + steep red bank, and the other to the right, being narrow and slightly + tending downwards. Some yellow sand lay here and there between the + starving grasses, and this he examined narrowly for a trace of Master + Huckaback. + </p> + <p> + At last he saw that, beyond all doubt, the man he was pursuing had taken + the course which led down hill; and down the hill he must follow him. And + this John did with deep misgivings, and a hearty wish that he had never + started upon so perilous an errand. For now he knew not where he was, and + scarcely dared to ask himself, having heard of a horrible hole, somewhere + in this neighbourhood, called the Wizard's Slough. Therefore John rode + down the slope, with sorrow, and great caution. And these grew more as he + went onward, and his pony reared against him, being scared, although a + native of the roughest moorland. And John had just made up his mind that + God meant this for a warning, as the passage seemed darker and deeper, + when suddenly he turned a corner, and saw a scene which stopped him. + </p> + <p> + For there was the Wizard's Slough itself, as black as death, and bubbling, + with a few scant yellow reeds in a ring around it. Outside these, bright + water-grass of the liveliest green was creeping, tempting any unwary foot + to step, and plunge, and founder. And on the marge were blue campanula, + sundew, and forget-me-not, such as no child could resist. On either side, + the hill fell back, and the ground was broken with tufts of rush, and + flag, and mares-tail, and a few rough alder-trees overclogged with water. + And not a bird was seen or heard, neither rail nor water-hen, wag-tail nor + reed-warbler. + </p> + <p> + Of this horrible quagmire, the worst upon all Exmoor, John had heard from + his grandfather, and even from his mother, when they wanted to keep him + quiet; but his father had feared to speak of it to him, being a man of + piety, and up to the tricks of the evil one. This made John the more + desirous to have a good look at it now, only with his girths well up, to + turn away and flee at speed, if anything should happen. And now he proved + how well it is to be wary and wide-awake, even in lonesome places. For at + the other side of the Slough, and a few land-yards beyond it, where the + ground was less noisome, he had observed a felled tree lying over a great + hole in the earth, with staves of wood, and slabs of stone, and some + yellow gravel around it. But the flags of reeds around the morass partly + screened it from his eyes, and he could not make out the meaning of it, + except that it meant no good, and probably was witchcraft. Yet Dolly + seemed not to be harmed by it, for there she was as large as life, tied to + a stump not far beyond, and flipping the flies away with her tail. + </p> + <p> + While John was trembling within himself, lest Dolly should get scent of + his pony, and neigh and reveal their presence, although she could not see + them, suddenly to his great amazement something white arose out of the + hole, under the brown trunk of the tree. Seeing this his blood went back + within him, yet he was not able to turn and flee, but rooted his face in + among the loose stones, and kept his quivering shoulders back, and prayed + to God to protect him. However, the white thing itself was not so very + awful, being nothing more than a long-coned night-cap with a tassel on the + top, such as criminals wear at hanging-time. But when John saw a man's + face under it, and a man's neck and shoulders slowly rising out of the + pit, he could not doubt that this was the place where the murderers come + to life again, according to the Exmoor story. He knew that a man had been + hanged last week, and that this was the ninth day after it. + </p> + <p> + Therefore he could bear no more, thoroughly brave as he had been, neither + did he wait to see what became of the gallows-man; but climbed on his + horse with what speed he might, and rode away at full gallop. Neither did + he dare go back by the way he came, fearing to face Black Barrow Down! + therefore he struck up the other track leading away towards Cloven Rocks, + and after riding hard for an hour and drinking all his whisky, he luckily + fell in with a shepherd, who led him on to a public-house somewhere near + Exeford. And here he was so unmanned, the excitement being over, that + nothing less than a gallon of ale and half a gammon of bacon, brought him + to his right mind again. And he took good care to be home before dark, + having followed a well-known sheep track. + </p> + <p> + When John Fry finished his story at last, after many exclamations from + Annie, and from Lizzie, and much praise of his gallantry, yet some little + disappointment that he had not stayed there a little longer, while he was + about it, so as to be able to tell us more, I said to him very sternly,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, you have dreamed half this, my man. I firmly believe that you + fell asleep at the top of the black combe, after drinking all your whisky, + and never went on the moor at all. You know what a liar you are, John.” + </p> + <p> + The girls were exceedingly angry at this, and laid their hands before my + mouth; but I waited for John to answer, with my eyes fixed upon him + steadfastly. + </p> + <p> + “Bain't for me to denai,” said John, looking at me very honestly, “but + what a maight tull a lai, now and awhiles, zame as other men doth, and + most of arl them as spaks again it; but this here be no lai, Maister Jan. + I wush to God it wor, boy: a maight slape this naight the better.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you speak the truth, John; and I ask your pardon. Now not a + word to any one, about this strange affair. There is mischief brewing, I + can see; and it is my place to attend to it. Several things come across me + now—only I will not tell you.” + </p> + <p> + They were not at all contented with this; but I would give them no better; + except to say, when they plagued me greatly, and vowed to sleep at my door + all night,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, my dears, this is foolish of you. Too much of this matter is known + already. It is for your own dear sakes that I am bound to be cautious. I + have an opinion of my own; but it may be a very wrong one; I will not ask + you to share it with me; neither will I make you inquisitive.” + </p> + <p> + Annie pouted, and Lizzie frowned, and Ruth looked at me with her eyes wide + open, but no other mark of regarding me. And I saw that if any one of the + three (for John Fry was gone home with the trembles) could be trusted to + keep a secret, that one was Ruth Huckaback. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0103" id="linkimage-0103"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/267.jpg" width="100%" alt="267.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0032" id="linklink2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> + <h3> + FEEDING OF THE PIGS + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0104" id="linkimage-0104"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/268.jpg" alt="268.jpg Charles II. " /> + </div> + <p> + The story told by John Fry that night, and my conviction of its truth, + made me very uneasy, especially as following upon the warning of Judge + Jeffreys, and the hints received from Jeremy Stickles, and the outburst of + the tanner at Dunster, as well as sundry tales and rumours, and signs of + secret understanding, seen and heard on market-days, and at places of + entertainment. We knew for certain that at Taunton, Bridgwater, and even + Dulverton, there was much disaffection towards the King, and regret for + the days of the Puritans. Albeit I had told the truth, and the pure and + simple truth, when, upon my examination, I had assured his lordship, that + to the best of my knowledge there was nothing of the sort with us. + </p> + <p> + But now I was beginning to doubt whether I might not have been mistaken; + especially when we heard, as we did, of arms being landed at Lynmouth, in + the dead of the night, and of the tramp of men having reached some one's + ears, from a hill where a famous echo was. For it must be plain to any + conspirator (without the example of the Doones) that for the secret muster + of men and the stowing of unlawful arms, and communication by beacon + lights, scarcely a fitter place could be found than the wilds of Exmoor, + with deep ravines running far inland from an unwatched and mostly a + sheltered sea. For the Channel from Countisbury Foreland up to Minehead, + or even farther, though rocky, and gusty, and full of currents, is safe + from great rollers and the sweeping power of the south-west storms, which + prevail with us more than all the others, and make sad work on the + opposite coast. + </p> + <p> + But even supposing it probable that something against King Charles the + Second (or rather against his Roman advisers, and especially his brother) + were now in preparation amongst us, was it likely that Master Huckaback, a + wealthy man, and a careful one, known moreover to the Lord Chief Justice, + would have anything to do with it? To this I could make no answer; Uncle + Ben was so close a man, so avaricious, and so revengeful, that it was + quite impossible to say what course he might pursue, without knowing all + the chances of gain, or rise, or satisfaction to him. That he hated the + Papists I knew full well, though he never spoke much about them; also that + he had followed the march of Oliver Cromwell's army, but more as a suttler + (people said) than as a real soldier; and that he would go a long way, and + risk a great deal of money, to have his revenge on the Doones; although + their name never passed his lips during the present visit. + </p> + <p> + But how was it likely to be as to the Doones themselves? Which side would + they probably take in the coming movement, if movement indeed it would be? + So far as they had any religion at all, by birth they were Roman Catholics—so + much I knew from Lorna; and indeed it was well known all around, that a + priest had been fetched more than once to the valley, to soothe some poor + outlaw's departure. On the other hand, they were not likely to entertain + much affection for the son of the man who had banished them and + confiscated their property. And it was not at all impossible that + desperate men, such as they were, having nothing to lose, but estates to + recover, and not being held by religion much, should cast away all regard + for the birth from which they had been cast out, and make common cause + with a Protestant rising, for the chance of revenge and replacement. + </p> + <p> + However I do not mean to say that all these things occurred to me as + clearly as I have set them down; only that I was in general doubt, and + very sad perplexity. For mother was so warm, and innocent, and kind so to + every one, that knowing some little by this time of the English + constitution, I feared very greatly lest she should be punished for + harbouring malcontents. As well as possible I knew, that if any poor man + came to our door, and cried, “Officers are after me; for God's sake take + and hide me,” mother would take him in at once, and conceal, and feed him, + even though he had been very violent; and, to tell the truth, so would + both my sisters, and so indeed would I do. Whence it will be clear that we + were not the sort of people to be safe among disturbances. + </p> + <p> + Before I could quite make up my mind how to act in this difficulty, and + how to get at the rights of it (for I would not spy after Uncle Reuben, + though I felt no great fear of the Wizard's Slough, and none of the man + with the white night-cap), a difference came again upon it, and a change + of chances. For Uncle Ben went away as suddenly as he first had come to + us, giving no reason for his departure, neither claiming the pony, and + indeed leaving something behind him of great value to my mother. For he + begged her to see to his young grand-daughter, until he could find + opportunity of fetching her safely to Dulverton. Mother was overjoyed at + this, as she could not help displaying; and Ruth was quite as much + delighted, although she durst not show it. For at Dulverton she had to + watch and keep such ward on the victuals, and the in and out of the + shopmen, that it went entirely against her heart, and she never could + enjoy herself. Truly she was an altered girl from the day she came to us; + catching our unsuspicious manners, and our free goodwill, and hearty noise + of laughing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0105" id="linkimage-0105"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/271.jpg" width="100%" + alt="271.jpg Thatching of the Ricks " /> + </div> + <p> + By this time, the harvest being done, and the thatching of the ricks made + sure against south-western tempests, and all the reapers being gone, with + good money and thankfulness, I began to burn in spirit for the sight of + Lorna. I had begged my sister Annie to let Sally Snowe know, once for all, + that it was not in my power to have any thing more to do with her. Of + course our Annie was not to grieve Sally, neither to let it appear for a + moment that I suspected her kind views upon me, and her strong regard for + our dairy: only I thought it right upon our part not to waste Sally's time + any longer, being a handsome wench as she was, and many young fellows glad + to marry her. + </p> + <p> + And Annie did this uncommonly well, as she herself told me afterwards, + having taken Sally in the sweetest manner into her pure confidence, and + opened half her bosom to her, about my very sad love affair. Not that she + let Sally know, of course, who it was, or what it was; only that she made + her understand, without hinting at any desire of it, that there was no + chance now of having me. Sally changed colour a little at this, and then + went on about a red cow which had passed seven needles at milking time. + </p> + <p> + Inasmuch as there are two sorts of month well recognised by the calendar, + to wit the lunar and the solar, I made bold to regard both my months, in + the absence of any provision, as intended to be strictly lunar. Therefore + upon the very day when the eight weeks were expiring forth I went in + search of Lorna, taking the pearl ring hopefully, and all the new-laid + eggs I could find, and a dozen and a half of small trout from our brook. + And the pleasure it gave me to catch those trout, thinking as every one + came forth and danced upon the grass, how much she would enjoy him, is + more than I can now describe, although I well remember it. And it struck + me that after accepting my ring, and saying how much she loved me, it was + possible that my Queen might invite me even to stay and sup with her: and + so I arranged with dear Annie beforehand, who was now the greatest comfort + to me, to account for my absence if I should be late. + </p> + <p> + But alas, I was utterly disappointed; for although I waited and waited for + hours, with an equal amount both of patience and peril, no Lorna ever + appeared at all, nor even the faintest sign of her. And another thing + occurred as well, which vexed me more than it need have done, for so small + a matter. And this was that my little offering of the trout and the + new-laid eggs was carried off in the coolest manner by that vile Carver + Doone. For thinking to keep them the fresher and nicer, away from so much + handling, I laid them in a little bed of reeds by the side of the water, + and placed some dog-leaves over them. And when I had quite forgotten about + them, and was watching from my hiding-place beneath the willow-tree (for I + liked not to enter Lorna's bower, without her permission; except just to + peep that she was not there), and while I was turning the ring in my + pocket, having just seen the new moon, I became aware of a great man + coming leisurely down the valley. He had a broad-brimmed hat, and a + leather jerkin, and heavy jack-boots to his middle thigh, and what was + worst of all for me, on his shoulder he bore a long carbine. Having + nothing to meet him withal but my staff, and desiring to avoid + disturbance, I retired promptly into the chasm, keeping the tree betwixt + us that he might not descry me, and watching from behind the jut of a + rock, where now I had scraped myself a neat little hole for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + Presently the great man reappeared, being now within fifty yards of me, + and the light still good enough, as he drew nearer for me to descry his + features: and though I am not a judge of men's faces, there was something + in his which turned me cold, as though with a kind of horror. Not that it + was an ugly face; nay, rather it seemed a handsome one, so far as mere + form and line might go, full of strength, and vigour, and will, and + steadfast resolution. From the short black hair above the broad forehead, + to the long black beard descending below the curt, bold chin, there was + not any curve or glimpse of weakness or of afterthought. Nothing playful, + nothing pleasant, nothing with a track of smiles; nothing which a friend + could like, and laugh at him for having. And yet he might have been a good + man (for I have known very good men so fortified by their own strange + ideas of God): I say that he might have seemed a good man, but for the + cold and cruel hankering of his steel-blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + Now let no one suppose for a minute that I saw all this in a moment; for I + am very slow, and take a long time to digest things; only I like to set + down, and have done with it, all the results of my knowledge, though they + be not manifold. But what I said to myself, just then, was no more than + this: “What a fellow to have Lorna!” Having my sense of right so outraged + (although, of course, I would never allow her to go so far as that), I + almost longed that he might thrust his head in to look after me. For there + I was, with my ash staff clubbed, ready to have at him, and not ill + inclined to do so; if only he would come where strength, not firearms, + must decide it. However, he suspected nothing of my dangerous + neighbourhood, but walked his round like a sentinel, and turned at the + brink of the water. + </p> + <p> + Then as he marched back again, along the margin of the stream, he espied + my little hoard, covered up with dog-leaves. He saw that the leaves were + upside down, and this of course drew his attention. I saw him stoop, and + lay bare the fish, and the eggs set a little way from them and in my + simple heart, I thought that now he knew all about me. But to my surprise, + he seemed well-pleased; and his harsh short laughter came to me without + echo,— + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! Charlie boy! Fisherman Charlie, have I caught thee setting bait + for Lorna? Now, I understand thy fishings, and the robbing of Counsellor's + hen roost. May I never have good roasting, if I have it not to-night and + roast thee, Charlie, afterwards!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0106" id="linkimage-0106"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:38%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/274.jpg" alt="274.jpg Ha, Ha! Charlie Boy " /> + </div> + <p> + With this he calmly packed up my fish, and all the best of dear Annie's + eggs; and went away chuckling steadfastly, to his home, if one may call it + so. But I was so thoroughly grieved and mortified by this most impudent + robbery, that I started forth from my rocky screen with the intention of + pursuing him, until my better sense arrested me, barely in time to escape + his eyes. For I said to myself, that even supposing I could contend + unarmed with him, it would be the greatest folly in the world to have my + secret access known, and perhaps a fatal barrier placed between Lorna and + myself, and I knew not what trouble brought upon her, all for the sake of + a few eggs and fishes. It was better to bear this trifling loss, however + ignominious and goading to the spirit, than to risk my love and Lorna's + welfare, and perhaps be shot into the bargain. And I think that all will + agree with me, that I acted for the wisest, in withdrawing to my shelter, + though deprived of eggs and fishes. + </p> + <p> + Having waited (as I said) until there was no chance whatever of my love + appearing, I hastened homeward very sadly; and the wind of early autumn + moaned across the moorland. All the beauty of the harvest, all the gaiety + was gone, and the early fall of dusk was like a weight upon me. + Nevertheless, I went every evening thenceforward for a fortnight; hoping, + every time in vain to find my hope and comfort. And meanwhile, what + perplexed me most was that the signals were replaced, in order as agreed + upon, so that Lorna could scarcely be restrained by any rigour. + </p> + <p> + One time I had a narrow chance of being shot and settled with; and it + befell me thus. I was waiting very carelessly, being now a little + desperate, at the entrance to the glen, instead of watching through my + sight-hole, as the proper practice was. Suddenly a ball went by me, with a + whizz and whistle, passing through my hat and sweeping it away all folded + up. My soft hat fluttered far down the stream, before I had time to go + after it, and with the help of both wind and water, was fifty yards gone + in a moment. At this I had just enough mind left to shrink back very + suddenly, and lurk very still and closely; for I knew what a narrow escape + it had been, as I heard the bullet, hard set by the powder, sing + mournfully down the chasm, like a drone banished out of the hive. And as I + peered through my little cranny, I saw a wreath of smoke still floating + where the thickness was of the withy-bed; and presently Carver Doone came + forth, having stopped to reload his piece perhaps, and ran very swiftly to + the entrance to see what he had shot. + </p> + <p> + Sore trouble had I to keep close quarters, from the slipperiness of the + stone beneath me with the water sliding over it. My foe came quite to the + verge of the fall, where the river began to comb over; and there he + stopped for a minute or two, on the utmost edge of dry land, upon the very + spot indeed where I had fallen senseless when I clomb it in my boyhood. I + could hear him breathing hard and grunting, as in doubt and discontent, + for he stood within a yard of me, and I kept my right fist ready for him, + if he should discover me. Then at the foot of the waterslide, my black hat + suddenly appeared, tossing in white foam, and fluttering like a raven + wounded. Now I had doubted which hat to take, when I left home that day; + till I thought that the black became me best, and might seem kinder to + Lorna. + </p> + <p> + “Have I killed thee, old bird, at last?” my enemy cried in triumph; “'tis + the third time I have shot at thee, and thou wast beginning to mock me. No + more of thy cursed croaking now, to wake me in the morning. Ha, ha! there + are not many who get three chances from Carver Doone; and none ever go + beyond it.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed within myself at this, as he strode away in his triumph; for was + not this his third chance of me, and he no whit the wiser? And then I + thought that perhaps the chance might some day be on the other side. + </p> + <p> + For to tell the truth, I was heartily tired of lurking and playing bo-peep + so long; to which nothing could have reconciled me, except my fear for + Lorna. And here I saw was a man of strength fit for me to encounter, such + as I had never met, but would be glad to meet with; having found no man of + late who needed not my mercy at wrestling, or at single-stick. And growing + more and more uneasy, as I found no Lorna, I would have tried to force the + Doone Glen from the upper end, and take my chance of getting back, but for + Annie and her prayers. + </p> + <p> + Now that same night I think it was, or at any rate the next one, that I + noticed Betty Muxworthy going on most strangely. She made the queerest + signs to me, when nobody was looking, and laid her fingers on her lips, + and pointed over her shoulder. But I took little heed of her, being in a + kind of dudgeon, and oppressed with evil luck; believing too that all she + wanted was to have some little grumble about some petty grievance. + </p> + <p> + But presently she poked me with the heel of a fire-bundle, and passing + close to my ear whispered, so that none else could hear her, “Larna + Doo-un.” + </p> + <p> + By these words I was so startled, that I turned round and stared at her; + but she pretended not to know it, and began with all her might to scour an + empty crock with a besom. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Betty, let me help you! That work is much too hard for you,” I cried + with a sudden chivalry, which only won rude answer. + </p> + <p> + “Zeed me adooing of thic, every naight last ten year, Jan, wiout vindin' + out how hard it wor. But if zo bee thee wants to help, carr peg's bucket + for me. Massy, if I ain't forgotten to fade the pegs till now.” + </p> + <p> + Favouring me with another wink, to which I now paid the keenest heed, + Betty went and fetched the lanthorn from the hook inside the door. Then + when she had kindled it, not allowing me any time to ask what she was + after, she went outside, and pointed to the great bock of wash, and + riddlings, and brown hulkage (for we ground our own corn always), and + though she knew that Bill Dadds and Jem Slocombe had full work to carry it + on a pole (with another to help to sling it), she said to me as quietly as + a maiden might ask one to carry a glove, “Jan Ridd, carr thic thing for + me.” + </p> + <p> + So I carried it for her, without any words; wondering what she was up to + next, and whether she had ever heard of being too hard on the willing + horse. And when we came to hog-pound, she turned upon me suddenly, with + the lanthorn she was bearing, and saw that I had the bock by one hand very + easily. + </p> + <p> + “Jan Ridd,” she said, “there be no other man in England cud a' dood it. + Now thee shalt have Larna.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0107" id="linkimage-0107"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:44%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/277.jpg" alt="277.jpg the Pigs " /> + </div> + <p> + While I was wondering how my chance of having Lorna could depend upon my + power to carry pig's wash, and how Betty could have any voice in the + matter (which seemed to depend upon her decision), and in short, while I + was all abroad as to her knowledge and everything, the pigs, who had been + fast asleep and dreaming in their emptiness, awoke with one accord at the + goodness of the smell around them. They had resigned themselves, as even + pigs do, to a kind of fast, hoping to break their fast more sweetly on the + morrow morning. But now they tumbled out all headlong, pigs below and pigs + above, pigs point-blank and pigs across, pigs courant and pigs rampant, + but all alike prepared to eat, and all in good cadence squeaking. + </p> + <p> + “Tak smarl boocket, and bale un out; wad 'e waste sich stoof as thic here + be?” So Betty set me to feed the pigs, while she held the lanthorn; and + knowing what she was, I saw that she would not tell me another word until + all the pigs were served. And in truth no man could well look at them, and + delay to serve them, they were all expressing appetite in so forcible a + manner; some running to and fro, and rubbing, and squealing as if from + starvation, some rushing down to the oaken troughs, and poking each other + away from them; and the kindest of all putting up their fore-feet on the + top-rail on the hog-pound, and blinking their little eyes, and grunting + prettily to coax us; as who would say, “I trust you now; you will be kind, + I know, and give me the first and the very best of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oppen ge-at now, wull 'e, Jan? Maind, young sow wi' the baible back + arlway hath first toorn of it, 'cos I brought her up on my lap, I did. + Zuck, zuck, zuck! How her stickth her tail up; do me good to zee un! Now + thiccy trough, thee zany, and tak thee girt legs out o' the wai. Wish they + wud gie thee a good baite, mak thee hop a bit vaster, I reckon. Hit that + there girt ozebird over's back wi' the broomstick, he be robbing of my + young zow. Choog, choog, choog! and a drap more left in the + dripping-pail.” + </p> + <p> + “Come now, Betty,” I said, when all the pigs were at it sucking, swilling, + munching, guzzling, thrusting, and ousting, and spilling the food upon the + backs of their brethren (as great men do with their charity), “come now, + Betty, how much longer am I to wait for your message? Surely I am as good + as a pig.” + </p> + <p> + “Dunno as thee be, Jan. No straikiness in thy bakkon. And now I come to + think of it, Jan, thee zed, a wake agone last Vriday, as how I had got a + girt be-ard. Wull 'e stick to that now, Maister Jan?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Betty, certainly not; I made a mistake about it. I should have + said a becoming mustachio, such as you may well be proud of.” + </p> + <p> + “Then thee be a laiar, Jan Ridd. Zay so, laike a man, lad.” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly that, Betty; but I made a great mistake; and I humbly ask + your pardon; and if such a thing as a crown-piece, Betty”— + </p> + <p> + “No fai, no fai!” said Betty, however she put it into her pocket; “now tak + my advice, Jan; thee marry Zally Snowe.” + </p> + <p> + “Not with all England for her dowry. Oh, Betty, you know better.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah's me! I know much worse, Jan. Break thy poor mother's heart it will. + And to think of arl the danger! Dost love Larna now so much?” + </p> + <p> + “With all the strength of my heart and soul. I will have her, or I will + die, Betty.” + </p> + <p> + “Wull. Thee will die in either case. But it baint for me to argify. And do + her love thee too, Jan?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope she does, Betty I hope she does. What do you think about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, then I may hold my tongue to it. Knaw what boys and maidens be, as + well as I knew young pegs. I myzell been o' that zort one taime every bit + so well as you be.” And Betty held the lanthorn up, and defied me to deny + it; and the light through the horn showed a gleam in her eyes, such as I + had never seer there before. “No odds, no odds about that,” she continued; + “mak a fool of myzell to spake of it. Arl gone into churchyard. But it be + a lucky foolery for thee, my boy, I can tull 'ee. For I love to see the + love in thee. Coom'th over me as the spring do, though I be naigh three + score. Now, Jan, I will tell thee one thing, can't abear to zee thee + vretting so. Hould thee head down, same as they pegs do.” + </p> + <p> + So I bent my head quite close to her; and she whispered in my ear, “Goo of + a marning, thee girt soft. Her can't get out of an avening now, her hath + zent word to me, to tull 'ee.” + </p> + <p> + In the glory of my delight at this, I bestowed upon Betty a chaste salute, + with all the pigs for witnesses; and she took it not amiss, considering + how long she had been out of practice. But then she fell back, like a + broom on its handle, and stared at me, feigning anger. + </p> + <p> + “Oh fai, oh fai! Lunnon impudence, I doubt. I vear thee hast gone on + zadly, Jan.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0033" id="linklink2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + AN EARLY MORNING CALL + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0108" id="linkimage-0108"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/280.jpg" alt="280.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Of course I was up the very next morning before the October sunrise, and + away through the wild and the woodland towards the Bagworthy water, at the + foot of the long cascade. The rising of the sun was noble in the cold and + warmth of it; peeping down the spread of light, he raised his shoulder + heavily over the edge of grey mountain, and wavering length of upland. + Beneath his gaze the dew-fogs dipped, and crept to the hollow places; then + stole away in line and column, holding skirts, and clinging subtly at the + sheltering corners, where rock hung over grass-land; while the brave lines + of the hills came forth, one beyond other gliding. + </p> + <p> + Then the woods arose in folds, like drapery of awakened mountains, stately + with a depth of awe, and memory of the tempests. Autumn's mellow hand was + on them, as they owned already, touched with gold, and red, and olive; and + their joy towards the sun was less to a bridegroom than a father. + </p> + <p> + Yet before the floating impress of the woods could clear itself, suddenly + the gladsome light leaped over hill and valley, casting amber, blue, and + purple, and a tint of rich red rose; according to the scene they lit on, + and the curtain flung around; yet all alike dispelling fear and the cloven + hoof of darkness, all on the wings of hope advancing, and proclaiming, + “God is here.” Then life and joy sprang reassured from every crouching + hollow; every flower, and bud, and bird, had a fluttering sense of them; + and all the flashing of God's gaze merged into soft beneficence. + </p> + <p> + So perhaps shall break upon us that eternal morning, when crag and chasm + shall be no more, neither hill and valley, nor great unvintaged ocean; + when glory shall not scare happiness, neither happiness envy glory; but + all things shall arise and shine in the light of the Father's countenance, + because itself is risen. + </p> + <p> + Who maketh His sun to rise upon both the just and the unjust. And surely + but for the saving clause, Doone Glen had been in darkness. Now, as I + stood with scanty breath—for few men could have won that climb—at + the top of the long defile, and the bottom of the mountain gorge all of + myself, and the pain of it, and the cark of my discontent fell away into + wonder and rapture. For I cannot help seeing things now and then, + slow-witted as I have a right to be; and perhaps because it comes so + rarely, the sight dwells with me like a picture. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0109" id="linkimage-0109"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/281.jpg" width="100%" alt="281.jpg Autumn's Mellow Hand " /> + </div> + <p> + The bar of rock, with the water-cleft breaking steeply through it, stood + bold and bare, and dark in shadow, grey with red gullies down it. But the + sun was beginning to glisten over the comb of the eastern highland, and + through an archway of the wood hung with old nests and ivy. The lines of + many a leaning tree were thrown, from the cliffs of the foreland, down + upon the sparkling grass at the foot of the western crags. And through the + dewy meadow's breast, fringed with shade, but touched on one side with the + sun-smile, ran the crystal water, curving in its brightness like diverted + hope. + </p> + <p> + On either bank, the blades of grass, making their last autumn growth, + pricked their spears and crisped their tuftings with the pearly purity. + The tenderness of their green appeared under the glaucous mantle; while + that grey suffusion, which is the blush of green life, spread its damask + chastity. Even then my soul was lifted, worried though my mind was: who + can see such large kind doings, and not be ashamed of human grief? + </p> + <p> + Not only unashamed of grief, but much abashed with joy, was I, when I saw + my Lorna coming, purer than the morning dew, than the sun more bright and + clear. That which made me love her so, that which lifted my heart to her, + as the Spring wind lifts the clouds, was the gayness of her nature, and + its inborn playfulness. And yet all this with maiden shame, a conscious + dream of things unknown, and a sense of fate about them. + </p> + <p> + Down the valley still she came, not witting that I looked at her, having + ceased (through my own misprison) to expect me yet awhile; or at least she + told herself so. In the joy of awakened life and brightness of the + morning, she had cast all care away, and seemed to float upon the sunrise, + like a buoyant silver wave. Suddenly at sight of me, for I leaped forth at + once, in fear of seeming to watch her unawares, the bloom upon her cheeks + was deepened, and the radiance of her eyes; and she came to meet me + gladly. + </p> + <p> + “At last then, you are come, John. I thought you had forgotten me. I could + not make you understand—they have kept me prisoner every evening: + but come into my house; you are in danger here.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0110" id="linkimage-0110"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/283.jpg" width="100%" + alt="283.jpg at Last Then, You Are Come John " /> + </div> + <p> + Meanwhile I could not answer, being overcome with joy, but followed to her + little grotto, where I had been twice before. I knew that the crowning + moment of my life was coming—that Lorna would own her love for me. + </p> + <p> + She made for awhile as if she dreamed not of the meaning of my gaze, but + tried to speak of other things, faltering now and then, and mantling with + a richer damask below her long eyelashes. + </p> + <p> + “This is not what I came to know,” I whispered very softly, “you know what + I am come to ask.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are come on purpose to ask anything, why do you delay so?” She + turned away very bravely, but I saw that her lips were trembling. + </p> + <p> + “I delay so long, because I fear; because my whole life hangs in balance + on a single word; because what I have near me now may never more be near + me after, though more than all the world, or than a thousand worlds, to + me.” As I spoke these words of passion in a low soft voice, Lorna trembled + more and more; but she made no answer, neither yet looked up at me. + </p> + <p> + “I have loved you long and long,” I pursued, being reckless now, “when you + were a little child, as a boy I worshipped you: then when I saw you a + comely girl, as a stripling I adored you: now that you are a full-grown + maiden all the rest I do, and more—I love you more than tongue can + tell, or heart can hold in silence. I have waited long and long; and + though I am so far below you I can wait no longer; but must have my + answer.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been very faithful, John,” she murmured to the fern and moss; “I + suppose I must reward you.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not do for me,” I said; “I will not have reluctant liking, nor + assent for pity's sake; which only means endurance. I must have all love, + or none, I must have your heart of hearts; even as you have mine, Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + While I spoke, she glanced up shyly through her fluttering lashes, to + prolong my doubt one moment, for her own delicious pride. Then she opened + wide upon me all the glorious depth and softness of her loving eyes, and + flung both arms around my neck, and answered with her heart on mine,— + </p> + <p> + “Darling, you have won it all. I shall never be my own again. I am yours, + my own one, for ever and for ever.” + </p> + <p> + I am sure I know not what I did, or what I said thereafter, being overcome + with transport by her words and at her gaze. Only one thing I remember, + when she raised her bright lips to me, like a child, for me to kiss, such + a smile of sweet temptation met me through her flowing hair, that I almost + forgot my manners, giving her no time to breathe. + </p> + <p> + “That will do,” said Lorna gently, but violently blushing; “for the + present that will do, John. And now remember one thing, dear. All the + kindness is to be on my side; and you are to be very distant, as behoves + to a young maiden; except when I invite you. But you may kiss my hand, + John; oh, yes, you may kiss my hand, you know. Ah to be sure! I had + forgotten; how very stupid of me!” + </p> + <p> + For by this time I had taken one sweet hand and gazed on it, with the + pride of all the world to think that such a lovely thing was mine; and + then I slipped my little ring upon the wedding finger; and this time Lorna + kept it, and looked with fondness on its beauty, and clung to me with a + flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + “Every time you cry,” said I, drawing her closer to me “I shall consider + it an invitation not to be too distant. There now, none shall make you + weep. Darling, you shall sigh no more, but live in peace and happiness, + with me to guard and cherish you: and who shall dare to vex you?” But she + drew a long sad sigh, and looked at the ground with the great tears + rolling, and pressed one hand upon the trouble of her pure young breast. + </p> + <p> + “It can never, never be,” she murmured to herself alone: “Who am I, to + dream of it? Something in my heart tells me it can be so never, never.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0034" id="linklink2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + TWO NEGATIVES MAKE AN AFFIRMATIVE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0111" id="linkimage-0111"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/286.jpg" alt="286.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + There was, however, no possibility of depressing me at such a time. To be + loved by Lorna, the sweet, the pure, the playful one, the fairest creature + on God's earth and the most enchanting, the lady of high birth and mind; + that I, a mere clumsy, blundering yeoman, without wit, or wealth, or + lineage, should have won that loving heart to be my own for ever, was a + thought no fears could lessen, and no chance could steal from me. + </p> + <p> + Therefore at her own entreaty taking a very quick adieu, and by her own + invitation an exceeding kind one, I hurried home with deep exulting, yet + some sad misgivings, for Lorna had made me promise now to tell my mother + everything; as indeed I always meant to do, when my suit should be gone + too far to stop. I knew, of course, that my dear mother would be greatly + moved and vexed, the heirship of Glen Doone not being a very desirable + dower, but in spite of that, and all disappointment as to little Ruth + Huckaback, feeling my mother's tenderness and deep affection to me, and + forgiving nature, I doubted not that before very long she would view the + matter as I did. Moreover, I felt that if once I could get her only to + look at Lorna, she would so love and glory in her, that I should obtain + all praise and thanks, perchance without deserving them. + </p> + <p> + Unluckily for my designs, who should be sitting down at breakfast with my + mother and the rest but Squire Faggus, as everybody now began to entitle + him. I noticed something odd about him, something uncomfortable in his + manner, and a lack of that ease and humour which had been wont to + distinguish him. He took his breakfast as it came, without a single joke + about it, or preference of this to that; but with sly soft looks at Annie, + who seemed unable to sit quiet, or to look at any one steadfastly. I + feared in my heart what was coming on, and felt truly sorry for poor + mother. After breakfast it became my duty to see to the ploughing of a + barley-stubble ready for the sowing of a French grass, and I asked Tom + Faggus to come with me, but he refused, and I knew the reason. Being + resolved to allow him fair field to himself, though with great displeasure + that a man of such illegal repute should marry into our family, which had + always been counted so honest, I carried my dinner upon my back, and spent + the whole day with the furrows. + </p> + <p> + When I returned, Squire Faggus was gone; which appeared to me but a sorry + sign, inasmuch as if mother had taken kindly to him and his intentions, + she would surely have made him remain awhile to celebrate the occasion. + And presently no doubt was left: for Lizzie came running to meet me, at + the bottom of the woodrick, and cried,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, there is such a business. Mother is in such a state of mind, + and Annie crying her eyes out. What do you think? You would never guess, + though I have suspected it, ever so long.” + </p> + <p> + “No need for me to guess,” I replied, as though with some indifference, + because of her self-important air; “I knew all about it long ago. You have + not been crying much, I see. I should like you better if you had.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I cry? I like Tom Faggus. He is the only one I ever see with + the spirit of a man.” + </p> + <p> + This was a cut, of course, at me. Mr. Faggus had won the goodwill of + Lizzie by his hatred of the Doones, and vows that if he could get a dozen + men of any courage to join him, he would pull their stronghold about their + ears without any more ado. This malice of his seemed strange to me, as he + had never suffered at their hands, so far at least as I knew; was it to be + attributed to his jealousy of outlaws who excelled him in his business? + Not being good at repartee, I made no answer to Lizzie, having found this + course more irksome to her than the very best invective: and so we entered + the house together; and mother sent at once for me, while I was trying to + console my darling sister Annie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John! speak one good word for me,” she cried with both hands laid in + mine, and her tearful eyes looking up at me. + </p> + <p> + “Not one, my pet, but a hundred,” I answered, kindly embracing her: “have + no fear, little sister: I am going to make your case so bright, by + comparison, I mean, that mother will send for you in five minutes, and + call you her best, her most dutiful child, and praise Cousin Tom to the + skies, and send a man on horseback after him; and then you will have a + harder task to intercede for me, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, dear John, you won't tell her about Lorna—oh, not to-day, + dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to-day, and at once, Annie. I want to have it over, and be done with + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but think of her, dear. I am sure she could not bear it, after this + great shock already.” + </p> + <p> + “She will bear it all the better,” said I; “the one will drive the other + out. I know exactly what mother is. She will be desperately savage first + with you, and then with me, and then for a very little while with both of + us together; and then she will put one against the other (in her mind I + mean) and consider which was most to blame; and in doing that she will be + compelled to find the best in either's case, that it may beat the other; + and so as the pleas come before her mind, they will gain upon the charges, + both of us being her children, you know: and before very long + (particularly if we both keep out of the way) she will begin to think that + after all she has been a little too hasty, and then she will remember how + good we have always been to her; and how like our father. Upon that, she + will think of her own love-time, and sigh a good bit, and cry a little, + and then smile, and send for both of us, and beg our pardon, and call us + her two darlings.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, how on earth can you know all that?” exclaimed my sister, + wiping her eyes, and gazing at me with a soft bright smile. “Who on earth + can have told you, John? People to call you stupid indeed! Why, I feel + that all you say is quite true, because you describe so exactly what I + should do myself; I mean—I mean if I had two children, who had + behaved as we have done. But tell me, darling John, how you learned all + this.” + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind,” I replied, with a nod of some conceit, I fear: “I must + be a fool if I did not know what mother is by this time.” + </p> + <p> + Now inasmuch as the thing befell according to my prediction, what need for + me to dwell upon it, after saying how it would be? Moreover, I would + regret to write down what mother said about Lorna, in her first surprise + and tribulation; not only because I was grieved by the gross injustice of + it, and frightened mother with her own words (repeated deeply after her); + but rather because it is not well, when people repent of hasty speech, to + enter it against them. + </p> + <p> + That is said to be the angels' business; and I doubt if they can attend to + it much, without doing injury to themselves. + </p> + <p> + However, by the afternoon, when the sun began to go down upon us, our + mother sat on the garden bench, with her head on my great otter-skin + waistcoat (which was waterproof), and her right arm round our Annie's + waist, and scarcely knowing which of us she ought to make the most of, or + which deserved most pity. Not that she had forgiven yet the rivals to her + love—Tom Faggus, I mean, and Lorna—but that she was beginning + to think a tattle better of them now, and a vast deal better of her own + children. + </p> + <p> + And it helped her much in this regard, that she was not thinking half so + well as usual of herself, or rather of her own judgment; for in good truth + she had no self, only as it came home to her, by no very distant road, but + by way of her children. A better mother never lived; and can I, after + searching all things, add another word to that? + </p> + <p> + And indeed poor Lizzie was not so very bad; but behaved (on the whole) + very well for her. She was much to be pitied, poor thing, and great + allowances made for her, as belonging to a well-grown family, and a very + comely one; and feeling her own shortcomings. This made her leap to the + other extreme, and reassert herself too much, endeavouring to exalt the + mind at the expense of the body; because she had the invisible one (so far + as can be decided) in better share than the visible. Not but what she had + her points, and very comely points of body; lovely eyes to wit, and very + beautiful hands and feet (almost as good as Lorna's), and a neck as white + as snow; but Lizzie was not gifted with our gait and port, and bounding + health. + </p> + <p> + Now, while we sat on the garden bench, under the great ash-tree, we left + dear mother to take her own way, and talk at her own pleasure. Children + almost always are more wide-awake than their parents. The fathers and the + mothers laugh; but the young ones have the best of them. And now both + Annie knew, and I, that we had gotten the best of mother; and therefore we + let her lay down the law, as if we had been two dollies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0112" id="linkimage-0112"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:39%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/290.jpg" + alt="290.jpg Gotten the Best of Mother " /> + </div> + <p> + “Darling John,” my mother said, “your case is a very hard one. A young and + very romantic girl—God send that I be right in my charitable view of + her—has met an equally simple boy, among great dangers and + difficulties, from which my son has saved her, at the risk of his life at + every step. Of course, she became attached to him, and looked up to him in + every way, as a superior being”— + </p> + <p> + “Come now, mother,” I said; “if you only saw Lorna, you would look upon me + as the lowest dirt”— + </p> + <p> + “No doubt I should,” my mother answered; “and the king and queen, and all + the royal family. Well, this poor angel, having made up her mind to take + compassion upon my son, when he had saved her life so many times, + persuades him to marry her out of pure pity, and throw his poor mother + overboard. And the saddest part of it all is this—” + </p> + <p> + “That my mother will never, never, never understand the truth,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “That is all I wish,” she answered; “just to get at the simple truth from + my own perception of it. John, you are very wise in kissing me; but + perhaps you would not be so wise in bringing Lorna for an afternoon, just + to see what she thinks of me. There is a good saddle of mutton now; and + there are some very good sausages left, on the blue dish with the anchor, + Annie, from the last little sow we killed.” + </p> + <p> + “As if Lorna would eat sausages!” said I, with appearance of high + contempt, though rejoicing all the while that mother seemed to have her + name so pat; and she pronounced it in a manner which made my heart leap to + my ears: “Lorna to eat sausages!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see why she shouldn't,” my mother answered smiling, “if she means + to be a farmer's wife, she must take to farmer's ways, I think. What do + you say, Annie?” + </p> + <p> + “She will eat whatever John desires, I should hope,” said Annie gravely; + “particularly as I made them.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh that I could only get the chance of trying her!” I answered, “if you + could once behold her, mother, you would never let her go again. And she + would love you with all her heart, she is so good and gentle.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a lucky thing for me”; saying this my mother wept, as she had + been doing off and on, when no one seemed to look at her; “otherwise I + suppose, John, she would very soon turn me out of the farm, having you so + completely under her thumb, as she seems to have. I see now that my time + is over. Lizzie and I will seek our fortunes. It is wiser so.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, mother,” I cried; “will you have the kindness not to talk any + nonsense? Everything belongs to you; and so, I hope, your children do. And + you, in turn, belong to us; as you have proved ever since—oh, ever + since we can remember. Why do you make Annie cry so? You ought to know + better than that.” + </p> + <p> + Mother upon this went over all the things she had done before; how many + times I know not; neither does it matter. Only she seemed to enjoy it + more, every time of doing it. And then she said she was an old fool; and + Annie (like a thorough girl) pulled her one grey hair out. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0035" id="linklink2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV + </h2> + <h3> + RUTH IS NOT LIKE LORNA + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0113" id="linkimage-0113"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/292.jpg" alt="292.jpg Carver Doone " /> + </div> + <p> + Although by our mother's reluctant consent a large part of the obstacles + between Annie and her lover appeared to be removed, on the other hand + Lorna and myself gained little, except as regarded comfort of mind, and + some ease to the conscience. Moreover, our chance of frequent meetings and + delightful converse was much impaired, at least for the present; because + though mother was not aware of my narrow escape from Carver Doone, she + made me promise never to risk my life by needless visits. And upon this + point, that is to say, the necessity of the visit, she was well content, + as she said, to leave me to my own good sense and honour; only begging me + always to tell her of my intention beforehand. This pledge, however, for + her own sake, I declined to give; knowing how wretched she would be during + all the time of my absence; and, on that account, I promised instead, that + I would always give her a full account of my adventure upon returning. + </p> + <p> + Now my mother, as might be expected, began at once to cast about for some + means of relieving me from all further peril, and herself from great + anxiety. She was full of plans for fetching Lorna, in some wonderful + manner, out of the power of the Doones entirely, and into her own hands, + where she was to remain for at least a twelve-month, learning all mother + and Annie could teach her of dairy business, and farm-house life, and the + best mode of packing butter. And all this arose from my happening to say, + without meaning anything, how the poor dear had longed for quiet, and a + life of simplicity, and a rest away from violence! Bless thee, mother—now + long in heaven, there is no need to bless thee; but it often makes a + dimness now in my well-worn eyes, when I think of thy loving-kindness, + warmth, and romantic innocence. + </p> + <p> + As to stealing my beloved from that vile Glen Doone, the deed itself was + not impossible, nor beyond my daring; but in the first place would she + come, leaving her old grandfather to die without her tendence? And even + if, through fear of Carver and that wicked Counsellor, she should consent + to fly, would it be possible to keep her without a regiment of soldiers? + Would not the Doones at once ride forth to scour the country for their + queen, and finding her (as they must do), burn our house, and murder us, + and carry her back triumphantly? + </p> + <p> + All this I laid before my mother, and to such effect that she + acknowledged, with a sigh that nothing else remained for me (in the + present state of matters) except to keep a careful watch upon Lorna from + safe distance, observe the policy of the Doones, and wait for a tide in + their affairs. Meanwhile I might even fall in love (as mother unwisely + hinted) with a certain more peaceful heiress, although of inferior blood, + who would be daily at my elbow. I am not sure but what dear mother herself + would have been disappointed, had I proved myself so fickle; and my + disdain and indignation at the mere suggestion did not so much displease + her; for she only smiled and answered,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is not for me to say; God knows what is good for us. Likings + will not come to order; otherwise I should not be where I am this day. And + of one thing I am rather glad; Uncle Reuben well deserves that his pet + scheme should miscarry. He who called my boy a coward, an ignoble coward, + because he would not join some crack-brained plan against the valley which + sheltered his beloved one! And all the time this dreadful 'coward' risking + his life daily there, without a word to any one! How glad I am that you + will not have, for all her miserable money, that little dwarfish + granddaughter of the insolent old miser!” + </p> + <p> + She turned, and by her side was standing poor Ruth Huckaback herself, + white, and sad, and looking steadily at my mother's face, which became as + red as a plum while her breath deserted her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0114" id="linkimage-0114"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:38%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/294.jpg" + alt="294.jpg Poor Ruth Huckaback Herself " /> + </div> + <p> + “If you please, madam,” said the little maiden, with her large calm eyes + unwavering, “it is not my fault, but God Almighty's, that I am a little + dwarfish creature. I knew not that you regarded me with so much contempt + on that account; neither have you told my grandfather, at least within my + hearing, that he was an insolent old miser. When I return to Dulverton, + which I trust to do to-morrow (for it is too late to-day), I shall be + careful not to tell him your opinion of him, lest I should thwart any + schemes you may have upon his property. I thank you all for your kindness + to me, which has been very great, far more than a little dwarfish creature + could, for her own sake, expect. I will only add for your further guidance + one more little truth. It is by no means certain that my grandfather will + settle any of his miserable money upon me. If I offend him, as I would in + a moment, for the sake of a brave and straightforward man”—here she + gave me a glance which I scarcely knew what to do with—“my + grandfather, upright as he is, would leave me without a shilling. And I + often wish it were so. So many miseries come upon me from the miserable + money—” Here she broke down, and burst out crying, and ran away with + a faint good-bye; while we three looked at one another, and felt that we + had the worst of it. + </p> + <p> + “Impudent little dwarf!” said my mother, recovering her breath after ever + so long. “Oh, John, how thankful you ought to be! What a life she would + have led you!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am sure!” said Annie, throwing her arms around poor mother: “who + could have thought that little atomy had such an outrageous spirit! For my + part I cannot think how she can have been sly enough to hide it in that + crafty manner, that John might think her an angel!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for my part,” I answered, laughing, “I never admired Ruth Huckaback + half, or a quarter so much before. She is rare stuff. I would have been + glad to have married her to-morrow, if I had never seen my Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + “And a nice nobody I should have been, in my own house!” cried mother: “I + never can be thankful enough to darling Lorna for saving me. Did you see + how her eyes flashed?” + </p> + <p> + “That I did; and very fine they were. Now nine maidens out of ten would + have feigned not to have heard one word that was said, and have borne + black malice in their hearts. Come, Annie, now, would not you have done + so?” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Annie, “although of course I cannot tell, you know, John, + that I should have been ashamed at hearing what was never meant for me, + and should have been almost as angry with myself as anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “So you would,” replied my mother; “so any daughter of mine would have + done, instead of railing and reviling. However, I am very sorry that any + words of mine which the poor little thing chose to overhear should have + made her so forget herself. I shall beg her pardon before she goes, and I + shall expect her to beg mine.” + </p> + <p> + “That she will never do,” said I; “a more resolute little maiden never yet + had right upon her side; although it was a mere accident. I might have + said the same thing myself, and she was hard upon you, mother dear.” + </p> + <p> + After this, we said no more, at least about that matter; and little Ruth, + the next morning, left us, in spite of all that we could do. She vowed an + everlasting friendship to my younger sister Eliza; but she looked at Annie + with some resentment, when they said good-bye, for being so much taller. + At any rate so Annie fancied, but she may have been quite wrong. I rode + beside the little maid till far beyond Exeford, when all danger of the + moor was past, and then I left her with John Fry, not wishing to be too + particular, after all the talk about her money. She had tears in her eyes + when she bade me farewell, and she sent a kind message home to mother, and + promised to come again at Christmas, if she could win permission. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0115" id="linkimage-0115"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:44%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/296.jpg" + alt="296.jpg She Had Tears in Her Eyes " /> + </div> + <p> + Upon the whole, my opinion was that she had behaved uncommonly well for a + maid whose self-love was outraged, with spirit, I mean, and proper pride; + and yet with a great endeavour to forgive, which is, meseems, the hardest + of all things to a woman, outside of her own family. + </p> + <p> + After this, for another month, nothing worthy of notice happened, except + of course that I found it needful, according to the strictest good sense + and honour, to visit Lorna immediately after my discourse with mother, and + to tell her all about it. My beauty gave me one sweet kiss with all her + heart (as she always did, when she kissed at all), and I begged for one + more to take to our mother, and before leaving, I obtained it. It is not + for me to tell all she said, even supposing (what is not likely) that any + one cared to know it, being more and more peculiar to ourselves and no one + else. But one thing that she said was this, and I took good care to carry + it, word for word, to my mother and Annie:— + </p> + <p> + “I never can believe, dear John, that after all the crime and outrage + wrought by my reckless family, it ever can be meant for me to settle down + to peace and comfort in a simple household. With all my heart I long for + home; any home, however dull and wearisome to those used to it, would seem + a paradise to me, if only free from brawl and tumult, and such as I could + call my own. But even if God would allow me this, in lieu of my wild + inheritance, it is quite certain that the Doones never can and never + will.” + </p> + <p> + Again, when I told her how my mother and Annie, as well as myself, longed + to have her at Plover's Barrows, and teach her all the quiet duties in + which she was sure to take such delight, she only answered with a bright + blush, that while her grandfather was living she would never leave him; + and that even if she were free, certain ruin was all she should bring to + any house that received her, at least within the utmost reach of her + amiable family. This was too plain to be denied, and seeing my dejection + at it, she told me bravely that we must hope for better times, if + possible, and asked how long I would wait for her. + </p> + <p> + “Not a day if I had my will,” I answered very warmly; at which she turned + away confused, and would not look at me for awhile; “but all my life,” I + went on to say, “if my fortune is so ill. And how long would you wait for + me, Lorna?” + </p> + <p> + “Till I could get you,” she answered slyly, with a smile which was + brighter to me than the brightest wit could be. “And now,” she continued, + “you bound me, John, with a very beautiful ring to you, and when I dare + not wear it, I carry it always on my heart. But I will bind you to me, you + dearest, with the very poorest and plainest thing that ever you set eyes + on. I could give you fifty fairer ones, but they would not be honest; and + I love you for your honesty, and nothing else of course, John; so don't + you be conceited. Look at it, what a queer old thing! There are some + ancient marks upon it, very grotesque and wonderful; it looks like a cat + in a tree almost, but never mind what it looks like. This old ring must + have been a giant's; therefore it will fit you perhaps, you enormous John. + It has been on the front of my old glass necklace (which my grandfather + found them taking away, and very soon made them give back again) ever + since I can remember; and long before that, as some woman told me. Now you + seem very greatly amazed; pray what thinks my lord of it?” + </p> + <p> + “That is worth fifty of the pearl thing which I gave you, you darling; and + that I will not take it from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will never take me, that is all. I will have nothing to do with + a gentleman”— + </p> + <p> + “No gentleman, dear—a yeoman.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, a yeoman—nothing to do with a yeoman who will not accept + my love-gage. So, if you please, give it back again, and take your lovely + ring back.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me in such a manner, half in earnest, half in jest, and + three times three in love, that in spite of all good resolutions, and her + own faint protest, I was forced to abandon all firm ideas, and kiss her + till she was quite ashamed, and her head hung on my bosom, with the night + of her hair shed over me. Then I placed the pearl ring back on the soft + elastic bend of the finger she held up to scold me; and on my own smallest + finger drew the heavy hoop she had given me. I considered this with + satisfaction, until my darling recovered herself; and then I began very + gravely about it, to keep her (if I could) from chiding me:— + </p> + <p> + “Mistress Lorna, this is not the ring of any giant. It is nothing more nor + less than a very ancient thumb-ring, such as once in my father's time was + ploughed up out of the ground in our farm, and sent to learned doctors, + who told us all about it, but kept the ring for their trouble. I will + accept it, my own one love; and it shall go to my grave with me.” And so + it shall, unless there be villains who would dare to rob the dead. + </p> + <p> + Now I have spoken about this ring (though I scarcely meant to do so, and + would rather keep to myself things so very holy) because it holds an + important part in the history of my Lorna. I asked her where the glass + necklace was from which the ring was fastened, and which she had worn in + her childhood, and she answered that she hardly knew, but remembered that + her grandfather had begged her to give it up to him, when she was ten + years old or so, and had promised to keep it for her until she could take + care of it; at the same time giving her back the ring, and fastening it + from her pretty neck, and telling her to be proud of it. And so she always + had been, and now from her sweet breast she took it, and it became John + Ridd's delight. + </p> + <p> + All this, or at least great part of it, I told my mother truly, according + to my promise; and she was greatly pleased with Lorna for having been so + good to me, and for speaking so very sensibly; and then she looked at the + great gold ring, but could by no means interpret it. Only she was quite + certain, as indeed I myself was, that it must have belonged to an ancient + race of great consideration, and high rank, in their time. Upon which I + was for taking it off, lest it should be degraded by a common farmer's + finger. But mother said “No,” with tears in her eyes; “if the common + farmer had won the great lady of the ancient race, what were rings and + old-world trinkets, when compared to the living jewel?” Being quite of her + opinion in this, and loving the ring (which had no gem in it) as the token + of my priceless gem, I resolved to wear it at any cost, except when I + should be ploughing, or doing things likely to break it; although I must + own that it felt very queer (for I never had throttled a finger before), + and it looked very queer, for a length of time, upon my great hard-working + hand. + </p> + <p> + And before I got used to my ring, or people could think that it belonged + to me (plain and ungarnished though it was), and before I went to see + Lorna again, having failed to find any necessity, and remembering my duty + to mother, we all had something else to think of, not so pleasant, and + more puzzling. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0036" id="linklink2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN RETURNS TO BUSINESS + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0116" id="linkimage-0116"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/299.jpg" alt="299.jpg Guy Fawkes " /> + </div> + <p> + Now November was upon us, and we had kept Allhallowmass, with roasting of + skewered apples (like so many shuttlecocks), and after that the day of + Fawkes, as became good Protestants, with merry bonfires and burned + batatas, and plenty of good feeding in honour of our religion; and then + while we were at wheat-sowing, another visitor arrived. + </p> + <p> + This was Master Jeremy Stickles, who had been a good friend to me (as + described before) in London, and had earned my mother's gratitude, so far + as ever he chose to have it. And he seemed inclined to have it all; for he + made our farm-house his headquarters, and kept us quite at his beck and + call, going out at any time of the evening, and coming back at any time of + the morning, and always expecting us to be ready, whether with horse, or + man, or maiden, or fire, or provisions. We knew that he was employed + somehow upon the service of the King, and had at different stations + certain troopers and orderlies quite at his disposal; also we knew that he + never went out, nor even slept in his bedroom, without heavy firearms well + loaded, and a sharp sword nigh his hand; and that he held a great + commission, under royal signet, requiring all good subjects, all officers + of whatever degree, and especially justices of the peace, to aid him to + the utmost, with person, beast, and chattel, or to answer it at their + peril. + </p> + <p> + Now Master Jeremy Stickles, of course, knowing well what women are, durst + not open to any of them the nature of his instructions. But, after awhile, + perceiving that I could be relied upon, and that it was a great discomfort + not to have me with him, he took me aside in a lonely place, and told me + nearly everything; having bound me first by oath, not to impart to any + one, without his own permission, until all was over. + </p> + <p> + But at this present time of writing, all is over long ago; ay and + forgotten too, I ween, except by those who suffered. Therefore may I tell + the whole without any breach of confidence. Master Stickles was going + forth upon his usual night journey, when he met me coming home, and I said + something half in jest, about his zeal and secrecy; upon which he looked + all round the yard, and led me to an open space in the clover field + adjoining. + </p> + <p> + “John,” he said, “you have some right to know the meaning of all this, + being trusted as you were by the Lord Chief Justice. But he found you + scarcely supple enough, neither gifted with due brains.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God for that same,” I answered, while he tapped his head, to + signify his own much larger allowance. Then he made me bind myself, which + in an evil hour I did, to retain his secret; and after that he went on + solemnly, and with much importance,— + </p> + <p> + “There be some people fit to plot, and others to be plotted against, and + others to unravel plots, which is the highest gift of all. This last hath + fallen to my share, and a very thankless gift it is, although a rare and + choice one. Much of peril too attends it; daring courage and great + coolness are as needful for the work as ready wit and spotless honour. + Therefore His Majesty's advisers have chosen me for this high task, and + they could not have chosen a better man. Although you have been in London, + Jack, much longer than you wished it, you are wholly ignorant, of course, + in matters of state, and the public weal.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “no doubt but I am, and all the better for me. Although I + heard a deal of them; for everybody was talking, and ready to come to + blows; if only it could be done without danger. But one said this, and one + said that; and they talked so much about Birminghams, and Tantivies, and + Whigs and Tories, and Protestant flails and such like, that I was only too + glad to have my glass and clink my spoon for answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Right, John, thou art right as usual. Let the King go his own gait. He + hath too many mistresses to be ever England's master. Nobody need fear + him, for he is not like his father: he will have his own way, 'tis true, + but without stopping other folk of theirs: and well he knows what women + are, for he never asks them questions. Now heard you much in London town + about the Duke of Monmouth?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so very much,” I answered; “not half so much as in Devonshire: only + that he was a hearty man, and a very handsome one, and now was banished by + the Tories; and most people wished he was coming back, instead of the Duke + of York, who was trying boots in Scotland.” + </p> + <p> + “Things are changed since you were in town. The Whigs are getting up + again, through the folly of the Tories killing poor Lord Russell; and now + this Master Sidney (if my Lord condemns him) will make it worse again. + There is much disaffection everywhere, and it must grow to an outbreak. + The King hath many troops in London, and meaneth to bring more from + Tangier; but he cannot command these country places; and the trained bands + cannot help him much, even if they would. Now, do you understand me, + John?” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, not I. I see not what Tangier hath to do with Exmoor; nor the + Duke of Monmouth with Jeremy Stickles.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou great clod, put it the other way. Jeremy Stickles may have much to + do about the Duke of Monmouth. The Whigs having failed of Exclusion, and + having been punished bitterly for the blood they shed, are ripe for any + violence. And the turn of the balance is now to them. See-saw is the + fashion of England always; and the Whigs will soon be the top-sawyers.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, still more confused, “'The King is the top-sawyer,' + according to our proverb. How then can the Whigs be?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a hopeless ass, John. Better to sew with a chestnut than to + teach thee the constitution. Let it be so, let it be. I have seen a boy of + five years old more apt at politics than thou. Nay, look not offended, + lad. It is my fault for being over-deep to thee. I should have considered + thy intellect.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Master Jeremy, make no apologies. It is I that should excuse myself; + but, God knows, I have no politics.” + </p> + <p> + “Stick to that, my lad,” he answered; “so shalt thou die easier. Now, in + ten words (without parties, or trying thy poor brain too much), I am here + to watch the gathering of a secret plot, not so much against the King as + against the due succession.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I understand at last. But, Master Stickles, you might have said all + that an hour ago almost.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been better, if I had, to thee,” he replied with much + compassion; “thy hat is nearly off thy head with the swelling of brain I + have given thee. Blows, blows, are thy business, Jack. There thou art in + thine element. And, haply, this business will bring thee plenty even for + thy great head to take. Now hearken to one who wishes thee well, and + plainly sees the end of it—stick thou to the winning side, and have + naught to do with the other one.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said I, in great haste and hurry, “is the very thing I want to do, + if I only knew which was the winning side, for the sake of Lorna—that + is to say, for the sake of my dear mother and sisters, and the farm.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried Jeremy Stickles, laughing at the redness of my face—“Lorna, + saidst thou; now what Lorna? Is it the name of a maiden, or a + light-o'-love?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep to your own business,” I answered, very proudly; “spy as much as + e'er thou wilt, and use our house for doing it, without asking leave or + telling; but if I ever find thee spying into my affairs, all the King's + lifeguards in London, and the dragoons thou bringest hither, shall not + save thee from my hand—or one finger is enough for thee.” + </p> + <p> + Being carried beyond myself by his insolence about Lorna, I looked at + Master Stickles so, and spake in such a voice, that all his daring courage + and his spotless honour quailed within him, and he shrank—as if I + would strike so small a man. + </p> + <p> + Then I left him, and went to work at the sacks upon the corn-floor, to + take my evil spirit from me before I should see mother. For (to tell the + truth) now my strength was full, and troubles were gathering round me, and + people took advantage so much of my easy temper, sometimes when I was + over-tried, a sudden heat ran over me, and a glowing of all my muscles, + and a tingling for a mighty throw, such as my utmost self-command, and + fear of hurting any one, could but ill refrain. Afterwards, I was always + very sadly ashamed of myself, knowing how poor a thing bodily strength is, + as compared with power of mind, and that it is a coward's part to misuse + it upon weaker folk. For the present there was a little breach between + Master Stickles and me, for which I blamed myself very sorely. But though, + in full memory of his kindness and faithfulness in London, I asked his + pardon many times for my foolish anger with him, and offered to undergo + any penalty he would lay upon me, he only said it was no matter, there was + nothing to forgive. When people say that, the truth often is that they can + forgive nothing. + </p> + <p> + So for the present a breach was made between Master Jeremy and myself, + which to me seemed no great loss, inasmuch as it relieved me from any + privity to his dealings, for which I had small liking. All I feared was + lest I might, in any way, be ungrateful to him; but when he would have no + more of me, what could I do to help it? However, in a few days' time I was + of good service to him, as you shall see in its proper place. + </p> + <p> + But now my own affairs were thrown into such disorder that I could think + of nothing else, and had the greatest difficulty in hiding my uneasiness. + For suddenly, without any warning, or a word of message, all my Lorna's + signals ceased, which I had been accustomed to watch for daily, and as it + were to feed upon them, with a glowing heart. The first time I stood on + the wooded crest, and found no change from yesterday, I could hardly + believe my eyes, or thought at least that it must be some great mistake on + the part of my love. However, even that oppressed me with a heavy heart, + which grew heavier, as I found from day to day no token. + </p> + <p> + Three times I went and waited long at the bottom of the valley, where now + the stream was brown and angry with the rains of autumn, and the weeping + trees hung leafless. But though I waited at every hour of day, and far + into the night, no light footstep came to meet me, no sweet voice was in + the air; all was lonely, drear, and drenched with sodden desolation. It + seemed as if my love was dead, and the winds were at her funeral. + </p> + <p> + Once I sought far up the valley, where I had never been before, even + beyond the copse where Lorna had found and lost her brave young cousin. + Following up the river channel, in shelter of the evening fog, I gained a + corner within stone's throw of the last outlying cot. This was a gloomy, + low, square house, without any light in the windows, roughly built of wood + and stone, as I saw when I drew nearer. For knowing it to be Carver's + dwelling (or at least suspecting so, from some words of Lorna's), I was + led by curiosity, and perhaps by jealousy, to have a closer look at it. + Therefore, I crept up the stream, losing half my sense of fear, by reason + of anxiety. And in truth there was not much to fear, the sky being now too + dark for even a shooter of wild fowl to make good aim. And nothing else + but guns could hurt me, as in the pride of my strength I thought, and in + my skill of single-stick. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0117" id="linkimage-0117"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/304.jpg" width="100%" + alt="304.jpg Nevertheless, I Went Warily " /> + </div> + <p> + Nevertheless, I went warily, being now almost among this nest of + cockatrices. The back of Carver's house abutted on the waves of the + rushing stream; and seeing a loop-hole, vacant for muskets, I looked in, + but all was quiet. So far as I could judge by listening, there was no one + now inside, and my heart for a moment leaped with joy, for I had feared to + find Lorna there. Then I took a careful survey of the dwelling, and its + windows, and its door, and aspect, as if I had been a robber meaning to + make privy entrance. It was well for me that I did this, as you will find + hereafter. + </p> + <p> + Having impressed upon my mind (a slow but, perhaps retentive mind), all + the bearings of the place, and all its opportunities, and even the curve + of the stream along it, and the bushes near the door, I was much inclined + to go farther up, and understand all the village. But a bar of red light + across the river, some forty yards on above me, and crossing from the + opposite side like a chain, prevented me. In that second house there was a + gathering of loud and merry outlaws, making as much noise as if they had + the law upon their side. Some, indeed, as I approached, were laying down + both right and wrong, as purely, and with as high a sense, as if they knew + the difference. Cold and troubled as I was, I could hardly keep from + laughing. + </p> + <p> + Before I betook myself home that night, and eased dear mother's heart so + much, and made her pale face spread with smiles, I had resolved to + penetrate Glen Doone from the upper end, and learn all about my Lorna. Not + but what I might have entered from my unsuspected channel, as so often I + had done; but that I saw fearful need for knowing something more than + that. Here was every sort of trouble gathering upon me, here was Jeremy + Stickles stealing upon every one in the dark; here was Uncle Reuben + plotting Satan only could tell what; here was a white night-capped man + coming bodily from the grave; here was my own sister Annie committed to a + highwayman, and mother in distraction; most of all—here, there, and + where—was my Lorna stolen, dungeoned, perhaps outraged. It was no + time for shilly shally, for the balance of this and that, or for a man + with blood and muscle to pat his nose and ponder. If I left my Lorna so; + if I let those black-soul'd villains work their pleasure on my love; if + the heart that clave to mine could find no vigour in it—then let + maidens cease from men, and rest their faith in tabby-cats. + </p> + <p> + Rudely rolling these ideas in my heavy head and brain I resolved to let + the morrow put them into form and order, but not contradict them. And + then, as my constitution willed (being like that of England), I slept, and + there was no stopping me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0037" id="linklink2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + A VERY DESPERATE VENTURE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0118" id="linkimage-0118"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/306.jpg" alt="306.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + That the enterprise now resolved upon was far more dangerous than any + hitherto attempted by me, needs no further proof than this:—I went + and made my will at Porlock, with a middling honest lawyer there; not that + I had much to leave, but that none could say how far the farm, and all the + farming stock, might depend on my disposition. It makes me smile when I + remember how particular I was, and how for the life of me I was puzzled to + bequeath most part of my clothes, and hats, and things altogether my own, + to Lorna, without the shrewd old lawyer knowing who she was and where she + lived. At last, indeed, I flattered myself that I had baffled old Tape's + curiosity; but his wrinkled smile and his speech at parting made me again + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “A very excellent will, young sir. An admirably just and virtuous will; + all your effects to your nearest of kin; filial and fraternal duty + thoroughly exemplified; nothing diverted to alien channels, except a small + token of esteem and reverence to an elderly lady, I presume: and which may + or may not be valid, or invalid, on the ground of uncertainty, or the + absence of any legal status on the part of the legatee. Ha, ha! Yes, yes! + Few young men are so free from exceptionable entanglements. Two guineas is + my charge, sir: and a rare good will for the money. Very prudent of you, + sir. Does you credit in every way. Well, well; we all must die; and often + the young before the old.” + </p> + <p> + Not only did I think two guineas a great deal too much money for a quarter + of an hour's employment, but also I disliked particularly the words with + which he concluded; they sounded, from his grating voice, like the evil + omen of a croaking raven. Nevertheless I still abode in my fixed resolve + to go, and find out, if I died for it, what was become of Lorna. And + herein I lay no claim to courage; the matter being simply a choice between + two evils, of which by far the greater one was, of course, to lose my + darling. + </p> + <p> + The journey was a great deal longer to fetch around the Southern hills, + and enter by the Doone-gate, than to cross the lower land and steal in by + the water-slide. However, I durst not take a horse (for fear of the Doones + who might be abroad upon their usual business), but started betimes in the + evening, so as not to hurry, or waste any strength upon the way. And thus + I came to the robbers' highway, walking circumspectly, scanning the + sky-line of every hill, and searching the folds of every valley, for any + moving figure. + </p> + <p> + Although it was now well on towards dark, and the sun was down an hour or + so, I could see the robbers' road before me, in a trough of the winding + hills, where the brook ploughed down from the higher barrows, and the + coving banks were roofed with furze. At present, there was no one passing, + neither post nor sentinel, so far as I could descry; but I thought it + safer to wait a little, as twilight melted into night; and then I crept + down a seam of the highland, and stood upon the Doone-track. + </p> + <p> + As the road approached the entrance, it became more straight and strong, + like a channel cut from rock, with the water brawling darkly along the + naked side of it. Not a tree or bush was left, to shelter a man from + bullets: all was stern, and stiff, and rugged, as I could not help + perceiving, even through the darkness, and a smell as of churchyard mould, + a sense of being boxed in and cooped, made me long to be out again. + </p> + <p> + And here I was, or seemed to be, particularly unlucky; for as I drew near + the very entrance, lightly of foot and warily, the moon (which had often + been my friend) like an enemy broke upon me, topping the eastward ridge of + rock, and filling all the open spaces with the play of wavering light. I + shrank back into the shadowy quarter on the right side of the road; and + gloomily employed myself to watch the triple entrance, on which the + moonlight fell askew. + </p> + <p> + All across and before the three rude and beetling archways hung a felled + oak overhead, black, and thick, and threatening. This, as I heard before, + could be let fall in a moment, so as to crush a score of men, and bar the + approach of horses. Behind this tree, the rocky mouth was spanned, as by a + gallery with brushwood and piled timber, all upon a ledge of stone, where + thirty men might lurk unseen, and fire at any invader. From that rampart + it would be impossible to dislodge them, because the rock fell sheer below + them twenty feet, or it may be more; while overhead it towered three + hundred, and so jutted over that nothing could be cast upon them; even if + a man could climb the height. And the access to this portcullis place—if + I may so call it, being no portcullis there—was through certain + rocky chambers known to the tenants only. + </p> + <p> + But the cleverest of their devices, and the most puzzling to an enemy, was + that, instead of one mouth only, there were three to choose from, with + nothing to betoken which was the proper access; all being pretty much + alike, and all unfenced and yawning. And the common rumour was that in + times of any danger, when any force was known to be on muster in their + neighbourhood, they changed their entrance every day, and diverted the + other two, by means of sliding doors to the chasms and dark abysses. + </p> + <p> + Now I could see those three rough arches, jagged, black, and terrible; and + I knew that only one of them could lead me to the valley; neither gave the + river now any further guidance; but dived underground with a sullen roar, + where it met the cross-bar of the mountain. Having no means at all of + judging which was the right way of the three, and knowing that the other + two would lead to almost certain death, in the ruggedness and darkness,—for + how could a man, among precipices and bottomless depths of water, without + a ray of light, have any chance to save his life?—I do declare that + I was half inclined to go away, and have done with it. + </p> + <p> + However, I knew one thing for certain, to wit, that the longer I stayed + debating the more would the enterprise pall upon me, and the less my + relish be. And it struck me that, in times of peace, the middle way was + the likeliest; and the others diverging right and left in their farther + parts might be made to slide into it (not far from the entrance), at the + pleasure of the warders. Also I took it for good omen that I remembered + (as rarely happened) a very fine line in the Latin grammar, whose emphasis + and meaning is “middle road is safest.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore, without more hesitation, I plunged into the middle way, holding + a long ash staff before me, shodden at the end with iron. Presently I was + in black darkness groping along the wall, and feeling a deal more fear + than I wished to feel; especially when upon looking back I could no longer + see the light, which I had forsaken. Then I stumbled over something hard, + and sharp, and very cold, moreover so grievous to my legs that it needed + my very best doctrine and humour to forbear from swearing, in the manner + they use in London. But when I arose and felt it, and knew it to be a + culverin, I was somewhat reassured thereby, inasmuch as it was not likely + that they would plant this engine except in the real and true entrance. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I went on again, more painfully and wearily, and presently found + it to be good that I had received that knock, and borne it with such + patience; for otherwise I might have blundered full upon the sentries, and + been shot without more ado. As it was, I had barely time to draw back, as + I turned a corner upon them; and if their lanthorn had been in its place, + they could scarce have failed to descry me, unless indeed I had seen the + gleam before I turned the corner. + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be only two of them, of size indeed and stature as all the + Doones must be, but I need not have feared to encounter them both, had + they been unarmed, as I was. It was plain, however, that each had a long + and heavy carbine, not in his hands (as it should have been), but standing + close beside him. Therefore it behoved me now to be exceedingly careful, + and even that might scarce avail, without luck in proportion. So I kept + well back at the corner, and laid one cheek to the rock face, and kept my + outer eye round the jut, in the wariest mode I could compass, watching my + opportunity: and this is what I saw. + </p> + <p> + The two villains looked very happy—which villains have no right to + be, but often are, meseemeth—they were sitting in a niche of rock, + with the lanthorn in the corner, quaffing something from glass measures, + and playing at push-pin, or shepherd's chess, or basset; or some trivial + game of that sort. Each was smoking a long clay pipe, quite of new London + shape, I could see, for the shadow was thrown out clearly; and each would + laugh from time to time, as he fancied he got the better of it. One was + sitting with his knees up, and left hand on his thigh; and this one had + his back to me, and seemed to be the stouter. The other leaned more + against the rock, half sitting and half astraddle, and wearing leathern + overalls, as if newly come from riding. I could see his face quite clearly + by the light of the open lanthorn, and a handsomer or a bolder face I had + seldom, if ever, set eyes upon; insomuch that it made me very unhappy to + think of his being so near my Lorna. + </p> + <p> + “How long am I to stand crouching here?” I asked of myself, at last, being + tired of hearing them cry, “score one,” “score two,” “No, by—, + Charlie,” “By —, I say it is, Phelps.” And yet my only chance of + slipping by them unperceived was to wait till they quarrelled more, and + came to blows about it. Presently, as I made up my mind to steal along + towards them (for the cavern was pretty wide, just there), Charlie, or + Charleworth Doone, the younger and taller man, reached forth his hand to + seize the money, which he swore he had won that time. Upon this, the other + jerked his arm, vowing that he had no right to it; whereupon Charlie flung + at his face the contents of the glass he was sipping, but missed him and + hit the candle, which sputtered with a flare of blue flame (from the + strength perhaps of the spirit) and then went out completely. At this, one + swore, and the other laughed; and before they had settled what to do, I + was past them and round the corner. + </p> + <p> + And then, like a giddy fool as I was, I needs must give them a startler—the + whoop of an owl, done so exactly, as John Fry had taught me, and echoed by + the roof so fearfully, that one of them dropped the tinder box; and the + other caught up his gun and cocked it, at least as I judged by the sounds + they made. And then, too late, I knew my madness, for if either of them + had fired, no doubt but what all the village would have risen and rushed + upon me. However, as the luck of the matter went, it proved for my + advantage; for I heard one say to the other,— + </p> + <p> + “Curse it, Charlie, what was that? It scared me so, I have dropped my box; + my flint is gone, and everything. Will the brimstone catch from your pipe, + my lad?” + </p> + <p> + “My pipe is out, Phelps, ever so long. Damn it, I am not afraid of an owl, + man. Give me the lanthorn, and stay here. I'm not half done with you yet, + my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, my boy, well said! Go straight to Carver's, mind you. The + other sleepy heads be snoring, as there is nothing up to-night. No + dallying now under Captain's window. Queen will have nought to say to you; + and Carver will punch your head into a new wick for your lanthorn.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he though? Two can play at that.” And so after some rude jests, and + laughter, and a few more oaths, I heard Charlie (or at any rate somebody) + coming toward me, with a loose and not too sober footfall. As he reeled a + little in his gait, and I would not move from his way one inch, after his + talk of Lorna, but only longed to grasp him (if common sense permitted + it), his braided coat came against my thumb, and his leathern gaiters + brushed my knee. If he had turned or noticed it, he would have been a dead + man in a moment; but his drunkenness saved him. + </p> + <p> + So I let him reel on unharmed; and thereupon it occurred to me that I + could have no better guide, passing as he would exactly where I wished to + be; that is to say under Lorna's window. Therefore I followed him without + any especial caution; and soon I had the pleasure of seeing his form + against the moonlit sky. Down a steep and winding path, with a handrail at + the corners (such as they have at Ilfracombe), Master Charlie tripped + along—and indeed there was much tripping, and he must have been an + active fellow to recover as he did—and after him walked I, much + hoping (for his own poor sake) that he might not turn and espy me. + </p> + <p> + But Bacchus (of whom I read at school, with great wonder about his meaning—and + the same I may say of Venus) that great deity preserved Charlie, his pious + worshipper, from regarding consequences. So he led me very kindly to the + top of the meadow land, where the stream from underground broke forth, + seething quietly with a little hiss of bubbles. Hence I had fair view and + outline of the robbers' township, spread with bushes here and there, but + not heavily overshadowed. The moon, approaching now the full, brought the + forms in manner forth, clothing each with character, as the moon (more + than the sun) does, to an eye accustomed. + </p> + <p> + I knew that the Captain's house was first, both from what Lorna had said + of it, and from my mother's description, and now again from seeing Charlie + halt there for a certain time, and whistle on his fingers, and hurry on, + fearing consequence. The tune that he whistled was strange to me, and + lingered in my ears, as having something very new and striking, and + fantastic in it. And I repeated it softly to myself, while I marked the + position of the houses and the beauty of the village. For the stream, in + lieu of any street, passing between the houses, and affording perpetual + change, and twinkling, and reflections moreover by its sleepy murmur + soothing all the dwellers there, this and the snugness of the position, + walled with rock and spread with herbage, made it look, in the quiet + moonlight, like a little paradise. And to think of all the inmates there, + sleeping with good consciences, having plied their useful trade of making + others work for them, enjoying life without much labour, yet with great + renown. + </p> + <p> + Master Charlie went down the village, and I followed him carefully, + keeping as much as possible in the shadowy places, and watching the + windows of every house, lest any light should be burning. As I passed Sir + Ensor's house, my heart leaped up, for I spied a window, higher than the + rest above the ground, and with a faint light moving. This could hardly + fail to be the room wherein my darling lay; for here that impudent young + fellow had gazed while he was whistling. And here my courage grew tenfold, + and my spirit feared no evil—for lo, if Lorna had been surrendered + to that scoundrel, Carver, she would not have been at her grandfather's + house, but in Carver's accursed dwelling. + </p> + <p> + Warm with this idea, I hurried after Charleworth Doone, being resolved not + to harm him now, unless my own life required it. And while I watched from + behind a tree, the door of the farthest house was opened; and sure enough + it was Carver's self, who stood bareheaded, and half undressed in the + doorway. I could see his great black chest, and arms, by the light of the + lamp he bore. + </p> + <p> + “Who wants me this time of night?” he grumbled, in a deep gruff voice; + “any young scamp prowling after the maids shall have sore bones for his + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “All the fair maids are for thee, are they, Master Carver?” Charlie + answered, laughing; “we young scamps must be well-content with coarser + stuff than thou wouldst have.” + </p> + <p> + “Would have? Ay, and will have,” the great beast muttered angrily. “I bide + my time; but not very long. Only one word for thy good, Charlie. I will + fling thee senseless into the river, if ever I catch thy girl-face there + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap, Master Carver, it is more than thou couldst do. But I will not + keep thee; thou art not pleasant company to-night. All I want is a light + for my lanthorn, and a glass of schnapps, if thou hast it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is become of thy light, then? Good for thee I am not on duty.” + </p> + <p> + “A great owl flew between me and Phelps, as we watched beside the culvern, + and so scared was he at our fierce bright eyes that he fell and knocked + the light out.” + </p> + <p> + “Likely tale, or likely lie, Charles! We will have the truth to-morrow. + Here take thy light, and be gone with thee. All virtuous men are in bed + now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then so will I be, and why art thou not? Ha, have I earned my schnapps + now?” + </p> + <p> + “If thou hast, thou hast paid a bad debt; there is too much in thee + already. Be off! my patience is done with.” + </p> + <p> + Then he slammed the door in the young man's face, having kindled his + lanthorn by this time: and Charlie went up to the watchplace again, + muttering as he passed me, “Bad look-out for all of us, when that surly + old beast is Captain. No gentle blood in him, no hospitality, not even + pleasant language, nor a good new oath in his frowsy pate! I've a mind to + cut the whole of it; and but for the girls I would so.” + </p> + <p> + My heart was in my mouth, as they say, when I stood in the shade by + Lorna's window, and whispered her name gently. The house was of one story + only, as the others were, with pine-ends standing forth the stone, and + only two rough windows upon that western side of it, and perhaps both of + them were Lorna's. The Doones had been their own builders, for no one + should know their ins and outs; and of course their work was clumsy. As + for their windows, they stole them mostly from the houses round about. But + though the window was not very close, I might have whispered long enough, + before she would have answered me; frightened as she was, no doubt by many + a rude overture. And I durst not speak aloud because I saw another + watchman posted on the western cliff, and commanding all the valley. And + now this man (having no companion for drinking or for gambling) espied me + against the wall of the house, and advanced to the brink, and challenged + me. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you there? Answer! One, two, three; and I fire at thee.” + </p> + <p> + The nozzle of his gun was pointed full upon me, as I could see, with the + moonlight striking on the barrel; he was not more than fifty yards off, + and now he began to reckon. Being almost desperate about it, I began to + whistle, wondering how far I should get before I lost my windpipe: and as + luck would have it, my lips fell into that strange tune I had practised + last; the one I had heard from Charlie. My mouth would scarcely frame the + notes, being parched with terror; but to my surprise, the man fell back, + dropped his gun, and saluted. Oh, sweetest of all sweet melodies! + </p> + <p> + That tune was Carver Doone's passport (as I heard long afterwards), which + Charleworth Doone had imitated, for decoy of Lorna. The sentinel took me + for that vile Carver; who was like enough to be prowling there, for + private talk with Lorna; but not very likely to shout forth his name, if + it might be avoided. The watchman, perceiving the danger perhaps of + intruding on Carver's privacy, not only retired along the cliff, but + withdrew himself to good distance. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile he had done me the kindest service; for Lorna came to the window + at once, to see what the cause of the shout was, and drew back the curtain + timidly. Then she opened the rough lattice; and then she watched the cliff + and trees; and then she sighed very sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Lorna, don't you know me?” I whispered from the side, being afraid of + startling her by appearing over suddenly. + </p> + <p> + Quick though she always was of thought, she knew me not from my whisper, + and was shutting the window hastily when I caught it back, and showed + myself. + </p> + <p> + “John!” she cried, yet with sense enough not to speak aloud: “oh, you must + be mad, John.” + </p> + <p> + “As mad as a March hare,” said I, “without any news of my darling. You + knew I would come: of course you did.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I thought, perhaps—you know: now, John, you need not eat my + hand. Do you see they have put iron bars across?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure. Do you think I should be contented, even with this lovely + hand, but for these vile iron bars. I will have them out before I go. Now, + darling, for one moment—just the other hand, for a change, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + So I got the other, but was not honest; for I kept them both, and felt + their delicate beauty trembling, as I laid them to my heart. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, you will make me cry directly”—she had been crying long + ago—“if you go on in that way. You know we can never have one + another; every one is against it. Why should I make you miserable? Try not + to think of me any more.” + </p> + <p> + “And will you try the same of me, Lorna?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, John; if you agree to it. At least I will try to try it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you won't try anything of the sort,” I cried with great enthusiasm, + for her tone was so nice and melancholy: “the only thing we will try to + try, is to belong to one another. And if we do our best, Lorna, God alone + can prevent us.” + </p> + <p> + She crossed herself, with one hand drawn free as I spoke so boldly; and + something swelled in her little throat, and prevented her from answering. + </p> + <p> + “Now tell me,” I said; “what means all this? Why are you so pent up here? + Why have you given me no token? Has your grandfather turned against you? + Are you in any danger?” + </p> + <p> + “My poor grandfather is very ill: I fear that he will not live long. The + Counsellor and his son are now the masters of the valley; and I dare not + venture forth, for fear of anything they might do to me. When I went + forth, to signal for you, Carver tried to seize me; but I was too quick + for him. Little Gwenny is not allowed to leave the valley now; so that I + could send no message. I have been so wretched, dear, lest you should + think me false to you. The tyrants now make sure of me. You must watch + this house, both night and day, if you wish to save me. There is nothing + they would shrink from; if my poor grandfather—oh, I cannot bear to + think of myself, when I ought to think of him only; dying without a son to + tend him, or a daughter to shed a tear.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely he has sons enough; and a deal too many,” I was going to say, + but stopped myself in time: “why do none of them come to him?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not. I cannot tell. He is a very strange old man; and few have + ever loved him. He was black with wrath at the Counsellor, this very + afternoon—but I must not keep you here—you are much too brave, + John; and I am much too selfish: there, what was that shadow?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing more than a bat, darling, come to look for his sweetheart. I will + not stay long; you tremble so: and yet for that very reason, how can I + leave you, Lorna?” + </p> + <p> + “You must—you must,” she answered; “I shall die if they hurt you. I + hear the old nurse moving. Grandfather is sure to send for me. Keep back + from the window.” + </p> + <p> + However, it was only Gwenny Carfax, Lorna's little handmaid: my darling + brought her to the window and presented her to me, almost laughing through + her grief. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am so glad, John; Gwenny, I am so glad you came. I have wanted long + to introduce you to my 'young man,' as you call him. It is rather dark, + but you can see him. I wish you to know him again, Gwenny.” + </p> + <p> + “Whoy!” cried Gwenny, with great amazement, standing on tiptoe to look + out, and staring as if she were weighing me: “her be bigger nor any Doone! + Heared as her have bate our Cornish champion awrastling. 'Twadn't fair + play nohow: no, no; don't tell me, 'twadn't fair play nohow.” + </p> + <p> + “True enough, Gwenny,” I answered her; for the play had been very unfair + indeed on the side of the Bodmin champion; “it was not a fair bout, little + maid; I am free to acknowledge that.” By that answer, or rather by the + construction she put upon it, the heart of the Cornish girl was won, more + than by gold and silver. + </p> + <p> + “I shall knoo thee again, young man; no fear of that,” she answered, + nodding with an air of patronage. “Now, missis, gae on coortin', and I + wall gae outside and watch for 'ee.” Though expressed not over delicately, + this proposal arose, no doubt, from Gwenny's sense of delicacy; and I was + very thankful to her for taking her departure. + </p> + <p> + “She is the best little thing in the world,” said Lorna, softly laughing; + “and the queerest, and the truest. Nothing will bribe her against me. If + she seems to be on the other side, never, never doubt her. Now no more of + your 'coortin', John! I love you far too well for that. Yes, yes, ever so + much! If you will take a mean advantage of me. And as much as ever you + like to imagine; and then you may double it, after that. Only go, do go, + good John; kind, dear, darling John; if you love me, go.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I go without settling anything?” I asked very sensibly. “How + shall I know of your danger now? Hit upon something; you are so quick. + Anything you can think of; and then I will go, and not frighten you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been thinking long of something,” Lorna answered rapidly, with + that peculiar clearness of voice which made every syllable ring like music + of a several note, “you see that tree with the seven rooks' nests bright + against the cliffs there? Can you count them, from above, do you think? + From a place where you will be safe, dear”— + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, I can; or if I cannot, it will not take me long to find a spot, + whence I can do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Gwenny can climb like any cat. She has been up there in the summer, + watching the young birds, day by day, and daring the boys to touch them. + There are neither birds, nor eggs there now, of course, and nothing doing. + If you see but six rooks' nests; I am in peril and want you. If you see + but five, I am carried off by Carver.” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” said I, at the mere idea; in a tone which frightened Lorna. + </p> + <p> + “Fear not, John,” she whispered sadly, and my blood grew cold at it: “I + have means to stop him; or at least to save myself. If you can come within + one day of that man's getting hold of me, you will find me quite unharmed. + After that you will find me dead, or alive, according to circumstances, + but in no case such that you need blush to look at me.” + </p> + <p> + Her dear sweet face was full of pride, as even in the gloom I saw: and I + would not trespass on her feelings by such a thing, at such a moment, as + an attempt at any caress. I only said, “God bless you, darling!” and she + said the same to me, in a very low sad voice. And then I stole below + Carver's house, in the shadow from the eastern cliff; and knowing enough + of the village now to satisfy all necessity, betook myself to my + well-known track in returning from the valley; which was neither down the + waterslide (a course I feared in the darkness) nor up the cliffs at + Lorna's bower; but a way of my own inventing, which there is no need to + dwell upon. + </p> + <p> + A weight of care was off my mind; though much of trouble hung there still. + One thing was quite certain—if Lorna could not have John Ridd, no + one else should have her. And my mother, who sat up for me, and with me + long time afterwards, agreed that this was comfort. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0038" id="linklink2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + A GOOD TURN FOR JEREMY + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0119" id="linkimage-0119"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/318.jpg" alt="318.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + John Fry had now six shillings a week of regular and permanent wage, + besides all harvest and shearing money, as well as a cottage rent-free, + and enough of garden-ground to rear pot-herbs for his wife and all his + family. Now the wages appointed by our justices, at the time of sessions, + were four-and-sixpence a week for summer, and a shilling less for the + winter-time; and we could be fined, and perhaps imprisoned, for giving + more than the sums so fixed. Therefore John Fry was looked upon as the + richest man upon Exmoor, I mean of course among labourers, and there were + many jokes about robbing him, as if he were the mint of the King; and Tom + Faggus promised to try his hand, if he came across John on the highway, + although he had ceased from business, and was seeking a Royal pardon. + </p> + <p> + Now is it according to human nature, or is it a thing contradictory (as I + would fain believe)? But anyhow, there was, upon Exmoor, no more + discontented man, no man more sure that he had not his worth, neither half + so sore about it, than, or as, John Fry was. And one thing he did which I + could not wholly (or indeed I may say, in any measure) reconcile with my + sense of right, much as I laboured to do John justice, especially because + of his roguery; and this was, that if we said too much, or accused him at + all of laziness (which he must have known to be in him), he regularly + turned round upon us, and quite compelled us to hold our tongues, by + threatening to lay information against us for paying him too much wages! + </p> + <p> + Now I have not mentioned all this of John Fry, from any disrespect for his + memory (which is green and honest amongst us), far less from any desire to + hurt the feelings of his grandchildren; and I will do them the justice, + once for all, to avow, thus publicly, that I have known a great many + bigger rogues, and most of themselves in the number. But I have referred, + with moderation, to this little flaw in a worthy character (or foible, as + we call it, when a man is dead) for this reason only—that without it + there was no explaining John's dealings with Jeremy Stickles. + </p> + <p> + Master Jeremy, being full of London and Norwich experience, fell into the + error of supposing that we clods and yokels were the simplest of the + simple, and could be cheated at his good pleasure. Now this is not so: + when once we suspect that people have that idea of us, we indulge them in + it to the top of their bent, and grieve that they should come out of it, + as they do at last in amazement, with less money than before, and the + laugh now set against them. + </p> + <p> + Ever since I had offended Jeremy, by threatening him (as before related) + in case of his meddling with my affairs, he had more and more allied + himself with simple-minded John, as he was pleased to call him. John Fry + was everything: it was “run and fetch my horse, John”—“John, are my + pistols primed well?”—“I want you in the stable, John, about + something very particular”, until except for the rudeness of it, I was + longing to tell Master Stickles that he ought to pay John's wages. John + for his part was not backward, but gave himself the most wonderful airs of + secrecy and importance, till half the parish began to think that the + affairs of the nation were in his hand, and he scorned the sight of a + dungfork. + </p> + <p> + It was not likely that this should last; and being the only man in the + parish with any knowledge of politics, I gave John Fry to understand that + he must not presume to talk so freely, as if he were at least a constable, + about the constitution; which could be no affair of his, and might bring + us all into trouble. At this he only tossed his nose, as if he had been in + London at least three times for my one; which vexed me so that I promised + him the thick end of the plough-whip if even the name of a knight of the + shire should pass his lips for a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + Now I did not suspect in my stupid noddle that John Fry would ever tell + Jeremy Stickles about the sight at the Wizard's Slough and the man in the + white nightcap; because John had sworn on the blade of his knife not to + breathe a word to any soul, without my full permission. However, it + appears that John related, for a certain consideration, all that he had + seen, and doubtless more which had accrued to it. Upon this Master + Stickles was much astonished at Uncle Reuben's proceedings, having always + accounted him a most loyal, keen, and wary subject. + </p> + <p> + All this I learned upon recovering Jeremy's good graces, which came to + pass in no other way than by the saving of his life. Being bound to keep + the strictest watch upon the seven rooks' nests, and yet not bearing to be + idle and to waste my mother's stores, I contrived to keep my work entirely + at the western corner of our farm, which was nearest to Glen Doone, and + whence I could easily run to a height commanding the view I coveted. + </p> + <p> + One day Squire Faggus had dropped in upon us, just in time for dinner; and + very soon he and King's messenger were as thick as need be. Tom had + brought his beloved mare to show her off to Annie, and he mounted his + pretty sweetheart upon her, after giving Winnie notice to be on her very + best behaviour. The squire was in great spirits, having just accomplished + a purchase of land which was worth ten times what he gave for it; and this + he did by a merry trick upon old Sir Roger Bassett, who never supposed him + to be in earnest, as not possessing the money. The whole thing was done on + a bumper of claret in a tavern where they met; and the old knight having + once pledged his word, no lawyers could hold him back from it. They could + only say that Master Faggus, being attainted of felony, was not a capable + grantee. “I will soon cure that,” quoth Tom, “my pardon has been ready for + months and months, so soon as I care to sue it.” + </p> + <p> + And now he was telling our Annie, who listened very rosily, and believed + every word he said, that, having been ruined in early innocence by the + means of lawyers, it was only just, and fair turn for turn, that having + become a match for them by long practice upon the highway, he should + reinstate himself, at their expense, in society. And now he would go to + London at once, and sue out his pardon, and then would his lovely darling + Annie, etc., etc.—things which I had no right to hear, and in which + I was not wanted. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I strode away up the lane to my afternoon's employment, sadly + comparing my love with theirs (which now appeared so prosperous), yet + heartily glad for Annie's sake; only remembering now and then the old + proverb “Wrong never comes right.” + </p> + <p> + I worked very hard in the copse of young ash, with my billhook and a + shearing-knife; cutting out the saplings where they stooled too close + together, making spars to keep for thatching, wall-crooks to drive into + the cob, stiles for close sheep hurdles, and handles for rakes, and hoes, + and two-bills, of the larger and straighter stuff. And all the lesser I + bound in faggots, to come home on the sledd to the woodrick. It is not to + be supposed that I did all this work, without many peeps at the seven + rooks' nests, which proved my Lorna's safety. Indeed, whenever I wanted a + change, either from cleaving, or hewing too hard, or stooping too much at + binding, I was up and away to the ridge of the hill, instead of standing + and doing nothing. + </p> + <p> + Soon I forgot about Tom and Annie; and fell to thinking of Lorna only; and + how much I would make of her; and what I should call our children; and how + I would educate them, to do honour to her rank; yet all the time I worked + none the worse, by reason of meditation. Fresh-cut spars are not so good + as those of a little seasoning; especially if the sap was not gone down at + the time of cutting. Therefore we always find it needful to have plenty + still in stock. + </p> + <p> + It was very pleasant there in the copse, sloping to the west as it was, + and the sun descending brightly, with rocks and banks to dwell upon. The + stems of mottled and dimpled wood, with twigs coming out like elbows, hung + and clung together closely, with a mode of bending in, as children do at + some danger; overhead the shrunken leaves quivered and rustled ripely, + having many points like stars, and rising and falling delicately, as + fingers play sad music. Along the bed of the slanting ground, all between + the stools of wood, there were heaps of dead brown leaves, and sheltered + mats of lichen, and drifts of spotted stick gone rotten, and tufts of + rushes here and there, full of fray and feathering. + </p> + <p> + All by the hedge ran a little stream, a thing that could barely name + itself, flowing scarce more than a pint in a minute, because of the sunny + weather. Yet had this rill little crooks and crannies dark and bravely + bearded, and a gallant rush through a reeden pipe—the stem of a flag + that was grounded; and here and there divided threads, from the points of + a branching stick, into mighty pools of rock (as large as a grown man's + hat almost) napped with moss all around the sides and hung with corded + grasses. Along and down the tiny banks, and nodding into one another, even + across main channel, hung the brown arcade of ferns; some with gold + tongues languishing; some with countless ear-drops jerking, some with + great quilled ribs uprising and long saws aflapping; others cupped, and + fanning over with the grace of yielding, even as a hollow fountain spread + by winds that have lost their way. + </p> + <p> + Deeply each beyond other, pluming, stooping, glancing, glistening, weaving + softest pillow lace, coying to the wind and water, when their fleeting + image danced, or by which their beauty moved,—God has made no + lovelier thing; and only He takes heed of them. + </p> + <p> + It was time to go home to supper now, and I felt very friendly towards it, + having been hard at work for some hours, with only the voice of the little + rill, and some hares and a pheasant for company. The sun was gone down + behind the black wood on the farther cliffs of Bagworthy, and the russet + of the tufts and spear-beds was becoming gray, while the greyness of the + sapling ash grew brown against the sky; the hollow curves of the little + stream became black beneath the grasses and the fairy fans innumerable, + while outside the hedge our clover was crimping its leaves in the dewfall, + like the cocked hats of wood-sorrel,—when, thanking God for all this + scene, because my love had gifted me with the key to all things lovely, I + prepared to follow their example, and to rest from labour. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I wiped my bill-hook and shearing-knife very carefully, for I + hate to leave tools dirty; and was doubting whether I should try for + another glance at the seven rooks' nests, or whether it would be too dark + for it. It was now a quarter of an hour mayhap, since I had made any + chopping noise, because I had been assorting my spars, and tying them in + bundles, instead of plying the bill-hook; and the gentle tinkle of the + stream was louder than my doings. To this, no doubt, I owe my life, which + then (without my dreaming it) was in no little jeopardy. + </p> + <p> + For, just as I was twisting the bine of my very last faggot, before + tucking the cleft tongue under, there came three men outside the hedge, + where the western light was yellow; and by it I could see that all three + of them carried firearms. These men were not walking carelessly, but + following down the hedge-trough, as if to stalk some enemy: and for a + moment it struck me cold to think it was I they were looking for. With the + swiftness of terror I concluded that my visits to Glen Doone were known, + and now my life was the forfeit. + </p> + <p> + It was a most lucky thing for me, that I heard their clothes catch in the + brambles, and saw their hats under the rampart of ash, which is made by + what we call “splashing,” and lucky, for me that I stood in a goyal, and + had the dark coppice behind me. To this I had no time to fly, but with a + sort of instinct, threw myself flat in among the thick fern, and held my + breath, and lay still as a log. For I had seen the light gleam on their + gun-barrels, and knowing the faults of the neighbourhood, would fain avoid + swelling their number. Then the three men came to the gap in the hedge, + where I had been in and out so often; and stood up, and looked in over. + </p> + <p> + It is all very well for a man to boast that, in all his life, he has never + been frightened, and believes that he never could be so. There may be men + of that nature—I will not dare to deny it; only I have never known + them. The fright I was now in was horrible, and all my bones seemed to + creep inside me; when lying there helpless, with only a billet and the + comb of fern to hide me, in the dusk of early evening, I saw three faces + in the gap; and what was worse, three gun-muzzles. + </p> + <p> + “Somebody been at work here—” it was the deep voice of Carver Doone; + “jump up, Charlie, and look about; we must have no witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a hand behind,” said Charlie, the same handsome young Doone I had + seen that night; “this bank is too devilish steep for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, man!” cried Marwood de Whichehalse, who to my amazement was the + third of the number; “only a hind cutting faggots; and of course he hath + gone home long ago. Blind man's holiday, as we call it. I can see all over + the place; and there is not even a rabbit there.” + </p> + <p> + At that I drew my breath again, and thanked God I had gotten my coat on. + </p> + <p> + “Squire is right,” said Charlie, who was standing up high (on a root + perhaps), “there is nobody there now, captain; and lucky for the poor + devil that he keepeth workman's hours. Even his chopper is gone, I see.” + </p> + <p> + “No dog, no man, is the rule about here, when it comes to coppice work,” + continued young de Whichehalse; “there is not a man would dare work there, + without a dog to scare the pixies.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a big young fellow upon this farm,” Carver Doone muttered + sulkily, “with whom I have an account to settle, if ever I come across + him. He hath a cursed spite to us, because we shot his father. He was + going to bring the lumpers upon us, only he was afeared, last winter. And + he hath been in London lately, for some traitorous job, I doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you mean that fool, John Ridd,” answered the young squire; “a very + simple clod-hopper. No treachery in him I warrant; he hath not the head + for it. All he cares about is wrestling. As strong as a bull, and with no + more brains.” + </p> + <p> + “A bullet for that bull,” said Carver; and I could see the grin on his + scornful face; “a bullet for ballast to his brain, the first time I come + across him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, captain! I won't have him shot, for he is my old school-fellow, + and hath a very pretty sister. But his cousin is of a different mould, and + ten times as dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see, lads, we shall see,” grumbled the great black-bearded man. + “Ill bodes for the fool that would hinder me. But come, let us onward. No + lingering, or the viper will be in the bush from us. Body and soul, if he + give us the slip, both of you shall answer it.” + </p> + <p> + “No fear, captain, and no hurry,” Charlie answered gallantly, “would I + were as sure of living a twelvemonth as he is of dying within the hour! + Extreme unction for him in my bullet patch. Remember, I claim to be his + confessor, because he hath insulted me.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art welcome to the job for me,” said Marwood, as they turned away, + and kept along the hedge-row; “I love to meet a man sword to sword; not to + pop at him from a foxhole.” + </p> + <p> + What answer was made I could not hear, for by this time the stout ashen + hedge was between us, and no other gap to be found in it, until at the + very bottom, where the corner of the copse was. Yet I was not quit of + danger now; for they might come through that second gap, and then would be + sure to see me, unless I crept into the uncut thicket, before they could + enter the clearing. But in spite of all my fear, I was not wise enough to + do that. And in truth the words of Carver Doone had filled me with such + anger, knowing what I did about him and his pretence to Lorna; and the + sight of Squire Marwood, in such outrageous company, had so moved my + curiosity, and their threats against some unknown person so aroused my + pity, that much of my prudence was forgotten, or at least the better part + of courage, which loves danger at long distance. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, holding fast my bill-hook, I dropped myself very quietly into + the bed of the runnel, being resolved to take my chance of their entrance + at the corner, where the water dived through the hedge-row. And so I + followed them down the fence, as gently as a rabbit goes, only I was + inside it, and they on the outside; but yet so near that I heard the + branches rustle as they pushed them. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps I had never loved ferns so much as when I came to the end of that + little gully, and stooped betwixt two patches of them, now my chiefest + shelter, for cattle had been through the gap just there, in quest of + fodder and coolness, and had left but a mound of trodden earth between me + and the outlaws. I mean at least on my left hand (upon which side they + were), for in front where the brook ran out of the copse was a good stiff + hedge of holly. And now I prayed Heaven to lead them straight on; for if + they once turned to their right, through the gap, the muzzles of their + guns would come almost against my forehead. + </p> + <p> + I heard them, for I durst not look; and could scarce keep still for + trembling—I heard them trampling outside the gap, uncertain which + track they should follow. And in that fearful moment, with my soul almost + looking out of my body, expecting notice to quit it, what do you think I + did? I counted the threads in a spider's web, and the flies he had lately + eaten, as their skeletons shook in the twilight. + </p> + <p> + “We shall see him better in there,” said Carver, in his horrible gruff + voice, like the creaking of the gallows chain; “sit there, behind holly + hedge, lads, while he cometh down yonder hill; and then our good-evening + to him; one at his body, and two at his head; and good aim, lest we baulk + the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, captain, that will not do,” said Charlie, almost whispering: + “you are very proud of your skill, we know, and can hit a lark if you see + it: but he may not come until after dark, and we cannot be too nigh to + him. This holly hedge is too far away. He crosses down here from + Slocomslade, not from Tibbacot, I tell you; but along that track to the + left there, and so by the foreland to Glenthorne, where his boat is in the + cove. Do you think I have tracked him so many evenings, without knowing + his line to a hair? Will you fool away all my trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “Come then, lad, we will follow thy lead. Thy life for his, if we fail of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “After me then, right into the hollow; thy legs are growing stiff, + captain.” + </p> + <p> + “So shall thy body be, young man, if thou leadest me astray in this.” + </p> + <p> + I heard them stumbling down the hill, which was steep and rocky in that + part; and peering through the hedge, I saw them enter a covert, by the + side of the track which Master Stickles followed, almost every evening, + when he left our house upon business. And then I knew who it was they were + come on purpose to murder—a thing which I might have guessed long + before, but for terror and cold stupidity. + </p> + <p> + “Oh that God,” I thought for a moment, waiting for my blood to flow; “Oh + that God had given me brains, to meet such cruel dastards according to + their villainy! The power to lie, and the love of it; the stealth to spy, + and the glory in it; above all, the quiet relish for blood, and joy in the + death of an enemy—these are what any man must have, to contend with + the Doones upon even terms. And yet, I thank God that I have not any of + these.” + </p> + <p> + It was no time to dwell upon that, only to try, if might be, to prevent + the crime they were bound upon. To follow the armed men down the hill + would have been certain death to me, because there was no covert there, + and the last light hung upon it. It seemed to me that my only chance to + stop the mischief pending was to compass the round of the hill, as fast as + feet could be laid to ground; only keeping out of sight from the valley, + and then down the rocks, and across the brook, to the track from + Slocombslade: so as to stop the King's messenger from travelling any + farther, if only I could catch him there. + </p> + <p> + And this was exactly what I did; and a terrible run I had for it, fearing + at every step to hear the echo of shots in the valley, and dropping down + the scrubby rocks with tearing and violent scratching. Then I crossed + Bagworthy stream, not far below Doone-valley, and breasted the hill + towards Slocombslade, with my heart very heavily panting. Why Jeremy chose + to ride this way, instead of the more direct one (which would have been + over Oare-hill), was more than I could account for: but I had nothing to + do with that; all I wanted was to save his life. + </p> + <p> + And this I did by about a minute; and (which was the hardest thing of all) + with a great horse-pistol at my head as I seized upon his bridle. + </p> + <p> + “Jeremy, Jerry,” was all I could say, being so fearfully short of breath; + for I had crossed the ground quicker than any horse could. + </p> + <p> + “Spoken just in time, John Ridd!” cried Master Stickles, still however + pointing the pistol at me: “I might have known thee by thy size, John. + What art doing here?” + </p> + <p> + “Come to save your life. For God's sake, go no farther. Three men in the + covert there, with long guns, waiting for thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! I have been watched of late. That is why I pointed at thee, John. + Back round this corner, and get thy breath, and tell me all about it. I + never saw a man so hurried. I could beat thee now, John.” + </p> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles was a man of courage, and presence of mind, and much + resource: otherwise he would not have been appointed for this business; + nevertheless he trembled greatly when he heard what I had to tell him. But + I took good care to keep back the name of young Marwood de Whichehalse; + neither did I show my knowledge of the other men; for reasons of my own + not very hard to conjecture. + </p> + <p> + “We will let them cool their heels, John Ridd,” said Jeremy, after + thinking a little. “I cannot fetch my musketeers either from Glenthorne or + Lynmouth, in time to seize the fellows. And three desperate Doones, + well-armed, are too many for you and me. One result this attempt will + have, it will make us attack them sooner than we had intended. And one + more it will have, good John, it will make me thy friend for ever. Shake + hands my lad, and forgive me freely for having been so cold to thee. + Mayhap, in the troubles coming, it will help thee not a little to have + done me this good turn.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this he shook me by the hand, with a pressure such as we feel not + often; and having learned from me how to pass quite beyond view of his + enemies, he rode on to his duty, whatever it might be. For my part I was + inclined to stay, and watch how long the three fusiliers would have the + patience to lie in wait; but seeing less and less use in that, as I grew + more and more hungry, I swung my coat about me, and went home to Plover's + Barrows. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0039" id="linklink2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + A TROUBLED STATE AND A FOOLISH JOKE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0120" id="linkimage-0120"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/328.jpg" alt="328.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Stickles took me aside the next day, and opened all his business to me, + whether I would or not. But I gave him clearly to understand that he was + not to be vexed with me, neither to regard me as in any way dishonest, if + I should use for my own purpose, or for the benefit of my friends, any + part of the knowledge and privity thus enforced upon me. To this he agreed + quite readily; but upon the express provision that I should do nothing to + thwart his schemes, neither unfold them to any one; but otherwise be + allowed to act according to my own conscience, and as consisted with the + honour of a loyal gentleman—for so he was pleased to term me. Now + what he said lay in no great compass and may be summed in smaller still; + especially as people know the chief part of it already. Disaffection to + the King, or rather dislike to his brother James, and fear of Roman + ascendancy, had existed now for several years, and of late were spreading + rapidly; partly through the downright arrogance of the Tory faction, the + cruelty and austerity of the Duke of York, the corruption of justice, and + confiscation of ancient rights and charters; partly through jealousy of + the French king, and his potent voice in our affairs; and partly (or + perhaps one might even say, mainly) through that natural tide in all + political channels, which verily moves as if it had the moon itself for + its mistress. No sooner is a thing done and fixed, being set far in + advance perhaps of all that was done before (like a new mole in the sea), + but immediately the waters retire, lest they should undo it; and every one + says how fine it is, but leaves other people to walk on it. Then after + awhile, the vague endless ocean, having retired and lain still without a + breeze or murmur, frets and heaves again with impulse, or with lashes laid + on it, and in one great surge advances over every rampart. + </p> + <p> + And so there was at the time I speak of, a great surge in England, not + rolling yet, but seething; and one which a thousand Chief Justices, and a + million Jeremy Stickles, should never be able to stop or turn, by + stringing up men in front of it; any more than a rope of onions can + repulse a volcano. But the worst of it was that this great movement took a + wrong channel at first; not only missing legitimate line, but roaring out + that the back ditchway was the true and established course of it. + </p> + <p> + Against this rash and random current nearly all the ancient mariners of + the State were set; not to allow the brave ship to drift there, though + some little boats might try it. For the present there seemed to be a + pause, with no open onset, but people on the shore expecting, each + according to his wishes, and the feel of his own finger, whence the rush + of wind should come which might direct the water. + </p> + <p> + Now,—to reduce high figures of speech into our own little numerals,—all + the towns of Somersetshire and half the towns of Devonshire were full of + pushing eager people, ready to swallow anything, or to make others swallow + it. Whether they believed the folly about the black box, and all that + stuff, is not for me to say; only one thing I know, they pretended to do + so, and persuaded the ignorant rustics. Taunton, Bridgwater, Minehead, and + Dulverton took the lead of the other towns in utterance of their + discontent, and threats of what they meant to do if ever a Papist dared to + climb the Protestant throne of England. On the other hand, the Tory + leaders were not as yet under apprehension of an immediate outbreak, and + feared to damage their own cause by premature coercion, for the struggle + was not very likely to begin in earnest during the life of the present + King; unless he should (as some people hoped) be so far emboldened as to + make public profession of the faith which he held (if any). So the Tory + policy was to watch, not indeed permitting their opponents to gather + strength, and muster in armed force or with order, but being well apprised + of all their schemes and intended movements, to wait for some bold overt + act, and then to strike severely. And as a Tory watchman—or spy, as + the Whigs would call him—Jeremy Stickles was now among us; and his + duty was threefold. + </p> + <p> + First, and most ostensibly, to see to the levying of poundage in the + little haven of Lynmouth, and farther up the coast, which was now becoming + a place of resort for the folk whom we call smugglers, that is to say, who + land their goods without regard to King's revenue as by law established. + And indeed there had been no officer appointed to take toll, until one had + been sent to Minehead, not so very long before. The excise as well (which + had been ordered in the time of the Long Parliament) had been little + heeded by the people hereabouts. + </p> + <p> + Second, his duty was (though only the Doones had discovered it) to watch + those outlaws narrowly, and report of their manners (which were scanty), + doings (which were too manifold), reputation (which was execrable), and + politics, whether true to the King and the Pope, or otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles' third business was entirely political; to learn the + temper of our people and the gentle families, to watch the movements of + the trained bands (which could not always be trusted), to discover any + collecting of arms and drilling of men among us, to prevent (if need were, + by open force) any importation of gunpowder, of which there had been some + rumour; in a word, to observe and forestall the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Now in providing for this last-mentioned service, the Government had made + a great mistake, doubtless through their anxiety to escape any public + attention. For all the disposable force at their emissary's command + amounted to no more than a score of musketeers, and these so divided along + the coast as scarcely to suffice for the duty of sentinels. He held a + commission, it is true, for the employment of the train-bands, but upon + the understanding that he was not to call upon them (except as a last + resource), for any political object; although he might use them against + the Doones as private criminals, if found needful; and supposing that he + could get them. + </p> + <p> + “So you see, John,” he said in conclusion, “I have more work than tools to + do it with. I am heartily sorry I ever accepted such a mixed and meagre + commission. At the bottom of it lies (I am well convinced) not only the + desire to keep things quiet, but the paltry jealousy of the military + people. Because I am not a Colonel, forsooth, or a Captain in His + Majesty's service, it would never do to trust me with a company of + soldiers! And yet they would not send either Colonel or Captain, for fear + of a stir in the rustic mind. The only thing that I can do with any chance + of success, is to rout out these vile Doone fellows, and burn their houses + over their heads. Now what think you of that, John Ridd?” + </p> + <p> + “Destroy the town of the Doones,” I said, “and all the Doones inside it! + Surely, Jeremy, you would never think of such a cruel act as that!” + </p> + <p> + “A cruel act, John! It would be a mercy for at least three counties. No + doubt you folk, who live so near, are well accustomed to them, and would + miss your liveliness in coming home after nightfall, and the joy of + finding your sheep and cattle right, when you not expected it. But after + awhile you might get used to the dullness of being safe in your beds, and + not losing your sisters and sweethearts. Surely, on the whole, it is as + pleasant not to be robbed as to be robbed.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we should miss them very much,” I answered after consideration; + for the possibility of having no Doones had never yet occurred to me, and + we all were so thoroughly used to them, and allowed for it in our year's + reckoning; “I am sure we should miss them very sadly; and something worse + would come of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art the staunchest of all staunch Tories,” cried Stickles, laughing, + as he shook my hand; “thou believest in the divine right of robbers, who + are good enough to steal thy own fat sheep. I am a jolly Tory, John, but + thou art ten times jollier: oh! the grief in thy face at the thought of + being robbed no longer!” + </p> + <p> + He laughed in a very unseemly manner; while I descried nothing to laugh + about. For we always like to see our way; and a sudden change upsets us. + And unless it were in the loss of the farm, or the death of the King, or + of Betty Muxworthy, there was nothing that could so unsettle our minds as + the loss of the Doones of Bagworthy. + </p> + <p> + And beside all this, I was thinking, of course, and thinking more than all + the rest, about the troubles that might ensue to my own beloved Lorna. If + an attack of Glen Doone were made by savage soldiers and rude train-bands, + what might happen, or what might not, to my delicate, innocent darling? + Therefore, when Jeremy Stickles again placed the matter before me, + commending my strength and courage and skill (to flatter me of the + highest), and finished by saying that I would be worth at least four + common men to him, I cut him short as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Master Stickles, once for all, I will have naught to do with it. The + reason why is no odds of thine, nor in any way disloyal. Only in thy plans + remember that I will not strike a blow, neither give any counsel, neither + guard any prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + “Not strike a blow,” cried Jeremy, “against thy father's murderers, John!” + </p> + <p> + “Not a single blow, Jeremy; unless I knew the man who did it, and he + gloried in his sin. It was a foul and dastard deed, yet not done in cold + blood; neither in cold blood will I take God's task of avenging it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, John,” answered Master Stickles, “I know thine obstinacy. When + thy mind is made up, to argue with thee is pelting a rock with + peppercorns. But thou hast some other reason, lad, unless I am much + mistaken, over and above thy merciful nature and Christian forgiveness. + Anyhow, come and see it, John. There will be good sport, I reckon; + especially when we thrust our claws into the nest of the ravens. Many a + yeoman will find his daughter, and some of the Porlock lads their + sweethearts. A nice young maiden, now, for thee, John; if indeed, any—” + </p> + <p> + “No more of this!” I answered very sternly: “it is no business of thine, + Jeremy; and I will have no joking upon this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, my lord; so be it. But one thing I tell thee in earnest. We will + have thy old double-dealing uncle, Huckaback of Dulverton, and march him + first to assault Doone Castle, sure as my name is Stickles. I hear that he + hath often vowed to storm the valley himself, if only he could find a + dozen musketeers to back him. Now, we will give him chance to do it, and + prove his loyalty to the King, which lies under some suspicion of late.” + </p> + <p> + With regard to this, I had nothing to say; for it seemed to me very + reasonable that Uncle Reuben should have first chance of recovering his + stolen goods, about which he had made such a sad to-do, and promised + himself such vengeance. I made bold, however, to ask Master Stickles at + what time he intended to carry out this great and hazardous attempt. He + answered that he had several things requiring first to be set in order, + and that he must make an inland Journey, even as far as Tiverton, and + perhaps Crediton and Exeter, to collect his forces and ammunition for + them. For he meant to have some of the yeomanry as well as of the trained + bands, so that if the Doones should sally forth, as perhaps they would, on + horseback, cavalry might be there to meet them, and cut them off from + returning. + </p> + <p> + All this made me very uncomfortable, for many and many reasons, the chief + and foremost being of course my anxiety about Lorna. If the attack + succeeded, what was to become of her? Who would rescue her from the brutal + soldiers, even supposing that she escaped from the hands of her own + people, during the danger and ferocity? And in smaller ways, I was much + put out; for instance, who would ensure our corn-ricks, sheep, and cattle, + ay, and even our fat pigs, now coming on for bacon, against the spreading + all over the country of unlicensed marauders? The Doones had their rights, + and understood them, and took them according to prescription, even as the + parsons had, and the lords of manors, and the King himself, God save him! + But how were these low soldiering fellows (half-starved at home very + likely, and only too glad of the fat of the land, and ready, according to + our proverb, to burn the paper they fried in), who were they to come + hectoring and heroing over us, and Heliogabalising, with our pretty + sisters to cook for them, and be chucked under chin perhaps afterwards? + There is nothing England hates so much, according to my sense of it, as + that fellows taken from plough-tail, cart-tail, pot-houses and + parish-stocks, should be hoisted and foisted upon us (after a few months' + drilling, and their lying shaped into truckling) as defenders of the + public weal, and heroes of the universe. + </p> + <p> + In another way I was vexed, moreover—for after all we must consider + the opinions of our neighbours—namely, that I knew quite well how + everybody for ten miles round (for my fame must have been at least that + wide, after all my wrestling), would lift up hands and cry out thus—“Black + shame on John Ridd, if he lets them go without him!” + </p> + <p> + Putting all these things together, as well as many others, which your own + wits will suggest to you, it is impossible but what you will freely + acknowledge that this unfortunate John Ridd was now in a cloven stick. + There was Lorna, my love and life, bound by her duty to that old vil—nay, + I mean to her good grandfather, who could now do little mischief, and + therefore deserved all praise—Lorna bound, at any rate, by her + womanly feelings, if not by sense of duty, to remain in the thick danger, + with nobody to protect her, but everybody to covet her, for beauty and + position. Here was all the country roused with violent excitement, at the + chance of snapping at the Doones; and not only getting tit for tat; but + every young man promising his sweetheart a gold chain, and his mother at + least a shilling. And here was our own mow-yard, better filled than we + could remember, and perhaps every sheaf in it destined to be burned or + stolen, before we had finished the bread we had baked. + </p> + <p> + Among all these troubles, there was, however, or seemed to be, one + comfort. Tom Faggus returned from London very proudly and very happily, + with a royal pardon in black and white, which everybody admired the more, + because no one could read a word of it. The Squire himself acknowledged + cheerfully that he could sooner take fifty purses than read a single line + of it. Some people indeed went so far as to say that the parchment was + made from a sheep Tom had stolen, and that was why it prevaricated so in + giving him a character. But I, knowing something by this time, of lawyers, + was able to contradict them; affirming that the wolf had more than the + sheep to do with this matter. + </p> + <p> + For, according to our old saying, the three learned professions live by + roguery on the three parts of a man. The doctor mauls our bodies; the + parson starves our souls, but the lawyer must be the adroitest knave, for + he has to ensnare our minds. Therefore he takes a careful delight in + covering his traps and engines with a spread of dead-leaf words, whereof + himself knows little more than half the way to spell them. + </p> + <p> + But now Tom Faggus, although having wit to gallop away on his strawberry + mare, with the speed of terror, from lawyers (having paid them with money + too honest to stop), yet fell into a reckless adventure, ere ever he came + home, from which any lawyer would have saved him, although he ought to + have needed none beyond common thought for dear Annie. Now I am, and ever + have been, so vexed about this story that I cannot tell it pleasantly (as + I try to write in general) in my own words and manner. Therefore I will + let John Fry (whom I have robbed of another story, to which he was more + entitled, and whom I have robbed of many speeches (which he thought very + excellent), lest I should grieve any one with his lack of education,—the + last lack he ever felt, by the bye), now with your good leave, I will + allow poor John to tell this tale, in his own words and style; which he + has a perfect right to do, having been the first to tell us. For Squire + Faggus kept it close; not trusting even Annie with it (or at least she + said so); because no man knows much of his sweetheart's tongue, until she + has borne him a child or two. + </p> + <p> + Only before John begins his story, this I would say, in duty to him, and + in common honesty,—that I dare not write down some few of his words, + because they are not convenient, for dialect or other causes; and that I + cannot find any way of spelling many of the words which I do repeat, so + that people, not born on Exmoor, may know how he pronounced them; even if + they could bring their lips and their legs to the proper attitude. And in + this I speak advisedly; having observed some thousand times that the + manner a man has of spreading his legs, and bending his knees, or + stiffening, and even the way he will set his heel, make all the difference + in his tone, and time of casting his voice aright, and power of coming + home to you. + </p> + <p> + We always liked John's stories, not for any wit in them; but because we + laughed at the man, rather than the matter. The way he held his head was + enough, with his chin fixed hard like a certainty (especially during his + biggest lie), not a sign of a smile in his lips or nose, but a power of + not laughing; and his eyes not turning to anybody, unless somebody had too + much of it (as young girls always do) and went over the brink of laughter. + Thereupon it was good to see John Fry; how he looked gravely first at the + laughter, as much as to ask, “What is it now?” then if the fool went + laughing more, as he or she was sure to do upon that dry inquiry, John + would look again, to be sure of it, and then at somebody else to learn + whether the laugh had company; then if he got another grin, all his mirth + came out in glory, with a sudden break; and he wiped his lips, and was + grave again. + </p> + <p> + Now John, being too much encouraged by the girls (of which I could never + break them), came into the house that December evening, with every inch of + him full of a tale. Annie saw it, and Lizzie, of course; and even I, in + the gloom of great evils, perceived that John was a loaded gun; but I did + not care to explode him. Now nothing primed him so hotly as this: if you + wanted to hear all John Fry had heard, the surest of all sure ways to it + was, to pretend not to care for a word of it. + </p> + <p> + “I wor over to Exeford in the morning,” John began from the + chimney-corner, looking straight at Annie; “for to zee a little calve, + Jan, as us cuddn't get thee to lave houze about. Meesus have got a quare + vancy vor un, from wutt her have heer'd of the brade. Now zit quite, wull + 'e Miss Luzzie, or a 'wunt goo on no vurder. Vaine little tayl I'll tull' + ee, if so be thee zits quite. Wull, as I coom down the hill, I zeed a + saight of volks astapping of the ro-udwai. Arl on 'em wi' girt goons, or + two men out of dree wi' 'em. Rackon there wor dree score on 'em, tak smarl + and beg togather laike; latt aloun the women and chillers; zum on em wi' + matches blowing, tothers wi' flint-lacks. 'Wutt be up now?' I says to Bill + Blacksmith, as had knowledge of me: 'be the King acoomin? If her be, do + 'ee want to shutt 'un?' + </p> + <p> + “'Thee not knaw!' says Bill Blacksmith, just the zame as I be a tullin of + it: 'whai, man, us expex Tam Faggus, and zum on us manes to shutt 'un.' + </p> + <p> + “'Shutt 'un wi'out a warrant!' says I: 'sure 'ee knaws better nor thic, + Bill! A man mayn't shutt to another man, wi'out have a warrant, Bill. + Warship zed so, last taime I zeed un, and nothing to the contrairy.' + </p> + <p> + “'Haw, haw! Never frout about that,' saith Bill, zame as I be tullin you; + 'us has warrants and warships enow, dree or vour on 'em. And more nor a + dizzen warranties; fro'ut I know to contrairy. Shutt 'un, us manes; and + shutt 'un, us will—' Whai, Miss Annie, good Lord, whuttiver maks 'ee + stear so?' + </p> + <p> + “Nothing at all, John,” our Annie answered; “only the horrible ferocity of + that miserable blacksmith.” + </p> + <p> + “That be nayther here nor there,” John continued, with some wrath at his + own interruption: “Blacksmith knawed whutt the Squire had been; and veared + to lose his own custom, if Squire tuk to shooin' again. Shutt any man I + would myzell as intervared wi' my trade laike. 'Lucky for thee,' said Bill + Blacksmith, 'as thee bee'st so shart and fat, Jan. Dree on us wor a gooin' + to shutt 'ee, till us zeed how fat thee waz, Jan.' + </p> + <p> + “'Lor now, Bill!' I answered 'un, wi' a girt cold swat upon me: 'shutt me, + Bill; and my own waife niver drame of it!'” + </p> + <p> + Here John Fry looked round the kitchen; for he had never said anything of + the kind, I doubt; but now made it part of his discourse, from thinking + that Mistress Fry was come, as she generally did, to fetch him. + </p> + <p> + “Wull done then, Jan Vry,” said the woman, who had entered quietly, but + was only our old Molly. “Wutt handsome manners thee hast gat, Jan, to + spake so well of thy waife laike; after arl the laife she leads thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Putt thee pot on the fire, old 'ooman, and bile thee own bakkon,” John + answered her, very sharply: “nobody no raight to meddle wi' a man's bad + ooman but himzell. Wull, here was all these here men awaitin', zum wi' + harses, zum wi'out; the common volk wi' long girt guns, and tha quarlity + wi' girt broad-swords. Who wor there? Whay latt me zee. There wor Squire + Maunder,” here John assumed his full historical key, “him wi' the pot to + his vittle-place; and Sir Richard Blewitt shaking over the zaddle, and + Squaire Sandford of Lee, him wi' the long nose and one eye, and Sir Gronus + Batchildor over to Ninehead Court, and ever so many more on 'em, tulling + up how they was arl gooin' to be promoted, for kitching of Tom Faggus. + </p> + <p> + “'Hope to God,' says I to myzell, 'poor Tom wun't coom here to-day: arl up + with her, if 'a doeth: and who be there to suckzade 'un?' Mark me now, all + these charps was good to shutt 'un, as her coom crass the watter; the + watter be waide enow there and stony, but no deeper than my knee-place. + </p> + <p> + “'Thee cas'n goo no vurder,' Bill Blacksmith saith to me: 'nawbody 'lowed + to crass the vord, until such time as Faggus coom; plaise God us may mak + sure of 'un.' + </p> + <p> + “'Amen, zo be it,' says I; 'God knoweth I be never in any hurry, and would + zooner stop nor goo on most taimes.' + </p> + <p> + “Wi' that I pulled my vittles out, and zat a horsebarck, atin' of 'em, and + oncommon good they was. 'Won't us have 'un this taime just,' saith Tim + Potter, as keepeth the bull there; 'and yet I be zorry for 'un. But a man + must kape the law, her must; zo be her can only learn it. And now poor Tom + will swing as high as the tops of they girt hashes there.' + </p> + <p> + “'Just thee kitch 'un virst,' says I; 'maisure rope, wi' the body to + maisure by.' + </p> + <p> + “'Hurrah! here be another now,' saith Bill Blacksmith, grinning; 'another + coom to help us. What a grave gentleman! A warship of the pace, at laste!' + </p> + <p> + “For a gentleman, on a cue-ball horse, was coming slowly down the hill on + tother zide of watter, looking at us in a friendly way, and with a long + papper standing forth the lining of his coat laike. Horse stapped to drink + in the watter, and gentleman spak to 'un kindly, and then they coom raight + on to ussen, and the gentleman's face wor so long and so grave, us veared + 'a wor gooin' to prache to us. + </p> + <p> + “'Coort o' King's Bench,' saith one man; 'Checker and Plays,' saith + another; 'Spishal Commission, I doubt,' saith Bill Blacksmith; 'backed by + the Mayor of Taunton.' + </p> + <p> + “'Any Justice of the King's Peace, good people, to be found near here?' + said the gentleman, lifting his hat to us, and very gracious in his + manner. + </p> + <p> + “'Your honour,' saith Bill, with his hat off his head; 'there be sax or + zeven warships here: arl on 'em very wise 'uns. Squaire Maunder there be + the zinnyer.' + </p> + <p> + “So the gentleman rode up to Squire Maunder, and raised his cocked hat in + a manner that took the Squire out of countenance, for he could not do the + like of it. + </p> + <p> + “'Sir,' said he, 'good and worshipful sir, I am here to claim your good + advice and valour; for purposes of justice. I hold His Majesty's + commission, to make to cease a notorious rogue, whose name is Thomas + Faggus.' With that he offered his commission; but Squire Maunder told the + truth, that he could not rade even words in print, much less written + karakters.* Then the other magistrates rode up, and put their heads + together, how to meet the London gentleman without loss of importance. + There wor one of 'em as could rade purty vair, and her made out King's + mark upon it: and he bowed upon his horse to the gentleman, and he laid + his hand on his heart and said, 'Worshipful sir, we, as has the honour of + His Gracious Majesty's commission, are entirely at your service, and crave + instructions from you.'” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Lest John Fry seem to under-rate the erudition of + Devonshire magistrates, I venture to offer copy of a letter + from a Justice of the Peace to his bookseller, circa 1810 + A.D., now in my possession:— + + 'Sur. + 'plez to zen me the aks relatting to <i>A-gustus-paks</i>,' + + —Ed. of L.D. + + [Emphasized this in original] +</pre> + <p> + “Then a waving of hats began, and a bowing, and making of legs to wan + anather, sich as nayver wor zeed afore; but none of 'em arl, for air and + brading, cud coom anaigh the gentleman with the long grave face. + </p> + <p> + “'Your warships have posted the men right well,' saith he with anather bow + all round; 'surely that big rogue will have no chance left among so many + valiant musketeers. Ha! what see I there, my friend? Rust in the pan of + your gun! That gun would never go off, sure as I am the King's + Commissioner. And I see another just as bad; and lo, there the third! + Pardon me, gentlemen, I have been so used to His Majesty's Ordnance-yards. + But I fear that bold rogue would ride through all of you, and laugh at + your worship's beards, by George.' + </p> + <p> + “'But what shall us do?' Squire Maunder axed; 'I vear there be no oil + here.' + </p> + <p> + “'Discharge your pieces, gentlemen, and let the men do the same; or at + least let us try to discharge them, and load again with fresh powder. It + is the fog of the morning hath spoiled the priming. That rogue is not in + sight yet: but God knows we must not be asleep with him, or what will His + Majesty say to me, if we let him slip once more?' + </p> + <p> + “'Excellent, wondrous well said, good sir,' Squire Maunder answered him; + 'I never should have thought of that now. Bill Blacksmith, tell all the + men to be ready to shoot up into the air, directly I give the word. Now, + are you ready there, Bill?' + </p> + <p> + “'All ready, your worship,' saith Bill, saluting like a soldier. + </p> + <p> + “'Then, one, two, dree, and shutt!' cries Squire Maunder, standing up in + the irons of his stirrups. + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon they all blazed out, and the noise of it went all round the + hills; with a girt thick cloud arising, and all the air smelling of + powder. Before the cloud was gone so much as ten yards on the wind, the + gentleman on the cue-bald horse shuts up his face like a pair of + nut-cracks, as wide as it was long before, and out he pulls two girt + pistols longside of zaddle, and clap'th one to Squire Maunder's head, and + tother to Sir Richard Blewitt's. + </p> + <p> + “'Hand forth your money and all your warrants,' he saith like a clap of + thunder; 'gentlemen, have you now the wit to apprehend Tom Faggus?' + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0121" id="linkimage-0121"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/339.jpg" width="100%" alt="339.jpg Hand Forth Your Money " /> + </div> + <p> + “Squire Maunder swore so that he ought to be fined; but he pulled out his + purse none the slower for that, and so did Sir Richard Blewitt. + </p> + <p> + “'First man I see go to load a gun, I'll gi'e 'un the bullet to do it + with,' said Tom; for you see it was him and no other, looking quietly + round upon all of them. Then he robbed all the rest of their warships, as + pleasant as might be; and he saith, 'Now, gentlemen, do your duty: serve + your warrants afore you imprison me'; with that he made them give up all + the warrants, and he stuck them in the band of his hat, and then he made a + bow with it. + </p> + <p> + “'Good morning to your warships now, and a merry Christmas all of you! And + the merrier both for rich and poor, when gentlemen see their almsgiving. + Lest you deny yourselves the pleasure, I will aid your warships. And to + save you the trouble of following me, when your guns be loaded—this + is my strawberry mare, gentlemen, only with a little cream on her. + Gentlemen all, in the name of the King, I thank you.' + </p> + <p> + “All this while he was casting their money among the poor folk by the + handful; and then he spak kaindly to the red mare, and wor over the back + of the hill in two zeconds, and best part of two maile away, I reckon, + afore ever a gun wor loaded.” * + </p> + <p> + * The truth of this story is well established by first-rate tradition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0122" id="linkimage-0122"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/341.jpg" width="100%" alt="341.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0040" id="linklink2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL + </h2> + <h3> + TWO FOOLS TOGETHER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0123" id="linkimage-0123"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/342.jpg" alt="342.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + That story of John Fry's, instead of causing any amusement, gave us great + disquietude; not only because it showed that Tom Faggus could not resist + sudden temptation and the delight of wildness, but also that we greatly + feared lest the King's pardon might be annulled, and all his kindness + cancelled, by a reckless deed of that sort. It was true (as Annie insisted + continually, even with tears, to wear in her arguments) that Tom had not + brought away anything, except the warrants, which were of no use at all, + after receipt of the pardon; neither had he used any violence, except just + to frighten people; but could it be established, even towards + Christmas-time, that Tom had a right to give alms, right and left, out of + other people's money? + </p> + <p> + Dear Annie appeared to believe that it could; saying that if the rich + continually chose to forget the poor, a man who forced them to remember, + and so to do good to themselves and to others, was a public benefactor, + and entitled to every blessing. But I knew, and so Lizzie knew—John + Fry being now out of hearing—that this was not sound argument. For, + if it came to that, any man might take the King by the throat, and make + him cast away among the poor the money which he wanted sadly for Her Grace + the Duchess, and the beautiful Countess, of this, and of that. Lizzie, of + course, knew nothing about His Majesty's diversions, which were not fit + for a young maid's thoughts; but I now put the form of the argument as it + occurred to me. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I said, once for all (and both my sisters always listened when I + used the deep voice from my chest): + </p> + <p> + “Tom Faggus hath done wrong herein; wrong to himself, and to our Annie. + All he need have done was to show his pardon, and the magistrates would + have rejoiced with him. He might have led a most godly life, and have been + respected by everybody; and knowing how brave Tom is, I thought that he + would have done as much. Now if I were in love with a maid”—I put it + thus for the sake of poor Lizzie—“never would I so imperil my life, + and her fortune in life along with me, for the sake of a poor diversion. A + man's first duty is to the women, who are forced to hang upon him”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, not that horrible word,” cried Annie, to my great surprise, and + serious interruption; “oh, John, any word but that!” And she burst forth + crying terribly. + </p> + <p> + “What word, Lizzie? What does the wench mean?” I asked, in the saddest + vexation; seeing no good to ask Annie at all, for she carried on most + dreadfully. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know, you stupid lout?” said Lizzie, completing my wonderment, + by the scorn of her quicker intelligence; “if you don't know, axe about?” + </p> + <p> + And with that, I was forced to be content; for Lizzie took Annie in such a + manner (on purpose to vex me, as I could see) with her head drooping down, + and her hair coming over, and tears and sobs rising and falling, to boot, + without either order or reason, that seeing no good for a man to do (since + neither of them was Lorna), I even went out into the courtyard, and smoked + a pipe, and wondered what on earth is the meaning of women. + </p> + <p> + Now in this I was wrong and unreasonable (as all women will acknowledge); + but sometimes a man is so put out, by the way they take on about nothing, + that he really cannot help thinking, for at least a minute, that women are + a mistake for ever, and hence are for ever mistaken. Nevertheless I could + not see that any of these great thoughts and ideas applied at all to my + Lorna; but that she was a different being; not woman enough to do anything + bad, yet enough of a woman for man to adore. + </p> + <p> + And now a thing came to pass which tested my adoration pretty sharply, + inasmuch as I would far liefer faced Carver Doone and his father, nay, + even the roaring lion himself with his hoofs and flaming nostrils, than + have met, in cold blood, Sir Ensor Doone, the founder of all the colony, + and the fear of the very fiercest. + </p> + <p> + But that I was forced to do at this time, and in the manner following. + When I went up one morning to look for my seven rooks' nests, behold there + were but six to be seen; for the topmost of them all was gone, and the + most conspicuous. I looked, and looked, and rubbed my eyes, and turned to + try them by other sights; and then I looked again; yes, there could be no + doubt about it; the signal was made for me to come, because my love was in + danger. For me to enter the valley now, during the broad daylight, could + have brought no comfort, but only harm to the maiden, and certain death to + myself. Yet it was more than I could do to keep altogether at distance; + therefore I ran to the nearest place where I could remain unseen, and + watched the glen from the wooded height, for hours and hours, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + However, no impatience of mine made any difference in the scene upon which + I was gazing. In the part of the valley which I could see, there was + nothing moving, except the water, and a few stolen cows, going sadly + along, as if knowing that they had no honest right there. It sank very + heavily into my heart, with all the beds of dead leaves around it, and + there was nothing I cared to do, except blow on my fingers, and long for + more wit. + </p> + <p> + For a frost was beginning, which made a great difference to Lorna and to + myself, I trow; as well as to all the five million people who dwell in + this island of England; such a frost as never I saw before,* neither hope + ever to see again; a time when it was impossible to milk a cow for + icicles, or for a man to shave some of his beard (as I liked to do for + Lorna's sake, because she was so smooth) without blunting his razor on + hard gray ice. No man could “keep yatt” (as we say), even though he + abandoned his work altogether, and thumped himself, all on the chest and + the front, till his frozen hands would have been bleeding except for the + cold that kept still all his veins. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * If John Ridd lived until the year 1740 (as so strong a man + was bound to do), he must have seen almost a harder frost; + and perhaps it put an end to him; for then he would be some + fourscore years old. But tradition makes him “keep yatt,” as + he says, up to fivescore years.—Ed. L.D. +</pre> + <p> + However, at present there was no frost, although for a fortnight + threatening; and I was too young to know the meaning of the way the dead + leaves hung, and the worm-casts prickling like women's combs, and the + leaden tone upon everything, and the dead weight of the sky. Will + Watcombe, the old man at Lynmouth, who had been half over the world + almost, and who talked so much of the Gulf-stream, had (as I afterwards + called to mind) foretold a very bitter winter this year. But no one would + listen to him because there were not so many hips and haws as usual; + whereas we have all learned from our grandfathers that Providence never + sends very hard winters, without having furnished a large supply of + berries for the birds to feed upon. + </p> + <p> + It was lucky for me, while I waited here, that our very best sheep-dog, + old Watch, had chosen to accompany me that day. For otherwise I must have + had no dinner, being unpersuaded, even by that, to quit my survey of the + valley. However, by aid of poor Watch, I contrived to obtain a supply of + food; for I sent him home with a note to Annie fastened upon his chest; + and in less than an hour back he came, proud enough to wag his tail off, + with his tongue hanging out from the speed of his journey, and a large + lump of bread and of bacon fastened in a napkin around his neck. I had not + told my sister, of course, what was toward; for why should I make her + anxious? + </p> + <p> + When it grew towards dark, I was just beginning to prepare for my circuit + around the hills; but suddenly Watch gave a long low growl; I kept myself + close as possible, and ordered the dog to be silent, and presently saw a + short figure approaching from a thickly-wooded hollow on the left side of + my hiding-place. It was the same figure I had seen once before in the + moonlight, at Plover's Barrows; and proved, to my great delight, to be the + little maid Gwenny Carfax. She started a moment, at seeing me, but more + with surprise than fear; and then she laid both her hands upon mine, as if + she had known me for twenty years. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” she said, “you must come with me. I was gwain' all the way to + fetch thee. Old man be dying; and her can't die, or at least her won't, + without first considering thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Considering me!” I cried; “what can Sir Ensor Doone want with considering + me? Has Mistress Lorna told him?” + </p> + <p> + “All concerning thee, and thy doings; when she knowed old man were so near + his end. That vexed he was about thy low blood, a' thought her would come + to life again, on purpose for to bate 'ee. But after all, there can't be + scarcely such bad luck as that. Now, if her strook thee, thou must take + it; there be no denaying of un. Fire I have seen afore, hot and red, and + raging; but I never seen cold fire afore, and it maketh me burn and + shiver.” + </p> + <p> + And in truth, it made me both burn and shiver, to know that I must either + go straight to the presence of Sir Ensor Doone, or give up Lorna, once for + all, and rightly be despised by her. For the first time of my life, I + thought that she had not acted fairly. Why not leave the old man in peace, + without vexing him about my affair? But presently I saw again that in this + matter she was right; that she could not receive the old man's blessing + (supposing that he had one to give, which even a worse man might suppose), + while she deceived him about herself, and the life she had undertaken. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, with great misgiving of myself, but no ill thought of my + darling, I sent Watch home, and followed Gwenny; who led me along very + rapidly, with her short broad form gliding down the hollow, from which she + had first appeared. Here at the bottom, she entered a thicket of gray ash + stubs and black holly, with rocks around it gnarled with roots, and hung + with masks of ivy. Here in a dark and lonely corner, with a pixie ring + before it, she came to a narrow door, very brown and solid, looking like a + trunk of wood at a little distance. This she opened, without a key, by + stooping down and pressing it, where the threshold met the jamb; and then + she ran in very nimbly, but I was forced to be bent in two, and even so + without comfort. The passage was close and difficult, and as dark as any + black pitch; but it was not long (be it as it might), and in that there + was some comfort. We came out soon at the other end, and were at the top + of Doone valley. In the chilly dusk air, it looked most untempting, + especially during that state of mind under which I was labouring. As we + crossed towards the Captain's house, we met a couple of great Doones + lounging by the waterside. Gwenny said something to them, and although + they stared very hard at me, they let me pass without hindrance. It is not + too much to say that when the little maid opened Sir Ensor's door, my + heart thumped, quite as much with terror as with hope of Lorna's presence. + </p> + <p> + But in a moment the fear was gone, for Lorna was trembling in my arms, and + my courage rose to comfort her. The darling feared, beyond all things + else, lest I should be offended with her for what she had said to her + grandfather, and for dragging me into his presence; but I told her almost + a falsehood (the first, and the last, that ever I did tell her), to wit, + that I cared not that much—and showed her the tip of my thumb as I + said it—for old Sir Ensor, and all his wrath, so long as I had his + granddaughter's love. + </p> + <p> + Now I tried to think this as I said it, so as to save it from being a lie; + but somehow or other it did not answer, and I was vexed with myself both + ways. But Lorna took me by the hand as bravely as she could, and led me + into a little passage where I could hear the river moaning and the + branches rustling. + </p> + <p> + Here I passed as long a minute as fear ever cheated time of, saying to + myself continually that there was nothing to be frightened at, yet growing + more and more afraid by reason of so reasoning. At last my Lorna came back + very pale, as I saw by the candle she carried, and whispered, “Now be + patient, dearest. Never mind what he says to you; neither attempt to + answer him. Look at him gently and steadfastly, and, if you can, with some + show of reverence; but above all things, no compassion; it drives him + almost mad. Now come; walk very quietly.” + </p> + <p> + She led me into a cold, dark room, rough and very gloomy, although with + two candles burning. I took little heed of the things in it, though I + marked that the window was open. That which I heeded was an old man, very + stern and comely, with death upon his countenance; yet not lying in his + bed, but set upright in a chair, with a loose red cloak thrown over him. + Upon this his white hair fell, and his pallid fingers lay in a ghastly + fashion without a sign of life or movement or of the power that kept him + up; all rigid, calm, and relentless. Only in his great black eyes, fixed + upon me solemnly, all the power of his body dwelt, all the life of his + soul was burning. + </p> + <p> + I could not look at him very nicely, being afeared of the death in his + face, and most afeared to show it. And to tell the truth, my poor blue + eyes fell away from the blackness of his, as if it had been my + coffin-plate. Therefore I made a low obeisance, and tried not to shiver. + Only I groaned that Lorna thought it good manners to leave us two + together. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the old man, and his voice seemed to come from a cavern of + skeletons; “are you that great John Ridd?” + </p> + <p> + “John Ridd is my name, your honour,” was all that I could answer; “and I + hope your worship is better.” + </p> + <p> + “Child, have you sense enough to know what you have been doing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I knew right well,” I answered, “that I have set mine eyes far above + my rank.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you ignorant that Lorna Doone is born of the oldest families + remaining in North Europe?” + </p> + <p> + “I was ignorant of that, your worship; yet I knew of her high descent from + the Doones of Bagworthy.” + </p> + <p> + The old man's eyes, like fire, probed me whether I was jesting; then + perceiving how grave I was, and thinking that I could not laugh (as many + people suppose of me), he took on himself to make good the deficiency with + a very bitter smile. + </p> + <p> + “And know you of your own low descent from the Ridds of Oare?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I answered, being as yet unaccustomed to this style of speech, “the + Ridds, of Oare, have been honest men twice as long as the Doones have been + rogues.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not answer for that, John,” Sir Ensor replied, very quietly, when + I expected fury. “If it be so, thy family is the very oldest in Europe. + Now hearken to me, boy, or clown, or honest fool, or whatever thou art; + hearken to an old man's words, who has not many hours to live. There is + nothing in this world to fear, nothing to revere or trust, nothing even to + hope for; least of all, is there aught to love.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope your worship is not quite right,” I answered, with great + misgivings; “else it is a sad mistake for anybody to live, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Therefore,” he continued, as if I had never spoken, “though it may seem + hard for a week or two, like the loss of any other toy, I deprive you of + nothing, but add to your comfort, and (if there be such a thing) to your + happiness, when I forbid you ever to see that foolish child again. All + marriage is a wretched farce, even when man and wife belong to the same + rank of life, have temper well assorted, similar likes and dislikes, and + about the same pittance of mind. But when they are not so matched, the + farce would become a long, dull tragedy, if anything were worth lamenting. + There, I have reasoned enough with you; I am not in the habit of + reasoning. Though I have little confidence in man's honour, I have some + reliance in woman's pride. You will pledge your word in Lorna's presence + never to see or to seek her again; never even to think of her more. Now + call her, for I am weary.” + </p> + <p> + He kept his great eyes fixed upon me with their icy fire (as if he scorned + both life and death), and on his haughty lips some slight amusement at my + trouble; and then he raised one hand (as if I were a poor dumb creature), + and pointed to the door. Although my heart rebelled and kindled at his + proud disdain, I could not disobey him freely; but made a low salute, and + went straightway in search of Lorna. + </p> + <p> + I found my love (or not my love; according as now she should behave; for I + was very desperate, being put upon so sadly); Lorna Doone was crying + softly at a little window, and listening to the river's grief. I laid my + heavy arm around her, not with any air of claiming or of forcing her + thoughts to me, but only just to comfort her, and ask what she was + thinking of. To my arm she made no answer, neither to my seeking eyes; but + to my heart, once for all, she spoke with her own upon it. Not a word, nor + sound between us; not even a kiss was interchanged; but man, or maid, who + has ever loved hath learned our understanding. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it came to pass, that we saw fit to enter Sir Ensor's room in + the following manner. Lorna, with her right hand swallowed entirely by the + palm of mine, and her waist retired from view by means of my left arm. All + one side of her hair came down, in a way to be remembered, upon the left + and fairest part of my favourite otter-skin waistcoat; and her head as + well would have lain there doubtless, but for the danger of walking so. I, + for my part, was too far gone to lag behind in the matter; but carried my + love bravely, fearing neither death nor hell, while she abode beside me. + </p> + <p> + Old Sir Ensor looked much astonished. For forty years he had been obeyed + and feared by all around him; and he knew that I had feared him vastly, + before I got hold of Lorna. And indeed I was still afraid of him; only for + loving Lorna so, and having to protect her. + </p> + <p> + Then I made him a bow, to the very best of all I had learned both at + Tiverton and in London; after that I waited for him to begin, as became + his age and rank in life. + </p> + <p> + “Ye two fools!” he said at last, with a depth of contempt which no words + may express; “ye two fools!” + </p> + <p> + “May it please your worship,” I answered softly; “maybe we are not such + fools as we look. But though we be, we are well content, so long as we may + be two fools together.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, John,” said the old man, with a spark, as of smiling in his eyes; + “thou art not altogether the clumsy yokel, and the clod, I took thee for.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, grandfather; oh, dear grandfather,” cried Lorna, with such zeal + and flashing, that her hands went forward; “nobody knows what John Ridd + is, because he is so modest. I mean, nobody except me, dear.” And here she + turned to me again, and rose upon tiptoe, and kissed me. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen a little o' the world,” said the old man, while I was half + ashamed, although so proud of Lorna; “but this is beyond all I have seen, + and nearly all I have heard of. It is more fit for southern climates than + for the fogs of Exmoor.” + </p> + <p> + “It is fit for all the world, your worship; with your honour's good leave, + and will,” I answered in humility, being still ashamed of it; “when it + happens so to people, there is nothing that can stop it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Now Sir Ensor Doone was leaning back upon his brown chair-rail, which was + built like a triangle, as in old farmhouses (from one of which it had + come, no doubt, free from expense or gratitude); and as I spoke he coughed + a little; and he sighed a good deal more; and perhaps his dying heart + desired to open time again, with such a lift of warmth and hope as he + descried in our eyes, and arms. I could not understand him then; any more + than a baby playing with his grandfather's spectacles; nevertheless I + wondered whether, at his time of life, or rather on the brink of death, he + was thinking of his youth and pride. + </p> + <p> + “Fools you are; be fools for ever,” said Sir Ensor Doone, at last; while + we feared to break his thoughts, but let each other know our own, with + little ways of pressure; “it is the best thing I can wish you; boy and + girl, be boy and girl, until you have grandchildren.” + </p> + <p> + Partly in bitterness he spoke, and partly in pure weariness, and then he + turned so as not to see us; and his white hair fell, like a shroud, around + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0041" id="linklink2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI + </h2> + <h3> + COLD COMFORT + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0124" id="linkimage-0124"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/351.jpg" alt="351.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + All things being full of flaw, all things being full of holes, the + strength of all things is in shortness. If Sir Ensor Doone had dwelled for + half an hour upon himself, and an hour perhaps upon Lorna and me, we must + both have wearied of him, and required change of air. But now I longed to + see and know a great deal more about him, and hoped that he might not go + to Heaven for at least a week or more. However, he was too good for this + world (as we say of all people who leave it); and I verily believe his + heart was not a bad one, after all. + </p> + <p> + Evil he had done, no doubt, as evil had been done to him; yet how many + have done evil, while receiving only good! Be that as it may; and not + vexing a question (settled for ever without our votes), let us own that he + was, at least, a brave and courteous gentleman. + </p> + <p> + And his loss aroused great lamentation, not among the Doones alone, and + the women they had carried off, but also of the general public, and many + even of the magistrates, for several miles round Exmoor. And this, not + only from fear lest one more wicked might succeed him (as appeared indeed + too probable), but from true admiration of his strong will, and sympathy + with his misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + I will not deceive any one, by saying that Sir Ensor Doone gave (in so + many words) his consent to my resolve about Lorna. This he never did, + except by his speech last written down; from which as he mentioned + grandchildren, a lawyer perhaps might have argued it. Not but what he may + have meant to bestow on us his blessing; only that he died next day, + without taking the trouble to do it. + </p> + <p> + He called indeed for his box of snuff, which was a very high thing to + take; and which he never took without being in very good humour, at least + for him. And though it would not go up his nostrils, through the failure + of his breath, he was pleased to have it there, and not to think of dying. + </p> + <p> + “Will your honour have it wiped?” I asked him very softly, for the brown + appearance of it spoiled (to my idea) his white mostacchio; but he seemed + to shake his head; and I thought it kept his spirits up. I had never + before seen any one do, what all of us have to do some day; and it greatly + kept my spirits down, although it did not so very much frighten me. + </p> + <p> + For it takes a man but a little while, his instinct being of death + perhaps, at least as much as of life (which accounts for his slaying his + fellow men so, and every other creature), it does not take a man very long + to enter into another man's death, and bring his own mood to suit it. He + knows that his own is sure to come; and nature is fond of the practice. + Hence it came to pass that I, after easing my mother's fears, and seeing a + little to business, returned (as if drawn by a polar needle) to the + death-bed of Sir Ensor. + </p> + <p> + There was some little confusion, people wanting to get away, and people + trying to come in, from downright curiosity (of all things the most + hateful), and others making great to-do, and talking of their own time to + come, telling their own age, and so on. But every one seemed to think, or + feel, that I had a right to be there; because the women took that view of + it. As for Carver and Counsellor, they were minding their own affairs, so + as to win the succession; and never found it in their business (at least + so long as I was there) to come near the dying man. + </p> + <p> + He, for his part, never asked for any one to come near him, not even a + priest, nor a monk or friar; but seemed to be going his own way, peaceful, + and well contented. Only the chief of the women said that from his face + she believed and knew that he liked to have me at one side of his bed, and + Lorna upon the other. An hour or two ere the old man died, when only we + two were with him, he looked at us both very dimly and softly, as if he + wished to do something for us, but had left it now too late. Lorna hoped + that he wanted to bless us; but he only frowned at that, and let his hand + drop downward, and crooked one knotted finger. + </p> + <p> + “He wants something out of the bed, dear,” Lorna whispered to me; “see + what it is, upon your side, there.” + </p> + <p> + I followed the bent of his poor shrunken hand, and sought among the + pilings; and there I felt something hard and sharp, and drew it forth and + gave it to him. It flashed, like the spray of a fountain upon us, in the + dark winter of the room. He could not take it in his hand, but let it + hang, as daisies do; only making Lorna see that he meant her to have it. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is my glass necklace!” Lorna cried, in great surprise; “my + necklace he always promised me; and from which you have got the ring, + John. But grandfather kept it, because the children wanted to pull it from + my neck. May I have it now, dear grandfather? Not unless you wish, dear.” + </p> + <p> + Darling Lorna wept again, because the old man could not tell her (except + by one very feeble nod) that she was doing what he wished. Then she gave + to me the trinket, for the sake of safety; and I stowed it in my breast. + He seemed to me to follow this, and to be well content with it. + </p> + <p> + Before Sir Ensor Doone was buried, the greatest frost of the century had + set in, with its iron hand, and step of stone, on everything. How it came + is not my business, nor can I explain it; because I never have watched the + skies; as people now begin to do, when the ground is not to their liking. + Though of all this I know nothing, and less than nothing I may say + (because I ought to know something); I can hear what people tell me; and I + can see before my eyes. + </p> + <p> + The strong men broke three good pickaxes, ere they got through the hard + brown sod, streaked with little maps of gray where old Sir Ensor was to + lie, upon his back, awaiting the darkness of the Judgment-day. It was in + the little chapel-yard; I will not tell the name of it; because we are now + such Protestants, that I might do it an evil turn; only it was the little + place where Lorna's Aunt Sabina lay. + </p> + <p> + Here was I, remaining long, with a little curiosity; because some people + told me plainly that I must be damned for ever by a Papist funeral; and + here came Lorna, scarcely breathing through the thick of stuff around her, + yet with all her little breath steaming on the air, like frost. + </p> + <p> + I stood apart from the ceremony, in which of course I was not entitled, + either by birth or religion, to bear any portion; and indeed it would have + been wiser in me to have kept away altogether; for now there was no one to + protect me among those wild and lawless men; and both Carver and the + Counsellor had vowed a fearful vengeance on me, as I heard from Gwenny. + They had not dared to meddle with me while the chief lay dying; nor was it + in their policy, for a short time after that, to endanger their succession + by an open breach with Lorna, whose tender age and beauty held so many of + the youths in thrall. + </p> + <p> + The ancient outlaw's funeral was a grand and moving sight; more perhaps + from the sense of contrast than from that of fitness. To see those dark + and mighty men, inured to all of sin and crime, reckless both of man and + God, yet now with heads devoutly bent, clasped hands, and downcast eyes, + following the long black coffin of their common ancestor, to the place + where they must join him when their sum of ill was done; and to see the + feeble priest chanting, over the dead form, words the living would have + laughed at, sprinkling with his little broom drops that could not purify; + while the children, robed in white, swung their smoking censers slowly + over the cold and twilight grave; and after seeing all, to ask, with a + shudder unexpressed, “Is this the end that God intended for a man so proud + and strong?” + </p> + <p> + Not a tear was shed upon him, except from the sweetest of all sweet eyes; + not a sigh pursued him home. Except in hot anger, his life had been cold, + and bitter, and distant; and now a week had exhausted all the sorrow of + those around him, a grief flowing less from affection than fear. Aged men + will show his tombstone; mothers haste with their infants by it; children + shrink from the name upon it, until in time his history shall lapse and be + forgotten by all except the great Judge and God. + </p> + <p> + After all was over, I strode across the moors very sadly; trying to keep + the cold away by virtue of quick movement. Not a flake of snow had fallen + yet; all the earth was caked and hard, with a dry brown crust upon it; all + the sky was banked with darkness, hard, austere, and frowning. The fog of + the last three weeks was gone, neither did any rime remain; but all things + had a look of sameness, and a kind of furzy colour. It was freezing hard + and sharp, with a piercing wind to back it; and I had observed that the + holy water froze upon Sir Ensor's coffin. + </p> + <p> + One thing struck me with some surprise, as I made off for our fireside + (with a strong determination to heave an ash-tree up the chimney-place), + and that was how the birds were going, rather than flying as they used to + fly. All the birds were set in one direction, steadily journeying + westward, not with any heat of speed, neither flying far at once; but all + (as if on business bound), partly running, partly flying, partly + fluttering along; silently, and without a voice, neither pricking head nor + tail. This movement of the birds went on, even for a week or more; every + kind of thrushes passed us, every kind of wild fowl, even plovers went + away, and crows, and snipes and wood-cocks. And before half the frost was + over, all we had in the snowy ditches were hares so tame that we could pat + them; partridges that came to hand, with a dry noise in their crops; + heath-poults, making cups of snow; and a few poor hopping redwings, + flipping in and out the hedge, having lost the power to fly. And all the + time their great black eyes, set with gold around them, seemed to look at + any man, for mercy and for comfort. + </p> + <p> + Annie took a many of them, all that she could find herself, and all the + boys would bring her; and she made a great hutch near the fire, in the + back-kitchen chimney-place. Here, in spite of our old Betty (who sadly + wanted to roast them), Annie kept some fifty birds, with bread and milk, + and raw chopped meat, and all the seed she could think of, and lumps of + rotten apples, placed to tempt them, in the corners. Some got on, and some + died off; and Annie cried for all that died, and buried them under the + woodrick; but, I do assure you, it was a pretty thing to see, when she + went to them in the morning. There was not a bird but knew her well, after + one day of comforting; and some would come to her hand, and sit, and shut + one eye, and look at her. Then she used to stroke their heads, and feel + their breasts, and talk to them; and not a bird of them all was there but + liked to have it done to him. And I do believe they would eat from her + hand things unnatural to them, lest she should be grieved and hurt by not + knowing what to do for them. One of them was a noble bird, such as I never + had seen before, of very fine bright plumage, and larger than a + missel-thrush. He was the hardest of all to please: and yet he tried to do + his best. I have heard since then, from a man who knows all about birds, + and beasts, and fishes, that he must have been a Norwegian bird, called in + this country a Roller, who never comes to England but in the most + tremendous winters. + </p> + <p> + Another little bird there was, whom I longed to welcome home, and protect + from enemies, a little bird no native to us, but than any native dearer. + But lo, in the very night which followed old Sir Ensor's funeral, such a + storm of snow began as never have I heard nor read of, neither could have + dreamed it. At what time of night it first began is more than I can say, + at least from my own knowledge, for we all went to bed soon after supper, + being cold and not inclined to talk. At that time the wind was moaning + sadly, and the sky as dark as a wood, and the straw in the yard swirling + round and round, and the cows huddling into the great cowhouse, with their + chins upon one another. But we, being blinder than they, I suppose, and + not having had a great snow for years, made no preparation against the + storm, except that the lambing ewes were in shelter. + </p> + <p> + It struck me, as I lay in bed, that we were acting foolishly; for an + ancient shepherd had dropped in and taken supper with us, and foretold a + heavy fall and great disaster to live stock. He said that he had known a + frost beginning, just as this had done, with a black east wind, after days + of raw cold fog, and then on the third night of the frost, at this very + time of year (to wit on the 15th of December) such a snow set in as killed + half of the sheep and many even of the red deer and the forest ponies. It + was three-score years agone,* he said; and cause he had to remember it, + inasmuch as two of his toes had been lost by frost-nip, while he dug out + his sheep on the other side of the Dunkery. Hereupon mother nodded at him, + having heard from her father about it, and how three men had been frozen + to death, and how badly their stockings came off from them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The frost of 1625. +</pre> + <p> + Remembering how the old man looked, and his manner of listening to the + wind and shaking his head very ominously (when Annie gave him a glass of + schnapps), I grew quite uneasy in my bed, as the room got colder and + colder; and I made up my mind, if it only pleased God not to send the snow + till the morning, that every sheep, and horse, and cow, ay, and even the + poultry, should be brought in snug, and with plenty to eat, and fodder + enough to roast them. + </p> + <p> + Alas what use of man's resolves, when they come a day too late; even if + they may avail a little, when they are most punctual! + </p> + <p> + In the bitter morning I arose, to follow out my purpose, knowing the time + from the force of habit, although the room was so dark and gray. An odd + white light was on the rafters, such as I never had seen before; while all + the length of the room was grisly, like the heart of a mouldy oat-rick. I + went to the window at once, of course; and at first I could not understand + what was doing outside of it. It faced due east (as I may have said), with + the walnut-tree partly sheltering it; and generally I could see the yard, + and the woodrick, and even the church beyond. + </p> + <p> + But now, half the lattice was quite blocked up, as if plastered with gray + lime; and little fringes, like ferns, came through, where the joining of + the lead was; and in the only undarkened part, countless dots came + swarming, clustering, beating with a soft, low sound, then gliding down in + a slippery manner, not as drops of rain do, but each distinct from his + neighbour. Inside the iron frame (which fitted, not to say too + comfortably, and went along the stonework), at least a peck of snow had + entered, following its own bend and fancy; light as any cobweb. + </p> + <p> + With some trouble, and great care, lest the ancient frame should yield, I + spread the lattice open; and saw at once that not a moment must be lost, + to save our stock. All the earth was flat with snow, all the air was thick + with snow; more than this no man could see, for all the world was snowing. + </p> + <p> + I shut the window and dressed in haste; and when I entered the kitchen, + not even Betty, the earliest of all early birds, was there. I raked the + ashes together a little, just to see a spark of warmth; and then set forth + to find John Fry, Jem Slocombe, and Bill Dadds. But this was easier + thought than done; for when I opened the courtyard door, I was taken up to + my knees at once, and the power of the drifting cloud prevented sight of + anything. However, I found my way to the woodrick, and there got hold of a + fine ash-stake, cut by myself not long ago. With this I ploughed along + pretty well, and thundered so hard at John Fry's door, that he thought it + was the Doones at least, and cocked his blunderbuss out of the window. + </p> + <p> + John was very loth to come down, when he saw the meaning of it; for he + valued his life more than anything else; though he tried to make out that + his wife was to blame. But I settled his doubts by telling him, that I + would have him on my shoulder naked, unless he came in five minutes; not + that he could do much good, but because the other men would be sure to + skulk, if he set them the example. With spades, and shovels, and + pitch-forks, and a round of roping, we four set forth to dig out the + sheep; and the poor things knew that it was high time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0042" id="linklink2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII + </h2> + <h3> + THE GREAT WINTER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0125" id="linkimage-0125"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/358.jpg" alt="358.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + It must have snowed most wonderfully to have made that depth of covering + in about eight hours. For one of Master Stickles' men, who had been out + all the night, said that no snow began to fall until nearly midnight. And + here it was, blocking up the doors, stopping the ways, and the water + courses, and making it very much worse to walk than in a saw-pit newly + used. However, we trudged along in a line; I first, and the other men + after me; trying to keep my track, but finding legs and strength not up to + it. Most of all, John Fry was groaning; certain that his time was come, + and sending messages to his wife, and blessings to his children. For all + this time it was snowing harder than it ever had snowed before, so far as + a man might guess at it; and the leaden depth of the sky came down, like a + mine turned upside down on us. Not that the flakes were so very large; for + I have seen much larger flakes in a shower of March, while sowing peas; + but that there was no room between them, neither any relaxing, nor any + change of direction. + </p> + <p> + Watch, like a good and faithful dog, followed us very cheerfully, leaping + out of the depth, which took him over his back and ears already, even in + the level places; while in the drifts he might have sunk to any distance + out of sight, and never found his way up again. However, we helped him now + and then, especially through the gaps and gateways; and so after a deal of + floundering, some laughter, and a little swearing, we came all safe to the + lower meadow, where most of our flock was hurdled. + </p> + <p> + But behold, there was no flock at all! None, I mean, to be seen anywhere; + only at one corner of the field, by the eastern end, where the snow drove + in, a great white billow, as high as a barn, and as broad as a house. This + great drift was rolling and curling beneath the violent blast, tufting and + combing with rustling swirls, and carved (as in patterns of cornice) where + the grooving chisel of the wind swept round. Ever and again the tempest + snatched little whiffs from the channelled edges, twirled them round and + made them dance over the chime of the monster pile, then let them lie like + herring-bones, or the seams of sand where the tide has been. And all the + while from the smothering sky, more and more fiercely at every blast, came + the pelting, pitiless arrows, winged with murky white, and pointed with + the barbs of frost. + </p> + <p> + But although for people who had no sheep, the sight was a very fine one + (so far at least as the weather permitted any sight at all); yet for us, + with our flock beneath it, this great mount had but little charm. Watch + began to scratch at once, and to howl along the sides of it; he knew that + his charge was buried there, and his business taken from him. But we four + men set to in earnest, digging with all our might and main, shovelling + away at the great white pile, and fetching it into the meadow. Each man + made for himself a cave, scooping at the soft, cold flux, which slid upon + him at every stroke, and throwing it out behind him, in piles of castled + fancy. At last we drove our tunnels in (for we worked indeed for the lives + of us), and all converging towards the middle, held our tools and + listened. + </p> + <p> + The other men heard nothing at all; or declared that they heard nothing, + being anxious now to abandon the matter, because of the chill in their + feet and knees. But I said, “Go, if you choose all of you. I will work it + out by myself, you pie-crusts,” and upon that they gripped their shovels, + being more or less of Englishmen; and the least drop of English blood is + worth the best of any other when it comes to lasting out. + </p> + <p> + But before we began again, I laid my head well into the chamber; and there + I hears a faint “ma-a-ah,” coming through some ells of snow, like a + plaintive, buried hope, or a last appeal. I shouted aloud to cheer him up, + for I knew what sheep it was, to wit, the most valiant of all the wethers, + who had met me when I came home from London, and been so glad to see me. + And then we all fell to again; and very soon we hauled him out. Watch took + charge of him at once, with an air of the noblest patronage, lying on his + frozen fleece, and licking all his face and feet, to restore his warmth to + him. Then fighting Tom jumped up at once, and made a little butt at Watch, + as if nothing had ever ailed him, and then set off to a shallow place, and + looked for something to nibble at. + </p> + <p> + Further in, and close under the bank, where they had huddled themselves + for warmth, we found all the rest of the poor sheep packed, as closely as + if they were in a great pie. It was strange to observe how their vapour + and breath, and the moisture exuding from their wool had scooped, as it + were, a coved room for them, lined with a ribbing of deep yellow snow. + Also the churned snow beneath their feet was as yellow as gamboge. Two or + three of the weaklier hoggets were dead, from want of air, and from + pressure; but more than three-score were as lively as ever; though cramped + and stiff for a little while. + </p> + <p> + “However shall us get 'em home?” John Fry asked in great dismay, when we + had cleared about a dozen of them; which we were forced to do very + carefully, so as not to fetch the roof down. “No manner of maning to + draive 'un, drough all they girt driftnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “You see to this place, John,” I replied, as we leaned on our shovels a + moment, and the sheep came rubbing round us; “let no more of them out for + the present; they are better where they be. Watch, here boy, keep them!” + </p> + <p> + Watch came, with his little scut of a tail cocked as sharp as duty, and I + set him at the narrow mouth of the great snow antre. All the sheep sidled + away, and got closer, that the other sheep might be bitten first, as the + foolish things imagine; whereas no good sheep-dog even so much as lips a + sheep to turn it. + </p> + <p> + Then of the outer sheep (all now snowed and frizzled like a lawyer's wig) + I took the two finest and heaviest, and with one beneath my right arm, and + the other beneath my left, I went straight home to the upper sheppey, and + set them inside and fastened them. Sixty and six I took home in that way, + two at a time on each journey; and the work grew harder and harder each + time, as the drifts of the snow were deepening. No other man should meddle + with them; I was resolved to try my strength against the strength of the + elements; and try it I did, ay, and proved it. A certain fierce delight + burned in me, as the struggle grew harder; but rather would I die than + yield; and at last I finished it. People talk of it to this day; but none + can tell what the labour was, who have not felt that snow and wind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0126" id="linkimage-0126"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/361.jpg" width="100%" + alt="361.jpg None Can Tell What the Labour Was " /> + </div> + <p> + Of the sheep upon the mountain, and the sheep upon the western farm, and + the cattle on the upper barrows, scarcely one in ten was saved; do what we + would for them, and this was not through any neglect (now that our wits + were sharpened), but from the pure impossibility of finding them at all. + That great snow never ceased a moment for three days and nights; and then + when all the earth was filled, and the topmost hedges were unseen, and the + trees broke down with weight (wherever the wind had not lightened them), a + brilliant sun broke forth and showed the loss of all our customs. + </p> + <p> + All our house was quite snowed up, except where we had purged a way, by + dint of constant shovellings. The kitchen was as dark and darker than the + cider-cellar, and long lines of furrowed scollops ran even up to the + chimney-stacks. Several windows fell right inwards, through the weight of + the snow against them; and the few that stood, bulged in, and bent like an + old bruised lanthorn. We were obliged to cook by candle-light; we were + forced to read by candle-light; as for baking, we could not do it, because + the oven was too chill; and a load of faggots only brought a little wet + down the sides of it. + </p> + <p> + For when the sun burst forth at last upon that world of white, what he + brought was neither warmth, nor cheer, nor hope of softening; only a + clearer shaft of cold, from the violet depths of sky. Long-drawn alleys of + white haze seemed to lead towards him, yet such as he could not come down, + with any warmth remaining. Broad white curtains of the frost-fog looped + around the lower sky, on the verge of hill and valley, and above the laden + trees. Only round the sun himself, and the spot of heaven he claimed, + clustered a bright purple-blue, clear, and calm, and deep. + </p> + <p> + That night such a frost ensued as we had never dreamed of, neither read in + ancient books, or histories of Frobisher. The kettle by the fire froze, + and the crock upon the hearth-cheeks; many men were killed, and cattle + rigid in their head-ropes. Then I heard that fearful sound, which never I + had heard before, neither since have heard (except during that same + winter), the sharp yet solemn sound of trees burst open by the frost-blow. + Our great walnut lost three branches, and has been dying ever since; + though growing meanwhile, as the soul does. And the ancient oak at the + cross was rent, and many score of ash trees. But why should I tell all + this? the people who have not seen it (as I have) will only make faces, + and disbelieve; till such another frost comes; which perhaps may never be. + </p> + <p> + This terrible weather kept Tom Faggus from coming near our house for + weeks; at which indeed I was not vexed a quarter so much as Annie was; for + I had never half approved of him, as a husband for my sister; in spite of + his purchase from Squire Bassett, and the grant of the Royal pardon. It + may be, however, that Annie took the same view of my love for Lorna, and + could not augur well of it; but if so, she held her peace, though I was + not so sparing. For many things contributed to make me less good-humoured + now than my real nature was; and the very least of all these things would + have been enough to make some people cross, and rude, and fractious. I + mean the red and painful chapping of my face and hands, from working in + the snow all day, and lying in the frost all night. For being of a fair + complexion, and a ruddy nature, and pretty plump withal, and fed on plenty + of hot victuals, and always forced by my mother to sit nearer the fire + than I wished, it was wonderful to see how the cold ran revel on my cheeks + and knuckles. And I feared that Lorna (if it should ever please God to + stop the snowing) might take this for a proof of low and rustic blood and + breeding. + </p> + <p> + And this I say was the smallest thing; for it was far more serious that we + were losing half our stock, do all we would to shelter them. Even the + horses in the stables (mustered all together for the sake of breath and + steaming) had long icicles from their muzzles, almost every morning. But + of all things the very gravest, to my apprehension, was the impossibility + of hearing, or having any token of or from my loved one. Not that those + three days alone of snow (tremendous as it was) could have blocked the + country so; but that the sky had never ceased, for more than two days at a + time, for full three weeks thereafter, to pour fresh piles of fleecy + mantle; neither had the wind relaxed a single day from shaking them. As a + rule, it snowed all day, cleared up at night, and froze intensely, with + the stars as bright as jewels, earth spread out in lustrous twilight, and + the sounds in the air as sharp and crackling as artillery; then in the + morning, snow again; before the sun could come to help. + </p> + <p> + It mattered not what way the wind was. Often and often the vanes went + round, and we hoped for change of weather; the only change was that it + seemed (if possible) to grow colder. Indeed, after a week or so, the wind + would regularly box the compass (as the sailors call it) in the course of + every day, following where the sun should be, as if to make a mock of him. + And this of course immensely added to the peril of the drifts; because + they shifted every day; and no skill or care might learn them. + </p> + <p> + I believe it was on Epiphany morning, or somewhere about that period, when + Lizzie ran into the kitchen to me, where I was thawing my goose-grease, + with the dogs among the ashes—the live dogs, I mean, not the iron + ones, for them we had given up long ago,—and having caught me, by + way of wonder (for generally I was out shoveling long before my “young + lady” had her nightcap off), she positively kissed me, for the sake of + warming her lips perhaps, or because she had something proud to say. + </p> + <p> + “You great fool, John,” said my lady, as Annie and I used to call her, on + account of her airs and graces; “what a pity you never read, John!” + </p> + <p> + “Much use, I should think, in reading!” I answered, though pleased with + her condescension; “read, I suppose, with roof coming in, and only this + chimney left sticking out of the snow!” + </p> + <p> + “The very time to read, John,” said Lizzie, looking grander; “our worst + troubles are the need, whence knowledge can deliver us.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” I cried out; “are you parson or clerk? Whichever you are, + good-morning.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I was bent on my usual round (a very small one nowadays), but + Eliza took me with both hands, and I stopped of course; for I could not + bear to shake the child, even in play, for a moment, because her back was + tender. Then she looked up at me with her beautiful eyes, so large, + unhealthy and delicate, and strangely shadowing outward, as if to spread + their meaning; and she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, this is no time to joke. I was almost frozen in bed last + night; and Annie like an icicle. Feel how cold my hands are. Now, will you + listen to what I have read about climates ten times worse than this; and + where none but clever men can live?” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible for me to listen now, I have hundreds of things to see to; but + I will listen after breakfast to your foreign climates, child. Now attend + to mother's hot coffee.” + </p> + <p> + She looked a little disappointed, but she knew what I had to do; and after + all she was not so utterly unreasonable; although she did read books. And + when I had done my morning's work, I listened to her patiently; and it was + out of my power to think that all she said was foolish. + </p> + <p> + For I knew common sense pretty well, by this time, whether it happened to + be my own, or any other person's, if clearly laid before me. And Lizzie + had a particular way of setting forth very clearly whatever she wished to + express and enforce. But the queerest part of it all was this, that if she + could but have dreamed for a moment what would be the first application + made me by of her lesson, she would rather have bitten her tongue off than + help me to my purpose. + </p> + <p> + She told me that in the Arctic Regions, as they call some places, a long + way north, where the Great Bear lies all across the heavens, and no sun is + up, for whole months at a time, and yet where people will go exploring, + out of pure contradiction, and for the sake of novelty, and love of being + frozen—that here they always had such winters as we were having now. + It never ceased to freeze, she said; and it never ceased to snow; except + when it was too cold; and then all the air was choked with glittering + spikes; and a man's skin might come off of him, before he could ask the + reason. Nevertheless the people there (although the snow was fifty feet + deep, and all their breath fell behind them frozen, like a log of wood + dropped from their shoulders), yet they managed to get along, and make the + time of the year to each other, by a little cleverness. For seeing how the + snow was spread, lightly over everything, covering up the hills and + valleys, and the foreskin of the sea, they contrived a way to crown it, + and to glide like a flake along. Through the sparkle of the whiteness, and + the wreaths of windy tossings, and the ups and downs of cold, any man + might get along with a boat on either foot, to prevent his sinking. + </p> + <p> + She told me how these boats were made; very strong and very light, of ribs + with skin across them; five feet long, and one foot wide; and turned up at + each end, even as a canoe is. But she did not tell me, nor did I give it a + moment's thought myself, how hard it was to walk upon them without early + practice. Then she told me another thing equally useful to me; although I + would not let her see how much I thought about it. And this concerned the + use of sledges, and their power of gliding, and the lightness of their + following; all of which I could see at once, through knowledge of our own + farm-sleds; which we employ in lieu of wheels, used in flatter districts. + When I had heard all this from her, a mere chit of a girl as she was, + unfit to make a snowball even, or to fry snow pancakes, I looked down on + her with amazement, and began to wish a little that I had given more time + to books. + </p> + <p> + But God shapes all our fitness, and gives each man his meaning, even as he + guides the wavering lines of snow descending. Our Eliza was meant for + books; our dear Annie for loving and cooking; I, John Ridd, for sheep, and + wrestling, and the thought of Lorna; and mother to love all three of us, + and to make the best of her children. And now, if I must tell the truth, + as at every page I try to do (though God knows it is hard enough), I had + felt through all this weather, though my life was Lorna's, something of a + satisfaction in so doing duty to my kindest and best of mothers, and to + none but her. For (if you come to think of it) a man's young love is very + pleasant, very sweet, and tickling; and takes him through the core of + heart; without his knowing how or why. Then he dwells upon it sideways, + without people looking, and builds up all sorts of fancies, growing hot + with working so at his own imaginings. So his love is a crystal Goddess, + set upon an obelisk; and whoever will not bow the knee (yet without + glancing at her), the lover makes it a sacred rite either to kick or to + stick him. I am not speaking of me and Lorna, but of common people. + </p> + <p> + Then (if you come to think again) lo!—or I will not say lo! for no + one can behold it—only feel, or but remember, what a real mother is. + Ever loving, ever soft, ever turning sin to goodness, vices into virtues; + blind to all nine-tenths of wrong; through a telescope beholding (though + herself so nigh to them) faintest decimal of promise, even in her vilest + child. Ready to thank God again, as when her babe was born to her; leaping + (as at kingdom-come) at a wandering syllable of Gospel for her lost one. + </p> + <p> + All this our mother was to us, and even more than all of this; and hence I + felt a pride and joy in doing my sacred duty towards her, now that the + weather compelled me. And she was as grateful and delighted as if she had + no more claim upon me than a stranger's sheep might have. Yet from time to + time I groaned within myself and by myself, at thinking of my sad + debarment from the sight of Lorna, and of all that might have happened to + her, now she had no protection. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, I fell to at once, upon that hint from Lizzie, and being used + to thatching-work, and the making of traps, and so on, before very long I + built myself a pair of strong and light snow-shoes, framed with ash and + ribbed of withy, with half-tanned calf-skin stretched across, and an inner + sole to support my feet. At first I could not walk at all, but floundered + about most piteously, catching one shoe in the other, and both of them in + the snow-drifts, to the great amusement of the girls, who were come to + look at me. But after a while I grew more expert, discovering what my + errors were, and altering the inclination of the shoes themselves, + according to a print which Lizzie found in a book of adventures. And this + made such a difference, that I crossed the farmyard and came back again + (though turning was the worst thing of all) without so much as falling + once, or getting my staff entangled. + </p> + <p> + But oh, the aching of my ankles, when I went to bed that night; I was + forced to help myself upstairs with a couple of mopsticks! and I rubbed + the joints with neatsfoot oil, which comforted them greatly. And likely + enough I would have abandoned any further trial, but for Lizzie's + ridicule, and pretended sympathy; asking if the strong John Ridd would + have old Betty to lean upon. Therefore I set to again, with a fixed + resolve not to notice pain or stiffness, but to warm them out of me. And + sure enough, before dark that day, I could get along pretty freely; + especially improving every time, after leaving off and resting. The + astonishment of poor John Fry, Bill Dadds, and Jem Slocombe, when they saw + me coming down the hill upon them, in the twilight, where they were + clearing the furze rick and trussing it for cattle, was more than I can + tell you; because they did not let me see it, but ran away with one + accord, and floundered into a snowdrift. They believed, and so did every + one else (especially when I grew able to glide along pretty rapidly), that + I had stolen Mother Melldrum's sieves, on which she was said to fly over + the foreland at midnight every Saturday. + </p> + <p> + Upon the following day, I held some council with my mother; not liking to + go without her permission, yet scarcely daring to ask for it. But here she + disappointed me, on the right side of disappointment; saying that she had + seen my pining (which she never could have done; because I had been too + hard at work), and rather than watch me grieving so, for somebody or + other, who now was all in all to me, I might go upon my course, and God's + protection go with me! At this I was amazed, because it was not at all + like mother; and knowing how well I had behaved, ever since the time of + our snowing up, I was a little moved to tell her that she could not + understand me. However my sense of duty kept me, and my knowledge of the + catechism, from saying such a thing as that, or even thinking twice of it. + And so I took her at her word, which she was not prepared for; and telling + her how proud I was of her trust in Providence, and how I could run in my + new snow-shoes, I took a short pipe in my mouth, and started forth + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0127" id="linkimage-0127"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/368.jpg" width="100%" alt="368.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0043" id="linklink2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII + </h2> + <h3> + NOT TOO SOON + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0128" id="linkimage-0128"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/369.jpg" alt="369.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + When I started on my road across the hills and valleys (which now were + pretty much alike), the utmost I could hope to do was to gain the crest of + hills, and look into the Doone Glen. Hence I might at least descry whether + Lorna still was safe, by the six nests still remaining, and the view of + the Captain's house. When I was come to the open country, far beyond the + sheltered homestead, and in the full brunt of the wind, the keen blast of + the cold broke on me, and the mighty breadth of snow. Moor and highland, + field and common, cliff and vale, and watercourse, over all the rolling + folds of misty white were flung. There was nothing square or jagged left, + there was nothing perpendicular; all the rugged lines were eased, and all + the breaches smoothly filled. Curves, and mounds, and rounded heavings, + took the place of rock and stump; and all the country looked as if a + woman's hand had been on it. + </p> + <p> + Through the sparkling breadth of white, which seemed to glance my eyes + away, and outside the humps of laden trees, bowing their backs like a + woodman, I contrived to get along, half-sliding and half-walking, in + places where a plain-shodden man must have sunk, and waited freezing till + the thaw should come to him. For although there had been such violent + frost, every night, upon the snow, the snow itself, having never thawed, + even for an hour, had never coated over. Hence it was as soft and light as + if all had fallen yesterday. In places where no drift had been, but rather + off than on to them, three feet was the least of depth; but where the wind + had chased it round, or any draught led like a funnel, or anything opposed + it; there you might very safely say that it ran up to twenty feet, or + thirty, or even fifty, and I believe some times a hundred. + </p> + <p> + At last I got to my spy-hill (as I had begun to call it), although I never + should have known it but for what it looked on. And even to know this last + again required all the eyes of love, soever sharp and vigilant. For all + the beautiful Glen Doone (shaped from out the mountains, as if on purpose + for the Doones, and looking in the summer-time like a sharp cut vase of + green) now was besnowed half up the sides, and at either end so, that it + was more like the white basins wherein we boil plum-puddings. Not a patch + of grass was there, not a black branch of a tree; all was white; and the + little river flowed beneath an arch of snow; if it managed to flow at all. + </p> + <p> + Now this was a great surprise to me; not only because I believed Glen + Doone to be a place outside all frost, but also because I thought perhaps + that it was quite impossible to be cold near Lorna. And now it struck me + all at once that perhaps her ewer was frozen (as mine had been for the + last three weeks, requiring embers around it), and perhaps her window + would not shut, any more than mine would; and perhaps she wanted blankets. + This idea worked me up to such a chill of sympathy, that seeing no Doones + now about, and doubting if any guns would go off, in this state of the + weather, and knowing that no man could catch me up (except with shoes like + mine), I even resolved to slide the cliffs, and bravely go to Lorna. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0129" id="linkimage-0129"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/370.jpg" width="100%" alt="370.jpg Open Country " /> + </div> + <p> + It helped me much in this resolve, that the snow came on again, thick + enough to blind a man who had not spent his time among it, as I had done + now for days and days. Therefore I took my neatsfoot oil, which now was + clogged like honey, and rubbed it hard into my leg-joints, so far as I + could reach them. And then I set my back and elbows well against a + snowdrift, hanging far adown the cliff, and saying some of the Lord's + Prayer, threw myself on Providence. Before there was time to think or + dream, I landed very beautifully upon a ridge of run-up snow in a quiet + corner. My good shoes, or boots, preserved me from going far beneath it; + though one of them was sadly strained, where a grub had gnawed the ash, in + the early summer-time. Having set myself aright, and being in good + spirits, I made boldly across the valley (where the snow was furrowed + hard), being now afraid of nobody. + </p> + <p> + If Lorna had looked out of the window she would not have known me, with + those boots upon my feet, and a well-cleaned sheepskin over me, bearing my + own (J.R.) in red, just between my shoulders, but covered now in + snow-flakes. The house was partly drifted up, though not so much as ours + was; and I crossed the little stream almost without knowing that it was + under me. At first, being pretty safe from interference from the other + huts, by virtue of the blinding snow and the difficulty of walking, I + examined all the windows; but these were coated so with ice, like ferns + and flowers and dazzling stars, that no one could so much as guess what + might be inside of them. Moreover I was afraid of prying narrowly into + them, as it was not a proper thing where a maiden might be; only I wanted + to know just this, whether she were there or not. + </p> + <p> + Taking nothing by this movement, I was forced, much against my will, to + venture to the door and knock, in a hesitating manner, not being sure but + what my answer might be the mouth of a carbine. However it was not so, for + I heard a pattering of feet and a whispering going on, and then a shrill + voice through the keyhole, asking, “Who's there?” + </p> + <p> + “Only me, John Ridd,” I answered; upon which I heard a little laughter, + and a little sobbing, or something that was like it; and then the door was + opened about a couple of inches, with a bar behind it still; and then the + little voice went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Put thy finger in, young man, with the old ring on it. But mind thee, if + it be the wrong one, thou shalt never draw it back again.” + </p> + <p> + Laughing at Gwenny's mighty threat, I showed my finger in the opening; + upon which she let me in, and barred the door again like lightning. + </p> + <p> + “What is the meaning of all this, Gwenny?” I asked, as I slipped about on + the floor, for I could not stand there firmly with my great snow-shoes on. + </p> + <p> + “Maning enough, and bad maning too,” the Cornish girl made answer. “Us be + shut in here, and starving, and durstn't let anybody in upon us. I wish + thou wer't good to ate, young man: I could manage most of thee.” + </p> + <p> + I was so frightened by her eyes, full of wolfish hunger, that I could only + say “Good God!” having never seen the like before. Then drew I forth a + large piece of bread, which I had brought in case of accidents, and placed + it in her hands. She leaped at it, as a starving dog leaps at sight of his + supper, and she set her teeth in it, and then withheld it from her lips, + with something very like an oath at her own vile greediness; and then away + round the corner with it, no doubt for her young mistress. I meanwhile was + occupied, to the best of my ability, in taking my snow-shoes off, yet + wondering much within myself why Lorna did not come to me. + </p> + <p> + But presently I knew the cause, for Gwenny called me, and I ran, and found + my darling quite unable to say so much as, “John, how are you?” Between + the hunger and the cold, and the excitement of my coming, she had fainted + away, and lay back on a chair, as white as the snow around us. In betwixt + her delicate lips, Gwenny was thrusting with all her strength the hard + brown crust of the rye-bread, which she had snatched from me so. + </p> + <p> + “Get water, or get snow,” I said; “don't you know what fainting is, you + very stupid child?” + </p> + <p> + “Never heerd on it, in Cornwall,” she answered, trusting still to the + bread; “be un the same as bleeding?” + </p> + <p> + “It will be directly, if you go on squeezing away with that crust so. Eat + a piece: I have got some more. Leave my darling now to me.” + </p> + <p> + Hearing that I had some more, the starving girl could resist no longer, + but tore it in two, and had swallowed half before I had coaxed my Lorna + back to sense, and hope, and joy, and love. + </p> + <p> + “I never expected to see you again. I had made up my mind to die, John; + and to die without your knowing it.” + </p> + <p> + As I repelled this fearful thought in a manner highly fortifying, the + tender hue flowed back again into her famished cheeks and lips, and a + softer brilliance glistened from the depth of her dark eyes. She gave me + one little shrunken hand, and I could not help a tear for it. + </p> + <p> + “After all, Mistress Lorna,” I said, pretending to be gay, for a smile + might do her good; “you do not love me as Gwenny does; for she even wanted + to eat me.” + </p> + <p> + “And shall, afore I have done, young man,” Gwenny answered laughing; “you + come in here with they red chakes, and make us think o' sirloin.” + </p> + <p> + “Eat up your bit of brown bread, Gwenny. It is not good enough for your + mistress. Bless her heart, I have something here such as she never tasted + the like of, being in such appetite. Look here, Lorna; smell it first. I + have had it ever since Twelfth Day, and kept it all the time for you. + Annie made it. That is enough to warrant it good cooking.” + </p> + <p> + And then I showed my great mince-pie in a bag of tissue paper, and I told + them how the mince-meat was made of golden pippins finely shred, with the + undercut of the sirloin, and spice and fruit accordingly and far beyond my + knowledge. But Lorna would not touch a morsel until she had thanked God + for it, and given me the kindest kiss, and put a piece in Gwenny's mouth. + </p> + <p> + I have eaten many things myself, with very great enjoyment, and keen + perception of their merits, and some thanks to God for them. But I never + did enjoy a thing, that had found its way between my own lips, half, or + even a quarter as much as I now enjoyed beholding Lorna, sitting proudly + upwards (to show that she was faint no more) entering into that mince-pie, + and moving all her pearls of teeth (inside her little mouth-place) exactly + as I told her. For I was afraid lest she should be too fast in going + through it, and cause herself more damage so, than she got of nourishment. + But I had no need to fear at all, and Lorna could not help laughing at me + for thinking that she had no self-control. + </p> + <p> + Some creatures require a deal of food (I myself among the number), and + some can do with a very little; making, no doubt, the best of it. And I + have often noticed that the plumpest and most perfect women never eat so + hard and fast as the skinny and three-cornered ones. These last be often + ashamed of it, and eat most when the men be absent. Hence it came to pass + that Lorna, being the loveliest of all maidens, had as much as she could + do to finish her own half of pie; whereas Gwenny Carfax (though generous + more than greedy), ate up hers without winking, after finishing the brown + loaf; and then I begged to know the meaning of this state of things. + </p> + <p> + “The meaning is sad enough,” said Lorna; “and I see no way out of it. We + are both to be starved until I let them do what they like with me. + </p> + <p> + “That is to say until you choose to marry Carver Doone, and be slowly + killed by him?” + </p> + <p> + “Slowly! No, John, quickly. I hate him so intensely, that less than a week + would kill me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt of that,” said Gwenny; “oh, she hates him nicely then; but + not half so much as I do.” + </p> + <p> + I told them that this state of things could be endured no longer, on which + point they agreed with me, but saw no means to help it. For even if Lorna + could make up her mind to come away with me and live at Plover's Barrows + farm, under my good mother's care, as I had urged so often, behold the + snow was all around us, heaped as high as mountains, and how could any + delicate maiden ever get across it? + </p> + <p> + Then I spoke with a strange tingle upon both sides of my heart, knowing + that this undertaking was a serious one for all, and might burn our farm + down,— + </p> + <p> + “If I warrant to take you safe, and without much fright or hardship, + Lorna, will you come with me?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I will, dear,” said my beauty, with a smile and a glance to + follow it; “I have small alternative, to starve, or go with you, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Gwenny, have you courage for it? Will you come with your young mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “Will I stay behind?” cried Gwenny, in a voice that settled it. And so we + began to arrange about it; and I was much excited. It was useless now to + leave it longer; if it could be done at all, it could not be too quickly + done. It was the Counsellor who had ordered, after all other schemes had + failed, that his niece should have no food until she would obey him. He + had strictly watched the house, taking turns with Carver, to ensure that + none came nigh it bearing food or comfort. But this evening, they had + thought it needless to remain on guard; and it would have been impossible, + because themselves were busy offering high festival to all the valley, in + right of their own commandership. And Gwenny said that nothing made her so + nearly mad with appetite as the account she received from a woman of all + the dishes preparing. Nevertheless she had answered bravely,— + </p> + <p> + “Go and tell the Counsellor, and go and tell the Carver, who sent you to + spy upon us, that we shall have a finer dish than any set before them.” + And so in truth they did, although so little dreaming it; for no Doone + that was ever born, however much of a Carver, might vie with our Annie for + mince-meat. + </p> + <p> + Now while we sat reflecting much, and talking a good deal more, in spite + of all the cold—for I never was in a hurry to go, when I had Lorna + with me—she said, in her silvery voice, which always led me so + along, as if I were a slave to a beautiful bell,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, we are wasting time, dear. You have praised my hair, till it + curls with pride, and my eyes till you cannot see them, even if they are + brown diamonds which I have heard for the fiftieth time at least; though I + never saw such a jewel. Don't you think it is high time to put on your + snow-shoes, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” I answered, “'till we have settled something more. I was + so cold when I came in; and now I am as warm as a cricket. And so are you, + you lively soul; though you are not upon my hearth yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, John,” said Lorna, nestling for a moment to me; “the severity + of the weather makes a great difference between us. And you must never + take advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “I quite understand all that, dear. And the harder it freezes the better, + while that understanding continues. Now do try to be serious.” + </p> + <p> + “I try to be serious! And I have been trying fifty times, and could not + bring you to it, John! Although I am sure the situation, as the Counsellor + says at the beginning of a speech, the situation, to say the least, is + serious enough for anything. Come, Gwenny, imitate him.” + </p> + <p> + Gwenny was famed for her imitation of the Counsellor making a speech; and + she began to shake her hair, and mount upon a footstool; but I really + could not have this, though even Lorna ordered it. The truth was that my + darling maiden was in such wild spirits, at seeing me so unexpected, and + at the prospect of release, and of what she had never known, quiet life + and happiness, that like all warm and loving natures, she could scarce + control herself. + </p> + <p> + “Come to this frozen window, John, and see them light the stack-fire. They + will little know who looks at them. Now be very good, John. You stay in + that corner, dear, and I will stand on this side; and try to breathe + yourself a peep-hole through the lovely spears and banners. Oh, you don't + know how to do it. I must do it for you. Breathe three times, like that, + and that; and then you rub it with your fingers, before it has time to + freeze again.” + </p> + <p> + All this she did so beautifully, with her lips put up like cherries, and + her fingers bent half back, as only girls can bend them, and her little + waist thrown out against the white of the snowed-up window, that I made + her do it three times over; and I stopped her every time and let it freeze + again, that so she might be the longer. Now I knew that all her love was + mine, every bit as much as mine was hers; yet I must have her to show it, + dwelling upon every proof, lengthening out all certainty. Perhaps the + jealous heart is loath to own a life worth twice its own. Be that as it + may, I know that we thawed the window nicely. + </p> + <p> + And then I saw, far down the stream (or rather down the bed of it, for + there was no stream visible), a little form of fire arising, red, and + dark, and flickering. Presently it caught on something, and went upward + boldly; and then it struck into many forks, and then it fell, and rose + again. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what all that is, John?” asked Lorna, smiling cleverly at the + manner of my staring. + </p> + <p> + “How on earth should I know? Papists burn Protestants in the flesh; and + Protestants burn Papists in effigy, as we mock them. Lorna, are they going + to burn any one to-night?” + </p> + <p> + “No, you dear. I must rid you of these things. I see that you are bigoted. + The Doones are firing Dunkery beacon, to celebrate their new captain.” + </p> + <p> + “But how could they bring it here through the snow? If they have sledges, + I can do nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “They brought it before the snow began. The moment poor grandfather was + gone, even before his funeral, the young men, having none to check them, + began at once upon it. They had always borne a grudge against it; not that + it ever did them harm; but because it seemed so insolent. 'Can't a + gentleman go home, without a smoke behind him?' I have often heard them + saying. And though they have done it no serious harm, since they threw the + firemen on the fire, many, many years ago, they have often promised to + bring it here for their candle; and now they have done it. Ah, now look! + The tar is kindled.” + </p> + <p> + Though Lorna took it so in joke, I looked upon it very gravely, knowing + that this heavy outrage to the feelings of the neighbourhood would cause + more stir than a hundred sheep stolen, or a score of houses sacked. Not of + course that the beacon was of the smallest use to any one, neither stopped + anybody from stealing, nay, rather it was like the parish knell, which + begins when all is over, and depresses all the survivors; yet I knew that + we valued it, and were proud, and spoke of it as a mighty institution; and + even more than that, our vestry had voted, within the last two years, + seven shillings and six-pence to pay for it, in proportion with other + parishes. And one of the men who attended to it, or at least who was paid + for doing so, was our Jem Slocombe's grandfather. + </p> + <p> + However, in spite of all my regrets, the fire went up very merrily, + blazing red and white and yellow, as it leaped on different things. And + the light danced on the snow-drifts with a misty lilac hue. I was + astonished at its burning in such mighty depths of snow; but Gwenny said + that the wicked men had been three days hard at work, clearing, as it + were, a cock-pit, for their fire to have its way. And now they had a + mighty pile, which must have covered five land-yards square, heaped up to + a goodly height, and eager to take fire. + </p> + <p> + In this I saw great obstacle to what I wished to manage. For when this + pyramid should be kindled thoroughly, and pouring light and blazes round, + would not all the valley be like a white room full of candles? Thinking + thus, I was half inclined to abide my time for another night: and then my + second thoughts convinced me that I would be a fool in this. For lo, what + an opportunity! All the Doones would be drunk, of course, in about three + hours' time, and getting more and more in drink as the night went on. As + for the fire, it must sink in about three hours or more, and only cast + uncertain shadows friendly to my purpose. And then the outlaws must cower + round it, as the cold increased on them, helping the weight of the liquor; + and in their jollity any noise would be cheered as a false alarm. Most of + all, and which decided once for all my action,—when these wild and + reckless villains should be hot with ardent spirits, what was door, or + wall, to stand betwixt them and my Lorna? + </p> + <p> + This thought quickened me so much that I touched my darling reverently, + and told her in a few short words how I hoped to manage it. + </p> + <p> + “Sweetest, in two hours' time, I shall be again with you. Keep the bar up, + and have Gwenny ready to answer any one. You are safe while they are + dining, dear, and drinking healths, and all that stuff; and before they + have done with that, I shall be again with you. Have everything you care + to take in a very little compass, and Gwenny must have no baggage. I shall + knock loud, and then wait a little; and then knock twice, very softly.” + </p> + <p> + With this I folded her in my arms; and she looked frightened at me; not + having perceived her danger; and then I told Gwenny over again what I had + told her mistress: but she only nodded her head and said, “Young man, go + and teach thy grandmother.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0130" id="linkimage-0130"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/378.jpg" width="100%" alt="378.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0044" id="linklink2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV + </h2> + <h3> + BROUGHT HOME AT LAST + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0131" id="linkimage-0131"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/379.jpg" alt="379.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + To my great delight I found that the weather, not often friendly to + lovers, and lately seeming so hostile, had in the most important matter + done me a signal service. For when I had promised to take my love from the + power of those wretches, the only way of escape apparent lay through the + main Doone-gate. For though I might climb the cliffs myself, especially + with the snow to aid me, I durst not try to fetch Lorna up them, even if + she were not half-starved, as well as partly frozen; and as for Gwenny's + door, as we called it (that is to say, the little entrance from the wooded + hollow), it was snowed up long ago to the level of the hills around. + Therefore I was at my wit's end how to get them out; the passage by the + Doone-gate being long, and dark, and difficult, and leading to such a + weary circuit among the snowy moors and hills. + </p> + <p> + But now, being homeward-bound by the shortest possible track, I slipped + along between the bonfire and the boundary cliffs, where I found a caved + way of snow behind a sort of avalanche: so that if the Doones had been + keeping watch (which they were not doing, but revelling), they could + scarcely have discovered me. And when I came to my old ascent, where I had + often scaled the cliff and made across the mountains, it struck me that I + would just have a look at my first and painful entrance, to wit, the + water-slide. I never for a moment imagined that this could help me now; + for I never had dared to descend it, even in the finest weather; still I + had a curiosity to know what my old friend was like, with so much snow + upon him. But, to my very great surprise, there was scarcely any snow + there at all, though plenty curling high overhead from the cliff, like + bolsters over it. Probably the sweeping of the north-east wind up the + narrow chasm had kept the showers from blocking it, although the water had + no power under the bitter grip of frost. All my water-slide was now less a + slide than path of ice; furrowed where the waters ran over fluted ridges; + seamed where wind had tossed and combed them, even while congealing; and + crossed with little steps wherever the freezing torrent lingered. And here + and there the ice was fibred with the trail of sludge-weed, slanting from + the side, and matted, so as to make resting-place. + </p> + <p> + Lo it was easy track and channel, as if for the very purpose made, down + which I could guide my sledge with Lorna sitting in it. There were only + two things to be feared; one lest the rolls of snow above should fall in + and bury us; the other lest we should rush too fast, and so be carried + headlong into the black whirlpool at the bottom, the middle of which was + still unfrozen, and looking more horrible by the contrast. Against this + danger I made provision, by fixing a stout bar across; but of the other we + must take our chance, and trust ourselves to Providence. + </p> + <p> + I hastened home at my utmost speed, and told my mother for God's sake to + keep the house up till my return, and to have plenty of fire blazing, and + plenty of water boiling, and food enough hot for a dozen people, and the + best bed aired with the warming-pan. Dear mother smiled softly at my + excitement, though her own was not much less, I am sure, and enhanced by + sore anxiety. Then I gave very strict directions to Annie, and praised her + a little, and kissed her; and I even endeavoured to flatter Eliza, lest + she should be disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + After this I took some brandy, both within and about me; the former, + because I had sharp work to do; and the latter in fear of whatever might + happen, in such great cold, to my comrades. Also I carried some other + provisions, grieving much at their coldness: and then I went to the upper + linhay, and took our new light pony-sledd, which had been made almost as + much for pleasure as for business; though God only knows how our girls + could have found any pleasure in bumping along so. On the snow, however, + it ran as sweetly as if it had been made for it; yet I durst not take the + pony with it; in the first place, because his hoofs would break through + the ever-shifting surface of the light and piling snow; and secondly, + because these ponies, coming from the forest, have a dreadful trick of + neighing, and most of all in frosty weather. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I girded my own body with a dozen turns of hay-rope, twisting + both the ends in under at the bottom of my breast, and winding the hay on + the skew a little, that the hempen thong might not slip between, and so + cut me in the drawing. I put a good piece of spare rope in the sledd, and + the cross-seat with the back to it, which was stuffed with our own wool, + as well as two or three fur coats; and then, just as I was starting, out + came Annie, in spite of the cold, panting for fear of missing me, and with + nothing on her head, but a lanthorn in one hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, here is the most wonderful thing! Mother has never shown it + before; and I can't think how she could make up her mind. She had gotten + it in a great well of a cupboard, with camphor, and spirits, and lavender. + Lizzie says it is a most magnificent sealskin cloak, worth fifty pounds, + or a farthing.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate it is soft and warm,” said I, very calmly flinging it into + the bottom of the sledd. “Tell mother I will put it over Lorna's feet.” + </p> + <p> + “Lorna's feet! Oh, you great fool,” cried Annie, for the first time + reviling me; “over her shoulders; and be proud, you very stupid John.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not good enough for her feet,” I answered, with strong emphasis; + “but don't tell mother I said so, Annie. Only thank her very kindly.” + </p> + <p> + With that I drew my traces hard, and set my ashen staff into the snow, and + struck out with my best foot foremost (the best one at snow-shoes, I + mean), and the sledd came after me as lightly as a dog might follow; and + Annie, with the lanthorn, seemed to be left behind and waiting like a + pretty lamp-post. + </p> + <p> + The full moon rose as bright behind me as a paten of pure silver, casting + on the snow long shadows of the few things left above, burdened rock, and + shaggy foreland, and the labouring trees. In the great white desolation, + distance was a mocking vision; hills looked nigh, and valleys far; when + hills were far and valleys nigh. And the misty breath of frost, piercing + through the ribs of rock, striking to the pith of trees, creeping to the + heart of man, lay along the hollow places, like a serpent sloughing. Even + as my own gaunt shadow (travestied as if I were the moonlight's + daddy-longlegs), went before me down the slope; even I, the shadow's + master, who had tried in vain to cough, when coughing brought good + liquorice, felt a pressure on my bosom, and a husking in my throat. + </p> + <p> + However, I went on quietly, and at a very tidy speed; being only too + thankful that the snow had ceased, and no wind as yet arisen. And from the + ring of low white vapour girding all the verge of sky, and from the rosy + blue above, and the shafts of starlight set upon a quivering bow, as well + as from the moon itself and the light behind it, having learned the signs + of frost from its bitter twinges, I knew that we should have a night as + keen as ever England felt. Nevertheless, I had work enough to keep me warm + if I managed it. The question was, could I contrive to save my darling + from it? + </p> + <p> + Daring not to risk my sledd by any fall from the valley-cliffs, I dragged + it very carefully up the steep incline of ice, through the narrow chasm, + and so to the very brink and verge where first I had seen my Lorna, in the + fishing days of boyhood. As I then had a trident fork, for sticking of the + loaches, so I now had a strong ash stake, to lay across from rock to rock, + and break the speed of descending. With this I moored the sledd quite + safe, at the very lip of the chasm, where all was now substantial ice, + green and black in the moonlight; and then I set off up the valley, + skirting along one side of it. + </p> + <p> + The stack-fire still was burning strongly, but with more of heat than + blaze; and many of the younger Doones were playing on the verge of it, the + children making rings of fire, and their mothers watching them. All the + grave and reverend warriors having heard of rheumatism, were inside of log + and stone, in the two lowest houses, with enough of candles burning to + make our list of sheep come short. + </p> + <p> + All these I passed, without the smallest risk or difficulty, walking up + the channel of drift which I spoke of once before. And then I crossed, + with more of care, and to the door of Lorna's house, and made the sign, + and listened, after taking my snow-shoes off. + </p> + <p> + But no one came, as I expected, neither could I espy a light. And I seemed + to hear a faint low sound, like the moaning of the snow-wind. Then I + knocked again more loudly, with a knocking at my heart: and receiving no + answer, set all my power at once against the door. In a moment it flew + inwards, and I glided along the passage with my feet still slippery. There + in Lorna's room I saw, by the moonlight flowing in, a sight which drove me + beyond sense. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0132" id="linkimage-0132"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/383.jpg" width="100%" + alt="383.jpg Set All My Power Against the Door " /> + </div> + <p> + Lorna was behind a chair, crouching in the corner, with her hands up, and + a crucifix, or something that looked like it. In the middle of the room + lay Gwenny Carfax, stupid, yet with one hand clutching the ankle of a + struggling man. Another man stood above my Lorna, trying to draw the chair + away. In a moment I had him round the waist, and he went out of the window + with a mighty crash of glass; luckily for him that window had no bars like + some of them. Then I took the other man by the neck; and he could not + plead for mercy. I bore him out of the house as lightly as I would bear a + baby, yet squeezing his throat a little more than I fain would do to an + infant. By the bright moonlight I saw that I carried Marwood de + Whichehalse. For his father's sake I spared him, and because he had been + my schoolfellow; but with every muscle of my body strung with indignation, + I cast him, like a skittle, from me into a snowdrift, which closed over + him. Then I looked for the other fellow, tossed through Lorna's window, + and found him lying stunned and bleeding, neither able to groan yet. + Charleworth Doone, if his gushing blood did not much mislead me. + </p> + <p> + It was no time to linger now; I fastened my shoes in a moment, and caught + up my own darling with her head upon my shoulder, where she whispered + faintly; and telling Gwenny to follow me, or else I would come back for + her, if she could not walk the snow, I ran the whole distance to my sledd, + caring not who might follow me. Then by the time I had set up Lorna, + beautiful and smiling, with the seal-skin cloak all over her, sturdy + Gwenny came along, having trudged in the track of my snow-shoes, although + with two bags on her back. I set her in beside her mistress, to support + her, and keep warm; and then with one look back at the glen, which had + been so long my home of heart, I hung behind the sledd, and launched it + down the steep and dangerous way. + </p> + <p> + Though the cliffs were black above us, and the road unseen in front, and a + great white grave of snow might at a single word come down, Lorna was as + calm and happy as an infant in its bed. She knew that I was with her; and + when I told her not to speak, she touched my hand in silence. Gwenny was + in a much greater fright, having never seen such a thing before, neither + knowing what it is to yield to pure love's confidence. I could hardly keep + her quiet, without making a noise myself. With my staff from rock to rock, + and my weight thrown backward, I broke the sledd's too rapid way, and + brought my grown love safely out, by the selfsame road which first had led + me to her girlish fancy, and my boyish slavery. + </p> + <p> + Unpursued, yet looking back as if some one must be after us, we skirted + round the black whirling pool, and gained the meadows beyond it. Here + there was hard collar work, the track being all uphill and rough; and + Gwenny wanted to jump out, to lighten the sledd and to push behind. But I + would not hear of it; because it was now so deadly cold, and I feared that + Lorna might get frozen, without having Gwenny to keep her warm. And after + all, it was the sweetest labour I had ever known in all my life, to be + sure that I was pulling Lorna, and pulling her to our own farmhouse. + </p> + <p> + Gwenny's nose was touched with frost, before we had gone much farther, + because she would not keep it quiet and snug beneath the sealskin. And + here I had to stop in the moonlight (which was very dangerous) and rub it + with a clove of snow, as Eliza had taught me; and Gwenny scolding all the + time, as if myself had frozen it. Lorna was now so far oppressed with all + the troubles of the evening, and the joy that followed them, as well as by + the piercing cold and difficulty of breathing, that she lay quite + motionless, like fairest wax in the moonlight—when we stole a glance + at her, beneath the dark folds of the cloak; and I thought that she was + falling into the heavy snow-sleep, whence there is no awaking. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, I drew my traces tight, and set my whole strength to the + business; and we slipped along at a merry pace, although with many + joltings, which must have sent my darling out into the cold snowdrifts but + for the short strong arm of Gwenny. And so in about an hour's time, in + spite of many hindrances, we came home to the old courtyard, and all the + dogs saluted us. My heart was quivering, and my cheeks as hot as the + Doones' bonfire, with wondering both what Lorna would think of our + farm-yard, and what my mother would think of her. Upon the former subject + my anxiety was wasted, for Lorna neither saw a thing, nor even opened her + heavy eyes. And as to what mother would think of her, she was certain not + to think at all, until she had cried over her. + </p> + <p> + And so indeed it came to pass. Even at this length of time, I can hardly + tell it, although so bright before my mind, because it moves my heart so. + The sledd was at the open door, with only Lorna in it; for Gwenny Carfax + had jumped out, and hung back in the clearing, giving any reason rather + than the only true one—that she would not be intruding. At the door + were all our people; first, of course, Betty Muxworthy, teaching me how to + draw the sledd, as if she had been born in it, and flourishing with a + great broom, wherever a speck of snow lay. Then dear Annie, and old Molly + (who was very quiet, and counted almost for nobody), and behind them, + mother, looking as if she wanted to come first, but doubted how the + manners lay. In the distance Lizzie stood, fearful of encouraging, but + unable to keep out of it. + </p> + <p> + Betty was going to poke her broom right in under the sealskin cloak, where + Lorna lay unconscious, and where her precious breath hung frozen, like a + silver cobweb; but I caught up Betty's broom, and flung it clean away over + the corn chamber; and then I put the others by, and fetched my mother + forward. + </p> + <p> + “You shall see her first,” I said: “is she not your daughter? Hold the + light there, Annie.” + </p> + <p> + Dear mother's hands were quick and trembling, as she opened the shining + folds; and there she saw my Lorna sleeping, with her black hair all + dishevelled, and she bent and kissed her forehead, and only said, “God + bless her, John!” And then she was taken with violent weeping, and I was + forced to hold her. + </p> + <p> + “Us may tich of her now, I rackon,” said Betty in her most jealous way; + “Annie, tak her by the head, and I'll tak her by the toesen. No taime to + stand here like girt gawks. Don'ee tak on zo, missus. Ther be vainer vish + in the zea—Lor, but, her be a booty!” + </p> + <p> + With this, they carried her into the house, Betty chattering all the + while, and going on now about Lorna's hands, and the others crowding round + her, so that I thought I was not wanted among so many women, and should + only get the worst of it, and perhaps do harm to my darling. Therefore I + went and brought Gwenny in, and gave her a potful of bacon and peas, and + an iron spoon to eat it with, which she did right heartily. + </p> + <p> + Then I asked her how she could have been such a fool as to let those two + vile fellows enter the house where Lorna was; and she accounted for it so + naturally, that I could only blame myself. For my agreement had been to + give one loud knock (if you happen to remember) and after that two little + knocks. Well these two drunken rogues had come; and one, being very drunk + indeed, had given a great thump; and then nothing more to do with it; and + the other, being three-quarters drunk, had followed his leader (as one + might say) but feebly, and making two of it. Whereupon up jumped Lorna, + and declared that her John was there. + </p> + <p> + All this Gwenny told me shortly, between the whiles of eating, and even + while she licked the spoon; and then there came a message for me that my + love was sensible, and was seeking all around for me. Then I told Gwenny + to hold her tongue (whatever she did among us), and not to trust to + women's words; and she told me they all were liars, as she had found out + long ago; and the only thing to believe in was an honest man, when found. + Thereupon I could have kissed her as a sort of tribute, liking to be + appreciated; yet the peas upon her lips made me think about it; and + thought is fatal to action. So I went to see my dear. + </p> + <p> + That sight I shall not forget; till my dying head falls back, and my + breast can lift no more. I know not whether I were then more blessed, or + harrowed by it. For in the settle was my Lorna, propped with pillows round + her, and her clear hands spread sometimes to the blazing fireplace. In her + eyes no knowledge was of anything around her, neither in her neck the + sense of leaning towards anything. Only both her lovely hands were + entreating something, to spare her, or to love her; and the lines of + supplication quivered in her sad white face. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0133" id="linkimage-0133"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/387.jpg" width="100%" + alt="387.jpg for in the Settle Was My Lorna " /> + </div> + <p> + “All go away, except my mother,” I said very quietly, but so that I would + be obeyed; and everybody knew it. Then mother came to me alone; and she + said, “The frost is in her brain; I have heard of this before, John.” + “Mother, I will have it out,” was all that I could answer her; “leave her + to me altogether; only you sit there and watch.” For I felt that Lorna + knew me, and no other soul but me; and that if not interfered with, she + would soon come home to me. Therefore I sat gently by her, leaving nature, + as it were, to her own good time and will. And presently the glance that + watched me, as at distance and in doubt, began to flutter and to brighten, + and to deepen into kindness, then to beam with trust and love, and then + with gathering tears to falter, and in shame to turn away. But the small + entreating hands found their way, as if by instinct, to my great + projecting palms; and trembled there, and rested there. + </p> + <p> + For a little while we lingered thus, neither wishing to move away, neither + caring to look beyond the presence of the other; both alike so full of + hope, and comfort, and true happiness; if only the world would let us be. + And then a little sob disturbed us, and mother tried to make believe that + she was only coughing. But Lorna, guessing who she was, jumped up so very + rashly that she almost set her frock on fire from the great ash log; and + away she ran to the old oak chair, where mother was by the clock-case + pretending to be knitting, and she took the work from mother's hands, and + laid them both upon her head, kneeling humbly, and looking up. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, my fair mistress!” said mother, bending nearer, and then + as Lorna's gaze prevailed, “God bless you, my sweet child!” + </p> + <p> + And so she went to mother's heart by the very nearest road, even as she + had come to mine; I mean the road of pity, smoothed by grace, and youth, + and gentleness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0045" id="linklink2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV + </h2> + <h3> + A CHANGE LONG NEEDED + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0134" id="linkimage-0134"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/389.jpg" alt="389.jpg Marwood Whichehalse " /> + </div> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles was gone south, ere ever the frost set in, for the purpose + of mustering forces to attack the Doone Glen. But, of course, this weather + had put a stop to every kind of movement; for even if men could have borne + the cold, they could scarcely be brought to face the perils of the + snow-drifts. And to tell the truth I cared not how long this weather + lasted, so long as we had enough to eat, and could keep ourselves from + freezing. Not only that I did not want Master Stickles back again, to make + more disturbances; but also that the Doones could not come prowling after + Lorna while the snow lay piled between us, with the surface soft and dry. + Of course they would very soon discover where their lawful queen was, + although the track of sledd and snow-shoes had been quite obliterated by + another shower, before the revellers could have grown half as drunk as + they intended. But Marwood de Whichehalse, who had been snowed up among + them (as Gwenny said), after helping to strip the beacon, that young + Squire was almost certain to have recognised me, and to have told the vile + Carver. And it gave me no little pleasure to think how mad that Carver + must be with me, for robbing him of the lovely bride whom he was starving + into matrimony. However, I was not pleased at all with the prospect of the + consequences; but set all hands on to thresh the corn, ere the Doones + could come and burn the ricks. For I knew that they could not come yet, + inasmuch as even a forest pony could not traverse the country, much less + the heavy horses needed to carry such men as they were. And hundreds of + the forest ponies died in this hard weather, some being buried in the + snow, and more of them starved for want of grass. + </p> + <p> + Going through this state of things, and laying down the law about it + (subject to correction), I very soon persuaded Lorna that for the present + she was safe, and (which made her still more happy) that she was not only + welcome, but as gladdening to our eyes as the flowers of May. Of course, + so far as regarded myself, this was not a hundredth part of the real + truth; and even as regarded others, I might have said it ten times over. + For Lorna had so won them all, by her kind and gentle ways, and her mode + of hearkening to everybody's trouble, and replying without words, as well + as by her beauty, and simple grace of all things, that I could almost wish + sometimes the rest would leave her more to me. But mother could not do + enough; and Annie almost worshipped her; and even Lizzie could not keep + her bitterness towards her; especially when she found that Lorna knew as + much of books as need be. + </p> + <p> + As for John Fry, and Betty, and Molly, they were a perfect plague when + Lorna came into the kitchen. For betwixt their curiosity to see a live + Doone in the flesh (when certain not to eat them), and their high respect + for birth (with or without honesty), and their intense desire to know all + about Master John's sweetheart (dropped, as they said, from the + snow-clouds), and most of all their admiration of a beauty such as never + even their angels could have seen—betwixt and between all this, I + say, there was no getting the dinner cooked, with Lorna in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + And the worst of it was that Lorna took the strangest of all strange + fancies for this very kitchen; and it was hard to keep her out of it. Not + that she had any special bent for cooking, as our Annie had; rather indeed + the contrary, for she liked to have her food ready cooked; but that she + loved the look of the place, and the cheerful fire burning, and the racks + of bacon to be seen, and the richness, and the homeliness, and the + pleasant smell of everything. And who knows but what she may have liked + (as the very best of maidens do) to be admired, now and then, between the + times of business? + </p> + <p> + Therefore if you wanted Lorna (as I was always sure to do, God knows how + many times a day), the very surest place to find her was our own old + kitchen. Not gossiping, I mean, nor loitering, neither seeking into + things, but seeming to be quite at home, as if she had known it from a + child, and seeming (to my eyes at least) to light it up, and make life and + colour out of all the dullness; as I have seen the breaking sun do among + brown shocks of wheat. + </p> + <p> + But any one who wished to learn whether girls can change or not, as the + things around them change (while yet their hearts are steadfast, and for + ever anchored), he should just have seen my Lorna, after a fortnight of + our life, and freedom from anxiety. It is possible that my company—although + I am accounted stupid by folk who do not know my way—may have had + something to do with it; but upon this I will not say much, lest I lose my + character. And indeed, as regards company, I had all the threshing to see + to, and more than half to do myself (though any one would have thought + that even John Fry must work hard this weather), else I could not hope at + all to get our corn into such compass that a good gun might protect it. + </p> + <p> + But to come back to Lorna again (which I always longed to do, and must + long for ever), all the change between night and day, all the shifts of + cloud and sun, all the difference between black death and brightsome + liveliness, scarcely may suggest or equal Lorna's transformation. Quick + she had always been and “peart” (as we say on Exmoor) and gifted with a + leap of thought too swift for me to follow; and hence you may find fault + with much, when I report her sayings. But through the whole had always + run, as a black string goes through pearls, something dark and touched + with shadow, coloured as with an early end. + </p> + <p> + But, now, behold! there was none of this! There was no getting her, for a + moment, even to be serious. All her bright young wit was flashing, like a + newly-awakened flame, and all her high young spirits leaped, as if dancing + to its fire. And yet she never spoke a word which gave more pain than + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + And even in her outward look there was much of difference. Whether it was + our warmth, and freedom, and our harmless love of God, and trust in one + another; or whether it were our air, and water, and the pea-fed bacon; + anyhow my Lorna grew richer and more lovely, more perfect and more firm of + figure, and more light and buoyant, with every passing day that laid its + tribute on her cheeks and lips. I was allowed one kiss a day; only one for + manners' sake, because she was our visitor; and I might have it before + breakfast, or else when I came to say “good-night!” according as I + decided. And I decided every night, not to take it in the morning, but put + it off till the evening time, and have the pleasure to think about, + through all the day of working. But when my darling came up to me in the + early daylight, fresher than the daystar, and with no one looking; only + her bright eyes smiling, and sweet lips quite ready, was it likely I could + wait, and think all day about it? For she wore a frock of Annie's, nicely + made to fit her, taken in at the waist and curved—I never could + explain it, not being a mantua-maker; but I know how her figure looked in + it, and how it came towards me. + </p> + <p> + But this is neither here nor there; and I must on with my story. Those + days are very sacred to me, and if I speak lightly of them, trust me, 'tis + with lip alone; while from heart reproach peeps sadly at the flippant + tricks of mind. + </p> + <p> + Although it was the longest winter ever known in our parts (never having + ceased to freeze for a single night, and scarcely for a single day, from + the middle of December till the second week in March), to me it was the + very shortest and the most delicious; and verily I do believe it was the + same to Lorna. But when the Ides of March were come (of which I do + remember something dim from school, and something clear from my favourite + writer) lo, there were increasing signals of a change of weather. + </p> + <p> + One leading feature of that long cold, and a thing remarked by every one + (however unobservant) had been the hollow moaning sound ever present in + the air, morning, noon, and night-time, and especially at night, whether + any wind were stirring, or whether it were a perfect calm. Our people said + that it was a witch cursing all the country from the caverns by the sea, + and that frost and snow would last until we could catch and drown her. But + the land, being thoroughly blocked with snow, and the inshore parts of the + sea with ice (floating in great fields along), Mother Melldrum (if she it + were) had the caverns all to herself, for there was no getting at her. And + speaking of the sea reminds me of a thing reported to us, and on good + authority; though people might be found hereafter who would not believe + it, unless I told them that from what I myself beheld of the channel I + place perfect faith in it: and this is, that a dozen sailors at the + beginning of March crossed the ice, with the aid of poles from Clevedon to + Penarth, or where the Holm rocks barred the flotage. + </p> + <p> + But now, about the tenth of March, that miserable moaning noise, which had + both foregone and accompanied the rigour, died away from out the air; and + we, being now so used to it, thought at first that we must be deaf. And + then the fog, which had hung about (even in full sunshine) vanished, and + the shrouded hills shone forth with brightness manifold. And now the sky + at length began to come to its true manner, which we had not seen for + months, a mixture (if I so may speak) of various expressions. Whereas till + now from Allhallows-tide, six weeks ere the great frost set in, the + heavens had worn one heavy mask of ashen gray when clouded, or else one + amethystine tinge with a hazy rim, when cloudless. So it was pleasant to + behold, after that monotony, the fickle sky which suits our England, + though abused by foreign folk. + </p> + <p> + And soon the dappled softening sky gave some earnest of its mood; for a + brisk south wind arose, and the blessed rain came driving, cold indeed, + yet most refreshing to the skin, all parched with snow, and the eyeballs + so long dazzled. Neither was the heart more sluggish in its thankfulness + to God. People had begun to think, and somebody had prophesied, that we + should have no spring this year, no seed-time, and no harvest; for that + the Lord had sent a judgment on this country of England, and the nation + dwelling in it, because of the wickedness of the Court, and the + encouragement shown to Papists. And this was proved, they said, by what + had happened in the town of London; where, for more than a fortnight, such + a chill of darkness lay that no man might behold his neighbour, even + across the narrowest street; and where the ice upon the Thames was more + than four feet thick, and crushing London Bridge in twain. Now to these + prophets I paid no heed, believing not that Providence would freeze us for + other people's sins; neither seeing how England could for many generations + have enjoyed good sunshine, if Popery meant frost and fogs. Besides, why + could not Providence settle the business once for all by freezing the Pope + himself; even though (according to our view) he were destined to extremes + of heat, together with all who followed him? + </p> + <p> + Not to meddle with that subject, being beyond my judgment, let me tell the + things I saw, and then you must believe me. The wind, of course, I could + not see, not having the powers of a pig; but I could see the laden + branches of the great oaks moving, hoping to shake off the load packed and + saddled on them. And hereby I may note a thing which some one may explain + perhaps in the after ages, when people come to look at things. This is + that in desperate cold all the trees were pulled awry, even though the + wind had scattered the snow burden from them. Of some sorts the branches + bended downwards, like an archway; of other sorts the boughs curved + upwards, like a red deer's frontlet. This I know no reason* for; but am + ready to swear that I saw it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The reason is very simple, as all nature's reasons are; + though the subject has not yet been investigated thoroughly. + In some trees the vascular tissue is more open on the upper + side, in others on the under side, of the spreading + branches; according to the form of growth, and habit of the + sap. Hence in very severe cold, when the vessels + (comparatively empty) are constricted, some have more power + of contraction on the upper side, and some upon the under. + Ed. L.D. +</pre> + <p> + Now when the first of the rain began, and the old familiar softness spread + upon the window glass, and ran a little way in channels (though from the + coldness of the glass it froze before reaching the bottom), knowing at + once the difference from the short sharp thud of snow, we all ran out, and + filled our eyes and filled our hearts with gazing. True, the snow was + piled up now all in mountains round us; true, the air was still so cold + that our breath froze on the doorway, and the rain was turned to ice + wherever it struck anything; nevertheless that it was rain there was no + denying, as we watched it across black doorways, and could see no sign of + white. Mother, who had made up her mind that the farm was not worth having + after all those prophesies, and that all of us must starve, and holes be + scratched in the snow for us, and no use to put up a tombstone (for our + church had been shut up long ago) mother fell upon my breast, and sobbed + that I was the cleverest fellow ever born of woman. And this because I had + condemned the prophets for a pack of fools; not seeing how business could + go on, if people stopped to hearken to them. + </p> + <p> + Then Lorna came and glorified me, for I had predicted a change of weather, + more to keep their spirits up, than with real hope of it; and then came + Annie blushing shyly, as I looked at her, and said that Winnie would soon + have four legs now. This referred to some stupid joke made by John Fry or + somebody, that in this weather a man had no legs, and a horse had only + two. + </p> + <p> + But as the rain came down upon us from the southwest wind, and we could + not have enough of it, even putting our tongues to catch it, as little + children might do, and beginning to talk of primroses; the very noblest + thing of all was to hear and see the gratitude of the poor beasts yet + remaining and the few surviving birds. From the cowhouse lowing came, more + than of fifty milking times; moo and moo, and a turn-up noise at the end + of every bellow, as if from the very heart of kine. Then the horses in the + stables, packed as closely as they could stick, at the risk of kicking, to + keep the warmth in one another, and their spirits up by discoursing; these + began with one accord to lift up their voices, snorting, snaffling, + whinnying, and neighing, and trotting to the door to know when they should + have work again. To whom, as if in answer, came the feeble bleating of the + sheep, what few, by dint of greatest care, had kept their fleeces on their + backs, and their four legs under them. + </p> + <p> + Neither was it a trifling thing, let whoso will say the contrary, to + behold the ducks and geese marching forth in handsome order from their + beds of fern and straw. What a goodly noise they kept, what a flapping of + their wings, and a jerking of their tails, as they stood right up and + tried with a whistling in their throats to imitate a cockscrow! And then + how daintily they took the wet upon their dusty plumes, and ducked their + shoulders to it, and began to dress themselves, and laid their grooved + bills on the snow, and dabbled for more ooziness! + </p> + <p> + Lorna had never seen, I dare say, anything like this before, and it was + all that we could do to keep her from rushing forth with only little + lambswool shoes on, and kissing every one of them. “Oh, the dear things, + oh, the dear things!” she kept saying continually, “how wonderfully clever + they are! Only look at that one with his foot up, giving orders to the + others, John!” + </p> + <p> + “And I must give orders to you, my darling,” I answered, gazing on her + face, so brilliant with excitement; “and that is, that you come in at + once, with that worrisome cough of yours; and sit by the fire, and warm + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, John! Not for a minute, if you please, good John. I want to see + the snow go away, and the green meadows coming forth. And here comes our + favourite robin, who has lived in the oven so long, and sang us a song + every morning. I must see what he thinks of it!” + </p> + <p> + “You will do nothing of the sort,” I answered very shortly, being only too + glad of a cause for having her in my arms again. So I caught her up, and + carried her in; and she looked and smiled so sweetly at me instead of + pouting (as I had feared) that I found myself unable to go very fast along + the passage. And I set her there in her favourite place, by the + sweet-scented wood-fire; and she paid me porterage without my even asking + her; and for all the beauty of the rain, I was fain to stay with her; + until our Annie came to say that my advice was wanted. + </p> + <p> + Now my advice was never much, as everybody knew quite well; but that was + the way they always put it, when they wanted me to work for them. And in + truth it was time for me to work; not for others, but myself, and (as I + always thought) for Lorna. For the rain was now coming down in earnest; + and the top of the snow being frozen at last, and glazed as hard as a + china cup, by means of the sun and frost afterwards, all the rain ran + right away from the steep inclines, and all the outlets being blocked with + ice set up like tables, it threatened to flood everything. Already it was + ponding up, like a tide advancing at the threshold of the door from which + we had watched the duck-birds; both because great piles of snow trended in + that direction, in spite of all our scraping, and also that the gulley + hole, where the water of the shoot went out (I mean when it was water) now + was choked with lumps of ice, as big as a man's body. For the “shoot,” as + we called our little runnel of everlasting water, never known to freeze + before, and always ready for any man either to wash his hands, or drink, + where it spouted from a trough of bark, set among white flint-stones; this + at last had given in, and its music ceased to lull us, as we lay in bed. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before I managed to drain off this threatening flood, by + opening the old sluice-hole; but I had much harder work to keep the + stables, and the cow-house, and the other sheds, from flooding. For we + have a sapient practice (and I never saw the contrary round about our + parts, I mean), of keeping all rooms underground, so that you step down to + them. We say that thus we keep them warmer, both for cattle and for men, + in the time of winter, and cooler in the summer-time. This I will not + contradict, though having my own opinion; but it seems to me to be a relic + of the time when people in the western countries lived in caves beneath + the ground, and blocked the mouths with neat-skins. + </p> + <p> + Let that question still abide, for men who study ancient times to inform + me, if they will; all I know is, that now we had no blessings for the + system. If after all their cold and starving, our weak cattle now should + have to stand up to their knees in water, it would be certain death to + them; and we had lost enough already to make us poor for a long time; not + to speak of our kind love for them. And I do assure you, I loved some + horses, and even some cows for that matter, as if they had been my + blood-relations; knowing as I did their virtues. And some of these were + lost to us; and I could not bear to think of them. Therefore I worked hard + all night to try and save the rest of them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0046" id="linklink2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI + </h2> + <h3> + SQUIRE FAGGUS MAKES SOME LUCKY HITS + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0135" id="linkimage-0135"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/397.jpg" alt="397.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Through that season of bitter frost the red deer of the forest, having + nothing to feed upon, and no shelter to rest in, had grown accustomed to + our ricks of corn, and hay, and clover. There we might see a hundred of + them almost any morning, come for warmth, and food, and comfort, and + scarce willing to move away. And many of them were so tame, that they + quietly presented themselves at our back door, and stood there with their + coats quite stiff, and their flanks drawn in and panting, and icicles + sometimes on their chins, and their great eyes fastened wistfully upon any + merciful person; craving for a bit of food, and a drink of water; I + suppose that they had not sense enough to chew the snow and melt it; at + any rate, all the springs being frozen, and rivers hidden out of sight, + these poor things suffered even more from thirst than they did from + hunger. + </p> + <p> + But now there was no fear of thirst, and more chance indeed of drowning; + for a heavy gale of wind arose, with violent rain from the south-west, + which lasted almost without a pause for three nights and two days. At + first the rain made no impression on the bulk of snow, but ran from every + sloping surface and froze on every flat one, through the coldness of the + earth; and so it became impossible for any man to keep his legs without + the help of a shodden staff. After a good while, however, the air growing + very much warmer, this state of things began to change, and a worse one to + succeed it; for now the snow came thundering down from roof, and rock, and + ivied tree, and floods began to roar and foam in every trough and gulley. + The drifts that had been so white and fair, looked yellow, and smirched, + and muddy, and lost their graceful curves, and moulded lines, and + airiness. But the strangest sight of all to me was in the bed of streams, + and brooks, and especially of the Lynn river. It was worth going miles to + behold such a thing, for a man might never have the chance again. + </p> + <p> + Vast drifts of snow had filled the valley, and piled above the + river-course, fifty feet high in many places, and in some as much as a + hundred. These had frozen over the top, and glanced the rain away from + them, and being sustained by rock and tree, spanned the water mightily. + But meanwhile the waxing flood, swollen from every moorland hollow and + from every spouting crag, had dashed away all icy fetters, and was rolling + gloriously. Under white fantastic arches, and long tunnels freaked and + fretted, and between pellucid pillars jagged with nodding architraves, the + red impetuous torrent rushed, and the brown foam whirled and flashed. I + was half inclined to jump in and swim through such glorious scenery; for + nothing used to please me more than swimming in a flooded river. But I + thought of the rocks, and I thought of the cramp, and more than all, of + Lorna; and so, between one thing and another, I let it roll on without me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0136" id="linkimage-0136"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/399.jpg" width="100%" alt="399.jpg Jump in and Swim " /> + </div> + <p> + It was now high time to work very hard; both to make up for the farm-work + lost during the months of frost and snow, and also to be ready for a great + and vicious attack from the Doones, who would burn us in our beds at the + earliest opportunity. Of farm-work there was little yet for even the most + zealous man to begin to lay his hand to; because when the ground appeared + through the crust of bubbled snow (as at last it did, though not as my + Lorna had expected, at the first few drops of rain) it was all so soaked + and sodden, and as we call it, “mucksy,” that to meddle with it in any way + was to do more harm than good. Nevertheless, there was yard work, and + house work, and tendence of stock, enough to save any man from idleness. + </p> + <p> + As for Lorna, she would come out. There was no keeping her in the house. + She had taken up some peculiar notion that we were doing more for her than + she had any right to, and that she must earn her living by the hard work + of her hands. It was quite in vain to tell her that she was expected to do + nothing, and far worse than vain (for it made her cry sadly) if any one + assured her that she could do no good at all. She even began upon mother's + garden before the snow was clean gone from it, and sowed a beautiful row + of peas, every one of which the mice ate. + </p> + <p> + But though it was very pretty to watch her working for her very life, as + if the maintenance of the household hung upon her labours, yet I was + grieved for many reasons, and so was mother also. In the first place, she + was too fair and dainty for this rough, rude work; and though it made her + cheeks so bright, it surely must be bad for her to get her little feet so + wet. Moreover, we could not bear the idea that she should labour for her + keep; and again (which was the worst of all things) mother's garden lay + exposed to a dark deceitful coppice, where a man might lurk and watch all + the fair gardener's doings. It was true that none could get at her thence, + while the brook which ran between poured so great a torrent. Still the + distance was but little for a gun to carry, if any one could be brutal + enough to point a gun at Lorna. I thought that none could be found to do + it; but mother, having more experience, was not so certain of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Now in spite of the floods, and the sloughs being out, and the state of + the roads most perilous, Squire Faggus came at last, riding his famous + strawberry mare. There was a great ado between him and Annie, as you may + well suppose, after some four months of parting. And so we left them alone + awhile, to coddle over their raptures. But when they were tired of that, + or at least had time enough to do so, mother and I went in to know what + news Tom had brought with him. Though he did not seem to want us yet, he + made himself agreeable; and so we sent Annie to cook the dinner while her + sweetheart should tell us everything. + </p> + <p> + Tom Faggus had very good news to tell, and he told it with such force of + expression as made us laugh very heartily. He had taken up his purchase + from old Sir Roger Bassett of a nice bit of land, to the south of the + moors, and in the parish of Molland. When the lawyers knew thoroughly who + he was, and how he had made his money, they behaved uncommonly well to + him, and showed great sympathy with his pursuits. He put them up to a + thing or two; and they poked him in the ribs, and laughed, and said that + he was quite a boy; but of the right sort, none the less. And so they made + old Squire Bassett pay the bill for both sides; and all he got for three + hundred acres was a hundred and twenty pounds; though Tom had paid five + hundred. But lawyers know that this must be so, in spite of all their + endeavours; and the old gentleman, who now expected to find a bill for him + to pay, almost thought himself a rogue, for getting anything out of them. + </p> + <p> + It is true that the land was poor and wild, and the soil exceeding + shallow; lying on the slope of rock, and burned up in hot summers. But + with us, hot summers are things known by tradition only (as this great + winter may be); we generally have more moisture, especially in July, than + we well know what to do with. I have known a fog for a fortnight at the + summer solstice, and farmers talking in church about it when they ought to + be praying. But it always contrives to come right in the end, as other + visitations do, if we take them as true visits, and receive them kindly. + </p> + <p> + Now this farm of Squire Faggus (as he truly now had a right to be called) + was of the very finest pasture, when it got good store of rain. And Tom, + who had ridden the Devonshire roads with many a reeking jacket, knew right + well that he might trust the climate for that matter. The herbage was of + the very sweetest, and the shortest, and the closest, having perhaps from + ten to eighteen inches of wholesome soil between it and the solid rock. + Tom saw at once what it was fit for—the breeding of fine cattle. + </p> + <p> + Being such a hand as he was at making the most of everything, both his own + and other people's (although so free in scattering, when the humour lay + upon him) he had actually turned to his own advantage that extraordinary + weather which had so impoverished every one around him. For he taught his + Winnie (who knew his meaning as well as any child could, and obeyed not + only his word of mouth, but every glance he gave her) to go forth in the + snowy evenings when horses are seeking everywhere (be they wild or tame) + for fodder and for shelter; and to whinny to the forest ponies, miles away + from home perhaps, and lead them all with rare appetites and promise of + abundance, to her master's homestead. He shod good Winnie in such a manner + that she could not sink in the snow; and he clad her over the loins with a + sheep-skin dyed to her own colour, which the wild horses were never tired + of coming up and sniffing at; taking it for an especial gift, and proof of + inspiration. And Winnie never came home at night without at least a score + of ponies trotting shyly after her, tossing their heads and their tails in + turn, and making believe to be very wild, although hard pinched by famine. + Of course Tom would get them all into his pound in about five minutes, for + he himself could neigh in a manner which went to the heart of the wildest + horse. And then he fed them well, and turned them into his great cattle + pen, to abide their time for breaking, when the snow and frost should be + over. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0137" id="linkimage-0137"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/401.jpg" width="100%" + alt="401.jpg he Clad Her over the Loins " /> + </div> + <p> + He had gotten more than three hundred now, in this sagacious manner; and + he said it was the finest sight to see their mode of carrying on, how they + would snort, and stamp, and fume, and prick their ears, and rush + backwards, and lash themselves with their long rough tails, and shake + their jagged manes, and scream, and fall upon one another, if a strange + man came anigh them. But as for feeding time, Tom said it was better than + fifty plays to watch them, and the tricks they were up to, to cheat their + feeders, and one another. I asked him how on earth he had managed to get + fodder, in such impassable weather, for such a herd of horses; but he said + that they lived upon straw and sawdust; and he knew that I did not believe + him, any more than about his star-shavings. And this was just the thing he + loved—to mystify honest people, and be a great deal too knowing. + However, I may judge him harshly, because I myself tell everything. + </p> + <p> + I asked him what he meant to do with all that enormous lot of horses, and + why he had not exerted his wits to catch the red deer as well. He said + that the latter would have been against the laws of venery, and might have + brought him into trouble, but as for disposing of his stud, it would give + him little difficulty. He would break them, when the spring weather came + on, and deal with them as they required, and keep the handsomest for + breeding. The rest he would despatch to London, where he knew plenty of + horse-dealers; and he doubted not that they would fetch him as much as ten + pounds apiece all round, being now in great demand. I told him I wished + that he might get it; but as it proved afterwards, he did. + </p> + <p> + Then he pressed us both on another point, the time for his marriage to + Annie; and mother looked at me to say when, and I looked back at mother. + However, knowing something of the world, and unable to make any further + objection, by reason of his prosperity, I said that we must even do as the + fashionable people did, and allow the maid herself to settle, when she + would leave home and all. And this I spoke with a very bad grace, being + perhaps of an ancient cast, and over fond of honesty—I mean, of + course, among lower people. + </p> + <p> + But Tom paid little heed to this, knowing the world a great deal better + than ever I could pretend to do; and being ready to take a thing, upon + which he had set his mind, whether it came with a good grace, or whether + it came with a bad one. And seeing that it would be awkward to provoke my + anger, he left the room, before more words, to submit himself to Annie. + </p> + <p> + Upon this I went in search of Lorna, to tell her of our cousin's arrival, + and to ask whether she would think fit to see him, or to dine by herself + that day; for she should do exactly as it pleased her in everything, while + remaining still our guest. But I rather wished that she might choose not + to sit in Tom's company, though she might be introduced to him. Not but + what he could behave quite as well as could, and much better, as regarded + elegance and assurance, only that his honesty had not been as one might + desire. But Lorna had some curiosity to know what this famous man was + like, and declared that she would by all means have the pleasure of dining + with him, if he did not object to her company on the ground of the Doones' + dishonesty; moreover, she said that it would seem a most foolish air on + her part, and one which would cause the greatest pain to Annie, who had + been so good to her, if she should refuse to sit at table with a man who + held the King's pardon, and was now a pattern of honesty. + </p> + <p> + Against this I had not a word to say; and could not help acknowledging in + my heart that she was right, as well as wise, in her decision. And + afterwards I discovered that mother would have been much displeased, if + she had decided otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly she turned away, with one of her very sweetest smiles (whose + beauty none can describe) saying that she must not meet a man of such + fashion and renown, in her common gardening frock; but must try to look as + nice as she could, if only in honour of dear Annie. And truth to tell, + when she came to dinner, everything about her was the neatest and + prettiest that can possibly be imagined. She contrived to match the + colours so, to suit one another and her own, and yet with a certain + delicate harmony of contrast, and the shape of everything was so nice, so + that when she came into the room, with a crown of winning modesty upon the + consciousness of beauty, I was quite as proud as if the Queen of England + entered. + </p> + <p> + My mother could not help remarking, though she knew that it was not + mannerly, how like a princess Lorna looked, now she had her best things + on; but two things caught Squire Faggus's eyes, after he had made a most + gallant bow, and received a most graceful courtesy; and he kept his bright + bold gaze upon them, first on one, and then on the other, until my darling + was hot with blushes, and I was ready to knock him down if he had not been + our visitor. But here again I should have been wrong, as I was apt to be + in those days; for Tom intended no harm whatever, and his gaze was of pure + curiosity; though Annie herself was vexed with it. The two objects of his + close regard, were first, and most worthily, Lorna's face, and secondly, + the ancient necklace restored to her by Sir Ensor Doone. + </p> + <p> + Now wishing to save my darling's comfort, and to keep things quiet, I + shouted out that dinner was ready, so that half the parish could hear me; + upon which my mother laughed, and chid me, and despatched her guests + before her. And a very good dinner we made, I remember, and a very happy + one; attending to the women first, as now is the manner of eating; except + among the workmen. With them, of course, it is needful that the man (who + has his hours fixed) should be served first, and make the utmost of his + time for feeding, while the women may go on, as much as ever they please, + afterwards. But with us, who are not bound to time, there is no such + reason to be quoted; and the women being the weaker vessels, should be the + first to begin to fill. And so we always arranged it. + </p> + <p> + Now, though our Annie was a graceful maid, and Lizzie a very learned one, + you should have seen how differently Lorna managed her dining; she never + took more than about a quarter of a mouthful at a time, and she never + appeared to be chewing that, although she must have done so. Indeed, she + appeared to dine as if it were a matter of no consequence, and as if she + could think of other things more than of her business. All this, and her + own manner of eating, I described to Eliza once, when I wanted to vex her + for something very spiteful that she had said; and I never succeeded so + well before, for the girl was quite outrageous, having her own perception + of it, which made my observation ten times as bitter to her. And I am not + sure but what she ceased to like poor Lorna from that day; and if so, I + was quite paid out, as I well deserved, for my bit of satire. + </p> + <p> + For it strikes me that of all human dealings, satire is the very lowest, + and most mean and common. It is the equivalent in words of what bullying + is in deeds; and no more bespeaks a clever man, than the other does a + brave one. These two wretched tricks exalt a fool in his own low esteem, + but never in his neighbour's; for the deep common sense of our nature + tells that no man of a genial heart, or of any spread of mind, can take + pride in either. And though a good man may commit the one fault or the + other, now and then, by way of outlet, he is sure to have compunctions + soon, and to scorn himself more than the sufferer. + </p> + <p> + Now when the young maidens were gone—for we had quite a high dinner + of fashion that day, with Betty Muxworthy waiting, and Gwenny Carfax at + the gravy—and only mother, and Tom, and I remained at the white deal + table, with brandy, and schnapps, and hot water jugs; Squire Faggus said + quite suddenly, and perhaps on purpose to take us aback, in case of our + hiding anything,—“What do you know of the history of that beautiful + maiden, good mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Not half so much as my son does,” mother answered, with a soft smile at + me; “and when John does not choose to tell a thing, wild horses will not + pull it out of him.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not at all like me, mother,” I replied rather sadly; “you know + almost every word about Lorna, quite as well as I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Almost every word, I believe, John; for you never tell a falsehood. But + the few unknown may be of all the most important to me.” + </p> + <p> + To this I made no answer, for fear of going beyond the truth, or else of + making mischief. Not that I had, or wished to have, any mystery with + mother; neither was there in purest truth, any mystery in the matter; to + the utmost of my knowledge. And the only things that I had kept back, + solely for mother's comfort, were the death of poor Lord Alan Brandir (if + indeed he were dead) and the connection of Marwood de Whichehalse with the + dealings of the Doones, and the threats of Carver Doone against my own + prosperity; and, may be, one or two little things harrowing more than + edifying. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said Master Faggus, smiling very pleasantly, “you two + understand each other, if any two on earth do. Ah, if I had only had a + mother, how different I might have been!” And with that he sighed, in the + tone which always overcame mother upon that subject, and had something to + do with his getting Annie; and then he produced his pretty box, full of + rolled tobacco, and offered me one, as I now had joined the goodly company + of smokers. So I took it, and watched what he did with his own, lest I + might go wrong about mine. + </p> + <p> + But when our cylinders were both lighted, and I enjoying mine wonderfully, + and astonishing mother by my skill, Tom Faggus told us that he was sure he + had seen my Lorna's face before, many and many years ago, when she was + quite a little child, but he could not remember where it was, or anything + more about it at present; though he would try to do so afterwards. He + could not be mistaken, he said, for he had noticed her eyes especially; + and had never seen such eyes before, neither again, until this day. I + asked him if he had ever ventured into the Doone-valley; but he shook his + head, and replied that he valued his life a deal too much for that. Then + we put it to him, whether anything might assist his memory; but he said + that he knew not of aught to do so, unless it were another glass of + schnapps. + </p> + <p> + This being provided, he grew very wise, and told us clearly and candidly + that we were both very foolish. For he said that we were keeping Lorna, at + the risk not only of our stock, and the house above our heads, but also of + our precious lives; and after all was she worth it, although so very + beautiful? Upon which I told him, with indignation, that her beauty was + the least part of her goodness, and that I would thank him for his opinion + when I had requested it. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, our John Ridd!” he answered; “fools will be fools till the end of + the chapter; and I might be as big a one, if I were in thy shoes, John. + Nevertheless, in the name of God, don't let that helpless child go about + with a thing worth half the county on her.” + </p> + <p> + “She is worth all the county herself,” said I, “and all England put + together; but she has nothing worth half a rick of hay upon her; for the + ring I gave her cost only,”—and here I stopped, for mother was + looking, and I never would tell her how much it had cost me; though she + had tried fifty times to find out. + </p> + <p> + “Tush, the ring!” Tom Faggus cried, with a contempt that moved me: “I + would never have stopped a man for that. But the necklace, you great oaf, + the necklace is worth all your farm put together, and your Uncle Ben's + fortune to the back of it; ay, and all the town of Dulverton.” + </p> + <p> + “What,” said I, “that common glass thing, which she has had from her + childhood!” + </p> + <p> + “Glass indeed! They are the finest brilliants ever I set eyes on; and I + have handled a good many.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” cried mother, now flushing as red as Tom's own cheeks with + excitement, “you must be wrong, or the young mistress would herself have + known it.” + </p> + <p> + I was greatly pleased with my mother, for calling Lorna “the young + mistress”; it was not done for the sake of her diamonds, whether they were + glass or not; but because she felt as I had done, that Tom Faggus, a man + of no birth whatever, was speaking beyond his mark, in calling a lady like + Lorna a helpless child; as well as in his general tone, which displayed no + deference. He might have been used to the quality, in the way of stopping + their coaches, or roystering at hotels with them; but he never had met a + high lady before, in equality, and upon virtue; and we both felt that he + ought to have known it, and to have thanked us for the opportunity, in a + word, to have behaved a great deal more humbly than he had even tried to + do. + </p> + <p> + “Trust me,” answered Tom, in his loftiest manner, which Annie said was “so + noble,” but which seemed to me rather flashy, “trust me, good mother, and + simple John, for knowing brilliants, when I see them. I would have stopped + an eight-horse coach, with four carabined out-riders, for such a booty as + that. But alas, those days are over; those were days worth living in. Ah, + I never shall know the like again. How fine it was by moonlight!” + </p> + <p> + “Master Faggus,” began my mother, with a manner of some dignity, such as + she could sometimes use, by right of her integrity, and thorough kindness + to every one, “this is not the tone in which you have hitherto spoken to + me about your former pursuits and life, I fear that the spirits”—but + here she stopped, because the spirits were her own, and Tom was our + visitor,—“what I mean, Master Faggus, is this: you have won my + daughter's heart somehow; and you won my consent to the matter through + your honest sorrow, and manly undertaking to lead a different life, and + touch no property but your own. Annie is my eldest daughter, and the child + of a most upright man. I love her best of all on earth, next to my boy + John here”—here mother gave me a mighty squeeze, to be sure that she + would have me at least—“and I will not risk my Annie's life with a + man who yearns for the highway.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0138" id="linkimage-0138"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/407.jpg" width="100%" + alt="407.jpg 'master Faggus,' Began My Mother " /> + </div> + <p> + Having made this very long speech (for her), mother came home upon my + shoulder, and wept so that (but for heeding her) I would have taken Tom by + the nose, and thrown him, and Winnie after him, over our farm-yard gate. + For I am violent when roused; and freely hereby acknowledge it; though + even my enemies will own that it takes a great deal to rouse me. But I do + consider the grief and tears (when justly caused) of my dearest friends, + to be a great deal to rouse me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0139" id="linkimage-0139"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/409.jpg" width="100%" alt="409.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0047" id="linklink2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII + </h2> + <h3> + JEREMY IN DANGER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0140" id="linkimage-0140"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/410.jpg" alt="410.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Nothing very long abides, as the greatest of all writers (in whose extent + I am for ever lost in raptured wonder, and yet for ever quite at home, as + if his heart were mine, although his brains so different), in a word as + Mr. William Shakespeare, in every one of his works insists, with a + humoured melancholy. And if my journey to London led to nothing else of + advancement, it took me a hundred years in front of what I might else have + been, by the most simple accident. + </p> + <p> + Two women were scolding one another across the road, very violently, both + from upstair windows; and I in my hurry for quiet life, and not knowing + what might come down upon me, quickened my step for the nearest corner. + But suddenly something fell on my head; and at first I was afraid to look, + especially as it weighed heavily. But hearing no breakage of ware, and + only the other scold laughing heartily, I turned me about and espied a + book, which one had cast at the other, hoping to break her window. So I + took the book, and tendered it at the door of the house from which it had + fallen; but the watchman came along just then, and the man at the door + declared that it never came from their house, and begged me to say no + more. This I promised readily, never wishing to make mischief; and I said, + “Good sir, now take the book; I will go on to my business.” But he + answered that he would do no such thing; for the book alone, being hurled + so hard, would convict his people of a lewd assault; and he begged me, if + I would do a good turn, to put the book under my coat and go. And so I + did: in part at least. For I did not put the book under my coat, but went + along with it openly, looking for any to challenge it. Now this book, so + acquired, has been not only the joy of my younger days, and main delight + of my manhood, but also the comfort, and even the hope, of my now + declining years. In a word, it is next to my Bible to me, and written in + equal English; and if you espy any goodness whatever in my own loose style + of writing, you must not thank me, John Ridd, for it, but the writer who + holds the champion's belt in wit, as I once did in wrestling. + </p> + <p> + Now, as nothing very long abides, it cannot be expected that a woman's + anger should last very long, if she be at all of the proper sort. And my + mother, being one of the very best, could not long retain her wrath + against the Squire Faggus especially when she came to reflect, upon + Annie's suggestion, how natural, and one might say, how inevitable it was + that a young man fond of adventure and change and winning good profits by + jeopardy, should not settle down without some regrets to a fixed abode and + a life of sameness, however safe and respectable. And even as Annie put + the case, Tom deserved the greater credit for vanquishing so nobly these + yearnings of his nature; and it seemed very hard to upbraid him, + considering how good his motives were; neither could Annie understand how + mother could reconcile it with her knowledge of the Bible, and the one + sheep that was lost, and the hundredth piece of silver, and the man that + went down to Jericho. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0141" id="linkimage-0141"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/411.jpg" width="100%" + alt="411.jpg Something Fell on My Head " /> + </div> + <p> + Whether Annie's logic was good and sound, I am sure I cannot tell; but it + seemed to me that she ought to have let the Jericho traveller alone, + inasmuch as he rather fell among Tom Fagusses, than resembled them. + However, her reasoning was too much for mother to hold out against; and + Tom was replaced, and more than that, being regarded now as an injured + man. But how my mother contrived to know, that because she had been too + hard upon Tom, he must be right about the necklace, is a point which I + never could clearly perceive, though no doubt she could explain it. + </p> + <p> + To prove herself right in the conclusion, she went herself to fetch Lorna, + that the trinket might be examined, before the day grew dark. My darling + came in, with a very quick glance and smile at my cigarro (for I was + having the third by this time, to keep things in amity); and I waved it + towards her, as much as to say, “you see that I can do it.” And then + mother led her up to the light, for Tom to examine her necklace. + </p> + <p> + On the shapely curve of her neck it hung, like dewdrops upon a white + hyacinth; and I was vexed that Tom should have the chance to see it there. + But even if she had read my thoughts, or outrun them with her own, Lorna + turned away, and softly took the jewels from the place which so much + adorned them. And as she turned away, they sparkled through the rich dark + waves of hair. Then she laid the glittering circlet in my mother's hands; + and Tom Faggus took it eagerly, and bore it to the window. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0142" id="linkimage-0142"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/413.jpg" width="100%" + alt="413.jpg Tom Faggus Took It Eagerly " /> + </div> + <p> + “Don't you go out of sight,” I said; “you cannot resist such things as + those, if they be what you think them.” + </p> + <p> + “Jack, I shall have to trounce thee yet. I am now a man of honour, and + entitled to the duello. What will you take for it, Mistress Lorna? At a + hazard, say now.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not accustomed to sell things, sir,” replied Lorna, who did not like + him much, else she would have answered sportively, “What is it worth, in + your opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it is worth five pounds, now?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I never had so much money as that in all my life. It is very + bright, and very pretty; but it cannot be worth five pounds, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + “What a chance for a bargain! Oh, if it were not for Annie, I could make + my fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, I would not sell it to you, not for twenty times five pounds. + My grandfather was so kind about it; and I think it belonged to my + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “There are twenty-five rose diamonds in it, and twenty-five large + brilliants that cannot be matched in London. How say you, Mistress Lorna, + to a hundred thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + My darling's eyes so flashed at this, brighter than any diamonds, that I + said to myself, “Well, all have faults; and now I have found out Lorna's—she + is fond of money!” And then I sighed rather heavily; for of all faults + this seems to me one of the worst in a woman. But even before my sigh was + finished, I had cause to condemn myself. For Lorna took the necklace very + quietly from the hands of Squire Faggus, who had not half done with + admiring it, and she went up to my mother with the sweetest smile I ever + saw. + </p> + <p> + “Dear kind mother, I am so glad,” she said in a whisper, coaxing mother + out of sight of all but me; “now you will have it, won't you, dear? And I + shall be so happy; for a thousandth part of your kindness to me no jewels + in the world can match.” + </p> + <p> + I cannot lay before you the grace with which she did it, all the air of + seeking favour, rather than conferring it, and the high-bred fear of + giving offence, which is of all fears the noblest. Mother knew not what to + say. Of course she would never dream of taking such a gift as that; and + yet she saw how sadly Lorna would be disappointed. Therefore, mother did, + from habit, what she almost always did, she called me to help her. But + knowing that my eyes were full—for anything noble moves me so, quite + as rashly as things pitiful—I pretended not to hear my mother, but + to see a wild cat in the dairy. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I cannot tell what mother said in reply to Lorna; for when I + came back, quite eager to let my love know how I worshipped her, and how + deeply I was ashamed of myself, for meanly wronging her in my heart, + behold Tom Faggus had gotten again the necklace which had such charms for + him, and was delivering all around (but especially to Annie, who was + wondering at his learning) a dissertation on precious stones, and his + sentiments about those in his hand. He said that the work was very + ancient, but undoubtedly very good; the cutting of every line was true, + and every angle was in its place. And this he said, made all the + difference in the lustre of the stone, and therefore in its value. For if + the facets were ill-matched, and the points of light so ever little out of + perfect harmony, all the lustre of the jewel would be loose and wavering, + and the central fire dulled; instead of answering, as it should, to all + possibilities of gaze, and overpowering any eye intent on its deeper + mysteries. We laughed at the Squire's dissertation; for how should he know + all these things, being nothing better, and indeed much worse than a mere + Northmolton blacksmith? He took our laughter with much good nature; having + Annie to squeeze his hand and convey her grief at our ignorance: but he + said that of one thing he was quite certain, and therein I believed him. + To wit, that a trinket of this kind never could have belonged to any + ignoble family, but to one of the very highest and most wealthy in + England. And looking at Lorna, I felt that she must have come from a + higher source than the very best of diamonds. + </p> + <p> + Tom Faggus said that the necklace was made, he would answer for it, in + Amsterdam, two or three hundred years ago, long before London jewellers + had begun to meddle with diamonds; and on the gold clasp he found some + letters, done in some inverted way, the meaning of which was beyond him; + also a bearing of some kind, which he believed was a mountain-cat. And + thereupon he declared that now he had earned another glass of schnapps, + and would Mistress Lorna mix it for him? + </p> + <p> + I was amazed at his impudence; and Annie, who thought this her business, + did not look best pleased; and I hoped that Lorna would tell him at once + to go and do it for himself. But instead of that she rose to do it with a + soft humility, which went direct to the heart of Tom; and he leaped up + with a curse at himself, and took the hot water from her, and would not + allow her to do anything except to put the sugar in; and then he bowed to + her grandly. I knew what Lorna was thinking of; she was thinking all the + time that her necklace had been taken by the Doones with violence upon + some great robbery; and that Squire Faggus knew it, though he would not + show his knowledge; and that this was perhaps the reason why mother had + refused it so. + </p> + <p> + We said no more about the necklace for a long time afterwards; neither did + my darling wear it, now that she knew its value, but did not know its + history. She came to me the very next day, trying to look cheerful, and + begged me if I loved her (never mind how little) to take charge of it + again, as I once had done before, and not even to let her know in what + place I stored it. I told her that this last request I could not comply + with; for having been round her neck so often, it was now a sacred thing, + more than a million pounds could be. Therefore it should dwell for the + present in the neighbourhood of my heart; and so could not be far from + her. At this she smiled her own sweet smile, and touched my forehead with + her lips and wished that she could only learn how to deserve such love as + mine. + </p> + <p> + Tom Faggus took his good departure, which was a kind farewell to me, on + the very day I am speaking of, the day after his arrival. Tom was a + thoroughly upright man, according to his own standard; and you might rely + upon him always, up to a certain point I mean, to be there or thereabouts. + But sometimes things were too many for Tom, especially with ardent + spirits, and then he judged, perhaps too much, with only himself for the + jury. At any rate, I would trust him fully, for candour and for honesty, + in almost every case in which he himself could have no interest. And so we + got on very well together; and he thought me a fool; and I tried my best + not to think anything worse of him. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was Tom clean out of sight, and Annie's tears not dry yet (for + she always made a point of crying upon his departure), when in came Master + Jeremy Stickles, splashed with mud from head to foot, and not in the very + best of humours, though happy to get back again. + </p> + <p> + “Curse those fellows!” he cried, with a stamp which sent the water hissing + from his boot upon the embers; “a pretty plight you may call this, for His + Majesty's Commissioner to return to his headquarters in! Annie, my dear,” + for he was always very affable with Annie, “will you help me off with my + overalls, and then turn your pretty hand to the gridiron? Not a blessed + morsel have I touched for more than twenty-four hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely then you must be quite starving, sir,” my sister replied with the + greatest zeal; for she did love a man with an appetite; “how glad I am + that the fire is clear!” But Lizzie, who happened to be there, said with + her peculiar smile,— + </p> + <p> + “Master Stickles must be used to it; for he never comes back without + telling us that.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” cried Annie, quite shocked with her; “how would you like to be + used to it? Now, Betty, be quick with the things for me. Pork, or mutton, + or deer's meat, sir? We have some cured since the autumn.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, deer's meat, by all means,” Jeremy Stickles answered; “I have tasted + none since I left you, though dreaming of it often. Well, this is better + than being chased over the moors for one's life, John. All the way from + Landacre Bridge, I have ridden a race for my precious life, at the peril + of my limbs and neck. Three great Doones galloping after me, and a good + job for me that they were so big, or they must have overtaken me. Just go + and see to my horse, John, that's an excellent lad. He deserves a good + turn this day, from me; and I will render it to him.” + </p> + <p> + However he left me to do it, while he made himself comfortable: and in + truth the horse required care; he was blown so that he could hardly stand, + and plastered with mud, and steaming so that the stable was quite full + with it. By the time I had put the poor fellow to rights, his master had + finished dinner, and was in a more pleasant humour, having even offered to + kiss Annie, out of pure gratitude, as he said; but Annie answered with + spirit that gratitude must not be shown by increasing the obligation. + Jeremy made reply to this that his only way to be grateful then was to + tell us his story: and so he did, at greater length than I can here repeat + it; for it does not bear particularly upon Lorna's fortunes. + </p> + <p> + It appears that as he was riding towards us from the town of Southmolton + in Devonshire, he found the roads very soft and heavy, and the floods out + in all directions; but met with no other difficulty until he came to + Landacre Bridge. He had only a single trooper with him, a man not of the + militia but of the King's army, whom Jeremy had brought from Exeter. As + these two descended towards the bridge they observed that both the + Kensford water and the River Barle were pouring down in mighty floods from + the melting of the snow. So great indeed was the torrent, after they + united, that only the parapets of the bridge could be seen above the + water, the road across either bank being covered and very deep on the + hither side. The trooper did not like the look of it, and proposed to ride + back again, and round by way of Simonsbath, where the stream is smaller. + But Stickles would not have it so, and dashing into the river, swam his + horse for the bridge, and gained it with some little trouble; and there he + found the water not more than up to his horse's knees perhaps. On the + crown of the bridge he turned his horse to watch the trooper's passage, + and to help him with directions; when suddenly he saw him fall headlong + into the torrent, and heard the report of a gun from behind, and felt a + shock to his own body, such as lifted him out of the saddle. Turning round + he beheld three men, risen up from behind the hedge on one side of his + onward road, two of them ready to load again, and one with his gun + unfired, waiting to get good aim at him. Then Jeremy did a gallant thing, + for which I doubt whether I should have had the presence of mind in + danger. He saw that to swim his horse back again would be almost certain + death; as affording such a target, where even a wound must be fatal. + Therefore he struck the spurs into the nag, and rode through the water + straight at the man who was pointing the long gun at him. If the horse had + been carried off his legs, there must have been an end of Jeremy; for the + other men were getting ready to have another shot at him. But luckily the + horse galloped right on without any need for swimming, being himself + excited, no doubt, by all he had seen and heard of it. And Jeremy lay + almost flat on his neck, so as to give little space for good aim, with the + mane tossing wildly in front of him. Now if that young fellow with the gun + had his brains as ready as his flint was, he would have shot the horse at + once, and then had Stickles at his mercy; but instead of that he let fly + at the man, and missed him altogether, being scared perhaps by the pistol + which Jeremy showed him the mouth of. And galloping by at full speed, + Master Stickles tried to leave his mark behind him, for he changed the aim + of his pistol to the biggest man, who was loading his gun and cursing like + ten cannons. But the pistol missed fire, no doubt from the flood which had + gurgled in over the holsters; and Jeremy seeing three horses tethered at a + gate just up the hill, knew that he had not yet escaped, but had more of + danger behind him. He tried his other great pistol at one of the horses + tethered there, so as to lessen (if possible) the number of his pursuers. + But the powder again failed him; and he durst not stop to cut the bridles, + bearing the men coming up the hill. So he even made the most of his start, + thanking God that his weight was light, compared at least to what theirs + was. + </p> + <p> + And another thing he had noticed which gave him some hope of escaping, to + wit that the horses of the Doones, although very handsome animals, were + suffering still from the bitter effects of the late long frost, and the + scarcity of fodder. “If they do not catch me up, or shoot me, in the + course of the first two miles, I may see my home again”; this was what he + said to himself as he turned to mark what they were about, from the brow + of the steep hill. He saw the flooded valley shining with the breadth of + water, and the trooper's horse on the other side, shaking his drenched + flanks and neighing; and half-way down the hill he saw the three Doones + mounting hastily. And then he knew that his only chance lay in the + stoutness of his steed. + </p> + <p> + The horse was in pretty good condition; and the rider knew him thoroughly, + and how to make the most of him; and though they had travelled some miles + that day through very heavy ground, the bath in the river had washed the + mud off, and been some refreshment. Therefore Stickles encouraged his nag, + and put him into a good hard gallop, heading away towards Withycombe. At + first he had thought of turning to the right, and making off for + Withypool, a mile or so down the valley; but his good sense told him that + no one there would dare to protect him against the Doones, so he resolved + to go on his way; yet faster than he had intended. + </p> + <p> + The three villains came after him, with all the speed they could muster, + making sure from the badness of the road that he must stick fast ere long, + and so be at their mercy. And this was Jeremy's chiefest fear, for the + ground being soft and thoroughly rotten, after so much frost and snow, the + poor horse had terrible work of it, with no time to pick the way; and even + more good luck than skill was needed to keep him from foundering. How + Jeremy prayed for an Exmoor fog (such as he had often sworn at), that he + might turn aside and lurk, while his pursuers went past him! But no fog + came, nor even a storm to damp the priming of their guns; neither was wood + or coppice nigh, nor any place to hide in; only hills, and moor, and + valleys; with flying shadows over them, and great banks of snow in the + corners. At one time poor Stickles was quite in despair; for after leaping + a little brook which crosses the track at Newland, he stuck fast in a + “dancing bog,” as we call them upon Exmoor. The horse had broken through + the crust of moss and sedge and marishweed, and could do nothing but + wallow and sink, with the black water spirting over him. And Jeremy, + struggling with all his might, saw the three villains now topping the + crest, less than a furlong behind him; and heard them shout in their + savage delight. With the calmness of despair, he yet resolved to have one + more try for it; and scrambling over the horse's head, gained firm land, + and tugged at the bridle. The poor nag replied with all his power to the + call upon his courage, and reared his forefeet out of the slough, and with + straining eyeballs gazed at him. “Now,” said Jeremy, “now, my fine + fellow!” lifting him with the bridle, and the brave beast gathered the + roll of his loins, and sprang from his quagmired haunches. One more + spring, and he was on earth again, instead of being under it; and Jeremy + leaped on his back, and stooped, for he knew that they would fire. Two + bullets whistled over him, as the horse, mad with fright, dashed forward; + and in five minutes more he had come to the Exe, and the pursuers had + fallen behind him. The Exe, though a much smaller stream than the Barle, + now ran in a foaming torrent, unbridged, and too wide for leaping. But + Jeremy's horse took the water well; and both he and his rider were + lightened, as well as comforted by it. And as they passed towards Lucott + hill, and struck upon the founts of Lynn, the horses of the three pursuers + began to tire under them. Then Jeremy Stickles knew that if he could only + escape the sloughs, he was safe for the present; and so he stood up in his + stirrups, and gave them a loud halloo, as if they had been so many foxes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0143" id="linkimage-0143"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/419.jpg" width="100%" + alt="419.jpg With a Wave of his Hat " /> + </div> + <p> + Their only answer was to fire the remaining charge at him; but the + distance was too great for any aim from horseback; and the dropping bullet + idly ploughed the sod upon one side of him. He acknowledged it with a wave + of his hat, and laid one thumb to his nose, in the manner fashionable in + London for expression of contempt. However, they followed him yet farther; + hoping to make him pay out dearly, if he should only miss the track, or + fall upon morasses. But the neighbourhood of our Lynn stream is not so + very boggy; and the King's messenger now knew his way as well as any of + his pursuers did; and so he arrived at Plover's Barrows, thankful, and in + rare appetite. + </p> + <p> + “But was the poor soldier drowned?” asked Annie; “and you never went to + look for him! Oh, how very dreadful!” + </p> + <p> + “Shot, or drowned; I know not which. Thank God it was only a trooper. But + they shall pay for it, as dearly as if it had been a captain.” + </p> + <p> + “And how was it you were struck by a bullet, and only shaken in your + saddle? Had you a coat of mail on, or of Milanese chain-armour? Now, + Master Stickles, had you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mistress Lizzie; we do not wear things of that kind nowadays. You are + apt, I perceive, at romances. But I happened to have a little flat bottle + of the best stoneware slung beneath my saddle-cloak, and filled with the + very best <i>eau de vie</i>, from the George Hotel, at Southmolton. The + brand of it now is upon my back. Oh, the murderous scoundrels, what a + brave spirit they have spilled!” + </p> + <p> + “You had better set to and thank God,” said I, “that they have not spilled + a braver one.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0144" id="linkimage-0144"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/421.jpg" width="100%" alt="421.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0048" id="linklink2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII + </h2> + <h3> + EVERY MAN MUST DEFEND HIMSELF + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0145" id="linkimage-0145"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/422.jpg" alt="422.jpg the Bagworthy Water " /> + </div> + <p> + It was only right in Jeremy Stickles, and of the simplest common sense, + that he would not tell, before our girls, what the result of his journey + was. But he led me aside in the course of the evening, and told me all + about it; saying that I knew, as well as he did, that it was not woman's + business. This I took, as it was meant, for a gentle caution that Lorna + (whom he had not seen as yet) must not be informed of any of his doings. + Herein I quite agreed with him; not only for his furtherance, but because + I always think that women, of whatever mind, are best when least they + meddle with the things that appertain to men. + </p> + <p> + Master Stickles complained that the weather had been against him bitterly, + closing all the roads around him; even as it had done with us. It had + taken him eight days, he said, to get from Exeter to Plymouth; whither he + found that most of the troops had been drafted off from Exeter. When all + were told, there was but a battalion of one of the King's horse regiments, + and two companies of foot soldiers; and their commanders had orders, later + than the date of Jeremy's commission, on no account to quit the southern + coast, and march inland. Therefore, although they would gladly have come + for a brush with the celebrated Doones, it was more than they durst + attempt, in the face of their instructions. However, they spared him a + single trooper, as a companion of the road, and to prove to the justices + of the county, and the lord lieutenant, that he had their approval. + </p> + <p> + To these authorities Master Stickles now was forced to address himself, + although he would rather have had one trooper than a score from the very + best trained bands. For these trained bands had afforded very good + soldiers, in the time of the civil wars, and for some years afterwards; + but now their discipline was gone; and the younger generation had seen no + real fighting. Each would have his own opinion, and would want to argue + it; and if he were not allowed, he went about his duty in such a temper as + to prove that his own way was the best. + </p> + <p> + Neither was this the worst of it; for Jeremy made no doubt but what (if he + could only get the militia to turn out in force) he might manage, with the + help of his own men, to force the stronghold of the enemy; but the truth + was that the officers, knowing how hard it would be to collect their men + at that time of the year, and in that state of the weather, began with one + accord to make every possible excuse. And especially they pressed this + point, that Bagworthy was not in their county; the Devonshire people + affirming vehemently that it lay in the shire of Somerset, and the + Somersetshire folk averring, even with imprecations, that it lay in + Devonshire. Now I believe the truth to be that the boundary of the two + counties, as well as of Oare and Brendon parishes, is defined by the + Bagworthy river; so that the disputants on both sides were both right and + wrong. + </p> + <p> + Upon this, Master Stickles suggested, and as I thought very sensibly, that + the two counties should unite, and equally contribute to the extirpation + of this pest, which shamed and injured them both alike. But hence arose + another difficulty; for the men of Devon said they would march when + Somerset had taken the field; and the sons of Somerset replied that indeed + they were quite ready, but what were their cousins of Devonshire doing? + And so it came to pass that the King's Commissioner returned without any + army whatever; but with promise of two hundred men when the roads should + be more passable. And meanwhile, what were we to do, abandoned as we were + to the mercies of the Doones, with only our own hands to help us? And + herein I grieved at my own folly, in having let Tom Faggus go, whose wit + and courage would have been worth at least half a dozen men to us. Upon + this matter I held long council with my good friend Stickles; telling him + all about Lorna's presence, and what I knew of her history. He agreed with + me that we could not hope to escape an attack from the outlaws, and the + more especially now that they knew himself to be returned to us. Also he + praised me for my forethought in having threshed out all our corn, and + hidden the produce in such a manner that they were not likely to find it. + Furthermore, he recommended that all the entrances to the house should at + once be strengthened, and a watch must be maintained at night; and he + thought it wiser that I should go (late as it was) to Lynmouth, if a horse + could pass the valley, and fetch every one of his mounted troopers, who + might now be quartered there. Also if any men of courage, though capable + only of handling a pitchfork, could be found in the neighbourhood, I was + to try to summon them. But our district is so thinly peopled, that I had + little faith in this; however my errand was given me, and I set forth upon + it; for John Fry was afraid of the waters. + </p> + <p> + Knowing how fiercely the floods were out, I resolved to travel the higher + road, by Cosgate and through Countisbury; therefore I swam my horse + through the Lynn, at the ford below our house (where sometimes you may + step across), and thence galloped up and along the hills. I could see all + the inland valleys ribbon'd with broad waters; and in every winding crook, + the banks of snow that fed them; while on my right the turbid sea was + flaked with April showers. But when I descended the hill towards Lynmouth, + I feared that my journey was all in vain. + </p> + <p> + For the East Lynn (which is our river) was ramping and roaring + frightfully, lashing whole trunks of trees on the rocks, and rending them, + and grinding them. And into it rushed, from the opposite side, a torrent + even madder; upsetting what it came to aid; shattering wave with boiling + billow, and scattering wrath with fury. It was certain death to attempt + the passage: and the little wooden footbridge had been carried away long + ago. And the men I was seeking must be, of course, on the other side of + this deluge, for on my side there was not a single house. + </p> + <p> + I followed the bank of the flood to the beach, some two or three hundred + yards below; and there had the luck to see Will Watcombe on the opposite + side, caulking an old boat. Though I could not make him hear a word, from + the deafening roar of the torrent, I got him to understand at last that I + wanted to cross over. Upon this he fetched another man, and the two of + them launched a boat; and paddling well out to sea, fetched round the + mouth of the frantic river. The other man proved to be Stickles's chief + mate; and so he went back and fetched his comrades, bringing their + weapons, but leaving their horses behind. As it happened there were but + four of them; however, to have even these was a help; and I started again + at full speed for my home; for the men must follow afoot, and cross our + river high up on the moorland. + </p> + <p> + This took them a long way round, and the track was rather bad to find, and + the sky already darkening; so that I arrived at Plover's Barrows more than + two hours before them. But they had done a sagacious thing, which was well + worth the delay; for by hoisting their flag upon the hill, they fetched + the two watchmen from the Foreland, and added them to their number. + </p> + <p> + It was lucky that I came home so soon; for I found the house in a great + commotion, and all the women trembling. When I asked what the matter was, + Lorna, who seemed the most self-possessed, answered that it was all her + fault, for she alone had frightened them. And this in the following + manner. She had stolen out to the garden towards dusk, to watch some + favourite hyacinths just pushing up, like a baby's teeth, and just + attracting the fatal notice of a great house-snail at night-time. Lorna at + last had discovered the glutton, and was bearing him off in triumph to the + tribunal of the ducks, when she descried two glittering eyes glaring at + her steadfastly, from the elder-bush beyond the stream. The elder was + smoothing its wrinkled leaves, being at least two months behind time; and + among them this calm cruel face appeared; and she knew it was the face of + Carver Doone. + </p> + <p> + The maiden, although so used to terror (as she told me once before), lost + all presence of mind hereat, and could neither shriek nor fly, but only + gaze, as if bewitched. Then Carver Doone, with his deadly smile, gloating + upon her horror, lifted his long gun, and pointed full at Lorna's heart. + In vain she strove to turn away; fright had stricken her stiff as stone. + With the inborn love of life, she tried to cover the vital part wherein + the winged death must lodge—for she knew Carver's certain aim—but + her hands hung numbed, and heavy; in nothing but her eyes was life. + </p> + <p> + With no sign of pity in his face, no quiver of relenting, but a + well-pleased grin at all the charming palsy of his victim, Carver Doone + lowered, inch by inch, the muzzle of his gun. When it pointed to the + ground, between her delicate arched insteps, he pulled the trigger, and + the bullet flung the mould all over her. It was a refinement of bullying, + for which I swore to God that night, upon my knees, in secret, that I + would smite down Carver Doone or else he should smite me down. Base beast! + what largest humanity, or what dreams of divinity, could make a man put up + with this? + </p> + <p> + My darling (the loveliest, and most harmless, in the world of maidens), + fell away on a bank of grass, and wept at her own cowardice; and trembled, + and wondered where I was; and what I would think of this. Good God! What + could I think of it? She over-rated my slow nature, to admit the question. + </p> + <p> + While she leaned there, quite unable yet to save herself, Carver came to + the brink of the flood, which alone was between them; and then he stroked + his jet-black beard, and waited for Lorna to begin. Very likely, he + thought that she would thank him for his kindness to her. But she was now + recovering the power of her nimble limbs; and ready to be off like hope, + and wonder at her own cowardice. + </p> + <p> + “I have spared you this time,” he said, in his deep calm voice, “only + because it suits my plans; and I never yield to temper. But unless you + come back to-morrow, pure, and with all you took away, and teach me to + destroy that fool, who has destroyed himself for you, your death is here, + your death is here, where it has long been waiting.” + </p> + <p> + Although his gun was empty, he struck the breech of it with his finger; + and then he turned away, not deigning even once to look back again; and + Lorna saw his giant figure striding across the meadow-land, as if the + Ridds were nobodies, and he the proper owner. Both mother and I were + greatly hurt at hearing of this insolence: for we had owned that meadow, + from the time of the great Alfred; and even when that good king lay in the + Isle of Athelney, he had a Ridd along with him. + </p> + <p> + Now I spoke to Lorna gently, seeing how much she had been tried; and I + praised her for her courage, in not having run away, when she was so + unable; and my darling was pleased with this, and smiled upon me for + saying it; though she knew right well that, in this matter, my judgment + was not impartial. But you may take this as a general rule, that a woman + likes praise from the man whom she loves, and cannot stop always to + balance it. + </p> + <p> + Now expecting a sharp attack that night—when Jeremy Stickles the + more expected, after the words of Carver, which seemed to be meant to + mislead us—we prepared a great quantity of knuckles of pork, and a + ham in full cut, and a fillet of hung mutton. For we would almost + surrender rather than keep our garrison hungry. And all our men were + exceedingly brave; and counted their rounds of the house in half-pints. + </p> + <p> + Before the maidens went to bed, Lorna made a remark which seemed to me a + very clever one, and then I wondered how on earth it had never occurred to + me before. But first she had done a thing which I could not in the least + approve of: for she had gone up to my mother, and thrown herself into her + arms, and begged to be allowed to return to Glen Doone. + </p> + <p> + “My child, are you unhappy here?” mother asked her, very gently, for she + had begun to regard her now as a daughter of her own. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! Too happy, by far too happy, Mrs. Ridd. I never knew rest or + peace before, or met with real kindness. But I cannot be so ungrateful, I + cannot be so wicked, as to bring you all into deadly peril, for my sake + alone. Let me go: you must not pay this great price for my happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear child, we are paying no price at all,” replied my mother, embracing + her; “we are not threatened for your sake only. Ask John, he will tell + you. He knows every bit about politics, and this is a political matter.” + </p> + <p> + Dear mother was rather proud in her heart, as well as terribly frightened, + at the importance now accruing to Plover's Barrows farm; and she often + declared that it would be as famous in history as the Rye House, or the + Meal-tub, or even the great black box, in which she was a firm believer: + and even my knowledge of politics could not move her upon that matter. + “Such things had happened before,” she would say, shaking her head with + its wisdom, “and why might they not happen again? Women would be women, + and men would be men, to the end of the chapter; and if she had been in + Lucy Water's place, she would keep it quiet, as she had done”; and then + she would look round, for fear, lest either of her daughters had heard + her; “but now, can you give me any reason, why it may not have been so? + You are so fearfully positive, John: just as men always are.” “No,” I used + to say; “I can give you no reason, why it may not have been so, mother. + But the question is, if it was so, or not; rather than what it might have + been. And, I think, it is pretty good proof against it, that what nine men + of every ten in England would only too gladly believe, if true, is + nevertheless kept dark from them.” “There you are again, John,” mother + would reply, “all about men, and not a single word about women. If you had + any argument at all, you would own that marriage is a question upon which + women are the best judges.” “Oh!” I would groan in my spirit, and go; + leaving my dearest mother quite sure, that now at last she must have + convinced me. But if mother had known that Jeremy Stickles was working + against the black box, and its issue, I doubt whether he would have fared + so well, even though he was a visitor. However, she knew that something + was doing and something of importance; and she trusted in God for the rest + of it. Only she used to tell me, very seriously, of an evening, “The very + least they can give you, dear John, is a coat of arms. Be sure you take + nothing less, dear; and the farm can well support it.” + </p> + <p> + But lo! I have left Lorna ever so long, anxious to consult me upon + political matters. She came to me, and her eyes alone asked a hundred + questions, which I rather had answered upon her lips than troubled her + pretty ears with them. Therefore I told her nothing at all, save that the + attack (if any should be) would not be made on her account; and that if + she should hear, by any chance, a trifle of a noise in the night, she was + to wrap the clothes around her, and shut her beautiful eyes again. On no + account, whatever she did, was she to go to the window. She liked my + expression about her eyes, and promised to do the very best she could and + then she crept so very close, that I needs must have her closer; and with + her head on my breast she asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Can't you keep out of this fight, John?” + </p> + <p> + “My own one,” I answered, gazing through the long black lashes, at the + depths of radiant love; “I believe there will be nothing: but what there + is I must see out.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I tell you what I think, John? It is only a fancy of mine, and + perhaps it is not worth telling.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us have it, dear, by all means. You know so much about their ways.” + </p> + <p> + “What I believe is this, John. You know how high the rivers are, higher + than ever they were before, and twice as high, you have told me. I believe + that Glen Doone is flooded, and all the houses under water.” + </p> + <p> + “You little witch,” I answered; “what a fool I must be not to think of it! + Of course it is: it must be. The torrent from all the Bagworthy forest, + and all the valleys above it, and the great drifts in the glen itself, + never could have outlet down my famous waterslide. The valley must be + under water twenty feet at least. Well, if ever there was a fool, I am he, + for not having thought of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember once before,” said Lorna, reckoning on her fingers, “when + there was heavy rain, all through the autumn and winter, five or it may be + six years ago, the river came down with such a rush that the water was two + feet deep in our rooms, and we all had to camp by the cliff-edge. But you + think that the floods are higher now, I believe I heard you say, John.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think about it, my treasure,” I answered; “you may trust me for + understanding floods, after our work at Tiverton. And I know that the + deluge in all our valleys is such that no living man can remember, neither + will ever behold again. Consider three months of snow, snow, snow, and a + fortnight of rain on the top of it, and all to be drained in a few days + away! And great barricades of ice still in the rivers blocking them up, + and ponding them. You may take my word for it, Mistress Lorna, that your + pretty bower is six feet deep.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my bower has served its time”, said Lorna, blushing as she + remembered all that had happened there; “and my bower now is here, John. + But I am so sorry to think of all the poor women flooded out of their + houses and sheltering in the snowdrifts. However, there is one good of it: + they cannot send many men against us, with all this trouble upon them.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” I replied; “how clever you are! and that is why there + were only three to cut off Master Stickles. And now we shall beat them, I + make no doubt, even if they come at all. And I defy them to fire the + house: the thatch is too wet for burning.” + </p> + <p> + We sent all the women to bed quite early, except Gwenny Carfax and our old + Betty. These two we allowed to stay up, because they might be useful to + us, if they could keep from quarreling. For my part, I had little fear, + after what Lorna had told me, as to the result of the combat. It was not + likely that the Doones could bring more than eight or ten men against us, + while their homes were in such danger: and to meet these we had eight good + men, including Jeremy, and myself, all well armed and resolute, besides + our three farm-servants, and the parish-clerk, and the shoemaker. These + five could not be trusted much for any valiant conduct, although they + spoke very confidently over their cans of cider. Neither were their + weapons fitted for much execution, unless it were at close quarters, which + they would be likely to avoid. Bill Dadds had a sickle, Jem Slocombe a + flail, the cobbler had borrowed the constable's staff (for the constable + would not attend, because there was no warrant), and the parish clerk had + brought his pitch-pipe, which was enough to break any man's head. But John + Fry, of course, had his blunderbuss, loaded with tin-tacks and marbles, + and more likely to kill the man who discharged it than any other person: + but we knew that John had it only for show, and to describe its qualities. + </p> + <p> + Now it was my great desire, and my chiefest hope, to come across Carver + Doone that night, and settle the score between us; not by any shot in the + dark, but by a conflict man to man. As yet, since I came to full-grown + power, I had never met any one whom I could not play teetotum with: but + now at last I had found a man whose strength was not to be laughed at. I + could guess it in his face, I could tell it in his arms, I could see it in + his stride and gait, which more than all the rest betray the substance of + a man. And being so well used to wrestling, and to judge antagonists, I + felt that here (if anywhere) I had found my match. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I was not content to abide within the house, or go the rounds + with the troopers; but betook myself to the rick yard, knowing that the + Doones were likely to begin their onset there. For they had a pleasant + custom, when they visited farm-houses, of lighting themselves towards + picking up anything they wanted, or stabbing the inhabitants, by first + creating a blaze in the rick yard. And though our ricks were all now of + mere straw (except indeed two of prime clover-hay), and although on the + top they were so wet that no firebrands might hurt them; I was both + unwilling to have them burned, and fearful that they might kindle, if well + roused up with fire upon the windward side. + </p> + <p> + By the bye, these Doones had got the worst of this pleasant trick one + time. For happening to fire the ricks of a lonely farm called Yeanworthy, + not far above Glenthorne, they approached the house to get people's goods, + and to enjoy their terror. The master of the farm was lately dead, and had + left, inside the clock-case, loaded, the great long gun, wherewith he had + used to sport at the ducks and the geese on the shore. Now Widow Fisher + took out this gun, and not caring much what became of her (for she had + loved her husband dearly), she laid it upon the window-sill, which looked + upon the rick-yard; and she backed up the butt with a chest of oak + drawers, and she opened the window a little back, and let the muzzle out + on the slope. Presently five or six fine young Doones came dancing a reel + (as their manner was) betwixt her and the flaming rick. Upon which she + pulled the trigger with all the force of her thumb, and a quarter of a + pound of duck-shot went out with a blaze on the dancers. You may suppose + what their dancing was, and their reeling how changed to staggering, and + their music none of the sweetest. One of them fell into the rick, and was + burned, and buried in a ditch next day; but the others were set upon their + horses, and carried home on a path of blood. And strange to say, they + never avenged this very dreadful injury; but having heard that a woman had + fired this desperate shot among them, they said that she ought to be a + Doone, and inquired how old she was. + </p> + <p> + Now I had not been so very long waiting in our mow-yard, with my best gun + ready, and a big club by me, before a heaviness of sleep began to creep + upon me. The flow of water was in my ears, and in my eyes a hazy + spreading, and upon my brain a closure, as a cobbler sews a vamp up. So I + leaned back in the clover-rick, and the dust of the seed and the smell + came round me, without any trouble; and I dozed about Lorna, just once or + twice, and what she had said about new-mown hay; and then back went my + head, and my chin went up; and if ever a man was blest with slumber, down + it came upon me, and away went I into it. + </p> + <p> + Now this was very vile of me, and against all good resolutions, even such + as I would have sworn to an hour ago or less. But if you had been in the + water as I had, ay, and had long fight with it, after a good day's work, + and then great anxiety afterwards, and brain-work (which is not fair for + me), and upon that a stout supper, mayhap you would not be so hard on my + sleep; though you felt it your duty to wake me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0049" id="linklink2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX + </h2> + <h3> + MAIDEN SENTINELS ARE BEST + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0146" id="linkimage-0146"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/432.jpg" alt="432.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + It was not likely that the outlaws would attack out premises until some + time after the moon was risen; because it would be too dangerous to cross + the flooded valleys in the darkness of the night. And but for this + consideration, I must have striven harder against the stealthy approach of + slumber. But even so, it was very foolish to abandon watch, especially in + such as I, who sleep like any dormouse. Moreover, I had chosen the very + worst place in the world for such employment, with a goodly chance of + awakening in a bed of solid fire. + </p> + <p> + And so it might have been, nay, it must have been, but for Lorna's + vigilance. Her light hand upon my arm awoke me, not too readily; and + leaping up, I seized my club, and prepared to knock down somebody. + </p> + <p> + “Who's that?” I cried; “stand back, I say, and let me have fair chance at + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to knock me down, dear John?” replied the voice I loved so + well; “I am sure I should never get up again, after one blow from you, + John.” + </p> + <p> + “My darling, is it you?” I cried; “and breaking all your orders? Come back + into the house at once: and nothing on your head, dear!” + </p> + <p> + “How could I sleep, while at any moment you might be killed beneath my + window? And now is the time of real danger; for men can see to travel.” + </p> + <p> + I saw at once the truth of this. The moon was high and clearly lighting + all the watered valleys. To sleep any longer might be death, not only to + myself, but all. + </p> + <p> + “The man on guard at the back of the house is fast asleep,” she continued; + “Gwenny, who let me out, and came with me, has heard him snoring for two + hours. I think the women ought to be the watch, because they have had no + travelling. Where do you suppose little Gwenny is?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely not gone to Glen Doone?” I was not sure, however: for I could + believe almost anything of the Cornish maiden's hardihood. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Lorna, “although she wanted even to do that. But of course I + would not hear of it, on account of the swollen waters. But she is perched + on yonder tree, which commands the Barrow valley. She says that they are + almost sure to cross the streamlet there; and now it is so wide and large, + that she can trace it in the moonlight, half a mile beyond her. If they + cross, she is sure to see them, and in good time to let us know.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0147" id="linkimage-0147"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/433.jpg" width="100%" alt="433.jpg the Moon Was High " /> + </div> + <p> + “What a shame,” I cried, “that the men should sleep, and the maidens be + the soldiers! I will sit in that tree myself, and send little Gwenny back + to you. Go to bed, my best and dearest; I will take good care not to sleep + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Please not to send me away, dear John,” she answered very mournfully; + “you and I have been together through perils worse than this. I shall only + be more timid, and more miserable, indoors.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot let you stay here,” I said; “it is altogether impossible. Do you + suppose that I can fight, with you among the bullets, Lorna? If this is + the way you mean to take it, we had better go both to the apple-room, and + lock ourselves in, and hide under the tiles, and let them burn all the + rest of the premises.” + </p> + <p> + At this idea Lorna laughed, as I could see by the moonlight; and then she + said,— + </p> + <p> + “You are right, John. I should only do more harm than good: and of all + things I hate fighting most, and disobedience next to it. Therefore I will + go indoors, although I cannot go to bed. But promise me one thing, dearest + John. You will keep yourself out of the way, now won't you, as much as you + can, for my sake?” + </p> + <p> + “Of that you may be quite certain, Lorna. I will shoot them all through + the hay-ricks.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, dear,” she answered, never doubting but what I could do + it; “and then they cannot see you, you know. But don't think of climbing + that tree, John; it is a great deal too dangerous. It is all very well for + Gwenny; she has no bones to break.” + </p> + <p> + “None worth breaking, you mean, I suppose. Very well; I will not climb the + tree, for I should defeat my own purpose, I fear; being such a conspicuous + object. Now go indoors, darling, without more words. The more you linger, + the more I shall keep you.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed her own bright laugh at this, and only said, “God keep you, + love!” and then away she tripped across the yard, with the step I loved to + watch so. And thereupon I shouldered arms, and resolved to tramp till + morning. For I was vexed at my own neglect, and that Lorna should have to + right it. + </p> + <p> + But before I had been long on duty, making the round of the ricks and + stables, and hailing Gwenny now and then from the bottom of her tree, a + short wide figure stole towards me, in and out the shadows, and I saw that + it was no other than the little maid herself, and that she bore some + tidings. + </p> + <p> + “Ten on 'em crossed the watter down yonner,” said Gwenny, putting her hand + to her mouth, and seeming to regard it as good news rather than otherwise: + “be arl craping up by hedgerow now. I could shutt dree on 'em from the bar + of the gate, if so be I had your goon, young man.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no time to lose, Gwenny. Run to the house and fetch Master + Stickles, and all the men; while I stay here, and watch the rick-yard.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps I was wrong in heeding the ricks at such a time as that; + especially as only the clover was of much importance. But it seemed to me + like a sort of triumph that they should be even able to boast of having + fired our mow-yard. Therefore I stood in a nick of the clover, whence we + had cut some trusses, with my club in hand, and gun close by. + </p> + <p> + The robbers rode into our yard as coolly as if they had been invited, + having lifted the gate from the hinges first on account of its being + fastened. Then they actually opened our stable-doors, and turned our + honest horses out, and put their own rogues in the place of them. At this + my breath was quite taken away; for we think so much of our horses. By + this time I could see our troopers, waiting in the shadow of the house, + round the corner from where the Doones were, and expecting the order to + fire. But Jeremy Stickles very wisely kept them in readiness, until the + enemy should advance upon them. + </p> + <p> + “Two of you lazy fellows go,” it was the deep voice of Carver Doone, “and + make us a light, to cut their throats by. Only one thing, once again. If + any man touches Lorna, I will stab him where he stands. She belongs to me. + There are two other young damsels here, whom you may take away if you + please. And the mother, I hear, is still comely. Now for our rights. We + have borne too long the insolence of these yokels. Kill every man, and + every child, and burn the cursed place down.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke thus blasphemously, I set my gun against his breast; and by + the light buckled from his belt, I saw the little “sight” of brass + gleaming alike upon either side, and the sleek round barrel glimmering. + The aim was sure as death itself. If I only drew the trigger (which went + very lightly) Carver Doone would breathe no more. And yet—will you + believe me?—I could not pull the trigger. Would to God that I had + done so! + </p> + <p> + For I never had taken human life, neither done bodily harm to man; beyond + the little bruises, and the trifling aches and pains, which follow a good + and honest bout in the wrestling ring. Therefore I dropped my carbine, and + grasped again my club, which seemed a more straight-forward implement. + </p> + <p> + Presently two young men came towards me, bearing brands of resined hemp, + kindled from Carver's lamp. The foremost of them set his torch to the rick + within a yard of me, and smoke concealing me from him. I struck him with a + back-handed blow on the elbow, as he bent it; and I heard the bone of his + arm break, as clearly as ever I heard a twig snap. With a roar of pain he + fell on the ground, and his torch dropped there, and singed him. The other + man stood amazed at this, not having yet gained sight of me; till I caught + his firebrand from his hand, and struck it into his countenance. With that + he leaped at me; but I caught him, in a manner learned from early + wrestling, and snapped his collar-bone, as I laid him upon the top of his + comrade. + </p> + <p> + This little success so encouraged me, that I was half inclined to advance, + and challenge Carver Doone to meet me; but I bore in mind that he would be + apt to shoot me without ceremony; and what is the utmost of human strength + against the power of powder? Moreover, I remembered my promise to sweet + Lorna; and who would be left to defend her, if the rogues got rid of me? + </p> + <p> + While I was hesitating thus (for I always continue to hesitate, except in + actual conflict), a blaze of fire lit up the house, and brown smoke hung + around it. Six of our men had let go at the Doones, by Jeremy Stickles' + order, as the villains came swaggering down in the moonlight ready for + rape or murder. Two of them fell, and the rest hung back, to think at + their leisure what this was. They were not used to this sort of thing: it + was neither just nor courteous. + </p> + <p> + Being unable any longer to contain myself, as I thought of Lorna's + excitement at all this noise of firing, I came across the yard, expecting + whether they would shoot at me. However, no one shot at me; and I went up + to Carver Doone, whom I knew by his size in the moonlight, and I took him + by the beard, and said, “Do you call yourself a man?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0148" id="linkimage-0148"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:32%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/437.jpg" + alt="437.jpg I Took Him by the Beard " /> + </div> + <p> + For a moment he was so astonished that he could not answer. None had ever + dared, I suppose, to look at him in that way; and he saw that he had met + his equal, or perhaps his master. And then he tried a pistol at me, but I + was too quick for him. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Carver Doone, take warning,” I said to him, very soberly; “you have + shown yourself a fool by your contempt of me. I may not be your match in + craft; but I am in manhood. You are a despicable villain. Lie low in your + native muck.” + </p> + <p> + And with that word, I laid him flat upon his back in our straw-yard, by a + trick of the inner heel, which he could not have resisted (though his + strength had been twice as great as mine), unless he were a wrestler. + Seeing him down the others ran, though one of them made a shot at me, and + some of them got their horses, before our men came up; and some went away + without them. And among these last was Captain Carver who arose, while I + was feeling myself (for I had a little wound), and strode away with a + train of curses enough to poison the light of the moon. + </p> + <p> + We gained six very good horses, by this attempted rapine, as well as two + young prisoners, whom I had smitten by the clover-rick. And two dead + Doones were left behind, whom (as we buried them in the churchyard, + without any service over them), I for my part was most thankful that I had + not killed. For to have the life of a fellow-man laid upon one's + conscience—deserved he his death, or deserved it not—is to my + sense of right and wrong the heaviest of all burdens; and the one that + wears most deeply inwards, with the dwelling of the mind on this view and + on that of it. + </p> + <p> + I was inclined to pursue the enemy and try to capture more of them; but + Jeremy Stickles would not allow it, for he said that all the advantage + would be upon their side, if we went hurrying after them, with only the + moon to guide us. And who could tell but what there might be another band + of them, ready to fall upon the house, and burn it, and seize the women, + if we left them unprotected? When he put the case thus, I was glad enough + to abide by his decision. And one thing was quite certain, that the Doones + had never before received so rude a shock, and so violent a blow to their + supremacy, since first they had built up their power, and become the Lords + of Exmoor. I knew that Carver Doone would gnash those mighty teeth of his, + and curse the men around him, for the blunder (which was in truth his own) + of over-confidence and carelessness. And at the same time, all the rest + would feel that such a thing had never happened, while old Sir Ensor was + alive; and that it was caused by nothing short of gross mismanagement. + </p> + <p> + I scarcely know who made the greatest fuss about my little wound, mother, + or Annie, or Lorna. I was heartily ashamed to be so treated like a + milksop; but most unluckily it had been impossible to hide it. For the + ball had cut along my temple, just above the eyebrow; and being fired so + near at hand, the powder too had scarred me. Therefore it seemed a great + deal worse than it really was; and the sponging, and the plastering, and + the sobbing, and the moaning, made me quite ashamed to look Master + Stickles in the face. + </p> + <p> + However, at last I persuaded them that I had no intention of giving up the + ghost that night; and then they all fell to, and thanked God with an + emphasis quite unknown in church. And hereupon Master Stickles said, in + his free and easy manner (for no one courted his observation), that I was + the luckiest of all mortals in having a mother, and a sister, and a + sweetheart, to make much of me. For his part, he said, he was just as well + off in not having any to care for him. For now he might go and get shot, + or stabbed, or knocked on the head, at his pleasure, without any one being + offended. I made bold, upon this, to ask him what was become of his wife; + for I had heard him speak of having one. He said that he neither knew nor + cared; and perhaps I should be like him some day. That Lorna should hear + such sentiments was very grievous to me. But she looked at me with a + smile, which proved her contempt for all such ideas; and lest anything + still more unfit might be said, I dismissed the question. + </p> + <p> + But Master Stickles told me afterwards, when there was no one with us, to + have no faith in any woman, whatever she might seem to be. For he assured + me that now he possessed very large experience, for so small a matter; + being thoroughly acquainted with women of every class, from ladies of the + highest blood, to Bonarobas, and peasants' wives: and that they all might + be divided into three heads and no more; that is to say as follows. First, + the very hot and passionate, who were only contemptible; second, the cold + and indifferent, who were simply odious; and third, the mixture of the + other two, who had the bad qualities of both. As for reason, none of them + had it; it was like a sealed book to them, which if they ever tried to + open, they began at the back of the cover. + </p> + <p> + Now I did not like to hear such things; and to me they appeared to be + insolent, as well as narrow-minded. For if you came to that, why might not + men, as well as women, be divided into the same three classes, and be + pronounced upon by women, as beings even more devoid than their gentle + judges of reason? Moreover, I knew, both from my own sense, and from the + greatest of all great poets, that there are, and always have been, plenty + of women, good, and gentle, warm-hearted, loving, and lovable; very keen, + moreover, at seeing the right, be it by reason, or otherwise. And upon the + whole, I prefer them much to the people of my own sex, as goodness of + heart is more important than to show good reason for having it. And so I + said to Jeremy,— + </p> + <p> + “You have been ill-treated, perhaps, Master Stickles, by some woman or + other?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that have I,” he replied with an oath; “and the last on earth who + should serve me so, the woman who was my wife. A woman whom I never + struck, never wronged in any way, never even let her know that I like + another better. And yet when I was at Berwick last, with the regiment on + guard there against those vile moss-troopers, what does that woman do but + fly in the face of all authority, and of my especial business, by running + away herself with the biggest of all moss-troopers? Not that I cared a + groat about her; and I wish the fool well rid of her: but the insolence of + the thing was such that everybody laughed at me; and back I went to + London, losing a far better and safer job than this; and all through her. + Come, let's have another onion.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0149" id="linkimage-0149"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:31%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/440.jpg" + alt="440.jpg Annie Bound the Broken Arm " /> + </div> + <p> + Master Stickles's view of the matter was so entirely unromantic, that I + scarcely wondered at Mistress Stickles for having run away from him to an + adventurous moss-trooper. For nine women out of ten must have some kind of + romance or other, to make their lives endurable; and when their love has + lost this attractive element, this soft dew-fog (if such it be), the love + itself is apt to languish; unless its bloom be well replaced by the + budding hopes of children. Now Master Stickles neither had, nor wished to + have, any children. + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for any warrant, only saying something about “captus in + flagrante delicto,”—if that be the way to spell it—Stickles + sent our prisoners off, bound and looking miserable, to the jail at + Taunton. I was desirous to let them go free, if they would promise + amendment; but although I had taken them, and surely therefore had every + right to let them go again, Master Stickles said, “Not so.” He assured me + that it was a matter of public polity; and of course, not knowing what he + meant, I could not contradict him; but thought that surely my private + rights ought to be respected. For if I throw a man in wrestling, I expect + to get his stakes; and if I take a man prisoner—why, he ought, in + common justice, to belong to me, and I have a good right to let him go, if + I think proper to do so. However, Master Stickles said that I was quite + benighted, and knew nothing of the Constitution; which was the very thing + I knew, beyond any man in our parish! + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, it was not for me to contradict a commissioner; and + therefore I let my prisoners go, and wished them a happy deliverance. + Stickles replied, with a merry grin, that if ever they got it, it would be + a jail deliverance, and the bliss of dancing; and he laid his hand to his + throat in a manner which seemed to me most uncourteous. However, his + foresight proved too correct; for both those poor fellows were executed, + soon after the next assizes. Lorna had done her very best to earn another + chance for them; even going down on her knees to that common Jeremy, and + pleading with great tears for them. However, although much moved by her, + he vowed that he durst do nothing else. To set them free was more than his + own life was worth; for all the country knew, by this time, that two + captive Doones were roped to the cider-press at Plover's Barrows. Annie + bound the broken arm of the one whom I had knocked down with the club, and + I myself supported it; and then she washed and rubbed with lard the face + of the other poor fellow, which the torch had injured; and I fetched back + his collar-bone to the best of my ability. For before any surgeon could + arrive, they were off with a well-armed escort. That day we were + reinforced so strongly from the stations along the coast, even as far as + Minehead, that we not only feared no further attack, but even talked of + assaulting Glen Doone, without waiting for the train-bands. However, I + thought that it would be mean to take advantage of the enemy in the thick + of the floods and confusion; and several of the others thought so too, and + did not like fighting in water. Therefore it was resolved to wait and keep + a watch upon the valley, and let the floods go down again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0150" id="linkimage-0150"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/441.jpg" width="100%" alt="441.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0050" id="linklink2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L + </h2> + <h3> + A MERRY MEETING A SAD ONE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0151" id="linkimage-0151"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/442.jpg" alt="442.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Now the business I had most at heart (as every one knows by this time) was + to marry Lorna as soon as might be, if she had no objection, and then to + work the farm so well, as to nourish all our family. And herein I saw no + difficulty; for Annie would soon be off our hands, and somebody might come + and take a fancy to little Lizzie (who was growing up very nicely now, + though not so fine as Annie); moreover, we were almost sure to have great + store of hay and corn after so much snow, if there be any truth in the old + saying,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A foot deep of rain + Will kill hay and grain; + But three feet of snow + Will make them come mo'.” + </pre> + <p> + And although it was too true that we had lost a many cattle, yet even so + we had not lost money; for the few remaining fetched such prices as were + never known before. And though we grumbled with all our hearts, and really + believed, at one time, that starvation was upon us, I doubt whether, on + the whole, we were not the fatter, and the richer, and the wiser for that + winter. And I might have said the happier, except for the sorrow which we + felt at the failures among our neighbours. The Snowes lost every sheep + they had, and nine out of ten horned cattle; and poor Jasper Kebby would + have been forced to throw up the lease of his farm, and perhaps to go to + prison, but for the help we gave him. + </p> + <p> + However, my dear mother would have it that Lorna was too young, as yet, to + think of being married: and indeed I myself was compelled to admit that + her form was becoming more perfect and lovely; though I had not thought it + possible. And another difficulty was, that as we had all been Protestants + from the time of Queen Elizabeth, the maiden must be converted first, and + taught to hate all Papists. Now Lorna had not the smallest idea of ever + being converted. She said that she loved me truly, but wanted not to + convert me; and if I loved her equally, why should I wish to convert her? + With this I was tolerably content, not seeing so very much difference + between a creed and a credo, and believing God to be our Father, in Latin + as well as English. Moreover, my darling knew but little of the Popish + ways—whether excellent or otherwise—inasmuch as the Doones, + though they stole their houses, or at least the joiner's work, had never + been tempted enough by the devil to steal either church or chapel. + </p> + <p> + Lorna came to our little church, when Parson Bowden reappeared after the + snow was over; and she said that all was very nice, and very like what she + had seen in the time of her Aunt Sabina, when they went far away to the + little chapel, with a shilling in their gloves. It made the tears come + into her eyes, by the force of memory, when Parson Bowden did the things, + not so gracefully nor so well, yet with pleasant imitation of her old + Priest's sacred rites. + </p> + <p> + “He is a worthy man,” she said, being used to talk in the service time, + and my mother was obliged to cough: “I like him very much indeed: but I + wish he would let me put his things the right way on his shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody in our parish, who could walk at all, or hire a boy and a + wheelbarrow, ay, and half the folk from Countisbury, Brendon, and even + Lynmouth, was and were to be found that Sunday, in our little church of + Oare. People who would not come anigh us, when the Doones were threatening + with carbine and with fire-brand, flocked in their very best clothes, to + see a lady Doone go to church. Now all this came of that vile John Fry; I + knew it as well as possible; his tongue was worse than the clacker of a + charity-school bell, or the ladle in the frying-pan, when the bees are + swarming. + </p> + <p> + However, Lorna was not troubled; partly because of her natural dignity and + gentleness; partly because she never dreamed that the people were come to + look at her. But when we came to the Psalms of the day, with some vague + sense of being stared at more than ought to be, she dropped the heavy + black lace fringing of the velvet hat she wore, and concealed from the + congregation all except her bright red lips, and the oval snowdrift of her + chin. I touched her hand, and she pressed mine; and we felt that we were + close together, and God saw no harm in it. + </p> + <p> + As for Parson Bowden (as worthy a man as ever lived, and one who could + shoot flying), he scarcely knew what he was doing, without the clerk to + help him. He had borne it very well indeed, when I returned from London; + but to see a live Doone in his church, and a lady Doone, and a lovely + Doone, moreover one engaged to me, upon whom he almost looked as the + Squire of his parish (although not rightly an Armiger), and to feel that + this lovely Doone was a Papist, and therefore of higher religion—as + all our parsons think—and that she knew exactly how he ought to do + all the service, of which he himself knew little; I wish to express my + firm belief that all these things together turned Parson Bowden's head a + little, and made him look to me for orders. + </p> + <p> + My mother, the very best of women, was (as I could well perceive) a little + annoyed and vexed with things. For this particular occasion, she had + procured from Dulverton, by special message to Ruth Huckaback (whereof + more anon), a head-dress with a feather never seen before upon Exmoor, to + the best of every one's knowledge. It came from a bird called a flaming + something—a flaming oh, or a flaming ah, I will not be positive—but + I can assure you that it did flame; and dear mother had no other thought, + but that all the congregation would neither see nor think of any other + mortal thing, or immortal even, to the very end of the sermon. + </p> + <p> + Herein she was so disappointed, that no sooner did she get home, but + upstairs she went at speed, not even stopping at the mirror in our little + parlour, and flung the whole thing into a cupboard, as I knew by the bang + of the door, having eased the lock for her lately. Lorna saw there was + something wrong; and she looked at Annie and Lizzie (as more likely to + understand it) with her former timid glance; which I knew so well, and + which had first enslaved me. + </p> + <p> + “I know not what ails mother,” said Annie, who looked very beautiful, with + lilac lute-string ribbons, which I saw the Snowe girls envying; “but she + has not attended to one of the prayers, nor said 'Amen,' all the morning. + Never fear, darling Lorna, it is nothing about you. It is something about + our John, I am sure; for she never worries herself very much about anybody + but him.” And here Annie made a look at me, such as I had had five hundred + of. + </p> + <p> + “You keep your opinions to yourself,” I replied; because I knew the dear, + and her little bits of jealousy; “it happens that you are quite wrong, + this time. Lorna, come with me, my darling.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, Lorna; go with him,” cried Lizzie, dropping her lip, in a way + which you must see to know its meaning; “John wants nobody now but you; + and none can find fault with his taste, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “You little fool, I should think not,” I answered, very rudely; for, + betwixt the lot of them, my Lorna's eyelashes were quivering; “now, + dearest angel, come with me; and snap your hands at the whole of them.” + </p> + <p> + My angel did come, with a sigh, and then with a smile, when we were alone; + but without any unangelic attempt at snapping her sweet white fingers. + </p> + <p> + These little things are enough to show that while every one so admired + Lorna, and so kindly took to her, still there would, just now and then, be + petty and paltry flashes of jealousy concerning her; and perhaps it could + not be otherwise among so many women. However, we were always doubly kind + to her afterwards; and although her mind was so sensitive and quick that + she must have suffered, she never allowed us to perceive it, nor lowered + herself by resenting it. + </p> + <p> + Possibly I may have mentioned that little Ruth Huckaback had been asked, + and had even promised to spend her Christmas with us; and this was the + more desirable, because she had left us through some offence, or sorrow, + about things said of her. Now my dear mother, being the kindest and + best-hearted of all women, could not bear that poor dear Ruth (who would + some day have such a fortune), should be entirely lost to us. “It is our + duty, my dear children,” she said more than once about it, “to forgive and + forget, as freely as we hope to have it done to us. If dear little Ruth + has not behaved quite as we might have expected, great allowance should be + made for a girl with so much money. Designing people get hold of her, and + flatter her, and coax her, to obtain a base influence over her; so that + when she falls among simple folk, who speak the honest truth of her, no + wonder the poor child is vexed, and gives herself airs, and so on. Ruth + can be very useful to us in a number of little ways; and I consider it + quite a duty to pardon her freak of petulance.” + </p> + <p> + Now one of the little ways in which Ruth had been very useful, was the + purchase of the scarlet feathers of the flaming bird; and now that the + house was quite safe from attack, and the mark on my forehead was healing, + I was begged, over and over again, to go and see Ruth, and make all things + straight, and pay for the gorgeous plumage. This last I was very desirous + to do, that I might know the price of it, having made a small bet on the + subject with Annie; and having held counsel with myself, whether or not it + were possible to get something of the kind for Lorna, of still more + distinguished appearance. Of course she could not wear scarlet as yet, + even if I had wished it; but I believed that people of fashion often wore + purple for mourning; purple too was the royal colour, and Lorna was by + right a queen; therefore I was quite resolved to ransack Uncle Reuben's + stores, in search of some bright purple bird, if nature had kindly + provided one. + </p> + <p> + All this, however, I kept to myself, intending to trust Ruth Huckaback, + and no one else in the matter. And so, one beautiful spring morning, when + all the earth was kissed with scent, and all the air caressed with song, + up the lane I stoutly rode, well armed, and well provided. + </p> + <p> + Now though it is part of my life to heed, it is no part of my tale to + tell, how the wheat was coming on. I reckon that you, who read this story, + after I am dead and gone (and before that none shall read it), will say, + “Tush! What is his wheat to us? We are not wheat: we are human beings: and + all we care for is human doings.” This may be very good argument, and in + the main, I believe that it is so. Nevertheless, if a man is to tell only + what he thought and did, and not what came around him, he must not mention + his own clothes, which his father and mother bought for him. And more than + my own clothes to me, ay, and as much as my own skin, are the works of + nature round about, whereof a man is the smallest. + </p> + <p> + And now I will tell you, although most likely only to be laughed at, + because I cannot put it in the style of Mr. Dryden—whom to compare + to Shakespeare! but if once I begin upon that, you will never hear the + last of me—nevertheless, I will tell you this; not wishing to be + rude, but only just because I know it; the more a man can fling his arms + (so to say) round Nature's neck, the more he can upon her bosom, like an + infant, lie and suck,—the more that man shall earn the trust and + love of all his fellow men. + </p> + <p> + In this matter is no jealousy (when the man is dead); because thereafter + all others know how much of the milk be had; and he can suck no longer; + and they value him accordingly, for the nourishment he is to them. Even as + when we keep a roaster of the sucking-pigs, we choose, and praise at table + most, the favourite of its mother. Fifty times have I seen this, and + smiled, and praised our people's taste, and offered them more of the + vitals. + </p> + <p> + Now here am I upon Shakespeare (who died, of his own fruition, at the age + of fifty-two, yet lived more than fifty thousand men, within his little + span of life), when all the while I ought to be riding as hard as I can to + Dulverton. But, to tell the truth, I could not ride hard, being held at + every turn, and often without any turn at all, by the beauty of things + around me. These things grow upon a man if once he stops to notice them. + </p> + <p> + It wanted yet two hours to noon, when I came to Master Huckaback's door, + and struck the panels smartly. Knowing nothing of their manners, only that + people in a town could not be expected to entertain (as we do in + farm-houses), having, moreover, keen expectation of Master Huckaback's + avarice, I had brought some stuff to eat, made by Annie, and packed by + Lorna, and requiring no thinking about it. + </p> + <p> + Ruth herself came and let me in, blushing very heartily; for which colour + I praised her health, and my praises heightened it. That little thing had + lovely eyes, and could be trusted thoroughly. I do like an obstinate + little woman, when she is sure that she is right. And indeed if love had + never sped me straight to the heart of Lorna (compared to whom, Ruth was + no more than the thief is to the candle), who knows but what I might have + yielded to the law of nature, that thorough trimmer of balances, and + verified the proverb that the giant loves the dwarf? + </p> + <p> + “I take the privilege, Mistress Ruth, of saluting you according to + kinship, and the ordering of the Canons.” And therewith I bussed her well, + and put my arm around her waist, being so terribly restricted in the + matter of Lorna, and knowing the use of practice. Not that I had any + warmth—all that was darling Lorna's—only out of pure + gallantry, and my knowledge of London fashions. Ruth blushed to such a + pitch at this, and looked up at me with such a gleam; as if I must have my + own way; that all my love of kissing sunk, and I felt that I was wronging + her. Only my mother had told me, when the girls were out of the way, to do + all I could to please darling Ruth, and I had gone about it accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Now Ruth as yet had never heard a word about dear Lorna; and when she led + me into the kitchen (where everything looked beautiful), and told me not + to mind, for a moment, about the scrubbing of my boots, because she would + only be too glad to clean it all up after me, and told me how glad she was + to see me, blushing more at every word, and recalling some of them, and + stooping down for pots and pans, when I looked at her too ruddily—all + these things came upon me so, without any legal notice, that I could only + look at Ruth, and think how very good she was, and how bright her handles + were; and wonder if I had wronged her. Once or twice, I began—this I + say upon my honour—to endeavour to explain exactly, how we were at + Plover's Barrows; how we all had been bound to fight, and had defeated the + enemy, keeping their queen amongst us. But Ruth would make some great + mistake between Lorna and Gwenny Carfax, and gave me no chance to set her + aright, and cared about nothing much, except some news of Sally Snowe. + </p> + <p> + What could I do with this little thing? All my sense of modesty, and value + for my dinner, were against my over-pressing all the graceful hints I had + given about Lorna. Ruth was just a girl of that sort, who will not believe + one word, except from her own seeing; not so much from any doubt, as from + the practice of using eyes which have been in business. + </p> + <p> + I asked Cousin Ruth (as we used to call her, though the cousinship was + distant) what was become of Uncle Ben, and how it was that we never heard + anything of or from him now. She replied that she hardly knew what to make + of her grandfather's manner of carrying on, for the last half-year or + more. He was apt to leave his home, she said, at any hour of the day or + night; going none knew whither, and returning no one might say when. And + his dress, in her opinion, was enough to frighten a hodman, of a scavenger + of the roads, instead of the decent suit of kersey, or of Sabbath + doeskins, such as had won the respect and reverence of his + fellow-townsmen. But the worst of all things was, as she confessed with + tears in her eyes, that the poor old gentleman had something weighing + heavily on his mind. + </p> + <p> + “It will shorten his days, Cousin Ridd,” she said, for she never would + call me Cousin John; “he has no enjoyment of anything that he eats or + drinks, nor even in counting his money, as he used to do all Sunday; + indeed no pleasure in anything, unless it be smoking his pipe, and + thinking and staring at bits of brown stone, which he pulls, every now and + then, out of his pockets. And the business he used to take such pride in + is now left almost entirely to the foreman, and to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will become of you, dear Ruth, if anything happens to the old + man?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I know not,” she answered simply; “and I cannot bear to think + of it. It must depend, I suppose, upon dear grandfather's pleasure about + me.” + </p> + <p> + “It must rather depend,” said I, though having no business to say it, + “upon your own good pleasure, Ruth; for all the world will pay court to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very thing which I never could endure. I have begged dear + grandfather to leave no chance of that. When he has threatened me with + poverty, as he does sometimes, I have always met him truly, with the + answer that I feared one thing a great deal worse than poverty; namely, to + be an heiress. But I cannot make him believe it. Only think how strange, + Cousin Ridd, I cannot make him believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not strange at all,” I answered; “considering how he values money. + Neither would any one else believe you, except by looking into your true, + and very pretty eyes, dear.” + </p> + <p> + Now I beg that no one will suspect for a single moment, either that I did + not mean exactly what I said, or meant a single atom more, or would not + have said the same, if Lorna had been standing by. What I had always liked + in Ruth, was the calm, straightforward gaze, and beauty of her large brown + eyes. Indeed I had spoken of them to Lorna, as the only ones to be + compared (though not for more than a moment) to her own, for truth and + light, but never for depth and softness. But now the little maiden dropped + them, and turned away, without reply. + </p> + <p> + “I will go and see to my horse,” I said; “the boy that has taken him + seemed surprised at his having no horns on his forehead. Perhaps he will + lead him into the shop, and feed him upon broadcloth.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is such a stupid boy,” Ruth answered with great sympathy: “how + quick of you to observe that now: and you call yourself 'Slow John Ridd!' + I never did see such a stupid boy: sometimes he spoils my temper. But you + must be back in half an hour, at the latest, Cousin Ridd. You see I + remember what you are; when once you get among horses, or cows, or things + of that sort.” + </p> + <p> + “Things of that sort! Well done, Ruth! One would think you were quite a + Cockney.” + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben did not come home to his dinner; and his granddaughter said + she had strictest orders never to expect him. Therefore we had none to + dine with us, except the foreman of the shop, a worthy man, named Thomas + Cockram, fifty years of age or so. He seemed to me to have strong + intentions of his own about little Ruth, and on that account to regard me + with a wholly undue malevolence. And perhaps, in order to justify him, I + may have been more attentive to her than otherwise need have been; at any + rate, Ruth and I were pleasant; and he the very opposite. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Cousin Ruth,” I said, on purpose to vex Master Cockram, because + he eyed us so heavily, and squinted to unluckily, “we have long been + looking for you at our Plover's Barrows farm. You remember how you used to + love hunting for eggs in the morning, and hiding up in the tallat with + Lizzie, for me to seek you among the hay, when the sun was down. Ah, + Master Cockram, those are the things young people find their pleasure in, + not in selling a yard of serge, and giving twopence-halfpenny change, and + writing 'settled' at the bottom, with a pencil that has blacked their + teeth. Now, Master Cockram, you ought to come as far as our good farm, at + once, and eat two new-laid eggs for breakfast, and be made to look quite + young again. Our good Annie would cook for you; and you should have the + hot new milk and the pope's eye from the mutton; and every foot of you + would become a yard in about a fortnight.” And hereupon, I spread my + chest, to show him an example. Ruth could not keep her countenance: but I + saw that she thought it wrong of me; and would scold me, if ever I gave + her the chance of taking those little liberties. However, he deserved it + all, according to my young ideas, for his great impertinence in aiming at + my cousin. + </p> + <p> + But what I said was far less grievous to a man of honest mind than little + Ruth's own behaviour. I could hardly have believed that so thoroughly true + a girl, and one so proud and upright, could have got rid of any man so + cleverly as she got rid of Master Thomas Cockram. She gave him not even a + glass of wine, but commended to his notice, with a sweet and thoughtful + gravity, some invoice which must be corrected, before her dear grandfather + should return; and to amend which three great ledgers must be searched + from first to last. Thomas Cockram winked at me, with the worst of his two + wrong eyes; as much as to say, “I understand it; but I cannot help myself. + Only you look out, if ever”—and before he had finished winking, the + door was shut behind him. Then Ruth said to me in the simplest manner, + “You have ridden far today, Cousin Ridd; and have far to ride to get home + again. What will dear Aunt Ridd say, if we send you away without + nourishment? All the keys are in my keeping, and dear grandfather has the + finest wine, not to be matched in the west of England, as I have heard + good judges say; though I know not wine from cider. Do you like the wine + of Oporto, or the wine of Xeres?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not one from the other, fair cousin, except by the colour,” I + answered: “but the sound of Oporto is nobler, and richer. Suppose we try + wine of Oporto.” + </p> + <p> + The good little creature went and fetched a black bottle of an ancient + cast, covered with dust and cobwebs. These I was anxious to shake aside; + and indeed I thought that the wine would be better for being roused up a + little. Ruth, however, would not hear a single word to that purport; and + seeing that she knew more about it, I left her to manage it. And the + result was very fine indeed, to wit, a sparkling rosy liquor, dancing with + little flakes of light, and scented like new violets. With this I was so + pleased and gay, and Ruth so glad to see me gay, that we quite forgot how + the time went on; and though my fair cousin would not be persuaded to take + a second glass herself, she kept on filling mine so fast that it was never + empty, though I did my best to keep it so. + </p> + <p> + “What is a little drop like this to a man of your size and strength, + Cousin Ridd?” she said, with her cheeks just brushed with rose, which made + her look very beautiful; “I have heard you say that your head is so thick—or + rather so clear, you ought to say—that no liquor ever moves it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right enough,” I answered; “what a witch you must be, dear Ruth, + to have remembered that now!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I remember every word I have ever heard you say, Cousin Ridd; because + your voice is so deep, you know, and you talk so little. Now it is useless + to say 'no'. These bottles hold almost nothing. Dear grandfather will not + come home, I fear, until long after you are gone. What will Aunt Ridd + think of me, I am sure? You are all so dreadfully hospitable. Now not + another 'no,' Cousin Ridd. We must have another bottle.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, must is must,” I answered, with a certain resignation. “I cannot + bear bad manners, dear; and how old are you next birthday?” + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen, dear John;” said Ruth, coming over with the empty bottle; and I + was pleased at her calling me “John,” and had a great mind to kiss her. + However, I thought of my Lorna suddenly, and of the anger I should feel if + a man went on with her so; therefore I lay back in my chair, to wait for + the other bottle. + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember how we danced that night?” I asked, while she was opening + it; “and how you were afraid of me first, because I looked so tall, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and so very broad, Cousin Ridd. I thought that you would eat me. But + I have come to know, since then, how very kind and good you are.” + </p> + <p> + “And will you come and dance again, at my wedding, Cousin Ruth?” + </p> + <p> + She nearly let the bottle fall, the last of which she was sloping + carefully into a vessel of bright glass; and then she raised her hand + again, and finished it judiciously. And after that, she took the window, + to see that all her work was clear; and then she poured me out a glass and + said, with very pale cheeks, but else no sign of meaning about her, “What + did you ask me, Cousin Ridd?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of any importance, Ruth; only we are so fond of you. I mean to be + married as soon as I can. Will you come and help us?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I will, Cousin Ridd—unless, unless, dear grandfather + cannot spare me from the business.” She went away; and her breast was + heaving, like a rick of under-carried hay. And she stood at the window + long, trying to make yawns of sighs. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I knew not what to do. And yet I could think about it, as I + never could with Lorna; with whom I was always in a whirl, from the power + of my love. So I thought some time about it; and perceived that it was the + manliest way, just to tell her everything; except that I feared she liked + me. But it seemed to me unaccountable that she did not even ask the name + of my intended wife. Perhaps she thought that it must be Sally; or perhaps + she feared to trust her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Come and sit by me, dear Ruth; and listen to a long, long story, how + things have come about with me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, Cousin Ridd,” she answered; “at least I mean that I shall + be happy—that I shall be ready to hear you—to listen to you, I + mean of course. But I would rather stay where I am, and have the air—or + rather be able to watch for dear grandfather coming home. He is so kind + and good to me. What should I do without him?” + </p> + <p> + Then I told her how, for years and years, I had been attached to Lorna, + and all the dangers and difficulties which had so long beset us, and how I + hoped that these were passing, and no other might come between us, except + on the score of religion; upon which point I trusted soon to overcome my + mother's objections. And then I told her how poor, and helpless, and alone + in the world, my Lorna was; and how sad all her youth had been, until I + brought her away at last. And many other little things I mentioned, which + there is no need for me again to dwell upon. Ruth heard it all without a + word, and without once looking at me; and only by her attitude could I + guess that she was weeping. Then when all my tale was told, she asked in a + low and gentle voice, but still without showing her face to me,— + </p> + <p> + “And does she love you, Cousin Ridd? Does she say that she loves you with—with + all her heart?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, she does,” I answered. “Do you think it impossible for one + like her to do so?” + </p> + <p> + She said no more; but crossed the room before I had time to look at her, + and came behind my chair, and kissed me gently on the forehead. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you may be very happy, with—I mean in your new life,” she + whispered very softly; “as happy as you deserve to be, and as happy as you + can make others be. Now how I have been neglecting you! I am quite ashamed + of myself for thinking only of grandfather: and it makes me so + low-spirited. You have told me a very nice romance, and I have never even + helped you to a glass of wine. Here, pour it for yourself, dear cousin; I + shall be back again directly.” + </p> + <p> + With that she was out of the door in a moment; and when she came back, you + would not have thought that a tear had dimmed those large bright eyes, or + wandered down those pale clear cheeks. Only her hands were cold and + trembling: and she made me help myself. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben did not appear at all; and Ruth, who had promised to come and + see us, and stay for a fortnight at our house (if her grandfather could + spare her), now discovered, before I left, that she must not think of + doing so. Perhaps she was right in deciding thus; at any rate it had now + become improper for me to press her. And yet I now desired tenfold that + she should consent to come, thinking that Lorna herself would work the + speediest cure of her passing whim. + </p> + <p> + For such, I tried to persuade myself, was the nature of Ruth's regard for + me: and upon looking back I could not charge myself with any misconduct + towards the little maiden. I had never sought her company, I had never + trifled with her (at least until that very day), and being so engrossed + with my own love, I had scarcely ever thought of her. And the maiden would + never have thought of me, except as a clumsy yokel, but for my mother's + and sister's meddling, and their wily suggestions. I believe they had told + the little soul that I was deeply in love with her; although they both + stoutly denied it. But who can place trust in a woman's word, when it + comes to a question of match-making? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0152" id="linkimage-0152"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/454.jpg" width="100%" alt="454.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0051" id="linklink2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI + </h2> + <h3> + A VISIT FROM THE COUNSELLOR + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0153" id="linkimage-0153"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/455.jpg" alt="455.jpg Counsellor " /> + </div> + <p> + Now while I was riding home that evening, with a tender conscience about + Ruth, although not a wounded one, I guessed but little that all my + thoughts were needed much for my own affairs. So however it proved to be; + for as I came in, soon after dark, my sister Eliza met me at the corner of + the cheese-room, and she said, “Don't go in there, John,” pointing to + mother's room; “until I have had a talk with you.” + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Moses,” I inquired, having picked up that phrase at + Dulverton; “what are you at about me now? There is no peace for a quiet + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing we are at,” she answered; “neither may you make light of + it. It is something very important about Mistress Lorna Doone.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us have it at once,” I cried; “I can bear anything about Lorna, + except that she does not care for me.” + </p> + <p> + “It has nothing to do with that, John. And I am quite sure that you never + need fear anything of that sort. She perfectly wearies me sometimes, + although her voice is so soft and sweet, about your endless perfections.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless her little heart!” I said; “the subject is inexhaustible.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” replied Lizzie, in the driest manner; “especially to your + sisters. However this is no time to joke. I fear you will get the worst of + it, John. Do you know a man of about Gwenny's shape, nearly as broad as he + is long, but about six times the size of Gwenny, and with a length of + snow-white hair, and a thickness also; as the copses were last winter. He + never can comb it, that is quite certain, with any comb yet invented.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you go and offer your services. There are few things you cannot + scarify. I know the man from your description, although I have never seen + him. Now where is my Lorna?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Lorna is with Annie, having a good cry, I believe; and Annie too + glad to second her. She knows that this great man is here, and knows that + he wants to see her. But she begged to defer the interview, until dear + John's return.” + </p> + <p> + “What a nasty way you have of telling the very commonest piece of news!” I + said, on purpose to pay her out. “What man will ever fancy you, you + unlucky little snapper? Now, no more nursery talk for me. I will go and + settle this business. You had better go and dress your dolls; if you can + give them clothes unpoisoned.” Hereupon Lizzie burst into a perfect roar + of tears; feeling that she had the worst of it. And I took her up, and + begged her pardon; although she scarcely deserved it; for she knew that I + was out of luck, and she might have spared her satire. + </p> + <p> + I was almost sure that the man who was come must be the Counsellor + himself; of whom I felt much keener fear than of his son Carver. And + knowing that his visit boded ill to me and Lorna, I went and sought my + dear; and led her with a heavy heart, from the maiden's room to mother's, + to meet our dreadful visitor. + </p> + <p> + Mother was standing by the door, making curtseys now and then, and + listening to a long harangue upon the rights of state and land, which the + Counsellor (having found that she was the owner of her property, and knew + nothing of her title to it) was encouraged to deliver it. My dear mother + stood gazing at him, spell-bound by his eloquence, and only hoping that he + would stop. He was shaking his hair upon his shoulders, in the power of + his words, and his wrath at some little thing, which he declared to be + quite illegal. + </p> + <p> + Then I ventured to show myself, in the flesh, before him; although he + feigned not to see me; but he advanced with zeal to Lorna; holding out + both hands at once. + </p> + <p> + “My darling child, my dearest niece; how wonderfully well you look! + Mistress Ridd, I give you credit. This is the country of good things. I + never would have believed our Queen could have looked so royal. Surely of + all virtues, hospitality is the finest, and the most romantic. Dearest + Lorna, kiss your uncle; it is quite a privilege.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it is to you, sir,” said Lorna, who could never quite check her + sense of oddity; “but I fear that you have smoked tobacco, which spoils + reciprocity.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, my child. How keen your scent is! It is always so with us. + Your grandfather was noted for his olfactory powers. Ah, a great loss, + dear Mrs. Ridd, a terrible loss to this neighbourhood! As one of our great + writers says—I think it must be Milton—'We ne'er shall look + upon his like again.'” + </p> + <p> + “With your good leave sir,” I broke in, “Master Milton could never have + written so sweet and simple a line as that. It is one of the great + Shakespeare.” + </p> + <p> + “Woe is me for my neglect!” said the Counsellor, bowing airily; “this must + be your son, Mistress Ridd, the great John, the wrestler. And one who + meddles with the Muses! Ah, since I was young, how everything is changed, + madam! Except indeed the beauty of women, which seems to me to increase + every year.” Here the old villain bowed to my mother; and she blushed, and + made another curtsey, and really did look very nice. + </p> + <p> + “Now though I have quoted the poets amiss, as your son informs me (for + which I tender my best thanks, and must amend my reading), I can hardly be + wrong in assuming that this young armiger must be the too attractive + cynosure to our poor little maiden. And for my part, she is welcome to + him. I have never been one of those who dwell upon distinctions of rank, + and birth, and such like; as if they were in the heart of nature, and must + be eternal. In early youth, I may have thought so, and been full of that + little pride. But now I have long accounted it one of the first axioms of + political economy—you are following me, Mistress Ridd?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I am doing my best; but I cannot quite keep up with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, madam; I will be slower. But your son's intelligence is so + quick—” + </p> + <p> + “I see, sir; you thought that mine must be. But no; it all comes from his + father, sir. His father was that quick and clever—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I can well suppose it, madam. And a credit he is to both of you. Now, + to return to our muttons—a figure which you will appreciate—I + may now be regarded, I think, as this young lady's legal guardian; + although I have not had the honour of being formally appointed such. Her + father was the eldest son of Sir Ensor Doone; and I happened to be the + second son; and as young maidens cannot be baronets, I suppose I am 'Sir + Counsellor.' Is it so, Mistress Ridd, according to your theory of + genealogy?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I don't know, sir,” my mother answered carefully; “I know not + anything of that name, sir, except in the Gospel of Matthew: but I see not + why it should be otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, madam! I may look upon that as your sanction and approval: and the + College of Heralds shall hear of it. And in return, as Lorna's guardian, I + give my full and ready consent to her marriage with your son, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how good of you, sir, how kind! Well, I always did say, that the + learnedest people were, almost always, the best and kindest, and the most + simple-hearted.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, that is a great sentiment. What a goodly couple they will be! and + if we can add him to our strength—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, sir, oh no!” cried mother: “you really must not think of it. He + has always been brought up so honest—” + </p> + <p> + “Hem! that makes a difference. A decided disqualification for domestic + life among the Doones. But, surely, he might get over those prejudices, + madam?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, sir! he never can: he never can indeed. When he was only that + high, sir, he could not steal even an apple, when some wicked boys tried + to mislead him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” replied the Counsellor, shaking his white head gravely; “then I + greatly fear that his case is quite incurable. I have known such cases; + violent prejudice, bred entirely of education, and anti-economical to the + last degree. And when it is so, it is desperate: no man, after imbibing + ideas of that sort, can in any way be useful.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, sir, John is very useful. He can do as much work as three other + men; and you should see him load a sledd, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I was speaking, madam, of higher usefulness,—power of the brain and + heart. The main thing for us upon earth is to take a large view of things. + But while we talk of the heart, what is my niece Lorna doing, that she + does not come and thank me, for my perhaps too prompt concession to her + youthful fancies? Ah, if I had wanted thanks, I should have been more + stubborn.” + </p> + <p> + Lorna, being challenged thus, came up and looked at her uncle, with her + noble eyes fixed full upon his, which beneath his white eyebrows + glistened, like dormer windows piled with snow. + </p> + <p> + “For what am I to thank you, uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear niece, I have told you. For removing the heaviest obstacle, which + to a mind so well regulated could possibly have existed, between your + dutiful self and the object of your affections.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, uncle, I should be very grateful, if I thought that you did so from + love of me; or if I did not know that you have something yet concealed + from me.” + </p> + <p> + “And my consent,” said the Counsellor, “is the more meritorious, the more + liberal, frank, and candid, in the face of an existing fact, and a very + clearly established one; which might have appeared to weaker minds in the + light of an impediment; but to my loftier view of matrimony seems quite a + recommendation.” + </p> + <p> + “What fact do you mean, sir? Is it one that I ought to know?” + </p> + <p> + “In my opinion it is, good niece. It forms, to my mind, so fine a basis + for the invariable harmony of the matrimonial state. To be brief—as + I always endeavour to be, without becoming obscure—you two young + people (ah, what a gift is youth! one can never be too thankful for it) + you will have the rare advantage of commencing married life, with a + subject of common interest to discuss, whenever you weary of—well, + say of one another; if you can now, by any means, conceive such a + possibility. And perfect justice meted out: mutual goodwill resulting, + from the sense of reciprocity.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand you, sir. Why can you not say what you mean, at + once?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear child, I prolong your suspense. Curiosity is the most powerful of + all feminine instincts; and therefore the most delightful, when not + prematurely satisfied. However, if you must have my strong realities, here + they are. Your father slew dear John's father, and dear John's father slew + yours.” + </p> + <p> + Having said thus much, the Counsellor leaned back upon his chair, and + shaded his calm white-bearded eyes from the rays of our tallow candles. He + was a man who liked to look, rather than to be looked at. But Lorna came + to me for aid; and I went up to Lorna and mother looked at both of us. + </p> + <p> + Then feeling that I must speak first (as no one would begin it), I took my + darling round the waist, and led her up to the Counsellor; while she tried + to bear it bravely; yet must lean on me, or did. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Sir Counsellor Doone,” I said, with Lorna squeezing both my hands, I + never yet knew how (considering that she was walking all the time, or + something like it); “you know right well, Sir Counsellor, that Sir Ensor + Doone gave approval.” I cannot tell what made me think of this: but so it + came upon me. + </p> + <p> + “Approval to what, good rustic John? To the slaughter so reciprocal?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, not to that; even if it ever happened; which I do not believe. + But to the love betwixt me and Lorna; which your story shall not break, + without more evidence than your word. And even so, shall never break; if + Lorna thinks as I do.” + </p> + <p> + The maiden gave me a little touch, as much as to say, “You are right, + darling: give it to him, again, like that.” However, I held my peace, well + knowing that too many words do mischief. + </p> + <p> + Then mother looked at me with wonder, being herself too amazed to speak; + and the Counsellor looked, with great wrath in his eyes, which he tried to + keep from burning. + </p> + <p> + “How say you then, John Ridd,” he cried, stretching out one hand, like + Elijah; “is this a thing of the sort you love? Is this what you are used + to?” + </p> + <p> + “So please your worship,” I answered; “no kind of violence can surprise + us, since first came Doones upon Exmoor. Up to that time none heard of + harm; except of taking a purse, maybe, or cutting a strange sheep's + throat. And the poor folk who did this were hanged, with some benefit of + clergy. But ever since the Doones came first, we are used to anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou varlet,” cried the Counsellor, with the colour of his eyes quite + changed with the sparkles of his fury; “is this the way we are to deal + with such a low-bred clod as thou? To question the doings of our people, + and to talk of clergy! What, dream you not that we could have clergy, and + of the right sort, too, if only we cared to have them? Tush! Am I to spend + my time arguing with a plough-tail Bob?” + </p> + <p> + “If your worship will hearken to me,” I answered very modestly, not + wishing to speak harshly, with Lorna looking up at me; “there are many + things that might be said without any kind of argument, which I would + never wish to try with one of your worship's learning. And in the first + place it seems to me that if our fathers hated one another bitterly, yet + neither won the victory, only mutual discomfiture; surely that is but a + reason why we should be wiser than they, and make it up in this generation + by goodwill and loving”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, you wiser than your father!” mother broke upon me here; “not + but what you might be as wise, when you come to be old enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Young people of the present age,” said the Counsellor severely, “have no + right feeling of any sort, upon the simplest matter. Lorna Doone, stand + forth from contact with that heir of parricide; and state in your own + mellifluous voice, whether you regard this slaughter as a pleasant + trifle.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, without any words of mine,” she answered very softly, yet not + withdrawing from my hand, “that although I have been seasoned well to + every kind of outrage, among my gentle relatives, I have not yet so purely + lost all sense of right and wrong as to receive what you have said, as + lightly as you declared it. You think it a happy basis for our future + concord. I do not quite think that, my uncle; neither do I quite believe + that a word of it is true. In our happy valley, nine-tenths of what is + said is false; and you were always wont to argue that true and false are + but a blind turned upon a pivot. Without any failure of respect for your + character, good uncle, I decline politely to believe a word of what you + have told me. And even if it were proved to me, all I can say is this, if + my John will have me, I am his for ever.” + </p> + <p> + This long speech was too much for her; she had overrated her strength + about it, and the sustenance of irony. So at last she fell into my arms, + which had long been waiting for her; and there she lay with no other + sound, except a gurgling in her throat. + </p> + <p> + “You old villain,” cried my mother, shaking her fist at the Counsellor, + while I could do nothing else but hold, and bend across, my darling, and + whisper to deaf ears; “What is the good of the quality; if this is all + that comes of it? Out of the way! You know the words that make the deadly + mischief; but not the ways that heal them. Give me that bottle, if hands + you have; what is the use of Counsellors?” + </p> + <p> + I saw that dear mother was carried away; and indeed I myself was something + like it; with the pale face upon my bosom, and the heaving of the heart, + and the heat and cold all through me, as my darling breathed or lay. + Meanwhile the Counsellor stood back, and seemed a little sorry; although + of course it was not in his power to be at all ashamed of himself. + </p> + <p> + “My sweet love, my darling child,” our mother went on to Lorna, in a way + that I shall never forget, though I live to be a hundred; “pretty pet, not + a word of it is true, upon that old liar's oath; and if every word were + true, poor chick, you should have our John all the more for it. You and + John were made by God and meant for one another, whatever falls between + you. Little lamb, look up and speak: here is your own John and I; and the + devil take the Counsellor.” + </p> + <p> + I was amazed at mother's words, being so unlike her; while I loved her all + the more because she forgot herself so. In another moment in ran Annie, ay + and Lizzie also, knowing by some mystic sense (which I have often noticed, + but never could explain) that something was astir, belonging to the world + of women, yet foreign to the eyes of men. And now the Counsellor, being + well-born, although such a heartless miscreant, beckoned to me to come + away; which I, being smothered with women, was only too glad to do, as + soon as my own love would let go of me. + </p> + <p> + “That is the worst of them,” said the old man; when I had led him into our + kitchen, with an apology at every step, and given him hot schnapps and + water, and a cigarro of brave Tom Faggus: “you never can say much, sir, in + the way of reasoning (however gently meant and put) but what these women + will fly out. It is wiser to put a wild bird in a cage, and expect him to + sit and look at you, and chirp without a feather rumpled, than it is to + expect a woman to answer reason reasonably.” Saying this, he looked at his + puff of smoke as if it contained more reason. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I do not know, sir,” I answered according to a phrase which has + always been my favourite, on account of its general truth: moreover, he + was now our guest, and had right to be treated accordingly: “I am, as you + see, not acquainted with the ways of women, except my mother and sisters.” + </p> + <p> + “Except not even them, my son,” said the Counsellor, now having finished + his glass, without much consultation about it; “if you once understand + your mother and sisters—why you understand the lot of them.” + </p> + <p> + He made a twist in his cloud of smoke, and dashed his finger through it, + so that I could not follow his meaning, and in manners liked not to press + him. + </p> + <p> + “Now of this business, John,” he said, after getting to the bottom of the + second glass, and having a trifle or so to eat, and praising our + chimney-corner; “taking you on the whole, you know, you are wonderfully + good people; and instead of giving me up to the soldiers, as you might + have done, you are doing your best to make me drunk.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, sir,” I answered; “not at all, your worship. Let me mix you + another glass. We rarely have a great gentleman by the side of our embers + and oven. I only beg your pardon, sir, that my sister Annie (who knows + where to find all the good pans and the lard) could not wait upon you this + evening; and I fear they have done it with dripping instead, and in a pan + with the bottom burned. But old Betty quite loses her head sometimes, by + dint of over-scolding.” + </p> + <p> + “My son,” replied the Counsellor, standing across the front of the fire, + to prove his strict sobriety: “I meant to come down upon you to-night; but + you have turned the tables upon me. Not through any skill on your part, + nor through any paltry weakness as to love (and all that stuff, which boys + and girls spin tops at, or knock dolls' noses together), but through your + simple way of taking me, as a man to be believed; combined with the + comfort of this place, and the choice tobacco and cordials. I have not + enjoyed an evening so much, God bless me if I know when!” + </p> + <p> + “Your worship,” said I, “makes me more proud than I well know what to do + with. Of all the things that please and lead us into happy sleep at night, + the first and chiefest is to think that we have pleased a visitor.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, John, thou hast deserved good sleep; for I am not pleased easily. + But although our family is not so high now as it hath been, I have enough + of the gentleman left to be pleased when good people try me. My father, + Sir Ensor, was better than I in this great element of birth, and my son + Carver is far worse. <i>Aetas parentum</i>, what is it, my boy? I hear + that you have been at a grammar-school.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have, your worship, and at a very good one; but I only got far + enough to make more tail than head of Latin.” + </p> + <p> + “Let that pass,” said the Counsellor; “John, thou art all the wiser.” And + the old man shook his hoary locks, as if Latin had been his ruin. I looked + at him sadly, and wondered whether it might have so ruined me, but for + God's mercy in stopping it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0052" id="linklink2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII + </h2> + <h3> + THE WAY TO MAKE THE CREAM RISE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0154" id="linkimage-0154"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/464.jpg" alt="464.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + That night the reverend Counsellor, not being in such state of mind as + ought to go alone, kindly took our best old bedstead, carved in panels, + well enough, with the woman of Samaria. I set him up, both straight and + heavy, so that he need but close both eyes, and keep his mouth just open; + and in the morning he was thankful for all that he could remember. + </p> + <p> + I, for my part, scarcely knew whether he really had begun to feel goodwill + towards us, and to see that nothing else could be of any use to him; or + whether he was merely acting, so as to deceive us. And it had struck me, + several times, that he had made a great deal more of the spirit he had + taken than the quantity would warrant, with a man so wise and solid. + Neither did I quite understand a little story which Lorna told me, how + that in the night awaking, she had heard, or seemed to hear, a sound of + feeling in her room; as if there had been some one groping carefully among + the things within her drawers or wardrobe-closet. But the noise had ceased + at once, she said, when she sat up in bed and listened; and knowing how + many mice we had, she took courage and fell asleep again. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast, the Counsellor (who looked no whit the worse for + schnapps, but even more grave and venerable) followed our Annie into the + dairy, to see how we managed the clotted cream, of which he had eaten a + basinful. And thereupon they talked a little; and Annie thought him a fine + old gentleman, and a very just one; for he had nobly condemned the people + who spoke against Tom Faggus. + </p> + <p> + “Your honour must plainly understand,” said Annie, being now alone with + him, and spreading out her light quick hands over the pans, like + butterflies, “that they are brought in here to cool, after being set in + the basin-holes, with the wood-ash under them, which I showed you in the + back-kitchen. And they must have very little heat, not enough to simmer + even; only just to make the bubbles rise, and the scum upon the top set + thick; and after that, it clots as firm—oh, as firm as my two hands + be.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever heard,” asked the Counsellor, who enjoyed this talk with + Annie, “that if you pass across the top, without breaking the surface, a + string of beads, or polished glass, or anything of that kind, the cream + will set three times as solid, and in thrice the quantity?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I have never heard that,” said Annie, staring with all her + simple eyes; “what a thing it is to read books, and grow learned! But it + is very easy to try it: I will get my coral necklace; it will not be + witchcraft, will it, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” the old man replied; “I will make the experiment myself; + and you may trust me not to be hurt, my dear. But coral will not do, my + child, neither will anything coloured. The beads must be of plain common + glass; but the brighter they are the better.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I know the very thing,” cried Annie; “as bright as bright can be, + and without any colour in it, except in the sun or candle light. Dearest + Lorna has the very thing, a necklace of some old glass-beads, or I think + they called them jewels: she will be too glad to lend it to us. I will go + for it, in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, it cannot be half so bright as your own pretty eyes. But + remember one thing, Annie, you must not say what it is for; or even that I + am going to use it, or anything at all about it; else the charm will be + broken. Bring it here, without a word; if you know where she keeps it.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I do,” she answered; “John used to keep it for her. But she + took it away from him last week, and she wore it when—I mean when + somebody was here; and he said it was very valuable, and spoke with great + learning about it, and called it by some particular name, which I forget + at this moment. But valuable or not, we cannot hurt it, can we, sir, by + passing it over the cream-pan?” + </p> + <p> + “Hurt it!” cried the Counsellor: “nay, we shall do it good, my dear. It + will help to raise the cream: and you may take my word for it, young + maiden, none can do good in this world, without in turn receiving it.” + Pronouncing this great sentiment, he looked so grand and benevolent, that + Annie (as she said afterwards) could scarce forbear from kissing him, yet + feared to take the liberty. Therefore, she only ran away to fetch my + Lorna's necklace. + </p> + <p> + Now as luck would have it—whether good luck or otherwise, you must + not judge too hastily,—my darling had taken it into her head, only a + day or two before, that I was far too valuable to be trusted with her + necklace. Now that she had some idea of its price and quality, she had + begun to fear that some one, perhaps even Squire Faggus (in whom her faith + was illiberal), might form designs against my health, to win the bauble + from me. So, with many pretty coaxings, she had led me to give it up; + which, except for her own sake, I was glad enough to do, misliking a + charge of such importance. + </p> + <p> + Therefore Annie found it sparkling in the little secret hole, near the + head of Lorna's bed, which she herself had recommended for its safer + custody; and without a word to any one she brought it down, and danced it + in the air before the Counsellor, for him to admire its lustre. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that old thing!” said the gentleman, in a tone of some contempt; “I + remember that old thing well enough. However, for want of a better, no + doubt it will answer our purpose. Three times three, I pass it over. + Crinkleum, crankum, grass and clover! What are you feared of, you silly + child?” + </p> + <p> + “Good sir, it is perfect witchcraft! I am sure of that, because it rhymes. + Oh, what would mother say to me? Shall I ever go to heaven again? Oh, I + see the cream already!” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure you do; but you must not look, or the whole charm will be + broken, and the devil will fly away with the pan, and drown every cow you + have got in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir, it is too horrible. How could you lead me to such a sin? Away + with thee, witch of Endor!” + </p> + <p> + For the door began to creak, and a broom appeared suddenly in the opening, + with our Betty, no doubt, behind it. But Annie, in the greatest terror, + slammed the door, and bolted it, and then turned again to the Counsellor; + yet looking at his face, had not the courage to reproach him. For his eyes + rolled like two blazing barrels, and his white shagged brows were knit + across them, and his forehead scowled in black furrows, so that Annie said + that if she ever saw the devil, she saw him then, and no mistake. Whether + the old man wished to scare her, or whether he was trying not to laugh, is + more than I can tell you. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, in a deep stern whisper; “not a word of this to a living + soul; neither must you, nor any other enter this place for three hours at + least. By that time the charm will have done its work: the pan will be + cream to the bottom; and you will bless me for a secret which will make + your fortune. Put the bauble under this pannikin; which none must lift for + a day and a night. Have no fear, my simple wench; not a breath of harm + shall come to you, if you obey my orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that I will, sir, that I will: if you will only tell me what to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to your room, without so much as a single word to any one. Bolt + yourself in, and for three hours now, read the Lord's Prayer backwards.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Annie was only too glad to escape, upon these conditions; and the + Counsellor kissed her upon the forehead and told her not to make her eyes + red, because they were much too sweet and pretty. She dropped them at + this, with a sob and a curtsey, and ran away to her bedroom; but as for + reading the Lord's Prayer backwards, that was much beyond her; and she had + not done three words quite right, before the three hours expired. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Counsellor was gone. He bade our mother adieu, with so much + dignity of bearing, and such warmth of gratitude, and the high-bred + courtesy of the old school (now fast disappearing), that when he was gone, + dear mother fell back on the chair which he had used last night, as if it + would teach her the graces. And for more than an hour she made believe not + to know what there was for dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the wickedness of the world! Oh, the lies that are told of people—or + rather I mean the falsehoods—because a man is better born, and has + better manners! Why, Lorna, how is it that you never speak about your + charming uncle? Did you notice, Lizzie, how his silver hair was waving + upon his velvet collar, and how white his hands were, and every nail like + an acorn; only pink like shell-fish, or at least like shells? And the way + he bowed, and dropped his eyes, from his pure respect for me! And then, + that he would not even speak, on account of his emotion; but pressed my + hand in silence! Oh, Lizzie, you have read me beautiful things about Sir + Gallyhead, and the rest; but nothing to equal Sir Counsellor.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better marry him, madam,” said I, coming in very sternly; though + I knew I ought not to say it: “he can repay your adoration. He has stolen + a hundred thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “John,” cried my mother, “you are mad!” And yet she turned as pale as + death; for women are so quick at turning; and she inkled what it was. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am, mother; mad about the marvels of Sir Galahad. He has gone + off with my Lorna's necklace. Fifty farms like ours can never make it good + to Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon ensued grim silence. Mother looked at Lizzie's face, for she + could not look at me; and Lizzie looked at me, to know: and as for me, I + could have stamped almost on the heart of any one. It was not the value of + the necklace—I am not so low a hound as that—nor was it even + the damned folly shown by every one of us—it was the thought of + Lorna's sorrow for her ancient plaything; and even more, my fury at the + breach of hospitality. + </p> + <p> + But Lorna came up to me softly, as a woman should always come; and she + laid one hand upon my shoulder; and she only looked at me. She even seemed + to fear to look, and dropped her eyes, and sighed at me. Without a word, I + knew by that, how I must have looked like Satan; and the evil spirit left + my heart; when she had made me think of it. + </p> + <p> + “Darling John, did you want me to think that you cared for my money, more + than for me?” + </p> + <p> + I led her away from the rest of them, being desirous of explaining things, + when I saw the depth of her nature opened, like an everlasting well, to + me. But she would not let me say a word, or do anything by ourselves, as + it were: she said, “Your duty is to your mother: this blow is on her, and + not on me.” + </p> + <p> + I saw that she was right; though how she knew it is beyond me; and I asked + her just to go in front, and bring my mother round a little. For I must + let my passion pass: it may drop its weapons quickly; but it cannot come + and go, before a man has time to think. + </p> + <p> + Then Lorna went up to my mother, who was still in the chair of elegance; + and she took her by both hands, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Dearest mother, I shall fret so, if I see you fretting. And to fret will + kill me, mother. They have always told me so.” + </p> + <p> + Poor mother bent on Lorna's shoulder, without thought of attitude, and + laid her cheek on Lorna's breast, and sobbed till Lizzie was jealous, and + came with two pocket-handkerchiefs. As for me, my heart was lighter (if + they would only dry their eyes, and come round by dinnertime) than it had + been since the day on which Tom Faggus discovered the value of that + blessed and cursed necklace. None could say that I wanted Lorna for her + money now. And perhaps the Doones would let me have her; now that her + property was gone. + </p> + <p> + But who shall tell of Annie's grief? The poor little thing would have + staked her life upon finding the trinket, in all its beauty, lying under + the pannikin. She proudly challenged me to lift it—which I had done, + long ere that, of course—if only I would take the risk of the spell + for my incredulity. I told her not to talk of spells, until she could + spell a word backwards; and then to look into the pan where the charmed + cream should be. She would not acknowledge that the cream was the same as + all the rest was: and indeed it was not quite the same, for the points of + poor Lorna's diamonds had made a few star-rays across the rich firm crust + of yellow. + </p> + <p> + But when we raised the pannikin, and there was nothing under it, poor + Annie fell against the wall, which had been whitened lately; and her face + put all the white to scorn. My love, who was as fond of her, as if she had + known her for fifty years, hereupon ran up and caught her, and abused all + diamonds. I will dwell no more upon Annie's grief, because we felt it all + so much. But I could not help telling her, if she wanted a witch, to seek + good Mother Melldrum, a legitimate performer. + </p> + <p> + That same night Master Jeremy Stickles (of whose absence the Counsellor + must have known) came back, with all equipment ready for the grand attack. + Now the Doones knew, quite as well as we did, that this attack was + threatening; and that but for the wonderful weather it would have been + made long ago. Therefore we, or at least our people (for I was doubtful + about going), were sure to meet with a good resistance, and due + preparation. + </p> + <p> + It was very strange to hear and see, and quite impossible to account for, + that now some hundreds of country people (who feared to whisper so much as + a word against the Doones a year ago, and would sooner have thought of + attacking a church, in service time, than Glen Doone) now sharpened their + old cutlasses, and laid pitch-forks on the grindstone, and bragged at + every village cross, as if each would kill ten Doones himself, neither + care to wipe his hands afterwards. And this fierce bravery, and tall + contempt, had been growing ever since the news of the attack upon our + premises had taken good people by surprise; at least as concerned the + issue. + </p> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles laughed heartily about Annie's new manner of charming the + cream; but he looked very grave at the loss of the jewels, so soon as he + knew their value. + </p> + <p> + “My son,” he exclaimed, “this is very heavy. It will go ill with all of + you to make good this loss, as I fear that you will have to do.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried I, with my blood running cold. “We make good the loss, + Master Stickles! Every farthing we have in the world, and the labour of + our lives to boot, will never make good the tenth of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It would cut me to the heart,” he answered, laying his hand on mine, “to + hear of such a deadly blow to you and your good mother. And this farm; how + long, John, has it been in your family?” + </p> + <p> + “For at least six hundred years,” I said, with a foolish pride that was + only too like to end in groans; “and some people say, by a Royal grant, in + the time of the great King Alfred. At any rate, a Ridd was with him + throughout all his hiding-time. We have always held by the King and crown: + surely none will turn us out, unless we are guilty of treason?” + </p> + <p> + “My son,” replied Jeremy very gently, so that I could love him for it, + “not a word to your good mother of this unlucky matter. Keep it to + yourself, my boy, and try to think but little of it. After all, I may be + wrong: at any rate, least said best mended.” + </p> + <p> + “But Jeremy, dear Jeremy, how can I bear to leave it so? Do you suppose + that I can sleep, and eat my food, and go about, and look at other people, + as if nothing at all had happened? And all the time have it on my mind, + that not an acre of all the land, nor even our old sheep-dog, belongs to + us, of right at all! It is more than I can do, Jeremy. Let me talk, and + know the worst of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” replied Master Stickles, seeing that both the doors were + closed; “I thought that nothing could move you, John; or I never would + have told you. Likely enough I am quite wrong; and God send that I be so. + But what I guessed at some time back seems more than a guess, now that you + have told me about these wondrous jewels. Now will you keep, as close as + death, every word I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “By the honour of a man, I will. Until you yourself release me.” + </p> + <p> + “That is quite enough, John. From you I want no oath; which, according to + my experience, tempts a man to lie the more, by making it more important. + I know you now too well to swear you, though I have the power. Now, my + lad, what I have to say will scare your mind in one way, and ease it in + another. I think that you have been hard pressed—I can read you like + a book, John—by something which that old villain said, before he + stole the necklace. You have tried not to dwell upon it; you have even + tried to make light of it for the sake of the women: but on the whole it + has grieved you more than even this dastard robbery.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have done so, Jeremy Stickles, if I could once have believed it. + And even without much belief, it is so against our manners, that it makes + me miserable. Only think of loving Lorna, only think of kissing her; and + then remembering that her father had destroyed the life of mine!” + </p> + <p> + “Only think,” said Master Stickles, imitating my very voice, “of Lorna + loving you, John, of Lorna kissing you, John; and all the while saying to + herself, 'this man's father murdered mine.' Now look at it in Lorna's way + as well as in your own way. How one-sided all men are!” + </p> + <p> + “I may look at it in fifty ways, and yet no good will come of it. Jeremy, + I confess to you, that I tried to make the best of it; partly to baffle + the Counsellor, and partly because my darling needed my help, and bore it + so, and behaved to me so nobly. But to you in secret, I am not ashamed to + say that a woman may look over this easier than a man may.” + </p> + <p> + “Because her nature is larger, my son, when she truly loves; although her + mind be smaller. Now, if I can ease you from this secret burden, will you + bear, with strength and courage, the other which I plant on you?” + </p> + <p> + “I will do my best,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “No man can do more,” said he and so began his story. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0053" id="linklink2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII + </h2> + <h3> + JEREMY FINDS OUT SOMETHING + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0155" id="linkimage-0155"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/472.jpg" alt="472.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + “You know, my son,” said Jeremy Stickles, with a good pull at his pipe, + because he was going to talk so much, and putting his legs well along the + settle; “it has been my duty, for a wearier time than I care to think of + (and which would have been unbearable, except for your great kindness), to + search this neighbourhood narrowly, and learn everything about everybody. + Now the neighbourhood itself is queer; and people have different ways of + thinking from what we are used to in London. For instance now, among your + folk, when any piece of news is told, or any man's conduct spoken of, the + very first question that arises in your mind is this—'Was this + action kind and good?' Long after that, you say to yourselves, 'does the + law enjoin or forbid this thing?' Now here is your fundamental error: for + among all truly civilised people the foremost of all questions is, 'how + stands the law herein?' And if the law approve, no need for any further + questioning. That this is so, you may take my word: for I know the law + pretty thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + “Very well; I need not say any more about that, for I have shown that you + are all quite wrong. I only speak of this savage tendency, because it + explains so many things which have puzzled me among you, and most of all + your kindness to men whom you never saw before; which is an utterly + illegal thing. It also explains your toleration of these outlaw Doones so + long. If your views of law had been correct, and law an element of your + lives, these robbers could never have been indulged for so many years + amongst you: but you must have abated the nuisance.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Stickles,” I cried, “this is too bad!” he was delivering himself so + grandly. “Why you yourself have been amongst us, as the balance, and + sceptre, and sword of law, for nigh upon a twelvemonth; and have you + abated the nuisance, or even cared to do it, until they began to shoot at + you?” + </p> + <p> + “My son,” he replied, “your argument is quite beside the purpose, and only + tends to prove more clearly that which I have said of you. However, if you + wish to hear my story, no more interruptions. I may not have a chance to + tell you, perhaps for weeks, or I know not when, if once those yellows and + reds arrive, and be blessed to them, the lubbers! Well, it may be six + months ago, or it may be seven, at any rate a good while before that + cursed frost began, the mere name of which sends a shiver down every bone + of my body, when I was riding one afternoon from Dulverton to Watchett”— + </p> + <p> + “Dulverton to Watchett!” I cried. “Now what does that remind me of? I am + sure, I remember something—” + </p> + <p> + “Remember this, John, if anything—that another word from thee, and + thou hast no more of mine. Well, I was a little weary perhaps, having been + plagued at Dulverton with the grossness of the people. For they would tell + me nothing at all about their fellow-townsmen, your worthy Uncle + Huckaback, except that he was a God-fearing man, and they only wished I + was like him. I blessed myself for a stupid fool, in thinking to have + pumped them; for by this time I might have known that, through your + Western homeliness, every man in his own country is something more than a + prophet. And I felt, of course, that I had done more harm than good by + questioning; inasmuch as every soul in the place would run straightway and + inform him that the King's man from the other side of the forest had been + sifting out his ways and works.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” I cried, for I could not help it; “you begin to understand at last, + that we are not quite such a set of oafs, as you at first believed us.” + </p> + <p> + “I was riding on from Dulverton,” he resumed, with great severity, yet + threatening me no more, which checked me more than fifty threats: “and it + was late in the afternoon, and I was growing weary. The road (if road it + could be called) turned suddenly down from the higher land to the very + brink of the sea; and rounding a little jut of cliff, I met the roar of + the breakers. My horse was scared, and leaped aside; for a northerly wind + was piping, and driving hunks of foam across, as children scatter + snow-balls. But he only sank to his fetlocks in the dry sand, piled with + pop-weed: and I tried to make him face the waves; and then I looked about + me. + </p> + <p> + “Watchett town was not to be seen, on account of a little foreland, a mile + or more upon my course, and standing to the right of me. There was room + enough below the cliffs (which are nothing there to yours, John), for + horse and man to get along, although the tide was running high with a + northerly gale to back it. But close at hand and in the corner, drawn + above the yellow sands and long eye-brows of rackweed, as snug a little + house blinked on me as ever I saw, or wished to see. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0156" id="linkimage-0156"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/474.jpg" width="100%" + alt="474.jpg Snug Little House Blinked on Me " /> + </div> + <p> + “You know that I am not luxurious, neither in any way given to the common + lusts of the flesh, John. My father never allowed his hair to grow a + fourth part of an inch in length, and he was a thoroughly godly man; and I + try to follow in his footsteps, whenever I think about it. Nevertheless, I + do assure you that my view of that little house and the way the lights + were twinkling, so different from the cold and darkness of the rolling + sea, moved the ancient Adam in me, if he could be found to move. I love + not a house with too many windows: being out of house and doors some + three-quarters of my time, when I get inside a house I like to feel the + difference. Air and light are good for people who have any lack of them; + and if a man once talks about them, 'tis enough to prove his need of them. + But, as you well know, John Ridd, the horse who has been at work all day, + with the sunshine in his eyes, sleeps better in dark stables, and needs no + moon to help him. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing therefore that this same inn had four windows, and no more, I + thought to myself how snug it was, and how beautiful I could sleep there. + And so I made the old horse draw hand, which he was only too glad to do, + and we clomb above the spring-tide mark, and over a little piece of turf, + and struck the door of the hostelry. Some one came and peeped at me + through the lattice overhead, which was full of bulls' eyes; and then the + bolt was drawn back, and a woman met me very courteously. A dark and + foreign-looking woman, very hot of blood, I doubt, but not altogether a + bad one. And she waited for me to speak first, which an Englishwoman would + not have done. + </p> + <p> + “'Can I rest here for the night?' I asked, with a lift of my hat to her; + for she was no provincial dame, who would stare at me for the courtesy; + 'my horse is weary from the sloughs, and myself but little better: beside + that, we both are famished.' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, sir, you can rest and welcome. But of food, I fear, there is but + little, unless of the common order. Our fishers would have drawn the nets, + but the waves were violent. However, we have—what you call it? I + never can remember, it is so hard to say—the flesh of the hog + salted.' + </p> + <p> + “'Bacon!' said I; 'what can be better? And half dozen of eggs with it, and + a quart of fresh-drawn ale. You make me rage with hunger, madam. Is it + cruelty, or hospitality?' + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, good!' she replied, with a merry smile, full of southern sunshine: + 'you are not of the men round here; you can think, and you can laugh!' + </p> + <p> + “'And most of all, I can eat, good madam. In that way I shall astonish + you; even more than by my intellect.' + </p> + <p> + “She laughed aloud, and swung her shoulders, as your natives cannot do; + and then she called a little maid to lead my horse to stable. However, I + preferred to see that matter done myself, and told her to send the little + maid for the frying-pan and the egg-box. + </p> + <p> + “Whether it were my natural wit and elegance of manner; or whether it were + my London freedom and knowledge of the world; or (which is perhaps the + most probable, because the least pleasing supposition) my ready and + permanent appetite, and appreciation of garlic—I leave you to + decide, John: but perhaps all three combined to recommend me to the graces + of my charming hostess. When I say 'charming,' I mean of course by manners + and by intelligence, and most of all by cooking; for as regards external + charms (most fleeting and fallacious) hers had ceased to cause distress, + for I cannot say how many years. She said that it was the climate—for + even upon that subject she requested my opinion—and I answered, 'if + there be a change, let madam blame the seasons.' + </p> + <p> + “However, not to dwell too much upon our little pleasantries (for I always + get on with these foreign women better than with your Molls and Pegs), I + became, not inquisitive, but reasonably desirous to know, by what strange + hap or hazard, a clever and a handsome woman, as she must have been some + day, a woman moreover with great contempt for the rustic minds around her, + could have settled here in this lonely inn, with only the waves for + company, and a boorish husband who slaved all day in turning a potter's + wheel at Watchett. And what was the meaning of the emblem set above her + doorway, a very unattractive cat sitting in a ruined tree? + </p> + <p> + “However, I had not very long to strain my curiosity; for when she found + out who I was, and how I held the King's commission, and might be called + an officer, her desire to tell me all was more than equal to mine of + hearing it. Many and many a day, she had longed for some one both skilful + and trustworthy, most of all for some one bearing warrant from a court of + justice. But the magistrates of the neighbourhood would have nothing to + say to her, declaring that she was a crack-brained woman, and a wicked, + and even a foreign one. + </p> + <p> + “With many grimaces she assured me that never by her own free-will would + she have lived so many years in that hateful country, where the sky for + half the year was fog, and rain for nearly the other half. It was so the + very night when first her evil fortune brought her there; and so no doubt + it would be, long after it had killed her. But if I wished to know the + reason of her being there, she would tell me in few words, which I will + repeat as briefly. + </p> + <p> + “By birth she was an Italian, from the mountains of Apulia, who had gone + to Rome to seek her fortunes, after being badly treated in some + love-affair. Her Christian name was Benita; as for her surname, that could + make no difference to any one. Being a quick and active girl, and resolved + to work down her troubles, she found employment in a large hotel; and + rising gradually, began to send money to her parents. And here she might + have thriven well, and married well under sunny skies, and been a happy + woman, but that some black day sent thither a rich and noble English + family, eager to behold the Pope. It was not, however, their fervent + longing for the Holy Father which had brought them to St. Peter's roof; + but rather their own bad luck in making their home too hot to hold them. + For although in the main good Catholics, and pleasant receivers of + anything, one of their number had given offence, by the folly of trying to + think for himself. Some bitter feud had been among them, Benita knew not + how it was; and the sister of the nobleman who had died quite lately was + married to the rival claimant, whom they all detested. It was something + about dividing land; Benita knew not what it was. + </p> + <p> + “But this Benita did know, that they were all great people, and rich, and + very liberal; so that when they offered to take her, to attend to the + children, and to speak the language for them, and to comfort the lady, she + was only too glad to go, little foreseeing the end of it. Moreover, she + loved the children so, from their pretty ways and that, and the things + they gave her, and the style of their dresses, that it would have broken + her heart almost never to see the dears again. + </p> + <p> + “And so, in a very evil hour, she accepted the service of the noble + Englishman, and sent her father an old shoe filled to the tongue with + money, and trusted herself to fortune. But even before she went, she knew + that it could not turn out well; for the laurel leaf which she threw on + the fire would not crackle even once, and the horn of the goat came wrong + in the twist, and the heel of her foot was shining. This made her sigh at + the starting-time; and after that what could you hope for? + </p> + <p> + “However, at first all things went well. My Lord was as gay as gay could + be: and never would come inside the carriage, when a decent horse could be + got to ride. He would gallop in front, at a reckless pace, without a + weapon of any kind, delighted with the pure blue air, and throwing his + heart around him. Benita had never seen any man so admirable, and so + childish. As innocent as an infant; and not only contented, but noisily + happy with anything. Only other people must share his joy; and the shadow + of sorrow scattered it, though it were but the shade of poverty. + </p> + <p> + “Here Benita wept a little; and I liked her none the less, and believed + her ten times more; in virtue of a tear or two. + </p> + <p> + “And so they travelled through Northern Italy, and throughout the south of + France, making their way anyhow; sometimes in coaches, sometimes in carts, + sometimes upon mule-back, sometimes even a-foot and weary; but always as + happy as could be. The children laughed, and grew, and throve (especially + the young lady, the elder of the two), and Benita began to think that + omens must not be relied upon. But suddenly her faith in omens was + confirmed for ever. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord, who was quite a young man still, and laughed at English + arrogance, rode on in front of his wife and friends, to catch the first of + a famous view, on the French side of the Pyrenee hills. He kissed his hand + to his wife, and said that he would save her the trouble of coming. For + those two were so one in one, that they could make each other know + whatever he or she had felt. And so my Lord went round the corner, with a + fine young horse leaping up at the steps. + </p> + <p> + “They waited for him, long and long; but he never came again; and within a + week, his mangled body lay in a little chapel-yard; and if the priests + only said a quarter of the prayers they took the money for, God knows they + can have no throats left; only a relaxation. + </p> + <p> + “My lady dwelled for six months more—it is a melancholy tale (what + true tale is not so?)—scarcely able to believe that all her fright + was not a dream. She would not wear a piece or shape of any + mourning-clothes; she would not have a person cry, or any sorrow among us. + She simply disbelieved the thing, and trusted God to right it. The + Protestants, who have no faith, cannot understand this feeling. Enough + that so it was; and so my Lady went to heaven. + </p> + <p> + “For when the snow came down in autumn on the roots of the Pyrenees, and + the chapel-yard was white with it, many people told the lady that it was + time for her to go. And the strongest plea of all was this, that now she + bore another hope of repeating her husband's virtues. So at the end of + October, when wolves came down to the farm-lands, the little English + family went home towards their England. + </p> + <p> + “They landed somewhere on the Devonshire coast, ten or eleven years agone, + and stayed some days at Exeter; and set out thence in a hired coach, + without any proper attendance, for Watchett, in the north of Somerset. For + the lady owned a quiet mansion in the neighbourhood of that town, and her + one desire was to find refuge there, and to meet her lord, who was sure to + come (she said) when he heard of his new infant. Therefore with only two + serving-men and two maids (including Benita), the party set forth from + Exeter, and lay the first night at Bampton. + </p> + <p> + “On the following morn they started bravely, with earnest hope of arriving + at their journey's end by daylight. But the roads were soft and very deep, + and the sloughs were out in places; and the heavy coach broke down in the + axle, and needed mending at Dulverton; and so they lost three hours or + more, and would have been wiser to sleep there. But her ladyship would not + hear of it; she must be home that night, she said, and her husband would + be waiting. How could she keep him waiting now, after such a long, long + time? + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, although it was afternoon, and the year now come to December, + the horses were put to again, and the heavy coach went up the hill, with + the lady and her two children, and Benita, sitting inside of it; the other + maid, and two serving-men (each man with a great blunderbuss) mounted upon + the outside; and upon the horses three Exeter postilions. Much had been + said at Dulverton, and even back at Bampton, about some great freebooters, + to whom all Exmoor owed suit and service, and paid them very punctually. + Both the serving-men were scared, even over their ale, by this. But the + lady only said, 'Drive on; I know a little of highwaymen: they never rob a + lady.'” + </p> + <p> + “Through the fog and through the muck the coach went on, as best it might; + sometimes foundered in a slough, with half of the horses splashing it, and + some-times knuckled up on a bank, and straining across the middle, while + all the horses kicked at it. However, they went on till dark as well as + might be expected. But when they came, all thanking God, to the pitch and + slope of the sea-bank, leading on towards Watchett town, and where my + horse had shied so, there the little boy jumped up, and clapped his hands + at the water; and there (as Benita said) they met their fate, and could + not fly it. + </p> + <p> + “Although it was past the dusk of day, the silver light from the sea + flowed in, and showed the cliffs, and the gray sand-line, and the drifts + of wreck, and wrack-weed. It showed them also a troop of horsemen, waiting + under a rock hard by, and ready to dash upon them. The postilions lashed + towards the sea, and the horses strove in the depth of sand, and the + serving-men cocked their blunder-busses, and cowered away behind them; but + the lady stood up in the carriage bravely, and neither screamed nor spoke, + but hid her son behind her. Meanwhile the drivers drove into the sea, till + the leading horses were swimming. + </p> + <p> + “But before the waves came into the coach, a score of fierce men were + round it. They cursed the postilions for mad cowards, and cut the traces, + and seized the wheel-horses, all-wild with dismay in the wet and the dark. + Then, while the carriage was heeling over, and well-nigh upset in the + water, the lady exclaimed, 'I know that man! He is our ancient enemy;' and + Benita (foreseeing that all their boxes would be turned inside out, or + carried away), snatched the most valuable of the jewels, a magnificent + necklace of diamonds, and cast it over the little girl's head, and buried + it under her travelling-cloak, hoping to save it. Then a great wave, + crested with foam, rolled in, and the coach was thrown on its side, and + the sea rushed in at the top and the windows, upon shrieking, and + clashing, and fainting away. + </p> + <p> + “What followed Benita knew not, as one might well suppose, herself being + stunned by a blow on the head, beside being palsied with terror. 'See, I + have the mark now,' she said, 'where the jamb of the door came down on + me!' But when she recovered her senses, she found herself lying upon the + sand, the robbers were out of sight, and one of the serving-men was + bathing her forehead with sea water. For this she rated him well, having + taken already too much of that article; and then she arose and ran to her + mistress, who was sitting upright on a little rock, with her dead boy's + face to her bosom, sometimes gazing upon him, and sometimes questing round + for the other one. + </p> + <p> + “Although there were torches and links around, and she looked at her child + by the light of them, no one dared to approach the lady, or speak, or try + to help her. Each man whispered his fellow to go, but each hung back + himself, and muttered that it was too awful to meddle with. And there she + would have sat all night, with the fine little fellow stone dead in her + arms, and her tearless eyes dwelling upon him, and her heart but not her + mind thinking, only that the Italian women stole up softly to her side, + and whispered, 'It is the will of God.' + </p> + <p> + “'So it always seems to be,' were all the words the mother answered; and + then she fell on Benita's neck; and the men were ashamed to be near her + weeping; and a sailor lay down and bellowed. Surely these men are the + best. + </p> + <p> + “Before the light of the morning came along the tide to Watchett my Lady + had met her husband. They took her into the town that night, but not to + her own castle; and so the power of womanhood (which is itself maternity) + came over swiftly upon her. The lady, whom all people loved (though at + certain times particular), lies in Watchett little churchyard, with son + and heir at her right hand, and a little babe, of sex unknown, sleeping on + her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “This is a miserable tale,” said Jeremy Stickles brightly; “hand me over + the schnapps, my boy. What fools we are to spoil our eyes for other + people's troubles! Enough of our own to keep them clean, although we all + were chimney-sweeps. There is nothing like good hollands, when a man + becomes too sensitive. Restore the action of the glands; that is my rule, + after weeping. Let me make you another, John. You are quite low-spirited.” + </p> + <p> + But although Master Jeremy carried on so (as became his manhood), and + laughed at the sailor's bellowing; bless his heart, I knew as well that + tears were in his brave keen eyes, as if I had dared to look for them, or + to show mine own. + </p> + <p> + “And what was the lady's name?” I asked; “and what became of the little + girl? And why did the woman stay there?” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” cried Jeremy Stickles, only too glad to be cheerful again: “talk + of a woman after that! As we used to say at school—Who dragged whom, + how many times, in what manner, round the wall of what?” But to begin, + last first, my John (as becomes a woman): Benita stayed in that blessed + place, because she could not get away from it. The Doones—if Doones + indeed they were, about which you of course know best—took every + stiver out of the carriage: wet or dry they took it. And Benita could + never get her wages: for the whole affair is in Chancery, and they have + appointed a receiver.” + </p> + <p> + “Whew!” said I, knowing something of London, and sorry for Benita's + chance. + </p> + <p> + “So the poor thing was compelled to drop all thought of Apulia, and settle + down on the brink of Exmoor, where you get all its evils, without the good + to balance them. She married a man who turned a wheel for making the blue + Watchett ware, partly because he could give her a house, and partly + because he proved himself a good soul towards my Lady. There they are, and + have three children; and there you may go and visit them.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand all that, Jeremy, though you do tell things too quickly, and + I would rather have John Fry's style; for he leaves one time for his words + to melt. Now for my second question. What became of the little maid?” + </p> + <p> + “You great oaf!” cried Jeremy Stickles: “you are rather more likely to + know, I should think, than any one else in all the kingdoms.” + </p> + <p> + “If I knew, I should not ask you. Jeremy Stickles, do try to be neither + conceited nor thick-headed.” + </p> + <p> + “I will when you are neither,” answered Master Jeremy; “but you occupy all + the room, John. No one else can get in with you there.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well then, let me out. Take me down in both ways.” + </p> + <p> + “If ever you were taken down; you must have your double joints ready now. + And yet in other ways you will be as proud and set up as Lucifer. As + certain sure as I stand here, that little maid is Lorna Doone.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0157" id="linkimage-0157"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/482.jpg" width="100%" alt="482.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0054" id="linklink2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV + </h2> + <h3> + MUTUAL DISCOMFITURE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0158" id="linkimage-0158"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/483.jpg" alt="483.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + It must not be supposed that I was altogether so thick-headed as Jeremy + would have made me out. But it is part of my character that I like other + people to think me slow, and to labour hard to enlighten me, while all the + time I can say to myself, “This man is shallower than I am; it is pleasant + to see his shoals come up while he is sounding mine so!” Not that I would + so behave, God forbid, with anybody (be it man or woman) who in simple + heart approached me, with no gauge of intellect. But when the upper hand + is taken, upon the faith of one's patience, by a man of even smaller wits + (not that Jeremy was that, neither could he have lived to be thought so), + why, it naturally happens, that we knuckle under, with an ounce of + indignation. + </p> + <p> + Jeremy's tale would have moved me greatly both with sorrow and anger, even + without my guess at first, and now my firm belief, that the child of those + unlucky parents was indeed my Lorna. And as I thought of the lady's + troubles, and her faith in Providence, and her cruel, childless death, and + then imagined how my darling would be overcome to hear it, you may well + believe that my quick replies to Jeremy Stickles's banter were but as the + flourish of a drum to cover the sounds of pain. + </p> + <p> + For when he described the heavy coach and the persons in and upon it, and + the breaking down at Dulverton, and the place of their destination, as + well as the time and the weather, and the season of the year, my heart + began to burn within me, and my mind replaced the pictures, first of the + foreign lady's-maid by the pump caressing me, and then of the coach + struggling up the hill, and the beautiful dame, and the fine little boy, + with the white cockade in his hat; but most of all the little girl, + dark-haired and very lovely, and having even in those days the rich soft + look of Lorna. + </p> + <p> + But when he spoke of the necklace thrown over the head of the little + maiden, and of her disappearance, before my eyes arose at once the + flashing of the beacon-fire, the lonely moors embrowned with the light, + the tramp of the outlaw cavalcade, and the helpless child head-downward, + lying across the robber's saddle-bow. + </p> + <p> + Then I remembered my own mad shout of boyish indignation, and marvelled at + the strange long way by which the events of life come round. And while I + thought of my own return, and childish attempt to hide myself from sorrow + in the sawpit, and the agony of my mother's tears, it did not fail to + strike me as a thing of omen, that the selfsame day should be, both to my + darling and myself, the blackest and most miserable of all youthful days. + </p> + <p> + The King's Commissioner thought it wise, for some good reason of his own, + to conceal from me, for the present, the name of the poor lady supposed to + be Lorna's mother; and knowing that I could easily now discover it, + without him, I let that question abide awhile. Indeed I was half afraid to + hear it, remembering that the nobler and the wealthier she proved to be, + the smaller was my chance of winning such a wife for plain John Ridd. Not + that she would give me up: that I never dreamed of. But that others would + interfere; or indeed I myself might find it only honest to relinquish her. + That last thought was a dreadful blow, and took my breath away from me. + </p> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles was quite decided—and of course the discovery being + his, he had a right to be so—that not a word of all these things + must be imparted to Lorna herself, or even to my mother, or any one + whatever. “Keep it tight as wax, my lad,” he cried, with a wink of great + expression; “this belongs to me, mind; and the credit, ay, and the + premium, and the right of discount, are altogether mine. It would have + taken you fifty years to put two and two together so, as I did, like a + clap of thunder. Ah, God has given some men brains; and others have good + farms and money, and a certain skill in the lower beasts. Each must use + his special talent. You work your farm: I work my brains. In the end, my + lad, I shall beat you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Jeremy, what a fool you must be, if you cudgel your brains to make + money of this, to open the barn-door to me, and show me all your + threshing.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a whit, my son. Quite the opposite. Two men always thresh better than + one. And here I have you bound to use your flail, one two, with mine, and + yet in strictest honour bound not to bushel up, till I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, being much amused by a Londoner's brave, yet uncertain, use + of simplest rural metaphors, for he had wholly forgotten the winnowing: + “surely if I bushel up, even when you tell me, I must take half-measure.” + </p> + <p> + “So you shall, my boy,” he answered, “if we can only cheat those + confounded knaves of Equity. You shall take the beauty, my son, and the + elegance, and the love, and all that—and, my boy, I will take the + money.” + </p> + <p> + This he said in a way so dry, and yet so richly unctuous, that being + gifted somehow by God, with a kind of sense of queerness, I fell back in + my chair, and laughed, though the underside of my laugh was tears. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jeremy, how if I refuse to keep this half as tight as wax. You bound + me to no such partnership, before you told the story; and I am not sure, + by any means, of your right to do so afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush!” he replied: “I know you too well, to look for meanness in you. If + from pure goodwill, John Ridd, and anxiety to relieve you, I made no + condition precedent, you are not the man to take advantage, as a lawyer + might. I do not even want your promise. As sure as I hold this glass, and + drink your health and love in another drop (forced on me by pathetic + words), so surely will you be bound to me, until I do release you. Tush! I + know men well by this time: a mere look of trust from one is worth + another's ten thousand oaths.” + </p> + <p> + “Jeremy, you are right,” I answered; “at least as regards the issue. + Although perhaps you were not right in leading me into a bargain like + this, without my own consent or knowledge. But supposing that we should + both be shot in this grand attack on the valley (for I mean to go with you + now, heart and soul), is Lorna to remain untold of that which changes all + her life?” + </p> + <p> + “Both shot!” cried Jeremy Stickles: “my goodness, boy, talk not like that! + And those Doones are cursed good shots too. Nay, nay, the yellows shall go + in front; we attack on the Somerset side, I think. I from a hill will + reconnoitre, as behoves a general, you shall stick behind a tree, if we + can only find one big enough to hide you. You and I to be shot, John Ridd, + with all this inferior food for powder anxious to be devoured?” + </p> + <p> + I laughed, for I knew his cool hardihood, and never-flinching courage; and + sooth to say no coward would have dared to talk like that. + </p> + <p> + “But when one comes to think of it,” he continued, smiling at himself; + “some provision should be made for even that unpleasant chance. I will + leave the whole in writing, with orders to be opened, etc., etc.—Now + no more of that, my boy; a cigarro after schnapps, and go to meet my + yellow boys.” + </p> + <p> + His “yellow boys,” as he called the Somersetshire trained bands, were even + now coming down the valley from the London Road, as every one since I went + up to town, grandly entitled the lane to the moors. There was one good + point about these men, that having no discipline at all, they made + pretence to none whatever. Nay, rather they ridiculed the thing, as below + men of any spirit. On the other hand, Master Stickles's troopers looked + down on these native fellows from a height which I hope they may never + tumble, for it would break the necks of all of them. + </p> + <p> + Now these fine natives came along, singing, for their very lives, a song + the like of which set down here would oust my book from modest people, and + make everybody say, “this man never can have loved Lorna.” Therefore, the + less of that the better; only I thought, “what a difference from the + goodly psalms of the ale house!” + </p> + <p> + Having finished their canticle, which contained more mirth than melody, + they drew themselves up, in a sort of way supposed by them to be military, + each man with heel and elbow struck into those of his neighbour, and + saluted the King's Commissioner. “Why, where are your officers?” asked + Master Stickles; “how is it that you have no officers?” Upon this there + arose a general grin, and a knowing look passed along their faces, even up + to the man by the gatepost. “Are you going to tell me, or not,” said + Jeremy, “what is become of your officers?” + </p> + <p> + “Plaise zur,” said one little fellow at last, being nodded at by the rest + to speak, in right of his known eloquence; “hus tould Harfizers, as a wor + no nade of un, now King's man hiszell wor coom, a puppose vor to command + us laike.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you mean to say, you villains,” cried Jeremy, scarce knowing + whether to laugh, or to swear, or what to do; “that your officers took + their dismissal thus, and let you come on without them?” + </p> + <p> + “What could 'em do?” asked the little man, with reason certainly on his + side: “hus zent 'em about their business, and they was glad enough to + goo.” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said poor Jeremy, turning to me; “a pretty state of things, John! + Threescore cobblers, and farming men, plasterers, tailors, and + kettles-to-mend; and not a man to keep order among them, except my blessed + self, John! And I trow there is not one among them could hit all in-door + flying. The Doones will make riddles of all of us.” + </p> + <p> + However, he had better hopes when the sons of Devon appeared, as they did + in about an hour's time; fine fellows, and eager to prove themselves. + These had not discarded their officers, but marched in good obedience to + them, and were quite prepared to fight the men of Somerset (if need be) in + addition to the Doones. And there was scarcely a man among them but could + have trounced three of the yellow men, and would have done it gladly too, + in honour of the red facings. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to suppose, Master Jeremy Stickles,” said I, looking on with + amazement, beholding also all our maidens at the upstair windows + wondering; “that we, my mother a widow woman, and I a young man of small + estate, can keep and support all these precious fellows, both yellow ones, + and red ones, until they have taken the Doone Glen?” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid it, my son!” he replied, laying a finger upon his lip: “Nay, + nay, I am not of the shabby order, when I have the strings of government. + Kill your sheep at famine prices, and knead your bread at a figure + expressing the rigours of last winter. Let Annie make out the bill every + day, and I at night will double it. You may take my word for it, Master + John, this spring-harvest shall bring you in three times as much as last + autumn's did. If they cheated you in town, my lad, you shall have your + change in the country. Take thy bill, and write down quickly.” + </p> + <p> + However this did not meet my views of what an honest man should do; and I + went to consult my mother about it, as all the accounts would be made in + her name. + </p> + <p> + Dear mother thought that if the King paid only half again as much as other + people would have to pay, it would be perhaps the proper thing; the half + being due for loyalty: and here she quoted an ancient saying,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The King and his staff. + Be a man and a half;” + </pre> + <p> + which, according to her judgment, ruled beyond dispute the law of the + present question. To argue with her after that (which she brought up with + such triumph) would have been worse than useless. Therefore I just told + Annie to make the bills at a third below the current market prices; so + that the upshot would be fair. She promised me honestly that she would; + but with a twinkle in her bright blue eyes, which she must have caught + from Tom Faggus. It always has appeared to me that stern and downright + honesty upon money matters is a thing not understood of women; be they as + good as good can be. + </p> + <p> + The yellows and the reds together numbered a hundred and twenty men, most + of whom slept in our barns and stacks; and besides these we had fifteen + troopers of the regular army. You may suppose that all the country was + turned upside down about it; and the folk who came to see them drill—by + no means a needless exercise—were a greater plague than the + soldiers. The officers too of the Devonshire hand were such a torment to + us, that we almost wished their men had dismissed them, as the Somerset + troop had done with theirs. For we could not keep them out of our house, + being all young men of good family, and therefore not to be met with bars. + And having now three lovely maidens (for even Lizzie might be called so, + when she cared to please), mother and I were at wit's ends, on account of + those blessed officers. I never got a wink of sleep; they came whistling + under the window so; and directly I went out to chase them, there was + nothing but a cat to see. + </p> + <p> + Therefore all of us were right glad (except perhaps Farmer Snowe, from + whom we had bought some victuals at rare price), when Jeremy Stickles gave + orders to march, and we began to try to do it. A good deal of boasting + went overhead, as our men defiled along the lane; and the thick broad + patins of pennywort jutted out between the stones, ready to heal their + bruises. The parish choir came part of the way, and the singing-loft from + Countisbury; and they kept our soldiers' spirits up with some of the most + pugnacious Psalms. Parson Bowden marched ahead, leading all our van and + file, as against the Papists; and promising to go with us, till we came to + bullet distance. Therefore we marched bravely on, and children came to + look at us. And I wondered where Uncle Reuben was, who ought to have led + the culverins (whereof we had no less than three), if Stickles could only + have found him; and then I thought of little Ruth; and without any fault + on my part, my heart went down within me. + </p> + <p> + The culverins were laid on bark; and all our horses pulling them, and + looking round every now and then, with their ears curved up like a + squirrel'd nut, and their noses tossing anxiously, to know what sort of + plough it was man had been pleased to put behind them—man, whose + endless whims and wildness they could never understand, any more than they + could satisfy. However, they pulled their very best—as all our + horses always do—and the culverins went up the hill, without smack + of whip, or swearing. It had been arranged, very justly, no doubt, and + quite in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution, but as it proved not + too wisely, that either body of men should act in its own county only. So + when we reached the top of the hill, the sons of Devon marched on, and + across the track leading into Doone-gate, so as to fetch round the western + side, and attack with their culverin from the cliffs, whence the sentry + had challenged me on the night of my passing the entrance. Meanwhile the + yellow lads were to stay upon the eastern highland, whence Uncle Reuben + and myself had reconnoitred so long ago; and whence I had leaped into the + valley at the time of the great snow-drifts. And here they were not to + show themselves; but keep their culverin in the woods, until their cousins + of Devon appeared on the opposite parapet of the glen. + </p> + <p> + The third culverin was entrusted to the fifteen troopers; who, with ten + picked soldiers from either trained hand, making in all five-and-thirty + men, were to assault the Doone-gate itself, while the outlaws were placed + between two fires from the eastern cliff and the western. And with this + force went Jeremy Stickles, and with it went myself, as knowing more about + the passage than any other stranger did. Therefore, if I have put it + clearly, as I strive to do, you will see that the Doones must repulse at + once three simultaneous attacks, from an army numbering in the whole one + hundred and thirty-five men, not including the Devonshire officers; fifty + men on each side, I mean, and thirty-five at the head of the valley. + </p> + <p> + The tactics of this grand campaign appeared to me so clever, and + beautifully ordered, that I commended Colonel Stickles, as everybody now + called him, for his great ability and mastery of the art of war. He + admitted that he deserved high praise; but said that he was not by any + means equally certain of success, so large a proportion of his forces + being only a raw militia, brave enough no doubt for anything, when they + saw their way to it; but knowing little of gunnery, and wholly unused to + be shot at. Whereas all the Doones were practised marksmen, being + compelled when lads (like the Balearic slingers) to strike down their + meals before tasting them. And then Colonel Stickles asked me, whether I + myself could stand fire; he knew that I was not a coward, but this was a + different question. I told him that I had been shot at, once or twice + before; but nevertheless disliked it, as much as almost anything. Upon + that he said that I would do; for that when a man got over the first blush + of diffidence, he soon began to look upon it as a puff of destiny. + </p> + <p> + I wish I could only tell what happened, in the battle of that day, + especially as nearly all the people round these parts, who never saw + gun-fire in it, have gotten the tale so much amiss; and some of them will + even stand in front of my own hearth, and contradict me to the teeth; + although at the time they were not born, nor their fathers put into + breeches. But in truth, I cannot tell, exactly, even the part in which I + helped, how then can I be expected, time by time, to lay before you, all + the little ins and outs of places, where I myself was not? Only I can + contradict things, which I know could not have been; and what I plainly + saw should not be controverted in my own house. + </p> + <p> + Now we five-and-thirty men lay back a little way round the corner, in the + hollow of the track which leads to the strong Doone-gate. Our culverin was + in amongst us, loaded now to the muzzle, and it was not comfortable to + know that it might go off at any time. Although the yeomanry were not come + (according to arrangement), some of us had horses there; besides the + horses who dragged the cannon, and now were sniffing at it. And there were + plenty of spectators to mind these horses for us, as soon as we should + charge; inasmuch as all our friends and neighbours, who had so keenly + prepared for the battle, now resolved to take no part, but look on, and + praise the winners. + </p> + <p> + At last we heard the loud bang-bang, which proved that Devon and Somerset + were pouring their indignation hot into the den of malefactors, or at + least so we supposed; therefore at double quick march we advanced round + the bend of the cliff which had hidden us, hoping to find the gate + undefended, and to blow down all barriers with the fire of our cannon. And + indeed it seemed likely at first to be so, for the wild and mountainous + gorge of rock appeared to be all in pure loneliness, except where the + coloured coats of our soldiers, and their metal trappings, shone with the + sun behind them. Therefore we shouted a loud hurrah, as for an easy + victory. + </p> + <p> + But while the sound of our cheer rang back among the crags above us, a + shrill clear whistle cleft the air for a single moment, and then a dozen + carbines bellowed, and all among us flew murderous lead. Several of our + men rolled over, but the rest rushed on like Britons, Jeremy and myself in + front, while we heard the horses plunging at the loaded gun behind us. + “Now, my lads,” cried Jeremy, “one dash, and we are beyond them!” For he + saw that the foe was overhead in the gallery of brushwood. + </p> + <p> + Our men with a brave shout answered him, for his courage was fine example; + and we leaped in under the feet of the foe, before they could load their + guns again. But here, when the foremost among us were past, an awful crash + rang behind us, with the shrieks of men, and the din of metal, and the + horrible screaming of horses. The trunk of the tree had been launched + overhead, and crashed into the very midst of us. Our cannon was under it, + so were two men, and a horse with his poor back broken. Another horse + vainly struggled to rise, with his thigh-bone smashed and protruding. + </p> + <p> + Now I lost all presence of mind at this, for I loved both those good + horses, and shouting for any to follow me, dashed headlong into the + cavern. Some five or six men came after me, the foremost of whom was + Jeremy, when a storm of shot whistled and patted around me, with a blaze + of light and a thunderous roar. On I leaped, like a madman, and pounced on + one gunner, and hurled him across his culverin; but the others had fled, + and a heavy oak door fell to with a bang, behind them. So utterly were my + senses gone, and naught but strength remaining, that I caught up the + cannon with both hands, and dashed it, breech-first, at the doorway. The + solid oak burst with the blow, and the gun stuck fast, like a builder's + putlog. + </p> + <p> + But here I looked round in vain for any one to come and follow up my + success. The scanty light showed me no figure moving through the length of + the tunnel behind me; only a heavy groan or two went to my heart, and + chilled it. So I hurried back to seek Jeremy, fearing that he must be + smitten down. + </p> + <p> + And so indeed I found him, as well as three other poor fellows, struck by + the charge of the culverin, which had passed so close beside me. Two of + the four were as dead as stones, and growing cold already, but Jeremy and + the other could manage to groan, just now and then. So I turned my + attention to them, and thought no more of fighting. + </p> + <p> + Having so many wounded men, and so many dead among us, we loitered at the + cavern's mouth, and looked at one another, wishing only for somebody to + come and take command of us. But no one came; and I was griefed so much + about poor Jeremy, besides being wholly unused to any violence of + bloodshed, that I could only keep his head up, and try to stop him from + bleeding. And he looked up at me pitifully, being perhaps in a haze of + thought, as a calf looks at a butcher. + </p> + <p> + The shot had taken him in the mouth; about that no doubt could be, for two + of his teeth were in his beard, and one of his lips was wanting. I laid + his shattered face on my breast, and nursed him, as a woman might. But he + looked at me with a jerk at this; and I saw that he wanted coolness. + </p> + <p> + While here we stayed, quite out of danger (for the fellows from the + gallery could by no means shoot us, even if they remained there, and the + oaken door whence the others fled was blocked up by the culverin), a boy + who had no business there (being in fact our clerk's apprentice to the art + of shoe-making) came round the corner upon us in the manner which boys, + and only boys, can use with grace and freedom; that is to say, with a + sudden rush, and a sidelong step, and an impudence,— + </p> + <p> + “Got the worst of it!” cried the boy; “better be off all of you. + Zoomerzett and Devon a vighting; and the Doones have drashed 'em both. + Maister Ridd, even thee be drashed.” + </p> + <p> + We few, who yet remained of the force which was to have won the + Doone-gate, gazed at one another, like so many fools, and nothing more. + For we still had some faint hopes of winning the day, and recovering our + reputation, by means of what the other men might have done without us. And + we could not understand at all how Devonshire and Somerset, being embarked + in the same cause, should be fighting with one another. + </p> + <p> + Finding nothing more to be done in the way of carrying on the war, we laid + poor Master Stickles and two more of the wounded upon the carriage of bark + and hurdles, whereon our gun had lain; and we rolled the gun into the + river, and harnessed the horses yet alive, and put the others out of their + pain, and sadly wended homewards, feeling ourselves to be thoroughly + beaten, yet ready to maintain that it was no fault of ours whatever. And + in this opinion the women joined, being only too glad and thankful to see + us home alive again. + </p> + <p> + Now, this enterprise having failed so, I prefer not to dwell too long upon + it; only just to show the mischief which lay at the root of the failure. + And this mischief was the vile jealousy betwixt red and yellow uniform. + Now I try to speak impartially, belonging no more to Somerset than I do to + Devonshire, living upon the borders, and born of either county. The tale + was told me by one side first; and then quite to a different tune by the + other; and then by both together, with very hot words of reviling and a + desire to fight it out again. And putting this with that, the truth + appears to be as follows:— + </p> + <p> + The men of Devon, who bore red facings, had a long way to go round the + hills, before they could get into due position on the western side of the + Doone Glen. And knowing that their cousins in yellow would claim the whole + of the glory, if allowed to be first with the firing, these worthy fellows + waited not to take good aim with their cannons, seeing the others about to + shoot; but fettled it anyhow on the slope, pointing in a general + direction; and trusting in God for aimworthiness, laid the rope to the + breech, and fired. Now as Providence ordained it, the shot, which was a + casual mixture of anything considered hard—for instance, jug-bottoms + and knobs of doors—the whole of this pernicious dose came scattering + and shattering among the unfortunate yellow men upon the opposite cliff; + killing one and wounding two. + </p> + <p> + Now what did the men of Somerset do, but instead of waiting for their + friends to send round and beg pardon, train their gun full mouth upon + them, and with a vicious meaning shoot. Not only this, but they loudly + cheered, when they saw four or five red coats lie low; for which savage + feeling not even the remarks of the Devonshire men concerning their coats + could entirely excuse them. Now I need not tell the rest of it, for the + tale makes a man discontented. Enough that both sides waxed hotter and + hotter with the fire of destruction. And but that the gorge of the cliffs + lay between, very few would have lived to tell of it; for our western + blood becomes stiff and firm, when churned with the sense of wrong in it. + </p> + <p> + At last the Doones (who must have laughed at the thunder passing overhead) + recalling their men from the gallery, issued out of Gwenny's gate (which + had been wholly overlooked) and fell on the rear of the Somerset men, and + slew four beside their cannon. Then while the survivors ran away, the + outlaws took the hot culverin, and rolled it down into their valley. Thus, + of the three guns set forth that morning, only one ever came home again, + and that was the gun of the Devonshire men, who dragged it home + themselves, with the view of making a boast about it. + </p> + <p> + This was a melancholy end of our brave setting out, and everybody blamed + every one else; and several of us wanted to have the whole thing over + again, as then we must have righted it. But upon one point all agreed, by + some reason not clear to me, that the root of the evil was to be found in + the way Parson Bowden went up the hill, with his hat on, and no cassock. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0159" id="linkimage-0159"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/494.jpg" width="100%" alt="494.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0055" id="linklink2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV + </h2> + <h3> + GETTING INTO CHANCERY + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0160" id="linkimage-0160"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/495.jpg" alt="495.jpg Devonshire Town " /> + </div> + <p> + Two of the Devonshire officers (Captains Pyke and Dallan) now took command + of the men who were left, and ordered all to go home again, commending + much the bravery which had been displayed on all sides, and the loyalty to + the King, and the English constitution. This last word always seems to me + to settle everything when said, because nobody understands it, and yet all + can puzzle their neighbours. So the Devonshire men, having beans to sow + (which they ought to have done on Good Friday) went home; and our Somerset + friends only stayed for two days more to backbite them. + </p> + <p> + To me the whole thing was purely grievous; not from any sense of defeat + (though that was bad enough) but from the pain and anguish caused by + death, and wounds, and mourning. “Surely we have woes enough,” I used to + think of an evening, when the poor fellows could not sleep or rest, or let + others rest around them; “surely all this smell of wounds is not incense + men should pay to the God who made them. Death, when it comes and is done + with, may be a bliss to any one; but the doubt of life or death, when a + man lies, as it were, like a trunk upon a sawpit and a grisly head looks + up at him, and the groans of pain are cleaving him, this would be beyond + all bearing—but for Nature's sap—sweet hope.” + </p> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles lay and tossed, and thrust up his feet in agony, and bit + with his lipless mouth the clothes, and was proud to see blood upon them. + He looked at us ever so many times, as much as to say, “Fools, let me die, + then I shall have some comfort”; but we nodded at him sagely, especially + the women, trying to convey to him, on no account to die yet. And then we + talked to one another (on purpose for him to hear us), how brave he was, + and not the man to knock under in a hurry, and how he should have the + victory yet; and how well he looked, considering. + </p> + <p> + These things cheered him a little now, and a little more next time; and + every time we went on so, he took it with less impatience. Then once when + he had been very quiet, and not even tried to frown at us, Annie leaned + over, and kissed his forehead, and spread the pillows and sheet, with a + curve as delicate as his own white ears; and then he feebly lifted hands, + and prayed to God to bless her. And after that he came round gently; + though never to the man he had been, and never to speak loud again. + </p> + <p> + For a time (as I may have implied before) Master Stickles's authority, and + manner of levying duties, had not been taken kindly by the people round + our neighbourhood. The manors of East Lynn and West Lynn, and even that of + Woolhanger—although just then all three were at issue about some + rights of wreck, and the hanging of a sheep-stealer (a man of no great + eminence, yet claimed by each for the sake of his clothes)—these + three, having their rights impugned, or even superseded, as they declared + by the quartering of soldiers in their neighbourhood, united very kindly + to oppose the King's Commissioner. However, Jeremy had contrived to + conciliate the whole of them, not so much by anything engaging in his + deportment or delicate address, as by holding out bright hopes that the + plunder of the Doone Glen might become divisible among the adjoining + manors. Now I have never discovered a thing which the lords of manors (at + least in our part of the world) do not believe to belong to themselves, if + only they could get their rights. And it did seem natural enough that if + the Doones were ousted, and a nice collection of prey remained, this + should be parted among the people having ancient rights of plunder. + Nevertheless, Master Jeremy knew that the soldiers would have the first of + it, and the King what they could not carry. + </p> + <p> + And perhaps he was punished justly for language so misleading, by the + general indignation of the people all around us, not at his failure, but + at himself, for that which he could in no wise prevent. And the stewards + of the manors rode up to our house on purpose to reproach him, and were + greatly vexed with all of us, because he was too ill to see them. + </p> + <p> + To myself (though by rights the last to be thought of, among so much pain + and trouble) Jeremy's wound was a great misfortune, in more ways than one. + In the first place, it deferred my chance of imparting either to my mother + or to Mistress Lorna my firm belief that the maid I loved was not sprung + from the race which had slain my father; neither could he in any way have + offended against her family. And this discovery I was yearning more and + more to declare to them; being forced to see (even in the midst of all our + warlike troubles) that a certain difference was growing betwixt them both, + and betwixt them and me. For although the words of the Counsellor had + seemed to fail among us, being bravely met and scattered, yet our courage + was but as wind flinging wide the tare-seeds, when the sower casts them + from his bag. The crop may not come evenly, many places may long lie bare, + and the field be all in patches; yet almost every vetch will spring, and + tiller out, and stretch across the scatterings where the wind puffed. + </p> + <p> + And so dear mother and darling Lorna now had been for many a day thinking, + worrying, and wearing, about the matter between us. Neither liked to look + at the other, as they used to do; with mother admiring Lorna's eyes, and + grace, and form of breeding; and Lorna loving mother's goodness, softness, + and simplicity. And the saddest and most hurtful thing was that neither + could ask the other of the shadow falling between them. And so it went on, + and deepened. + </p> + <p> + In the next place Colonel Stickles's illness was a grievous thing to us, + in that we had no one now to command the troopers. Ten of these were still + alive, and so well approved to us, that they could never fancy aught, + whether for dinner or supper, without its being forth-coming. If they + wanted trout they should have it; if colloped venison, or broiled ham, or + salmon from Lynmouth and Trentisoe, or truffles from the woodside, all + these were at the warriors' service, until they lusted for something else. + Even the wounded men ate nobly; all except poor Jeremy, who was forced to + have a young elder shoot, with the pith drawn, for to feed him. And once, + when they wanted pickled loach* (from my description of it), I took up my + boyish sport again, and pronged them a good jarful. Therefore, none of + them could complain; and yet they were not satisfied; perhaps for want of + complaining. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * There are said to be no loach now in Lynn. This proves + that John Ridd caught them all. +</pre> + <p> + Be that as it might, we knew that if they once resolved to go (as they + might do at any time, with only a corporal over them) all our house, and + all our goods, ay, and our own precious lives, would and must be at the + mercy of embittered enemies. For now the Doones, having driven back, as + every one said, five hundred men—though not thirty had ever fought + with them—were in such feather all round the country, that nothing + was too good for them. Offerings poured in at the Doone gate, faster than + Doones could away with them, and the sympathy both of Devon and Somerset + became almost oppressive. And perhaps this wealth of congratulation, and + mutual good feeling between plundered and victim, saved us from any piece + of spite; kindliness having won the day, and every one loving every one. + </p> + <p> + But yet another cause arose, and this the strongest one of all, to prove + the need of Stickles's aid, and calamity of his illness. And this came to + our knowledge first, without much time to think of it. For two men + appeared at our gate one day, stripped to their shirts, and void of + horses, and looking very sorrowful. Now having some fear of attack from + the Doones, and scarce knowing what their tricks might be, we received + these strangers cautiously, desiring to know who they were before we let + them see all our premises. + </p> + <p> + However, it soon became plain to us that although they might not be honest + fellows, at any rate they were not Doones; and so we took them in, and + fed, and left them to tell their business. And this they were glad enough + to do; as men who have been maltreated almost always are. And it was not + for us to contradict them, lest our victuals should go amiss. + </p> + <p> + These two very worthy fellows—nay, more than that by their own + account, being downright martyrs—were come, for the public benefit, + from the Court of Chancery, sitting for everybody's good, and boldly + redressing evil. This court has a power of scent unknown to the Common-law + practitioners, and slowly yet surely tracks its game; even as the great + lumbering dogs, now introduced from Spain, and called by some people + “pointers,” differ from the swift gaze-hound, who sees his prey and runs + him down in the manner of the common lawyers. If a man's ill fate should + drive him to make a choice between these two, let him rather be chased by + the hounds of law, than tracked by the dogs of Equity. + </p> + <p> + Now, as it fell in a very black day (for all except the lawyers) His + Majesty's Court of Chancery, if that be what it called itself, gained + scent of poor Lorna's life, and of all that might be made of it. Whether + through that brave young lord who ran into such peril, or through any of + his friends, or whether through that deep old Counsellor, whose game none + might penetrate; or through any disclosures of the Italian woman, or even + of Jeremy himself; none just now could tell us; only this truth was too + clear—Chancery had heard of Lorna, and then had seen how rich she + was; and never delaying in one thing, had opened mouth, and swallowed her. + </p> + <p> + The Doones, with a share of that dry humour which was in them hereditary, + had welcomed the two apparitors (if that be the proper name for them) and + led them kindly down the valley, and told them then to serve their writ. + Misliking the look of things, these poor men began to fumble among their + clothes; upon which the Doones cried, “off with them! Let us see if your + message be on your skins.” And with no more manners than that, they + stripped, and lashed them out of the valley; only bidding them come to us, + if they wanted Lorna Doone; and to us they came accordingly. Neither were + they sure at first but that we should treat them so; for they had no + knowledge of the west country, and thought it quite a godless place, + wherein no writ was holy. + </p> + <p> + We however comforted and cheered them so considerably, that, in gratitude, + they showed their writs, to which they had stuck like leeches. And these + were twofold; one addressed to Mistress Lorna Doone, so called, and + bidding her keep in readiness to travel whenever called upon, and commit + herself to nobody, except the accredited messengers of the right + honourable Court; while the other was addressed to all subjects of His + Majesty, having custody of Lorna Doone, or any power over her. And this + last threatened and exhorted, and held out hopes of recompense, if she + were rendered truly. My mother and I held consultation, over both these + documents, with a mixture of some wrath and fear, and a fork of great + sorrow to stir them. And now having Jeremy Stickles's leave, which he gave + with a nod when I told him all, and at last made him understand it, I laid + bare to my mother as well what I knew, as what I merely surmised, or + guessed, concerning Lorna's parentage. All this she received with great + tears, and wonder, and fervent thanks to God, and still more fervent + praise of her son, who had nothing whatever to do with it. However, now + the question was, how to act about these writs. And herein it was most + unlucky that we could not have Master Stickles, with his knowledge of the + world, and especially of the law-courts, to advise us what to do, and to + help in doing it. And firstly of the first I said, “We have rogues to deal + with; but try we not to rogue them.” + </p> + <p> + To this, in some measure, dear mother agreed, though she could not see the + justice of it, yet thought that it might be wiser, because of our want of + practice. And then I said, “Now we are bound to tell Lorna, and to serve + her citation upon her, which these good fellows have given us.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go, and do it thyself, my son,” mother replied with a mournful + smile, misdoubting what the end might be. So I took the slip of brown + parchment, and went to seek my darling. + </p> + <p> + Lorna was in her favourite place, the little garden which she tended with + such care and diligence. Seeing how the maiden loved it, and was happy + there, I had laboured hard to fence it from the dangers of the wood. And + here she had corrected me, with better taste, and sense of pleasure, and + the joys of musing. For I meant to shut out the brook, and build my fence + inside of it; but Lorna said no; if we must have a fence, which could not + but be injury, at any rate leave the stream inside, and a pleasant bank + beyond it. And soon I perceived that she was right, though not so much as + afterwards; for the fairest of all things in a garden, and in summer-time + most useful, is a brook of crystal water; where a man may come and + meditate, and the flowers may lean and see themselves, and the rays of the + sun are purified. Now partly with her own white hands, and partly with + Gwenny's red ones, Lorna had made of this sunny spot a haven of beauty to + dwell in. It was not only that colours lay in the harmony we would seek of + them, neither was it the height of plants, sloping to one another; nor + even the delicate tone of foliage following suit, and neighbouring. Even + the breathing of the wind, soft and gentle in and out, moving things that + need not move, and passing longer-stalked ones, even this was not enough + among the flush of fragrance, to tell a man the reason of his quiet + satisfaction. But so it shall for ever be. As the river we float upon + (with wine, and flowers, and music,) is nothing at the well-spring but a + bubble without reason. + </p> + <p> + Feeling many things, but thinking without much to guide me, over the + grass-plats laid between, I went up to Lorna. She in a shower of damask + roses, raised her eyes and looked at me. And even now, in those sweet + eyes, so deep with loving-kindness, and soft maiden dreamings, there + seemed to be a slight unwilling, half confessed withdrawal; overcome by + love and duty, yet a painful thing to see. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0161" id="linkimage-0161"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/502.jpg" width="100%" + alt="502.jpg in a Shower of Damask Roses " /> + </div> + <p> + “Darling,” I said, “are your spirits good? Are you strong enough to-day, + to bear a tale of cruel sorrow; but which perhaps, when your tears are + shed, will leave you all the happier?” + </p> + <p> + “What can you mean?” she answered trembling, not having been very strong + of late, and now surprised at my manner; “are you come to give me up, + John?” + </p> + <p> + “Not very likely,” I replied; “neither do I hope such a thing would leave + you all the happier. Oh, Lorna, if you can think that so quickly as you + seem to have done, now you have every prospect and strong temptation to + it. You are far, far above me in the world, and I have no right to claim + you. Perhaps, when you have heard these tidings you will say, 'John Ridd, + begone; your life and mine are parted.'” + </p> + <p> + “Will I?” cried Lorna, with all the brightness of her playful ways + returning: “you very foolish and jealous John, how shall I punish you for + this? Am I to forsake every flower I have, and not even know that the + world goes round, while I look up at you, the whole day long and say, + 'John, I love, love, love you?'” + </p> + <p> + During these words she leaned upon me, half in gay imitation of what I had + so often made her do, and half in depth of earnestness, as the + thrice-repeated word grew stronger, and grew warmer, with and to her + heart. And as she looked up at the finish, saying, “you,” so musically, I + was much inclined to clasp her round; but remembering who she was, + forbore; at which she seemed surprised with me. + </p> + <p> + “Mistress Lorna,” I replied, with I know not what temptation, making + little of her caresses, though more than all my heart to me: “Mistress + Lorna, you must keep your rank and proper dignity. You must never look at + me with anything but pity now.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall look at you with pity, John,” said Lorna, trying to laugh it off, + yet not knowing what to make of me, “if you talk any more of this + nonsense, knowing me as you ought to do. I shall even begin to think that + you, and your friends, are weary of me, and of so long supporting me; and + are only seeking cause to send me back to my old misery. If it be so, I + will go. My life matters little to any one.” Here the great bright tears + arose; but the maiden was too proud to sob. + </p> + <p> + “Sweetest of all sweet loves,” I cried, for the sign of a tear defeated + me; “what possibility could make me ever give up Lorna?” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest of all dears,” she answered; “if you dearly love me, what + possibility could ever make me give you up, dear?” + </p> + <p> + Upon that there was no more forbearing, but I kissed and clasped her, + whether she were Countess, or whether Queen of England; mine she was, at + least in heart; and mine she should be wholly. And she being of the same + opinion, nothing was said between us. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Lorna,” said I, as she hung on my arm, willing to trust me anywhere, + “come to your little plant-house, and hear my moving story.” + </p> + <p> + “No story can move me much, dear,” she answered rather faintly, for any + excitement stayed with her; “since I know your strength of kindness, + scarcely any tale can move me, unless it be of yourself, love; or of my + poor mother.” + </p> + <p> + “It is of your poor mother, darling. Can you bear to hear it?” And yet I + wondered why she did not say as much of her father. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can bear anything. But although I cannot see her, and have long + forgotten, I could not bear to hear ill of her.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no ill to hear, sweet child, except of evil done to her. Lorna, + you are of an ill-starred race.” + </p> + <p> + “Better that than a wicked race,” she answered with her usual quickness, + leaping at conclusion; “tell me I am not a Doone, and I will—but I + cannot love you more.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not a Doone, my Lorna, for that, at least, I can answer; though I + know not what your name is.” + </p> + <p> + “And my father—your father—what I mean is—” + </p> + <p> + “Your father and mine never met one another. Your father was killed by an + accident in the Pyrenean mountains, and your mother by the Doones; or at + least they caused her death, and carried you away from her.” + </p> + <p> + All this, coming as in one breath upon the sensitive maiden, was more than + she could bear all at once; as any but a fool like me must of course have + known. She lay back on the garden bench, with her black hair shed on the + oaken bark, while her colour went and came and only by that, and her + quivering breath, could any one say that she lived and thought. And yet + she pressed my hand with hers, that I might tell her all of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0162" id="linkimage-0162"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/504.jpg" width="100%" alt="504.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0056" id="linklink2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN BECOMES TOO POPULAR + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0163" id="linkimage-0163"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/505.jpg" alt="505.jpg Lorna " /> + </div> + <p> + No flower that I have ever seen, either in shifting of light and shade, or + in the pearly morning, may vie with a fair young woman's face when tender + thought and quick emotion vary, enrich, and beautify it. Thus my Lorna + hearkened softly, almost without word or gesture, yet with sighs and + glances telling, and the pressure of my hand, how each word was moving + her. + </p> + <p> + When at last my tale was done, she turned away, and wept bitterly for the + sad fate of her parents. But to my surprise she spoke not even a word of + wrath or rancour. She seemed to take it all as fate. + </p> + <p> + “Lorna, darling,” I said at length, for men are more impatient in trials + of time than women are, “do you not even wish to know what your proper + name is?” + </p> + <p> + “How can it matter to me, John?” she answered, with a depth of grief which + made me seem a trifler. “It can never matter now, when there are none to + share it.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor little soul!” was all I said in a tone of purest pity; and to my + surprise she turned upon me, caught me in her arms, and loved me as she + had never done before. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest, I have you,” she cried; “you, and only you, love. Having you I + want no other. All my life is one with yours. Oh, John, how can I treat + you so?” + </p> + <p> + Blushing through the wet of weeping, and the gloom of pondering, yet she + would not hide her eyes, but folded me, and dwelled on me. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot believe,” in the pride of my joy, I whispered into one little + ear, “that you could ever so love me, beauty, as to give up the world for + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you give up your farm for me, John?” cried Lorna, leaping back and + looking, with her wondrous power of light at me; “would you give up your + mother, your sisters, your home, and all that you have in the world and + every hope of your life, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I would. Without two thoughts. You know it; you know it, + Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true that I do,” she answered in a tone of deepest sadness; “and it + is this power of your love which has made me love you so. No good can come + of it, no good. God's face is set against selfishness.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke in that low tone I gazed at the clear lines of her face + (where every curve was perfect) not with love and wonder only, but with a + strange new sense of awe. + </p> + <p> + “Darling,” I said, “come nearer to me. Give me surety against that. For + God's sake never frighten me with the thought that He would part us.” + </p> + <p> + “Does it then so frighten you?” she whispered, coming close to me; “I know + it, dear; I have known it long; but it never frightens me. It makes me + sad, and very lonely, till I can remember.” + </p> + <p> + “'Till you can remember what?” I asked, with a long, deep shudder; for we + are so superstitious. + </p> + <p> + “Until I do remember, love, that you will soon come back to me, and be my + own for ever. This is what I always think of, this is what I hope for.” + </p> + <p> + Although her eyes were so glorious, and beaming with eternity, this + distant sort of beatitude was not much to my liking. I wanted to have my + love on earth; and my dear wife in my own home; and children in good time, + if God should please to send us any. And then I would be to them, exactly + what my father was to me. And beside all this, I doubted much about being + fit for heaven; where no ploughs are, and no cattle, unless sacrificed + bulls went thither. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I said, “Now kiss me, Lorna; and don't talk any nonsense.” And + the darling came and did it; being kindly obedient, as the other world + often makes us. + </p> + <p> + “You sweet love,” I said at this, being slave to her soft obedience; “do + you suppose I should be content to leave you until Elysium?” + </p> + <p> + “How on earth can I tell, dear John, what you will be content with?” + </p> + <p> + “You, and only you,” said I; “the whole of it lies in a syllable. Now you + know my entire want; and want must be my comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely if I have money, sir, and birth, and rank, and all sorts of + grandeur, you would never dare to think of me.” + </p> + <p> + She drew herself up with an air of pride, as she gravely pronounced these + words, and gave me a scornful glance, or tried; and turned away as if to + enter some grand coach or palace; while I was so amazed and grieved in my + raw simplicity especially after the way in which she had first received my + news, so loving and warm-hearted, that I never said a word, but stared and + thought, “How does she mean it?” + </p> + <p> + She saw the pain upon my forehead, and the wonder in my eyes, and leaving + coach and palace too, back she flew to me in a moment, as simple as + simplest milkmaid. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you fearful stupid, John, you inexpressibly stupid, John,” she cried + with both arms round my neck, and her lips upon my forehead; “you have + called yourself thick-headed, John, and I never would believe it. But now + I do with all my heart. Will you never know what I am, love?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Lorna, that I never shall. I can understand my mother well, and one + at least of my sisters, and both the Snowe girls very easily, but you I + never understand; only love you all the more for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then never try to understand me, if the result is that, dear John. And + yet I am the very simplest of all foolish simple creatures. Nay, I am + wrong; therein I yield the palm to you, my dear. To think that I can act + so! No wonder they want me in London, as an ornament for the stage, John.” + </p> + <p> + Now in after days, when I heard of Lorna as the richest, and noblest, and + loveliest lady to be found in London, I often remembered that little + scene, and recalled every word and gesture, wondering what lay under it. + Even now, while it was quite impossible once to doubt those clear deep + eyes, and the bright lips trembling so; nevertheless I felt how much the + world would have to do with it; and that the best and truest people cannot + shake themselves quite free. However, for the moment, I was very proud and + showed it. + </p> + <p> + And herein differs fact from fancy, things as they befall us from things + as we would have them, human ends from human hopes; that the first are + moved by a thousand and the last on two wheels only, which (being named) + are desire and fear. Hope of course is nothing more than desire with a + telescope, magnifying distant matters, overlooking near ones; opening one + eye on the objects, closing the other to all objections. And if hope be + the future tense of desire, the future of fear is religion—at least + with too many of us. + </p> + <p> + Whether I am right or wrong in these small moralities, one thing is sure + enough, to wit, that hope is the fastest traveller, at any rate, in the + time of youth. And so I hoped that Lorna might be proved of blameless + family, and honourable rank and fortune; and yet none the less for that, + love me and belong to me. So I led her into the house, and she fell into + my mother's arms; and I left them to have a good cry of it, with Annie + ready to help them. + </p> + <p> + If Master Stickles should not mend enough to gain his speech a little, and + declare to us all he knew, I was to set out for Watchett, riding upon + horseback, and there to hire a cart with wheels, such as we had not begun, + as yet, to use on Exmoor. For all our work went on broad wood, with + runners and with earthboards; and many of us still looked upon wheels + (though mentioned in the Bible) as the invention of the evil one, and + Pharoah's especial property. + </p> + <p> + Now, instead of getting better, Colonel Stickles grew worse and worse, in + spite of all our tendance of him, with simples and with nourishment, and + no poisonous medicine, such as doctors would have given him. And the fault + of this lay not with us, but purely with himself and his unquiet + constitution. For he roused himself up to a perfect fever, when through + Lizzie's giddiness he learned the very thing which mother and Annie were + hiding from him, with the utmost care; namely, that Sergeant Bloxham had + taken upon himself to send direct to London by the Chancery officers, a + full report of what had happened, and of the illness of his chief, + together with an urgent prayer for a full battalion of King's troops, and + a plenary commander. + </p> + <p> + This Sergeant Bloxham, being senior of the surviving soldiers, and a very + worthy man in his way, but a trifle over-zealous, had succeeded to the + captaincy upon his master's disablement. Then, with desire to serve his + country and show his education, he sat up most part of three nights, and + wrote this very wonderful report by the aid of our stable lanthorn. It was + a very fine piece of work, as three men to whom he read it (but only one + at a time) pronounced, being under seal of secrecy. And all might have + gone well with it, if the author could only have held his tongue, when + near the ears of women. But this was beyond his sense as it seems, + although so good a writer. For having heard that our Lizzie was a famous + judge of literature (as indeed she told almost every one), he could not + contain himself, but must have her opinion upon his work. + </p> + <p> + Lizzie sat on a log of wood, and listened with all her ears up, having + made proviso that no one else should be there to interrupt her. And she + put in a syllable here and there, and many a time she took out one (for + the Sergeant overloaded his gun, more often than undercharged it; like a + liberal man of letters), and then she declared the result so good, so + chaste, and the style to be so elegant, and yet so fervent, that the + Sergeant broke his pipe in three, and fell in love with her on the spot. + Now this has led me out of my way; as things are always doing, partly + through their own perverseness, partly through my kind desire to give fair + turn to all of them, and to all the people who do them. If any one expects + of me a strict and well-drilled story, standing “at attention” all the + time, with hands at the side like two wens on my trunk, and eyes going + neither right nor left; I trow that man has been disappointed many a page + ago, and has left me to my evil ways; and if not, I love his charity. + Therefore let me seek his grace, and get back, and just begin again. + </p> + <p> + That great despatch was sent to London by the Chancery officers, whom we + fitted up with clothes, and for three days fattened them; which in strict + justice they needed much, as well as in point of equity. They were kind + enough to be pleased with us, and accepted my new shirts generously; and + urgent as their business was, another week (as they both declared) could + do no harm to nobody, and might set them upon their legs again. And + knowing, although they were London men, that fish do live in water, these + two fellows went fishing all day, but never landed anything. However, + their holiday was cut short; for the Sergeant, having finished now his + narrative of proceedings, was not the man to let it hang fire, and be + quenched perhaps by Stickles. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, having done their business, and served both citations, these + two good men had a pannier of victuals put up by dear Annie, and borrowing + two of our horses, rode to Dunster, where they left them, and hired on + towards London. We had not time to like them much, and so we did not miss + them, especially in our great anxiety about poor Master Stickles. + </p> + <p> + Jeremy lay between life and death, for at least a fortnight. If the link + of chain had flown upwards (for half a link of chain it was which took him + in the mouth so), even one inch upwards, the poor man could have needed no + one except Parson Bowden; for the bottom of his skull, which holds the + brain as in the egg-cup, must have clean gone from him. But striking him + horizontally, and a little upon the skew, the metal came out at the back + of his neck, and (the powder not being strong, I suppose) it lodged in his + leather collar. + </p> + <p> + Now the rust of this iron hung in the wound, or at least we thought so; + though since I have talked with a man of medicine, I am not so sure of it. + And our chief aim was to purge this rust; when rather we should have + stopped the hole, and let the oxide do its worst, with a plug of new flesh + on both sides of it. + </p> + <p> + At last I prevailed upon him by argument, that he must get better, to save + himself from being ignobly and unjustly superseded; and hereupon I reviled + Sergeant Bloxham more fiercely than Jeremy's self could have done, and + indeed to such a pitch that Jeremy almost forgave him, and became much + milder. And after that his fever and the inflammation of his wound, + diminished very rapidly. + </p> + <p> + However, not knowing what might happen, or even how soon poor Lorna might + be taken from our power, and, falling into lawyers' hands, have cause to + wish herself most heartily back among the robbers, I set forth one day for + Watchett, taking advantage of the visit of some troopers from an outpost, + who would make our house quite safe. I rode alone, being fully primed, and + having no misgivings. For it was said that even the Doones had begun to + fear me, since I cast their culverin through the door, as above related; + and they could not but believe, from my being still untouched (although so + large an object) in the thickest of their fire, both of gun and cannon, + that I must bear a charmed life, proof against ball and bullet. However, I + knew that Carver Doone was not a likely man to hold any superstitious + opinions; and of him I had an instinctive dread, although quite ready to + face him. + </p> + <p> + Riding along, I meditated upon Lorna's history; how many things were now + beginning to unfold themselves, which had been obscure and dark! For + instance, Sir Ensor Doone's consent, or to say the least his indifference, + to her marriage with a yeoman; which in a man so proud (though dying) had + greatly puzzled both of us. But now, if she not only proved to be no + grandchild of the Doone, but even descended from his enemy, it was natural + enough that he should feel no great repugnance to her humiliation. And + that Lorna's father had been a foe to the house of Doone I gathered from + her mother's cry when she beheld their leader. Moreover that fact would + supply their motive in carrying off the unfortunate little creature, and + rearing her among them, and as one of their own family; yet hiding her + true birth from her. She was a “great card,” as we say, when playing + All-fours at Christmas-time; and if one of them could marry her, before + she learned of right and wrong, vast property, enough to buy pardons for a + thousand Doones, would be at their mercy. And since I was come to know + Lorna better, and she to know me thoroughly—many things had been + outspoken, which her early bashfulness had kept covered from me. Attempts + I mean to pledge her love to this one, or that other; some of which + perhaps might have been successful, if there had not been too many. + </p> + <p> + And then, as her beauty grew richer and brighter, Carver Doone was smitten + strongly, and would hear of no one else as a suitor for her; and by the + terror of his claim drove off all the others. Here too may the explanation + of a thing which seemed to be against the laws of human nature, and upon + which I longed, but dared not to cross-question Lorna. How could such a + lovely girl, although so young, and brave, and distant, have escaped the + vile affections of a lawless company? + </p> + <p> + But now it was as clear as need be. For any proven violence would have + utterly vitiated all claim upon her grand estate; at least as those claims + must be urged before a court of equity. And therefore all the elders (with + views upon her real estate) kept strict watch on the youngers, who + confined their views to her personality. + </p> + <p> + Now I do not mean to say that all this, or the hundred other things which + came, crowding consideration, were half as plain to me at the time, as I + have set them down above. Far be it from me to deceive you so. No doubt my + thoughts were then dark and hazy, like an oil-lamp full of fungus; and I + have trimmed them, as when they burned, with scissors sharpened long + afterwards. All I mean to say is this, that jogging along to a certain + tune of the horse's feet, which we call “three-halfpence and twopence,” I + saw my way a little into some things which had puzzled me. + </p> + <p> + When I knocked at the little door, whose sill was gritty and grimed with + sand, no one came for a very long time to answer me, or to let me in. Not + wishing to be unmannerly, I waited a long time, and watched the sea, from + which the wind was blowing; and whose many lips of waves—though the + tide was half-way out—spoke to and refreshed me. After a while I + knocked again, for my horse was becoming hungry; and a good while after + that again, a voice came through the key-hole,— + </p> + <p> + “Who is that wishes to enter?” + </p> + <p> + “The boy who was at the pump,” said I, “when the carriage broke down at + Dulverton. The boy that lives at oh—ah; and some day you would come + seek for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I remember certainly. My leetle boy, with the fair white skin. I + have desired to see him, oh many, yes, many times.” + </p> + <p> + She was opening the door, while saying this, and then she started back in + affright that the little boy should have grown so. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot be that leetle boy. It is quite impossible. Why do you impose + on me?” + </p> + <p> + “Not only am I that little boy, who made the water to flow for you, till + the nebule came upon the glass; but also I am come to tell you all about + your little girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in, you very great leetle boy,” she answered, with her dark eyes + brightened. And I went in, and looked at her. She was altered by time, as + much as I was. The slight and graceful shape was gone; not that I + remembered anything of her figure, if you please; for boys of twelve are + not yet prone to note the shapes of women; but that her lithe straight + gait had struck me as being so unlike our people. Now her time for walking + so was past, and transmitted to her children. Yet her face was comely + still, and full of strong intelligence. I gazed at her, and she at me; and + we were sure of one another. + </p> + <p> + “Now what will ye please to eat?” she asked, with a lively glance at the + size of my mouth: “that is always the first thing you people ask, in these + barbarous places.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you by-and-by,” I answered, misliking this satire upon us; + “but I might begin with a quart of ale, to enable me to speak, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. One quevart of be-or;” she called out to a little maid, who + was her eldest child, no doubt. “It is to be expected, sir. Be-or, be-or, + be-or, all day long, with you Englishmen!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I replied, “not all day long, if madam will excuse me. Only a pint + at breakfast-time, and a pint and a half at eleven o'clock, and a quart or + so at dinner. And then no more till the afternoon; and half a gallon at + supper-time. No one can object to that.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose it is right,” she said, with an air of resignation; “God + knows. But I do not understand it. It is 'good for business,' as you say, + to preclude everything.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is good for us, madam,” I answered with indignation, “for beer is + my favourite beverage; and I am a credit to beer, madam; and so are all + who trust to it.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, you are, young man. If beer has made you grow so large, I + will put my children upon it; it is too late for me to begin. The smell to + me is hateful.” + </p> + <p> + Now I only set down that to show how perverse those foreign people are. + They will drink their wretched heartless stuff, such as they call claret, + or wine of Medoc, or Bordeaux, or what not, with no more meaning than sour + rennet, stirred with the pulp from the cider press, and strained through + the cap of our Betty. This is very well for them; and as good as they + deserve, no doubt, and meant perhaps by the will of God, for those unhappy + natives. But to bring it over to England and set it against our + home-brewed ale (not to speak of wines from Portugal) and sell it at ten + times the price, as a cure for British bile, and a great enlightenment; + this I say is the vilest feature of the age we live in. + </p> + <p> + Madam Benita Odam—for the name of the man who turned the wheel + proved to be John Odam—showed me into a little room containing two + chairs and a fir-wood table, and sat down on a three-legged seat and + studied me very steadfastly. This she had a right to do; and I, having all + my clothes on now, was not disconcerted. It would not become me to repeat + her judgment upon my appearance, which she delivered as calmly as if I + were a pig at market, and as proudly as if her own pig. And she asked me + whether I had ever got rid of the black marks on my breast. + </p> + <p> + Not wanting to talk about myself (though very fond of doing so, when time + and season favour) I led her back to that fearful night of the day when + first I had seen her. She was not desirous to speak of it, because of her + own little children; however, I drew her gradually to recollection of + Lorna, and then of the little boy who died, and the poor mother buried + with him. And her strong hot nature kindled, as she dwelled upon these + things; and my wrath waxed within me; and we forgot reserve and prudence + under the sense of so vile a wrong. She told me (as nearly as might be) + the very same story which she had told to Master Jeremy Stickles; only she + dwelled upon it more, because of my knowing the outset. And being a woman, + with an inkling of my situation, she enlarged upon the little maid, more + than to dry Jeremy. + </p> + <p> + “Would you know her again?” I asked, being stirred by these accounts of + Lorna, when she was five years old: “would you know her as a full-grown + maiden?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I should,” she answered; “it is not possible to say until one + sees the person; but from the eyes of the little girl, I think that I must + know her. Oh, the poor young creature! Is it to be believed that the + cannibals devoured her! What a people you are in this country! Meat, meat, + meat!” + </p> + <p> + As she raised her hands and eyes in horror at our carnivorous + propensities, to which she clearly attributed the disappearance of Lorna, + I could scarce help laughing, even after that sad story. For though it is + said at the present day, and will doubtless be said hereafter, that the + Doones had devoured a baby once, as they came up Porlock hill, after + fighting hard in the market-place, I knew that the tale was utterly false; + for cruel and brutal as they were, their taste was very correct and + choice, and indeed one might say fastidious. Nevertheless I could not stop + to argue that matter with her. + </p> + <p> + “The little maid has not been devoured,” I said to Mistress Odam: “and now + she is a tall young lady, and as beautiful as can be. If I sleep in your + good hostel to-night after going to Watchett town, will you come with me + to Oare to-morrow, and see your little maiden?” + </p> + <p> + “I would like—and yet I fear. This country is so barbarous. And I am + good to eat—my God, there is much picking on my bones!” + </p> + <p> + She surveyed herself with a glance so mingled of pity and admiration, and + the truth of her words was so apparent (only that it would have taken a + week to get at the bones, before picking) that I nearly lost good manners; + for she really seemed to suspect even me of cannibal inclinations. + However, at last I made her promise to come with me on the morrow, + presuming that Master Odam could by any means be persuaded to keep her + company in the cart, as propriety demanded. Having little doubt that + Master Odam was entirely at his wife's command, I looked upon that matter + as settled, and set off for Watchett, to see the grave of Lorna's poor + mother, and to hire a cart for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + And here (as so often happens with men) I succeeded without any trouble or + hindrance, where I had looked for both of them, namely, in finding a + suitable cart; whereas the other matter, in which I could have expected no + difficulty, came very near to defeat me. For when I heard that Lorna's + father was the Earl of Dugal—as Benita impressed upon me with a + strong enforcement, as much as to say, “Who are you, young man, to come + even asking about her?”—then I never thought but that everybody in + Watchett town must know all about the tombstone of the Countess of Dugal. + </p> + <p> + This, however, proved otherwise. For Lord Dugal had never lived at + Watchett Grange, as their place was called; neither had his name become + familiar as its owner. Because the Grange had only devolved to him by + will, at the end of a long entail, when the last of the Fitz-Pains died + out; and though he liked the idea of it, he had gone abroad, without + taking seisin. And upon news of his death, John Jones, a rich gentleman + from Llandaff, had taken possession, as next of right, and hushed up all + the story. And though, even at the worst of times, a lady of high rank and + wealth could not be robbed, and as bad as murdered, and then buried in a + little place, without moving some excitement, yet it had been given out, + on purpose and with diligence, that this was only a foreign lady + travelling for her health and pleasure, along the seacoast of England. And + as the poor thing never spoke, and several of her servants and her baggage + looked so foreign, and she herself died in a collar of lace unlike any + made in England, all Watchett, without hesitation, pronounced her to be a + foreigner. And the English serving man and maid, who might have cleared up + everything, either were bribed by Master Jones, or else decamped of their + own accord with the relics of the baggage. So the poor Countess of Dugal, + almost in sight of her own grand house, was buried in an unknown grave, + with her pair of infants, without a plate, without a tombstone (worse than + all) without a tear, except from the hired Italian woman. + </p> + <p> + Surely my poor Lorna came of an ill-starred family. + </p> + <p> + Now in spite of all this, if I had only taken Benita with me, or even told + her what I wished, and craved her directions, there could have been no + trouble. But I do assure you that among the stupid people at Watchett + (compared with whom our folk of Oare, exceeding dense though being, are as + Hamlet against Dogberry) what with one of them and another, and the firm + conviction of all the town that I could be come only to wrestle, I do + assure you (as I said before) that my wits almost went out of me. And what + vexed me yet more about it was, that I saw my own mistake, in coming + myself to seek out the matter, instead of sending some unknown person. For + my face and form were known at that time (and still are so) to nine people + out of every ten living in forty miles of me. Not through any excellence, + or anything of good desert, in either the one or the other, but simply + because folks will be fools on the rivalry of wrestling. The art is a fine + one in itself, and demands a little wit of brain, as well as strength of + body; it binds the man who studies it to temperance, and chastity, to + self-respect, and most of all to an even and sweet temper; for I have + thrown stronger men than myself (when I was a mere sapling, and before my + strength grew hard on me) through their loss of temper. But though the art + is an honest one, surely they who excel therein have a right (like all the + rest of man-kind) to their own private life. + </p> + <p> + Be that either way—and I will not speak too strongly, for fear of + indulging my own annoyance—anyhow, all Watchett town cared ten times + as much to see John Ridd, as to show him what he wanted. I was led to + every public-house, instead of to the churchyard; and twenty tables were + ready for me, in lieu of a single gravestone. “Zummerzett thou bee'st, Jan + Ridd, and Zummerzett thou shalt be. Thee carl theezell a Davonsheer man! + Whoy, thee lives in Zummerzett; and in Zummerzett thee wast barn, lad.” + And so it went on, till I was weary; though very much obliged to them. + </p> + <p> + Dull and solid as I am, and with a wild duck waiting for me at good + Mistress Odam's, I saw that there was nothing for it but to yield to these + good people, and prove me a man of Somerset, by eating a dinner at their + expense. As for the churchyard, none would hear of it; and I grieved for + broaching the matter. + </p> + <p> + But how was I to meet Lorna again, without having done the thing of all + things which I had promised to see to? It would never do to tell her that + so great was my popularity, and so strong the desire to feed me, that I + could not attend to her mother. Least of all could I say that every one in + Watchett knew John Ridd; while none had heard of the Countess of Dugal. + And yet that was about the truth, as I hinted very delicately to Mistress + Odam that evening. But she (being vexed about her wild duck, and not + having English ideas on the matter of sport, and so on) made a poor + unwitting face at me. Nevertheless Master Odam restored me to my + self-respect; for he stared at me till I went to bed; and he broke his + hose with excitement. For being in the leg-line myself, I wanted to know + what the muscles were of a man who turned a wheel all day. I had never + seen a treadmill (though they have one now at Exeter), and it touched me + much to learn whether it were good exercise. And herein, from what I saw + of Odam, I incline to think that it does great harm; as moving the muscles + too much in a line, and without variety. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0164" id="linkimage-0164"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/517.jpg" width="100%" alt="517.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0057" id="linklink2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII + </h2> + <h3> + LORNA KNOWS HER NURSE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0165" id="linkimage-0165"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/518.jpg" alt="518.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Having obtained from Benita Odam a very close and full description of the + place where her poor mistress lay, and the marks whereby to know it, I + hastened to Watchett the following morning, before the sun was up, or any + people were about. And so, without interruption, I was in the churchyard + at sunrise. + </p> + <p> + In the farthest and darkest nook, overgrown with grass, and overhung by a + weeping-tree a little bank of earth betokened the rounding off of a + hapless life. There was nothing to tell of rank, or wealth, of love, or + even pity; nameless as a peasant lay the last (as supposed) of a mighty + race. Only some unskilful hand, probably Master Odam's under his wife's + teaching, had carved a rude L., and a ruder D., upon a large pebble from + the beach, and set it up as a headstone. + </p> + <p> + I gathered a little grass for Lorna and a sprig of the weeping-tree, and + then returned to the Forest Cat, as Benita's lonely inn was called. For + the way is long from Watchett to Oare; and though you may ride it rapidly, + as the Doones had done on that fatal night, to travel on wheels, with one + horse only, is a matter of time and of prudence. Therefore, we set out + pretty early, three of us and a baby, who could not well be left behind. + The wife of the man who owned the cart had undertaken to mind the + business, and the other babies, upon condition of having the keys of all + the taps left with her. + </p> + <p> + As the manner of journeying over the moor has been described oft enough + already, I will say no more, except that we all arrived before dusk of the + summer's day, safe at Plover's Barrows. Mistress Benita was delighted with + the change from her dull hard life; and she made many excellent + observations, such as seem natural to a foreigner looking at our country. + </p> + <p> + As luck would have it, the first who came to meet us at the gate was + Lorna, with nothing whatever upon her head (the weather being summerly) + but her beautiful hair shed round her; and wearing a sweet white frock + tucked in, and showing her figure perfectly. In her joy she ran straight + up to the cart; and then stopped and gazed at Benita. At one glance her + old nurse knew her: “Oh, the eyes, the eyes!” she cried, and was over the + rail of the cart in a moment, in spite of all her substance. Lorna, on the + other hand, looked at her with some doubt and wonder, as though having + right to know much about her, and yet unable to do so. But when the + foreign woman said something in Roman language, and flung new hay from the + cart upon her, as if in a romp of childhood, the young maid cried, “Oh, + Nita, Nita!” and fell upon her breast, and wept; and after that looked + round at us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0166" id="linkimage-0166"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/519.jpg" width="100%" alt="519.jpg in the Churchyard " /> + </div> + <p> + This being so, there could be no doubt as to the power of proving Lady + Lorna's birth, and rights, both by evidence and token. For though we had + not the necklace now—thanks to Annie's wisdom—we had the ring + of heavy gold, a very ancient relic, with which my maid (in her simple + way) had pledged herself to me. And Benita knew this ring as well as she + knew her own fingers, having heard a long history about it; and the effigy + on it of the wild cat was the bearing of the house of Lorne. + </p> + <p> + For though Lorna's father was a nobleman of high and goodly lineage, her + mother was of yet more ancient and renowned descent, being the last in + line direct from the great and kingly chiefs of Lorne. A wild and + headstrong race they were, and must have everything their own way. Hot + blood was ever among them, even of one household; and their sovereignty + (which more than once had defied the King of Scotland) waned and fell + among themselves, by continual quarrelling. And it was of a piece with + this, that the Doones (who were an offset, by the mother's side, holding + in co-partnership some large property, which had come by the spindle, as + we say) should fall out with the Earl of Lorne, the last but one of that + title. + </p> + <p> + The daughter of this nobleman had married Sir Ensor Doone; but this, + instead of healing matters, led to fiercer conflict. I never could quite + understand all the ins and outs of it; which none but a lawyer may go + through, and keep his head at the end of it. The motives of mankind are + plainer than the motions they produce. Especially when charity (such as + found among us) sits to judge the former, and is never weary of it; while + reason does not care to trace the latter complications, except for fee or + title. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it is enough to say, that knowing Lorna to be direct in heirship + to vast property, and bearing especial spite against the house of which + she was the last, the Doones had brought her up with full intention of + lawful marriage; and had carefully secluded her from the wildest of their + young gallants. Of course, if they had been next in succession, the child + would have gone down the waterfall, to save any further trouble; but there + was an intercepting branch of some honest family; and they being outlaws, + would have a poor chance (though the law loves outlaws) against them. Only + Lorna was of the stock; and Lorna they must marry. And what a triumph + against the old earl, for a cursed Doone to succeed him! + </p> + <p> + As for their outlawry, great robberies, and grand murders, the veriest + child, nowadays, must know that money heals the whole of that. Even if + they had murdered people of a good position, it would only cost about + twice as much to prove their motives loyal. But they had never slain any + man above the rank of yeoman; and folk even said that my father was the + highest of their victims; for the death of Lorna's mother and brother was + never set to their account. + </p> + <p> + Pure pleasure it is to any man, to reflect upon all these things. How + truly we discern clear justice, and how well we deal it. If any poor man + steals a sheep, having ten children starving, and regarding it as mountain + game (as a rich man does a hare), to the gallows with him. If a man of + rank beats down a door, smites the owner upon the head, and honours the + wife with attention, it is a thing to be grateful for, and to slouch + smitten head the lower. + </p> + <p> + While we were full of all these things, and wondering what would happen + next, or what we ought ourselves to do, another very important matter + called for our attention. This was no less than Annie's marriage to the + Squire Faggus. We had tried to put it off again; for in spite of all + advantages, neither my mother nor myself had any real heart for it. Not + that we dwelled upon Tom's short-comings or rather perhaps his going too + far, at the time when he worked the road so. All that was covered by the + King's pardon, and universal respect of the neighbourhood. But our scruple + was this—and the more we talked the more it grew upon us—that + we both had great misgivings as to his future steadiness. + </p> + <p> + For it would be a thousand pities, we said, for a fine, well-grown, and + pretty maiden (such as our Annie was), useful too, in so many ways, and + lively, and warm-hearted, and mistress of 500 pounds, to throw herself + away on a man with a kind of a turn for drinking. If that last were even + hinted, Annie would be most indignant, and ask, with cheeks as red as + roses, who had ever seen Master Faggus any the worse for liquor indeed? + Her own opinion was, in truth, that he took a great deal too little, after + all his hard work, and hard riding, and coming over the hills to be + insulted! And if ever it lay in her power, and with no one to grudge him + his trumpery glass, she would see that poor Tom had the nourishment which + his cough and his lungs required. + </p> + <p> + His lungs being quite as sound as mine, this matter was out of all + argument; so mother and I looked at one another, as much as to say, “let + her go upstairs, she will cry and come down more reasonable.” And while + she was gone, we used to say the same thing over and over again; but + without perceiving a cure for it. And we almost always finished up with + the following reflection, which sometimes came from mother's lips, and + sometimes from my own: “Well, well, there is no telling. None can say how + a man may alter; when he takes to matrimony. But if we could only make + Annie promise to be a little firm with him!” + </p> + <p> + I fear that all this talk on our part only hurried matters forward, Annie + being more determined every time we pitied her. And at last Tom Faggus + came, and spoke as if he were on the King's road, with a pistol at my + head, and one at mother's. “No more fast and loose,” he cried. “either one + thing or the other. I love the maid, and she loves me; and we will have + one another, either with your leave, or without it. How many more times am + I to dance over these vile hills, and leave my business, and get nothing + more than a sigh or a kiss, and 'Tom, I must wait for mother'? You are + famous for being straightforward, you Ridds. Just treat me as I would + treat you now.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at my mother; for a glance from her would have sent Tom out of + the window; but she checked me with her hand, and said, “You have some + ground of complaint, sir; I will not deny it. Now I will be as + straight-forward with you, as even a Ridd is supposed to be. My son and + myself have all along disliked your marriage with Annie. Not for what you + have been so much, as for what we fear you will be. Have patience, one + moment, if you please. We do not fear your taking to the highway life + again; for that you are too clever, no doubt, now that you have property. + But we fear that you will take to drinking, and to squandering money. + There are many examples of this around us; and we know what the fate of + the wife is. It has been hard to tell you this, under our own roof, and + with our own—” Here mother hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Spirits, and cider, and beer,” I broke in; “out with it, like a Ridd, + mother; as he will have all of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Spirits, and cider, and beer,” said mother very firmly after me; and then + she gave way and said, “You know, Tom, you are welcome to every drop and + more of it.” + </p> + <p> + Now Tom must have had a far sweeter temper than ever I could claim; for I + should have thrust my glass away, and never have taken another drop in the + house where such a check had met me. But instead of that, Master Faggus + replied, with a pleasant smile,— + </p> + <p> + “I know that I am welcome, good mother; and to prove it, I will have some + more.” + </p> + <p> + And thereupon be mixed himself another glass of hollands with lemon and + hot water, yet pouring it very delicately. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I have been so miserable—take a little more, Tom,” said mother, + handing the bottle. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, take a little more,” I said; “you have mixed it over weak, Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “If ever there was a sober man,” cried Tom, complying with our request; + “if ever there was in Christendom a man of perfect sobriety, that man is + now before you. Shall we say to-morrow week, mother? It will suit your + washing day.” + </p> + <p> + “How very thoughtful you are, Tom! Now John would never have thought of + that, in spite of all his steadiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” I answered proudly; “when my time comes for Lorna, I + shall not study Betty Muxworthy.” + </p> + <p> + In this way the Squire got over us; and Farmer Nicholas Snowe was sent + for, to counsel with mother about the matter and to set his two daughters + sewing. + </p> + <p> + When the time for the wedding came, there was such a stir and commotion as + had never been known in the parish of Oare since my father's marriage. For + Annie's beauty and kindliness had made her the pride of the neighbourhood; + and the presents sent her, from all around, were enough to stock a shop + with. Master Stickles, who now could walk, and who certainly owed his + recovery, with the blessing of God, to Annie, presented her with a mighty + Bible, silver-clasped, and very handsome, beating the parson's out and + out, and for which he had sent to Taunton. Even the common troopers, + having tasted her cookery many times (to help out their poor rations), + clubbed together, and must have given at least a week's pay apiece, to + have turned out what they did for her. This was no less than a silver pot, + well-designed, but suited surely rather to the bridegroom's taste than + bride's. In a word, everybody gave her things. + </p> + <p> + And now my Lorna came to me, with a spring of tears in appealing eyes—for + she was still somewhat childish, or rather, I should say, more childish + now than when she lived in misery—and she placed her little hand in + mine, and she was half afraid to speak, and dropped her eyes for me to + ask. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, little darling?” I asked, as I saw her breath come fast; for + the smallest emotion moved her form. + </p> + <p> + “You don't think, John, you don't think, dear, that you could lend me any + money?” + </p> + <p> + “All I have got,” I answered; “how much do you want, dear heart?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been calculating; and I fear that I cannot do any good with less + than ten pounds, John.” + </p> + <p> + Here she looked up at me, with horror at the grandeur of the sum, and not + knowing what I could think of it. But I kept my eyes from her. “Ten + pounds!” I said in my deepest voice, on purpose to have it out in comfort, + when she should be frightened; “what can you want with ten pounds, child?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0167" id="linkimage-0167"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/525.jpg" width="100%" alt="525.jpg Kept My Eyes from Her " /> + </div> + <p> + “That is my concern,” said Lorna, plucking up her spirit at this: “when a + lady asks for a loan, no gentleman pries into the cause of her asking it.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be as may be,” I answered in a judicial manner; “ten pounds, or + twenty, you shall have. But I must know the purport.” + </p> + <p> + “Then that you never shall know, John. I am very sorry for asking you. It + is not of the smallest consequence. Oh, dear, no.” Herewith she was + running away. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear, yes,” I replied; “it is of very great consequence; and I + understand the whole of it. You want to give that stupid Annie, who has + lost you a hundred thousand pounds, and who is going to be married before + us, dear—God only can tell why, being my younger sister—you + want to give her a wedding present. And you shall do it, darling; because + it is so good of you. Don't you know your title, love? How humble you are + with us humble folk. You are Lady Lorna something, so far as I can make + out yet: and you ought not even to speak to us. You will go away and + disdain us.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please, talk not like that, John. I will have nothing to do with + it, if it comes between you and me, John.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot help yourself,” said I. And then she vowed that she could and + would. And rank and birth were banished from between our lips in no time. + </p> + <p> + “What can I get her good enough? I am sure I do not know,” she asked: “she + has been so kind and good to me, and she is such a darling. How I shall + miss her, to be sure! By the bye, you seem to think, John, that I shall be + rich some day.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you will. As rich as the French King who keeps ours. Would the + Lord Chancellor trouble himself about you, if you were poor?” + </p> + <p> + “Then if I am rich, perhaps you would lend me twenty pounds, dear John. + Ten pounds would be very mean for a wealthy person to give her.” + </p> + <p> + To this I agreed, upon condition that I should make the purchase myself, + whatever it might be. For nothing could be easier than to cheat Lorna + about the cost, until time should come for her paying me. And this was + better than to cheat her for the benefit of our family. For this end, and + for many others, I set off to Dulverton, bearing more commissions, more + messages, and more questions than a man of thrice my memory might carry so + far as the corner where the sawpit is. And to make things worse, one girl + or other would keep on running up to me, or even after me (when started) + with something or other she had just thought of, which she could not + possibly do without, and which I must be sure to remember, as the most + important of the whole. + </p> + <p> + To my dear mother, who had partly outlived the exceeding value of trifles, + the most important matter seemed to ensure Uncle Reuben's countenance and + presence at the marriage. And if I succeeded in this, I might well forget + all the maidens' trumpery. This she would have been wiser to tell me when + they were out of hearing; for I left her to fight her own battle with + them; and laughing at her predicament, promised to do the best I could for + all, so far as my wits would go. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben was not at home, but Ruth, who received me very kindly, + although without any expressions of joy, was sure of his return in the + afternoon, and persuaded me to wait for him. And by the time that I had + finished all I could recollect of my orders, even with paper to help me, + the old gentleman rode into the yard, and was more surprised than pleased + to see me. But if he was surprised, I was more than that—I was + utterly astonished at the change in his appearance since the last time I + had seen him. From a hale, and rather heavy man, gray-haired, but plump, + and ruddy, he was altered to a shrunken, wizened, trembling, and almost + decrepit figure. Instead of curly and comely locks, grizzled indeed, but + plentiful, he had only a few lank white hairs scattered and flattened upon + his forehead. But the greatest change of all was in the expression of his + eyes, which had been so keen, and restless, and bright, and a little + sarcastic. Bright indeed they still were, but with a slow unhealthy + lustre; their keenness was turned to perpetual outlook, their restlessness + to a haggard want. As for the humour which once gleamed there (which + people who fear it call sarcasm) it had been succeeded by stares of + terror, and then mistrust, and shrinking. There was none of the interest + in mankind, which is needful even for satire. + </p> + <p> + “Now what can this be?” thought I to myself, “has the old man lost all his + property, or taken too much to strong waters?” + </p> + <p> + “Come inside, John Ridd,” he said; “I will have a talk with you. It is + cold out here; and it is too light. Come inside, John Ridd, boy.” + </p> + <p> + I followed him into a little dark room, quite different from Ruth + Huckaback's. It was closed from the shop by an old division of boarding, + hung with tanned canvas; and the smell was very close and faint. Here + there was a ledger desk, and a couple of chairs, and a long-legged stool. + </p> + <p> + “Take the stool,” said Uncle Reuben, showing me in very quietly, “it is + fitter for your height, John. Wait a moment; there is no hurry.” + </p> + <p> + Then he slipped out by another door, and closing it quickly after him, + told the foreman and waiting-men that the business of the day was done. + They had better all go home at once; and he would see to the fastenings. + Of course they were only too glad to go; but I wondered at his sending + them, with at least two hours of daylight left. + </p> + <p> + However, that was no business of mine, and I waited, and pondered whether + fair Ruth ever came into this dirty room, and if so, how she kept her + hands from it. For Annie would have had it upside down in about two + minutes, and scrubbed, and brushed, and dusted, until it looked quite + another place; and yet all this done without scolding and crossness; which + are the curse of clean women, and ten times worse than the dustiest dust. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Ben came reeling in, not from any power of liquor, but because he + was stiff from horseback, and weak from work and worry. + </p> + <p> + “Let me be, John, let me be,” he said, as I went to help him; “this is an + unkind dreary place; but many a hundred of good gold Carolus has been + turned in this place, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt about it, sir,” I answered in my loud and cheerful manner; + “and many another hundred, sir; and may you long enjoy them!” + </p> + <p> + “My boy, do you wish me to die?” he asked, coming up close to my stool, + and regarding me with a shrewd though blear-eyed gaze; “many do. Do you, + John?” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said I, “don't ask such nonsense. You know better than that, Uncle + Ben. Or else, I am sorry for you. I want you to live as long as possible, + for the sake of—” Here I stopped. + </p> + <p> + “For the sake of what, John? I knew it is not for my own sake. For the + sake of what, my boy?” + </p> + <p> + “For the sake of Ruth,” I answered; “if you must have all the truth. Who + is to mind her when you are gone?” + </p> + <p> + “But if you knew that I had gold, or a manner of getting gold, far more + than ever the sailors got out of the Spanish galleons, far more than ever + was heard of; and the secret was to be yours, John; yours after me and no + other soul's—then you would wish me dead, John.” Here he eyed me as + if a speck of dust in my eyes should not escape him. + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, Uncle Ben; altogether wrong. For all the gold ever heard + or dreamed of, not a wish would cross my heart to rob you of one day of + life.” + </p> + <p> + At last he moved his eyes from mine; but without any word, or sign, to + show whether he believed, or disbelieved. Then he went to a chair, and sat + with his chin upon the ledger-desk; as if the effort of probing me had + been too much for his weary brain. “Dreamed of! All the gold ever dreamed + of! As if it were but a dream!” he muttered; and then he closed his eyes + to think. + </p> + <p> + “Good Uncle Reuben,” I said to him, “you have been a long way to-day, sir. + Let me go and get you a glass of good wine. Cousin Ruth knows where to + find it.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know how far I have been?” he asked, with a vicious look at + me. “And Cousin Ruth! You are very pat with my granddaughter's name, young + man!” + </p> + <p> + “It would be hard upon me, sir, not to know my own cousin's name.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. Let that go by. You have behaved very badly to Ruth. She loves + you; and you love her not.” + </p> + <p> + At this I was so wholly amazed—not at the thing itself, I mean, but + at his knowledge of it—that I could not say a single word; but + looked, no doubt, very foolish. + </p> + <p> + “You may well be ashamed, young man,” he cried, with some triumph over me, + “you are the biggest of all fools, as well as a conceited coxcomb. What + can you want more than Ruth? She is a little damsel, truly; but finer men + than you, John Ridd, with all your boasted strength and wrestling, have + wedded smaller maidens. And as for quality, and value—bots! one inch + of Ruth is worth all your seven feet put together.” + </p> + <p> + Now I am not seven feet high; nor ever was six feet eight inches, in my + very prime of life; and nothing vexes me so much as to make me out a + giant, and above human sympathy, and human scale of weakness. It cost me + hard to hold my tongue; which luckily is not in proportion to my stature. + And only for Ruth's sake I held it. But Uncle Ben (being old and worn) was + vexed by not having any answer, almost as much as a woman is. + </p> + <p> + “You want me to go on,” he continued, with a look of spite at me, “about + my poor Ruth's love for you, to feed your cursed vanity. Because a set of + asses call you the finest man in England; there is no maid (I suppose) who + is not in love with you. I believe you are as deep as you are long, John + Ridd. Shall I ever get to the bottom of your character?” + </p> + <p> + This was a little too much for me. Any insult I could take (with goodwill) + from a white-haired man, and one who was my relative; unless it touched my + love for Lorna, or my conscious modesty. Now both of these were touched to + the quick by the sentences of the old gentleman. Therefore, without a + word, I went; only making a bow to him. + </p> + <p> + But women who are (beyond all doubt) the mothers of all mischief, also + nurse that babe to sleep, when he is too noisy. And there was Ruth, as I + took my horse (with a trunk of frippery on him), poor little Ruth was at + the bridle, and rusting all the knops of our town-going harness with + tears. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0168" id="linkimage-0168"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/531.jpg" width="100%" + alt="531.jpg Little Ruth Was at the Bridle " /> + </div> + <p> + “Good-bye dear,” I said, as she bent her head away from me; “shall I put + you up on the saddle, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Cousin Ridd, you may take it lightly,” said Ruth, turning full upon me, + “and very likely you are right, according to your nature”—this was + the only cutting thing the little soul ever said to me—“but oh, + Cousin Ridd, you have no idea of the pain you will leave behind you.” + </p> + <p> + “How can that be so, Ruth, when I am as good as ordered to be off the + premises?” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, Cousin Ridd, grandfather will be angry with himself, + for having so ill-used you. And now he is so weak and poorly, that he is + always repenting. In the next place I shall scold him first, until he + admits his sorrow; and when he has admitted it, I shall scold myself for + scolding him. And then he will come round again, and think that I was hard + on him; and end perhaps by hating you—for he is like a woman now, + John.” + </p> + <p> + That last little touch of self-knowledge in Ruth, which she delivered with + a gleam of some secret pleasantry, made me stop and look closely at her: + but she pretended not to know it. “There is something in this child,” I + thought, “very different from other girls. What it is I cannot tell; for + one very seldom gets at it.” + </p> + <p> + At any rate the upshot was that the good horse went back to stable, and + had another feed of corn, while my wrath sank within me. There are two + things, according to my experience (which may not hold with another man) + fitted beyond any others to take hot tempers out of us. The first is to + see our favourite creatures feeding, and licking up their food, and + happily snuffling over it, yet sparing time to be grateful, and showing + taste and perception; the other is to go gardening boldly, in the spring + of the year, without any misgiving about it, and hoping the utmost of + everything. If there be a third anodyne, approaching these two in power, + it is to smoke good tobacco well, and watch the setting of the moon; and + if this should only be over the sea, the result is irresistible. + </p> + <p> + Master Huckaback showed no especial signs of joy at my return; but + received me with a little grunt, which appeared to me to mean, “Ah, I + thought he would hardly be fool enough to go.” I told him how sorry I was + for having in some way offended him; and he answered that I did well to + grieve for one at least of my offences. To this I made no reply, as + behoves a man dealing with cross and fractious people; and presently he + became better-tempered, and sent little Ruth for a bottle of wine. She + gave me a beautiful smile of thanks for my forbearance as she passed; and + I knew by her manner that she would bring the best bottle in all the + cellar. + </p> + <p> + As I had but little time to spare (although the days were long and light) + we were forced to take our wine with promptitude and rapidity; and whether + this loosened my uncle's tongue, or whether he meant beforehand to speak, + is now almost uncertain. But true it is that he brought his chair very + near to mine, after three or four glasses, and sent Ruth away upon some + errand which seemed of small importance. At this I was vexed, for the room + always looked so different without her. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Jack,” he said, “here's your health, young fellow, and a good and + obedient wife to you. Not that your wife will ever obey you though; you + are much too easy-tempered. Even a bitter and stormy woman might live in + peace with you, Jack. But never you give her the chance to try. Marry some + sweet little thing, if you can. If not, don't marry any. Ah, we have the + maid to suit you, my lad, in this old town of Dulverton.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you so, sir? But perhaps the maid might have no desire to suit me.” + </p> + <p> + “That you may take my word she has. The colour of this wine will prove it. + The little sly hussy has been to the cobwebbed arch of the cellar, where + she has no right to go, for any one under a magistrate. However, I am glad + to see it, and we will not spare it, John. After my time, somebody, + whoever marries little Ruth, will find some rare wines there, I trow, and + perhaps not know the difference.” + </p> + <p> + Thinking of this the old man sighed, and expected me to sigh after him. + But a sigh is not (like a yawn) infectious; and we are all more prone to + be sent to sleep than to sorrow by one another. Not but what a sigh + sometimes may make us think of sighing. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” cried I, in my sprightliest manner, which rouses up most + people, “here's to your health and dear little Ruth's: and may you live to + knock off the cobwebs from every bottle in under the arch. Uncle Reuben, + your life and health, sir?” + </p> + <p> + With that I took my glass thoughtfully, for it was wondrous good; and + Uncle Ben was pleased to see me dwelling pleasantly on the subject with + parenthesis, and self-commune, and oral judgment unpronounced, though + smacking of fine decision. “<i>Curia vult advisari</i>,” as the lawyers + say; which means, “Let us have another glass, and then we can think about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Come now, John,” said Uncle Ben, laying his wrinkled hand on my knee, + when he saw that none could heed us, “I know that you have a sneaking + fondness for my grandchild Ruth. Don't interrupt me now; you have; and to + deny it will only provoke me.” + </p> + <p> + “I do like Ruth, sir,” I said boldly, for fear of misunderstanding; “but I + do not love her.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; that makes no difference. Liking may very soon be loving (as + some people call it) when the maid has money to help her.” + </p> + <p> + “But if there be, as there is in my case—” + </p> + <p> + “Once for all, John, not a word. I do not attempt to lead you into any + engagement with little Ruth; neither will I blame you (though I may be + disappointed) if no such engagement should ever be. But whether you will + have my grandchild, or whether you will not—and such a chance is + rarely offered to a fellow of your standing”—Uncle Ben despised all + farmers—“in any case I have at least resolved to let you know my + secret; and for two good reasons. The first is that it wears me out to + dwell upon it, all alone, and the second is that I can trust you to fulfil + a promise. Moreover, you are my next of kin, except among the womankind; + and you are just the man I want, to help me in my enterprise.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0169" id="linkimage-0169"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figright" style="width:28%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/534.jpg" + alt="534.jpg Master Huckaback Cast Back his Coat " /> + </div> + <p> + “And I will help you, sir,” I answered, fearing some conspiracy, “in + anything that is true, and loyal, and according to the laws of the realm.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” cried the old man, laughing until his eyes ran over, and + spreading out his skinny hands upon his shining breeches, “thou hast gone + the same fools' track as the rest; even as spy Stickles went, and all his + precious troopers. Landing of arms at Glenthorne, and Lynmouth, wagons + escorted across the moor, sounds of metal and booming noises! Ah, but we + managed it cleverly, to cheat even those so near to us. Disaffection at + Taunton, signs of insurrection at Dulverton, revolutionary tanner at + Dunster! We set it all abroad, right well. And not even you to suspect our + work; though we thought at one time that you watched us. Now who, do you + suppose, is at the bottom of all this Exmoor insurgency, all this western + rebellion—not that I say there is none, mind—but who is at the + bottom of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Either Mother Melldrum,” said I, being now a little angry, “or else old + Nick himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, old Uncle Reuben!” Saying this, Master Huckaback cast back his coat, + and stood up, and made the most of himself. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” cried I, being now quite come to the limits of my intellect, + “then, after all, Captain Stickles was right in calling you a rebel, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he was; could so keen a man be wrong about an old fool like me? + But come, and see our rebellion, John. I will trust you now with + everything. I will take no oath from you; only your word to keep silence; + and most of all from your mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I will give you my word,” I said, although liking not such pledges; which + make a man think before he speaks in ordinary company, against his usual + practices. However, I was now so curious, that I thought of nothing else; + and scarcely could believe at all that Uncle Ben was quite right in his + head. + </p> + <p> + “Take another glass of wine, my son,” he cried with a cheerful + countenance, which made him look more than ten years younger; “you shall + come into partnership with me: your strength will save us two horses, and + we always fear the horse work. Come and see our rebellion, my boy; you are + a made man from to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “But where am I to come and see it? Where am I to find it, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Meet me,” he answered, yet closing his hands, and wrinkling with doubt + his forehead, “come alone, of course; and meet me at the Wizard's Slough, + at ten to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0058" id="linklink2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVIII + </h2> + <h3> + MASTER HUCKABACK'S SECRET + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0170" id="linkimage-0170"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/535.jpg" alt="535.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Knowing Master Huckaback to be a man of his word, as well as one who would + have others so, I was careful to be in good time the next morning, by the + side of the Wizard's Slough. I am free to admit that the name of the place + bore a feeling of uneasiness, and a love of distance, in some measure to + my heart. But I did my best not to think of this; only I thought it a wise + precaution, and due for the sake of my mother and Lorna, to load my gun + with a dozen slugs made from the lead of the old church-porch, laid by, + long since, against witchcraft. + </p> + <p> + I am well aware that some people now begin to doubt about witchcraft; or + at any rate feign to do so; being desirous to disbelieve whatever they are + afraid of. This spirit is growing too common among us, and will end + (unless we put a stop to it!) in the destruction of all religion. And as + regards witchcraft, a man is bound either to believe in it, or to + disbelieve the Bible. For even in the New Testament, discarding many + things of the Old, such as sacrifices, and Sabbath, and fasting, and other + miseries, witchcraft is clearly spoken of as a thing that must continue; + that the Evil One be not utterly robbed of his vested interests. Hence let + no one tell me that witchcraft is done away with; for I will meet him with + St. Paul, than whom no better man, and few less superstitious, can be + found in all the Bible. + </p> + <p> + Feeling these things more in those days than I feel them now, I fetched a + goodish compass round, by the way of the cloven rocks, rather than cross + Black Barrow Down, in a reckless and unholy manner. There were several + spots, upon that Down, cursed and smitten, and blasted, as if thunderbolts + had fallen there, and Satan sat to keep them warm. At any rate it was good + (as every one acknowledged) not to wander there too much; even with a + doctor of divinity on one arm and of medicine upon the other. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, I, being all alone, and on foot (as seemed the wisest), + preferred a course of roundabout; and starting about eight o'clock, + without mentioning my business, arrived at the mouth of the deep descent, + such as John Fry described it. Now this (though I have not spoken of it) + was not my first time of being there. For, although I could not bring + myself to spy upon Uncle Reuben, as John Fry had done, yet I thought it no + ill manners, after he had left our house, to have a look at the famous + place, where the malefactor came to life, at least in John's opinion. At + that time, however, I saw nothing except the great ugly black morass, with + the grisly reeds around it; and I did not care to go very near it, much + less to pry on the further side. + </p> + <p> + Now, on the other hand, I was bent to get at the very bottom of this + mystery (if there were any), having less fear of witch or wizard, with a + man of Uncle Reuben's wealth to take my part, and see me through. So I + rattled the ramrod down my gun, just to know if the charge were right, + after so much walking; and finding it full six inches deep, as I like to + have it, went boldly down the steep gorge of rock, with a firm resolve to + shoot any witch unless it were good Mother Melldrum. Nevertheless to my + surprise, all was quiet, and fair to look at, in the decline of the narrow + way, with great stalked ferns coming forth like trees, yet hanging like + cobwebs over one. And along one side, a little spring was getting rid of + its waters. Any man might stop and think; or he might go on and think; and + in either case, there was none to say that he was making a fool of + himself. + </p> + <p> + When I came to the foot of this ravine, and over against the great black + slough, there was no sign of Master Huckaback, nor of any other living + man, except myself, in the silence. Therefore, I sat in a niche of rock, + gazing at the slough, and pondering the old tradition about it. + </p> + <p> + They say that, in the ancient times, a mighty necromancer lived in the + wilderness of Exmoor. Here, by spell and incantation, he built himself a + strong high palace, eight-sided like a spider's web, and standing on a + central steep; so that neither man nor beast could cross the moors without + his knowledge. If he wished to rob and slay a traveller, or to have wild + ox, or stag for food, he had nothing more to do than sit at one of his + eight windows, and point his unholy book at him. Any moving creature, at + which that book was pointed, must obey the call, and come from whatever + distance, if sighted once by the wizard. + </p> + <p> + This was a bad condition of things, and all the country groaned under it; + and Exmoor (although the most honest place that a man could wish to live + in) was beginning to get a bad reputation, and all through that vile + wizard. No man durst even go to steal a sheep, or a pony, or so much as a + deer for dinner, lest he should be brought to book by a far bigger rogue + than he was. And this went on for many years; though they prayed to God to + abate it. But at last, when the wizard was getting fat and haughty upon + his high stomach, a mighty deliverance came to Exmoor, and a warning, and + a memory. For one day the sorcerer gazed from his window facing the + southeast of the compass, and he yawned, having killed so many men that + now he was weary of it. + </p> + <p> + “Ifackins,” he cried, or some such oath, both profane and uncomely, “I see + a man on the verge of the sky-line, going along laboriously. A pilgrim, I + trow, or some such fool, with the nails of his boots inside them. Too thin + to be worth eating; but I will have him for the fun of the thing; and most + of those saints have got money.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he stretched forth his legs on a stool, and pointed the + book of heathenish spells back upwards at the pilgrim. Now this good + pilgrim was plodding along, soberly and religiously, with a pound of + flints in either boot, and not an ounce of meat inside him. He felt the + spell of the wicked book, but only as a horse might feel a “gee-wug!” + addressed to him. It was in the power of this good man, either to go on, + or turn aside, and see out the wizard's meaning. And for a moment he + halted and stood, like one in two minds about a thing. Then the wizard + clapped one cover to, in a jocular and insulting manner; and the sound of + it came to the pilgrim's ear, about five miles in the distance, like a + great gun fired at him. + </p> + <p> + “By our Lady,” he cried, “I must see to this; although my poor feet have + no skin below them. I will teach this heathen miscreant how to scoff at + Glastonbury.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he turned his course, and ploughed along through the moors and + bogs, towards the eight-sided palace. The wizard sat on his chair of + comfort, and with the rankest contempt observed the holy man ploughing + towards him. “He has something good in his wallet, I trow,” said the black + thief to himself; “these fellows get always the pick of the wine, and the + best of a woman's money.” Then he cried, “Come in, come in, good sir,” as + he always did to every one. + </p> + <p> + “Bad sir, I will not come in,” said the pilgrim; “neither shall you come + out again. Here are the bones of all you have slain; and here shall your + own bones be.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurry me not,” cried the sorcerer; “that is a thing to think about. How + many miles hast thou travelled this day?” + </p> + <p> + But the pilgrim was too wide awake, for if he had spoken of any number, + bearing no cross upon it, the necromancer would have had him, like a ball + at bando-play. Therefore he answered, as truly as need be, “By the grace + of our Lady, nine.” + </p> + <p> + Now nine is the crossest of all cross numbers, and full to the lip of all + crochets. So the wizard staggered back, and thought, and inquired again + with bravery, “Where can you find a man and wife, one going up-hill and + one going down, and not a word spoken between them?” + </p> + <p> + “In a cucumber plant,” said the modest saint; blushing even to think of + it; and the wizard knew he was done for. + </p> + <p> + “You have tried me with ungodly questions,” continued the honest pilgrim, + with one hand still over his eyes, as he thought of the feminine cucumber; + “and now I will ask you a pure one. To whom of mankind have you ever done + good, since God saw fit to make you?” + </p> + <p> + The wizard thought, but could quote no one; and he looked at the saint, + and the saint at him, and both their hearts were trembling. “Can you + mention only one?” asked the saint, pointing a piece of the true cross at + him, hoping he might cling to it; “even a little child will do; try to + think of some one.” + </p> + <p> + The earth was rocking beneath their feet, and the palace windows darkened + on them, with a tint of blood, for now the saint was come inside, hoping + to save the wizard. + </p> + <p> + “If I must tell the pure truth,” said the wizard, looking up at the arches + of his windows, “I can tell of only one to whom I ever have done good.” + </p> + <p> + “One will do; one is quite enough; be quick before the ground opens. The + name of one—and this cross will save you. Lay your thumb on the end + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, that I cannot do, great saint. The devil have mercy upon me.” + </p> + <p> + All this while the palace was sinking, and blackness coming over them. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast all but done for thyself,” said the saint, with a glory burning + round his head; “by that last invocation. Yet give us the name of the one, + my friend, if one there be; it will save thee, with the cross upon thy + breast. All is crashing round us; dear brother, who is that one?” + </p> + <p> + “My own self,” cried the wretched wizard. + </p> + <p> + “Then there is no help for thee.” And with that the honest saint went + upward, and the wizard, and all his palace, and even the crag that bore + it, sank to the bowels of the earth; and over them was nothing left except + a black bog fringed with reed, of the tint of the wizard's whiskers. The + saint, however, was all right, after sleeping off the excitement; and he + founded a chapel, some three miles westward; and there he lies with his + holy relic and thither in after ages came (as we all come home at last) + both my Lorna's Aunt Sabina, and her guardian Ensor Doone. + </p> + <p> + While yet I dwelled upon this strange story, wondering if it all were + true, and why such things do not happen now, a man on horseback appeared + as suddenly as if he had risen out of the earth, on the other side of the + great black slough. At first I was a little scared, my mind being in the + tune for wonders; but presently the white hair, whiter from the blackness + of the bog between us, showed me that it was Uncle Reuben come to look for + me, that way. Then I left my chair of rock, and waved my hat and shouted + to him, and the sound of my voice among the crags and lonely corners + frightened me. + </p> + <p> + Old Master Huckaback made no answer, but (so far as I could guess) + beckoned me to come to him. There was just room between the fringe of reed + and the belt of rock around it, for a man going very carefully to escape + that horrible pit-hole. And so I went round to the other side, and there + found open space enough, with stunted bushes, and starveling trees, and + straggling tufts of rushes. + </p> + <p> + “You fool, you are frightened,” said Uncle Ben, as he looked at my face + after shaking hands: “I want a young man of steadfast courage, as well as + of strength and silence. And after what I heard of the battle at Glen + Doone, I thought I might trust you for courage.” + </p> + <p> + “So you may,” said I, “wherever I see mine enemy; but not where witch and + wizard be.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush, great fool!” cried Master Huckaback; “the only witch or wizard here + is the one that bewitcheth all men. Now fasten up my horse, John Ridd, and + not too near the slough, lad. Ah, we have chosen our entrance wisely. Two + good horsemen, and their horses, coming hither to spy us out, are gone + mining on their own account (and their last account it is) down this good + wizard's bog-hole.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, Uncle Reuben clutched the mane of his horse and came + down, as a man does when his legs are old; and as I myself begin to do, at + this time of writing. I offered a hand, but he was vexed, and would have + nought to do with it. + </p> + <p> + “Now follow me, step for step,” he said, when I had tethered his horse to + a tree; “the ground is not death (like the wizard's hole), but many parts + are treacherous, I know it well by this time.” + </p> + <p> + Without any more ado, he led me in and out the marshy places, to a great + round hole or shaft, bratticed up with timber. I never had seen the like + before, and wondered how they could want a well, with so much water on + every side. Around the mouth were a few little heaps of stuff unused to + the daylight; and I thought at once of the tales I had heard concerning + mines in Cornwall, and the silver cup at Combe-Martin, sent to the Queen + Elizabeth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0171" id="linkimage-0171"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/541.jpg" width="100%" + alt="541.jpg Never Had Seen the Like Before " /> + </div> + <p> + “We had a tree across it, John,” said Uncle Reuben, smiling grimly at my + sudden shrink from it: “but some rogue came spying here, just as one of + our men went up. He was frightened half out of his life, I believe, and + never ventured to come again. But we put the blame of that upon you. And I + see that we were wrong, John.” Here he looked at me with keen eyes, though + weak. + </p> + <p> + “You were altogether wrong,” I answered. “Am I mean enough to spy upon any + one dwelling with us? And more than that, Uncle Reuben, it was mean of you + to suppose it.” + </p> + <p> + “All ideas are different,” replied the old man to my heat, like a little + worn-out rill running down a smithy; “you with your strength and youth, + and all that, are inclined to be romantic. I take things as I have known + them, going on for seventy years. Now will you come and meet the wizard, + or does your courage fail you?” + </p> + <p> + “My courage must be none,” said I, “if I would not go where you go, sir.” + </p> + <p> + He said no more, but signed to me to lift a heavy wooden corb with an iron + loop across it, and sunk in a little pit of earth, a yard or so from the + mouth of the shaft. I raised it, and by his direction dropped it into the + throat of the shaft, where it hung and shook from a great cross-beam laid + at the level of the earth. A very stout thick rope was fastened to the + handle of the corb, and ran across a pulley hanging from the centre of the + beam, and thence out of sight in the nether places. + </p> + <p> + “I will first descend,” he said; “your weight is too great for safety. + When the bucket comes up again, follow me, if your heart is good.” + </p> + <p> + Then he whistled down, with a quick sharp noise, and a whistle from below + replied; and he clomb into the vehicle, and the rope ran through the + pulley, and Uncle Ben went merrily down, and was out of sight, before I + had time to think of him. + </p> + <p> + Now being left on the bank like that, and in full sight of the goodly + heaven, I wrestled hard with my flesh and blood, about going down into the + pit-hole. And but for the pale shame of the thing, that a white-headed man + should adventure so, and green youth doubt about it, never could I have + made up my mind; for I do love air and heaven. However, at last up came + the bucket; and with a short sad prayer I went into whatever might happen. + </p> + <p> + My teeth would chatter, do all I could; but the strength of my arms was + with me; and by them I held on the grimy rope, and so eased the foot of + the corb, which threatened to go away fathoms under me. Of course I should + still have been safe enough, being like an egg in an egg-cup, too big to + care for the bottom; still I wished that all should be done, in good + order, without excitement. + </p> + <p> + The scoopings of the side grew black, and the patch of sky above more + blue, as with many thoughts of Lorna, a long way underground I sank. Then + I was fetched up at the bottom with a jerk and rattle; and but for holding + by the rope so, must have tumbled over. Two great torches of bale-resin + showed me all the darkness, one being held by Uncle Ben and the other by a + short square man with a face which seemed well-known to me. + </p> + <p> + “Hail to the world of gold, John Ridd,” said Master Huckaback, smiling in + the old dry manner; “bigger coward never came down the shaft, now did he, + Carfax?” + </p> + <p> + “They be all alike,” said the short square man, “fust time as they doos + it.” + </p> + <p> + “May I go to heaven,” I cried, “which is a thing quite out of sight”—for + I always have a vein of humour, too small to be followed by any one—“if + ever again of my own accord I go so far away from it!” Uncle Ben grinned + less at this than at the way I knocked my shin in getting out of the + bucket; and as for Master Carfax, he would not even deign to smile. And he + seemed to look upon my entrance as an interloping. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I had nought to do, after rubbing my bruised leg, except to + look about me, so far as the dullness of light would help. And herein I + seemed, like a mouse in a trap, able no more than to run to and fro, and + knock himself, and stare at things. For here was a little channel grooved + with posts on either side of it, and ending with a heap of darkness, + whence the sight came back again; and there was a scooped place, like a + funnel, but pouring only to darkness. So I waited for somebody to speak + first, not seeing my way to anything. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be disappointed, John,” said Uncle Reuben, looking blue by + the light of the flambeaux; “did you expect to see the roof of gold, and + the sides of gold, and the floor of gold, John Ridd?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” cried Master Carfax; “I reckon her did; no doubt her did.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong,” I replied; “but I did expect to see something better than + dirt and darkness.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on then, my lad; and we will show you some-thing better. We want + your great arm on here, for a job that has beaten the whole of us.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, Uncle Ben led the way along a narrow passage, roofed + with rock and floored with slate-coloured shale and shingle, and winding + in and out, until we stopped at a great stone block or boulder, lying + across the floor, and as large as my mother's best oaken wardrobe. Beside + it were several sledge-hammers, battered, and some with broken helves. + </p> + <p> + “Thou great villain!” cried Uncle Ben, giving the boulder a little kick; + “I believe thy time is come at last. Now, John, give us a sample of the + things they tell of thee. Take the biggest of them sledge-hammers and + crack this rogue in two for us. We have tried at him for a fortnight, and + he is a nut worth cracking. But we have no man who can swing that hammer, + though all in the mine have handled it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do my very best,” said I, pulling off my coat and waistcoat, as if + I were going to wrestle; “but I fear he will prove too tough for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that her wull,” grunted Master Carfax; “lack'th a Carnishman, and a + beg one too, not a little charp such as I be. There be no man outside + Carnwall, as can crack that boolder.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my heart,” I answered; “but I know something of you, my friend, or + at any rate of your family. Well, I have beaten most of your Cornish men, + though not my place to talk of it. But mind, if I crack this rock for you, + I must have some of the gold inside it.” + </p> + <p> + “Dost think to see the gold come tumbling out like the kernel of a nut, + thou zany?” asked Uncle Reuben pettishly; “now wilt thou crack it or wilt + thou not? For I believe thou canst do it, though only a lad of Somerset.” + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben showed by saying this, and by his glance at Carfax, that he + was proud of his county, and would be disappointed for it if I failed to + crack the boulder. So I begged him to stoop his torch a little, that I + might examine my subject. To me there appeared to be nothing at all + remarkable about it, except that it sparkled here and there, when the + flash of the flame fell upon it. A great obstinate, oblong, sullen stone; + how could it be worth the breaking, except for making roads with? + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I took up the hammer, and swinging it far behind my head, + fetched it down, with all my power, upon the middle of the rock. The roof + above rang mightily, and the echo went down delven galleries, so that all + the miners flocked to know what might be doing. But Master Carfax only + smiled, although the blow shook him where he stood, for behold the stone + was still unbroken, and as firm as ever. Then I smote it again, with no + better fortune, and Uncle Ben looked vexed and angry, but all the miners + grinned with triumph. + </p> + <p> + “This little tool is too light,” I cried; “one of you give me a piece of + strong cord.” + </p> + <p> + Then I took two more of the weightiest hammers, and lashed them fast to + the back of mine, not so as to strike, but to burden the fall. Having made + this firm, and with room to grasp the handle of the largest one only—for + the helves of the others were shorter—I smiled at Uncle Ben, and + whirled the mighty implement round my head, just to try whether I could + manage it. Upon that the miners gave a cheer, being honest men, and + desirous of seeing fair play between this “shameless stone” (as Dan Homer + calls it) and me with my hammer hammering. + </p> + <p> + Then I swung me on high to the swing of the sledge, as a thresher bends + back to the rise of his flail, and with all my power descending delivered + the ponderous onset. Crashing and crushed the great stone fell over, and + threads of sparkling gold appeared in the jagged sides of the breakage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0172" id="linkimage-0172"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/544.jpg" width="100%" alt="544.jpg Swung Me on High " /> + </div> + <p> + “How now, Simon Carfax?” cried Uncle Ben triumphantly; “wilt thou find a + man in Cornwall can do the like of that?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and more,” he answered; “however, it be pretty fair for a lad of + these outlandish parts. Get your rollers, my lads, and lead it to the + crushing engine.” + </p> + <p> + I was glad to have been of some service to them; for it seems that this + great boulder had been too large to be drawn along the gallery and too + hard to crack. But now they moved it very easily, taking piece by piece, + and carefully picking up the fragments. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast done us a good turn, my lad,” said Uncle Reuben, as the others + passed out of sight at the corner; “and now I will show thee the bottom of + a very wondrous mystery. But we must not do it more than once, for the + time of day is the wrong one.” + </p> + <p> + The whole affair being a mystery to me, and far beyond my understanding, I + followed him softly, without a word, yet thinking very heavily, and + longing to be above ground again. He led me through small passages, to a + hollow place near the descending shaft, where I saw a most extraordinary + monster fitted up. In form it was like a great coffee-mill, such as I had + seen in London, only a thousand times larger, and with heavy windlass to + work it. + </p> + <p> + “Put in a barrow-load of the smoulder,” said Uncle Ben to Carfax, “and let + them work the crank, for John to understand a thing or two.” + </p> + <p> + “At this time of day!” cried Simon Carfax; “and the watching as has been + o' late!” + </p> + <p> + However, he did it without more remonstrance; pouring into the scuttle at + the top of the machine about a basketful of broken rock; and then a dozen + men went to the wheel, and forced it round, as sailors do. Upon that such + a hideous noise arose, as I never should have believed any creature + capable of making, and I ran to the well of the mine for air, and to ease + my ears, if possible. + </p> + <p> + “Enough, enough!” shouted Uncle Ben by the time I was nearly deafened; “we + will digest our goodly boulder after the devil is come abroad for his + evening work. Now, John, not a word about what you have learned; but + henceforth you will not be frightened by the noise we make at dusk.” + </p> + <p> + I could not deny but what this was very clever management. If they could + not keep the echoes of the upper air from moving, the wisest plan was to + open their valves during the discouragement of the falling evening; when + folk would rather be driven away, than drawn into the wilds and quagmires, + by a sound so deep and awful, coming through the darkness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0173" id="linkimage-0173"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/546.jpg" width="100%" alt="546.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0059" id="linklink2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIX + </h2> + <h3> + LORNA GONE AWAY + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0174" id="linkimage-0174"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/547.jpg" alt="547.jpg Wizard " /> + </div> + <p> + Although there are very ancient tales of gold being found upon Exmoor, in + lumps and solid hummocks, and of men who slew one another for it, this + deep digging and great labour seemed to me a dangerous and unholy + enterprise. And Master Huckaback confessed that up to the present time his + two partners and himself (for they proved to be three adventurers) had put + into the earth more gold than they had taken out of it. Nevertheless he + felt quite sure that it must in a very short time succeed, and pay them + back an hundredfold; and he pressed me with great earnestness to join + them, and work there as much as I could, without moving my mother's + suspicions. I asked him how they had managed so long to carry on without + discovery; and he said that this was partly through the wildness of the + neighbourhood, and the legends that frightened people of a superstitious + turn; partly through their own great caution, and the manner of fetching + both supplies and implements by night; but most of all, they had to thank + the troubles of the period, the suspicions of rebellion, and the terror of + the Doones, which (like the wizard I was speaking of) kept folk from being + too inquisitive where they had no business. The slough, moreover, had + helped them well, both by making their access dark, and yet more by + swallowing up and concealing all that was cast from the mouth of the pit. + Once, before the attack on Glen Doone, they had a narrow escape from the + King's Commissioner; for Captain Stickles having heard no doubt the story + of John Fry, went with half a dozen troopers, on purpose to search the + neighbourhood. Now if he had ridden alone, most likely he would have + discovered everything; but he feared to venture so, having suspicion of a + trap. Coming as they did in a company, all mounted and conspicuous, the + watchman (who was posted now on the top of the hill, almost every day + since John Fry's appearance) could not help espying them, miles distant, + over the moorland. He watched them under the shade of his hand, and + presently ran down the hill, and raised a great commotion. Then Simon + Carfax and all his men came up, and made things natural, removing every + sign of work; and finally, sinking underground, drew across the mouth of + the pit a hurdle thatched with sedge and heather. Only Simon himself was + left behind, ensconced in a hole of the crags, to observe the doings of + the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Captain Stickles rode very bravely, with all his men clattering after him, + down the rocky pass, and even to the margin of the slough. And there they + stopped, and held council; for it was a perilous thing to risk the passage + upon horseback, between the treacherous brink and the cliff, unless one + knew it thoroughly. Stickles, however, and one follower, carefully felt + the way along, having their horses well in hand, and bearing a rope to + draw them out, in case of being foundered. Then they spurred across the + rough boggy land, farther away than the shaft was. Here the ground lay + jagged and shaggy, wrought up with high tufts of reed, or scragged with + stunted brushwood. And between the ups and downs (which met anybody + anyhow) green-covered places tempted the foot, and black bog-holes + discouraged it. It is not to be marvelled at that amid such place as this, + for the first time visited, the horses were a little skeary; and their + riders partook of the feeling, as all good riders do. In and out of the + tufts they went, with their eyes dilating, wishing to be out of harm, if + conscience were but satisfied. And of this tufty flaggy ground, pocked + with bogs and boglets, one especial nature is that it will not hold + impressions. + </p> + <p> + Seeing thus no track of men, nor anything but marsh-work, and stormwork, + and of the seasons, these two honest men rode back, and were glad to do + so. For above them hung the mountains, cowled with fog, and seamed with + storm; and around them desolation; and below their feet the grave. Hence + they went, with all goodwill; and vowed for ever afterwards that fear of a + simple place like that was only too ridiculous. So they all rode home with + mutual praises, and their courage well-approved; and the only result of + the expedition was to confirm John Fry's repute as a bigger liar than + ever. + </p> + <p> + Now I had enough of that underground work, as before related, to last me + for a year to come; neither would I, for sake of gold, have ever stepped + into that bucket, of my own goodwill again. But when I told Lorna—whom + I could trust in any matter of secrecy, as if she had never been a woman—all + about my great descent, and the honeycombing of the earth, and the + mournful noise at eventide, when the gold was under the crusher and + bewailing the mischief it must do, then Lorna's chief desire was to know + more about Simon Carfax. + </p> + <p> + “It must be our Gwenny's father,” she cried; “the man who disappeared + underground, and whom she has ever been seeking. How grieved the poor + little thing will be, if it should turn out, after all, that he left his + child on purpose! I can hardly believe it; can you, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I replied; “all men are wicked, more or less, to some extent; and + no man may say otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + For I did not wish to commit myself to an opinion about Simon, lest I + might be wrong, and Lorna think less of my judgment. + </p> + <p> + But being resolved to see this out, and do a good turn, if I could, to + Gwenny, who had done me many a good one, I begged my Lorna to say not a + word of this matter to the handmaiden, until I had further searched it + out. And to carry out this resolve, I went again to the place of business + where they were grinding gold as freely as an apothecary at his pills. + </p> + <p> + Having now true right of entrance, and being known to the watchman, and + regarded (since I cracked the boulder) as one who could pay his footing, + and perhaps would be the master, when Uncle Ben should be choked with + money, I found the corb sent up for me rather sooner than I wished it. For + the smell of the places underground, and the way men's eyes came out of + them, with links, and brands, and flambeaux, instead of God's light to + look at, were to me a point of caution, rather than of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + No doubt but what some men enjoy it, being born, like worms, to dig, and + to live in their own scoopings. Yet even the worms come up sometimes, + after a good soft shower of rain, and hold discourse with one another; + whereas these men, and the horses let down, come above ground never. + </p> + <p> + And the changing of the sky is half the change our nature calls for. Earth + we have, and all its produce (moving from the first appearance, and the + hope with infants' eyes, through the bloom of beauty's promise, to the + rich and ripe fulfilment, and the falling back to rest); sea we have (with + all its wonder shed on eyes, and ears, and heart; and the thought of + something more)—but without the sky to look at, what would earth, + and sea, and even our own selves, be to us? + </p> + <p> + Do we look at earth with hope? Yes, for victuals only. Do we look at sea + with hope? Yes, that we may escape it. At the sky alone (though questioned + with the doubts of sunshine, or scattered with uncertain stars), at the + sky alone we look with pure hope and with memory. + </p> + <p> + Hence it always hurt my feelings when I got into that bucket, with my + small-clothes turned up over, and a kerchief round my hat. But knowing + that my purpose was sound, and my motives pure, I let the sky grow to a + little blue hole, and then to nothing over me. At the bottom Master Carfax + met me, being captain of the mine, and desirous to know my business. He + wore a loose sack round his shoulders, and his beard was two feet long. + </p> + <p> + “My business is to speak with you,” I answered rather sternly; for this + man, who was nothing more than Uncle Reuben's servant, had carried things + too far with me, showing no respect whatever; and though I did not care + for much, I liked to receive a little, even in my early days. + </p> + <p> + “Coom into the muck-hole, then,” was his gracious answer; and he led me + into a filthy cell, where the miners changed their jackets. + </p> + <p> + “Simon Carfax,” I began, with a manner to discourage him; “I fear you are + a shallow fellow, and not worth my trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Then don't take it,” he replied; “I want no man's trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “For your sake I would not,” I answered; “but for your daughter's sake I + will; the daughter whom you left to starve so pitifully in the + wilderness.” + </p> + <p> + The man stared at me with his pale gray eyes, whose colour was lost from + candle light; and his voice as well as his body shook, while he cried,— + </p> + <p> + “It is a lie, man. No daughter, and no son have I. Nor was ever child of + mine left to starve in the wilderness. You are too big for me to tackle, + and that makes you a coward for saying it.” His hands were playing with a + pickaxe helve, as if he longed to have me under it. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I have wronged you, Simon,” I answered very softly; for the sweat + upon his forehead shone in the smoky torchlight; “if I have, I crave your + pardon. But did you not bring up from Cornwall a little maid named + 'Gwenny,' and supposed to be your daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and she was my daughter, my last and only child of five; and for her + I would give this mine, and all the gold will ever come from it.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have her, without either mine or gold; if you only prove to me + that you did not abandon her.” + </p> + <p> + “Abandon her! I abandon Gwenny!” He cried with such a rage of scorn, that + I at once believed him. “They told me she was dead, and crushed, and + buried in the drift here; and half my heart died with her. The Almighty + blast their mining-work, if the scoundrels lied to me!” + </p> + <p> + “The scoundrels must have lied to you,” I answered, with a spirit fired by + his heat of fury: “the maid is living and with us. Come up; and you shall + see her.” + </p> + <p> + “Rig the bucket,” he shouted out along the echoing gallery; and then he + fell against the wall, and through the grimy sack I saw the heaving of his + breast, as I have seen my opponent's chest, in a long hard bout of + wrestling. For my part, I could do no more than hold my tongue and look at + him. + </p> + <p> + Without another word we rose to the level of the moors and mires; neither + would Master Carfax speak, as I led him across the barrows. In this he was + welcome to his own way, for I do love silence; so little harm can come of + it. And though Gwenny was no beauty, her father might be fond of her. + </p> + <p> + So I put him in the cow-house (not to frighten the little maid), and the + folding shutters over him, such as we used at the beestings; and he + listened to my voice outside, and held on, and preserved himself. For now + he would have scooped the earth, as cattle do at yearning-time, and as + meekly and as patiently, to have his child restored to him. Not to make + long tale of it—for this thing is beyond me, through want of true + experience—I went and fetched his Gwenny forth from the back + kitchen, where she was fighting, as usual, with our Betty. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, you little Vick,” I said, for so we called her; “I have a + message to you, Gwenny, from the Lord in heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't 'ee talk about He,” she answered; “Her have long forgatten me.” + </p> + <p> + “That He has never done, you stupid. Come, and see who is in the + cowhouse.” + </p> + <p> + Gwenny knew; she knew in a moment. Looking into my eyes, she knew; and + hanging back from me to sigh, she knew it even better. + </p> + <p> + She had not much elegance of emotion, being flat and square all over; but + none the less for that her heart came quick, and her words came slowly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jan, you are too good to cheat me. Is it joke you are putting upon + me?” + </p> + <p> + I answered her with a gaze alone; and she tucked up her clothes and + followed me because the road was dirty. Then I opened the door just wide + enough for the child to go to her father, and left those two to have it + out, as might be most natural. And they took a long time about it. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile I needs must go and tell my Lorna all the matter; and her joy + was almost as great as if she herself had found a father. And the wonder + of the whole was this, that I got all the credit; of which not a + thousandth part belonged by right and reason to me. Yet so it almost + always is. If I work for good desert, and slave, and lie awake at night, + and spend my unborn life in dreams, not a blink, nor wink, nor inkling of + my labour ever tells. It would have been better to leave unburned, and to + keep undevoured, the fuel and the food of life. But if I have laboured + not, only acted by some impulse, whim, caprice, or anything; or even + acting not at all, only letting things float by; piled upon me + commendations, bravoes, and applauses, almost work me up to tempt once + again (though sick of it) the ill luck of deserving. + </p> + <p> + Without intending any harm, and meaning only good indeed, I had now done + serious wrong to Uncle Reuben's prospects. For Captain Carfax was full as + angry at the trick played on him as he was happy in discovering the + falsehood and the fraud of it. Nor could I help agreeing with him, when he + told me all of it, as with tears in his eyes he did, and ready to be my + slave henceforth; I could not forbear from owning that it was a low and + heartless trick, unworthy of men who had families; and the recoil whereof + was well deserved, whatever it might end in. + </p> + <p> + For when this poor man left his daughter, asleep as he supposed, and + having his food, and change of clothes, and Sunday hat to see to, he meant + to return in an hour or so, and settle about her sustenance in some house + of the neighbourhood. But this was the very thing of all things which the + leaders of the enterprise, who had brought him up from Cornwall, for his + noted skill in metals, were determined, whether by fair means or foul, to + stop at the very outset. Secrecy being their main object, what chance + could there be of it, if the miners were allowed to keep their children in + the neighbourhood? Hence, on the plea of feasting Simon, they kept him + drunk for three days and three nights, assuring him (whenever he had + gleams enough to ask for her) that his daughter was as well as could be, + and enjoying herself with the children. Not wishing the maid to see him + tipsy, he pressed the matter no further; but applied himself to the bottle + again, and drank her health with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + However, after three days of this, his constitution rose against it, and + he became quite sober; with a certain lowness of heart moreover, and a + sense of error. And his first desire to right himself, and easiest way to + do it, was by exerting parental authority upon Gwenny. Possessed with this + intention (for he was not a sweet tempered man, and his head was aching + sadly) he sought for Gwenny high and low; first with threats, and then + with fears, and then with tears and wailing. And so he became to the other + men a warning and a great annoyance. Therefore they combined to swear what + seemed a very likely thing, and might be true for all they knew, to wit, + that Gwenny had come to seek for her father down the shaft-hole, and + peering too eagerly into the dark, had toppled forward, and gone down, and + lain at the bottom as dead as a stone. + </p> + <p> + “And thou being so happy with drink,” the villains finished up to him, + “and getting drunker every day, we thought it shame to trouble thee; and + we buried the wench in the lower drift; and no use to think more of her; + but come and have a glass, Sim.” + </p> + <p> + But Simon Carfax swore that drink had lost him his wife, and now had lost + him the last of his five children, and would lose him his own soul, if + further he went on with it; and from that day to his death he never + touched strong drink again. Nor only this; but being soon appointed + captain of the mine, he allowed no man on any pretext to bring cordials + thither; and to this and his stern hard rule and stealthy secret + management (as much as to good luck and place) might it be attributed that + scarcely any but themselves had dreamed about this Exmoor mine. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I had no ambition to become a miner; and the state to which + gold-seeking had brought poor Uncle Ben was not at all encouraging. My + business was to till the ground, and tend the growth that came of it, and + store the fruit in Heaven's good time, rather than to scoop and burrow + like a weasel or a rat for the yellow root of evil. Moreover, I was led + from home, between the hay and corn harvests (when we often have a week to + spare), by a call there was no resisting; unless I gave up all regard for + wrestling, and for my county. + </p> + <p> + Now here many persons may take me amiss, and there always has been some + confusion; which people who ought to have known better have wrought into + subject of quarrelling. By birth it is true, and cannot be denied, that I + am a man of Somerset; nevertheless by breed I am, as well as by education, + a son of Devon also. And just as both of our two counties vowed that Glen + Doone was none of theirs, but belonged to the other one; so now, each with + hot claim and jangling (leading even to blows sometimes), asserted and + would swear to it (as I became more famous) that John Ridd was of its own + producing, bred of its own true blood, and basely stolen by the other. + </p> + <p> + Now I have not judged it in any way needful or even becoming and delicate, + to enter into my wrestling adventures, or describe my progress. The whole + thing is so different from Lorna, and her gentle manners, and her style of + walking; moreover I must seem (even to kind people) to magnify myself so + much, or at least attempt to do it, that I have scratched out written + pages, through my better taste and sense. + </p> + <p> + Neither will I, upon this head, make any difference even now; being simply + betrayed into mentioning the matter because bare truth requires it, in the + tale of Lorna's fortunes. + </p> + <p> + For a mighty giant had arisen in a part of Cornwall: and his calf was + twenty-five inches round, and the breadth of his shoulders two feet and a + quarter; and his stature seven feet and three-quarters. Round the chest he + was seventy inches, and his hand a foot across, and there were no scales + strong enough to judge of his weight in the market-place. Now this man—or + I should say, his backers and his boasters, for the giant himself was + modest—sent me a brave and haughty challenge, to meet him in the + ring at Bodmin-town, on the first day of August, or else to return my + champion's belt to them by the messenger. + </p> + <p> + It is no use to deny but that I was greatly dashed and scared at first. + For my part, I was only, when measured without clothes on, sixty inches + round the breast, and round the calf scarce twenty-one, only two feet + across the shoulders, and in height not six and three-quarters. However, + my mother would never believe that this man could beat me; and Lorna being + of the same mind, I resolved to go and try him, as they would pay all + expenses and a hundred pounds, if I conquered him; so confident were those + Cornishmen. + </p> + <p> + Now this story is too well known for me to go through it again and again. + Every child in Devonshire knows, and his grandson will know, the song + which some clever man made of it, after I had treated him to water, and to + lemon, and a little sugar, and a drop of eau-de-vie. Enough that I had + found the giant quite as big as they had described him, and enough to + terrify any one. But trusting in my practice and study of the art, I + resolved to try a back with him; and when my arms were round him once, the + giant was but a farthingale put into the vice of a blacksmith. The man had + no bones; his frame sank in, and I was afraid of crushing him. He lay on + his back, and smiled at me; and I begged his pardon. + </p> + <p> + Now this affair made a noise at the time, and redounded so much to my + credit, that I was deeply grieved at it, because deserving none. For I do + like a good strife and struggle; and the doubt makes the joy of victory; + whereas in this case, I might as well have been sent for a match with a + hay-mow. However, I got my hundred pounds, and made up my mind to spend + every farthing in presents for mother and Lorna. + </p> + <p> + For Annie was married by this time, and long before I went away; as need + scarcely be said, perhaps; if any one follows the weeks and the months. + The wedding was quiet enough, except for everybody's good wishes; and I + desire not to dwell upon it, because it grieved me in many ways. + </p> + <p> + But now that I had tried to hope the very best for dear Annie, a deeper + blow than could have come, even through her, awaited me. For after that + visit to Cornwall, and with my prize-money about me, I came on foot from + Okehampton to Oare, so as to save a little sum towards my time of + marrying. For Lorna's fortune I would not have; small or great I would not + have it; only if there were no denying we would devote the whole of it to + charitable uses, as Master Peter Blundell had done; and perhaps the future + ages would endeavour to be grateful. Lorna and I had settled this question + at least twice a day, on the average; and each time with more + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Now coming into the kitchen with all my cash in my breeches pocket (golden + guineas, with an elephant on them, for the stamp of the Guinea Company), I + found dear mother most heartily glad to see me safe and sound again—for + she had dreaded that giant, and dreamed of him—and she never asked + me about the money. Lizzie also was softer, and more gracious than usual; + especially when she saw me pour guineas, like peppercorns, into the + pudding-basin. But by the way they hung about, I knew that something was + gone wrong. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Lorna?” I asked at length, after trying not to ask it; “I want + her to come, and see my money. She never saw so much before.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said mother with a heavy sigh; “she will see a great deal more, I + fear; and a deal more than is good for her. Whether you ever see her again + will depend upon her nature, John.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, mother? Have you quarrelled? Why does not Lorna come to + me? Am I never to know?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, be not so impatient,” my mother replied, quite calmly, for in + truth she was jealous of Lorna, “you could wait now, very well, John, if + it were till this day week, for the coming of your mother, John. And yet + your mother is your best friend. Who can ever fill her place?” + </p> + <p> + Thinking of her future absence, mother turned away and cried; and the + box-iron singed the blanket. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said I, being wild by this time; “Lizzie, you have a little sense; + will you tell me where is Lorna?” + </p> + <p> + “The Lady Lorna Dugal,” said Lizzie, screwing up her lips as if the title + were too grand, “is gone to London, brother John; and not likely to come + back again. We must try to get on without her.” + </p> + <p> + “You little—[something]” I cried, which I dare not write down here, + as all you are too good for such language; but Lizzie's lip provoked me so—“my + Lorna gone, my Lorna gone! And without good-bye to me even! It is your + spite has sickened her.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite mistaken there,” she replied; “how can folk of low degree + have either spite or liking towards the people so far above them? The Lady + Lorna Dugal is gone, because she could not help herself; and she wept + enough to break ten hearts—if hearts are ever broken, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Darling Lizzie, how good you are!” I cried, without noticing her sneer; + “tell me all about it, dear; tell me every word she said.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not take long,” said Lizzie, quite as unmoved by soft coaxing + as by urgent cursing; “the lady spoke very little to any one, except + indeed to mother, and to Gwenny Carfax; and Gwenny is gone with her, so + that the benefit of that is lost. But she left a letter for 'poor John,' + as in charity she called him. How grand she looked, to be sure, with the + fine clothes on that were come for her!” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the letter, you utter vixen! Oh, may you have a husband! Who + will thresh it out of you, and starve it, and swear it out of you!” was + the meaning of my imprecation: but Lizzie, not dreaming as yet of such + things, could not understand me, and was rather thankful; therefore she + answered quietly,— + </p> + <p> + “The letter is in the little cupboard, near the head of Lady Lorna's bed, + where she used to keep the diamond necklace, which we contrived to get + stolen.” + </p> + <p> + Without another word I rushed (so that every board in the house shook) up + to my lost Lorna's room, and tore the little wall-niche open and espied my + treasure. It was as simple, and as homely, and loving, as even I could + wish. Part of it ran as follows,—the other parts it behoves me not + to open out to strangers:—“My own love, and sometime lord,—Take + it not amiss of me, that even without farewell, I go; for I cannot + persuade the men to wait, your return being doubtful. My great-uncle, some + grand lord, is awaiting me at Dunster, having fear of venturing too near + this Exmoor country. I, who have been so lawless always, and the child of + outlaws, am now to atone for this, it seems, by living in a court of law, + and under special surveillance (as they call it, I believe) of His + Majesty's Court of Chancery. My uncle is appointed my guardian and master; + and I must live beneath his care, until I am twenty-one years old. To me + this appears a dreadful thing, and very unjust, and cruel; for why should + I lose my freedom, through heritage of land and gold? I offered to abandon + all if they would only let me go; I went down on my knees to them, and + said I wanted titles not, neither land, nor money; only to stay where I + was, where first I had known happiness. But they only laughed and called + me 'child,' and said I must talk of that to the King's High Chancellor. + Their orders they had, and must obey them; and Master Stickles was ordered + too, to help as the King's Commissioner. And then, although it pierced my + heart not to say one 'goodbye, John,' I was glad upon the whole that you + were not here to dispute it. For I am almost certain that you would not, + without force to yourself, have let your Lorna go to people who never, + never can care for her.” + </p> + <p> + Here my darling had wept again, by the tokens on the paper; and then there + followed some sweet words, too sweet for me to chatter them. But she + finished with these noble lines, which (being common to all humanity, in a + case of steadfast love) I do no harm, but rather help all true love by + repeating. “Of one thing rest you well assured—and I do hope that it + may prove of service to your rest, love, else would my own be broken—no + difference of rank, or fortune, or of life itself, shall ever make me + swerve from truth to you. We have passed through many troubles, dangers, + and dispartments, but never yet was doubt between us; neither ever shall + be. Each has trusted well the other; and still each must do so. Though + they tell you I am false, though your own mind harbours it, from the sense + of things around, and your own undervaluing, yet take counsel of your + heart, and cast such thoughts away from you; being unworthy of itself they + must be unworthy also of the one who dwells there; and that one is, and + ever shall be, your own Lorna Dugal.” + </p> + <p> + Some people cannot understand that tears should come from pleasure; but + whether from pleasure or from sorrow (mixed as they are in the twisted + strings of a man's heart, or a woman's), great tears fell from my stupid + eyes, even on the blots of Lorna's. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt it is all over,” my mind said to me bitterly; “trust me, all + shall yet be right,” my heart replied very sweetly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0060" id="linklink2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LX + </h2> + <h3> + ANNIE LUCKIER THAN JOHN + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0175" id="linkimage-0175"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/559.jpg" alt="559.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Some people may look down upon us for our slavish ways (as they may choose + to call them), but in our part of the country, we do love to mention + title, and to roll it on our tongues, with a conscience and a comfort. + Even if a man knows not, through fault of education, who the Duke of this + is, or the Earl of that, it will never do for him to say so, lest the room + look down on him. Therefore he must nod his head, and say, “Ah, to be + sure! I know him as well as ever I know my own good woman's brother. He + married Lord Flipflap's second daughter, and a precious life she led him.” + Whereupon the room looks up at him. But I, being quite unable to carry all + this in my head, as I ought, was speedily put down by people of a noble + tendency, apt at Lords, and pat with Dukes, and knowing more about the + King than His Majesty would have requested. Therefore, I fell back in + thought, not daring in words to do so, upon the titles of our horses. And + all these horses deserved their names, not having merely inherited, but by + their own doing earned them. Smiler, for instance, had been so called, not + so much from a habit of smiling, as from his general geniality, white + nose, and white ankle. This worthy horse was now in years, but hale and + gay as ever; and when you let him out of the stable, he could neigh and + whinny, and make men and horses know it. On the other hand, Kickums was a + horse of morose and surly order; harbouring up revenge, and leading a + rider to false confidence. Very smoothly he would go, and as gentle as a + turtle-dove; until his rider fully believed that a pack-thread was enough + for him, and a pat of approval upon his neck the aim and crown of his + worthy life. Then suddenly up went his hind feet to heaven, and the rider + for the most part flew over his nose; whereupon good Kickums would take + advantage of his favourable position to come and bite a piece out of his + back. Now in my present state of mind, being understood of nobody, having + none to bear me company, neither wishing to have any, an indefinite kind + of attraction drew me into Kickum's society. A bond of mutual sympathy was + soon established between us; I would ride no other horse, neither Kickums + be ridden by any other man. And this good horse became as jealous about me + as a dog might be; and would lash out, or run teeth foremost, at any one + who came near him when I was on his back. + </p> + <p> + This season, the reaping of the corn, which had been but a year ago so + pleasant and so lightsome, was become a heavy labour, and a thing for + grumbling rather than for gladness. However, for the sake of all, it must + be attended to, and with as fair a show of spirit and alacrity as might + be. For otherwise the rest would drag, and drop their hands and idle, + being quicker to take infection of dullness than of diligence. And the + harvest was a heavy one, even heavier than the year before, although of + poorer quality. Therefore was I forced to work as hard as any horse could + during all the daylight hours, and defer till night the brooding upon my + misfortune. But the darkness always found me stiff with work, and weary, + and less able to think than to dream, may be, of Lorna. And now the house + was so dull and lonesome, wanting Annie's pretty presence, and the light + of Lorna's eyes, that a man had no temptation after supper-time even to + sit and smoke a pipe. + </p> + <p> + For Lizzie, though so learned, and pleasant when it suited her, never had + taken very kindly to my love for Lorna, and being of a proud and slightly + upstart nature, could not bear to be eclipsed in bearing, looks, and + breeding, and even in clothes, by the stranger. For one thing I will say + of the Doones, that whether by purchase or plunder, they had always + dressed my darling well, with her own sweet taste to help them. And though + Lizzie's natural hate of the maid (as a Doone and burdened with father's + death) should have been changed to remorse when she learned of Lorna's + real parentage, it was only altered to sullenness, and discontent with + herself, for frequent rudeness to an innocent person, and one of such high + descent. Moreover, the child had imbibed strange ideas as to our + aristocracy, partly perhaps from her own way of thinking, and partly from + reading of history. For while, from one point of view she looked up at + them very demurely, as commissioned by God for the country's good; from + another sight she disliked them, as ready to sacrifice their best and + follow their worst members. + </p> + <p> + Yet why should this wench dare to judge upon a matter so far beyond her, + and form opinions which she knew better than declare before mother? But + with me she had no such scruple, for I had no authority over her; and my + intellect she looked down upon, because I praised her own so. Thus she + made herself very unpleasant to me; by little jags and jerks of sneering, + sped as though unwittingly; which I (who now considered myself allied to + the aristocracy, and perhaps took airs on that account) had not wit enough + to parry, yet had wound enough to feel. + </p> + <p> + Now any one who does not know exactly how mothers feel and think, would + have expected my mother (than whom could be no better one) to pet me, and + make much of me, under my sad trouble; to hang with anxiety on my looks, + and shed her tears with mine (if any), and season every dish of meat put + by for her John's return. And if the whole truth must be told, I did + expect that sort of thing, and thought what a plague it would be to me; + yet not getting it, was vexed, as if by some new injury. For mother was a + special creature (as I suppose we all are), being the warmest of the warm, + when fired at the proper corner; and yet, if taken at the wrong point, you + would say she was incombustible. + </p> + <p> + Hence it came to pass that I had no one even to speak to, about Lorna and + my grievances; for Captain Stickles was now gone southward; and John Fry, + of course, was too low for it, although a married man, and well under his + wife's management. But finding myself unable at last to bear this any + longer, upon the first day when all the wheat was cut, and the stooks set + up in every field, yet none quite fit for carrying, I saddled good Kickums + at five in the morning, and without a word to mother (for a little anxiety + might do her good) off I set for Molland parish, to have the counsel and + the comfort of my darling Annie. + </p> + <p> + The horse took me over the ground so fast (there being few better to go + when he liked), that by nine o'clock Annie was in my arms, and blushing to + the colour of Winnie's cheeks, with sudden delight and young happiness. + </p> + <p> + “You precious little soul!” I cried: “how does Tom behave to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Annie: “how dare you ask? He is the kindest, and the best, + and the noblest of all men, John; not even setting yourself aside. Now + look not jealous, John: so it is. We all have special gifts, you know. You + are as good as you can be, John; but my husband's special gift is nobility + of character.” Here she looked at me, as one who has discovered something + quite unknown. + </p> + <p> + “I am devilish glad to hear it,” said I, being touched at going down so: + “keep him to that mark, my dear; and cork the whisky bottle.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, darling John,” she answered quickly, not desiring to open that + subject, and being too sweet to resent it: “and how is lovely Lorna? What + an age it is since I have seen you! I suppose we must thank her for that.” + </p> + <p> + “You may thank her for seeing me now,” said I; “or rather,”—seeing + how hurt she looked,—“you may thank my knowledge of your kindness, + and my desire to speak of her to a soft-hearted dear little soul like you. + I think all the women are gone mad. Even mother treats me shamefully. And + as for Lizzie—” Here I stopped, knowing no words strong enough, + without shocking Annie. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that Lorna is gone?” asked Annie, in great amazement; + yet leaping at the truth, as women do, with nothing at all to leap from. + </p> + <p> + “Gone. And I never shall see her again. It serves me right for aspiring + so.” + </p> + <p> + Being grieved at my manner, she led me in where none could interrupt us; + and in spite of all my dejection, I could not help noticing how very + pretty and even elegant all things were around. For we upon Exmoor have + little taste; all we care for is warm comfort, and plenty to eat and to + give away, and a hearty smack in everything. But Squire Faggus had seen + the world, and kept company with great people; and the taste he had first + displayed in the shoeing of farmers' horses (which led almost to his ruin, + by bringing him into jealousy, and flattery, and dashing ways) had now + been cultivated in London, and by moonlight, so that none could help + admiring it. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” I cried, for the moment dropping care and woe in astonishment: “we + have nothing like this at Plover's Barrows; nor even Uncle Reuben. I do + hope it is honest, Annie?” + </p> + <p> + “Would I sit in a chair that was not my own?” asked Annie, turning + crimson, and dropping defiantly, and with a whisk of her dress which I + never had seen before, into the very grandest one: “would I lie on a + couch, brother John, do you think, unless good money was paid for it? + Because other people are clever, John, you need not grudge them their + earnings.” + </p> + <p> + “A couch!” I replied: “why what can you want with a couch in the day-time, + Annie? A couch is a small bed, set up in a room without space for a good + four-poster. What can you want with a couch downstairs? I never heard of + such nonsense. And you ought to be in the dairy.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't cry, brother John, I won't; because you want to make me cry”—and + all the time she was crying—“you always were so nasty, John, + sometimes. Ah, you have no nobility of character, like my husband. And I + have not seen you for two months, John; and now you come to scold me!” + </p> + <p> + “You little darling,” I said, for Annie's tears always conquered me; “if + all the rest ill-use me, I will not quarrel with you, dear. You have + always been true to me; and I can forgive your vanity. Your things are + very pretty, dear; and you may couch ten times a day, without my + interference. No doubt your husband has paid for all this, with the ponies + he stole from Exmoor. Nobility of character is a thing beyond my + understanding; but when my sister loves a man, and he does well and + flourishes, who am I to find fault with him? Mother ought to see these + things: they would turn her head almost: look at the pimples on the + chairs!” + </p> + <p> + “They are nothing,” Annie answered, after kissing me for my kindness: + “they are only put in for the time indeed; and we are to have much better, + with gold all round the bindings, and double plush at the corners; so soon + as ever the King repays the debt he owes to my poor Tom.” + </p> + <p> + I thought to myself that our present King had been most unlucky in one + thing—debts all over the kingdom. Not a man who had struck a blow + for the King, or for his poor father, or even said a good word for him, in + the time of his adversity, but expected at least a baronetcy, and a grant + of estates to support it. Many have called King Charles ungrateful: and he + may have been so. But some indulgence is due to a man, with entries few on + the credit side, and a terrible column of debits. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear for the chair,” I said, for it creaked under me very + fearfully, having legs not so large as my finger; “if the chair breaks, + Annie, your fear should be, lest the tortoise-shell run into me. Why, it + is striped like a viper's loins! I saw some hundreds in London; and very + cheap they are. They are made to be sold to the country people, such as + you and me, dear; and carefully kept they will last for almost half a + year. Now will you come back from your furniture, and listen to my story?” + </p> + <p> + Annie was a hearty dear, and she knew that half my talk was joke, to make + light of my worrying. Therefore she took it in good part, as I well knew + that she would do; and she led me to a good honest chair; and she sat in + my lap and kissed me. + </p> + <p> + “All this is not like you, John. All this is not one bit like you: and + your cheeks are not as they ought to be. I shall have to come home again, + if the women worry my brother so. We always held together, John; and we + always will, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “You dear,” I cried, “there is nobody who understands me as you do. Lorna + makes too much of me, and the rest they make too little.” + </p> + <p> + “Not mother; oh, not mother, John!” + </p> + <p> + “No, mother makes too much, no doubt; but wants it all for herself alone; + and reckons it as a part of her. She makes me more wroth than any one: as + if not only my life, but all my head and heart must seek from hers, and + have no other thought or care.” + </p> + <p> + Being sped of my grumbling thus, and eased into better temper, I told + Annie all the strange history about Lorna and her departure, and the small + chance that now remained to me of ever seeing my love again. To this Annie + would not hearken twice, but judging women by her faithful self, was quite + vexed with me for speaking so. And then, to my surprise and sorrow, she + would deliver no opinion as to what I ought to do until she had consulted + darling Tom. + </p> + <p> + Dear Tom knew much of the world, no doubt, especially the dark side of it. + But to me it scarcely seemed becoming that my course of action with regard + to the Lady Lorna Dugal should be referred to Tom Faggus, and depend upon + his decision. However, I would not grieve Annie again by making light of + her husband; and so when he came in to dinner, the matter was laid before + him. + </p> + <p> + Now this man never confessed himself surprised, under any circumstances; + his knowledge of life being so profound, and his charity universal. And in + the present case he vowed that he had suspected it all along, and could + have thrown light upon Lorna's history, if we had seen fit to apply to + him. Upon further inquiry I found that this light was a very dim one, + flowing only from the fact that he had stopped her mother's coach, at the + village of Bolham, on the Bampton Road, the day before I saw them. Finding + only women therein, and these in a sad condition, Tom with his usual + chivalry (as he had no scent of the necklace) allowed them to pass; with + nothing more than a pleasant exchange of courtesies, and a testimonial + forced upon him, in the shape of a bottle of Burgundy wine. This the poor + countess handed him; and he twisted the cork out with his teeth, and drank + her health with his hat off. + </p> + <p> + “A lady she was, and a true one; and I am a pretty good judge,” said Tom: + “ah, I do like a high lady!” + </p> + <p> + Our Annie looked rather queer at this, having no pretensions to be one: + but she conquered herself, and said, “Yes, Tom; and many of them liked + you.” + </p> + <p> + With this, Tom went on the brag at once, being but a shallow fellow, and + not of settled principles, though steadier than he used to be; until I + felt myself almost bound to fetch him back a little; for of all things I + do hate brag the most, as any reader of this tale must by this time know. + Therefore I said to Squire Faggus, “Come back from your highway days. You + have married the daughter of an honest man; and such talk is not fit for + her. If you were right in robbing people, I am right in robbing you. I + could bind you to your own mantelpiece, as you know thoroughly well, Tom; + and drive away with your own horses, and all your goods behind them, but + for the sense of honesty. And should I not do as fine a thing as any you + did on the highway? If everything is of public right, how does this chair + belong to you? Clever as you are, Tom Faggus, you are nothing but a fool + to mix your felony with your farmership. Drop the one, or drop the other; + you cannot maintain them both.” + </p> + <p> + As I finished very sternly a speech which had exhausted me more than ten + rounds of wrestling—but I was carried away by the truth, as + sometimes happens to all of us—Tom had not a word to say; albeit his + mind was so much more nimble and rapid than ever mine was. He leaned + against the mantelpiece (a newly-invented affair in his house) as if I had + corded him to it, even as I spoke of doing. And he laid one hand on his + breast in a way which made Annie creep softly to him, and look at me not + like a sister. + </p> + <p> + “You have done me good, John,” he said at last, and the hand he gave me + was trembling: “there is no other man on God's earth would have dared to + speak to me as you have done. From no other would I have taken it. + Nevertheless every word is true; and I shall dwell on it when you are + gone. If you never did good in your life before, John, my brother, you + have done it now.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away, in bitter pain, that none might see his trouble; and + Annie, going along with him, looked as if I had killed our mother. For my + part, I was so upset, for fear of having gone too far, that without a word + to either of them, but a message on the title-page of King James his + Prayer-book, I saddled Kickums, and was off, and glad of the moorland air + again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0176" id="linkimage-0176"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/566.jpg" width="100%" alt="566.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0061" id="linklink2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXI + </h2> + <h3> + THEREFORE HE SEEKS COMFORT + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0177" id="linkimage-0177"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/567.jpg" + alt="567.jpg Dulverton Church and Street " /> + </div> + <p> + It was for poor Annie's sake that I had spoken my mind to her husband so + freely, and even harshly. For we all knew she would break her heart, if + Tom took to evil ways again. And the right mode of preventing this was, + not to coax, and flatter, and make a hero of him (which he did for + himself, quite sufficiently), but to set before him the folly of the + thing, and the ruin to his own interests. They would both be vexed with + me, of course, for having left them so hastily, and especially just before + dinner-time; but that would soon wear off; and most likely they would come + to see mother, and tell her that I was hard to manage, and they could feel + for her about it. + </p> + <p> + Now with a certain yearning, I know not what, for softness, and for one + who could understand me—for simple as a child though being, I found + few to do that last, at any rate in my love-time—I relied upon + Kickum's strength to take me round by Dulverton. It would make the journey + some eight miles longer, but what was that to a brisk young horse, even + with my weight upon him? + </p> + <p> + And having left Squire Faggus and Annie much sooner than had been + intended, I had plenty of time before me, and too much, ere a prospect of + dinner. Therefore I struck to the right, across the hills, for Dulverton. + </p> + <p> + Pretty Ruth was in the main street of the town, with a basket in her hand, + going home from the market. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Cousin Ruth, you are grown,” I exclaimed; “I do believe you are, + Ruth. And you were almost too tall, already.” + </p> + <p> + At this the little thing was so pleased, that she smiled through her + blushes beautifully, and must needs come to shake hands with me; though I + signed to her not to do it, because of my horse's temper. But scarcely was + her hand in mine, when Kickums turned like an eel upon her, and caught her + by the left arm with his teeth, so that she screamed with agony. I saw the + white of his vicious eye, and struck him there with all my force, with my + left hand over her right arm, and he never used that eye again; none the + less he kept his hold on her. Then I smote him again on the jaw, and + caught the little maid up by her right hand, and laid her on the saddle in + front of me; while the horse being giddy and staggered with blows, and + foiled of his spite, ran backward. Ruth's wits were gone; and she lay + before me, in such a helpless and senseless way that I could have killed + vile Kickums. I struck the spurs into him past the rowels, and away he + went at full gallop; while I had enough to do to hold on, with the little + girl lying in front of me. But I called to the men who were flocking + around, to send up a surgeon, as quick as could be, to Master Reuben + Huckaback's. + </p> + <p> + The moment I brought my right arm to bear, the vicious horse had no chance + with me; and if ever a horse was well paid for spite, Kickums had his + change that day. The bridle would almost have held a whale and I drew on + it so that his lower jaw was well-nigh broken from him; while with both + spurs I tore his flanks, and he learned a little lesson. There are times + when a man is more vicious than any horse may vie with. Therefore by the + time we had reached Uncle Reuben's house at the top of the hill, the bad + horse was only too happy to stop; every string of his body was trembling, + and his head hanging down with impotence. I leaped from his back at once, + and carried the maiden into her own sweet room. + </p> + <p> + Now Cousin Ruth was recovering softly from her fright and faintness; and + the volley of the wind from galloping so had made her little ears quite + pink, and shaken her locks all round her. But any one who might wish to + see a comely sight and a moving one, need only have looked at Ruth + Huckaback, when she learned (and imagined yet more than it was) the manner + of her little ride with me. Her hair was of a hazel-brown, and full of + waving readiness; and with no concealment of the trick, she spread it over + her eyes and face. Being so delighted with her, and so glad to see her + safe, I kissed her through the thick of it, as a cousin has a right to do; + yea, and ought to do, with gravity. + </p> + <p> + “Darling,” I said; “he has bitten you dreadfully: show me your poor arm, + dear.” + </p> + <p> + She pulled up her sleeve in the simplest manner, rather to look at it + herself, than to show me where the wound was. Her sleeve was of dark blue + Taunton staple; and her white arm shone, coming out of it, as round and + plump and velvety, as a stalk of asparagus, newly fetched out of the + ground. But above the curved soft elbow, where no room was for one cross + word (according to our proverb),* three sad gashes, edged with crimson, + spoiled the flow of the pearly flesh. My presence of mind was lost + altogether; and I raised the poor sore arm to my lips, both to stop the + bleeding and to take the venom out, having heard how wise it was, and + thinking of my mother. But Ruth, to my great amazement, drew away from me + in bitter haste, as if I had been inserting instead of extracting poison. + For the bite of a horse is most venomous; especially when he sheds his + teeth; and far more to be feared than the bite of a dog, or even of a cat. + And in my haste I had forgotten that Ruth might not know a word about + this, and might doubt about my meaning, and the warmth of my osculation. + But knowing her danger, I durst not heed her childishness, or her + feelings. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * “A maid with an elbow sharp, or knee, + Hath cross words two, out of every three.” + </pre> + <p> + “Don't be a fool, Cousin Ruth,” I said, catching her so that she could not + move; “the poison is soaking into you. Do you think that I do it for + pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + The spread of shame on her face was such, when she saw her own + misunderstanding, that I was ashamed to look at her; and occupied myself + with drawing all the risk of glanders forth from the white limb, hanging + helpless now, and left entirely to my will. Before I was quite sure of + having wholly exhausted suction, and when I had made the holes in her arm + look like the gills of a lamprey, in came the doctor, partly drunk, and in + haste to get through his business. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! I see,” he cried; “bite of a horse, they tell me. Very poisonous; + must be burned away. Sally, the iron in the fire. If you have a fire, this + weather.” + </p> + <p> + “Crave your pardon, good sir,” I said; for poor little Ruth was fainting + again at his savage orders: “but my cousin's arm shall not be burned; it + is a great deal too pretty, and I have sucked all the poison out. Look, + sir, how clean and fresh it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my heart! And so it is! No need at all for cauterising. The + epidermis will close over, and the cutis and the pellis. John Ridd, you + ought to have studied medicine, with your healing powers. Half my virtue + lies in touch. A clean and wholesome body, sir; I have taught you the + Latin grammar. I leave you in excellent hands, my dear, and they wait for + me at shovel-board. Bread and water poultice cold, to be renewed, <i>tribus + horis</i>. John Ridd, I was at school with you, and you beat me very + lamentably, when I tried to fight with you. You remember me not? It is + likely enough: I am forced to take strong waters, John, from infirmity of + the liver. Attend to my directions; and I will call again in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + And in that melancholy plight, caring nothing for business, went one of + the cleverest fellows ever known at Tiverton. He could write Latin verses + a great deal faster than I could ever write English prose, and nothing + seemed too great for him. We thought that he would go to Oxford and + astonish every one, and write in the style of Buchanan; but he fell all + abroad very lamentably; and now, when I met him again, was come down to + push-pin and shovel-board, with a wager of spirits pending. + </p> + <p> + When Master Huckaback came home, he looked at me very sulkily; not only + because of my refusal to become a slave to the gold-digging, but also + because he regarded me as the cause of a savage broil between Simon Carfax + and the men who had cheated him as to his Gwenny. However, when Uncle Ben + saw Ruth, and knew what had befallen her, and she with tears in her eyes + declared that she owed her life to Cousin Ridd, the old man became very + gracious to me; for if he loved any one on earth, it was his little + granddaughter. + </p> + <p> + I could not stay very long, because, my horse being quite unfit to travel + from the injuries which his violence and vice had brought upon him, there + was nothing for me but to go on foot, as none of Uncle Ben's horses could + take me to Plover's Barrows, without downright cruelty: and though there + would be a harvest-moon, Ruth agreed with me that I must not keep my + mother waiting, with no idea where I might be, until a late hour of the + night. I told Ruth all about our Annie, and her noble furniture; and the + little maid was very lively (although her wounds were paining her so, that + half her laughter came “on the wrong side of her mouth,” as we rather + coarsely express it); especially she laughed about Annie's new-fangled + closet for clothes, or standing-press, as she called it. This had + frightened me so that I would not come without my stick to look at it; for + the front was inlaid with two fiery dragons, and a glass which distorted + everything, making even Annie look hideous; and when it was opened, a + woman's skeleton, all in white, revealed itself, in the midst of three + standing women. “It is only to keep my best frocks in shape,” Annie had + explained to me; “hanging them up does ruin them so. But I own that I was + afraid of it, John, until I had got all my best clothes there, and then I + became very fond of it. But even now it frightens me sometimes in the + moonlight.” + </p> + <p> + Having made poor Ruth a little cheerful, with a full account of all + Annie's frocks, material, pattern, and fashion (of which I had taken a + list for my mother, and for Lizzie, lest they should cry out at man's + stupidity about anything of real interest), I proceeded to tell her about + my own troubles, and the sudden departure of Lorna; concluding with all + the show of indifference which my pride could muster, that now I never + should see her again, and must do my best to forget her, as being so far + above me. I had not intended to speak of this, but Ruth's face was so kind + and earnest, that I could not stop myself. + </p> + <p> + “You must not talk like that, Cousin Ridd,” she said, in a low and gentle + tone, and turning away her eyes from me; “no lady can be above a man, who + is pure, and brave, and gentle. And if her heart be worth having, she will + never let you give her up, for her grandeur, and her nobility.” + </p> + <p> + She pronounced those last few words, as I thought, with a little + bitterness, unperceived by herself perhaps, for it was not in her + appearance. But I, attaching great importance to a maiden's opinion about + a maiden (because she might judge from experience), would have led her + further into that subject. But she declined to follow, having now no more + to say in a matter so removed from her. Then I asked her full and + straight, and looking at her in such a manner that she could not look + away, without appearing vanquished by feelings of her own—which + thing was very vile of me; but all men are so selfish,— + </p> + <p> + “Dear cousin, tell me, once for all, what is your advice to me?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0178" id="linkimage-0178"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/572.jpg" width="100%" + alt="572.jpg What is Your Advice to Me? " /> + </div> + <p> + “My advice to you,” she answered bravely, with her dark eyes full of + pride, and instead of flinching, foiling me,—“is to do what every + man must do, if he would win fair maiden. Since she cannot send you token, + neither is free to return to you, follow her, pay your court to her; show + that you will not be forgotten; and perhaps she will look down—I + mean, she will relent to you.” + </p> + <p> + “She has nothing to relent about. I have never vexed nor injured her. My + thoughts have never strayed from her. There is no one to compare with + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then keep her in that same mind about you. See now, I can advise no more. + My arm is swelling painfully, in spite of all your goodness, and bitter + task of surgeonship. I shall have another poultice on, and go to bed, I + think, Cousin Ridd, if you will not hold me ungrateful. I am so sorry for + your long walk. Surely it might be avoided. Give my love to dear Lizzie: + oh, the room is going round so.” + </p> + <p> + And she fainted into the arms of Sally, who was come just in time to fetch + her: no doubt she had been suffering agony all the time she talked to me. + Leaving word that I would come again to inquire for her, and fetch Kickums + home, so soon as the harvest permitted me, I gave directions about the + horse, and striding away from the ancient town, was soon upon the + moorlands. + </p> + <p> + Now, through the whole of that long walk—the latter part of which + was led by starlight, till the moon arose—I dwelt, in my young and + foolish way, upon the ordering of our steps by a Power beyond us. But as I + could not bring my mind to any clearness upon this matter, and the stars + shed no light upon it, but rather confused me with wondering how their + Lord could attend to them all, and yet to a puny fool like me, it came to + pass that my thoughts on the subject were not worth ink, if I knew them. + </p> + <p> + But it is perhaps worth ink to relate, so far as I can do so, mother's + delight at my return, when she had almost abandoned hope, and concluded + that I was gone to London, in disgust at her behaviour. And now she was + looking up the lane, at the rise of the harvest-moon, in despair, as she + said afterwards. But if she had despaired in truth, what use to look at + all? Yet according to the epigram made by a good Blundellite,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Despair was never yet so deep + In sinking as in seeming; + Despair is hope just dropped asleep + For better chance of dreaming.” + </pre> + <p> + And mother's dream was a happy one, when she knew my step at a furlong + distant; for the night was of those that carry sound thrice as far as day + can. She recovered herself, when she was sure, and even made up her mind + to scold me, and felt as if she could do it. But when she was in my arms, + into which she threw herself, and I by the light of the moon descried the + silver gleam on one side of her head (now spreading since Annie's + departure), bless my heart and yours therewith, no room was left for + scolding. She hugged me, and she clung to me; and I looked at her, with + duty made tenfold, and discharged by love. We said nothing to one another; + but all was right between us. + </p> + <p> + Even Lizzie behaved very well, so far as her nature admitted; not even + saying a nasty thing all the time she was getting my supper ready, with a + weak imitation of Annie. She knew that the gift of cooking was not + vouchsafed by God to her; but sometimes she would do her best, by + intellect to win it. Whereas it is no more to be won by intellect than is + divine poetry. An amount of strong quick heart is needful, and the + understanding must second it, in the one art as in the other. Now my fare + was very choice for the next three days or more; yet not turned out like + Annie's. They could do a thing well enough on the fire; but they could not + put it on table so; nor even have plates all piping hot. This was Annie's + special gift; born in her, and ready to cool with her; like a plate borne + away from the fireplace. I sighed sometimes about Lorna, and they thought + it was about the plates. And mother would stand and look at me, as much as + to say, “No pleasing him”; and Lizzie would jerk up one shoulder, and cry, + “He had better have Lorna to cook for him”; while the whole truth was that + I wanted not to be plagued about any cookery; but just to have something + good and quiet, and then smoke and think about Lorna. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the time went on, with one change and another; and we + gathered all our harvest in; and Parson Bowden thanked God for it, both in + church and out of it; for his tithes would be very goodly. The unmatched + cold of the previous winter, and general fear of scarcity, and our own + talk about our ruin, had sent prices up to a grand high pitch; and we did + our best to keep them there. For nine Englishmen out of every ten believe + that a bitter winter must breed a sour summer, and explain away topmost + prices. While according to my experience, more often it would be + otherwise, except for the public thinking so. However, I have said too + much; and if any farmer reads my book, he will vow that I wrote it for + nothing else except to rob his family. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0062" id="linklink2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXII + </h2> + <h3> + THE KING MUST NOT BE PRAYED FOR + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0179" id="linkimage-0179"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/575.jpg" alt="575.jpg Lynmouth " /> + </div> + <p> + All our neighbourhood was surprised that the Doones had not ere now + attacked, and probably made an end of us. For we lay almost at their mercy + now, having only Sergeant Bloxham, and three men, to protect us, Captain + Stickles having been ordered southwards with all his force; except such as + might be needful for collecting toll, and watching the imports at + Lynmouth, and thence to Porlock. The Sergeant, having now imbibed a taste + for writing reports (though his first great effort had done him no good, + and only offended Stickles), reported weekly from Plover's Barrows, + whenever he could find a messenger. And though we fed not Sergeant Bloxham + at our own table, with the best we had (as in the case of Stickles, who + represented His Majesty), yet we treated him so well, that he reported + very highly of us, as loyal and true-hearted lieges, and most devoted to + our lord the King. And indeed he could scarcely have done less, when + Lizzie wrote great part of his reports, and furbished up the rest to such + a pitch of lustre, that Lord Clarendon himself need scarce have been + ashamed of them. And though this cost a great deal of ale, and even of + strong waters (for Lizzie would have it the duty of a critic to stand + treat to the author), and though it was otherwise a plague, as giving the + maid such airs of patronage, and such pretence to politics; yet there was + no stopping it, without the risk of mortal offence to both writer and + reviewer. Our mother also, while disapproving Lizzie's long stay in the + saddle-room on a Friday night and a Saturday, and insisting that Betty + should be there, was nevertheless as proud as need be, that the King + should read our Eliza' s writings—at least so the innocent soul + believed—and we all looked forward to something great as the fruit + of all this history. And something great did come of it, though not as we + expected; for these reports, or as many of them as were ever opened, stood + us in good stead the next year, when we were accused of harbouring and + comforting guilty rebels. + </p> + <p> + Now the reason why the Doones did not attack us was that they were + preparing to meet another and more powerful assault upon their fortress; + being assured that their repulse of King's troops could not be looked over + when brought before the authorities. And no doubt they were right; for + although the conflicts in the Government during that summer and autumn had + delayed the matter yet positive orders had been issued that these outlaws + and malefactors should at any price be brought to justice; when the sudden + death of King Charles the Second threw all things into confusion, and all + minds into a panic. + </p> + <p> + We heard of it first in church, on Sunday, the eighth day of February, + 1684-5, from a cousin of John Fry, who had ridden over on purpose from + Porlock. He came in just before the anthem, splashed and heated from his + ride, so that every one turned and looked at him. He wanted to create a + stir (knowing how much would be made of him), and he took the best way to + do it. For he let the anthem go by very quietly—or rather I should + say very pleasingly, for our choir was exceeding proud of itself, and I + sang bass twice as loud as a bull, to beat the clerk with the clarionet—and + then just as Parson Bowden, with a look of pride at his minstrels, was + kneeling down to begin the prayer for the King's Most Excellent Majesty + (for he never read the litany, except upon Easter Sunday), up jumps young + Sam Fry, and shouts,— + </p> + <p> + “I forbid that there prai-er.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried the parson, rising slowly, and looking for some one to shut + the door: “have we a rebel in the congregation?” For the parson was + growing short-sighted now, and knew not Sam Fry at that distance. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Sam, not a whit abashed by the staring of all the parish; + “no rebel, parson; but a man who mislaiketh popery and murder. That there + prai-er be a prai-er for the dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” cried the parson, now recognising and knowing him to be our John's + first cousin, “you do not mean to say, Sam, that His Gracious Majesty is + dead!” + </p> + <p> + “Dead as a sto-un: poisoned by they Papishers.” And Sam rubbed his hands + with enjoyment, at the effect he had produced. + </p> + <p> + “Remember where you are, Sam,” said Parson Bowden solemnly; “when did this + most sad thing happen? The King is the head of the Church, Sam Fry; when + did he leave her?” + </p> + <p> + “Day afore yesterday. Twelve o'clock. Warn't us quick to hear of 'un?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't be,” said the minister: “the tidings can never have come so soon. + Anyhow, he will want it all the more. Let us pray for His Gracious + Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + And with that he proceeded as usual; but nobody cried “Amen,” for fear of + being entangled with Popery. But after giving forth his text, our parson + said a few words out of book, about the many virtues of His Majesty, and + self-denial, and devotion, comparing his pious mirth to the dancing of the + patriarch David before the ark of the covenant; and he added, with some + severity, that if his flock would not join their pastor (who was much more + likely to judge aright) in praying for the King, the least they could do + on returning home was to pray that the King might not be dead, as his + enemies had asserted. + </p> + <p> + Now when the service was over, we killed the King, and we brought him to + life, at least fifty times in the churchyard: and Sam Fry was mounted on a + high gravestone, to tell every one all he knew of it. But he knew no more + than he had told us in the church, as before repeated: upon which we were + much disappointed with him, and inclined to disbelieve him; until he + happily remembered that His Majesty had died in great pain, with blue + spots on his breast and black spots all across his back, and these in the + form of a cross, by reason of Papists having poisoned him. When Sam called + this to his remembrance (or to his imagination) he was overwhelmed, at + once, with so many invitations to dinner, that he scarce knew which of + them to accept; but decided in our favour. + </p> + <p> + Grieving much for the loss of the King, however greatly it might be (as + the parson had declared it was, while telling us to pray against it) for + the royal benefit, I resolved to ride to Porlock myself, directly after + dinner, and make sure whether he were dead, or not. For it was not by any + means hard to suppose that Sam Fry, being John's first cousin, might have + inherited either from grandfather or grandmother some of those gifts which + had made our John so famous for mendacity. At Porlock I found that it was + too true; and the women of the town were in great distress, for the King + had always been popular with them: the men, on the other hand, were + forecasting what would be likely to ensue. + </p> + <p> + And I myself was of this number, riding sadly home again; although bound + to the King as churchwarden now; which dignity, next to the parson's in + rank, is with us (as it ought to be in every good parish) hereditary. For + who can stick to the church like the man whose father stuck to it before + him; and who knows all the little ins, and great outs, which must in these + troublous times come across? + </p> + <p> + But though appointed at last, by virtue of being best farmer in the parish + (as well as by vice of mismanagement on the part of my mother, and + Nicholas Snowe, who had thoroughly mixed up everything, being too + quick-headed); yet, while I dwelled with pride upon the fact that I stood + in the King's shoes, as the manager and promoter of the Church of England, + and I knew that we must miss His Majesty (whose arms were above the + Commandments), as the leader of our thoughts in church, and handsome upon + a guinea; nevertheless I kept on thinking how his death would act on me. + </p> + <p> + And here I saw it, many ways. In the first place, troubles must break out; + and we had eight-and-twenty ricks; counting grain, and straw, and hay. + Moreover, mother was growing weak about riots, and shooting, and burning; + and she gathered the bed-clothes around her ears every night, when her + feet were tucked up; and prayed not to awake until morning. In the next + place, much rebellion (though we would not own it; in either sense of the + verb, to “own”) was whispering, and plucking skirts, and making signs, + among us. And the terror of the Doones helped greatly; as a fruitful tree + of lawlessness, and a good excuse for everybody. And after this—or + rather before it, and first of all indeed (if I must state the true order)—arose + upon me the thought of Lorna, and how these things would affect her fate. + </p> + <p> + And indeed I must admit that it had occurred to me sometimes, or been + suggested by others, that the Lady Lorna had not behaved altogether + kindly, since her departure from among us. For although in those days the + post (as we call the service of letter-carrying, which now comes within + twenty miles of us) did not extend to our part of the world, yet it might + have been possible to procure for hire a man who would ride post, if Lorna + feared to trust the pack-horses, or the troopers, who went to and fro. Yet + no message whatever had reached us; neither any token even of her safety + in London. As to this last, however, we had no misgivings, having learned + from the orderlies, more than once, that the wealth, and beauty, and + adventures of young Lady Lorna Dugal were greatly talked of, both at court + and among the common people. + </p> + <p> + Now riding sadly homewards, in the sunset of the early spring, I was more + than ever touched with sorrow, and a sense of being, as it were, + abandoned. And the weather growing quite beautiful, and so mild that the + trees were budding, and the cattle full of happiness, I could not but + think of the difference between the world of to-day and the world of this + day twelvemonth. Then all was howling desolation, all the earth blocked up + with snow, and all the air with barbs of ice as small as splintered + needles, yet glittering, in and out, like stars, and gathering so upon a + man (if long he stayed among them) that they began to weigh him down to + sleepiness and frozen death. Not a sign of life was moving, nor was any + change of view; unless the wild wind struck the crest of some cold drift, + and bowed it. + </p> + <p> + Now, on the other hand, all was good. The open palm of spring was laid + upon the yielding of the hills; and each particular valley seemed to be + the glove for a finger. And although the sun was low, and dipping in the + western clouds, the gray light of the sea came up, and took, and taking, + told the special tone of everything. All this lay upon my heart, without a + word of thinking, spreading light and shadow there, and the soft delight + of sadness. Nevertheless, I would it were the savage snow around me, and + the piping of the restless winds, and the death of everything. For in + those days I had Lorna. + </p> + <p> + Then I thought of promise fair; such as glowed around me, where the red + rocks held the sun, when he was departed; and the distant crags + endeavoured to retain his memory. But as evening spread across them, + shading with a silent fold, all the colour stole away; all remembrance + waned and died. + </p> + <p> + “So it has been with love,” I thought, “and with simple truth and warmth. + The maid has chosen the glittering stars, instead of the plain daylight.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless I would not give in, although in deep despondency (especially + when I passed the place where my dear father had fought in vain), and I + tried to see things right and then judge aright about them. This, however, + was more easy to attempt than to achieve; and by the time I came down the + hill, I was none the wiser. Only I could tell my mother that the King was + dead for sure; and she would have tried to cry, but for thought of her + mourning. + </p> + <p> + There was not a moment for lamenting. All the mourning must be ready (if + we cared to beat the Snowes) in eight-and-forty hours: and, although it + was Sunday night, mother now feeling sure of the thing, sat up with + Lizzie, cutting patterns, and stitching things on brown paper, and + snipping, and laying the fashions down, and requesting all opinions, yet + when given, scorning them; insomuch that I grew weary even of tobacco + (which had comforted me since Lorna), and prayed her to go on until the + King should be alive again. + </p> + <p> + The thought of that so flurried her—for she never yet could see a + joke—that she laid her scissors on the table and said, “The Lord + forbid, John! after what I have cut up!” + </p> + <p> + “It would be just like him,” I answered, with a knowing smile: “Mother, + you had better stop. Patterns may do very well; but don't cut up any more + good stuff.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, good lack, I am a fool! Three tables pegged with needles! The Lord + in His mercy keep His Majesty, if ever He hath gotten him!” + </p> + <p> + By this device we went to bed; and not another stitch was struck until the + troopers had office-tidings that the King was truly dead. Hence the Snowes + beat us by a day; and both old Betty and Lizzie laid the blame upon me, as + usual. + </p> + <p> + Almost before we had put off the mourning, which as loyal subjects we kept + for the King three months and a week; rumours of disturbances, of + plottings, and of outbreak began to stir among us. We heard of fighting in + Scotland, and buying of ships on the continent, and of arms in Dorset and + Somerset; and we kept our beacon in readiness to give signals of a + landing; or rather the soldiers did. For we, having trustworthy reports + that the King had been to high mass himself in the Abbey of Westminster, + making all the bishops go with him, and all the guards in London, and then + tortured all the Protestants who dared to wait outside, moreover had + received from the Pope a flower grown in the Virgin Mary's garden, and + warranted to last for ever, we of the moderate party, hearing all this and + ten times as much, and having no love for this sour James, such as we had + for the lively Charles, were ready to wait for what might happen, rather + than care about stopping it. Therefore we listened to rumours gladly, and + shook our heads with gravity, and predicted, every man something, but + scarce any two the same. Nevertheless, in our part, things went on as + usual, until the middle of June was nigh. We ploughed the ground, and + sowed the corn, and tended the cattle, and heeded every one his + neighbour's business, as carefully as heretofore; and the only thing that + moved us much was that Annie had a baby. This being a very fine child with + blue eyes, and christened “John” in compliment to me, and with me for his + godfather, it is natural to suppose that I thought a good deal about him; + and when mother or Lizzie would ask me, all of a sudden, and + treacherously, when the fire flared up at supper-time (for we always kept + a little wood just alight in summer-time, and enough to make the pot + boil), then when they would say to me, “John, what are you thinking of? At + a word, speak!” I would always answer, “Little John Faggus”; and so they + made no more of me. + </p> + <p> + But when I was down, on Saturday the thirteenth of June, at the + blacksmith's forge by Brendon town, where the Lynn-stream runs so close + that he dips his horseshoes in it, and where the news is apt to come first + of all to our neighbourhood (except upon a Sunday), while we were talking + of the hay-crop, and of a great sheep-stealer, round the corner came a man + upon a piebald horse looking flagged and weary. But seeing half a dozen of + us, young, and brisk, and hearty, he made a flourish with his horse, and + waved a blue flag vehemently, shouting with great glory,— + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0180" id="linkimage-0180"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/582.jpg" width="100%" + alt="582.jpg Waved a Blue Flag Vehemently " /> + </div> + <p> + “Monmouth and the Protestant faith! Monmouth and no Popery! Monmouth, the + good King's eldest son! Down with the poisoning murderer! Down with the + black usurper, and to the devil with all papists!” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, thou little varlet?” I asked very quietly; for the man was too + small to quarrel with: yet knowing Lorna to be a “papist,” as we choose to + call them—though they might as well call us “kingists,” after the + head of our Church—I thought that this scurvy scampish knave might + show them the way to the place he mentioned, unless his courage failed + him. + </p> + <p> + “Papist yourself, be you?” said the fellow, not daring to answer much: + “then take this, and read it.” + </p> + <p> + And he handed me a long rigmarole, which he called a “Declaration”: I saw + that it was but a heap of lies, and thrust it into the blacksmith's fire, + and blew the bellows thrice at it. No one dared attempt to stop me, for my + mood had not been sweet of late; and of course they knew my strength. + </p> + <p> + The man rode on with a muttering noise, having won no recruits from us, by + force of my example: and he stopped at the ale-house farther down, where + the road goes away from the Lynn-stream. Some of us went thither after a + time, when our horses were shodden and rasped, for although we might not + like the man, we might be glad of his tidings, which seemed to be + something wonderful. He had set up his blue flag in the tap-room, and was + teaching every one. + </p> + <p> + “Here coom'th Maister Jan Ridd,” said the landlady, being well pleased + with the call for beer and cider: “her hath been to Lunnon-town, and live + within a maile of me. Arl the news coom from them nowadays, instead of + from here, as her ought to do. If Jan Ridd say it be true, I will try + almost to belave it. Hath the good Duke landed, sir?” And she looked at me + over a foaming cup, and blew the froth off, and put more in. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt it is true enough,” I answered, before drinking; “and too + true, Mistress Pugsley. Many a poor man will die; but none shall die from + our parish, nor from Brendon, if I can help it.” + </p> + <p> + And I knew that I could help it; for every one in those little places + would abide by my advice; not only from the fame of my schooling and long + sojourn in London, but also because I had earned repute for being very + “slow and sure”: and with nine people out of ten this is the very best + recommendation. For they think themselves much before you in wit, and + under no obligation, but rather conferring a favour, by doing the thing + that you do. Hence, if I cared for influence—which means, for the + most part, making people do one's will, without knowing it—my first + step toward it would be to be called, in common parlance, “slow but sure.” + </p> + <p> + For the next fortnight we were daily troubled with conflicting rumours, + each man relating what he desired, rather than what he had right, to + believe. We were told that the Duke had been proclaimed King of England in + every town of Dorset and of Somerset; that he had won a great battle at + Axminster, and another at Bridport, and another somewhere else; that all + the western counties had risen as one man for him, and all the militia had + joined his ranks; that Taunton, and Bridgwater, and Bristowe, were all mad + with delight, the two former being in his hands, and the latter craving to + be so. And then, on the other hand, we heard that the Duke had been + vanquished, and put to flight, and upon being apprehended, had confessed + himself an impostor and a papist as bad as the King was. + </p> + <p> + We longed for Colonel Stickles (as he always became in time of war, though + he fell back to Captain, and even Lieutenant, directly the fight was + over), for then we should have won trusty news, as well as good + consideration. But even Sergeant Bloxham, much against his will, was gone, + having left his heart with our Lizzie, and a collection of all his + writings. All the soldiers had been ordered away at full speed for Exeter, + to join the Duke of Albemarle, or if he were gone, to follow him. As for + us, who had fed them so long (although not quite for nothing), we must + take our chance of Doones, or any other enemies. + </p> + <p> + Now all these tidings moved me a little; not enough to spoil appetite, but + enough to make things lively, and to teach me that look of wisdom which is + bred of practice only, and the hearing of many lies. Therefore I withheld + my judgment, fearing to be triumphed over, if it should happen to miss the + mark. But mother and Lizzie, ten times in a day, predicted all they could + imagine; and their prophecies increased in strength according to + contradiction. Yet this was not in the proper style for a house like ours, + which knew the news, or at least had known it; and still was famous, all + around, for the last advices. Even from Lynmouth, people sent up to + Plover's Barrows to ask how things were going on: and it was very grievous + to answer that in truth we knew not, neither had heard for days and days; + and our reputation was so great, especially since the death of the King + had gone abroad from Oare parish, that many inquirers would only wink, and + lay a finger on the lip, as if to say, “you know well enough, but see not + fit to tell me.” And before the end arrived, those people believed that + they had been right all along, and that we had concealed the truth from + them. + </p> + <p> + For I myself became involved (God knows how much against my will and my + proper judgment) in the troubles, and the conflict, and the cruel work + coming afterwards. If ever I had made up my mind to anything in all my + life, it was at this particular time, and as stern and strong as could be. + I had resolved to let things pass,—to hear about them gladly, to + encourage all my friends to talk, and myself to express opinion upon each + particular point, when in the fullness of time no further doubt could be. + But all my policy went for nothing, through a few touches of feeling. + </p> + <p> + One day at the beginning of July, I came home from mowing about noon, or a + little later, to fetch some cider for all of us, and to eat a morsel of + bacon. For mowing was no joke that year, the summer being wonderfully wet + (even for our wet country), and the swathe falling heavier over the scythe + than ever I could remember it. We were drenched with rain almost every + day; but the mowing must be done somehow; and we must trust to God for the + haymaking. + </p> + <p> + In the courtyard I saw a little cart, with iron brakes underneath it, such + as fastidious people use to deaden the jolting of the road; but few men + under a lord or baronet would be so particular. Therefore I wondered who + our noble visitor could be. But when I entered the kitchen-place, brushing + up my hair for somebody, behold it was no one greater than our Annie, with + my godson in her arms, and looking pale and tear-begone. And at first she + could not speak to me. But presently having sat down a little, and + received much praise for her baby, she smiled and blushed, and found her + tongue as if she had never gone from us. + </p> + <p> + “How natural it all looks again! Oh, I love this old kitchen so! Baby + dear, only look at it wid him pitty, pitty eyes, and him tongue out of his + mousy! But who put the flour-riddle up there. And look at the pestle and + mortar, and rust I declare in the patty pans! And a book, positively a + dirty book, where the clean skewers ought to hang! Oh, Lizzie, Lizzie, + Lizzie!” + </p> + <p> + “You may just as well cease lamenting,” I said, “for you can't alter + Lizzie's nature, and you will only make mother uncomfortable, and perhaps + have a quarrel with Lizzie, who is proud as Punch of her housekeeping.” + </p> + <p> + “She,” cried Annie, with all the contempt that could be compressed in a + syllable. “Well, John, no doubt you are right about it. I will try not to + notice things. But it is a hard thing, after all my care, to see + everything going to ruin. But what can be expected of a girl who knows all + the kings of Carthage?” + </p> + <p> + “There were no kings of Carthage, Annie. They were called, why let me see—they + were called—oh, something else.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind what they were called,” said Annie; “will they cook our dinner + for us? But now, John, I am in such trouble. All this talk is + make-believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you cry, my dear: don't cry, my darling sister,” I answered, as she + dropped into the worn place of the settle, and bent above her infant, + rocking as if both their hearts were one: “don't you know, Annie, I cannot + tell, but I know, or at least I mean, I have heard the men of experience + say, it is so bad for the baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I know that as well as you do, John,” said Annie, looking up at + me with a gleam of her old laughing: “but how can I help crying; I am in + such trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what it is, my dear. Any grief of yours will vex me greatly; but + I will try to bear it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, John, it is just this. Tom has gone off with the rebels; and you + must, oh, you must go after him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0181" id="linkimage-0181"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/586.jpg" width="100%" alt="586.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0063" id="linklink2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIII + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN IS WORSTED BY THE WOMEN + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0182" id="linkimage-0182"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/587.jpg" alt="587.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Moved as I was by Annie's tears, and gentle style of coaxing, and most of + all by my love for her, I yet declared that I could not go, and leave our + house and homestead, far less my dear mother and Lizzie, at the mercy of + the merciless Doones. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all your objection, John?” asked Annie, in her quick panting way: + “would you go but for that, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I said, “be in no such hurry”—for while I was gradually + yielding, I liked to pass it through my fingers, as if my fingers shaped + it: “there are many things to be thought about, and many ways of viewing + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you never can have loved Lorna! No wonder you gave her up so! John, + you can love nobody, but your oat-ricks, and your hay-ricks.” + </p> + <p> + “Sister mine, because I rant not, neither rave of what I feel, can you be + so shallow as to dream that I feel nothing? What is your love for Tom + Faggus? What is your love for your baby (pretty darling as he is) to + compare with such a love as for ever dwells with me? Because I do not + prate of it; because it is beyond me, not only to express, but even form + to my own heart in thoughts; because I do not shape my face, and would + scorn to play to it, as a thing of acting, and lay it out before you, are + you fools enough to think—” but here I stopped, having said more + than was usual with me. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, John. Dear John, I am so sorry. What a shallow fool I + am!” + </p> + <p> + “I will go seek your husband,” I said, to change the subject, for even to + Annie I would not lay open all my heart about Lorna: “but only upon + condition that you ensure this house and people from the Doones meanwhile. + Even for the sake of Tom, I cannot leave all helpless. The oat-ricks and + the hay-ricks, which are my only love, they are welcome to make cinders + of. But I will not have mother treated so; nor even little Lizzie, + although you scorn your sister so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, John, I do think you are the hardest, as well as the softest of all + the men I know. Not even a woman's bitter word but what you pay her out + for. Will you never understand that we are not like you, John? We say all + sorts of spiteful things, without a bit of meaning. John, for God's sake + fetch Tom home; and then revile me as you please, and I will kneel and + thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not promise to fetch him home,” I answered, being ashamed of + myself for having lost command so: “but I will promise to do my best, if + we can only hit on a plan for leaving mother harmless.” + </p> + <p> + Annie thought for a little while, trying to gather her smooth clear brow + into maternal wrinkles, and then she looked at her child, and said, “I + will risk it, for daddy's sake, darling; you precious soul, for daddy's + sake.” I asked her what she was going to risk. She would not tell me; but + took upper hand, and saw to my cider-cans and bacon, and went from corner + to cupboard, exactly as if she had never been married; only without an + apron on. And then she said, “Now to your mowers, John; and make the most + of this fine afternoon; kiss your godson before you go.” And I, being used + to obey her, in little things of that sort, kissed the baby, and took my + cans, and went back to my scythe again. + </p> + <p> + By the time I came home it was dark night, and pouring again with a foggy + rain, such as we have in July, even more than in January. Being soaked all + through, and through, and with water squelching in my boots, like a pump + with a bad bucket, I was only too glad to find Annie's bright face, and + quick figure, flitting in and out the firelight, instead of Lizzie sitting + grandly, with a feast of literature, and not a drop of gravy. Mother was + in the corner also, with her cheery-coloured ribbons glistening very nice + by candle-light, looking at Annie now and then, with memories of her + babyhood; and then at her having a baby: yet half afraid of praising her + much, for fear of that young Lizzie. But Lizzie showed no jealousy: she + truly loved our Annie (now that she was gone from us), and she wanted to + know all sorts of things, and she adored the baby. Therefore Annie was + allowed to attend to me, as she used to do. + </p> + <p> + “Now, John, you must start the first thing in the morning,” she said, when + the others had left the room, but somehow she stuck to the baby, “to fetch + me back my rebel, according to your promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” I replied, misliking the job, “all I promised was to go, if this + house were assured against any onslaught of the Doones.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so; and here is that assurance.” With these words she drew forth a + paper, and laid it on my knee with triumph, enjoying my amazement. This, + as you may suppose was great; not only at the document, but also at her + possession of it. For in truth it was no less than a formal undertaking, + on the part of the Doones, not to attack Plover's Barrows farm, or molest + any of the inmates, or carry off any chattels, during the absence of John + Ridd upon a special errand. This document was signed not only by the + Counsellor, but by many other Doones: whether Carver's name were there, I + could not say for certain; as of course he would not sign it under his + name of “Carver,” and I had never heard Lorna say to what (if any) he had + been baptized. + </p> + <p> + In the face of such a deed as this, I could no longer refuse to go; and + having received my promise, Annie told me (as was only fair) how she had + procured that paper. It was both a clever and courageous act; and would + have seemed to me, at first sight, far beyond Annie's power. But none may + gauge a woman's power, when her love and faith are moved. + </p> + <p> + The first thing Annie had done was this: she made herself look ugly. This + was not an easy thing; but she had learned a great deal from her husband, + upon the subject of disguises. It hurt her feelings not a little to make + so sad a fright of herself; but what could it matter?—if she lost + Tom, she must be a far greater fright in earnest, than now she was in + seeming. And then she left her child asleep, under Betty Muxworthy's + tendance—for Betty took to that child, as if there never had been a + child before—and away she went in her own “spring-cart” (as the name + of that engine proved to be), without a word to any one, except the old + man who had driven her from Molland parish that morning, and who coolly + took one of our best horses, without “by your leave” to any one. + </p> + <p> + Annie made the old man drive her within easy reach of the Doone-gate, + whose position she knew well enough, from all our talk about it. And there + she bade the old man stay, until she should return to him. Then with her + comely figure hidden by a dirty old woman's cloak, and her fair young face + defaced by patches and by liniments, so that none might covet her, she + addressed the young man at the gate in a cracked and trembling voice; and + they were scarcely civil to the “old hag,” as they called her. She said + that she bore important tidings for Sir Counsellor himself, and must be + conducted to him. To him accordingly she was led, without even any + hoodwinking, for she had spectacles over her eyes, and made believe not to + see ten yards. + </p> + <p> + She found Sir Counsellor at home, and when the rest were out of sight, + threw off all disguise to him, flashing forth as a lovely young woman, + from all her wraps and disfigurements. She flung her patches on the floor, + amid the old man's laughter, and let her tucked-up hair come down; and + then went up and kissed him. + </p> + <p> + “Worthy and reverend Counsellor, I have a favour to ask,” she began. + </p> + <p> + “So I should think from your proceedings,”—the old man interrupted—“ah, + if I were half my age”— + </p> + <p> + “If you were, I would not sue so. But most excellent Counsellor, you owe + me some amends, you know, for the way in which you robbed me.” + </p> + <p> + “Beyond a doubt I do, my dear. You have put it rather strongly; and it + might offend some people. Nevertheless I own my debt, having so fair a + creditor.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you remember how you slept, and how much we made of you, and would + have seen you home, sir; only you did not wish it?” + </p> + <p> + “And for excellent reasons, child. My best escort was in my cloak, after + we made the cream to rise. Ha, ha! The unholy spell. My pretty child, has + it injured you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I fear it has,” said Annie; “or whence can all my ill luck come?” + And here she showed some signs of crying, knowing that Counsellor hated + it. + </p> + <p> + “You shall not have ill luck, my dear. I have heard all about your + marriage to a very noble highwayman. Ah, you made a mistake in that; you + were worthy of a Doone, my child; your frying was a blessing meant for + those who can appreciate.” + </p> + <p> + “My husband can appreciate,” she answered very proudly; “but what I wish + to know is this, will you try to help me?” + </p> + <p> + The Counsellor answered that he would do so, if her needs were moderate; + whereupon she opened her meaning to him, and told of all her anxieties. + Considering that Lorna was gone, and her necklace in his possession, and + that I (against whom alone of us the Doones could bear any malice) would + be out of the way all the while, the old man readily undertook that our + house should not be assaulted, nor our property molested, until my return. + And to the promptitude of his pledge, two things perhaps contributed, + namely, that he knew not how we were stripped of all defenders, and that + some of his own forces were away in the rebel camp. For (as I learned + thereafter) the Doones being now in direct feud with the present + Government, and sure to be crushed if that prevailed, had resolved to drop + all religious questions, and cast in their lot with Monmouth. And the + turbulent youths, being long restrained from their wonted outlet for + vehemence, by the troopers in the neighbourhood, were only too glad to + rush forth upon any promise of blows and excitement. + </p> + <p> + However, Annie knew little of this, but took the Counsellor's pledge as a + mark of especial favour in her behalf (which it may have been to some + extent), and thanked him for it most heartily, and felt that he had earned + the necklace; while he, like an ancient gentleman, disclaimed all + obligation, and sent her under an escort safe to her own cart again. But + Annie, repassing the sentinels, with her youth restored and blooming with + the flush of triumph, went up to them very gravely, and said, “The old hag + wishes you good-evening, gentlemen”; and so made her best curtsey. + </p> + <p> + Now, look at it as I would, there was no excuse left for me, after the + promise given. Dear Annie had not only cheated the Doones, but also had + gotten the best of me, by a pledge to a thing impossible. And I bitterly + said, “I am not like Lorna: a pledge once given, I keep it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not have a word against Lorna,” cried Annie; “I will answer for + her truth as surely as I would for my own or yours, John.” And with that + she vanquished me. + </p> + <p> + But when my poor mother heard that I was committed, by word of honour, to + a wild-goose chase, among the rebels, after that runagate Tom Faggus, she + simply stared, and would not believe it. For lately I had joked with her, + in a little style of jerks, as people do when out of sorts; and she, not + understanding this, and knowing jokes to be out of my power, would only + look, and sigh, and toss, and hope that I meant nothing. At last, however, + we convinced her that I was in earnest, and must be off in the early + morning, and leave John Fry with the hay crop. + </p> + <p> + Then mother was ready to fall upon Annie, as not content with disgracing + us, by wedding a man of new honesty (if indeed of any), but laying traps + to catch her brother, and entangle him perhaps to his death, for the sake + of a worthless fellow; and “felon”—she was going to say, as by the + shape of her lips I knew. But I laid my hand upon dear mother's lips; + because what must be, must be; and if mother and daughter stayed at home, + better in love than in quarrelling. + </p> + <p> + Right early in the morning, I was off, without word to any one; knowing + that mother and sister mine had cried each her good self to sleep; + relenting when the light was out, and sorry for hard words and thoughts; + and yet too much alike in nature to understand each other. Therefore I + took good Kickums, who (although with one eye spoiled) was worth ten + sweet-tempered horses, to a man who knew how to manage him; and being well + charged both with bacon and powder, forth I set on my wild-goose chase. + </p> + <p> + For this I claim no bravery. I cared but little what came of it; save for + mother's sake, and Annie's, and the keeping of the farm, and discomfiture + of the Snowes, and lamenting of Lorna at my death, if die I must in a + lonesome manner, not found out till afterwards, and bleaching bones left + to weep over. However, I had a little kettle, and a pound and a half of + tobacco, and two dirty pipes and a clean one; also a bit of clothes for + change, also a brisket of hung venison, and four loaves of farmhouse + bread, and of the upper side of bacon a stone and a half it might be—not + to mention divers small things for campaigning, which may come in handily, + when no one else has gotten them. + </p> + <p> + We went away in merry style; my horse being ready for anything, and I only + glad of a bit of change, after months of working and brooding; with no + content to crown the work; no hope to hatch the brooding; or without + hatching to reckon it. Who could tell but what Lorna might be discovered, + or at any rate heard of, before the end of this campaign; if campaign it + could be called of a man who went to fight nobody, only to redeem a + runagate? And vexed as I was about the hay, and the hunch-backed ricks + John was sure to make (which spoil the look of a farm-yard), still even + this was better than to have the mows and houses fired, as I had nightly + expected, and been worn out with the worry of it. + </p> + <p> + Yet there was one thing rather unfavourable to my present enterprise, + namely, that I knew nothing of the country I was bound to, nor even in + what part of it my business might be supposed to lie. For beside the + uncertainty caused by the conflict of reports, it was likely that King + Monmouth's army would be moving from place to place, according to the + prospect of supplies and of reinforcements. However, there would arise + more chance of getting news as I went on: and my road being towards the + east and south, Dulverton would not lie so very far aside of it, but what + it might be worth a visit, both to collect the latest tidings, and to + consult the maps and plans in Uncle Reuben's parlour. Therefore I drew the + off-hand rein, at the cross-road on the hills, and made for the town; + expecting perhaps to have breakfast with Master Huckaback, and Ruth, to + help and encourage us. This little maiden was now become a very great + favourite with me, having long outgrown, no doubt, her childish fancies + and follies, such as my mother and Annie had planted under her soft brown + hair. It had been my duty, as well as my true interest (for Uncle Ben was + more and more testy, as he went on gold-digging), to ride thither, now and + again, to inquire what the doctor thought of her. Not that her wounds were + long in healing, but that people can scarcely be too careful and too + inquisitive, after a great horse-bite. And she always let me look at the + arm, as I had been first doctor; and she held it up in a graceful manner, + curving at the elbow, and with a sweep of white roundness going to a wrist + the size of my thumb or so, and without any thimble-top standing forth, + such as even our Annie had. But gradually all I could see, above the + elbow, where the bite had been, was very clear, transparent skin, with + very firm sweet flesh below, and three little blue marks as far asunder as + the prongs of a toasting-fork, and no deeper than where a twig has chafed + the peel of a waxen apple. And then I used to say in fun, as the children + do, “Shall I kiss it, to make it well, dear?” + </p> + <p> + Now Ruth looked very grave indeed, upon hearing of this my enterprise; and + crying, said she could almost cry, for the sake of my dear mother. Did I + know the risks and chances, not of the battlefield alone, but of the havoc + afterwards; the swearing away of innocent lives, and the hurdle, and the + hanging? And if I would please not to laugh (which was so unkind of me), + had I never heard of imprisonments, and torturing with the cruel boot, and + selling into slavery, where the sun and the lash outvied one another in + cutting a man to pieces? I replied that of all these things I had heard, + and would take especial care to steer me free of all of them. My duty was + all that I wished to do; and none could harm me for doing that. And I + begged my cousin to give me good-speed, instead of talking dolefully. Upon + this she changed her manner wholly, becoming so lively and cheerful that I + was convinced of her indifference, and surprised even more than gratified. + </p> + <p> + “Go and earn your spurs, Cousin Ridd,” she said: “you are strong enough + for anything. Which side is to have the benefit of your doughty arm?” + </p> + <p> + “Have I not told you, Ruth,” I answered, not being fond of this kind of + talk, more suitable for Lizzie, “that I do not mean to join either side, + that is to say, until—” + </p> + <p> + “Until, as the common proverb goes, you know which way the cat will jump. + Oh, John Ridd! Oh, John Ridd!” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort,” said I: “what a hurry you are in! I am for the King + of course.” + </p> + <p> + “But not enough to fight for him. Only enough to vote, I suppose, or drink + his health, or shout for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't make you out to-day, Cousin Ruth; you are nearly as bad as + Lizzie. You do not say any bitter things, but you seem to mean them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, cousin, think not so of me. It is far more likely that I say them, + without meaning them.” + </p> + <p> + “Anyhow, it is not like you. And I know not what I can have done in any + way, to vex you.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, nothing, Cousin Ridd; you never do anything to vex me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I hope I shall do something now, Ruth, when I say good-bye. God + knows if we ever shall meet again, Ruth: but I hope we may.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure we shall,” she answered in her brightest manner. “Try not to + look wretched, John: you are as happy as a Maypole.” + </p> + <p> + “And you as a rose in May,” I said; “and pretty nearly as pretty. Give my + love to Uncle Ben; and I trust him to keep on the winning side.” + </p> + <p> + “Of that you need have no misgivings. Never yet has he failed of it. Now, + Cousin Ridd, why go you not? You hurried me so at breakfast time?” + </p> + <p> + “My only reason for waiting, Ruth, is that you have not kissed me, as you + are almost bound to do, for the last time perhaps of seeing me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if that is all, just fetch the stool; and I will do my best, cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you be not so vexatious; you always used to do it nicely, without + any stool, Ruth.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but you are grown since then, and become a famous man, John Ridd, and + a member of the nobility. Go your way, and win your spurs. I want no + lip-service.” + </p> + <p> + Being at the end of my wits, I did even as she ordered me. At least I had + no spurs to win, because there were big ones on my boots, paid for in the + Easter bill, and made by a famous saddler, so as never to clog with + marsh-weed, but prick as hard as any horse, in reason, could desire. And + Kickums never wanted spurs; but always went tail-foremost, if anybody + offered them for his consideration. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0183" id="linkimage-0183"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/595.jpg" width="100%" alt="595.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0064" id="linklink2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIV + </h2> + <h3> + SLAUGHTER IN THE MARSHES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0184" id="linkimage-0184"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/596.jpg" alt="596.jpg James I. " /> + </div> + <p> + We rattled away at a merry pace, out of the town of Dulverton; my horse + being gaily fed, and myself quite fit again for going. Of course I was + puzzled about Cousin Ruth; for her behaviour was not at all such as I had + expected; and indeed I had hoped for a far more loving and moving farewell + than I got from her. But I said to myself, “It is useless ever to count + upon what a woman will do; and I think that I must have vexed her, almost + as much as she vexed me. And now to see what comes of it.” So I put my + horse across the moorland; and he threw his chest out bravely. + </p> + <p> + Now if I tried to set down at length all the things that happened to me, + upon this adventure, every in and out, and up and down, and to and fro, + that occupied me, together with the things I saw, and the things I heard + of, however much the wiser people might applaud my narrative, it is likely + enough that idle readers might exclaim, “What ails this man? Knows he not + that men of parts and of real understanding, have told us all we care to + hear of that miserable business. Let him keep to his farm, and his bacon, + and his wrestling, and constant feeding.” + </p> + <p> + Fearing to meet with such rebuffs (which after my death would vex me), I + will try to set down only what is needful for my story, and the clearing + of my character, and the good name of our parish. But the manner in which + I was bandied about, by false information, from pillar to post, or at + other times driven quite out of my way by the presence of the King's + soldiers, may be known by the names of the following towns, to which I was + sent in succession, Bath, Frome, Wells, Wincanton, Glastonbury, Shepton, + Bradford, Axbridge, Somerton, and Bridgwater. + </p> + <p> + This last place I reached on a Sunday night, the fourth or fifth of July, + I think—or it might be the sixth, for that matter; inasmuch as I had + been too much worried to get the day of the month at church. Only I know + that my horse and myself were glad to come to a decent place, where meat + and corn could be had for money; and being quite weary of wandering about, + we hoped to rest there a little. + </p> + <p> + Of this, however, we found no chance, for the town was full of the good + Duke's soldiers; if men may be called so, the half of whom had never been + drilled, nor had fired a gun. And it was rumoured among them, that the + “popish army,” as they called it, was to be attacked that very night, and + with God's assistance beaten. However, by this time I had been taught to + pay little attention to rumours; and having sought vainly for Tom Faggus + among these poor rustic warriors, I took to my hostel; and went to bed, + being as weary as weary can be. + </p> + <p> + Falling asleep immediately, I took heed of nothing; although the town was + all alive, and lights had come glancing, as I lay down, and shouts making + echo all round my room. But all I did was to bolt the door; not an inch + would I budge, unless the house, and even my bed, were on fire. And so for + several hours I lay, in the depth of the deepest slumber, without even a + dream on its surface; until I was roused and awakened at last by a + pushing, and pulling, and pinching, and a plucking of hair out by the + roots. And at length, being able to open mine eyes, I saw the old + landlady, with a candle, heavily wondering at me. + </p> + <p> + “Can't you let me alone?” I grumbled. “I have paid for my bed, mistress; + and I won't get up for any one.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to God, young man,” she answered, shaking me as hard as ever, “that + the popish soldiers may sleep this night, only half as strong as thou + dost! Fie on thee, fie on thee! Get up, and go fight; we can hear the + battle already; and a man of thy size mought stop a cannon.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather stop a-bed,” said I; “what have I to do with fighting? I + am for King James, if any.” + </p> + <p> + “Then thou mayest even stop a-bed,” the old woman muttered sulkily. “A + would never have laboured half an hour to awake a Papisher. But hearken + you one thing, young man; Zummerzett thou art, by thy brogue; or at least + by thy understanding of it; no Zummerzett maid will look at thee, in spite + of thy size and stature, unless thou strikest a blow this night.” + </p> + <p> + “I lack no Zummerzett maid, mistress: I have a fairer than your brown + things; and for her alone would I strike a blow.” + </p> + <p> + At this the old woman gave me up, as being beyond correction: and it vexed + me a little that my great fame had not reached so far as Bridgwater, when + I thought that it went to Bristowe. But those people in East Somerset know + nothing about wrestling. Devon is the headquarters of the art; and Devon + is the county of my chief love. Howbeit, my vanity was moved, by this slur + upon it—for I had told her my name was John Ridd, when I had a + gallon of ale with her, ere ever I came upstairs; and she had nodded, in + such a manner, that I thought she knew both name and fame—and here + was I, not only shaken, pinched, and with many hairs pulled out, in the + midst of my first good sleep for a week, but also abused, and taken amiss, + and (which vexed me most of all) unknown. + </p> + <p> + Now there is nothing like vanity to keep a man awake at night, however he + be weary; and most of all, when he believes that he is doing something + great—this time, if never done before—yet other people will + not see, except what they may laugh at; and so be far above him, and sleep + themselves the happier. Therefore their sleep robs his own; for all things + play so, in and out (with the godly and ungodly ever moving in a balance, + as they have done in my time, almost every year or two), all things have + such nice reply of produce to the call for it, and such a spread across + the world, giving here and taking there, yet on the whole pretty even, + that haply sleep itself has but a certain stock, and keeps in hand, and + sells to flattered (which can pay) that which flattened vanity cannot pay, + and will not sue for. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it may, I was by this time wide awake, though much aggrieved at + feeling so, and through the open window heard the distant roll of + musketry, and the beating of drums, with a quick rub-a-dub, and the “come + round the corner” of trumpet-call. And perhaps Tom Faggus might be there, + and shot at any moment, and my dear Annie left a poor widow, and my godson + Jack an orphan, without a tooth to help him. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I reviled myself for all my heavy laziness; and partly through + good honest will, and partly through the stings of pride, and yet a little + perhaps by virtue of a young man's love of riot, up I arose, and dressed + myself, and woke Kickums (who was snoring), and set out to see the worst + of it. The sleepy hostler scratched his poll, and could not tell me which + way to take; what odds to him who was King, or Pope, so long as he paid + his way, and got a bit of bacon on Sunday? And would I please to remember + that I had roused him up at night, and the quality always made a point of + paying four times over for a man's loss of his beauty-sleep. I replied + that his loss of beauty-sleep was rather improving to a man of so high + complexion; and that I, being none of the quality, must pay half-quality + prices: and so I gave him double fee, as became a good farmer; and he was + glad to be quit of Kickums; as I saw by the turn of his eye, while going + out at the archway. + </p> + <p> + All this was done by lanthorn light, although the moon was high and bold; + and in the northern heaven, flags and ribbons of a jostling pattern; such + as we often have in autumn, but in July very rarely. Of these Master + Dryden has spoken somewhere, in his courtly manner; but of him I think so + little—because by fashion preferred to Shakespeare—that I + cannot remember the passage; neither is it a credit to him. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I was guided mainly by the sound of guns and trumpets, in riding + out of the narrow ways, and into the open marshes. And thus I might have + found my road, in spite of all the spread of water, and the glaze of + moonshine; but that, as I followed sound (far from hedge or causeway), fog + (like a chestnut-tree in blossom, touched with moonlight) met me. Now fog + is a thing that I understand, and can do with well enough, where I know + the country; but here I had never been before. It was nothing to our + Exmoor fogs; not to be compared with them; and all the time one could see + the moon; which we cannot do in our fogs; nor even the sun, for a week + together. Yet the gleam of water always makes the fog more difficult: like + a curtain on a mirror; none can tell the boundaries. + </p> + <p> + And here we had broad-water patches, in and out, inlaid on land, like + mother-of-pearl in brown Shittim wood. To a wild duck, born and bred + there, it would almost be a puzzle to find her own nest amongst us; what + chance then had I and Kickums, both unused to marsh and mere? Each time + when we thought that we must be right, now at last, by track or passage, + and approaching the conflict, with the sounds of it waxing nearer, + suddenly a break of water would be laid before us, with the moon looking + mildly over it, and the northern lights behind us, dancing down the lines + of fog. + </p> + <p> + It was an awful thing, I say (and to this day I remember it), to hear the + sounds of raging fight, and the yells of raving slayers, and the howls of + poor men stricken hard, and shattered from wrath to wailing; then suddenly + the dead low hush, as of a soul departing, and spirits kneeling over it. + Through the vapour of the earth, and white breath of the water, and + beneath the pale round moon (bowing as the drift went by), all this rush + and pause of fear passed or lingered on my path. + </p> + <p> + At last, when I almost despaired of escaping from this tangle of spongy + banks, and of hazy creeks, and reed-fringe, my horse heard the neigh of a + fellow-horse, and was only too glad to answer it; upon which the other, + having lost its rider, came up and pricked his ears at us, and gazed + through the fog very steadfastly. Therefore I encouraged him with a soft + and genial whistle, and Kickums did his best to tempt him with a snort of + inquiry. However, nothing would suit that nag, except to enjoy his new + freedom; and he capered away with his tail set on high, and the + stirrup-irons clashing under him. Therefore, as he might know the way, and + appeared to have been in the battle, we followed him very carefully; and + he led us to a little hamlet, called (as I found afterwards) West Zuyland, + or Zealand, so named perhaps from its situation amid this inland sea. + </p> + <p> + Here the King's troops had been quite lately, and their fires were still + burning; but the men themselves had been summoned away by the night attack + of the rebels. Hence I procured for my guide a young man who knew the + district thoroughly, and who led me by many intricate ways to the rear of + the rebel army. We came upon a broad open moor striped with sullen water + courses, shagged with sedge, and yellow iris, and in the drier part with + bilberries. For by this time it was four o'clock, and the summer sun, + rising wanly, showed us all the ghastly scene. + </p> + <p> + Would that I had never been there! Often in the lonely hours, even now it + haunts me: would, far more, that the piteous thing had never been done in + England! Flying men, flung back from dreams of victory and honour, only + glad to have the luck of life and limbs to fly with, mud-bedraggled, foul + with slime, reeking both with sweat and blood, which they could not stop + to wipe, cursing, with their pumped-out lungs, every stick that hindered + them, or gory puddle that slipped the step, scarcely able to leap over the + corses that had dragged to die. And to see how the corses lay; some, as + fair as death in sleep; with the smile of placid valour, and of noble + manhood, hovering yet on the silent lips. These had bloodless hands put + upwards, white as wax, and firm as death, clasped (as on a monument) in + prayer for dear ones left behind, or in high thanksgiving. And of these + men there was nothing in their broad blue eyes to fear. But others were of + different sort; simple fellows unused to pain, accustomed to the + bill-hook, perhaps, or rasp of the knuckles in a quick-set hedge, or + making some to-do at breakfast, over a thumb cut in sharpening a scythe, + and expecting their wives to make more to-do. Yet here lay these poor + chaps, dead; dead, after a deal of pain, with little mind to bear it, and + a soul they had never thought of; gone, their God alone knows whither; but + to mercy we may trust. Upon these things I cannot dwell; and none I trow + would ask me: only if a plain man saw what I saw that morning, he (if God + had blessed him with the heart that is in most of us) must have sickened + of all desire to be great among mankind. + </p> + <p> + Seeing me riding to the front (where the work of death went on among the + men of true English pluck; which, when moved, no farther moves), the + fugitives called out to me, in half a dozen dialects, to make no utter + fool of myself; for the great guns were come, and the fight was over; all + the rest was slaughter. + </p> + <p> + “Arl oop wi Moonmo,” shouted one big fellow, a miner of the Mendip hills, + whose weapon was a pickaxe: “na oose to vaight na moor. Wend thee hame, + yoong mon agin.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this I stopped my horse, desiring not to be shot for nothing; and + eager to aid some poor sick people, who tried to lift their arms to me. + And this I did to the best of my power, though void of skill in the + business; and more inclined to weep with them than to check their weeping. + While I was giving a drop of cordial from my flask to one poor fellow, who + sat up, while his life was ebbing, and with slow insistence urged me, when + his broken voice would come, to tell his wife (whose name I knew not) + something about an apple-tree, and a golden guinea stored in it, to divide + among six children—in the midst of this I felt warm lips laid + against my cheek quite softly, and then a little push; and behold it was a + horse leaning over me! I arose in haste, and there stood Winnie, looking + at me with beseeching eyes, enough to melt a heart of stone. Then seeing + my attention fixed she turned her head, and glanced back sadly toward the + place of battle, and gave a little wistful neigh: and then looked me full + in the face again, as much as to say, “Do you understand?” while she + scraped with one hoof impatiently. If ever a horse tried hard to speak, it + was Winnie at that moment. I went to her side and patted her; but that was + not what she wanted. Then I offered to leap into the empty saddle; but + neither did that seem good to her: for she ran away toward the part of the + field at which she had been glancing back, and then turned round, and + shook her mane, entreating me to follow her. + </p> + <p> + Upon this I learned from the dying man where to find his apple-tree, and + promised to add another guinea to the one in store for his children; and + so, commending him to God, I mounted my own horse again, and to Winnie's + great delight, professed myself at her service. With her ringing silvery + neigh, such as no other horse of all I ever knew could equal, she at once + proclaimed her triumph, and told her master (or meant to tell, if death + should not have closed his ears) that she was coming to his aid, and + bringing one who might be trusted, of the higher race that kill. + </p> + <p> + A cannon-bullet (fired low, and ploughing the marsh slowly) met poor + Winnie front to front; and she, being as quick as thought, lowered her + nose to sniff at it. It might be a message from her master; for it made a + mournful noise. But luckily for Winnie's life, a rise of wet ground took + the ball, even under her very nose; and there it cut a splashy groove, + missing her off hindfoot by an inch, and scattering black mud over her. It + frightened me much more than Winnie; of that I am quite certain: because + though I am firm enough, when it comes to a real tussle, and the heart of + a fellow warms up and tells him that he must go through with it; yet I + never did approve of making a cold pie of death. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, with those reckless cannons, brazen-mouthed, and bellowing, two + furlongs off, or it might be more (and the more the merrier), I would have + given that year's hay-crop for a bit of a hill, or a thicket of oaks, or + almost even a badger's earth. People will call me a coward for this + (especially when I had made up my mind, that life was not worth having + without any sign of Lorna); nevertheless, I cannot help it: those were my + feelings; and I set them down, because they made a mark on me. At Glen + Doone I had fought, even against cannon, with some spirit and fury: but + now I saw nothing to fight about; but rather in every poor doubled corpse, + a good reason for not fighting. So, in cold blood riding on, and yet + ashamed that a man should shrink where a horse went bravely, I cast a + bitter blame upon the reckless ways of Winnie. + </p> + <p> + Nearly all were scattered now. Of the noble countrymen (armed with scythe + or pickaxe, blacksmith's hammer, or fold-pitcher), who had stood their + ground for hours against blazing musketry (from men whom they could not + get at, by reason of the water-dyke), and then against the deadly cannon, + dragged by the Bishop's horses to slaughter his own sheep; of these sturdy + Englishmen, noble in their want of sense, scarce one out of four remained + for the cowards to shoot down. “Cross the rhaine,” they shouted out, + “cross the rhaine, and coom within rache:” but the other mongrel Britons, + with a mongrel at their head, found it pleasanter to shoot men who could + not shoot in answer, than to meet the chance of mischief from strong arms, + and stronger hearts. + </p> + <p> + The last scene of this piteous play was acting, just as I rode up. Broad + daylight, and upstanding sun, winnowing fog from the eastern hills, and + spreading the moors with freshness; all along the dykes they shone, + glistened on the willow-trunks, and touched the banks with a hoary gray. + But alas! those banks were touched more deeply with a gory red, and strewn + with fallen trunks, more woeful than the wreck of trees; while howling, + cursing, yelling, and the loathsome reek of carnage, drowned the scent of + the new-mown hay, and the carol of the lark. + </p> + <p> + Then the cavalry of the King, with their horses at full speed, dashed from + either side upon the helpless mob of countrymen. A few pikes feebly + levelled met them; but they shot the pikemen, drew swords, and + helter-skelter leaped into the shattered and scattering mass. Right and + left they hacked and hewed; I could hear the snapping of scythes beneath + them, and see the flash of their sweeping swords. How it must end was + plain enough, even to one like myself, who had never beheld such a battle + before. But Winnie led me away to the left; and as I could not help the + people, neither stop the slaughter, but found the cannon-bullets coming + very rudely nigh me, I was only too glad to follow her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0065" id="linklink2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXV + </h2> + <h3> + FALLING AMONG LAMBS + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0185" id="linkimage-0185"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/604.jpg" alt="604.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + That faithful creature, whom I began to admire as if she were my own + (which is no little thing for a man to say of another man's horse), + stopped in front of a low black shed, such as we call a “linhay.” And here + she uttered a little greeting, in a subdued and softened voice, hoping to + obtain an answer, such as her master was wont to give in a cheery manner. + Receiving no reply, she entered; and I (who could scarce keep up with her, + poor Kickums being weary) leaped from his back, and followed. There I + found her sniffing gently, but with great emotion, at the body of Tom + Faggus. A corpse poor Tom appeared to be, if ever there was one in this + world; and I turned away, and felt unable to keep altogether from weeping. + But the mare either could not understand, or else would not believe it. + She reached her long neck forth, and felt him with her under lip, passing + it over his skin as softly as a mother would do to an infant; and then she + looked up at me again; as much as to say, “he is all right.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this I took courage, and handled poor Tom, which being young I had + feared at first to do. He groaned very feebly, as I raised him up; and + there was the wound, a great savage one (whether from pike-thrust or + musket-ball), gaping and welling in his right side, from which a piece + seemed to be torn away. I bound it up with some of my linen, so far as I + knew how; just to stanch the flow of blood, until we could get a doctor. + Then I gave him a little weak brandy and water, which he drank with the + greatest eagerness, and made sign to me for more of it. But not knowing + how far it was right to give cordial under the circumstances, I handed him + unmixed water that time; thinking that he was too far gone to perceive the + difference. But herein I wrong Tom Faggus; for he shook his head and + frowned at me. Even at the door of death, he would not drink what Adam + drank, by whom came death into the world. So I gave him a little more + eau-de-vie, and he took it most submissively. + </p> + <p> + After that he seemed better, and a little colour came into his cheeks; and + he looked at Winnie and knew her; and would have her nose in his clammy + hand, though I thought it not good for either of them. With the stay of my + arm he sat upright, and faintly looked about him; as if at the end of a + violent dream, too much for his power of mind. Then he managed to whisper, + “Is Winnie hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “As sound as a roach,” I answered. “Then so am I,” said he: “put me upon + her back, John; she and I die together.” + </p> + <p> + Surprised as I was at this fatalism (for so it appeared to me), of which + he had often shown symptoms before (but I took them for mere levity), now + I knew not what to do; for it seemed to me a murderous thing to set such a + man on horseback; where he must surely bleed to death, even if he could + keep the saddle. But he told me, with many breaks and pauses, that unless + I obeyed his orders, he would tear off all my bandages, and accept no + further aid from me. + </p> + <p> + While I was yet hesitating, a storm of horse at full gallop went by, + tearing, swearing, bearing away all the country before them. Only a little + pollard hedge kept us from their blood-shot eyes. “Now is the time,” said + my cousin Tom, so far as I could make out his words; “on their heels, I am + safe, John, if I have only Winnie under me. Winnie and I die together.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing this strong bent of his mind, stronger than any pains of death, I + even did what his feeble eyes sometimes implored, and sometimes commanded. + With a strong sash, from his own hot neck, bound and twisted, tight as + wax, around his damaged waist, I set him upon Winnie's back, and placed + his trembling feet in stirrups, with a band from one to another, under the + good mare's body; so that no swerve could throw him out: and then I said, + “Lean forward, Tom; it will stop your hurt from bleeding.” He leaned + almost on the neck of the mare, which, as I knew, must close the wound; + and the light of his eyes was quite different, and the pain of his + forehead unstrung itself, as if he felt the undulous readiness of her + volatile paces under him. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, John; I am safe,” he whispered, fearing to open his lungs + much: “who can come near my Winnie mare? A mile of her gallop is ten years + of life. Look out for yourself, John Ridd.” He sucked his lips, and the + mare went off, as easy and swift as a swallow. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” thought I, as I looked at Kickums, ignobly cropping up a bit of + grass, “I have done a very good thing, no doubt, and ought to be thankful + to God for the chance. But as for getting away unharmed, with all these + scoundrels about me, and only a foundered horse to trust in—good and + spiteful as he is—upon the whole, I begin to think that I have made + a fool of myself, according to my habit. No wonder Tom said, 'Look out for + yourself!' I shall look out from a prison window, or perhaps even out of a + halter. And then, what will Lorna think of me?” + </p> + <p> + Being in this wistful mood, I resolved to abide awhile, even where fate + had thrown me; for my horse required good rest no doubt, and was taking it + even while he cropped, with his hind legs far away stretched out, and his + forelegs gathered under him, and his muzzle on the mole-hills; so that he + had five supportings from his mother earth. Moreover, the linhay itself + was full of very ancient cow dung; than which there is no balmier and more + maiden soporific. Hence I resolved, upon the whole, though grieving about + breakfast, to light a pipe, and go to sleep; or at least until the hot sun + should arouse the flies. + </p> + <p> + I may have slept three hours, or four, or it might be even five—for + I never counted time, while sleeping—when a shaking more rude than + the old landlady's, brought me back to the world again. I looked up, with + a mighty yawn; and saw twenty, or so, of foot-soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “This linhay is not yours,” I said, when they had quite aroused me, with + tongue, and hand, and even sword-prick: “what business have you here, good + fellows?” + </p> + <p> + “Business bad for you,” said one, “and will lead you to the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish to know the way out again?” I asked, very quietly, as being + no braggadocio. + </p> + <p> + “We will show thee the way out,” said one, “and the way out of the world,” + said another: “but not the way to heaven,” said one chap, most unlikely to + know it: and thereupon they all fell wagging, like a bed of clover leaves + in the morning, at their own choice humour. + </p> + <p> + “Will you pile your arms outside,” I said, “and try a bit of fair play + with me?” + </p> + <p> + For I disliked these men sincerely, and was fain to teach them a lesson; + they were so unchristian in appearance, having faces of a coffee colour, + and dirty beards half over them. Moreover their dress was outrageous, and + their address still worse. However, I had wiser let them alone, as will + appear afterwards. These savage-looking fellows laughed at the idea of my + having any chance against some twenty of them: but I knew that the place + was in my favour; for my part of it had been fenced off (for weaning a + calf most likely), so that only two could come at me at once; and I must + be very much out of training, if I could not manage two of them. Therefore + I laid aside my carbine, and the two horse-pistols; and they with many + coarse jokes at me went a little way outside, and set their weapons + against the wall, and turned up their coat sleeves jauntily; and then + began to hesitate. + </p> + <p> + “Go you first, Bob,” I heard them say: “you are the biggest man of us; and + Dick the wrestler along of you. Us will back you up, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll warrant I'll draw the badger,” said Bob; “and not a tooth will I + leave him. But mind, for the honour of Kirke's lambs, every man stands me + a glass of gin.” Then he, and another man, made a rush, and the others + came double-quick-march on their heels. But as Bob ran at me most + stupidly, not even knowing how to place his hands, I caught him with my + knuckles at the back of his neck, and with all the sway of my right arm + sent him over the heads of his comrades. Meanwhile Dick the wrestler had + grappled me, expecting to show off his art, of which indeed he had some + small knowledge; but being quite of the light-weights, in a second he was + flying after his companion Bob. + </p> + <p> + Now these two men were hurt so badly, the light one having knocked his + head against the lintel of the outer gate, that the rest had no desire to + encounter the like misfortune. So they hung back whispering; and before + they had made up their minds, I rushed into the midst of them. The + suddenness and the weight of my onset took them wholly by surprise; and + for once in their lives, perhaps, Kirke's lambs were worthy of their name. + Like a flock of sheep at a dog's attack they fell away, hustling one + another, and my only difficulty was not to tumble over them. + </p> + <p> + I had taken my carbine out with me, having a fondness for it; but the two + horse-pistols I left behind; and therefore felt good title to take two + from the magazine of the lambs. And with these, and my carbine, I leaped + upon Kickums, who was now quite glad of a gallop again; and I bade adieu + to that mongrel lot; yet they had the meanness to shoot at me. Thanking + God for my deliverance (inasmuch as those men would have strung me up, + from a pollard-ash without trial, as I heard them tell one another, and + saw the tree they had settled upon), I ventured to go rather fast on my + way, with doubt and uneasiness urging me. And now my way was home again. + Nobody could say but what I had done my duty, and rescued Tom (if he could + be rescued) from the mischief into which his own perverseness and love of + change (rather than deep religious convictions, to which our Annie + ascribed his outbreak) had led, or seemed likely to lead him. And how + proud would my mother be; and—ah well, there was nobody else to be + proud of me now. + </p> + <p> + But while thinking these things, and desiring my breakfast, beyond any + power of describing, and even beyond my remembrance, I fell into another + fold of lambs, from which there was no exit. These, like true crusaders, + met me, swaggering very heartily, and with their barrels of cider set, + like so many cannon, across the road, over against a small hostel. + </p> + <p> + “We have won the victory, my lord King, and we mean to enjoy it. Down from + thy horse, and have a stoup of cider, thou big rebel.” + </p> + <p> + “No rebel am I. My name is John Ridd. I belong to the side of the King: + and I want some breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + These fellows were truly hospitable; that much will I say for them. Being + accustomed to Arab ways, they could toss a grill, or fritter, or the inner + meaning of an egg, into any form they pleased, comely and very good to + eat; and it led me to think of Annie. So I made the rarest breakfast any + man might hope for, after all his troubles; and getting on with these + brown fellows better than could be expected, I craved permission to light + a pipe, if not disagreeable. Hearing this, they roared at me, with a + superior laughter, and asked me, whether or not, I knew the tobacco-leaf + from the chick-weed; and when I was forced to answer no, not having gone + into the subject, but being content with anything brown, they clapped me + on the back and swore they had never seen any one like me. Upon the whole + this pleased me much; for I do not wish to be taken always as of the + common pattern: and so we smoked admirable tobacco—for they would + not have any of mine, though very courteous concerning it—and I was + beginning to understand a little of what they told me; when up came those + confounded lambs, who had shown more tail than head to me, in the linhay, + as I mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Now these men upset everything. Having been among wrestlers so much as my + duty compelled me to be, and having learned the necessity of the rest + which follows the conflict, and the right of discussion which all people + have to pay their sixpence to enter; and how they obtrude this right, and + their wisdom, upon the man who has laboured, until he forgets all the work + he did, and begins to think that they did it; having some knowledge of + this sort of thing, and the flux of minds swimming in liquor, I foresaw a + brawl, as plainly as if it were Bear Street in Barnstaple. + </p> + <p> + And a brawl there was, without any error, except of the men who hit their + friends, and those who defended their enemies. My partners in breakfast + and beer-can swore that I was no prisoner, but the best and most loyal + subject, and the finest-hearted fellow they had ever the luck to meet + with. Whereas the men from the linhay swore that I was a rebel miscreant; + and have me they would, with a rope's-end ready, in spite of every + [violent language] who had got drunk at my expense, and been misled by my + [strong word] lies. + </p> + <p> + While this fight was going on (and its mere occurrence shows, perhaps, + that my conversation in those days was not entirely despicable—else + why should my new friends fight for me, when I had paid for the ale, and + therefore won the wrong tense of gratitude?) it was in my power at any + moment to take horse and go. And this would have been my wisest plan, and + a very great saving of money; but somehow I felt as if it would be a mean + thing to slip off so. Even while I was hesitating, and the men were + breaking each other's heads, a superior officer rode up, with his sword + drawn, and his face on fire. + </p> + <p> + “What, my lambs, my lambs!” he cried, smiting with the flat of his sword; + “is this how you waste my time and my purse, when you ought to be catching + a hundred prisoners, worth ten pounds apiece to me? Who is this young + fellow we have here? Speak up, sirrah; what art thou, and how much will + thy good mother pay for thee?” + </p> + <p> + “My mother will pay naught for me,” I answered; while the lambs fell back, + and glowered at one another: “so please your worship, I am no rebel; but + an honest farmer, and well-proved of loyalty.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha; a farmer art thou? Those fellows always pay the best. Good + farmer, come to yon barren tree; thou shalt make it fruitful.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Kirke made a sign to his men, and before I could think of + resistance, stout new ropes were flung around me; and with three men on + either side I was led along very painfully. And now I saw, and repented + deeply of my careless folly, in stopping with those boon-companions, + instead of being far away. But the newness of their manners to me, and + their mode of regarding the world (differing so much from mine own), as + well as the flavour of their tobacco, had made me quite forget my duty to + the farm and to myself. Yet methought they would be tender to me, after + all our speeches: how then was I disappointed, when the men who had drunk + my beer, drew on those grievous ropes, twice as hard as the men I had been + at strife with! Yet this may have been from no ill will; but simply that + having fallen under suspicion of laxity, they were compelled, in + self-defence, now to be over-zealous. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, however pure and godly might be their motives, I beheld + myself in a grievous case, and likely to get the worst of it. For the face + of the Colonel was hard and stern as a block of bogwood oak; and though + the men might pity me and think me unjustly executed, yet they must obey + their orders, or themselves be put to death. Therefore I addressed myself + to the Colonel, in a most ingratiating manner; begging him not to sully + the glory of his victory, and dwelling upon my pure innocence, and even + good service to our lord the King. But Colonel Kirke only gave command + that I should be smitten in the mouth; which office Bob, whom I had flung + so hard out of the linhay, performed with great zeal and efficiency. But + being aware of the coming smack, I thrust forth a pair of teeth; upon + which the knuckles of my good friend made a melancholy shipwreck. + </p> + <p> + It is not in my power to tell half the thoughts that moved me, when we + came to the fatal tree, and saw two men hanging there already, as innocent + perhaps as I was, and henceforth entirely harmless. Though ordered by the + Colonel to look steadfastly upon them, I could not bear to do so; upon + which he called me a paltry coward, and promised my breeches to any man + who would spit upon my countenance. This vile thing Bob, being angered + perhaps by the smarting wound of his knuckles, bravely stepped forward to + do for me, trusting no doubt to the rope I was led with. But, unluckily as + it proved for him, my right arm was free for a moment; and therewith I + dealt him such a blow, that he never spake again. For this thing I have + often grieved; but the provocation was very sore to the pride of a young + man; and I trust that God has forgiven me. At the sound and sight of that + bitter stroke, the other men drew back; and Colonel Kirke, now black in + the face with fury and vexation, gave orders for to shoot me, and cast me + into the ditch hard by. The men raised their pieces, and pointed at me, + waiting for the word to fire; and I, being quite overcome by the hurry of + these events, and quite unprepared to die yet, could only think all upside + down about Lorna, and my mother, and wonder what each would say to it. I + spread my hands before my eyes, not being so brave as some men; and + hoping, in some foolish way, to cover my heart with my elbows. I heard the + breath of all around, as if my skull were a sounding-board; and knew even + how the different men were fingering their triggers. And a cold sweat + broke all over me, as the Colonel, prolonging his enjoyment, began slowly + to say, “Fire.” + </p> + <p> + But while he was yet dwelling on the “F,” the hoofs of a horse dashed out + on the road, and horse and horseman flung themselves betwixt me and the + gun muzzles. So narrowly was I saved that one man could not check his + trigger: his musket went off, and the ball struck the horse on the + withers, and scared him exceedingly. He began to lash out with his heels + all around, and the Colonel was glad to keep clear of him; and the men + made excuse to lower their guns, not really wishing to shoot me. + </p> + <p> + “How now, Captain Stickles?” cried Kirke, the more angry because he had + shown his cowardice; “dare you, sir, to come betwixt me and my lawful + prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, hearken one moment, Colonel,” replied my old friend Jeremy; and his + damaged voice was the sweetest sound I had heard for many a day; “for your + own sake, hearken.” He looked so full of momentous tidings, that Colonel + Kirke made a sign to his men not to shoot me till further orders; and then + he went aside with Stickles, so that in spite of all my anxiety I could + not catch what passed between them. But I fancied that the name of the + Lord Chief-Justice Jeffreys was spoken more than once, and with emphasis + and deference. + </p> + <p> + “Then I leave him in your hands, Captain Stickles,” said Kirke at last, so + that all might hear him; and though the news was good for me, the smile of + baffled malice made his dark face look most hideous; “and I shall hold you + answerable for the custody of this prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Kirke, I will answer for him,” Master Stickles replied, with a + grave bow, and one hand on his breast: “John Ridd, you are my prisoner. + Follow me, John Ridd.” + </p> + <p> + Upon that, those precious lambs flocked away, leaving the rope still + around me; and some were glad, and some were sorry, not to see me + swinging. Being free of my arms again, I touched my hat to Colonel Kirke, + as became his rank and experience; but he did not condescend to return my + short salutation, having espied in the distance a prisoner, out of whom he + might make money. + </p> + <p> + I wrung the hand of Jeremy Stickles, for his truth and goodness; and he + almost wept (for since his wound he had been a weakened man) as he + answered, “Turn for turn, John. You saved my life from the Doones; and by + the mercy of God, I have saved you from a far worse company. Let your + sister Annie know it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0186" id="linkimage-0186"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/612.jpg" width="100%" alt="612.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0066" id="linklink2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVI + </h2> + <h3> + SUITABLE DEVOTION + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0187" id="linkimage-0187"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/613.jpg" alt="613.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Now Kickums was not like Winnie, any more than a man is like a woman; and + so he had not followed my fortunes, except at his own distance. No doubt + but what he felt a certain interest in me; but his interest was not + devotion; and man might go his way and be hanged, rather than horse would + meet hardship. Therefore, seeing things to be bad, and his master involved + in trouble, what did this horse do but start for the ease and comfort of + Plover's Barrows, and the plentiful ration of oats abiding in his own + manger. For this I do not blame him. It is the manner of mankind. + </p> + <p> + But I could not help being very uneasy at the thought of my mother's + discomfort and worry, when she should spy this good horse coming home, + without any master, or rider, and I almost hoped that he might be caught + (although he was worth at least twenty pounds) by some of the King's + troopers, rather than find his way home, and spread distress among our + people. Yet, knowing his nature, I doubted if any could catch, or catching + would keep him. + </p> + <p> + Jeremy Stickles assured me, as we took the road to Bridgwater, that the + only chance for my life (if I still refused to fly) was to obtain an order + forthwith, for my despatch to London, as a suspected person indeed, but + not found in open rebellion, and believed to be under the patronage of the + great Lord Jeffreys. “For,” said he, “in a few hours time you would fall + into the hands of Lord Feversham, who has won this fight, without seeing + it, and who has returned to bed again, to have his breakfast more + comfortably. Now he may not be quite so savage perhaps as Colonel Kirke, + nor find so much sport in gibbeting; but he is equally pitiless, and his + price no doubt would be higher.” + </p> + <p> + “I will pay no price whatever,” I answered, “neither will I fly. An hour + agone I would have fled for the sake of my mother, and the farm. But now + that I have been taken prisoner, and my name is known, if I fly, the farm + is forfeited; and my mother and sister must starve. Moreover, I have done + no harm; I have borne no weapons against the King, nor desired the success + of his enemies. I like not that the son of a bona-roba should be King of + England; neither do I count the Papists any worse than we are. If they + have aught to try me for, I will stand my trial.” + </p> + <p> + “Then to London thou must go, my son. There is no such thing as trial + here: we hang the good folk without it, which saves them much anxiety. But + quicken thy step, good John; I have influence with Lord Churchill, and we + must contrive to see him, ere the foreigner falls to work again. Lord + Churchill is a man of sense, and imprisons nothing but his money.” + </p> + <p> + We were lucky enough to find this nobleman, who has since become so famous + by his foreign victories. He received us with great civility; and looked + at me with much interest, being a tall and fine young man himself, but not + to compare with me in size, although far better favoured. I liked his face + well enough, but thought there was something false about it. He put me a + few keen questions, such as a man not assured of honesty might have found + hard to answer; and he stood in a very upright attitude, making the most + of his figure. + </p> + <p> + I saw nothing to be proud of, at the moment, in this interview; but since + the great Duke of Marlborough rose to the top of glory, I have tried to + remember more about him than my conscience quite backs up. How should I + know that this man would be foremost of our kingdom in five-and-twenty + years or so; and not knowing, why should I heed him, except for my own + pocket? Nevertheless, I have been so cross-questioned—far worse than + by young Lord Churchill—about His Grace the Duke of Marlborough, and + what he said to me, and what I said then, and how His Grace replied to + that, and whether he smiled like another man, or screwed up his lips like + a button (as our parish tailor said of him), and whether I knew from the + turn of his nose that no Frenchman could stand before him: all these + inquiries have worried me so, ever since the Battle of Blenheim, that if + tailors would only print upon waistcoats, I would give double price for a + vest bearing this inscription, “No information can be given about the Duke + of Marlborough.” + </p> + <p> + Now this good Lord Churchill—for one might call him good, by + comparison with the very bad people around him—granted without any + long hesitation the order for my safe deliverance to the Court of King's + Bench at Westminster; and Stickles, who had to report in London, was + empowered to convey me, and made answerable for producing me. This + arrangement would have been entirely to my liking, although the time of + year was bad for leaving Plover's Barrows so; but no man may quite choose + his times, and on the while I would have been quite content to visit + London, if my mother could be warned that nothing was amiss with me, only + a mild, and as one might say, nominal captivity. And to prevent her + anxiety, I did my best to send a letter through good Sergeant Bloxham, of + whom I heard as quartered with Dumbarton's regiment at Chedzuy. But that + regiment was away in pursuit; and I was forced to entrust my letter to a + man who said that he knew him, and accepted a shilling to see to it. + </p> + <p> + For fear of any unpleasant change, we set forth at once for London; and + truly thankful may I be that God in His mercy spared me the sight of the + cruel and bloody work with which the whole country reeked and howled + during the next fortnight. I have heard things that set my hair on end, + and made me loathe good meat for days; but I make a point of setting down + only the things which I saw done; and in this particular case, not many + will quarrel with my decision. Enough, therefore, that we rode on (for + Stickles had found me a horse at last) as far as Wells, where we slept + that night; and being joined in the morning by several troopers and + orderlies, we made a slow but safe journey to London, by way of Bath and + Reading. + </p> + <p> + The sight of London warmed my heart with various emotions, such as a + cordial man must draw from the heart of all humanity. Here there are quick + ways and manners, and the rapid sense of knowledge, and the power of + understanding, ere a word be spoken. Whereas at Oare, you must say a thing + three times, very slowly, before it gets inside the skull of the good man + you are addressing. And yet we are far more clever there than in any + parish for fifteen miles. + </p> + <p> + But what moved me most, when I saw again the noble oil and tallow of the + London lights, and the dripping torches at almost every corner, and the + handsome signboards, was the thought that here my Lorna lived, and walked, + and took the air, and perhaps thought now and then of the old days in the + good farm-house. Although I would make no approach to her, any more than + she had done to me (upon which grief I have not dwelt, for fear of seeming + selfish), yet there must be some large chance, or the little chance might + be enlarged, of falling in with the maiden somehow, and learning how her + mind was set. If against me, all should be over. I was not the man to sigh + and cry for love, like a Romeo: none should even guess my grief, except my + sister Annie. + </p> + <p> + But if Lorna loved me still—as in my heart of hearts I hoped—then + would I for no one care, except her own delicious self. Rank and title, + wealth and grandeur, all should go to the winds, before they scared me + from my own true love. + </p> + <p> + Thinking thus, I went to bed in the centre of London town, and was bitten + so grievously by creatures whose name is “legion,” mad with the delight of + getting a wholesome farmer among them, that verily I was ashamed to walk + in the courtly parts of the town next day, having lumps upon my face of + the size of a pickling walnut. The landlord said that this was nothing; + and that he expected, in two days at the utmost, a very fresh young + Irishman, for whom they would all forsake me. Nevertheless, I declined to + wait, unless he could find me a hayrick to sleep in; for the insects of + grass only tickle. He assured me that no hayrick could now be found in + London; upon which I was forced to leave him, and with mutual esteem we + parted. + </p> + <p> + The next night I had better luck, being introduced to a decent widow, of + very high Scotch origin. That house was swept and garnished so, that not a + bit was left to eat, for either man or insect. The change of air having + made me hungry, I wanted something after supper; being quite ready to pay + for it, and showing my purse as a symptom. But the face of Widow + MacAlister, when I proposed to have some more food, was a thing to be + drawn (if it could be drawn further) by our new caricaturist. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I left her also; for liefer would I be eaten myself than have + nothing to eat; and so I came back to my old furrier; the which was a + thoroughly hearty man, and welcomed me to my room again, with two + shillings added to the rent, in the joy of his heart at seeing me. Being + under parole to Master Stickles, I only went out betwixt certain hours; + because I was accounted as liable to be called upon; for what purpose I + knew not, but hoped it might be a good one. I felt it a loss, and a + hindrance to me, that I was so bound to remain at home during the session + of the courts of law; for thereby the chance of ever beholding Lorna was + very greatly contracted, if not altogether annihilated. For these were the + very hours in which the people of fashion, and the high world, were wont + to appear to the rest of mankind, so as to encourage them. And of course + by this time, the Lady Lorna was high among people of fashion, and was not + likely to be seen out of fashionable hours. It is true that there were + some places of expensive entertainment, at which the better sort of + mankind might be seen and studied, in their hours of relaxation, by those + of the lower order, who could pay sufficiently. But alas, my money was + getting low; and the privilege of seeing my betters was more and more + denied to me, as my cash drew shorter. For a man must have a good coat at + least, and the pockets not wholly empty, before he can look at those whom + God has created for his ensample. + </p> + <p> + Hence, and from many other causes—part of which was my own pride—it + happened that I abode in London betwixt a month and five weeks' time, ere + ever I saw Lorna. It seemed unfit that I should go, and waylay her, and + spy on her, and say (or mean to say), “Lo, here is your poor faithful + farmer, a man who is unworthy of you, by means of his common birth; and + yet who dares to crawl across your path, that you may pity him. For God's + sake show a little pity, though you may not feel it.” Such behaviour might + be comely in a love-lorn boy, a page to some grand princess; but I, John + Ridd, would never stoop to the lowering of love so. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless I heard of Lorna, from my worthy furrier, almost every day, + and with a fine exaggeration. This honest man was one of those who in + virtue of their trade, and nicety of behaviour, are admitted into noble + life, to take measurements, and show patterns. And while so doing, they + contrive to acquire what is to the English mind at once the most important + and most interesting of all knowledge,—the science of being able to + talk about the titled people. So my furrier (whose name was Ramsack), + having to make robes for peers, and cloaks for their wives and otherwise, + knew the great folk, sham or real, as well as he knew a fox or skunk from + a wolverine skin. + </p> + <p> + And when, with some fencing and foils of inquiry, I hinted about Lady + Lorna Dugal, the old man's face became so pleasant that I knew her birth + must be wondrous high. At this my own countenance fell, I suppose,—for + the better she was born, the harder she would be to marry—and + mistaking my object, he took me up:— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you think, Master Ridd, that because her ladyship, Lady Lorna + Dugal, is of Scottish origin, therefore her birth is not as high as of our + English nobility. If you think so you are wrong, sir. She comes not of the + sandy Scotch race, with high cheek-bones, and raw shoulder-blades, who set + up pillars in their courtyards. But she comes of the very best Scotch + blood, descended from the Norsemen. Her mother was of the very noblest + race, the Lords of Lorne; higher even than the great Argyle, who has + lately made a sad mistake, and paid for it most sadly. And her father was + descended from the King Dugal, who fought against Alexander the Great. No, + no, Master Ridd; none of your promiscuous blood, such as runs in the veins + of half our modern peerage.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you trouble yourself about it, Master Ramsack?” I replied: + “let them all go their own ways: and let us all look up to them, whether + they come by hook or crook.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, not at all, my lad. That is not the way to regard it. We look + up at the well-born men, and side-ways at the base-born.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we are all base-born ourselves. I will look up to no man, except for + what himself has done.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Master Ridd, you might be lashed from Newgate to Tyburn and back + again, once a week, for a twelvemonth, if some people heard you. Keep your + tongue more close, young man; or here you lodge no longer; albeit I love + your company, which smells to me of the hayfield. Ah, I have not seen a + hayfield for nine-and-twenty years, John Ridd. The cursed moths keep me at + home, every day of the summer.” + </p> + <p> + “Spread your furs on the haycocks,” I answered very boldly: “the indoor + moth cannot abide the presence of the outdoor ones.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so?” he answered: “I never thought of that before. And yet I have + known such strange things happen in the way of fur, that I can well + believe it. If you only knew, John, the way in which they lay their eggs, + and how they work tail-foremost—” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me nothing of the kind,” I replied, with equal confidence: “they + cannot work tail-foremost; and they have no tails to work with.” For I + knew a little about grubs, and the ignorance concerning them, which we + have no right to put up with. However, not to go into that (for the + argument lasted a fortnight; and then was only come so far as to begin + again), Master Ramsack soon convinced me of the things I knew already; the + excellence of Lorna's birth, as well as her lofty place at Court, and + beauty, and wealth, and elegance. But all these only made me sigh, and + wish that I were born to them. + </p> + <p> + From Master Ramsack I discovered that the nobleman to whose charge Lady + Lorna had been committed, by the Court of Chancery, was Earl Brandir of + Lochawe, her poor mother's uncle. For the Countess of Dugal was daughter, + and only child, of the last Lord Lorne, whose sister had married Sir Ensor + Doone; while he himself had married the sister of Earl Brandir. This + nobleman had a country house near the village of Kensington; and here his + niece dwelled with him, when she was not in attendance on Her Majesty the + Queen, who had taken a liking to her. Now since the King had begun to + attend the celebration of mass, in the chapel at Whitehall—and not + at Westminster Abbey, as our gossips had averred—he had given order + that the doors should be thrown open, so that all who could make interest + to get into the antechamber, might see this form of worship. Master + Ramsack told me that Lorna was there almost every Sunday; their Majesties + being most anxious to have the presence of all the nobility of the + Catholic persuasion, so as to make a goodly show. And the worthy furrier, + having influence with the door-keepers, kindly obtained admittance for me, + one Sunday, into the antechamber. + </p> + <p> + Here I took care to be in waiting, before the Royal procession entered; + but being unknown, and of no high rank, I was not allowed to stand forward + among the better people, but ordered back into a corner very dark and + dismal; the verger remarking, with a grin, that I could see over all other + heads, and must not set my own so high. Being frightened to find myself + among so many people of great rank and gorgeous apparel, I blushed at the + notice drawn upon me by this uncourteous fellow; and silently fell back + into the corner by the hangings. + </p> + <p> + You may suppose that my heart beat high, when the King and Queen appeared, + and entered, followed by the Duke of Norfolk, bearing the sword of state, + and by several other noblemen, and people of repute. Then the doors of the + chapel were thrown wide open; and though I could only see a little, being + in the corner so, I thought that it was beautiful. Bowers of rich silk + were there, and plenty of metal shining, and polished wood with lovely + carving; flowers too of the noblest kind, and candles made by somebody who + had learned how to clarify tallow. This last thing amazed me more than + all, for our dips never will come clear, melt the mutton-fat how you will. + And methought that this hanging of flowers about was a pretty thing; for + if a man can worship God best of all beneath a tree, as the natural + instinct is, surely when by fault of climate the tree would be too apt to + drip, the very best make-believe is to have enough and to spare of + flowers; which to the dwellers in London seem to have grown on the tree + denied them. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it may, when the King and Queen crossed the threshold, a mighty + flourish of trumpets arose, and a waving of banners. The Knights of the + Garter (whoever they be) were to attend that day in state; and some went + in, and some stayed out, and it made me think of the difference betwixt + the ewes and the wethers. For the ewes will go wherever you lead them; but + the wethers will not, having strong opinions, and meaning to abide by + them. And one man I noticed was of the wethers, to wit the Duke of + Norfolk; who stopped outside with the sword of state, like a beadle with a + rapping-rod. This has taken more to tell than the time it happened in. For + after all the men were gone, some to this side, some to that, according to + their feelings, a number of ladies, beautifully dressed, being of the + Queen's retinue, began to enter, and were stared at three times as much as + the men had been. And indeed they were worth looking at (which men never + are to my ideas, when they trick themselves with gewgaws), but none was so + well worth eye-service as my own beloved Lorna. She entered modestly and + shyly, with her eyes upon the ground, knowing the rudeness of the + gallants, and the large sum she was priced at. Her dress was of the purest + white, very sweet and simple, without a line of ornament, for she herself + adorned it. The way she walked and touched her skirt (rather than seemed + to hold it up) with a white hand beaming one red rose, this and her + stately supple neck, and the flowing of her hair would show, at a distance + of a hundred yards, that she could be none but Lorna Doone. Lorna Doone of + my early love; in the days when she blushed for her name before me by + reason of dishonesty; but now the Lady Lorna Dugal as far beyond reproach + as above my poor affection. All my heart, and all my mind, gathered + themselves upon her. Would she see me, or would she pass? Was there + instinct in our love? + </p> + <p> + By some strange chance she saw me. Or was it through our destiny? While + with eyes kept sedulously on the marble floor, to shun the weight of + admiration thrust too boldly on them, while with shy quick steps she + passed, some one (perhaps with purpose) trod on the skirt of her clear + white dress,—with the quickness taught her by many a scene of + danger, she looked up, and her eyes met mine. + </p> + <p> + As I gazed upon her, steadfastly, yearningly, yet with some reproach, and + more of pride than humility, she made me one of the courtly bows which I + do so much detest; yet even that was sweet and graceful, when my Lorna did + it. But the colour of her pure clear cheeks was nearly as deep as that of + my own, when she went on for the religious work. And the shining of her + eyes was owing to an unpaid debt of tears. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole I was satisfied. Lorna had seen me, and had not (according + to the phrase of the high world then) even tried to “cut” me. Whether this + low phrase is born of their own stupid meanness, or whether it comes of + necessity exercised on a man without money, I know not, and I care not. + But one thing I know right well; any man who “cuts” a man (except for vice + or meanness) should be quartered without quarter. + </p> + <p> + All these proud thoughts rose within me as the lovely form of Lorna went + inside, and was no more seen. And then I felt how coarse I was; how apt to + think strong thoughts, and so on; without brains to bear me out: even as a + hen's egg, laid without enough of lime, and looking only a poor jelly. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I waited on; as my usual manner is. For to be beaten, while + running away, is ten times worse than to face it out, and take it, and + have done with it. So at least I have always found, because of reproach of + conscience: and all the things those clever people carried on inside, at + large, made me long for our Parson Bowden that he might know how to act. + </p> + <p> + While I stored up, in my memory, enough to keep our parson going through + six pipes on a Saturday night—to have it as right as could be next + day—a lean man with a yellow beard, too thin for a good Catholic + (which religion always fattens), came up to me, working sideways, in the + manner of a female crab. + </p> + <p> + “This is not to my liking,” I said: “if aught thou hast, speak plainly; + while they make that horrible noise inside.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing had this man to say; but with many sighs, because I was not of the + proper faith, he took my reprobate hand to save me: and with several + religious tears, looked up at me, and winked with one eye. Although the + skin of my palms was thick, I felt a little suggestion there, as of a + gentle leaf in spring, fearing to seem too forward. I paid the man, and he + went happy; for the standard of heretical silver is purer than that of the + Catholics. + </p> + <p> + Then I lifted up my little billet; and in that dark corner read it, with a + strong rainbow of colours coming from the angled light. And in mine eyes + there was enough to make rainbow of strongest sun, as my anger clouded + off. + </p> + <p> + Not that it began so well; but that in my heart I knew (ere three lines + were through me) that I was with all heart loved—and beyond that, + who may need? The darling of my life went on, as if I were of her own + rank, or even better than she was; and she dotted her “i”s, and crossed + her “t”s, as if I were at least a schoolmaster. All of it was done in + pencil; but as plain as plain could be. In my coffin it shall lie, with my + ring and something else. Therefore will I not expose it to every man who + buys this book, and haply thinks that he has bought me to the bottom of my + heart. Enough for men of gentle birth (who never are inquisitive) that my + love told me, in her letter, just to come and see her. + </p> + <p> + I ran away, and could not stop. To behold even her, at the moment, would + have dashed my fancy's joy. Yet my brain was so amiss, that I must do + something. Therefore to the river Thames, with all speed, I hurried; and + keeping all my best clothes on (indeed for sake of Lorna), into the quiet + stream I leaped, and swam as far as London Bridge, and ate nobler dinner + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0067" id="linklink2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVII + </h2> + <h3> + LORNA STILL IS LORNA + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0188" id="linkimage-0188"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/623.jpg" alt="623.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Although a man may be as simple as the flowers of the field; knowing when, + but scarcely why, he closes to the bitter wind; and feeling why, but + scarcely when, he opens to the genial sun; yet without his questing much + into the capsule of himself—to do which is a misery—he may + have a general notion how he happens to be getting on. + </p> + <p> + I felt myself to be getting on better than at any time since the last + wheat-harvest, as I took the lane to Kensington upon the Monday evening. + For although no time was given in my Lorna's letter, I was not inclined to + wait more than decency required. And though I went and watched the house, + decency would not allow me to knock on the Sunday evening, especially when + I found at the corner that his lordship was at home. + </p> + <p> + The lanes and fields between Charing Cross and the village of Kensington, + are, or were at that time, more than reasonably infested with footpads and + with highwaymen. However, my stature and holly club kept these fellows + from doing more than casting sheep's eyes at me. For it was still broad + daylight, and the view of the distant villages, Chelsea, Battersea, + Tyburn, and others, as well as a few large houses, among the hams and + towards the river, made it seem less lonely. Therefore I sang a song in + the broadest Exmoor dialect, which caused no little amazement in the minds + of all who met me. + </p> + <p> + When I came to Earl Brandir's house, my natural modesty forbade me to + appear at the door for guests; therefore I went to the entrance for + servants and retainers. Here, to my great surprise, who should come and + let me in but little Gwenny Carfax, whose very existence had almost + escaped my recollection. Her mistress, no doubt, had seen me coming, and + sent her to save trouble. But when I offered to kiss Gwenny, in my joy and + comfort to see a farm-house face again, she looked ashamed, and turned + away, and would hardly speak to me. + </p> + <p> + I followed her to a little room, furnished very daintily; and there she + ordered me to wait, in a most ungracious manner. “Well,” thought I, “if + the mistress and the maid are alike in temper, better it had been for me + to abide at Master Ramsack's.” But almost ere my thought was done, I heard + the light quick step which I knew as well as “Watch,” my dog, knew mine; + and my breast began to tremble, like the trembling of an arch ere the + keystone is put in. + </p> + <p> + Almost ere I hoped—for fear and hope were so entangled that they + hindered one another—the velvet hangings of the doorway parted, with + a little doubt, and then a good face put on it. Lorna, in her perfect + beauty, stood before the crimson folds, and her dress was all pure white, + and her cheeks were rosy pink, and her lips were scarlet. + </p> + <p> + Like a maiden, with skill and sense checking violent impulse, she stayed + there for one moment only, just to be admired; and then like a woman, she + came to me, seeing how alarmed I was. The hand she offered me I took, and + raised it to my lips with fear, as a thing too good for me. “Is that all?” + she whispered; and then her eyes gleamed up at me; and in another instant, + she was weeping on my breast. + </p> + <p> + “Darling Lorna, Lady Lorna,” I cried, in astonishment, yet unable but to + keep her closer to me, and closer; “surely, though I love you so, this is + not as it should be.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is, John. Yes, it is. Nothing else should ever be. Oh, why have + you behaved so?” + </p> + <p> + “I am behaving.” I replied, “to the very best of my ability. There is no + other man in the world could hold you so, without kissing you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why don't you do it, John?” asked Lorna, looking up at me, with a + flash of her old fun. + </p> + <p> + Now this matter, proverbially, is not for discussion, and repetition. + Enough that we said nothing more than, “Oh, John, how glad I am!” and + “Lorna, Lorna Lorna!” for about five minutes. Then my darling drew back + proudly, with blushing cheeks, and tear-bright eyes, she began to + cross-examine me. + </p> + <p> + “Master John Ridd, you shall tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing + but the truth. I have been in Chancery, sir; and can detect a story. Now + why have you never, for more than a twelvemonth, taken the smallest notice + of your old friend, Mistress Lorna Doone?” Although she spoke in this + lightsome manner, as if it made no difference, I saw that her quick heart + was moving, and the flash of her eyes controlled. + </p> + <p> + “Simply for this cause,” I answered, “that my old friend and true love, + took not the smallest heed of me. Nor knew I where to find her.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried Lorna; and nothing more; being overcome with wondering; and + much inclined to fall away, but for my assistance. I told her, over and + over again, that not a single syllable of any message from her, or tidings + of her welfare, had reached me, or any one of us, since the letter she + left behind; except by soldier's gossip. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you poor dear John!” said Lorna, sighing at thought of my misery: + “how wonderfully good of you, thinking of me as you must have done, not to + marry that little plain thing (or perhaps I should say that lovely + creature, for I have never seen her), Mistress Ruth—I forget her + name; but something like a towel.” + </p> + <p> + “Ruth Huckaback is a worthy maid,” I answered with some dignity; “and she + alone of all our world, except indeed poor Annie, has kept her confidence + in you, and told me not to dread your rank, but trust your heart, Lady + Lorna.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Ruth is my best friend,” she answered, “and is worthy of you, dear + John. And now remember one thing, dear; if God should part us, as may be + by nothing short of death, try to marry that little Ruth, when you cease + to remember me. And now for the head-traitor. I have often suspected it: + but she looks me in the face, and wishes—fearful things, which I + cannot repeat.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, she moved an implement such as I had not seen before, + and which made a ringing noise at a serious distance. And before I had + ceased wondering—for if such things go on, we might ring the church + bells, while sitting in our back-kitchen—little Gwenny Carfax came, + with a grave and sullen face. + </p> + <p> + “Gwenny,” began my Lorna, in a tone of high rank and dignity, “go and + fetch the letters which I gave you at various times for despatch to + Mistress Ridd.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I fetch them, when they are gone? It be no use for him to tell no + lies—” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Gwenny, can you look at me?” I asked, very sternly; for the matter + was no joke to me, after a year's unhappiness. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to look at 'ee. What should I look at a young man for, + although he did offer to kiss me?” + </p> + <p> + I saw the spite and impudence of this last remark, and so did Lorna, + although she could not quite refrain from smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Gwenny, not to speak of that,” said Lorna, very demurely, “if you + thought it honest to keep the letters, was it honest to keep the money?” + </p> + <p> + At this the Cornish maiden broke into a rage of honesty: “A putt the money + by for 'ee. 'Ee shall have every farden of it.” And so she flung out of + the room. + </p> + <p> + “And, Gwenny,” said Lorna very softly, following under the door-hangings; + “if it is not honest to keep the money, it is not honest to keep the + letters, which would have been worth more than any gold to those who were + so kind to you. Your father shall know the whole, Gwenny, unless you tell + the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, a will tell all the truth,” this strange maiden answered, talking to + herself at least as much as to her mistress, while she went out of sight + and hearing. And then I was so glad at having my own Lorna once again, + cleared of all contempt for us, and true to me through all of it, that I + would have forgiven Gwenny for treason, or even forgery. + </p> + <p> + “I trusted her so much,” said Lorna, in her old ill-fortuned way; “and + look how she has deceived me! That is why I love you, John (setting other + things aside), because you never told me falsehood; and you never could, + you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am not so sure of that. I think I could tell any lie, to have + you, darling, all my own.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. And perhaps it might be right. To other people besides us two. But + you could not do it to me, John. You never could do it to me, you know.” + Before I quite perceived my way to the bottom of the distinction—although + beyond doubt a valid one—Gwenny came back with a leathern bag, and + tossed it upon the table. Not a word did she vouchsafe to us; but stood + there, looking injured. + </p> + <p> + “Go, and get your letters, John,” said Lorna very gravely; “or at least + your mother's letters, made of messages to you. As for Gwenny, she shall + go before Lord Justice Jeffreys.” I knew that Lorna meant it not; but + thought that the girl deserved a frightening; as indeed she did. But we + both mistook the courage of this child of Cornwall. She stepped upon a + little round thing, in the nature of a stool, such as I never had seen + before, and thus delivered her sentiments. + </p> + <p> + “And you may take me, if you please, before the great Lord Jeffreys. I + have done no more than duty, though I did it crookedly, and told a heap of + lies, for your sake. And pretty gratitude I gets.” + </p> + <p> + “Much gratitude you have shown,” replied Lorna, “to Master Ridd, for all + his kindness and his goodness to you. Who was it that went down, at the + peril of his life, and brought your father to you, when you had lost him + for months and months? Who was it? Answer me, Gwenny?” + </p> + <p> + “Girt Jan Ridd,” said the handmaid, very sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “What made you treat me so, little Gwenny?” I asked, for Lorna would not + ask lest the reply should vex me. + </p> + <p> + “Because 'ee be'est below her so. Her shanna' have a poor farmering chap, + not even if her were a Carnishman. All her land, and all her birth—and + who be you, I'd like to know?” + </p> + <p> + “Gwenny, you may go,” said Lorna, reddening with quiet anger; “and + remember that you come not near me for the next three days. It is the only + way to punish her,” she continued to me, when the maid was gone, in a + storm of sobbing and weeping. “Now, for the next three days, she will + scarcely touch a morsel of food, and scarcely do a thing but cry. Make up + your mind to one thing, John; if you mean to take me, for better for + worse, you will have to take Gwenny with me. + </p> + <p> + “I would take you with fifty Gwennies,” said I, “although every one of + them hated me, which I do not believe this little maid does, in the bottom + of her heart.” + </p> + <p> + “No one can possibly hate you, John,” she answered very softly; and I was + better pleased with this, than if she had called me the most noble and + glorious man in the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + After this, we spoke of ourselves and the way people would regard us, + supposing that when Lorna came to be her own free mistress (as she must do + in the course of time) she were to throw her rank aside, and refuse her + title, and caring not a fig for folk who cared less than a fig-stalk for + her, should shape her mind to its native bent, and to my perfect + happiness. It was not my place to say much, lest I should appear to use an + improper and selfish influence. And of course to all men of common sense, + and to everybody of middle age (who must know best what is good for + youth), the thoughts which my Lorna entertained would be enough to prove + her madness. + </p> + <p> + Not that we could not keep her well, comfortably, and with nice clothes, + and plenty of flowers, and fruit, and landscape, and the knowledge of our + neighbours' affairs, and their kind interest in our own. Still this would + not be as if she were the owner of a county, and a haughty title; and able + to lead the first men of the age, by her mind, and face, and money. + </p> + <p> + Therefore was I quite resolved not to have a word to say, while this young + queen of wealth and beauty, and of noblemen's desire, made her mind up how + to act for her purest happiness. But to do her justice, this was not the + first thing she was thinking of: the test of her judgment was only this, + “How will my love be happiest?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, John,” she cried; for she was so quick that she always had my + thoughts beforehand; “why will you be backward, as if you cared not for + me? Do you dream that I am doubting? My mind has been made up, good John, + that you must be my husband, for—well, I will not say how long, lest + you should laugh at my folly. But I believe it was ever since you came, + with your stockings off, and the loaches. Right early for me to make up my + mind; but you know that you made up yours, John; and, of course, I knew + it; and that had a great effect on me. Now, after all this age of loving, + shall a trifle sever us?” + </p> + <p> + I told her that it was no trifle, but a most important thing, to abandon + wealth, and honour, and the brilliance of high life, and be despised by + every one for such abundant folly. Moreover, that I should appear a knave + for taking advantage of her youth, and boundless generosity, and ruining + (as men would say) a noble maid by my selfishness. And I told her + outright, having worked myself up by my own conversation, that she was + bound to consult her guardian, and that without his knowledge, I would + come no more to see her. Her flash of pride at these last words made her + look like an empress; and I was about to explain myself better, but she + put forth her hand and stopped me. + </p> + <p> + “I think that condition should rather have proceeded from me. You are + mistaken, Master Ridd, in supposing that I would think of receiving you in + secret. It was a different thing in Glen Doone, where all except yourself + were thieves, and when I was but a simple child, and oppressed with + constant fear. You are quite right in threatening to visit me thus no + more; but I think you might have waited for an invitation, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are quite right, Lady Lorna, in pointing out my presumption. It + is a fault that must ever be found in any speech of mine to you.” + </p> + <p> + This I said so humbly, and not with any bitterness—for I knew that I + had gone too far—and made her so polite a bow, that she forgave me + in a moment, and we begged each other's pardon. + </p> + <p> + “Now, will you allow me just to explain my own view of this matter, John?” + said she, once more my darling. “It may be a very foolish view, but I + shall never change it. Please not to interrupt me, dear, until you have + heard me to the end. In the first place, it is quite certain that neither + you nor I can be happy without the other. Then what stands between us? + Worldly position, and nothing else. I have no more education than you + have, John Ridd; nay, and not so much. My birth and ancestry are not one + whit more pure than yours, although they may be better known. Your descent + from ancient freeholders, for five-and-twenty generations of good, honest + men, although you bear no coat of arms, is better than the lineage of nine + proud English noblemen out of every ten I meet with. In manners, though + your mighty strength, and hatred of any meanness, sometimes break out in + violence—of which I must try to cure you, dear—in manners, if + kindness, and gentleness, and modesty are the true things wanted, you are + immeasurably above any of our Court-gallants; who indeed have very little. + As for difference of religion, we allow for one another, neither having + been brought up in a bitterly pious manner.” + </p> + <p> + Here, though the tears were in my eyes, at the loving things love said of + me, I could not help a little laugh at the notion of any bitter piety + being found among the Doones, or even in mother, for that matter. Lorna + smiled, in her slyest manner, and went on again:— + </p> + <p> + “Now, you see, I have proved my point; there is nothing between us but + worldly position—if you can defend me against the Doones, for which, + I trow, I may trust you. And worldly position means wealth, and title, and + the right to be in great houses, and the pleasure of being envied. I have + not been here for a year, John, without learning something. Oh, I hate it; + how I hate it! Of all the people I know, there are but two, besides my + uncle, who do not either covet, or detest me. And who are those two, think + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Gwenny, for one,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Gwenny, for one. And the queen, for the other. The one is too far + below me (I mean, in her own opinion), and the other too high above. As + for the women who dislike me, without having even heard my voice, I simply + have nothing to do with them. As for the men who covet me, for my land and + money, I merely compare them with you, John Ridd; and all thought of them + is over. Oh, John, you must never forsake me, however cross I am to you. I + thought you would have gone, just now; and though I would not move to stop + you, my heart would have broken.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't catch me go in a hurry,” I answered very sensibly, “when the + loveliest maiden in all the world, and the best, and the dearest, loves + me. All my fear of you is gone, darling Lorna, all my fear—” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible you could fear me, John, after all we have been through + together? Now you promised not to interrupt me; is this fair behaviour? + Well, let me see where I left off—oh, that my heart would have + broken. Upon that point, I will say no more, lest you should grow + conceited, John; if anything could make you so. But I do assure you that + half London—however, upon that point also I will check my power of + speech, lest you think me conceited. And now to put aside all nonsense; + though I have talked none for a year, John, having been so unhappy; and + now it is such a relief to me—” + </p> + <p> + “Then talk it for an hour,” said I; “and let me sit and watch you. To me + it is the very sweetest of all sweetest wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there is no time,” she answered, glancing at a jewelled timepiece, + scarcely larger than an oyster, which she drew from her waist-band; and + then she pushed it away, in confusion, lest its wealth should startle me. + “My uncle will come home in less than half an hour, dear: and you are not + the one to take a side-passage, and avoid him. I shall tell him that you + have been here; and that I mean you to come again.” + </p> + <p> + As Lorna said this, with a manner as confident as need be, I saw that she + had learned in town the power of her beauty, and knew that she could do + with most men aught she set her mind upon. And as she stood there, flushed + with pride and faith in her own loveliness, and radiant with the love + itself, I felt that she must do exactly as she pleased with every one. For + now, in turn, and elegance, and richness, and variety, there was nothing + to compare with her face, unless it were her figure. Therefore I gave in, + and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Darling, do just what you please. Only make no rogue of me.” + </p> + <p> + For that she gave me the simplest, kindest, and sweetest of all kisses; + and I went down the great stairs grandly, thinking of nothing else but + that. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0189" id="linkimage-0189"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/631.jpg" width="100%" alt="631.jpg Old London Bridge " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0068" id="linklink2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + JOHN IS JOHN NO LONGER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0190" id="linkimage-0190"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/632.jpg" alt="632.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + It would be hard for me to tell the state of mind in which I lived for a + long time after this. I put away from me all torment, and the thought of + future cares, and the sight of difficulty; and to myself appeared, which + means that I became the luckiest of lucky fellows, since the world itself + began. I thought not of the harvest even, nor of the men who would get + their wages without having earned them, nor of my mother's anxiety and + worry about John Fry's great fatness (which was growing upon him), and how + she would cry fifty times in a day, “Ah, if our John would only come home, + how different everything would look!” + </p> + <p> + Although there were no soldiers now quartered at Plover's Barrows, all + being busied in harassing the country, and hanging the people where the + rebellion had thriven most, my mother, having received from me a message + containing my place of abode, contrived to send me, by the pack-horses, as + fine a maund as need be of provisions, and money, and other comforts. + Therein I found addressed to Colonel Jeremiah Stickles, in Lizzie's best + handwriting, half a side of the dried deer's flesh, in which he rejoiced + so greatly. Also, for Lorna, a fine green goose, with a little salt + towards the tail, and new-laid eggs inside it, as well as a bottle of + brandied cherries, and seven, or it may have been eight pounds of fresh + homemade butter. Moreover, to myself there was a letter full of good + advice, excellently well expressed, and would have been of the greatest + value, if I had cared to read it. But I read all about the farm affairs, + and the man who had offered himself to our Betty for the five pounds in + her stocking; as well as the antics of Sally Snowe, and how she had almost + thrown herself at Parson Bowden's head (old enough to be her grandfather), + because on the Sunday after the hanging of a Countisbury man, he had + preached a beautiful sermon about Christian love; which Lizzie, with her + sharp eyes, found to be the work of good Bishop Ken. Also I read that the + Doones were quiet; the parishes round about having united to feed them + well through the harvest time, so that after the day's hard work, the + farmers might go to bed at night. And this plan had been found to answer + well, and to save much trouble on both sides, so that everybody wondered + it had not been done before. But Lizzie thought that the Doones could + hardly be expected much longer to put up with it, and probably would not + have done so now, but for a little adversity; to wit, that the famous + Colonel Kirke had, in the most outrageous manner, hanged no less than six + of them, who were captured among the rebels; for he said that men of their + rank and breeding, and above all of their religion, should have known + better than to join plough-boys, and carters, and pickaxemen, against our + Lord the King, and his Holiness the Pope. This hanging of so many Doones + caused some indignation among people who were used to them; and it seemed + for a while to check the rest from any spirit of enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, I found from this same letter (which was pinned upon the knuckle + of a leg of mutton, for fear of being lost in straw) that good Tom Faggus + was at home again, and nearly cured of his dreadful wound; but intended to + go to war no more, only to mind his family. And it grieved him more than + anything he ever could have imagined, that his duty to his family, and the + strong power of his conscience, so totally forbade him to come up and see + after me. For now his design was to lead a new life, and be in charity + with all men. Many better men than he had been hanged, he saw no cause to + doubt; but by the grace of God he hoped himself to cheat the gallows. + </p> + <p> + There was no further news of moment in this very clever letter, except + that the price of horses' shoes was gone up again, though already + twopence-farthing each; and that Betty had broken her lover's head with + the stocking full of money; and then in the corner it was written that the + distinguished man of war, and worshipful scholar, Master Bloxham, was now + promoted to take the tolls, and catch all the rebels around our part. + </p> + <p> + Lorna was greatly pleased with the goose, and the butter, and the brandied + cherries; and the Earl Brandir himself declared that he never tasted + better than those last, and would beg the young man from the country to + procure him instructions for making them. This nobleman, being as deaf as + a post, and of a very solid mind, could never be brought to understand the + nature of my thoughts towards Lorna. He looked upon me as an excellent + youth, who had rescued the maiden from the Doones, whom he cordially + detested; and learning that I had thrown two of them out of window (as the + story was told him), he patted me on the back, and declared that his doors + would ever be open to me, and that I could not come too often. + </p> + <p> + I thought this very kind of his lordship, especially as it enabled me to + see my darling Lorna, not indeed as often as I wished, but at any rate + very frequently, and as many times as modesty (ever my leading principle) + would in common conscience approve of. And I made up my mind that if ever + I could help Earl Brandir, it would be—as we say, when with brandy + and water—the “proudest moment of my life,” when I could fulfil the + pledge. + </p> + <p> + And I soon was able to help Lord Brandir, as I think, in two different + ways; first of all as regarded his mind, and then as concerned his body: + and the latter perhaps was the greatest service, at his time of life. But + not to be too nice about that; let me tell how these things were. + </p> + <p> + Lorna said to me one day, being in a state of excitement—whereto she + was over prone, when reft of my slowness to steady her,— + </p> + <p> + “I will tell him, John; I must tell him, John. It is mean of me to conceal + it.” + </p> + <p> + I thought that she meant all about our love, which we had endeavoured + thrice to drill into his fine old ears; but could not make him comprehend, + without risk of bringing the house down: and so I said, “By all means; + darling; have another try at it.” + </p> + <p> + Lorna, however, looked at me—for her eyes told more than tongue—as + much as to say, “Well, you are a stupid. We agreed to let that subject + rest.” And then she saw that I was vexed at my own want of quickness; and + so she spoke very kindly,— + </p> + <p> + “I meant about his poor son, dearest; the son of his old age almost; whose + loss threw him into that dreadful cold—for he went, without hat, to + look for him—which ended in his losing the use of his dear old ears. + I believe if we could only get him to Plover's Barrows for a month, he + would be able to hear again. And look at his age! he is not much over + seventy, John, you know; and I hope that you will be able to hear me, long + after you are seventy, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “God settles that. Or at any rate, He leaves us time to + think about those questions, when we are over fifty. Now let me know what + you want, Lorna. The idea of my being seventy! But you would still be + beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “To the one who loves me,” she answered, trying to make wrinkles in her + pure bright forehead: “but if you will have common sense, as you always + will, John, whether I wish it or otherwise—I want to know whether I + am bound, in honour, and in conscience, to tell my dear and good old uncle + what I know about his son?” + </p> + <p> + “First let me understand quite clearly,” said I, never being in a hurry, + except when passion moves me, “what his lordship thinks at present; and + how far his mind is urged with sorrow and anxiety.” This was not the first + time we had spoken of the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you know, John, well enough,” she answered, wondering at my + coolness, “that my poor uncle still believes that his one beloved son will + come to light and live again. He has made all arrangements accordingly: + all his property is settled on that supposition. He knows that young Alan + always was what he calls a 'feckless ne'er-do-weel;' but he loves him all + the more for that. He cannot believe that he will die, without his son + coming back to him; and he always has a bedroom ready, and a bottle of + Alan's favourite wine cool from out the cellar; he has made me work him a + pair of slippers from the size of a mouldy boot; and if he hears of a new + tobacco—much as he hates the smell of it—he will go to the + other end of London to get some for Alan. Now you know how deaf he is; but + if any one say, 'Alan,' even in the place outside the door, he will make + his courteous bow to the very highest visitor, and be out there in a + moment, and search the entire passage, and yet let no one know it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a piteous thing,” I said; for Lorna's eyes were full of tears. + </p> + <p> + “And he means me to marry him. It is the pet scheme of his life. I am to + grow more beautiful, and more highly taught, and graceful; until it + pleases Alan to come back, and demand me. Can you understand this matter, + John? Or do you think my uncle mad?” + </p> + <p> + “Lorna, I should be mad myself, to call any other man mad, for hoping.” + </p> + <p> + “Then will you tell me what to do? It makes me very sorrowful. For I know + that Alan Brandir lies below the sod in Doone-valley.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you tell his father,” I answered softly, but clearly, “in a few + weeks he will lie below the sod in London; at least if there is any.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right, John,” she replied: “to lose hope must be a + dreadful thing, when one is turned of seventy. Therefore I will never tell + him.” + </p> + <p> + The other way in which I managed to help the good Earl Brandir was of less + true moment to him; but as he could not know of the first, this was the + one which moved him. And it happened pretty much as follows—though I + hardly like to tell, because it advanced me to such a height as I myself + was giddy at; and which all my friends resented greatly (save those of my + own family), and even now are sometimes bitter, in spite of all my + humility. Now this is a matter of history, because the King was concerned + in it; and being so strongly misunderstood, (especially in my own + neighbourhood, I will overcome so far as I can) my diffidence in telling + it. + </p> + <p> + The good Earl Brandir was a man of the noblest charity. True charity + begins at home, and so did his; and was afraid of losing the way, if it + went abroad. So this good nobleman kept his money in a handsome pewter + box, with his coat of arms upon it, and a double lid and locks. Moreover, + there was a heavy chain, fixed to a staple in the wall, so that none might + carry off the pewter with the gold inside of it. Lorna told me the box was + full, for she had seen him go to it, and she often thought that it would + be nice for us to begin the world with. I told her that she must not allow + her mind to dwell upon things of this sort; being wholly against the last + commandment set up in our church at Oare. + </p> + <p> + Now one evening towards September, when the days were drawing in, looking + back at the house to see whether Lorna were looking after me, I espied (by + a little glimpse, as it were) a pair of villainous fellows (about whom + there could be no mistake) watching from the thicket-corner, some hundred + yards or so behind the good Earl's dwelling. “There is mischief afoot,” + thought I to myself, being thoroughly conversant with theft, from my + knowledge of the Doones; “how will be the moon to-night, and when may we + expect the watch?” + </p> + <p> + I found that neither moon nor watch could be looked for until the morning; + the moon, of course, before the watch, and more likely to be punctual. + Therefore I resolved to wait, and see what those two villains did, and + save (if it were possible) the Earl of Brandir's pewter box. But inasmuch + as those bad men were almost sure to have seen me leaving the house and + looking back, and striking out on the London road, I marched along at a + merry pace, until they could not discern me; and then I fetched a compass + round, and refreshed myself at a certain inn, entitled The Cross-bones and + Buttons. + </p> + <p> + Here I remained until it was very nearly as dark as pitch; and the house + being full of footpads and cutthroats, I thought it right to leave them. + One or two came after me, in the hope of designing a stratagem; but I + dropped them in the darkness; and knowing all the neighbourhood well, I + took up my position, two hours before midnight, among the shrubs at the + eastern end of Lord Brandir's mansion. Hence, although I might not see, I + could scarcely fail to hear, if any unlawful entrance either at back or + front were made. + </p> + <p> + From my own observation, I thought it likely that the attack would be in + the rear; and so indeed it came to pass. For when all the lights were + quenched, and all the house was quiet, I heard a low and wily whistle from + a clump of trees close by; and then three figures passed between me and a + whitewashed wall, and came to a window which opened into a part of the + servants' basement. This window was carefully raised by some one inside + the house; and after a little whispering, and something which sounded like + a kiss, all the three men entered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you villains!” I said to myself, “this is worse than any Doone job; + because there is treachery in it.” But without waiting to consider the + subject from a moral point of view, I crept along the wall, and entered + very quietly after them; being rather uneasy about my life, because I bore + no fire-arms, and had nothing more than my holly staff, for even a violent + combat. + </p> + <p> + To me this was matter of deep regret, as I followed these vile men inward. + Nevertheless I was resolved that my Lorna should not be robbed again. + Through us (or at least through our Annie) she had lost that brilliant + necklace; which then was her only birthright: therefore it behoved me + doubly, to preserve the pewter box; which must belong to her in the end, + unless the thieves got hold of it. + </p> + <p> + I went along very delicately (as a man who has learned to wrestle can do, + although he may weigh twenty stone), following carefully the light, + brought by the traitorous maid, and shaking in her loose dishonest hand. I + saw her lead the men into a little place called a pantry; and there she + gave them cordials, and I could hear them boasting. + </p> + <p> + Not to be too long over it—which they were much inclined to be—I + followed them from this drinking-bout, by the aid of the light they bore, + as far as Earl Brandir's bedroom, which I knew, because Lorna had shown it + to me that I might admire the tapestry. But I had said that no horse could + ever be shod as the horses were shod therein, unless he had the foot of a + frog, as well as a frog to his foot. And Lorna had been vexed at this (as + taste and high art always are, at any small accurate knowledge), and so + she had brought me out again, before I had time to admire things. + </p> + <p> + Now, keeping well away in the dark, yet nearer than was necessary to my + own dear Lorna's room, I saw these fellows try the door of the good Earl + Brandir, knowing from the maid, of course, that his lordship could hear + nothing, except the name of Alan. They tried the lock, and pushed at it, + and even set their knees upright; but a Scottish nobleman may be trusted + to secure his door at night. So they were forced to break it open; and at + this the guilty maid, or woman, ran away. These three rogues—for + rogues they were, and no charity may deny it—burst into Earl + Brandir's room, with a light, and a crowbar, and fire-arms. I thought to + myself that this was hard upon an honest nobleman; and if further mischief + could be saved, I would try to save it. + </p> + <p> + When I came to the door of the room, being myself in shadow, I beheld two + bad men trying vainly to break open the pewter box, and the third with a + pistol-muzzle laid to the night-cap of his lordship. With foul face and + yet fouler words, this man was demanding the key of the box, which the + other men could by no means open, neither drag it from the chain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0191" id="linkimage-0191"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/639.jpg" width="100%" alt="639.jpg Two Bad Men " /> + </div> + <p> + “I tell you,” said this aged Earl, beginning to understand at last what + these rogues were up for; “I will give no key to you. It all belongs to my + boy, Alan. No one else shall have a farthing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you may count your moments, lord. The key is in your old cramped + hand. One, two, and at three, I shoot you.” + </p> + <p> + I saw that the old man was abroad; not with fear, but with great wonder, + and the regrets of deafness. And I saw that rather would he be shot than + let these men go rob his son, buried now, or laid to bleach in the tangles + of the wood, three, or it might be four years agone, but still alive to + his father. Hereupon my heart was moved; and I resolved to interfere. The + thief with the pistol began to count, as I crossed the floor very quietly, + while the old Earl fearfully gazed at the muzzle, but clenched still + tighter his wrinkled hand. The villain, with hair all over his eyes, and + the great horse-pistol levelled, cried “three,” and pulled the trigger; + but luckily, at that very moment, I struck up the barrel with my staff, so + that the shot pierced the tester, and then with a spin and a thwack I + brought the good holly down upon the rascal's head, in a manner which + stretched him upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the other two robbers had taken the alarm, and rushed at me, one + with a pistol and one with a hanger; which forced me to be very lively. + Fearing the pistol most, I flung the heavy velvet curtain of the bed + across, that he might not see where to aim at me, and then stooping very + quickly I caught up the senseless robber, and set him up for a shield and + target; whereupon he was shot immediately, without having the pain of + knowing it; and a happy thing it was for him. Now the other two were at my + mercy, being men below the average strength; and no hanger, except in most + skilful hands, as well as firm and strong ones, has any chance to a + powerful man armed with a stout cudgel, and thoroughly practised in + single-stick. + </p> + <p> + So I took these two rogues, and bound them together; and leaving them + under charge of the butler (a worthy and shrewd Scotchman), I myself went + in search of the constables, whom, after some few hours, I found; neither + were they so drunk but what they could take roped men to prison. In the + morning, these two men were brought before the Justices of the Peace: and + now my wonderful luck appeared; for the merit of having defeated, and + caught them, would never have raised me one step in the State, or in + public consideration, if they had only been common robbers, or even + notorious murderers. But when these fellows were recognised, by some one + in the court, as Protestant witnesses out of employment, companions and + understrappers to Oates, and Bedloe, and Carstairs, and hand in glove with + Dangerfield, Turberville; and Dugdale—in a word, the very men + against whom His Majesty the King bore the bitterest rancour, but whom he + had hitherto failed to catch—when this was laid before the public + (with emphasis and admiration), at least a dozen men came up, whom I had + never seen before, and prayed me to accept their congratulations, and to + be sure to remember them; for all were of neglected merit, and required no + more than a piece of luck. + </p> + <p> + I answered them very modestly, and each according to his worth, as stated + by himself, who of course could judge the best. The magistrate made me + many compliments, ten times more than I deserved, and took good care to + have them copied, that His Majesty might see them. And ere the case was + thoroughly heard, and those poor fellows were committed, more than a score + of generous men had offered to lend me a hundred pounds, wherewith to buy + a new Court suit, when called before His Majesty. + </p> + <p> + Now this may seem very strange to us who live in a better and purer age—or + say at least that we do so—and yet who are we to condemn our fathers + for teaching us better manners, and at their own expense? With these + points any virtuous man is bound to deal quite tenderly, making allowance + for corruption, and not being too sure of himself. And to tell the truth, + although I had seen so little of the world as yet, that which astonished + me in the matter, was not so much that they paid me court, as that they + found out so soon the expediency of doing it. + </p> + <p> + In the course of that same afternoon I was sent for by His Majesty. He had + summoned first the good Earl Brandir, and received the tale from him, not + without exaggeration, although my lord was a Scotchman. But the chief + thing His Majesty cared to know was that, beyond all possible doubt, these + were the very precious fellows from perjury turned to robbery. + </p> + <p> + Being fully assured at last of this, His Majesty had rubbed his hands, and + ordered the boots of a stricter pattern (which he himself had invented) to + be brought at once, that he might have them in the best possible order. + And he oiled them himself, and expressed his fear that there was no man in + London quite competent to work them. Nevertheless he would try one or two, + rather than wait for his pleasure, till the torturer came from Edinburgh. + </p> + <p> + The next thing he did was to send for me; and in great alarm and flurry I + put on my best clothes, and hired a fashionable hairdresser, and drank + half a gallon of ale, because both my hands were shaking. Then forth I + set, with my holly staff, wishing myself well out of it. I was shown at + once, and before I desired it, into His Majesty's presence, and there I + stood most humbly, and made the best bow I could think of. + </p> + <p> + As I could not advance any farther—for I saw that the Queen was + present, which frightened me tenfold—His Majesty, in the most + gracious manner, came down the room to encourage me. And as I remained + with my head bent down, he told me to stand up, and look at him. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen thee before, young man,” he said; “thy form is not one to be + forgotten. Where was it? Thou art most likely to know.” + </p> + <p> + “May it please Your Most Gracious Majesty the King,” I answered, finding + my voice in a manner which surprised myself; “it was in the Royal Chapel.” + </p> + <p> + Now I meant no harm whatever by this. I ought to have said the + “Ante-chapel,” but I could not remember the word, and feared to keep the + King looking at me. + </p> + <p> + “I am well-pleased,” said His Majesty, with a smile which almost made his + dark and stubborn face look pleasant, “to find that our greatest subject, + greatest I mean in the bodily form, is also a good Catholic. Thou needest + not say otherwise. The time shall be, and that right soon, when men shall + be proud of the one true faith.” Here he stopped, having gone rather far! + but the gleam of his heavy eyes was such that I durst not contradict. + </p> + <p> + “This is that great Johann Reed,” said Her Majesty, coming forward, + because the King was in meditation; “for whom I have so much heard, from + the dear, dear Lorna. Ah, she is not of this black countree, she is of the + breet Italie.” + </p> + <p> + I have tried to write it, as she said it: but it wants a better scholar to + express her mode of speech. + </p> + <p> + “Now, John Ridd,” said the King, recovering from his thoughts about the + true Church, and thinking that his wife was not to take the lead upon me; + “thou hast done great service to the realm, and to religion. It was good + to save Earl Brandir, a loyal and Catholic nobleman; but it was great + service to catch two of the vilest bloodhounds ever laid on by heretics. + And to make them shoot one another: it was rare; it was rare, my lad. Now + ask us anything in reason; thou canst carry any honours, on thy club, like + Hercules. What is thy chief ambition, lad?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, after thinking a little, and meaning to make the most of + it, for so the Queen's eyes conveyed to me; “my mother always used to + think that having been schooled at Tiverton, with thirty marks a year to + pay, I was worthy of a coat of arms. And that is what she longs for.” + </p> + <p> + “A good lad! A very good lad,” said the King, and he looked at the Queen, + as if almost in joke; “but what is thy condition in life?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a freeholder,” I answered, in my confusion, “ever since the time of + King Alfred. A Ridd was with him in the isle of Athelney, and we hold our + farm by gift from him; or at least people say so. We have had three very + good harvests running, and might support a coat of arms; but for myself I + want it not.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt have a coat, my lad,” said the King, smiling at his own + humour; “but it must be a large one to fit thee. And more than that shalt + thou have, John Ridd, being of such loyal breed, and having done such + service.” + </p> + <p> + And while I wondered what he meant, he called to some of the people in + waiting at the farther end of the room, and they brought him a little + sword, such as Annie would skewer a turkey with. Then he signified to me + to kneel, which I did (after dusting the board, for the sake of my best + breeches), and then he gave me a little tap very nicely upon my shoulder, + before I knew what he was up to; and said, “Arise, Sir John Ridd!” + </p> + <p> + This astonished and amazed me to such extent of loss of mind, that when I + got up I looked about, and thought what the Snowes would think of it. And + I said to the King, without forms of speech,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am very much obliged. But what be I to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0069" id="linklink2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIX + </h2> + <h3> + NOT TO BE PUT UP WITH + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0192" id="linkimage-0192"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/644.jpg" alt="644.jpg Coat of Arms " /> + </div> + <p> + The coat of arms, devised for me by the Royal heralds, was of great size, + and rich colours, and full of bright imaginings. They did me the honour to + consult me first, and to take no notice of my advice. For I begged that + there might be a good-sized cow on it, so as to stamp our pats of butter + before they went to market: also a horse on the other side, and a flock + snowed up at the bottom. But the gentlemen would not hear of this; and to + find something more appropriate, they inquired strictly into the annals of + our family. I told them, of course, all about King Alfred; upon which they + settled that one quarter should be, three cakes on a bar, with a lion + regardant, done upon a field of gold. Also I told them that very likely + there had been a Ridd in the battle fought, not very far from Plover's + Barrows, by the Earl of Devon against the Danes, when Hubba their chief + was killed, and the sacred standard taken. As some of the Danes are said + to be buried, even upon land of ours, and we call their graves (if such + they be) even to this day “barrows,” the heralds quite agreed with me that + a Ridd might have been there, or thereabouts; and if he was there, he was + almost certain to have done his best, being in sight of hearth and home; + and it was plain that he must have had good legs to be at the same time + both there and in Athelney; and good legs are an argument for good arms; + and supposing a man of this sort to have done his utmost (as the manner of + the Ridds is), it was next to certain that he himself must have captured + the standard. Moreover, the name of our farm was pure proof; a plover + being a wild bird, just the same as a raven is. Upon this chain of + reasoning, and without any weak misgivings, they charged my growing + escutcheon with a black raven on a ground of red. And the next thing which + I mentioned possessing absolute certainty, to wit, that a pig with two + heads had been born upon our farm, not more than two hundred years agone + (although he died within a week), my third quarter was made at once, by a + two-headed boar with noble tusks, sable upon silver. All this was very + fierce and fine; and so I pressed for a peaceful corner in the lower + dexter, and obtained a wheat-sheaf set upright, gold upon a field of + green. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0193" id="linkimage-0193"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/645.jpg" width="100%" + alt="645.jpg John Ridd Admiring his Coat of Arms " /> + </div> + <p> + Here I was inclined to pause, and admire the effect; for even De + Whichehalse could not show a bearing so magnificent. But the heralds said + that it looked a mere sign-board, without a good motto under it; and the + motto must have my name in it. They offered me first, “<i>Ridd non + ridendus</i>”; but I said, “for God's sake, gentlemen, let me forget my + Latin.” Then they proposed, “Ridd readeth riddles”: but I begged them not + to set down such a lie; for no Ridd ever had made, or made out, such a + thing as a riddle, since Exmoor itself began. Thirdly, they gave me, “Ridd + never be ridden,” and fearing to make any further objections, I let them + inscribe it in bronze upon blue. The heralds thought that the King would + pay for this noble achievement; but His Majesty, although graciously + pleased with their ingenuity, declined in the most decided manner to pay a + farthing towards it; and as I had now no money left, the heralds became as + blue as azure, and as red as gules; until Her Majesty the Queen came + forward very kindly, and said that if His Majesty gave me a coat of arms, + I was not to pay for it; therefore she herself did so quite handsomely, + and felt goodwill towards me in consequence. + </p> + <p> + Now being in a hurry—so far at least as it is in my nature to hurry—to + get to the end of this narrative, is it likely that I would have dwelled + so long upon my coat of arms, but for some good reason? And this good + reason is that Lorna took the greatest pride in it, and thought (or at any + rate said) that it quite threw into the shade, and eclipsed, all her own + ancient glories. And half in fun, and half in earnest, she called me “Sir + John” so continually, that at last I was almost angry with her; until her + eyes were bedewed with tears; and then I was angry with myself. + </p> + <p> + Beginning to be short of money, and growing anxious about the farm, + longing also to show myself and my noble escutcheon to mother, I took + advantage of Lady Lorna's interest with the Queen, to obtain my + acquittance and full discharge from even nominal custody. It had been + intended to keep me in waiting, until the return of Lord Jeffreys, from + that awful circuit of shambles, through which his name is still used by + mothers to frighten their children into bed. And right glad was I—for + even London shrank with horror at the news—to escape a man so + bloodthirsty, savage, and even to his friends (among whom I was reckoned) + malignant. + </p> + <p> + Earl Brandir was greatly pleased with me, not only for having saved his + life, but for saving that which he valued more, the wealth laid by for + Lord Alan. And he introduced me to many great people, who quite kindly + encouraged me, and promised to help me in every way when they heard how + the King had spoken. As for the furrier, he could never have enough of my + society; and this worthy man, praying my commendation, demanded of me one + thing only—to speak of him as I found him. As I had found him many a + Sunday, furbishing up old furs for new, with a glaze to conceal the moths' + ravages, I begged him to reconsider the point, and not to demand such + accuracy. He said, “Well, well; all trades had tricks, especially the + trick of business; and I must take him—if I were his true friend—according + to his own description.” This I was glad enough to do; because it saved so + much trouble, and I had no money to spend with him. But still he requested + the use of my name; and I begged him to do the best with it, as I never + had kept a banker. And the “John Ridd cuffs,” and the “Sir John mantles,” + and the “Holly-staff capes,” he put into his window, as the winter was + coming on, ay and sold (for everybody was burning with gossip about me), + must have made this good man's fortune; since the excess of price over + value is the true test of success in life. + </p> + <p> + To come away from all this stuff, which grieves a man in London—when + the brisk air of the autumn cleared its way to Ludgate Hill, and clever + 'prentices ran out, and sniffed at it, and fed upon it (having little else + to eat); and when the horses from the country were a goodly sight to see, + with the rasp of winter bristles rising through and among the soft + summer-coat; and when the new straw began to come in, golden with the + harvest gloss, and smelling most divinely at those strange livery-stables, + where the nags are put quite tail to tail; and when all the London folk + themselves are asking about white frost (from recollections of childhood); + then, I say, such a yearning seized me for moory crag, and for dewy blade, + and even the grunting of our sheep (when the sun goes down), that nothing + but the new wisps of Samson could have held me in London town. + </p> + <p> + Lorna was moved with equal longing towards the country and country ways; + and she spoke quite as much of the glistening dew as she did of the smell + of our oven. And here let me mention—although the two are quite + distinct and different—that both the dew and the bread of Exmoor may + be sought, whether high or low, but never found elsewhere. The dew is so + crisp, and pure, and pearly, and in such abundance; and the bread is so + sweet, so kind, and homely, you can eat a loaf, and then another. + </p> + <p> + Now while I was walking daily in and out great crowds of men (few of whom + had any freedom from the cares of money, and many of whom were even morbid + with a worse pest called “politics”), I could not be quit of thinking how + we jostle one another. God has made the earth quite large, with a spread + of land large enough for all to live on, without fighting. Also a mighty + spread of water, laying hands on sand and cliff with a solemn voice in + storm-time; and in the gentle weather moving men to thoughts of equity. + This, as well, is full of food; being two-thirds of the world, and + reserved for devouring knowledge; by the time the sons of men have fed + away the dry land. Yet before the land itself has acknowledged touch of + man, upon one in a hundred acres; and before one mile in ten thousand of + the exhaustless ocean has ever felt the plunge of hook, or combing of the + haul-nets; lo, we crawl, in flocks together upon the hot ground that + stings us, even as the black grubs crowd upon the harried nettle! Surely + we are too much given to follow the tracks of each other. + </p> + <p> + However, for a moralist, I never set up, and never shall, while common + sense abides with me. Such a man must be very wretched in this pure dearth + of morality; like a fisherman where no fish be; and most of us have enough + to do to attend to our own morals. Enough that I resolved to go; and as + Lorna could not come with me, it was even worse than stopping. Nearly + everybody vowed that I was a great fool indeed, to neglect so rudely—which + was the proper word, they said—the pushing of my fortunes. But I + answered that to push was rude, and I left it to people who had no room; + and thought that my fortune must be heavy, if it would not move without + pushing. + </p> + <p> + Lorna cried when I came away (which gave me great satisfaction), and she + sent a whole trunkful of things for mother and Annie, and even Lizzie. And + she seemed to think, though she said it not, that I made my own occasion + for going, and might have stayed on till the winter. Whereas I knew well + that my mother would think (and every one on the farm the same) that here + I had been in London, lagging, and taking my pleasure, and looking at + shops, upon pretence of King's business, and leaving the harvest to reap + itself, not to mention the spending of money; while all the time there was + nothing whatever, except my own love of adventure and sport, to keep me + from coming home again. But I knew that my coat of arms, and title, would + turn every bit of this grumbling into fine admiration. + </p> + <p> + And so it fell out, to a greater extent than even I desired; for all the + parishes round about united in a sumptuous dinner, at the Mother Melldrum + inn—for now that good lady was dead, and her name and face set on a + sign-post—to which I was invited, so that it was as good as a + summons. And if my health was no better next day, it was not from want of + good wishes, any more than from stint of the liquor. + </p> + <p> + It is needless to say that the real gentry for a long time treated my new + honours with contempt and ridicule; but gradually as they found that I was + not such a fool as to claim any equality with them, but went about my + farm-work, and threw another man at wrestling, and touched my hat to the + magistrates, just the same as ever; some gentlemen of the highest blood—of + which we think a great deal more than of gold, around our neighbourhood—actually + expressed a desire to make my acquaintance. And when, in a manner quite + straightforward, and wholly free from bitterness, I thanked them for this + (which appeared to me the highest honour yet offered me), but declined to + go into their company because it would make me uncomfortable, and + themselves as well, in a different way, they did what nearly all + Englishmen do, when a thing is right and sensible. They shook hands with + me; and said that they could not deny but that there was reason in my view + of the matter. And although they themselves must be the losers—which + was a handsome thing to say—they would wait until I was a little + older and more aware of my own value. + </p> + <p> + Now this reminds me how it is that an English gentleman is so far in front + of foreign noblemen and princes. I have seen at times, a little, both of + one and of the other, and making more than due allowance for the + difficulties of language, and the difference of training, upon the whole, + the balance is in favour of our people. And this, because we have two + weights, solid and (even in scale of manners) outweighing all light + complaisance; to wit, the inborn love of justice, and the power of + abiding. + </p> + <p> + Yet some people may be surprised that men with any love of justice, + whether inborn or otherwise, could continue to abide the arrogance, and + rapacity, and tyranny of the Doones. + </p> + <p> + For now as the winter passed, the Doones were not keeping themselves at + home, as in honour they were bound to do. Twenty sheep a week, and one fat + ox, and two stout red deer (for wholesome change of diet), as well as + threescore bushels of flour, and two hogsheads and a half of cider, and a + hundredweight of candles, not to mention other things of almost every + variety which they got by insisting upon it—surely these might have + sufficed to keep the people in their place, with no outburst of + wantonness. Nevertheless, it was not so; they had made complaint about + something—too much ewe-mutton, I think it was—and in spite of + all the pledges given, they had ridden forth, and carried away two maidens + of our neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + Now these two maidens were known, because they had served the beer at an + ale-house; and many men who had looked at them, over a pint or quart + vessel (especially as they were comely girls), thought that it was very + hard for them to go in that way, and perhaps themselves unwilling. And + their mother (although she had taken some money, which the Doones were + always full of) declared that it was a robbery; and though it increased + for a while the custom, that must soon fall off again. And who would have + her two girls now, clever as they were and good? + </p> + <p> + Before we had finished meditating upon this loose outrage—for so I + at least would call it, though people accustomed to the law may take a + different view of it—we had news of a thing far worse, which turned + the hearts of our women sick. This I will tell in most careful language, + so as to give offence to none, if skill of words may help it.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The following story is strictly true; and true it is that + the country-people rose, to a man, at this dastard cruelty, + and did what the Government failed to do.—Ed. L.D. +</pre> + <p> + Mistress Margery Badcock, a healthy and upright young woman, with a good + rich colour, and one of the finest hen-roosts anywhere round our + neighbourhood, was nursing her child about six of the clock, and looking + out for her husband. Now this child was too old to be nursed, as everybody + told her; for he could run, say two yards alone, and perhaps four or five, + by holding to handles. And he had a way of looking round, and spreading + his legs, and laughing, with his brave little body well fetched up, after + a desperate journey to the end of the table, which his mother said nothing + could equal. Nevertheless, he would come to be nursed, as regular as a + clock, almost; and, inasmuch as he was the first, both father and mother + made much of him; for God only knew whether they could ever compass such + another one. + </p> + <p> + Christopher Badcock was a tenant farmer, in the parish of Martinhoe, + renting some fifty acres of land, with a right of common attached to them; + and at this particular time, being now the month of February, and fine + open weather, he was hard at work ploughing and preparing for spring corn. + Therefore his wife was not surprised although the dusk was falling, that + farmer Christopher should be at work in “blind man's holiday,” as we call + it. + </p> + <p> + But she was surprised, nay astonished, when by the light of the kitchen + fire (brightened up for her husband), she saw six or seven great armed men + burst into the room upon her; and she screamed so that the maid in the + back kitchen heard her, but was afraid to come to help. Two of the + strongest and fiercest men at once seized poor young Margery; and though + she fought for her child and home, she was but an infant herself in their + hands. In spite of tears, and shrieks, and struggles, they tore the babe + from the mother's arms, and cast it on the lime ash floor; then they bore + her away to their horses (for by this time she was senseless), and telling + the others to sack the house, rode off with their prize to the valley. And + from the description of one of those two, who carried off the poor woman, + I knew beyond all doubt that it was Carver Doone himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0194" id="linkimage-0194"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/652.jpg" width="100%" alt="652.jpg Siezed Poor Margery " /> + </div> + <p> + The other Doones being left behind, and grieved perhaps in some respects, + set to with a will to scour the house, and to bring away all that was good + to eat. And being a little vexed herein (for the Badcocks were not a rich + couple) and finding no more than bacon, and eggs, and cheese, and little + items, and nothing to drink but water; in a word, their taste being + offended, they came back, to the kitchen, and stamped; and there was the + baby lying. + </p> + <p> + By evil luck, this child began to squeal about his mother, having been + petted hitherto, and wont to get all he wanted, by raising his voice but a + little. Now the mark of the floor was upon his head, as the maid (who had + stolen to look at him, when the rough men were swearing upstairs) gave + evidence. And she put a dish-cloth under his head, and kissed him, and ran + away again. Her name was Honour Jose, and she meant what was right by her + master and mistress; but could not help being frightened. And many women + have blamed her, as I think unduly, for her mode of forsaking baby so. If + it had been her own baby, instinct rather than reason might have had the + day with her; but the child being born of her mistress, she wished him + good luck, and left him, as the fierce men came downstairs. And being + alarmed by their power of language (because they had found no silver), she + crept away in a breathless hurry, and afraid how her breath might come + back to her. For oftentime she had hiccoughs. + </p> + <p> + While this good maid was in the oven, by side of back-kitchen fireplace, + with a faggot of wood drawn over her, and lying so that her own heart beat + worse than if she were baking; the men (as I said before) came downstairs, + and stamped around the baby. + </p> + <p> + “Rowland, is the bacon good?” one of them asked with an oath or two; “it + is too bad of Carver to go off with the only prize, and leave us in a + starving cottage; and not enough to eat for two of us. Fetch down the + staves of the rack, my boy. What was farmer to have for supper?” + </p> + <p> + “Naught but an onion or two, and a loaf and a rasher of rusty bacon. These + poor devils live so badly, they are not worth robbing.” + </p> + <p> + “No game! Then let us have a game of loriot with the baby! It will be the + best thing that could befall a lusty infant heretic. Ride a cock-horse to + Banbury Cross. Bye, bye, baby Bunting; toss him up, and let me see if my + wrist be steady.” + </p> + <p> + The cruelty of this man is a thing it makes me sick to speak of; enough + that when the poor baby fell (without attempt at cry or scream, thinking + it part of his usual play, when they tossed him up, to come down again), + the maid in the oven of the back-kitchen, not being any door between, + heard them say as follows,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “If any man asketh who killed thee, + Say 'twas the Doones of Bagworthy.'* + + * Always pronounced “Badgery.” + </pre> + <p> + Now I think that when we heard this story, and poor Kit Badcock came all + around, in a sort of half-crazy manner, not looking up at any one, but + dropping his eyes, and asking whether we thought he had been well-treated, + and seeming void of regard for life, if this were all the style of it; + then having known him a lusty man, and a fine singer in an ale-house, and + much inclined to lay down the law, as show a high hand about women, I + really think that it moved us more than if he had gone about ranting, and + raving, and vowing revenge upon every one. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0070" id="linklink2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXX + </h2> + <h3> + COMPELLED TO VOLUNTEER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0195" id="linkimage-0195"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/654.jpg" alt="654.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + There had been some trouble in our own home during the previous autumn, + while yet I was in London. For certain noted fugitives from the army of + King Monmouth (which he himself had deserted, in a low and currish + manner), having failed to obtain free shipment from the coast near + Watersmouth, had returned into the wilds of Exmoor, trusting to lurk, and + be comforted among the common people. Neither were they disappointed, for + a certain length of time; nor in the end was their disappointment caused + by fault on our part. Major Wade was one of them; an active and + well-meaning man; but prone to fail in courage, upon lasting trial; + although in a moment ready. Squire John Whichehalse (not the baron) and + Parson Powell* caught him (two or three months before my return) in Farley + farmhouse, near Brendon. He had been up at our house several times; and + Lizzie thought a great deal of him. And well I know that if at that time I + had been in the neighbourhood, he should not have been taken so easily. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Not our parson Bowden, nor any more a friend of his. Our + Parson Bowden never had naught whatever to do with it; and + never smoked a pipe with Parson Powell after it.—J.R. +</pre> + <p> + John Birch, the farmer who had sheltered him, was so fearful of + punishment, that he hanged himself, in a few days' time, and even before + he was apprehended. But nothing was done to Grace Howe, of Bridgeball, who + had been Wade's greatest comforter; neither was anything done to us; + although Eliza had added greatly to mother's alarm and danger by falling + upon Rector Powell, and most soundly rating him for his meanness, and his + cruelty, and cowardice, as she called it, in setting men with firearms + upon a poor helpless fugitive, and robbing all our neighbourhood of its + fame for hospitality. However, by means of Sergeant Bloxham, and his good + report of us, as well as by virtue of Wade's confession (which proved of + use to the Government) my mother escaped all penalties. + </p> + <p> + It is likely enough that good folk will think it hard upon our + neighbourhood to be threatened, and sometimes heavily punished, for + kindness and humanity; and yet to be left to help ourselves against + tyranny, and base rapine. And now at last our gorge was risen, and our + hearts in tumult. We had borne our troubles long, as a wise and wholesome + chastisement; quite content to have some few things of our own unmeddled + with. But what could a man dare to call his own, or what right could he + have to wish for it, while he left his wife and children at the pleasure + of any stranger? + </p> + <p> + The people came flocking all around me, at the blacksmith's forge, and the + Brendon alehouse; and I could scarce come out of church, but they got me + among the tombstones. They all agreed that I was bound to take command and + management. I bade them go to the magistrates, but they said they had been + too often. Then I told them that I had no wits for ordering of an + armament, although I could find fault enough with the one which had not + succeeded. But they would hearken to none of this. + </p> + <p> + All they said was “Try to lead us; and we will try not to run away.” + </p> + <p> + This seemed to me to be common sense, and good stuff, instead of mere + bragging; moreover, I myself was moved by the bitter wrongs of Margery, + having known her at the Sunday-school, ere ever I went to Tiverton; and + having in those days, serious thoughts of making her my sweetheart; + although she was three years my elder. But now I felt this difficulty—the + Doones had behaved very well to our farm, and to mother, and all of us, + while I was away in London. Therefore, would it not be shabby, and mean, + for me to attack them now? + </p> + <p> + Yet being pressed still harder and harder, as day by day the excitement + grew (with more and more talking over it), and no one else coming forward + to undertake the business, I agreed at last to this; that if the Doones, + upon fair challenge, would not endeavour to make amends by giving up + Mistress Margery, as well as the man who had slain the babe, then I would + lead the expedition, and do my best to subdue them. All our men were + content with this, being thoroughly well assured from experience, that the + haughty robbers would only shoot any man who durst approach them with such + proposal. + </p> + <p> + And then arose a difficult question—who was to take the risk of + making overtures so unpleasant? I waited for the rest to offer; and as + none was ready, the burden fell on me, and seemed to be of my own + inviting. Hence I undertook the task, sooner than reason about it; for to + give the cause of everything is worse than to go through with it. + </p> + <p> + It may have been three of the afternoon, when leaving my witnesses behind + (for they preferred the background) I appeared with our Lizzie's white + handkerchief upon a kidney-bean stick, at the entrance to the robbers' + dwelling. Scarce knowing what might come of it, I had taken the wise + precaution of fastening a Bible over my heart, and another across my + spinal column, in case of having to run away, with rude men shooting after + me. For my mother said that the Word of God would stop a two-inch bullet, + with three ounces of powder behind it. Now I took no weapons, save those + of the Spirit, for fear of being misunderstood. But I could not bring + myself to think that any of honourable birth would take advantage of an + unarmed man coming in guise of peace to them. + </p> + <p> + And this conclusion of mine held good, at least for a certain length of + time; inasmuch as two decent Doones appeared, and hearing of my purpose, + offered, without violence, to go and fetch the Captain; if I would stop + where I was, and not begin to spy about anything. To this, of course, I + agreed at once; for I wanted no more spying, because I had thorough + knowledge of all ins and outs already. Therefore, I stood waiting + steadily, with one hand in my pocket feeling a sample of corn for market; + and the other against the rock, while I wondered to see it so brown + already. + </p> + <p> + Those men came back in a little while, with a sharp short message that + Captain Carver would come out and speak to me by-and-by, when his pipe was + finished. Accordingly, I waited long, and we talked about the signs of + bloom for the coming apple season, and the rain that had fallen last + Wednesday night, and the principal dearth of Devonshire, that it will not + grow many cowslips—which we quite agreed to be the prettiest of + spring flowers; and all the time I was wondering how many black and deadly + deeds these two innocent youths had committed, even since last Christmas. + </p> + <p> + At length, a heavy and haughty step sounded along the stone roof of the + way; and then the great Carver Doone drew up, and looked at me rather + scornfully. Not with any spoken scorn, nor flash of strong contumely; but + with that air of thinking little, and praying not to be troubled, which + always vexes a man who feels that he ought not to be despised so, and yet + knows not how to help it. + </p> + <p> + “What is it you want, young man?” he asked, as if he had never seen me + before. + </p> + <p> + In spite of that strong loathing which I always felt at sight of him, I + commanded my temper moderately, and told him that I was come for his good, + and that of his worshipful company, far more than for my own. That a + general feeling of indignation had arisen among us at the recent behaviour + of certain young men, for which he might not be answerable, and for which + we would not condemn him, without knowing the rights of the question. But + I begged him clearly to understand that a vile and inhuman wrong had been + done, and such as we could not put up with; but that if he would make what + amends he could by restoring the poor woman, and giving up that odious + brute who had slain the harmless infant, we would take no further motion; + and things should go on as usual. As I put this in the fewest words that + would meet my purpose, I was grieved to see a disdainful smile spread on + his sallow countenance. Then he made me a bow of mock courtesy, and + replied as follows,— + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0196" id="linkimage-0196"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:34%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/657.jpg" alt="657.jpg Disdainful Smile " /> + </div> + <p> + “Sir John, your new honours have turned your poor head, as might have been + expected. We are not in the habit of deserting anything that belongs to + us; far less our sacred relatives. The insolence of your demand well-nigh + outdoes the ingratitude. If there be a man upon Exmoor who has grossly + ill-used us, kidnapped our young women, and slain half a dozen of our + young men, you are that outrageous rogue, Sir John. And after all this, + how have we behaved? We have laid no hand upon your farm, we have not + carried off your women, we have even allowed you to take our Queen, by + creeping and crawling treachery; and we have given you leave of absence to + help your cousin the highwayman, and to come home with a title. And now, + how do you requite us? By inflaming the boorish indignation at a little + frolic of our young men; and by coming with insolent demands, to yield to + which would ruin us. Ah, you ungrateful viper!” + </p> + <p> + As he turned away in sorrow from me, shaking his head at my badness, I + became so overcome (never having been quite assured, even by people's + praises, about my own goodness); moreover, the light which he threw upon + things differed so greatly from my own, that, in a word—not to be + too long—I feared that I was a villain. And with many bitter pangs—for + I have bad things to repent of—I began at my leisure to ask myself + whether or not this bill of indictment against John Ridd was true. Some of + it I knew to be (however much I condemned myself) altogether out of + reason; for instance, about my going away with Lorna very quietly, over + the snow, and to save my love from being starved away from me. In this + there was no creeping neither crawling treachery; for all was done with + sliding; and yet I was so out of training for being charged by other + people beyond mine own conscience, that Carver Doone's harsh words came on + me, like prickly spinach sown with raking. Therefore I replied, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “It is true that I owe you gratitude, sir, for a certain time of + forbearance; and it is to prove my gratitude that I am come here now. I do + not think that my evil deeds can be set against your own; although I + cannot speak flowingly upon my good deeds as you can. I took your Queen + because you starved her, having stolen her long before, and killed her + mother and brother. This is not for me to dwell upon now; any more than I + would say much about your murdering of my father. But how the balance + hangs between us, God knows better than thou or I, thou low miscreant, + Carver Doone.” + </p> + <p> + I had worked myself up, as I always do, in the manner of heavy men; + growing hot like an ill-washered wheel revolving, though I start with a + cool axle; and I felt ashamed of myself for heat, and ready to ask pardon. + But Carver Doone regarded me with a noble and fearless grandeur. + </p> + <p> + “I have given thee thy choice, John Ridd,” he said in a lofty manner, + which made me drop away under him; “I always wish to do my best with the + worst people who come near me. And of all I have ever met with thou art + the very worst, Sir John, and the most dishonest.” + </p> + <p> + Now after all my labouring to pay every man to a penny, and to allow the + women over, when among the couch-grass (which is a sad thing for their + gowns), to be charged like this, I say, so amazed me that I stood, with my + legs quite open, and ready for an earthquake. And the scornful way in + which he said “Sir John,” went to my very heart, reminding me of my + littleness. But seeing no use in bandying words, nay, rather the chance of + mischief, I did my best to look calmly at him, and to say with a quiet + voice, “Farewell, Carver Doone, this time, our day of reckoning is nigh.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou fool, it is come,” he cried, leaping aside into the niche of rock by + the doorway; “Fire!” + </p> + <p> + Save for the quickness of spring, and readiness, learned in many a + wrestling bout, that knavish trick must have ended me; but scarce was the + word “fire!” out of his mouth ere I was out of fire, by a single bound + behind the rocky pillar of the opening. In this jump I was so brisk, at + impulse of the love of life (for I saw the muzzles set upon me from the + darkness of the cavern), that the men who had trained their guns upon me + with goodwill and daintiness, could not check their fingers crooked upon + the heavy triggers; and the volley sang with a roar behind it, down the + avenue of crags. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0197" id="linkimage-0197"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/660.jpg" width="100%" + alt="660.jpg Volley Sang With a Roar " /> + </div> + <p> + With one thing and another, and most of all the treachery of this dastard + scheme, I was so amazed that I turned and ran, at the very top of my + speed, away from these vile fellows; and luckily for me, they had not + another charge to send after me. And thus by good fortune, I escaped; but + with a bitter heart, and mind at their treacherous usage. + </p> + <p> + Without any further hesitation; I agreed to take command of the honest men + who were burning to punish, ay and destroy, those outlaws, as now beyond + all bearing. One condition, however, I made, namely, that the Counsellor + should be spared if possible; not because he was less a villain than any + of the others, but that he seemed less violent; and above all, had been + good to Annie. And I found hard work to make them listen to my wish upon + this point; for of all the Doones, Sir Counsellor had made himself most + hated, by his love of law and reason. + </p> + <p> + We arranged that all our men should come and fall into order with pike and + musket, over against our dung-hill, and we settled early in the day, that + their wives might come and look at them. For most of these men had good + wives; quite different from sweethearts, such as the militia had; women + indeed who could hold to a man, and see to him, and bury him—if his + luck were evil—and perhaps have no one afterwards. And all these + women pressed their rights upon their precious husbands, and brought so + many children with them, and made such a fuss, and hugging, and racing + after little legs, that our farm-yard might be taken for an out-door + school for babies rather than a review ground. + </p> + <p> + I myself was to and fro among the children continually; for if I love + anything in the world, foremost I love children. They warm, and yet they + cool our hearts, as we think of what we were, and what in young clothes we + hoped to be; and how many things have come across. And to see our motives + moving in the little things that know not what their aim or object is, + must almost or ought at least, to lead us home, and soften us. For either + end of life is home; both source and issue being God. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I must confess that the children were a plague sometimes. + They never could have enough of me—being a hundred to one, you might + say—but I had more than enough of them; and yet was not contented. + For they had so many ways of talking, and of tugging at my hair, and of + sitting upon my neck (not even two with their legs alike), and they forced + me to jump so vehemently, seeming to court the peril of my coming down + neck and crop with them, and urging me still to go faster, however fast I + might go with them; I assure you that they were sometimes so hard and + tyrannical over me, that I might almost as well have been among the very + Doones themselves. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the way in which the children made me useful proved also of + some use to me; for their mothers were so pleased by the exertions of the + “great Gee-gee”—as all the small ones entitled me—that they + gave me unlimited power and authority over their husbands; moreover, they + did their utmost among their relatives round about, to fetch recruits for + our little band. And by such means, several of the yeomanry from + Barnstaple, and from Tiverton, were added to our number; and inasmuch as + these were armed with heavy swords, and short carabines, their appearance + was truly formidable. + </p> + <p> + Tom Faggus also joined us heartily, being now quite healed of his wound, + except at times when the wind was easterly. He was made second in command + to me; and I would gladly have had him first, as more fertile in + expedients; but he declined such rank on the plea that I knew most of the + seat of war; besides that I might be held in some measure to draw + authority from the King. Also Uncle Ben came over to help us with his + advice and presence, as well as with a band of stout warehousemen, whom he + brought from Dulverton. For he had never forgiven the old outrage put upon + him; and though it had been to his interest to keep quiet during the last + attack, under Commander Stickles—for the sake of his secret gold + mine—yet now he was in a position to give full vent to his feelings. + For he and his partners when fully-assured of the value of their diggings, + had obtained from the Crown a licence to adventure in search of minerals, + by payment of a heavy fine and a yearly royalty. Therefore they had now no + longer any cause for secrecy, neither for dread of the outlaws; having so + added to their force as to be a match for them. And although Uncle Ben was + not the man to keep his miners idle an hour more than might be helped, he + promised that when we had fixed the moment for an assault on the valley, a + score of them should come to aid us, headed by Simon Carfax, and armed + with the guns which they always kept for the protection of their gold. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0198" id="linkimage-0198"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/663.jpg" width="100%" + alt="663.jpg Having Pipes and Schnapps " /> + </div> + <p> + Now whether it were Uncle Ben, or whether it were Tom Faggus or even my + own self—for all three of us claimed the sole honour—is more + than I think fair to settle without allowing them a voice. But at any + rate, a clever thing was devised among us; and perhaps it would be the + fairest thing to say that this bright stratagem (worthy of the great Duke + himself) was contributed, little by little, among the entire three of us, + all having pipes, and schnapps-and-water, in the chimney-corner. However, + the world, which always judges according to reputation, vowed that so fine + a stroke of war could only come from a highwayman; and so Tom Faggus got + all the honour, at less perhaps than a third of the cost. + </p> + <p> + Not to attempt to rob him of it—for robbers, more than any other, + contend for rights of property—let me try to describe this grand + artifice. It was known that the Doones were fond of money, as well as + strong drink, and other things; and more especially fond of gold, when + they could get it pure and fine. Therefore it was agreed that in this way + we should tempt them; for we knew that they looked with ridicule upon our + rustic preparations; after repulsing King's troopers, and the militia of + two counties, was it likely that they should yield their fortress to a set + of ploughboys? We, for our part, felt of course, the power of this + reasoning, and that where regular troops had failed, half-armed countrymen + must fail, except by superior judgment and harmony of action. Though + perhaps the militia would have sufficed, if they had only fought against + the foe, instead of against each other. From these things we took warning; + having failed through over-confidence, was it not possible now to make the + enemy fail through the selfsame cause? + </p> + <p> + Hence, what we devised was this; to delude from home a part of the + robbers, and fall by surprise on the other part. We caused it to be spread + abroad that a large heap of gold was now collected at the mine of the + Wizard's Slough. And when this rumour must have reached them, through + women who came to and fro, as some entirely faithful to them were allowed + to do, we sent Captain Simon Carfax, the father of little Gwenny, to + demand an interview with the Counsellor, by night, and as it were + secretly. Then he was to set forth a list of imaginary grievances against + the owners of the mine; and to offer partly through resentment, partly + through the hope of gain, to betray into their hands, upon the Friday + night, by far the greatest weight of gold as yet sent up for refining. He + was to have one quarter part, and they to take the residue. But inasmuch + as the convoy across the moors, under his command, would be strong, and + strongly armed, the Doones must be sure to send not less than a score of + men, if possible. He himself, at a place agreed upon, and fit for an + ambuscade, would call a halt, and contrive in the darkness to pour a + little water into the priming of his company's guns. + </p> + <p> + It cost us some trouble and a great deal of money to bring the sturdy + Cornishman into this deceitful part; and perhaps he never would have + consented but for his obligation to me, and the wrongs (as he said) of his + daughter. However, as he was the man for the task, both from his coolness + and courage, and being known to have charge of the mine, I pressed him, + until he undertook to tell all the lies we required. And right well he did + it too, having once made up his mind to it; and perceiving that his own + interests called for the total destruction of the robbers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0199" id="linkimage-0199"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/664.jpg" width="100%" alt="664.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0071" id="linklink2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXI + </h2> + <h3> + A LONG ACCOUNT SETTLED + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0200" id="linkimage-0200"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/665.jpg" alt="665.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Having resolved on a night-assault (as our undisciplined men, + three-fourths of whom had never been shot at, could not fairly be expected + to march up to visible musket-mouths), we cared not much about drilling + our forces, only to teach them to hold a musket, so far as we could supply + that weapon to those with the cleverest eyes; and to give them familiarity + with the noise it made in exploding. And we fixed upon Friday night for + our venture, because the moon would be at the full; and our powder was + coming from Dulverton on the Friday afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Reuben did not mean to expose himself to shooting, his time of life + for risk of life being now well over and the residue too valuable. But his + counsels, and his influence, and above all his warehousemen, well + practised in beating carpets, were of true service to us. His miners also + did great wonders, having a grudge against the Doones; as indeed who had + not for thirty miles round their valley? + </p> + <p> + It was settled that the yeomen, having good horses under them, should give + account (with the miners' help) of as many Doones as might be despatched + to plunder the pretended gold. And as soon as we knew that this party of + robbers, be it more or less, was out of hearing from the valley, we were + to fall to, ostensibly at the Doone-gate (which was impregnable now), but + in reality upon their rear, by means of my old water-slide. For I had + chosen twenty young fellows, partly miners, and partly warehousemen, and + sheep farmers, and some of other vocations, but all to be relied upon for + spirit and power of climbing. And with proper tools to aid us, and myself + to lead the way, I felt no doubt whatever but that we could all attain the + crest where first I had met with Lorna. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, I rejoiced that Lorna was not present now. It must have + been irksome to her feelings to have all her kindred and old associates + (much as she kept aloof from them) put to death without ceremony, or else + putting all of us to death. For all of us were resolved this time to have + no more shilly-shallying; but to go through with a nasty business, in the + style of honest Englishmen, when the question comes to “Your life or + mine.” + </p> + <p> + There was hardly a man among us who had not suffered bitterly from the + miscreants now before us. One had lost his wife perhaps, another had lost + a daughter—according to their ages, another had lost his favourite + cow; in a word, there was scarcely any one who had not to complain of a + hayrick; and what surprised me then, not now, was that the men least + injured made the greatest push concerning it. But be the wrong too great + to speak of, or too small to swear about, from poor Kit Badcock to rich + Master Huckaback, there was not one but went heart and soul for stamping + out these firebrands. + </p> + <p> + The moon was lifting well above the shoulder of the uplands, when we, the + chosen band, set forth, having the short cut along the valleys to foot of + the Bagworthy water; and therefore having allowed the rest an hour, to + fetch round the moors and hills; we were not to begin our climb until we + heard a musket fired from the heights on the left-hand side, where John + Fry himself was stationed, upon his own and his wife's request; so as to + keep out of action. And that was the place where I had been used to sit, + and to watch for Lorna. And John Fry was to fire his gun, with a ball of + wool inside it, so soon as he heard the hurly-burly at the Doone-gate + beginning; which we, by reason of waterfall, could not hear, down in the + meadows there. + </p> + <p> + We waited a very long time, with the moon marching up heaven steadfastly, + and the white fog trembling in chords and columns, like a silver harp of + the meadows. And then the moon drew up the fogs, and scarfed herself in + white with them; and so being proud, gleamed upon the water, like a bride + at her looking-glass; and yet there was no sound of either John Fry, or + his blunderbuss. + </p> + <p> + I began to think that the worthy John, being out of all danger, and having + brought a counterpane (according to his wife's directions, because one of + the children had a cold), must veritably have gone to sleep; leaving other + people to kill, or be killed, as might be the will of God; so that he were + comfortable. But herein I did wrong to John, and am ready to acknowledge + it; for suddenly the most awful noise that anything short of thunder could + make, came down among the rocks, and went and hung upon the corners. + </p> + <p> + “The signal, my lads,” I cried, leaping up and rubbing my eyes; for even + now, while condemning John unjustly, I was giving him right to be hard + upon me. “Now hold on by the rope, and lay your quarter-staffs across, my + lads; and keep your guns pointing to heaven, lest haply we shoot one + another.” + </p> + <p> + “Us shan't never shutt one anoother, wi' our goons at that mark, I + reckon,” said an oldish chap, but as tough as leather, and esteemed a wit + for his dryness. + </p> + <p> + “You come next to me, old Ike; you be enough to dry up the waters; now, + remember, all lean well forward. If any man throws his weight back, down + he goes; and perhaps he may never get up again; and most likely he will + shoot himself.” + </p> + <p> + I was still more afraid of their shooting me; for my chief alarm in this + steep ascent was neither of the water nor of the rocks, but of the loaded + guns we bore. If any man slipped, off might go his gun, and however good + his meaning, I being first was most likely to take far more than I fain + would apprehend. + </p> + <p> + For this cause, I had debated with Uncle Ben and with Cousin Tom as to the + expediency of our climbing with guns unloaded. But they, not being in the + way themselves, assured me that there was nothing to fear, except through + uncommon clumsiness; and that as for charging our guns at the top, even + veteran troops could scarcely be trusted to perform it properly in the + hurry, and the darkness, and the noise of fighting before them. + </p> + <p> + However, thank God, though a gun went off, no one was any the worse for + it, neither did the Doones notice it, in the thick of the firing in front + of them. For the orders to those of the sham attack, conducted by Tom + Faggus, were to make the greatest possible noise, without exposure of + themselves; until we, in the rear, had fallen to; which John Fry was again + to give the signal of. + </p> + <p> + Therefore we, of the chosen band, stole up the meadow quietly, keeping in + the blots of shade, and hollow of the watercourse. And the earliest notice + the Counsellor had, or any one else, of our presence, was the blazing of + the log-wood house, where lived that villain Carver. It was my especial + privilege to set this house on fire; upon which I had insisted, + exclusively and conclusively. No other hand but mine should lay a brand, + or strike steel on flint for it; I had made all preparations carefully for + a goodly blaze. And I must confess that I rubbed my hands, with a strong + delight and comfort, when I saw the home of that man, who had fired so + many houses, having its turn of smoke, and blaze, and of crackling fury. + </p> + <p> + We took good care, however, to burn no innocent women or children in that + most righteous destruction. For we brought them all out beforehand; some + were glad, and some were sorry; according to their dispositions. For + Carver had ten or a dozen wives; and perhaps that had something to do with + his taking the loss of Lorna so easily. One child I noticed, as I saved + him; a fair and handsome little fellow, whom (if Carver Doone could love + anything on earth beside his wretched self) he did love. The boy climbed + on my back and rode; and much as I hated his father, it was not in my + heart to say or do a thing to vex him. + </p> + <p> + Leaving these poor injured people to behold their burning home, we drew + aside, by my directions, into the covert beneath the cliff. But not before + we had laid our brands to three other houses, after calling the women + forth, and bidding them go for their husbands, and to come and fight a + hundred of us. In the smoke and rush, and fire, they believed that we were + a hundred; and away they ran, in consternation, to the battle at the + Doone-gate. + </p> + <p> + “All Doone-town is on fire, on fire!” we heard them shrieking as they + went; “a hundred soldiers are burning it, with a dreadful great man at the + head of them!” + </p> + <p> + Presently, just as I expected, back came the warriors of the Doones; + leaving but two or three at the gate, and burning with wrath to crush + under foot the presumptuous clowns in their valley. Just then the waxing + fire leaped above the red crest of the cliffs, and danced on the pillars + of the forest, and lapped like a tide on the stones of the slope. All the + valley flowed with light, and the limpid waters reddened, and the fair + young women shone, and the naked children glistened. + </p> + <p> + But the finest sight of all was to see those haughty men striding down the + causeway darkly, reckless of their end, but resolute to have two lives for + every one. A finer dozen of young men could not have been found in the + world perhaps, nor a braver, nor a viler one. + </p> + <p> + Seeing how few there were of them, I was very loath to fire, although I + covered the leader, who appeared to be dashing Charley; for they were at + easy distance now, brightly shone by the fire-light, yet ignorant where to + look for us. I thought that we might take them prisoners—though what + good that could be God knows, as they must have been hanged thereafter—anyhow + I was loath to shoot, or to give the word to my followers. + </p> + <p> + But my followers waited for no word; they saw a fair shot at the men they + abhorred, the men who had robbed them of home or of love, and the chance + was too much for their charity. At a signal from old Ikey, who levelled + his own gun first, a dozen muskets were discharged, and half of the Doones + dropped lifeless, like so many logs of firewood, or chopping-blocks rolled + over. + </p> + <p> + Although I had seen a great battle before, and a hundred times the + carnage, this appeared to me to be horrible; and I was at first inclined + to fall upon our men for behaving so. But one instant showed me that they + were right; for while the valley was filled with howling, and with shrieks + of women, and the beams of the blazing houses fell, and hissed in the + bubbling river; all the rest of the Doones leaped at us, like so many + demons. They fired wildly, not seeing us well among the hazel bushes; and + then they clubbed their muskets, or drew their swords, as might be; and + furiously drove at us. + </p> + <p> + For a moment, although we were twice their number, we fell back before + their valorous fame, and the power of their onset. For my part, admiring + their courage greatly, and counting it slur upon manliness that two should + be down upon one so, I withheld my hand awhile; for I cared to meet none + but Carver; and he was not among them. The whirl and hurry of this fight, + and the hard blows raining down—for now all guns were empty—took + away my power of seeing, or reasoning upon anything. Yet one thing I saw, + which dwelled long with me; and that was Christopher Badcock spending his + life to get Charley's. + </p> + <p> + How he had found out, none may tell; both being dead so long ago; but, at + any rate, he had found out that Charley was the man who had robbed him of + his wife and honour. It was Carver Doone who took her away, but + Charleworth Doone was beside him; and, according to cast of dice, she fell + to Charley's share. All this Kit Badcock (who was mad, according to our + measures) had discovered, and treasured up; and now was his revenge-time. + </p> + <p> + He had come into the conflict without a weapon of any kind; only begging + me to let him be in the very thick of it. For him, he said, life was no + matter, after the loss of his wife and child; but death was matter to him, + and he meant to make the most of it. Such a face I never saw, and never + hope to see again, as when poor Kit Badcock spied Charley coming towards + us. + </p> + <p> + We had thought this man a patient fool, a philosopher of a little sort, or + one who could feel nothing. And his quiet manner of going about, and the + gentleness of his answers (when some brutes asked him where his wife was, + and whether his baby had been well-trussed), these had misled us to think + that the man would turn the mild cheek to everything. But I, in the + loneliness of our barn, had listened, and had wept with him. + </p> + <p> + Therefore was I not surprised, so much as all the rest of us, when, in the + foremost of red light, Kit went up to Charleworth Doone, as if to some + inheritance; and took his seisin of right upon him, being himself a + powerful man; and begged a word aside with him. What they said aside, I + know not; all I know is that without weapon, each man killed the other. + And Margery Badcock came, and wept, and hung upon her poor husband; and + died, that summer, of heart-disease. + </p> + <p> + Now for these and other things (whereof I could tell a thousand) was the + reckoning come that night; and not a line we missed of it; soon as our bad + blood was up. I like not to tell of slaughter, though it might be of + wolves and tigers; and that was a night of fire and slaughter, and of very + long-harboured revenge. Enough that ere the daylight broke upon that wan + March morning, the only Doones still left alive were the Counsellor and + Carver. And of all the dwellings of the Doones (inhabited with luxury, and + luscious taste, and licentiousness) not even one was left, but all made + potash in the river. + </p> + <p> + This may seem a violent and unholy revenge upon them. And I (who led the + heart of it) have in these my latter years doubted how I shall be judged, + not of men—for God only knows the errors of man's judgments—but + by that great God Himself, the front of whose forehead is mercy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0072" id="linklink2HCH0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXII + </h2> + <h3> + THE COUNSELLOR AND THE CARVER + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0201" id="linkimage-0201"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/671.jpg" alt="671.jpg Law and Justice " /> + </div> + <p> + From that great confusion—for nothing can be broken up, whether + lawful or unlawful, without a vast amount of dust, and many people + grumbling, and mourning for the good old times, when all the world was + happiness, and every man a gentleman, and the sun himself far brighter + than since the brassy idol upon which he shone was broken—from all + this loss of ancient landmarks (as unrobbed men began to call our + clearance of those murderers) we returned on the following day, almost as + full of anxiety as we were of triumph. In the first place, what could we + possibly do with all these women and children, thrown on our hands as one + might say, with none to protect and care for them? Again how should we + answer to the justices of the peace, or perhaps even to Lord Jeffreys, for + having, without even a warrant, taken the law into our own hands, and + abated our nuisance so forcibly? And then, what was to be done with the + spoil, which was of great value; though the diamond necklace came not to + public light? For we saw a mighty host of claimants already leaping up for + booty. Every man who had ever been robbed, expected usury on his loss; the + lords of the manors demanded the whole; and so did the King's Commissioner + of revenue at Porlock; and so did the men who had fought our battle; while + even the parsons, both Bowden and Powell, and another who had no parish in + it, threatened us with the just wrath of the Church, unless each had + tithes of the whole of it. + </p> + <p> + Now this was not as it ought to be; and it seemed as if by burning the + nest of robbers, we had but hatched their eggs; until being made sole + guardian of the captured treasure (by reason of my known honesty) I hit + upon a plan, which gave very little satisfaction; yet carried this + advantage, that the grumblers argued against one another and for the most + part came to blows; which renewed their goodwill to me, as being abused by + the adversary. + </p> + <p> + And my plan was no more than this—not to pay a farthing to lord of + manor, parson, or even King's Commissioner, but after making good some of + the recent and proven losses—where the men could not afford to lose—to + pay the residue (which might be worth some fifty thousand pounds) into the + Exchequer at Westminster; and then let all the claimants file what wills + they pleased in Chancery. + </p> + <p> + Now this was a very noble device, for the mere name of Chancery, and the + high repute of the fees therein, and low repute of the lawyers, and the + comfortable knowledge that the woolsack itself is the golden fleece, + absorbing gold for ever, if the standard be but pure; consideration of + these things staved off at once the lords of the manors, and all the + little farmers, and even those whom most I feared; videlicet, the parsons. + And the King's Commissioner was compelled to profess himself contented, + although of all he was most aggrieved; for his pickings would have been + goodly. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, by this plan I made—although I never thought of that—a + mighty friend worth all the enemies, whom the loss of money moved. The + first man now in the kingdom (by virtue perhaps of energy, rather than of + excellence) was the great Lord Jeffreys, appointed the head of the Equity, + as well as the law of the realm, for his kindness in hanging five hundred + people, without the mere brief of trial. Nine out of ten of these people + were innocent, it was true; but that proved the merit of the Lord Chief + Justice so much the greater for hanging them, as showing what might be + expected of him, when he truly got hold of a guilty man. Now the King had + seen the force of this argument; and not being without gratitude for a + high-seasoned dish of cruelty, had promoted the only man in England, + combining the gifts of both butcher and cook. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I do beg you all to believe of me—and I think that, + after following me so long, you must believe it—that I did not even + know at the time of Lord Jeffreys's high promotion. Not that my knowledge + of this would have led me to act otherwise in the matter; for my object + was to pay into an office, and not to any official; neither if I had known + the fact, could I have seen its bearing upon the receipt of my money. For + the King's Exchequer is, meseemeth, of the Common Law; while Chancery is + of Equity, and well named for its many chances. But the true result of the + thing was this—Lord Jeffreys being now head of the law, and almost + head of the kingdom, got possession of that money, and was kindly pleased + with it. + </p> + <p> + And this met our second difficulty; for the law having won and laughed + over the spoil, must have injured its own title by impugning our legality. + </p> + <p> + Next, with regard to the women and children, we were long in a state of + perplexity. We did our very best at the farm, and so did many others to + provide for them, until they should manage about their own subsistence. + And after a while this trouble went, as nearly all troubles go with time. + Some of the women were taken back by their parents, or their husbands, or + it may be their sweethearts; and those who failed of this, went forth, + some upon their own account to the New World plantations, where the fairer + sex is valuable; and some to English cities; and the plainer ones to field + work. And most of the children went with their mothers, or were bound + apprentices; only Carver Doone's handsome child had lost his mother and + stayed with me. + </p> + <p> + This boy went about with me everywhere. He had taken as much of liking to + me—first shown in his eyes by the firelight—as his father had + of hatred; and I, perceiving his noble courage, scorn of lies, and high + spirit, became almost as fond of Ensie as he was of me. He told us that + his name was “Ensie,” meant for “Ensor,” I suppose, from his father's + grandfather, the old Sir Ensor Doone. And this boy appeared to be Carver's + heir, having been born in wedlock, contrary to the general manner and + custom of the Doones. + </p> + <p> + However, although I loved the poor child, I could not help feeling very + uneasy about the escape of his father, the savage and brutal Carver. This + man was left to roam the country, homeless, foodless, and desperate, with + his giant strength, and great skill in arms, and the whole world to be + revenged upon. For his escape the miners, as I shall show, were + answerable; but of the Counsellor's safe departure the burden lay on + myself alone. And inasmuch as there are people who consider themselves + ill-used, unless one tells them everything, straitened though I am for + space, I will glance at this transaction. + </p> + <p> + After the desperate charge of young Doones had been met by us, and broken, + and just as Poor Kit Badcock died in the arms of the dead Charley, I + happened to descry a patch of white on the grass of the meadow, like the + head of a sheep after washing-day. Observing with some curiosity how + carefully this white thing moved along the bars of darkness betwixt the + panels of firelight, I ran up to intercept it, before it reached the + little postern which we used to call Gwenny's door. Perceiving me, the + white thing stopped, and was for making back again; but I ran up at full + speed; and lo, it was the flowing silvery hair of that sage the + Counsellor, who was scuttling away upon all fours; but now rose and + confronted me. + </p> + <p> + “John,” he said, “Sir John, you will not play falsely with your ancient + friend, among these violent fellows, I look to you to protect me, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Honoured sir, you are right,” I replied; “but surely that posture was + unworthy of yourself, and your many resources. It is my intention to let + you go free.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew it. I could have sworn to it. You are a noble fellow, John. I said + so, from the very first; you are a noble fellow, and an ornament to any + rank.” + </p> + <p> + “But upon two conditions,” I added, gently taking him by the arm; for + instead of displaying any desire to commune with my nobility, he was + edging away toward the postern; “the first is that you tell me truly (for + now it can matter to none of you) who it was that slew my father.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you truly and frankly, John; however painful to me to confess + it. It was my son, Carver.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much, or I felt as much all along,” I answered; “but the + fault was none of yours, sir; for you were not even present.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had been there, it would not have happened. I am always opposed to + violence. Therefore, let me haste away; this scene is against my nature.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall go directly, Sir Counsellor, after meeting my other condition; + which is, that you place in my hands Lady Lorna's diamond necklace.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, how often I have wished,” said the old man with a heavy sigh, “that + it might yet be in my power to ease my mind in that respect, and to do a + thoroughly good deed by lawful restitution.” + </p> + <p> + “Then try to have it in your power, sir. Surely, with my encouragement, + you might summon resolution.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, John, the resolution has been ready long ago. But the thing is not + in my possession. Carver, my son, who slew your father, upon him you will + find the necklace. What are jewels to me, young man, at my time of life? + Baubles and trash,—I detest them, from the sins they have led me to + answer for. When you come to my age, good Sir John, you will scorn all + jewels, and care only for a pure and bright conscience. Ah! ah! Let me go. + I have made my peace with God.” + </p> + <p> + He looked so hoary, and so silvery, and serene in the moonlight, that + verily I must have believed him, if he had not drawn in his breast. But I + happened to have noticed that when an honest man gives vent to noble and + great sentiments, he spreads his breast, and throws it out, as if his + heart were swelling; whereas I had seen this old gentleman draw in his + breast more than once, as if it happened to contain better goods than + sentiment. + </p> + <p> + “Will you applaud me, kind sir,” I said, keeping him very tight, all the + while, “if I place it in your power to ratify your peace with God? The + pledge is upon your heart, no doubt, for there it lies at this moment.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, and some apology for having recourse to strong measures, + I thrust my hand inside his waistcoat, and drew forth Lorna's necklace, + purely sparkling in the moonlight, like the dancing of new stars. The old + man made a stab at me, with a knife which I had not espied; but the + vicious onset failed; and then he knelt, and clasped his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, for God's sake, John, my son, rob me not in that manner. They belong + to me; and I love them so; I would give almost my life for them. There is + one jewel I can look at for hours, and see all the lights of heaven in it; + which I never shall see elsewhere. All my wretched, wicked life—oh, + John, I am a sad hypocrite—but give me back my jewels. Or else kill + me here; I am a babe in your hands; but I must have back my jewels.” + </p> + <p> + As his beautiful white hair fell away from his noble forehead, like a + silver wreath of glory, and his powerful face, for once, was moved with + real emotion, I was so amazed and overcome by the grand contradictions of + nature, that verily I was on the point of giving him back the necklace. + But honesty, which is said to be the first instinct of all the Ridds + (though I myself never found it so), happened here to occur to me, and so + I said, without more haste than might be expected,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir Counsellor, I cannot give you what does not belong to me. But if you + will show me that particular diamond which is heaven to you, I will take + upon myself the risk and the folly of cutting it out for you. And with + that you must go contented; and I beseech you not to starve with that + jewel upon your lips.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing no hope of better terms, he showed me his pet love of a jewel; and + I thought of what Lorna was to me, as I cut it out (with the hinge of my + knife severing the snakes of gold) and placed it in his careful hand. + Another moment, and he was gone, and away through Gwenny's postern; and + God knows what became of him. + </p> + <p> + Now as to Carver, the thing was this—so far as I could ascertain + from the valiant miners, no two of whom told the same story, any more than + one of them told it twice. The band of Doones which sallied forth for the + robbery of the pretended convoy was met by Simon Carfax, according to + arrangement, at the ruined house called The Warren, in that part of + Bagworthy Forest where the river Exe (as yet a very small stream) runs + through it. The Warren, as all our people know, had belonged to a fine old + gentleman, whom every one called “The Squire,” who had retreated from + active life to pass the rest of his days in fishing, and shooting, and + helping his neighbours. For he was a man of some substance; and no poor + man ever left The Warren without a bag of good victuals, and a few + shillings put in his pocket. However, this poor Squire never made a + greater mistake, than in hoping to end his life peacefully upon the banks + of a trout-stream, and in the green forest of Bagworthy. For as he came + home from the brook at dusk, with his fly-rod over his shoulder, the + Doones fell upon him, and murdered him, and then sacked his house, and + burned it. + </p> + <p> + Now this had made honest people timid about going past The Warren at + night; for, of course, it was said that the old Squire “walked,” upon + certain nights of the moon, in and out of the trunks of trees, on the + green path from the river. On his shoulder he bore a fishing-rod, and his + book of trout-flies, in one hand, and on his back a wicker-creel; and now + and then he would burst out laughing to think of his coming so near the + Doones. + </p> + <p> + And now that one turns to consider it, this seems a strangely righteous + thing, that the scene of one of the greatest crimes even by Doones + committed should, after twenty years, become the scene of vengeance + falling (like hail from heaven) upon them. For although The Warren lies + well away to the westward of the mine; and the gold, under escort to + Bristowe, or London, would have gone in the other direction; Captain + Carfax, finding this place best suited for working of his design, had + persuaded the Doones, that for reasons of Government, the ore must go + first to Barnstaple for inspection, or something of that sort. And as + every one knows that our Government sends all things westward when + eastward bound, this had won the more faith for Simon, as being according + to nature. + </p> + <p> + Now Simon, having met these flowers of the flock of villainy, where the + rising moonlight flowed through the weir-work of the wood, begged them to + dismount; and led them with an air of mystery into the Squire's ruined + hall, black with fire, and green with weeds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0202" id="linkimage-0202"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/677.jpg" width="100%" alt="677.jpg Rising Moonlight " /> + </div> + <p> + “Captain, I have found a thing,” he said to Carver Doone, himself, “which + may help to pass the hour, ere the lump of gold comes by. The smugglers + are a noble race; but a miner's eyes are a match for them. There lies a + puncheon of rare spirit, with the Dutchman's brand upon it, hidden behind + the broken hearth. Set a man to watch outside; and let us see what this be + like.” + </p> + <p> + With one accord they agreed to this, and Carver pledged Master Carfax, and + all the Doones grew merry. But Simon being bound, as he said, to see to + their strict sobriety, drew a bucket of water from the well into which + they had thrown the dead owner, and begged them to mingle it with their + drink; which some of them did, and some refused. + </p> + <p> + But the water from that well was poured, while they were carousing, into + the priming-pan of every gun of theirs; even as Simon had promised to do + with the guns of the men they were come to kill. Then just as the giant + Carver arose, with a glass of pure hollands in his hand, and by the light + of the torch they had struck, proposed the good health of the Squire's + ghost—in the broken doorway stood a press of men, with pointed + muskets, covering every drunken Doone. How it fared upon that I know not, + having none to tell me; for each man wrought, neither thought of telling, + nor whether he might be alive to tell. The Doones rushed to their guns at + once, and pointed them, and pulled at them; but the Squire's well had + drowned their fire; and then they knew that they were betrayed, but + resolved to fight like men for it. Upon fighting I can never dwell; it + breeds such savage delight in me; of which I would fain have less. Enough + that all the Doones fought bravely; and like men (though bad ones) died in + the hall of the man they had murdered. And with them died poor young De + Whichehalse, who, in spite of his good father's prayers, had cast in his + lot with the robbers. Carver Doone alone escaped. Partly through his + fearful strength, and his yet more fearful face; but mainly perhaps + through his perfect coolness, and his mode of taking things. + </p> + <p> + I am happy to say that no more than eight of the gallant miners were + killed in that combat, or died of their wounds afterwards; and adding to + these the eight we had lost in our assault on the valley (and two of them + excellent warehousemen), it cost no more than sixteen lives to be rid of + nearly forty Doones, each of whom would most likely have killed three men + in the course of a year or two. Therefore, as I said at the time, a great + work was done very reasonably; here were nigh upon forty Doones destroyed + (in the valley, and up at The Warrens) despite their extraordinary + strength and high skill in gunnery; whereas of us ignorant rustics there + were only sixteen to be counted dead—though others might be lamed, + or so,—and of those sixteen only two had left wives, and their wives + did not happen to care for them. + </p> + <p> + Yet, for Lorna' s sake, I was vexed at the bold escape of Carver. Not that + I sought for Carver's life, any more than I did for the Counsellor's; but + that for us it was no light thing, to have a man of such power, and + resource, and desperation, left at large and furious, like a famished wolf + round the sheepfold. Yet greatly as I blamed the yeomen, who were posted + on their horses, just out of shot from the Doone-gate, for the very + purpose of intercepting those who escaped the miners, I could not get them + to admit that any blame attached to them. + </p> + <p> + But lo, he had dashed through the whole of them, with his horse at full + gallop; and was nearly out of shot before they began to think of shooting + him. Then it appears from what a boy said—for boys manage to be + everywhere—that Captain Carver rode through the Doone-gate, and so + to the head of the valley. There, of course, he beheld all the houses, and + his own among the number, flaming with a handsome blaze, and throwing a + fine light around such as he often had revelled in, when of other people's + property. But he swore the deadliest of all oaths, and seeing himself to + be vanquished (so far as the luck of the moment went), spurred his great + black horse away, and passed into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0203" id="linkimage-0203"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/679.jpg" width="100%" alt="679.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0073" id="linklink2HCH0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + HOW TO GET OUT OF CHANCERY + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0204" id="linkimage-0204"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/680.jpg" alt="680.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + Things at this time so befell me, that I cannot tell one half; but am like + a boy who has left his lesson (to the master's very footfall) unready, + except with false excuses. And as this makes no good work, so I lament + upon my lingering, in the times when I might have got through a good page, + but went astray after trifles. However, every man must do according to his + intellect; and looking at the easy manner of my constitution, I think that + most men will regard me with pity and goodwill for trying, more than with + contempt and wrath for having tried unworthily. Even as in the wrestling + ring, whatever man did his best, and made an honest conflict, I always + laid him down with softness, easing off his dusty fall. + </p> + <p> + But the thing which next betided me was not a fall of any sort; but rather + a most glorious rise to the summit of all fortune. For in good truth it + was no less than the return of Lorna—my Lorna, my own darling; in + wonderful health and spirits, and as glad as a bird to get back again. It + would have done any one good for a twelve-month to behold her face and + doings, and her beaming eyes and smile (not to mention blushes also at my + salutation), when this Queen of every heart ran about our rooms again. She + did love this, and she must see that, and where was our old friend the + cat? All the house was full of brightness, as if the sun had come over the + hill, and Lorna were his mirror. + </p> + <p> + My mother sat in an ancient chair, and wiped her cheeks, and looked at + her; and even Lizzie's eyes must dance to the freshness and joy of her + beauty. As for me, you might call me mad; for I ran out and flung my best + hat on the barn, and kissed mother Fry, till she made at me with the + sugar-nippers. + </p> + <p> + What a quantity of things Lorna had to tell us! And yet how often we + stopped her mouth—at least mother, I mean, and Lizzie—and she + quite as often would stop her own, running up in her joy to some one of + us! And then there arose the eating business—which people now call + “refreshment,” in these dandyfied days of our language—for how was + it possible that our Lorna could have come all that way, and to her own + Exmoor, without being terribly hungry? + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I do love it all so much,” said Lorna, now for the fiftieth time, and + not meaning only the victuals: “the scent of the gorse on the moors drove + me wild, and the primroses under the hedges. I am sure I was meant for a + farmer's—I mean for a farm-house life, dear Lizzie”—for Lizzie + was looking saucily—“just as you were meant for a soldier's bride, + and for writing despatches of victory. And now, since you will not ask me, + dear mother, in the excellence of your manners, and even John has not the + impudence, in spite of all his coat of arms—I must tell you a thing, + which I vowed to keep until tomorrow morning; but my resolution fails me. + I am my own mistress—what think you of that, mother? I am my own + mistress!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you shall not be so long,” cried I; for mother seemed not to + understand her, and sought about for her glasses: “darling, you shall be + mistress of me; and I will be your master.” + </p> + <p> + “A frank announcement of your intent, and beyond doubt a true one; but + surely unusual at this stage, and a little premature, John. However, what + must be, must be.” And with tears springing out of smiles, she fell on my + breast, and cried a bit. + </p> + <p> + When I came to smoke a pipe over it (after the rest were gone to bed), I + could hardly believe in my good luck. For here was I, without any merit, + except of bodily power, and the absence of any falsehood (which surely is + no commendation), so placed that the noblest man in England might envy me, + and be vexed with me. For the noblest lady in all the land, and the + purest, and the sweetest—hung upon my heart, as if there was none to + equal it. + </p> + <p> + I dwelled upon this matter, long and very severely, while I smoked a new + tobacco, brought by my own Lorna for me, and next to herself most + delicious; and as the smoke curled away, I thought, “Surely this is too + fine to last, for a man who never deserved it.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing no way out of this, I resolved to place my faith in God; and so + went to bed and dreamed of it. And having no presence of mind to pray for + anything, under the circumstances, I thought it best to fall asleep, and + trust myself to the future. Yet ere I fell asleep the roof above me + swarmed with angels, having Lorna under it. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Lorna was ready to tell her story, and we to hearken; and + she wore a dress of most simple stuff; and yet perfectly wonderful, by + means of the shape and her figure. Lizzie was wild with jealousy, as might + be expected (though never would Annie have been so, but have praised it, + and craved for the pattern), and mother not understanding it, looked + forth, to be taught about it. For it was strange to note that lately my + dear mother had lost her quickness, and was never quite brisk, unless the + question were about myself. She had seen a great deal of trouble; and + grief begins to close on people, as their power of life declines. We said + that she was hard of hearing; but my opinion was, that seeing me inclined + for marriage made her think of my father, and so perhaps a little too + much, to dwell on the courting of thirty years agone. Anyhow, she was the + very best of mothers; and would smile and command herself; and be (or try + to believe herself) as happy as could be, in the doings of the younger + folk, and her own skill in detecting them. Yet, with the wisdom of age, + renouncing any opinion upon the matter; since none could see the end of + it. + </p> + <p> + But Lorna in her bright young beauty, and her knowledge of my heart, was + not to be checked by any thoughts of haply coming evil. In the morning she + was up, even sooner than I was, and through all the corners of the hens, + remembering every one of them. I caught her and saluted her with such + warmth (being now none to look at us), that she vowed she would never come + out again; and yet she came the next morning. + </p> + <p> + These things ought not to be chronicled. Yet I am of such nature, that + finding many parts of life adverse to our wishes, I must now and then draw + pleasure from the blessed portions. And what portion can be more blessed + than with youth, and health, and strength, to be loved by a virtuous maid, + and to love her with all one's heart? Neither was my pride diminished, + when I found what she had done, only from her love of me. + </p> + <p> + Earl Brandir's ancient steward, in whose charge she had travelled, with a + proper escort, looked upon her as a lovely maniac; and the mixture of pity + and admiration wherewith he regarded her, was a strange thing to observe; + especially after he had seen our simple house and manners. On the other + hand, Lorna considered him a worthy but foolish old gentleman; to whom + true happiness meant no more than money and high position. + </p> + <p> + These two last she had been ready to abandon wholly, and had in part + escaped from them, as the enemies of her happiness. And she took advantage + of the times, in a truly clever manner. For that happened to be a time—as + indeed all times hitherto (so far as my knowledge extends), have, somehow, + or other, happened to be—when everybody was only too glad to take + money for doing anything. And the greatest money-taker in the kingdom + (next to the King and Queen, of course, who had due pre-eminence, and had + taught the maids of honour) was generally acknowledged to be the Lord + Chief Justice Jeffreys. + </p> + <p> + Upon his return from the bloody assizes, with triumph and great glory, + after hanging every man who was too poor to help it, he pleased his + Gracious Majesty so purely with the description of their delightful + agonies, that the King exclaimed, “This man alone is worthy to be at the + head of the law.” Accordingly in his hand was placed the Great Seal of + England. + </p> + <p> + So it came to pass that Lorna's destiny hung upon Lord Jeffreys; for at + this time Earl Brandir died, being taken with gout in the heart, soon + after I left London. Lorna was very sorry for him; but as he had never + been able to hear one tone of her sweet silvery voice, it is not to be + supposed that she wept without consolation. She grieved for him as we + ought to grieve for any good man going; and yet with a comforting sense of + the benefit which the blessed exchange must bring to him. + </p> + <p> + Now the Lady Lorna Dugal appeared to Lord Chancellor Jeffreys so exceeding + wealthy a ward that the lock would pay for turning. Therefore he came, of + his own accord, to visit her, and to treat with her; having heard (for the + man was as big a gossip as never cared for anybody, yet loved to know all + about everybody) that this wealthy and beautiful maiden would not listen + to any young lord, having pledged her faith to the plain John Ridd. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, our Lorna managed so to hold out golden hopes to the Lord High + Chancellor, that he, being not more than three parts drunk, saw his way to + a heap of money. And there and then (for he was not the man to dally long + about anything) upon surety of a certain round sum—the amount of + which I will not mention, because of his kindness towards me—he gave + to his fair ward permission, under sign and seal, to marry that loyal + knight, John Ridd; upon condition only that the King's consent should be + obtained. + </p> + <p> + His Majesty, well-disposed towards me for my previous service, and + regarding me as a good Catholic, being moved moreover by the Queen, who + desired to please Lorna, consented, without much hesitation, upon the + understanding that Lorna, when she became of full age, and the mistress of + her property (which was still under guardianship), should pay a heavy fine + to the Crown, and devote a fixed portion of her estate to the promotion of + the holy Catholic faith, in a manner to be dictated by the King himself. + Inasmuch, however, as King James was driven out of his kingdom before this + arrangement could take effect, and another king succeeded, who desired not + the promotion of the Catholic religion, neither hankered after subsidies, + whether French or English, that agreement was pronounced invalid, + improper, and contemptible. However, there was no getting back the money + once paid to Lord Chancellor Jeffreys. + </p> + <p> + But what thought we of money at this present moment; or of position, or + anything else, except indeed one another? Lorna told me, with the sweetest + smile, that if I were minded to take her at all, I must take her without + anything; inasmuch as she meant, upon coming of age, to make over the + residue of her estates to the next-of-kin, as being unfit for a farmer's + wife. And I replied with the greatest warmth and a readiness to worship + her, that this was exactly what I longed for, but had never dared to + propose it. But dear mother looked most exceeding grave; and said that to + be sure her opinion could not be expected to count for much, but she + really hoped that in three years' time we should both he a little wiser, + and have more regard for our interests, and perhaps those of others by + that time; and Master Snowe having daughters only, and nobody coming to + marry them, if anything happened to the good old man—and who could + tell in three years' time what might happen to all or any of us?—why + perhaps his farm would be for sale, and perhaps Lady Lorna's estates in + Scotland would fetch enough money to buy it, and so throw the two farms + into one, and save all the trouble about the brook, as my poor father had + longed to do many and many a time, but not having a title could not do all + quite as he wanted. And then if we young people grew tired of the old + mother, as seemed only too likely, and was according to nature, why we + could send her over there, and Lizzie to keep her company. + </p> + <p> + When mother had finished, and wiped her eyes, Lorna, who had been blushing + rosily at some portions of this great speech, flung her fair arms around + mother's neck, and kissed her very heartily, and scolded her (as she well + deserved) for her want of confidence in us. My mother replied that if + anybody could deserve her John, it was Lorna; but that she could not hold + with the rashness of giving up money so easily; while her next-of-kin + would be John himself, and who could tell what others, by the time she was + one-and-twenty? + </p> + <p> + Hereupon, I felt that after all my mother had common sense on her side; + for if Master Snowe's farm should be for sale, it would be far more to the + purpose than my coat of arms, to get it; for there was a different pasture + there, just suited for change of diet to our sheep as well as large + cattle. And beside this, even with all Annie's skill (and of course yet + more now she was gone), their butter would always command in the market + from one to three farthings a pound more than we could get for ours. And + few things vexed us more than this. Whereas, if we got possession of the + farm, we might, without breach of the market-laws, or any harm done to any + one (the price being but a prejudice), sell all our butter as Snowe + butter, and do good to all our customers. + </p> + <p> + Thinking thus, yet remembering that Farmer Nicholas might hold out for + another score of years—as I heartily hoped he might—or that + one, if not all, of his comely daughters might marry a good young farmer + (or farmers, if the case were so)—or that, even without that, the + farm might never be put up for sale; I begged my Lorna to do as she liked; + or rather to wait and think of it; for as yet she could do nothing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0205" id="linkimage-0205"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/685.jpg" width="100%" alt="685.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0074" id="linklink2HCH0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + BLOOD UPON THE ALTAR + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0206" id="linkimage-0206"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/686.jpg" + alt="686.jpg Entrance to Oare Church " /> + </div> + <p> + Everything was settled smoothly, and without any fear or fuss, that Lorna + might find end of troubles, and myself of eager waiting, with the help of + Parson Bowden, and the good wishes of two counties. I could scarce believe + my fortune, when I looked upon her beauty, gentleness, and sweetness, + mingled with enough of humour and warm woman's feeling, never to be dull + or tiring; never themselves to be weary. + </p> + <p> + For she might be called a woman now; although a very young one, and as + full of playful ways, or perhaps I may say ten times as full, as if she + had known no trouble. To wit, the spirit of bright childhood, having been + so curbed and straitened, ere its time was over, now broke forth, enriched + and varied with the garb of conscious maidenhood. And the sense of + steadfast love, and eager love enfolding her, coloured with so many tinges + all her looks, and words, and thoughts, that to me it was the noblest + vision even to think about her. + </p> + <p> + But this was far too bright to last, without bitter break, and the + plunging of happiness in horror, and of passionate joy in agony. My + darling in her softest moments, when she was alone with me, when the spark + of defiant eyes was veiled beneath dark lashes, and the challenge of gay + beauty passed into sweetest invitation; at such times of her purest love + and warmest faith in me, a deep abiding fear would flutter in her bounding + heart, as of deadly fate's approach. She would cling to me, and nestle to + me, being scared of coyishness, and lay one arm around my neck, and ask if + I could do without her. + </p> + <p> + Hence, as all emotions haply, of those who are more to us than ourselves, + find within us stronger echo, and more perfect answer, so I could not be + regardless of some hidden evil; and my dark misgivings deepened as the + time drew nearer. I kept a steadfast watch on Lorna, neglecting a field of + beans entirely, as well as a litter of young pigs, and a cow somewhat + given to jaundice. And I let Jem Slocombe go to sleep in the tallat, all + one afternoon, and Bill Dadds draw off a bucket of cider, without so much + as a “by your leave.” For these men knew that my knighthood, and my coat + of arms, and (most of all) my love, were greatly against good farming; the + sense of our country being—and perhaps it may be sensible—that + a man who sticks up to be anything, must allow himself to be cheated. + </p> + <p> + But I never did stick up, nor would, though all the parish bade me; and I + whistled the same tunes to my horses, and held my plough-tree, just the + same as if no King, nor Queen, had ever come to spoil my tune or hand. For + this thing, nearly all the men around our parts upbraided me; but the + women praised me: and for the most part these are right, when themselves + are not concerned. + </p> + <p> + However humble I might be, no one knowing anything of our part of the + country, would for a moment doubt that now here was a great to do and talk + of John Ridd and his wedding. The fierce fight with the Doones so lately, + and my leading of the combat (though I fought not more than need be), and + the vanishing of Sir Counsellor, and the galloping madness of Carver, and + the religious fear of the women that this last was gone to hell—for + he himself had declared that his aim, while he cut through the yeomanry—also + their remorse, that he should have been made to go thither with all his + children left behind—these things, I say (if ever I can again + contrive to say anything), had led to the broadest excitement about my + wedding of Lorna. We heard that people meant to come from more than thirty + miles around, upon excuse of seeing my stature and Lorna's beauty; but in + good truth out of sheer curiosity, and the love of meddling. + </p> + <p> + Our clerk had given notice, that not a man should come inside the door of + his church without shilling-fee; and women (as sure to see twice as much) + must every one pay two shillings. I thought this wrong; and as + church-warden, begged that the money might be paid into mine own hands, + when taken. But the clerk said that was against all law; and he had orders + from the parson to pay it to him without any delay. So as I always obey + the parson, when I care not much about a thing, I let them have it their + own way; though feeling inclined to believe, sometimes, that I ought to + have some of the money. + </p> + <p> + Dear mother arranged all the ins and outs of the way in which it was to be + done; and Annie and Lizzie, and all the Snowes, and even Ruth Huckaback + (who was there, after great persuasion), made such a sweeping of dresses + that I scarcely knew where to place my feet, and longed for a staff, to + put by their gowns. Then Lorna came out of a pew half-way, in a manner + which quite astonished me, and took my left hand in her right, and I + prayed God that it were done with. + </p> + <p> + My darling looked so glorious, that I was afraid of glancing at her, yet + took in all her beauty. She was in a fright, no doubt; but nobody should + see it; whereas I said (to myself at least), “I will go through it like a + grave-digger.” + </p> + <p> + Lorna's dress was of pure white, clouded with faint lavender (for the sake + of the old Earl Brandir), and as simple as need be, except for perfect + loveliness. I was afraid to look at her, as I said before, except when + each of us said, “I will,” and then each dwelled upon the other. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible for any who have not loved as I have to conceive my joy + and pride, when after ring and all was done, and the parson had blessed + us, Lorna turned to look at me with her glances of subtle fun subdued by + this great act. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes, which none on earth may ever equal, or compare with, told me + such a depth of comfort, yet awaiting further commune, that I was almost + amazed, thoroughly as I knew them. Darling eyes, the sweetest eyes, the + loveliest, the most loving eyes—the sound of a shot rang through the + church, and those eyes were filled with death. + </p> + <p> + Lorna fell across my knees when I was going to kiss her, as the bridegroom + is allowed to do, and encouraged, if he needs it; a flood of blood came + out upon the yellow wood of the altar steps, and at my feet lay Lorna, + trying to tell me some last message out of her faithful eyes. I lifted her + up, and petted her, and coaxed her, but it was no good; the only sign of + life remaining was a spirt of bright red blood. + </p> + <p> + Some men know what things befall them in the supreme time of their life—far + above the time of death—but to me comes back as a hazy dream, + without any knowledge in it, what I did, or felt, or thought, with my + wife's arms flagging, flagging, around my neck, as I raised her up, and + softly put them there. She sighed a long sigh on my breast, for her last + farewell to life, and then she grew so cold, and cold, that I asked the + time of year. + </p> + <p> + It was Whit-Tuesday, and the lilacs all in blossom; and why I thought of + the time of year, with the young death in my arms, God or His angels, may + decide, having so strangely given us. Enough that so I did, and looked; + and our white lilacs were beautiful. Then I laid my wife in my mother's + arms, and begging that no one would make a noise, went forth for my + revenge. + </p> + <p> + Of course, I knew who had done it. There was but one man in the world, or + at any rate, in our part of it, who could have done such a thing—such + a thing. I use no harsher word about it, while I leaped upon our best + horse, with bridle but no saddle, and set the head of Kickums towards the + course now pointed out to me. Who showed me the course, I cannot tell. I + only know that I took it. And the men fell back before me. + </p> + <p> + Weapon of no sort had I. Unarmed, and wondering at my strange attire (with + a bridal vest, wrought by our Annie, and red with the blood of the bride), + I went forth just to find out this; whether in this world there be or be + not God of justice. + </p> + <p> + With my vicious horse at a furious speed, I came upon Black Barrow Down, + directed by some shout of men, which seemed to me but a whisper. And + there, about a furlong before me, rode a man on a great black horse, and I + knew that the man was Carver Doone. + </p> + <p> + “Your life or mine,” I said to myself; “as the will of God may be. But we + two live not upon this earth, one more hour together.” + </p> + <p> + I knew the strength of this great man; and I knew that he was armed with a + gun—if he had time to load again, after shooting my Lorna—or + at any rate with pistols, and a horseman's sword as well. Nevertheless, I + had no more doubt of killing the man before me than a cook has of spitting + a headless fowl. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes seeing no ground beneath me, and sometimes heeding every leaf, + and the crossing of the grass-blades, I followed over the long moor, + reckless whether seen or not. But only once the other man turned round and + looked back again, and then I was beside a rock, with a reedy swamp behind + me. + </p> + <p> + Although he was so far before me, and riding as hard as ride he might, I + saw that he had something on the horse in front of him; something which + needed care, and stopped him from looking backward. In the whirling of my + wits, I fancied first that this was Lorna; until the scene I had been + through fell across hot brain and heart, like the drop at the close of a + tragedy. Rushing there through crag and quag, at utmost speed of a + maddened horse, I saw, as of another's fate, calmly (as on canvas laid), + the brutal deed, the piteous anguish, and the cold despair. + </p> + <p> + The man turned up the gully leading from the moor to Cloven Rocks, through + which John Fry had tracked Uncle Ben, as of old related. But as Carver + entered it, he turned round, and beheld me not a hundred yards behind; and + I saw that he was bearing his child, little Ensie, before him. Ensie also + descried me, and stretched his hands and cried to me; for the face of his + father frightened him. + </p> + <p> + Carver Doone, with a vile oath, thrust spurs into his flagging horse, and + laid one hand on a pistol-stock; whence I knew that his slung carbine had + received no bullet since the one that had pierced Lorna. And a cry of + triumph rose from the black depths of my heart. What cared I for pistols? + I had no spurs, neither was my horse one to need the rowel; I rather held + him in than urged him, for he was fresh as ever; and I knew that the black + steed in front, if he breasted the steep ascent, where the track divided, + must be in our reach at once. + </p> + <p> + His rider knew this; and, having no room in the rocky channel to turn and + fire, drew rein at the crossways sharply, and plunged into the black + ravine leading to the Wizard's Slough. “Is it so?” I said to myself with a + brain and head cold as iron; “though the foul fiend come from the slough, + to save thee; thou shalt carve it, Carver.” + </p> + <p> + I followed my enemy carefully, steadily, even leisurely; for I had him, as + in a pitfall, whence no escape might be. He thought that I feared to + approach him, for he knew not where he was: and his low disdainful laugh + came back. “Laugh he who wins,” thought I. + </p> + <p> + A gnarled and half-starved oak, as stubborn as my own resolve, and smitten + by some storm of old, hung from the crag above me. Rising from my horse's + back, although I had no stirrups, I caught a limb, and tore it (like a + mere wheat-awn) from the socket. Men show the rent even now, with wonder; + none with more wonder than myself. + </p> + <p> + Carver Doone turned the corner suddenly on the black and bottomless bog; + with a start of fear he reined back his horse, and I thought he would have + turned upon me. But instead of that, he again rode on; hoping to find a + way round the side. + </p> + <p> + Now there is a way between cliff and slough for those who know the ground + thoroughly, or have time enough to search it; but for him there was no + road, and he lost some time in seeking it. Upon this he made up his mind; + and wheeling, fired, and then rode at me. + </p> + <p> + His bullet struck me somewhere, but I took no heed of that. Fearing only + his escape, I laid my horse across the way, and with the limb of the oak + struck full on the forehead his charging steed. Ere the slash of the sword + came nigh me, man and horse rolled over, and wellnigh bore my own horse + down, with the power of their onset. + </p> + <p> + Carver Doone was somewhat stunned, and could not arise for a moment. + Meanwhile I leaped on the ground and awaited, smoothing my hair back, and + baring my arms, as though in the ring for wrestling. Then the little boy + ran to me, clasped my leg, and looked up at me, and the terror in his eyes + made me almost fear myself. + </p> + <p> + “Ensie, dear,” I said quite gently, grieving that he should see his wicked + father killed, “run up yonder round the corner and try to find a pretty + bunch of bluebells for the lady.” The child obeyed me, hanging back, and + looking back, and then laughing, while I prepared for business. There and + then I might have killed mine enemy, with a single blow, while he lay + unconscious; but it would have been foul play. + </p> + <p> + With a sullen and black scowl, the Carver gathered his mighty limbs, and + arose, and looked round for his weapons; but I had put them well away. + Then he came to me and gazed; being wont to frighten thus young men. + </p> + <p> + “I would not harm you, lad,” he said, with a lofty style of sneering: “I + have punished you enough, for most of your impertinence. For the rest I + forgive you; because you have been good and gracious to my little son. Go, + and be contented.” + </p> + <p> + For answer, I smote him on the cheek, lightly, and not to hurt him: but to + make his blood leap up. I would not sully my tongue by speaking to a man + like this. + </p> + <p> + There was a level space of sward between us and the slough. With the + courtesy derived from London, and the processions I had seen, to this + place I led him. And that he might breathe himself, and have every fibre + cool, and every muscle ready, my hold upon his coat I loosed, and left him + to begin with me, whenever he thought proper. + </p> + <p> + I think that he felt that his time was come. I think he knew from my + knitted muscles, and the firm arch of my breast, and the way in which I + stood; but most of all from my stern blue eyes; that he had found his + master. At any rate a paleness came, an ashy paleness on his cheeks, and + the vast calves of his legs bowed in, as if he were out of training. + </p> + <p> + Seeing this, villain as he was, I offered him first chance. I stretched + forth my left hand, as I do to a weaker antagonist, and I let him have the + hug of me. But in this I was too generous; having forgotten my + pistol-wound, and the cracking of one of my short lower ribs. Carver Doone + caught me round the waist, with such a grip as never yet had been laid + upon me. + </p> + <p> + I heard my rib go; I grasped his arm, and tore the muscle out of it* (as + the string comes out of an orange); then I took him by the throat, which + is not allowed in wrestling; but he had snatched at mine; and now was no + time of dalliance. In vain he tugged, and strained, and writhed, dashed + his bleeding fist into my face, and flung himself on me with gnashing + jaws. Beneath the iron of my strength—for God that day was with me—I + had him helpless in two minutes, and his fiery eyes lolled out. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A far more terrible clutch than this is handed down, to + weaker ages, of the great John Ridd.—Ed. +</pre> + <p> + “I will not harm thee any more,” I cried, so far as I could for panting, + the work being very furious: “Carver Doone, thou art beaten: own it, and + thank God for it; and go thy way, and repent thyself.” + </p> + <p> + It was all too late. Even if he had yielded in his ravening frenzy—for + his beard was like a mad dog's jowl—even if he would have owned + that, for the first time in his life, he had found his master; it was all + too late. + </p> + <p> + The black bog had him by the feet; the sucking of the ground drew on him, + like the thirsty lips of death. In our fury, we had heeded neither wet nor + dry; nor thought of earth beneath us. I myself might scarcely leap, with + the last spring of o'er-laboured legs, from the engulfing grave of slime. + He fell back, with his swarthy breast (from which my gripe had rent all + clothing), like a hummock of bog-oak, standing out the quagmire; and then + he tossed his arms to heaven, and they were black to the elbow, and the + glare of his eyes was ghastly. I could only gaze and pant; for my strength + was no more than an infant's, from the fury and the horror. Scarcely could + I turn away, while, joint by joint, he sank from sight. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0207" id="linkimage-0207"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/693.jpg" width="100%" alt="693.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0075" id="linklink2HCH0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXV + </h2> + <h3> + GIVE AWAY THE GRANDEUR + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0208" id="linkimage-0208"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="figleft" style="width:30%;"> + <img width="100%" src="images/694.jpg" alt="694.jpg Illustrated Capital " /> + </div> + <p> + When the little boy came back with the bluebells, which he had managed to + find—as children always do find flowers, when older eyes see none—the + only sign of his father left was a dark brown bubble, upon a newly formed + patch of blackness. But to the center of its pulpy gorge the greedy slough + was heaving, and sullenly grinding its weltering jaws among the flags and + the sedges. + </p> + <p> + With pain, and ache, both of mind and body, and shame at my own fury, I + heavily mounted my horse again, and, looked down at the innocent Ensie. + Would this playful, loving child grow up like his cruel father, and end a + godless life of hatred with a death of violence? He lifted his noble + forehead towards me, as if to answer, “Nay, I will not”: but the words he + spoke were these:— + </p> + <p> + “Don,”—for he could never say “John”—“oh, Don, I am so glad + that nasty naughty man is gone away. Take me home, Don. Take me home.” + </p> + <p> + It has been said of the wicked, “not even their own children love them.” + And I could easily believe that Carver Doone's cold-hearted ways had + scared from him even his favorite child. No man would I call truly wicked, + unless his heart be cold. + </p> + <p> + It hurt me, more than I can tell, even through all other grief, to take + into my arms the child of the man just slain by me. The feeling was a + foolish one, and a wrong one, as the thing has been—for I would fain + have saved that man, after he was conquered—nevertheless my arms + went coldly round that little fellow; neither would they have gone at all, + if there had been any help for it. But I could not leave him there, till + some one else might fetch him; on account of the cruel slough, and the + ravens which had come hovering over the dead horse; neither could I, with + my wound, tie him on my horse and walk. + </p> + <p> + For now I had spent a great deal of blood, and was rather faint and weary. + And it was lucky for me that Kickums had lost spirit, like his master, and + went home as mildly as a lamb. For, when we came towards the farm, I + seemed to be riding in a dream almost; and the voices both of man and + women (who had hurried forth upon my track), as they met me, seemed to + wander from a distant muffling cloud. Only the thought of Lorna's death, + like a heavy knell, was tolling in the belfry of my brain. + </p> + <p> + When we came to the stable door, I rather fell from my horse than got off; + and John Fry, with a look of wonder took Kickum's head, and led him in. + Into the old farmhouse I tottered, like a weanling child, with mother in + her common clothes, helping me along, yet fearing, except by stealth, to + look at me. + </p> + <p> + “I have killed him,” was all I said; “even as he killed Lorna. Now let me + see my wife, mother. She belongs to me none the less, though dead.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot see her now, dear John,” said Ruth Huckaback, coming forward; + since no one else had the courage. “Annie is with her now, John.” + </p> + <p> + “What has that to do with it? Let me see my dead one; and pray myself to + die.” + </p> + <p> + All the women fell away, and whispered, and looked at me, with side + glances, and some sobbing; for my face was hard as flint. Ruth alone stood + by me, and dropped her eyes, and trembled. Then one little hand of hers + stole into my great shaking palm, and the other was laid on my tattered + coat: yet with her clothes she shunned my blood, while she whispered + gently,— + </p> + <p> + “John, she is not your dead one. She may even be your living one yet, your + wife, your home, and your happiness. But you must not see her now.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any chance for her? For me, I mean; for me, I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “God in heaven knows, dear John. But the sight of you, and in this sad + plight, would be certain death to her. Now come first, and be healed + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + I obeyed her, like a child, whispering only as I went, for none but myself + knew her goodness—“Almighty God will bless you, darling, for the + good you are doing now.” + </p> + <p> + Tenfold, ay and a thousandfold, I prayed and I believed it, when I came to + know the truth. If it had not been for this little maid, Lorna must have + died at once, as in my arms she lay for dead, from the dastard and + murderous cruelty. But the moment I left her Ruth came forward and took + the command of every one, in right of her firmness and readiness. + </p> + <p> + She made them bear her home at once upon the door of the pulpit, with the + cushion under the drooping head. With her own little hands she cut off, as + tenderly as a pear is peeled, the bridal-dress, so steeped and stained, + and then with her dainty transparent fingers (no larger than a pencil) she + probed the vile wound in the side, and fetched the reeking bullet forth; + and then with the coldest water stanched the flowing of the life-blood. + All this while my darling lay insensible, and white as death; and needed + nothing but her maiden shroud. + </p> + <p> + But Ruth still sponged the poor side and forehead, and watched the long + eyelashes flat upon the marble cheek; and laid her pure face on the faint + heart, and bade them fetch her Spanish wine. Then she parted the pearly + teeth (feebly clenched on the hovering breath), and poured in wine from a + christening spoon, and raised the graceful neck and breast, and stroked + the delicate throat, and waited; and then poured in a little more. + </p> + <p> + Annie all the while looked on with horror and amazement, counting herself + no second-rate nurse, and this as against all theory. But the quiet + lifting of Ruth's hand, and one glance from her dark bright eyes, told + Annie just to stand away, and not intercept the air so. And at the very + moment when all the rest had settled that Ruth was a simple idiot, but + could not harm the dead much, a little flutter in the throat, followed by + a short low sigh, made them pause, and look and hope. + </p> + <p> + For hours, however, and days, she lay at the very verge of death, kept + alive by nothing but the care, the skill, the tenderness, and the + perpetual watchfulness of Ruth. Luckily Annie was not there very often, so + as to meddle; for kind and clever nurse as she was, she must have done + more harm than good. But my broken rib, which was set by a doctor, who + chanced to be at the wedding, was allotted to Annie's care; and great + inflammation ensuing, it was quite enough to content her. This doctor had + pronounced poor Lorna dead; wherefore Ruth refused most firmly to have + aught to do with him. She took the whole case on herself; and with God's + help she bore it through. + </p> + <p> + Now whether it were the light and brightness of my Lorna's nature; or the + freedom from anxiety—for she knew not of my hurt;—or, as some + people said, her birthright among wounds and violence, or her manner of + not drinking beer—I leave that doctor to determine who pronounced + her dead. But anyhow, one thing is certain; sure as stars of hope above + us; Lorna recovered, long ere I did. + </p> + <p> + For the grief was on me still of having lost my love and lover at the + moment she was mine. With the power of fate upon me, and the black + cauldron of the wizard's death boiling in my heated brain, I had no faith + in the tales they told. I believed that Lorna was in the churchyard, while + these rogues were lying to me. For with strength of blood like mine, and + power of heart behind it, a broken bone must burn itself. + </p> + <p> + Mine went hard with fires of pain, being of such size and thickness; and I + was ashamed of him for breaking by reason of a pistol-ball, and the mere + hug of a man. And it fetched me down in conceit of strength; so that I was + careful afterwards. + </p> + <p> + All this was a lesson to me. All this made me very humble; illness being a + thing, as yet, altogether unknown to me. Not that I cried small, or + skulked, or feared the death which some foretold; shaking their heads + about mortification, and a green appearance. Only that I seemed quite fit + to go to heaven, and Lorna. For in my sick distracted mind (stirred with + many tossings), like the bead in the spread of frog-spawn carried by the + current, hung the black and central essence of my future life. A life + without Lorna; a tadpole life. All stupid head; and no body. + </p> + <p> + Many men may like such life; anchorites, fakirs, high-priests, and so on; + but to my mind, it is not the native thing God meant for us. My dearest + mother was a show, with crying and with fretting. The Doones, as she + thought, were born to destroy us. Scarce had she come to some liveliness + (though sprinkled with tears, every now and then) after her great + bereavement, and ten years' time to dwell on it—when lo, here was + her husband's son, the pet child of her own good John, murdered like his + father! Well, the ways of God were wonderful! + </p> + <p> + So they were, and so they are; and so they ever will be. Let us debate + them as we will, our ways are His, and much the same; only second-hand + from Him. And I expected something from Him, even in my worst of times, + knowing that I had done my best. + </p> + <p> + This is not edifying talk—as our Nonconformist parson says, when he + can get no more to drink—therefore let me only tell what became of + Lorna. One day, I was sitting in my bedroom, for I could not get + downstairs, and there was no one strong enough to carry me, even if I + would have allowed it. + </p> + <p> + Though it cost me sore trouble and weariness, I had put on all my Sunday + clothes, out of respect for the doctor, who was coming to bleed me again + (as he always did twice a week); and it struck me that he had seemed hurt + in his mind, because I wore my worst clothes to be bled in—for lie + in bed I would not, after six o'clock; and even that was great laziness. + </p> + <p> + I looked at my right hand, whose grasp had been like that of a + blacksmith's vice; and it seemed to myself impossible that this could be + John Ridd's. The great frame of the hand was there, as well as the + muscles, standing forth like the guttering of a candle, and the broad blue + veins, going up the back, and crossing every finger. But as for colour, + even Lorna's could scarcely have been whiter; and as for strength, little + Ensie Doone might have come and held it fast. I laughed as I tried in vain + to lift the basin set for bleeding me. + </p> + <p> + Then I thought of all the lovely things going on out-of-doors just now, + concerning which the drowsy song of the bees came to me. These must be + among the thyme, by the sound of their great content. Therefore the roses + must be in blossom, and the woodbine, and clove-gilly-flower; the cherries + on the wall must be turning red, the yellow Sally must be on the brook, + wheat must be callow with quavering bloom, and the early meadows swathed + with hay. + </p> + <p> + Yet here was I, a helpless creature quite unfit to stir among them, gifted + with no sight, no scent of all the changes that move our love, and lead + our hearts, from month to month, along the quiet path of life. And what + was worse, I had no hope of caring ever for them more. + </p> + <p> + Presently a little knock sounded through my gloomy room, and supposing it + to be the doctor, I tried to rise and make my bow. But to my surprise it + was little Ruth, who had never once come to visit me, since I was placed + under the doctor's hands. Ruth was dressed so gaily, with rosettes, and + flowers, and what not, that I was sorry for her bad manners; and thought + she was come to conquer me, now that Lorna was done with. + </p> + <p> + Ruth ran towards me with sparkling eyes, being rather short of sight; then + suddenly she stopped, and I saw entire amazement in her face. + </p> + <p> + “Can you receive visitors, Cousin Ridd?—why, they never told me of + this!” she cried: “I knew that you were weak, dear John; but not that you + were dying. Whatever is that basin for?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no intention of dying, Ruth; and I like not to talk about it. But + that basin, if you must know, is for the doctor's purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “What, do you mean bleeding you? You poor weak cousin! Is it possible that + he does that still?” + </p> + <p> + “Twice a week for the last six weeks, dear. Nothing else has kept me + alive.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing else has killed you, nearly. There!” and she set her little boot + across the basin, and crushed it. “Not another drop shall they have from + you. Is Annie such a fool as that? And Lizzie, like a zany, at her books! + And killing her brother, between them!” + </p> + <p> + I was surprised to see Ruth excited; her character being so calm and + quiet. And I tried to soothe her with my feeble hand, as now she knelt + before me. + </p> + <p> + “Dear cousin, the doctor must know best. Annie says so, every day. What + has he been brought up for?” + </p> + <p> + “Brought up for slaying and murdering. Twenty doctors killed King Charles, + in spite of all the women. Will you leave it to me, John? I have a little + will of my own; and I am not afraid of doctors. Will you leave it to me, + dear John? I have saved your Lorna's life. And now I will save yours; + which is a far, far easier business.” + </p> + <p> + “You have saved my Lorna's life! What do you mean by talking so?” + </p> + <p> + “Only what I say, Cousin John. Though perhaps I overprize my work. But at + any rate she says so.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand,” I said, falling back with bewilderment; “all women + are such liars.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever known me tell a lie?” Ruth in great indignation—more + feigned, I doubt, than real—“your mother may tell a story, now and + then when she feels it right; and so may both your sisters. But so you + cannot do, John Ridd; and no more than you can I do it.” + </p> + <p> + If ever there was virtuous truth in the eyes of any woman, it was now in + Ruth Huckaback's: and my brain began very slowly to move, the heart being + almost torpid from perpetual loss of blood. + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand,” was all I could say for a very long time. + </p> + <p> + “Will you understand, if I show you Lorna? I have feared to do it, for the + sake of you both. But now Lorna is well enough, if you think that you are, + Cousin John. Surely you will understand, when you see your wife.” + </p> + <p> + Following her, to the very utmost of my mind and heart, I felt that all + she said was truth; and yet I could not make it out. And in her last few + words there was such a power of sadness rising through the cover of + gaiety, that I said to myself, half in a dream, “Ruth is very beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + Before I had time to listen much for the approach of footsteps, Ruth came + back, and behind her Lorna; coy as if of her bridegroom; and hanging back + with her beauty. Ruth banged the door, and ran away; and Lorna stood + before me. + </p> + <p> + But she did not stand for an instant, when she saw what I was like. At the + risk of all thick bandages, and upsetting a dozen medicine bottles, and + scattering leeches right and left, she managed to get into my arms, + although they could not hold her. She laid her panting warm young breast + on the place where they meant to bleed me, and she set my pale face up; + and she would not look at me, having greater faith in kissing. + </p> + <p> + I felt my life come back, and warm; I felt my trust in women flow; I felt + the joys of living now, and the power of doing it. It is not a moment to + describe; who feels can never tell of it. But the rush of Lorna's tears, + and the challenge of my bride's lips, and the throbbing of my wife's heart + (now at last at home on mine), made me feel that the world was good, and + not a thing to be weary of. + </p> + <p> + Little more have I to tell. The doctor was turned out at once; and slowly + came back my former strength, with a darling wife, and good victuals. As + for Lorna, she never tired of sitting and watching me eat and eat. And + such is her heart that she never tires of being with me here and there, + among the beautiful places, and talking with her arm around me—so + far at least as it can go, though half of mine may go round her—of + the many fears and troubles, dangers and discouragements, and worst of all + the bitter partings, which we used to have, somehow. + </p> + <p> + There is no need for my farming harder than becomes a man of weight. Lorna + has great stores of money, though we never draw it out, except for some + poor neighbor; unless I find her a sumptuous dress, out of her own + perquisites. And this she always looks upon as a wondrous gift from me; + and kisses me much when she puts it on, and walks like the noble woman she + is. And yet I may never behold it again; for she gets back to her simple + clothes, and I love her the better in them. I believe that she gives half + the grandeur away, and keeps the other half for the children. + </p> + <p> + As for poor Tom Faggus, every one knows his bitter adventures, when his + pardon was recalled, because of his journey to Sedgemoor. Not a child in + the country, I doubt, but knows far more than I do of Tom's most desperate + doings. The law had ruined him once, he said; and then he had been too + much for the law: and now that a quiet life was his object, here the base + thing came after him. And such was his dread of this evil spirit, that + being caught upon Barnstaple Bridge, with soldiers at either end of it + (yet doubtful about approaching him), he set his strawberry mare, sweet + Winnie, at the left-hand parapet, with a whisper into her dove-coloured + ear. Without a moment's doubt she leaped it, into the foaming tide, and + swam, and landed according to orders. Also his flight from a public-house + (where a trap was set for him, but Winnie came and broke down the door, + and put two men under, and trod on them,) is as well known as any ballad. + It was reported for awhile that poor Tom had been caught at last, by means + of his fondness for liquor, and was hanged before Taunton Jail; but + luckily we knew better. With a good wife, and a wonderful horse, and all + the country attached to him, he kept the law at a wholesome distance, + until it became too much for its master; and a new king arose. Upon this, + Tom sued his pardon afresh; and Jeremy Stickles, who suited the times, was + glad to help him in getting it, as well as a compensation. Thereafter the + good and respectable Tom lived a godly (though not always sober) life; and + brought up his children to honesty, as the first of all qualifications. + </p> + <p> + My dear mother was as happy as possibly need be with us; having no cause + for jealousy, as others arose around her. And everybody was well pleased, + when Lizzy came in one day and tossed her bookshelf over, and declared + that she would have Captain Bloxham, and nobody should prevent her. For + that he alone, of all the men she had ever met with, knew good writing + when he saw it, and could spell a word when told. As he had now succeeded + to Captain Stickle's position (Stickles going up the tree), and had the + power of collecting, and of keeping, what he liked, there was nothing to + be said against it; and we hoped that he would pay her out. + </p> + <p> + I sent little Ensie to Blundell's school, at my own cost and charges, + having changed his name, for fear of what anyone might do to him. I called + him Ensie Jones; and we got him a commission, and after many scrapes of + spirit, he did great things in the Low Countries. He looks upon me as his + father; and without my leave will not lay claim to the heritage and title + of the Doones, which clearly belong to him. + </p> + <p> + Ruth Huckaback is not married yet; although upon Uncle Reuben's death she + came into all his property; except, indeed, 2000 pounds, which Uncle Ben, + in his driest manner, bequeathed “to Sir John Ridd, the worshipful knight, + for greasing of the testator's boots.” And he left almost a mint of money, + not from the mine, but from the shop, and the good use of usury. For the + mine had brought in just what it cost, when the vein of gold ended + suddenly; leaving all concerned much older, and some, I fear, much poorer; + but no one utterly ruined, as is the case with most of them. Ruth herself + was his true mine, as upon death-bed he found. I know a man even worthy of + her: and though she is not very young, he loves her, as I love Lorna. It + is my firm conviction, that in the end he will win her; and I do not mean + to dance again, except at dear Ruth's wedding; if the floor be strong + enough. + </p> + <p> + Of Lorna, of my lifelong darling, of my more and more loved wife, I will + not talk; for it is not seemly that a man should exalt his pride. Year by + year her beauty grows, with the growth of goodness, kindness, and true + happiness—above all with loving. For change, she makes a joke of + this, and plays with it, and laughs at it; and then, when my slow nature + marvels, back she comes to the earnest thing. And if I wish to pay her out + for something very dreadful—as may happen once or twice, when we + become too gladsome—I bring her to forgotten sadness, and to me for + cure of it, by the two words “Lorna Doone.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0209" id="linkimage-0209"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/703.jpg" width="100%" alt="703.jpg Tailpiece " /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lorna Doone, by R. D. 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