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diff --git a/old/53133.txt b/old/53133.txt deleted file mode 100644 index cd62cc7..0000000 --- a/old/53133.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8147 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The High Toby, by H. B. Marriott Watson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The High Toby - Being further chapters in the life and fortunes of Dick - Ryder, otherwise Galloping Dick, sometime gentleman of the - road - -Author: H. B. Marriott Watson - -Illustrator: Claude Shepperson - -Release Date: September 23, 2016 [EBook #53133] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HIGH TOBY *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Whitehead and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - THE HIGH TOBY - - - - - BY THE SAME AUTHOR - - - GALLOPING DICK - CAPTAIN FORTUNE - SKIRTS OF HAPPY CHANCE - THE ADVENTURERS - TWISTED EGLANTINE - - - - - [Illustration: BUT, BEING BY THE DOOR, HE SWEPT IT OPEN WITH A - MOVEMENT, AND BACKED INTO THE PASSAGE - - PAGE 292] - - - - - THE HIGH TOBY - - - BEING FURTHER CHAPTERS IN THE LIFE AND - FORTUNES OF DICK RYDER, OTHERWISE - GALLOPING DICK, SOMETIME - GENTLEMAN OF THE - ROAD - - - BY - H. B. MARRIOTT WATSON - AUTHOR OF "TWISTED EGLANTINE" - - - - - WITH A FRONTISPIECE BY CLAUDE SHEPPERSON - - - - - METHUEN & CO. - 36 ESSEX STREET W.C. - LONDON - - - - - _First Published in 1906_ - - - - - To J. M. BARRIE - - MY DEAR BARRIE,--It is all but twenty years since we were first - acquainted, for if we live till the spring of 1908, our friendship - will have reached its majority. Of those far-off days I cherish, as - I believe you do, a grateful memory. How many problems had we to - discuss, how many ideals had we to satisfy, and how much ambition - had we to fulfil! I think you, at least, have gone far to fulfil all - yours, who have written your name indelibly in the literature of our - generation. That name I am, after the long lapse of years, prefixing - to this book of stories, in the hope that they will interest you, and - as a testimony to the enduring quality of our friendship. - - Yours always, - - H. B. MARRIOTT WATSON. - - _January 1906_ - - - - - CONTENTS - - - PAGE - - UNDER THE MOON 1 - - THE DRAPER'S NIECE 26 - - MISS AND MY LADY 52 - - THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE 80 - - THE ATTACK ON THE CHAISE 121 - - THE GENTLEMANLY HABERDASHER 149 - - THE MAN IN BLACK 174 - - THE LADY IN THE COACH 197 - - THE TURTLE-DOVES 232 - - MY LADY'S RING 257 - - GALLOWS GATE 281 - - - - -THE HIGH TOBY - - - - -UNDER THE MOON - - -I ever had the name of one that kept to himself, nor was bedfellow to -none upon the high toby. 'Tis true enough that I have mixed in one -or two affairs with others of my kidney, but these were mainly in my -heady youth and when I was raw upon the pad, and the issues for the -more part were against me. For one, there was that business with Creech -about the King's treasure chests, the which came near to hanging of -us all through that toad, Timothy Grubbe. Indeed, I have never cared -to participate in any act that was not of my own devising, and there -was none on the road that I would ha' pinned my faith on--no, not even -old Jeremy Starbottle, that was hanged afore my time. For this reason -it was that I was used to avoid the Portsmouth Road, which, being so -greatly traversed, and so set with wastes and wilds, was pretty much -in favour with our gentry. I was often in the West, where my chief -quarry lay, or the North Road was that on which I beat; but, Lord! -there was no point nor parcel of these shires that knew me not at -one time or another, and I warrant I kept the officers all over the -country a-jigging. Yet I was once took for an affair near Petersfield, -and swore not to touch that road again, but to leave it to the scurvy -tiddlers that hold it. I came back, however, once after, and that was -upon a late December night, and when the moon was shining and the sky -alight and glistening. - -I had rode across from Alton with two bottles of good wine under -my jacket, and a pocket of gold guineas, and I was trotting across -Witley Common whistling of an air, very merry, and with no thought -but to come by town the easier, lying maybe by Guildford that night -in a cosy private tavern that I knew. Some imp of mischief shook me -up and cozened me that night, for I had no intent in the world but to -walk like a plain citizen or any talking parson. Yet what happens but -this--that I, like a sorry fool, spying of a coach that was running -down from the hills with a great clatter, and two postilions before, -set up a cry and a hulloa, and ere they or Dick Ryder himself was aware -of what he would do, why Calypso was alongside, I had gotten the reins -in my hands, and the nose of my pistol was through the window. - -The body of that coach trembled under a concussion of someone that -threw himself about within, but there came a voice on that. - -"Stay, Nick, you fool, and let's guess at where we are." - -"'Sdeath," says another voice, "I will run this fellow through." - -"Young man," says I, seeing the moon shine clear upon his face as he -peered through the window, "you know not with whom ye are dealing. -Heaven rest the soul of them that withstand Dick Ryder!" - -At that the other man puts his head to the window also and looks out. - -"Oh," says he, in a quiet voice, "so this is Captain Ryder! I ha' heard -some talk of you, Captain; your name has travelled." - -"Why, yes," said I, laughing, for this was no news to me; "you will -find it from the Quantocks to the Humber, and that with a significance. -I tell you, sirs, that Ryder spells terror to those that he chooses." - -"Well, then," says the second gentleman, eyeing me queerly, "we are now -to learn if Captain Ryder does so choose with us poor devils." - -"Stab me!" cries t'other, who was a hot young blood, "I will snick the -rogue through, Avory." - -"You will do nothing of the like, Nick," says he, sharply. "Would ye -peril our precious lives? Hear ye not that I have some inkling of this -gentleman's repute? Gad, I would keep my skin sound, so I would;" and -turning to me he smiled pleasantly, beckoning away my pistol that was -still directed on the window. - -"We are at your mercy, Captain," said he, coolly. "What prize guess you -that you have taken?" - -"Why," said I, "I give not a groat for prize or no prize. I do what I -list, and 'tis my whim to catch a pair of fine cocks thus." - -"Well," says he to the other, "I see we must needs open our pockets. I -thank Heaven that 'twas you won from me this evening; so I shall lose -the less." - -He was a tall fellow was this one, with a fair wig and two cold eyes, -and he spoke in an equable fashion, with neither a smile nor a frown -upon him. Yet he had clearly a command of the other, who prepared to -empty his pockets. This set me thinking. - -"What," says I to myself, "is amiss with this game cock that he will -not venture his spurs?" and I looked sharply on him. - -"Captain Ryder," says he, very deliberate, "there is on our bodies, as -I assure you as a gentleman, but ten poor guineas, scant alms for this -great office of yours, as I will admit." - -"Deliver," said I. "'Twill serve me for some madam in town as well as -you." - -"That is very true, Ryder," said he, bending his golden eyebrows at me. -"Yet consider this. Behind these fine apparels no doubt you will say -there is a stout purse somewhere. Ay, so it is. We are upon our way -to Godalming, where we lie at the Angel. What! D'ye suppose that any -gentleman of the Court would travel abroad so ill provided?" - -"What does this mean?" I asked bluntly, looking at both, but very wary; -for I trusted him not. - -"Look ye, Captain," he answered, showing his teeth, "I am in want of -some such brave fellow as yourself, and you shall choose between two -courses--whether to strip us of these few and paltry coins or to take -service for a noble sum." - -"There is some emprise you would do?" I asked surprised. - -"Nay, a very easy task," said he, airily, "but one to be well paid, I -warrant." - -"What price would you put on this job?" said I, considering. - -"I believe, Nick, there is one hundred guineas awaiting at the Angel, -is't not?" said he, turning to his fellow. - -He that was termed Nick nodded in a surly fashion. - -"'Tis a nice round bag," said I, "and what should be done for this?" -for I was sick of these approaches, and I liked him not. - -"I have a runaway wife," says he, with a faint smile. "Faith, Captain, -she is a madcap; she stalketh by day and by night, and she has taken -wings from her dear husband. I would have you to unite us again." - -I grinned on him, for I knew what this portended. "Sure this poor lady -must be clipped, but where?" I asked. - -"She rides from Midhurst," said he, "and doubtless will pass this way. -I had intended with this friend, who is so kind to give me sympathy -and his company--I had intended to have catched her myself and brought -her to a meeting. But, Captain, you will understand my feelings. My -emotions run. I am wax. She were best in your civil hands, that would -not imbrue themselves in hasty deeds. You will soothe and dissuade her, -I warrant, a man of your tongue. She needs but a sure hand and a cool -heart, which I dare not promise. I am disaffected by my passion. I -would use an instrument rather." - -Again I corresponded with him in a grin, for I guessed at what fellow -he was. - -"This is very well," said I, "but by your leave I would learn what -warranty have I of this payment." - -"You have the honour of Sir Gilbert Avory," said he. - -I knew him then for what he was, the greatest Cupid in the Court, and -one that stood at no hazards to boot. There were tales of this Sir -Gilbert, in sooth, upon every wench's tongue. But this was no business -of mine. - -"Very well," said I, "if 'tis a petticoat you are after I say no more. -Faith, I have been about them myself, and I know no greater zest in a -pursuit. 'Slife, your worship, I blame you not, and you shall come by -your own." - -"That is spoken with spirit," he answered, "and now there remains to -set you on your quarry. The coach has a green body, and the lady--my -lady that is--is crowned with a mass of red hair." - -"There was never a nut," said I, "given Dick Ryder but he cracked it i' -the jaw." - -"Then," says he, smiling civilly out of his broad face, "we have your -leave to depart." - -"Go in Heaven's name," said I, laughing, "and if I get not those -hundred guineas, call me catchpole." - -With that I drew off, and the coach rolled away, disappearing into the -shining distance; but I rode back a little distance until I had come -to the Half Moon tavern in the middle of that wilderness. Here I sat -for an hour or more, hob-a-nobbing with the landlord, and drinking of -mulled wine to keep me warm. There was no sound upon the roads in all -that time, so that I had grown to fear Sir Gilbert was mistaken, and -that the lady was gone another way. A little on eleven, however, there -comes a sound from far away, and the landlord sets his ear to the door. - -"'Tis a coach," says he, "and they drive fast." - -"They have a need," said I, with a yawn, "for 'tis growing late enough, -and indeed, 'tis time I was upon my road." With which I called on the -ostler for Calypso. By the time I was in the saddle, and standing ready -before the tavern in that great open space of the woods, the coach had -rolled up and fled past into the night with a huge clamour and the -groaning of axles and shrieking of postilions. But in that glimpse of -the lights I had seen that the body was of a greenish colour. - -I pulled Calypso out on the highway, therefore, and, taking to my -pistols, set her to canter sharply across the waste. The coach was -flying like a frightened pigeon, and the lights dwindled afore me, -shaking and rocking as they ran. But I was in no hurry, and fetched the -mare nearer, keeping her at an even distance. Then it seemed that some -suspicion took them, for the moonlight struck full upon me, throwing me -out like a black shadow a-riding on them. So the postilions heightened -their pace, plying their whips, and when that would not serve, they -began to call out, and turned the horses from the highway upon a track -that ran among vast and sombre pines. I cried to them to halt, but -the fools only increased their terror and their efforts, and the big -coach lurched and rumbled over the rough ground, crashing among the -branches of the firs, while the horses galloped and leaped in a panic. -I put spurs to the mare and went after them, cautiously enough, for the -road was darkened by the trees about it. Yet I drew nigh foot by foot, -being in no haste, for the wretches knew not whither they rushed. And -presently I heard a woman's voice calling angrily and calling loudly, -and then there was a stream of oaths from the postboys mingled with -some shrill screaming. I came out at that instant from the cover of -the firs, and there before me was the coach, sunk to its axles in a -marshy place such as are thereabouts, with the devil of a commotion in -progress. - -"What ado is this?" I cried, coming up and pulling in the nag. But at -that the screaming began again, and one of the postboys levelled a -pistol at me. "Put up that toy," said I, sharply, "or by the Lord I -will let light in your brains, you numbskull." - -"Jerry, do as the gentleman bids you," said a woman's voice out of the -coach, and looking in I saw plain enough that I had here what I wanted. -She was a slim-bodied girl with a great canopy of guinea-coloured hair, -her bosom moved quickly for all her brave voice. But that gave me a -kindly sense of her. - -"Who are you?" she says boldly enough, while the maid was still -whimpering by her. - -"Bless those red lips," says I, "but who should I be save one attracted -by your distress who is come to help you?" She regarded me doubtfully. -"Come," I went on, "let me give you a hand, mistress, for that pretty -face will ere long kiss the mud else, which is no business for it." - -She shrank away, but I took hold on her. "Come, come," said I, "by your -leave, pretty miss." - -She trembled, but she kept her face. "I will give you what you wish," -she answered. "Put no finger upon me. Here is my purse. You would not -rob my maid." - -"'Tis not your purse I want," said I, laughing, "but your person, my -dear." - -"Oh," she cried out in alarm; and then, "Had not these cravens refused -my commands we should be galloping into Milford and not thus at your -mercy." - -"I would ha' gone, not only to Milford, but to the gallows, for that -sweet face," I said, bowing. - -"What would you do with me?" she asked, now all of a flutter. "Know you -not that I am Mrs Barbara Crawford, wife to Mr Crawford of Grebe?" - -"Fie!" said I, laughing at her. "I would be ashamed at your years to -talk so! What does a chit like you know of wives?" - -She turned red, and then suddenly white, as I haled her from the coach, -struggling with me like a vixen. - -"Fire, Jerry, fire," she cried; but the lout was too frightened, and so -I flung her before me on Calypso, and, with a discharge of my pistol -through Jerry's hat as he fumbled with his blunderbuss, which set up -a new alarm, I got out of the marsh swiftly, and was soon striking -through the firs towards Milford. - -This Mrs Barbara, as she called herself, wrestled like Satan, but -presently came to be quiet, and, says she, in a cool voice,-- - -"I would sit up. Fear not; you have done your will with me." - -"There is spirit in this wench," said I, and I fetched her up on the -mare's crupper, where she sat, gaping out into the night. - -"You go by blind ways," said she next. "This is not the road." - -"Why," said I, "no, or that dulcet voice of yours would call louder -than I like. You may squeal, my pretty," says I, "but you are bound -upon what path your legs should go." - -"And what path is that?" she asked soberly. - -"'Tis where all women walk," I answered with a chuckle. "They know the -road. I have seen 'em ride that way in troops." - -"You have a generous knowledge of the sex," says she after a pause. - -"I ha' been in many circumstances," said I, "and I know a stark -wench--also, mark ye, I know when one kicks that would be fain." - -"I think you mistake me, sir," said she with dignity. "But whither are -we set?" - -"What you shall see that you shall see," said I, lightly, for I had an -acquaintance with women and knew what way was best to take them. - -"Sir," says she to me on that, "I have no doubt that you are a man of -honour." - -"Ay, so it is there you would tickle me?" I cried, laughing. "Gadzooks, -so I am, and one to keep my word whenever it is given." - -"Then 'tis given against me?" she said, after a moment's silence, and -very gravely. - -"Faith, but you talk too much," I cried, in an irritation at her -persistence. "You shall neither cajole nor trick me, and that's plain -enough for you. I have shut my ears afore to many pleading tongues -that wagged in dainty mouths. You are none so sweet as to dissuade me, -madam, fair though you be." - -She was silent again for a time, and then she spoke bitterly. "Ay," -said she, "yet 'tis my fairness that has pulled this ruin upon me." - -"Why, you gabble of ruin," said I, with a sneer, "as one that wears -the buskin. I warrant there is that in you that knows well enough and -laments not. I care not what ye think or what ye wish. You shall do my -will and no other." - -She made no answer, and now we were come to a hamlet upon the back -parts of Milford, where a stream ran under a bridgeway and by high -cliffs. 'Twas a place called Eashing. Here was an inn that I had once -visited, with an old goose-neck for a landlord, and, taking pity on Mrs -Barbara (if she were so called) and her white face, I stopped before -the door and, demanding to be shown into a privy room, led her thither. - -"You will have a glass of wine against your faintness," said I, -quickly, "but I will have no speaking. Raise your voice and you shall -learn the worst, and what it is to offend Dick Ryder." - -She said nothing, but sat very still and pallid, watching me with -fluttering eyes; nor would she take the wine I ordered. - -"Drink, my little cockatrice," said I, with command, and on that she -sipped at the liquor, making a pretence. - -A little after comes the innkeeper, and, staring on us, beckons me -forth with his finger. I stepped into the passage wondering what game -this might be, when says he, suddenly,-- - -"I recognise you, Captain. Yonder are fine feathers. A precious morsel -you ha' gotten somewhere," says he. - -"Oh, damn your words," says I. "D'ye suppose I left my home to hear -this muck?" - -"No, Captain," says he, lowering his voice, "but there has been a -pother on the heaths this past week, and the traps are about. There is -one or more in the room behind you." - -At that I whistled and thanked him. "I will put the wine in my gullet -and mizzle," said I, not that I cared for the traps, but 'twas safer -for the aim I was making. So I was not three minutes ere I was in the -saddle with the girl as before, and we were riding amain for Godalming. - -"You ride hard, sir," said she, presently; and when I made no answer, -for to say the truth I wanted no more of her voice, and the job for the -first time disaffected me, "I think I should say," she went on quietly, -"that when you were with the taverner there was one looked in upon me -from a further room." - -"Why d'ye say this?" I asked abruptly. - -"He was well armed," says she, "and there was another with him. I had -but to raise my finger," she says quietly. - -"Why did you not?" I asked in a surprise. - -"I knew nought of them," she answered; "and I know this of you, that -you are more honest than you seem, sir." - -At that I laughed, though I will confess the wench took me by her talk, -pretty parrot. "Well, you must know," I said, "that those were the -officers of the law who watched you, and they would ha' been glad to -lay hands on Dick Ryder." - -"It may be," she replied thoughtfully. "But I regret not. There is that -in your face I would rather trust." - -At that I pulled in Calypso. "Look you!" said I, "who are you, and what -do you here? I can get no ease of this puzzle. Are ye maid, saint or -sinner?" - -"Nay, but I am wife and maid, sir," says she, her face deepening with -colour; "I am the Mistress Barbara Crawford, that was wed this day at -Midhurst." - -"What!" cried I, "you are wed this day!" - -"Indeed," says she, "'tis so; and now am I stolen away and like to be -no longer what I am." - -"Where is your husband?" I asked sharply, fixing her with my eyes. - -"He was called away almost ere the marriage was finished," she answered -distressfully. "There was news brought of his father's illness, and he -rode off. Yet was he to meet me this night at Guildford." - -For a moment I was silent, for there leaped into my mind a notion -of what that rogue, Sir Gilbert Avory, was about, and then--for the -creature drew me compassionately, and she was but a chick for all her -steady face,-- - -"By Heaven," says I, "but this is to go beyond me. I spoil no proper -sport, not I; and you and your husband sup together to-night, I promise -you, so shall ye." - -She looked at me somewhat startled, but with a glow of colour on her -face. - -"I knew you were true, I knew you were true," said she, repeating it, -and seizing of my hand. - -"Oh, faugh," says I, "I am well enough," for it irked me to think for -what I had taken her all along. - -"Will you tell me," she asked in a hesitating voice, "who was it that -put you to this?" - -"You are welcome to that," I returned bluntly. "'Twas Sir Gilbert Avory -himself." - -She sighed. "So I had guessed," she said. "He has persecuted me a full -year, and no doubt 'twas he that drew off my husband." - -That, as I knew, was like enough, but there was no time to fall -discussing of Mr Crawford nor Sir Gilbert neither. The hour was late -and we must be pushing. - -"You will take me back?" says she, softly. - -I broke out laughing. "Lord no!" says I. "Bless your bobbing heart, -d'ye think you will find the coach still a-sticking in the mud?" - -"You will ride then to Guildford?" she asked with some diffidence, and -regarding me beseechingly. "'Twould try your generosity to do this for -me." - -"Ay," said I, "we ride for Guildford, but by way of Godalming." - -"What!" she cried, stricken with fear, "you would carry me where that -man lies!" - -"'Twas that very maggot was in my head, mistress," I said; for indeed I -had taken a notion to have the laugh of this same smiling _beau_. - -She clasped her hands, and would have appealed to me, but I broke in -sharply on that silly pate. "Faith, you must render yourself to me, or -I will none of it. I make my plans and so abide. You shall come off -with a sound skin, and cry 'pap' to your husband. Have no fears." - -To this soothing she said nothing, and presently we resumed our -journey, and, getting into the town, pulled up afore the Angel. It -was now close upon midnight, and there was but one light in the inn, -which shone from a room above. Mrs Barbara looked on me in alarm when -she saw this, but she still said nothing. As for me, I left the mare -standing--a trick she was used to--and pressed up the stairway with the -girl. It was not my design to seek Sir Gilbert Avory for the nonce, -as I had other work to do; but, as it fell, the matter was taken out -of my hands, for the man himself met us at the stair-head smiling and -courteous. - -"I give you welcome, madam," says he, bowing with ceremony. "There is a -chamber all prepared for you, and a warming supper. You must ha' gotten -a rare appetite with the winds." - -She returned him no word, but shrank away towards me; and says he to -me,-- - -"I fear my lady has lost her tongue i' the cold. You have had a rough -journey; but 'tis well done. I swear the lady was never in more careful -custody," and a little smile illumined his even features. - -As we had come upon him there was nought to do save to make the best of -the case, and though I will admit that at first I was put about I soon -recovered my wits, and entered the chamber with him, whence the light -shone, with some merry jest on my tongue. - -Here was a table spread very generously, and some wine heating by the -fire. - -"By the Lord," said I, "I am fain of good liquor." - -"You have earned it, Captain," says he, pouring forth a glass, but -keeping his eyes on the girl. - -I drained the glass. "And now," says I, "to business, Sir Gilbert." - -"Ay, to business, sir," says he, and, with a gentle motion of his -hands, he would have invited Mrs Barbara to an inner room. "These -coarse facts are not for a lady, Ryder," says he. - -"Seeing the lady is a main pawn in this business, by your leave she -shall stay," said I, with a laugh. - -"Why, yes," he says, controlling his lips into that little smile, "she -is certainly of chief importance. But I would rather call her Queen, -Captain." - -"Call her what you will," said I, bluffly. "'Tis all you shall do with -her, my master." - -He turned slowly from considering her, and gazed on me quietly. - -"Ha!" says he, without showing any perturbation, for he was a man of -spirit, and he must have suspected that something was wrong. "Here we -have a riddle for tobymen. What is the explanation, sirrah?" - -"Very simple," said I, grinning at him. "I ha' made the lady's -acquaintance, and ha' taken a fancy to her myself." - -He raised his eyebrows, while he looked from one to the other of us, as -though he would disentangle my real intention. - -"I fear me you have been drinking, Ryder," said he, pleasantly. - -"True," said I, "but none so deep as you think." - -"Would you go back on your bargain?" he asked, bending his brows on me. - -"Nay," said I, "I will take no unfair advantage of any man, huff or -Bishop. We shall stand both of us where we stood, you and I." - -"And where is that?" he asked as quietly as before. - -"Upon the heath," I answered. "I had you under my hands, you and -t'other, and there were ten guineas atween you, so ye said. Well," said -I, "I will have those guineas and cry quits with you." - -"Ten guineas, was it?" he says, considering--"ah, so 'twas. I would -not cheat you, Captain Ryder," and smiling softly he drew a bag from -his pocket. "I perceive you to be a man of honour," says he, equably. -"I love to do business so! Sure, if there were more such at Court! -Ten guineas, say you, Captain? Keep your tally," and he paid out the -pictures on the table afore him. - -I took them up with a nod, where I sat, but the girl, Mrs Barbara, -watched us from the distance, standing with her arm resting upon a tall -chair to support her. - -"Then here's your good health, Sir Gilbert," said I, wondering what -method he would take; for I was sure enough that he had a design -against me. - -"Now," says he, "we are quits, as you say; and that leaves us free, you -to go your way, and me to ask the offices of the law to recover that -which is stolen of me. Nick," cries he in a clear voice, and at the -word the young fellow's nose was through the door. "An officer from the -justice, Nick," he says. "I have been robbed," and smiled pleasantly in -my face. - -Now I will confess that this predicament had not occurred to me, for -to say the truth, I had a thought that he would fall on me with his -weapon, which I minded not, being as good a swordsman as ever any -chamber knight in town. And on that astonishment followed also these -sequels in my mind--that if so be he carried out the plan he had, I -should not only go to the jug, but he would have the wife that was -maid. This put me in a frenzy, yet I dared not attack him with Nick -outside, and I knew not what other also. So, very quickly making my -resolution, I broke out a-laughing, and said I,-- - -"You have me held, your worship, by Heaven you have. Yet I was but -jesting. Am I a fool to peril a hundred guineas for a chitty face? -Come, here are your ten guineas. Pay me down my price, and there stands -your madam for you." - -He cocked his eye on Mrs Barbara, smiling the while, as if pleased -with his victory, but mightily civil. - -"Madam," he says, "you will see that I have no responsibility in this -insult. 'Tis the gentleman's manner, no doubt. I can but think myself -fortunate to deliver you of his custody." - -But she stood where she was, white and fearful, throwing her troubled -eyes about; and part of her terror was no doubt feigned, but I think -that in part it was earnest. She knew not, poor wretch, what I would be -at. - -But, Lord love you, I had no fears. "The hundred guineas," says I, -"and I pray Mr Nick for witness," for I was resolved to get that young -bantam into the room forthwith. - -"Ho, Nick!" says Sir Gilbert, merrily. "Come in for a witness to me," -and in steps that young and elegant ninny, looking very sour and -sleepy. Sir Gilbert pulled out his bag and counted the money to me. -"'Slife," says he, with a frown, "'tis like the thirty pieces," and -then he shrugged his shoulders. - -I took 'em up one by one, and with the very movement in which the last -was taken to my pouch out slipped my sword, and,-- - -"Defend ye, defend ye," said I, "or I will run ye through. D'ye think -to get even with Dick Ryder, you fool, you?" - -Sir Gilbert started back and lugged out his iron, and Master Nick -leaped forward. - -"Let be, Nick, let be," says t'other. "The fellow shall have his way, -devil take him! He shall feed the crows some way." - -But in the course of my life I have never come upon any, save one, that -was more than the match of Dick Ryder, and so he soon found. For he -plied his point elegantly, but with no proper freedom; and presently -down comes I with my favourite twist and took him through the left -breast. He fell a-bleeding to the floor. - -"Curse you!" he cried and gasped. But Nick then sprang at my throat -with his weapon drawn; yet was I no such lambkin to be took unawares by -such a raw smooth-face. - -"What!" says I, "d'ye fancy that such as I will take thought to drill -holes in veal? Not I, young master, not I," and dodging his point I -drove the hilt of my rapier hard upon his forehead. He dropped like a -shot partridge; and giving neither any further thought I turned to the -lady. - -"Fly!" says I, "down the stairway, mistress, for I have not a blink of -wind more within me." - -She ran in terror, and I clattered after her, being afraid lest the -noise might have woke those in the inn. And so, indeed, it proved; for -when we were got into the road, where Calypso stood, a commotion broke -out behind us, and I heard Sir Gilbert's voice raised in angry oaths. -'Twas the work of a moment to set the lady on the mare and to leap -after her. Calypso has carried heavier burdens than that, yet she has -carried none so gallantly or so speedily. And thus it had grown to be -scarce one o'clock in the morning on that frosty night when we reached -Guildford in company, and drew up at the Red Lion. - - - - -THE DRAPER'S NIECE - - -'Twas late of night when I reached Wimbledon Common, out of the West, -where I had been patrolling the roads for some two months or more, and -with mighty little success, as it chanced that year. I love the West -Country, not only because I have, as a rule, found there fat pockets -jogging home untimely on a nag, or fine noblemen in rich chaises, -very proud but tender to pick, but I have also a sentimental leaning -towards that part, and that's the truth I will not deny. There is some -that hanker after the Great North Road, and boast that there is no -better toby-ground than 'twixt Stevenage and Grantham, while I have -even known 'em to set up Finchley Common or Hounslow for choice. Old -Irons, who never had much self-respect, and was not above turning -common crib-cracker if it so served him, was wont to go no further than -Finchley when he was lacking a goldfinch or two. - -"Sink me!" says he in my presence once to the landlord of the King's -Head, who spoke of his score there, "I will pay you to-morrow, and be -hanged to you!" The which he did, sure enough, by a visit to Finchley -and not so much as a charged pistol. That was never my way. I never -could abide such sport. Give me a creditable fellow that shows fight -and gives your wits some exercise. There's the true spirit in which to -take the life of the road. I would not give a pint of mulled ale for it -else. - -But the West is after my heart, being big and populous and swarming -with squires and comfortable warm folk. I know the North Road, and was -once very well known there myself, and celebrated on the Yorkshire -moors, a confounded cold, uncivil place. Indeed, there are few parts of -the kingdom I have not traversed in my time. Well, I was newly out of -the West that May night, but on this occasion in no very good humour, -as you may imagine, when I say that I had been forced to leave a belt -of guineas behind at Devizes--so close upon me were the traps. Indeed, -I was very nearly taken in the night, all owing to the treachery of an -innkeeper, roast him! 'Twas a fine, mild night, and I was for lying -in Clerkenwell at a house I knew, but I had reached no further than -Roehampton Lane, when of a sudden I reined in, for I remembered an inn -there that I had sometimes used, and, to say the truth, I was thirsty. - -"Well," thinks I, "maybe I will lie here and maybe not. I will let -fortune decide," and I was turning the mare into the lane, when -something comes up quick in the thick of the darkness, and rushes upon -Calypso's rump. - -The mare started and backed into the hedge, and I raised my voice and -cursed, as you may guess. - -"Why," says I, "you toad, you muckrake, you dung-fork--" and the Lord -knows where I should ha' gotten to if a gleam of white in the blackness -had not in that instant disclosed to me the blunderer. 'Twas a woman, -or, at least, a slip so young and silly that maybe she should not be so -styled; and I had no sooner made that out and ceased in the middle of -my objurgations, than I made another discovery. It was her voice that -did it, for no doubt she was mightily in terror, seeing me so wrathful -and the night being so black and lonely. - -"Oh, sir," she calls in a trembling voice, "I did not see--I--" and -here she broke a-weeping. - -Well, Dick Ryder is not the man to stand by while a pretty woman weeps -(for I could have sworn she was pretty enough), and so down I popped -off Calypso and approached her. - -"Why," said I, "I love not to see a miss like you in tears, and as for -my words, pray forget them. I thought you was some blundering, hulking -bully that was meat for my bodkin, or my whip, if no more. But as it -is," says I, "there's no more ado. So dry your eyes, my dear, for I am -no ogre to eat pretty children." - -"Oh," she says, with a gulp, "I was not afraid of you. I only feared I -had angered you justly." - -"Oh!" I said, trying for a look at her face in the darkness. "Why, I -see you are a very brave girl, for sure. That I'll swear you are. And -if those pearly drops be not for me, why, I should like to know what -opened the wells, my dear? and then I will see if you have broken the -mare's leg with your onset, and get on to bed like any honest, sober -man that leaves the witching hours to maids and misses and innocent -children, as is only right and proper." - -I do not suppose the girl took me, for women have but scant -appreciation of irony, but she spoke glibly enough. - -"I--I am thrown out into the night, sir!" she cries. "I have nowhere to -go!" - -Now you may imagine how this touched me, and what I felt; but she was -innocent as a lamb and as foolish, as you might detect from her voice, -to say nothing of her face, the which I saw later. So I considered a -moment. - -"That's just my case," said I. "And I was going to wake up some fat -villain, to take me in and sup me. But," says I, "if you will find me -the particular villain, fat or lean and cock or cockatrice, that has -thrown out a ba-lamb like you, miss, well, 'tis he or she I will have -awake and out, and something more beside, rip me if I don't!" - -I had put her down as a child from her stature, which was small, -and her body, which was slight, but I was to be undeceived in that -presently. - -"'Tis my uncle," she sobbed. "He has shut the door on me. He will not -let me in. He vows he has done with me." - -"Maybe," said I, "he has some cause for his anger. But uncles are not -hard masters even to young misses that know not the world nor their own -minds." - -"Nay," she says, "he has a reason for his anger, and he will not -relent. He has threatened me before, and he is full of burning fury. -He will not have me back," she said in a voice of hesitating timidity; -and, seeming of a sudden to have taken in the shame of her situation, -she began to withdraw into the night. - -"Not so fast, young madam," said I, "you have broken my mare's leg, I -believe, and I must have a talk with you. What's the reason?" says I. - -She paused, and then in a tremulous quick voice said, "He will not hear -that George Riseley shall marry me." - -"Oh, ho!" said I, "I begin to smell powder. And he has turned you out -of doors?" - -"No," she faltered. "He would not admit me." - -"I begin to see beyond my nose," I said; "you were walking with this -George, and returned late?" She hesitated. "Why, come," I said, -rallying her, "I'd ha' done the same myself, although you would not -credit it of a prim and proper youth like me. You was back late?" - -"Yes," says she in a low voice. - -"Well," said I, "old hunks shall take you in, never fear; so come along -of me, and show me where Nunky lives and fumes and fusses." - -At that I threw Calypso's bridle over my arm, and began to go along the -road, the little miss walking by my side, something reluctant, as I -guessed, but cheering as she went. Her uncle, says she, was a draper -in the city with a good custom and a deep purse, while this George was -but a 'prentice with small prospects. - -"Well, I have no prospects myself," said I, "but I warrant I can get -what I want in the end. 'Tis the same with George. Let him worry at it -as a dog a bone. I'll wager he is a handsome fellow to have taken a -pretty girl's eyes." - -"He is very handsome," says miss, with enthusiasm; "and he is the best -judge of calico in the city." - -"Damme!" says I, smacking my thigh as we walked on together quite -friendly, "damme! that's the lad for my money, and I don't wonder at -you," said I. - -Whereat, poor chit, she brings me forth tales of her blessed George's -goodness and estimable virtues, and how his master trusted him, and how -his neighbours loved him. - -"Well," I said, "best let 'em not love him too much, or maybe this -paragon will slip you." - -And on that she came to a halt, and falling very tremulous again, -pointed at a house. - -"'Tis my uncle's," she says, "but there are no lights and he is gone to -bed." - -"So shall you," said I, and forthwith went up and banged upon the door. - -Now I could guess very much what had happened in that house, and how -old hunks had taken a fit of choler and, choking on it, had sent his -niece packing for a peccadillo. To be sure she was out over-late for -virtuous maids, but what's a clock in the balance with lovers' vows? -And if any was to blame, 'twas this same George that should have been -swinged, not pretty miss like a dove. Thought I to myself--old hunks -slams the door in an Anabaptist frenzy, and, presently after, while -setting on his night-cap and a-saying his prayers, remembers and -considers what a fool he is, and how the girl is under his authority -and malleable, and that he has pitched her into the roads to come by -what she may on a lone night. What does that come to, then, but this, -that Nunky sits uneasy, and a-tremble at the first knock, and ready to -open and take miss to his arms? Well, I was right about the readiness -to open, but as for the rest you shall hear. - -The door comes open sharply, and there was an old fat fellow with a -candle in his hand, glaring at me. - -"Who are you?" says he, for my appearance took him by surprise. - -"Well," says I in a friendly way, "I'm not Old Rowley, nor am I the -topsman, but something in between, and what that is matters nothing. -But I found a poor maid astray on the heath, and have taken the liberty -to fetch her home safe and secure." - -He pushed his head further out, holding the candle so as to throw the -light into the road. "It's you, Nelly!" said he, sharply. "Have I not -said I have done with you? Go to your lover, you baggage!" and he made -a motion to pull to the door, but my foot was inside. - -"Softly," said I, "softly, gaffer. This is your niece, I believe," -nodding over my arm to miss. - -"Well," he snarled, "as she is mine and not yours I can do what I like -with her." - -"Oh! is that how the wind blows?" said I. "Then, sink me! but I shall -have to go to school again to learn morals. But there is one thing -I have no need to learn again, and that's how to knock sense and -discretion into a thick head," said I, meaningly, and at the same time -I threw the bridle over Calypso's ears and stood free before the old -villain. - -He looked at me a moment, the flame of the candle wagging before his -face, and the grease guttering down the candlestick. "You do not -understand, sir," he said in a quieter voice. "I have to give my niece -lessons; I have to teach her by severity; but since it is probable that -she has been sufficiently frightened by this night's adventure, and -come to reason, let her enter." And so saying, he stepped back and held -the door wide. - -That he was of a savage, uncontrollable temper was evident, but I had -not reckoned with the old bear's cunning, and I vow I was to blame -for it. So old a hand as Dick Ryder should not have been caught by -so simple a trick. Yet he was miss's uncle, and how was I to suspect -him so deeply? At anyrate, the facts are that, on seeing him alter so -reasonably, and step back with the invitation on his lips and in his -bearing, I too stepped back from the doorway to leave way for miss to -enter. Then of a sudden bang goes the door to, shaking the very walls -of the house, and a great key is turned on the inside, groaning rustily. - -I will confess I felt blank, but I recovered in a moment, when out of -the window above the old rascal stuck his head. - -"Let her go back to her lover!" he says with a sneer. "Or maybe you can -take her yourself. I want no soiled pieces in a Christian house," and -then the head was withdrawn, the window shut tight, and the house was -plunged in darkness. - -You may suppose how this usage annoyed me, who am not wont to be -treated in so scurvy a fashion, or to come out of any contest so -shabbily. I was, on the instant, for flying at the door and employing -barkers and point forthwith, but it is not wise to leap too soon with -your eyes shut, and so I held my temper and my tongue, only showing my -teeth in an ugly grin as I turned to Mrs Nelly. - -"Why," says I, "the old buck has said the truth. And there is something -in his whimsies after all. It seems that George and I must fight or -toss for you, my dear." You must remember that I had not seen her face -all this time, for all the streaming candle the old gentleman carried, -but I gathered that she was in distress from the note of her voice, -which trembled. - -"You cannot mean it, sir," she cried, and shrank away into the -darkness, whence I caught the noise of sobbing. - -"Why, bless you, child," said I, touched at the exhibition of her -weakness and innocence, "such chitterkins as you are no meat for me, -pretty as you be, I'll swear. No, you're for George, or may I perish! I -would as leave mishandle a sucking babe as pink-and-white-and-fifteen; -so I would, child." - -"Sir," says she, staying her tears, and speaking with an air of -dignity, vastly entertaining, "I am past eighteen." - -"Well," says I, "if you are so old as that, I would I had a mother like -you, granny. But as for old Suet yonder, rip and stab me if I do not -pay him back in gold coin before two hours is out! And in the meantime -you come along with me, grandam." - -I think she was confused and fluttered to be so addressed, not -understanding my sarcasm; but she followed me obediently, not having -any ideas of her own, poor soul. I led the way towards Roehampton, -where I had made up my mind she should lie meanwhile in the care of a -wench I knew at the inn. I was fashioning in my mind a plan for the -confounding of the old tub-of-lard as I went, for I never lose time, -but am speedy at my aim; yet all the same I talked with miss pretty -jovial, for she was a shrinking slip of a girl who was beginning now to -get scared, and no wonder. When we were got to the tavern I came into -the tap-room and called out for Costley, who had the house then, but is -since dead of good liquor; and out runs he in his apron, with a lively -face, for he was in a merry state enough, the hour being late. - -"What, Dick Ryder!" says he in surprise. - -"Yes, 'tis Dick Ryder!" says I; "and he wants a bed along of Sally for -a little madam, and supper for both." - -"A madam!" he calls out, and laughs broadly. "'Tis unexpected orders, -Captain," says he. "At least 'tis put in an amazing odd way. But," he -cries out, bursting with his news, "Old Irons is here!" - -"What! that old damber," said I, annoyed, for I was no friend to Old -Irons. - -"Yes," said he, eagerly, "you'll sup along of him?" - -"Damme, I won't!" said I. "I want no cutpurses in my company." - -"Come, Captain," says he, protesting, for he had a fear of me, and knew -of my repute on many roads. "Fair play and equality in a trade," says -he. - -I was on the point to give him the rough edge of my tongue--for it was -like his impudence to try cozening me--when down the stairs into the -passage came a man, walking very stiffly, and with his head in the -air. I stopped at once, for I knew not who he might be, and down he -stepped into the light, showing a foppish sort of a face, hair very -particularly curled, and a becoming dress. No sooner did I clap eyes -on him than I knew what kidney he was, and that he was not worth two -blinks of the ogles, as they say. So I turned my back on him and was -beginning on Costley again, when I was surprised by the girl's voice -crying out from the entrance behind me. - -"What the devil?" says I, flying about, for I thought she was insulted -maybe by some of Costley's fellows, and I ran to the door. But there -was she with her arms about the neck of this Jack-a-dandy. - -"What's this, miss?" said I, beginning to think there was some truth -in old Nunky's words after all; and at that she stepped into the inn, -in her excitement, and I saw her plainly for the first time. Lord! -there was nothing in her face that would not have convinced any Court -at Old Bailey forthright. She was prettily handsome, like a doll that -turns eyes up or down and smiles out of pink cheeks, in which were two -dimples mighty enticing. Up she comes in a rush, almost breathless, and -breaks out to me,-- - -"'Tis he; 'tis he, sir!" - -"Who the devil is he?" said I, sharply. - -"'Tis Mr Riseley," she says, somewhat abashed. "He has been supping -here, and is setting forth for his lodging." - -"I commend his discretion," I said dryly; "an excellent good place for -supper, so it is, specially for young bloods like that. Well," says I, -"since you're content, as it seems, I will leave you and young Cupid, -and be about my business." - -At that she looked dumbfounded. "But--" she begins, stammering, and -paused. - -I threw a glance at Riseley, who stood by with an air something 'twixt -arrogance and uneasiness. I plumbed his depths, for I have come across -many such as he in my time--fine feathers enough and nothing behind -'em. But it was true that the coxcomb's appearance did not better her -case, beyond the titillation of mutual affection; so I considered, and -the idea I had taken suddenly bloomed forth in my mind. There was Old -Irons, and here were we. I could have laughed aloud to think how I was -for binding all the threads in one, to say nothing of Nunky's, on the -Common. So I turned about to Costley. - -"I was wrong," says I; "I will do Captain Irons the honour to sup with -him, and this young gentleman, I make no doubt, will join me." - -"I beg your pardon--I--I have supped," he stammered. - -"'Tis a friend," I heard her whisper: "if it were not for him I know -not what must have happened to me." - -"Well," says I, "miss here will sup at anyrate," at which I saw his -colour move. - -"I will take the pleasure myself to keep you company, sir," said he, -and forthwith we marched into the room. Here was Old Irons, rude, -jovial, and blatant as ever, but happily not too far gone as yet. He -stared at my guests hard enough, but seemed to be at a loss what to -make of them or how to deal by them. So that he was for a time pretty -silent, casting glances of perplexity at me and frowning, as if he -would invite me to say what I was doing. He was drinking, however, of -humpty-dumpty, which soon loosened his tongue. - -"What cock and pullet have ye got here, Dick?" says he in a loud -whisper. - -"Friends of mine," says I. - -"Oh!" says he, and stared; then passed off into a chuckle, with his -eyes twinkling on miss; at which my apprentice in the fine clothes, not -knowing, poor fool, what sort of man he had to deal with, fired up and -demanded haughtily why he laughed at a lady. But Irons only roared the -more, paying no more heed to him than if he were a babe in arms. - -"Shut your mouth!" says I to him, seeing the girl's colour fly about. - -"Why," says he, on the grin still, "you've turned Anabaptist, Dick. -What fad's this? I will say it's as toothsome and sweet mutton as--" - -"If you close not your cheese-trap," said I, sharply, "I will take -leave to do it for you with my pistol-butt." - -At that Old Irons stared at me, for he was never very quarrelsome save -in his cups, and he had a respect for me. "Captain," says he, "don't -go for to say you're going to commit assault on Old Irons, and shut -his pretty peepers for ever. I'll warrant this pretty lady would be -affrighted by it, and the gentleman too, rip me! when they see Old -Irons a-lying in his gore--" - -"Oh," says I, impatiently, "have done and pull up, for I maybe shall -want you afore the day comes." - -"Now that's like Dick Ryder's own self," said the old fool, and feigned -to wipe a tear from his eye and regain his spirits. He whistled a -snatch, and called for more ale and brandy, which was his favourite -drink. - -"I will now proceed to deliver a toast, Captain," says the dirty old -rogue, holding his beaker up and ogling towards miss. "Here's to the -beauty of Roehampton--rip me! no--of Putney Heath to Kingston! Toast me -that, Dick." - -I let him drink his toast, for I did not wish to thwart him too much -in view of what I intended later, and he continued in a wheedling -tone to address the girl, asking if she was not the Duchess of this -or my Lady that, and feigning to inquire after his friends at Court -in a mincing, fashionable voice that was grotesque to hear. But at -last I stopped him, for I thought it was time to come to business, and -moreover, Old Irons had taken enough within his jacket for my purpose. - -"Irons," says I, "a man of heart and tenderness like you would be all -agog to do service to a young lady that was in trouble," and I winked -at him meaningly across the table. - -"Service!" says he, starting up, "why, I've just been pining, Dick, all -this time for you to come to it. 'What's Dick got?' says I to myself, -and says myself to I, 'Maybe (and I hope) he will be for letting me -strike a blow in behalf of youth and beauty?' Stab me, Dick! those was -my very words to myself." - -"Well," said I, bluntly, "you shall have your wish, old man, and this -young gentleman too, who I see is regularly jumping for to join us." - -"I--I know not what you mean," stuttered the peacock. "Having supped, -and being called on to retire to my lodging, which is far hence, I -will take the opportunity to thank you, sir, for your hospitality, and -begone." - -Now at that I was only confirmed in the opinion I had formed of him as -nothing but a cur of no spirit: for here he was willing--nay, anxious, -to fly off and leave his lady in the hands of those whom he knew not, -with never a roof to cover her. He had taken a fear of Irons, maybe, or -perhaps his suspicion was due to my masterful air. But I was not going -to let him escape that way, specially as he was part of the plot I was -laying against old Nunky. So I put my hand on his shoulder. - -"Sit down," said I, cheerily. "You must not begone till you have put -something inside of that brave coat of yours. Moreover," says I, "here -is a lady in trouble, and if I read your honest face aright, you are -not the man to leave a poor maid in the lurch--not you." - -"Rip me, no!--he's a brave young gentleman. I can see it in his -cheeks," chuckled Old Irons. - -"I--I do not know what can be done," said the other, in confusion. "I -am willing to help in any way. But her uncle refuses--" - -"Well," said I, looking on him attentively, "you may be thankful that -you have met one who, however inferior in courage, does not need to cry -mercy to your wits. For here's my plan, plain and pat," and I gave it -them, there and then. It had come into my head as I walked along the -road with Mrs Nelly, but I had the whole form perfect only when I had -encountered the apprentice and heard Irons was in the tavern. Old Irons -and I were to make an entry into the house, and the peacock was to make -the rescue, by which means, as you will see, the way would be cleared -for Nunky's reconciliation with his niece's choice. But no sooner had I -told them than cries the peacock, stammering,-- - -"But--but--I could not--'tis not seemly. I will be no party. 'Tis time -I was gone home." - -"Oh, very well," says I, "then we will adventure without you, and 'tis -I will rescue miss from Old Irons." - -The girl's eyes lighted up. "You will do it, George?" says she, -beaming. "I believe it will convince my uncle of all that I have said -of you." - -He hesitated, and being pushed into the corner, knew not what to say. - -"But," says he in a troubled voice, and glancing from Old Irons to -me, and from me to Old Irons, anxiously, "I do not know who these -gentlemen are. I--" - -"Sink me!" says Old Irons in a cozening voice, "d'ye think we are -really on the toby? Why, bless you, young master, we are both noblemen -in disguise, so we are, and would think shame of this job if it were -not to make an honest girl come by her own. We're only a-posing as -crib-crackers," says he. - -"George!" says the girl, in a voice of soft entreaty that would have -persuaded a topsman. - -"No good will come of it," said he with an air of protest. "'Twill -fail," and he cast up his eyes in despair. - -"Agreed like a brave lad!" said I, clapping him on the back; "and you -shall drink to us and success," with which I filled him up a pot of -humpty-dumpty, well laced. - -He drank and coughed, but the compound mounting in his blood, fired -him presently, so that he began to talk lightly and proffer advice and -boast of what he would do and what part he would take. - -"Why, yes," says Old Irons, "a pistol clapped at the head, and bang -goes the priming, out flows the red blood. Sink me! there you are, -as cold as clay, and with no more life in you than in a dead maggot. -'Slife! here's a jolly boy, Dick, that is handy with his barker, I'll -vow." - -But I stopped him ere he went too far, and he and I prepared the -arrangements. We left miss behind in Sally's charge with strict -instructions, and 'twas nigh three before we reached the house. There I -set the popinjay outside the window to shiver, pot-valiant, until so be -the time should come, while Irons and I went to the back of the house -and made scrutiny of the yard. There was little trouble in the job, -as it chanced, for Irons is skilled in the business, which I should -scorn to be, holding it for a scurvy, mean-livered craft, unworthy of -a gentleman. But I was committed to it for this occasion only, and so -was resolved to go through with it. Irons fetched out his tools and got -to work; and in a short time we were through the window of the kitchen, -and Irons with his glim was creeping up the stairs. But he stopped -half-way and whispered back to me--as if he had only then recalled -something. - -"What ken's this?" he asked, using his cant word. - -"Why, an honest merchant's house," said I, "and he traffics in -calicoes." - -"Look ye, Dick Ryder," says he, sitting down on the stairs, "I may be -dullard, but rip me if I know how you stand in this!" - -"Why," says I, "you need only know where you stand, Irons, and that's -pretty sure. You know me." - -He stared at me a moment, and then said he, "Well, I'll empty old Nunky -of his spanks, and we'll settle afterwards," and he resumed his journey. - -Now, what I had arranged with the apprentice was that I should knock -upon the window when the time was come, at which he would spring in -with cries of alarm and fury, falling upon the rascals that had dared -break into the merchant's house. At which Irons and I were to make off, -and the old gentleman, rising in terror from his bed, should discover -us in flight, and his deliverer George, full-armed, in possession. Yet -it did not fall out quite in this way, owing, as I believe, to Old -Irons's muddled head and his stopping on the stairs. - -At anyrate, we were no sooner come to the hall, after Irons had visited -two rooms, than we were surprised by the figure of the old gentleman -moving down the staircase in his night-dress and a large blunderbuss in -his hand. - -"Stand!" says he, seeing Irons in the faint light. "Stand, rogue, or I -fire!" - -Old Irons uttered a curse, and, edging into the shadows, put up an arm -to slip the catches of the window. But his knuckles fell on it with a -rap as he withdrew the catch, and immediately after there was a loud, -shrill cry, the window fell open, and there was our peacock in the -midst, calling in his falsetto,-- - -"Surrender, or I will blow a hole in you! Surrender, by--!" - -I could have broken out laughing at the sight, only the situation -promised to grow risky. For Old Irons, taken aback at this, and never -very particular when on his lay, jumped up sharply and smashed at -t'other with his pistol-butt; while, to make confusion worse, the old -man in the night-cap let off his blunderbuss. Such a screeching arose -as would have astonished a churchyard of ghosts, for the truth was, -old Nunky hit George somewhere in his hinderparts, and simultaneously -down came Irons's blow on his head. That set his finger to work on the -trigger of the pistol I had given him, and ere I was aware, something -had took me in the big toe, and set me cursing. - -"Here!" says I, grabbing Old Irons in the darkness, for he was ready to -destroy both in his wildness, "this is no place for a tender-hearted -chicken like you or me. We're no match for savage fire-eaters like -these. We'd best go," and I dragged him through the window and we made -off together. When we reached the inn, I called out the girl. - -"What has happened?" she cried eagerly. - -"Well," said I, "I think you had best walk home sharp. I'll wager Nunky -will be calling for you presently to reward a gallant youth that has -risked his life for to save him." - -Her eyes glistened, and, Lord! I believe the poor fool thought her -George _had_ been brave. She clasped her hands. "Oh, I must thank you, -sir!" she cried. - -"Nay, never thank me," said I, "for, if I mistake not, Old Irons has -taken thanks for us both, and would have had more if it had not been -for young Jack-a-dandy." - -"Split him!" cries Old Irons. "I would I had hit him harder." - -"Hit!" she cries, and clutches at me. - -"Nay, never fear," I said. "'Twas not Irons, but Nunky's blunderbuss. -Faith, he took both wounds like a lamb. I would I had his courage, and -was to be comforted like him. But he is in no danger." - -"Oh, sir!" says she, gratefully, and if she were fool she was pretty -enough, and her innocence touched me, for she had scarce understood -anything of what we spoke. - -"But run home," says I, "and I'll warrant you'll find him a-rubbing of -his head, and Nunky a-hugging him for joy and gratitude." - -But even ere I had finished she was gone, flying lightly into the grey -of the coming dawn, and, as I heard afterwards from Costley, what I -had forecast was pretty accurate. But I had finished with miss then, -and the next business was to divide with Old Irons. 'Twas the first -time that I had ever engaged in a job with him, and I vow 'twill be -the last; so scurvy was he in the partition. But, then, I had always a -detestation of so ungentlemanly a game as cracking cribs. - - - - -MISS AND MY LADY - - -There are few people that can truly say they have tricked Dick Ryder, -and fewer still can say that in the end he did not wriggle out of his -predicament (whatsoever it might be) and turn the tables on them. Yet -of these few one, I will confess, was a woman, and a woman I had eyes -for, though I am not fool enough to cast my wits away for a petticoat. -I have always admired spirit in the sex, but there is a point at which -it degenerates into vice, and of such shrews or vixens I wish any man -joy. They are good to be beat if you be so inclined, but for myself I -have never taken up stick, lash, or fist against any woman, and never -would so long as I am free of the topsman. - -The adventure happened when I was by Maidstone in the summer of 1683, -coming up from Dover very merry. I had ridden round from Deal and lain -at the Crown in Dover the night before, and I warrant I had made the -people of the inn open their eyes with what tales I told of Court and -Old Rowley and affairs of State. I cannot say why, but all the way -from Deal to London I seemed possessed of a devil that would wag me, -whether I willed it or not. I am not used to be so precipitate, but -'twas as if a cask of French brandy had gotten into my brains and set -'em a-quarrelling. At least, I was gay-headed and recked of nothing. -Not that I care for any risk or peril under the sun if it be necessary; -but this was to go rollicking, with the gait, so to say, of a drunken -man, whistling on danger and leering at fate--a mighty foolish thing to -do for any man. There is no question but I would not have fallen into -that blunder by Leeds Castle if I had been in any other mood. But there -it was--the devil was in me, as I say. - -I pulled out of Dover pretty late, and with a parting wave of my hand -at as sweet a kinxiewinsy as I have seen, I started on the London Road -in good temper and good fettle. But ere I had gone a mile or so, I came -up with a little fat, dark fellow that had been at the inn and had -listened agog to my tales. It was, "Lord, sir, say you so?" and "Bless -me, I would not ha' believed it!" and then again, "Save us, what shall -we hear next?" Well, this little black man, as it seems, was steward, -or factotum, or what-ye-may-call-it to my Lady Dane, who, also, as it -seemed, had lain at Dover overnight, having crossed in a packet from -France, and was on her way to Winchester by Reigate and Guildford. The -fellow was not given to talking, but more to listening, with his "bless -me-s," but he was a simple rustic, and you may fancy that I led him on -so that he opened his mouth as wide as I my ears. For this Lady Dane -was a rich widow (so he said), and, moreover, a woman that was greatly -besought in marriage by many suitors of all degrees, and both for her -looks and her money. 'Tis not I that would blame any man that saw his -chance to seize beauty and booty alike together. 'Tis the worst of it -that they generally go singly--at least, to judge by what I have seen -of fine ladies. Well, says the little black man, my Lady Dane was on -a journey to her home on the Itchin in the company of her niece, that -was daughter to the late Sir Philip's brother, and he was going afore -to prepare for them at Maidstone, as they were not yet started. It -seemed that my lady had property in Maidstone, and was for giving a -water-fountain to the town in her kindness. - -"My lady," says he, puffing himself out, "rises late, like any lady of -the Court." - -"Why," said I, "she must be a rare fine woman--that she must, from -your accounts. I would like to clap eyes on her, so that I might -compare her with the beauties;" for he was the most obsequious in -praise of his mistress that ever you heard, and vexed my soul. "And the -niece," says I, "would be pretty handsome too." - -"The niece!" says he, with a gesture of contempt, waving his hands in a -foreign way in imitation of what he had seen in France, and thus nearly -falling off his nag. "Oh! the niece is well enough," says he, and -recovered himself carefully. "_Je ne sais quoi_," says he, and shook -his head with a mighty knowing look. "She would do pretty well, but not -in a capital, not in Paris or London, where there is need always of the -most elegant style. You, sir, with your knowledge of cities, know that. -You have the air." - -It tickled me to see the little fool a-sitting uneasily on his big -horse, with his toes cocked out on each side, looking for all the world -like a radish that would split as he bobbed and bounced up and down -upon the saddle, and mimicking foreign airs and tongues and manners as -if 'twere natural to him. But I kept a grave face until I had gotten -out of him what I wanted, by which time 'twas late in the afternoon -(for we had ridden together all the way), and we were within ten -miles of Maidstone. So I bade him good-bye and good-luck, for he was -not worth any gentleman wasting his hands on, and, turning the mare up -a lane, left him to pursue his way to Maidstone alone. But a mile or -so along the lane I pitched on a wayside tavern, where I took leave -to rest and refresh the mare and myself while waiting; for, from what -I had gathered from the steward, the lady would make no start before -twelve, in which case she would not be in Maidstone before six at the -least. So there I sat and waited, with never a companion, and not even -a serving-wench to clack tongues with. A little before six I rode down -and came into the Maidstone highway near by Leeds Castle, where the -moat was shining in the descending sun, and the pastures spread very -ample and green to the heights beyond. I waited there for an hour in a -convenient copse, and in the end got very tired. - -"Damme!" says I, with a yawn, "this Mother Beauty has overslept herself -for certain, and will save her jewels after all;" for I was in no mood -to wait until the next day for the chance, being due in London. There -was the lake, first gleaming with the sun, then with long shadows -afloat and stretching, and at the last plunged in vacant blankness. -This was near upon twilight, and I was for cursing myself as a fool -to attend upon the whims of a woman, when there was the sound in the -distance of rumbling wheels, and I pulled Calypso out and waited by the -grassy border of the road. - -'Twas not long before the chaise came up, rolling in a dignified way -down the hill, and speaking of wealth and consideration in every spoke -and appointment. There was the coachman with his fellow beside him, and -two spirited horses, and, if you please, by the lackey was a huge and -bell-mouthed blunderbuss, like a brass viol. I could ha' yelled for -laughter at the sight of them and their brave preparations. Rip me! -what a formidable array 'twas, with two gallant fellows in livery, all -ready to blow the soul out of such as Galloping Dick and his kidney! -Why, the first time I ever clapped peepers on 'em I could see that -there was no fight in them. So I put the mare right across the way and -waited. The twilight was come now, and the coachman called out to me to -stand aside. - -"Are you drunk?" says he, as he draws up of necessity. - -"No," says I; "I am only a poor fellow that's thirsty and tired of -waiting on you, and would like to be drunk," said I. - -"'Tis a 'wayman!" shouted t'other lackey; and pulled up his -blunderbuss. But I put the point of my sword in his wrist, and he -dropped it with a howl. - -"What's this?" now cried a voice from the interior of the chaise; and, -pushing the mare to the window, I looked in. There was the lady, sure -enough, of whom the little fat man had spoke; and he had been right -about her looks, for in her anger she was mighty handsome. But her -companion, that was the niece, according to the steward, was by no -means what he had suggested, being a tall girl of a delicate beauty, -with a gentle kindness in her eye, very becoming to modest virginity. -My lady was in a storm of anger. - -"Who are you?" she said furiously. - -"Why," said I, "I know not if 'tis of consequence to your ladyship to -discover who it is or who it isn't that rumpads you, so long as you be -rumpadded; but if it be any convenience to you, why, set me down in -your accounts as Galloping Dick of the Roads, and debit me with what -you will," says I. - -"You would rob me?" said she, looking at me sharply, and, as I could -see, controlling herself with an effort. - -"Your ladyship has a mind that flies direct to the point," said I, -politely; "I call miss in witness of its quickness. Never so much as -a word have I spoke afore you out with your guess. 'You would rob me,' -says you. Why, damme! I will not deny a lady." - -She looked at me in doubt for a moment, as if she would count me up, -and then it was that I got my first idea of her quality, for her gaze -pierced me through, and there was capacity in her very bearing. - -"You would rob a poor woman?" said she next, in a softer voice. "I -thought 'twas only fat, bloated purses that you gentlemen of the road -would steal." - -"No," says I, "I take nothing under five hundred guineas, and if there -be some jewels to crown the pile I will not refuse them"--for this, I -knew from the little fat fool's talk, was what her ladyship carried. - -She bit her lip, but still kept her temper. - -"I see you are pleased to jest with me," said she. "You gentlemen are -as light of heart as of finger. Come, you shall have my twenty guineas, -if you are so hard, and I will even refrain my curse, if you will -kindly withdraw your head and allow me to proceed"--and at that she -thrust towards me a little bag. She was as cool as ever I have seen man -or woman, which was the more remarkable, seeing how evil was her real -temper. But I took the bag and still kept my place. - -"Hark you, madam," said I, for I was not ill-pleased to have a duel -worthy of my tongue and skill; "Galloping Dick never makes a wanton -boast, nor asks what he gets not, nor is afraid of his own mind. There -is five hundred guineas with you, the which I will beg of you for a -keepsake, and in kind memory also will ask those pretty toys." And I -pointed at her necklace. "Had I not been kept a-yawning my head off the -two hours by the wayside, maybe I would have taken the one and left -t'other; but, sink me! I am of a mind for both now," says I. - -Again she shot me a glance, and I thought for a moment that she would -have shouted an order to her servants, and have driven on and trusted -to chance. But perhaps she came to the conclusion that the hazard was -too great, as indeed it was, for I would have clapped holes through -chaise and coachman ere they had rolled three paces, and her ladyship -might have come off in that case worse than I was for leaving her. At -anyrate, she did nothing so foolish, but merely uttered an exclamation -in which her fury and her chagrin were indicated, and says she, in -angry despair,-- - -"Will nothing make you give up? Cannot I persuade you in any way to -use me decently? Lord forgive you, I thought that the toby had some -sense of gallantry." - -"By the Lord!" said I, promptly, "and if there is any huff that -says 'no' to that, I would run him through his midriff. We are no -money-weasels, and least of all, Dick Ryder. And maybe that name is -known to you, madam," said I. - -"Why, I have heard it, sure," says she, eagerly. "And those that have -spoken of you have given you a good name, for a brave and chivalrous -fellow." - -"I have a good repute, and that widely," said I, for 'twas true enough, -and maybe she had heard of my adventure with Old Rowley and the Duchess -of Cleveland, in which I played a pretty figure. - -"Why, of course," said she; "I recall you now. Your name, Captain, -has been bruited about the roads from one end of the kingdom to the -other, and it has always come to my ears in good condition. If I recall -aright, there was a tale in which you did some good to an honest woman." - -"Does your ladyship refer to Mrs Barbara Crawford and to her -abduction?" said I. - -"Why," said she, "now 'tis what I did think of, more especially as a -great friend of mine acquainted me with the facts." - -"'Twas on the York Road," said I, looking at her, for her glib tongue -of a sudden had made me shy at her, like a colt of two years. - -"'Twas there, Captain, as I remember now well," said she. - -"Well," says I, "'tis strange you should ha' happened upon some -witnesses to that little episode, for I thought it had passed out of -mind. But seeing your ladyship is so mindful of me, let me hang if I do -not mark it upon my account with you." - -This I said, having discovered how greatly false she spoke, for 'twas -not on York Road, but by Guildford, that the affair happened, and I -would swear that she had heard not a word of it, which, nevertheless, -she might very well have done, seeing that it was notorious in the town -at that time. - -"I am always glad to meet a famous man," said she. - -"No more than I a handsome lady," said I. "And to show how deeply I am -in earnest, I will forego half the account and all the jewels for a -salutation from miss there." - -To say the truth, I had enjoyed my bout with the lady, and was disposed -to be lenient to her for all her airs and sharpness. But the sight -of the niece's eyes of a sudden warmed me and incited me; for she -was looking at me gently, with an odd expression of interest and of -wonder, and her bosom rose and fell swiftly. You may guess that that -set it on even a swifter ebb and tide. - -"What d'ye mean?" asked her ladyship. - -"I am a gentleman adventurer," said I, "and, damme! I will not deny my -calling; 'tis efficient at the least. But if miss there will permit me -the salutation, rip me! you shall go scot-free." - -At that, miss shrank into her corner, all the expression fled from her -face, which was white and stark. But my lady turns on her. - -"Hear you that, Celia?" says she. "Buss and let us get on, since this -gallant gentleman must have already delayed himself over-long." - -"You are right," said I. "'Tis a scurvy long time since I ha' been -waiting here." - -"If you haste not, Celia," says she, very ironic in tone, "the -gentleman will be getting impatient--as well he may, seeing your pale -beauty." - -Now this (for 'twas nothing but a sneer) set me against her, the girl -being mightily more handsome than herself and of a fine frailty. But -I said nothing, only looked at miss, who seemed as if she would have -withered out of the chaise. - -"Celia!" cries her ladyship, sharply. - -"You--you must be jesting, madam. You cannot mean it," says miss in a -low voice. "I have stood much from you, but this insult--" - -But my lady broke in, "You will do what I say," she said harshly; "I -command you." - -"I will not," says t'other. "Indeed, madam, I may not. Ask me not so to -violate myself." - -Upon that her ladyship turned about. "Hark ye," she said, and whispered -in her ear, and upon that, observing her to wince, she said aloud, -"What, d'ye hesitate, when 'tis to spare five hundred guineas and some -odd jewels, including your own?" - -"I--I value not mine, madam," says miss, trembling. - -"Well, there is mine," said she, "and if they be of not much marketable -value, there is a higher value I put upon them, since they were given -me by your dear uncle. You shall save them." - -But, Lord! I am a pretty judge of jewels, and she was lying; for there -was more worth in her jewels far than in her guineas. But I said -nothing, only listened, to hear what miss would answer. - -She hesitated, and her ladyship made a peremptory gesture. "Why, 'tis -cheap enough," said she, sardonically. Miss still hesitated, and then, -as it seemed, on a rap from her ladyship, very white of face and -drawn, leaned across to the window. I saw the large eyes gleam in the -faint light, and they were like pools at even in which the stars do -set; but her lips were trembling. - -"I have never bought jewels so cheap," says my lady with her sneer, -thinking, no doubt, that the bargain was struck now and the act -consummated. - -"No!" says I; "I kiss no maid against her will. Fetch forth the pieces -and the toys, my lady." - -Miss fell back, still white, and I saw something leap in her eye. She -put her kerchief before her face and sobbed. - -"Damme!" says I roughly, "out with the goldfinches, or must I make bold -to help myself from ye? There is too much prattle here, and I have -delayed long enough." - -The lady had gone red with anger, and moved her arm as though she would -have struck someone in her fury; but suddenly containing herself, and -considering, as I must suppose, that 'twould put no embargo on the -guineas and the diamonds, she says, says she,-- - -"If my niece will not save my jewels at the price, I, at anyrate, will -save hers." And she leaned softly towards me. - -Now in a flash I saw what she intended, and how she would go any length -to preserve her property, the which gave me but a poor thought of her -for a basely avaricious woman with no pretensions to honour, and (as -was clear) a very brutal mind and temper towards the girl. So I did -that which maybe I should not ha' done, though 'tis hard to say, and no -one ever accused Dick Ryder justly of handling a woman harshly. But she -would have put me in a hole else, with her quickness and her cunning; -and there was only the one way out, which I took. - -"No," says I, "there is no talk of miss's jewels. What she may have she -may keep. I war not on pretty girls. And as for yours, madam--damme! -there's nothing will save 'em! No, split me, there isn't!" - -She fell quite white, as I could see even in the gloom, and for a -perceptible moment hesitated. 'Twas then, I suppose, that she made up -her mind, casting this way and that venomously and desperately for a -way out. - -"Well," said she, in a muffled voice, "I cry you mercy. Here's what ye -are wanting!" And she flung her bag at me; and with her fingers, that -trembled, undid the necklet she wore, and handed it to me. - -"Come, that's the mood in which to take reverses," says I cheerfully. -"I'll warrant there's more where these came from, and more behind them -again; for I should think shame to rob the last jewel from a neck that -so becomes 'em." This I said by way of consolation for her vanity, if -that were touched at my previous refusal. But she said nothing to that; -only put her head nearer, and addressed me with a chastened voice,-- - -"Look ye, Captain, I think you be a hard man, but not so hard perhaps -as you may seem. I ask not for myself, as you've taken all I had, -but for my niece here, who has had the privilege of your benevolence -to retain what she has. You have said your name is Ryder, and I will -believe you. 'Tis nothing to me now if it be Ryder or Creech, as--" - -"Creech!" says I, for I knew Dan Creech well, and had, indeed, been in -some surprises with him. - -"Yes, Creech!" said she, looking me steady in the face. "I was warned -of a ruffian named Creech that would haunt this road to Maidstone." - -"Well, Creech," said I, "will reap nothing from bare acres." - -"No," said she, "save from my niece." - -And there she spoke truly enough, as I saw; for if Creech was on that -road (and maybe he was), I knew him better than to suppose he would be -content with their asseverations. He would rummage and overhaul, would -Creech, and there was never gold or farden would escape Danny's notice, -not if 'twas as pitch black as midnight. - -"As you have been so generous," said my lady, "I thought that maybe you -would go further, and save my niece from robbery and me from further -needless alarms. It seems to me, though I may be prejudiced, that you -owe me that at least." - -I thought on that for a moment, and--well, I had not spared miss to let -her fall a victim later; so says I,-- - -"You mean that I shall give you my protection?" - -"I see that you are quick of your wits," said she, speaking evenly now, -and not with any irony apparent. - -"Done!" says I. "I will conduct ye to within a mile of Maidstone, and -you shall go secure. I'll swear to that." - -"Will ye not be afraid to venture so closely?" asked she. - -"I will conduct ye up to the doors of Maidstone," said I. "Damme! I'll -see you safe within the precincts." - -"Spoken like a brave knight of the roads," said her ladyship, and lay -back in her seat. "And now, perhaps, you will be good enough to bid my -coachman drive on." - -There was something in her tones which should have given me pause even -then, if I had been less pleased with myself. But I had been hard with -her, not in the matter of the jewels only, and I was disposed to meet -her on a point, for all that I was sure she bullied the girl. So I rode -on in the front and the coach rolled after me, for all the world as -though I were advance guard in protection of beauty, which, after all, -is pretty much what I was. There was no denying looks to her ladyship, -but she was of a hard, handsome face that has never taken me. You would -swear she would never change till the tomb swallowed her, but would -grow old and fade white insensibly, battling for her beauty all the -way, and holding its handsome ghost until the end. If there was anyone -that would be attracted by her person (and there must ha' been many), -to say nothing of her purse, why, thank the Lord, 'twas not I. I would -sooner lie in shackles at Newgate than have lain in shackles to her at -my lady's house. Not but what I can speak generously of her (as witness -what I have wrote of her beauty), for I came out of the affair all -right, yet by an accident, as you will see. - -We had got near by Maidstone, within three miles, and the twilight had -thickened into dark. There was never a soul upon the lonely road, for -you may conceive that I kept a sharp eye, not only for Danny, if he -should be about, as was possible, but also lest my lady should play -any trick upon me by the way. But I was not much afraid of that, as I -knew there was nothing between us and Maidstone save a few scattered -cottages and an insignificant village or two, which I would have -warranted to scare with a blank charge. So when we were, as I say, -within three miles of the town, her ladyship put out her head and -called to me. - -"See you," said she, "there is the town drawing near, and you expose -yourself in the front. It will serve if you ride behind and be for your -better safety, Captain." - -"Why," said I, "what the deuce do I mind of riding before or behind! -There's none will take me, and I will fetch ye into Maidstone, as I -have said." - -"Well, Captain," said she, with a laugh, "I will confess 'twas -not wholly your safety that moved me, which is not strange in the -circumstances; but I should feel more secure myself were my escort in -the rear, from which side 'tis more likely any assault would be made." - -"I came at you in the front, madam," said I. - -"Ah! Captain Ryder is Captain Ryder," said she, beaming, "and was not -afraid of my blunderbusses and my rascals. But conceive a less brave -and straightforward adventurer that sees not only blunderbusses and -lackeys, but a gallant swordsman to boot in front. 'Tis surely from the -rear such a one would attack!" - -"Oh, well," said I indifferently, "afore or behind matters nothing. -You will have no assault while Dick Ryder's sign-manual is on you, and -that's his toasting-fork." - -And so I fell behind, as she wished, and we proceeded. It was true -enough, what she said, that the body of the coach would protect me -from any eyes in front, and that I could make off more easily from the -rear; but, Lord love you! I had no thoughts of that; and if I had been -thinking of it, it might have occurred to me that, being in the van, -I could see more plainly into what we were running than if I were in -the rear. And, sure enough, that came near my undoing, for we had not -gone two miles further, and were still some way out of the town bounds, -when the coach suddenly pulled up before a tavern in a little village -thereby, of which I cannot recall the name. We had passed several of -these, and, as I have said, I cared not two straws for them, and so -I was mildly exercised in my mind at this unexpected stoppage, and, -coming to myself, moved the mare slowly round t'other side of the -coach to see what was forward. - -"If she is thirsty," said I to myself, "she shall drink," and, if it -came to that, I was thirsty myself. And I was ready to hold up the -innkeeper with a pistol-butt while we all drank a draught to our better -acquaintance and miss's eyes, maybe. But as I came round I was suddenly -aware of a small crowd of people, some wearing uniforms, armed with -halberds and lanthorns, and in the middle a short important gentleman -with a paper in his hand. I had no sooner made this discovery than her -ladyship shrieked out very loud,-- - -"Seize that man! He is a highwayman!" - -At that, all alert, I pulled Calypso round and put my heels into her -flanks; but there was a bank of people before me in that quarter and -the chaise to one side and the tavern t'other, and ere I could draw -half a dozen hands were on the mare, and two of a posse that was in the -throng had their pistols on the level. - -There was I, taken, netted like any duck in a decoy, for certain, and -with no prospect even of a struggle, for the numbers against me were -great. I saw that in the twinkling of an eye, and so sat still, making -no effort to escape. - -"What is this?" said I loudly. "Hands off, sirrah! Do you dare arrest -an innocent man? Who is in authority here, and what's his foolish -name?" said I. - -At that the short man came forward, and I saw that he wore a long gown -edged with some sort of fleece. "Who are you?" I asked, assuming the -most haughty, arrogant air, "and under what pretence is a gentleman -that is on the King's business arrested and delayed?" - -"Sir," he said, hesitating, "I am Mayor of the town, and 'tis at her -ladyship's request--" - -"I know nothing of her ladyship," said I, interrupting angrily. "If her -ladyship blunders, and you through her, you must take the consequence, -Mr Mayor." - -He seemed put about at that, but my lady herself intervened, or I would -have managed things for myself pretty easily. - -"I charge that man with stealing from me jewels and money to the amount -of five hundred guineas, which you will find upon him," said she, for -she was now out of the coach and standing in the road among them all. - -"Yes, your ladyship," says the Mayor anxiously, "it shall be attended -to." - -"Well, someone shall smart for this," said I, "ere many days are out." - -"And my witness," pursued her ladyship calmly, "sits in the coach, and -is my late husband's niece." - -"Oh, a witness," says Mr Mayor, brightening up. - -"To say nothing of my two fellows," she ended. - -With that I saw it was all up, for she was not one to lose her head, -and with that plain issue before the Mayor, he could not blunder very -far. So I said nothing more, but sat in the clutches of the officers -cudgelling my wits for a way out. - -"Celia," says she, "is this the man that attacked us upon the road and -stole my jewels?" - -"I--I cannot discern very well--'tis dark," stammered miss, and, rip -me! I blessed the chit for that reluctance, though 'twas useless, as it -happened, for says her ladyship,-- - -"Nonsense, baggage!" she says: "you can see quite plain. You are a -coward, that's what it is. Here, James and Joshua, what say you--is -this the villain?" - -Whereupon the lackeys both swore with one voice that it was I, and that -I had attacked them brutally; and says one that I had put a bullet near -his leg, whereas 'twas his own silly blunderbuss that he dropped. - -"That is sufficient, my lady," says the Mayor, looking very pompous, -and to that added what gave me the clue as to this unexpected trap. -'Twas nothing more or less than that little toad, the fat steward, -who, for all his gabble and talk, had forgot to say that the Mayor of -Maidstone was to come forth to meet her ladyship in state, in token of -gratitude for favours to the townsfolk. 'Twas along of that fountain, -as it seems, and I cursed the little fat fool in my heart in that, -being so garrulous, he had put a limit to his tongue. But at the same -time I could not but admire her ladyship's admirable skill and cunning. -Sink me! she was a wonder with her quickness, so to contrive to drag me -into the trap. But these considerations availed me nothing, and I will -confess that I saw no road of escape, though I am far from saying that -I was beaten or that some notion would not ha' come to me later. Why, -I have broke out of Newgate jug in the face of all. Yet this is what -happened. In the thick of this talk and confusion, and even while the -throng pressed upon me and my captors, suddenly a voice cried out from -the coach. - -"There is the other, seize him!--there he goes, on the right there!" -This was miss's voice, as I recognised, though I was amazed, and for -the time did not pick up my wits. But in a second all was uproar. - -"Who d'ye mean? What is it, you baggage?" cried out her ladyship. - -"Seize him!--there he goes!" cries miss again, leaping from the coach -in a state of excitement; and to her ladyship: "Why, the other, my -lady!--the man that assisted--Creech, was it not?" - -In an instant I saw how it was and what she intended, and I believe her -ladyship, in her quickness, saw it just after me; for in the confusion -the throng swayed, and some ran this way and others that, and there -were my two jailers gaping into the darkness like moping owls. - -'Twas but the work of a moment to wrench free an arm from one and -deliver t'other a rap with a pistol on his skull; and at the same time -I wheeled Calypso about and broke a third that stood there in the wind. -The three thus scattered, with a whistle to the mare I dropped low in -the saddle, and breaking out of the circle thundered down the road at a -gallop, while all behind me arose cries and shouts, and above all her -ladyship's shrill voice, screaming with fury. - -I rode till I reached the first turning on the left, and then went up a -black lane for some distance; after which I paused and listened. Sounds -still came to me, sailing on the night, and I stood awhile, chuckling -to think how deeply her ladyship was cursing, and how smartly I had -evaded her. And upon that comes the thought of miss. - -"Why," thinks I, "she's a heart o' gold, is miss; and that wild cat -will be flying in her face with her claws;" and, the devil being in me, -as I have said, all through that business, I turned about and came back -into the road. - -I jogged along comfortably until I was within a hundred yards of the -inn, and here was the same confusion that I had left. - -"What's this?" said I to a fellow that passed me. - -"Oh," says he, "'tis a highwayman that has robbed a lady and is got -off." - -"Stab me!" says I, "what fools these traps be!" and I moved on, until I -came by the coach, where I stood in the darkness. - -I heard her ladyship's voice, coming out of the inn, and still angry, -and there was several in the roadway, but the traps had vanished, and, -I make no doubt, were looking for me busily. As I stood there thinking, -someone comes from t'other side of the chaise, and I saw it was miss. -At the same time she saw me and started. - -"What do you here?" she asked tremulously. - -"Why," says I, "I am a-looking anxiously for a tobyman that has -wickedly robbed a lady." - -"Go," she cried, "you will be caught. They will be back directly." - -"No," said I, "I am not the man to leave other people with my burdens." - -"What do you mean?" said she after a pause. - -"There is her ladyship," said I, "and there is yourself." - -"Oh, I am well used to deal with her ladyship," she said, a little -bitterly. "You need be in no alarm." - -"Well, 'tis I shall deal with her ladyship this time," said I. - -"You are mad!" she said. "Go--go--I hear them coming!" - -"No," says I. - -"Oh, go," she pleaded anxiously. "If you stay you will do me no good, -and yourself all harm. I think you are bewitched to stay." - -With that I looked at her, and though I could not see her very clearly -in the small light, I vow she was mightily pretty. I suppose 'twas the -devil in me moved me, or maybe 'twas only her beauty; but, at anyrate, -said I,-- - -"If I may have now what I denied myself upon the road there, I will -go," said I. - -She drew herself straight and I could see her under-lip quiver. - -"Sir," she said; "I know you to be a highwayman; at least, let me -think you a gentleman." - -"Damme!" says I bluntly, for I was taken aback at this. "Damme! no -one shall say I am no gentleman, for I am that afore everything else, -as I will prove on any buck's body." And so, with a big congee in my -stirrups, I turned and left her. - - - - -THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE - - -There was many an adventure befell me in a pretty broad circuit of -life that tickled my ribs to a proper tune; and I have cackled over -some escapades with a wider mouth than ever I sat out the most roaring -comedy of the play-houses. Not but what there were some high-stepping -pieces to my taste in the town--well enough to clap eyes on, no doubt, -but cockatrices mighty greedy of the gullet, as you could spy at a -glance. And, after all, a wench is no food for humour, but for another -purpose altogether. I pin no faith upon 'em at the best. But of all -the chances that I encountered, what most rarely served my palate was -this unexpected meeting in the West Country, which, I will admit at the -outset, and ere I saw clearly the shape of my predicament, set my heart -a-bobbing fast enough. It fell in this way. - -'Twas on a Monday in the late summer of that year of grace 1685 that -I rode up from the valleys of the north in the company of Tony Flack, -and we came to a pause upon the hind quarters of Exeter town. Tony -himself was for caution, and would have us turn away to a little -roadside tavern that we both knew for a safe resting-place, with a -staunch innkeeper to boot. But I was for Exeter itself, for, to say the -truth, my stomach was sour with those rank swipes of the country-side, -and 'twas some days since I champed my teeth about a town. The facts -argued with Tony, chicken-hearted as he was, and I will not deny it; -for there right before us lay the argument, in the shape of a rumbling, -muddy, parti-coloured chaise that was creeping up the hill. Now it had -so fallen out, more by way of a jest than by any material design, that -we had scarified the occupant of this same carriage some ten miles back -in the thick of a waste moorland that afternoon. 'Twas a mere idle -freak, taken out of wantonness and upon a merry dinner, and by no means -for the sake of the guinea or two that we found in his pockets. Tony -gives the nag a slap of his sword, and off she goes a-spinning down the -highway for dear life, with the coachman all a-sweat with terror, and -the melancholy visage of a gentleman in his red periwig hanging out of -the window; while there we stood, the two of us, laughing a broadside. -The nag had a piebald front to her, and the chaise, as I have said, -was in several colours; and thus it happened that, the lights falling -suddenly on 'em in that tail of the day, as we came out upon the back -of Exeter, Tony drew up and shoved his paw forward with a mighty blank -face. - -"See there, Dick!" says he. "And what d'ye make of that?" - -'Twas plain enough what I made of it, but I only laughed. - -"I make a chaise and the half," says I, "and I'll warrant to make two -by the time we reach Exeter," for, to be sure, swipes or no swipes, we -had, each of us, a good warm lining to the stomach. - -Tony cast me a surly glance. "Rot you!" said he, "an' if the liquor -spoil your wits, I'll be damned if it shall mine. Nor I won't run my -neck into the noose for you nor any like you." - -"You're a white-livered sort of cur, you are, Tony," said I, with -another laugh. "And I suppose the traps will be waiting for us in a -posse outside the White Hart. And I shouldn't wonder if the topsman -himself was to snatch off his hat to us as we passed by." - -"Sink me!" growled Tony, "you forget 'twas broad daylight when we took -'em." - -"Well," says I, "I have a notion to sleep in Exeter, and I mind me of a -very dainty belly under my belt." - -With that we brought up in a disputation, and being in a merry mood, -what with the wine and the sight of the windows twinkling in the town -above me, I gave him a pretty salvo of wit, which sent him presently -into a sullen temper. - -"As you will," said he at last, "but I am no fool, and none knows -better than you, Dick Ryder, that I am no coward. And I will be hanged -for a common cutpurse if I go forth again upon any such mad business -with a tipsy braggart." - -"Braggart!" I cried, starting aflame, and twisting Calypso round -against his horse's rump. But Tony saw in a flash that he had gone too -far, and he turned very mild again. - -"I mean no offence," said he; "we have been good comrades together, -Dick Ryder. But I will warrant these daredevil humours will fetch us -both up in Newgate ere long, and that's what I'm looking at," says he. - -I laughed. "You would prove a better tobyman, Tony," said I, "if you -would think less of your neck." And then, looking at him, I roared, -"But, zounds, I don't wonder at your fears!" for his neck was like a -cygnet's, only discoloured to a rusty iron. - -But Tony was still in a sour enough mood, and though he jogged his -horse to my summons, he spoke no word as we went up the hill. The -chaise had vanished, but for all that I could see his thoughts -were twittering about it. And in this way we rode up into the town, -sprinkled with growing lights, and 'twas not until we came abreast of -the White Hart that Tony opened his mouth. - -"If I was you, and was of your kidney," says he, with a sneer, "I -should think shame to dine upon a sanded floor and drink out of -ale-jugs. Nothing short of the White Hart would suit me; no, not if I -was to swing for it--if I was you, Dick Ryder." - -"Damme," says I, suddenly, and reining in, "that same thought was in my -own noddle! And, sure, the White Hart it shall be." With that I turned -the mare's nose and was pointing for the door, when Tony stopped me. - -"What the devil would you do?" he cried in his alarm. "You will fetch -the noose over us!" - -"Faith," said I, "but you may go to the devil for me. I am weary of -your clacking, and I have a mind to dine in good company." - -He fell back with a curse, and Calypso moved on. But turning back, I -saw him staring with a sulky sneer upon his face, and I could perceive -from his attitude that he took my words for an empty piece of boasting. -Then there was that term "braggart" stuck in my gullet; and in a -second, and upon the impulse, I pulled the mare's nose against the -doorway and bawled for the ostler. Tony was still visible, standing -agape in the centre of the road; but I paid him no heed, merely handing -the bridle to the ostler, and then leaping from the saddle, I walked -through the doorway as bold as you please. Now within the doorway there -was a space of hall, very bare and plain, and upon two sides there -opened doors into the further parts of the house; but the third was -filled with a screen of windows, separating a little privy corner, in -which sat the innkeeper, very greasy and affable of look. I threw down -a guinea and he fetched out a pint of wine; the which drunken, I turned -on my heel and clattered up to a great door set with brass knobs. But -the little fat landlord was on my heels in a moment. - -"You cannot enter there," says he, in a great taking. "'Tis a private -room, and not for strangers." - -But with the wine newly bubbling in my head, I made little of him. "The -devil!" said I. "I will have what I pay for, and I will enter where I -list." - -"But, indeed," he gasped, "'tis a place privily set apart, and for an -occasion." - -"'Tis good news," I answered, with a cackle, "for that is what my heart -is set upon." - -He clasped my arm. "Sir! sir!" he cried, "indeed this will be most -vexatious to his lordship, and will lose me his custom." - -I started round on him sharply. "If I want a door with brass knobs," -says I, angrily, "I will have you know that I will have a door with -brass knobs, ye little louse, ye!" And throwing off his hand, I opened -the door. - -Now 'tis certain enough that had I conserved my wits more properly, and -that dismal juice was not so fluent in my blood, I would never have -risked this piece of devilry. Not but what Dick Ryder wears a better -face on him in the nick of peril than most, but this, as you will see, -was scarce the occasion for a wanton adventure, and I will confess that -Tony's counsels were wiser than my own. But I was heated with the drink -and the long ride, and I would bear no gainsaying. And so back I flung -the door. The same instant a cackle of laughter saluted my ears and a -stream of light flashed in my eyes. What I made out was a long table, -very elegantly prepared, and a dozen or more of gentle-folk seated at -the board, and plying their knives like good trenchermen. There was a -fire roaring on the hearth, and altogether the scene was very merry -and presented a comfortable face. And what with that appearance of -warmth and the smell of the viands tickling my nostrils, I hesitated -no longer upon the threshold where I stood, but pulling to the door, -I strode across the room and shot my eyes about the table. Just then -there came another flood of laughter, and in the noise of it I stood -surveying the company, by this time in something of a confusion, and -wondering in my fuddled wits what the devil I was at; when suddenly -there gets up a gentleman from his seat near by, and very civilly -offers me a chair. "Oh, well," thinks I, "as I am gone so far, I may as -well flesh my nose in the victuals;" and with a word of grace in answer -to his courtesy, down I propped upon my prats, and fell upon the viands -with a will. - -The room was buzzing with sound, and the warmth and the fare pleased me -very well. But where the devil I was gotten, and who the devil these -cullies might be, and why in God's name I was thus politely admitted to -the board--these were the enigmas that floated about in my head. Not -that I was in any embarrassment; for it was enough for me if I was to -be entertained thus royally, waited upon with the best, and conjoined -with a high company, such as was scattered about me--and all without -so much as a single trespass upon the pocket. But by-and-by my civil -neighbour turns to me. - -"You are late," he says. "I suppose you were held at the Court; or do -you ride from town?" - -"Well," says I, very careful, for I am not the man to trip myself over -a word, "in a manner you may say yes," I says; and I took a draught of -the tanker afore me. - -"Ah!" he said, and seemed to puzzle his wits over the rejoinder; but -I conceive he was in no very active condition of mind, and it is like -enough that what I said seemed from some corners of aspect to contain a -sensible answer. So he followed after my example, and sipped his wine -meditatively. - -"His lordship," says he, soon again, "is in high feather this evening." - -"You may say that," said I, delivering a glance towards the head of the -table, where sat a long-faced, handsome-looking fellow, whom, to say -sooth, I had not as yet minded in the satisfaction of my appetite. "He -is filling a paunch, I warrant," I said, with a laugh. - -"Hush!" whispered he, with a scared look on his face, and glancing -about him, "you will be overheard." - -"Overheard!" I said. "Am I a wench that must walk mim-mouthed through -her wine, and not deal in the King's plain English? I permit no man to -dictate me upon my language--not I." - -The fellow stared at me for a time, and then, "You have a bold tongue," -said he, with what I could perceive was a hint of the ironic. "I have -no doubt you ply it well. What is your court?" says he. - -Ay, there was the rub--what was my court? And what the devil was I when -you came to the kernel? I had made out nothing as yet, being taken up -with the food and the attentions of this gaping oaf. But I was not to -be confounded by him, not if I knew my own temper; and court or no -court, I made answer bluff as you please. "The same as yours," says I. - -"Oh!" says he, breaking into a smile. "I wear my professions very -discernible, then?" - -"Yes, you do," said I, bluntly. - -"I am glad I have met you," he went on, pleasantly, "and I shall make -it my duty to pursue our acquaintance. It is odd, indeed. And what -think you, sir, of the Fassett business?" - -He spoke with the air of hanging on my words, and I was convinced that, -whatever this d----d matter was, 'twas something of which I must needs -be cognizant. So in I plunged. - -"Ah, you may well ask," says I, nodding my head. "Gad! and I see you -are agreed with me. The circumstances stand so plain that there is no -denial. By God! you are right; I'll warrant that; and I myself am game -to prove it with the point," says I, slapping my sword. - -The gentleman drew away, looking at me with some amazement, and -presently his face took on an expression of confusion, and says he,-- - -"Quite so!" says he. "Oh, yes, I am of your party;" and in truth I -believe the fool took what I said for a reply to his interrogation. But -by this I was now sobered enough to discover the responsibilities among -which I was thrown, and that I must keep a strong observation open if -I was not to run my head into danger. And the first, I must enlighten -myself upon this company in which I found myself; for which purpose, -leaning forward, I set my eyes upon the man at the end of the table and -examined him diligently. He was, I judged, somewhere about thirty-five, -of a fine oval face, very justly proportioned, a sallow brown in habit, -and crowned above his rich brown eyes with a great brown wig, which -sat awry upon his head, and added an effeminate look to the profligate -softness of his lower face. His features were very finely marked, his -nose long and straight and delicately fleshed, as were his curved and -smiling lips; and his eyes, which were large within the sockets, -gleamed like agates between the narrow curtains of his eyelids, and -sprang very quickly into one simulation or another. Altogether his -was a remarkable face to look on, and attracted strongly, for all the -saturnine changes of his colour. He was laughing, flushed to the sombre -eyes. I had finished my scrutiny, and I took off my gaze from him, and -was for letting it fall back on my neighbour to interrogate him upon -the identity of this fine cock, when in its passage along the opposite -side of the table I discovered, not very far from his lordship himself, -no other than the prim-faced gentleman of the parti-coloured chaise -that Tony and I had ransacked that same afternoon upon the moors. - -The discovery struck me with dismay, as you will imagine; but there was -worse to tread upon its heels, for the man was bowing with a delicate -and sickly smile to one that toasted him from t'other side, and in -putting down his glass, and with the grin still upon his lips, his eyes -lighted upon mine and we exchanged glances. - -The cully turned a trifle pale, and winced, moving in his seat. Then he -frowned, and seemed mightily taken up with his plate, after which he -lifted his head again and directed a look on me. I met him very bold -and square, and his eyes gave way before me, surrendering, so to say, -to my discharge; for I warrant I gave him a heavy broadside. But all -the time I kept seeking in my brain for some way out of this damnable -predicament. Presently he catches up a piece of paper, and ripping out -a quill, makes some writing, and calling to a lackey, hands him the -document. "What's he up to now?" thinks I. But I was soon to learn, for -the footboy walked up to the head of the table, and with a bow offered -the paper to his lordship--whoever the devil _he_ might be. - -"Well," says I to myself, "I am committed to it now; and it's my -bearing against his, and the best credentials." And with that, feeling -that the matter was passed out of my hands, I turned on my neighbour, -and says I to him, but still keeping an eye on the pale-faced booby, -"Who may his lordship be?" I says. - -Now 'twas folly in me to have put the query so direct, and indeed -I would not have ventured on the simplicity had not my wits been -disturbed by the incident I have related. But, in point of fact, it -mattered very little to the issue of the misadventure, though my friend -started very suddenly, and gazed at me in a gaping fashion. - -"You are jesting," he says. "His lordship?" - -"Well," says I, a trifle grimly, for I saw the same lordship casting -his eyes upon the paper. "And maybe you can put a name on him, if I -can't." - -"But--but," he stammered, and then "who may you be?" he asked, with -some suspicion, and in another manner. - -"Damn you!" said I, "I've put you a question, and a gentleman should -need no reminder of his necessary civilities," for by this I saw his -lordship's soft and shining eyes directed on us. "What's the cully's -name?" I asked. - -He looked up, following my glance, and we both stared at the man who -was staring at us. - -"'Tis my Lord Jeffreys," he says, in a bare whisper. You will believe -me, and I make no shame to admit it, that my legs took a tremor at the -words; but I can keep a face upon me with any, and so I stared at that -sinister and smiling butcher, and he stared at me, for the space of -some seconds; and then I took a draught of wine. - -"Thank'ee," says I, calmly, to my neighbour. "'Tis well. I have some -business with his lordship." - -I spoke very calmly, as I say, but you will believe me my heart was -sunk into my boots on this news. There was no man at that time but -held the name of Bloody Jeffreys in a horror. He lumped so large -in the popular fear that he was taken for an emblem and ensign of -Satan himself, so diabolic and so ensanguined was his practice. I -have seen many formidable persons in my time, and exchanged passadoes -with several of them, but there it was--the fact and figure of that -murdering, black-hearted, handsome rake, almost of an age with myself, -seated there in his chair, crept over me like the pest, and discharged -my wits abroad like a spray of sand scattered afore the wind. I cast my -eye again on him, for, indeed, I could not keep it away, and a faint -sardonic grin touched his face as he met my glance. He summoned to him -a lackey and spoke in his ear with an imperious gesture, whereat the -fellow, seeming very much frightened, hurried out of the room, and I -doubted not that he was gone for the officers. His lordship then turns -to the gentleman near him and, still with his stealthy and terrible -smile, whispers under his breath. The whole company, meanwhile, which -had all along hung upon his looks and conversation like a pack of -craven dogs on their master, was fallen into sudden silence; but this -communication was spread from mouth to mouth like a running fire, and -in a moment the whole room was agape and directing on me surprised and -startled glances. But this pulled me together, and 'twas high time too. - -"Well," thinks I, "an' I must lay my back against a wall, I must; but -they shall learn that Dick Ryder is not to be browbeat by a lot of -scurvy lawyers" (for so I supposed 'em), "whatever fate be in store for -him." - -And so, turning to my next-door neighbour, I began very loudly, and as -if resuming a conversation with him,-- - -"Nay, nay; but I am at odds with you, sir. Faith, I disagree with you -entirely! Upon my soul, I have never seen his lordship in a better -condition and better plumed for service! A worm in his head, say you? -Godsakes, I'll never believe it! His wits wear to a knife edge with -practice." - -Now this was spoke, as I have said, in a clamant voice, which, -resounding on the unnatural silence that had fallen on the room, -reaches me the ears of all this company, as I had desired, and more -particularly those of his lordship, for whom I had designed the speech. -Jeffreys turned of a sudden a darker red under his brown, and his -woman's eyes shot anger. - -"And who is this that dares pass questions on his lordship?" he -cries, in a sharp, clear tone. "Come, I should like to look on him -attentively," he says, "that I might know him again. He must be a -fellow worth acquaintance if for his future only. I promise you that -shall be secured to him, and that he shall know very soon." - -But at this ugly exhibition of temper, and more especially at the -malicious menace it conveyed, my poor neighbour fell into a fluster, -and ran white and red in turns, opening his mouth, and trembling and -stuttering, and gasping like a dying fish. "My lord, I--I said nothing. -'Tis false," he stammered. - -The poor wretch was in so pitiable a way that I found it in my heart to -be sorry for him; and, after all, he had served me very kindly at the -start, so I spoke up, rising in my seat and bowing. - -"My lord," I said, "the gentleman says well. Though 'twas to him that -my remarks in praise of yourself were addressed, I was mistook. 'Twas -not on you that his comment was directed." - -"That is a very likely tale," said his lordship, with a frown; and then -appearing to recover himself, as he was used to do, quite rapidly, he -stared at me with another expression. - -"I am in your debt, sir," he said, "for your defence of me. You do -well. I warrant Jeffreys has still his wits about him. He has an eye -for a rogue, sir. You will do him the justice to acknowledge that, I -hope, on our better acquaintance." And he laughed somewhat harshly, -and eyed the board as if inviting a round of acclamation. The miserable -time-servers cackled their loudest, and his lordship, turning again to -me, "I should know your face," says he, and offers a kind of wink to -the company. - -"'Tis no wonder, my lord," I answered, pat as you will; "'tis almost as -well known as your lordship's, and almost as favourably received." - -At that a young fellow across the table from me broke into a stutter -of laughter. But all the rest were silent. Jeffreys looked at him -savagely. "I will remember you, Charteris," he said simply, and I saw -the light flaming in the eyes he directed on me. "That's well," he -said, "and I make no doubt that you are, like myself, a dispenser of -justice. You hold the scales." - -"Indeed, my lord," said I, for I was not in a mood to be thus baited -whilst waiting on the officers, "there is more resemblance between you -and me, perchance, than your lordship will acknowledge." - -"Ha!" he cried, with his cold and bitter laugh. "I knew not that I -was unawares entertaining a rival. A learned man in the law is this -gentleman, no doubt. Well, sir, I will be greedy of your advice while -I may. Look you. There was a man tried afore me this day that had -rumpadded a civil and innocent gentleman upon the King's highway, and -faith the rascal was rash enough to venture into the company of his -victim to dinner. What d'ye say to that? What sort of sentence would ye -deliver on the wretch?" - -"How was he took?" said I. - -"Well," says his lordship, after a pause, and smiling towards the door, -"I fancy the sheriff's officers were summoned upon him." - -"Nay," said I. "Then, had I been justice, since he was took, I would -ha' hanged him, for 'twas a poor wit that served him no surer than to -be so took." - -"Fie!" says Jeffreys. "What interpreter of the law is here!" - -"'Twould not be the first time that the law was twisted by its -dispenser, my lord," said I, boldly. - -His lordship's smile stole farther up his face, and opened his lips so -that the white teeth shone, and he smiled in an ugly fashion to the -fellow next him. - -"You hear that, my lord?" says he, in his sneering way. "Faith, they -will presently be saying that we did not deal justice to Dame Alice -Lisle." - -The man that he addressed winced and smiled uneasily, for 'twas well -known that the popular feeling ran high upon the scandalous trial, -which was but newly concluded, though I wondered to hear the prime -engine of that infamous conviction jest so wantonly upon it. But that -was Jeffreys's way, to offer a bold face and play the bully when he was -in power; but when he was down, there was no coward to whine like him, -as events proved subsequently. But Jeffreys turns to me again, content -enough with his sally. - -"Sirrah," he said, "you have a signal charter for your tongue, I can -perceive. It is a righteous conscience keeps you in countenance. You -are bold upon your virtues. I have met your kidney before, and if I -must hang a knave, I prefer to hang one with an insolent front to him -that snivels. I would disembowel t'other in the pillory. There is too -much softness in this modern justice." - -"My lord," says I, "you speak my feelings like a book. Faith, I would -griddle the canting rogue with these two hands." - -His lordship smiled very diabolic, and then finished his wine with the -air of one that has tired of the play, at the same time nodding to the -lackey that stood near by him exceedingly respectful. But he went out -of the room. - -"Gad!" says the young man that was called Charteris, in a whisper to -his neighbour, "'tis a pity to go farther. Faith, I think he hath -earned his pardon for the steady face he keeps." - -But you must suppose that all this time I was not idle in my mind, but -kept casting my wits about the predicament, with a mighty sharp eye -upon any chances that emerged. Well, the case was turning very black by -now, seeing I knew well enough for what the signal of his lordship was -intended, and I had as yet gotten no very clear notion in my head. Yet -at the next opening of the door, and when the first noise of heavy feet -sounded on the threshold, my thoughts spouted forth in a clear stream, -and there sat I as taut and cool as you please, for all the world as -though 'twas a private party to which Jeffreys had invited me for a -guest. His lordship rose as the officers entered, and was turning away -indifferently without ever a sign or a word, when he suddenly stopped -again. - -"'Twould be strange to learn, sirrah," said he, addressing me, "out of -a natural curiosity, what robbed thee of thy senses to fetch thee here. -'Tis an odd new policy for the hare to lie down with the fox." - -With that I got to my feet. "My lord," said I, very boldly and in a -public voice, "I have come here uninvited, 'tis true, and I proffer you -my apologies for the trespass; but I have come upon a pressing private -business with your lordship." - -His lordship stared at me with a sour look in his eye. "Indeed?" says -he, harshly. "I am not used to have any business but the one with your -kidney, and that not private," he says. - -"My lord," said I, "'tis the most urgent message, and needeth instant -delivery." - -I saw in his eye that he still meditated to refuse me, but I set my -gaze upon him very intently, and what he thought he saw there made him -waver. - -"Well," said he, in his tyrannical fashion, "I hope we shall hear good -of this message; for I swear, if I do not, I will have thee hanged the -higher," and he motioned to me to draw nearer, at the same time that -the other gentlemen of the King's counsel withdrew to the bottom of the -room, conversing together. But the officers approached, and stood a -little way off by Jeffreys's signal, but keeping out of earshot. - -"Who are you, fellow, and what pretences are these you make?" asked -his lordship, roughly, as soon as we were alone, but examining me with -curiosity. - -"My lord," said I, "I make no pretences, as I shall assure you; and as -for myself, believe me that I play a truer part than does appear." - -I looked at him meaningly. - -"Let us come to plain speech," said he, sharply. "I cannot dawdle with -your riddles." - -"I ask no better, my lord," I cried. "I bear a message from the Prince." - -He started, and stared at me under his brows in suspicion. "What -Prince?" he asked brusquely. - -"There is but one," said I, boldly, "and one that shall rest so no -longer by God's grace and the trusty arms of England." - -"You mean the Prince of Orange?" he asked, in a lower voice. I nodded. -For a while he looked me in the eyes, and then, turning to the -sheriff's officers, ordered them to withdraw a little; after which he -came back to me, surveying me with his cold and savage eyes, but with -something of anxiety. - -"You are a bold man," he said, "to bring me this message." - -"I would do that and more than that for the good cause," said I. - -Jeffreys was silent, and then, "Come, what is this message, then?" he -inquired, with a sardonic glance. - -For the life of me I could not have determined if he were taken with -the bait, but I swore to hook him, as, indeed, it was the only course -left to me. - -"Your lordship has not heard the news from the coast?" says I, looking -round very cautiously. - -"Proceed," he commanded, watching me with his beautiful and horrid eyes. - -"Events have been stirring in the Low Country," said I, "as your -lordship will be aware. The whole of the North is disaffected against -his Majesty. It needs but to land," I said, "and your lordship knows -what might happen." - -"I think, sir, we were to come to quarters," said Jeffreys, in a low -voice, but still in his imperious way. - -Well, if he would take it, he was to have it then and there. "The -Prince," says I, whispering, "is already landed." - -He started before my eyes, but recovering himself, "I have had runners -from Plymouth this afternoon," he said, "and there was no news of -import." - -"Nay," said I, "'tis not from Plymouth I come, my lord." - -"If I were to ask you whence--" he began, after a pause. - -"You would remember, my lord, ere you did so, that I have not yet -delivered my message, and thus have had no reply," I said. - -"You remind me of my duty," he exclaimed sternly. "Deliver this -message, for I can tarry no longer." - -"My lord," said I, "I would have come to it sooner were it not for your -distrust. I am charged by the Prince himself, no less. I have ridden -all day upon a circuit. Three noblemen were named, and your lordship -also. The Prince lies on English soil to-night, and would confer with -these four faithful subjects." - -Jeffreys stood awhile in thought, his delicate face changing with a -dozen emotions. Then he spoke very harshly. - -"This is very well, sirrah. You make an excellent liar," he said. -"You would come here and offer me a cock-and-bull tale, thinking me a -lack-wit to see you so impudently stand in your lie." - -"My lord," said I, as warm as may be, "see in what my position stands. -I am come here, penetrating to your very fireside. I stake my head upon -the risk. 'Tis in your office to sound a word, and these fellows will -take me forth upon a capital charge of treason. I have cast my die for -the good cause. Yet my death, which would be an evil to me in that -case, would profit you nothing, my lord--nay, less than nothing in the -coming trouble." - -Again he paused. "The Chief Justice of this realm does not parley with -treason," said he. - -But I had a glimpse of the man now; I saw what fear ran in his blood; -he would not have kept me haggling there if he had it not in his heart -to coquet with fortune. - -"My lord," I said, "and who would credit that a poor highwayman talked -of state politics with the Lord Chief Justice? Why, a gallows and the -topsman would serve his turn." - -He heaved a little sigh, fidgeting with his fingers. "Who the devil are -you?" he asked. "You are taken for a padsman." - -"My lord," said I, "'tis strange company a man may keep for a purpose. -I will not deny that I know your suspicions, and whence they spring. -Indeed, it was the gentleman's natural conclusion. I was pressed to -carry my mission. Sure I have been worse accompanied than by a tobyman. -But as for my name, your lordship has given me no answer. Call me -Ryder. I am for the Prince." - -He heard me out, and 'twas the little touch of braggadocio I think that -converted him, as much as anything. "What do you propose?" he asked, in -another tone. - -"I would ride back to-night," I said, "unless your lordship decide that -I must lodge in jail." - -"As to that," he exclaimed, "Mr Ryder, I fear that we must lodge you -there in the meantime. What hour would you start?" - -"The sooner the better," said I. "But nine will serve." - -He regarded me with an urgent face of inquiry. "This may be a trap," he -said suspiciously. - -"Your lordship may guard against that," said I, suavely. "As large an -escort of horse as you will, and none to know our destination save us -two." - -"Nay, none save yourself, Mr Ryder, it appears," he said grimly. "But -you say well. I will be with you at nine." - -Thereupon he motioned me away with a gesture of impatience and calling -on the sheriff, pointed at me. The next moment I was surrounded and in -their arms; but I played my part like a play-actor, crying upon his -lordship to hear me, and making a piteous struggle with the officers. - -A little later, and you might see me settled in the compter, hugging -myself the one minute, and the next perplexed upon a further step; for, -by what I saw of Jeffreys, I reckoned upon my punctual deliverance. -The fact is that he was afeared of what would issue from this promised -trouble of the Dutchman, and 'twas reported that such was the state of -most of those about the Court, who were in the mind to play two parts, -and neither with any stomach. Yet as the time drew on and I had ample -leisure to digest the various aspects of the adventure, I confess I was -assailed by a fear lest Jeffreys should have been disporting himself -with me, or should have cocked the white feather, and that I was still -to rest and rot in that pestiferous dungeon. So that when at last the -door swung wide and one of the turnkeys appeared, I was like to have -cried out in my glee. 'Twas the signal, sure enough, for I was taken -forthright out of my cell, and commanded into the presence of the -governor. I do not know by what trickery the affair was managed, but if -there was ever any dark intrigue to the point, you might trust Bloody -Jeffreys for that; all I know is that 'twas but a few minutes ere I -was out of the gates of the compter, under the pale face of the moon, -and with my heels in the flanks of Calypso, gently ambling in a silent -company towards the Plymouth road. - -His lordship had taken me at my word, and there were six or more in the -band that surrounded me; but we rode in a deep quiet, and for a long -while I offered no address to the horseman by me, whom I supposed to -be the Chief Justice himself. But presently, and when our faces were -well set upon the Plymouth highway, and there was less chance that -the cavalcade would invite curiosity owing to the sparseness of the -wayfarers, he turned to me and spoke up for himself. It was Jeffreys, -sure enough, and he wore a mighty look of worry, as I could perceive at -the first glance. - -"You have not informed me, Mr Ryder," says he, "to what destination we -are bound?" - -Now this was pretty much to the point, for Bloody Jeffreys was not the -man to waste useless words; but, Lord love you, I had as much notion -of whither we were set for as he had himself. 'Twas for a chance I was -playing, and now that I had my two legs across Calypso once more, it -would go badly with the whole half-dozen of 'em if I did not show a -clean pair of heels somewhere and sometime. But of course I had thought -upon the question in my prison, and says I, "You will understand, your -lordship, that it's not in my authority to commit anything to words. I -am bound by the Prince's orders." - -"That is very well," he retorted, in his arrogant way. "But it appears -that I must commit myself, and no one else. 'Tis a one-sided bargain I -am not used to make." - -"My lord," said I, very earnestly, "I will not deny but there is reason -in your argument--and, for myself, I would at once admit you to my -plans. But I am the custodian of the Prince's secret. 'Tis none of my -own I guard." - -"Well, well," he cried with impatience, "I suppose that I am to arrive -somewhere." - -"And where that somewhere is your lordship shall learn," said I, "with -the permission and from the lips of his gracious Majesty King William." - -He started at the words, and eyed me askance for a space, a dubious -expression of irresolution crossing his features. "You are a bold man, -Mr Ryder," he exclaimed, with something of a sneer. "I may remind you -that there surround you five stalwart men-at-arms that own allegiance -to his Majesty James II." - -"And you would have added, my lord," said I, "that James Stuart's -trusted servant is conversing with me. I am sensible of the peril in -which I stand. But I am no Facing-Both-Ways. I hold by my conscience, -i' faith." - -"Sir," he rapped out, harsh and sudden, "I have laid you by the heels -within the precincts of the compter once, and there I will lay you -again, if you brandish your impudence before me." - -"In the which case, my lord," quoth I, coldly, "you will be nothing -bettered, and King William would have a loyal servant to avenge." - -He said nothing, angrily considering me. - -"Come, come, my lord," I said, "we are in a kind of silly balance one -against t'other, and, to put no veil upon the situation, we scarce dare -trust each other. I walk in a great public peril, sure, with your hands -upon me, but consider upon what risks you yourself also move. I am -familiar to the Prince; my errand is known about his Court. Turn about -your horse, fetch me in chains to justice, and how will you appear? -'Tis a summary way with a royal herald. I ask you with what eyes the -King will view this act, and with what penalties he will reward it?" - -Jeffreys said nothing for a time, and then, speaking slowly, "You -have," he said, in a quieter voice, "a strong persuasion of the -Prince's triumph." - -"My lord," said I, "you yourself shall be the judge. What cries are -these that issue from the town these many months? With what voices was -the Duke of Monmouth welcomed but yesterday? Nay, the people of this -very country-side, newly trodden and trampled by King James's dragoons, -scarred and lacerated by your own ensanguined hands, my lord--with what -a face do they regard James Stuart, and what a welcome think you they -would give ye for yourself?" - -His lordship whitened under the moonlight, and his face betrayed an -emotion of terror. 'Twas plain that he had entertained these same -thoughts, and that my design had given him several unhappy hours. But -he made me no answer, and rode on, digesting these considerations with -what stomach he might. - -Now all this time we were getting farther into the rude country parts -of the shire, and more than once I had turned the party upon a by-way, -so that by this we were come out by the devil knows where. Moreover, it -was become very late, and a shrewd wind from the south came snapping -about our faces. And thus it grew upon me that I must bring this -topsy-turvy adventure to some close, with what wit I might; the more -particularly as by his lordship's contrivance (I make no doubt) I rode -in the midst of a circle, and was evidently to consider myself a fast -prisoner in the meantime. Now I had bred in my mind a very tolerable -design by which I might have given 'em the slip, but by this time I -was too nearly watched for that, and the bare appearance of the little -inn of Wolcombe, which I was contemplating, would have served to start -suspicions, if not certainty, in Jeffreys's noddle. So thinks I to -myself that 'tis ever a bold course that runs the least risk, as, -indeed, I have always attributed my own security to my never shirking -a hazard in the passage of fortune. Upon which suggestion comes -another--that the present would serve as well as another opportunity, -and better too, seeing that his lordship's eyes were beginning to lower -on me at this undue delay. Wherefore what do I at this juncture, and -when jogging along the way in the full face of old Oliver, but rein -the nag to one side, and reaching down, open a huge gate that stood a -little aback from the road. - -"What is this?" asked Jeffreys, in surprise. - -"This is the place, my lord," said I, in a whisper. "If you will march -with me a little in the fore of these men, I will instruct you further -as we ride up." - -There was a moment's pause on his part, but then I suppose he -considered the probabilities, and he saw that the road was clearly an -approach to some great house. At anyrate, he issued an order to his -escort, and the party wheeled up after me through the gateway and up -the avenue. - -"I take it, sir," he said at once, "that the Prince lies here?" - -"That is so, my lord," said I, though, to say sooth, I was all the time -wondering what the devil might lie at the end of this long passage, -and what should be my next turn in the game. But Jeffreys seemed -quite satisfied, and he even displayed a ruffle of eagerness at this -juncture; and so once more in deep silence we rode on, and came out -soon upon a great terrace of gravel surrounded by an amphitheatre -of trees, with the long house lying black and high upon one side. -The whole troop came to a halt here, and his lordship turned to me -as who should ask, "What must be done now?" It was manifest on the -instant that my only course lay in some prompt act, seeing that there -was no opportunity to show my heels; and so, beckoning him with a -quiet motion, I jogged on towards the house, Calypso's heels making -a devilish noise trampling on the stones. Somewhere within the house -shone a faint light, though 'twas long past midnight, and it seemed, -therefore, that someone was astir within. His lordship's eyes met -mine anxiously, and he moistened his lips. He was greatly agitated, -for certain, and the sight strung my nerves. Off I leaped, and rapped -loudly upon the knocker before the big door. Now I swear to you that -when I laid my fingers to the knocker I had never a thought in my head -as to the course I should pursue. But on that instant, and while the -echoes rang still in my ears, I took a quick notion. Leaning forward to -Jeffreys, I said, whispering,-- - -"My lord, I will prepare your way. Keep ye here, and you shall be -fetched presently." - -He stared at me suspiciously and in some bewilderment; but ere he could -say anything the door swung gently back. With a spring I was across the -threshold--and click goes the lock behind me in the very face of the -astonished janitor. But he fell a-trembling. - -"Who are you?" he said, while the light he carried shook in his hands. - -"Hush!" says I, warningly; "make no noise. Your lives hang on it. There -is a pack of dirty cut-throats on my heels," I says. - -"Oh, Lord!" he groaned, and retired hurriedly from the door. I followed -him, but he drew back, very suspicious. - -"My good man," said I, judging him by his looks to be the butler, "pray -use me with no suspicion. I am come to warn you. See, I bear no arms, -but am a private and peaceful citizen like yourself." - -"How come you here?" he asked, being somewhat reassured. - -"I became privy to their designs by accident at the Wolcombe Inn, the -scurvy rogues," said I, very pat and indignant, "and I have rode on to -warn your master in the nick of time. Where may he be?" - -"His lordship is abed, sir," he says. - -"Oh, well," said I, "hale him forth." - -"Nay, but I dare not," says he. - -"Oh, very well," said I. "Then you shall have your throats cut, every -man." - -His jaw fell; then, "I have a blunderbuss," says he, brightening of a -sudden. - -"Blunderbuss!" says I, with a sneer. "Why, 'tis a veritable band of -roaring satans, that lives on blunderbusses." - -"Oh, Lord deliver us!" he cried, and wrung his hands. "What shall we -do?" - -Now, in point of fact, as you may see, 'twas in my power without more -ado to play on my poor butler's fears, and so, skipping out of a -back door, to leave Jeffreys and his crew to cool their heels on the -terrace. But I was by this time infused with a certain zest of the -adventure; I entertained it with a gusto; and so, drawing him gravely -to a window near by that looked upon the front. - -"See you," said I, pointing out the escort where they lay in waiting, -"there's a monstrous set of rascals for ye, all a-hungering for blood, -they are, all a-spitting on their hands to flirt their hangers, with -which to slit the throats of poor civil citizens like me and you." - -"Lord save us!" he said, with his teeth going. And just at that -moment a thin voice sounded from somewhere above, and a tall lean old -gentleman, wrapped in a night-rail and looking choleric of face, peered -over the stairway at us. - -"What the devil are you at, Jenkins?" he says peevishly. - -"Oh, my lord," cried Jenkins (if that was the fool's name), "'tis a -gentleman that has come to warn us--and there is a pack of highwaymen -without, and our throats shall all be cut! Heaven help us!" - -"Silence, sirrah! I will have none of this noise," cries the old -gentleman, in a peppery voice. "You have disturbed my rest!" he says -angrily. - -"But, my lord," cried poor Jenkins, "the highwaymen--" - -"Well, well," says he, shrilly, "send 'em away. You must get rid of -'em," and he looked testily at the butler. - -But by this time with the noise of our talking the whole house was -awake, and there came the sound of doors opening, and forth from dark -passages broke lights, and faces peeped over balustrades. - -"My lord," said I, for 'twas time for me to think of old Jeffreys -outside, "'tis true there's highwaymen without, but I can think of a -way to trap 'em." - -"'Tis well someone has his wits," says he, pettishly. "Well, what would -you do?" - -"I would let the captain in," said I, "when he knocks on the door, and -shutting him off from his fellows, fall upon him and take him." - -"What then?" said he. - -"Why," says I, "you may then make your terms with the gang, having him -for a hostage." - -"Why did you not think of that, Jenkins?" said the old gentleman, -querulously. "Jenkins, you shall capture the captain as this gentleman -advises." - -But Jenkins's face fell, and he fidgeted with his fingers: 'twas plain -the mission was not to his taste. There was no time to spend upon such -tremors, for indeed I knew that Jeffreys would be getting suspicious in -his mind, and I was now resolute to put a score upon him for his ugly -behaviour. So said I: "There is no need, my lord, to entrust the matter -to Jenkins here, seeing that all may bear a hand. I make no doubt that -there be weapons of a kind, and if Mr Jenkins, maybe, will jump on the -villain's back when he is down--" - -"Faith, that will I," said Jenkins, stoutly, and armed himself -forthwith with a warming-pan that hung upon the walls. - -And that act setting the note, the company broke away in a commotion, -each securing some form of a missile wherewith to assail the miscreant. -And with that, as if the affair was already at an end, the old -gentleman pulls his wrapper close around him and returns very coolly to -his bed. But I had no time for these observations, for now was come -the occasion upon which my scheme depended, and,-- - -"There he knocks," said I, suddenly. - -But they were all so cluttered with their fears and their excitement -that not one of them but believed I spoke the truth. - -"Lord, how savage he knocks!" says a wench, with a shiver, and lays -hold of a lackey's arm. - -I went down to the door, and upon the first lifting of the latch they -popped away like rabbits in a warren. There, sure enough, was his -lordship, in a mighty trepidation and with an ugly scowl. - -"Come in," says I, in a whisper; "the Prince was abed, but will see you -at once, my lord." - -He came over the threshold, and--clap--I shut the door behind him; and -when that was done I breathed more freely, for I knew that I was secure -in my game. The Chief Justice, looking very fine and stately, advanced -down the solitary hall, emerging under the dim light; and then, all of -a sudden a hassock came rustling through the air and took him in the -belly. Over he went with a little gasp, and measured his length upon -the floor. Upon that leaps out my friend Jenkins with his warming-pan, -and bestriding his lordship's back, sets to belabouring for dear life. -Immediately after, and encouraged by this, others of the lackeys sprang -forth and fell to maltreating the poor cully where he lay. - -"Take that, you lousy knave, you?" says one fat wench, and turns over -him a kitchen utensil of some kind. - -"Let me scratch his eyes!" cries another; and Lord love you, what with -their exclamations and the screaming, to say nothing of the noise of -Jenkins's warming-pan and his lordship's angry oaths, you would have -thought that Bedlam was broke loose. - -But in the midst of it all I caught suddenly a sound of horses' hoofs -upon the gravel, and on the top of that came a hammering at the door. I -am no fool to outstay my welcome and so thinks I that the time is come, -and seizing a light that stood near by I made straight through the -midst of that uproar and plunged into the nether darkness of the house. -Here, by picking my way through divers passages, I presently came forth -by a side door and passed out into the night. A shrill whistle in the -old way fetched Calypso to me whinnying, and as I put my hand upon her -bridle I turned back and listened. There was that pandemonium still -within the hall, reaching me faintly through the open doorway, and the -escort was still hammering on the hall door. Then I leaped into the -saddle and turned the mare's nose down a side track in the park, and -the last I heard as I rode off, chuckling to myself, was the noise of -the escort pounding on the door. - - - - -THE ATTACK ON THE CHAISE - - -I have had ever an eye for a doxy, and in the course of my life have -happened upon a variety of the sex such as falls to few men. Some -have been fine ladies, brave with their lace and powder, and others -again have descended upon a scale to the common Kixsywinsy; but in the -end I would wager Polly Scarlet against any of the pack. Yet I will -confess that there were some that have mightily tickled me, and one -or two that went near to turn my head for their looks alone, to speak -nothing of their state and grace. Not but what I have long learned the -measure of beauty, and how far it may go--a man is a fool to surrender -to that on the summons; yet I will not deny how greatly it disturbs -the midriff, and, coming home so sharp, does thus affect the bearing -of us all. Madam or miss, there was no handsomer lady in town on that -summer night when I encountered her than Sir Philip Caswell's ward, and -'twas that, I'll be bound, influenced me in my behaviour subsequently. -Nevertheless, I vow I did not care two straws for the pretty puss in my -heart. - -'Twas after a long evening at a gaming house in Marylebone that I -was returning on my two legs through the fields for Soho. I was in a -pleasant temper, having filled my pockets with king's pictures, and I -had drunk nothing save a bottle or so of good burgundy since dinner. -The hour, indeed, was past midnight, and I was casting up the chances -to find supper at the Pack Horse, or the Golden Eagle, or some other -house known to me. "Well," says I, as I came out in the hedgerows, -"'tis nearly one, and rip me if I do not sup and lie abed by two, and -live virtuous," for I was pleased with what I was carrying, and loth -to lose it. A bird was calling in a flutter from the hedge, and just -upon that another sound came to my ears, and on the still air arose -the clamour of swords in engagement. This was nothing to me, for I am -not used to intermeddle in such affairs as nocturnal brawls, unless, -indeed, I am gone in liquor, as sometimes happens, or am led off by -troublesome company. But to the sounds of the fight succeeded the voice -of a woman, crying, but not very loudly, for help. This, as you may -believe, was upon another footing, for there was never a petticoat that -appealed to Dick Ryder in her trouble in vain, as my records will prove -on any road in England. So off I set at a run in the direction of the -sounds, which seemed to stream out of the entrance to Windmill Street. -The houses here were black and silent (it being so late) and there was -no sign of any interest on the part of the inhabitants of the quarter. -But the moon, which had been under a scurry of clouds, struck out of -her shelter and showed me plain the scene of the struggle. There, in -the roadway, stood the body of a chaise, with two trampling horses, -while about it was a melley of figures, two of which were engaged, -hammer and tongs, upon each other. I was not long ere I had seized the -situation, and interpreted it properly; and, whipping out my blade, I -made no ado about falling on the assailants of the chaise. 'Twas easy -to make out who these were, inasmuch as one of the men wore a mask -across his eyes. I ran upon him and those behind him, while I was aware -of the woman's cry that still issued out of the chaise but now suddenly -stopped. - -At that I lunged, but on that same instant the scum about him came at -me from the side, so that I was forced to keep my eyes and weapon in -two places. The man in the mask had not ceased to ply his point on the -gentleman whom I took to be the owner of the chaise, and this seemed -a sturdy, obstinate fellow enough, for he puffed and grunted hard at -my ear, but fought like any dragon. One of those that came at me I -winged in the arm, and, swiftly dodging behind my ally, I came upon -the masked man and ran him through the shoulder without advertisement. -He dropped his arm with an oath, and, as he did so, the mask fell from -his face, which showed clear and lean in the moonlight. But that was no -sooner done than the big man by me lurched and staggered, so that it -was plain he had taken something in his vitals. Well, here was I now -all alone with that evil pack about me, pressing on me like birds of -prey, for although I had pinked one and his master, there was two more -able-bodied culleys left, to say nothing of the master himself, whose -wound, to judge from his language, was more painful than serious. I am -quick at a resolve, and know when to withdraw from in front of odds. -There was a man fallen wounded, and maybe dead, and no signs of the -watch; while from the chaise peered, as I caught a glimpse, a white -and terrified face in the moonlight. The coachman, it was clear, had -taken to his heels already, and the horses stood champing and trembling -and swaying in their alarm at the noises. What does I, then, as there -was a little lull in the fray and the others temporarily drew off, but -stoop and lift the big man from the ground and bundle him rapidly into -the chaise. Bang goes the door and, leaping to the coachman's seat, I -lashed the horses with the flat of my blade. They started in a panic, -and the chaise went plunging and rocking down the narrow way. - -This fetched me into King Street, and, in fear of pursuit, I stood up -and banged at the nags, so that I had them bumping at a gallop round -into the Oxford Road and on the way for Tyburn. When we had run some -distance I brought 'em to with an effort, and, hearing no noise of the -enemy, descended and opened the door of the chaise. The moon shone -sufficiently for me to make out the humped body of the man I had thrust -in so roughly, and opposite, white, shrinking, and in an evident state -of terror and agitation, a mighty handsome and engaging miss that -stared at me helplessly. - -"Is--is he dead?" she asked hoarsely. - -"Faith, miss," says I, "I cannot say. Yet I hope not. He's not for -worms, I'll warrant. Best get him home and have a surgeon fetched; and -if you will acquaint me with the house, I will make so bold as to take -you myself." - -She waited a moment and then spoke, giving a street in St James's, -at which I made her a congee and got upon the box again. I am better -astride a nag than with a whip in my hand, and moreover the night was -now pretty dark, yet 'twas not long ere we had reached the house, and, -the bell being rung and the servants called, the fat gentleman was got -in safely enough. Upon that someone flies for the surgeon, and there -was I all alone with the lady, and not loth to clap my peepers on her -more nearly. She moved with a style, but had a fearful air, yet it was -her face that took me most. She was young and slender and nothing too -tall--large-eyed and round of limb, and with a mouth that budded in -repose and opened like a flower in speech. But she was very still and -white just then. - -"I am Sir Philip Caswell's ward, sir," she says, very tremulously, "and -we are much beholden to you." - -"I am honoured, madam," said I with a congee again, "to have been of -some small service to you." - -"The scoundrels fell upon us by Windmill Street upon our way home," she -continued, with a pretty shudder. "Sir Philip stepped out to face them. -I begged he would not, but he is very obstinate." - -"Faith, miss, what could he do less?" said I. - -"We might have whipped up and so escaped them," says she, with an air -of some petulance now, "but that our cowardly man took to his heels and -left us helpless." - -As she spoke she eyed me with more coldness, I thought, than the -occasion warranted, for all she was so shook, and though she had -made me her compliments quite prettily, she had spoke as if she were -thinking of something else; which, as you will conceive, nettled me -not a little. It was as if she wished me away, for she fell silent and -cast glances at the chamber clock that hung at the wall. But seeing -I had been at the pains for her and the old fat man, why, says I to -myself, rip me if I will go like any discharged lackey. I will tire -her out, says I, and let Beauty yawn or pay in gratitude. So I sat on -in the saloon, making conversation as it seemed fit to me to serve one -of her class and age. No doubt she was tired, for the hour was about -two in the morning, yet her pretty yawns, which she feigned to cover -with her hands, vexed me. But indeed I might have gone forth and left -her there and then for very shame as would have been natural, had it -not been that an excuse came to aid me in a message from Sir Philip, -who had recovered under the attentions of the surgeon. He had learned, -it seemed, that his rescuer was in the house and begged that he might -be allowed to thank him in person presently. This set me in feather, -but miss in the sulks, as I thought, which maddened me the more that -the hussy should prove so ungrateful, particularly at a time when she -should be showing concern at her adventure or, at least, grief for her -guardian. Yet as I watched her, perish me but she charmed me with her -petulant prettiness the more. Such a dainty head and a mouth so pert -and alluring I had never yet clapped eyes on, which I say for all that -followed. - -There, then, were we set, awaiting Sir Philip, in the big chamber, she -yawning without disguise, and me racking my wits to attract her. I'll -warrant she must have taken an idea of me as a buck of Town, although -she feigned coldness then. I spoke of the play and the Court, of both -of which I knew secrets, and I talked on a level proper to the sex. - -"D'ye not love the play, miss?" says I. - -"Lard, it is pretty well," says she, and covered up a yawn with -ostentation. - -"I doubt not but you have seen _Love in a Tub_?" said I, for I would -not be beat by her impudence. - -"Maybe," says she, "I have a poor memory." - -"There was one played in it t'other day like to you, miss," said I, -with significance, thinking to rouse her. - -She lifted her eyebrows. "Well, indeed," says she, indifferently. - -"As handsome as I might wish to see--so she was," said I, persisting. - -"Why! do you say so?" cries miss. "What a fortunate lady!" and stifles -another yawn. - -"You favour her, miss," says I, giving her an eye. - -"Lard, I favour none, sir," said she, tartly. "I am cross like two -sticks that could beat myself," and ere I could find a word in retort -she had gone from the room. - -If I had followed my first temper I should have marched from the house -forthright, being sore to be so used by the minx; but I will admit she -had a fascination for me, and wherein my teeth are set there I hold; so -that I paced the chamber once or twice and "Faith," says I, angrily, "I -will make the little cockatrice sing another tune afore I've done." - -And no sooner was I come to this conclusion than the door at the foot -of the room opened, and in walks an elegant gentleman. The sound made -me turn, and I watched him till he came into the light of the candles, -when I cried out sharply--for the face was no other than that which had -lain behind the mask in that nocturnal attack. I took some steps across -the room and halted by him, so that he might see me as clearly as I saw -him. - -"Well, sir," says I, "I'll make bold to say you recognise me," for I -was amazed and disordered by his remarkable appearance in that house. - -He looked me up and down. "Not the least in the world," says he, -coolly, and arranged some nice point in his sleeves. "Who the devil may -you be?" - -"Rip me," says I, angrily. "The question is not that so much as who be -you and what audacity brings you here? But if you want it you shall -have it. My name is Ryder." - -He paused again before he replied to me, and there was no manner of -irritation in his voice, but merely languor. - -"Well, Mr Ryder, one good turn deserves another; so my name is York, -and I am a friend of Sir Philip Caswell." - -"What!" said I, mightily taken aback at this rejoinder, as you -may suppose, then I laughed. "S'blood," I said, "'tis a pretty -demonstration of friendship to be for striking your bodkin in someone's -belly, as you was an hour ago, you rogue." - -York's eyebrows lifted at this, but I will admit he had a fine command -of himself, which took my admiration, toad as he was. He was a healthy, -ruddy man, of looks not displeasing. - -"Indeed," says he to me, "why, here is news. Have we Simon Bedlam -here, madam?" and he turned to miss, who had entered at that moment. -He bowed very low to her, and the colour sprang in her face. - -"Mr York," she cried, in a fluttered way. - -"Why, you did not look for me so late, madam," says he, pleasantly. -"But I spied lights, and thought maybe Sir Philip was at his cards and -would give me welcome, and the door was open. But I find only," he -concluded, with an indifferent glance on me, "a Merry Andrew who talks -brimstone and looks daggers." - -"Sir Philip has been attacked," stammered miss; "the surgeon has just -left him." - -"'Tis not serious, I trust," says the fellow, gravely, and when she had -faltered out her negative, continued very polite, "Footpads, I doubt -not. The streets are abominable in these days, and the watch is ever -asleep." - -But that was too much for me, and I burst forth. - -"Footpads!" said I. "Hear him, miss? Why, 'twas the dung-fork himself. -The mask fell from his face as he fought me, and I saw him plain. I -would have you and Sir Philip know what manner of man this is who calls -himself friend." - -"Softly, softly; you crow loud," said he, as impudent as ever, and -smiling softly. "Who, d'ye suppose, would credit this cock-and-bull -story? I profess I know none. Would you, madam?" he asked, turning -suddenly on the girl. - -She hesitated ever so little, and showed some confusion. - -"I--I think the gentleman mistook," said she. "I cannot credit such a -story. 'Tis monstrous." - -"Why, miss," said I, "'tis true as I am a living man. And as for this -muckrake here, why, I will prove it on his skin if he denies it," and -out I whipped my iron, ready for an onfall. But it seemed that he would -not budge, and smiled as indifferent as ever. And miss, too, though she -showed no colour, regained her composure, and says she, firmly,-- - -"'Tis monstrous. I cannot believe it. This gentleman is a friend to me -and Sir Philip. He is on terms of intimacy. Lard, sir, you surprise me -to make such rash statements. Your eyes deceived you, or the dark." - -The man that called himself York nodded impudently. "That is it, -madam," he says. "'Twas his eyes, no doubt, and the blinking moon. This -gentleman, whom I have not the honour of knowing, is doubtless much -excited by the event and must be excused. Otherwise...." he shrugged -his shoulders significantly, "I am honoured by the resemblance he -detects, and, my faith, I shall be seeing my double kick the Triple -Beam--so I shall, and curse him for a rogue." - -But you may guess that this was too much for me--to stand there quiet -and see the cully talk so suave and false, and the girl so credulous, -and perilling herself and the house by blind faith in such a villain. -Upon his features, moreover, there was a faint grin that spread and -counterfeited civility, almost as it were, a leer, and that maddened -me; so that I spoke out pretty hotly. - -"'Tis very true what you say, sir," said I, "and there was no witness -of what happened save me and old Oliver, the moon. And so the law shall -go free of you. Indeed, I have no particular fancy for the law myself. -But, perish me, sir," says I, "I detect a mighty resemblance in you to -a wheedler that cheated me at dice this night, and, rip me, if I will -not run you through the midriff for it." - -There was my point towards him, with that little menacing twist of my -wrist, such as has served me often in good stead, and he must have -seen what sort of kidney he had to deal with, for he gazed at me in -surprise, laughed slightly, and made protest with his shoulders, -exhibiting some discomposure. - -"I would remind you, sir," said he, "that there is a lady here." - -"Faith," says I, "but she will not be outside, then, and thither you -shall go." - -York frowned at this and stood for a moment as though he was at a loss -for answer. I was not to be put down by a naughty fop like him, with -his punctilios, more especially as I was acting in the interests of the -lady, so I pressed him with the naked blade. - -"Come," says I, "let's see your tricks out of doors." - -But at that a voice broke in and stayed me, coming from the door behind. - -"Pray, sir," says this, very level and quiet, "what may this scene -mean?" - -Round I whipped, and there, on the threshold of the room, was the -tall big man that had fought by me, Sir Philip himself, with his arm -in a bandage, a cap on his iron-grey hair, and on his face a stern, -commanding expression. Out of the tail of my eye I saw miss shrank back -against the wall in a posture of alarm. But York was no whit abashed; -he saluted most ceremoniously. - -"Good evening, Sir Philip," said he. "Your servant. You are come in -time--perish me, in the very nick. Here's a most impudent and amazing -case," and he cocks his finger at me. "I have never heard of a more -shameless, audacious fellow. Faith, it has made me laugh--so impudent -is it!" - -"I should like to know what it is, Mr York, so that I maybe might share -the jest," says Sir Philip, with some dryness of tone. - -"Why, naturally," returned t'other cheerfully. "Having had the good -fortune to rescue you and your ward from a pack of villains, cutpurses -or worse, what is my surprise to find installed in your house the very -chief of the villains, as impudent as you please. Faith, if it were not -so grave 'twould tickle me still." - -I must admit that the fellow took me back, and for all I was furious I -could not but admire his cool bearing and ready wit. Sir Philip stared -at me with a black frown, for I could find nothing for the moment to -counter this monstrous brazen charge, but at last I broke out, only -with an oath, for sure--so amiss was I. - -"You damnable rogue!" said I. - -But York goes on as calm as ever. "'Twould be a good thing, sir," says -he, looking at me with a kind of wondering interest, "if perhaps the -watch was called. For he is a man that can use a weapon, as your arm -bears witness, and, indeed, my own skin, too," with which he stroked -his elbow gently. Sir Philip had come forward and now began in a -formidable voice of anger. - -"What!" he cries to me, "you are the ruffian--" - -But I was not going to put up meekly under this, and broke out myself. - -"Rip me," said I, "if I have ever heard or seen the like. Why, yonder -stands the fellow that was in the assault on your carriage, and 'twas -me, Dick Ryder, that thrust him through the elbow as he fell on you." - -Sir Philip's eyes went from one to t'other of us, under his bent black -brows, but York's eyebrows were lifted in a feint of amazement. - -"Why, Sir Philip," said he, "you will see from this how an excess of -impudence may move a man. It may be that he is drunk that he plays so -wildly. You have known me long. Sure, I needn't speak in my own behalf -to so preposterous a charge," and dropped silent with a grand air. - -"I have known you long, as you say, sir," said Sir Philip, slowly, "and -I have known you to be a suitor for my ward's hand." - -"I have always had that honour," said York, with a bow towards miss, -"which, unhappily, you have not seen fit to allow me so far. Yet, if -any witness is wanted, why, here is your ward herself." - -At that Sir Philip turned as though reminded. - -"Lydia," said he, "what is the truth of this story? We were attacked -and rescued. Was this gentleman in the assault?" and he pointed at me. - -Miss's eyes fell; she was fluttered and her bosom went fast; and there -flashed, I'll swear, a glance from York. - -"Indeed, sir," she faltered, "I could not say. The men were masked." - -"Ay, so they were," said he, considering. - -"'Twas from this one's face that I took the cover," put in York, pertly. - -"But certain it is that Mr York rescued us," went on miss in a faint -voice. - -At that news I could have reeled under the words, so little was I ripe -for them, and so unsuspicious of her. - -"Why," said I, opening my mouth and stuttering, "why, 'twas I drove off -the pack, and fetched the chaise home. 'Twas I lifted you in and took -the reins. The Lord deliver me from this wicked puss!" - -Sir Philip threw up his sword arm with a gesture of black wrath. - -"'Tis plain," said he, "that one here is a villainous rogue, and if we -have not always agreed, Mr York, at least I cannot think you that." - -Miss leaned against the wall white and trembling, and I gave her -a congee, very deep and ironical. Truth to say, as soon as I had -recovered I had, after my habit, begun to ply my wits pretty sharply, -and already I had taken a notion of how things stood between the two. -Moreover, I was not done with yet, and I cast about to be even with the -pair. Sir Philip, it seemed, was hostile to the addresses of this York; -and as patently, miss herself was not. The attack, then, must have been -part of a plan to gain Miss Lydia's person, to which she was herself -privy. What do I then but step in and interfere with the pretty plot? -This was why she bore me no goodwill, no doubt. - -"Well," says I, with the congee, "I cannot contest a lady's word, be -she Poll or Moll. Let the gentleman have his way." - -Sir Philip, without more ado, turned to him. - -"Mr York," said he, civilly, "I beg your pardon for my coldness, which, -indeed, had nothing of suspicion. But you must remember that we have -never quite agreed. I hope that will mend. I remain greatly in your -debt, and I trust you will be good enough to add to my obligations by -keeping this man secure until my return. I will have the watch fetched -at once." - -"Nothing will give me greater satisfaction, sir," says the rogue, -cheerfully, and off goes Sir Philip with his black, portentous face, -leaving us three there together again. As for me, I had made up my -mind and was feeling my way to some action; but says York, looking on -me pleasantly,-- - -"Egad, you're in a ticklish case. Stap me, you've run your head into -a noose. Now, why the devil did you yield that way? I had looked for -a good round fight, as good, egad, as we had this evening. And I had -begun to have my fears, too--stap me, I did." - -But I paid him no heed then, for I will confess that I was all eyes for -Miss Lydia, whose face was very piteous. She was trembling violently -and looked out of tragic eyes, and then it came upon me like a flash -that she was no party to the lie herself, but had spoken in fear of -that bully. Indeed, it may be that she took a distaste of him, as it -were, from that scene which began to show from that minute. How else -can be explained what ensued? - -"You had better go, sir," said she at last, in a whisper. - -"Ay, that's true," says York, nodding. "I had not thought of that. You -had better go. The watch will be fetched." - -He looked so comfortable and so friendly, rather than what he was at -heart, that my gorge rose of a sudden. - -"Perish me if I will go," says I. "If I must hang I must hang." - -Miss started. "Oh!" she cried, and "you must go, oh, you must go, sir! -Fly, fly, while there is time." - -Here were the two culprits in unison for my withdrawal, which would -fetch them out of a scrape, yet how far the girl was involved in the -business I had not yet determined. So I pushed her further, as, indeed, -I had the right. I folded my arms. - -"I am waiting my reward, madam," I said, "something in recognition of -my efforts on behalf of yourself and Sir Philip." - -But at this she fell into a greater exhibition of distress, imploring -me to go, and flitting in agitation 'twixt me and the door, on which -she kept anxious watch. Well, thought I, if here's not innocence at -least she's in a pickle enough, and I believe I would have gone had it -not been for York, whose bearing annoyed me. Besides, I wanted to see -how far miss would go, and if her resolution to veil the truth would -stand out against the watch and a poor victim haled to prison. Not that -I wanted the watch or the law about me nearer than was necessary, for -sundry reasons, but I can always trust to my own ingenuity and sword if -it comes to the pinch. So I listened to her deafly, and made no sign to -go. - -"Let him be, Lydia," says York, pleasantly. "He's an obstinate fellow, -and, faith, deserves his fate. Let him hang; I'll warrant it must have -come to that some day." - -But this turns me on him, and I whipped out my blade again in a fury at -his insolence; only Miss Lydia intervened, and, her face very pale, put -a hand on my arm. - -"Oh, sir," says she, very low of voice, but clear and earnest for all -that, "I beg you will not suffer further harm to come to-night. Indeed, -but I am ashamed to look you in the face. I will not excuse myself--I -will offer no apologies, yet, maybe, you will not think too hardly of -me if you know more. My guardian keeps me close. He stands in my way, -and will not allow me what is allowed all women. I am not a schoolgirl, -sir. I am grown a height," and she raised herself to her full stature. -"Surely I may have that liberty to command, to choose where I will and -whom. Sir, he has sought to make himself all the law to me," she cries, -with heaving bosom. "And as for his hurt, God knows I did not wish it, -and was not privy to it," and she cast a glance, as I thought, of scorn -and reproach at her lover. The eloquence of this new attitude struck me -to the reins, tender as I ever was to the wounds of women, though not -to be frustrated or deceived by vain pretences. - -"He is a hog," says I, "a pig of a man to interfere with you, madam." - -But here spoke York, when he had better have held his tongue, yet it -was impossible. - -"Faith, child," he said lightly, "you have touched him there. Best stop -and go no farther. Let it work." - -"I will go on," she cried, stamping her foot and turning on him. "I -will tell all to this gentleman, all that should be told; for it is his -due and meed--a small recompense for the unworthy usage he has had. -You have heard him, sir," she says, "and, indeed, your eyes have been -witness to his deeds and what he is. My guardian came between us and -denied us. And this was _his_ plan--to snatch me away by violence while -I stood passive, not refusing nor accepting." She wrung her hands in -a transport of distress. "I--I was wild ... I did madly; yet, sir, I -would not have you judge me by that. See, it has all ended in trouble, -nothing but trouble, and I have gained nothing for myself but shame." - -She paused upon the edge of tears, as I could see pretty plain, and -says I, bluntly, "You were misled, and by them that should not," and I -scowled at York where he stood. But York says nothing, merely lifting -his shoulders, and being content, no doubt, to let miss deal with the -situation. She sank her face in her hands, which moved me strangely, -for she had a helpless look. - -"If I have misjudged, sir, and been mistook," she said, "can you blame -me if I would bury that shame and not have it flaunted in my face?" - -"Not I, madam," said I. "I would I might help you, troth I do." - -"You can," she cried, sparkling shyly and eagerly upon me. - -"Why ...," says I. - -"If you will go, sir, there will be no trouble, no inquiry, and no law -will be set in motion. 'Twill die a quiet death, and nothing will be -digged up against me. I shall not have to tell the truth, as I shall -have else," she cried. Her lips parted in her fever, her eyes burning -with a wild zeal. - -York uttered a sound, but I was silent. - -"Oh, sir!" she pleaded. - -"Why," I said, with a laugh. "It seems I must condone wounds and -abduction and all." - -"'Tis on me the brunt will fall--the shame and scandal," she urged, -and, looking in her pretty face, I could resist no longer, for I'll -swear she was genuine, and had been misled by that muckrake. - -"I will go," says I, and then of a sudden remembered. "But how am I to -escape?" says I. - -"By the window," she said, pointing to it with animation. - -"Why, to be sure," says I, slowly, for I was taken with a notion, "but -there is this gentleman who is my guard." - -"Oh!" says she, archly, "I think your sword is better than his, and he -will not stay you." - -"True," says I, "but 'tis best to be prudent and to avoid Sir Philip's -suspicions. He must have some marks of a struggle. Either I must leave -him with a wound, or senseless, or gagged and bound ... or maybe -suspicion will come to rest on you, madam." - -Her brows were bent in a little frown. "That is true," she said, and -turned to York, whose face for the first time, as I could see, wore a -look of discomposure. - -"He must be bound and gagged," says I, shaking my head. - -"Ye-es," she says, hesitatingly. - -Whereupon I went forward to the fellow, who gnawed his lip and -fidgeted. He looked at Miss Lydia as if about to speak, and then shot -an angry glance at me, but paused. - -"Oh, very well," says he, at last, with a grin, "but pray make haste -or you will be surprised in the middle of your job--" and he had the -air of yielding himself with good humour. But I knew what must be his -chagrin, though I admired him for his manner. He would have done pretty -well on the road if he could have put by his scurvy way with women. Yet -I was not for letting him off, after what he had done, so, withdrawing -the cords from the window curtains, I tied him pretty quickly in a fast -enough bundle. But when, his arms being lashed behind, I approached -with a wedge of wood, York cried out in protest. - -"I'll have none of that," said he. - -"He must be gagged," says I to the lady, appealing to her. She -hesitated, and, looking on him, appeared to take pity; or maybe she was -afraid of him. - -"Perhaps it is not necessary," she said. - -"Why, look you, madam," said I, earnestly, "we must convince Sir Philip -of our good faith; else he will smell out this trickery and all our -pains are thrown away." - -She made no answer and with the wedge I moved a step nearer to York, -who grimaced and cried out with an oath,-- - -"May I be--" - -But ere he could get it forth I had it between his teeth, and with my -knee in his wind threw him in a heap upon the floor. Miss Lydia looked -on with open eyes, and with an air of uncertainty. - -What she would have said I know not, but at that moment there was a -sound without the door, and she broke out. - -"Go--go," she cried, running to me. "You can go now in safety." - -"Yes, 'tis time I was gone if I am to keep the bargain," said I, -looking with a grin on York, who was wriggling on the floor. - -I gave miss a congee, and backed to the window. "If you will credit me, -madam," says I, "you will think twice ere you take up with York there." - -"I know, I know," says she, eagerly, for she was terrified of the -sounds outside. "I will be wise, I promise you." - -Her skirts swung against me, and that touch on my arm sent through -me an amazing thrill, so that, beholding her so vastly handsome and -passionate at my elbow, my blood fired at the sight. - -"Madam," said I, very grave, "I had thought to do you some good, and -that privilege would have been my reward. But I find myself only -to have plunged you in embarrassments, for which may I be whipped. -What get I for my pains, then? Why, nothing, not even the private -consolation to have relieved you; and in this escape what touches me is -not so much the ignominy as the deprivation of these eyes of one they -would have dwelled on always." - -'Twas not ill phrased, as you will admit, and I got it off with -unction, her face being so close to me, and devilish enticing. The -sounds were not now audible, and I was at the window, so that I suppose -she had forgot her tremors. A demure look crept in her face under my -boldness, and says she softly,-- - -"What would you have me do?" - -"Oh, madam," said I, burning on her. "Look up, look up, I pray you, and -I'll warrant you'll read me as clear as a book." - -"I cannot guess, sir," says she, looking up with her innocent eyes all -the same, while from the floor there was a choking sound which, maybe, -was the dust in York's nostrils. Miss looked round. - -"We are keeping Mr York in an uncomfortable position," says she, -sweetly. "'Tis not a pleasant posture to be in." - -"Faith," said I, boldly, "I would lie so all night if I might get what -I want now." - -"What is it you want?" says she, opening her eyes in wonder. - -"Why, what I will take, and suffer all risks," says I of a sudden. -With which I put my arm about her swiftly and carried her face to -mine. Miss Lydia called out "Oh!" and the gag was shaken with uncouth, -unintelligible sounds. A noise streamed out of the hall. - -"Go, go!" cries she, pink of face and sparkling, and seeing my time -was come I turned and went, leaving the gag still spluttering in the -corner. - - - - -THE GENTLEMANLY HABERDASHER - - -I have dealt in my time with traps and catchpoles of many colours; I -have treated with justices and officers of the law that were mighty -difficult; and I have encountered innumerable rough bucks that have -pressed me badly. But give me them all rather than a pack of silly, -screaming women that know not their own mind for two minutes on end. -Many times have I adventured the sex in one way or another, and I can -claim to have been esteemed by them, from milkmaids to ladies, even to -my Lady Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland. But I will confess that my heart -beats too soft in me to confront them rightly. I cannot abide tears nor -a swollen countenance, and a petticoat catches me; and there it is. Not -that I am a fool where women are concerned, for on occasion there is no -harder flint than Dick Ryder, as is known in the four quarters of the -kingdom. But I lean to mercy and consideration, and particularly if I -be in a good humour or in liquor. - -'Twas in a frolic mood that I met the wench of the Magpie, which -meeting led to an evening's entertainment, tolerably humoursome, but -something "pretty-missy" for a stark man like me. I was newly come from -the Bath Road with my purse full of king's pictures, to the which I -had added on Turnham Green without so much as a thought of it. 'Twas -fallen dark of a foul December evening, and, as I was riding for town, -I missed the road and Calypso floundered into a bog of water and mire. -With a curse I pulled her out, when just at that moment I heard a voice -crying out a little way off. The common oozed mud, for the rain had -been falling heavily, but I pushed the mare across in the direction of -the voice, and there was another that had fallen into my plight, but -much worse. For a chaise had wandered off the road and was axle-deep in -a pond that spreads on the common. - -"Help!" says the voice. - -"That I will! Help you and myself, too," says I; and I gave a hand to -the coachman and together we got the carriage to land. - -"I am much in your debt, sir," says the master of it when we were -done--a smug-speaking sort of fellow whose face I could not see. "You -have placed Samuel Hogg, haberdasher, of Bristol, under obligations," -he said pompously. - -"Oh, you are in my debt, 'tis no doubt," says I, laughing, "but, rip -me, you won't be long;" and at that I delivered him of a pile of gold -guineas, and turned my back on his entreaties and objurgations. - -When I was come to town I put up at my favourite inn and where I am -known, and on the next day I set out for Polly Scarlet's. But when I -got there, there was my poor girl abed with a swollen cheek. So, says -I, giving her good cheer and a certain trinket that I had for her, I -will make the best of my way to Soho and see if, maybe, some of the -lads be assembled. But I had got no further than the Minories, when who -should emerge into sight in the company of two officers, but Timothy -Grubbe, that rascally thief-taker, crimp and scoundrel. I am not to be -frightened by any man on earth, but 'twas wise to go shy of Timothy and -his friends at that time; so ere they had a sight of me I turned my -back on them and slipped in at the Magpie tavern. Here was a warm room -and comfortable, and the wine, when mulled, was passable, though sour. -So I tossed off a draught and says to the wench, ironically,-- - -"To bring out the flavour of this tap, I'll eat cheese, my dear. 'Tis a -wine worth testing," says I. - -Thereat she fetched me cheese, and stood staring on a ring that she -wore on her finger, a little in the shadow. Well, I sat idly there, -sipping at my glass, for 'twas pleasant enough, and quiet. 'Twas -a bare, empty tap, as it chanced, and the wench and I had it to -ourselves. She was a pretty sort of figure, all in white--white mob and -white apron; of a middle height and slightness pleasant in so young -a maid, brisk of eye, quick of face, and with a certain abruptness -of chin. She stood, as I say, staring on a ring, in a brooding -seriousness, and then of a sudden she uttered a little sob and rushed -her apron to her eye. - -"Whoa!" says I. "Whoa there, mare," speaking softly enough, but she -started up and turned about, so that her face was no longer in the -light, and so remained a little while. - -"Come, my pretty," said I in a good-humoured way. "Wash no colour from -that blue. I'll warrant 'tis admired, and rightly. If there's any huff -or bully that breeds those dew-drops give me his name, and on my word, -I'll make carrion of him." - -At that she turned to me again, holding herself erect, and her eyes -discharged at me a glance. 'Twas not one of haughtiness merely, but -rather one in which fear and defiance and anger rubbed shoulders. One -might have said, indeed, that all these sentiments rained together from -her pretty peepers. But then she dropped her head as quickly, and -affected her interest in the bottles or the casks or something else in -the distance. - -"Why," says I, "I will even taste once more that delectable bin," and -she came forth, reluctant, to fill my glass again. "Now," says I, when -I had her there, "you're a girl of spirit; rip me, what's amiss?" - -"Sir?" she says with a glare in her face. - -"Come, if every pretty filly used her hind legs so hard," said I with a -laugh, "what room would be left in the stalls?" - -She said no word but went about her business, the which, as I am not -used to rebuffs either from man, madam, or maid, nettled me; but I know -such wildings; they be not pigeons nor doves nor tame sparrows neither. -I must lime her with another manner; so I altered my voice, and says I, -in a pleasant, but masterful, tone,-- - -"You must not think me any Peeping Tom," I said, "to twist his eyes on -you and badger you. Tears spoil that handsome cheek, and I would know -if there be no remedy. I cannot abide to see youth and beauty weeping." - -She had turned her head now, and gave me a searching glance. "'Tis -naught you could help in, sir," she says with some demureness, and -then broke out, "'tis along of my aunt. She has put upon me and treated -me ill." - -"A hag of an aunt," says I sympathetically, "to bruise one so tender -and so dutiful, I'll swear." - -"Yes, 'tis so," says she, now with some confidence, and wagging her -little head towards me. "She knows not when she is well-served--that -she doth not." - -"I'll take oath of that," says I. - -"I am daughter to her husband's sister, sir," said she, running on -glibly by this time, "and Cousin Tom is sib to me." - -"Why, for sure, if he be your cousin," said I. - -"And when my mother died," she said, taking no heed, "uncle says I must -live with him, and there have I lived all these years." - -"None so many, rip me," says I, handsomely. - -"He has had good service out of me," she said, casting me a glance, as -of one who would assert her rights. "There have I worked for my Aunt -Susan and cast up figures for uncle, and no thanks given me--no, not a -crown's worth all these years." - -"A sorry pair of skinflints," said I, nodding. "But I would not cry -tears on them, not I, if I was a spirited wench." - -"'Tis not that," says she, weeping anew. "'Tis that I am turned out of -doors; they will not have me more." - -"Why, how is that?" I asked, whereat she looked demure as a saint, and -says she,-- - -"Oh, 'twas but nothing. 'Twas Cousin Tom." - -And it appeared that Cousin Tom had set calf's eyes on her, and that -his mother destined him for better things; so that the wench must quit, -though she kept the tally for nunkie and the house for aunt. - -"Well," says I, "'tis a piece of injustice, my dear, and that I'll -swear to. Love you this Tom?" - -Whereat she hesitated, and stammered, and turned aside her face, and -then heaved up her pretty shoulders. - -"He is so silly," says she. - -"Why, that is the right kind of silliness for a maid, I'll take oath," -said I. - -But she said nothing, so I tossed a guinea on the table, for I had just -taken a fancy to a little entertainment, having nothing to do and being -at a loose end by reason of Polly. - -"There's that will pay for a bottle of wine," said I, "the which I will -put under my jacket by your leave, mistress. And I will be the one to -pull you out of your despair." - -She looked at me in surprise. - -"Oh, I have an eye for a wench," said I, "and I know virtue when it -peeps out. And if so be you want Tom, rip me, you shall have him." - -"I do not understand you, sir," said she, still wondering. - -"See you here, mistress," says I, with a wink, "if you was known to -be in the expectation of money," says I, "maybe auntie would sing to -another tune." - -"Yes," said she, with her mouth open and her eyes. - -"Very well," said I, "a gentlemanly haberdasher has clapped eyes on a -pretty miss and taken a fancy to her for a daughter." - -She stared at me. - -"Say that here sits the haberdasher," said I, cocking an eye at her, "a -gentlemanly haberdasher that is a widower and is peaking for a daughter -that he will never get," says I, "what says auntie and nunkie now?" - -She met my glance and presently hers fell. I could see she was quick of -wit and took me now. - -"But, sir, I do not know who you be," said she, demurely, and fidgeting -with her apron. - -"Oh, we will better that," says I, remembering of the man on Turnham -Green. "Call me Samuel Hogg," said I, "godly Samuel Hogg, of Bristol, -that wants a daughter all to himself and is willing to leave her a -hundred guineas for a dowry and a thousand on his deathbed." - -Her lips parted and her eyes gleamed. Then she gave me a shrewd glance, -for she was no fool, and at last she smiled. - -"You are very kind," said she. - -"Pooh!" said I, emptying the bottle. "You may say that when I see you -this evening and confront 'em." - -"Confront 'em," she said. - -"D'ye suppose I will not pursue that which I propose?" I asked. "I will -see auntie, nunkie and all, and so you may warn 'em. The gentlemanly -haberdasher, rip me, will visit 'em to-night, for to beg their niece of -'em." - -'Twas on that understanding we parted, though I believe the girl -thought me gone in liquor and talking foolishly. But that I was not, as -she discovered, for I meant to go through with the jest and help a poor -female against her shrew of an aunt at the same time. - -So that evening when it had fallen dark, sure enough, I presented -myself before the Magpie, clothed very old and sober and with a wig -to suit, and knocked for admittance. Well, there were they assembled -to meet me (for the wench had done her part), looking very expectant -and all in a flutter. There was uncle that was broad and short and -of a weak cast of face with a grin on it, and by him was aunt, prim -and stiff, but the vinegar of her face sugared over with a smile; -and to these were added Cousin Tom, a lubberly big fellow with a -booby expression, and a couple more. Why, had I not been used to -distinguished company I might have turned white of trembling and -bashfulness before them. But as it was, the more the merrier, and, says -I, with a congee to aunt,-- - -"By your leave, madam." - -"Sir," says she, "our niece Nancy has acquainted us with your story;" -at which, thinks I, "'Egad I'm glad I know her name," the which I had -misremembered to ask. - -"She hath done me honour, mistress," I replied, polite as a pea. "And -since you know why I am here, faith, let us sit down and discuss of it." - -Uncle sat down, blinking rapidly at us, and a little fat man in the -corner eyed me curiously. - -"Your sister's daughter, my good man?" says I to uncle, with a -benevolent smile. He nodded. - -"And a very precious daughter she has been to us, sir," says aunt with -a sort of whine. - -Now that kind fairly makes my stomach queasy, and, moreover, I guessed -what she was after. She meant to pull a long face on parting with her -niece, with an eye to money. - -"I hope," said I, suavely, "that she will prove a precious daughter to -me in good time." - -"That depends," says the little fat man, who, it seems, was a grocer. - -"Ay, that depends," says the remaining person in the room, a thin, -elderly woman. - -"Well," said I, annoyed at this intervention, "it depends on whether -miss here suits me. I will confess she has took my fancy, and I have -room for her." - -"You want to adopt Nancy?" says the aunt. - -"'Tis my intention," I answered plump. - -"May we ask what set the notion in your head?" says the grocer from his -corner. - -"Faith you may," said I, "and 'tis easy said. For walking down the -Minories yesterday, whom did I spy but a handsome miss with as two -pretty eyes as ever sparkled in a wench's face. 'She's for me,' says I -to myself, 'she'll suit my town house like a linnet or a piping lark. -I'll warrant she's all sunshine.'" - -At that I thought they looked on me with some suspicion, and, perish -me, I believe I had spoken too warmly, for she was dainty enough. - -"Oh!" says aunt, faintly, and glanced at her husband, as if inviting -him to speak, but he sat smoking. - -"My niece says you are a godly man, sir?" she pursued. - -"Godly," says I, "is not the word. I cry second to none if it comes to -church and prayers." - -She looked astonished at that, but 'twas the grocer who spoke next. - -"'Tis a strange matter," he said, "that you should have took so great a -fancy to Miss Nancy here. It may be, as you say, that you would adopt -her, yet you are young for a daughter." - -"Young!" said I, "why, I be ancient enough. I have gone through enough -in my time to fetch out grey hairs in bunches. There was my poor wife -that died ten years gone, and my daughter that followed her in the -flower of her youth, to whom miss hath a most singular likeness. 'Twas -that attracted me." - -"You are a haberdasher, sir?" says the thin woman. - -"'Tis my calling," I replied. - -"Ah," she sighed. "And so 'twas my poor husband's that is at rest." - -"He was engaged in an honourable trade," said I. - -"You say truly. That he was," she assented, sighing. - -But here uncle spoke for the first time. He was clearly no man of -words, but the fat grocer had been whispering in his ears. - -"We should want some warranty," said he. - -"Warranty," said I indignantly. "There's my name, Samuel Hogg, of -Bristol, and, for the rest, if it is the colour you wish, why I can -satisfy you," and I brought out a purse full of King's pictures. - -I could see that their eyes glistened. - -"You seem well endowed," said the grocer. - -"Ay, and 'tis all at the disposal of Miss Nancy, when I am in my gloomy -tomb," said I. - -But the grocer whispered to the widow, and she to aunt, and they -glanced askance at me. So, as matters were not going forward to my -taste, I got up and said I,-- - -"It seems that suspicions rule here. I am the target of eyes. Rip me, I -carry not my wares to a market that fancies me not, and so I will bid -you good evening." - -But that shook them. "Stay, sir," says the aunt, "I am sure we may be -pardoned if we hesitate to lose one so dear to us. 'Tis a new idea, and -we must get used to it." - -"Why," said I, smiling, for I could see the drift of her thoughts, -"there is no haste. You shall satisfy yourself of what I promise. 'Tis -but the preliminary to my design. I will not pluck your partridge from -you roughly--not I. But I would have her remain with you during my -preparations, and only ask that I may present her with that which shall -fit her out as becomes one who is to do honour to my house and me." - -And with that I opened the purse and counted out ten golden guineas. - -Miss Nancy gazed wide-eyed, and there was a little silence among the -others, save that uncle started and rubbed his eyes, and cried, "The -devil!" - -But 'twas enough for them. Auntie melted like a snowball in the sun; -the grocer pursed up his lips; and the widow regarded me with wonder. -Booby, in his corner, gave vent to a silly chuckle. - -"Well, that's fair," said uncle hastily, and, at that, supper being -ready, I was invited to join them. - -Now this was the time that I should have taken to go, for I had done -what I promised; but I had nothing to attract me that night, and, -moreover, I was for pushing the fun a little further. Lord, if Tony or -old Creech could have seen me a-sitting there, in such company, with an -adopted daughter on my hands, 'twould have made them split their sides. -So says I,-- - -"At your service, and thank ye;" and down we sat to the table. - -As chance would have it I was set alongside of the widow, and on -t'other side was the grocer. Says I to the girl in a whisper, as she -passed me,-- - -"There; 'tis all laid for you, and you can fire the train when you -will, along of Booby." - -She cast a glance at me and looked down, fingering her guineas as if -she loved 'em. But, bless you, I did not mind the guineas. There was -plenty more behind 'em. And then the widow turns on me, and begins to -ply me with questions about haberdashery and prices, but, rot me, I -knew nothing about them more than the babe in its cradle. So said I -presently,-- - -"Madam, I leave all such trifles to my man." - -"Heavens!" says she, "you will be ruined. 'Tis most perilous. You want -someone that will look after your interests, and keep your house in -trim." - -"Why, that's what miss will do," I laughed. - -She shrugged her shoulders. "My husband," said she, "was worth his two -hundred guineas a year, and that's all come to me, alas," she says -sighing. - -"'Tis not I would cry 'Alack,' if that befel me," I said with a grin. - -"Ah, 'tis not the money," she says, "but the loneliness; and to think -that it's all lost to business; for I am my own mistress," she says, -"and can do what I like, having no child to consider." - -"Well," said I, "I have one now, and an amazing beauty." She looked -sourly at Miss Nancy, who flushed very deep. Just then I was digged in -the ribs t'other side, and, turning, found the grocer with a grin on -his face. - -"Pretty wench," says he with a wink. - -"That is so," said I, tossing off the wine, which was not so ill. - -"There's none too many like her about the town," he says again with his -significant wink. - -"What the plague--" says I, but he winked again. - -"I seen what you was after from the first," he said. - -"The devil you did!" I said, and stared at him. - -He dug his thumb into me again. "Ten guineas for her!" he said with a -knowing air. - -"Well?" said I, for I guessed what the fool was after. - -"Well," says he in his fat whisper, "you ain't no haberdasher. I seen -through you from the first." - -"Look you," said I sharply, "get on with your supper and keep your foul -fingers off me, or I will choke your weasand for you." - -That, as I conceive, startled him, for he fell away, looking at me -mighty anxiously, but said no more. Moreover, I was not for turning -the party into pepper and mustard, so I took another glass, and the -vintner at t'other end of the table nodded at me in a friendly way. - -"'Tis a good bottle," says he knowingly, "and not every man's liquor." - -That was true enough, for 'twas not the swipes I had took in his tavern -that afternoon, and he himself was witness to his words, for he had -drunk the better part of a bottle already and seemed very merry and -on familiar terms with the world. He plied the widow on one side and -his wife on t'other, but aunt's visage, for all her simper, would have -turned the best wine sour. Miss took but a sip of wine, but her face -was flushed and eager, but Booby--he made up for that abstinence, and -drank and talked and laughed as though he was at a goose-fair. Well, -they were a pretty party, and by this time I was entered into the -proper spirit of it. Booby over the way made a feint of embracing miss -and whispered in her ear, seeing which I bestowed a smile on him as who -should say "Brava! I commend your spirit." But miss turned away from -him sharply and I could see she was firing him a rejoinder. Thinks I, -maybe he hath crushed her steels, the which no woman will stand, and -the least of all in public. But as 'twas to settle their little affairs -that I was there the time had come to speak out, and so up jumps I -with my glass in hand. - -"I will ask this company," said I, "to toast a pretty girl and her -lover. I'll warrant their names spring to your minds. Need I put a -style on them? Well, when these hairs be whitening, sure I shall be -comforted in a nursery of babes that shall bring 'em tenderly to the -grave, all along of my adopted daughter there and Cousin Tom that shall -inherit my fortune." - -Now aunt's face was lined with smiles, and she lifted up her glass, and -looked towards the couple. The vintner, too, chuckled and called out -an indelicate jest for such maidenly ears. But what was my surprise -that miss turned crimson, and then pale, and started up with a little -exclamation. Booby looked sheepish and grinned, but she gave him her -shoulder, and,-- - -"I will not have you drink it," says she tartly. "I am my own mistress, -and not to be dictated to by any." - -"Why, child, who is dictating to you?" said I amazed, and aunt frowned, -but says sweetly,-- - -"We have known all along 'twas a strong attachment 'twixt my son and -niece." - -"Why, so I should ha' guessed," I replied. - -"No, no," says uncle, shaking his silly head, "I never did believe -there was aught in it. So now you know, wife." - -But his wife, who was as black as night, cried out sharply,-- - -"'Tis all nonsense. They are affianced duly." - -And then the fat grocer muttered in my ears, "'Twas precious cunning; -you have noosed and caught her already. Gad, she'll fall into your maw -like a ripe plum!" - -"If you will not cease," said I angrily, "I will run my hilt down your -throat." - -"Hilt!" says he, staring, and edged away from me; and I could see him -eyeing me up and down to see if I carried a weapon. - -"Come," said I to the girl. "Maybe this is sprung on you too suddenly. -Take your time," I said, "and we will wait. 'Tis a hundred guineas on -your wedding, my dear, and much more at my funeral." - -"I do not want your money," said she petulantly, and flung the guineas -on the table. - -Aunt cried out in a fury, and uncle stared, for he was much in liquor. -But the grocer and the widow began hurriedly to gather them up. - -"Steady," said I. "Whoa, my lass. What's come over you? This suits not -with your mood this afternoon. I will admit Booby is no beauty and hath -a tongue too gross for his phiz, but 'tis your own choice." - -"Whom call you Booby?" cries the youth, rising in a passion that was -compounded of wine and jealousy. - -"If you will not sit down," said I, "I will teach you a lesson. Sit -down and buss, you fool. Buss and be thankful." - -He flopped into his seat foolishly, but miss rose and moved from the -table. "I will not stay here for insult," she said, with spirit. - -"You shall not refuse," says aunt, white with anger, "or you shall be -turned out of doors this very night, you shall." - -"Oh, she is a sly slut; she casts her eyes high," says the widow, in a -high vindictive note. - -"Look ye here," says the vintner sillily, and with a tipsy frown. "Let -us not tangle this merry meeting into knots. Be easy all. If Nancy -wants a husband, as well she may, being of a marriageable age, here's -one for her, and no better than he--Mr Samuel Hogg, of Bristol. Sir, I -toast you and Nancy as bride and groom." - -I looked at the girl. She had come to a pause and now stood, her face -demurely cast down, and she said nothing, not raising any protest. -And then, in a flash, it came to me what she wanted. I could have -laughed aloud if I had been in my own company. She took me for a real -well-to-do haberdasher and would have me, the puss; or maybe 'twas -my looks took her, for she is not the first to be tantalised by my -bearing. But I had not bargained for this, and so I laughed a little, -and looked askew at the vintner. - -"How!" says I, "will you turn a daughter into a wife?" - -"'Tis infamous," says the widow. "'Tis shocking to the ordinances of -religion." - -"Not so fast," said I. "She's no daughter to me yet, nor perhaps will -be," for I was weary of her hints and innuendoes, the meaning of which -was apparent. - -"Oh, maybe he can find room for you both," says the grocer, with his -fat laugh. - -"Though 'tis my only niece," says the vintner, pursuing his theme, as -if none had spoken, "I will spare her to so worthy a gentleman. I have -known her since she was a chit so high--my own sister's child!" and he -began to weep maudlin tears that came of the drink. - -"I'm sure," says the widow, "that the gentleman will be well rid of -such an ungrateful baggage, and 'tis an insult to use him so. He does -not want a silly slip like that, either to daughter or wife, undutiful -as she would be, and extravagant in her habit. What would suit you, -sir," she says, turning on me, "would be a staid comely wife near to -your own age, with a knowledge of haberdashery, and some money to--" - -"Will you be quiet," says I to her, savagely. - -"He's got his eye on the young 'un; he's marked her," says the fat -grocer, dipping his nose in the wine, "I knew it all along. There's -mighty little chance to deceive me. I know these dogs. Why, directly he -came in I saw a look on him when he eyed her that--" - -"Look here, I have warned you once," says I, infuriated, and I gave him -a blow under his fat chin that sent him sprawling over the next chair -to the floor. At that the widow screamed out and cries,-- - -"Murder! murder!" - -I was for turning on her, for my blood was up at this silliness, when -the vintner got upon his legs unsteadily. - -"I will have no murder done in my house," says he, with a hiccough. "I -will fight any man that is for doing murder in my house." - -But ere I could answer Booby rushed at me. "I'll have your blood," he -cried. And when I would have treated him as I had done the grocer, the -widow put her arms about me and squealed that I was being killed, while -miss clung to Booby behind and strove to pull him off with her hands -and nails. - -"Oh, sir, oh, sir, 'tis a Christian house," cries aunt, wringing her -hands. - -But, Christian or not, I was not for being choked by the old cat, and -so I threw her off roughly; but a blow from the vintner took me in the -stomach, so that all my wind was out. He was whirling his arms like a -mill. - -"I'll learn you to do murder," cries he. - -'Twas too much for me. I had been sorely tried by their stupidity, and -to have them falling on me was more than I could stand. - -"Rip me," says I, "as sure as my name is Dick Ryder I'll lay a corpse -out if you do not leave me." - -"Dick Ryder!" cries Miss Nancy, letting go of Booby, who toppled over -upon the grocer. - -"Yes," says I, "Dick Ryder, who is mightily sorry that he ever set -forth to do any kindness to a ninny like you." - -"Ay," says a voice behind me, "'tis Dick Ryder for sure, young woman." - -I turned at the sound, and on the steps, descending from the tavern, -was Timothy Grubbe, with the face of a trap behind him. - -"Dick Ryder," says he, with a grin, "I arrest you in the name of His -Majesty for the robbery of one Samuel Hogg, on Turnham Green, last -night." - -"Is that you, Timothy?" said I, for I never minded the wretch. "Why, -come in and welcome. You come in the nick of time to prevent murder." - -"Why, I see you have been very merry," says he, with his leer. - -I tapped the vintner on the shoulder. "Here is a party," I said, "that -will drink my health. I beg you to open a bottle of your best for these -good friends of mine. How many be you, Timothy?" I asked. - -"Call it three, Dick," says he with his tongue in his cheek. - -"Make it two bottles, host," said I cheerily. - -The vintner, with his mouth open, now coming to his sober senses, -stared at the visitors and at me; but in obedience to my command, he -moved slowly towards the tap-room door, where Grubbe and the trap -stood. I followed him, and had, out of the tail of my eye, a glimpse of -the wench--struck dumb and terrified. - -"As touching the guineas of Hogg, Timothy," said I, "you will find 'em -on that scratch-cat over yonder, with the red nose. She is an old hand, -Timothy, and hath a maw for gold, so she hath." - -At that the widow started up, protesting and crying out that she knew -nothing of it, and she was innocent, and that he would spare her and -the Lord knows what. So I was avenged on her, the vain old noodle. - -But I paid no heed, only walked up behind the vintner till I came -abreast of Grubbe, who grinned at me as he eyed me carefully. - -"'Twas not so skilful as usual, Dick," says he, "'twas a boggle--a -blunder." - -"Well, there's no boggle this time," said I shortly, and of a sudden -put my foot under him sharply, knocked away his leg and sent him flying -into the room on the top of Booby, who was standing, mouth open. And -next moment I thrust the solid body of the vintner in the face of -the trap and toppled 'em both over. That done, I clapped to the door -instantaneous and darted through the dark tavern and into the road. -There was no one there, so that I knew that Grubbe had lied, or else he -had posted a man behind the house, never thinking I should break out -in front. Once in the road I ran through the blackness of the night, -and, ere the pursuit was after me, was safe in a hiding-place I know, -cursing myself for a fool to have wasted my time and temper on a pack -of asses. - - - - -THE MAN IN BLACK - - -It was after the affair of the King's treasure that there was maybe the -hottest hue and cry raised on me which has ever fallen to my lot in -the course of many adventurous years. The pursuit opened in a little -tavern in Southwark, where I was foolish enough to spend a night and -some guineas in entertaining a pack of rude huffs that did not know -a gentleman from a dung-fork. I had took too much of liquor, and I -suppose that I had spoke too much also. At least, at three of the -morning comes me up the landlord, a decent fellow, with the news that -the traps were on me. I hardly rubbed my eyes, for the fumes were all -gone now, but skipped into my clothes, and, giving him good-day, was -out afoot in a twinkling by a back window, and made for Clapham. Here, -as chance had it, I encountered a stout man on his horse coming up for -the fair, and, laying him in the mud, I mounted and rode as hard as the -nag would carry me towards the south. - -I passed through Kingston in the thick of the darkness, and made for -the wilds beyond, only pulling in when I had reached the village of -Ripley in the dawn. 'Twas bitter cold of a raw January day, and the -sun was in a grey welter of clouds that betokened snow. So I drank a -hot draught of ale and brandy, and, giving my nag a bite, was on the -road again, for I knew not how near the enemy might be, and I had vowed -to put ten leagues behind me ere I lay anywhere. The way was vile in -that weather, but I pushed on through Guildford, and at last came to -Liphook, where I sheltered for the night. Now what was my predicament -on the morrow but to find the nag lame and myself in chains to the -spot! But I had covered a long distance, and so says I to myself, -I will rest and give odds to fortune. So I tarried there, pretty -comfortable. - -But in the afternoon there comes along a stage from town, in the which, -having spied the ground very carefully, I decided to journey; for I -had by now made up my mind to reach Portsmouth, and ply between there -and Southampton and the west, until such time as the chase was over. -So in goes I, much against my habit, along with a company that seemed -at first little to my taste. There was a respectable old gentleman -that was full of questions; and madam, his wife, that was fat and -slumberous; and to them was a daughter, pretty enough, but with eyes -that marched and countermarched, and usually upon a young man that was -dressed like a Court popinjay. This fellow, as I discovered, was her -lover, Harringay by name, and a pretty cupid he was. The last in the -coach was a staid-faced, sober-clad man, all in a dark kerseymere, -that had come in with me at Liphook, and read a book while 'twas light -and between the jolts. This was dull company, as you may guess, for -Dick Ryder to find himself in, all save the girl, whose eyes went on -a campaign with mine. So, thinks I, if I must be here for some drab -hours, I will at least take some merriment of it, and so I fell to -ogling her, at which she minced and took on a better colour. - -'Twas in the act that the old gentleman broke the silence by addressing -me. Snow had fallen in the night, and 'twas now darkening for more. Out -on the Sussex waste tumbled the stage, and of a sudden took the wind. -It heeled her over, and the horses stayed and swayed. - -"Heaven save us! We are overturned!" cried the old fellow, looking at -me. - -"Not we," said I. "Why, 'twould take all the breath of two heavens to -capsize this old village." - -"You think 'tis safe?" says he anxiously. - -"As safe as a snail," said I, "and about as speedy. Confound all such -conveyances!" said I. "Give me a horse atwixt my legs and I ask no -more." - -"You are a soldier, sir?" said he. - -"You may call me that," says I--"a soldier of fortune." - -"I knew it," says miss, beaming; and at that the wind took us again, -and the stage jolted on her creaking wheels, sending miss into my arms, -and the old lady upon the thin black fellow. - -Miss got herself back with my assistance, blushing ripe and red, and -the old lady cries,-- - -"Geoffrey, my smelling-salts! Harringay, tuck my skirts down." At -which the popinjay began fumbling in his pockets, and with a sulky air -stooped to do as he was bid. T'other man feigned to go on reading, but -it was too dark now to see print. - -"I have no taste for these common stages," says Harringay, presently, -in a fluting voice of affectation. "If I had my way, I would travel by -private coach." - -"Maybe," said I, "you cannot stride a horse." - -"Indeed," said he, loftily, "I am quite accustomed to it." - -"'Tis the only way of progression," I said. "A stout nag and a pair of -barkers." - -"Ah," said the old man admiringly, "you soldiers see strange things." - -"I'll warrant, yes," said I. "I could tell you that which would make -your hair stand." - -Miss was gaping at me, and so was the whole family, but young Harringay -crossed his legs, and says he indifferently,-- - -"'Tis said soldiers have long tongues." - -"Why, they have long swords," said I peremptorily, for I was annoyed by -his airs and graces. - -He gave a little laugh, as if he were amused with something all to -himself; and I was aware at the same time that the man in black was -eyeing me steadily. He had the look of a lawyer's clerk, or something -of the sort, so I returned him his stare with nonchalance. This made -him give way, and he turned his attention to the party opposite, for -there could be no pretence now of reading a page. - -"You go armed always, sir?" inquired the old gentleman. - -"One never knows whom one may meet," said I, with a yawn. - -"You signify highwaymen?" he said in a lower voice. - -"Why, I'm told there is danger from these gentry," said I. - -Harringay laughed lightly. - -"Pooh!" he says. "They are main cowards, and would not attack any man -with boldness and a pistol." - -The man in black looked at him with interest. - -"You carry a pistol, sir?" I asked politely of the popinjay. - -He tapped his pocket significantly. - -"There is none would dare assail me," he boasted; and miss cast him a -glance of admiration. - -"We put ourselves in Mr Harringay's hands," explained the old gentleman -cheerily. "He is our escort." - -I thought I saw a smile on the face of the man in black, and I could -not help meeting it; but his suddenly faded away, and he looked out at -the moor, on which the snow and the wind were threshing. The old coach -was lurching on, as if she had been a packet in a storm. - -"I shall be sick. My stomach heaves," cried the fat woman, and applied -her smelling-salts; whereat she was attended by her husband and her -daughter, and, lying back, seemed to pass off into sleep. - -"'Tis a wild night," says the old man. "I misdoubt we shall fetch -Petersfield." - -"Why, that we shall," said I cheerfully, "unless these same gentry you -speak of play us a trick." - -"Do you think it likely?" inquired a voice in my ear; and there was the -man in black, broken out of silence for the first time. - -"Maybe," said I indifferently, "and maybe not." - -"Why," he says, in a raucous voice, "there is nothing here to tempt any -such. What is there among us all?" - -"Speak for yourself," said I. "I have that which I would not part with -willingly." - -"And I, sir," said the old gentleman. "But with three such young -gentlemen to protect us we need fear nothing." - -"Well, I will confess I wouldn't care to be stopped," says the man in -black. "But they would not have much of me." - -"There is my box of jewels," says miss, looking eagerly at Harringay, -who smiled and nodded and clapped his hand to a pocket. - -"'Tis safe," said he. "You may trust me for that, sweetheart." At which -she smiled on him adoringly. - -The man in black had sunk back into his seat, and his heavy breathing -sounded presently in my ear, so that I concluded he, too, was fallen -asleep. I was like to have done the same, for the jolting and the -stuffiness of the air had wearied me; but at that moment the coach came -to a stop, and there was the voice of the coachman calling out that -this was Rake. - -'Twas now darkling overhead, but the snow had ceased, and we entered -the Flying Bull to refresh ourselves--a long barn of a place, with -a surly landlord that had not sense enough to serve his customers -properly. But the wine was fair, and I ordered a bottle or two, in the -which I asked the old gentleman to join me. - -Says he, "With all my heart, sir, seeing that you add this to my other -obligations." - -"What be those?" said I. - -He gave me a bow, for he was a civil gentleman, though of a rustic -habit. "You protect us, sir," he said. "We are relying upon your good -weapons and bright courage in the face of emergency." - -I laughed. "Oh, as for that," I said, "I can promise you there's none -likely to infest you. You are as safe as in Whitehall within these -fields of white." - -"That is well said," remarked the man in black. "And I shall eat, for -my part, with the better assurance after that promise." - -He had certain sourness of voice, at which, however, I could not -take offence, for there was nothing in his words to warrant it. But -Harringay must be popping into the conversation, and so I turned my -spleen on him. - -"I would not promise," said he, "that we shall not be molested. There -is plenty of cut-throats about, as I have heard." - -"Lord, Harringay!" says the old lady, dropping her knife and fork, "you -terrify me. What possessed us to come on this journey?" - -He simpered, as one pleased with his effort, adding, "'Tis known as the -worst road out of London." - -"Dear heart!" cries the lady, and I saw miss whitening under the bloom -she had took of the cold air. - -"'Tis a pity," said I, "that simpletons talk of what they know not. -'Tis the safest road in the kingdom." - -"Oh," says he with an air, "I would not discompose anyone. 'Tis best -you should keep up your spirits." And he drank of his wine, whistling -gently, and as one who is superior to circumstance and the rest of the -company. - -If he had not been so grotesque an ape I would have said something -more, but as it was I had not the heart to overwhelm him in miss's -presence. So said I good-humouredly, "Well, call me when there is -danger, and I will see if I can spy it out of two spectacles." - -I gave miss a jorum of mulled wine, and I plied her mother, who would -eat anything. Never did I see a woman with such an appetite. But the -old gentleman took little or nothing, and only sipped his glass, being -clearly in an anxious state. - -"I was promised we should lie at Petersfield to-night," he said in a -plaintive way, "for I have business in Portsmouth to-morrow." - -"Oh, you shall lie there safe and warm," said I, "and madam and miss, -too, in as snug blankets as any in the realm, or call me hangman." - -I got up and walked to the window. The black night stared back at me -with ominous eyes. Thinks I to myself that we must be hauling out at -once if my words were to come true; for there was snow in the sky -like lead. I turned about, and under the candles saw the man in black -guttling his wine as if he were in a haste to feel its temper in his -stomach. He had drunk one bottle and the better part of another. I -called out to the innkeeper, bidding him ask if we were to stay there -all night, for, if not, we had better be gone. And that seemed to -affect the coachman, for in a little news was come that we were to -start. The last I saw of the table was the figure of the man in black -drinking his second bottle to the dregs. - -No sooner were we set in the stage again than the storm began. The wind -swept over the heights and rained on us a deadly flurry of snow. It -battered against the windows and penetrated even to the recesses of -the interior. But we were warm with our wine, and I, for one, lay back -with contentment, with one eye open on miss (who was conscious of my -stare, and fidgeted under it), and t'other on nothingness. The old lady -went off to sleep forthwith with the food she had taken, and trumpeted -at times to the chagrin of her daughter. But what's a snore? At least -it interfered not with me, and presently miss had slipped from me, and -I was at rest like any child. The coach rocked in my dreams, and then -there was a cry, and presently after I opened my eyes with the feeling -that the snow was on my temples. - -'Twas not that, however, but the barrel of a pistol that the man in -black held. - -"Move," says he fiercely, "and you are a dead man!" - -As soon as I was awake I guessed what it was, and so, never stirring a -hand, said I,-- - -"That command concerns not my jaw, I conceive." - -"'Twere best you kept your mouth closed," said he. - -"Why," said I, "I perceive that my prognostications were all wrong, -and that we be fallen indeed into the hands of a tobyman, who will, I -trust, prove as gallant as all his kidney." - -"Silence!" says he, "and give me what you have." - -"You have my pistols?" I asked politely. - -"Yes," he replied triumphantly; and at that I knew he was a mere -bungler, and no real gentleman of the road, for he was all a-tremble -with his excitement. - -"Well," said I, "there is but the matter of a small bag of guineas--" - -"Hand it out," said he sharply. - -"Look'ee," said I; "you promise me death do I move." - -"I will find it myself," he said quickly. - -But I was not for having his dirty fingers on me; so said I, with a -heavy sigh, "If I must, I must." And I drew out a bag from my inner -pocket. - -"You have saved yourself," said he hoarsely; and, Lord! I knew again he -was new to the game, for no born tobyman would have rested content with -what I gave him, when there was two bags more of golden pictures safely -stowed in my coat. - -"Now that you have what you want," said I meekly, "maybe you will allow -me to ask after my companions." - -"You will understand," said he, "that I am here with four loaded -pistols, with the which I will shoot any that moves." - -"Oh, I accept my fate," I replied, as if desperately. "Tis the young -lady that I am thinking on." - -He laughed harshly. - -"You have cast sheep's eyes enough, my good man. I have her jewels." - -"Damme, now," says I, "had the jewels been in my keeping I would not -have let 'em go so cheaply. Is the young gentleman in his gore?" - -"No," says he curtly. - -"We have all been taken by surprise and robbed," says the voice of the -old gentleman tremulously. "This man--" - -"Silence!" said the man in black. - -"Are you there, miss?" said I to the darkness. - -A small voice says,-- - -"Yes"--very frightened. - -"Keep up your heart," said I. "We are none of us hurt, and when once -this awesome ruffian--" - -"I command you to be silent," said he savagely. - -"Come," said I, "let us have some liberty. You have took our goods; let -us have our tongues left." - -At that he said nothing, but there came an interruption. If you will -believe me the old lady had slumbered through it all, and now woke up -at a jolt of the coach, and cried out,-- - -"Thieves!" - -"Why, madam, you say right," said I; "thieves it is, and as ferocious a -tobyman as ever I remember." - -With that she fell to screaming, but the man in black clapped his -pistol to her, and gave her a fright that paralysed her to silence. - -"Give me what you have," says he. - -"I--I have nothing," she stammered. "There is no room on me to hide so -much as a--" - -"Bah!" says he. "If you will cease your clatter I will do you no harm." - -"The gentleman has promised to do none of us harm," said I, "if we -behave modestly. This coach shall not swim in blood, for the which we -should fall to our prayers in thankfulness." - -Whether he perceived my ironic tone and was to resent it I know not; -but I would have been equal to him, the nincompoop. But as chance had -it, just at that moment the coach came to with a crash that sent him -flying against the window. He flourished his pistols wildly, and I -thought the fool would have let one off. Only the door opened on the -other side now, and the head of the coachman peered in. My man presents -at him, shouting,-- - -"Move, and you're a dead man!" - -"What's all this stir?" says the coachman in amazement. "Are ye gone -out of your wits?" - -"No," says he. "But you shall be gone out of yours if you stir, and do -not as I wish." - -"This gentleman," says I in a mild voice, "has robbed the coach; and -'tis only of his kindness that we get off with our lives." - -"You shall cut one of the horses loose and let me have it," said this -ridiculous tobyman, "or I will blow out your brains." - -"You're welcome to a horse," grumbled the other, still in astonishment; -"you're welcome to 'em all, if you can get anywhere from here." - -"What is it you mean?" he demanded haughtily. - -"Why, we're astray--we're in a drift somewhere towards Liss--the Lord -knows where," says t'other. - -"Indeed," says I imploringly, "you will not venture your valuable life -on such a night." - -But he uttered a savage oath, yet appeared perplexed. - -"Look you," said I in another voice. "If you take the horse you will -reach nowhere from here, and you will leave five hapless mortal beings -to starve of cold. Let 'em get back to the road, and then take your -nag." - -He was silent for a while, but this argument seemed to appeal to him. -"Very well," said he, "I consent. But if there be any sign of treachery -I will not hesitate to shoot. Go back to your horses." - -At this the coachman, no doubt well enough content to be let off at -such a price, shut the door and departed, and presently the stage began -to rumble on again, floundering on the hills towards Liss. - -Now you may think how I was tickled at this muckworm trying his hand -at the road. He was some attorney's clerk or maybe 'prentice, I could -have sworn, and he was as fidgety as a cat, seeming not to know what to -do, or whom to confront and bully. Moreover, my attitude had put him in -a flurry, and the knowledge that we were astray had discomfited him. -So he stands with his back at the door, saying nothing, but holding a -barker in each fist. But I was not for letting him alone, and says I,-- - -"You done that very well. I would I had your composure, and I would -have been his Majesty's Chief Justice by now, with the hanging of -rogues for my business." - -At that the old gentleman plucked up spirit enough to venture on a word. - -"Alack," he said, "I fear that all those that follow a trade of -violence must come by violence to their end." And sighed. - -"That's the truth," said I, smacking my leg. "You have spoke truth if -you die to-night." - -"Silence!" cries this shoddy highwayman nervously. - -"Your tongue wags, young man," says the fat old lady to me. "But it -appears to me you did little in the defence you boasted of some time -ago." - -"I can't abide cold steel at my ears," said I. "Alas that I was born to -encounter so redoubtable a captain!" - -"You are a soldier," says she angrily, "and you see us robbed and put -about like this." - -"Why, I can endure any ordinary tobyman," said I. "But this fellow -is the very devil. I think any man may be excused to surrender to so -vehement an antagonist. His bark's his bite," says I. - -"Harringay, my smelling-salts," says she petulantly. - -"I--I have 'em not," stammers he. - -"No," said I. "'Tis all along of this gentleman with the barkers. -See you. Mr Harringay and I have had to yield up; and if one of Mr -Harringay's spirit hath done so, why, I think it no shame myself. -But indeed," I went on, struck with a comic idea, "we are neither of -us in need of shame, for I believe this gentleman to be a notorious -gentleman of the road with a terrible reputation. Is't not so, sir?" -says I. - -"You are at liberty to believe what you will," says he, but in a milder -voice. - -"I have heard of these gentlemen," I went on, "and from his description -I would take oath this is not other than Galloping Dick, Dick Ryder, -that is a terror on the highways. Is it so?" says I again. - -"What if I be?" says he; and I believe the huff was well pleased, as -indeed he might be. - -"There!" said I triumphantly. "I guessed it. And, believe me, any man -might be proud to submit to Dick Ryder from all I hear." - -"Ay, I have heard of him, too," says the old gentleman. "But they say -he is better than would appear, and merciful." - -"Oh, never fear," said I. "This gentleman will prove merciful ere we -are finished with him." - -"I warn you to expect nothing from me," said he in a more complacent -voice. - -Just at that moment the coach began to roll along more smoothly and at -a faster pace, and I judged that we were upon the road again, and that -the coachman was whipping up. This same thought seems to occur to the -fellow, for he opened the window and shouted out to the man to stop, -with a lot of horrid threats. So that presently the coach came to and -the coachman appeared at the door, seeing his manoeuvre had failed. - -"What is it?" he said innocently. - -"You must keep your bargain," says the man in black. "We are on the -road?" - -"Such road as there is," he grumbled. - -"Well, cut me one of the horses out, or I will make a hole in you," -cries the fellow. - -"Come," says I, "we were getting on quite famously till now. 'Tis a -pity to end this pleasant party." - -But he gave me an oath and stepped out of the vehicle, at which I -seized the young man, Harringay. - -"Out with you," said I, "and we will see this mischief to an end." - -We got out into the snow, which was still whirling in the air, and I -watched the coachman extricate one of his nags. The tobyman (if I may -so style him) stood with his legs apart, drawn up in his most dramatic -posture, pistols in hand. - -"You will not stir," says he, "for full ten minutes after I am gone. If -you do, I will come back and blow your brains out." - -This truculent fellow quite appalled the coachman, who busied himself -with the gear, and presently has one of his horses out. This t'other -mounted in an awkward fashion, and turned to us. - -"Remember," says he in a warning voice, "I never forget or forgive." - -"Now," whispered I to Harringay, "now is the chance to show your -quality. You take him on the near side and I will on the off. Leg or -arm will do. He will topple off on the least shove, the fool." - -"But--but," he stammered, "he is armed." - -"Damme," said I, furious to meet such cowardice, "are ye frightened of -a pistol in the hands of a mumchance?" And with an oath I left him and -flew at my quarry. - -I had got half-way to him when he saw me coming and pointed a barker at -me. - -"Stop!" cries he. - -"Stop be damned!" says I, and sprang at him. - -The pistol went off and took my hat, singeing my forehead, which made -me all the hotter. I seized him leg and neck, and swung him down into -the snow, where he grabbled for another weapon. - -"If you move," said I, "I will crack your neck like a rotten stick, my -brave tobyman. Quit, you worm, quit!" And I gave him my fist between -the eyes, so that he lay still. - -"Coachman," said I, "you may take your horse and throw a lantern here." -And I fumbled in the man's pockets for a pistol. "Now," said I, "we -are on terms again." And I dragged him to his feet. Harringay came up -now, and says he,-- - -"Let me help." - -"Get you gone! I want none of you!" I said sharply. "Damme, miss will -serve me better. She will wear the breeches properly." And I called out -to her. - -By that time the coachman had his lantern, and cast the light on the -miserable sheepish object who scowled at us. - -"Here's a pretty tobyman," said I, "a right gallant fellow that sheds -lustre on the craft. Why, a child could manage him. See," says I, for -miss was come up, looking very handsome and excited, in the snow. "Take -ye this pistol, miss, and hold it to him. He will do you no harm--no -more than a louse, and never could." - -She hesitated a moment, and then, summoning up her courage, did as I -bid, holding the barker in a gingerly fashion, the while I searched his -pockets, taking out what he had took of us. - -I had just completed my job when there was the sound of voices quite -close, for the snow had dulled the tread of the horses of the party -that approached. They were on us ere I knew, and one called out,-- - -"What is this? Is't an accident?" - -"It is a little accident to a tobyman," said I. "A brave fellow that is -come by misfortune all unknown to his mother." - -"The devil!" says the voice. "We are after one such. Let us see him." - -Now you conceive how I felt, for that this was a party of traps on my -heels I guessed at once. So I moved a little into the shadow of the -lantern, and waited while the man examined t'other. - -"I do not know if this is our man," says he, "but 'tis enough if he be -guilty." - -"Who is your man?" asked I, emboldened by this ignorance. - -"'Tis Dick Ryder," says he; "we tracked him as far as Liphook, but the -one that could speak to him has been detained by a fall at the village." - -"Why, this is he!" said I in triumph. "Did he not confess to being -Ryder?" I asked of the others, for by this the old gentleman and his -lady were both with us. - -"Certainly. I will swear to it," says the old fellow. "I heard him with -these ears say he was Ryder." - -"Then is our business done," says the trap, "and I'm not sorry, -considering the night." And his men surrounded my man and seized him. -His face was as pale as the snow, and he had a horrid, frightened -look. Maybe he was some attorney's clerk that had robbed his master, -and was in flight. I cared not, and I never knew; and he went off -silent with his captors on the way to the Triple Beam, which he -deserved for a bungling, bragging nincompoop. - -But now we were alone, and the guineas and the jewels were in my -pockets. Lord, I love the jingle of 'em, and so I took my counsel -forthwith. - -"Sir," says I to the old gentleman, "here be your purse and your -papers; and to you, sir," says I to Harringay, "I restore the -smelling-salts, that is your charge. Miss, this, I'll warrant, is your -jewels, the which I would advise you to place in a better security -than heretofore. And now justice is done, and we conclude with a merry -evening." - -"But there is my purse!" says Harringay, in an amaze. "My purse with -fifty guineas." - -"Why, your purse must be where your heart is, in your boots," says I -contemptuously, and called to the coachman. - -"Give me that nag," says I. - -And before he understood I was on the beast, and, doffing to miss and -her mother, rode off into the snowy night with a peal of laughter. - - - - -THE LADY IN THE COACH - - -It was not until I was three parts across the heath upon the adventure -that I had gotten any suspicion I was forestalled. The night was very -thick, owing to a pack of clouds that lay furled upon the moon, and -till then was as still as a mouse. But Calypso's hoofs started a wether -bleating near by, and it ran jumping into the distance, with its silly -bell a-tinkling round its neck. And just upon that the noise of a -commotion far off came down to me, and, pulling up the mare, I set my -ears to the valley. I knew the coach must be wobbling along two miles -this side of Belbury, and I reckoned to meet it by the fork. But this -news, as you may conjecture, put me in a taking. There was none along -that road save me and Creech's lot, and 'twas gall to me to play jackal -to Dan, or to anyone else for the matter of that; so, putting my boots -into Calypso, I rode down the valley at a gallop, but I had gone no -farther than a few hundred paces when a clatter of nags came up the -road to my left, and I stopped the roan dead. I was not to be taken -like a fool, all agape with chagrin, and I held up under the cover of -a tall furze bush, till all four were by, passing like shadows into the -night. - -"Damn Creech!" I says to myself, for I had scarce a crown to my -pocket. But seeing that vexation would not serve me, I rode on, mighty -discomfited, and presently entered the high road near the foot of the -heath. Right afore me, and wrapt in the shadows of a black clump of -trees, was the hulk of the stage, out of which proceeded a clamour of -excited voices. When I came up with it the coachman was gathering his -reins for a start, but at sight of me rising out of the darkness he -dropped 'em again. - -"Save us!" he cried, with an oath, "here's more of the gentry," and -stared at me very sullen. - -At this exclamation an instant silence fell inside the coach, and then -a head was poked cautiously through the window. - -"'Tis useless, my good man," said a thin, high voice. "We are by this -plucked to our bare bones, and sit grinning in them." - -"Heaven save us from this accursed heath! I feared 'twould be so," says -someone else, with a whine. - -"Faith," says I, coming to a stop alongside, "'tis an honour you put -upon me. I have been mistaken afore now for his Highness, and for -Jack Ketch too, but 'tis the first time I was dubbed gentleman of the -highway." - -The old fellow at the window rolled his eyes over me without a word, -and pretty sharp eyes they were. - -"And who may you be, then?" says he, with a queer smile upon his lean -face. - -"Why, if it comes to that," says I in turn, "who the devil may you be?" - -He scrutinised me closely, and then, "Coachman," he called, "bestir -your horses." - -"Come, come," says I, for the old scarecrow tickled my curiosity, -"there's no need to quarrel upon our characters. You have had the -highwaymen here?" - -He shrugged his shoulders. "Four dirty rascals," he said; "and we're in -no humour for another." - -"Look 'ee," says I sharply, "I allow no one to repeat a mistake." - -He surveyed me with indifference, smiled, and withdrew his head. "In -that case," he said bluntly, "'tis ill to waste your time and ours." - -He was a surly old cock, and, but that I knew Dan must have skinned him -close, I would have dragged him forth and served him according to his -deserts; and, in truth, I was half in the mind to despoil him of some -of his fine fig, but just then another voice broke in. - -"Sir," says this noodle, "if you be an officer, as I should judge by -your dress, I pray you will despatch these villains. I am a poor man -and can ill afford to lose my purse, but if a small reward will serve--" - -"Ha, ha!" says I, nodding, "here is some sense at last," and, drawing -the roan nearer, I looked into the coach. - -There was six of 'em, all looking pretty sheepish; and one, as I -discerned in the dim light, was a lady. - -"Lord!" says I, "five of you, and the coachman to be frightened by four -scurvy cut-throats!" - -"Why, sir," says the man that had just spoke, who wore a heavy paunch, -"an you had been here I warrant you could ha' done nothing. The -ruffians wore black masks and swore abominably. For my part, all I can -say is that there was the cracking of whips and a pistol through each -window ere I was out of the lady's lap, where, being asleep, the jolt -had thrown me." - -"The exchange was effected, I assure you," put in the old man suavely, -"with less noise than if it had been a Sabbath sermon, save for the -protestations of my friends here." - -"Protestations!" says the lady, breaking her silence, and in an voice -rough with anger. "There were tears enough to have touched a heart of -stone, and less resistance than a barndoor fowl's. A fine company for -escort, forsooth!" - -I shot another look at her--for a woman, specially if she be beautiful, -tickles my fancy--and, sure enough, I could perceive even in that light -she wore an air of quality. But I put her aside a moment, and says I to -the man with the paunch: "What have you lost?" says I. - -"Sir," says he, "I am a goldsmith, the which trade hath in these days -sunk so low that--" - -But here Belinda intervened on him very sharp. "For heaven's sake," -says she impatiently, "spare us the repetition of your circumstances; -and since," she added with a sneer, "this gentleman is so good as to -promise you assistance, specify your guineas and be done." - -"There were a hundred guineas in my bag," said the goldsmith humbly. - -But at that, and it may be because of the hint in the lady's words -about me, there came another voice from t'other side. - -"I am a merchant, sir," it began. - -"Perhaps," says I, with a glance at the lady, "we had better spare that -also." - -"Sir," says the cully, accepting my rebuke, "if you will but save me my -two hundred and fifty guineas you will place me deeply in your debt. -A King's officer, like yourself, should have no difficulty in running -these rascals to earth." - -That made me smile, as you may fancy; and then, turning to Hoity-toity, -I says, "And how have you fared, madam?" - -Now that I regarded her more closely, I could perceive that she was -very elegant, but she wore an ill-tempered frown, that set her beauty -askew. - -"I," says she, shrilly, "am in no mood to indulge a wayside -curiosity--unless, indeed, 'tis your business to catch robbers." I -bowed very solemn, and she eyed me with asperity. "I have been rifled -of many valuable jewels, which I should now possess had I kept other -company than that of chicken-hearts." - -"'Tis a fool's trick to carry jewels on the King's highway," says I. -"These gentlemen of the road snap their fingers at his Majesty." - -"And you a King's officer to say that!" she said scornfully. - -"Faith," said I, with a laugh, "I make no such claim to dignity. I -am a poor civil gentleman, of no more pretensions than your brave -companions." - -"Brave!" she echoed, with disdain. "Five able-bodied men, and never a -blow among them!" - -"Pardon me, madam," interposed the old gentleman softly; "I have -already explained that you must not reckon with me, having these five -years no certain knowledge if my legs be still my own." - -At this point the coachman broke in with a gruff voice. "We must be -going," says he, "or maybe we shall have further trouble ere Belbury." - -"Heavens! would they flay us?" asked the old gentleman, lifting his -eyebrows. "I assure you, I have nothing beyond my skin and two very -incompetent legs." - -That set me laughing, for the old cock tickled me. - -"Faith," says I, "here is a philosopher." - -Whereupon, like a pistol-shot, madam turns upon me in a fury. "And -who are you, sir, that dares mock at our misfortunes?" she cried -angrily. "Who are you, that comes swelling with fine feathers and a -cock-a-doodle-doo about assistance? Oh, were there stuff enough within -the four walls of this carriage, some one should fetch you a clout for -your impertinence! I was a fool to have ventured in this company--a -fool not to have taken my Lord Kerslake's offer of a seat." - -The old gentleman looked amused, and glanced whimsically at me; but, -sure, I liked her spirit, though I made answer mockingly. - -"Faith, gentlemen," says I, "you have here spirit enough to arm a -regiment. I crave your ladyship's pardon; I am of a round and jocund -temper, and can scarce keep my teeth inside my lips; I should grin -upon a tombstone. But as for your misfortunes, rot me, but they touch -me nearly; and, had the opportunity fallen, I should ha' been proud to -draw a skewer for you." - -"You have fine words, sir," says she, still very angry. "I am weary of -words; I have heard brave words enough to outlast my years. You brag -of your sword!" (she puffed her nostrils in a sneer), "had you arrived -five minutes sooner, the chance had been yours to show the spirit under -your fine coat. I am weary of words. Drive on, a God's name, coachman!" - -I glanced about the coach with a smile--though, to say the truth, the -wench's tongue nettled me; and "It seems," says I, "that we are a pack -of superfluous cravens. Why is there none to fight us? My stomach, I -vow, heaves for a highwayman. How stand yours, sirs?" - -"Mine, sir, is sinking," says the old gentleman caustically--"sinking -for the meal from which you detain us." - -"Pray begone, sir!" added Hoity-toity. "As we may not have your valiant -aid, no doubt your comfortable bed will provide you bloodless dreams -of battle." - -There was no limit to the jade's tongue; but I kept myself in control, -and merely laughed. - -"Why," says I, "it seems I come to the table when the wine is cleared." - -"By five minutes," she exclaimed--"by bare five minutes! The hoofs of -their horses were not round the corner ere yours was poking its nose -through the window." - -"I would I had forestalled 'em," says I, with meaning. - -The lady paid me no heed, but continued, "I have come from a town where -young gentlemen of blood blink not at danger, and to lose five minutes -were not to lose the privilege of protecting a lady of birth." - -Her sneers made me mad; but "Ha!" says I, "your ladyship lives in a -brave town. And what would these young gentlemen do? Sink me, I am so -humble that I must go to school under them." - -"They would not hang to gossip upon the wheels of a coach; and I should -have my jewels within four-and-twenty hours," says she curtly. - -"Gad," says I, "they are gallant young gentlemen indeed, and of a rare -devotion to your ladyship. As for me--" - -"As for you, sir," interrupted the old gentleman, testily, "if you will -be good enough to resume your journey, we may have some chance at least -of our dinner." - -Hereupon the coachman cracked his whip, and the horses plunged forward -a step; but I leaned over and laid my hand upon the side. - -"Fie, fie!" says I, "to mumble of dinner when the lady's jewels are in -question, and but four-and-twenty hours to get 'em!" - -"The more reason for your leaving at once," said the old mawkin, -sarcastically. - -Somehow the behaviour of these two nettled me. I could see that the -one entertained suspicions of me, and t'other used me with so small -an amount of ceremony that I was loth to leave 'em ere I had cried -quits with 'em. But it was the ejaculation of the goldsmith as set the -idea suddenly in my head, for, says he, in astonishment, taking up -the old gentleman's phrase, "You will undertake the quest, sir?" And -immediately the thought of a pretty whimsy flared in my head; but ere -ever I had taken it, up springs the merchant crying, "Mine too--mine -also, sir; I pray you, young gentleman, my bag of guineas!" - -"The devil!" says I, very calm, and as if I had made my resolve long -since. "How would those same young gentlemen of blood entreat you, I -wonder? 'Slife, I have a notion that they would despatch you all to -hell, for your common quality, it being of untoward audacity for to -seat you next her ladyship." And then, putting my head right through -the window, I says, addressing the lady in the most pretentious, solemn -manner, "Your ladyship," I says, "frame me in your fancy, however -high the flight, as one of these gentlemen of blood. Sirs, bear your -misfortune with patience, I adjure you. Lard and oddsbobs, I wish you a -more prosperous journey." And, with a sweeping bow, I spurred the roan -into a gallop down the road. - -When I pulled up at the foot of the heath, I could hear the creaking -of the coach as it lumbered in the distance; then, turning the mare's -nose to the common, I put her to an easy canter. 'Twas a design of -some humour that possessed me; and what further drove me on was the -reflection that I had a bare lining to my pockets, and, if I could -not come by a high-toby lay, well, I would juggle with Creech for a -venture. I knew Dan's haunts well enough, and that as like as not he -was hiding in The Woodman for to celebrate his success. And, sure -enough, when I had crossed the heath and struck into the pine wood -on the further slopes, after concealing Calypso in a thicket, there -was old Kettle met me at the door of his inn, very suspicious, but -of a mighty cheerful countenance. He was acquainted with me by sight, -for he let me pass with a nod; and, proceeding to the rear of the -hostelry, I found one of Dan's lads stuck before the door of the barn. -He challenged me as I approached; but "Pooh, Tom!" says I, "keep your -lead against traps and such vermin," the which made him grin upon -recognising my voice. - -"What brings you here, Dick Ryder?" says he. "We thought you was in -London." - -"I'm on the King's service, I am, Tom," says I. - -Whereat he broke into a loud guffaw, and says he, "You'd best forswear, -then, or Dan'll crack no bottle for you to-night. He's in a rare -humour, is Dan." - -But I pushed by him, and entered the barn, where Creech and two more of -his rogues were sprawling upon the floor, pretty far gone in liquor, as -I conceived. At the sight of me, up jumps Dan to his feet, but falls -back again drunkenly. - -"You damned pink-faced truant, Dick Ryder!" he cried, "what do you out -of your bed at this hour? And Mistress Polly all forlorn!" - -"Women," says I, "are devilish seductive for ornament, Dan, but theirs -is a heavy price, and I'm quit of 'em." And with that, nodding at a -crate of bottles, I added, "A fetch of luck, eh, Danny?" - -"Sit down, my fine feathered bird," says Creech; "sit down and tipple -along of us. Stab me if I keep my luck to myself! I'm a generous hand, -I am." - -The wine was none so bad, being sack of an elegant body, though Creech -had never the palate of a fly; and presently, after I had drunken, I -looked about me, but could see nothing of the booty. "Ah!" says I, -"I'll warrant you have filled your purse, Danny. You're no company for -a poor wastrel like me." - -Creech grinned, and winked a bloodshot eye on me. "You should ha' -joined the company, Dick," he said. "But, damme, you're so devilish -shy. Plague take you, haven't I given you your chances? Stab me, you -fine young bantam, for all your pride I wager you've not a crown in -your pockets, and ours a-bulging out with goldfinches." - -"One, Danny--one," says I, "and a good well-thumbed crown, come by -honestly." - -"Bah!" says Creech, with a sneer; "you'd be dragging your pockets along -the ground if you'd been along of us to-night." - -"Did you take a coach?" says I. - -"A coach!" replied Creech. "Such a coach as you never saw--just -guineas a-dropping off the box into your mouth, and none to deny you. -Eight hundred and thirty golden pictures, you young fool, all stamped -of his Majesty; and more to that." - -"More?" says I, very innocent. - -"And it mightn't be a little box, Dick--only a little box," says -Creech, in a wheedling voice; "but a queen's ransom to its belly;" and -without more ado, but as if anxious to strut upon his dungheap, he put -his hands between his legs, and fetching out a casket, threw it at me. -"Catch it," he cried; "open it and feast your eyes upon it. There's -glamour enough there to turn a stomach sour." - -'Twas a rare lot of jewels, for sure, and it was small wonder that her -ladyship was in such a taking. But Creech, in the exultation of drink -and success, could not hold his tongue, which it was not my desire that -he should. "Where's your damned independence now?" he chuckled. "What -sort of figure upon the lay does Galloping Dick cut atween here and -London?" - -But if I was to have it forth of his fingers I would have it openly, -and so I says plumply, "I have a fancy for that box, Dan," says I. - -Creech leaned over, and set his dirty finger against his nose, poking -out his tongue. - -"Yes," says I, in a careless fashion; "I have taken a main liking to -it. I want that, Dan." - -Creech burst into a fit of laughing. - -"Hear him!" he cried. "Hearken at the avaricious young fellow. He wants -it, the precious boy! And so he does. And will his nursey give him the -pretty things for a plaything till he falls asleep? Oh, Dicky, Dicky, -stab me but you'll be my death of bursting!" And he rolled upon the -ground in merriment that came in good part of the sack. - -"Come, Dan," says I, as pleasant as you like; "you won't deny me, old -friend--not you. Let us shake hands on it." - -But this set Creech yelling with laughter. "Why, curse me," said he, -"here's a queer game, hearties! Here's a poor young man with but a -crown to his pocket, and a soul a-soaring in the sky!" - -But then, without further ado, I whipped the coin out of my pocket -and spun it in the air. "Come, Danny," says I, affably; "I will toss -against you, with the precious gems for stakes. Put 'em down atween us, -and by God I'll nick 'em." - -Creech stopped in his laughing and set the box in front of him, piling -upon it two heavy pistols and a naked sword. "There, Dick Ryder," says -he, grinning, "come and fetch 'em. There's none as can charge meanness -upon me. Take 'em, cocky; stab me, Dick Ryder, where's your grit?" and -over he rolls upon his side, shrieking with laughter, in which t'others -joined him. - -Now he had, as it were, laid the job fairly before me, and for the -moment I was in the mind to take him at his word; but the next second -I had abandoned the purpose, for though I had little doubt that I -could manage the three with them in a drunken condition, I was not for -spilling blood, at anyrate at that stage. So what does I do but merely -stick forth my foot and kick the weapons into the air. That fetched -Creech to his legs mighty sudden, and scowling at me he says, "Is this -serious, Dick?" - -"You'd best guard 'em well," says I, "for I mean ill by them." - -"Look 'ee, Dick," said Creech slowly, "if you want 'em you can take -'em. D'ye see? I'm not a man to botch my words. Curse me, I've given -you your chances afore now." - -"Well," says I, "I'll fight you for 'em." - -Creech winked. "I ain't afeard of your toasting-fork," he said, "though -you are used to wear it for a taunt. I have as many bloody facts to my -tally as, maybe, Dick Ryder himself. But I'm no precious baby, to risk -my skin in behalf of what's my own. An you take 'em, you shall reckon -with the gang." - -"Damme," says I, "gang or no, 'tis all one with me. I'll have 'em -within a round of the clock." - -"No, no, young fellow," replied Creech, with a sly look. "'Tisn't upon -our side as the whole bargain must lie. Strike me a proper balance. -Curse me, if you're for sport, I'll meet you. Put up that crown. D'ye -think I'm to cast away the baubles on the fall of a shield? Place me -something fat in the scales." - -"Why, my sword," says I, with a laugh. - -Creech grunted. - -"Calypso," says I. - -"Bah!" says he; "mare and sword and all, yourself atop, my young blood." - -"Would you buy blood for money?" I asked. - -"Faith, yes," he answered; "'tis the fashion of the trade. And you're -a pretty hand with the irons. Look at you--you with your fine fancy -dress, for all the world like a gentleman in his Majesty's service. -Stout muscles, Dick, but small wits behind 'em. What say you? You shall -have the trinkets, and the guineas too if you can get 'em. But an you -fail we'll have you, by hell, body and soul for twelve months." - -I knew 'twas his inflation that drew him on thus, but it served my -purpose; and so, after a pause, I said, "How long do you give me for -the job?" - -"Till this hour to-morrow night," says Dan, seeming to consider. - -Thereupon I jumped to my feet. "I'll take you," says I; "and now for -another glass." - -Creech stares at me for a moment in stupid wonder, and then solemnly -reached out his hand, which I took. Filling a glass, I nodded at the -three and gave them a toast. "Here's success to me, lads!" I says. - -But at that Creech turned black, and spilling the wine he was drinking, -looked at me savagely. "Damn you!" he said, "keep your toasts to -yourself, and get you gone, or Tom out there will have leave to thrid -you with bullets." - -But having made my point I was in no humour to be offended at the surly -hunks, and so I tossed off the wine very leisurely. "Good Danny," I -said; "there's sense in your tipsy brain yet. Best go to bed and nurse -it, for you'll need all your wits to-night." - -But Creech, who had now fallen into a dark mood, made no answer, -merely muttering to himself; and with a nod I was gone. But, Lord, the -adventure was ready to my hands, for to cheat three such clumsy sots -was no difficult task for me. I scarce gave it a thought until, coming -upon Tom in the yard afore the barn, a sudden notion took my fancy, and -I came to a stop beside him. - -"Ah, Tom," says I, shaking my head, "'tis a raw night for to gnaw the -vitals out of a hedgehog, and you with no drink. I've a mind to spare -you." - -"What d'ye mean?" says he, without a suspicion. - -"When is your time up?" I asked, paying him no heed. - -"At midnight," says he, cursing a little to himself. - -"Tom," says I, "you're a friendly fellow, you are, and I have taken -a compassion on a poor devil as can neither eat nor drink his belly -full." And with that, and ere he was aware, I had my hands upon his -throat. The sudden action took him by surprise, and though he struggled -I forced him presently upon his knees. "Why," says I, pleasantly, -"sure, I told you I was upon the King's service, Tom, engaged by his -sacred Majesty for to get rid of rascals like yourself." But then, -getting his breath, he opened his mouth to cry for help, only on the -instant I slipped a splinter of wood atween his teeth. So there was he -soon, bitted and bound safe enough. - -Now these transactions fell, and with little noise, in the shadow of -the barn, where it ran forth to the margin of the wood; and no sooner -was Tom secured than there was the noise of someone opening the door, -and Creech's footsteps sounded in the yard. In an instant I slipped -Tom's cloak about me, and, all muffled to my nose, withdrew a pace into -the darkness, at the same time letting the point of my sword fall on -the cully's chest. I reckon that he knew well enough what was enjoined -on him, for he never stirred; but I was a little anxious about Creech, -lest, even in his state, he should recognise my voice. He stopped at -the corner and called Tom in a loud voice, to the which I made a surly -reply. - -"Cold, eh?" says he, with a chuckle, "and sulky? Well, if 'twill warm -you, you'd best put a bullet through Galloping Dick. D'ye hear? We have -a little game atween us, and if he gets by you ye shall answer for it." - -I durst trust myself to nothing but a mumble by way of answer, but it -suited Creech, who swaggered off to the barn again; and then, getting -Tom in my arms, I dragged the body into a coppice, and presently -resumed my post as sentinel. 'Twas a shrewd night, and the hours passed -very slowly; but there was that in my heart to warm me against the -cold, for I knew that all hung upon the change at midnight. And when -that time came, and there was once more the sound of feet in the yard, -I drew up stiff and stark, being solicitous for the hazard. Twas Blake -that came to relieve me, but, as fortune had it, his head was mazed -with sleep and drink, and he paid me little attention. I growled out an -oath or two, to which he gave no answer, his teeth chattering in his -jaws; and with that I left him, and rounding the corner I made straight -for the entry. When I got in, there was Ned lying in a heap upon some -straw, snoring like a swine, and Creech, as I perceived, seated with -his back against the wall, and his eyes lifted meditatively to the -rafters. - -"That you, Tom?" says he, and without even a glance at me, chucked his -thumb towards a pile of bottles. - -"There's no sleep yet in that voice," thinks I; and, seating myself in -a dark corner, where the lanthorn shed no light, I helped myself to -wine. 'Twas grateful enough to a pinched stomach, but when I was done, -and stretched snugly in the straw, there was I, destined to wait upon -Creech's convenience, till so be as it pleased him to fall off. He had -by this, as I could see, shook off the most of his liquor, being, I -fancy, in no wise comfortable as to the bargain he had struck with me. -But that did not disturb me, for I could bide my time; only it gave -me a start, I confess, when, after half an hour in this fashion, he -got upon his feet and came towards me. I had all along been feigning -slumber, and as he came I managed to bury my head deeper in my cloak, -lest he should take a suspicion of my phiz. He stood over a moment, -and then, "Drunk," says he, and fitting his foot into the small of my -back, shoved me a pace forward. I rolled a little more upon my face, -and gave a grunt, like one stirred in a deep sleep; and then I knew -'twas all right, for Creech's jaws cracked in a yawn, and, retiring to -his corner, he flung himself down. From where I lay, and by the faint -light of the lanthorn, I could perceive him turning the casket over in -his fingers, and presently he popped it in the straw beneath him, and, -laying his head upon it, disposed himself for the night. - -To this point the affair had gone very well, but I must now wait until -Dan was nodding, and a little more than that too. So the better part -of two hours elapsed before I made a movement. Then, pulling myself -cautiously into a sitting posture, I listened. The barn reverberated -with the noise the two cullies made; there was little doubt about -Creech this time. I rose, still as a spectre. The light flickered upon -Dan's body; and very slowly I drew near. I warrant there was never -a mouse so quiet as me as I bended over him, with my fingers in the -straw. Pah! the job was easy enough done, for all it was so furtive. -For, the box proving hard to his neck, his head had slipped away, and -there was no need to disturb him in extracting it; and, more by token, -when I had inserted my fingers, they came upon a bag of goldfinches -too, the which, as I recalled, was in our pact. And so with exceeding -wariness I fetched both of 'em out, and only a quiver upon Dan's -features to mark for it. That accomplished, I tripped it to the door, -which I unlatched gently. Now all was going well enough, and I should -have had the booty without more ado than a sharp time in the frost; -only who should intervene, unexpected, but the fat sneak Kettle, upon -whom, prowling round the barn after some dirty business of his own, I -stumbled over the threshold. The shock sent me back against the door, -which fell to with a loud bang, and what with that and with the alarm -Kettle made, Creech and the others were upon their feet and wide awake -in a moment. Knocking the innkeeper aside, with a curse on him for -his interference, I slipped forth of the yard and made forthright for -the wood. But Creech was sharp enough too. He bellowed with rage, and -came roaring upon me with his pair of rascals at his heels. There was -little enough to spare between us, though the dark was on my side. But -then again 'twas the dark that made against me too; for, mistaking my -direction, I ran into the forest upon the side away from Calypso, and -shortly found myself in a wilderness of coppice, scarce able to move a -yard for the undergrowth about me. Creech was not far off, for I could -hear him breaking through the wood and yelling at the top of his voice. -I reckon there was never a cully in such a taking afore. - -But I was not yet quit of 'em--not by any means; for here was I, -uncertain of my position, and wanting a nag to carry me safe out of -their hands. And the worser part of it was, that Creech was pretty sure -to happen upon the mare in his wanderings. Still there was nothing -further to be done at this juncture for the noise of my advance would -be heard, and so I lay very still in the brake for upwards of an hour. -By that time the night was yielding, and the dawn came up in a thin -white mist, that stretched like a counterpane upon the forest. Overhead -heavy-bellied clouds were labouring in clumsy flight towards the west. -I knew Creech would not have given up; but 'twas foolish to remain -longer in concealment, and so very circumspectly I crept through the -wood towards t'other face of the barn, where, I guessed, Calypso was -tethered. - -Calypso was there, sure enough, but so was someone else; and had it -not been that I proceeded with such stealth, he must have overheard -the sounds of my progress. Creech knew me too well to suppose I would -have left the roan to him, and there he sat upon his haunches, just -afore me in the bracken, with his eyes on the nag. Not a twig stirred -as I approached, and my steps fell noiselessly upon the grass, for here -the forest was more open. And thus I came within spring of Dan, when -drawing a pistol, I suddenly walked out of the bushes with the most -unconcerned air you can imagine. Creech turned sharply, but the nozzle -of my barker was at his forehead. - -"Ah, Danny, Danny!" says I, "you would not rob a poor young fellow of -his mare!" - -Creech turned white with rage, and swore horribly. - -"Hush, Danny, hush!" says I. "Think on your immortal soul, Danny, and -forego wicked words--also," says I, "those ugly weapons, being the -instruments of an evil life." - -Dan said nothing, but I meant to take his fangs out, and so brought him -to sharply with the pistol. - -"Drop 'em!" says I briskly; and with another furious oath Creech threw -his barkers to the ground. After that I had gathered them up, says -I again, very cheerful, "And now, Danny," I says, "'tis time for an -innocent young fellow like me to be getting home to his mammie; which -being so, with your kind help, faith, I will e'en venture to mount the -nag, me and my treasure," and I slapped the box underneath my coat. - -Creech was livid, and his eyes glared on me full of the devil; but I -kept him under with the pistol, and drove him, sullen, up to Calypso. -Vaulting into the saddle, I turned and took off my hat to him, with -a mocking tongue; but in that instant, whenas my back was towards -him, Dan had skipped into the thicket, and now I heard him scrambling -through the bushes, yelling and whistling as he went. I was not afraid -of him or his creatures, but I did not design to be caught, and so set -Calypso's heels to work. But just as I did so there came up a clatter -of hoofs from the yard near by, and I knew that Creech was upon my -track. Calypso flew forward like a swallow, and at the same moment the -noise of a pistol spread echoes abroad, and a bullet snipped a corner -from my hat. That was my signal to be gone. "Come, my girl," says I; -and the roan, leaping to the rowels, sped down the narrow pathway in a -gallop. - -The track was as lean as a gutter, and sloped very sharply; the bushes, -too, pressed hard upon it, and 'twas not the least of my hazards to -come down that descent at a breakneck speed. But I knew well enough -that the pursuit would be instant, and that Creech was in too black a -rage to pick his footsteps. So I kept the nag to her pace, and on she -rushed, floundering from side to side, swaying against the bushes, and -slithering over the smooth rocks. I held her up with the reins, and -more than once saved her from coming down upon her prats; and once she -took me sudden under the overhanging bough of a tree, which fell so -low that the sight of it set me a-blinking. But or ever I was past my -doubts we were through, and the mare was clattering for the high road. -Not until we reached this did I pull in, and twist about in my saddle -to inspect what was forward. Creech and his men were not yet forth of -the wood, but I could hear 'em pounding away down the path, and guessed -that they were none so far away. But for that I cared not a groat, for -Calypso was staunch and fleet, and more than a match for any horse in -the shires. So, pulling her round upon the Belbury road, I urged her -into a gentle canter. - -I reckon that they must ha' been amazed, when they were come to the -highway, to see me no more than half a mile away, and jogging along as -easy and unconcerned as you please. But that was in my device, for I -had no animosity against such a braggart fool as Creech, and, as I have -said, I was tickled by a pretty touch of humour. So on I cantered, and -Creech and his two lads behind me, very much excited, as I conceive, by -the prospect of overtaking me. That, however, was not my notion; and no -sooner were they drawn within shot than I put the spurs into Calypso -and forged out of range again. This manoeuvre I repeated several -times, till their faces must ha' been yellow with chagrin. If they had -entertained but a grain of reason about 'em, they might have seen as -I was merely playing with 'em. And maybe they did; but Creech had no -stomach for defeat, and, being now a veritable cauldron of passions, -stuck as close to me as he might. And thus we galloped, the four of us, -at length into Belbury. - -Here I dropped into a canter, and coming to a halt afore a little inn -in the main street, I flung out of the saddle and opened the stable -yard. T'others were not yet round the corner, and so, tethering Calypso -to a stake in the wall immediately below a window in the upper floor, -I bade the ostler give her a bite where she stood, and hurried into -the hostelry. I was now, as you may conceive, possessed of a roaring -appetite, and ordered breakfast forthwith to be served in the said -upper room. And no sooner was I got there and set comfortable upon a -seat, than the three horses came thundering down the road and drew up -with a plunge before the doorway. I laughed at that, for I knew they -were too drunken with rage to think straightly; and I had half a mind -to invite Danny to breakfast. Sink me, but the ninnies thought that -they had nicked me! For presently after, up comes the innkeeper with -the breakfast, but bearing a message for me, from "three gentlemen -below, as, saving my presence, would be glad for to breakfast in my -company." - -Lord, how it set me laughing! "Why," says I, "if they be honest folk, -Benjamin, by all means." - -"They have ridden hard," says he, hesitating. - -"Why, so have I," I answered; and then, but still with reluctance, he -was departing, when I suddenly fetched him back. "Has the coach been -long gone?" says I; for though 'twas early I knew the next stage was -long. - -"'Tis gone half an hour," says he. - -"That is well," I thinks to myself, and, dismissing him with a nod, I -threw open the window and looked down into the yard. There was Calypso, -ready bridled, and munching her oats beneath me. That too contented -me, and I sat down and handled my knife. It was a little time afore -any feet ascended the stairs, and then at last the handle turned and -in tramped Creech, all alone, with a look of triumph fastened on his -ugly face. It was clear they had had some parley outside, and he was -set to beard me. I rose to my feet, and making him a deep bow, waved my -fingers at a chair. - -"Pray you, sit down," said I, very ceremonious; "I takes it kindly of -you, Danny, to come for to cheer up an old friend like this. 'Tis poor -fare to a nobleman such as you, but suitable enough for a humble man -like me." - -Creech scowled, for he had not looked for me to talk in this fashion, I -warrant. - -"You're game is up, my precious cully," he said savagely, "and you'd -best put a pleasant phiz on you and give in." - -I glanced at the clock. "I think not, Danny," I says softly; "there is -some mistake, sure. There's ten more hours to run--a pleasant little -holiday for all three. And, by the way, where are my friends Ned and -Blake? I don't see their handsome faces." - -Creech grinned in a sour way. "You'll make their acquaintance soon -enough," says he. - -"Oh! waiting outside, eh?" says I. "Bashful, eh?" - -"Yes," says Creech, showing his teeth. "Just waiting outside on your -convenience, Captain; just awaiting for to help your honour into the -saddle." - -"You overload me with favours, Danny," says I, going on with my -breakfast undisturbed. - -But Creech's temper was too constrained to carry the jest further, and -he broke out harshly,-- - -"Hark 'ee, Dick; why the hell d'ye pull such a long face over the job? -What does this play-acting do? Bah! Out with the casket, and we'll -split a bottle on it." - -Forthwith I put my hand under my coat, and fetching out the casket set -it on the table afore me. Upon that I placed the bag of guineas, and -atop of all a brace of pistols. - -"Come and take 'em," says I, mimicking Creech's own words to me. "Come -and take 'em, Danny. Here they are.--Rip me, Danny, where's your grit?" - -He swore abominably, and made a step to me; but slipping my fingers -over a barker, I cocked it. Dan drew back and gazed doubtfully at the -door. I knew what was passing in his mind, and how he was meaning to -set the other tykes on me; but I said nothing, merely replacing the -baubles in my pocket. This distracted Creech again, and he yelled,-- - -"Give 'em up, you young hell-hound!" - -I laughed, and at the laugh Creech's temper snapped, and he flung -himself upon me. He was no coward Creech, though mighty judicious out -of his rage. But his leap availed him little now, for plump goes my -pistol on his skull, and down he comes to the floor. I walked to the -window. - -"Good-bye, Dan," I said. - -Creech, scrambling to his feet, with his eyes agog, made as though to -follow me, and then sprang at the door, screaming to his men. But I was -already out of the window ere he had reached the stairs, and dropping -silently upon Calypso, cast her free. Another instant more, and, the -gates of the yard opening, Calypso shot past the inn, and, gathering -her knees under her belly, was sweeping out of Belbury at a gallop. - -I was already a quarter of a mile away, when glancing behind, I -saw them making a start, for they were in no wise prepared for my -diversion, and were thrown into confusion thereby. But now they came -abreast for me at their hardest, for all of which the roan held her -own without any difficulty. In this way the chase sped into the open -plain beyond Belbury, Creech clinging like a leech, as I knew he would, -to the smell of the gold. Half-way across the moor I stopped and -listened. There, for sure, was what I wanted right ahead of me; and so, -clapping back my heels, I galloped over the rise afore me, and came -down into the hollow, where the coach was rumbling along like a blowsy -bluebottle. 'Twas rolling and lurching and pitching, like as if 'twas a -cockle at sea, and I soon overtook it and hailed the driver. He looked -at me suspiciously, but reined in his horses, and I pulled the mare -across the window. - -"Why," says a piping voice, that I recognised, "bless me! here is our -young gentleman again." - -I gave the old mawkin a wink, and glanced round the company. There was -Hoity-toity, as plump and proud as you please, leaning back against the -cushions with her nose in the air. - -"Your ladyship," says I, addressing her politely, "I trust that you -have enjoyed your night's rest to the full." - -"I am in tolerable health," says she shortly, but eyeing me in some -wonder. - -"Life, your ladyship," says I, very sententious, "is full of reverses, -best forgot; and the most excellent intentions are fraught with the -most woeful issues." - -"Oh!" she broke in coldly, "if you are come to recount your failure, -your time is ill spent. In truth, I had not remembered your face till -this good gentleman spoke, and I had never a thought for your errand." - -But if I was in any doubt about my business, it was that ungracious -speech disposed of it; and, saying no more, I drew the casket from my -pocket, and, bowing low to the saddle with a great air of ceremony, -passed it to her. - -"If I am remembered in your ladyship's sneers," I says, "I beg it shall -be along of those young gentlemen of blood you talk of." But here I -glanced along the road, and there was the noise of hoofs coming over -the hill. "And I pray," said I, turning again to her, "that you will -now, as always, accept the accidents of fortune with better submission." - -I saw that the fat merchant had been eager to speak for some time, -and now he jumped up and opened his mouth wide. But I laughed, and, -sweeping my hat to the saddle, pulled off the mare and left 'em, with -the lady staring in an amaze at the casket on her knee. - -"Drive on," says I to the coachman; and, slapping the leaders with -the flat of my sword as I passed, I spurred Calypso across their -noses and out upon the furze-grown common. As I did so, there was -Creech and Blake clattering up on their blown nags. Crack goes the -coachman's whip, and the horses plunged forward; but by that I was out -of sight behind a clump of trees upon the heath, where, pausing, I -looked back. The noise of a great commotion reached me; and there, as -I guessed, stood Creech with t'others about the coach. I reckon that -the passengers would have short shrift with that angry party. I watched -'em for a while, with my sides a-shaking for laughter, and then put the -nag to a trot across the common. Dan, I vow, must have been astonished. -But 'twas a pretty even division after all; for I kept the goldfinches -and Creech resumed his jewels, whereas Hoity-toity had the privilege to -take a lesson in manners. - - - - -THE TURTLE-DOVES - - -'Tis not the first face of a predicament that is always the right -aspect, and men may, as often as not by holding their peace, come at -the heart of the matter, always provided there is naught in the case -to make the blood sing. Now in a pretty lively turn of life on the -road I have met many types, and some of these such characters as you -would scarce credit; but 'tis not always that they are conjoined thus -in their odd individualities with a stirring episode; and hence I pass -them by in these accounts of my career. Nevertheless there was in the -meeting with Sir Damon Boll that which pleased me mightily, at least in -the end. Indeed, 'twas a rare piece of chicanery from the outset, what -time I left the Boar's Head in a chaise and two horses of my own for -Epsom, like any gentleman with an important journey of his own before -him. And so in truth I had, for I was to set up for my lord, if you -please, with a lackey and all; but the affair, though 'twas humorous -beyond fancy, enters not into this adventure. It was enough that the -thought tickled me on my road out of Southwark, going by Camberwell -and Newington, and I was in a fair good humour as we rocked along the -ruts that sharp November evening. - -When the postilion was come out by Streatham and was for making across -the heath, the moon, that was half and bright, struck into the lowering -clouds, and the open waste glowed of a sudden swiftness. The window -of the chaise was open and the air streamed in, but I could make out -little with my peepers because of the blackness. And here there was -a savage rocking of the body of the chaise, and a cracking as of a -wheel against something. So popped I forth my head and roared to the -postilion, cursing him for his clumsiness, and he cursing back at the -horses; and between us there was a pretty commotion. For here was a -nobleman (save me!) upon his travels with a damned dung-fork of a -rascal on whom he might let loose his tongue and be not questioned. -That was how I phrased it to myself, being not as wroth as I seemed, -but indeed enjoying to feign it; when withdrawing my head, as we -were got back again upon the track, I espied a blacker shadow in the -blackness about the heath. - -It held my eye a moment, for I knew it well enough to be the figure of -a man, and then it darted into nearer view; and the light, bettering at -the same instant, showed me a fellow with a hat askew on the back of -his head, a heavy pistol at the stand-and-deliver, and a face under a -dark mask at the chaise's edge. - -"Hold!" says he loudly to the postilion, and catches at the horse -nearest. The frightened fellow pulled in, and says this night-bat, as -boldly as you will, and as cheerfully, poking his barker through the -window, "now, my good sir, pray do not dally, but hand out forthwith. -Dalliance, my dear sir, is the spirit of my lady's chamber, not of -snapping sharp winter nights like this. Disgorge, my buck, disgorge!" - -Now you will conceive it was an odd situation for Galloping Dick to be -thus waylaid and handled after the manner of his own craft, though this -was not the first occasion that it had happened. But to that you will -add this, that there was that in his air, as in his voice, and in the -very swagger of his challenge, which showed me here was no ordinary -tobyman. So says I to myself, silently gazing in his pistol: "What have -we here?" And then aloud said I: "Sirrah, what do you?" in a lordly -tone. - -"Faith," says he, not lowering his pistol, but speaking in a rollicking -way, "be not my words plain, brave knight, or must I make 'em bark? I -require of you all that you have in the chaise, barring what I will -spare you out of charity, your clothes and cock-hat for the sake of -shame." - -"Oh!" said I, in a hesitating way, "then are you a gentleman of the -road, rascal?" - -"You honour me to put a name upon me," said he, with an inclination of -his head. "For myself, I should desire to go unnamed, so as to escape -the perils of the law." - -"I will tell you this," I broke out in seeming indignation, "you shall -be well hanged--that's your destiny." - -"Maybe," said he, carelessly. "As well be picked by crows on a gallows -as in a ditch. Deliver, my lord." - -"I ask your indulgence, Captain," said I, in another voice; "there is a -packet I would fain keep--" - -"Pish! I must have all or none," he interposed. "Yet I am in a mood to -indulge you, so be you give me your hand on paper that I took all off -you." - -This made me perpend, for my wits are sharp, and I began to guess that -this was maybe by way of a wager, and that the fool was rattling the -dice on his life. - -"I will do that," said I, after a pause, "if you will let this document -that is important to none but myself remain. I have sixty guineas -also." - -"Hand 'em over," says he, in a jocose way. - -His pistol was still at my head, and I made search for my purse and -gave it to him, the which he pocketed without so much as examining it. - -"And for this warranty," said he, "I have quill and paper;" whereat I -knew that I was upon the right thought. He put a hand into his pocket, -but being by now unsuspecting that he had any to deal with save a mild -sheep, he paid little heed to his earlier precautions; and the next I -had his pistol hand in my clutch. He was taken aback at the first, but -struggled gamely, though (Lord save us!) he was no match for me. With a -twist of the wrist his pistol fell to the road with a dull clank, and -presently I had the door of the chaise open and was gripping him in the -darkness. And now 'twas my barker that was against his forehead. - -"I was mistook," said I, as he came to a pause in his struggles, "and -'tis not the gallows will have you, sure, but this cold barrel o' mine. -And so say your prayers." - -He uttered a little reckless laugh. "Oh, I will spare you them," says -he; "doubtless you're in haste to be on." - -"Come," said I, "off with that mask," and I knocked it clean off his -face with the pistol, just as the moon emerged in her full whiteness. - -'Twas a young man, well-formed, and of a handsome bearing, that stood -before me, and I saw that his features were disfigured by a cynical -smile. Yet there was in that expression, as I judged, something -impulsive and full-hearted that took me. I contemplated him. - -"You're no tobyman," said I. "A tobyman would think shame to be took as -I took you just now." - -For answer he whistled, and then, "Good my man, get forward with your -job," said he. "I have cast and lost." - -"Why," said I, lowering my barker, "I know 'twas along of a wager this -was done, and so bungled." - -He threw me a glance under the moon without offering to run. "How know -you?" he asked. - -I shrugged my shoulders. "Rip me," said I, "when a gentleman of the -road takes the road (save he be in liquor) 'tis for a serious purpose, -and that's guineas. He walks with a proper gait; he's no come-lightly. -But you--" I came to a pause. - -"You're wrong," said he, "'twas no wager." - -"Oh, well," said I "'tis a pity that so fit a youth should go woo the -Triple Beam, and I find it in my heart to give you a chance. What say -you? Your story for your life." - -He thought a moment. "Agreed," said he. "'Tis no harm and no good to -no one. If your ears itch you shall have it." - -"Then 'tis sealed on that," I replied, and happened to look away a -moment from him. - -In the moonlight the heath emerged dimly, and I descried near a patch -of bushes a waiting figure. - -"So," said I, "that is your game, my master. You bring confederates, -and accept of my terms to betray me. Damme, but I will shoot ye both -where ye stand or run." - -Now, I was broke out very furious, for it seemed to me that I saw the -whole purpose of this ambush very clearly, and I raised my pistol as I -spoke. - -"What's that?" said he, suddenly, and stared at me, and then away to -where my eyes had gone. But at that instant the waiting figure took to -its heels and ran in a white light, limping as it ran till it vanished -swiftly into the darkness. - -"By the Lord, Crookes!" said my tobyman. - -"So," said I, not now realising where I was, but feeling cautiously -ahead. "And who may Crookes be that's such a white-liver?" - -"'Tis Sir Damon's servant," said he, and added: "'Tis in the tale and -the bargain." - -"In that case," said I, "let's have the tale and the bargain ere my -mind shifts, as it is apt to do of a cold November night." - -He shrugged his shoulders. "You have the advantage, and 'twill hurt nor -harm none. Sir Damon Boll is uncle and guardian to a young lady who -returns me my passion. But he will none of the match, being anxious -to dispose of her to a certain lord. This evening I besought him to -acquiesce in our betrothal, but he refused. - -"'If it be money' said I. ''Tis not money,' says he, with his grin. -'If it be place and position,' said I again, but again he interrupted -me. ''Tis neither,' says he. 'Ye're well enough, man, but who weds my -niece must prove himself. Ye're a young gentleman of the town,' says -he. 'When I was young we was wont to be more than that; and, by God! -young man,' says he, 'ye shall have her if ye rob a coach or carry -stand-and-deliver to a chaise.' 'What mean you?' said I, not knowing -what he meant. 'If so be,' said he, speaking more slowly, 'you shall -have spirit and temper enough to take all that is within a traveller's -chaise this night you have my word you shall have my niece.'" - -"Well," said I, seeing he paused. - -"Well, here I am," said he, and laughed discordantly. - -"Come, 'tis a very proper and romantic comedy," said I. "And why d'ye -suppose he gives you this chance?" - -He shook his head. "I know not," he said. - -"And why d'ye suppose this Crookes, Sir Damon's man, if that be his -name, is hanging about?" - -He started. "I never thought of that," said he. - -"Well," said I, deliberately, "it means if I was you, young cockerel, I -would think twice ere I put faith in Sir Damon Boll. He hath you in a -cleft stick." - -"You mean--" he asked anxiously. - -"Why, are you not took in the act?" I replied; "took with a red hand. -And why runs that rogue back to his master? He hath followed you." - -"Damnation!" says he, starting, and looks at me. - -"Upon my heart," I said, "ye're a pretty fellow to take to the roads, -with no more prudence or care about you than a sucking dove. If I -mistake not, down flies this Crookes with news of your discomfiture, as -he would also have been witness to your success; and presently maybe up -comes Sir Damon to gloat upon you. Oh, I have a fondness for such deep, -ripe rascals, stap me, I have!" - -He stood moodily fiddling with his fingers, a frown on his brow. -"Well?" said he at last inquiringly, and smiling defiant. - -"Well," said I, "I think I will have a look at this Sir Damon, and gads -me! if there be not the sound of a vehicle. Would ye like another fling -at the high toby?" - -He looked at me in wonder, and I winked. - -"Should this be Sir Damon--" - -He whistled. "Now, damme," he cried briskly, "ye're the gamest cock -that ever crowed out of Whitehall." - -"Well, let's go to meet him and seek what we shall find," I said, for I -did not want that the arriving carriage should come up with mine; and -so bestowing an order on my wondering fellow; we walked back briskly -upon the London Road. - -The night was still relieved by the pale moon that shone through the -naked oaks behind us, and we could perceive the huddle of a chaise -separating out of the darkness a score or two of yards away. - -"'Tis his livery," says my friend, "'tis his coach for sure." - -"Well, may I perish, but he runs a hazard this night, does this said -Sir Damon," I said with a laugh, and I took him by the arm. "Look you," -says I, "you were but a bantam, with a bantam's voice yonder. You -shrilled too high, damme, for your spurs. If you would venture another -main, take heed to one that knows, and keep your eyes straight--as -straight as your weapon. With level hands and eyes, rot me! I would be -afraid of nothing under heaven save stalking ghosts and ill-willing -witches. Set on, man, if so you have a mind, and I'll wager you will go -through with the adventure." - -"Gad!" says he, with his laugh, "I will pluck him bare for his pains, -and enjoy it. I am your debtor, sir, for this night's topsy-turvy." - -Just then the chaise rocked into the faint light before us that stood -in the darkness of the trees, and he made a step forward, halted as -if in doubt, and then dashed at it, shouting in a loud voice to the -postilion. But I lay close in my earth, like an old fox, watching of -'em. - -Well, the chaise was at a stand-still, and there was a hubbub, as you -may fancy; for the old gentleman was come out to see a highwayman took, -and not to be rumpadded himself. But he was of a stout spirit, and -though there was my young gentleman at the window with his barker, and -his mask that he had refitted on him, I could descry a white head poked -forth and a voice exchanging words sharply. - -"Deliver!" says my man. - -"Deliver! I will see thee damned first," says the spirited old -bubblyjock. - -"I regret the necessity," says my man, presently, but his barker drew -nearer. - -"I will have this place scoured for you," said the old boy. - -"If you make more ado," says my man, amiably, "I shall be in the sad -case of dabbling white hairs red." With that, seeming to recognise the -folly of resistance, Sir Damon sank back in his seat. - -"What is't you want?" he asked in another voice. - -"'Tis very simple," says t'other; "merely all that is in your chaise -with you, save what clothes you sit in." And now that the man's head -no longer blocked the window he pressed closer in, and at the same -instant uttered an exclamation of surprise. And so I daresay did Sir -Damon also, for he must have recognised by that saying with whom he had -to deal; the which must have astonished him who came forth to see the -young buck laid by the heels. But he gave vent to no sound just then, -and 'twas my young gentleman of the toby who spoke. - -"I will be content with nothing short of all that is with you, sir," -said he, in a gay voice, as of one well content with himself and -destiny. "And first, your purse." - -Well, he must have got that, for says he next, "Now, your jewel-case;" -and that too came out of the window in the ghost of a hand that was -like a woman's for slenderness. "Ye're prompt in payment, my dear sir," -continues my friend, "for the which I thank ye as an exacting creditor. -But you have still something by you." - -Then comes in Sir Damon's voice, quite still and cool now. "You have -all, sir--you have all. My word spells my honour, unless, indeed, you -have changed your courteous intention about my clothes." - -"Nay, I leave none bare," says he, "in particular to those wild winds. -But I see you have company, and fair company too;" at the which, as you -may guess, I pricked up my ears and moved forward a step out of the -darkness. - -"Well, sir," says Sir Damon from the coach, sharply, "would you rob the -lady also?" - -"No," says he, with a laugh, "only of your company. I trust I am a -gallant tobyman, if even upon compulsion. In truth I have no real -liking for the business, but was driven to it of necessity. Yet while I -am in it I must e'en make what I can out of it. And since I must take -all that is in the chaise, save yourself, my good sir, I will make bold -with the lady if she will forgive me." - -Hearing that, I could have slapped my thigh in my delight at his wit -and quickness, for I began at once to see how matters stood. Here was -Sir Damon driving forth with his ward and niece, maybe with the intent -that she should publicly witness with her own eyes the wretched plight -and humiliation of her lover; and now that lover appears to discomfit -her guardian and wrest her triumphantly from his arms. It was an -excellent fine ploy and tickled me much; for, damme, 'twas after my own -heart. - -But when he had spoken Sir Damon answers nothing for a time, and then -seeing, I suppose, that he was beaten all round he says,-- - -"Very well," says he, "I am, as I have assured you, my good scoundrel, -a man of my word and honour. So what I have said I have said. You -have now your wages, and shall have your reward, though I confess I -had not anticipated it. But to-morrow 'tis my turn, for I too have an -unexpected card in the game. And so, when the lady is safely alighted -in this balmy air and on this cosy heath, at your disposal, I shall be -obliged if you will order my man to drive on, so that I may finish this -somewhat benighted journey in peace." - -This was, you will admit, a dignified surrender, and I could not but -see that he was really at the advantage. For though the lad had won -his wages and his bride, he was at the mercy of this man, as hard as -Satan, maybe, or as grim as Death. And he would go hang on the beam for -this night's work, if so be Sir Damon desired it, and this, you may -conceive, was not a pleasant plight for the young fellow. But, bless -you, he had no fears. He had won his bet, and he had handed forth his -sweetheart, and was, I doubt not, all in a flurry of passion for the -meeting. Bah! this love turns men dizzy; it steals their wits more -wildly than wine. Let be! 'Tis well enough in a way, but, rip me, if -I would be so rankly stirred. The old cock had the advantage and knew -it. He gazed out at the silly pair from his window with hard eyes and -expressionless face, and shouted a command to his man, at which the -chaise turned and began to move slowly towards London again. - -At that instant, seeing how awkward a face things wore, and being of a -mind to see the stir through to the end, a notion flashed in my head -and I came forward to the couple. Miss I could not see, for she was in -wraps, and she might have been a scullion-wench for all I could tell. -But says I to him,-- - -"See you, take my coach and drive on to the Nag by Carshalton and there -await me. I will deal with this Lord Chief Justice myself;" and leaving -'em with no more words I ran after the departing chaise as fast as -maybe. - -When I had reached it I rapped on the window, and out pops the old -gentleman's white head once more. - -"Another of you?" says he; "this place grows 'em like brambles," and -would have discharged a pistol full in my face. - -"Hold!" said I, "'tis your assistance I want, sir. I believe you have -been rumpadded by a tobyman just now. Well, I am in a like case, and -was bound whilst he took you. But now he is gone off with my chaise, -and I beg you will join us in pursuit. Sure, sir," seeing nothing on -his face but its pale mask, "we be enough, armed as we are, to overtake -and bring him to account, especially that he hath with him now, as it -seems, some go-lightly. But I cannot without my coach o'ertake them." - -He seemed to consider a little, scrutinising me. "Well," said he, at -last, "you seem a likely man in emergencies. If you are armed, as you -say, and have the resolution, I do not know but the plan will fit in -with my own. I had another design, but maybe both are admirable, and at -least they will not conflict." - -So without more ado he invited me into the chaise, and then conceive me -sitting in miss's place, the horse's heads turned again for the south, -and Sir Damon and Dick Ryder chatting agreeably and affably together -as they had been sworn friends or long acquaintances. - -At least 'twas I that chatted, and he was mostly silent in an amicable -enough way, interjecting a question, or commenting with satiric -humour, what time we lurched along towards Ewell and Epsom. But now -you will have an inkling of my design when I say that if this old fox -was permitted to return straightway to town he would no doubt set the -officers on his enemy and have him forthwith lodged in the jug. Maybe, -thought I to myself, with a little trickery and a little persuasion of -my own kind, that could be prevented and the boy have a run for his -life at the least. So that was why we were jogging along the Epsom -Road through a dark and miry night on the track (as he thought) of the -runaways. - -Presently, interrupting a tale of mine about Jeremy Starbottle, says -he, bluffly,-- - -"We seem no nearer, sir. It would look as if your horses were superior -to mine." - -"Why," said I, in answer, "'tis odds they'll keep this road, for the -sideways are foul and lead nowhither. Moreover, they will not expect to -be pursued. We shall fetch 'em presently." - -"Very well," says he, lying back, "but I beg you will give me a little -leave. I was shortened of my nap this afternoon." - -Now this was a plain hint, as you see, for me to hold my tongue, but I -took no offence, for there was no occasion. "Sir," said I, "I am mum. I -do not overstay my welcome," and I too lay back. - -For some time we proceeded in silence; but presently, the chaise -jogging more than usual, he sat up. - -"It seems to me," said he, "that we are upon a wild-goose chase, we -shall not catch him in this wilderness." - -"Oh," said I, "he cannot be so far in advance--not he with my nags, -I'll warrant." - -He looked at me doubtfully in the small light. "Very well," he said at -last, shortly, "we will try a little longer;" and he peered out upon -the night if so be he might determine where we were. - -I looked out also, and now we were passing through Carshalton, where -I had bid the doves assemble for to meet me. But, damme, my business -was not yet done, and the coach rolls creaking out of Carshalton and -on the way to Epsom. This seemed to stir the old gentleman again to -perplexity, for again he directed a look out of the window, and then -another at me. I felt his gaze wander over me from top to boot as if he -measured me. - -"You have fought abroad," says he at last. - -"Not I," says I; and added to that, "There's too many that babble about -these foreign wars. Deliver us, a good English war is more to my taste, -and better fighting too," says I. - -"Ah!" says he, still coolly inspecting me, as if he cared not whether I -saw him or not, "then you will have fought in his Majesty's intestine -wars?" said he. - -"What's that?" said I, turning on him. - -"No doubt," said he, suavely, "you have fought, sir, for his Majesty -King James against the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth." - -"Who gave you leave to suppose I have fought at all?" said I, sharply, -being irked by his persistence. "I am no fighting man, but one of -peace." - -"Oh," says he, "but I took you for a soldier and a captain-at-arms at -least. And indeed I believe you would have furnished material for a -good soldier." He surveyed me meditatively. "Yes, I'll promise that; -good material, sir, sound fighting stock, and no splitting straws or -scruples." - -"Damme," said I, bluntly, "what d'ye mean?" - -He sank back in his seat. "I mean no offence," said he, "but I think as -'tis shrewd to-night I will e'en turn about for home." - -"Nay," said I, masterfully, "you must not do that since we are come -so far. Let us finish the adventure, sir, and not leave hold of it. -'Twould never do. We will be catching of 'em by the heels presently." - -He pursed his lips together, as if he whistled under his breath, and -there was a pause, while the noise of the chaise drowned all sound -about us. But my senses are not sharp for nothing, and next I was aware -of a glint of light upon steel, for the moon as we rocked swayed in at -the window, and I guessed that he was bringing his pistol from under -his cloak. - -I pulled forth mine abruptly. "Yes," says I, "'tis as well to be -prepared, sir. I am glad you are so forward. We may have a fall-to when -we encounter, but I'll warrant ye're as good with your barker as I with -mine." - -"I hope so," said he, without betraying any feeling. "I do earnestly -hope so; even, sir, to be a little better would be to my taste. As you -say, we may come to an encounter soon, and 'tis as well to be prepared." - -Now the old buck puzzled me, and I perpended. If he had any suspicion -that this was not a genuine pursuit, and I was other than I had feigned -to be, why sat he there silent and cool? But if he had no scent of -danger what was the significance of his words, which did smell to me -of the ironic? It angered me to be so baffled by him and his quiet -features; but I did not well see what I might do or say just then, and -so kept silence like himself. And indeed 'twas he broke it. - -"We must be drawing nigh Ewell, so far as I may guess," he said. "Would -you be good enough to tell me what course you propose when we reach -Ewell? If I might without impropriety make a humble suggestion, I would -advise that we ate some supper and lay there comfortably for the night, -to resume this interesting journey doubtless on the morrow, or perhaps -the next day." - -With that I saw at once how it was, and I gave vent to a little laugh. -"Why, you shall do as you please, sir," said I, "and that plan will -serve me admirably." - -"Ah!" says he, looking at me, "then maybe there is something amiss with -it. Suppose we come to an understanding. I think you are too young, -and I am too old, to want to die by violence. We both have a taste for -life, I take it. Where stand we then? We are pursuing a gentleman of -the road--" - -"Pardon me," said I, interrupting, for the time was come now to -disclose myself, and I looked to be mightily tickled by the disclosure, -"no longer pursuing, but maybe even pursued." - -"Pursued!" he asked doubtfully. - -"Well, at least we are some miles ahead of the turtle-doves that are -cooing, maybe, somewhere safe and sound behind us." - -His eyes never changed; only the thin lips moved a little. "Ah!" says -he, "the turtle-doves! I had some notion--but who then are you, my dear -sir?" - -"I am but a philosophic observer," said I, airily. "'Tis my business to -look on and smile. I take no part in the rough acts of fortune." - -"Pardon me," said he, suavely, "but I think you are too modest, -Captain." - -"Captain!" said I, sharply. - -"Well, well, I had forgot you were no soldier. You have the air of a -soldier, and the makings, as I have remarked. But, sir, let me tell -you, you are too modest. This journey, for example--" - -"Oh, that was my whim," said I. "I interposed out of a benevolent -heart, for to serve two young folks fond of billing and to make an -illustrious acquaintance for myself." - -He bowed in his corner. "I trust you will not make a more illustrious -acquaintance still," he said dryly. - -"Why," said I, for I knew what he meant, "you forget that at your -invitation I am here in pursuit of our common enemy." - -"True," he said, considering. "It has a smooth face upon it. I perceive -you, sir, to be a gentleman of your wits." - -Now 'twas my turn to bow, and indeed he was not wrong, for it has ever -been my good fortune to find a way out of a difficulty when others -would stand agape, like oafs and asses. But he went on, in his still -voice: "But now that I see our friend, the common enemy, as you put it, -enjoyed a confederate, it appears I must reconsider the circumstances. -In fine, his wager fails--" - -"I am no confederate," I broke in. - -"And thus there is no necessity that he receive the penalty which I had -designed as a wedding-present for him," he finished, not appearing to -heed me. - -"Sir Damon, I have told you that I am but an onlooker," said I. - -He elevated his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders. - -"Rip me," said I, angrily, "I never clapped eyes on the fellow till the -quarter-of-an-hour ere you came up, and I will be damned if I should -tick him off from Adam did I see him again." - -"You perceive that you are rehabilitating the penalty," he remarked -dryly, and I could see he did not credit me, which made me angrier. - -"By the Lord," said I, "I have the honour to tell ye that the young -muckworm rumpadded me in my chaise just as you were come up--damme, he -did, if it were not that I turned his barkers on him." - -Sir Damon eyed me and then all of a sudden broke out into soft -laughter, as if he were greatly tickled. - -"Is't so?" said he. "The Lord love him for a simpleton! Faith, I could -forgive--" He chuckled quietly, and then looked at me again, still -smiling. - -"You know, sir, what penalty menaces them that abduct or hold a ward -from her guardian?" - -"'Tis a guardian I have abducted from his ward," said I. - -He laughed quietly. "Very well," said he, "let us leave it at that." -And then, "You know, sir, what a fool the fool is?" - -"He is no tobyman," said I. - -"'Tis commensurate with his life in general," said Sir Damon, easily. -"He is born Tom-fool and has two handsome, dancing eyes." He paused. -"I will not maintain," says he next, "that for happiness wisdom is -necessary, or even adequate. I have not found it so myself, nor perhaps -you, friend--Captain?" - -"In that case," says I, "repay a fool with his folly, which is -marriage." - -"Then we are agreed," said he, genially. "I too am a bachelor. And now -that we are agreed on one thing, Captain, Mr--" He hesitated. - -"Ryder," said I. - -"Mr Ryder," said he, "let us be agreed all along the line. If I forego -the penalty--" - -"I will treat your worship to as damnable a fine supper and bottle as -was ever served in England," I interrupted, "and we will drink to the -turtles at Carshalton." - -"Carshalton," he says reflectively. "I had an idea 'twas Carshalton, -but your pistol was persuasive." - -"Well, sir," said I, "here is Ewell, and in a tavern that I know we -shall be hospitably received and used this foul night." - -"Good," says he, preparing to alight as the chaise came to a stop, "and -pray bear in mind, Mr Ryder, that I am penniless and homeless." - -"Damme," said I, heartily, "ye're welcome to all that's mine, and -that's not beggary; and, damme, while I can keep such company I envy -not the turtle with his mate at Carshalton." - -He was now in the road, and he turned. "Nor I, Ryder, nor I," he said -pleasantly. - - - - -MY LADY'S RING - - -As I wheeled the mare out of the gateway into the gloom of the night -the lighted windows of the inn winked on me with yellow eyes. A cold -sleet was falling, very piercing to the flesh, and I rolled my collar -higher about my neck. It came upon me then that I was a fool to leave -that warm and comfortable tavern on such a savage night; but 'twas -Christmas Eve, and seven of the clock, and I was for Bristol on the -following day, where was a doxy that I knew, as pretty a parcel as ever -I did see, saving Polly Scarlet, and she was in London. - -The landlord had joined me in a bottle well-laced with brandy, and -being of a lively and generous disposition had furnished another -himself. 'Twas a lonely inn that stood on the border of the moor, and -says he that he was mightily gratified to be in company. - -So 'twas with a full belly and a merry heart that I turned into the -welter of the night. 'Twas rarely cold, and I whistled as I went, -though the breath of my nostrils went up like reek. Now I was in -the mind, being amply loaded and light-spirited, to be amiable with -the devil himself, if so be he should come that way, though 'twas, -for sure, not the night for him. Certainly I was not thinking of -rumpadding any mortal man, but would have taken him to my bosom for a -fellow-traveller. For 'tis a vulgar error to suppose that gentlemen -of the road are for ever with an eye to goldfinches. Money is muck -for us as often as not, at least to such of us as maintain a proper -dignity. But as for Dan Creech and his lousy pack, or that much-boasted -Jeremy Starbottle, why, they are no better than common cutpurses or -tally-thieves. No; to ride the high toby has its obligations as well as -its privileges, and on that Christmas Eve, damme, the whole world and -his wife might have gone secure for me. - -Well in this humour, despite of the night, I rode on, sometimes at a -jog, but mostly at a walk, for the snow was heavier as I reached the -moor. Upon the stretch of broken land it lay uneven, for I suppose -'twas caught by the rough winds on that upland heath and blown into the -hollows, and upon the furze and thorn. But the continuous spread of -whiteness had absorbed the road, and Calypso had to feel her way mighty -patiently. 'Twas thus we arrived at the cross-roads near the middle of -the moor, where the ways divide 'twixt Bollingham and Messiter; and -reining in on the impulse, to make sure of my path, I perceived even -through the blackness another figure on horseback under the sign-post. - -"Is't anyone?" says a voice, pretty clear. - -"Ay," says I, "'tis a traveller." - -"Is there a village near by?" says he out of the dark. - -"Within three miles two upon either road," said I. - -"I am bound for Bath," says he, "and have met with a mishap this cursed -night," and began to deliver oaths as they had been sword-thrusts in a -duello. Now I can tolerate a man that has been put to sore discomfort -and is enraged, and as for a few mouth-filling oaths, why, they are -neither here nor there. But there was something in the way of his -voice, manner and address that grated on me, and so I answered him -pretty coolly. - -"Well, you can take your choice of roads with an easy heart," I said. - -"Look ye here," says he, after a moment. "From what I catch of you -through your voice, my man, you should be a sturdy fellow. What think -you of carrying a message for help to the village for a guinea-piece. -'Twill serve you with good wine, mulled ale, or a doxy, I'll warrant." - -That maddened me for all my good humour, to be taken for granted as a -common fetch-and-carry, and to be so addressed like a footboy by his -grace. I heard insolence and overbearing in his accent, and I would -have sworn patronage and contempt was in his face. - -"Be damned!" says I, angrily, "I am no lackey. Find your own village," -says I. - -At that he uttered an oath. "You are impudent!" said he, and moved his -horse nearer, as though he would take action. But, Lord, I was awaiting -him, and this muckworm would have eaten snow in two minutes had he so -ventured. But prudence came to him, so he hesitated. "Ye're the sort of -man that is the better of the whip and the pillory," says he. "Rogue, -were it not for the darkness I would beat you for your insolence." - -"Damme, what's amiss with the darkness?" said I. "For sure I can well -make out your ugly body against the snow. 'Tis a monstrous, unsightly -blackness against so much innocent whiteness." He cursed me, and then -dug his rowels into his nag so deeply that the poor beast started and -reared. But that was enough for me, for I hate to see a creature that -is so kindly in its services so mishandled; and so says I, driving at -him,-- - -"Rip me, you muckworm, I'll give you that which will recall this moor -to you. Deliver, damn ye!" says I, "or I'll make you food for maggots;" -and I had the barker at his head ere he knew what had happened. - -Well, he made much ado, but 'twas of no avail, for I had the mastery -from the outset, and he was perforce obliged to plumb his pockets, the -which yielded but a score of guineas and a ring or so. But that was of -no consequence to me, for I had no care for his money, merely for his -discomfiture, along of his arrogance. - -As I left him, foully imprecating, I threw a laughing word at him. -"Messiter," says I, "lies on the left, and Bollingham to the right. -Turn round three times, my cock, and choose which you will," whereat I -rode laughing into the darkness, yet ere I did so I saw him savagely -wheel into the Messiter Road, cutting viciously at his horse. - -As for me, I rode on, singing cheerfully enough, for the encounter had -warmed my blood, and I no longer felt the cold so greatly. But I had -not got farther than a mile from the cross-roads when I was aware in -the pause of my singing of a sound near by, of a voice that called on -the unquiet air, very faint and melancholy. I reined in, and listened, -and presently the cry came to me again from the right; and so, jumping -off the mare, I left her in the road, standing obedient as she was used -to do, and walked gingerly in that direction. I did not trust myself in -that profound darkness and the treacherous snow, and, sure enough, I -was right to be careful, for in a little I was plunged up to my waist -in a hollow. - -"Where are you?" I called aloud, and the voice, so clearly now a -woman's, came back. - -I made my way to it with difficulty, and soon solved the riddle; here -was a chaise wandered out of the road and buried in a deep drift, and -by the body of the carriage a poor lady in the direst state of distress -and terror. - -"Why, madam," said I, "are ye alone?" - -At which she broke out that her husband was gone for help, as was the -postilion, but in different directions, and that they had took the -horses, and that she, poor delicate creature, was thus solitary on a -naked and solitary moor, with never even a wild-fowl to scream with her -for company. - -"Oh," says I, "we will soon mend that, madam, or call me catchpole," -and I took hold of her. "Ye're in a drift, mistress," I said. "I'll -give ye company, if ye will have it, until your husband shall -return"--and then all of a sudden it flashed upon me that her husband -was he who had abused me so grossly, and whom I had rumpadded. - -"Phew!" says I to myself, "why, here's a pretty comedy." But the lady -was all that occupied my thoughts just then, and so I conducted her -to the road, and encouraged her into talk as I did so, for she was -in a terrible fluster, what with the loneliness and the cold and the -darkness. - -"Now," says I, "what you need, madam, is a posset of hot brandy and a -warm and virtuous couch," I says, "and with the help of my good nag -here 'tis what you'll have." - -"Oh, sir, you are very good," says she, tremulously. "You are good -beyond Christian seeming." - -That tickled me pleasantly, as you may think, and I was the more -disposed to take charge of this poor creature thus left to starve of -the perishing winds of heaven. It rains not clemency from December -skies in this brisk isle of England. So says I, in a cheering voice,-- - -"I'll warrant you shall toast your toes and warm your stomach with -victuals within the better part of an hour. Faith, pin your hopes on -me, mistress, and you shall not be disappointed. Tis not the first time -Dick Ryder has comforted and succoured the fair. There's Dick's luck, -madam." - -She smiled in a weak way, but began to take some confidence, as I could -see from the new note in her voice. - -"Is it far, sir, to shelter?" she asked, and I told her there was an -inn some two miles distant, at which she plucked up her heart once -more, not knowing (bless her folly) that two miles on that wild moor, -and with that drift of snow, was no matter for spoon-fed babes. But as -chance had it, she made the discovery pretty quickly, and that through -no fault or neglect of mine. For I put her upon Calypso--as gentle a -mare, when needs be, as ever was straddled; and, sure enough, she was -straddled now. For my lady could keep no seat otherwise, and so says I -to her, if she would play the man for the nonce we should maybe be the -sooner out of our troubles. 'Twas then for the first time that I saw -there was good blood and spirit to her; for instead of crying out in -protest that she could not, or she would not, or that she dared not, -says she,-- - -"Oh, think you so?" and over she cocks her foot with the best grace in -the world, and a charming genuflexion to boot. "I fear I trouble you -greatly," says she. - -But, Lord, with such an one (duchess or doxy, dame or dirty-face) I -would have gone to the farthest verge of trouble and made no odds of -it. 'Tis spirit that ever has appealed to me. - -Well, we were no sooner astir, Calypso pegging slowly along with me at -her mouthpiece, than there comes over us a flurry of snow, driving full -and hard in our faces, the which blinded me for the time. But when I -recovered the mare was gone from the road and had took a step into a -hollow. She staggered, and plump goes the lady over her head into the -drift. I hauled her forth, breathless as she was, and all she cried out -when the wind was in her again was,-- - -"I fear I did not hold to her properly. I fear I am a bungler." - -"Bless your heart, no," says I. "It would have took a king's regiment -to have sat that fall. You do mighty well," said I, "and I'd wring his -nose that said no to that;" with which I assisted her once more into -the saddle. - -What with the drift and the darkness, and the squalls of snow, it was -an hour and more before we reached the inn which lay on the road to -Bollingham. Arrived here I rapped out the landlord, who was surprised -to see me returned--"not but what you are wise," says he. But when he -saw the lady and heard my tale he was, being a decent kindly fellow, -all of a bustle. Madam was all a-wet from her sojourn in the snow, to -say nothing of her tumble, and so she was set afore a great fire in -the ingle to dry herself, which she did with sincere appreciation, the -while the host prepared supper. She sat there, her hands extended, -drawing in deep breaths of comfort from the grateful blaze, and I -watched her. Twas the first I had seen of her face, which was of -a delicate beauty, pink from the whipping wind, and crowned with -disordered hair. I judged she was of a quality deemed proper in courts, -and she was young withal. Presently says she, looking round at me with -bright soft eyes,-- - -"Do you think," said she, "that my husband has reached safety?" - -"Why, yes," said I, "for though he be not here, he may have taken the -other road and be at Messiter," the which I knew it was likely he had -done. - -"Oh!" said she, as if thinking, and said no more. - -But nearby after that supper was served, and madam was set to take in -company with your faithful servant, by your leave! Not but what I have -not often supped with the quality, ay, and made merry with them too, -man and woman, and of all ages; for we are served in our calling with -strange accidents. Yet I will confess that to be seated there at table -with her tickled me handsomely, and I fell to with a will. But the lady -showed little appetite, and had an anxious look, and thought I that she -was troubled for her husband; but I soon made out that she was not so -concerned, for said I, to stimulate her,-- - -"Maybe he is supping like us in a cosy room at Messiter." - -"Oh!" said she, and I saw her mind had come back from another quarter. -"He is like to sup and be comfortable wherever he is. He will emerge -scatheless;" and there was that in her tone which was all but a sneer. - -"Oh, well, damn the husband," says I to myself, "I take no interest in -him;" and I gave my attention to the lady. The glow had now receded -from her face, leaving it pale, according to what I took to be its -true habit, and she answered in a pleasant and engaging way, with an -emphasis of her gratitude for my assistance. But this I pooh-poohed in -curt terms, for I was more than repaid for my trouble by the figure she -cut over against the board, and the honour she did me. And I was in the -midst of rebuffing her thanks for the third time when the door opened -from the flagged passage and a man entered. - -He was followed by the innkeeper, suave and bowing, and the first thing -was that madam says, in an even, pleasant voice,-- - -"So you are behind us after all, Charles." At that I studied him the -closer, for it must be her husband, and perhaps he that had put an -affront on me, and I knew for certain who he was when he spoke. - -"It seems so," said he, scowling at me; and then "Why did you not wait? -I found you gone from the chaise." - -"It was so cold. I was chilled to death," she answered, "and this -gentleman happened upon me, and was so good as to offer me his services -for a rescue." - -He turned a glowering, arrogant eye on me, but said nothing at the -moment, save a demand to the innkeeper to fetch mulled wine. Now, 'twas -clear he was in ignorance of my identity, and so I was emboldened to -make trial of him, maybe, you will say, with some rashness; but I have -ever found the boldest course is the wisest. - -"Perhaps, sir," said I, "you will honour me with a share of this bottle -in the meanwhile." - -He hesitated, and then lowered his eyes. "I thank you, no, sir," he -returned briefly, and sat down to the fire to wait. - -His ungraciousness nettled me, all the more that he thus deranged -the comfort of his own lady, who was manifestly put about by his -incivility. Seeing that he knew not I had rumpadded him he might have -thrown thanks at me for her care, even if 'twere only as you may throw -coins at a beggar. But not he. He sat and frowned, and then looked up -at her. - -"The next time I pray you will have faith and patience to remain where -you are set, my lady," says he, curtly. - -"Why, husband--" she began, but I broke in, for I was infuriate with -his grossness of manner. - -"Look you, sir," said I, "would you have a tender lady bare to the snow -and sour winds to await your convenience? Sink me, I should be glad to -think she was warming of her ankles, what fate soever came to mine." - -"Your opinion," said he, pompously, and looking at me inquisitively, -"is naturally of weight, sir." - -He was a full-faced, big-nosed man, with small eyes, and a hard mouth, -but was manifestly of some dignity from his dress and style. - -"Sir Charles," says she, with a little pride in her voice, "you forget -my plight. I should have perished but for this good gentleman." - -"Humph," says this pig, puffing out his nostrils, and leaned over the -fire to warm himself, but cast narrow glances at me. - -But here comes in mine host with the wine, and Sir Charles (if that -was his name) sits to the table, and takes a draught, which served to -loosen his tongue. - -"These roads," says he, "do no credit to your country, my man." - -"Sir, they are such as we must endure," says the innkeeper. - -"They are a disgrace to any country," says he; "they are the haunt of -thieves and cut-throats," he says, and thumped on the table. - -"Why, I've heard of none, your honour," says the fellow. - -"I tell you, sir," he went on, "that no more than a mile or so from -here I was stopped by a ruffian and robbed--yes, robbed, sir; and you -boast of your secure roads. I am a justice and will see to it when I -reach London." - -"Lord, sir, you say not so?" said the innkeeper, and the lady called -out in surprise, - -"Robbed, Charles; why, what is this?" - -"Stopped and robbed," says the man, with emphasis on his words and -looking from one to another of us. "Stopped and robbed by a dastard -with pistols and swords, when I had been looking for a friendly voice -in the night and the snow--rings, guineas and all," he says, addressing -his wife. - -"I have my purse," says she, fumbling in her bodice with nervous -fingers. - -"I will bring down the law on this wretched place," he declared -formidably, ignoring her. "I will see that his Majesty's processes -do clean these parts of the gentry, and of all who harbour them," he -added, with suspicious beady eyes on the innkeeper. - -"Nay, sir, there is no house on this road but what is honest," says he, -hastily. - -"Why," says Sir Charles, as importantly as if he were examining a -prisoner, "this fellow must have come from here, and no doubt was in -waiting for me. You cannot deny it." - -"There was none such here, sir, all the day," says the landlord, -humbly; "there was none but honest folk." - -"Ah, but how mark you the difference?" he asked triumphantly. "I ask -you, how do you discriminate? Does a man wear his virtue on his nose?" -And at that, looking at his blobbed nose, I chuckled to myself, for I -minded in no way that he was thus cross-questioning the taverner. Lord, -I would not have cared two sucking straws for such as he. So I broke -in,-- - -"There is some that has an honest look," said I, "and there's some that -wants it." - -"That is so," said the lady. "'Twere easy to tell the difference." - -"You are very confident," said he, sourly, "and maybe then you could -read the faces in this room, madam?" - -She glanced about her with a flush at his rudeness. "I think there is -no question of this room," she answered. - -He said nothing, but shot a glance at me, and then took a draught of -wine. - -"And how was it this kind gentleman happened upon you, Betty?" he asked. - -"Sir, 'twas a delicate voice, as of a lamb bleating in the cold -darkness, that I heard, and went for to rescue," I answered him coolly. - -"Oh!" he says, and looked at the table as if thinking. "And whence came -you?" he asked bluntly. - -Now it entered into my mind then for the first time that he had -conceived a suspicion of me. It was true that his bearing might be -part of his customary gross conduct, but 'twas possible that his -questions were pursuing some point. And so, as the landlord was gone -from the room, I said indifferently, "I am from Bristol and go south -for Taunton." - -"Ho!" he said, "then you came along the road after me?" - -"Very like," I said with the same indifference. "I know not which way -you came, as the chaise was buried deep in the drift." - -"That brings to my memory," said he, rising, "a neglected duty. The -postilion must take aid to rescue the carriage;" and he marched to the -door with his heavy gait and determined mien. - -When he was gone I looked across at the lady, but she avoided my eye, -embarrassed (I made no doubt) by her husband's arrogant behaviour. -And now I recalled that 'twas high time for me to be on my way after -this interlude, and I put my hand into my pocket to bring forth a coin -wherewith to discharge my reckoning. And I pulled out a handful of -guineas. As I was picking out one I heard an exclamation, and raising -my eyes, perceived that the lady was staring in astonishment at my hand. - -"Where got you that?" she asked in an excitement, pointing with her -hand. "Where got you that ring?" - -And then to my chagrin I saw that I had pulled out some of the -jewellery I had took from Sir Charles. "That?" says I, thinking to gain -time. "Why that?" - -"The ring I gave my husband," she almost whispered across the table, -and her eyes met mine. In them suddenly arose a light of understanding, -and of something else commingled. Damme, I am not ashamed to ply the -high toby, but there is some matters that do not concern women, and -which they do not understand. She turned of a red glow to her neck. -"What--you?" she murmured faintly. "It was you?" - -And I, like a fool, had never a word, but sat glum and still, staring -at her. To look at her it would have seemed that she it was that had -took the ring and been discovered. - -"Oh, why did you that?" she asked in her low voice. "Was it that you -were in need?" - -"Faith, no," said I, with a laugh, and never attempting to deny. -"There's a plenty of King's pictures to my pockets. But if ye will have -it, 'twas his voice annoyed me. I thought 'twas any man's duty and -right to take toll of such complacency." - -She eyed me sadly, as I hate to be eyed. I can endure the devil's own -temper, and a scold's tongue (for I have my own cure for them), but -tears, and shining eyes, and melancholy looks--I cannot abide 'em. So -says I gruffly,-- - -"Ye are welcome to them back. I have no use for them. Maybe 'twill -teach him a lesson in manners, and that will serve;" whereat I turned -the contents of my pocket upon the table and thrust them towards her. -She sat looking at the gold and the jewels for some moments in silence, -while I looked at her. She was, I'll warrant, a pious good woman, -and though such are not generally to my taste, I can appreciate ripe -goodness and beauty, and it irked me to think of her being bound with -such a surly and unmannerly boar. But presently, with a start, she put -out her hands and began to collect the pieces with fever in her haste, -glancing fearfully at the door; and no sooner had she disposed of them -than in stalks my portentous friend, with an ugly look on his phiz. - -"You come from Bristol, sir," says he in a loud voice, "and maybe can -explain why you set forth for Taunton from this very house two hours -agone by the Bristol Road?" - -I gave him a steady stare, for it was plain to me now how he had come -by his information, and that he had been questioning the innkeeper -about me. It mattered not a rap to me, for he could prove nothing -against me, and even if he had, I would have kissed the beam if I could -not have settled with that hulking dung-fork. So said I equably,-- - -"Why the devil should I explain to you?" - -"Well, to the justices, if you like it better," said he with an angry -snort. "I had a notion that I recognised that voice, and now I know it -for certain. You are the thief that made me deliver in the snow on the -heath. You have stolen my guineas and my jewels." - -Now, he had no witnesses against me, and it would have been the easiest -thing in the world to have deceived him, and played him off, and got -him into a tangle of fact and evidence and imaginings. But, bless me, -ere I could get fairly started upon the sally the poor lady darts in -and shoves the fat in the fire. - -"Oh, Charles," she cried trepidantly, going towards him, "this -gentleman has preserved my life. I pray you forget not that. 'Tis -Christmas Eve," says she, "'tis the eve of our Lord's birth, and should -teach us mercy. Sir Charles," she says, poor thing, a-bleating, "as you -hope for Christ's compassion for yourself visit not this short-coming -on one that has shown himself so full of tenderness and pity." - -"The devil!" thinks I to myself, pulling a lugubrious face. "She plays -King's prosecutor to me. What's to do?" - -"Stand aside," says he to her sharply, and glowering on me. But I -looked him in the phiz with a smile; I was not incommoded by this silly -business, not I. "You make no denial," said he, restraining himself -with an effort, as I could see. "You are a ruffianly gallows-bird. You -shall hang." - -"Oh, Charles," pleaded the poor lady in despair, "he has made -restitution. Here's all that was yours--rings, guineas and all. Spare -him, I implore you, for his kindness and consideration to me." - -"He showed me nice consideration," said he, with a sneer, for he was -now confident and a-swagger; "we will dispose of him with as gentle a -consideration, madam." - -And at that he moved to the door, I doubt not to summon the landlord; -but I stepped in his way, for I was tired of his mustard looks and -arrogance. - -"Rot me," said I, "you mistake my kidney. If 'tis a gentleman of the -road you have to deal with, you have yet to learn his quality." - -He drew himself up, while the lady looked at me breathless. He was a -vastly bigger man than I, but I drew my toasting-fork. - -"Madam," said I to the lady, "you have a great heart, but it breaks -itself too readily. I would not have that ample heart for half the -kingdom. I'll warrant it troubles you. Here you be fretting yourself -over this poor carcase which is worth no tears nor tremors, and -moreover can look after itself; and I will swear you waste your blood -and tissue on this same hulk that I must spit, damn him! Sir," says I -to the man, "if ye will stand aside I will learn you to toast or roast -as you will, your toes and midriff, afore this fire; but if ye will not -you shall taste the sawdust under the table. For I have an appointment -in Bristol, and I wait no man's pleasure." - -"You threaten me," says he, haughtily, and pulled out his sword. - -"Oh, no," says I, "'tis but a plain statement. Will ye go by or go -down? Choose ye." - -For answer he came at me, for the man was no coward, and did not lack -spirit; and we were presently engaged in the discharge of thrusts. He -plied his blade not unskilfully, but, Lord, I have learned in a rough -school, and 'twas not long ere I was under the cully's guard and -took him in the ribs. He collapsed like a log, and the lady uttered a -scream, and flying to him bent over him. I dropped my point. - -"Faith, my lady," said I, "'tis no more than letting of some of that -superfluous blood that animates him. 'Twill fetch down his proud -stomach, the which he needs. Let him bleed. 'Twill serve your turn -also." - -"Sir," says she, remembering me, even in her trouble and confusion, -"you were best to go. Fly, fly! 'twas not your fault. He attacked you. -Fly!" - -Dear heart, there was none in those parts and on that night that -might aspire to stop or catch Dick Ryder; but she knew not that, the -innocent. I bowed to her. - -"Give ye good cheer, madam," said I; "maybe I have served you better -than ye think, first with the cold night, and second with the eclipse -of this hot blood." - -She threw me a wistful, wondering and pitiful glance, and then a groan -drew her attention to her husband and she stooped over him tenderly. - -At that I swung out of the door and sought my horse; and as I mounted -Calypso, says I to the innkeeper, who attended me all unconscious, "I -have stuck a point in that muckworm's shoulder," says I, "and ye had -better relieve the lady's fears; but," says I, as I rode off, "if I had -stuck it in his gizzard, as I had a mind to do, 'twould have served her -better." And with that I plunged into the wind and snow of the night. - - - - -GALLOWS GATE - - -'Twas two o'clock of a bright mild March day that I cleared St -Leonard's Forest and came out upon the roads at the back of Horsham. -I was for London, but chose that way by reason of a better security -it promised, which, as it chanced, was a significant piece of irony. -Horsham, a mighty quiet pretty town, lay in a blaze of the sun, -enduring the sallies of a dusty wind, and feeling hot and athirst after -my long ride I pulled up at an inn and dismounted. - -"Host," says I, when I was come in, "a pint of your best burgundy or -canary to wash this dust adown; and rip me if I will not have it laced -with brandy." - -"Why, sir," says he, "a cold bright day for horseback," and shakes his -head. - -"Damme, you're right," says I. "Cold i' the belly and hot in the groin. -Here's luck to the house, man," and I tossed off the gallipot, though -the brandy barely saved exceeding thin swipes that he had the impudence -to pass for wine. "Why, goodman, ye'll make your fortune on this," -I said with a laugh and flung open the door to go out, when all of a -sudden I came to a silence and a pause. - -"'Tis the officers," says the landlord, who was at my ear. "Gadslife, -'tis the sheriff's men from Lewes." - -"Lewes!" says I, slowly. "What be they here for?" - -"Why," says he, in a flutter, "there was him that was taken for a -tobyman by Guildford. He was tried at Lewes, and will hang." - -"If he be fool enough to be taken, let him be hanged and be damned," -says I, carelessly. - -When I was got upon my horse I began to go at a walk down the High -Street, for though, as was according to nature, I was inquisitive about -the matter I was too wary to adventure ere I was sure of my ground. And -this denial of unnecessary hazards, as is my custom, saved me from a -mishap; for as the procession wound along, the traps and the carriage -between 'em, there was one of them that turned his head aside to give -an order, and, rip me, if 'twas not that muckworm traitor and canter, -the thief-taker Timothy Grubbe. I had an old score with Timothy, -the which I had sworn to pay; but that was not the time nor the -opportunity, and so I pulled in and lowered my head, lest by chance his -evil eye might go my way. As I did so, something struck on the mare's -rump, and, looking back, I saw a young man a-horseback that had emerged -from a side street. - -"Whoa, there!" says I, cheerfully, "are you so blinded by March dust as -not to see a gentleman when he goes by?" - -He was a slight, handsome-looking youth, of a frank face but of a -rustic appearance, and he stammered out an apology. - -"Why, I did but jest," I said heartily, "think no more on't, -particularly as 'twas my fault to have checked the mare of a sudden. -But to say the truth I was gaping at the grand folks yonder." - -He stared after the traps, and says he in an interested voice, "Who be -they? Is it my Lord Blackdown?" - -Now this comparison of that wry-necked, pock-faced villain Grubbe to a -person of quality tickled me, but I answered, keeping a straight face,-- - -"Well, not exactly," says I, "not my lord, but another that should -stand, or hang, as high maybe, and shall some day." - -"Oh," says he, gazing at me, "a friend of yours, sir?" - -He was of a ruddy colour, and his mouth was habitually a little open, -giving him an expression of perpetual wonder and innocence, so that, -bless you, I knew him at once for what he was at heart--a simple fellow -of a natural kindliness, and one of no experience in the world, and a -pretty dull wit. - -"Not, as you might call him, a friend," said I, gravely, "but rather -one that has put an affront upon me." - -"You should wipe it out, sir," says this innocent, seriously. "I would -allow no man to put an affront on me, gad, I would not." - -"Why," said I, dryly, "I bide my time, being, if I may say so, of less -mustard and pepper than yourself. Nevertheless, it shall be wiped out -to the last stain." - -"Gad, I like that spirit," says he, briskly, and, as if it constituted -a bond betwixt us, he began to amble slowly at my side. "If there is -any mischief, sir," says he, "I trust you will allow me to stand your -friend." - -Here was innocence indeed, yet I could have clapped him on the back for -a brick of good-fellowship and friendliness, and, relaxing my tone, I -turned the talk on himself. - -"You are for a journey?" says I. - -He nodded, and his colour rose, but he frowned. "I am for Effingham," -said he. - -"So am I," said I, "at least I pass that way," which was not so, for -I was for Reading, and had meant to go by Guildford. Yet I was in no -mind to risk an encounter with Grubbe and his lambs, who were bound -for Guildford, if what the innkeeper said was true, and the way by -Effingham would serve me as well as another. He looked pleased, and -says he,-- - -"Why, we will travel in company," says he. - -"With all my heart," said I. - -The traps had disappeared upon the Guildford road in a mist of dust, -and we jogged on comfortably till we came to cross-roads, where we -turned away for Slinfold, reaching that village nearby two of the -clock. Here my companion must slake his thirst, and I was nothing loth. -He had a gentlemanly air about him for all his rustic habit, and very -pleasantly, if with some awkwardness, offered me of a bottle. - -"You mind me," said I, drinking to him, for I liked the fellow, "of a -lad that I knew that was in the wars." - -"Was you in the wars?" says he, eagerly. - -I had meant the wars of the road, which indeed are as perilous and as -venturesome as the high quarrels of ravening nations. - -"I served in Flanders," said I. - -"My father fought for his gracious Majesty, Charles I.," says he, -quickly, "and took a deep wound at Marston Moor. There was never a -braver man than Squire Masters of Rockham." - -"I'll warrant his son is his spit," said I. - -He bowed, as if he were at court. "Your servant, sir," says he, smiling -well-pleased, and eyed me. "You have seen much service, sir?" he asked. - -"Why, as much as will serve, Mr Masters," said I. - -He looked at me shyly. "You have my name now," said he, and left his -question in the air. - -"You may call me Ryder," said I. - -"You have had your company, sir?" he went on in a hesitating voice. - -"Not always as good company as this," I replied laughing. - -"I knew it," said he, eagerly. "You are Captain Ryder?" - -"There have been those that have put that style on me," I answered, -amused at his persistence. - -"I am glad that I have met you, Captain," said this young fool, and put -his arm in mine quite affectionately. "I have been unhappily kept much -at home, and have seen less than I might of things beyond the hills. -Not but what Sussex is a fine shire," he says with a sigh. - -"Why, it is fine if so be your home be there," I replied. - -"My home is there," he said, and paused, and again the frown wrinkled -up his brow. - -He said no more till we were in the saddle again and had gone some half -a mile, and then he spoke, and I knew his poor brain had been playing -pitch and toss with some thought. - -"Captain Ryder," said he, abruptly, "you have travelled far and seen -much. You might advise one junior to you on a matter of worldly wisdom." - -Sink me (thinks I), what's the boy after; but says I gravely from a -mutinous face, "You can hang your faith on me for an opinion or a blow, -Mr Masters." - -"Thank you," says he, heartily, and then thrust a hand into his -bosom and rapidly stuck at me a document. "Read that, sir," said he, -impulsively. - -I opened it, and found 'twas writ in a woman's hand, and subscribed -Anne Varley; and the marrow of it was fond affection. Why, 'twas but a -common love-billet he had given me, of the which I have seen dozens and -received very many--some from persons of quality that would astonish -you. But what was I to do with this honest ninny and his mistress? I -had no nose for it, and so said I, handing him back his letter,-- - -"It has a sweet smack and 'tis pretty enough inditing." - -"Ah," says he, quickly, "'tis her nature, Captain--'tis her heart that -speaks. Yet is she denied by her parents. They will have none of me." - -"The more to their shame," I said. - -"They aspire high," says he, "as Anne's beauty and virtues of -themselves would justify. Yet she does love me, and I her, and we are -of one spirit and heart. See you how she loves me, poor thing, poor -silly puss! And they would persuade her to renunciation. But she shall -not--she shall not, I swear it," he cried in excitement. "She shall be -free to choose whom she will." - -"Spoken like a man of temper," said I, approvingly. "You will go win -her forthright." - -"I am on my journey to accomplish that now," says he. "She has wrote -in this letter, as you have seen, that her father dissuades her, and -she signs her renunciation, adding sweet words of comfort that her -affection will not die--no, never, never; and that she will die virgin -for me. Say you not, sir, that this is beautiful conduct, and say, am I -not right to ride forth and seize her from her unnatural parents, to -make her mine?" - -"Young gentleman," said I, being struck by his honest sincerity and his -bubbling over, "were you brother to me, or I to Mrs Anne, you would -have my blessing." - -At that he glowed, and, his spirits having risen with this -communication, he babbled on the road of many things cheerfully, but -mostly of love and beauty, and the virtues of Mrs Anne of Effingham -Manor. - -I will confess that after a time his prattle wearied me; 'twas too much -honey, and cloyed my palate. If he had known as much of the sex as has -fallen to my lot he would have took another stand and sung in a lower -key. Well, 'twas late in the afternoon when we reached the hills beyond -Ewhurst and began to climb the rugged way to the top. The wind had gone -down with the sun in a flurry of gold in the west to which the eastern -breeze had beat all day; and over the head of Pitch Hill last year's -heather still blazed in its decay. When we had got to the Windmill Inn -that lies packed into the side of the hill and woods there we descended -for refreshment, and I saw the horses stalled below for baiting. Now -that house, little and quiet, perches in a lonely way in the pass of -the hill, and upon one side the ground falls so fast away that the eye -carries over a precipitous descent towards the weald of Surrey and the -dim hills by the sea. And this view was fading swiftly in the window -under a bleak sky as Masters and I ate of our dinner in the upstairs -room that looked upon it. He had a natural grace of mind, despite the -rawness of his behaviour, and his sentiments emerged sometimes in a -gush, as when, says he, looking at the darkening weald,-- - -"I love it, Captain. 'Tis mine. My home is there, and, God willing, -Anne's too shall be." - -"Amen," said I, heartily, for the boy had gone to my heart, absurd -though he was. - -And just on that there was a noise without the door, the clank of heavy -feet rang on the boards, and Timothy Grubbe's ugly mask disfigured the -room. - -He came forward a little with a grin on his distorted features, and, -looking from one to the other of us, said he,-- - -"My respects, Captain, and to this young plover that no doubt you're -plucking. By the Lord, Dick Ryder, but I had given you up! Heaven sends -us good fortune when we're least thinking of it." - -Masters at his word had started up. "Who are you, sir, that intrudes on -two gentlemen?" he demanded with spirit. "I'll have you know this is a -private room. Get you gone." - -"Softly, man," says Grubbe in an insinuating voice, "but maybe I'm -wrong, and you're two of a colour. Is it an apprentice, Dick, this -brave lad that talks so bold and has such fine feathers?" - -"If you do not quit," said I shortly, "I will spit your beauty for you -in two ticks." - -"Dick Ryder had always plenty heart," said he, in his jeering way; -"Dick had always a famous wit, and was known as a hospitable host. So I -will take the liberty to invite to his sociable board some good fellows -that are below, to make merry. We shall prove an excellent company, -I'll warrant." - -Masters took a step towards him. "Now, who the devil soever you may be, -you shall not use gentlemen so," he said, whipping out his blade. - -But Grubbe turned on him satirically. "As for you, young cockchafer," -said he, "it bodes no good to find you in this company. But as you seem -simpleton enough I'll give you five minutes to take your leave of this -gentleman of the road. Dick, ye're a fine tobyman, and you have enjoyed -a brave career, but your hour is struck." - -I rose, but ere I could get to him young Masters had fallen on him. - -"Defend yourself, damn ye!" he said, "you that insult a gentleman that -is my friend. Put up your blade, curse you," and he made at him with -incredible energy. - -Uttering a curse, Grubbe thrust with his point and took the first -onrush, swerving it aside; and ere I could intervene they were at it. -My young friend was impetuous, and, as I saw at once, none too skilful, -and Grubbe kept his temper, as he always did. He stood with a thin, -ugly smile, pushing aside his opponent's blade for a moment or two, -until, of a sudden, he drew himself up and let drive very low and under -the other's guard. The sword rattled from Masters's hand and he went -down on the floor. I uttered an oath. - -"By God, for this you shall die, you swine," said I, fiercely, and I -ran at him; but, being by the door, he swept it open with a movement -and backed into the passage. - -"The boot is on t'other leg, Dick," says he, maliciously. "'Tis you are -doomed;" and, closing the door sharply behind him, he whistled shrilly. - -I knew what he intended, and that his men were there, but I stooped -over the boy's body and held my fingers to his heart. 'Twas dead and -still. I cursed Grubbe and started up. If I was not to be taken there -was only the window looking on the deeps of the descending valley. I -threw back the casement and leaped over the sill. Grubbe should perish, -I swore, and, doubled now my oath. I could have wept for that poor -youth that had died to avenge my honour. But my first business was my -safety, and I crept down as far as I might, and dropped. By that time -the catchpoles were crowding into the room above. I struck the slanting -hill and fell backwards, but getting to my feet, which were very numb -with the concussion of the fall, I sped briskly into the darkness, -making for the woods. - -I lay in the shelter of the woods an hour, and then resolved on a -circumspection. 'Twas not my intention to leave the mare behind, if so -be she had escaped Grubbe and his creatures, and moreover, I had other -designs in my head. So I made my way back deviously to the inn, and -reconnoitred. Stillness hung about it, and after a time I marched up to -the door mighty cautiously and knocked on it. - -The innkeeper opened it, and, the lamp burning in my face, started as -if I were the devil. - -"Hush, man," said I, "is the officer gone?" He looked at me dubiously, -and trembling. "Come," said I, for I knew the reputation of those -parts, "I am from Shoreham Gap yonder, and I was near taken for an -offence against the revenue." - -"You are a smuggler?" said he, anxiously. "They said you were a -tobyman." - -"They will take away any decent man's name," said I. "Come, I want my -horse. You have no fancy for preventive men, I'll guess." - -And this was true enough, for he had a mine of cellars under his inn -and through the roadway. - -"But your friend?" said he, still wavering. "Him that is dead--" - -"As good a man as ever rolled a barrel," said I. - -He relaxed his grip of the door. "'Tis a sore business for me this -night," he complained. - -"Nay," said I, "for I will rid your premises of myself and friend, by -your leave or without it," says I. - -He seemed relieved at that, and I entered. The horses were safe, as -I discovered, for Grubbe must have been too full of his own prime -business to make search, and getting them out, I made my preparations. -I strapped the lad's body in the stirrups, so that he lay forward on -the horse with his head a-wagging but (God deliver him!) his soul at -rest. And presently we were on the road, and threading the wilderness -of the black pine-woods for the vale below towards London. - -The moon was a glimmering arc across the Hurtwood as I came out on the -back of Shere, and pulling out of the long lane that gave entry to the -village, reined up by the White Horse. From the inn streamed a clamour -of laughter, and without the doorway, and well-nigh blocking it, was -drawn up a carriage, with a coachman in his seat, that struck my eyes -dimly in the small light. I was not for calling eyes on me with a dead -man astride his horse, so I moved into the yard, thinking to drain a -tankard of ale, if no better, before I took the road over the downs -to Effingham. But I was scarce turned into the yard ere a light flung -through the window peered on a face that changed all the notions in my -skull. 'Twas Grubbe! - -Leaving the horses by I went back to the front of the inn, and says I -to the coachman that waited there, as I rapped loud on the door,-- - -"'Tis shrewish to-night." - -"Ay," says he, in a grumbling, surly voice, "I would the country were -in hell." - -"Why, so 'twill be in good time," said I, cheerfully; and then to the -man that came, "Fetch me two quarts well laced with gin," says I, "for -to keep the chill o' the night and the fear o' death out." - -The coachman laughed a little stoutly, for he knew that this was his -invitation. - -"Whence come you then?" said I, delivering him the pot that was fetched -out. - -He threw an arm out. "Lewes," said he, "under charge with a tobyman -that was for chains yonder." - -He nodded towards the downs and drank. I cast my eyes up and the loom -of the hill just t'other side of the village was black and ominous. - -"Oh," says I, "he hangs there?" - -"At the top of London road," says he, dipping his nose again. "There -stands the gallows, where the roads cross, and near the gate." - -"Gallows Gate," said I, laughing. "Well, 'twas a merry job enough." - -"Ay," says he, "but by this we might ha' been far towards London Town, -whither most of us are already gone. But 'twas not his meaning. He must -come back with the Lewes sheriff and drink him farewell." - -"Leaving a poor likely young man such as yourself to starve of cold and -an empty belly here," said I. "Well, I would learn such a one manners -in your place; and you shall have another tankard of dog's-nose for -your pains," says I; whereat I called out the innkeeper again, but took -care that he had my share of the gin in addition to his own. By that -time he was garrulous, and had lost his caution, so keeping him in talk -a little, and dragging his wits along from point to point, I presently -called to him,-- - -"Come down," said I, "and stamp your feet. 'Twill warm you without as -the liquor within;" and he did as I had suggested without demur. - -"Run round to the back," says I, "and get yourself a noggin, and if -so be you see a gentleman on horseback there asleep, why, 'tis only a -friend of mine that is weary of his long journey. I will call you if -there be occasion." - -He hesitated a moment, but I set a crown on his palm and his scruples -vanished. He limped into the darkness. - -'Twas no more than two minutes later that I heard voices in the -doorway, and next came Timothy Grubbe into the night, in talk with -someone. At which it took me but thirty seconds to whip me into the -seat and pull the coachman's cloak about me, so that I sat stark and -black in the starlight. Grubbe left the man he talked with and came -forward. - -"You shall drink when ye reach Cobham, Crossway," says he, looking up -at me, "and mind your ways, damn ye." - -And at that he made no more ado, but humming an air he lurched into the -carriage. I pulled out the nags, and turned their heads so that they -were set for the north. And then I whistled low and short--a whistle -I knew that the mare would heed, and I trusted that she would bring -her companion with her. Then the wheels rolled out upon the road and -Timothy Grubbe and I were bound for London all alone. - -As I turned up the London road that swept steeply up the downs I looked -back, and behind the moon shone faintly on Calypso, and behind her on -the dead man wagging awkwardly in his stirrups. - -I pushed the horses up the steeps of the London road as fast as might -be, but the ruts were still deep in mud, and the carriage jolted and -rocked and swayed as we went. The wind came now with a little moaning -sound from the bottom of the valley, and the naked branches creaked -above my head, for that way was sunken and tangled with the thickets -of nut and yew. And presently I was forced to go at a foot pace, so -abrupt was the height. The moon struck through the trees and peered on -us, and Grubbe put his head forth of the window. - -"Why go you not faster, damn ye?" says he, being much in liquor. - -"'Tis the hill, your honour," said I. - -He glanced up and down. - -"What is't comes up behind?" says he, shouting. "There is a noise of -horses that pounds upon the road." - -"'Tis the wind," says I, "that comes off the valley, and makes play -among the branches." - -He sank back in his seat, and we went forward slowly. But he was -presently out again, screaming on the night. - -"There is a horseman behind," says he. "What does he there?" - -"'Tis a traveller, your honour," say I, "that goes, no doubt, by our -road, and is bound for London." - -"He shall be bound for hell," says he, and falls back again. - -The horses wound up foot by foot and emerged now upon a space of better -light. I looked round, and there was Grubbe, with his head through the -window and his eyes cast backwards. - -"What fool is this," says he, "that rides so awkwardly, and drives a -spare horse? If he ride no better I will ask him to keep me company, if -he be a gentleman. Many gentlemen have rode along of me, and have rode -to the gallows tree," and he chuckled harshly. - -"Maybe he will ride with you to the Gallows Gate, sir," says I. - -"Why, Crossway," says he, laughing loudly, "you have turned a wit," -says he; and once more withdrew his head. - -By now we were nigh to the top of the down, and I could see the faint -shadow of the Triple Beam. With that I knew my journey was done, and -that my work must be accomplished. I pulled to the horses on the rise, -and got down from my seat. - -"Why d'ye stop, rascal?" called Grubbe in a fury, but I was by the door -now and had it open. - -"Timothy Grubbe," said I, "ye're a damned rogue that the devil your -master wants, and he shall have ye." - -He stared at me in a maze, his nostrils working, and then says he in a -low voice,-- - -"So 'tis you." - -"Your time has come, Timothy," said I, flinging off my cloak, and I -took my sword. "Out with you, worm!" - -He said never a word, but stepped forth and looked about him. He was -sobered now, as I could see from his face, which had a strange look on -it. - -"Ye're two rascals to one, Dick," says he, slowly, looking on the dead -man on his horse which had come to a stop in the shadows. - -"No," says I. "This gentleman will see fair play for us." - -Grubbe took a step backward. "Sir," says he, addressing the dead man, -but at that moment Calypso and her companion started and came into the -open, and the moon shone on the face of the dead. Grubbe uttered a cry -and turned on me. His teeth showed in a grin. - -"No ghost shall haunt me, Dick," says he. "Rather shall another ghost -keep him company;" and his wry neck moved horridly in the wan light. - -I pointed upwards where the tobyman hung in chains, keeping his sheep -by moonlight. "There's your destiny," said I, "there's your doom. Now -defend ye, damn ye, for I'll not prick an adder at a disadvantage." - -He drew his blade, for no man could say that Timothy Grubbe, -time-server, pander, and traitor as he was, lacked courage. Suddenly -he sliced at me, but I put out and turned off the blow. - -"If you will have it so soon," said I, "in God's name have it," and I -ran upon him. - -My third stroke went under his guard and took him in the midriff. He -gave vent to an oath, cursed me in a torrent, and struck at me weakly -as he went down. He was as dead as mutton almost ere he reached the -ground. - -I have never been a man of the Church, nor do I lay any claim to own -more religion than such as to make shift by when it comes to the -end. No, nor do I deny that I have sundry offences on my conscience, -some of which I have narrated in my memoirs. But when it comes to a -reckoning I will make bold to claim credit in that I rid the world he -had encumbered of Timothy Grubbe--the foulest ruffian that ever I did -encounter in the length of my days on the roads. - -I climbed the beam and lowered the poor tobyman, and it took me but -a little time to make the exchange. The one I left where he had paid -quittance in the peace of this earth, and t'other a-swinging under the -light of the moon on Gallows Gate. - -I have said my journey was done, but that was not so. There was more -for me to do, which was to deliver poor Masters at his ladylove's and -break the unhappy news. And so, leaving the carriage where it stood, -with the patient horses, that were cropping the grass, I mounted the -mare and began to go down the long span of the downs to the north. -'Twas late--near midnight--when I reached Effingham and found my way -to the manor. I rapped on the door, leaving Calypso and t'other in the -shadows by the house, and presently one answered to my knock. "What is -it?" says she. - -"'Tis a stranger," says I, "that has news of great import for Mrs Anne -Varley, whom I beg you will call." - -"She cannot hear you," said she, "'tis her wedding-night." - -"What!" said I, in amazement, and instantly there flowed in upon me -the meaning of this. Damn all women, save one or two, thinks I. And I -turned to the maid again, with my mind made up. - -"Look you, wench," said I, "this is urgent. I have an instant message -that presses. And if so be your mistress will bear with me a moment and -hold discourse, I'll warrant she shall not regret it--nor you," says I, -with a crown piece in my palm. - -She hesitated, and then, "Maybe she will refuse," says she. "She hath -but these few hours been wed." - -"Not she," said I, "if you will tell her that I bring good news, great -news--news that will ease her spirit and send her to her bridal bed -with a happy heart." - -At that she seemed to consent, and with my coin in her hand she -disappeared into the darkness of the house. It must have been some ten -minutes later that a light flashed in the hall, and a voice called to -me. "Who is it?" it asked, "and what want you at this hour?" - -I looked at her. She was of a pretty face enough, rather pale of -colour, and with eyes that moved restlessly and measured all things. -Lord, I have known women all my life in all stations, and I would have -pinned no certainty on those treacherous eyes. She was young too, but -had an air of satisfaction in herself, and was in no wise embarrassed -by this interview. I had no mercy on her, with her oaths of constancy -writ in water that feigned to be tears, and her false pretences. - -"Madam," said I, civilly, "I hear you're wed to-day to a gentleman of -standing." - -"What is that to you, sir?" she asked quickly. - -"'Tis nothing, for sure," said I, "but to a friend of mine that I -value deeply 'tis much." - -"You speak of Mr Masters," said she, sharply, and with discomposure. -"Sure, if he be a gentleman he will not trouble me when he knows." - -"Anne!" cried a voice from the top of the stairs, "Anne!" - -'Twas her bridegroom calling. Well, she should go to him in what mood -she might when I had done with her. - -"He will never know," says I, "unless he have it from yourself." - -"Anne!" says the voice above the stairs. - -"He shall not--I will not," she cried angrily. "I will not be -persecuted, 'twas all a mistake." - -I whistled, and Calypso emerged from the night, and behind Calypso was -the horse with its burden. - -An anxious look dawned in her face. "I am insulted--" says she, and -paused quickly. "Edward!" she called, and put a hand to her bosom. - -"Anne, my dove!" cried the voice, "where are you? Come, child, 'tis -late." - -The horses came to a stop before the door, with the body in the saddle, -bound to the crupper. - -"What is it?" she cried in alarm, and suddenly she shrieked out, -clutching at the door-post. "It is an omen--my wedding-night." - -"Ay," says I, "which be your bridegroom, he that calls out or he that -is silent? Call on him and he hears not." - -Peal after peal went up now from her, and the house was awake with -alarm. I turned away, leaving her on the door-step, and mounted the -mare. As I cantered off into the night I cast a glance behind me, and a -group was gathered at the door, and in that group lay Mrs Anne fallen -in a swoon, with the sleeping figure on the horse before her. - - - COLSTON AND COY. LIMITED, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH - - - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: - -Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Otherwise, the author's -original spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been left intact. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The High Toby, by H. B. 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