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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..46ff85e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55717 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55717) diff --git a/old/55717-0.txt b/old/55717-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 478aa95..0000000 --- a/old/55717-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8619 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of In the Days of Queen Mary, by -Edward Ebenezer (Edward E.) Crake - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: In the Days of Queen Mary - -Author: Edward Ebenezer (Edward E.) Crake - -Illustrator: Walter Sydney (W. S.) Stacy - -Release Date: October 9, 2017 [EBook #55717] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE DAYS OF QUEEN MARY *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Barry Abrahamsen and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - IN THE DAYS OF - QUEEN MARY - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - [Illustration: HE SHOWED NO SIGN OF LIFE. _Frontispiece._] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - IN THE DAYS OF - QUEEN MARY - - - - - BY - - EDWARD E. CRAKE, M.A., F.R.HIST.SOC. - (RECTOR OF JEVINGTON) - - AUTHOR OF "HENRI DUQUESNE," "WHEN THE PURITANS WERE IN POWER," - "THE ROYALIST BROTHERS," "DAME JOAN OF PEVENSEY," ETC. - - - - - _ILLUSTRATED BY W. S. STACEY_ - - - - - PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE GENERAL - LITERATURE COMMITTEE - - - - - LONDON - - SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE - - NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C.; 43, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, E.C. - - BRIGHTON: 129, NORTH STREET - - NEW YORK: E. S. GORHAM - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - DEDICATED - - (_by permission_) - - TO - - HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAP. PAGE - I CHIDDINGLY PLACE 7 - - II THE APPARITOR 16 - - III THE PURSUIVANT 27 - - IV THAMES PIRATES 48 - - V GRAY'S INN 58 - - VI THE STAR CHAMBER 72 - - VII THE ARREST OF RALPH 87 - - VIII THE VERDICT 96 - - IX THE DAWN OF HOPE 104 - - X WHITEHALL 112 - - XI THE BATTLE OF ST. QUENTIN 129 - - XII THE FALL OF ST. QUENTIN 144 - - XIII THE SCHWARTZREITERS 156 - - XIV BRUSSELS, ANTWERP, CALAIS 175 - - XV CALAIS 190 - - XVI HOME AGAIN 202 - - XVII THREE CLOSING SCENES 215 - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ILLUSTRATED BOOKS - - BY - - _THE SAME AUTHOR_ - - ---------- - - -=Dame Joan of Pevensey.= A Sussex Tale. Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 1_s._ -6_d._ - -=Henri Duquesne.= A Sussex Romance. Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 1_s._ - -=The Royalist Brothers.= A Tale of the Siege of Colchester. Crown 8vo, -cloth boards, 2_s._ 6_d._ - -=When the Puritans were in Power.= A Tale of the Great Rebellion. Crown -8vo, cloth boards, 2_s._ - - -------------- - - SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, - - LONDON: NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - [Illustration: Decoration] - - IN THE - DAYS OF QUEEN MARY - - - CHAPTER I - - CHIDDINGLY PLACE - - -The sun was setting, and a rosy light filtered through the trees which -enshrouded Chiddingly Place. - -The cawing of the rooks, as they winged their leisurely flight into the -great rookery, alone broke the silence which sweetly brooded over the -broad terrace on which two Sussex boys lay extended on the velvety turf. -It was Midsummer Day—a day of unbroken sunshine and excessive heat. - -In the evening a refreshing wind had revived the parched earth, and the -gay flowers which spangled the wide-spreading lawn were lifting their -drooped heads with renewed life. - -The stone-mullioned windows of the Tudor house were thrown wide open, -and the lads could see the maids within the dining-hall busily engaged -in laying the supper for which they were more than ready. - -"Come, Ralph," said William, as he bestirred himself, "we must go -indoors and make ourselves presentable. Uncle John comes to-night, and -he will soon be here." - -"Oh, don't hurry," answered his brother, as he lay playing with two fine -retrievers. "I love to watch the purple light on the downs as the sun -sinks behind them; I could gladly lie here all night!" - -"I agree with you," answered William; "but here comes Sue with orders, I -expect, from the powers that be, that we are to go indoors at once." - -Susan was the only sister of the two boys, and at her approach the dogs -ran forward to greet her, and the boys rose quickly from their mossy -couch. - -The boys were twins, and as they stood side by side the likeness between -them was striking. - -They were in their eighteenth year, and fine specimens were they of the -race of the "Sudseaxe." Tall and well built, fair haired and blue eyed, -their strong limbs and fresh complexions betokened youths whose lives -had been spent amid the woods and forests of Sussex, or on the rolling -downs which stretched between Chiddingly and the sea. - -Yet these boys were not unlettered, for both of them had been -"foundation scholars" in the famous St. Paul's School, built and endowed -by Dean Colet. - -Nay, more, the youths had already seen something of Court life, strange -to say. - -It happened in this wise. - -Their uncle Sir John Jefferay was a famous London lawyer, and he bid -fair to occupy a great position on the judicial bench. - -At this time he was the Treasurer of Gray's Inn, and on the occasion of -a grand masque, given in the fine hall of the Inn by the Fellows, his -two nephews had taken the parts of Castor and Pollux. The young King had -honoured the performance with his royal presence, and so struck was he -with the wonderful resemblance of the two Sussex brothers that he -ordered them to Court and spent much time in their company. - -In fact this resemblance was very remarkable. Those who knew the boys -best could hardly tell them apart, and to avoid the continual mistakes -which would otherwise have occurred, William always wore a grey cap and -his brother a blue one. - -The fondest affection subsisted between them; they were rarely seen -apart; the one was the complement of the other, and their father, -William Jefferay, would often declare that "they possessed two bodies, -but only one soul!" - -Just now they were released from their attendance at Court, but they -would have to return thither shortly, for the sickly young King found a -solace in their company. - -There was one point upon which the boys were pre-eminently in agreement— -they both adored their sister Sue, and her slightest wish was law to -them. - -And well did the fair Susan deserve this devotion. Three short years -before, the boys had become motherless, and Susan, as the eldest member -of the family, at once assumed the domestic control of Chiddingly Place. -The comfort, the happiness, the welfare of the boys became her chief -object in life. - -She even shared in their sports—as far as a girl could,—and to her every -secret of their hearts was laid bare; she was their "dea patrona," and -for her both William and Ralph would have gladly laid down their lives -at any time or place. - -In person Susan was a feminine replica of the twins. She possessed their -fair complexion and laughing blue eyes—her hair hung, like theirs, in -thick masses over her shoulders. - -Though slenderly built she was tall, and her figure displayed the -nameless grace of a well-born English girl. - - -------------- - -"Come, boys," cried Susan, as she ran forth to the terrace to greet -them, "Uncle John will be here in a few minutes; his grooms arrived an -hour ago with his baggage, and now they have set his room in order for -him. Hurry up, or you will keep supper waiting!" - -The boys answered her greeting merrily, and taking her hands they ran by -her side towards the entrance porch, which they entered just as Uncle -John appeared upon the scene. - -Susan ran out to salute him as he dismounted from his grey sorrel—the -boys darted upward to their rooms. - -As Sir John entered the house, his brother William came forward to greet -him with the warmest of welcomes. - - -------------- - -It was a happy party which gathered in the dining-hall that evening. - -The supper was served at so early an hour that the candles in the silver -sconces were not yet required: the light of day still gleamed into the -hall through the lozenge-paned oriel window, and sent coloured streams -across the fair napery of the table as it passed through the stained -glass of armorial bearings. Sir John sat at the head of the table, as he -always did when he came to Chiddingly—though he had made a "deed of -gift" of the Place in favour of his brother William when he took up his -abode in London. - -Presently the shadows of evening began to deepen, and the wax tapers -were lit. - -How pleasant the hall looked as the light shone on the wainscoted walls -and illumined the features of past generations of Jefferays whose -portraits adorned the beautiful chamber! - -There was John Jefferay, who purchased Chiddingly Place in 1495, and -beside him was the portrait of his wife Agnes, whose fine features bore -a strong resemblance to Susan. - -Their three sons were there—Richard, Thomas and William, Richard being -the father of the famous Sir John who now sat at supper in the hall. - - -------------- - -And when the young people of the family had withdrawn to the parlour, to -amuse themselves with music and merry games, Sir John and his brother -stepped out on to the lawn and entered into grave discourse as they -walked to and fro. - -The stars were shining brightly, a soft, gentle wind was stirring the -tree-tops, and from the woods around came the sweet songs of many a -nightingale. - -"Ah, what a contrast is this scene of tranquil peace and happiness to -the wild drama which is unfolding itself in London!" said Sir John. - -"Here I may speak words to you, brother William, which might cost me my -head if men overheard them in town. I have come to Chiddingly sick at -heart and weary of the world, for the young King is dying, and all the -beasts and birds of prey are gathering together at Court ready to fly at -each others' throats as soon as the life is out of his poor body. Alas! -alas! for England; I see no hope for her but in God. His Grace of -Northumberland is straining every nerve to advance the cause of Lady -Jane Grey and his son Lord Guildford Dudley, and I foresee that, ere -long, the headsman will be busy, and the innocent will suffer with the -guilty. - -"Last night his Grace of Canterbury came to me in great trouble; he -would fain know if he might legally sign certain State documents, and I -told him that if he did so it would be at the peril of his head! Alas, -poor Archbishop! he went away greatly perturbed. - -"Yesterday I saw the Lord Mayor, and he vowed to me that no earthly -power should constrain him to proclaim Lady Jane as Queen in the City— -let me tell you his heart is wholly with the Lady Mary, and, by my -troth, he is wise! For, as a lawyer, I declare that the rights to the -throne of the Ladies Mary and Elizabeth are indefeasible; yet, if I said -as much in London to-day, I might spend the night in the Tower, and to- -morrow bid my last adieu to this world on the scaffold! - -"Oh, the times are dark, deadly, perilous, and I am glad to escape from -London and breathe the pure air of Chiddingly for a brief space." - -"And if Mary become Queen, what of our Reformed Church, which is dear to -us both?" inquired William anxiously. - -"Ah! God knows—and God only," answered Sir John. "The Lady Mary is a -bigot, and that we all know. - -"Yet I will tell you a State secret: she has sent a messenger to the -Lord Mayor, declaring that should she be declared Queen, no Englishman -shall suffer for his faith." - -"Will she keep her word?" asked William. - -"_Qui vivra verra_," answered Sir John; "but I foresee that all depends -upon the man whom she shall marry, for marry she will. If, by the mercy -of God, she marry a good man, all may be well; if she marry a bad one, -then God help us!" - -William was deeply moved, and he sighed audibly. - -"It bodes great trouble for England," he said in a troubled voice. "It -may be that the fires of Smithfield will be rekindled as in the worst -days of King Henry: yet I believe that the Reformation has taken a deep -hold upon the country; the Church may bend before a fierce storm of -persecution, but she will not be broken—she will rise again! I, for one, -would rather die than bow my knees to Baal, as represented to me by the -Papacy; and, thank God, there are thousands of men of like mind with me -in Sussex!" - -As William pronounced these words in tones that quivered with emotion, -his brother caught him by the hand, and shaking it warmly, he cried— - -"I know your stedfastness, brother, and I agree with you with all my -heart and soul—yet I pray that God may spare us the trial of our faith! -But hark! I hear an approaching horseman; I expect it is my man Roger, -who is bringing us the latest news from town." - -A few minutes later the groom appeared on the lawn, bearing letters in -his hand. - -Sir John took them from him; then, turning to his brother, he said— - -"Let us go indoors; these letters are from my secretary, and we will -read them at once; they must be of importance, or they would not have -followed me so soon." - -Entering the house the gentlemen made their way to the library—a -comfortable room, well lighted with wax candles, and furnished with -numerous settees and easy-chairs. - -Sir John sat down and eagerly opened his despatches. - -"It is Tremayne who writes," he said. "I will read his letter to you; it -is as follows— - - "'HONOURED SIR, - - "'The Council met to-day, and the deed of which you wot was - signed and sealed—all the members consenting thereto. The Archbishop - hesitated to the last, but His Grace of Northumberland would not be - withstood—and so all signed. I hear that the King is sinking fast. - From your chambers in Gray's Inn, June 21, 1553. J. W. TREMAYNE'" - -The brothers looked at each other with pallid faces. - -"So the 'letters patent' are issued," said Sir John, "and the -irrevocable step is taken! 'Domine, dirige nos'! It is the beginning of -strife of which no man can see the issue. Northumberland relies on aid -from France; the Lady Mary places her hope on the Emperor. I bethink me -of our blessed Lord's words: 'These things are the beginning of sorrows! -Then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of -the world to this time, no nor ever shall be.' And alas! for the poor -young King, he hath none to comfort him; he is tasting of that -unutterable loneliness that surrounds a throne! I think the end of his -troubles is nigh at hand—and then the great strife will begin! - -"But the hour is growing late, William," said Sir John, "and I hear -Susan's pretty voice below; she is singing one of those songs I love so -well: let us join the young people, I have seen little of them to- -night." - - -------------- - -A fortnight later, on July 6th, King Edward died at Greenwich in the -sixteenth year of his age and the seventh of his reign. - -Sir John had tarried at Chiddingly until the end came; then he hastened -up to London, where pressing duties called him. - -With him went the two boys—to begin their legal studies under the -auspices of their uncle at Gray's Inn, for it was his wish that they -should both enter the learned profession of the law. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER II - - THE APPARITOR - - -It was the year of grace 1556, the third year of the reign of Queen -Mary. - -The forebodings of evil with which her reign had been ushered in were -bitterly fulfilled. - -The headsman's axe had oft-times been in use on Tower Hill: -Northumberland had gone to his doom with no man to pity him; his son -Lord Guildford Dudley had followed him to the block, perhaps equally -unlamented. - -But men were moved to deeper pity and compassion when the young, -innocent, and hapless Lady Jane suffered for her kinsmen's crimes! - -The Reformation had found its "witnesses unto death" in the persons of -Cranmer, Ridley and Latimer, and the flames of Smithfield aroused the -horror of the people; the great "Marian Persecution" had begun, and -already over a hundred victims had been offered up. - -Mary had married her Spanish husband, and England had witnessed the -feeble and ineffectual rebellion of Sir Thomas Wyatt—a protest against -the marriage which did not commend itself to the mass of the people. - -Amid all these scenes of turmoil and confusion, of terror and distress, -the family of the Jefferays at Chiddingly were left unmolested and -undisturbed. - -In many a quiet country village the Services of the Church, as they had -been appointed at the Reformation, were duly performed; the Prayer Book -was not superseded by the Missal, and the parish priest was not -dispossessed. Their obscurity sheltered them—as yet. - -The Vicar of Chiddingly was William Tittleton, who had been appointed to -the benefice in the reign of Henry the Eighth. He had been at Magdalen -College, Oxford, with Sir John Jefferay, where the two young men had -formed a strong and enduring friendship. - -Thus it happened that in due time Sir John presented his friend—now in -Holy Orders—to the benefice of Chiddingly, and the Vicar had returned -the good service by acting as tutor to the young people of Chiddingly -Place. He was a very able scholar, and between him and his pupils a -strong affection subsisted. - -But a change was at hand for the parish of Chiddingly—its peace and -quietude came suddenly to an end. The "Marian Persecution" had begun, -and the lurid flames of Smithfield had aroused horror and indignation in -many English hearts—especially in Sussex, where the Reformation had -taken deep root. - -At this critical moment the Vicar of Chiddingly preached a sermon at -Mayfield which brought him under the censure of the Government, and an -apparitor was sent to make inquiry into the ecclesiastical position of -the little parish. - -The ill-omened visitor attended the simple services of the parish -church, and took copious notes of the Vicar's sermon, to the dismay of -the rustics of Chiddingly. - -The fires of Lewes in the month of June this year had excited their -fierce animosity, and the appearance of the apparitor in their midst -gave birth to a sudden outburst of wrath. - -It was at the close of a lovely day in July—a Sunday—when their anger -found vent. - -They had marked the presence of a stranger at the morning service—a -stern-looking, middle-aged man, garbed in black, and as they came out of -church the men gathered in groups to discuss the object and purpose of -his visit. - -The man was sojourning at the village inn (the "Six Bells"), and thither -he was allowed for the present to retire unmolested, although a strict -watch was at once instituted upon his doings. - -In the afternoon the visitor again attended service, and an ominous -murmur among the rustics became distinctly audible as they observed that -he was again busily taking notes of all that he saw and heard. - -The service over, the man left the church with the intention of -proceeding to the inn, where his horse was stabled; but he was not to be -allowed to leave the village thus quietly. - -Hard by the church was the horse-pond—at this period of the year about -half full of dark slimy water; in the centre of the pond the depth would -be about four or five feet. - -Suddenly the visitor found himself surrounded by a band of determined, -angry-looking Sussex men. - -"What does this mean?" he asked sternly. "Do you men know that I am -about the Queen's business?" - -"Aye, we thought as much, and that's about the reason of it all," -answered the spokesman of the rustics. "Gie us them papers which we saw -thee so busy with in the church instead of minding thy prayers! Gie us -them—we see them sticking out of thy pocket, and we means to have them— -or it will be the worse for thee!" - -"Fools!" snarled the man, without quailing before the coming storm, -"fools! do you not know that it is a hanging matter to lay a hand on -me?" - -"It's very likely," said the bold rustic; "but it strikes me some one -else will be hung, or drownded, before any of us are sent to join the -Lewes martyrs." - -The angry group was now just beside the horse-pond—and each moment it -grew more excited and threatening. Suddenly a voice cried— - -"He's fond of fire, let's see how water suits him!" - -Thereupon the rustics hustled the hapless apparitor to the edge of the -pond; then he found himself lifted from the ground, and the strong arms -of his foes swung him to and fro in the air. - -"One, two, three, in he goes!" cried a raucous voice. - -A scream of terror was sent forth by the man, and he struggled -violently. - -It was all of no avail. - -In another moment he was hurled headlong into the slimy waters of the -pond! And there he might have been drowned, but for the help that came -to him from an unexpected quarter. - -Susan Jefferay had been in the congregation, and her attention had been -arrested by the unwonted spectacle of a stranger in the church. - -The service was over, and the Vicar had withdrawn into the vestry; Susan -awaited him in the church, for he was to accompany her home to the -Place. - -The wonted silence of the Sabbath-day was broken by the angry voices of -men, and Susan hurried out of the church to ascertain the cause—a -dreadful suspicion arising in her mind. - -A glance at the tumultuous scene at the pondside revealed to her the -catastrophe which was being enacted. Instantly she flew to the vestry -where the Vicar was unrobing, and seizing him by the arm, she cried— - -"Oh, come, Vicar, come this instant, the men are murdering the -stranger!" - -Then she and the Vicar hurried towards the pond. The enraged rustics had -thrown a rope over the unhappy apparitor's shoulders, and having secured -their victim in a noose, were dragging him to and fro in the water. - -"Hold, in God's name!" shouted the Vicar. "What madness possesses you, -men?" he continued; "are you not ashamed of yourselves? Here, give me -the rope," he cried, as he grasped the situation. - -"Let me help you, Vicar," pleaded Susan, anxious to have some part in -the matter. - -So the two rescuers drew the half-drowned apparitor to land, and Susan, -stooping down, undid the rope which was choking the man. - -He showed no sign of life now, his face looked unnaturally pale in -contrast to the dull green slime which besmeared it. - -"Run to the vicarage and bring some strong waters, Robin," he cried to a -youth who stood looking on. - -"Nay, rather run to the 'Six Bells'; it is nearer," suggested Susan, and -the boy dashed away to do their bidding. - -Meanwhile, Susan had loosed the man's garments around his throat, while -the Vicar placed his hand upon his heart. - -"I fear he is dead!" said the Vicar, in tones of anguish. - -"Nay," cried Susan, as she observed a green froth gurgling at his mouth, -"see, he is breathing!" - -By this time Robin had returned from the "Six Bells" with a bottle of -brandy in his hand. - -Susan took it from the lad and began carefully to moisten the man's lips -with the strong spirit, then to pour a small portion down his throat. - -Presently a colour flushed into the man's pallid cheeks, and a moment -later he opened his eyes and looked wonderingly around. - -Then, leaving Susan to attend to the sufferer, the Vicar rose to his -feet and looked round upon his parishioners. - -"Now tell me, men, what all this means," he said somewhat sternly. - -The men looked shamefaced, but their chief spokesman answered the Vicar -promptly. - -"The man is a Government spy," he said; "he meant mischief to all of us, -and especially to you, Vicar. We saw him taking notes of all that you -did and said in church, and he warned us that he was a Queen's officer, -and that to touch him was a hanging matter; so we just 'touched' him, -and if you had not come along with Miss Susan we should have drawn his -fangs, and he would never more have wrought mischief to innocent and -harmless people." - -The Vicar still preserved a stern countenance, but he had not been human -if he had not been secretly touched by this proof of the devotion of his -people, however recklessly given. - -"And these said notes," he said, "they may have been quite harmless; -what did you do with them?" - -"We took them from his pockets, Vicar, then we wrapped them round a big -stone and threw them in the pond; they won't do much harm there!" - -The Vicar's features relaxed into a momentary smile; then he became -pensive again, as he said— - -"Thank God that I and Miss Susan came in time to frustrate your reckless -intention; you might have brought down unutterable evils on our parish; -and remember, men, there is One who hath said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I -will repay!' What right had you to snatch the judgment from His hand?" - -At this moment Susan touched the Vicar on the arm, and said— - -"He is fast recovering consciousness: let the men carry him to his -lodgings at the 'Six Bells,' and at once; he needs rest and -refreshment." - -"Yes," replied the Vicar, "I will see to it: and do you, Mistress Susan, -go home without me; I will soon follow you." - -The Vicar turned to one of the men, who had not been actively engaged in -the late proceedings. - -"Hal," said he, "take that gate off its hinges and bring it here"— -pointing to a garden gate near at hand. - -The man readily obeyed, the gate was brought, and the semi-unconscious -apparitor was placed thereon. - -Then the Vicar and three of the men conveyed their burden to the "Six -Bells" Inn, the man was carried to his room, and before he left him the -Vicar saw him safely placed in bed. - -"Take care of him, Giles," he said to the landlord. "Let me know how he -is to-night; I will call and see him in the morning." - -That evening the Vicar had a long and very serious conversation with his -old friend William Jefferay. - -All the family had supped together in the dining-hall, and now the two -men were conferring on the event of the day in the library. - -"It is no light matter in these evil days to have a Queen's apparitor to -spy and report, as this man intended to do," said Jefferay. "This man -may return to his masters before twenty-four hours have passed, and no -man can say what will then happen; to-day's uproar will make matters all -the worse for us. Take my advice, Vicar, you have neither wife nor child -to detain you in England: spend the next six months in Holland! Do you -need money? I shall be proud to be your almoner. Oh, take my advice and -go, ere the storm bursts!" - -"And leave my flock at the very first intimation of danger—perhaps to -suffer in my place," replied the Vicar warmly. "Oh no, it cannot be -done; and while I thank you, friend Jefferay, with all my heart, I beg -you to abandon the thought of so base desertion—it would be a lack of -faith in God; I cannot do it." - -William Jefferay sighed, and the matter dropped. - - -------------- - -That night the landlord of the inn came to the vicarage with bad news: -the apparitor was moaning in pain, and seemed to be light-headed. - -Like many of his clerical brethren, the Vicar had some knowledge of -medicine, and he now hastened to the sick man's side, taking with him -some simple remedies. - -Susan had preceded him thither, for among her many beneficent offices -she had constituted herself the "parish nurse" of Chiddingly, and in -every case of trouble or sickness she was the first to be sent for. - -As the Vicar entered the room, Susan rose from her seat at the bedside -and greeted him. - -"He is very feverish," she said. "I am afraid he is going to be very -ill: I have sent to Hailsham for the doctor." - -"You did well," answered the Vicar. "I hope he will soon be here." - -Just before midnight the doctor arrived, and ere he saw his patient the -Vicar related to him the circumstances of the case. - -The doctor listened with some amazement. - -"You and Mistress Susan are very good to this man, considering the -errand upon which he came to Chiddingly," said the doctor. - -"We do not, perhaps, know all the circumstances of the case," replied -the Vicar, "for his papers were destroyed by my people; perhaps he is no -foe of mine at all, but if it were so, we remember that it is written, -'If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink.' Much -more, surely, should we succour him if he be sick." - -"Yes, yes, you are right, doubtless, and I honour you for it," replied -the doctor—"but come, let us visit the patient." - -The visit paid, the two men met again in the inn parlour down-stairs. - -"He is in a high fever," said the doctor, "and he will need great care -and attention. It is too much for Mistress Susan—I will send you a nurse -to-morrow. For to-night, Giles's wife can do all that is necessary." - -But Susan would not hear of this arrangement, declaring that she would -remain at her post till the nurse arrived. - - -------------- - -Three weeks later two men sat upon a seat on the vicarage lawn. - -Again it was a Sunday evening, and the two men were the Vicar and the -apparitor. - -"And you are sure that you are able to travel to-morrow?" said the -Vicar. - -"Yes, I shall take it by easy stages—resting for a night at East -Grinstead, and so reaching London on the evening of the second day." - -"London," said the Vicar; "then you go to make your report to the -Government?" - -"No, Mr. Vicar, I have resigned my office of apparitor—I take up work of -another sort in London." - -Then, in answer to a look of amazement, perhaps of inquiry, which the -man saw depicted on the Vicar's countenance, he suddenly seized Mr. -Tittleton's hand and shook it warmly. - -"Oh! Mr. Vicar," he cried, "how could you think it possible that I could -again take up the accursed work which brought me hither? Do you know -that each time that I saw you by my bedside, each time that I felt your -cooling hand on my feverish brow, whensoever I listened to your soothing -voice, my whole soul was moved with contrition and remorse. For I came -hither on an evil errand—may God forgive me! - -"My report of Chiddingly might have brought about your death warrant. -Oh, I thank Heaven that it was destroyed ere the mischief was done! And -as I lay on my sick-bed, I surmised that you must have suspected all -this; yet you and Mistress Susan watched over me with unwearied -tenderness and patience—you snatched me from the jaws of death! And the -thought of all this broke my hard heart! - -"Now I wish you adieu, my dear Vicar; but ere I go, let me leave with -you a word of counsel. It is known to me that dangerous reports of you -have reached London, and though I abandon the office of apparitor -another will take it up, and your life may be in danger. Therefore, I -beseech you to take refuge abroad, as so many of your brethren have -done. Soon the clouds may roll by, but for the present hour of stress -and trouble seek safety in flight, I beseech you." - -The Vicar shook his head sadly. - -"It may not be, my dear friend—the shepherd may not flee and leave his -flock in danger." - -"Yet," urged his visitor, "it is written, 'If they persecute you in one -city, flee ye into another'—is that not so?" - -"Yes, that is the Divine counsel," answered the Vicar, "and the hour may -come when I may feel the monition to be addressed to me; but for the -present I abide in Chiddingly!" - -"God's will be done," said the man solemnly—and so they parted. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER III - - THE PURSUIVANT - - -The apparitor had taken his departure, and Chiddingly had resumed its -normal condition of rural happiness and peace. - -The fields were ripening unto harvest, the rustics went forth to their -daily toil whistling merrily beside their horses, and at eventide the -maidens went to see to the kine with their bright milk-cans in their -hands. The rooks filled the air with their raucous voices, as they -fluttered about the great rookery which begirt Chiddingly Place. - -On the Sunday following the departure of the Queen's officer, all the -people of Chiddingly, save a few who were bedridden, flocked into the -parish church as if to testify by their presence the love that they bore -to their pastor. - -Chiddingly was a musical village, and here, at least, the Canticles, -which were "to be said or sung," were always sung to the accompaniment -of a flageolet, which the parish clerk played vigorously. - -And on this especial Sunday the "Te Deum" was sung so heartily that the -Vicar marvelled, while Mistress Susan's bright eyes glowed with pride -and then glistened with the unbidden tear which strong emotion called -forth. - -The service over, the Squire and his fair daughter walked through the -lines of the villagers, who, according to their custom, awaited their -exit to make their salutations to them, cap in hand. There was nothing -servile in this—it was but the public exhibition of the love and -fidelity in which the family of the Jefferays was held by the Chiddingly -people. At the entrance porch of the hall Susan's quick eye noted a -stable lad standing beside a pony from which he had dismounted. - -What was it that so suddenly brought a flush into Susan's cheeks as she -marked that the lad wore the livery of the De Fynes of Herstmonceux—a -glow which deepened as the boy doffed his cap and offered her a letter? - -"You come from Lewes?" said Susan inquiringly. - -"Yes, my lady," replied the lad. - -"Wait awhile, and I will let you know if there is any reply; go to the -kitchen after you have stabled your pony—the maids will get you some -dinner," said Susan. - -The lad bowed low and took his departure, glad to follow out Susan's -instructions. - -Susan turned to her father, who had looked on smilingly. - -"Pardon me, dear father," she said, "I will be with you anon." - -William Jefferay nodded assent. Susan hastened to her own room and -quickly opened her letter. - -Yes, it was from Geoffrey de Fynes; she had half hoped to have seen him -this day, why had he written instead? - -So, with a heart surmising evil, she proceeded to read the letter. As -she did so, her cheeks paled and her hands trembled. Then she rang a -small silver bell which stood at her side, and her maid Janet appeared -in answer to the summons. - -"Ask my father to come hither to me, Janet," she said, and the maid -hastened away. - -Her father presently entered her room, his face still wreathed with -smiles. - -But the expression of his face changed suddenly as he looked upon his -daughter, who held out the letter to him. - -"What is it, Susan," he said quickly, "what has happened?" - -"Read, father!" she replied in a troubled voice. - -The writer of the letter was a member of a great Sussex family—a family -whose wrongs moved the pity of all men. The head of the house of -Geoffrey de Fynes had suffered a traitor's death in the year 1545, since -which time the family had been degraded "in blood and honours." - -Yet never had Justice so surely missed its mark as when young Lord -Dacres lost his head at Tyburn! - -Young Geoffrey de Fynes at the present time held the office of Secretary -to the High Sheriff of the County; just now his duties had called him to -Lewes. - -He was a frequent visitor at Chiddingly Place, and between him and Susan -a strong attachment had sprung up, though no betrothal had taken place. - -William Jefferay took the letter from his daughter's hand and read it -carefully; it was as follows— - -"This from the hand of one who loves thee well, and whose chief object -in life is to do thee service. Hence I write this letter, and I do so -with a clear conscience, though the writing of it might cause the loss -of my post, and make me an inmate of Lewes gaol! Yet I dare not do -otherwise, for thy happiness is dearer to me than aught else in this -life! - -"Now to come at once to the point. - -"It has come to my knowledge that a warrant has been issued by the Crown -for the apprehension of the Vicar of Chiddingly. - -"A Pursuivant, with three men-at-arms, will leave Lewes for Chiddingly -three days hence, soon after daybreak. They will travel on horseback, -and their object is to arrest the Vicar, bring him hither, and -afterwards convey him to London. - -"Thou mayest show this letter to thy father, but to none other. Between -you some plan may be devised whereby he shall escape the malice of his -foes. I suggest that he flee to the Continent, but thy father will be -his best counsellor." - -Then the letter of Geoffrey de Fynes drifted off into other matters -which concerned Susan only. - -"When you have finished reading that letter I counsel you to destroy it— -for Geoffrey's sake," said William Jefferay to his daughter, as he -handed it back to her. - -"Oh, father," said Susan, "what is to be done?" - -"I know not," replied her father, "unless we can persuade the Vicar to -flee." - -"We have tried that already, and I fear he is immovably resolved to stay -among his people—he is strong in his innocence, and cannot be brought to -realize the danger he is in," said Susan. - -"We shall see him to-night after the service; he comes here to sup with -us: we will show him De Fynes's letter if needs be, or at least tell him -its contents. I think this will convince him of the deadly peril in -which he stands," replied Jefferay. - -"God grant it!" cried Susan. "I shall know no rest nor peace now till I -know that his safety is assured. Ralph will be here to-morrow; he is -coming to spend my birthday with us. Oh! it is a heaven-sent -interposition, for he can conduct the Vicar to the coast," she -continued. - -"Nay, Susan," replied her father, "it is a post of danger, and it will -need discretion as well as valour; I shall see him to Newhaven myself, -if we can persuade him to flee." - -For a long time they talked together, maturing their schemes. - -"How good and noble it was of Geoffrey de Fynes to send us this -warning!" said Susan; "would that he were here to aid us with his -counsel!" - -"There you are wrong, dear girl," replied Jefferay; "he has compromised -himself enough already, and now we must keep him out of our plot -altogether." - -"Yes, I see that it must be so," answered Susan, with a sigh. - - -------------- - -The afternoon service took place as usual, the parishioners attending -once more in full force, little thinking of the danger that hung over -the head of their beloved Vicar. - -Every word of the simple service seemed to Susan's excited imagination -to be invested with an especial significance, and her sweet voice -trembled with emotion as she sang the words, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy -servant depart in peace." So also the psalm for the day cheered her with -its ringing words, "Why do the heathen rage?" and she came out of the -church both comforted and refreshed. - -In the evening the Vicar came down to the Place in the best of spirits; -the hearty services of the day had filled his heart with joy, and the -evident good-will, respect, and affection of his people for him had -deeply moved his gentle soul. - -It was not till supper was over, and the three friends were seated -together in the library, that Jefferay, laying his hand affectionately -upon the Vicar's shoulders, said— - -"You are very happy to-night, Vicar; alas! that I should have bad news -for you—news that will mar your happiness, I fear." - -Then, as the Vicar looked into his face, without fear or trepidation, -William Jefferay recounted all that had happened, and finally showed him -De Fynes's letter. - -"The Lord's will be done!" said the Vicar solemnly. - -"It will be done, it always is done, but not always in the manner we -expect," answered Jefferay. - -Then Susan intervened. - -She drew near to the Vicar's side, took his hand in hers, and said— - -"Dear Vicar, we have decided that you must flee before this threatened -storm, for it would break our hearts were you taken from us by cruel -men, and not ours only, but the hearts also of many of your poor people -here." - -The Vicar shook his head. - -"The hireling fleeth because he is an hireling; the good shepherd giveth -his life for the sheep," he said. - -"No, my dear girl," he continued, as he laid his hand affectionately on -her head, "I cannot go—do not urge me!" - -Then William Jefferay took another line. - -"Listen, my friend," he said, "we want to preserve your life for better -times; and my brother Sir John tells me that all men at Court foresee -that the present state of things cannot last." - -Then, dropping his voice to almost a whisper, he continued— - -"The Queen's health is failing; the friends of the Princess Elizabeth -are gathering about her, and are taking heart. This may be treason, but, -as God lives, I believe it is true! Save yourself, then, Vicar, for -better times and future labour among the people whose souls God has -committed into your charge! - -"Now let me tell you my plans. To-morrow _The Golden Horn_ sets sail -from Newhaven for Ostend. I have interest with the captain, and I can -answer for him that he will accept you as a passenger. We can leave -Chiddingly at break of day, ere people are moving, and I will conduct -you to Newhaven." - -"I will give you my answer to-morrow," pleaded the Vicar. - -But his two faithful friends would not be thus appeased. - -"No, Vicar, that will be too late, for _The Golden Horn_ puts to sea -early in the day, and we should lose our great opportunity." - -For a long time the earnest discussion continued, and the hour waxed -late before the reluctant consent was given. To the loving heart of -Susan that hard-won victory brought great joy. - -"To-morrow, then, at three o'clock we meet here; the horses will be -ready to start the moment you arrive," said William, as the guest took -his departure from the Place. - -"I shall be here—God willing," replied the Vicar. - - -------------- - -The next day saw William Jefferay's plan carried out—with the addition -that, on Susan's suggestion, Jefferay should accompany the Vicar to -Holland and see him safely and comfortably settled there. - -That same day, Monday, Ralph arrived from London, and it was not long -ere the confiding Susan had revealed to him all that had passed, and -that on Wednesday the Queen's Pursuivant would visit Chiddingly to find -"the bird flown"! - -Now Ralph was a fine, strong English youth, endowed by nature with a -very combative disposition and an inordinate love of adventure. - -He had thoroughly approved of the action of the Chiddingly rustics when -they dipped the apparitor in the horse-pond, though he had taken no part -in the affair. - -The threatened visit of the Pursuivant aroused his indignation to a -white heat, and, unfortunately, at this moment he lacked the restraining -influence of his father's presence at home, nor did he take counsel on -the matter with Susan. - -That very day Ralph called about him a few of his young confidants among -the Chiddingly rustics, and at nightfall ten of them met him in -conference in the taproom of the "Six Bells" Inn. - -The meeting was "secret and confidential"; none but the ten stalwarts -were admitted to it, and these pledged themselves to secrecy by a solemn -oath which Ralph administered with all due gravity. - -Then the meeting having been duly constituted, and Ralph accepted as -their leader by common consent, the "young Squire" (as he was known -among the rustics) set forth in sufficiently guarded language the nature -of the matter which had brought them together, omitting all reference by -name to Geoffrey de Fynes. - -Headstrong and thoughtless as Ralph was, he saw the necessity for -secrecy on that point. - -It was a remarkable and typical assembly. - -These young men were fine young Englishmen, who, though they lacked -great intelligence, possessed the bravery and independence of their -fore-fathers. - -They were absolutely loyal to their Queen, and would have shed their -blood for her and for their country against Spain, or France, or any -other foreign foe with complete devotion. - -But there was growing up in their hearts a deadly hatred for the Spanish -nation in general, and for King Philip in particular—nor did the Sussex -people ever forget or forgive the religious intolerance which had -kindled the fires at Lewes, Mayfield, and many another place. - -So Ralph found ready material at hand when he proposed to take vengeance -on the Pursuivant as they had done upon the apparitor, reckless of the -anger of the "powers that be." - -Before the conspirators separated that night it was resolved that the -Pursuivant and his party should be waylaid on Wednesday morning at a -point in the woods well known to them all—about four miles from -Chiddingly. - -The warrant should be taken from the Pursuivant and be torn to pieces; -there should be no bloodshed if it were possible to prevent it; the -obnoxious visitors should be unhorsed and left to find their way back to -Lewes on foot. - -The horses would be driven into the woods; they were Lewes horses, and -would surely find their way home in due time; and, if not, there was -abundant pasture for them in the glades of the forest. - -The rustics, under Ralph's leadership, would leave the village at -daybreak on Wednesday morning; they would thus reach the place appointed -for the attack an hour or so before their foes, and would have time to -make all necessary preparations. - -Thus the scheme was elaborated, and every detail arranged by the -resourceful lad, Ralph Jefferay. - -To him the whole adventure was a matter of supreme delight—little recked -he of the danger attending it! - -On the morrow (Tuesday) he mounted his cob and rode to the spot he had -selected for the attack. - -There were no high-roads in Sussex, but between the villages and the -county town well-known beaten tracks existed. These were well-nigh -impassable in winter—at other seasons a fair amount of traffic passed -along them. - -Between Chiddingly and Lewes lay dense woods—the relics of the mighty -forest of the Andreadsweald of ancient days. Sometimes the trackway led -through forest glades of much beauty; at other times it was a narrow -pass between giant oaks and elms whose rich foliage would occasionally -meet over the head of the traveller, forming a delicious shade in the -hot months of summer. - -It was to a place of this latter kind that Ralph came on that fine July -morning. - -He felt perfectly certain that the Pursuivant would take this route on -the following day; any other would involve a _détour_ of several miles -in making the journey from Lewes to Chiddingly. - -Ralph inspected narrowly the trees which grew on both sides of the -track; eventually he seemed to find what he needed, namely, two stout -young saplings facing each other with about twenty feet intervening -between them. - -Then he rode slowly home, and in the evening his rustic friends -assembled again, at his summons, in the taproom of the inn, where he -gave them his final instructions. - -To Susan he said nothing of the scheme on foot; he would not involve her -or any member of his family in the dangers of the enterprise. - -One great regret filled his heart—the absence of his brother William. - -The twins were rarely apart from each other, and this visit to -Chiddingly lacked but this one thing for Ralph's perfect happiness; his -brother had been compelled to remain in London, where his uncle, Sir -John, required his services and personal attendance. - -A dim grey light filled the eastern horizon on the Wednesday morning as -Ralph made his way to the stables, where he saddled his stout cob. - -He bore no weapon—not even the customary rapier without which he rarely -went abroad—for this enterprise was to be carried through without -bloodshed; upon that point he was determined. - -His followers would all carry single-sticks, a formidable weapon enough -in the hands of a Sussex rustic! Round his waist he had begirt himself -with a long and strong cord—destined for a special purpose. - -Presently he mounted his horse and proceeded at a gentle pace towards -the woods; his men, he knew, were gone on ahead. - -A bright red light suffused the eastern sky, the sun was about to rise, -and the twittering of countless birds from every copse filled the air -with sweet music. - -A summer mist lay on the meadowland, and big drops of dew bedecked the -leaves of the hazel bushes, gleaming under the rosy light like rubies. - -Suddenly the sun rose above the horizon into a cloudless sky, and the -day had begun. - -It was a lovely morning, not a cloud flecked the bright azure of the -sky. - -On his left hand ran the long line of the Sussex downs in graceful -outline—rising at Firle Beacon to a lofty height of some seven hundred -feet. - -Before him lay the dense forest, the deep embowered shades of Chiddingly -woods. - -Ralph was in high spirits, and as his stout cob gaily cantered along the -trackway he broke into song, as if in emulation of the sweet-toned larks -rising into the deep-blue sky on quivering wing. - -He was now nearing the point of the rendezvous, and he checked his song -as he caught sight of one of his stalwarts trudging along in front of -him. - -"You are in good time, Roger," he cried to the man as he overtook him. - -"Yes, Mr. William, and the others are all in front of me. I am the rear- -guard." - -"Good," cried Ralph, "but tell me, Roger, why do you call me Mr. -William?—alas, he is not here." - -"I beg your pardon, sir," replied the man with a laugh. "I thought for -the moment that Mr. William had joined us—it was your grey cap which -misled me." - -Ralph pulled the cap from his head and looked at it with an air of -astonishment. - -"It is true," he said, "I have put on my brother's cap; it was dark when -I left home, and I did not mark the colour of it." - -Then he rode rapidly ahead, and in a few minutes he arrived at the -rendezvous. - -The spot was admirably chosen for the object in view. Here the track -narrowed to a breadth of sixteen or seventeen feet, and the branches of -a giant oak spread right over it. - -On each side of the track grew a stout young sapling, as if nature was -conspiring on behalf of the stalwarts. Ralph drew a whistle from his -doublet and blew a shrill note. - -In a minute a rustling noise arose in the dense wood, and there emerged -from it nine of his men. - -Ralph dismounted, and putting his bridle rein into the hands of one of -the men, said— - -"Take him to the hut and tie him up carefully; see that you shut the -door after you." - -"Aye, aye, sir," said the man. - -Then Ralph began to unwind from his body the stout cord he had brought -with him, with the assistance of his men. One end of it was securely -fastened to the sapling on the right of the road, at a height of one -foot from the grassy soil. - -The other end was made sure at the foot of a tree on the left-hand side, -and the rope was drawn taut. The rough grass which grew luxuriantly on -the trackway obscured it sufficiently from view. - -Every man of the band carried a short cord round his waist, and Ralph -carefully inspected these cords to see that they were ready for -immediate use. - -"Now listen, all of you, to my final instructions," said Ralph, as the -men gathered round him. - -"You, Tom and Jim, will mount the oak-tree, climb along that limb which -crosses the track, and be ready to drop on the Pursuivant at the moment -he passes beneath you. Bring him to the ground and bind his arms and -legs with your cords. - -"Four of you will hide in the wood on the right-hand side of the track, -and four on the left-hand. The horses will probably be caught by our -rope and will come to ground, their riders being thrown headlong. That -is your moment of attack; spring upon them and rope them securely. - -"Should a horse escape the stretched rope, his rider must be brought to -ground by your cudgels. Beware that no man escapes, or our plan will -fail. Above all, remember there must be no bloodshed unless self-defence -require it. Leave the rest to me; now, do you all understand?" - -"Aye, aye, sir," answered the rustics in a joyful shout. - -"Then get to your posts, all of you; our foes may be here at any -moment," said Ralph. - -For a time absolute silence brooded upon the sylvan scene, save for the -humming of insects and the twittering of birds. - -Ten minutes, a quarter of an hour, twenty minutes had passed, and yet -there was no sign of approaching horsemen. Ralph's heart began to beat -tumultuously. - -"Perhaps," thought he, "the Pursuivant has taken the long route over the -downs, and all our well-laid schemes will come to naught," and he -groaned within himself. - -He stepped forth from the wood into the track, and looked anxiously in -the direction of Lewes. - -No sound struck his ear, but at that moment a flash of light caught his -eye! - -The sun was shining upon bright steel halberds, and flashed yet brighter -on the cuirasses of two musketeers. They were mounted on stout horses in -war panoply, and behind them rose a tall officer in sombre uniform—it -was the Pursuivant! - -Instantly Ralph dived unperceived into the wood, and a low whistle told -his men that the moment for action was nigh. The horsemen were -approaching at a brisk trot; their arquebuses were attached to their -saddles; in their left hands they bore long halberds; they rode as men -all unconscious of danger. - -Another moment and they were at hand! - -Crash! crash! both horses had struck the fatal rope, and their riders -were thrown violently upon the track. The Pursuivant, who was riding -about three yards in the rear of his men, threw his horse upon its -haunches in blank amazement. - -Alas for him! he was at that moment exactly under the great oak limb -which stretched across the track, and ere he could utter a sound two men -dropped upon him, and he was caught in a strong embrace, while Ralph -Jefferay stood at his horse's head, his hand on the bridle. Meanwhile -the eight rustics had sprung from the wood, and ere the halberdiers -could recover from their fall, they were imprisoned by vigorous arms, -and stout ropes were being wound round their bodies. - -As the fallen horses struggled to their feet, two rustics sprang to -their heads and held them fast. - -"What means this outrage?" shouted the Pursuivant; then, addressing -Ralph, whom he recognized as the leader of the band, he added— - -"Do you know, sir, that I am a Queen's officer, and that you stop me at -the peril of your life!" - -At a signal from Ralph, his two captors dismounted him from his saddle, -and he came helplessly to the ground. - -"Search him," said Ralph, disdaining to make any reply to the luckless -officer. - -His orders were instantly obeyed, and in a few moments the Pursuivant -was relieved of a big official-looking document, which Ralph forthwith -proceeded to open. - -"Listen, my men," he said; "this is a warrant for the apprehension of -the Vicar of Chiddingly. What shall we do with it?" - -"Tear it in pieces and scatter it to the winds!" shouted the angry -rustics. - -"At the peril of your lives!" shouted again the enraged officer. - -Ralph laughed scornfully in reply, and in another moment he had torn the -formidable document to shreds, tossing them in the air as his followers -had suggested. - -"You will suffer for this, sir," growled the astonished officer. - -"You are a bold man, Mr. Pursuivant," said Ralph. "You came hither on a -message of death, and now your plans are frustrated and your life is in -our hands! Have you thought of that, sir?" - -"You would not dare!" replied the officer. - -Ralph laughed aloud, and replied— - -"You little know the daring of the people of Sussex when they know that -God is on their side; yet your experience to-day might give you an -inkling of the extent of their hardihood. - -"But have no fear," he continued, "your life is safe, and you and your -men can go back to Lewes to tell them how you have been outwitted by -Sussex rustics. - -"Yet it does not suit our purposes that your return should be too -quickly made, so we shall tie you to these trees by the roadside and -relieve you of your horses. Before nightfall there will, doubtless, be -passers-by who will release you from your bondage, and then you may -trudge homeward." - -Then, ere the enraged Pursuivant could find words for a reply, Ralph -turned to his men and said— - -"Quick, men, with the ropes; tie our prisoners securely to the trees by -the roadside, beginning with the officer." - -In a few minutes his orders were carried out. Then Ralph bowed with mock -ceremony to the Pursuivant. - -"Good-day, sir," he said; "I wish you a speedy release and a pleasant -walk to Lewes!" - -And at a signal from their leader the whole gang dived into the forest, -driving the horses in front of them. - -Ralph made his way to the hut where his horse had been stabled, and was -soon trotting quietly homewards, his stalwarts following his example on -foot by the well-known bypath of the forest. - -No sooner had the gang disappeared than the bound men began to struggle -desperately in a vain endeavour to escape from their bonds, soon to find -all their efforts useless. - -Then the Pursuivant spoke. - -"You Lewes men ought to be able to recognize some of these ruffians—do -you know their leader?" - -"Yes, I know him," replied one of his men; "I have often seen him in -Lewes—'tis Mr. William Jefferay." - -"Are you sure?" said the Pursuivant, rejoiced at the news. - -"Yes," replied the man, "I know him by his grey cap!" - -"Good," said the officer; "you shall hang for this, Mr. William -Jefferay, as surely as there is a sun in the heavens." - -The day was wearing on, the sun rose high in the sky, and the bound men -began to feel the pangs of thirst—yet no man passed that way to bring -them release. - -They had many times shouted loudly for help—but there was none to make -reply. - -Evening had come, and the wretched men began to fear that a night in the -woods would be their fate—perhaps death itself from hunger and thirst! -But Providence willed it otherwise. - -To their joy a woodman, returning from his daily toil, came slowly down -the track. - -He started in amazement as he heard the cries of the prisoners, and came -to the spot where they were bound. - -"What now, my masters!" cried the woodman. "What means all this?" - -"Don't waste time in talk, man," answered the luckless Pursuivant; -"bring hither thy axe and cut these accursed ropes." - -The man hesitated, and his weather-beaten features assumed a shrewd -expression. - -"You must first tell me who you be, and how you came to this pass; I may -get myself into trouble." - -"Fool!" cried the Pursuivant, now getting angry, "I am a Queen's -officer, and these are my men—thy axe, I say, thy axe, and that quick!" - -But the man was evidently the master of the situation, and he was not to -be hurried. - -Moreover, his sense of cupidity began to be awakened—there was, -doubtless, something to be earned in this matter. - -"Well, I doant know but what I med do you this little job," he said -cautiously; "but what is it worth?" - -The Pursuivant ground his teeth with rage. - -"It will be worse for thee, fool, if thou hesitate any longer; come, -bring thy axe and cut these ropes, I command you." - -"Oh, that is it, is it?" said the man; "then I leaves you to yourself -and bid you good e'en!" - -And forthwith he began to walk away. - -At this the bound men set up a loud howl of entreaty—their worst fears -seemed about to be realized. - -The woodman relented, and returned once more to the prisoners. - -This time he came straight to the point. - -"What will you give me if I cut your cords?" said he, and his eyes -sparkled greedily. - -The Pursuivant hesitated ere he replied; his first thought was tinged -with bitter rage: he would make this fellow smart for his greedy -impudence. - -But reflection brought another thought: it did not matter what he gave -this man; they were three to one—when once they were freed they could -make him disgorge his ill-gotten gains! - -So he replied, "Come hither, man; put thy hand in my doublet pocket and -take my purse, with all that it contains." - -The woodman obeyed, and soon found the purse; it was well lined, and his -greed was satisfied. - -But he was no simpleton, and the same thought which had inspired the -Pursuivant's generosity had occurred to him also; he determined, -therefore, on his line of action. - -Approaching the tree to which one of the men-at-arms was bound, he -raised his axe, and, with one blow, severed the rope. - -"Now loose thy fellows," he cried, as he bounded into the forest. - -The liberated man was long ere he freed his companions; by that time the -woodman with the purse in his pocket was deep in the recesses of the -forest. - -The night was falling, yet a long march lay before the three men ere the -lights of Lewes would gladden their eyes. - -Yet, hungry, thirsty, and weary, they reached the county town that -night, nor did the Pursuivant seek rest till the first step in his -revenge was taken, and he had lodged his report with the authorities in -the castle. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - THAMES PIRATES - - -It was an hour after sunset, and a rich red glow still lingered in the -western horizon, tinging the waters of the Thames as they swirled past -the water-gate of Surrey House with gleams of scarlet and gold. - -A young man stood on the brink of the river idly watching the ebb and -flow of the tide. - -For some time he had been strolling to and fro on the velvety lawn of my -Lord of Surrey's house at Chelsea, as if awaiting a companion. - -He was richly dressed, and the fading light glistened on many a jewel -which bedecked his Court costume. It lit up the diamond cross of S. Iago -of Toledo which he wore upon his breast, and gleamed on the diamonds -which decked the pommel of the dress-sword which hung at his side. - -Queen Mary was holding a Court revel this night at Whitehall in honour -of her royal consort, King Philip, who had that day arrived in London -from Spain, to the great joy of the Queen, and Don Diego d'Olivares was -apparelled for the fête. - -Don Diego was a typical Hidalgo of purest Castilian blood. His well- -formed features, swarthy complexion, dark lustrous eyes, and glossy -black locks proclaimed the fact. - -"My father comes not," he murmured to himself. "If he delay much longer, -I shall leave him to follow me to Court in Lord Surrey's company." - -The light was fading off the river, the stars were becoming bright and -lustrous, and the young courtier was growing impatient. - -Few boats were on the river; now and then a galley or a wherry would -dart by, and he noticed that the boatmen were lighting their torches. - -He bethought him of the beautiful gardens at Whitehall, already gleaming -beneath the light of hundreds of cressets. And his thoughts wandered to -those whom he expected to meet there: the treasurer of Gray's Inn and -his fair niece, Miss Susan Jefferay, the "heavenly twins," as he -facetiously termed her two brothers William and Ralph, and many others. - -For Don Diego was a legal student also—perfecting himself in the -knowledge of English law at the Temple, by command of his renowned step- -father, the Spanish Ambassador at the Court of Queen Mary. - -He had met the twins at a masque at Gray's Inn, and a strong friendship -had sprung up between the young men. - -Thus he mused as he watched the passing boats on the silent waterway. - -But Don Diego had not observed a dark wherry in which three men were -seated, passing slowly up-stream. - -He had not marked when the two oarsmen therein had thrust their boat -under the shadow of the bank fifty feet higher up, nor did he see them -land stealthily and creep silently into his rear as he sat on a bench on -the top of the terrace. - -Suddenly, and ere he could utter a cry for help, a shawl was thrown over -his head, a gag was thrust into his mouth, a cord bound his arms to his -side. Then he found himself lifted aloft by sturdy arms, and, despite -his furious efforts, he was thrown violently into the boat, which at -once pushed into the stream. - -One of the oarsmen propelled the boat rapidly in the direction of London -Bridge; his companions proceeded to further secure their captive with -strong ropes, binding both hands and feet. - -"That was a good haul, Bill," said one of the ruffians; "he is a fine -bird, and will make good picking!" - -"Stop your gab, you fool, till we get aboard the hulk, there are too -many boats about," muttered his companion savagely. - -The boat sped rapidly past Whitehall, where the lights were gleaming, -and whence sounds of sweet music arose. They reached the ears of the -poor prisoner as he lay at the mercy of his captors in the bottom of the -boat, and they filled his heart with bitterness. - -Should he ever hear those sounds again—would his eyes ever look again -upon the fair scenes of earth? - -Such were the thoughts that filled Don Diego's soul; he knew that he had -fallen into the hands of merciless Thames pirates. - -The boat was now rapidly nearing London Bridge, and the oarsmen prepared -to shoot one of its narrow arches. The unfortunate captive had struggled -desperately to loose the cords which bound his hands and feet; alas! all -his efforts were in vain—he had been too securely bound by practised -hands. - -Yet he found it possible, by rubbing his head against the side of the -boat, to disengage the gag which had almost suffocated him. - -Then, collecting all his strength, he shrieked forth piercing cries for -"help" until his captors had sprung upon him and had replaced the gag. - -But his cries were not unheard, though he knew it not! - -In the afternoon of that day William and Ralph Jefferay had gone down- -stream to Greenwich Park, and had strolled awhile beneath the majestic -elms and oaks which begirt the royal palace. - -As evening fell they betook themselves to their light boat, and, being -dexterous oarsmen, they made rapid progress against the swift-flowing -tide, now on the ebb. - -They had no time to spare, for both the young men had accepted -invitations to the Queen's Revel at Whitehall, and they must needs go -first to Gray's Inn. - -They passed London Bridge beneath its widest arch, the central one, and -were now opposite St. Paul's Wharf. - -At this moment a piercing cry for help rent the air, and the twins -instantly rested upon their oars, and listened eagerly for a repetition -of the cry. Alas! there was none; the silence of night was again upon -the river. - -"Oh, Ralph!" said William, "that was a genuine cry for aid; it came from -some poor creature in deadly peril. Oh! what can we do?" - -"We will respond to it, by the help of God," replied Ralph; "it came, -surely, from that dark wherry which I see yonder preparing to shoot the -bridge." - -"I thought so also," said William, "and methought I recognized the voice -of him who called for help; it rang into my very soul, and, if I err -not, it was the voice of our friend Diego!" - -"To the rescue! to the rescue!" cried Ralph in reply, and in an instant -they had turned their boat down-stream and were following the suspicious -wherry. - -Their light boat soon brought the heavier wherry into full view. They -could see that there were three men on board of her; two were rowing, -the third held the tiller. - -"What are our plans, William?" said Ralph; "do you take the lead, and I -will second you promptly." - -"Agreed," replied his brother. "I propose, then, that we follow that -wherry whithersoever it goes. If those men have a captive on board, they -will soon seek to lodge him in durance—that will be our moment of -attack. - -"For the present we keep within reach of them, but sufficiently far off -to disarm their suspicions. - -"Leave the boat to me, I will row, and do you keep a vigilant eye on -their movements. Loosen your poignard in its sheath—I will do the same— -for this matter will not be decided without bloodshed, and may God -defend the right!" - -"Amen," said Ralph solemnly, yet with a distinct sound of joyous -exultation in his voice. - -No fear, no misgiving, found place in their brave young souls! - -On the contrary, they rejoiced in the thought and belief that this was a -call from Heaven, that they were God's ministers in carrying out a work -of mercy and justice! A minute later both boats shot beneath London -Bridge at a furious pace, the temporarily imprisoned tide hurling them -on its strong bosom down-stream. - -"They are making for the Surrey side," said Ralph; "it strikes me that -they are going aboard one of those wretched hulks which line the shore; -if so, what then?" - -"I think you are right," replied his brother; "they would not dare to -land their victim on shore, where they would at once encounter the -watchmen. If these men are Thames pirates, as I strongly suspect, then -these dark black hulks are their fitting and foul nests. - -"Now, brother, take good heed, I beseech you—this is my plan. Presently -the wherry will run alongside a hulk, and one man will leave the boat, -mount the hulk, and proceed to make ready to disembark the captive. This -is our moment to attack! We run in swiftly between the wherry and the -hulk—so detaching them. Then we leap into the wherry, and our poignards -must do the rest. It matters not what becomes of our little boat, a -rescued life is worth a hundred such things." - -"Right," said Ralph, "I understand; now put a good way on the boat, for, -if I mistake not, they are running alongside a hulk." - -Ralph was correct in his forecast; a moment later the wherry was -alongside of a dark object, upon which one of the oarsmen sprung lightly -with a rope in his hand. Then, with a loud crash, the light boat ran -swiftly in between the two; and, above all, rang the fierce shouts and -curses of the pirates. - -But as they rose in their wherry the twins leapt into it—giving it a -strong impulse into the stream. - -There was no light on the hulk until the one man left upon it had lit a -torch by whose lurid flame he sought to discover what had happened to -his comrades. - -So the fierce fight began in darkness, save for the gleam of the -twinkling stars. - -From their first onset the brothers perceived that their suspicions had -been correct, for a bound man lay in the bottom of the boat, motionless -and silent. - -The surprise to the pirates had been complete, yet they had time to draw -their long knives, with which they struck desperately at their foes. - -It was a deadly struggle—there was no thought of asking or giving -quarter; it was a matter of death or victory! Fierce blows were -exchanged and parried; then the combatants closed, and the wherry swayed -to and fro with a violence that threatened to submerge its occupants -beneath the dark waters of the river. - -The first gleam of light from the torch on the hulk fell upon a scene of -fiercest strife—upon men in deadly grip, equally expert with their -weapons, equally matched in strength and courage. - -All were wounded, and the fast flowing blood rendered the planks of the -wherry a slippery foot-hold. - -Suddenly William's foe lost his balance; in an instant he was hurled -overboard, and sank beneath the waters. His comrade perceived this, and -with a howl of rage he also flung himself into the stream—for he was -desperately wounded, and, as William approached to his brothers aid, he -knew that the end had come. - -Then the brothers turned eagerly to each other, and the question arose -from both alike— - -"Brother, are you hurt?" - -"Not much, I think," said William. - -"Mere flesh wounds," said Ralph almost gaily. - -Then the twins joined hands and kissed each other on the cheek. - -"Let us kneel down and thank God!" whispered William. - -So they knelt side by side like two Christian warriors! - -Presently they rose, and now they turned their attention to the captive -in the boat, who had ofttime been trampled under foot in the strife. - -"He is gagged," said William; "I will unloose him." - -For a few moments the rescued man was well-nigh unconscious through the -pain and suffering he had undergone. Then the well-known voices of his -friends the twins fell upon his ears like heavenly music, and he spake. - -"Brothers," he said, "will you cut my bonds?" - -"By Heaven!" cried William, "_it is_ Diego. Oh, thank God!" - -Then they cut his bonds, and the young Spaniard rose with great -difficulty, so benumbed were his limbs. - -"Oh! my brothers," he cried, seizing their hands, "you have risked your -lives to save mine, and Heaven has blessed your noble efforts; -henceforth we are more than friends—we are brothers in heart and soul -while life lasts. - -"Ah! I see that you are both wounded—you have shed your blood to save my -life! How shall I thank you enough? Oh, may Heaven reward you! But come, -let me examine your wounds; it is my turn now to turn rescuer." - -Ere Diego could carry out his intention, William sank suddenly into the -bottom of the boat; he had fainted from loss of blood. - -A moment later Ralph lay beside him from like cause. - -"Oh, my brothers!" cried Diego in agonizing tones, "you will die before -I can find succour for you; my poor life were not worth so great a -sacrifice!" - -His first thought was to seize the oars and strive to reach Greenwich— -the lights of the town were now plainly visible. - -Or he would strive to stanch their gaping wounds, and leave the boat to -be borne forward by the rapid tide. While he thus hesitated, a sudden -light appeared on the surface of the river, and his ears caught the -welcome sound of the oars of a practised crew. - -It was a Queen's guardship, and as it rapidly neared the wherry Don -Diego uttered a loud shout for help. His appeal found instant and joyous -response, for on board that ship were his father and Lord Surrey. - -A Chelsea boatman had witnessed his capture, and had instantly given the -alarm. - -Yet so long a time had it taken before the guardship at Whitehall wharf -could be sent in pursuit of the pirates, that its aid would have been -too late, but for the Heaven-sent interposition of the twins. - -The guardship rapidly drew alongside the wherry, and in a few minutes -the wounded men and Diego were taken on board. - -With tender care William and Ralph were carried into the little cabin, -and a ship's surgeon made immediate examination of their injuries. - -To the joy of Diego, he reported that though both the brothers were -sorely lacerated, yet no desperate injury had been inflicted—they had -lost much blood, and were thereby rendered unconscious; a few days' -careful nursing was all that was required. - -The guardship soon reached Whitehall, and there, litters having been -procured for the brothers, they were forthwith conveyed to their -lodgings in Gray's Inn. - -Nor did Don Diego leave them till he had seen them safely consigned to -the care of Miss Susan Jefferay, who had lately come to town from -Chiddingly Place on a visit to her uncle, Sir John. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V - - GRAY'S INN - - -The morning was yet young when Sir John Jefferay entered the library at -Gray's Inn. - -It was a noble room with a splendid vaulted roof. All around were -bookshelves laden with heavy volumes; above the shelves were portraits -of famous lawyers, and some few statesmen whose names were associated -with the history of the Inn. - -The floor was thickly carpeted, and scattered here and there were tables -strewn with documents and parchments. - -Sir John seemed ill at ease this morning; he did not seat himself, nor -did his books and papers seem to have any attraction for him. - -He walked to and fro in the spacious room, his hands crossed behind his -back, his grave but handsome face bore the look of one in trouble or in -deep reflection. He was clad in a suit of rich black velvet, the -sombreness of which was relieved by a ruff of spotless whiteness around -the neck and wristbands of delicate lace of the same colour. - -A tap at the door awoke him from reflective mood, and as the door -opened, and Susan Jefferay appeared, a welcoming smile dispelled the -gloom from the Treasurer's anxious face. - -And no wonder; for not only was Susan the darling of the childless -Treasurer's heart, but her winsome presence, her bright smile and merry, -dancing eyes were to him like a gleam of sunshine which dispels the -clouds from a dark sky. - -"Good news! good news! dear uncle," she cried, as she ran up to him with -outstretched hands. "Dr. Barnes has been with the boys for the last -hour, and I have helped him to dress their wounds; he says I am as -clever at it as many a young surgeon. And they are both doing well—much -better than he had dared to hope for. - -"There is no fever in their blood, he says, and they need but good -nursing and careful feeding to be as strong and well as they ever were, -and that in a very few days' time." - -"I thank God for that!" said the Treasurer fervently. "I could not sleep -last night," he continued; "the sight of their poor gashed and lacerated -bodies was ever before my eyes." - -"And yet no vital point was touched by the murderous knives," replied -Susan. "Oh, how good Heaven has been to us! But, dear uncle, you look -very wearied and sad this lovely morning; now, tell me at once, and tell -me truly, have you breakfasted?" - -Sir John laughed lightly as he looked on her smiling face. - -"No, my child, I have not yet touched food; but I will go now to the -breakfast room with you, for you must need refreshment as much as I." - -The dwelling rooms of the Treasurer closely adjoined the library, and -presently Sir John and Susan were seated at a well-spread table. - -For half-an-hour they lingered there, Susan attending to all her uncle's -needs with loving care. - -"Now I will go and see the boys," said Sir John, rising from his seat. - -"Not yet, dear uncle, I beseech you," replied Susan. "Dr. Barnes has -given them some soothing medicine which will probably induce sleep; they -must not be disturbed for some hours. Moreover, I want you for a brief -time all to myself; I have something to tell you which troubles me." - -"Really!" said Sir John, as he stooped down and kissed her cheek, "I -always thought that you and trouble were far apart!" - -"Let us go back into the library," said his niece; "we shall be -undisturbed there." - -"This sounds serious!" said Sir John. - -"It is serious—or at least I fear so," replied Susan. - -Once more in the library, the Treasurer seated himself in one of the -great leather chairs, and Susan, bringing a footstool to his side, sat -down beside him. - -The two made a striking picture. - -Sir John's noble and pensive face was lighted up by a gentle and loving -smile as he gazed down on his niece's fair face. - -This morning she had not tied her hair, and the long golden locks fell -in rich profusion over her shoulders. Her morning gown was simplicity -itself; its pure whiteness was unrelieved by colour but for a waistband -of blue silk; she wore no ornament save that on her shapely finger a -ring beset with diamonds glittered in the sunlight—it was surely a love -gift! - -"Now, Susan, for your revelation," said Sir John, as he took her little -hand and held it caressingly. - -"You remember, dear uncle," began Susan, "how Ralph came to us at -Chiddingly last Sunday week, intending to pass at least ten days with -us? Well, he left us on Wednesday night, at which I marvelled." - -"So did I," interpolated Sir John. - -"I must tell you," continued the fair girl, "that on that Sunday morning -a messenger brought me a letter from Mr. Geoffrey Fynes." - -"Ah! ah!" said Sir John, "this grows interesting." - -Susan blushed prettily as she looked into her uncle's face, and shook -her head reprovingly. - -"Oh, uncle, you must be serious; I think you will be so when I have told -you all!" - -"Go on, my child," said Sir John gravely. - -"Well, I have the letter here; I meant to show it to you last night; -please read it." - -The Treasurer took the letter, and as he read it his face assumed an -increased expression of gravity. - -"And did the Pursuivant come—only to find the Vicarage empty?" - -"No," said Susan, "and that is my trouble! I showed the letter to Ralph, -little thinking that any harm would ensue from my doing so. - -"On the Wednesday, when I expected to see the Queen's officer, Ralph was -absent from home all day, and on making inquiries I found he had gone on -horseback into the woods. - -"I began to be anxious, and I made inquiries about him in the stables -and elsewhere. Then I found to my alarm that many of our young men were -missing from Chiddingly that day. - -"Ralph returned home in the afternoon, but he would tell me nothing— -'these were not women's matters,' he said. That same night he took the -road for London." - -"And since then have you heard nothing?" said Sir John eagerly. - -"Not until to-day," replied Susan. "This morning a messenger from -Chiddingly brought me another letter from Mr. Geoffrey Fynes; he did not -know that I had left home for London. It is this letter which fills me -with anxiety and no little astonishment. I will read you the passage -which deals with this business." - -Susan's fair face flushed as she glanced over the letter which she held -in her hand; then she read as follows— - - "'There is danger abroad for some members of your house, I fear. - - "'I am revealing a State secret to you at the risk of the loss of - place, reputation, and, perhaps, even life itself! Yet I do not - hesitate to tell you, my sweet Susan, all I know, for your interests - are dearer to me than aught else in this world. - - "'In a few words the matter stands thus— - - "'The Queen's Pursuivant was assaulted by a band of men in - Chiddingly wood on Wednesday morning; his warrant was forcibly taken - from him and torn to pieces by the leader of the band. That leader - was recognized by one of his men as Mr. William Jefferay. - - "'The Queen's officers suffered no personal injury, but they were - bound to trees in the forest, where they remained until nightfall, - when a passing woodman released them. The Pursuivant is hastening to - London to lay the whole matter before the Council. - - "'Warn William that he may be arrested any day, and be brought - before the Chancellor in the Star Chamber. My advice is that he take - instant flight abroad.'" - -Sir John rose hastily from his seat and walked to and fro in the -library, full of disquietude and fear. Suddenly he turned to Susan. - -"This is serious news indeed," he said; "it is a matter of life or -death. Oh, foolish, foolish boy! what madness could have possessed him? - -"But tell me, Susan," he exclaimed eagerly, "why is this charge brought -against William? Surely, if the offence was committed, it was Ralph who -was the offender." - -"I think I can answer that question," said Susan tremblingly. "I -observed that when Ralph returned home on that fatal Wednesday, he was -wearing William's grey cap; he must have taken it by mistake." - -"Ah, I see a gleam of light here," said Sir John quickly. "The warrant -will be made out in William's name. - -"Now it so happens, by God's good grace, that the Master of the Rolls, -Sir Philip Broke, was with me all that Wednesday in question; we were -holding a long legal consultation, and William acted as my secretary. - -"We will let matters take their course! If the worst befall, it will be -many days before the poor wounded boy can appear before the Court of the -Star Chamber, and, when he does, Sir Philip and I will be a match for -the Queen's Pursuivant." - -Then, moving swiftly to Susan's side, he kissed her cheek fondly. - -"Fear not, dear child," he cried; "I have hope that God will bring us -safely through this trouble!" - -"But if they find out that Ralph is the real culprit?" said Susan -falteringly. - -"Yes, there lies the real danger," said Sir John musingly. "Alas, that -he lies helpless on a bed of sickness; but for that he should be in -Holland, with our dear Vicar, ere twenty-four hours had passed." - -A sudden thought struck him. - -"Think you, Susan, that William knows aught of this mad adventure?" - -"I think so," replied Susan, "for the boys have no secrets apart from -each other, and if matters came to the worst, as you say, I believe that -William would plead guilty rather than Ralph should suffer!" - -"Oh, boys, boys! how you wring my heart!" cried Sir John, with -uncontrollable emotion. - -He resumed his seat, and for a short time remained in deep thought; then -he spoke slowly and with deep emphasis. - -"The innocent must not suffer for the guilty—no, God forbid! But let us -hope for the best," he continued, as he marked the growing pallor of -poor Susan's face. "It was a foolish freak, but no man has been injured— -no blood was shed. - -"Cheer up, my child, we have powerful friends in Court, even in this -Court of the Star Chamber—the worst of all our Courts! In the last -issue, if all else fails, it may be but a matter of a fine, and we are, -happily, rich enough to pay it; or a short imprisonment, and the boy is -young, and will live through it. Cheer up, Susan; wipe those tears away, -and trust in God that all will come right! - -"Now go and see the boys, and let me know if I may see them also," -continued Sir John. - -"I go, dear uncle," said Susan, rising to her feet; "but pardon me if I -urge that you say nothing to them at present about this sad matter; -remember that Dr. Barnes enjoins the most watchful care on our part; -they must have rest and peace both for body and mind." - -"I will remember, most wise nurse!" said Sir John, as he rose to open -the door for her with a smile on his grave countenance. - -Susan had scarcely left the library than, with a preliminary knock at -the door, Sir John's valet entered it. - -Bowing low, the man informed his master that his Excellency the Spanish -Ambassador and his son Don Diego d'Olivares were in the entrance-hall, -and that they craved the honour of a brief interview. - -Sir John nodded assent, and a few moments later he heard the steps of -his visitors as they ascended the stairs to the library. - -Hastening to the top of the staircase the Treasurer met his -distinguished visitors with deep obeisance. - -But the Ambassador was evidently in no mood to stand upon points of -ceremony. - -Hurrying forward, with extended hands, he warmly saluted the Treasurer, -yet the anxiety which had prompted this early morning call found -immediate utterance in the first words he spoke. - -"Your boys, Mr. Treasurer, are they doing well?" - -"Dr. Barnes has just left them, your Excellency, and his report is -altogether favourable; they have many serious flesh wounds, yet, by the -mercy of God, no vital injury has been inflicted; and, if nothing -unforeseen occurs, they will make a rapid recovery to health." - -"They are noble boys!" cried the Ambassador, with enthusiasm. "They -saved my son's life at the peril of their own, and with a manly daring -which moves all men to admiration. London is ringing with their praises -to-day; they are the heroes of the hour!" - -Then Don Diego intervened with an eager request that he might visit the -sick-room. - -"It may not be, young sir," said Sir John. "You know they have a -masterful young nurse in Mistress Susan Jefferay, and I myself have just -been refused an interview with the boys by their stern guardian; they -are to be kept in absolute quiet, she says, or Dr. Barnes will not -answer for the consequences." - -So the visitors took their departure, Diego obtaining permission to -return to Gray's Inn in the evening. - -Throughout that day visitors poured in at the Treasurer's lodgings with -eager inquiries respecting the lads whose deed of daring had become -public property from the moment when the Queen's guardship came to their -rescue. - -To many of these visitors the lads were unknown personally, though their -handsome faces and strongly knit bodies had attracted much observation -in Gray's Inn and its neighbourhood. - -But Sir John was one of the leading men of the day; not only was he -known to be a great lawyer, but he sat in Queen Mary's Parliament as a -member for the City of London, and was fast becoming a strong leader -among the members of the House who were silently ranging themselves as -partisans of the young Princess Elizabeth. - -In the evening the young Spaniard, Don Diego, returned to the Inn, and -he brought news with him which Susan promised to impart to her brothers -at the earliest possible moment. - -Diego had gone down the Thames that morning on board a guardship in the -hope of discovering the hulk to which his captors would have taken him, -but his efforts had been useless. - -There were many suspicious-looking hulks moored on the banks of the -stream, but he had no means of identifying the one he sought. - -When the twins were themselves again, they would make another attempt; -he had been lying in the bottom of the boat, fast bound, when one of his -captors had endeavoured to moor the boat alongside the hulk. - -But he had other news. - -The watermen had picked up the bodies of the two ruffians who had leapt -overboard—they had paid the due penalty of their crime. - -The hour was growing late when the young Spaniard took his leave, and -the wearied Treasurer was just congratulating himself that the labours -of the day were over, when the valet once more presented himself in the -library. - -"Another visitor—and at this late hour!" said Sir John, somewhat -impatiently. "Make my excuses, Robin," he continued; "say that I have -retired to rest." - -"Yes, Sir John", said Robin, yet he lingered as if he had something -further to say. - -"What is it, man?" said Sir John, perceiving Robin's hesitation. - -"Please, your honour, and craving your pardon, I doubt if the visitor -will take your dismissal thus easily: it is Sir William Anson, the -Sheriff of London." - -Sir John rose hastily from his chair, and Susan ran from the couch -whereon she was seated to her uncle's side. - -"Oh, uncle," she cried, as she flung her arms around his neck, "he -comes, surely, on the Queen's business; the fatal hour has come. Oh God, -help us!" - -"Courage, dear one!" whispered Sir John in her ear. "Sir William is a -friend of mine; his errand may be but one of friendly inquiry. Compose -yourself; remain in the library, you may hear all that he has to say." - -Then he bade Robin admit the late visitor. - -A moment later the Sheriff entered the room, bowing low to both its -occupants as he did so. - -He was a man of stately presence, his dress of sombre colours yet of -rich material. - -He advanced towards Sir John with extended hand, and his handsome face -was lit up with a cordial smile. Susan's heart was reassured as she -marked his friendly behaviour; but Sir John's eyes were fixed upon a -small gold chain of office which the Sheriff wore around his neck. - -"He comes officially, on the Queen's business!" said Sir John within -himself. - -Sir William seated himself at the invitation of the Treasurer. - -"Tell me, first, Sir John," he said, "how your gallant nephews fare. It -is a scandal to London that such an outrage could happen on our own -river; but we are overrun with foreigners, outlaws and riffraff of all -sorts; we must see to it!" - -Then, hearing a good report of the lads, he thanked Heaven for the news, -and therewith glanced nervously towards Susan. - -Sir John perceived his difficulty. - -"You have something private to say to me, Sir William," he said; "you -may say it before my niece, I have no secrets from her." - -"I can understand that, Sir John," said the gallant Sheriff, with a -courtly smile as he bowed towards Susan. "I will therefore tell you -plainly and fully why I am come to you at so untimely an hour. - -"Yet let me ask you both to keep my visit from the knowledge of others, -for I am exceeding my office to-night, and might be called in question -for what I do." - -Sir John and Susan gravely bowed assent. - -"It is respecting one of your noble boys, William Jefferay, that I have -come hither. To-night I come as your friend and well-wisher, but to- -morrow, alas! I shall bring you a warrant for his arrest in the Queens -name and by order of the Court of the Star Chamber." - -Sir John gave a low groan, and poor Susan hid her fair face in her -hands. - -"You will ask me why I come to you to-night with this sad news," said -the Sheriff, with real sympathy in his kindly heart. "I will tell you -why I come. My warrant commands me to possess myself of William -Jefferay's body, and to commit it forthwith to Her Majesty's prison at -the Fleet. - -"Be not surprised, not alarmed, therefore, when to-morrow morning I -serve the warrant with all due state and ceremony. Yet will I not attach -his body until he shall have regained his strength if you, Sir John, -will give me your word of honour that no attempt at escape be made on -his behalf." - -"I give you my word, Mr. Sheriff," said Sir John, "and I count it an act -of friendship on your part that you have thus given me warning." - -The Sheriff rose from his seat, advanced towards Sir John, and shook his -hand heartily. - -"My good friend," said he, "would to God that I could do more for you! -but keep a good heart, for you have many a friend both at Court and in -the city." - -So saying, the kind-hearted Sheriff made his adieux and took his -departure. - - -------------- - -Susan had borne up bravely during this brief interview; yet, when the -Sheriff had gone, and she and Sir John were left to themselves, her -fortitude gave way, and she began to sob gently. - -Sir John moved to her side and took her hand caressingly. - -"Is this the brave and trusty nurse," he said to her in a low voice, "of -whom I was so proud to-day? - -"Oh, Susan, dear Susan, have faith in God; let us kneel together and -commit the whole matter to His most gracious keeping! - -"Now go to rest, dear child," said Sir John, as they rose from their -kneeling posture. - -"Presently, dear uncle, I will seek rest," replied Susan; "but I have -work in the sick-room awaiting me, and I keep watch there the first half -of the night." - -Then, bidding her uncle "Good-night," Susan lit a wax candle and quitted -the library. - - -------------- - -For a full hour the Treasurer sat alone in deep thought. He resolved -that on the morrow he would send a trusty messenger to the Hague, who -should inform his brother of all that had passed, and the present -position of affairs. - -How he longed for the presence of William—how valuable would his counsel -be to him at this crisis! - -Yet it could not be, for it was known full well to those in power that -William had aided the Vicar of Chiddingly to escape, that he had gone -with him to Holland. - -He therefore lay under grave suspicion, and must remain an exile until -happier days. - -At length, weary and worn, the Treasurer betook himself to rest. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - THE STAR CHAMBER - - -The Star Chamber was a part of a range of buildings on the east side of -Palace Yard at Westminster. - -Its peculiar name did not find its origin in any distinctive feature of -the building, but rather from the fact that, by order of King Richard I, -the "Starra," or Jewish Covenants, were deposited there. - -In the reign of Edward III large additions were made to the Palace at -Westminster, including St. Stephen's Chapel, and a new council chamber -henceforth to be known as the Court of the Star Chamber. - -This was the popular name of the building; the Court itself was known -officially as "The Lords of the Council sitting in the Star Chamber." - -It was instituted in the reign of Henry VII (A.D. 1487), and the number -of judges varied, from time to time, from twenty-six to forty-two; the -Lord Chancellor, or the Lord Keeper, was the President. - -It took cognizance of perjury, riot, and conspiracy. The building was -large, and richly decorated. The walls were panelled to the ceiling, -great bow windows admitted light and air. - -The ceiling was ornamented with carved wood-work, and was richly -painted. - -It was in this building, and before this august tribunal, that William -Jefferay appeared, in the month of September, A.D. 1557, on the charge -of riot and assault. - - -------------- - -A fortnight had passed since the warrant had been duly served by the -Sheriff, and for the past three days William had been an inmate of the -Fleet prison. - -The boys had rapidly regained their health, though William still carried -his arm in a bandage, and the pallor of his handsome face showed the -stress through which he had passed. - -As soon as the state of their health had permitted it, their uncle had -revealed to them the dangerous position in which William stood. - -As Susan had surmised, "the brothers had no secrets," and Ralph's -adventure in the Chiddingly woods was well known to William. - -But to both of them the news that William, and not Ralph, was deemed the -culprit, was a matter of profound amazement, and, on Ralph's part, of -intense indignation. - -"Oh, uncle," he cried, "this may not be! Mine was the folly, if folly it -was, and on my head must fall the consequences, be they what they may!" - -An approving smile lit up Sir John's noble and dignified face as he -replied— - -"I knew that would be your first thought, and you may yet have to pay -the penalty of your wild freak—Heaven only knows! But in this mistake of -identity lies, perhaps, the path of safety, and the Master of the Rolls -agrees with me that it is our wisest course to let the matter proceed." - -With great reluctance Ralph consented, with the assurance of his uncle -that if aught went amiss, and William was not acquitted, the whole truth -should be told. - - -------------- - -Three days later the Sheriff appeared at Gray's Inn with much ceremony, -and Ralph saw his brother carried off a prisoner to the Fleet. - -It was the first moment of real anguish in his young life, and but for -the sweet influence of his sister, Ralph would have then proclaimed -himself the offender and demanded the release of his brother. - -From the library window Ralph and Susan had seen the departure of -William under the escort of the Sheriff's guard, and the boy's pale face -was wrung with so intense an agony that Susan's fears were strongly -aroused. - -"Oh, Ralph," she cried, "for the love of God do nothing rashly, bring -not your uncle's plans to confusion; have faith that all will come right -in Heaven's good time." - -She laid her hand upon his shoulder and drew him lovingly towards her, -seeing that he was irresolute. - -"Have you no pity for _me_?" she said. "Think you that I do not suffer -with you, and with our beloved uncle also?" - -A moment more, and the crisis was past; the prisoner and his escort had -moved out of sight, and Ralph sank exhausted upon a couch: his barely -recovered strength had failed him. - - -------------- - -Three days had passed since William had been committed to the Fleet -prison, where, thanks to the Sheriff, the prisoner had been granted a -private room, and every alleviation of his hard lot which the Governor -could give to him. - -He had been permitted to receive visitors, and each day Sir John and -Susan had spent some hours with him. On the evening of the third day -Simon Renard, the Spanish Ambassador, had brought the great news to -Gray's Inn that the Council of the Star Chamber would meet on the -morrow, and that William's fate would be then decided. - -That night the friends of the unhappy boy met in the library at Gray's -Inn to decide on their course of action. - -The day had been hot, the evening was sultry, and the windows of the -fine room were thrown open to admit the little air that stirred the -leaves of the plane-trees in the square. - -The room was somewhat dimly lit by wax candles, and small silver lamps, -fed with perfumed oil, sent forth a languorous odour. - -Don Simon Renard had much to tell the gentlemen who sat around him, -among whom were the Lord Mayor of London, the Master of the Rolls, and, -of course, Sir John Jefferay. - -To all of these men the constitution of the Star Chamber and the course -of procedure at the Council Meeting were perfectly well known, and the -personal characteristics of every member of that dread tribunal (each of -whom acted as a judge) were equally familiar to them. - -Don Renard told them that the Chancellor himself, the Earl of Arundel, -would preside, and that with him would sit the Earl of Pembroke, the -Lords Paget and Rochester, Sir William Petre, and many others. - -Cardinal Pole rarely sat at the Council—yet, at the Ambassador's -especial solicitation, he had promised attendance on the morrow. - -No strangers had a right to be present in the Court. Nevertheless, the -Chancellor had granted the Ambassador's request that Sir Philip Broke -and Sir John Jefferay might be admitted on this occasion. - -The accused person was not allowed the privilege of the assistance of -"Counsel," excepting upon the special invitation of the President. - -"Our chief hope," said the Ambassador, "lies in the fact that the Master -of the Rolls and the Treasurer of Gray's Inn can give in evidence that -William was, at the time of the assault, actually with them in the -Library of Gray's Inn, which should conclusively prove that he cannot -possibly be guilty of the offence now charged against him." - -"Beyond a doubt," answered Sir John; "yet my mind misgives me on one -point. The Pursuivant," he continued, "may fail to identify William as -his assailant; he may have heard of the extraordinary resemblance of the -twin brothers. And if William be acquitted, he may shift the charge to -Ralph and demand his arrest." - -"I think you are distressing yourself needlessly, my friend," answered -the Ambassador, "for let me tell you that this very day the Pursuivant -was taken to the Fleet that he might see the prisoner as he took his -daily exercise in the yard. He saw him, and was instantly convinced that -William was the man who had assaulted him in Chiddingly wood. Moreover, -we have no reason to suppose that he is aware of Ralph's existence." - -"I am afraid that the last-named circumstance is too well known both in -London and at Lewes," interposed the Lord Mayor, "especially since the -occurrence of the gallant episode on the Thames. I begin to think that -Sir John's fears are well founded, and that after all our wisest course -would be to send Ralph across the water, and that instantly; he is now -quite strong enough to travel." - -Sir John smiled sadly as he replied— - -"You do not know my two nephews sufficiently well, my Lord Mayor, if you -think that scheme possible. Let me tell you that they are so linked -together in brotherly love that Ralph would never consent to save his -own life if thereby he endangered William's safety. Nay, more, let me -assure you that if our plans failed, and William were condemned, Ralph -would at once make a full confession to the authorities." - -"They are two noble boys," cried Don Renard, with generous enthusiasm, -"equally great in love and strife; have no fear for them, my dear Sir -John. Heaven will not suffer them to pass their young lives in a prison -cell!" - -Thus the friendly conclave debated until the hour grew late, and the -heavy air within the library became oppressive. - -As night had deepened the sultry atmosphere had given place to storm and -tempest, and a heavy rain was falling. - -The lights had grown dim, but the noble proportions of the library were -almost continuously lit up by the flashes of lightning, and the deep -diapason of the rolling thunder shook the ancient Inn. - -The serving men of the friends in Council were awaiting their masters -with carriages in the Square, and as St. Paul's clock struck the hour of -midnight Sir John's guests took their departure. - -The day had already begun which was "big with fate" for the twin -brothers! - -The storm was abating, and Sir John stood at the open window watching -the fleeting clouds and the occasional glimmer of stars emerging from -the gloom. A light step across the thickly carpeted floor did not catch -his ear, but a caressing arm thrown round his neck told him that Susan -was there. - -"To rest, dear uncle, to rest," said she; "for this day will bring thee -labour and toil for body and mind! Yet tell me briefly, does all go -well—do our friends give us cause to hope for the best?" - -Then Sir John comforted her distressed heart by telling her in a few -words their schemes for the great event in the Star Chamber, and their -hopes for a joyful delivery from their cares, and Susan at length sought -her chamber somewhat cheered. - - -------------- - -The day broke fine and cloudless. - -The sun shone through the painted windows of the great Court House of -the Star Chamber, casting a thousand richly tinted shadows on the marble -floor. The gilt stars in the roof glittered, and rich beams of light -fell on the beautiful panelling which lined the walls of the noble hall. - -It was yet early morn, and the only occupants of the Court were the -ushers, attendants and servants who were making preparations for the -meeting of the Court. At ten o'clock armed warders took up their -positions within the hall; a few minutes later the Sheriff with a strong -force of javelin men made his entry; he had brought up the prisoner, -William Jefferay, from the Fleet prison. - -The boy's handsome face was deadly pale, forming a strong contrast with -his dark, flashing eyes. There was no sign of fear or misgiving on the -part of the youthful prisoner as he took his place in the dock, a warder -standing on each side of him. - -Presently a small group of gentlemen entered the hall to whom all -present showed great deference, and they were shown to benches reserved -for distinguished visitors who held permits from the Lord Chancellor. - -William's eyes lit up with pleasure, and his pale face flushed as he -recognized Don Simon Renard and his stepson Diego, Sir John Jefferay, -and the Master of the Rolls among the group. - -When all were seated a solemn silence ensued, shortly to be broken by -the clarion tones of silver trumpets. - -The Lords of the Council were entering the Chamber in a stately -procession vested in their robes of office. Every point of the ancient -form and ceremony was rigidly observed. - -All men stood, cap in hand, until the Chancellor had taken his seat; -then, at a sign from him, a richly bedizened herald stepped forth and -proclaimed that the Court was opened. - -On the Chancellor's right hand sat Cardinal Pole. Between these famous -men there was a marked and striking contrast. - -The Earl of Arundel was a dark-featured man of some fifty years of age; -his black beard and moustache, worn in the Tudor style, was streaked -with grey. A soldier, a statesman, a courtier of immense power and -influence, he had steered his political barque with supreme skill -through the stormy period of the English Reformation, when many greater -than he, and more highly placed, had suffered shipwreck. Just now he was -the acknowledged leader of the Spanish faction at Court, and no man -stood higher than he in the favour of King Philip. - -To-day his sombre face had a marked expression of sternness, which -underwent a sudden change as the Cardinal bent towards him and whispered -something in his ear. Arundel was listening to the Cardinal with -unwonted deference, and his grim features relaxed into a friendly smile -as he made reply in low tones. - -From the bench where he sat Sir John's keen eyes had noted that both -these illustrious judges were bending close, inquisitorial glances on -the boy prisoner; he was evidently the subject of their secret -discourse. - -"The Chancellor seems to be in a stern frame of mind to-day," whispered -Sir John to Sir Philip Broke. - -"I have seen him look yet more fierce," replied the Master of the Rolls. -"I was with him on the day when he arrested his brother-in-law the Duke -of Northumberland, when the gleam of his dark eyes struck terror into -the Duke's soul! But be of good courage, Sir John; mark how the -Cardinal's gentle smile is thawing his icy reserve, and remember his -Eminence hath promised Don Renard to give us all the aid in his power." - -"Thank God for that!" whispered Sir John in reply. - -Cardinal Reginald Pole, Archbishop of Canterbury, was perhaps the -foremost Englishman of his age. - -An aristocrat of the finest type, with the royal blood of the -Plantagenets in his veins, he was, above all things, an ecclesiastic of -stainless life and reputation. - -Those who differed from him _toto cælo_ in religious matters were eager -to acknowledge his incorruptibility and devotion to duty. - -Men remembered how boldly he had withstood the threats and cajoleries of -King Henry VIII; how, later, he had shown a bold front to the Vatican -itself, and to the most dreaded tribunal in the world, the "Holy -Office"! - -There was something eminently pleasing and attractive in the face, -bearing and physique of the great Cardinal. Notwithstanding his long -sojourn in foreign lands, he was a typical Englishman. - -He wore his hair long—it hung in profusion on his broad shoulders, and, -like his long bushy beard, was of a rich brown colour. - -His fine expressive face was somewhat colourless, but it was lit up by -the deep-blue eyes of the Plantagenet race—eyes which at times gleamed -with tenderness and pity. - -He was spare in body, and his hands were as small and as delicately -shaped as those of a woman. - -The whispered conversation between the Chancellor and the Cardinal had -come to an end, and for a moment a deep silence brooded in the Court. - -Then, at a signal from Lord Arundel, the Clerk of the Court rose and -"called on" the case which was occupying the minds of all men present. - -"The Queen _v._ William Jefferay; prisoner at the bar," he cried in loud -tones, "you are charged that on the 17th of July last you committed an -assault upon the Queen's Pursuivant; how say you—are you guilty or not -guilty?" - -William bowed low to the Chancellor, and in subdued but distinct tones -replied— - -"Not guilty, my Lord." - -"Let us hear the witnesses," said Lord Arundel, and thereupon the -Pursuivant arose; behind him stood his assistants. - -There was something vindictive and threatening in the attitude and voice -of the Pursuivant—a note of triumph rang out with his words. - -He felt sure of his case, and positively sure of the identity of the -accused with his assailant in the woods of Chiddingly. - -In slow and measured terms the Pursuivant gave his evidence, telling the -tale of the assault in the woods in full detail. - -His two halberdiers, as witnesses of the attack upon the Queen's -officer, bore testimony to the truth of the charge made against the -prisoner. - -The Court was but thinly attended; the general public could only obtain -admission by invitation, and this was rarely accorded. - -Yet among those present were many—even in the rank of the august judges— -who knew something of young Jefferay and had heard of his recent deed of -daring on the Thames. - -Among these a deep feeling of dismay and commiseration arose, so clear -and undeniable appeared the evidence of the young prisoner's folly; -already they seemed to see the executioner clipping the ears and -slitting the nose of his victim! - -It was at this critical moment that the Cardinal again turned towards -the Chancellor and whispered something in his ear; Lord Arundel nodded -assent to his suggestion. - -Cardinal Pole thereupon addressed the Court. The Cardinal's voice was -soft and musical; he spoke in low and gentle terms, yet was he -distinctly audible even to the furthest extremity of that great hall. - -"There is a mystery in this case," he said, "and it does not lie upon -the surface. Some of us are not convinced as to the identity of the -accused, notwithstanding the evidence of the Queen's officers. By -permission of the Lord Chancellor I call upon the Treasurer of Gray's -Inn, Sir John Jefferay, and the Master of the Rolls, Sir Philip Broke, -to give evidence upon this vital point." - -An excited murmur passed among the audience as Sir John Jefferay, in -obedience to this command, rose in his place and proceeded to the -witness-box, and addressing the Court, said— - -"With your permission, my Lords, I will first ask for the date and the -hour of the alleged assault." - -Much marvelling, the Pursuivant rose and said in reply— - -"It was on the seventeenth day of July, and the hour was about eight -o'clock in the morning." - -"Thank you, Mr. Pursuivant," replied Sir John, with great gravity; then, -turning towards the Bench of Judges, he said— - -"On that day, and at that hour, I held a consultation in the library of -Gray's Inn with my honourable friend the Master of the Rolls, here -present. My secretary took notes of our conference, and was with us all -that morning. The secretary in question was Mr. William Jefferay, the -prisoner at the Bar! - -A thrill of emotion passed through the Court at these words, and but for -the august presence in which they stood, the air would have been rent -with cheers. The accusers of William Jefferay, and those that sided with -them (for there were some), were petrified with astonishment. - -Yet even at that supreme moment Sir John observed that one of the -halberdiers clutched the Pursuivant by the shoulder and began to whisper -eagerly to him, whereat his master's woebegone face began to light up -with a grim smile. - -A sudden hush fell on the Court as the Earl of Arundel spoke. - -"Call the Master of the Rolls;" and as Sir Philip Broke entered the -witness-box, the Chancellor said, "Do you corroborate the evidence of -the last witness?" - -Sir Philip Broke, bowing low, said— - -"In every detail, my Lord." - -"Then it only remains for us to dismiss the case, and we do hereby -dismiss it," said the Chancellor. - -"My Lord," cried the Pursuivant, rising hastily in his place, "my Lord, -in this case——" - -But the Chancellor instantly silenced the speaker. - -"There is no case," he said; "the matter is at an end." - -The Pursuivant sank back in his seat, but his eyes were full of malice -and baffled rage. - -Then the warders stood aside and beckoned to William to leave the dock. - -As he descended, his friends clustered around him, and his pale face -flushed with excitement as they poured forth their congratulations. - -Foremost among them was the Spanish Ambassador and Don Diego; the latter -flung his arms round his friend's neck and kissed him lovingly on both -cheeks. - -Presently, with Sir John and Sir Philip on either side of him, William -emerged into the street, and there a great crowd of law students awaited -him. - -These were his "sodales"; with them the twin brothers were universally -popular, and their recent exploit on the Thames had aroused that -admiration to a frenzy. - -So it was amid a cheering and uproariously excited escort that the party -made its way to Gray's Inn, where Susan and Ralph awaited them. - -They had not been permitted to attend the Court, where no ladies found a -place, and as for Ralph, perhaps there were other reasons wherefore Sir -John commanded him to abide at home! - -Oh, it was a moment of bliss when Susan flung herself into the arms of -her brother—such a moment as Heaven rarely grants to mortals! - -"Oh, William!" - -"Oh, Susan!" - -Then the brothers embraced, and, after the manner of the times, kissed -each other affectionately on the cheek. Hand in hand the three happy -young people ascended to the library, where William related to eager -listeners the moving scenes which had been enacted that morning in the -Star Chamber. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - THE ARREST OF RALPH - - -"Come, children, come with me to the dining-room," cried Sir John with -cheerful voice, as he entered the library. "Do you not know that the -body has its needs as well as the mind, and some of us have scarce -broken our fast this day; indeed, to judge by William's pale face, I -doubt whether he has breakfasted." - -And therewith he led the way into the fine old dining-room of Gray's -Inn, where a large party of friends awaited them. - -It was a noble room, wainscoted to the ceiling in dark oak, and adorned -with many portraits of the legal luminaries of past days. - -Around the great open fire-place was grouped a throng of friends all -eager to congratulate the Treasurer and his family on the joyful event -of the day. Among them were the Spanish Ambassador and his son Don -Diego; the Lord Mayor and Sir Philip Broke were there, and many of Sir -John's brother members in Parliament. - -"Where is our friend the Sheriff?" asked Sir John of the Lord Mayor; "he -promised to be here." - -"He was here just now," replied the Lord Mayor, "but he has been -summoned to perform some duty connected with his office; he asked me to -explain his absence to you." - -A cold chill fell upon the heart of Sir John as he heard these words—was -it a premonition? - -Then, regaining his usual composure, he cried with a loud and cheerful -voice— - -"Be seated, friends; the dinner waits, and some of us are as hungry as -hunters." - -The chaplain of the Inn, who was present as a guest, said grace, and a -merry clatter of knives and forks ensued. - -Next to Sir Philip Broke sat the Spanish Ambassador, and, as the meal -progressed, Sir Philip fell into conversation with his neighbour, with -whom his high office brought him into frequent communication; and in -social life also they were excellent friends. - -"Tell me, your excellency," he said in a low voice, "how will your royal -master view the proceedings of this day?" - -"Somewhat bitterly, I fear," replied Don Renard. "It was only yesterday -that he expressed to me his amazement that a royal officer could be so -treated as was our friend the Pursuivant. He was eager to see the -perpetrator of the assault brought to condign punishment. - -"'In our own land,' he said to me, 'we should have broken the miscreant -upon the wheel without judge or jury; but these islanders are so -phlegmatic, and stand so much on forms and ceremonies.' - -"You must pardon King Philip, my friend, for his outspokenness; it is -true that the customs of Spain and England differ considerably." - -"Yes," replied Sir Philip dryly, "and I thank God for it." - -Whereat the Spanish Ambassador smiled grimly. - -Presently he spoke again to the Master of the Rolls. He had been -attentively watching the twin brothers, who sat at the table side by -side. - -"By St. Iago," he said in a low voice, "I have been looking at the twin -brothers for the last five minutes, and at this moment I cannot tell you -which is William and which is Ralph; I do not think that the world -contains another so perfect example of the 'Dioscuroi'; no man could -tell them apart." - -Sir Philip shivered inwardly at these words, and he thought within -himself— - -"Does our friendly Ambassador begin to suspect the legal trick by which -our case was won? If so, the sooner we get Ralph across the water the -better." - -At that moment his eye fell upon Don Diego, who sat next to Susan, with -whom he was holding eager discourse. - -"No, no," thought he, "no harm can come to our twins from that quarter; -he can never forget the noble daring that saved his son's life." - -As a rule no sound from the outside world ever penetrated the stillness -of the dining-hall of Gray's Inn, yet to the watchful ears of some who -sat at that festive table it seemed as if armed men were in movement in -the great courtyard. - -No word of command, no treading of iron-girt men, no clash of arms, but -only a dull sense of approaching danger! - -Suddenly Sir John's major-domo entered the hall and passed rapidly to -his master's side as he sat at the head of the table. - -Sir John noted not that the man's face was ghastly pale, nor that his -terror-stricken tongue could scarce find utterance for his words. - -He stooped towards Sir John, and in low tones said— - -"Sir John, the Deputy Sheriff is outside the hall—on the staircase." - -Sir John started. - -"Is it not the Sheriff?" he said; "we expected him as a guest to-day." - -A dead silence had fallen in the hall, the guests were listening -eagerly. - -"No, Sir John, it is Mr. Deputy Sheriff," replied the major-domo. - -"Bid him enter," said his master. - -"He is not alone, Sir John; he has halberdiers with him." - -Sir John rose, as he said again— - -"Bid him enter!" - -The trembling servant obeyed, and, proceeding to the end of the Hall, -threw open the great folding doors. - -All the guests had now risen to their feet; all knew that some -catastrophe was at hand. - -The men looked stern, and, for the most part, undaunted; but from the -many ladies present came the sound of choking sobs and subdued cries. - -The Deputy Sheriff had entered, and with him came a posse of halberdiers -in full armour. - -As the armed men drew up in line within the hall their leader stepped -forward and bowed low to Sir John—waiting, apparently, to be questioned. - -"Mr. Deputy Sheriff," said Sir John in firm tones, "you would be welcome -here this day, but for this array at your back; what means it?" - -"I crave your pardon, Sir John Jefferay, yet the servants of the Queen -must do their duty and obey the royal command, even if it be bitter and -irksome." - -"It is true, sir", replied Sir John with dignity, "and you need no -pardon from me; declare to us your business here." - -The Deputy Sheriff produced a formal-looking document, and unfolding, -read forth a warrant from the Sheriff, commanding the arrest forthwith, -in the Queen's name, of Mr. Ralph Jefferay." - -"On what charge, sir?" demanded Sir John. - -"On the charge of riot and assault," replied the Deputy Sheriff, and -forthwith he handed the warrant to Sir John. - -It was a formal document from the Court of the Star Chamber, bidding the -High Sheriff to attach the body of Mr. Ralph Jefferay, to convey the -prisoner to the Fleet prison, and to produce him before the Chamber on -the following morning at ten o'clock. - -Sir John had grown pale as marble, and it was evident to all that he was -deeply stricken, yet he said in firm tones— - -"Do your duty, sir." - -The Deputy Sheriff looked round the hall, and his eyes rested on the -twin brothers, as they stood pale yet undismayed side by side. - -The officer moved towards them, then scanned them both with close but -dubious gaze. - -"Which of you is Mr. Ralph Jefferay?" he said at length. - -"I am Ralph Jefferay," said Ralph in unfaltering tones. - -The Sheriff laid his hand on his shoulder and said with loud voice— - -"I arrest you, Mr. Ralph Jefferay, in the name of the Queen!" - -Then, turning to his halberdiers, he pointed to Ralph, and immediately -two men placed themselves at his side. - -"Disarm the prisoner," said the officer in sharp words of command. - -"There is no need," said Ralph, instantly unbuckling his sword, and -placing it upon the table. - -"Are you ready, sir? then follow me," said the Deputy Sheriff, as he -turned to leave the hall with his prisoner. - -"One moment, Mr. Deputy Sheriff," cried Sir John. "Can you grant your -prisoner a brief space wherein to make his adieux?" - -"Certainly, Sir John," replied the officer courteously, "if it be done -briefly and in my presence." - -Then Ralph moved towards his uncle; he would have knelt on one knee -before him and have kissed his hand; but Sir John caught him to his -breast, and kissing him on both cheeks, said— - -"Farewell for the present, dear Ralph; keep a brave heart and good -courage. Trust in God! Esperez toujours, toujours esperez!" - -William's turn came next. Ah, what a parting was this! Undying love sat -in their eyes as they kissed each other, and William said— - -"Would God I had died for thee, my brother!" - -And last of all came Susan, her sweet face suffused with tears and her -grief so great that she was voiceless as she embraced her brother and -kissed his lips again and again. - -Many of the guests then crowded round, each with a loving word to -comfort and console. - -Then the Deputy Sheriff gave the signal, his men closed round the -prisoner, and in a moment the march began which was to end in the Fleet -prison. - -When the Sheriff's posse had left the hall, and the doors were closed, a -great silence fell upon the assembled guests; all looked upon Sir John, -who, in reply to their questioning gaze, spoke briefly with agitated -voice. - -"My friends," said he, "a great trouble has fallen upon my house; I am -smitten and afflicted, yet do I not despair! I will not disguise to you -the terrible fact that my nephew Ralph has committed a crime against the -laws of his country, and I know that to-morrow, when he will stand his -trial in the Court of the Star Chamber, he will plead 'guilty.' - -"Yet the deed he committed was but a boyish freak, and no blood was shed -by him or his fellows. But in the eyes of the law it was 'conspiracy,' -and the penalty may be imprisonment, with a heavy fine, or even the -pillory and mutilation." - -At these words a shudder ran through the throng, and some of the ladies -wept uncontrollably. - -The men's faces were sternly set, they maintained a rigid silence. - -Then Sir John spoke again. - -"Yet I do not despair, and 'I lift mine eyes unto the hills, to God, -from whom cometh my hope.' And we have many friends, powerful both in -the Court and in the city. No, I cannot, and will not, despair, so help -me God!" - -There was something inexpressibly solemn and noble in Sir John's -utterance and manner; his fine face was full of anguish, but his heart -quailed not. - -Then came a sudden interruption: the Spanish Ambassador asked permission -to speak, and all strained forward to hear what Don Renard had to say. - -"Sir John and friends all," he began in low tones but with distinct -utterance, "it is known to you that the twin brothers have a special -claim on my sympathy and can command whatsoever aid I can give them in -their hour of need; but for their noble courage I should have been a -childless man this day! - -"The proceedings in the Star Chamber to-morrow will probably be brief, -for the accused will admit his guilt; the result is certain—a heavy -sentence. - -"But, like Sir John, I do not despair; _then_ will be the hour for -action on the part of Mr. Ralph's friends. I do not hesitate to lay -before you my own plan of action; for I am persuaded that all who now -hear me will feel the necessity for absolute secrecy on this great -matter. It is known to many of you that Cardinal Pole is already well -disposed towards Mr. Ralph—it was manifestly shown in the trial to-day. - -"When sentence has been given I will ask his Eminence to accompany me to -Whitehall, and there we will ask of Queen Mary the exercise of her royal -clemency for our young friend. I do not think we shall plead in vain!" - -At these words a murmur of satisfaction and reassurance passed amid his -almost breathless audience. - -But Sir Philip Broke rose to speak, and all were silent again. - -"Has your Excellency thought of the possibly adverse influence of King -Philip in this matter?" he asked. - -"Yes," replied Don Renard, "it was my first thought, and I own that it -troubled me. But, as a matter of fact, King Philip has no jurisdiction -in this case; it is a matter for the Queen's own decision, and if the -Cardinal and I can incline her royal heart to a merciful view of this -young man's escapade (for it is nothing more), the King would find it -difficult to sway her decision. But I will see the King also, and I am -by no means persuaded that he will turn a deaf ear to my appeal." - -Nothing more was said, and the guests began to depart. The Lord Mayor -remained to the last; he was about to accompany Sir John to the Fleet -prison that they might assure themselves that every arrangement which -could ameliorate the lot of the unhappy prisoner should be made. - -The day was drawing towards its close, a day which had opened so -brightly for Susan and William. They sat together in the library with -hands interclasped, their hearts charged with an overwhelming sense of -coming woe, their grief too great for words. - -Yet when Sir John returned from the Fleet prison and told them that -Ralph was occupying William's old room, and that the great Cardinal had -already sent him a message of condolence and comfort through their young -friend Don Diego, their hearts were comforted, and hope sprang up in -their stricken souls. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - THE VERDICT - - -The Star Chamber once more! - -For an hour before the sitting of the Court an unwonted excitement -pervaded its precincts—for the news of the tragic events of the -preceding day had gone abroad till London was ringing with it. - -The warders within the building were doubled in number, and a strong -party of halberdiers kept order in the purlieus of Westminster. - -The reason of this display of force was soon manifested. - -From the Temple and from Gray's Inn the young law students had assembled -in great strength, and with them were the 'prentices from the City, -brandishing their clubs and evidently eager for a fray. - -Among the young "limbs of the law" the twin brothers were well known, -and their recent exploit on the Thames had raised their popularity to a -burning heat, while the 'prentices found sufficient justification for -their presence in the fact that Sir John Jefferay was the Member of -Parliament for the City, and his cause was theirs also. - -As the Pursuivant and his men made their way towards the Chamber, -protected by a strong body of armed men, curses loud and deep were -hurled at them from a thousand throats. - -A sudden change to cheering and hurrahing took place as the multitude -recognized the Treasurer of Gray's Inn and the Master of the Rolls, who -were passing through the streets in company. - -London had seldom been so agitated—nor was the excitement lessened when -the halberdiers were strengthened by some troops of the Household Guards -from Whitehall. Inside the Chambers many of the notabilities of the -Court had gathered together, and when the judges entered it, it was -noted that nearly the whole of its august body of members was present. - -By the side of Cardinal Pole sat the Bishop of London, Edmund Bonner, a -Prelate whose attendance at this Court was a rare event. - -But behind them sat a figure upon whom all eyes were fixed—it was King -Philip. - -He was dressed in a suit of black velvet without ornament of any kind, -yet its dark hue was somewhat relieved by the spotless whiteness of the -Valenciennes lace which bedecked his neck and wrists. - -He was of moderate stature and very spare in body. His long oval face -was somewhat colourless, he wore a beard and moustache of a sandy -colour. His large piercing eyes were of a sombre blue, the mouth large, -with heavy hanging lip and protruding lower jaw. His demeanour was still -and silent, tinged with a Castilian haughtiness. Philip was thirty years -of age at this period, but men would have given him credit for a longer -record; perhaps the cares of his world-wide sovereignty had made him -prematurely old. - -Few mortals loved Philip; yet one fond heart had given itself to him -unreservedly, for Mary loved her husband with a devotion as deep as it -was unrequited. - -The opening of the Court had not yet been formally declared, and a -murmur of subdued voices in eager consultation filled the air. - -Men noted that the King was conversing with the dignified ecclesiastics -in front of him. - -Presently a silver trumpet sounded, and the Lord High Chancellor took -his seat as President of the Court. A dead silence ensued, and the Clerk -thereupon pronounced the Court open. - -All eyes turned to the dock as the prisoner was seen to be entering it, -bowing low to the Court as he did so. - -His friends had mustered strongly in the Chamber, and an unrestrainable -murmur of sympathy arose from them as they marked the deathly pallor of -his youthful countenance, his wounded arm (still supported in a sling) -and a great scar of a recent wound on his handsome face. - -The case was duly "called on," and the charge of riot and assault was -made against the prisoner. - -Ralph would have pleaded "Guilty" forthwith, but Sir John had addressed -himself to this matter at his interview with Ralph at the Fleet prison -on the preceding evening, and upon his advice the prisoner pleaded "Not -Guilty!" - -Thereupon the Pursuivant took his place in the witness-box and proceeded -to set forth, with great detail, the well-known tale of the assault in -Chiddingly woods. He now swore that the prisoner in the dock, Ralph -Jefferay, was his assailant, and this was duly corroborated by his -witnesses. - -At this point Cardinal Pole addressed the President— - -"Yesterday, my Lord President, Mr. Pursuivant swore, with equal -assurance, as to the identity of Mr. William Jefferay with his -assailant. We know now that he was mistaken,—may he not err in the -present case?" - -The Pursuivant rose again hastily and, bowing to the President, said— - -"May I answer His Eminence the Cardinal, my Lord?" - -The Earl of Arundel bowed assent, and the Pursuivant proceeded to -explain his first error. - -"Yesterday, my lords, I was not aware of the extraordinary likeness -which exists between the twin brothers Mr. William and Mr. Ralph -Jefferay, a likeness so wonderful that no man may tell them apart but by -some sign or symbol. One of my witnesses, who is a Lewes man and knows -the Jefferays well by sight, informed me of this fact when the verdict -of acquittal was given in this Court yesterday. The sign of distinction -between the brothers is a very simple one—Mr. William always wears a -grey cap and Mr. Ralph a blue one. Now on the occasion of the assault I -solemnly swore that my assailant, Ralph Jefferay, the prisoner, wore a -_grey cap_, whether by design or accident I cannot say, hence the -mistake of identity." - -The Pursuivant sat down with a malignant gleam of satisfaction in his -fierce black eyes. - -There was silence in the Court and the judges consulted with each other; -presently the Chancellor spoke. - -"The Court would fain see these wonderful brothers side by side," he -said. "Is Mr. William Jefferay here?" - -The Clerk of the Court beckoned to Sir John Jefferay, who stood near to -him, and, after a brief conversation, said— - -"Mr. William Jefferay is now at Gray's Inn, but he can be brought hither -in a short time, my lord." - -"Let him be sent for," replied the Chancellor. - -During the interval in the proceedings men talked freely in low voices; -it was marked that an air of gloom and despondency sat upon the faces of -the friends of the Jefferays. - -Suddenly there was a rustling movement in the gangway of the Court, and -a dead silence ensued as William Jefferay was perceived in the hands of -the officers of the Court, who were leading him towards the dock. - -"Place them side by side," commanded the Chancellor. - -William entered the dock and stood beside his brother. The brothers -looked into each other's face with a quiet air, in which sadness and -love bore equal part; they clasped hands and so faced the Court. - -Even in that august presence a murmur of admiration and sympathy, -closely mingled, ran through the assembly. - -There was no further need of words or explanation, it was evident to all -why the first trial had miscarried, how the Pursuivant had made his -great mistake. - -"It is enough, let Mr. William Jefferay step down," said the President. - -Yes, it was enough, there remained now but the dread sentence to be -pronounced. - -The judges briefly consulted; then the Chancellor arose and, amid an -ominous silence, said— - -"The Court finds the prisoner guilty, and its sentence is that the -prisoner pay a fine of five thousand pounds, that he stand in pillory at -Tyburn for one day, and that his ears be clipped by the common hangman, -and that he remain in prison for three years—God save the Queen!" - -Then occurred a startling interruption, the prisoner spoke. - -"I am guilty of assault, my Lord," he cried, "but, before God and High -Heaven, I am no conspirator; I, also, cry _God save the Queen_!" - -Then he sat down. - -All was over, the dread sentence had been pronounced, and forthwith the -warders proceeded to lead the prisoner from the dock. - -The crowd departed, and in a few minutes the Star Chamber was untenanted -save by a few warders. - -The terrible news had spread abroad and seditious cries, mingled with -oaths and execrations, rent the air. - -The judges and King Philip had departed by private exits, but as the -Pursuivant and his men reached the street a fierce contest between the -military and the 'prentices arose. - -Great stones hurtled through the air, and the clubs of the "City Boys" -made fine play with the swords and rapiers of the halberdiers. - -But the Household Guards, on their strong Flemish horses, swept all -before them, and closing in a dense body around the Pursuivant, conveyed -him to a place of safety. - -As Sir John Jefferay and his nephew William were about to leave the -Court, an usher brought him a note. - -"From his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador," said the man. - -Turning to the friends who accompanied him, Sir John said— - -"Await me one moment, my friends." - -Then he drew William with him into one of the waiting-rooms of the -Court, and eagerly opened the note. It was brief. - -"An hour hence I shall be with you at Gray's Inn, and the Cardinal will -be with me. His Eminence wishes that no other person be present at our -interview.—RENARD." - -"Oh, thank God, thank God!" cried Sir John, as he passed the letter to -William. - -It was light amid the darkness, and the Treasurers noble face lost its -look of despair and flushed with joy and hope! - -And well might it be so, for these two men, of all others in the realm -of England, possessed influence with Mary and Philip of high and exalted -nature. - -"No word of this to our friends," whispered Sir John to his nephew, as -they proceeded to rejoin them. - -At this moment the roar from the street reached the little group, and -they halted. - -Instantly it flashed upon the Treasurer's mind that it might derange all -their plans if he and William were to be acclaimed by a wild, disorderly -mob. - -"Adieu, my friends," he said to those who surrounded them, "it is -necessary that we part here; William and I will return through the -Abbey. We meet again to-night at Gray's Inn, to supper." - -All saw the wisdom of this, and Sir Philip Broke, noting the flush of -hope in Sir John's face, whispered to him— - -"You have news—something to cheer our hearts?" - -"To-night you shall know all, I trust, but now depart, I pray you!" - -Then grasping his hand he shook it warmly. - -"Farewell for the present, best and truest of friends," he said; then -turning to William, "Follow me, nephew," he said. - -All the cloisters of Westminster were known to Sir John, and soon, by -many an ancient and devious way, the two were in the Abbey. - -Ah, how its glorious quietude contrasted with the scene in the Star -Chamber, with the tumult of the streets! - -A strange peace took possession of Sir John's soul as he gazed into the -semi-darkness of the Chapel of King Edward the Confessor, where, over -the altar, gleamed a dull red light. - -Sir John was no Romanist—nay, he was a somewhat ardent follower of -Luther! - -But it was no hour to think upon mysteries and niceties. - -"Come with me, my dear nephew," he said. - -And under his guidance William in a moment found himself kneeling by his -uncle's side in front of the glorious altar of King Edward's Chapel. -Long they knelt in fervent prayer, commending the condemned prisoner to -the mercy of Almighty God, and beseeching His blessing on the steps they -were taking on his behalf. - -Then, comforted and refreshed, they rose and made their way towards -Whitehall and Gray's Inn. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - THE DAWN OF HOPE - - -It was past mid-day when Sir John and William reached Gray's Inn, and, -as their footsteps reached the ears of the watchful and anxious Susan, -she flew down-stairs to meet them. - -Already the fatal news had reached the girl's ears, but she was far too -prudent a housewife and too loving a niece and sister to show her grief -to men who had not dined, who were probably well-nigh spent with anxiety -and need of bodily refreshment. - -Therefore, without a word, Susan led the way into the dining-room, where -food and wine had been prepared through her loving care. - -Then, dismissing the servants, she said— - -"I myself have dined, now let me wait on you. Do not speak, my dear -uncle; alas, I know all, and presently we will confer together; but now -refresh yourself, for I see indeed that you need it." - -Sir John proceeded to obey his imperious housewife; yet, ere he sat -himself at table, he embraced her affectionately and said— - -"You little know, dear girl, how sage and prudent is your advice, for I -must needs tell you that in half-an-hour two visitors will be here to -whom I must give immediate audience, for they come on matters of life -and death!" - -"Oh, uncle, is poor Ralph's case so desperate?" cried Susan, with a -terror-stricken face. - -"God only knows," replied Sir John; "but if there be any help in man, -they who now are on their way hither are surely sent by Heaven to bring -us that help, for they are none other than the Cardinal and the Spanish -Ambassador." - -Susan's eyes sparkled with a sudden access of joy; yet she resumed her -first insistence. - -"Then you have but a few minutes wherein to refresh yourself, dear -uncle, and I will not speak again, nor allow you to do so till you have -eaten." - -Sir John's serious face relaxed into a smile, and he proceeded to obey. - -The minutes flew by, and soon Sir John's major-domo entered the room, -after a discreet knock at the door. - -"Two visitors await you in the library, Sir John. They did not give me -their names, but they said they came by appointment." - -Sir John rose at once. - -"You will see that no one disturbs our conference in the library," he -said to his servant. "And you, my children, await my return here; please -God, I may have good news to bring you." - -Then he proceeded to the library. - -The two visitors stood near the great hearth, where a fire sparkled, for -the morning was chilly. Hastening towards them, Sir John fell on one -knee at the foot of the Cardinal, who, with a kindly smile, extended his -hand towards him. - -The Treasurer reverently kissed it. - -Yet did he not kiss the hand of the great Churchman in his character of -a Prince of the Roman Church, but rather because he saw in Reginald Pole -a Plantagenet in whose veins ran royal blood. Then, rising, he warmly -saluted the Ambassador, and at a courteous invitation from Sir John the -three men took seats. - -The Cardinal opened the conference. - -"You are in trouble, Sir John, very grievous trouble, and there are many -reasons why I should seek to bring you aid and comfort. I know from the -Ambassador how great a service your two brave nephews have rendered to -him, and when I saw them in Court to-day and marked their manly bearing, -their evident mutual love, and the heroic loyalty of the condemned man -as he cried 'God save the Queen,' I vowed to God that I would save him -from the mutilating hand of the hangman and the pillory at Tyburn, if it -lay in my power." - -There was a deep compassion in the Cardinal's voice, and his noble face -flushed with a generous excitement as he spoke. - -He marked the unbidden tears which suffused Sir John's eyes, and -grasping his hand he cried— - -"Have faith in God, Sir John, and hope for the best! Now tell me all -about the Chiddingly affair from your own point of view; I heard the -Pursuivant's tale, but I would fain have it supplemented by yours: I -would know the motives which actuated Ralph, and what accomplices he -had. - - [Illustration: "WILL YOUR BOYS VOLUNTEER FOR THAT SERVICE?"] - -Then tell me all about that heroic deed of rescue on the Thames. I would -know the smallest detail of that gallant action, for therewith I trust -to move the Queen's heart to mercy!" - -Then, folding his purple cassock over his knees, the Cardinal leant back -in his seat and prepared to listen. - -With consummate skill Sir John performed his task, for which his legal -training eminently fitted him. Thus half-an-hour swiftly flew by, and at -the conclusion of the somewhat long narration the Ambassador spoke -briefly. - -"Sir John," he said, "I have an expedient in my mind which, perhaps, may -win us through our enterprise if all other means fail. Your lads are -born _soldiers_; why are you bent upon making such fine fellows -_lawyers_? I wager that they are better hands with their rapiers than -with their quills. I fancy that if the matter were left to their choice -they would rather see camps and beleaguered cities than pass their lives -in musty law-courts! - -"Now to my point. King Philip is here to gain England's help in his war -with France; he seeks to raise a strong English contingent, under Lords -Pembroke and Clinton, which will proceed forthwith to join his army -under the command of Count Egmont. Will your boys volunteer for that -service if the Queen extend to them her gracious pardon?" - -For a moment Sir John, taken utterly by surprise, kept silence; then he -said— - -"I would fain consult the boys themselves upon so momentous a point; or, -at least, crave for time to consider it." - -"Alas, my dear friend," replied Don Renard quickly, "the matter is very -urgent. I must be prepared at all points when I see the King to-night. -Moreover, do you not know that the machinery of the Star Chamber moves -quickly, and it may be (which God forbid) that to-morrow our young -friend Ralph may stand in the pillory at Tyburn. Think what may depend -on your decision, and let me act on it, lest that should happen which we -may have to regret all our lives." - -"Remember also, Sir John," added the Cardinal, "that the military -service of which the Ambassador speaks may be but of short duration; -when the campaign is over, the lads may resume their legal studies if -God spare their lives, and they so desire. As a matter of fact, am I not -right in saying that you yourself have seen military service?" - -"Yes, your Excellency, it is true," replied the Treasurer. "As a young -man I did three years' duty at Calais and in Flanders, but I did not -know that your Eminence was aware of the fact." - -The Cardinal smiled and answered significantly— - -"There are few circumstances connected with the family of the Jefferays -which are unknown to those at Court." - -Sir John put his hand upon his brow and pondered deeply. At length his -mind seemed to be made up, and he replied— - -"It is true that I cannot consult both the boys ere coming to a -decision, and that delay may be fatal. I therefore take the -responsibility upon myself, and I accept your Excellency's proposition; -God grant that I have not to regret my action." - -The Cardinal rose with a sigh of relief. - -"Then that closes our conference. There is much to do between now and -nightfall. To-night we see the Queen and King Philip, and the matter -will be decided. Ere I seek my couch this night I will let you know the -result. Farewell, my friend!" - -Sir John, as before, sank reverently on one knee before him, and the -good Cardinal, extending his hand, pronounced the benediction of the -Church—the Ambassador kneeling likewise at Sir John's side. - -Then the two illustrious visitors departed, Sir John himself going -before them to the entrance gate of Gray's Inn. - -The Treasurer returned to the library, and for a while sat in deep -thought; he was greatly agitated, yet there was springing up in his -heart a blessed feeling of hope! - -After a while he rose, and, remembering his promise, went into the -dining-room, where William and Susan sat anxiously awaiting him. - -Susan flew to meet him. - -"My dearest uncle," she cried, "you bring us good and comforting news, I -can see it in your eyes." - -Sir John stooped and kissed her fondly. - -"Let us go into the library," he said; "we shall be undisturbed there, -and I will tell you all." - -There Sir John resumed his seat, and with Susan nestling fondly at his -feet, and William standing at his side, he detailed the conversation -which had passed between him and his visitors, omitting nothing. His -eyes were closely fixed upon William as he came to the military -proposition of the Ambassador. - -William's face flushed scarlet, and his eyes flashed with evident joy. - -"The Ambassador was right," he said within himself; "the boy is a born -soldier; it is in the blood!" - -Then aloud he said— - -"Was I acting rightly when I accepted Don Renard's proposal?" - -Instantly William flung himself at his uncle's knees with all affection -and reverence, and seizing his hand, cried— - -"I ask nothing better, it is my dearest heart's wish; and when I speak -for myself I speak for Ralph also; I can answer for him." - -"I thought so," replied the Treasurer, "but as far as Ralph is concerned -(and he is chiefly concerned) I will go to the Fleet prison at once and -learn his own decision." - -But poor Susan was mute! - -To be robbed of her two brothers at once, from whom she had never been -long separated; to see them go forth to all the dangers of war; to think -that she might never see them more, all this wrung her tender heart, and -she began to sob gently. - -But she was yet to bear another trial, for William, turning to his uncle -as he prepared to go forth, said— - -"One moment, uncle. Geoffrey de Fynes comes to London this day from -Lewes on business of State. He longs for active service, and he is -heartsick with his present mode of life. - -"Let me hie to the Ambassador at once and propose that De Fynes's name -be added to ours. - -He will be here to-night, and I can vouch for him that he will rejoice -to join us." - -The Treasurer hesitated for a moment, then said— - -"Yes, go, William, and at once. De Fynes is a brave man and true, I -could not ask for a better comrade for my boys; I think it can be done." - -Thereupon he left them, and William prepared to go also. A deep sigh -from Susan, almost a groan was it, arrested his steps. - -The poor girl had thrown herself upon a couch in an attitude of despair. - -William knelt at her side. - -"What is it, my dear one?" he said compassionately. - -"Oh, William," Susan murmured, "was it not enough that I should lose my -two brothers in one day that you must needs take my lover also?" - -"What!" cried William, "is that so?—and yet you told me not?" - -The poor girl blushed to the roots of her hair, amid all her sorrow, as -she answered— - -"We were betrothed last week, and this night he would have told you all; -he comes to London on no State business: it was to ask my uncle's -consent. And now," murmured the heart-stricken girl, "now I may lose -him—lose him for ever!" - -"Oh, Susan," said her brother, throwing his arms around her, "I knew not -of this; and yet I might have guessed it when I saw that bright ring -sparkling on your finger. I rejoice thereat greatly; now we shall be -brothers indeed, Geoffrey and Ralph and I! Trust him to us, my dear one; -we will watch over him as he will over us; we will bring him back to you -by the blessing and help of God!" - -But Susan wept bitterly, her heart refused comfort. And so with -reluctant steps William left her; his errand to the Embassy must be -done! - -"God wills it, God wills it," he said to himself in the spirit of the -old Crusaders as he set forth. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER X - - WHITEHALL - - -Supper was served that evening at Whitehall with more than customary -state and splendour—for King Philip was present. - -The Queen was royally attired in robes of purple velvet, and men noted -that, to-night, she wore her famous diamonds. - -Beside her sat King Philip in magnificent apparel, and wearing the -Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece. - -Few guests were present, conspicuous among them being the Queen's half- -sister, the Lady Elizabeth, lately restored to Court favour; next to her -sat De Noailles, the French Ambassador, with whom the Princess kept up a -lively conversation. - -Don Renard and the Lords Paget, Pembroke, Arundel, and Clinton were -there, all in splendid attire. - -The hall was hung with the beautiful arras collected by King Henry the -Eighth, and a soft pleasant light diffused from silver lamps fed with -perfumed oil. Foreign minstrels provided sweet music, to which the -guests seemed to pay little heed, for to-night the Queen was in -unusually good spirits, and the Court, taking its cue from her, jested -and laughed freely. - -Later on, supper being ended, the Court (now largely augmented in -numbers) met in the gorgeous salon which was adorned by some famous -pictures of Titian, brought hither, perhaps, by Philip, whose father, -Charles V, was the great patron of the painter. - -On the walls also hung portraits by Holbein and many works of the -Flemish and Italian schools. - -The furniture of the room was of costly nature, being chiefly of ebony, -richly inlaid with mother-of-pearl. - -Here the light was given by hundreds of wax candles, set in silver -sconces, and it shone upon the fairest dames which England had to show -to the proud Castilian nobles who grouped around the King. - -Here, also, great Churchmen were present—among whom the Cardinal stood -pre-eminent in his scarlet robes. - -Presently the Cardinal found his way to the side of Queen Mary, who -welcomed him with a smile, though it was a faint and weary one. For Mary -was growing feeble in health and broken in spirits, though, to-night, -she had shown herself more like the Mary Tudor of former days. - -Alas, poor Queen! - -Disappointed of her fondest hopes, childless and neglected by her -husband, who would not pity her? - -In the Court to-night she could but see how the young gallants gathered -round the rising star—the Lady Elizabeth. - -It was mainly by Philip's influence that she had recalled the hope of -the Reformation Party to Court, and she saw, with bitter pain, that the -Spanish King was strangely attentive to her young rival. Had Stephen -Gardiner's advice been followed, Elizabeth would long ere now been swept -from her path. - -"Ah! had she erred?" thought the Queen in her inmost heart. - -For this young and gay Princess was next in succession to the Throne, -according to the will of their father, King Henry. - -And so all her work might be undone, and the fondest, dearest hopes of -her heart frustrated! - -As these thoughts darkened her soul she saw Pole approaching her, and -his very presence brought new life to her heart. - -He knelt and kissed the Queen's hand, and when he rose Mary beckoned him -to a seat beside her, and they fell into a close and confidential -conversation. - -The night was wearing on, the Queen was growing weary, yet she said in -reply to a request from him— - -"Yes, to-night, after Chapel, in my boudoir;" and so they separated. - -The King had left the salon. - -A Court courier had arrived from Brussels, and together with Don Renard -he had withdrawn to his own rooms. - -There they hastily examined the messenger's portfolio, and that business -being transacted the Ambassador entered upon other matters. - -King Philip was a hard master! Great statesmen and famous warriors knew -that it behoved them to walk warily in their dealings with him. Eminent -service and a long discharge of duty would not save them from the prison -cell, and even the block, if they thwarted their imperious master. - -Don Renard knew this full well. - -At this moment he was the King's most trusted servant—none knew England -and the English as he did, and Philip placed great reliance on his -astute counsels. To-night he felt the extreme difficulty of the course -he was pursuing. - -He knew that the King was violently offended by Ralph's attack upon a -Royal officer; that, moreover, he had a suspicion that this was a -Protestant plot and that the offender himself was a kind of "Hot -Gospeller!" - -He must walk very warily to-night. - -He had a communication from the Council of the City of London to lay -before the King. - -"The citizens have debated the conditions of the loan your Majesty did -them the honour to ask of them," said Don Renard. - -"Yes," said Philip, somewhat eagerly, "and I trust they raise no -difficulty." - -"These purse-proud burgesses are not like the money-lenders of Madrid or -Amsterdam, they are not satisfied with the securities we offer," said -the Ambassador. - -The King frowned, as he replied— - -"The money must be procured; our expedition hangs fire, and the English -troops are badly equipped. You must see to it, and that quickly." - -"The expedition is not popular in the City," said Renard, "we must do -something to placate these stubborn islanders." - -"Yes, I know," replied the King petulantly; "but what can we do?" - -"Will your Majesty pardon me if I suggest something?" replied the -Ambassador, and in obedience to Philip's nod of assent, he continued, -"That young man, Ralph Jefferay, who was condemned to-day in the Court -of the Star Chamber, is accounted a hero in London." - -"And why?" asked Philip impatiently, the frown on his face deepening; -"is it not because he is a heretic?" - -"Nay, your Majesty, I know not whether he is of the 'New Learning' or -not," replied Don Renard. "But the real reason goes far deeper than -that: he is known to be a young man of splendid daring and of intrepid -courage," he continued. - -The King was not appeased. - -"Go on," he said, "I see you have something further to tell me; I -listen." - -"Oh, sire," cried the Ambassador, "pardon me if I err through zeal in -your service. There is a deed on record, just lately performed, which -raised the admiration of the Londoners." - -Then as briefly as possible Don Renard told the stirring tale of the -rescue on the Thames, hiding for the moment his own connection with it. -He told it well, bringing out vividly all the strong points. - -The King was a cold-blooded man, yet he was something of a soldier, and -a deed of arms like this moved him. - -"And the man they rescued, who was he, you have not told me his name?" -said he. - -"It was my stepson, Don Diego, sire," was the reply. - -"Ah! I see, I see," said the King. - -Then after a moments thought he continued— - -"I will see the Queen on his behalf, and I will ask that the pillory and -the mutilation be not undergone by the condemned man. Yet, Renard, he is -a seditious man, and, I doubt not, a heretic. The sentence as to the -fine and the imprisonment must stand." - -"That will not render the Queen nor your Majesty popular in the City; it -will not expedite our loan nor induce young Englishmen to come forward -to fight our battles," replied Renard. "Pardon me once more, sire, if I -make a suggestion to you. We are calling for an English contingent of -eight thousand men: Lord Clinton tells me that men are coming forward -very slowly. - -"These twin brothers, William and Ralph Jefferay, are of gentle birth -and they are born soldiers. They have an intended brother-in-law, a -young nobleman named Geoffrey de Fynes. All the three are willing to -take arms in your Majesty's cause and to fight under your banner. - -"This is my proposition, sire, that you ask the Queen to extend her -gracious pardon to Ralph Jefferay, on the condition that the three young -men I have named take service in Lord Clinton's contingent." - -The frown cleared from the King's brow, he even smiled as he said— - -"You plead well, Don Renard, you would have made a great lawyer; well, -be it as you wish, I will ask her to do us this service." - -"To-night, sire?" said the Ambassador. - -"Nay, to-morrow," replied the King; "I must not urge State matters on -the Queen at this late hour." - -"But, sire, to-morrow will be too late, the Star Chamber acts promptly, -and to-morrow at ten o'clock Ralph Jefferay will stand in pillory at -Tyburn!" replied Renard. - -The King flushed and looked somewhat angered; he was not accustomed to -be thus urged. - -It was at this moment that an usher craved admission into the chamber, -he brought a message from the Queen. - -"Would the King grant her a few minutes interview forthwith in her -boudoir?" - -"Tell her Majesty that I will wait upon her immediately," he said to the -usher. - -Then to the Ambassador he said— - -"There is your answer, Don Renard—Heaven fights for you!" - -"Yes, sire, thank God!" replied Renard fervently. - -Meanwhile the cause the Ambassador had at heart had progressed -elsewhere. - -Mary was always strictly attentive to her religious duties, and, at the -accustomed hour, she had gone to Vespers in the Chapel Royal, many of -the courtiers accompanying her thither. - -At the conclusion of the short service she retired to her boudoir, -dismissing her Court for the night. - -The Cardinal still knelt in the Chapel, until an usher came to summon -him to the Queen's presence. He rose and followed him. - -The Queen had laid aside some of her heavy State robes, and her diamonds -no longer glistened on her head and neck. She was clad in a rich suit of -black velvet, her favourite attire. - -As the Cardinal entered she knelt before him. - -"Your blessing, father," she said. - -Then she rose, and in his turn the Prelate knelt and kissed her hand. - -She motioned him to a seat. - -Behind her stood two ladies-in-waiting. Pointing to them the Queen said— - -"Shall my ladies leave us? It shall be as you wish." - -Pole hesitated for a moment. - -He had a difficult and delicate cause to plead, he felt that he might be -pitting the Queen against her husband if the Ambassador, on his part, -failed to influence Philip. - -"It may be advisable, your Majesty," he said, and thereupon the Queen -motioned to the ladies to withdraw. - -They were alone, and Reginald lifted up his heart to God for Divine -guidance. - -"Madam," he said, "the hour grows late and you are weary, I will be very -brief in what I have to say." - -"Nay," said the Queen, "nay, my Lord Cardinal and good cousin, the hour -matters not and your voice brings comfort to my soul! Speak all that -your heart bids you say, I listen." - -Then the Cardinal addressed himself to his task. - -"I come, madam, on a matter of life and death, on behalf of one who was -tried and condemned in the Court of the Star Chamber to-day—by name -Ralph Jefferay. The youth was found guilty of 'conspiracy,' yet am I -sure that, though he may be guilty on this charge in a strictly legal -sense, yet is he absolutely innocent morally; so loyal to your royal -person is he at heart, that when the cruel sentence was pronounced, he -cried out in loud tones—'God save the Queen!' The poor youth's offence -is one of assault and nothing more, let me tell you briefly the -circumstances of the case." - -Then the Cardinal rapidly recounted the episode of the Chiddingly woods. - -"Mark, Madam, I beseech you, that no blood was shed, though the -Pursuivant threatened him with dire punishment, being at the moment -absolutely at his mercy." - -The Queen listened attentively, but she made no observation. - -Pole's heart sank within him, he felt that he had not yet convinced his -noble auditor's judgment, nor had he deeply moved her feelings. - -Was it possible that the King had forestalled him, representing the -matter as a heretical plot and Ralph as a wild incendiary—a "Hot -Gospeller," in fact? - -Once more the Cardinal's soul appealed to Heaven for help, nor did he -appeal in vain! - -In warm and earnest language he set forth the brothers' exploit on the -Thames and their narrow escape from a violent death. - -"Oh, Madam," he cried, "as I looked upon his pale, scarred, but noble -face this day in the Star Chamber, a deep sense of pity took possession -of me. He had atoned for his offence! It could not be that one so young, -so brave, so nobly daring should suffer a felon's doom, and I besought -Heaven to have mercy on him." - -The sound of a gentle sob reached his ear, and he looked on the Queen's -sad face. - -Yes, she was deeply moved at last! - -"Stay, my Lord Cardinal," she said in a low voice, "I have heard enough. -God spared that young man's life—shall we be less merciful?" - -Then it was that she sent for Philip, and in a few minutes he was at the -door, the Ambassador, at his request, accompanying him. - -With Castilian courtesy Philip knelt and kissed the Queen's hand, then, -rising, he repeated the salute on her forehead. - -The Queen's face flushed with pleasure, for she dearly loved her -husband—alas, he was all that she had to love in this world! - -Then she marked the presence of the Ambassador, and extended her hand -towards him as he knelt humbly to kiss it. - -The Cardinal stood aside, he had made lowly obeisance to the King as he -entered. - -"Your Majesty sent for me, I await your gracious pleasure," said Philip -in low tones. - -"I crave your pardon if I have disturbed State business," said Mary -apologetically, glancing at the Spanish Ambassador, "but I need your -advice this night, although the hour grows late." - -Philip bowed gracefully as he said— - -"I am always at your Majesty's service." - -"I will state the matter in as few words as possible," replied the -Queen. "His eminence, our good cousin, has pleaded for a Royal pardon in -the case of one Ralph Jefferay—condemned to-day in the Star Chamber as a -conspirator. He has given me good reason to believe that the youth is -innocent of the alleged offence, he attributes his assault upon our -Pursuivant in the woods of Chiddingly to the hot blood of youth, and to -no lack of loyalty to us. This is the youth of whom your Majesty spoke -to me yesterday, and I now ask your advice and consent, ere I grant his -Eminence's petition." - -A smile sat on Philips face as he replied— - -"I, too, your Majesty, have heard somewhat more of this youth since he -was the subject of our conversation, and when your usher arrived just -now, our Ambassador, Don Renard here, was urging me to seek your Royal -pardon for him. I do so, on the condition (may it please your Majesty) -that the two brothers take service in the English contingent now being -raised under Lord Clinton to fight under my banner against France. His -Excellency undertakes that the young men accept this condition, -therefore I sue for your Majesty's pardon." - -"We grant it joyfully," replied the Queen, "and we leave the matter -confidently in the hands of the Cardinal and the Ambassador, who will, -doubtless, see that all due formalities are observed." - -Then Don Renard stepped forward and bowed profoundly. - -"Have I your Majesties' permission to speak?" he said. - -Then at his Sovereigns' nod of assent, he continued— - -"The matter is so urgent that I have here a blank form of Royal Pardon; -it needs but the Queen's signature." - -Thereupon he knelt at Mary's feet and presented the paper. - -Mary took it to a side-table, signed it and gave the precious document -into Don Renard's hands. - -The long interview was ended. - -The two petitioners (the Cardinal and the Ambassador) knelt before the -Royal pair, kissed hands and departed. - -In the courtyard of Whitehall the Ambassadors people were awaiting him -with a carriage, into which the Statesman and the Churchman entered. - -"To the Fleet prison," Don Renard said to his coachman. "It is -midnight," he said to the Cardinal as they drove through the silent and -deserted streets, "yet I think we are in good time; I sent word to the -Governor of the prison, ere I came to Court, asking him to await our -arrival to-night and to notify to his prisoner, Ralph Jefferay, of our -intentions." - -"And I," replied the Cardinal, "have told Sir John Jefferay that to- -night I hoped to bring him good news. We shall do better, we shall bring -him his nephew!" - -A few minutes later the carriage drew up at the frowning gates of the -Fleet prison. - -A few words with the warders sufficed, the gates opened and the Cardinal -and the Ambassador entered the prison and followed the warder to the -Governor's lodging. The Fleet was the most gloomy prison in London, but -the Governor's lodging offered a violent contrast to its dismal -surroundings. - -In days long past it had formed a part of the Town house of a great -noble, and the fine hall into which the two visitors were ushered was a -relic of its past magnificence. - -The walls were wainscoted with dark oak, richly carved, and a bright -fire lit up an open hearth ornamented by a chimney-piece sculptured with -many a quaint device. On a table in the centre of the hall wax candles -in heavy silver candlesticks shed forth a warm and pleasing light; the -table was laden with refreshments. - -As the distinguished guests entered the hall the Governor (Sir Thomas -Middylton) hastened forward to greet them, bowing repeatedly. - -But to his courteous entreaty that his visitors would honour him by -resting awhile and taking refreshment, the Ambassador replied— - -"Ah, Sir Thomas, how gladly would we avail ourselves of your courtesy, -but we have yet much to do this night, and, I grieve to say, it must be -done quickly. We come to you from Whitehall: the Queen has been -graciously pleased to extend her royal pardon to your prisoner Ralph -Jefferay, and we bring to you an order for his deliverance to us, signed -by her Majesty." - -Therewith Don Renard handed the precious document to the Governor, who -read it with grave deference. He then touched a gong, and, as a warder -appeared, he bade him fetch the prisoner Ralph Jefferay. - -In a few minutes Ralph was brought into the hall in the charge of two -warders, and the Governor instantly addressed him. - -"Mr. Ralph Jefferay," he said, "her Majesty, the Queen, has been pleased -to grant you a full and free pardon; you are no longer in my custody, -and I am happy to deliver you into the hands of your friends who have -come hither to convey you hence." - -Ralph stood as one amazed and overwhelmed. - -He had been forewarned that on the next day he would stand in the -pillory, that the common hangman would do his cruel office of -mutilation, and lo! here was pardon, freedom, joy and rejoicing! - -The bright light of the hall had somewhat dazzled him: he had not -perceived that behind the Governor stood his deliverers. As they stepped -forward to greet him he recognized the Cardinal, whom he had last seen -in the Star Chamber, and he fell at his feet and sought to kiss his -hand. - -"Rise, my son," said the Cardinal in kindly tones; "we thank God for His -mercy to you, and the Queen for her goodness. And here is one," he -continued, "to whom you owe much more than to me; for while I wrought -with the Queen on your behalf, his Excellency the Ambassador besought -the consent of King Philip." - -Then Don Renard affectionately embraced him, kissing him upon both -cheeks. - -And while Ralph stood speechless with joy the Ambassador exclaimed— - -"Mr. Governor, you will pardon our hasty departure, I am sure, for we -must hie to Gray's Inn, where eager hearts await us." - -Sir Thomas bowed in reply, and himself led the way to the great gate of -the prison, where their carriage awaited them. - - -Gray's Inn at last! - -And there the Treasurer, the sweet sister, the much-loved brother -received from the hands of the liberators the released and pardoned -prisoner, as "one risen from the dead." - -Ah, what joy and rejoicing, what radiant happiness were theirs that -night, as they knelt together to thank Heaven for its mercies! - -The night was departing, the day was at hand, yet the men of the party -gathered together round the hearth for a brief consultation after Susan -had left them. - -"Don Renard comes hither at mid-day," said Sir John, "and he brings with -him Lord Clinton, who happens to be in London. I fear that this portends -that the conditions upon which Ralph obtained his freedom are to be -fulfilled at once. - -"I heard to-day that King Philip has commenced his campaign against the -French King, and the English contingent are assembling at Dover. - -"I would Geoffrey de Fynes were here; his man-servant has arrived with -the news that his master's departure from Lewes was delayed, but that he -would follow him in a few hours. Perhaps we assumed his consent to join -you two boys too readily; but we shall soon know—he may be here to -breakfast." - -"Have no fear on that score, dear uncle," replied Ralph; "he will tell -you himself, as he has often told me, that he longs to see military -service." - -Then a final "good-night" was said, and the men betook themselves to -rest. - -When William and Ralph entered the breakfast room at a somewhat later -hour than usual, they were overjoyed to see Geoffrey de Fynes already at -table; he had ridden up to London that day. Very hearty were the -greetings which passed between the young men. How much they had to tell -each other! - -De Fynes was the eldest of the trio, being twenty years of age. He was -of moderate height, his strong limbs were finely proportioned, his -clear-cut features exhibited all the manly grace which seemed to be -hereditary in the noble family of the Dacres, of which he was the sole -male representative. He had not heard the great news that he was to -accompany the brothers to France. He was of a race of warriors, and now -the passionate longings of his heart were to be fulfilled! - -"God save the Queen!" he cried, as he leapt from his seat and flung his -cap in the air. - -Then he grasped the brothers' hands and shook them heartily; they would -be his "brothers-in-arms" now, and ere long, please God, they would be -united by a yet closer tie! - -That last thought was very opportune, for at that moment Susan entered -the room and the lovers fondly embraced. - -"I heard your voice as I was waiting on Sir John in the library, and I -hastened thither," she said. "Now tell me, I pray you, the cause of all -this uproarious joy?" - -Geoffrey hung his head; he had come to London to ask for Susan's hand in -marriage, and now he was rejoicing at the news that he was "off to the -wars"! - -Susan's womanly heart divined his trouble, and she hastened to dissipate -it with caressing words. - -"God wills it, dear Geoffrey," she said; "I would not have it otherwise; -for think! at this very hour our beloved Ralph might have been standing -in the pillory at Tyburn. Oh, let us thank God for His mercy!" - -Quickly an hour flew by, and at mid-day the expected visitors arrived -and the young people were summoned to the library, where Don Renard and -Lord Clinton awaited them, holding converse, meanwhile, with Sir John -Jefferay. - -The Ambassador introduced them severally to Lord Clinton, and the -veteran soldier narrowly scanned his young recruits. He was still in the -prime of life, though he had seen much service, as the scars on his -rough and rugged face plainly showed. - -Evidently the General was pleased with the appearance of the young men, -of whom Don Renard had told him much. He took especial note of Geoffrey. - -"Your father and I," he said, "were at Court together, and we had the -honour of forming part of the escort which accompanied Queen Ann of -Cleves from Canterbury to London. I am glad to meet the son of Lord -Dacres." - -Then he talked to each of them individually, as one who was anxious to -make their personal acquaintance, and perhaps to form some opinion of -their capacities and inclinations. - -The English contingent, he informed them, consisted of eight thousand -men, of whom an advance body would leave Dover for Calais under his -command to-morrow. - -For the present he offered them, with the King's permission, commissions -in the Arquebusiers, with posts on his own staff. If this met their -views it would be necessary for them to join their regiment this very -night: the notice was short, but the case was urgent; were they ready? - -The young men eagerly gave willing consent, and so the matter was -decided, and the visitors rose to depart. - -"I have much to do to-day, Sir John," said Lord Clinton, "and so, I -doubt not, will be the case with these young gentlemen. I pray you -pardon so short a visit and so hurried a departure." - -Don Renard took an affectionate leave of his two protégés, and the -momentous interview was over. - -Intense activity prevailed at Gray's Inn that day. - -There were many preparations to be made, many farewells to be said and -counsels to be given. - -It was late in the evening that the young soldiers, each accompanied by -a trusty serving-man, mounted their horses for Dover, where they were to -embark with the troops for Calais. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - THE BATTLE OF ST. QUENTIN - - -War had been declared with all due form and ceremony between England and -France, and King Philip was now eager to return to the Continent. - -He had obtained from Mary all the assistance she could wring from -reluctant England. - -For though the Queen entered with all her heart and soul into his -projects, as became the daughter of Catharine of Aragon, English people -felt that this was no quarrel of theirs, and they remembered that when -the "Spanish match" was hotly debated, a provision had been made in the -royal contract "that England should not be made a party to Philips -Continental wars." - -During the four months that he had been in England the King had exerted -himself strenuously to overcome this reluctance, and he had so far -succeeded that a well-equipped contingent of eight thousand stalwart -Englishmen had joined his army. - -Lords Pembroke, Clinton and Gray were in chief command of their -countrymen, and many a gallant young high-born Englishman had joined the -force, eager to gain military renown. - -Such was the feeling, undoubtedly, that influenced the three sons of the -Earl of Northumberland to accompany it, and similar hopes beat high in -the breasts of the two Jefferays and Geoffrey de Fynes. - -The King took his last adieu of Mary at the old palace of Greenwich; he -was never to see the fond, forsaken woman again! - -Poor Mary, who would not pity her? - -Philip hastened to Brussels, where the great army was assembling which -was to invade France and bring King Henry the Second to his knees. - -It was a motley army, consisting altogether of thirty-five thousand foot -and twelve thousand horse, besides a strong train of artillery. - -The flower of the infantry was drawn from Spain, Spanish warriors of -great experience, and bearing a reputation second to none in the world. - -The English force was entirely made up of foot soldiers, the cavalry -of the army being mercenary troops from Germany, known as -"Schwartzreiters." - -These "reiters" were the most dreaded troops of the age. Dark, swarthy -men, of whom Brantôme speaks as "noirs comme de beaux diables," each -carrying five or six pistolets in his belt, with swords and, sometimes, -a short arquebus. - -Truly a formidable armament! - -These were augmented by a fine corps of Burgundian lances, and a great -number of noble Castilian youths, eager to fight for the honour of Spain -under the eye of their King. - -The whole army was under the command of Emanuel Philibert, Duke of -Savoy, a youthful warrior of but twenty-nine years of age, yet -possessing already a great reputation as a clever, dashing soldier. - -This was the man whom Philip (probably for reasons of State) was -strongly supporting in his suit for the hand of the Princess Elizabeth -of England—an alliance which that astute lady firmly declined. - -Besides the Duke of Savoy there were other illustrious soldiers in -command of Philip's army—the Counts Egmont, Horn, Mansfeld being of the -number. - -Egmont was the hero of the army, as he was destined to become the -darling of his nation! - -Handsome beyond the usual share of mortals, young, ambitious, "sans peur -et sans reproche," he was the "preux chevalier" of Europe. - -Alas! that he was destined to die a felon's death in the market-place of -Brussels, with his illustrious brother-in-arms, Count Horn. - -Such was the army, such were its leaders. For miles and miles tents in -many thousands shone in the sunlight, in the pleasant month of August, -on the heights above the ancient town of St. Quentin. At the foot of the -great camp a morass and the River Somme intervened between it and the -beleaguered city. - -Well might the hearts of Englishmen beat high as they beheld the river -and thought of Agincourt and Crécy! Such thoughts filled the hearts of -four horsemen grouped together on the highest plateau whereon stood the -English camp. - -It was the 9th of August, and the day was breaking, flooding the scene -before them with rosy light. The pennons surmounting the snow-white -tents of the Spanish camps fluttered lightly in the breeze, which was -scarcely enough to unfurl the heavily emblazoned standards of the great -chiefs present. - -There were the ensigns of Eric and Henry, Dukes of Brunswick, of the -gigantic Lewes of Brederode, of Almoral, Count of Egmont and of Count -Horn. - -"Look, boys," cried Lord Clinton to Geoffrey, William and Ralph, whom he -had made his aides-de-camp. "Look well, the town is awake right early -to-day, and Coligni's men are mustering heavily around the great gates. -They are about to attempt a sortie, unless I am deceived. - -"You, Geoffrey, will remain here on watch with me; but you, Ralph, ride -at top speed to the Duke's tent and give the alarm; and you, William, to -Count Egmont. Haste, haste!" he cried, "the sortie has begun!" - -It was a wondrous scene. - -Out from the town poured the Dauphin's regiment under the command of the -brave but rash Teligni, and in a few minutes the object of the sortie -became evident. Close to the walls, between them and the Somme, stood -many houses of the humbler sort, and an avenue of thick plane-trees grew -beside them. - -In a few minutes the houses were enveloped in flames, and the soldiers -were levelling the trees to the ground with axes. - -These would form an obvious shelter to an attacking force, and their -destruction was a necessity. - -Meanwhile the Admiral (Coligni) was lining the ramparts with -arquebusiers, to protect the forces on sortie. - -The English camp was the first to receive the alarm and to come into -action, as Lord Clinton saw to his great joy. - -On all sides they were hurrying up, and presently from their serried -ranks a heavy musketry fire poured forth. The distance was great, for -the Somme and the morass lay between them and their foe, and this Lord -Clinton instantly perceived. - -"Ride, boy, to Count Brederode, and bid him bring up some field-pieces," -he cried hotly to William, who dashed off on his errand. - -Now the French arquebusiers began a heavy fusillade on the advancing -besiegers, and soon a thick veil of smoke hid the town of St. Quentin -from view. - -Little harm was being done by the hot musketry fire, and Lord Clinton -soon saw that the object of the garrison would be attained. - -"Oh, Brederode, Brederode! when will your guns speak?" he cried, as he -heard the enemy's trumpets sound the recall. - -Suddenly a roar of artillery rent the air, and the brave foe began to -retreat slowly and sullenly. Many a gallant man lay dead outside the -walls, stricken by that fierce fire; but their work was done—the -Admiral's object was gained. - -The town of St. Quentin, though rich and prosperous, was protected only -by ancient fortifications, long since "out of date," and in ruinous -condition. - -The garrison consisted of but one thousand men, and these were miserably -armed; there was practically no artillery. - -When the gallant Admiral had thrown himself into the town he found but -one culverin on the ramparts, and for that one no ammunition had been -provided! - -The town was not provisioned for a siege—a month's rations for the -troops was all that Coligni could find in St. Quentin. - -Then the Admiral took a desperate step which nothing but the cruel -exigencies of war could justify. - -All the aged and infirm, all the sick and helpless, were ordered to -leave the city, and seven hundred individuals were thus expelled, most -of them to perish from want and misery! - -The women were shut up in the cathedral and the churches, "lest their -terror and their tears should unman the troops." Coligni himself was the -very life and soul of the defence; foremost in every danger, sharing all -hardships, and cheering all despairing hearts, he was prepared to die -under the ruins of the town—he would never surrender to the foe! - -Meanwhile, a great French army, numbering eighteen thousand foot and six -thousand horse, was approaching to the relief of St. Quentin under the -Constable Montmorency. - -It was mainly composed of German mercenary troops, but the chivalry of -France were represented there in splendid array, proud to fight under -such leaders as Montmorency, the Prince of Condé, the Duke de Nevers, -Daudelot (the brother of the Admiral), and many another illustrious -chief. - -The relief army had encamped on the banks of the Somme at La Fère and -Ham; the Admiral sent messengers to Montmorency imploring instant -succour. - -The next day, August 8th, Daudelot strove to break through the lines of -the besiegers at the head of two thousand men, and he failed miserably! - -Most of his men perished in the morass, his guides mistaking the paths, -and thus bringing them into contact with the outposts of the besiegers. - -Their leader, under the cover of night, succeeded in making good his -retreat to La Fère, at the head of a mere straggling group of beaten -men! - -That same night a different scene took place in the great military tent -of Lord Clinton: he was entertaining the Lords Pembroke and Gray, and -many of the leaders of the Spanish army were there. - -The night was chilly, and a fine rain was falling. Around the camp fire -sat warriors of world-wide fame, and the English aides-de-camp, watchful -for the comforts of their lord's guests, marked each word that fell from -their lips. - -Especially did Almoral, Count Egmont, call forth their fervent -admiration. - -"He is like a young war-god," whispered Ralph to William. "Never saw I -so glorious a specimen of the _genus homo_. Oh, to follow such a leader -as that into the hot din of battle!" - -"Listen to what he is saying," replied his brother in a low voice; -"methinks our chance of such an honour will soon come." For Almoral was -relating how that very night his reiters had captured a messenger sent -by Coligni to Montmorency. - -"He had short shrift, I suppose!" said Brederode, with a hoarse laugh. - -"By my faith, no!" replied Egmont. "When I had read his message, I sent -him on his way to the French Constable, and bade him deliver it duly. -For this was the message— - -"'Par l'amour de Dieu, des sècours, ou nous allons perir.'" - -"You did well, Egmont," said Philibert of Savoy, "for I know the fiery -old Constable well, and this message will sting him to frenzy. - -"Ah! would that to-morrow were the day of battle; for, mark you, we -stand in a strange position of peril. In front of us is St. Quentin, -which we dare not abandon. Northward lies the French army, while from -the south Guise is hurrying up with his victorious army from Italy. - -"We may be caught between three fires unless we can destroy this French -army and capture St. Quentin before Guise can arrive. And if we can do -this, as by the help of Heaven we shall, there lies no other fortified -city between us and Paris, and Guise may arrive to find us in possession -of that noble city." - -The guests rose with one consent and cheered lustily. They drew their -swords and clashed them overhead with fierce joy! - -"Yes," whispered Ralph to William again, "we shall fight to-morrow, and -may you and I be in the thick of the strife!" - -Saturday, August 9th, broke hazily; St. Quentin was enveloped in a thick -mist which arose from the swampy plain surrounding it. - -At early dawn Montmorency put his whole army in motion; he would relieve -St. Quentin, or perish! - -His first effort was attended with surprising success. Intervening low -hills hid the advance of his troops from the Spaniards, and thus he was -able to secure possession of a windmill which commanded a ford over the -Somme, which led to the Spanish camp. - -The mill was held by a small force of the enemy, but Montmorency quickly -captured it and placed there a strong garrison under the Prince of -Condé. The main body pressed across the ford, and the artillery opened a -heavy fire on the Spanish camp, to the infinite surprise of the -Spaniards. - -It was as though their foe had dropped from the clouds. So near was the -range that the Duke of Savoy's tent was levelled to the ground, and -Philibert had barely time to escape, carrying his armour in his hand! He -took refuge in the quarters of the commander of the cavalry, Count -Egmont. - -This brief success seemed to Montmorency to be the presage of victory, -and Daudelot was sent with a strong force to cross the river and the -morass, and so bring succour to the besieged town. Meanwhile the French -army would keep the Spaniards in check. - -Soon the arquebusiers, in their heavy armour, were plunging horribly in -the quagmires of the morass, and by this time the Spanish artillery was -dealing death among them. - -Moreover, boats were required, and only four could be found; and these, -heavily laden with soldiers and the munitions of war, crossed and -recrossed the river slowly and with great difficulty. Two, overladen -with their burdens, sank in the deep waters, and the shouts and screams -of the drowning men added to the horrors of the scene. - -Eventually Daudelot, with five hundred men, reached the gates of St. -Quentin; all the rest perished miserably. Montmorency now gave the order -to retreat; a strong reinforcement (though at great loss) had been -thrown into the city, and so far his object was effected. - -Meanwhile, a brief council of war was held in Egmont's tent, in which -the fiery vehemence of the Count carried everything before it. - -The Duke of Savoy urged _caution_. - -The French army was so situated that the Spanish infantry, on which he -placed his chief confidence, could not act effectually against it. - -But the cavalry officers carried the day. - -"Shall we let so rich a prize escape?" cried Egmont, with wild -enthusiasm. "Heaven has placed within our power the destruction of the -flower of the French army, a Prince of the blood royal, and the great -Constable Montmorency. Capture them, and St. Quentin will be ours to- -morrow; and, by the grace of God, Paris will follow!" - -And, as he spoke, the auburn locks which fell over his shoulders shook -like a lion's mane; his eyes flashed fire, his burning eloquence was -irresistible! - - -------------- - -From the English quarters, where every man was drawn up in battle array, -Lord Clinton watched the progress of the battle and the movements of the -contending armies, ready at any moment to take part therein. - -He marked the Spanish cavalry drawing together in one dense mass in -Egmont's quarters. By his side stood his young aides-de-camp. - -"It will be a cavalry battle, I fear," he cried, "and England will have -no share in the glory of the day!" - -The young men around him, full of martial fire and thirsting for -conflict and victory, groaned audibly in dismay. - -Then Clinton turned suddenly to his faithful three, whom he had learned -to love. - -"Ah! I see how it is," he cried, "and you shall have the chance of glory -you thirst for! Ride, all three of you, to Egmont, and tell him that the -English force will follow swiftly on in the rear of his cavalry, in case -he need support. Tell him I make him a gift of your three swords, if he -can find place for you, and Heaven send you back to me in safety, and -forgive me if I err!" - -"Oh, thanks, my Lord, a thousand thanks!" cried the three with one -voice, and in another moment they were thundering forth to the spot -where Egmont's emblazoned standard fluttered heavily in the breeze. - -They were just in time; a minute longer and they had been too late! - -The sun had burst forth suddenly from a dark bank of clouds; it shone -vividly on Count Egmont as he sat on his great Flemish war-horse, -splendidly armed, in front of his eight thousand cavalry. - -Availing themselves of the privilege attached to aides-de-camp, the -three Englishmen traversed the plain in front of the grim line of the -cavalry, motionless, but eagerly awaiting the signal to charge. - -Reaching Egmont's side, De Fynes, as the eldest, bared his head and -cried— - -"A message, my Lord Count, from Lord Clinton!" and he repeated the -message word for word. - -Egmont had noted these three young Englishmen as they hung upon his -words in Lord Clinton's tent on the previous night, and he knew the -value of good English swords! - -So he smiled as he said— - -"Lord Clinton offers your services as my 'aides' to-day; be it so—fall -in behind me." - -They bowed their gratitude, then drew their swords and joined the ranks -of the noble youths who followed the banner of Egmont and did him -special and personal service. - -Oh, how happy they were! - -No fear, no misgiving beclouded their martial souls at that supreme -moment! - -Suddenly Egmont waved his sword aloft, and the clarions' shrill notes -gave the eagerly looked for signal to charge, and with a wild "Hurrah!" -the serried squadrons thundered down the slopes. - -Meanwhile conflicting counsels destroyed the confidence of the French -army, hesitation and dismay beset them. The keen eye of Condé had -watched the dark masses of Spanish cavalry gathering together on the -hills ready to descend like an avalanche on the retreating enemy. De -Montmorency's artillery dragged heavily through the swampy ground in the -rear, and he would not abandon it. - -In vain Condé sent swift and urgent messages to him, pointing out the -danger of delay. - -It was too late, the Spaniards were upon them! The retreating army -stayed its course and boldly faced the coming storm. - -Egmont with two thousand horse charged on their left flank; the other -side was assaulted by the Dukes Eric and Henry of Brunswick, while -Mansfeld burst on their front. - -The French army wavered under the tremendous shock, while the camp -followers, pedlers and sutlers took to instant flight, and thus spread -dismay through the entire army. - -The Spanish cavalry carried everything before it; the rout was sudden -and final! - -The Duc de Nevers made a despairing effort to restore the battle at the -head of five hundred dragoons; but the "black devils," as the Frenchmen -called the "Schwartzreiters," cut them to pieces, and the Duc barely -escaped at the head of a mere handful of men to La Fère, and with him -was the Prince of Condé. - -For a time the French infantry presented a bold front; the Gascons, the -flower of the army, threw themselves into squares, and the fierce -cavalry rode round their solid masses, bristling with steel, unable to -find an entrance. - -At this moment the Duke of Savoy, with his artillery, came on the field -of action, and their deadly fire sealed the fate of the foe. - -Yet the noble chivalry of France refused to be thus scattered and -beaten; they gathered together in groups, fighting desperately to the -last—brave souls to whom death was preferable to surrender! - -Many men threw down their arms on that field of blood, many fled -helplessly before the remorseless reiters, the strong overturning the -weak and trampling down the wounded. - -Blood flowed like water, death was on every side, and above all other -sounds were the wild neighing of the war-horses and the fierce curses of -their riders. - -The fight and the pursuit of the fugitives had lasted four hours; the -shades of evening were falling as the victors returned to the field to -take up their quarters for the night and to secure their unhappy -prisoners, for whom heavy ransoms would have to be paid to their -captors. - -France had not suffered such a defeat since Agincourt; the bravest and -noblest of her sons had fallen on that field of blood! - -Montmorency was a prisoner. - -A shot from a schwartzreiter had fractured his thigh as he was throwing -himself into the hottest part of the battle, determined to perish. - -Covered with mire and blood, unrecognizable in the fierce mêlée, he -would have died where he fell, at the hands of the fierce foe. - -But over his fallen body stood three gallant swordsmen, whose determined -attitude warned all men off. And as the fiery stream of battle flowed -onwards, they lifted up the fallen Constable tenderly, and bore him to a -place of safety. - -Yet were they not to do this deed of mercy unmolested. A swarthy reiter -followed them, observing that the fallen man was of high rank. - -"I claim this man as my prisoner, and I hold to ransom; mine was the -shot that brought him down," said he fiercely. - -"Make your claim good to King Philip, we shall not resist it; the ransom -may be yours, but at present the body is ours," answered De Fynes -boldly. - -And De Montmorency lived to pay so great a ransom (10,000 ducats), that -his captor was able to buy a fortress on the Rhine and a title of -nobility! - -But the Constable's fame as a soldier was lost for ever, and the evening -of his days was spent in obscurity. - - -That night the three English youths, unwounded and unscathed, reported -themselves to their commander, Lord Clinton. Ah, what a happy meeting -was that! And though the English contingent took no leading part in the -battle, yet their presence before the town prevented Coligni from -succeeding in an attempted sortie from St. Quentin—they did good -service. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - THE FALL OF ST. QUENTIN - - -A vast amount of spoil fell into the hands of the victors: among it were -eighty standards and all the artillery save two pieces. - -The prisoners numbered six thousand men, of whom six hundred were -gentlemen of position. - -Of De Montmorency's fine army of twenty-two thousand men all were slain -or captured, save five thousand. Among the slain were some of the -noblest of the sons of France, notably Jean de Bourbon, Count d'Enghien, -a prince of the blood. - -On the side of the Spaniards less than a thousand fell, among them being -Count Brederode (who perished in the morass, smothered in his armour) -and Counts Spiegelbourg and Waldeck. - -On the next day King Philip himself rode into the camp; he had left -Brussels and was at Cambrai when the battle took place. He was received -with all the honours of war—with unbounded enthusiasm! - -The unhappy prisoners were paraded before him in long procession, and -the captured standards were placed at his feet—the camp was delirious -with joy. - -A council of war was forthwith held to decide on future operations. - -With fiery zeal Egmont and Gonzaga urged that an immediate march on -Paris should be made. - -"Send me on with the cavalry, sire, and I promise you that in four days -you shall sup in Paris!" cried Egmont. - -But Philip was as cautious as his renowned father, Charles the Fifth, -was adventurous. - -When the news of the battle reached the abdicated Emperor, his first -inquiry was "whether Philip was in Paris." - -There were many difficulties to be surmounted ere that glorious -consummation could be reached, and Philip laid them before the council. - -"St. Quentin must first be taken! Between them and Paris there existed -many a strong fortress, and wide rivers which must be crossed. Moreover, -Paris would not surrender lightly—its citizens could man the walls with -forty thousand men at least. - -"Again, Condé and Nevers, with the relics of the broken army, must be -reckoned with. Ere long Guise would come to their support." - -So the King argued, and the council reluctantly agreed that all their -efforts should now be concentrated on the capture of St. Quentin. - -Before the council broke up King Philip called Egmont to him, and taking -the collar of the Golden Fleece from his own person, placed it upon the -neck of the Count as the real hero of the day! - -All Spain ratified the King's deed; "Egmont and St. Quentin" became the -rallying cry of the nation, and the fame of the brave Hollander reached -the farthest limits of the mighty empire over which Philip ruled. - -With royal generosity Philip bestowed rich rewards on the chieftains -assembled in council that day. To Savoy princely rank and high office -near his person, and to all others guerdons according to their rank. - - -------------- - -There was a great meeting in Egmont's tent that night. Thither came the -English lords—Pembroke, Gray, and Clinton—and at the banquet-table sat -Spanish and Flemish nobles of high degree, many of them bearing the -traces of battle upon them, yet all were jubilant and triumphant. - -Behind the great chiefs stood their aides-de-camp, according to Spanish -custom, and among these young warriors were Geoffrey, Ralph, and -William. - -Ere the revelry had grown to its height and had become uproarious, -Egmont's eye fell upon the three English youths and, with the generosity -of his noble nature, he called them before him, inquired their name, and -shook each by the hand. - -"You rode well to-day, my gallant young soldiers, and I saw you deal -many a lusty blow for the honour of Spain and the Netherlands," he said. -"I marked how you stood by the fallen Constable, and though two -Spaniards, as I hear, claim the honour of his capture, you certainly -rescued his body. You will not forget the day of St. Quentin: I will -give you something whereby to remember it." - -Then he called his major-domo to him, and taking a huge gold goblet into -his hand, he cried— - -"Fill this goblet with golden ducats." - -It was soon done, for King Philip had given him five thousand that day. - -"Take it, boys, and divide the money among you and toss for the cup! -Well do you deserve it. England may be proud of her sons if they are all -such as you!" - -What wonder that Almoral, Count Egmont, was the hero, the darling, -almost the demi-god of those who served under his banner. - -This was the bright and glittering side of war. Alas! how little men -recked of the desolation, death, despair and destruction it caused! How -little thought they in Egmont's tent that night of the unburied dead -whose cold bodies lay on the blood-stained battlefield of St. Quentin! -How little of the broken hearts, the shattered hopes, the desolate homes -in the fair regions of sunny France when the news of that fatal day -should be borne to the humiliated but proud nation! - - -------------- - -The next day the Spanish camp resounded with the preparations for the -renewed siege of St. Quentin. Fresh batteries were thrown up on all -sides on which the artillery, captured from the French, was planted, -and, ere many hours had passed, a furious cannonade burst forth upon the -crumbling fortifications of the doomed city. Mines were planted, and -galleries excavated almost to the very centre of St. Quentin. - -Yet no thought of surrender occupied the valiant heart of Admiral -Coligni! - -It was at this point that his heroism and devotion to duty reached its -height. He knew that the hopes of France depended upon the city being -held till succour came, till the conquering army under Guise could -arrive! - -The able-bodied men of his garrison numbered but eight hundred, and -these were half-starved and well-nigh worn out by incessant exertion. - -By night, by day, sleepless yet indefatigable, the gallant Admiral -shared the dangers and the labours of his men; cheering, exhorting, -praising every desperate deed of valour and immediately rewarding it, -the Admiral was the very life and soul of the defence! - -Help came to him unexpectedly. - -De Nevers, with the relics of the shattered army, still lingered in the -neighbourhood, and he managed to throw one hundred and fifty -arquebusiers into the town, though thrice that number perished in the -attempt. - -Coligni formed countermines, and in subterranean regions fierce combats -took place between the besieged and the besiegers,—men fought like -demons! - -Yet he knew that the last provisions were being consumed, that huge -breaches were being made in the crumbling walls which St. Remy, the -renowned French engineer, strove to repair, under cover of night, with -desperate energy. Huge timbers were dragged to the top of the tottering -ramparts, and under their shelter the arquebusiers kept up a perpetual -fire on the Spaniards. - -Thus the siege went on till August 27. In vain did Coligni scan the -horizon from the top of the cathedral tower—Guise came not! - -A most furious cannonade from the Spanish batteries on the night of the -twenty-sixth had resulted in the making of eleven great breaches in the -ramparts, and the Duke of Savoy saw that the time had come for a general -assault upon the city. - -Early in the morning he put his whole force under arms, assigning to the -English contingent the honour of leading the assault. - -Coligni saw that the decisive hour was at hand. He filled the breaches -with his troops, taking charge of the most dangerous one himself, while -his brother Daudelot took another almost equally critical. - -The spirit of the defenders was magnificent, each man felt that the end -was near, and they were prepared to die under the ruins of the city; -none thought of surrender, no white flag was unfurled! - -Savoy preluded the general assault by a furious cannonade, and it was -not till the afternoon that the signal was given by the shrill voices of -the trumpets for the great onslaught. - -Then the English rushed forward, closely followed by Spaniards, Germans, -and Flemish in generous rivalry. King Philip beheld the wondrous scene -from a neighbouring hill, and his troops, knowing that they were -fighting under the eye of their Sovereign, were inspired with heroic -zeal. - -It was a titanic struggle! - -For a whole hour the gaunt and famished Frenchmen held their foes in -check, and at length the Spaniards were driven off—not a single breach -had been carried. - -Savoy gave his men a brief breathing time, then the clarions pealed -forth their wild notes again, and the fierce strife burst forth anew. - -The Duc's keen eye had noted a weak point in the defence. - -A strong tower on the ramparts had been left with few defenders, in -reliance upon its apparent invulnerability. On this point Savoy hurled -the English contingent, and in one great rush it was carried and the -invaders poured into the city. - -In vain had Coligni rushed to its defence, fighting desperately, hand- -to-hand, with the assailants. He was overpowered and, with his heroic -brother Daudelot, was taken prisoner. - -Immediately he was led through one of the excavated passages by his -captor, Francisco Diaz, to the exterior of the city and into the -presence of King Philip, who gave Diaz ten thousand ducats. - -Then a fierce onslaught by the whole army swept all resistance before -it, and in half-an-hour the city was captured! - -Philip entered the city in complete armour, a page carrying his helmet; -and a roar of savage triumph went up from his troops as they beheld -their King. He had never been present at the storming of a city before, -and the sights that met his eye moved even his stony heart to pity. - -The wild schwartzreiters spared neither age nor sex. As the Frenchmen -retreated to the market-place, where their final slaughter took place, -the troops entered the well-built houses of the citizens, slaying every -living soul within them and loading themselves with rich plunder, some -obtaining two or three thousand ducats apiece. In pure recklessness they -set the houses on fire, and soon the whole city was ablaze. - -Philip gave immediate orders that the fires should be quenched, and that -all who surrendered should be admitted to pardon. - -Crowds of women and children threw themselves at his feet with loud -cries for mercy, and he ordered them to be escorted out of the city. - -But the cruel storm of savage lust and thirst for blood had passed -beyond human control. - -As the flames spread to the cathedral and the churches, the women who -had taken refuge within the sacred walls came pouring forth, panic- -stricken with fear. Many of them were richly dressed, some even wore -jewels, perhaps thinking them safer in their possession than if they had -been left in the doomed town. - -Upon these helpless women the wild Germans rushed with savage cries, -their ornaments and even their rich garments were torn from them, and -the mad reiters slashed their faces with their daggers and knives. - -An infernal din filled the air, screams of anguish, cries for mercy, -mingled with the demoniac shouts and curses of the conquerors. - -Under the walls of the venerable cathedral stood a company of English -soldiers; they had been sent by Philip to perform a curious duty. - -In that building, dedicated to his honour, were stored up the relics of -St. Quentin, and Philip had ordered that the venerated bones of the -Saint should be conveyed to the camp with all honour, and that a mass -should be sung before them. - -And this while the blazing streets were full of the dead and dying, -while helpless children and hapless maidens were being dismembered, -while blood ran in torrents on every side. - -Alas, that the royal pity should thus be extended to the dead and denied -to the living! - - -------------- - -Among the English group stood Lord Clinton's three aides-de-camp, gazing -on the scene with sullen anger. Many a helpless babe and terror-stricken -mother had they rescued in obedience to Philip's own command. - -Suddenly a young Frenchwoman, richly dressed, rushed towards them -followed by a mounted reiter. Ere she could reach the place of safety -the trooper overtook her, and with one cruel sweep of his sword lopped -off her right arm. She fell to her feet and the soldier lifted his sword -again, with the evident intent of depriving her of both her arms. But -ere he could accomplish his fell purpose Ralph sprang forward with a -shout. - -"Devil, fiend and assassin!" he cried, as he ran his sharp rapier -through the reiter's sword-arm. - -The German's weapon dropped from his right hand, and with his left he -strove to draw a pistol from his holster, as he turned fiercely upon his -assailant. But pain and anguish overcame him, and he reeled from his -saddle. - -The deed had been seen by his comrades, and, in an instant, a troop of -them faced the English, who had leapt to Ralph's side, with wild cries -of vengeance. They had dragged their wounded comrade into their midst, -now they drew their huge pistols from their holsters and, advancing on -the English, their leader cried, as he pointed to Ralph— - -"Deliver that man up to us or we will slay you all!" - -It was at this critical moment that the great door of the cathedral was -thrown open and a white-robed procession of priests issued from it; they -were bearing forth the relics of St. Quentin in obedience to the King's -command. And on the southern side of the place the King, in his flashing -Milanese armour, and mounted on his war-horse, advanced to meet them, -greeting the sacred relics with bowed head. - -His royal presence quelled the tumult; all weapons were lowered till the -King should have passed on his way. But the King's keen eye had noted -that something unusual had happened—that the English and the Germans -were confronting each other in deadly hostility. - -He beckoned Count Mansfeld to his side, the reiter chieftain had been -riding behind him. Pointing to the two groups of soldiers, he said— - -"Something has gone amiss. Your brave reiters, Count, are getting out of -hand. Stay here with fifty of my guards, inquire into the case and -report it to me this night." - -Mansfeld bowed low in acquiescence, and the King rode slowly off in the -rear of the priestly procession. The instant the King was gone the Count -turned sternly on the offenders as the fifty guards drew up behind him. - -The old Count was the sternest disciplinarian in the Spanish army, and -all men knew it. None but he could bring an enraged, riotous reiter to -order. - -"Come hither, Friedrich," he said in cold tones of command to the leader -of the German troop. "Tell me briefly, what means this?" - -"Yon Englishman," said Friedrich, "ran his poniard through Gustav's arm, -and we were about to avenge him." - -"And wherefore did he that?" said Mansfeld. - -The reiter captain hesitated, and the Count's face grew sternly fierce. - -"Was that the cause?" he said, pointing to where the body of the woman -lay. - -She had gone into a swoon, and beside her lay her severed arm. - -"I see," said the Count, with increased severity; "and the Englishman -avenged her; was not that so?" - -The reiter captain still remained silent. - -"Yet you knew of the King's command that mercy should be shown to all -women and children." - -Then he turned to his escort. - -"Take that wounded man," he said, pointing to the schwartzreiter, now -craven with fear and crying for mercy, "hang him from yon turret -forthwith in token that the King's order must be obeyed!" - -The order was instantly obeyed. - -The night was coming down upon the unhappy city and no deed of justice, -no royal order could quell the thirst for blood, for rapine and pillage -which possessed the mad soldiery who held St. Quentin in their power -that night. The powers of evil took full possession of the fallen town— -it was given over to sack and pillage. - -The chieftains had retired to the camp to celebrate their victory with -banquets, the King was holding high service over the relics of St. -Quentin, the army was left in possession of the city. It was burning in -every part, and houses were falling with thunderous sound. - -Yet the soldiers dashed through flame and smoke like demons, in eager -search for booty. The cellars were plundered, the garrets were searched, -nothing escaped the greed and brutality of the plunderers. - -The streets were strewn with the bodies and dismembered limbs of the -vanquished, and famished dogs were ravenously gnawing human flesh. - -Such women as had escaped had been again driven by Philip's order into -the cathedral, and there were left to perish by famine! - -Yet, while sin and crime lifted their heads high and unabashed, there -were three delinquents who met condign punishment, and their case was a -singular one. - -Three Germans made their way into the vestry of the cathedral, and they -emerged thence clothed in gorgeous copes and chasubles. Mounting their -horses outside the cathedral, they rode gaily about the burning town, -their strange attire attracting laughter and derision from their -comrades. - -By some strange fatality this escapade came to the ears of Philip, -perhaps the royal chaplain informed him of it. - -The offenders were instantly sought for and arrested. Philip ordered all -of the three to be hanged! His sensitive soul could not endure this -outrage upon religion, though for three days and three dreadful nights -he had allowed the pillage of the city to continue. - -On the morning of the fourth day all soldiers were ordered into camp. -The desolated city was left in peace—it was the peace of the dead! - -So fell St. Quentin! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - THE SCHWARTZREITERS - - -The week which followed the fall of St. Quentin was a period of -strenuous exertion on the part of the conquerors. - -The dead were buried, the city was cleansed of its many impurities, and -the devastating fires which had threatened the destruction of the whole -town were at length subdued. - -Of all the religious edifices in the city the cathedral alone remained -unconsumed by the devouring element. Philip had himself superintended -the efforts made for its preservation; streets were pulled down, strong -buildings were blown up by gunpowder, and at length the noble building -stood in grand isolation, but safe from fire. - -A strong Spanish garrison was placed in possession of St. Quentin; the -remainder of the army was under orders to prepare for instant and active -service. - -The neighbouring towns of Picardy, Catelet, Ham, and Chanley were to be -besieged forthwith, and the camp was full of zeal and animation—for -surely fresh spoils awaited the soldiers of Philip, and bright visions -of glory and honour filled the minds of the chieftains. In the English -camp alone these feelings held no sway. The war had never been popular -with them—they felt that they were fighting the battles of King Philip, -and not those of their own country. - -And now that the main object of the expedition had been won, and the -chief town in Picardy captured, the English contingent were eager to -return home. - - -------------- - -In the evening of a fine September day Lord Clinton's three aides-de- -camp were reposing in their tent after a day's active exertion. - -That day a courier had brought them letters from England, and the young -men were eagerly discussing home news. - -Susan had written to each of them, for she had much to tell. - -The fires of Smithfield had burst forth anew, to the horror of the -people and the grief of all good men. That very day three victims had -perished, and the Queen's guards had scarce prevented the London people -from attempting forcible rescue. - -One condemned man had been pardoned by the Cardinal Archbishop, and many -were said to have been freed by him after brief examination and apparent -but doubtful submission. - -Rumours were afloat in London, Susan said, that the Cardinal had fallen -out of favour at Rome, and that the Pope (Paul IV) had deprived him of -his legatine commission and had recalled him to Rome. The Archbishop was -in bad health, and on this plea the Queen had refused to give him -permission to leave the country. - -These things brought great unhappiness to the Queen, and added to them -was the increasing malignity of her disorder—she was evidently sinking -into the grave—and there was none to pity her! - -"Alas, poor Queen," wrote Susan, "unloved by her people, deserted by her -husband, worried by the Pope, and conscious, above all, that she had -failed in the one object of her life, and that her successor, the -Princess Elizabeth, would undo all her work for the 'conversion' of -England." - -Yet Susan had some good news to tell them. - -"Sir John was in excellent health, and he had lately received news from -their beloved father that he and their dear Vicar were well, and were -determined to return to England on the day when the Princess should be -declared Queen. - -"Oh, when will you three dear boys come home?" she wrote. "How I long -for that day, how I picture ourselves at the beloved home in Sussex, the -sweet old house at Chiddingly! - -"I close my eyes, and my mind pictures to me the green woods and the -noble sweep of the Sussex downs. I seem to hear the cawing of the rooks -in the tall trees and the singing of the birds in the shrubberies. Oh, I -grow mad with deep longing! God send you home quickly, safe and sound." - -The boys listened to these words with bated breath—perhaps with -moistened eyes—for Susan's passionate love for her Sussex home expressed -their own deep longings. - -"Here comes Lord Clinton," said Geoffrey suddenly, as he saw their -lord's well-known figure approaching the tent. - -They rose to receive him; then, as he took a seat, after some pleasant -words of greeting, William spoke— - -"We are happy to see you, my Lord; we are anxious to know if our -marching orders have been given." - -"It is on that very point that I am come to see you. I have my marching -orders, but I am not sure that I shall take you with me." - -The young "aides" started with surprise; but ere they could seek an -explanation of his words Lord Clinton proceeded to say— - -"I wish to hold a brief consultation with you. Count Mansfeld has just -brought me some sinister news. He tells me that his reiters have -discovered that it was Ralph's poniard which disabled the man who was -afterwards hung from the cathedral turret, and they have sworn to avenge -his death. - -"He has sent them a message that he will sharply punish the perpetrators -of any such an attempt, but Mansfeld tells me that his men are in a -dangerous humour, and he wished me to warn you to keep to the limits of -your own camp, and that even within those limits Ralph should never -wander alone." - -The young soldiers smiled disdainfully. - -"Our swords can guard our heads, my Lord, we have no fear!" said -Geoffrey. - -"Yes, I know that," cried Clinton, "but I want to make assurance doubly -sure. - -"Now, listen. By to-day's courier the King has received some disquieting -news. Guise is collecting a great army under King Henry's orders, and -Philip has a suspicion that Calais is to be the object of his attack. - -"From his spies at the French Court he hears that the Bishop of Acqs, -the French envoy to England, has just returned home, and that he passed -through Calais _en route_. He reports that the town is practically -defenceless; the garrison is small, the fortifications are in a state of -ruin. - -"The King is sending swift messengers to Queen Mary to urge her to -remedy this condition of things, but he wishes to obtain proof that the -Bishop's statements are true. I have offered him your services, if you -are willing to undertake the duty. What say you? - -"Your mission will be a secret one, and it will be attended with many -dangers both by land and sea; but it will bring you much honour if you -succeed. From Calais you would proceed direct to Dover, and so to London -to lay your report before the Queen." - -The boys listened with glistening eyes; this was the Heaven-sent -fulfilment of their dearest hopes! With one voice they cried— - -"We accept!" - -"I knew that you would do so," replied Clinton, "and I go to ask the -King to give you a letter to be presented to Lord Wentworth, the -Governor of Calais. Make your preparations with all possible secrecy—you -will start to-night under cover of darkness. Your route will be to -Brussels, and thence to Antwerp, where you will embark on a King's ship -for Calais. - -"I will provide you with three strong horses; at Brussels you will -change these for three others, which you will leave at Antwerp. There is -no moon to-night, happily; you must start at eight o'clock, and I will -be here to give you money and your last instructions. Now I go to the -King; commence your preparations at once; I return to you in an hour's -time," and therewith Lord Clinton left them. - -What joy he left behind him! The three boys flung their caps in the air, -they shook each other by the hand, they would have given hearty cheers -but for the remembrance that secrecy had now become their watchword. - -Their preparations would be few, but even for these they required the -help of their three faithful serving lads, strong Chiddingly lads of -approved courage, who loved their young masters better than their lives. - -"Oh, that we might take the lads with us," cried Ralph. "I will follow -Lord Clinton and seek his permission," he added. - -"That you may not do," said Geoffrey firmly; "do you not remember that -you are not to leave the tent alone? If you go we must accompany you. - -"But stay; is there not a better way? If Lord Clinton consent, the three -lads can ride on our horses, though they are somewhat sorry nags; we -will lay the matter before him when he returns at eight o'clock. -Meanwhile, they can help us furbish our weapons and prepare our -travelling packs, they can feed the horses and have them ready to set -forth, we need not tell them more than is necessary, that we have to -ride forth on the King's business to-night will suffice." - -So it was decided. - -The lads occupied an adjoining tent; they were at this moment awaiting -their masters' summons to prepare their simple evening meal. They were -called in, and speedily all things were proceeding according to -Geoffrey's suggestions. - -The shades of night were deepening as they sat down to supper, it was a -quarter to eight o'clock. The camp fires were being lit, and the -soldiers of the English contingent were gathering around them in merry -groups. - -It was eight o'clock and the young Englishmen had supped, all their -preparations were complete. - -The flap of the tent lifted silently, and two cloaked figures entered, -their features hidden in the folds of their outer garments. These they -now cast aside, and by the dim light which illumined the tent the -"aides" recognized Lord Clinton, and with him the King! - -Instantly the young men knelt on one knee before him and kissed his -hand. - -Philip gazed intently upon their countenances: he knew them fairly well, -but it seemed as if he wished to reassure himself. Then in a low, cold, -but distinct voice he said to Lord Clinton— - -"They will do; we have met under many different circumstances, and I -know them to be brave men." - -"Your Majesty is right," replied Lord Clinton, "they will do their duty -or die in endeavouring to fulfil it." - -Then Philip addressed the Englishmen. - -Their mission required secrecy, speed, courage and endurance. They were -to make close inspection of the fortifications, guns, material of war, -and the garrison of Calais with Lord Wentworth's help, to whom he had -written. This letter, which he now gave them, must never fall into the -hands of the enemy, to whom it would reveal all his suspicions and -plans. He delivered this letter into the hands of Monsieur de Fynes, as -the eldest of the three. If danger befell them it were better that the -two younger men should perish, so long as the bearer of the letter -escaped. If he fell into the hands of the foe let him see that the -letter was destroyed at all hazards. The perilous part of their journey -would be the portion of it which lay in French territory, but twelve -hours hard riding would carry them into Flanders, after which there -would be little danger, yet let them never remit their precautions. - -The King then handed to each man a heavy purse of gold wherewith to -defray expenses, the surplus, if any, would be their own. - -"I hear the sound of your horses outside the tent," said the King; "have -I made all explicit, is there any question you would like to ask?" - -The young men looked at each other. Then Geoffrey spoke— - -"Your Majesty may rely on our carrying out your gracious commands, or we -shall perish in the attempt. We have but one thing to suggest, and that -is that our three faithful servants may accompany us; they can ride our -own horses and they will be of great service to us." - -The King and Lord Clinton conversed in low tones, then Clinton announced -their decision. - -"His Majesty agrees to your request," he said; "we think it will attract -less observation and suspicion if three gentlemen be accompanied by -their serving men than if they travelled alone: it is a wise suggestion -on your part." - -Then the King and Lord Clinton arose from their seats and prepared to -depart. The King extended his hand, which the young men again knelt to -kiss, and he bade them farewell. Lord Clinton shook hands warmly with -them. - -"Adieu! _mes braves gens_," he said: "God grant you a safe and -successful journey. We shall next meet in London, I trust. Farewell, -farewell." And so they left the tent. - -The young men stood in silence for a moment, then Geoffrey spoke— - -"The King has laid a heavy trust upon us," he said, "and therein has -conferred on us great honour, for we shall now be doing service to our -own dear country as well as to his. Let us ask a greater King than -Philip, even our Heavenly Father, to bless our enterprise." - -With one impulse the young men knelt, and for a few minutes held silent -converse with God. Ere they left the tent William spoke. - -"In this matter, my brothers, we need a leader whom we swear to obey in -all things. I propose that Geoffrey be our captain." - -"Nay," urged Geoffrey; but ere he could proceed further Ralph -intervened. - -"I consent, and that most heartily," he said. - -Geoffrey grasped the hands of his two comrades and said— - -"Let it be as you wish, my brothers, and my first word of command is to -horse! to horse!" - -It was a lovely night, the stars shone brilliantly in the autumnal sky, -a light refreshing breeze had sprung up. - -Outside the tent six horses stood awaiting their riders. Three of these -were held by Lord Clinton's grooms; they were great Flemish war-horses -of a renowned breed, beside which the three English horses, held by the -Sussex lads, looked small and insignificant. Yet these latter were wiry -and strong; happily they were in excellent condition and fit for the -long journey before them. - -Before they mounted their horses the Englishmen closely inspected every -part of the harness, to assure themselves that nothing was amiss. The -lads' horses were examined with equal care, and the weapons of their -riders underwent Geoffrey's keen scrutiny. Every man was armed with a -brace of pistolets and with poniard and dagger. The inspection was over, -and, at the word of command, the six men swung into their saddles. - -"Slowly through the camp," said Geoffrey in a low voice. - -As they moved forward a camp follower, apparently the worse for drink, -lurched heavily against one of the lads' horses and caught at his -stirrup to steady himself. - -"Where away, comrade?" he hiccuped to the lad, who in reply slashed at -the impudent villain with his whip. - -Geoffrey's quick ear had caught the sound of a voice, and he instantly -reined up his horse. - -"Stop that man," he cried; but it was too late, he had darted out of -sight in the darkness. - -The party went on, the three young masters riding abreast, the lads -following closely behind. They wound their way carefully through the -camp, now thronged with soldiers, sutlers and followers of all kinds. - -It was a striking sight. Huge fires burned high at regular intervals, -and around them all the revelry of a camp in time of war was beginning. - -At ten o'clock a gun would be fired and all fires would be put out, all -strangers turned out of camp, and stillness would come down where -pandemonium had so lately held sway. - -The passing of the travellers through the camp excited no observation -nor surprise. Armed couriers were frequently sent out to the outlying -posts and the neighbouring towns. These latter were falling daily into -the possession of the conquering army. - -So the party rode forward unmolestedly and slowly till the confines of -the camp were reached. Before them lay the broad trackway which led to -Brussels. It was a rough, rugged road, but it was sufficiently plain to -follow, even in the semi-darkness of the night. The late contending -armies had passed along it recently, and all wayside inns and even -private houses had been ruthlessly plundered and, in most cases, burnt. -The despoiled inhabitants, the peasantry, the woodsmen, the charcoal -burners, and a host of others had fled into the woods for safety. -Desperate and starving, the men had formed themselves into marauding -bands, and many a fair chateau, many a quiet, peaceful farm-house and -village hamlet had been plundered by them in turn. - -Each night the reddened sky told of some dreadful fire, and for the -moment the law was powerless. Woe to the unarmed traveller, woe to the -wounded straggler who limped behind his regiment if they fell into the -hands of a furious peasantry! - -This was one of the dangers which Philip had in his mind when he told -the young men that their chief peril would be as they passed through -French territory. - -"Halt!" cried Geoffrey, as the party entered upon the military road, and -all drew rein and gathered around him. "It is right, my lads," said he, -"that you should know whither we ride to-night, and, as you will share -whatever perils may befall us, whither we go. We ride on the King's -business to Brussels, that is our first halting-place. Before us lies a -long journey, perhaps of ten or twelve hours in duration, through the -enemy's country. Be wary, be watchful, see that your pistols are ready -for service and your swords loose in their sheaths. We ride at a hand- -gallop, not too fast lest we distress our horses too soon. You, Robin, -will be our advance-guard, and you will ride a hundred yards ahead of -us. You, Hal, will ride a hundred yards behind us, and you, Tom, will -keep close to our rear, we may need you as a messenger. A shrill whistle -will be the signal that we all unite in one body, that danger is near. -The advance-guard will ever be on the alert to see that the road is -clear, that no obstacles be placed in our way by the 'gueux' who haunt -these devastated regions. The rear-guard will see, above all things, -that we are not followed by foes. Now have I made all things clear?" - -"Aye, aye, sir," cried the men. - -"Then let us ride on, in God's name," said Geoffrey. - -Robin galloped forward, the four men followed in close order, the rear- -guard took up his allotted position. The lights from the camp illumined -the country in the rear, and for a long time the hum of the warlike -multitude filled the air. - -Thus half-an-hour passed; they were galloping at a fairly easy pace -along the rough road, and the great Flemish horses were warming to their -work, sometimes neighing gaily as they tossed their heavy manes in the -air. - -Not a sound now broke the solemn silence of the night, save the beating -of the horses' hoofs on the hard road. - -They passed through hamlets once full of happy and industrious -peasantry, now scenes of black ruin and dire desolation. - -Sometimes starving dogs would follow them with a fierce howl, and it -became necessary to beat off the poor animals with the whip. Sometimes a -solitary shout, or the shrill scream of a woman's voice reached their -ears, and the young men would have halted out of pure compassion. But it -might not be! - -"On, on!" cried Geoffrey; "we may not draw rein for man nor woman, for -foe nor friend, till we have done the King's business." - -The signs of the works of the Prince of Darkness were often visible, and -the sky in a dozen places reflected the red glare of lurid flames. - -Once they came very near to a scene of fierce conflict—men were -besieging a strong stone mill and the valiant miller was making a hard -fight for his life and homestead. - -Ralph was strongly moved at this sight, all his keen soldierly instincts -arose in his soul, and he laid his hand on Geoffrey's arm as he cried— - -"Oh! may we not make one gallant charge on that murderous mob? we should -scatter them as chaff before the wind. Oh! Geoffrey, give leave, I -prithee!" - -"And lose the King's letter, perhaps. Nay, my brave boy, it must not -be," answered Geoffrey, as they galloped on. - -On, on into the darkness they rode, their gallant horses neither -faltering nor failing. As they rode a shrill cry as of some stricken -creature in its last agony burst upon their ears; they could not avoid -this case of distress, it lay in their very road. - -A group of men could be dimly discerned at the roadside. They had heeded -not the approach of a single horseman as Robin swept past them, but as -the central group came thundering on the men leapt into the adjoining -wood. - -"Halt!" cried Geoffrey, and he blew his signal to the advance-guard. - -A man was evidently bound to a tree; at his feet was a half-extinguished -fire. - -Seizing a firebrand and swinging it into flame, the lad Tom (who had -dismounted) held it close to the prisoner's face, then cut his bonds -with his dagger. The man was a Jewish peddler, and his mutilated hands -showed the cause of his cries of anguish, three of his fingers had been -roughly cut away. - -"Speak, man!" cried Geoffrey; "tell us quickly your case, for we may not -tarry." - -Then the peddler told them, in hurried words, that he had fallen into -the hands of robbers, and that they were torturing him until he should -tell them where he had concealed his pack. - -"And where is your pack?" said Geoffrey. - -The man hesitated, he cast a suspicious eye on Geoffrey. - -"Put aside your fear, man," said Geoffrey; "we are Englishmen on service -for King Philip, and we are in hot haste." - -"At Busigney, my lord," said the peddler, regaining confidence. - -Geoffrey consulted with his comrades for a few moments. They would pass -Busigney shortly on their route, they could not leave the man to perish; -a decision was soon reached. - -"We will take you to Busigney," said Geoffrey; "mount behind me, my -horse is strong and will carry two as well as one." - -"Heaven bless you, my lord," replied the man, and by the help of the lad -Tom he was soon seated behind Geoffrey. - -"Forward!" cried Geoffrey, "we have lost valuable time and we must make -up for it," and the whole party galloped on at increased speed. - -But ere they had gone far the lad in the rear overtook them at a hot -pace. - -"There is a strong body of cavalry coming up behind us, and in a few -moments they will over-take us—they are riding furiously." - -Geoffrey called all his party together, still riding onward. - -"Which is it, boys," he cried, "fight or flight? The first may be fatal -to our mission, the second may fail." - -Then the peddler spake— - -"If I may venture my advice, gentlemen, you will neither fight nor fly, -at least until you know who these men are. A hundred yards ahead there -is a deep dell overhung with trees. Under their shelter you may let this -band of cavalry pass on, after you have seen them you may take better -counsel as to your action." - -"Right!" cried Geoffrey; and in a few moments they reached, under the -peddler's direction, the place of temporary safety. - -They had not long to wait. In two or three minutes a band of from twenty -to thirty schwartzreiters came thundering on. - -"How did they know of our journey?" whispered Ralph. - -"Remember the drunken camp follower ere we left the camp?" replied -Geoffrey. "I knew he was a spy." - -They had not been perceived in the thick shades of the trees—but what -now? It was equally dangerous to advance or retire. - -It was at this dread and critical moment that a wonderful intervention -came. There arose in the stillness of the night a great sound like the -shock of battle or the fall of an avalanche. - -"Oh, God! it is the barricade!" cried the peddler; "I passed it half-an- -hour ago." - -"What barricade?" said Geoffrey eagerly. - -"The 'gueux' have filled the road with huge stones, gathered from the -quarry hard by, it is their favourite trap to catch night travellers, -and the reiters have fallen into it." - -"And a moment more _we_ should have fallen into it," cried Geoffrey. - -"No," said the peddler, "for I was about to tell you of it. But, hark! -the 'gueux' are attacking the fallen reiters." - -"Come," cried Geoffrey, "we must see what is passing; keep close -together, make no noise. If any reiter escapes from the mêlée cut him -down with your swords, or we shall be discovered." - -The "gueux" possessed guns and fowling-pieces, and now they were pouring -in a desultory fire upon the confused mass of fallen men around the -barricade. There seemed to be hundreds of wild figures gathering to the -scene of conflict, and fresh bodies of them were pouring from the woods. - -Then a hand-to-hand fight ensued, so fierce in character that it was a -combat of fiends rather than of men. No quarter was asked or given, it -was a fight to the death. - -Soon it was evident that the reiters were being overpowered, -notwithstanding their superiority in equipment and discipline. Their -foes were twenty to one, and many of the Germans were lying in a -helpless mass of men and horses amid the great quarry stones. Their -battle-cries grew feebler and feebler; Geoffrey saw that the end would -soon come. - -"But what then?" thought Geoffrey anxiously. - -The "gueux" would be as dangerous to them as to the reiters, they would -make no distinction between English and Germans, all fought alike for -their detested enemy King Philip. - -Once again the peddler intervened, as he sat behind Geoffrey. - -"My lord, my lord," he said in an agitated voice, "we must be gone, or -we shall likewise perish." - -"We cannot pass the gueux," said Geoffrey, "and I cannot return to the -camp; what third course is there?" - - [Illustration: "HERE IS THE ENTRANCE INTO THE WOODS."] - -"My lord," said the man, "you saved my life, will you trust yours to me? -I know every pathway of these woods, I can take you by a safe road to -Busigney if you will take me as your guide; the bypath enters the woods -just below here, and once at Busigney you are on the main road again." - -For a minute Geoffrey consulted with his comrades, then he turned to the -peddler. - -"You seem to be an honest man, we will trust you," he said. "Lead on, we -accept your services as guide." - -The party retraced their steps for about a hundred yards. - -"Here is the entrance into the woods," said the peddler, as a leafy -avenue dimly disclosed itself on the left side of the road. - -They turned into it, and now they were gently and noiselessly traversing -the woods by a smoothly turfed trackway. - -"To the right," cried the peddler, as they came to a crossway, and -Geoffrey perceived that they were now riding in a parallel track to the -road they had quitted. - -The roar of battle had quieted down, but the wind brought to their ears -the exultant shouts of the gueux, the victors in the deadly strife. - -From time to time some dark body would rush across the track or dive -into the forest, once indeed a musket-shot was fired at them randomly. -These were marauders hastening to the scene of conflict, eager to -participate in the spoils. - -"We must ride quicker," said Geoffrey; "soon the gueux will know of our -presence and we shall be pursued." - -"Beware," said the peddler in reply, "sometimes there are fallen trees -across the track. We rejoin the main road in a few minutes." - -Geoffrey saw the wisdom of this advice, and they rode stealthily -forward. - -Presently they emerged into a clearing and, to their joy, saw the great -military road in front of them. Once upon it they put their horses to -their fullest speed, there were no further barricades to dread, the -peddler told them. - -In half-an-hour they were in the little town of Busigney, a town held to -be neutral by both the contending armies, for it was the patrimony of -Mary the Duchess of Burgundy, now the Regent of the Netherlands for -Philip. In a few minutes they had drawn up in front of a little hotel, -"L'Eperon d'Or," and the peddler, dismounting, entered the house. He -quickly returned, accompanied by the "maitre d'hotel." - -"Here, my lord," he said to Geoffrey, "you can refresh your horses and -yourselves also, if you need it, yet I urge you to remember that your -foes are near, therefore you may not tarry long." - -"We owe you a thousand thanks," said Geoffrey. "Will you not take -refreshment with us?" - -"Nay, my lord, it is well-nigh midnight, and I must seek a chirurgeon -this night to set my wounded hand in order." - -"Ah! I had forgotten your grievous hurt," said Geoffrey. "You are a -brave and gallant man, Mr. Peddler, may I not add a little golden salve -to the remedy?" and he produced his purse. - -"Nay, nay, my lord," said the man quickly, "you have already given me my -reward, it was a life for a life!" - -And forthwith he left them. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - BRUSSELS, ANTWERP, CALAIS - - -The horsemen needed but little time wherein to refresh themselves and -their horses. The aubergiste, at Geoffrey's command, brought forth his -best wine for the gentlemen, and his ostlers produced corn and water for -the horses. In half-an-hour the order to remount was given, and soon the -party was trotting quietly through the cobbled streets of Busigney. - -Their next halting-place would be Mons; in two hours' time they would be -out of French territory. - -Clear of the town they put their horses to a hand-gallop, and once more -the devastation of war became evident. All was ruin and desolation in -this once fertile region, there seemed to be nothing left by the cruel -marauding hands of men! - -The villages and hamlets still smouldered, and the air was reeking with -pungent smoke; but there were no inhabitants, all had fled from the -neighbourhood of the great military highway. - -Yet Geoffrey and his companions relaxed nothing of their keen vigilance. -Robin rode ahead and Hal in the rear as before. - -On, on, through the night! - -The stars shone brilliantly, not a cloud flecked the sky. Ill-omened -blotches of red light on the horizon marked where the gueux were still -at their evil work, but even these grew fewer as the small hours of the -morning passed and the travellers were reaching Flemish territory. - -All at once the advance-guard dropped back upon them. He reported that a -crowd of men were approaching; they were not in military order, but they -were occupying the whole road. - -Geoffrey signalled to the rear-guard to join them, and a rapid -consultation ensued. Finally, Geoffrey ordered the three lads to fall in -behind the gentlemen; then with drawn swords all advanced at slow pace -towards the oncoming mob. Many of these men carried pine-knot torches, -and by their flickering and lurid light it could be seen that they were -rudely armed peasantry—scythes, pitchforks and huge clubs were their -chief weapons, and these they waved aloft with wild cries of defiance. -The three young soldiers felt a true pity for these homeless and -houseless men, and Geoffrey resolved to win his way through them by -expostulation, if it were possible. - -Reining up his steed he waited till the gueux were close at hand, then -he thundered out— - -"Halt there, if you value your lives!" - -The men uttered derisive cries—yet they halted. - -"Why do you obstruct the King's highway? make way, or you will rue the -day when you strove to stop six heavily-armed men." - -Their leader stepped to the front. - -"You are six in number, are you," he cried, "and we are ten to one -against you! Dismount from your horses, give them up to us and we will -let you pass," he continued. - -"Fools!" cried Geoffrey angrily; "do you think to frighten soldiers with -your base threats? Yet I know that you are poor and starving, and I -would not willingly put you to the sword. Hear me! On the word of a -gentleman I promise you that if you make way for us I will scatter five -gold pieces among you. Now answer me, and that quickly!" - -For a moment the men drew together to consider the offer. But the very -mention of "gold pieces" aroused their base passions and cupidity; -perhaps they thought that fear dictated the generous offer. Then the -leader cried out— - -"We will have your gold and your horses too; dismount and we promise you -your lives." - -Geoffrey turned rapidly to his men. - -"Two abreast," he cried; "are you ready? Charge!" - -Then they dug their spurs into their horses' flanks and, like a -thunderbolt, they hurled themselves into the midst of the seething mob, -with a wild British cheer! Cutting, slashing, hewing, stabbing, the six -trained and disciplined soldiers passed through their foes as if they -had been but wax dolls or stuffed effigies. In less than a minute they -had won their way, and the path through which they had passed was strewn -with the dead and dying. - -Then Geoffrey cried "Halt!" - -The gueux were a hundred yards behind them, and they showed no -inclination to pursue. - -"Is any man hurt?" cried Geoffrey to his party. - -Two lads answered— - -"Only a little blood-letting, sir." - -"Then in God's name let us ride forward," cried Geoffrey: "we have -punished those poor wretches sufficiently; but they would have it, -Heaven pity them!" - -On, on once more into the night. - -The morn was breaking, streaks of grey light quivered in the sky and the -stars were losing their brilliance. They were approaching the confines -of Flanders, and as the dawn deepened into day the watch-towers of -Maubeuge came in sight. It was a frontier town, and in times of peace -its barriers would have been kept by an armed force, not to be passed -till all dues and customs had been paid, and all questions fully -answered. - -As the armed party appeared in view the shrill voice of a trumpet rang -out, and men were to be seen hurrying to their places of observation. -But the sight of six men in uniform, fully armed, seemed to render all -formalities unnecessary, and no resistance to their passage was made as -the party rode through the town making no halt in it. - -The sun was rising in great splendour; it shone upon a scene that -cheered the hearts of the horsemen. All was bright and peaceful, the -fields were yellow with corn and the reapers were everywhere at work. - -"Oh, blessed peace!" said William to Ralph; "who would not sigh for the -time when wars should be no more, when men shall 'beat their swords into -ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks'!" - -They rode more gently now, for their gallant steeds were beginning to -flag. At mid-day the towers and spires of Mons came into sight and the -splendid tracery of the glorious Cathedral of St. Wandru, as it -displayed itself against a sky of opal blue, filled them with -admiration. - -Reaching the Grande Place, they halted in front of the Hôtel de la -Couronne, and the weary travellers dismounted. They, as well as their -horses, needed repose, and Geoffrey decreed a respite of three hours. - - -------------- - -All too soon Geoffrey aroused his comrades, who had both dined and slept -after they had seen carefully that the needs of their horses had -received attention. - -"To horse, to horse," cried Geoffrey: "we must be in Brussels ere -nightfall." - -Once more they were in the saddle, and the bells of the cathedral tolled -the hour of three as they rode across the bridge of the river Trouille, -fresh and reinvigorated. Their horses had been well cared for, and they -seemed to share the exhilaration of their riders. - -On through the pleasant plains of Flanders, through Jubise, Nivelles, -Brise-le-Compte, and many another small town. They sang, they talked to -their horses and caressed them, and the noble animals responded to their -efforts as they cantered forwards. - -Yet night was falling ere the noble town of Brussels was reached; the -sweet-toned bells of the great Cathedral, St. Gudule, were chiming, and -presently they announced the hour—it was eight o'clock. - -The party halted in the Grande Place under the shadow of the splendid -Hôtel de Ville, and Geoffrey quickly found a comfortable hotel where -they could stable their horses and refresh themselves. - -Then he wended his way to the burgomaster's house, that he might lodge -his demand for six fresh horses "for the King's service." He encountered -no difficulties, and this business being accomplished he rejoined his -companions at the Hôtel de Flandres. - -The horses were ordered for midnight, when they would begin the last -stage of their long ride; they would reach Antwerp by daybreak, if all -went well. They had four hours for rest and refreshment, yet, when they -had dined, and ere they snatched an hour's sleep, the gentlemen of the -party strolled for a brief space in the Grande Place. It was full of -gaily-dressed citizens; and great lanterns, suspended on poles at -intervals, cast a bright light upon the animated scene. - -Here were gallant young Spanish officers, belonging to the garrison of -the city, attracting the eyes of all beholders by the glitter of their -uniforms and the easy hauteur with which they moved among the people. - -There were civic dignitaries in rich flowing robes, escorting their -wives and daughters to an entertainment which was being given that night -by Margaret, Duchess of Parma, the King's half-sister. She was paying a -brief visit to the city, where she had spent her childhood; she was soon -to become the Regent of the Netherlands. - -There were groups of monks in the many-coloured robes of their Orders, -Black Dominicans, White Augustinians and Brown Benedictines. - -All sorts and conditions of men were there, and the young Englishmen -watched them with keen interest. So novel a scene had they never -witnessed, nor so lovely a house as the "Maison du Roi," which blazed -with light in all its windows on the eastern side of the Place. - -Ah, what a house that was! Richly sculptured, ornamented with armorial -bearings, which glittered with crimson and gold; so splendid that it was -sometimes called "The Golden House." It was in front of that very house -that, eleven years later, twenty-five Flemish nobles passed to their -doom on the scaffold—it was in the spring of 1568. Two months later -Counts Egmont and Horn were led forth from that gorgeous abode to perish -under the headsman's axe. - -There was no prophetic vision to foretell these dread things; and that -night, as the young Englishmen gazed upon it in all its sumptuous -beauty, the wildest imagination would not have dreamt of so tragic a -thing. - -The eyes of the young men lingered on these scenes of fascination, and, -for a time, they lost the feeling of weariness and fatigue. - -"Come, boys," cried Geoffrey, as he laid his hands on their shoulders, -"this will not do! The clocks are chiming for the ninth hour, and at -twelve we have to be in the saddle." - -So they retraced their steps to the Hôtel de Flandres and soon "fell on -sleep," perhaps to dream of gallant courtiers, stout burghers, of civic -dignitaries and the fair ladies of the wondrous city of Brussels. - - -------------- - -The hour of midnight had come, and in the spacious stable-yard of the -hotel six fine Flemish horses, fully harnessed for military service, -awaited their riders. Nor had they long to wait. - -Scarce had the sound of the chiming bells died down than the six -horsemen made their appearance. Again was a minute examination made of -every part of the equipment, again the men renewed the priming of their -pistols and shook their sword-belts into position. - -"Are you all ready?" cried Geoffrey, when all was finished. And in -response to the "Aye, aye, sir," of the men, the word of command came— - -"Then mount; we ride in pairs till we are clear of the city, then as -before: Robin in front and Hal behind." - -Quietly they rode through the dimly-lit streets and passed over the -river Senne into the open country. They were on a good road now (the -ancient Roman "street"), which led straight away to Antwerp, through -Mechlin, where they would make their first halt. - -They were splendidly mounted and their horses broke into an easy canter, -tossing their long manes and snorting, as if with joy. Through verdant -plains, through teeming cornfields, through villages and small towns, -onwards they galloped till the lights of Mechlin came in sight. -Presently they were riding gently through the ancient town, and the -carillon in the lofty belfry of St. Rombaut rang out the hour of two as -they drew rein in the Grande Place. - -The city watchmen gathered round them, eager to do them service as soon -as Geoffrey had informed them that he rode on the King's business. Corn -and water were quickly found for the horses, wine from some secret store -for the men (the hotels were fast locked for the night), for all of -which things Geoffrey paid with free hand. Thus half-an-hour was spent, -then the horsemen remounted their steeds and they cantered gaily out of -the town. - -"Heigh ho, for Antwerp, our last stage!" cried Geoffrey, as they rode -out into the darkness. - -So fresh were their horses that they rode now at full gallop, and the -country seemed to fly by them. A grey light was tingeing the eastern -horizon as they drew near Antwerp, the dawn had begun as they rode up to -the watch-towers of the fortified town. - -Their approach had been signalled by trumpet blasts, and a strong body -of town-guards awaited them. The horsemen drew up as the captain of the -guard approached them, and to him Geoffrey handed his papers as he said— - -"On the King's service!" - -Everything was _en règle_, and in a few moments the great gates were -opened and the party entered Antwerp and proceeded direct to the Quai. - -Antwerp was waking up, and already crowds of men were making their way -to the great dockyard of the city. Sailors of many nationalities were -proceeding to their ships, which lay at anchor on the broad waters of -the noble river Scheldt. - -Lord Clinton had provided Geoffrey with a "King's mandate" addressed to -the dock-master, and the party soon found their way to that -functionary's official residence. - -Herr Van Luhys, the worthy dock-master, had not yet opened his doors to -the outside world, and the sleepy watchman gazed with dismay at the six -horsemen who, dismounted, stood at the door asking for immediate -audience. It was not till Geoffrey had slipped a doubloon into the man's -hand that he consented to awake his master and to convey a message to -him. - -But the words "On the King's Service" soon brought the dock-master into -the hall, where the three Englishmen awaited him. Geoffrey handed the -King's mandate to him, at the sight of which document Herr Van Luhys -bowed low and asked his early visitors to be seated, while he read the -mandate. - -The effect was immediate. - -"I am the King's servant and loyal subject," he said: "his commands -shall be obeyed. I am bidden to find you immediate means of reaching -Calais, and to see that your horses are returned to the Burgomaster of -Brussels. By Heaven's good providence the _Santa Trinadad_, a swift -King's ship, is in the harbour, and she sails in an hour's time. I will -send word to the captain at once, that six gentlemen are coming on board -his ship, and that he is to await your presence before he lifts anchor. -Meanwhile, gentlemen, you will break your fast with me, I trust, if you -will do me so great an honour." - -Geoffrey bowed courteously, and very thankfully accepted the dock- -master's offers of service and breakfast. They were weary, and their -long ride had made them hungry: an hour could not be spent more -profitably than at Herr Van der Luhys's breakfast table. - -Their horses were sent under the care of grooms, hastily summoned, to -the stables, and men-servants began in hot haste to prepare a meal for -the dock-master's guests. - -A great table stood in the centre of the hall: soon it was covered with -a fair white cloth, and fish, flesh and fowl were produced and set out -as if by magic. The honest Dutchman's larder was evidently well stocked -and his cellar was equally good, for in a trice curious bottles of -spirits and tall flasks, full of wine, were brought forth. - -Van Luhys sat at table with his guests, and when the claims of hunger -had been somewhat appeased he plied them with questions. He would fain -know all about the battle and siege of St. Quentin; what were the King's -plans of campaign; where was the Duke of Guise's army; where was De -Nevers; what great reward was to be given to their noble compatriot -Count Egmont, and many other like things! And so an hour rapidly passed, -so quickly indeed that a message from the Captain of the _Santa -Trinadad_ came to them almost as a surprise. - -"The tide was falling, the gentlemen should come aboard as quickly as -possible." - -Geoffrey would have made his adieux, but the hospitable Van Luhys -insisted on seeing his guests safely on board the ship; moreover, he -wished to introduce them to his honourable friend Captain Don Gonzaga. - -So the party rose from table and made their way through the docks, now -become a scene of great activity. No town in Europe possessed a finer -harbour than Antwerp, and its vast fortifications were maintained with -zealous care: a garrison of five thousand Spaniards defended them. - -A walk of a few minutes brought them to the water-side, where the war- -ship floated at anchor. She was a noble vessel, carrying forty-five -guns, though many of them were of small calibre. Her decks were crowded -with sailors, among whom Geoffrey noted fifty men-at-arms, wearing -glittering cuirasses and morions and armed with arquebuses and swords. -Many sailors had gone aloft, awaiting the signal to unfurl the sails and -fling out the royal standard of Spain. - -As the party stepped on board, headed by the dock-master, Captain -Gonzaga advanced to meet them. He was a young Castilian noble of purest -blood and long descent, and his manners, though courteous, were tinged -with a certain hauteur. - -"To what happy circumstances am I to attribute the honour of the company -of these gentlemen?" he said, with a ceremonious bow towards them. - -"I have the 'King's mandate,' honourable Captain, to see that they are -conveyed to Calais with no delay," said Herr Van der Luhys. - -"I would fain see the 'mandate,'" replied Don Gonzaga. - -The dock-master bridled up somewhat. - -"It is addressed to me," he said, "but I have it with me and you are -welcome to see it;" and therewith he handed the document to the -punctilious Captain, who hastily perused it. - -As he read the names of the three gentlemen therein set forth, he -started as he saw that of Geoffrey de Fynes, and his manner of bearing -underwent a sudden change. - -"Which of you gentlemen is Mr. Geoffrey de Fynes?" he inquired. - -Geoffrey bowed slightly in reply. - -"Of Herstmonceux in the County of Sussex?" inquired the Captain. - -"My father was Baron Dacres of Herstmonceux", said Geoffrey. - -"I welcome you on board my ship," said Don Gonzaga warmly, as he held -out his hand, which Geoffrey took courteously. "My father was the -Spanish Ambassador at the Court of King Henry the Eighth," continued the -Captain, "and your father, Baron Dacres, was his bosom friend; I venture -to hope that a like bond may unite their sons! Now come to my cabin, -gentlemen, for in a few minutes we start for Calais." - -Then they bade farewell to the worthy Herr Van der Luhys and followed -Gonzaga to his cabin. It was the "state room" of the ship, luxuriously -furnished. - -"Make this cabin your own, gentlemen, while you do me the honour of -remaining on the _Santa Trinadad_," said the Captain. "And now I must -hasten on deck," he continued; "we are just moving out," and with a bow -he left them. - -It was not long before the Englishmen ascended to the deck, eager to see -the country through which they were passing. The sun was shining -brightly on the broad, deep waters of the Scheldt as the noble ship -slowly threaded its way out of the crowded port of Antwerp. Soon the -majestic city faded out of sight, and on each side of the river a flat -and somewhat desolate landscape extended itself. - -There were broad meadows, reclaimed from the sea, on which great droves -of oxen were pastured; there were innumerable wind-mills and quaint -Dutch farm-houses. Occasionally a village came in sight with a metal- -sheathed spire rising from its midst. Soon Flushing was reached, the -pilot was dropped and the vessel was in the open sea, under full sail. - -At mid-day dinner was served in the great mess-room, and Don Gonzaga -introduced his guests to the officers of the ship. - -Spain was the rival with England for the sovereignty of the sea, and, as -a rule, there was little love lost between the sailors of the two -nations. But now, taking their cue from their young Captain, the Spanish -officers vied in showing hospitality to their English guests. As the -banquet, for it really deserved the name, came to a close and the four -young men were left alone, Gonzaga turned to Geoffrey, who sat on his -right hand, and said— - -"Shall I tell you how my father first met Lord Dacres? He often told the -tale to me." - -And on Geoffrey's eager acquiescence, he proceeded to say— - -"It was in the spring of 1538, and my father was summoned to a banquet -at the King's Palace at Greenwich. As he crossed Blackheath on foot, -accompanied by a small band of servants, he was attacked by a strong -body of highwaymen. A desperate fight ensued, and one by one all my -fathers servants fell, and he alone was left, fighting desperately for -his life with his back against a stone wall. The assassins knew him, and -perhaps they were anxious to take him alive and so claim a great ransom. -Or perhaps his skill with the rapier saved him, for he was thought to be -the finest swordsman of Spain. His foes called on him to surrender, but -they called in vain, though he was sorely wounded—a Gonzaga dies but -never surrenders! - -"A few minutes more and the tragedy would have been complete, for my -father was growing faint with loss of blood. But the noise of the strife -was heard afar, and suddenly help came. With a shout of 'Dacres to the -rescue,' six stout Sussex men attacked the highwaymen in the rear, and -they took to flight. Then your noble father, Lord Dacres, bound up -Gonzaga's wounds, and his men bore him to Greenwich Palace. His wounds -were not serious, and in a few weeks' time he had quite recovered from -them. And that was the beginning of a firm friendship between our -fathers, only too soon to end by the tragic event which all good men -will ever deplore." - -Geoffrey was deeply moved as he grasped Don Gonzaga's proffered hand and -shook it warmly. - -"I was but a babe," he said, "when my father perished at Tyburn, but I -love his revered memory, and my one hope in life, above all others, is -to see his honour vindicated!" - -"May that day soon come!" said Gonzaga. - -Then the four young men returned to the deck, and at the request of the -Englishmen the Captain took them all over the war-ship, and afterwards -put the crew and the men-at-arms through a smart drill, in which the -wonderful efficiency of the men excited the Englishmen's admiration. - - -------------- - -The voyage was drawing to an end. Ostend and Dunkirk had been passed, -and as evening fell Calais came in sight. - -At eight o'clock the ship dropped her anchor in front of the town, -firing a salute in honour of the flag of St. George, which floated on -the bastion. Then a boat was lowered, and, ere taking their departure, -the Englishmen took an affectionate farewell of their new friend. - -"We shall meet again," said Gonzaga. - -"At Herstmonceux, I hope," replied Geoffrey, as they shook hands once -more. - -Half-an-hour later the young men were in Calais, and the _Santa -Trinadad_ pursued her journey to Spain, whither she was bound. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - CALAIS - - -Calais was a petty fishing village in the tenth century, and its first -appearance in the annals of history was when Baldwin the Fourth, Count -of Flanders, took it under his fostering care and its earliest -fortifications were built. - -Perceiving its natural advantages, Philip of France, Count of Boulogne, -took serious steps for its defence. A citadel was built, forts were -erected, a lofty watch-tower was constructed on the bastion fronting the -sea, which for centuries was the chief light-house of Calais. The town -was encircled by strong walls, deep moats were constructed, every art -known to the engineers of that age was employed, and the town was -thought to be impregnable. - -King Edward the Third captured it after the great battle of Crécy, and -it took that warlike monarch eleven months ere he became master of the -town, chiefly aided by the grim necessities of famine. It became an -English town, and for two hundred years it had resisted the repeated -efforts of France to reconquer it. The English rebuilt the cathedral of -Notre Dame, whose lofty tower served as a landmark for sailors. When the -sovereigns of England and France met on the "Field of the Cloth of -Gold," much money was spent on the town by the English. - -Wolsey's keen eye marked the decrepitude of its walls, and he spent -twenty thousand crowns in strengthening them. Yet vague rumours had -lately gone abroad that its fortifications were tottering to a fall, -undermined by the action of the sea; that the ancient artillery which -defended its walls was but a vain show, and that its garrison of eight -hundred men was not only inadequate, but it was untrustworthy from a -military point of view. It had become a kind of depôt for old soldiers, -ill watch was kept, and loose discipline was maintained. - -Alarmed by the reports which the Bishop of Acqs had conveyed to the -French Government (all of which were known by him), Philip took serious -alarm. In hot haste he laid these matters before the English Government, -only to find his reports to be received with the utmost incredulity. The -two hundred years of almost quiet possession had begotten a fatal sense -of security on the part of the English. - -Again Philip sent to Cardinal Pole, who was the Queen's chief adviser, -offering to garrison Calais with Spaniards at his own expense; but this -offer was received coldly by the English Government, whose suspicion of -the Spaniard, and of Philip himself especially, reigned supreme. Then -Philip suggested a greatly increased garrison, of which one half should -be English and the other Spanish. The offer was refused. - -It was under these circumstances that the King had sent Geoffrey, -William and Ralph to make a secret inspection of the town and its -garrison. Their report was to be given to Cardinal Pole himself. Philip -knew that these three young Englishmen were favourably known to the -Cardinal, and that his eminence would feel sure that their testimony -would be disinterested and reliable. - -It was under these circumstances that Geoffrey and his companions landed -at Calais on a fine September evening in the year 1557. The approach of -their boat had been perceived from the watch-tower, and as it grated on -the shore a company of armed men waited to receive them. The uniforms of -the young men gave assurance to the captain of the guard, he recognized -the blue accoutrements of the English contingent, now serving with King -Philip. It was therefore with the utmost courtesy and with military -salute that Captain Lascelles advanced towards the visitors and asked to -be allowed to inspect their papers. - -"We come from St. Quentin as direct envoys from the King to Lord -Wentworth, the Governor of Calais," replied Geoffrey. "May we ask you to -conduct us to him?" he continued. - -"Whom have I the honour to address?" inquired the Captain. - -"Geoffrey de Fynes, William Jefferay, Ralph Jefferay, aides-de-camp to -Lord Clinton, second in command of the English contingent serving in -France," replied Geoffrey. - -Captain Lascelles bowed low. - -"I will conduct you to the Governor's lodgings in the citadel -forthwith," he replied; "but I fear you will not see Lord Wentworth to- -night, he is entertaining the officers of the garrison to supper." - -"We thank you for your courtesy, sir," replied Geoffrey; and the Captain -leading the way the party ascended to the citadel which overlooked the -little town. - -Through narrow, ill-paved streets, dimly lit, they proceeded in silence -till the plateau was reached which fronted the gloomy old citadel. - -The Captain gave the password at the gates, then he called for Lord -Wentworth's major-domo, with whom he held a brief consultation apart. -Then turning to Geoffrey, he said— - -"The Castle is very full of guests to-night, yet the major-domo can give -you 'soldiers' quarters' if you will deign to accept so humble a -lodging." - -"We are soldiers," replied Geoffrey cheerfully, "we ask for nothing -better." - -Forthwith the official led them through a long vaulted passage, lit with -oil lamps, from which they emerged into a large low vaulted room, -roughly but sufficiently furnished with tables and wooden benches. A -great fire-place occupied one end of the room, and a quantity of -firewood lay on the hearth waiting to be kindled. - -Three stone-mullioned windows gave light and air, and from them the -twinkling lights of the town could be perceived as it stretched itself -out below them. Cressets hung from the walls, and into one of them the -major-domo thrust the blazing torch he had been carrying. - -"By my faith I am sorry to give you so poor a lodging," said Captain -Lascelles; "but to-morrow the major-domo will be able to do something -better for you. Beyond this room there lies another exactly like it, but -furnished with truckle-beds, which shall be provided with fresh and -clean linen and blankets for you. And now, gentlemen," he continued, -"may I suggest that you come to my quarters in the Castle, which, poor -as they are, present a few more comforts than this cold stone room. -Meanwhile, your varlets can light your fires and help the major-domo to -lay your supper—what say you?" - -The offer was so kindly made and evidently so well meant, that Geoffrey -at once answered— - -"Most willingly, sir, and we are greatly your debtors. Meanwhile," he -added, "I have a letter from Lord Clinton to the Governor, will you -kindly see that it reaches his hand to-night; the royal mandate from -King Philip I must deliver to his Lordship myself." - -"It shall be done," said Captain Lascelles; "and now, if it please you, -I beg you to follow me." - -A few steps brought them to the courtyard, and crossing it the Captain -led the way to a flight of stone steps on the southern side. Ascending -these the party found themselves in front of a strong, heavy door, on -which Captain Lascelles rapped loudly. - -A soldier speedily answered the summons and led the way to his master's -quarters, holding aloft a flaming torch. It was a stone-built room, even -the floor was stone, like every other chamber in that ancient citadel, -but in every other respect it was luxuriously furnished. Glittering -designs in daggers and poniards of every age adorned the walls, which -were covered with rich tapestries, soft couches and divans invited to -repose, curiously carved tables and chairs testified to the taste and -elegance of the young Captain of the guard. - -"Be seated, gentlemen," cried Lascelles, as he sounded a gong and bade -his servants bring wine and refreshment. - -"But are we not keeping you from the Governor's hospitable table?" said -Geoffrey, as the sounds of arriving guests ascended from the courtyard. - -"Nay," said the Captain, with a laugh; "I am on duty to-night." - -"Then, in that case, I pray that you will not let us burden you with our -company," replied Geoffrey. - -"I am free for an hour," replied Lascelles; "De Courcy, my lieutenant, -takes my place." - -So they sat down while rich wines were being poured into silver goblets -and toasts were drunk. Lascelles would fain know all the recent military -news from St. Quentin, of which the world knew little as yet. He was -eager to hear of the King's present position and his schemes for the -future. On many such points Geoffrey was able and willing to give -information; on others he preserved a discreet silence, as became a -King's envoy sent on a secret mission. - -Thus an hour flew rapidly by, and then Geoffrey, pleading fatigue, -obtained his host's permission to withdraw to the quarters assigned to -them. There they found bright fires burning, and a substantial meal had -been provided by the major-domo, with wines for the gentlemen and small- -beer for the varlets. - -The evening was speeding on, and the Englishmen were about to retire to -their truckle-beds, when an unlooked-for intervention occurred. There -was a knock at the door, then it was thrown open and a young aide-de- -camp, richly dressed, stepped into the room with the words— - -"May it please you, gentlemen, his Excellency the Governor!" and -therewith the Earl of Wentworth appeared on the threshold. - -He was splendidly dressed, as became a great noble. He had left his -guests for a brief space, and so was in all the rich attire of the -banqueting-room. Bowing courteously to the young men, he besought them -to take their seats, as he sat down on one of the rough chairs of the -guard-room. Turning to his aide-de-camp the Governor said— - -"Descend to the courtyard and wait there for me, take with you the three -grooms, and let no man disturb us." - -The envoys were left alone with the Earl. - -Lord Wentworth was an elderly man of grave and even majestic mien. As -"Lord of the Marches" he had seen much service in the Border warfare -between England and Scotland; he had only recently been appointed to the -Governorship of Calais. In quiet and easy tones he addressed the envoys. - -"Lord Clinton's letter has just reached my hands," he said, "and in it -he tells me that you are the bearers of a royal mandate for me from King -Philip. He tells me that the matter is urgent, and that must be my -excuse for disturbing you at this late hour of the night. I crave your -pardon therein. I shall be glad to read the mandate ere I retire to -rest." - -Geoffrey at once arose, bowed low, and presented the royal document. - -"I thank you, young sir," said the Earl. "To-morrow morning at nine -o'clock I ask your company to breakfast, there is much that you can tell -me which I am very desirous to hear, for Lord Clinton tells me that you -come direct from St. Quentin. And now I will not detain you from your -rest, you have travelled far and must needs be fatigued. And so good- -night, gentlemen!" - -And therewith the Earl, attended by Geoffrey, who carried a torch, -descended to the courtyard. Ere the Governor quitted his young -companion, he said— - -"I gather from Lord Clinton's letter that one of you three gentlemen is -Geoffrey de Fynes—are you he?" - -"Yes, your Lordship," replied Geoffrey. - -"Then you are of the family of the 'Dacres of the South,' I presume," -said the Earl. "I have known the 'Dacres of the North' all my life and I -have been honoured by their friendship." - -Then the Earl shook hands warmly with Geoffrey. - -"I am glad to know you, sir, and to welcome you to this town of Calais, -of which your grandfather was Governor in the famous year of 'The Field -of the Cloth of Gold,' unless I err?" - -Geoffrey bowed acquiescence, and the interview came to an end. - -Soon the six weary travellers sought their truckle-beds and found solace -in sleep. - - -------------- - -The morning had come, the Earl and his three young guests had -breakfasted in the great hall of the Castle. The servants had been -dismissed and the gentlemen sat alone. - -"Last night," said the Earl to them, "I read King Philip's letter, and I -gather from it that he wishes me to allow you three gentlemen to make a -thorough, but informal, inspection of the fortifications and the -garrison of Calais. You will carry your report to Cardinal Pole, and the -King earnestly hopes that the English Government will remedy whatsoever -may be lacking here. His Majesty's wishes are commands to me, and they -shall be willingly obeyed. Indeed, I am heartily glad to have this new -opportunity of laying our needs before the Government, to whom I have -written many letters and sent many messengers in vain. The King is -rightly informed respecting the condition of matters here; it is true we -need more men, more guns, and a greater supply of ammunition, and our -walls are crumbling into ruin in many important points. Yet I do not -fear any foe, nor do I believe that Calais can fall. I held Berwick -Castle against all the power of Scotland, with a smaller garrison and -with poorer means of defence! - -"But now we will go forth and you shall see for yourselves how matters -stand with us. First, we will inspect the Castle itself, and I will show -you our magazines. And we go unattended, remembering that your mission -is a secret one. The garrison is being drilled in the great courtyard at -this moment. You shall see the men under arms." - -The Governor had ordered a full muster this morning, and the courtyard -presented a scene full of life and animation when the whole garrison -presented arms as the Earl and his guests made their appearance. - -The envoys passed between the lines and closely inspected the men and -their equipment. The review was soon completed, and the men went to -their quarters with a great beating of drums and blowing of trumpets. - -"What think you of them?" asked the Governor, as he and his guests moved -on to the bastions. - -The envoys consulted together for a brief space, and then Geoffrey, as -spokesman, gave their opinion. - -"The men were gallant English soldiers, but they were chiefly old men, -some of them surely past the usual age for men on service. Their weapons -were older still, and the arquebusiers were astonishingly few in -number," such was their verdict. - -The Governor sighed as he admitted that the criticism was just, and he -now proceeded to lead the party to the Castle wall. - -Many of the great guns were so old that it would be dangerous to use -them; one wondrous piece of artillery dated back to the days of Crécy. - -"But others are on their way hither," the Governor explained. "They were -at Dover waiting for shipment," according to his latest information. - -Then a circuit of the fortifications was made, and it was all too -evident that many towers were crumbling to ruin. - -Later in the day the Governor took his guests to the outer walls of the -town, the bulwarks of Froyton and Neslé were visited, Newhaven Bridge -(as it was somewhat curiously named) was traversed, and they inspected -the Risbank and the great moats. These moats formed a vital point in the -defence of Calais, should the day of trial come, yet were so ill cared -for that some were dry, and in others the water was so shallow that -great mudbanks displayed themselves in their midst. - -It was with saddened hearts that the envoys returned to the Castle, -having inspected the sea walls and the surrounding country as far as -Guisnes and Hames. - - -------------- - -The night had fallen, the great gates of the Castle were closed and the -watches were set. - -The envoys were the guests of the Governor, and they sat at supper in -the great hall. This was the noblest room in the Castle, it had been -built by King Henry the Fifth, and it was a worthy trophy of the Warrior -King. Its lofty roof towered above them, dimly seen by the light of the -great lanterns which hung upon the walls. On festive nights the iron -cressets, suspended at intervals between the lanterns, were filled with -blazing torches, and over the "high table" hung handsome candelabra, -which on rare occasions glittered with the light of hundreds of wax -candles. But this was a "low night," and the daïs was illuminated by -lanterns only. - -"So to-morrow you leave us," said the Governor, as the supper being -finished they sat over their wine. "I am sorry that you cannot prolong -your stay, for I would fain have seen more of you, but I know it is -impossible. I will not ask you aught respecting your report to the -Cardinal, but I can divine what it will be. You tell me that the English -contingent are clamouring for their return home: ask him to send me but -a thousand of those gallant men and I will pledge my honour that in -Calais the flag of St. George will never give place to the lilies of -France! But above all things let the help, whatever it may be, come -quickly. I have forgotten what little Latin I ever knew, but there is an -old tag which I learnt at Carlisle Grammar School which dwells in my -memory: _Bis dat qui cito dat!_" - -The young men were much moved as the veteran soldier talked. - -"God grant that the Cardinal may listen to us, and that the Government -will heed him," said Ralph. - -"But the Cardinal _is_ the Government, for at this moment he rules -supreme in the council, and the Queen relies implicitly upon his -advice," replied the Governor. "Persuade him and the thing is -accomplished. Calais will stand for another two hundred years as the -brightest gem in the English crown—Heaven grant it!" - -"But meanwhile," interposed Ralph again, "meanwhile, _if Guise come_?" - -"Our latest advice is that Guise will _not_ come," answered the -Governor; "he has joined De Nevers and their combined armies are moving -into Picardy: all men say that France will make a desperate effort to -reconquer St. Quentin—and will make it soon." - -"It is the unexpected which happens," said Geoffrey. - -So they talked till the hour grew late and it was time to retire. This -night they were to occupy the "Guest chamber" in the Governor's lodging. - -"To-morrow, then," said the Earl, as he bade them a good-night, "to- -morrow the tide serves at ten in the morning, and I have ordered a swift -fly-boat to be ready for you at the quay at that hour. And now good- -night, good-night!" - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - HOME AGAIN - - -It was a dull gloomy day, the first day of "chill October." The envoys -stood on the deck of the fly-ship as she cleared out of Calais harbour, -and they watched the fast-receding vista of the old English town, the -last remnant of the once vast Continental possessions of the Plantagenet -kings. - -The flag of St. George hung loosely on the summit of the lofty tower of -Notre Dame. The rain had sodden it, and there was little wind to throw -out its heavy folds. - -There was much cause why Geoffrey, William and Ralph should rejoice and -be glad. Their mission was drawing to an end, and all things had gone -happily. They had passed through many dangers, and a Divine Providence -had surely watched over them. Soon they would be in London, and a -rapturous welcome awaited them at Gray's Inn! - -Yet these were three patriotic young Englishmen, and an indefinable -oppression weighed down their spirits as they caught their last view of -the flag of St. George floating over Calais. A prophetic intimation of -evil oppressed their hearts. - -They had lately been brought into close contact with the gallant -soldiers of France; they had fought against Montmorency and Coligni; -they could appreciate the desperate valour of a Guise! - -How would the worn-out and meagre garrison of Calais, defending its -crumbling walls, withstand the onslaught of such men? - -"Oh, brother," said Geoffrey, as he laid his hand on William's shoulder, -"I fear for Calais!" - -"And I also," said William. - -"And I," said Ralph, and the hearts of the young men were heavy within -them. - -But presently the sun broke through a bank of clouds, and lo! there, -right in front of them, were the white cliffs of dear old England. - -"Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." - -"God save England!" cried Geoffrey, and they flung up their caps with -joy. - -Soon they were in Dover, and as the evening came on they were galloping -on three stout horses into Canterbury. They made no stay in the grand -old cathedral city, but rode quickly through it. - -At Rochester, where the grim old castle built by William de Corbeuil -frowned upon them, they halted to refresh themselves and their horses. - -On through the night for London! - -They were crossing Blackheath at a gentle canter when a slight -interruption to their progress occurred. It was a moonless night, but -the stars were shining brightly. A small band of horsemen barred their -road, and a rough voice called out "Halt!" - -"Certainly," cried Geoffrey merrily, as he reined up his horse, and his -sword rattled as he drew it from its steel scabbard, a proceeding -instantly imitated by his companions. "What is your pleasure, -gentlemen?" he cried. "A merry passage of arms on the Queen's highway? -By all means; you do us much honour!" - -But the night rufflers had seen and heard enough, and in a moment they -were disappearing in the darkness. Perhaps they had thought to encounter -three harmless travellers; they had no mind to display their valour -against three soldiers of the English contingent! - -With a loud laugh the travellers galloped on. - -Soon they were threading their way carefully through the narrow streets -of the suburbs of London, and they headed straight for Gray's Inn. They -would have gone direct to Lambeth, where the Archbishop was in -residence, but the hour was unseemly—the night was not yet past. - -So they rode to Gray's Inn, where they aroused the watchmen at the -stables, and, like good soldiers, saw to the needs of their horses ere -they cared for themselves. The day was dawning as they presented -themselves at the great door of the Treasurer's lodgings and woke up the -sleepy night porter, who was slumbering in his cell. - -Glad was old Robin to see his young masters, of whom nothing had been -heard at Gray's Inn for many a day. They were neither hungry nor -thirsty, for they had supped well at Rochester; yet the porter was able -to find some wine and bread for the weary travellers. - -But their chief need was rest, and they at once sought their way to -their well-known rooms, which had not been occupied since they left -them. - -They would sleep, they told Robin, for the next three hours, and at -breakfast time they would present themselves to Sir John and Mistress -Susan, who might be informed of their arrival when they descended to the -breakfast room. - -"Oh, thank God, to be at home once more!" cried Ralph. - -"Yes, let us thank Him together," said Geoffrey gravely, and the three -young soldiers knelt in silence. Then they sought the much needed rest, -and were soon in deep sleep. - -It was eight o'clock when the sound of the gong aroused the sleepers, -and, after a hasty preparation, they descended to the breakfast room. - -Ah! what a meeting was that. - -There stood Sir John, lost in wonder and delight; there was Susan, clad -in some bewitching morning costume, her long fair hair loosely tied with -some bright ribbons and falling in masses over her shoulders. - -"My boys, my boys," cried Sir John, as he embraced them, kissing them on -both cheeks, "welcome home!" - -Then came Susan's turn, and joy shone in her fair eyes as she kissed -them all, Geoffrey not being excepted. - -It was long ere they could sit down to breakfast, so much had they to -tell and to ask. Eating and drinking were much too prosaic occupations -for such a time as that! - -But there was an air of gravity on Sir John's face as he presently asked -the boys what brought them home so suddenly; when last he heard of them -they were on service at St. Quentin. - -Then Geoffrey told briefly the history of their special mission, -reserving all details for some future occasion. - -"And now we must hie to Lambeth," said he, "for our business with the -Cardinal is urgent." - -"You cannot see him until after the hour of ten," replied Sir John, -"when the service in Lambeth Chapel ends. Until that service is over his -Eminence receives no man. I will send a messenger to him, informing him -of your arrival and your business, asking for an early audience." - -Sir John adjourned to the library, and the letter was written and -despatched immediately. - -Then the whole party met again in that noble room, and Sir John -proceeded to tell the envoys of the present position of affairs in -England. - -"The Queen," said he, "is rapidly failing in health, and the Romanist -party is in grave alarm, especially at Court, where the greatest gloom -prevails. All eyes turn to the Princess Elizabeth, who is the hope of -the Reformation party, which is both numerous and strong; already the -courtiers are flocking to Hatfield, where Elizabeth resides. - -"Cardinal Pole, also, is becoming each day feebler in body, and his -illness is aggravated by the treatment he has received at the hands of -Pope Paul the Fourth—who has summoned him to Rome to answer to various -charges brought against him, amongst others the charge of heresy. The -Pope has revoked his Legation, and has appointed Cardinal Peto as his -Legate to England. - -"The Queen sternly resists these papal measures; she refuses to allow -Pole to leave the kingdom, and she will not allow Peto to enter it. All -the ports are watched, and no messengers from Rome are admitted to -England. Alas! poor Queen," cried Sir John, "deserted by her husband, -and harassed by the Pope for whom she has done so much, who would not -pity her? - -"The fires of Smithfield, and at a hundred other places, have quenched -whatsoever love her subjects once had for her. They distrust Philip and -hate the Spaniards with so mortal a hatred, that no man of that race -dare appear openly in the streets of London, and they are fleeing from -England in shoals; our friend Don Diego left last week. - -"For Cardinal Pole much popular sympathy exists. His noble birth and -blameless life plead for him, and the mercy he has shown to many a poor -prisoner is alleged by the people to be the cause of his present -disgrace at Rome." - -So the discourse went on till Sir John's messenger to Lambeth returned; -the Cardinal would receive the envoys at once, and forthwith the young -men rose to obey the summons. - - -------------- - -The clocks were striking ten as the envoys entered the palace of -Lambeth; they were conducted immediately to the Cardinal's presence. - -He was busily writing as they entered the audience chamber. It was -plainly furnished; there were no luxuries, no ostentation here. - -He rose to greet them, and, as he did so, his wan face lit up with a -kindly smile. They knelt on one knee and kissed the hand he extended to -them. - -"Welcome, my sons," he said; "you come from St. Quentin and Calais, Sir -John Jefferay tells me, as envoys from the King." - -Geoffrey bowed low as he handed their credentials to the Cardinal, among -them a letter from Philip to his Eminence. This letter Cardinal Pole -proceeded to read at once. - -"I perceive," he said at length, "that his Majesty is greatly concerned -respecting the condition of Calais, and that he sent ye thither that you -might report to the Government the true state of things in that town." - -Geoffrey then presented to the Cardinal a letter from the Lord -Wentworth, in which the urgent needs of Calais were set forth for the -Government's information. Pole read this carefully. - -"My sons," he said, "you have been eye-witnesses of the things of which -this letter treats; now tell me what you have seen; I know that you are -good men and true, and that you will neither conceal nor exaggerate the -needs and condition of the town of Calais." - -Then Geoffrey proceeded in grave and carefully considered words to give -their report. - -He spoke of the weakness in numbers of the garrison, and of their -inefficiency through age and decrepitude. He set forth the lack of the -munitions of war, the antiquity of the artillery and the means of -defence generally. He described the ruinous condition of the -fortifications, and especially the state of the moats. And to all this -William and Ralph testified their assent. - -Then the Cardinal questioned them on many points, and the envoys duly -replied. - -"These things must be remedied, and I will see Lord Arundel about them -to-day," said the Cardinal. "I hear that the English contingent return -home shortly; it may be possible to induce some of them to re-enlist for -the defence of Calais under Lord Gray, who knows the town well. At any -rate, I thank you heartily for your report, and the matter shall be -taken in hand at once. - -"Now tell me, when last did you see King Philip?" - -"Four days since, at St. Quentin," replied Geoffrey. - -"You must have travelled very quickly," said the Cardinal. - -"We did not spare our horses, your Eminence," replied Geoffrey, with a -smile. - -"You are brave young soldiers," said Pole warmly, "and you deserve well -of your Queen and country. - -"I will inform her Majesty of your return to London, and as I know that -she greatly desires to hear news from St. Quentin, I doubt not but that -she will send for you. Hold yourselves at liberty to come to Court to- -night. If the Queen be sufficiently well to receive you I will send you -a message to that effect. - -"And now I bid you 'good-day.' I would fain detain you longer, but -business of State awaits me, and my time is not my own. Meanwhile you -can prepare for me a written report of the state and condition of -Calais." - -And so the good Cardinal dismissed them, and they hastened back to -Gray's Inn. - - -------------- - -The evening was closing in, supper was over, and a happy family party -was gathered together in the library. - -To-morrow many friends would join them, to welcome the return of the -travellers; there would be Don Renard, Sir Philip Broke, the Lord Mayor, -and other distinguished guests; but to-night theirs was a joy with which -"the stranger intermeddleth not": it was a purely family gathering. Much -they talked of the battle and siege of St. Quentin, much had they to -tell of Egmont, Horn, Montmorency, and Coligni; but it was the ride -through the forest and the encounter with the "gueux" which held Susan -spellbound. Her eyes were fastened on the young warriors with -irrepressible admiration, and glistened with love as she listened. - -Then the interview of the morning was told, and the Cardinal's -intimation that they might be wanted at Whitehall that night was not -forgotten. - -At this last piece of news Sir John seemed troubled. - -"I foresee," he said, "that the Queen or the Cardinal will offer you -some military promotion and duty which would do you much honour, and -perhaps delight your hearts. But danger lies that way. - -"The Queen's days are numbered—no man doubts it, and soon the Princess -Elizabeth will be called to the throne. And to stand well with Mary, to -be actively engaged in her service would be fatal to the statesman, -soldier or lawyer when the new era dawns upon the world." - -Sir John spoke in a low voice, and with extreme gravity. - -"Remember also, my boys, that we Jefferays belong to the party of the -Reformation; that at this very moment your father is an exile by reason -of his religious opinions. Therefore I counsel you to resume your old -occupation here, and, for the moment, to lay aside the sword. The time -will soon come when you may re-consider the matter; I counsel you to -await that hour with patience." - -The young men looked grave also, for it was in their hearts that if the -Cardinal asked it, they would offer him their swords in defence of -Calais while there were yet time to save it. - -It was at this moment that the old major-domo asked admission to the -room; he brought them the news that a Queen's messenger stood at the -door seeking an interview with his young masters. - -The summons to Whitehall had arrived, as the envoys told Sir John when -they had interviewed the messenger. - -"Go, my boys, go, but remember my advice," said Sir John, as the family -gathering came to an end. - - -------------- - -The journey to Whitehall was soon accomplished. The Royal Palace was -shrouded in gloom; it was but dimly lit up, for it was not a "guest -night." - -Alas! guest nights were rare events now that the Queen lay ill; in fact, -she had withdrawn herself from almost all public functions. - -The Palace was strongly guarded, and ere the young soldiers could gain -admittance the officer on duty demanded the password. - -It had been communicated to them by the messenger, and, strange to say, -the word for the night was "St. Quentin." - -Their business being ascertained, they were immediately conducted to the -private room occupied by the Cardinal when he was at Whitehall, and soon -they were ushered into his presence. - -He was busily engaged in writing despatches at a side-table lit by wax -candles, nor did he lay aside his work till the documents were signed -and sealed; then he turned round and faced his visitors. - -He was clad in a plain purple cassock, the only sign of his exalted -rank. His handsome face was wan and pale. Alas! his health was fast -failing, as all men knew. - -"Welcome, my sons," he said; "the Queen is anxiously awaiting your -arrival, though the hour grows late; we will go to her at once," and -rising he led the way to the royal apartments. - -Various corridors and chambers were traversed; they were quite empty -save for the halberdiers who kept guard in the palace. - -"Stay here a moment," said the Cardinal in a low voice, as they reached -a richly furnished ante-chamber, at the end of which rich curtains hung. - -Through these the Cardinal passed; a minute later he rejoined the -envoys, saying— - -"Her Majesty will see you, weary as she is in mind and body; follow me." - -They entered Queen Mary's boudoir, the two ladies-in-waiting leaving the -room on the Cardinal's signal. - -Mary was reclining on a soft couch; she rose to a sitting posture as she -saw the young men, and graciously extended her hand, which they kissed -as they fell on one knee. - -She was very pale, and there were marks of acute suffering in her drawn -and wasted face. - -"His Eminence tells me that you are just arrived in London from St. -Quentin; when did you leave that town?" - -"Four days since, may it please your Majesty," answered Geoffrey, now -standing erect. - -"Only four days," murmured the Queen; "how small doth seem the space -which separates me from my lord the King!" - -She sighed deeply; then, recovering herself, she asked— - -"How fares his Majesty? did he take part in the siege?" - -"The King is in excellent health," replied Geoffrey, "and he took an -active part in the siege of St. Quentin." - -"You saw him there?" inquired Mary. - -"Many times, your Majesty; he was the cynosure of all eyes as he rode -through the flaming streets clad in splendid armour." - -"Yes, I know," replied Mary, a wan smile flickering awhile on her -careworn face; "he would surely be found where duty and danger called -him. - -"Oh, I can call him to mind as he sat on his war-horse, wearing that -wondrous suit of Milanese armour which becomes him so well. I mind me -that it was in that suit that Titian painted him; I have a copy of it." - -For a moment the Queen mused, then she spoke again. - -"Under what circumstances saw you the King in St. Quentin? Methinks he -would thrust himself somewhat recklessly into danger. Did he charge at -the head of his troops?—tell me all." - -"He was ever found where the fight was hottest," replied Geoffrey, "and -he was greatly concerned for the fate of the women and children; he had -them conducted in safety out of the city." - -"Oh! gallant Philip," murmured the Queen, as if she spoke to herself, -and was unconscious that others were present. "Go on, I pray you!" she -said aloud. - -"He was greatly concerned for the safety of the cathedral, and he -ordered the English contingent to see that it suffered no injury," -continued Geoffrey. "While the siege was hotly proceeding he ordered the -monks of the cathedral to convey the relics of St. Quentin, which lay -enshrined there, to his own tent outside the town." - -The Queen was greatly moved, and she beckoned the Cardinal to her side. - -"You hear, father?" she whispered to him. "Sometimes I have thought that -you misjudged the King, that you did not fully estimate his fervent -piety, nor know how easily his noble heart was ever open to the cry for -mercy, how full it was of tenderness and pity!" - -Poor Mary, poor infatuated Queen! - -Suddenly she put her hand to her side as a spasm of pain seized her. - -"Tell Lady Howard to come hither," she said to Pole, "and to bring with -her my strongest essences." - -This being done, the Queen seemed to recover, and she would have made -further inquiries of the envoys, but the Cardinal intervened. - -"Will your Majesty pardon me?" he said; "the hour grows late, and these -gallant young soldiers can wait on you to-morrow; I fear that your -Majesty is exerting yourself too much." - -Scarcely with these words had the Cardinal persuaded Mary, but he had -further arguments at command. - -"It is the hour for Vespers, your Majesty, and Father Petre awaits us in -the oratory." - -"Yes, you are right," replied the Queen, with sudden willingness; "let -us offer to Heaven our thanks for this blessed news from St. Quentin, -ere my strength fail me." - -The interview ended as it began; Mary extended her poor wasted hand, and -the envoys knelt to kiss it. - -They never saw Queen Mary again. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - THREE CLOSING SCENES - - SCENE I - - -It was the last day of the year 1557, and it closed amid storm and -tempest. The old town of Calais was enshrouded in gloom, the lanterns -which dimly lit the streets had one by one gone out under the combined -influence of a howling wind and a heavy rain. - -In the citadel alone was there light and active life, for the Lords -Wentworth and Gray were that night seeing "the old year out and the new -year in," after the customary English fashion; there was feasting and -merriment within the old Castle walls and the gay uniforms of the -officers of the garrison flashed and glittered as they moved about amid -the Governors guests. - -Out in the darkness Captain Lascelles was relieving the guards and -setting the night watches; his men carried lanterns, which they -endeavoured to shroud from the blasts of the tempest by the folds of -their great military cloaks. The men had reached the strong town gate -which guarded the western approach from Sangatte and Hames. A belated -English sailor was vainly clamouring for admission. - -"Fools," he shouted, "let me in, or you will rue the day. I have a -matter of life and death to report to your Captain." - -Whereat the guards laughed aloud. - -But Captain Lascelles arriving at this moment ordered the gate to be -opened and the man to be brought before him, and this was quickly done. - -"And now, my man, tell me your wondrous news," said Captain Lascelles -incredulously. - -"For your ears alone, Captain, I beg of you," replied the sailor, and -the pair stepped apart. "I come from Sandgate to-night and the place is -full of armed men, they are occupying all the roads, and when to-morrow -dawns you will find Calais invested on all sides by a French army." - -"Are you sober, my man?" asked the Captain, as he threw the light of a -lantern on his features. - -"Oh, Captain, it is God's truth," said the sailor, "and I can tell you -even more. I mixed with some of these men, and in the darkness they did -not discover that I was a foe. They told me that they were the advanced -corps of a great army under the Dukes of Guise and De Nevers." - -Lascelles was convinced, the deep earnestness of the sailor dispelled -all doubt from his mind. He called his lieutenant to his side, and in a -few words told him the fateful news. - -"Take six of your best scouts, De Warenne," he said, "we must verify the -truth of this man's statements, though in good sooth I doubt them not. -Be wary and watchful lest you fall into the hands of the enemy; when you -return come to me at the Castle, I take this man thither at once." - -Then he summoned his sergeant and bade him take immediate steps to -double the number of guards at all the gates of Calais. Ten minutes -later he had reached the Castle, and in reply to his urgent message the -Governor gave him instant audience. - -Lord Wentworth heard the Captain's report with utter incredulity. - -"We know," he said, "that De Nevers is marching into Luxembourg, and -Guise is in Picardy; the thing is absurd and impossible. It is now -nearly midnight, and I will not disturb the peace and happiness of my -guests, who will soon be leaving the Castle. But, meanwhile, warn the -whole garrison that daybreak must find them under arms," and therewith -he rejoined his guests. - -The hours of night passed slowly. - -Before the dawn of day Lascelles had visited every outpost and the forts -of Froyton and Neslé. - -De Warenne had not returned, but at many of the gates the country people -were assembling in frightened groups, begging for admission into the -town. Their report was in every case the same—Guisnes, Sangatte, and -Hames were beset by a host of armed men. - -"De Warenne and his men have fallen into the hands of the foe, and this -is the beginning of woe and disaster," said Captain Lascelles to -himself, as the first streaks of day appeared in the sky and the drums -of the garrison broke into furious uproar calling all men, and even all -citizens, to arms. - -It was the first day of January 1558. Ah, what a "New Year's Day" was -that for England! - -All around Calais lay a great host of Frenchmen, and the banners of -Guise and De Nevers revealed the fact that the young Duc, the hope of -France, was there in person, eager to wipe out the disgrace of St. -Quentin. Everywhere the French were throwing up batteries and bringing -up their artillery, their first point of attack being the forts of -Froyton and Neslé. - -Then the guns of the citadel opened fire, and few and feeble as they -were their deep roar filled the air and shook the old houses of the town -to their foundations. - -Wentworth and Gray were everywhere, haranguing, cheering, and -encouraging their men. Gray was a famous engineer and, with his own -hands, he aimed and fired the best guns the citadel possessed, doing -evident execution upon the batteries in course of construction by the -foe. - -Thus an hour flew by, it was broad daylight now and the rain and storm -of the preceding night had ceased. Suddenly the French batteries began -to play upon the fortresses on the city walls, and the uproar of war was -increased tenfold. - -It was at once perceived by the garrison that Guise possessed very -powerful battering-trains, for which their poor artillery was no match. -And though Lord Gray had brought a reinforcement of two hundred men to -the garrison of Calais, no artillery had been sent by the Government. - -So the unequal duel went on throughout the day, with a roar so deafening -that it was heard both at Antwerp and at Dover. The very heavens seemed -to be fighting against England, for there, at Dover, was a great train -of artillery waiting for transit to Calais. But the winds were fiercely -contrary, and not an English vessel could put to sea. - -The darkness of night did not stay the conflict, for the French -artillerymen had got their "mark and distance," and the fierce cannonade -never ceased. - -At daybreak on January 2nd, the Duke of Guise stormed the forts of -Froyton and Neslé in overwhelming force and carried them. On the next -day Newhaven Bridge and Risbank surrendered, and henceforth all the -strength of Guise's thirty-five great guns was directed upon the town -and the castle. There was no rest, day or night, for the besieged -garrison, each hour brought their inevitable destruction nearer. - -It was on the fifth day that a great breach in the citadel was effected, -and then came the final struggle in which Captain Lascelles fell at the -head of his troops; the victorious foe overwhelmed the defenders in -irresistible force and the French flag was planted on the walls of the -citadel! - -The Castle of Guisnes still held out under Lord Gray, but on the eighth -day of the siege it was captured, and with it went Hames. - -Lords Gray and Wentworth were taken prisoners and were held to ransom. - -Thus fell Calais after two hundred and ten years occupation by the -English, and thus England lost the last rood of its once vast -Continental possessions. - -Few of the garrison survived the siege, the tremendous cannonade slew -most of them, and when the town and citadel were stormed by the French -every foot of ground was fiercely contested until the streets of the -town and the ramparts of the Castle were choked with the dead and dying. -It is stated that only fifty prisoners were made. - -For a day and a night Calais was the prey of the ruthless soldiery, -neither age nor sex was spared. - -The town possessed little wealth; twenty-four hours sufficed for the -seizure of all that it had to yield. - -On January 10 the Dukes of Guise and De Nevers entered the town in all -the panoply of war, and thenceforth all disorder ceased and the French -began to repair the shattered walls with desperate haste. - -Five days later King Henry the Second visited his latest conquest, and -the French army was delirious with joy and enthusiasm. - -The flag of France floated majestically from the grey towers of the -Castle, never to be replaced by the flag of St. George. - - - SCENE II - -On November 17, 1558, Queen Mary died. Philip came not to England; by -the hand of the Count de Feria he sent a message and a ring to his dying -wife. - -A truer friend to the hapless Queen than Philip lay dying at Lambeth— -Cardinal Reginald Pole. - -Within the period of the dawn and sunset of the same day Mary and her -noble kinsman died, and the courtiers passed in crowds from Whitehall to -Hatfield. - -A new era was dawning for England—"the night was departing, the day was -at hand!" - -How the bells of the many churches in London clanged with joyous notes -as Queen Elizabeth entered her capital! - -The youth of the nation, all that was noblest, best and greatest -thronged her passage as she wended her way through the gay streets. All -that pageantry could devise, all that devoted loyalty could prompt, -greeted the brilliant young Queen as she passed to the royal apartments -of the Tower to await her coronation. - -The first act of Queen Elizabeth was to release all religious prisoners, -and forthwith multitudes of refugees returned from the Continent. Among -these were William Jefferay and the Vicar of Chiddingly, and there was -joy at Gray's Inn. - -There was another reason for rejoicing among the family of the -Jefferays. This very year of 1558, by a short Act, Parliament restored -Geoffrey de Fynes "in blood and honours," and he took his seat in the -House of Peers as Baron Dacres. - -Yet another reason for joy arose when the young Queen promoted the -Treasurer of Gray's Inn to the Bench of Judges and Sir John was created -Baron Jefferay. - -And when it pleased Elizabeth to call William and Ralph to Court, and to -make them "Gentlemen of the Queen's Guard," their happiness was -complete. - - - SCENE III, AND LAST - - _Chiddingly once more_ - -The spring has come, it is the month of April in the year of grace 1559. - -The Manor House at Chiddingly is thronged with guests from all parts of -Sussex, and the little village is gay with floral arches and flags. - -The bells of the church have been ringing at intervals all this lovely -spring day, and the villagers are assembling in such numbers that the -sacred building cannot contain them. - -Would you know the reason of the happiness which beams on the face of -every man, woman and child in Chiddingly? - -Here is your answer. - -Forth from the Manor House comes a noble company, they are walking to -the church in long procession. There are Pelhams, Nevills, Howards, De -Fynes, and many another great Sussex family represented there. And there -comes the bridegroom, for this is a wedding. Ah! we know him, the brave -young soldier who has proved his courage on the tented field, and by his -side walk William and Ralph, his brothers-in-arms. It is Geoffrey de -Fynes, now Baron Dacres of Herstmonceux. - -And presently the great dames of the noble families here represented -come forth, and among them we espy one whom we know full well. It is -Susan! - -Oh, how sweet she looks in her bridal attire, and how supremely happy, -as she takes the arm of her father and walks forward to the church! - -They enter it and there, awaiting them at the altar, stands the good -Vicar of Chiddingly, looking little the worse for his year's banishment -from his parish. Then the young couple stand together before him, and -the solemn service proceeds which is to make them man and wife. - -It is over, the bells "gush out in merry tune," the rustics make the -welkin ring with their shouts, and the noble couple retrace their steps -to the Manor House, the bride leaning upon the bridegroom's arm. - -"_O, ter felices ambo!_" - -There we leave you, possessed of all the happiness that earth has to -bestow. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - EPILOGUE - -In Chelsea old parish church there may be seen an altar-tomb of such -marked beauty that Dean Stanley once declared that Westminster Abbey -contained only three finer. It is dedicated to the memory of Geoffrey, -Lord Dacre and his wife. - -On the west side is the following inscription— - - "Quos ardens amor juvenilibus annis - Abstulit atra dies—mors inopina rapit. - Ille prior fatis Dacrorum nobile germen - Occidit, in morbum ast incidit ilia prius - Quæ languescendo miseræ prætædia vitæ - Sensit, tam dulci conjuge cassa suo, - Ut teneri cordis concordia junxerat ambos - Sic idem amborum contegit ossa locus. - Quos jungit tumulus conjungant cœlica tecta - Ut tensant coelum qui tenuere fidem. - Nobilis iste Vir Nobilis iste Mulier - Obiit Sept. 25, 1594 Obiit Maii 14, 1595." - -The following is a free translation— - - "Those whom in youth love joined, death's day of gloom - With little warning sank into the tomb; - He, Dacre's seed, first yielded to the blow, - She lingered on in weariness and woe; - Their hearts responsive beat till life's calm close, - Together here the bones of each repose, - United by one grave,—in faith they lie, - One blissful meed awaits them in the sky." - -In Chiddingly Church there exists a noble monument to the memory of Sir -John Jefferay, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. - -He died full of years and honours in the year 1578. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - PUBLICATIONS - - OF - - _The Society for Promoting - - Christian Knowledge._ - - ——:o:—— - - By GERTRUDE HOLLIS. - - =Illustrated. 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Crake--A Project Gutenberg Book</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - .fss { font-size: 75%; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .lg-container-l { text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-l { clear: both; } } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: disc; } - ul.ul_2 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 6.94%; margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: circle; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; } } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:479px; } - .id002 { width:500px; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:20%; width:59%; } } - @media handheld { .id002 { margin-left:19%; width:62%; } } - .ic002 { width:100%; } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; margin-left: 17%; margin-right: 17%; - width: 66%; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; } - .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } - img.drop-capi { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; position: relative; z-index: 1; } - p.drop-capi1_0 { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - p.drop-capi1_0:first-letter { color: transparent; visibility: hidden; - margin-left: -1.0em; } - @media handheld { - img.drop-capi { display: none; visibility: hidden; } - p.drop-capi1_0:first-letter { color: inherit; visibility: visible; - margin-left: 0em; } - } - .c000 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 1em; } - .c002 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c004 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c005 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; } - .c006 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; text-indent: -1em; - padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; } - .c007 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } - .c008 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 42%; width: 15%; margin-right: 43%; } - .c009 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c010 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c011 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; } - .c012 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 2em; } - .c013 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c014 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c015 { margin-left: 5.56%; text-indent: 11.11%; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c016 { margin-left: 5.56%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c017 { margin-left: 5.56%; } - .c018 { margin-left: 6.94%; text-indent: -5.56%; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c019 { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of In the Days of Queen Mary, by -Edward Ebenezer (Edward E.) Crake - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: In the Days of Queen Mary - -Author: Edward Ebenezer (Edward E.) Crake - -Illustrator: Walter Sydney (W. S.) Stacy - -Release Date: October 9, 2017 [EBook #55717] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE DAYS OF QUEEN MARY *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Barry Abrahamsen and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001'><span class='xlarge'>IN THE DAYS OF <br /> QUEEN MARY</span></h1> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/illus006.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>He showed no sign of life.</span><br /><i>Frontispiece.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>IN THE DAYS OF</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>QUEEN MARY</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>BY</div> - <div class='c000'>EDWARD E. CRAKE, M.A., <span class='sc'>F.R.Hist.Soc.</span></div> - <div>(RECTOR OF JEVINGTON)</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>AUTHOR OF "HENRI DUQUESNE," "WHEN THE PURITANS WERE IN POWER,"</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>"THE ROYALIST BROTHERS," "DAME JOAN OF PEVENSEY," ETC.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><i>ILLUSTRATED BY W. S. STACEY</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='small'>PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE GENERAL</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>LITERATURE COMMITTEE</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>LONDON</div> - <div class='c000'>SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C.; 43, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, E.C.</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Brighton: 129, North Street</span></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='sc'>New York</span>: E. S. GORHAM</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>DEDICATED</div> - <div class='c000'>(<span class='small'><i>by permission</i></span>)</div> - <div class='c000'>TO</div> - <div class='c000'>HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='25%' /> -<col width='62%' /> -<col width='12%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='small'>CHAP.</span></td> - <td class='c006'> </td> - <td class='c007'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>I</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch01'>CHIDDINGLY PLACE</a></td> - <td class='c007'>7</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>II</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch02'>THE APPARITOR</a></td> - <td class='c007'>16</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>III</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch03'>THE PURSUIVANT</a></td> - <td class='c007'>27</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>IV</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch04'>THAMES PIRATES</a></td> - <td class='c007'>48</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>V</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch05'>GRAY'S INN</a></td> - <td class='c007'>58</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>VI</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch06'>THE STAR CHAMBER</a></td> - <td class='c007'>72</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>VII</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch07'>THE ARREST OF RALPH</a></td> - <td class='c007'>87</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>VIII</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch08'>THE VERDICT</a></td> - <td class='c007'>96</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>IX</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch09'>THE DAWN OF HOPE</a></td> - <td class='c007'>104</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>X</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch10'>WHITEHALL</a></td> - <td class='c007'>112</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XI</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch11'>THE BATTLE OF ST. QUENTIN</a></td> - <td class='c007'>129</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XII</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch12'>THE FALL OF ST. QUENTIN</a></td> - <td class='c007'>144</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XIII</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch13'>THE SCHWARTZREITERS</a></td> - <td class='c007'>156</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XIV</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch14'>BRUSSELS, ANTWERP, CALAIS</a></td> - <td class='c007'>175</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XV</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch15'>CALAIS</a></td> - <td class='c007'>190</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XVI</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch16'>HOME AGAIN</a></td> - <td class='c007'>202</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XVII</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#ch17'>THREE CLOSING SCENES</a></td> - <td class='c007'>215</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>ILLUSTRATED BOOKS</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>THE SAME AUTHOR</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c008' /> -<p class='c009'><b>Dame Joan of Pevensey.</b> A Sussex Tale. Crown 8vo, -cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<p class='c010'><b>Henri Duquesne.</b> A Sussex Romance. Crown 8vo, -cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i></p> - -<p class='c010'><b>The Royalist Brothers.</b> A Tale of the Siege of -Colchester. Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<p class='c010'><b>When the Puritans were in Power.</b> A Tale of the -Great Rebellion. Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i></p> -<hr class='c011' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE,</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>London: Northumberland Avenue, W.C.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/illus011.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>IN THE</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>DAYS OF QUEEN MARY</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch01' class='c012'>CHAPTER I <br /> <br /> CHIDDINGLY PLACE</h2> -</div> -<div class='c013'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/t.jpg' width='50' height='50' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi1_0'> -The sun was setting, and a rosy light -filtered through the trees which enshrouded -Chiddingly Place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The cawing of the rooks, as they -winged their leisurely flight into the great rookery, -alone broke the silence which sweetly brooded over -the broad terrace on which two Sussex boys lay -extended on the velvety turf. It was Midsummer -Day—a day of unbroken sunshine and excessive -heat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the evening a refreshing wind had revived -the parched earth, and the gay flowers which -spangled the wide-spreading lawn were lifting their -drooped heads with renewed life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The stone-mullioned windows of the Tudor -house were thrown wide open, and the lads could -see the maids within the dining-hall busily engaged -in laying the supper for which they were more than -ready.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Come, Ralph," said William, as he bestirred -himself, "we must go indoors and make ourselves -presentable. Uncle John comes to-night, and he -will soon be here."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, don't hurry," answered his brother, as -he lay playing with two fine retrievers. "I love -to watch the purple light on the downs as the -sun sinks behind them; I could gladly lie here -all night!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I agree with you," answered William; "but -here comes Sue with orders, I expect, from the -powers that be, that we are to go indoors at once."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan was the only sister of the two boys, and -at her approach the dogs ran forward to greet her, -and the boys rose quickly from their mossy couch.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boys were twins, and as they stood side by -side the likeness between them was striking.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were in their eighteenth year, and fine -specimens were they of the race of the "Sudseaxe." -Tall and well built, fair haired and blue eyed, -their strong limbs and fresh complexions betokened -youths whose lives had been spent amid the woods -and forests of Sussex, or on the rolling downs -which stretched between Chiddingly and the sea.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet these boys were not unlettered, for both of -them had been "foundation scholars" in the famous -St. Paul's School, built and endowed by Dean Colet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nay, more, the youths had already seen something -of Court life, strange to say.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It happened in this wise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their uncle Sir John Jefferay was a famous -London lawyer, and he bid fair to occupy a great -position on the judicial bench.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this time he was the Treasurer of Gray's Inn, -and on the occasion of a grand masque, given in -the fine hall of the Inn by the Fellows, his two -nephews had taken the parts of Castor and Pollux. -The young King had honoured the performance -with his royal presence, and so struck was he with -the wonderful resemblance of the two Sussex -brothers that he ordered them to Court and spent -much time in their company.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In fact this resemblance was very remarkable. -Those who knew the boys best could hardly tell -them apart, and to avoid the continual mistakes -which would otherwise have occurred, William -always wore a grey cap and his brother a blue -one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fondest affection subsisted between them; -they were rarely seen apart; the one was the complement -of the other, and their father, William -Jefferay, would often declare that "they possessed -two bodies, but only one soul!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Just now they were released from their attendance -at Court, but they would have to return thither -shortly, for the sickly young King found a solace -in their company.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was one point upon which the boys were -pre-eminently in agreement—they both adored their -sister Sue, and her slightest wish was law to -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And well did the fair Susan deserve this devotion. -Three short years before, the boys had -become motherless, and Susan, as the eldest -member of the family, at once assumed the -domestic control of Chiddingly Place. The comfort, -the happiness, the welfare of the boys became -her chief object in life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She even shared in their sports—as far as a girl -could,—and to her every secret of their hearts was -laid bare; she was their "dea patrona," and for -her both William and Ralph would have gladly -laid down their lives at any time or place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In person Susan was a feminine replica of the -twins. She possessed their fair complexion and -laughing blue eyes—her hair hung, like theirs, in -thick masses over her shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Though slenderly built she was tall, and her -figure displayed the nameless grace of a well-born -English girl.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>"Come, boys," cried Susan, as she ran forth to -the terrace to greet them, "Uncle John will be here -in a few minutes; his grooms arrived an hour ago -with his baggage, and now they have set his room -in order for him. Hurry up, or you will keep -supper waiting!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boys answered her greeting merrily, and -taking her hands they ran by her side towards the -entrance porch, which they entered just as Uncle -John appeared upon the scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan ran out to salute him as he dismounted -from his grey sorrel—the boys darted upward to -their rooms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Sir John entered the house, his brother -William came forward to greet him with the -warmest of welcomes.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>It was a happy party which gathered in the -dining-hall that evening.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The supper was served at so early an hour that -the candles in the silver sconces were not yet -required: the light of day still gleamed into the -hall through the lozenge-paned oriel window, and -sent coloured streams across the fair napery of -the table as it passed through the stained glass of -armorial bearings. Sir John sat at the head of -the table, as he always did when he came to Chiddingly—though -he had made a "deed of gift" of -the Place in favour of his brother William when -he took up his abode in London.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently the shadows of evening began to -deepen, and the wax tapers were lit.</p> - -<p class='c014'>How pleasant the hall looked as the light shone -on the wainscoted walls and illumined the features -of past generations of Jefferays whose portraits -adorned the beautiful chamber!</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was John Jefferay, who purchased Chiddingly -Place in 1495, and beside him was the -portrait of his wife Agnes, whose fine features -bore a strong resemblance to Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their three sons were there—Richard, Thomas -and William, Richard being the father of the -famous Sir John who now sat at supper in the hall.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>And when the young people of the family had -withdrawn to the parlour, to amuse themselves -with music and merry games, Sir John and his -brother stepped out on to the lawn and entered into -grave discourse as they walked to and fro.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The stars were shining brightly, a soft, gentle -wind was stirring the tree-tops, and from the woods -around came the sweet songs of many a nightingale.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah, what a contrast is this scene of tranquil -peace and happiness to the wild drama which is -unfolding itself in London!" said Sir John.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Here I may speak words to you, brother -William, which might cost me my head if men -overheard them in town. I have come to Chiddingly -sick at heart and weary of the world, for the young -King is dying, and all the beasts and birds of prey -are gathering together at Court ready to fly at each -others' throats as soon as the life is out of his poor -body. Alas! alas! for England; I see no hope -for her but in God. His Grace of Northumberland -is straining every nerve to advance the cause of -Lady Jane Grey and his son Lord Guildford Dudley, -and I foresee that, ere long, the headsman -will be busy, and the innocent will suffer with the -guilty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Last night his Grace of Canterbury came to -me in great trouble; he would fain know if he -might legally sign certain State documents, and I -told him that if he did so it would be at the peril -of his head! Alas, poor Archbishop! he went -away greatly perturbed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yesterday I saw the Lord Mayor, and he vowed -to me that no earthly power should constrain him -to proclaim Lady Jane as Queen in the City—let me -tell you his heart is wholly with the Lady Mary, -and, by my troth, he is wise! For, as a lawyer, -I declare that the rights to the throne of the Ladies -Mary and Elizabeth are indefeasible; yet, if I said -as much in London to-day, I might spend the night -in the Tower, and to-morrow bid my last adieu to -this world on the scaffold!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, the times are dark, deadly, perilous, -and I am glad to escape from London and -breathe the pure air of Chiddingly for a brief -space."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And if Mary become Queen, what of our -Reformed Church, which is dear to us both?" -inquired William anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! God knows—and God only," answered -Sir John. "The Lady Mary is a bigot, and that -we all know.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet I will tell you a State secret: she has sent -a messenger to the Lord Mayor, declaring that -should she be declared Queen, no Englishman shall -suffer for his faith."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Will she keep her word?" asked William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"<i>Qui vivra verra</i>," answered Sir John; "but I -foresee that all depends upon the man whom she -shall marry, for marry she will. If, by the mercy -of God, she marry a good man, all may be well; -if she marry a bad one, then God help us!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>William was deeply moved, and he sighed -audibly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It bodes great trouble for England," he said -in a troubled voice. "It may be that the fires of -Smithfield will be rekindled as in the worst days of -King Henry: yet I believe that the Reformation -has taken a deep hold upon the country; the Church -may bend before a fierce storm of persecution, but -she will not be broken—she will rise again! I, -for one, would rather die than bow my knees to -Baal, as represented to me by the Papacy; and, -thank God, there are thousands of men of like -mind with me in Sussex!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>As William pronounced these words in tones -that quivered with emotion, his brother caught -him by the hand, and shaking it warmly, he -cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I know your stedfastness, brother, and I agree -with you with all my heart and soul—yet I pray -that God may spare us the trial of our faith! But -hark! I hear an approaching horseman; I expect -it is my man Roger, who is bringing us the latest -news from town."</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few minutes later the groom appeared on the -lawn, bearing letters in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John took them from him; then, turning to -his brother, he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let us go indoors; these letters are from my -secretary, and we will read them at once; they must -be of importance, or they would not have followed -me so soon."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Entering the house the gentlemen made their way -to the library—a comfortable room, well lighted -with wax candles, and furnished with numerous -settees and easy-chairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John sat down and eagerly opened his -despatches.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is Tremayne who writes," he said. "I will -read his letter to you; it is as follows—</p> - -<p class='c015'>"'<span class='sc'>Honoured Sir</span>,</p> -<p class='c015'>"'The Council met to-day, and the deed of -which you wot was signed and sealed—all the -members consenting thereto. The Archbishop -hesitated to the last, but His Grace of Northumberland -would not be withstood—and so all signed. -I hear that the King is sinking fast. From your -chambers in Gray's Inn, June 21, 1553. <span class='sc'>J. W. -Tremayne</span>'"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The brothers looked at each other with pallid -faces.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"So the 'letters patent' are issued," said Sir -John, "and the irrevocable step is taken! 'Domine, -dirige nos'! It is the beginning of strife of which -no man can see the issue. Northumberland relies -on aid from France; the Lady Mary places her -hope on the Emperor. I bethink me of our blessed -Lord's words: 'These things are the beginning of -sorrows! Then shall be great tribulation such -as was not since the beginning of the world to -this time, no nor ever shall be.' And alas! for -the poor young King, he hath none to comfort -him; he is tasting of that unutterable loneliness -that surrounds a throne! I think the end of his -troubles is nigh at hand—and then the great strife -will begin!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But the hour is growing late, William," said -Sir John, "and I hear Susan's pretty voice below; -she is singing one of those songs I love so well: -let us join the young people, I have seen little of -them to-night."</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>A fortnight later, on July 6th, King Edward died -at Greenwich in the sixteenth year of his age and -the seventh of his reign.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John had tarried at Chiddingly until the end -came; then he hastened up to London, where -pressing duties called him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With him went the two boys—to begin their -legal studies under the auspices of their uncle at -Gray's Inn, for it was his wish that they should -both enter the learned profession of the law.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch02' class='c004'>CHAPTER II <br /> <br /> THE APPARITOR</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>It was the year of grace 1556, the third year of -the reign of Queen Mary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The forebodings of evil with which her reign -had been ushered in were bitterly fulfilled.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The headsman's axe had oft-times been in use -on Tower Hill: Northumberland had gone to his -doom with no man to pity him; his son Lord Guildford -Dudley had followed him to the block, perhaps -equally unlamented.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But men were moved to deeper pity and compassion -when the young, innocent, and hapless -Lady Jane suffered for her kinsmen's crimes!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Reformation had found its "witnesses unto -death" in the persons of Cranmer, Ridley and -Latimer, and the flames of Smithfield aroused the -horror of the people; the great "Marian Persecution" -had begun, and already over a hundred -victims had been offered up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mary had married her Spanish husband, and -England had witnessed the feeble and ineffectual -rebellion of Sir Thomas Wyatt—a protest against -the marriage which did not commend itself to the -mass of the people.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Amid all these scenes of turmoil and confusion, -of terror and distress, the family of the Jefferays -at Chiddingly were left unmolested and undisturbed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In many a quiet country village the Services of -the Church, as they had been appointed at the -Reformation, were duly performed; the Prayer -Book was not superseded by the Missal, and the -parish priest was not dispossessed. Their obscurity -sheltered them—as yet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Vicar of Chiddingly was William Tittleton, -who had been appointed to the benefice in the reign -of Henry the Eighth. He had been at Magdalen -College, Oxford, with Sir John Jefferay, where the -two young men had formed a strong and enduring -friendship.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus it happened that in due time Sir John presented -his friend—now in Holy Orders—to the -benefice of Chiddingly, and the Vicar had returned -the good service by acting as tutor to the young -people of Chiddingly Place. He was a very able -scholar, and between him and his pupils a strong -affection subsisted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But a change was at hand for the parish of -Chiddingly—its peace and quietude came suddenly -to an end. The "Marian Persecution" had begun, -and the lurid flames of Smithfield had aroused -horror and indignation in many English hearts—especially -in Sussex, where the Reformation had -taken deep root.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this critical moment the Vicar of Chiddingly -preached a sermon at Mayfield which brought him -under the censure of the Government, and an -apparitor was sent to make inquiry into the ecclesiastical -position of the little parish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The ill-omened visitor attended the simple services -of the parish church, and took copious notes -of the Vicar's sermon, to the dismay of the rustics -of Chiddingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fires of Lewes in the month of June this year -had excited their fierce animosity, and the appearance -of the apparitor in their midst gave birth to -a sudden outburst of wrath.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at the close of a lovely day in July—a -Sunday—when their anger found vent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had marked the presence of a stranger at -the morning service—a stern-looking, middle-aged -man, garbed in black, and as they came out of -church the men gathered in groups to discuss the -object and purpose of his visit.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The man was sojourning at the village inn (the -"Six Bells"), and thither he was allowed for the -present to retire unmolested, although a strict -watch was at once instituted upon his doings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the afternoon the visitor again attended -service, and an ominous murmur among the rustics -became distinctly audible as they observed that he -was again busily taking notes of all that he saw -and heard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The service over, the man left the church with -the intention of proceeding to the inn, where his -horse was stabled; but he was not to be allowed to -leave the village thus quietly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hard by the church was the horse-pond—at this -period of the year about half full of dark slimy -water; in the centre of the pond the depth would -be about four or five feet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly the visitor found himself surrounded by -a band of determined, angry-looking Sussex men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What does this mean?" he asked sternly. "Do -you men know that I am about the Queen's -business?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Aye, we thought as much, and that's about the -reason of it all," answered the spokesman of the -rustics. "Gie us them papers which we saw thee -so busy with in the church instead of minding thy -prayers! Gie us them—we see them sticking out -of thy pocket, and we means to have them—or it -will be the worse for thee!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Fools!" snarled the man, without quailing -before the coming storm, "fools! do you not know -that it is a hanging matter to lay a hand on me?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It's very likely," said the bold rustic; "but -it strikes me some one else will be hung, or -drownded, before any of us are sent to join the -Lewes martyrs."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The angry group was now just beside the horse-pond—and -each moment it grew more excited and -threatening. Suddenly a voice cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He's fond of fire, let's see how water suits -him!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thereupon the rustics hustled the hapless -apparitor to the edge of the pond; then he found -himself lifted from the ground, and the strong -arms of his foes swung him to and fro in the air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"One, two, three, in he goes!" cried a raucous -voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A scream of terror was sent forth by the man, -and he struggled violently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was all of no avail.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In another moment he was hurled headlong into -the slimy waters of the pond! And there he might -have been drowned, but for the help that came to -him from an unexpected quarter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan Jefferay had been in the congregation, -and her attention had been arrested by the -unwonted spectacle of a stranger in the church.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The service was over, and the Vicar had withdrawn -into the vestry; Susan awaited him in the -church, for he was to accompany her home to the -Place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The wonted silence of the Sabbath-day was -broken by the angry voices of men, and Susan -hurried out of the church to ascertain the cause—a -dreadful suspicion arising in her mind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A glance at the tumultuous scene at the pondside -revealed to her the catastrophe which was being -enacted. Instantly she flew to the vestry where -the Vicar was unrobing, and seizing him by the -arm, she cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, come, Vicar, come this instant, the men are -murdering the stranger!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then she and the Vicar hurried towards the pond. -The enraged rustics had thrown a rope over the -unhappy apparitor's shoulders, and having secured -their victim in a noose, were dragging him to and -fro in the water.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Hold, in God's name!" shouted the Vicar. -"What madness possesses you, men?" he continued; -"are you not ashamed of yourselves? -Here, give me the rope," he cried, as he grasped -the situation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let me help you, Vicar," pleaded Susan, -anxious to have some part in the matter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the two rescuers drew the half-drowned -apparitor to land, and Susan, stooping down, -undid the rope which was choking the man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He showed no sign of life now, his face looked -unnaturally pale in contrast to the dull green slime -which besmeared it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Run to the vicarage and bring some strong -waters, Robin," he cried to a youth who stood -looking on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay, rather run to the 'Six Bells'; it is nearer," -suggested Susan, and the boy dashed away to do -their bidding.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile, Susan had loosed the man's garments -around his throat, while the Vicar placed -his hand upon his heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I fear he is dead!" said the Vicar, in tones of -anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay," cried Susan, as she observed a green -froth gurgling at his mouth, "see, he is breathing!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>By this time Robin had returned from the "Six -Bells" with a bottle of brandy in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan took it from the lad and began carefully -to moisten the man's lips with the strong -spirit, then to pour a small portion down his -throat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently a colour flushed into the man's pallid -cheeks, and a moment later he opened his eyes and -looked wonderingly around.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, leaving Susan to attend to the sufferer, the -Vicar rose to his feet and looked round upon his -parishioners.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now tell me, men, what all this means," he -said somewhat sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The men looked shamefaced, but their chief -spokesman answered the Vicar promptly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The man is a Government spy," he said; "he -meant mischief to all of us, and especially to you, -Vicar. We saw him taking notes of all that you -did and said in church, and he warned us that he -was a Queen's officer, and that to touch him was -a hanging matter; so we just 'touched' him, and -if you had not come along with Miss Susan we -should have drawn his fangs, and he would never -more have wrought mischief to innocent and -harmless people."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Vicar still preserved a stern countenance, -but he had not been human if he had not been -secretly touched by this proof of the devotion of -his people, however recklessly given.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And these said notes," he said, "they may -have been quite harmless; what did you do with -them?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We took them from his pockets, Vicar, then -we wrapped them round a big stone and threw -them in the pond; they won't do much harm -there!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Vicar's features relaxed into a momentary -smile; then he became pensive again, as he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Thank God that I and Miss Susan came in time -to frustrate your reckless intention; you might -have brought down unutterable evils on our parish; -and remember, men, there is One who hath said, -'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay!' What right -had you to snatch the judgment from His hand?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment Susan touched the Vicar on the -arm, and said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He is fast recovering consciousness: let the -men carry him to his lodgings at the 'Six Bells,' -and at once; he needs rest and refreshment."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes," replied the Vicar, "I will see to it: and -do you, Mistress Susan, go home without me; I -will soon follow you."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Vicar turned to one of the men, who had -not been actively engaged in the late proceedings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Hal," said he, "take that gate off its hinges -and bring it here"—pointing to a garden gate -near at hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The man readily obeyed, the gate was brought, -and the semi-unconscious apparitor was placed -thereon.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Vicar and three of the men conveyed -their burden to the "Six Bells" Inn, the man was -carried to his room, and before he left him the -Vicar saw him safely placed in bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Take care of him, Giles," he said to the landlord. -"Let me know how he is to-night; I will call -and see him in the morning."</p> - -<p class='c014'>That evening the Vicar had a long and very -serious conversation with his old friend William -Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All the family had supped together in the -dining-hall, and now the two men were conferring -on the event of the day in the library.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is no light matter in these evil days to have -a Queen's apparitor to spy and report, as this man -intended to do," said Jefferay. "This man may -return to his masters before twenty-four hours have -passed, and no man can say what will then happen; -to-day's uproar will make matters all the worse for -us. Take my advice, Vicar, you have neither wife -nor child to detain you in England: spend the next -six months in Holland! Do you need money? I -shall be proud to be your almoner. Oh, take my -advice and go, ere the storm bursts!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And leave my flock at the very first intimation -of danger—perhaps to suffer in my place," replied -the Vicar warmly. "Oh no, it cannot be done; -and while I thank you, friend Jefferay, with all my -heart, I beg you to abandon the thought of so base -desertion—it would be a lack of faith in God; I -cannot do it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>William Jefferay sighed, and the matter dropped.</p> -<hr class='c011' /> -<p class='c014'>That night the landlord of the inn came to the -vicarage with bad news: the apparitor was moaning -in pain, and seemed to be light-headed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Like many of his clerical brethren, the Vicar had -some knowledge of medicine, and he now hastened -to the sick man's side, taking with him some -simple remedies.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan had preceded him thither, for among her -many beneficent offices she had constituted herself -the "parish nurse" of Chiddingly, and in every -case of trouble or sickness she was the first to be -sent for.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the Vicar entered the room, Susan rose from -her seat at the bedside and greeted him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He is very feverish," she said. "I am afraid -he is going to be very ill: I have sent to Hailsham -for the doctor."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You did well," answered the Vicar. "I hope -he will soon be here."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Just before midnight the doctor arrived, and ere -he saw his patient the Vicar related to him the -circumstances of the case.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor listened with some amazement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You and Mistress Susan are very good to this -man, considering the errand upon which he came -to Chiddingly," said the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We do not, perhaps, know all the circumstances -of the case," replied the Vicar, "for his papers -were destroyed by my people; perhaps he is no -foe of mine at all, but if it were so, we remember -that it is written, 'If thine enemy hunger, -feed him; if he thirst, give him drink.' Much -more, surely, should we succour him if he be sick."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, yes, you are right, doubtless, and I honour -you for it," replied the doctor—"but come, let us -visit the patient."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The visit paid, the two men met again in the inn -parlour down-stairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He is in a high fever," said the doctor, "and -he will need great care and attention. It is too -much for Mistress Susan—I will send you a nurse -to-morrow. For to-night, Giles's wife can do all -that is necessary."</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Susan would not hear of this arrangement, -declaring that she would remain at her post till -the nurse arrived.</p> -<hr class='c011' /> -<p class='c014'>Three weeks later two men sat upon a seat on -the vicarage lawn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Again it was a Sunday evening, and the two -men were the Vicar and the apparitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And you are sure that you are able to travel -to-morrow?" said the Vicar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, I shall take it by easy stages—resting for -a night at East Grinstead, and so reaching London -on the evening of the second day."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"London," said the Vicar; "then you go to make -your report to the Government?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No, Mr. Vicar, I have resigned my office of -apparitor—I take up work of another sort in -London."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, in answer to a look of amazement, perhaps -of inquiry, which the man saw depicted on the -Vicar's countenance, he suddenly seized Mr. -Tittleton's hand and shook it warmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh! Mr. Vicar," he cried, "how could you -think it possible that I could again take up the -accursed work which brought me hither? Do you -know that each time that I saw you by my bedside, -each time that I felt your cooling hand on my -feverish brow, whensoever I listened to your -soothing voice, my whole soul was moved with -contrition and remorse. For I came hither on an -evil errand—may God forgive me!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My report of Chiddingly might have brought -about your death warrant. Oh, I thank Heaven -that it was destroyed ere the mischief was done! -And as I lay on my sick-bed, I surmised that you -must have suspected all this; yet you and Mistress -Susan watched over me with unwearied tenderness -and patience—you snatched me from the jaws of -death! And the thought of all this broke my hard -heart!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now I wish you adieu, my dear Vicar; but ere -I go, let me leave with you a word of counsel. It -is known to me that dangerous reports of you -have reached London, and though I abandon the -office of apparitor another will take it up, and your -life may be in danger. Therefore, I beseech you -to take refuge abroad, as so many of your brethren -have done. Soon the clouds may roll by, but for -the present hour of stress and trouble seek safety -in flight, I beseech you."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Vicar shook his head sadly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It may not be, my dear friend—the shepherd -may not flee and leave his flock in danger."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet," urged his visitor, "it is written, 'If they -persecute you in one city, flee ye into another'—is -that not so?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, that is the Divine counsel," answered the -Vicar, "and the hour may come when I may feel -the monition to be addressed to me; but for the -present I abide in Chiddingly!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God's will be done," said the man solemnly—and -so they parted.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch03' class='c004'>CHAPTER III <br /> <br /> THE PURSUIVANT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The apparitor had taken his departure, and -Chiddingly had resumed its normal condition of -rural happiness and peace.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fields were ripening unto harvest, the -rustics went forth to their daily toil whistling -merrily beside their horses, and at eventide the -maidens went to see to the kine with their bright -milk-cans in their hands. The rooks filled the air -with their raucous voices, as they fluttered -about the great rookery which begirt Chiddingly -Place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the Sunday following the departure of the -Queen's officer, all the people of Chiddingly, save -a few who were bedridden, flocked into the parish -church as if to testify by their presence the love -that they bore to their pastor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Chiddingly was a musical village, and here, at -least, the Canticles, which were "to be said or -sung," were always sung to the accompaniment of -a flageolet, which the parish clerk played vigorously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And on this especial Sunday the "Te Deum" -was sung so heartily that the Vicar marvelled, -while Mistress Susan's bright eyes glowed with -pride and then glistened with the unbidden tear -which strong emotion called forth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The service over, the Squire and his fair daughter -walked through the lines of the villagers, who, -according to their custom, awaited their exit to -make their salutations to them, cap in hand. There -was nothing servile in this—it was but the public -exhibition of the love and fidelity in which the -family of the Jefferays was held by the Chiddingly -people. At the entrance porch of the hall Susan's -quick eye noted a stable lad standing beside a pony -from which he had dismounted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>What was it that so suddenly brought a flush -into Susan's cheeks as she marked that the lad -wore the livery of the De Fynes of Herstmonceux—a -glow which deepened as the boy doffed his cap -and offered her a letter?</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You come from Lewes?" said Susan inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, my lady," replied the lad.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Wait awhile, and I will let you know if there -is any reply; go to the kitchen after you have -stabled your pony—the maids will get you some -dinner," said Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lad bowed low and took his departure, glad -to follow out Susan's instructions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan turned to her father, who had looked on -smilingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Pardon me, dear father," she said, "I will be -with you anon."</p> - -<p class='c014'>William Jefferay nodded assent. Susan hastened -to her own room and quickly opened her -letter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yes, it was from Geoffrey de Fynes; she had -half hoped to have seen him this day, why had he -written instead?</p> - -<p class='c014'>So, with a heart surmising evil, she proceeded to -read the letter. As she did so, her cheeks paled -and her hands trembled. Then she rang a small -silver bell which stood at her side, and her maid -Janet appeared in answer to the summons.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ask my father to come hither to me, Janet," -she said, and the maid hastened away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her father presently entered her room, his face -still wreathed with smiles.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the expression of his face changed suddenly -as he looked upon his daughter, who held out the -letter to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What is it, Susan," he said quickly, "what has -happened?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Read, father!" she replied in a troubled voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The writer of the letter was a member of a great -Sussex family—a family whose wrongs moved the -pity of all men. The head of the house of Geoffrey -de Fynes had suffered a traitor's death in the year -1545, since which time the family had been degraded -"in blood and honours."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet never had Justice so surely missed its mark -as when young Lord Dacres lost his head at -Tyburn!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Young Geoffrey de Fynes at the present time -held the office of Secretary to the High Sheriff of -the County; just now his duties had called him to -Lewes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was a frequent visitor at Chiddingly Place, -and between him and Susan a strong attachment -had sprung up, though no betrothal had taken -place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>William Jefferay took the letter from his -daughter's hand and read it carefully; it was as -follows—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"This from the hand of one who loves thee well, -and whose chief object in life is to do thee service. -Hence I write this letter, and I do so with a clear -conscience, though the writing of it might cause -the loss of my post, and make me an inmate of -Lewes gaol! Yet I dare not do otherwise, for -thy happiness is dearer to me than aught else in -this life!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now to come at once to the point.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It has come to my knowledge that a warrant -has been issued by the Crown for the apprehension -of the Vicar of Chiddingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"A Pursuivant, with three men-at-arms, will -leave Lewes for Chiddingly three days hence, soon -after daybreak. They will travel on horseback, -and their object is to arrest the Vicar, bring him -hither, and afterwards convey him to London.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Thou mayest show this letter to thy father, but -to none other. Between you some plan may be -devised whereby he shall escape the malice of his -foes. I suggest that he flee to the Continent, but -thy father will be his best counsellor."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the letter of Geoffrey de Fynes drifted off -into other matters which concerned Susan only.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"When you have finished reading that letter I -counsel you to destroy it—for Geoffrey's sake," -said William Jefferay to his daughter, as he handed -it back to her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, father," said Susan, "what is to be done?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I know not," replied her father, "unless we can -persuade the Vicar to flee."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We have tried that already, and I fear he is -immovably resolved to stay among his people—he -is strong in his innocence, and cannot be brought -to realize the danger he is in," said Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We shall see him to-night after the service; -he comes here to sup with us: we will show him -De Fynes's letter if needs be, or at least tell him -its contents. I think this will convince him of the -deadly peril in which he stands," replied Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God grant it!" cried Susan. "I shall know -no rest nor peace now till I know that his safety -is assured. Ralph will be here to-morrow; he is -coming to spend my birthday with us. Oh! it is a -heaven-sent interposition, for he can conduct the -Vicar to the coast," she continued.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay, Susan," replied her father, "it is a post -of danger, and it will need discretion as well as -valour; I shall see him to Newhaven myself, if -we can persuade him to flee."</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a long time they talked together, maturing -their schemes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"How good and noble it was of Geoffrey de -Fynes to send us this warning!" said Susan; -"would that he were here to aid us with his -counsel!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There you are wrong, dear girl," replied -Jefferay; "he has compromised himself enough -already, and now we must keep him out of our -plot altogether."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, I see that it must be so," answered Susan, -with a sigh.</p> -<hr class='c011' /> -<p class='c014'>The afternoon service took place as usual, the -parishioners attending once more in full force, -little thinking of the danger that hung over the -head of their beloved Vicar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Every word of the simple service seemed to -Susan's excited imagination to be invested with an -especial significance, and her sweet voice trembled -with emotion as she sang the words, "Lord, now -lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace." So -also the psalm for the day cheered her with its -ringing words, "Why do the heathen rage?" and -she came out of the church both comforted and -refreshed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the evening the Vicar came down to the Place -in the best of spirits; the hearty services of the day -had filled his heart with joy, and the evident good-will, -respect, and affection of his people for him -had deeply moved his gentle soul.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was not till supper was over, and the three -friends were seated together in the library, that -Jefferay, laying his hand affectionately upon the -Vicar's shoulders, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You are very happy to-night, Vicar; alas! that -I should have bad news for you—news that will -mar your happiness, I fear."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, as the Vicar looked into his face, without -fear or trepidation, William Jefferay recounted all -that had happened, and finally showed him -De Fynes's letter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Lord's will be done!" said the Vicar -solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It will be done, it always is done, but not -always in the manner we expect," answered -Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Susan intervened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She drew near to the Vicar's side, took his hand -in hers, and said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Dear Vicar, we have decided that you must flee -before this threatened storm, for it would break -our hearts were you taken from us by cruel men, -and not ours only, but the hearts also of many of -your poor people here."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Vicar shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The hireling fleeth because he is an hireling; -the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep," -he said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No, my dear girl," he continued, as he laid -his hand affectionately on her head, "I cannot go—do -not urge me!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then William Jefferay took another line.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Listen, my friend," he said, "we want to preserve -your life for better times; and my brother -Sir John tells me that all men at Court foresee -that the present state of things cannot last."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, dropping his voice to almost a whisper, -he continued—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Queen's health is failing; the friends of the -Princess Elizabeth are gathering about her, and -are taking heart. This may be treason, but, as -God lives, I believe it is true! Save yourself, -then, Vicar, for better times and future labour -among the people whose souls God has committed -into your charge!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now let me tell you my plans. To-morrow -<i>The Golden Horn</i> sets sail from Newhaven for -Ostend. I have interest with the captain, and I -can answer for him that he will accept you as a -passenger. We can leave Chiddingly at break of -day, ere people are moving, and I will conduct you -to Newhaven."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will give you my answer to-morrow," pleaded -the Vicar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But his two faithful friends would not be thus -appeased.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No, Vicar, that will be too late, for <i>The Golden -Horn</i> puts to sea early in the day, and we should -lose our great opportunity."</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a long time the earnest discussion continued, -and the hour waxed late before the reluctant consent -was given. To the loving heart of Susan -that hard-won victory brought great joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To-morrow, then, at three o'clock we meet here; -the horses will be ready to start the moment you -arrive," said William, as the guest took his -departure from the Place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I shall be here—God willing," replied the Vicar.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The next day saw William Jefferay's plan carried -out—with the addition that, on Susan's suggestion, -Jefferay should accompany the Vicar to Holland -and see him safely and comfortably settled there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That same day, Monday, Ralph arrived from -London, and it was not long ere the confiding -Susan had revealed to him all that had passed, and -that on Wednesday the Queen's Pursuivant would -visit Chiddingly to find "the bird flown"!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Now Ralph was a fine, strong English youth, -endowed by nature with a very combative disposition -and an inordinate love of adventure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had thoroughly approved of the action of the -Chiddingly rustics when they dipped the apparitor -in the horse-pond, though he had taken no part in -the affair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The threatened visit of the Pursuivant aroused -his indignation to a white heat, and, unfortunately, -at this moment he lacked the restraining influence -of his father's presence at home, nor did he take -counsel on the matter with Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That very day Ralph called about him a few of -his young confidants among the Chiddingly -rustics, and at nightfall ten of them met him in -conference in the taproom of the "Six Bells" Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The meeting was "secret and confidential"; none -but the ten stalwarts were admitted to it, and these -pledged themselves to secrecy by a solemn oath -which Ralph administered with all due gravity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the meeting having been duly constituted, -and Ralph accepted as their leader by common -consent, the "young Squire" (as he was known -among the rustics) set forth in sufficiently guarded -language the nature of the matter which had -brought them together, omitting all reference by -name to Geoffrey de Fynes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Headstrong and thoughtless as Ralph was, he -saw the necessity for secrecy on that point.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a remarkable and typical assembly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These young men were fine young Englishmen, -who, though they lacked great intelligence, possessed -the bravery and independence of their fore-fathers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were absolutely loyal to their Queen, and -would have shed their blood for her and for their -country against Spain, or France, or any other -foreign foe with complete devotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But there was growing up in their hearts a deadly -hatred for the Spanish nation in general, and for -King Philip in particular—nor did the Sussex -people ever forget or forgive the religious intolerance -which had kindled the fires at Lewes, Mayfield, -and many another place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So Ralph found ready material at hand when he -proposed to take vengeance on the Pursuivant as -they had done upon the apparitor, reckless of the -anger of the "powers that be."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Before the conspirators separated that night it -was resolved that the Pursuivant and his party -should be waylaid on Wednesday morning at a -point in the woods well known to them all—about -four miles from Chiddingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The warrant should be taken from the Pursuivant -and be torn to pieces; there should be no bloodshed -if it were possible to prevent it; the obnoxious -visitors should be unhorsed and left to find their -way back to Lewes on foot.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The horses would be driven into the woods; they -were Lewes horses, and would surely find their -way home in due time; and, if not, there was -abundant pasture for them in the glades of the -forest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The rustics, under Ralph's leadership, would -leave the village at daybreak on Wednesday morning; -they would thus reach the place appointed for -the attack an hour or so before their foes, and -would have time to make all necessary preparations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus the scheme was elaborated, and every detail -arranged by the resourceful lad, Ralph Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To him the whole adventure was a matter of -supreme delight—little recked he of the danger -attending it!</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the morrow (Tuesday) he mounted his cob -and rode to the spot he had selected for the -attack.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were no high-roads in Sussex, but between -the villages and the county town well-known beaten -tracks existed. These were well-nigh impassable -in winter—at other seasons a fair amount of traffic -passed along them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Between Chiddingly and Lewes lay dense woods—the -relics of the mighty forest of the Andreadsweald -of ancient days. Sometimes the trackway led -through forest glades of much beauty; at other -times it was a narrow pass between giant oaks and -elms whose rich foliage would occasionally meet -over the head of the traveller, forming a delicious -shade in the hot months of summer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was to a place of this latter kind that Ralph -came on that fine July morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He felt perfectly certain that the Pursuivant -would take this route on the following day; any -other would involve a <i>détour</i> of several miles in -making the journey from Lewes to Chiddingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph inspected narrowly the trees which grew -on both sides of the track; eventually he seemed -to find what he needed, namely, two stout young -saplings facing each other with about twenty feet -intervening between them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he rode slowly home, and in the evening -his rustic friends assembled again, at his summons, -in the taproom of the inn, where he gave them his -final instructions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To Susan he said nothing of the scheme on foot; -he would not involve her or any member of his -family in the dangers of the enterprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>One great regret filled his heart—the absence of -his brother William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The twins were rarely apart from each other, and -this visit to Chiddingly lacked but this one thing -for Ralph's perfect happiness; his brother had been -compelled to remain in London, where his uncle, -Sir John, required his services and personal attendance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A dim grey light filled the eastern horizon on -the Wednesday morning as Ralph made his way to -the stables, where he saddled his stout cob.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He bore no weapon—not even the customary -rapier without which he rarely went abroad—for -this enterprise was to be carried through without -bloodshed; upon that point he was determined.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His followers would all carry single-sticks, a formidable -weapon enough in the hands of a Sussex -rustic! Round his waist he had begirt himself -with a long and strong cord—destined for a special -purpose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently he mounted his horse and proceeded -at a gentle pace towards the woods; his men, he -knew, were gone on ahead.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A bright red light suffused the eastern sky, the -sun was about to rise, and the twittering of countless -birds from every copse filled the air with sweet -music.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A summer mist lay on the meadowland, and big -drops of dew bedecked the leaves of the hazel -bushes, gleaming under the rosy light like rubies.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly the sun rose above the horizon into a -cloudless sky, and the day had begun.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a lovely morning, not a cloud flecked the -bright azure of the sky.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On his left hand ran the long line of the Sussex -downs in graceful outline—rising at Firle Beacon -to a lofty height of some seven hundred feet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Before him lay the dense forest, the deep embowered -shades of Chiddingly woods.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph was in high spirits, and as his stout cob -gaily cantered along the trackway he broke into -song, as if in emulation of the sweet-toned larks -rising into the deep-blue sky on quivering wing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was now nearing the point of the rendezvous, -and he checked his song as he caught sight of one -of his stalwarts trudging along in front of him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You are in good time, Roger," he cried to the -man as he overtook him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, Mr. William, and the others are all in -front of me. I am the rear-guard."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Good," cried Ralph, "but tell me, Roger, -why do you call me Mr. William?—alas, he is -not here."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I beg your pardon, sir," replied the man with -a laugh. "I thought for the moment that Mr. -William had joined us—it was your grey cap which -misled me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph pulled the cap from his head and looked -at it with an air of astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is true," he said, "I have put on my brother's -cap; it was dark when I left home, and I did not -mark the colour of it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he rode rapidly ahead, and in a few minutes -he arrived at the rendezvous.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The spot was admirably chosen for the object -in view. Here the track narrowed to a breadth of -sixteen or seventeen feet, and the branches of a -giant oak spread right over it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On each side of the track grew a stout young -sapling, as if nature was conspiring on behalf of -the stalwarts. Ralph drew a whistle from his -doublet and blew a shrill note.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In a minute a rustling noise arose in the dense -wood, and there emerged from it nine of his men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph dismounted, and putting his bridle rein -into the hands of one of the men, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Take him to the hut and tie him up carefully; -see that you shut the door after you."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Aye, aye, sir," said the man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Ralph began to unwind from his body the -stout cord he had brought with him, with the -assistance of his men. One end of it was securely -fastened to the sapling on the right of the road, -at a height of one foot from the grassy soil.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The other end was made sure at the foot of a -tree on the left-hand side, and the rope was -drawn taut. The rough grass which grew luxuriantly -on the trackway obscured it sufficiently from -view.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Every man of the band carried a short cord round -his waist, and Ralph carefully inspected these -cords to see that they were ready for immediate -use.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now listen, all of you, to my final instructions," -said Ralph, as the men gathered round him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You, Tom and Jim, will mount the oak-tree, -climb along that limb which crosses the track, and -be ready to drop on the Pursuivant at the moment -he passes beneath you. Bring him to the ground -and bind his arms and legs with your cords.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Four of you will hide in the wood on the right-hand -side of the track, and four on the left-hand. -The horses will probably be caught by our rope -and will come to ground, their riders being thrown -headlong. That is your moment of attack; spring -upon them and rope them securely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Should a horse escape the stretched rope, his -rider must be brought to ground by your cudgels. -Beware that no man escapes, or our plan will fail. -Above all, remember there must be no bloodshed -unless self-defence require it. Leave the rest to -me; now, do you all understand?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Aye, aye, sir," answered the rustics in a joyful -shout.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then get to your posts, all of you; our foes -may be here at any moment," said Ralph.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a time absolute silence brooded upon the -sylvan scene, save for the humming of insects and -the twittering of birds.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ten minutes, a quarter of an hour, twenty -minutes had passed, and yet there was no sign of -approaching horsemen. Ralph's heart began to -beat tumultuously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Perhaps," thought he, "the Pursuivant has -taken the long route over the downs, and all our -well-laid schemes will come to naught," and he -groaned within himself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He stepped forth from the wood into the track, -and looked anxiously in the direction of Lewes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No sound struck his ear, but at that moment a -flash of light caught his eye!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sun was shining upon bright steel halberds, -and flashed yet brighter on the cuirasses of two -musketeers. They were mounted on stout horses -in war panoply, and behind them rose a tall officer -in sombre uniform—it was the Pursuivant!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Instantly Ralph dived unperceived into the wood, -and a low whistle told his men that the moment for -action was nigh. The horsemen were approaching -at a brisk trot; their arquebuses were attached -to their saddles; in their left hands they bore long -halberds; they rode as men all unconscious of -danger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Another moment and they were at hand!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Crash! crash! both horses had struck the fatal -rope, and their riders were thrown violently upon -the track. The Pursuivant, who was riding about -three yards in the rear of his men, threw his horse -upon its haunches in blank amazement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas for him! he was at that moment exactly -under the great oak limb which stretched across -the track, and ere he could utter a sound two men -dropped upon him, and he was caught in a strong -embrace, while Ralph Jefferay stood at his horse's -head, his hand on the bridle. Meanwhile the eight -rustics had sprung from the wood, and ere the -halberdiers could recover from their fall, they were -imprisoned by vigorous arms, and stout ropes were -being wound round their bodies.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the fallen horses struggled to their feet, two -rustics sprang to their heads and held them fast.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What means this outrage?" shouted the Pursuivant; -then, addressing Ralph, whom he recognized -as the leader of the band, he added—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Do you know, sir, that I am a Queen's officer, -and that you stop me at the peril of your life!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>At a signal from Ralph, his two captors dismounted -him from his saddle, and he came helplessly -to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Search him," said Ralph, disdaining to make -any reply to the luckless officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His orders were instantly obeyed, and in a few -moments the Pursuivant was relieved of a big -official-looking document, which Ralph forthwith -proceeded to open.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Listen, my men," he said; "this is a warrant -for the apprehension of the Vicar of Chiddingly. -What shall we do with it?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Tear it in pieces and scatter it to the winds!" -shouted the angry rustics.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"At the peril of your lives!" shouted again the -enraged officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph laughed scornfully in reply, and in another -moment he had torn the formidable document to -shreds, tossing them in the air as his followers had -suggested.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You will suffer for this, sir," growled the -astonished officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You are a bold man, Mr. Pursuivant," said -Ralph. "You came hither on a message of death, -and now your plans are frustrated and your life is -in our hands! Have you thought of that, sir?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You would not dare!" replied the officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph laughed aloud, and replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You little know the daring of the people of -Sussex when they know that God is on their side; -yet your experience to-day might give you an -inkling of the extent of their hardihood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But have no fear," he continued, "your life is -safe, and you and your men can go back to Lewes -to tell them how you have been outwitted by Sussex -rustics.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet it does not suit our purposes that your -return should be too quickly made, so we shall -tie you to these trees by the roadside and relieve -you of your horses. Before nightfall there will, -doubtless, be passers-by who will release you from -your bondage, and then you may trudge homeward."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, ere the enraged Pursuivant could find -words for a reply, Ralph turned to his men and -said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Quick, men, with the ropes; tie our prisoners -securely to the trees by the roadside, beginning -with the officer."</p> - -<p class='c014'>In a few minutes his orders were carried out. -Then Ralph bowed with mock ceremony to the -Pursuivant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Good-day, sir," he said; "I wish you a speedy -release and a pleasant walk to Lewes!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>And at a signal from their leader the whole gang -dived into the forest, driving the horses in front -of them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph made his way to the hut where his horse -had been stabled, and was soon trotting quietly -homewards, his stalwarts following his example -on foot by the well-known bypath of the forest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No sooner had the gang disappeared than the -bound men began to struggle desperately in a vain -endeavour to escape from their bonds, soon to find -all their efforts useless.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Pursuivant spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You Lewes men ought to be able to recognize -some of these ruffians—do you know their leader?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, I know him," replied one of his men; "I -have often seen him in Lewes—'tis Mr. William -Jefferay."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Are you sure?" said the Pursuivant, rejoiced -at the news.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes," replied the man, "I know him by his -grey cap!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Good," said the officer; "you shall hang for -this, Mr. William Jefferay, as surely as there is a -sun in the heavens."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The day was wearing on, the sun rose high in the -sky, and the bound men began to feel the pangs of -thirst—yet no man passed that way to bring them -release.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had many times shouted loudly for help—but -there was none to make reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Evening had come, and the wretched men began -to fear that a night in the woods would be their -fate—perhaps death itself from hunger and thirst! -But Providence willed it otherwise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To their joy a woodman, returning from his -daily toil, came slowly down the track.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He started in amazement as he heard the cries -of the prisoners, and came to the spot where they -were bound.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What now, my masters!" cried the woodman. -"What means all this?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Don't waste time in talk, man," answered the -luckless Pursuivant; "bring hither thy axe and cut -these accursed ropes."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The man hesitated, and his weather-beaten -features assumed a shrewd expression.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You must first tell me who you be, and how -you came to this pass; I may get myself into -trouble."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Fool!" cried the Pursuivant, now getting -angry, "I am a Queen's officer, and these are my -men—thy axe, I say, thy axe, and that quick!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the man was evidently the master of the -situation, and he was not to be hurried.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Moreover, his sense of cupidity began to be -awakened—there was, doubtless, something to be -earned in this matter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Well, I doant know but what I med do you this -little job," he said cautiously; "but what is it -worth?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Pursuivant ground his teeth with rage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It will be worse for thee, fool, if thou hesitate -any longer; come, bring thy axe and cut these -ropes, I command you."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, that is it, is it?" said the man; "then I -leaves you to yourself and bid you good e'en!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>And forthwith he began to walk away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this the bound men set up a loud howl of -entreaty—their worst fears seemed about to be -realized.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The woodman relented, and returned once more -to the prisoners.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This time he came straight to the point.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What will you give me if I cut your cords?" -said he, and his eyes sparkled greedily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Pursuivant hesitated ere he replied; his first -thought was tinged with bitter rage: he would -make this fellow smart for his greedy impudence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But reflection brought another thought: it did -not matter what he gave this man; they were three -to one—when once they were freed they could -make him disgorge his ill-gotten gains!</p> - -<p class='c014'>So he replied, "Come hither, man; put thy hand -in my doublet pocket and take my purse, with all -that it contains."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The woodman obeyed, and soon found the -purse; it was well lined, and his greed was satisfied.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But he was no simpleton, and the same thought -which had inspired the Pursuivant's generosity -had occurred to him also; he determined, therefore, -on his line of action.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Approaching the tree to which one of the men-at-arms -was bound, he raised his axe, and, with one -blow, severed the rope.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now loose thy fellows," he cried, as he bounded -into the forest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The liberated man was long ere he freed his -companions; by that time the woodman with the -purse in his pocket was deep in the recesses of the -forest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The night was falling, yet a long march lay -before the three men ere the lights of Lewes would -gladden their eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet, hungry, thirsty, and weary, they reached -the county town that night, nor did the Pursuivant -seek rest till the first step in his revenge was taken, -and he had lodged his report with the authorities -in the castle.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch04' class='c004'>CHAPTER IV <br /> <br /> THAMES PIRATES</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>It was an hour after sunset, and a rich red glow -still lingered in the western horizon, tinging the -waters of the Thames as they swirled past the water-gate -of Surrey House with gleams of scarlet and -gold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A young man stood on the brink of the river -idly watching the ebb and flow of the tide.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For some time he had been strolling to and fro -on the velvety lawn of my Lord of Surrey's house -at Chelsea, as if awaiting a companion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was richly dressed, and the fading light -glistened on many a jewel which bedecked his -Court costume. It lit up the diamond cross of -S. Iago of Toledo which he wore upon his breast, -and gleamed on the diamonds which decked the -pommel of the dress-sword which hung at his side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Queen Mary was holding a Court revel this -night at Whitehall in honour of her royal consort, -King Philip, who had that day arrived in London -from Spain, to the great joy of the Queen, and -Don Diego d'Olivares was apparelled for the fête.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Don Diego was a typical Hidalgo of purest -Castilian blood. His well-formed features, swarthy -complexion, dark lustrous eyes, and glossy black -locks proclaimed the fact.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My father comes not," he murmured to himself. -"If he delay much longer, I shall leave him to -follow me to Court in Lord Surrey's company."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The light was fading off the river, the stars were -becoming bright and lustrous, and the young -courtier was growing impatient.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Few boats were on the river; now and then a -galley or a wherry would dart by, and he noticed -that the boatmen were lighting their torches.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He bethought him of the beautiful gardens at -Whitehall, already gleaming beneath the light of -hundreds of cressets. And his thoughts wandered -to those whom he expected to meet there: the -treasurer of Gray's Inn and his fair niece, Miss -Susan Jefferay, the "heavenly twins," as he facetiously -termed her two brothers William and Ralph, -and many others.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For Don Diego was a legal student also—perfecting -himself in the knowledge of English law at -the Temple, by command of his renowned step-father, -the Spanish Ambassador at the Court of -Queen Mary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had met the twins at a masque at Gray's Inn, -and a strong friendship had sprung up between -the young men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus he mused as he watched the passing boats -on the silent waterway.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Don Diego had not observed a dark wherry -in which three men were seated, passing slowly -up-stream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had not marked when the two oarsmen therein -had thrust their boat under the shadow of the bank -fifty feet higher up, nor did he see them land -stealthily and creep silently into his rear as he sat -on a bench on the top of the terrace.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly, and ere he could utter a cry for help, -a shawl was thrown over his head, a gag was -thrust into his mouth, a cord bound his arms to his -side. Then he found himself lifted aloft by sturdy -arms, and, despite his furious efforts, he was thrown -violently into the boat, which at once pushed into -the stream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>One of the oarsmen propelled the boat rapidly -in the direction of London Bridge; his companions -proceeded to further secure their captive with strong -ropes, binding both hands and feet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"That was a good haul, Bill," said one of the -ruffians; "he is a fine bird, and will make good -picking!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Stop your gab, you fool, till we get aboard the -hulk, there are too many boats about," muttered -his companion savagely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boat sped rapidly past Whitehall, where -the lights were gleaming, and whence sounds of -sweet music arose. They reached the ears of the -poor prisoner as he lay at the mercy of his captors -in the bottom of the boat, and they filled his heart -with bitterness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Should he ever hear those sounds again—would -his eyes ever look again upon the fair scenes of -earth?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such were the thoughts that filled Don Diego's -soul; he knew that he had fallen into the hands of -merciless Thames pirates.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boat was now rapidly nearing London -Bridge, and the oarsmen prepared to shoot one of -its narrow arches. The unfortunate captive had -struggled desperately to loose the cords which -bound his hands and feet; alas! all his efforts were -in vain—he had been too securely bound by -practised hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet he found it possible, by rubbing his head -against the side of the boat, to disengage the gag -which had almost suffocated him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, collecting all his strength, he shrieked -forth piercing cries for "help" until his captors -had sprung upon him and had replaced the gag.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But his cries were not unheard, though he knew -it not!</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the afternoon of that day William and Ralph -Jefferay had gone down-stream to Greenwich Park, -and had strolled awhile beneath the majestic elms -and oaks which begirt the royal palace.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As evening fell they betook themselves to their -light boat, and, being dexterous oarsmen, they -made rapid progress against the swift-flowing tide, -now on the ebb.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had no time to spare, for both the young -men had accepted invitations to the Queen's Revel -at Whitehall, and they must needs go first to -Gray's Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They passed London Bridge beneath its widest -arch, the central one, and were now opposite -St. Paul's Wharf.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment a piercing cry for help rent the -air, and the twins instantly rested upon their oars, -and listened eagerly for a repetition of the cry. -Alas! there was none; the silence of night was -again upon the river.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Ralph!" said William, "that was a -genuine cry for aid; it came from some poor -creature in deadly peril. Oh! what can we do?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We will respond to it, by the help of God," -replied Ralph; "it came, surely, from that dark -wherry which I see yonder preparing to shoot -the bridge."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I thought so also," said William, "and -methought I recognized the voice of him who -called for help; it rang into my very soul, and, if -I err not, it was the voice of our friend Diego!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To the rescue! to the rescue!" cried Ralph in -reply, and in an instant they had turned their boat -down-stream and were following the suspicious -wherry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their light boat soon brought the heavier -wherry into full view. They could see that there -were three men on board of her; two were rowing, -the third held the tiller.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What are our plans, William?" said Ralph; -"do you take the lead, and I will second you -promptly."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Agreed," replied his brother. "I propose, then, -that we follow that wherry whithersoever it goes. -If those men have a captive on board, they will -soon seek to lodge him in durance—that will be -our moment of attack.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"For the present we keep within reach of them, -but sufficiently far off to disarm their suspicions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Leave the boat to me, I will row, and do you -keep a vigilant eye on their movements. Loosen -your poignard in its sheath—I will do the same—for -this matter will not be decided without bloodshed, -and may God defend the right!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Amen," said Ralph solemnly, yet with a distinct -sound of joyous exultation in his voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No fear, no misgiving, found place in their brave -young souls!</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the contrary, they rejoiced in the thought and -belief that this was a call from Heaven, that they -were God's ministers in carrying out a work of -mercy and justice! A minute later both boats shot -beneath London Bridge at a furious pace, the -temporarily imprisoned tide hurling them on its -strong bosom down-stream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"They are making for the Surrey side," said -Ralph; "it strikes me that they are going aboard -one of those wretched hulks which line the shore; -if so, what then?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I think you are right," replied his brother; -"they would not dare to land their victim on shore, -where they would at once encounter the watchmen. -If these men are Thames pirates, as I strongly -suspect, then these dark black hulks are their fitting -and foul nests.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now, brother, take good heed, I beseech you—this -is my plan. Presently the wherry will run -alongside a hulk, and one man will leave the boat, -mount the hulk, and proceed to make ready to -disembark the captive. This is our moment to -attack! We run in swiftly between the wherry -and the hulk—so detaching them. Then we leap -into the wherry, and our poignards must do the -rest. It matters not what becomes of our little -boat, a rescued life is worth a hundred such -things."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Right," said Ralph, "I understand; now put a -good way on the boat, for, if I mistake not, they -are running alongside a hulk."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph was correct in his forecast; a moment -later the wherry was alongside of a dark object, -upon which one of the oarsmen sprung lightly with -a rope in his hand. Then, with a loud crash, the -light boat ran swiftly in between the two; and, -above all, rang the fierce shouts and curses of the -pirates.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But as they rose in their wherry the twins leapt -into it—giving it a strong impulse into the stream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was no light on the hulk until the one -man left upon it had lit a torch by whose lurid -flame he sought to discover what had happened to -his comrades.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the fierce fight began in darkness, save for -the gleam of the twinkling stars.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From their first onset the brothers perceived that -their suspicions had been correct, for a bound -man lay in the bottom of the boat, motionless -and silent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The surprise to the pirates had been complete, -yet they had time to draw their long knives, with -which they struck desperately at their foes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a deadly struggle—there was no thought -of asking or giving quarter; it was a matter of -death or victory! Fierce blows were exchanged -and parried; then the combatants closed, and the -wherry swayed to and fro with a violence that -threatened to submerge its occupants beneath the -dark waters of the river.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The first gleam of light from the torch on the -hulk fell upon a scene of fiercest strife—upon men -in deadly grip, equally expert with their weapons, -equally matched in strength and courage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All were wounded, and the fast flowing blood -rendered the planks of the wherry a slippery foot-hold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly William's foe lost his balance; in an -instant he was hurled overboard, and sank beneath -the waters. His comrade perceived this, and with -a howl of rage he also flung himself into the stream—for -he was desperately wounded, and, as William -approached to his brothers aid, he knew that the -end had come.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the brothers turned eagerly to each other, -and the question arose from both alike—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Brother, are you hurt?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Not much, I think," said William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Mere flesh wounds," said Ralph almost gaily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the twins joined hands and kissed each -other on the cheek.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let us kneel down and thank God!" whispered -William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So they knelt side by side like two Christian -warriors!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently they rose, and now they turned their -attention to the captive in the boat, who had ofttime -been trampled under foot in the strife.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He is gagged," said William; "I will unloose -him."</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a few moments the rescued man was well-nigh -unconscious through the pain and suffering -he had undergone. Then the well-known voices -of his friends the twins fell upon his ears like -heavenly music, and he spake.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Brothers," he said, "will you cut my bonds?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"By Heaven!" cried William, "<i>it is</i> Diego. -Oh, thank God!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then they cut his bonds, and the young -Spaniard rose with great difficulty, so benumbed -were his limbs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh! my brothers," he cried, seizing their -hands, "you have risked your lives to save mine, -and Heaven has blessed your noble efforts; henceforth -we are more than friends—we are brothers in -heart and soul while life lasts.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! I see that you are both wounded—you -have shed your blood to save my life! How shall -I thank you enough? Oh, may Heaven reward -you! But come, let me examine your wounds; it -is my turn now to turn rescuer."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ere Diego could carry out his intention, William -sank suddenly into the bottom of the boat; he had -fainted from loss of blood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A moment later Ralph lay beside him from like -cause.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, my brothers!" cried Diego in agonizing -tones, "you will die before I can find succour for -you; my poor life were not worth so great a -sacrifice!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>His first thought was to seize the oars and strive -to reach Greenwich—the lights of the town were -now plainly visible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Or he would strive to stanch their gaping -wounds, and leave the boat to be borne forward -by the rapid tide. While he thus hesitated, a -sudden light appeared on the surface of the river, -and his ears caught the welcome sound of the oars -of a practised crew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a Queen's guardship, and as it rapidly -neared the wherry Don Diego uttered a loud shout -for help. His appeal found instant and joyous -response, for on board that ship were his father -and Lord Surrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A Chelsea boatman had witnessed his capture, -and had instantly given the alarm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet so long a time had it taken before the -guardship at Whitehall wharf could be sent in -pursuit of the pirates, that its aid would have been -too late, but for the Heaven-sent interposition of -the twins.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The guardship rapidly drew alongside the -wherry, and in a few minutes the wounded men -and Diego were taken on board.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With tender care William and Ralph were -carried into the little cabin, and a ship's surgeon -made immediate examination of their injuries.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To the joy of Diego, he reported that though -both the brothers were sorely lacerated, yet no -desperate injury had been inflicted—they had lost -much blood, and were thereby rendered unconscious; -a few days' careful nursing was all that -was required.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The guardship soon reached Whitehall, and -there, litters having been procured for the brothers, -they were forthwith conveyed to their lodgings in -Gray's Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nor did Don Diego leave them till he had seen -them safely consigned to the care of Miss Susan -Jefferay, who had lately come to town from Chiddingly -Place on a visit to her uncle, Sir John.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch05' class='c004'>CHAPTER V <br /> <br /> GRAY'S INN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The morning was yet young when Sir John -Jefferay entered the library at Gray's Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a noble room with a splendid vaulted -roof. All around were bookshelves laden with -heavy volumes; above the shelves were portraits -of famous lawyers, and some few statesmen whose -names were associated with the history of the -Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The floor was thickly carpeted, and scattered -here and there were tables strewn with documents -and parchments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John seemed ill at ease this morning; he -did not seat himself, nor did his books and papers -seem to have any attraction for him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He walked to and fro in the spacious room, his -hands crossed behind his back, his grave but handsome -face bore the look of one in trouble or in deep -reflection. He was clad in a suit of rich black -velvet, the sombreness of which was relieved by a -ruff of spotless whiteness around the neck and -wristbands of delicate lace of the same colour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A tap at the door awoke him from reflective -mood, and as the door opened, and Susan Jefferay -appeared, a welcoming smile dispelled the gloom -from the Treasurer's anxious face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And no wonder; for not only was Susan the -darling of the childless Treasurer's heart, but her -winsome presence, her bright smile and merry, -dancing eyes were to him like a gleam of sunshine -which dispels the clouds from a dark sky.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Good news! good news! dear uncle," she cried, -as she ran up to him with outstretched hands. -"Dr. Barnes has been with the boys for the last -hour, and I have helped him to dress their wounds; -he says I am as clever at it as many a young -surgeon. And they are both doing well—much -better than he had dared to hope for.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There is no fever in their blood, he says, and -they need but good nursing and careful feeding to -be as strong and well as they ever were, and that -in a very few days' time."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I thank God for that!" said the Treasurer -fervently. "I could not sleep last night," he -continued; "the sight of their poor gashed and -lacerated bodies was ever before my eyes."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And yet no vital point was touched by the -murderous knives," replied Susan. "Oh, how -good Heaven has been to us! But, dear uncle, -you look very wearied and sad this lovely morning; -now, tell me at once, and tell me truly, have you -breakfasted?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John laughed lightly as he looked on her -smiling face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No, my child, I have not yet touched food; -but I will go now to the breakfast room with you, -for you must need refreshment as much as I."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The dwelling rooms of the Treasurer closely -adjoined the library, and presently Sir John and -Susan were seated at a well-spread table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For half-an-hour they lingered there, Susan -attending to all her uncle's needs with loving care.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now I will go and see the boys," said Sir -John, rising from his seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Not yet, dear uncle, I beseech you," replied -Susan. "Dr. Barnes has given them some soothing -medicine which will probably induce sleep; -they must not be disturbed for some hours. Moreover, -I want you for a brief time all to myself; I -have something to tell you which troubles me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Really!" said Sir John, as he stooped down -and kissed her cheek, "I always thought that you -and trouble were far apart!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let us go back into the library," said his niece; -"we shall be undisturbed there."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"This sounds serious!" said Sir John.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is serious—or at least I fear so," replied Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once more in the library, the Treasurer seated -himself in one of the great leather chairs, and -Susan, bringing a footstool to his side, sat down -beside him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two made a striking picture.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John's noble and pensive face was lighted -up by a gentle and loving smile as he gazed down -on his niece's fair face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This morning she had not tied her hair, and the -long golden locks fell in rich profusion over her -shoulders. Her morning gown was simplicity -itself; its pure whiteness was unrelieved by colour -but for a waistband of blue silk; she wore no -ornament save that on her shapely finger a ring -beset with diamonds glittered in the sunlight—it -was surely a love gift!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now, Susan, for your revelation," said Sir -John, as he took her little hand and held it caressingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You remember, dear uncle," began Susan, -"how Ralph came to us at Chiddingly last Sunday -week, intending to pass at least ten days with us? -Well, he left us on Wednesday night, at which I -marvelled."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"So did I," interpolated Sir John.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I must tell you," continued the fair girl, "that -on that Sunday morning a messenger brought me -a letter from Mr. Geoffrey Fynes."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! ah!" said Sir John, "this grows interesting."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan blushed prettily as she looked into her -uncle's face, and shook her head reprovingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, uncle, you must be serious; I think you -will be so when I have told you all!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Go on, my child," said Sir John gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Well, I have the letter here; I meant to show -it to you last night; please read it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Treasurer took the letter, and as he read it -his face assumed an increased expression of -gravity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And did the Pursuivant come—only to find the -Vicarage empty?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No," said Susan, "and that is my trouble! I -showed the letter to Ralph, little thinking that -any harm would ensue from my doing so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"On the Wednesday, when I expected to see the -Queen's officer, Ralph was absent from home all -day, and on making inquiries I found he had gone -on horseback into the woods.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I began to be anxious, and I made inquiries -about him in the stables and elsewhere. Then I -found to my alarm that many of our young men -were missing from Chiddingly that day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ralph returned home in the afternoon, but he -would tell me nothing—'these were not women's -matters,' he said. That same night he took the -road for London."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And since then have you heard nothing?" said -Sir John eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Not until to-day," replied Susan. "This morning -a messenger from Chiddingly brought me -another letter from Mr. Geoffrey Fynes; he did -not know that I had left home for London. It is -this letter which fills me with anxiety and no little -astonishment. I will read you the passage which -deals with this business."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan's fair face flushed as she glanced over -the letter which she held in her hand; then she read -as follows—</p> - -<p class='c016'>"'There is danger abroad for some members of -your house, I fear.</p> - -<p class='c016'>"'I am revealing a State secret to you at the -risk of the loss of place, reputation, and, perhaps, -even life itself! Yet I do not hesitate to -tell you, my sweet Susan, all I know, for your -interests are dearer to me than aught else in this -world.</p> - -<p class='c016'>"'In a few words the matter stands thus—</p> - -<p class='c016'>"'The Queen's Pursuivant was assaulted by a -band of men in Chiddingly wood on Wednesday -morning; his warrant was forcibly taken from him -and torn to pieces by the leader of the band. That -leader was recognized by one of his men as Mr. -William Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c016'>"'The Queen's officers suffered no personal -injury, but they were bound to trees in the forest, -where they remained until nightfall, when a passing -woodman released them. The Pursuivant is -hastening to London to lay the whole matter before -the Council.</p> - -<p class='c016'>"'Warn William that he may be arrested any -day, and be brought before the Chancellor in the -Star Chamber. My advice is that he take instant -flight abroad.'"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John rose hastily from his seat and walked -to and fro in the library, full of disquietude and -fear. Suddenly he turned to Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"This is serious news indeed," he said; "it -is a matter of life or death. Oh, foolish, foolish -boy! what madness could have possessed -him?</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But tell me, Susan," he exclaimed eagerly, -"why is this charge brought against William? -Surely, if the offence was committed, it was Ralph -who was the offender."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I think I can answer that question," said Susan -tremblingly. "I observed that when Ralph -returned home on that fatal Wednesday, he was -wearing William's grey cap; he must have taken -it by mistake."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah, I see a gleam of light here," said Sir John -quickly. "The warrant will be made out in -William's name.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now it so happens, by God's good grace, that -the Master of the Rolls, Sir Philip Broke, was with -me all that Wednesday in question; we were -holding a long legal consultation, and William -acted as my secretary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We will let matters take their course! If the -worst befall, it will be many days before the poor -wounded boy can appear before the Court of the -Star Chamber, and, when he does, Sir Philip and -I will be a match for the Queen's Pursuivant."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, moving swiftly to Susan's side, he kissed -her cheek fondly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Fear not, dear child," he cried; "I have hope -that God will bring us safely through this -trouble!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But if they find out that Ralph is the real -culprit?" said Susan falteringly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, there lies the real danger," said Sir John -musingly. "Alas, that he lies helpless on a bed -of sickness; but for that he should be in Holland, -with our dear Vicar, ere twenty-four hours had -passed."</p> - -<p class='c014'>A sudden thought struck him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Think you, Susan, that William knows aught -of this mad adventure?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I think so," replied Susan, "for the boys have -no secrets apart from each other, and if matters -came to the worst, as you say, I believe that -William would plead guilty rather than Ralph -should suffer!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, boys, boys! how you wring my heart!" -cried Sir John, with uncontrollable emotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He resumed his seat, and for a short time -remained in deep thought; then he spoke slowly -and with deep emphasis.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The innocent must not suffer for the guilty—no, -God forbid! But let us hope for the best," he -continued, as he marked the growing pallor of poor -Susan's face. "It was a foolish freak, but no man -has been injured—no blood was shed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Cheer up, my child, we have powerful friends -in Court, even in this Court of the Star Chamber—the -worst of all our Courts! In the last issue, if -all else fails, it may be but a matter of a fine, and -we are, happily, rich enough to pay it; or a short -imprisonment, and the boy is young, and will live -through it. Cheer up, Susan; wipe those tears -away, and trust in God that all will come right!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now go and see the boys, and let me know if -I may see them also," continued Sir John.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I go, dear uncle," said Susan, rising to her -feet; "but pardon me if I urge that you say nothing -to them at present about this sad matter; remember -that Dr. Barnes enjoins the most watchful care on -our part; they must have rest and peace both for -body and mind."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will remember, most wise nurse!" said Sir -John, as he rose to open the door for her with a -smile on his grave countenance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan had scarcely left the library than, with a -preliminary knock at the door, Sir John's valet -entered it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bowing low, the man informed his master that -his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador and his -son Don Diego d'Olivares were in the entrance-hall, -and that they craved the honour of a brief -interview.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John nodded assent, and a few moments later -he heard the steps of his visitors as they ascended -the stairs to the library.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hastening to the top of the staircase the -Treasurer met his distinguished visitors with deep -obeisance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the Ambassador was evidently in no mood -to stand upon points of ceremony.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hurrying forward, with extended hands, he -warmly saluted the Treasurer, yet the anxiety -which had prompted this early morning call -found immediate utterance in the first words he -spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your boys, Mr. Treasurer, are they doing -well?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Dr. Barnes has just left them, your Excellency, -and his report is altogether favourable; they have -many serious flesh wounds, yet, by the mercy of -God, no vital injury has been inflicted; and, if -nothing unforeseen occurs, they will make a rapid -recovery to health."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"They are noble boys!" cried the Ambassador, -with enthusiasm. "They saved my son's life at -the peril of their own, and with a manly daring -which moves all men to admiration. London is -ringing with their praises to-day; they are the -heroes of the hour!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Don Diego intervened with an eager -request that he might visit the sick-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It may not be, young sir," said Sir John. "You -know they have a masterful young nurse in Mistress -Susan Jefferay, and I myself have just been refused -an interview with the boys by their stern guardian; -they are to be kept in absolute quiet, she says, or -Dr. Barnes will not answer for the consequences."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the visitors took their departure, Diego -obtaining permission to return to Gray's Inn in the -evening.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Throughout that day visitors poured in at the -Treasurer's lodgings with eager inquiries respecting -the lads whose deed of daring had become -public property from the moment when the Queen's -guardship came to their rescue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To many of these visitors the lads were unknown -personally, though their handsome faces and -strongly knit bodies had attracted much observation -in Gray's Inn and its neighbourhood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Sir John was one of the leading men of the -day; not only was he known to be a great lawyer, -but he sat in Queen Mary's Parliament as a -member for the City of London, and was fast -becoming a strong leader among the members of -the House who were silently ranging themselves -as partisans of the young Princess Elizabeth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the evening the young Spaniard, Don Diego, -returned to the Inn, and he brought news with him -which Susan promised to impart to her brothers at -the earliest possible moment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Diego had gone down the Thames that morning -on board a guardship in the hope of discovering -the hulk to which his captors would have taken -him, but his efforts had been useless.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were many suspicious-looking hulks -moored on the banks of the stream, but he had no -means of identifying the one he sought.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the twins were themselves again, they -would make another attempt; he had been lying -in the bottom of the boat, fast bound, when one -of his captors had endeavoured to moor the boat -alongside the hulk.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But he had other news.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The watermen had picked up the bodies of the -two ruffians who had leapt overboard—they had -paid the due penalty of their crime.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The hour was growing late when the young -Spaniard took his leave, and the wearied Treasurer -was just congratulating himself that the labours of -the day were over, when the valet once more -presented himself in the library.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Another visitor—and at this late hour!" said -Sir John, somewhat impatiently. "Make my -excuses, Robin," he continued; "say that I have -retired to rest."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, Sir John", said Robin, yet he lingered as -if he had something further to say.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What is it, man?" said Sir John, perceiving -Robin's hesitation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Please, your honour, and craving your pardon, -I doubt if the visitor will take your dismissal thus -easily: it is Sir William Anson, the Sheriff of -London."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John rose hastily from his chair, and Susan -ran from the couch whereon she was seated to her -uncle's side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, uncle," she cried, as she flung her arms -around his neck, "he comes, surely, on the Queen's -business; the fatal hour has come. Oh God, help -us!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Courage, dear one!" whispered Sir John in -her ear. "Sir William is a friend of mine; his -errand may be but one of friendly inquiry. Compose -yourself; remain in the library, you may hear -all that he has to say."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he bade Robin admit the late visitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A moment later the Sheriff entered the room, -bowing low to both its occupants as he did so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was a man of stately presence, his dress of -sombre colours yet of rich material.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He advanced towards Sir John with extended -hand, and his handsome face was lit up with a -cordial smile. Susan's heart was reassured as she -marked his friendly behaviour; but Sir John's eyes -were fixed upon a small gold chain of office which -the Sheriff wore around his neck.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He comes officially, on the Queen's business!" -said Sir John within himself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir William seated himself at the invitation of -the Treasurer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Tell me, first, Sir John," he said, "how your -gallant nephews fare. It is a scandal to London -that such an outrage could happen on our own -river; but we are overrun with foreigners, outlaws -and riffraff of all sorts; we must see to it!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, hearing a good report of the lads, he -thanked Heaven for the news, and therewith -glanced nervously towards Susan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John perceived his difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You have something private to say to me, Sir -William," he said; "you may say it before my -niece, I have no secrets from her."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I can understand that, Sir John," said the -gallant Sheriff, with a courtly smile as he bowed -towards Susan. "I will therefore tell you plainly -and fully why I am come to you at so untimely an -hour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet let me ask you both to keep my visit from -the knowledge of others, for I am exceeding my -office to-night, and might be called in question -for what I do."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John and Susan gravely bowed assent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is respecting one of your noble boys, William -Jefferay, that I have come hither. To-night I come -as your friend and well-wisher, but to-morrow, -alas! I shall bring you a warrant for his arrest -in the Queens name and by order of the Court of -the Star Chamber."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John gave a low groan, and poor Susan hid -her fair face in her hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You will ask me why I come to you to-night -with this sad news," said the Sheriff, with real -sympathy in his kindly heart. "I will tell you -why I come. My warrant commands me to possess -myself of William Jefferay's body, and to commit -it forthwith to Her Majesty's prison at the Fleet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Be not surprised, not alarmed, therefore, when -to-morrow morning I serve the warrant with all -due state and ceremony. Yet will I not attach his -body until he shall have regained his strength if -you, Sir John, will give me your word of honour -that no attempt at escape be made on his behalf."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I give you my word, Mr. Sheriff," said Sir -John, "and I count it an act of friendship on your -part that you have thus given me warning."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Sheriff rose from his seat, advanced towards -Sir John, and shook his hand heartily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My good friend," said he, "would to God that -I could do more for you! but keep a good heart, -for you have many a friend both at Court and in -the city."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So saying, the kind-hearted Sheriff made his -adieux and took his departure.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>Susan had borne up bravely during this brief -interview; yet, when the Sheriff had gone, and she -and Sir John were left to themselves, her fortitude -gave way, and she began to sob gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John moved to her side and took her hand -caressingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Is this the brave and trusty nurse," he said to -her in a low voice, "of whom I was so proud -to-day?</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Susan, dear Susan, have faith in God; let -us kneel together and commit the whole matter to -His most gracious keeping!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now go to rest, dear child," said Sir John, as -they rose from their kneeling posture.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Presently, dear uncle, I will seek rest," replied -Susan; "but I have work in the sick-room awaiting -me, and I keep watch there the first half of the -night."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, bidding her uncle "Good-night," Susan -lit a wax candle and quitted the library.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>For a full hour the Treasurer sat alone in deep -thought. He resolved that on the morrow he would -send a trusty messenger to the Hague, who should -inform his brother of all that had passed, and the -present position of affairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>How he longed for the presence of William—how -valuable would his counsel be to him at this -crisis!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet it could not be, for it was known full well -to those in power that William had aided the Vicar -of Chiddingly to escape, that he had gone with him -to Holland.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He therefore lay under grave suspicion, and must -remain an exile until happier days.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length, weary and worn, the Treasurer betook -himself to rest.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch06' class='c004'>CHAPTER VI <br /> <br /> THE STAR CHAMBER</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Star Chamber was a part of a range of -buildings on the east side of Palace Yard at Westminster.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Its peculiar name did not find its origin in any -distinctive feature of the building, but rather -from the fact that, by order of King Richard I, -the "Starra," or Jewish Covenants, were deposited -there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the reign of Edward III large additions were -made to the Palace at Westminster, including -St. Stephen's Chapel, and a new council chamber -henceforth to be known as the Court of the Star -Chamber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was the popular name of the building; the -Court itself was known officially as "The Lords of -the Council sitting in the Star Chamber."</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was instituted in the reign of Henry VII -(<span class='fss'>A.D.</span> 1487), and the number of judges varied, from -time to time, from twenty-six to forty-two; the -Lord Chancellor, or the Lord Keeper, was the -President.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It took cognizance of perjury, riot, and conspiracy. -The building was large, and richly -decorated. The walls were panelled to the ceiling, -great bow windows admitted light and air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The ceiling was ornamented with carved wood-work, -and was richly painted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was in this building, and before this august -tribunal, that William Jefferay appeared, in the -month of September, <span class='fss'>A.D.</span> 1557, on the charge of -riot and assault.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>A fortnight had passed since the warrant had -been duly served by the Sheriff, and for the past -three days William had been an inmate of the Fleet -prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boys had rapidly regained their health, -though William still carried his arm in a bandage, -and the pallor of his handsome face showed the -stress through which he had passed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As soon as the state of their health had permitted -it, their uncle had revealed to them the -dangerous position in which William stood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Susan had surmised, "the brothers had no -secrets," and Ralph's adventure in the Chiddingly -woods was well known to William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But to both of them the news that William, and -not Ralph, was deemed the culprit, was a matter -of profound amazement, and, on Ralph's part, of -intense indignation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, uncle," he cried, "this may not be! Mine -was the folly, if folly it was, and on my head -must fall the consequences, be they what they -may!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>An approving smile lit up Sir John's noble and -dignified face as he replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I knew that would be your first thought, -and you may yet have to pay the penalty of -your wild freak—Heaven only knows! But in -this mistake of identity lies, perhaps, the path of -safety, and the Master of the Rolls agrees with me -that it is our wisest course to let the matter -proceed."</p> - -<p class='c014'>With great reluctance Ralph consented, with the -assurance of his uncle that if aught went amiss, -and William was not acquitted, the whole truth -should be told.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>Three days later the Sheriff appeared at Gray's -Inn with much ceremony, and Ralph saw his -brother carried off a prisoner to the Fleet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was the first moment of real anguish in his -young life, and but for the sweet influence of his -sister, Ralph would have then proclaimed himself -the offender and demanded the release of his -brother.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From the library window Ralph and Susan had -seen the departure of William under the escort of -the Sheriff's guard, and the boy's pale face was -wrung with so intense an agony that Susan's fears -were strongly aroused.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Ralph," she cried, "for the love of God -do nothing rashly, bring not your uncle's plans to -confusion; have faith that all will come right in -Heaven's good time."</p> - -<p class='c014'>She laid her hand upon his shoulder and drew -him lovingly towards her, seeing that he was -irresolute.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Have you no pity for <i>me</i>?" she said. "Think -you that I do not suffer with you, and with our -beloved uncle also?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>A moment more, and the crisis was past; the -prisoner and his escort had moved out of sight, -and Ralph sank exhausted upon a couch: his barely -recovered strength had failed him.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>Three days had passed since William had -been committed to the Fleet prison, where, -thanks to the Sheriff, the prisoner had been -granted a private room, and every alleviation -of his hard lot which the Governor could give -to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had been permitted to receive visitors, and -each day Sir John and Susan had spent some hours -with him. On the evening of the third day -Simon Renard, the Spanish Ambassador, had -brought the great news to Gray's Inn that the -Council of the Star Chamber would meet on the -morrow, and that William's fate would be then -decided.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That night the friends of the unhappy boy met -in the library at Gray's Inn to decide on their -course of action.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The day had been hot, the evening was sultry, -and the windows of the fine room were thrown open -to admit the little air that stirred the leaves of the -plane-trees in the square.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The room was somewhat dimly lit by wax -candles, and small silver lamps, fed with perfumed -oil, sent forth a languorous odour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Don Simon Renard had much to tell the gentlemen -who sat around him, among whom were the -Lord Mayor of London, the Master of the Rolls, -and, of course, Sir John Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To all of these men the constitution of the Star -Chamber and the course of procedure at the Council -Meeting were perfectly well known, and the personal -characteristics of every member of that dread -tribunal (each of whom acted as a judge) were -equally familiar to them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Don Renard told them that the Chancellor himself, -the Earl of Arundel, would preside, and that -with him would sit the Earl of Pembroke, the Lords -Paget and Rochester, Sir William Petre, and many -others.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Cardinal Pole rarely sat at the Council—yet, at -the Ambassador's especial solicitation, he had -promised attendance on the morrow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No strangers had a right to be present in the -Court. Nevertheless, the Chancellor had granted -the Ambassador's request that Sir Philip Broke -and Sir John Jefferay might be admitted on this -occasion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The accused person was not allowed the privilege -of the assistance of "Counsel," excepting upon the -special invitation of the President.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Our chief hope," said the Ambassador, "lies -in the fact that the Master of the Rolls and the -Treasurer of Gray's Inn can give in evidence that -William was, at the time of the assault, actually -with them in the Library of Gray's Inn, which -should conclusively prove that he cannot possibly -be guilty of the offence now charged against him."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Beyond a doubt," answered Sir John; "yet my -mind misgives me on one point. The Pursuivant," -he continued, "may fail to identify William as his -assailant; he may have heard of the extraordinary -resemblance of the twin brothers. And if William -be acquitted, he may shift the charge to Ralph -and demand his arrest."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I think you are distressing yourself needlessly, -my friend," answered the Ambassador, "for let me -tell you that this very day the Pursuivant was taken -to the Fleet that he might see the prisoner as he -took his daily exercise in the yard. He saw him, -and was instantly convinced that William was the -man who had assaulted him in Chiddingly wood. -Moreover, we have no reason to suppose that he is -aware of Ralph's existence."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am afraid that the last-named circumstance is -too well known both in London and at Lewes," -interposed the Lord Mayor, "especially since the -occurrence of the gallant episode on the Thames. -I begin to think that Sir John's fears are well -founded, and that after all our wisest course would -be to send Ralph across the water, and that -instantly; he is now quite strong enough to travel."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John smiled sadly as he replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You do not know my two nephews sufficiently -well, my Lord Mayor, if you think that scheme -possible. Let me tell you that they are so linked -together in brotherly love that Ralph would never -consent to save his own life if thereby he endangered -William's safety. Nay, more, let me assure -you that if our plans failed, and William were condemned, -Ralph would at once make a full confession -to the authorities."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"They are two noble boys," cried Don Renard, -with generous enthusiasm, "equally great in love -and strife; have no fear for them, my dear Sir -John. Heaven will not suffer them to pass their -young lives in a prison cell!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus the friendly conclave debated until the hour -grew late, and the heavy air within the library -became oppressive.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As night had deepened the sultry atmosphere -had given place to storm and tempest, and a heavy -rain was falling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lights had grown dim, but the noble proportions -of the library were almost continuously -lit up by the flashes of lightning, and the deep -diapason of the rolling thunder shook the ancient -Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The serving men of the friends in Council were -awaiting their masters with carriages in the Square, -and as St. Paul's clock struck the hour of midnight -Sir John's guests took their departure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The day had already begun which was "big with -fate" for the twin brothers!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The storm was abating, and Sir John stood at -the open window watching the fleeting clouds and -the occasional glimmer of stars emerging from the -gloom. A light step across the thickly carpeted -floor did not catch his ear, but a caressing arm -thrown round his neck told him that Susan was -there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To rest, dear uncle, to rest," said she; "for -this day will bring thee labour and toil for body -and mind! Yet tell me briefly, does all go -well—do our friends give us cause to hope for -the best?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Sir John comforted her distressed heart by -telling her in a few words their schemes for the -great event in the Star Chamber, and their hopes -for a joyful delivery from their cares, and Susan -at length sought her chamber somewhat cheered.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The day broke fine and cloudless.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sun shone through the painted windows of -the great Court House of the Star Chamber, casting -a thousand richly tinted shadows on the marble -floor. The gilt stars in the roof glittered, and rich -beams of light fell on the beautiful panelling -which lined the walls of the noble hall.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was yet early morn, and the only occupants of -the Court were the ushers, attendants and servants -who were making preparations for the meeting of -the Court. At ten o'clock armed warders took -up their positions within the hall; a few minutes -later the Sheriff with a strong force of javelin men -made his entry; he had brought up the prisoner, -William Jefferay, from the Fleet prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boy's handsome face was deadly pale, -forming a strong contrast with his dark, flashing -eyes. There was no sign of fear or misgiving on -the part of the youthful prisoner as he took his -place in the dock, a warder standing on each side -of him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently a small group of gentlemen entered the -hall to whom all present showed great deference, -and they were shown to benches reserved for distinguished -visitors who held permits from the Lord -Chancellor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>William's eyes lit up with pleasure, and his -pale face flushed as he recognized Don Simon -Renard and his stepson Diego, Sir John Jefferay, -and the Master of the Rolls among the group.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When all were seated a solemn silence ensued, -shortly to be broken by the clarion tones of silver -trumpets.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Lords of the Council were entering the -Chamber in a stately procession vested in their -robes of office. Every point of the ancient form -and ceremony was rigidly observed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All men stood, cap in hand, until the Chancellor -had taken his seat; then, at a sign from him, a -richly bedizened herald stepped forth and proclaimed -that the Court was opened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the Chancellor's right hand sat Cardinal -Pole. Between these famous men there was a -marked and striking contrast.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Earl of Arundel was a dark-featured man -of some fifty years of age; his black beard and -moustache, worn in the Tudor style, was streaked -with grey. A soldier, a statesman, a courtier of -immense power and influence, he had steered his -political barque with supreme skill through the -stormy period of the English Reformation, when -many greater than he, and more highly placed, had -suffered shipwreck. Just now he was the acknowledged -leader of the Spanish faction at Court, and -no man stood higher than he in the favour of King -Philip.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To-day his sombre face had a marked expression -of sternness, which underwent a sudden change as -the Cardinal bent towards him and whispered -something in his ear. Arundel was listening to -the Cardinal with unwonted deference, and his -grim features relaxed into a friendly smile as he -made reply in low tones.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From the bench where he sat Sir John's keen -eyes had noted that both these illustrious judges -were bending close, inquisitorial glances on the -boy prisoner; he was evidently the subject of their -secret discourse.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Chancellor seems to be in a stern frame of -mind to-day," whispered Sir John to Sir Philip -Broke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I have seen him look yet more fierce," replied -the Master of the Rolls. "I was with him on the -day when he arrested his brother-in-law the Duke -of Northumberland, when the gleam of his dark -eyes struck terror into the Duke's soul! But be -of good courage, Sir John; mark how the -Cardinal's gentle smile is thawing his icy reserve, -and remember his Eminence hath promised Don -Renard to give us all the aid in his power."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Thank God for that!" whispered Sir John in -reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Cardinal Reginald Pole, Archbishop of Canterbury, -was perhaps the foremost Englishman of his -age.</p> - -<p class='c014'>An aristocrat of the finest type, with the royal -blood of the Plantagenets in his veins, he was, -above all things, an ecclesiastic of stainless life and -reputation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Those who differed from him <i>toto cælo</i> in -religious matters were eager to acknowledge his -incorruptibility and devotion to duty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Men remembered how boldly he had withstood -the threats and cajoleries of King Henry VIII; -how, later, he had shown a bold front to the -Vatican itself, and to the most dreaded tribunal in -the world, the "Holy Office"!</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was something eminently pleasing and -attractive in the face, bearing and physique of the -great Cardinal. Notwithstanding his long sojourn -in foreign lands, he was a typical Englishman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He wore his hair long—it hung in profusion on -his broad shoulders, and, like his long bushy -beard, was of a rich brown colour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His fine expressive face was somewhat colourless, -but it was lit up by the deep-blue eyes of the Plantagenet -race—eyes which at times gleamed with -tenderness and pity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was spare in body, and his hands were -as small and as delicately shaped as those of a -woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The whispered conversation between the Chancellor -and the Cardinal had come to an end, -and for a moment a deep silence brooded in the -Court.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, at a signal from Lord Arundel, the Clerk -of the Court rose and "called on" the case which -was occupying the minds of all men present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Queen <i>v.</i> William Jefferay; prisoner at -the bar," he cried in loud tones, "you are charged -that on the 17th of July last you committed an -assault upon the Queen's Pursuivant; how say you—are -you guilty or not guilty?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>William bowed low to the Chancellor, and in -subdued but distinct tones replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Not guilty, my Lord."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let us hear the witnesses," said Lord Arundel, -and thereupon the Pursuivant arose; behind him -stood his assistants.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was something vindictive and threatening -in the attitude and voice of the Pursuivant—a note -of triumph rang out with his words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He felt sure of his case, and positively sure of -the identity of the accused with his assailant in the -woods of Chiddingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In slow and measured terms the Pursuivant gave -his evidence, telling the tale of the assault in the -woods in full detail.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His two halberdiers, as witnesses of the attack -upon the Queen's officer, bore testimony to the -truth of the charge made against the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Court was but thinly attended; the general -public could only obtain admission by invitation, -and this was rarely accorded.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet among those present were many—even in -the rank of the august judges—who knew something -of young Jefferay and had heard of his recent -deed of daring on the Thames.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Among these a deep feeling of dismay and commiseration -arose, so clear and undeniable appeared -the evidence of the young prisoner's folly; already -they seemed to see the executioner clipping the -ears and slitting the nose of his victim!</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this critical moment that the Cardinal -again turned towards the Chancellor and whispered -something in his ear; Lord Arundel nodded assent -to his suggestion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Cardinal Pole thereupon addressed the Court. -The Cardinal's voice was soft and musical; he -spoke in low and gentle terms, yet was he distinctly -audible even to the furthest extremity of that great -hall.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There is a mystery in this case," he said, "and -it does not lie upon the surface. Some of us are -not convinced as to the identity of the accused, -notwithstanding the evidence of the Queen's -officers. By permission of the Lord Chancellor I -call upon the Treasurer of Gray's Inn, Sir John -Jefferay, and the Master of the Rolls, Sir Philip -Broke, to give evidence upon this vital point."</p> - -<p class='c014'>An excited murmur passed among the audience -as Sir John Jefferay, in obedience to this command, -rose in his place and proceeded to the witness-box, -and addressing the Court, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"With your permission, my Lords, I will first -ask for the date and the hour of the alleged assault."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Much marvelling, the Pursuivant rose and said -in reply—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It was on the seventeenth day of July, and -the hour was about eight o'clock in the morning."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Thank you, Mr. Pursuivant," replied Sir John, -with great gravity; then, turning towards the -Bench of Judges, he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"On that day, and at that hour, I held a consultation -in the library of Gray's Inn with my -honourable friend the Master of the Rolls, here -present. My secretary took notes of our conference, -and was with us all that morning. The secretary -in question was Mr. William Jefferay, the prisoner -at the Bar!</p> - -<p class='c014'>A thrill of emotion passed through the Court at -these words, and but for the august presence in -which they stood, the air would have been rent -with cheers. The accusers of William Jefferay, -and those that sided with them (for there were -some), were petrified with astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet even at that supreme moment Sir John -observed that one of the halberdiers clutched the -Pursuivant by the shoulder and began to whisper -eagerly to him, whereat his master's woebegone -face began to light up with a grim smile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A sudden hush fell on the Court as the Earl of -Arundel spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Call the Master of the Rolls;" and as Sir Philip -Broke entered the witness-box, the Chancellor said, -"Do you corroborate the evidence of the last -witness?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir Philip Broke, bowing low, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"In every detail, my Lord."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then it only remains for us to dismiss the -case, and we do hereby dismiss it," said the Chancellor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My Lord," cried the Pursuivant, rising hastily -in his place, "my Lord, in this case——"</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the Chancellor instantly silenced the speaker.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There is no case," he said; "the matter is at -an end."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Pursuivant sank back in his seat, but his -eyes were full of malice and baffled rage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the warders stood aside and beckoned to -William to leave the dock.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As he descended, his friends clustered around -him, and his pale face flushed with excitement as -they poured forth their congratulations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Foremost among them was the Spanish -Ambassador and Don Diego; the latter flung his -arms round his friend's neck and kissed him -lovingly on both cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently, with Sir John and Sir Philip on either -side of him, William emerged into the street, and -there a great crowd of law students awaited him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These were his "sodales"; with them the twin -brothers were universally popular, and their recent -exploit on the Thames had aroused that admiration -to a frenzy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So it was amid a cheering and uproariously -excited escort that the party made its way to Gray's -Inn, where Susan and Ralph awaited them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had not been permitted to attend the Court, -where no ladies found a place, and as for Ralph, -perhaps there were other reasons wherefore Sir -John commanded him to abide at home!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Oh, it was a moment of bliss when Susan flung -herself into the arms of her brother—such a moment -as Heaven rarely grants to mortals!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, William!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Susan!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the brothers embraced, and, after the -manner of the times, kissed each other affectionately -on the cheek. Hand in hand the three happy -young people ascended to the library, where -William related to eager listeners the moving -scenes which had been enacted that morning in the -Star Chamber.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch07' class='c004'>CHAPTER VII <br /> <br /> THE ARREST OF RALPH</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>"Come, children, come with me to the dining-room," -cried Sir John with cheerful voice, as he -entered the library. "Do you not know that the -body has its needs as well as the mind, and some -of us have scarce broken our fast this day; indeed, -to judge by William's pale face, I doubt whether -he has breakfasted."</p> - -<p class='c014'>And therewith he led the way into the fine old -dining-room of Gray's Inn, where a large party of -friends awaited them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a noble room, wainscoted to the ceiling in -dark oak, and adorned with many portraits of the -legal luminaries of past days.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Around the great open fire-place was grouped a -throng of friends all eager to congratulate the -Treasurer and his family on the joyful event of the -day. Among them were the Spanish Ambassador -and his son Don Diego; the Lord Mayor and Sir -Philip Broke were there, and many of Sir John's -brother members in Parliament.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Where is our friend the Sheriff?" asked -Sir John of the Lord Mayor; "he promised to be -here."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He was here just now," replied the Lord Mayor, -"but he has been summoned to perform some duty -connected with his office; he asked me to explain -his absence to you."</p> - -<p class='c014'>A cold chill fell upon the heart of Sir John as he -heard these words—was it a premonition?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, regaining his usual composure, he cried -with a loud and cheerful voice—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Be seated, friends; the dinner waits, and some -of us are as hungry as hunters."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The chaplain of the Inn, who was present as a -guest, said grace, and a merry clatter of knives and -forks ensued.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Next to Sir Philip Broke sat the Spanish Ambassador, -and, as the meal progressed, Sir Philip fell -into conversation with his neighbour, with whom -his high office brought him into frequent communication; -and in social life also they were -excellent friends.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Tell me, your excellency," he said in a low -voice, "how will your royal master view the proceedings -of this day?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Somewhat bitterly, I fear," replied Don -Renard. "It was only yesterday that he expressed -to me his amazement that a royal officer could be -so treated as was our friend the Pursuivant. He -was eager to see the perpetrator of the assault -brought to condign punishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"'In our own land,' he said to me, 'we should -have broken the miscreant upon the wheel without -judge or jury; but these islanders are so phlegmatic, -and stand so much on forms and ceremonies.'</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You must pardon King Philip, my friend, for -his outspokenness; it is true that the customs of -Spain and England differ considerably."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes," replied Sir Philip dryly, "and I thank -God for it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Whereat the Spanish Ambassador smiled grimly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently he spoke again to the Master of the -Rolls. He had been attentively watching the twin -brothers, who sat at the table side by side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"By St. Iago," he said in a low voice, "I have -been looking at the twin brothers for the last five -minutes, and at this moment I cannot tell you -which is William and which is Ralph; I do not -think that the world contains another so perfect -example of the 'Dioscuroi'; no man could tell -them apart."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir Philip shivered inwardly at these words, and -he thought within himself—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Does our friendly Ambassador begin to suspect -the legal trick by which our case was won? If so, the -sooner we get Ralph across the water the better."</p> - -<p class='c014'>At that moment his eye fell upon Don Diego, -who sat next to Susan, with whom he was holding -eager discourse.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No, no," thought he, "no harm can come to -our twins from that quarter; he can never forget -the noble daring that saved his son's life."</p> - -<p class='c014'>As a rule no sound from the outside world ever -penetrated the stillness of the dining-hall of Gray's -Inn, yet to the watchful ears of some who sat at -that festive table it seemed as if armed men were -in movement in the great courtyard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No word of command, no treading of iron-girt -men, no clash of arms, but only a dull sense of -approaching danger!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly Sir John's major-domo entered the -hall and passed rapidly to his master's side as he -sat at the head of the table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John noted not that the man's face was -ghastly pale, nor that his terror-stricken tongue -could scarce find utterance for his words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He stooped towards Sir John, and in low tones -said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Sir John, the Deputy Sheriff is outside the -hall—on the staircase."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John started.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Is it not the Sheriff?" he said; "we expected -him as a guest to-day."</p> - -<p class='c014'>A dead silence had fallen in the hall, the guests -were listening eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No, Sir John, it is Mr. Deputy Sheriff," replied -the major-domo.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Bid him enter," said his master.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He is not alone, Sir John; he has halberdiers -with him."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John rose, as he said again—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Bid him enter!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The trembling servant obeyed, and, proceeding -to the end of the Hall, threw open the great folding -doors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All the guests had now risen to their feet; all -knew that some catastrophe was at hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The men looked stern, and, for the most part, -undaunted; but from the many ladies present -came the sound of choking sobs and subdued -cries.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Deputy Sheriff had entered, and with him -came a posse of halberdiers in full armour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the armed men drew up in line within -the hall their leader stepped forward and bowed -low to Sir John—waiting, apparently, to be questioned.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Mr. Deputy Sheriff," said Sir John in firm -tones, "you would be welcome here this day, but -for this array at your back; what means it?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I crave your pardon, Sir John Jefferay, yet the -servants of the Queen must do their duty and obey -the royal command, even if it be bitter and -irksome."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is true, sir", replied Sir John with dignity, -"and you need no pardon from me; declare to us -your business here."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Deputy Sheriff produced a formal-looking -document, and unfolding, read forth a warrant -from the Sheriff, commanding the arrest forthwith, -in the Queen's name, of Mr. Ralph Jefferay."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"On what charge, sir?" demanded Sir John.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"On the charge of riot and assault," replied the -Deputy Sheriff, and forthwith he handed the -warrant to Sir John.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a formal document from the Court of the -Star Chamber, bidding the High Sheriff to attach -the body of Mr. Ralph Jefferay, to convey the -prisoner to the Fleet prison, and to produce him -before the Chamber on the following morning at -ten o'clock.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John had grown pale as marble, and it was -evident to all that he was deeply stricken, yet he -said in firm tones—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Do your duty, sir."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Deputy Sheriff looked round the hall, and -his eyes rested on the twin brothers, as they stood -pale yet undismayed side by side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The officer moved towards them, then scanned -them both with close but dubious gaze.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Which of you is Mr. Ralph Jefferay?" he said -at length.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am Ralph Jefferay," said Ralph in unfaltering -tones.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Sheriff laid his hand on his shoulder and -said with loud voice—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I arrest you, Mr. Ralph Jefferay, in the name -of the Queen!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, turning to his halberdiers, he pointed to -Ralph, and immediately two men placed themselves -at his side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Disarm the prisoner," said the officer in sharp -words of command.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There is no need," said Ralph, instantly -unbuckling his sword, and placing it upon the -table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Are you ready, sir? then follow me," said the -Deputy Sheriff, as he turned to leave the hall with -his prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"One moment, Mr. Deputy Sheriff," cried Sir -John. "Can you grant your prisoner a brief -space wherein to make his adieux?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Certainly, Sir John," replied the officer -courteously, "if it be done briefly and in my -presence."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Ralph moved towards his uncle; he would -have knelt on one knee before him and have kissed -his hand; but Sir John caught him to his breast, -and kissing him on both cheeks, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Farewell for the present, dear Ralph; keep a -brave heart and good courage. Trust in God! -Esperez toujours, toujours esperez!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>William's turn came next. Ah, what a parting -was this! Undying love sat in their eyes as they -kissed each other, and William said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Would God I had died for thee, my brother!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>And last of all came Susan, her sweet face -suffused with tears and her grief so great that she -was voiceless as she embraced her brother and -kissed his lips again and again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Many of the guests then crowded round, each -with a loving word to comfort and console.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Deputy Sheriff gave the signal, his -men closed round the prisoner, and in a moment -the march began which was to end in the Fleet -prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the Sheriff's posse had left the hall, and -the doors were closed, a great silence fell upon the -assembled guests; all looked upon Sir John, who, -in reply to their questioning gaze, spoke briefly -with agitated voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My friends," said he, "a great trouble has -fallen upon my house; I am smitten and afflicted, -yet do I not despair! I will not disguise to you -the terrible fact that my nephew Ralph has committed -a crime against the laws of his country, and -I know that to-morrow, when he will stand his -trial in the Court of the Star Chamber, he will -plead 'guilty.'</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet the deed he committed was but a boyish -freak, and no blood was shed by him or his fellows. -But in the eyes of the law it was 'conspiracy,' -and the penalty may be imprisonment, with a heavy -fine, or even the pillory and mutilation."</p> - -<p class='c014'>At these words a shudder ran through the throng, -and some of the ladies wept uncontrollably.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The men's faces were sternly set, they maintained -a rigid silence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Sir John spoke again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet I do not despair, and 'I lift mine eyes -unto the hills, to God, from whom cometh my -hope.' And we have many friends, powerful both -in the Court and in the city. No, I cannot, and -will not, despair, so help me God!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was something inexpressibly solemn and -noble in Sir John's utterance and manner; his fine -face was full of anguish, but his heart quailed not.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then came a sudden interruption: the Spanish -Ambassador asked permission to speak, and all -strained forward to hear what Don Renard had to -say.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Sir John and friends all," he began in low tones -but with distinct utterance, "it is known to you -that the twin brothers have a special claim on my -sympathy and can command whatsoever aid I can -give them in their hour of need; but for their noble -courage I should have been a childless man this -day!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The proceedings in the Star Chamber to-morrow -will probably be brief, for the accused will -admit his guilt; the result is certain—a heavy -sentence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But, like Sir John, I do not despair; <i>then</i> will -be the hour for action on the part of Mr. Ralph's -friends. I do not hesitate to lay before you my own -plan of action; for I am persuaded that all who now -hear me will feel the necessity for absolute secrecy -on this great matter. It is known to many of you -that Cardinal Pole is already well disposed towards -Mr. Ralph—it was manifestly shown in the trial -to-day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"When sentence has been given I will ask his -Eminence to accompany me to Whitehall, and there -we will ask of Queen Mary the exercise of her -royal clemency for our young friend. I do not -think we shall plead in vain!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>At these words a murmur of satisfaction and -reassurance passed amid his almost breathless -audience.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Sir Philip Broke rose to speak, and all were -silent again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Has your Excellency thought of the possibly -adverse influence of King Philip in this matter?" -he asked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes," replied Don Renard, "it was my first -thought, and I own that it troubled me. But, as a -matter of fact, King Philip has no jurisdiction in -this case; it is a matter for the Queen's own -decision, and if the Cardinal and I can incline her -royal heart to a merciful view of this young man's -escapade (for it is nothing more), the King would -find it difficult to sway her decision. But I will -see the King also, and I am by no means persuaded -that he will turn a deaf ear to my appeal."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nothing more was said, and the guests began to -depart. The Lord Mayor remained to the last; he -was about to accompany Sir John to the Fleet -prison that they might assure themselves that every -arrangement which could ameliorate the lot of the -unhappy prisoner should be made.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The day was drawing towards its close, a day -which had opened so brightly for Susan and -William. They sat together in the library with -hands interclasped, their hearts charged with an -overwhelming sense of coming woe, their grief too -great for words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet when Sir John returned from the Fleet -prison and told them that Ralph was occupying -William's old room, and that the great Cardinal -had already sent him a message of condolence and -comfort through their young friend Don Diego, -their hearts were comforted, and hope sprang up -in their stricken souls.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch08' class='c004'>CHAPTER VIII <br /> <br /> THE VERDICT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The Star Chamber once more!</p> - -<p class='c014'>For an hour before the sitting of the Court an -unwonted excitement pervaded its precincts—for -the news of the tragic events of the preceding -day had gone abroad till London was ringing -with it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The warders within the building were doubled -in number, and a strong party of halberdiers kept -order in the purlieus of Westminster.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The reason of this display of force was soon -manifested.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From the Temple and from Gray's Inn the young -law students had assembled in great strength, and -with them were the 'prentices from the City, brandishing -their clubs and evidently eager for a fray.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Among the young "limbs of the law" the twin -brothers were well known, and their recent exploit -on the Thames had raised their popularity to a -burning heat, while the 'prentices found sufficient -justification for their presence in the fact that Sir -John Jefferay was the Member of Parliament for -the City, and his cause was theirs also.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the Pursuivant and his men made their way -towards the Chamber, protected by a strong body -of armed men, curses loud and deep were hurled -at them from a thousand throats.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A sudden change to cheering and hurrahing took -place as the multitude recognized the Treasurer of -Gray's Inn and the Master of the Rolls, who were -passing through the streets in company.</p> - -<p class='c014'>London had seldom been so agitated—nor was -the excitement lessened when the halberdiers were -strengthened by some troops of the Household -Guards from Whitehall. Inside the Chambers -many of the notabilities of the Court had gathered -together, and when the judges entered it, it was -noted that nearly the whole of its august body of -members was present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>By the side of Cardinal Pole sat the Bishop of -London, Edmund Bonner, a Prelate whose attendance -at this Court was a rare event.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But behind them sat a figure upon whom all -eyes were fixed—it was King Philip.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was dressed in a suit of black velvet without -ornament of any kind, yet its dark hue was -somewhat relieved by the spotless whiteness of the -Valenciennes lace which bedecked his neck and -wrists.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was of moderate stature and very spare in -body. His long oval face was somewhat colourless, -he wore a beard and moustache of a sandy -colour. His large piercing eyes were of a sombre -blue, the mouth large, with heavy hanging lip and -protruding lower jaw. His demeanour was still -and silent, tinged with a Castilian haughtiness. -Philip was thirty years of age at this period, but -men would have given him credit for a longer -record; perhaps the cares of his world-wide -sovereignty had made him prematurely old.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Few mortals loved Philip; yet one fond heart -had given itself to him unreservedly, for Mary -loved her husband with a devotion as deep as it -was unrequited.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The opening of the Court had not yet been -formally declared, and a murmur of subdued voices -in eager consultation filled the air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Men noted that the King was conversing with -the dignified ecclesiastics in front of him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently a silver trumpet sounded, and the Lord -High Chancellor took his seat as President of the -Court. A dead silence ensued, and the Clerk thereupon -pronounced the Court open.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All eyes turned to the dock as the prisoner was -seen to be entering it, bowing low to the Court as -he did so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His friends had mustered strongly in the -Chamber, and an unrestrainable murmur of -sympathy arose from them as they marked the -deathly pallor of his youthful countenance, his -wounded arm (still supported in a sling) and a great -scar of a recent wound on his handsome face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The case was duly "called on," and the charge -of riot and assault was made against the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph would have pleaded "Guilty" forthwith, -but Sir John had addressed himself to this matter -at his interview with Ralph at the Fleet prison on -the preceding evening, and upon his advice the -prisoner pleaded "Not Guilty!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thereupon the Pursuivant took his place in the -witness-box and proceeded to set forth, with great -detail, the well-known tale of the assault in Chiddingly -woods. He now swore that the prisoner in -the dock, Ralph Jefferay, was his assailant, and this -was duly corroborated by his witnesses.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this point Cardinal Pole addressed the -President—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yesterday, my Lord President, Mr. Pursuivant -swore, with equal assurance, as to the identity of -Mr. William Jefferay with his assailant. We know -now that he was mistaken,—may he not err in the -present case?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Pursuivant rose again hastily and, bowing -to the President, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"May I answer His Eminence the Cardinal, my -Lord?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Earl of Arundel bowed assent, and the Pursuivant -proceeded to explain his first error.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yesterday, my lords, I was not aware of the -extraordinary likeness which exists between the twin -brothers Mr. William and Mr. Ralph Jefferay, a -likeness so wonderful that no man may tell them -apart but by some sign or symbol. One of my -witnesses, who is a Lewes man and knows the -Jefferays well by sight, informed me of this fact -when the verdict of acquittal was given in this -Court yesterday. The sign of distinction between -the brothers is a very simple one—Mr. William -always wears a grey cap and Mr. Ralph a blue -one. Now on the occasion of the assault I solemnly -swore that my assailant, Ralph Jefferay, the -prisoner, wore a <i>grey cap</i>, whether by design or -accident I cannot say, hence the mistake of -identity."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Pursuivant sat down with a malignant gleam -of satisfaction in his fierce black eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was silence in the Court and the judges -consulted with each other; presently the Chancellor -spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Court would fain see these wonderful -brothers side by side," he said. "Is Mr. William -Jefferay here?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Clerk of the Court beckoned to Sir John -Jefferay, who stood near to him, and, after a brief -conversation, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Mr. William Jefferay is now at Gray's Inn, but he -can be brought hither in a short time, my lord."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let him be sent for," replied the Chancellor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>During the interval in the proceedings men -talked freely in low voices; it was marked that an -air of gloom and despondency sat upon the faces -of the friends of the Jefferays.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly there was a rustling movement in the -gangway of the Court, and a dead silence ensued -as William Jefferay was perceived in the hands of -the officers of the Court, who were leading him -towards the dock.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Place them side by side," commanded the -Chancellor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>William entered the dock and stood beside his -brother. The brothers looked into each other's face -with a quiet air, in which sadness and love bore -equal part; they clasped hands and so faced the -Court.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Even in that august presence a murmur of -admiration and sympathy, closely mingled, ran -through the assembly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was no further need of words or explanation, -it was evident to all why the first trial had -miscarried, how the Pursuivant had made his great -mistake.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is enough, let Mr. William Jefferay step -down," said the President.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yes, it was enough, there remained now but the -dread sentence to be pronounced.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The judges briefly consulted; then the Chancellor -arose and, amid an ominous silence, said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Court finds the prisoner guilty, and its -sentence is that the prisoner pay a fine of five -thousand pounds, that he stand in pillory at Tyburn -for one day, and that his ears be clipped by the -common hangman, and that he remain in prison -for three years—God save the Queen!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then occurred a startling interruption, the -prisoner spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am guilty of assault, my Lord," he cried, "but, -before God and High Heaven, I am no conspirator; -I, also, cry <i>God save the Queen</i>!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he sat down.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All was over, the dread sentence had been pronounced, -and forthwith the warders proceeded to -lead the prisoner from the dock.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The crowd departed, and in a few minutes the -Star Chamber was untenanted save by a few -warders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The terrible news had spread abroad and seditious -cries, mingled with oaths and execrations, rent the -air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The judges and King Philip had departed by -private exits, but as the Pursuivant and his men -reached the street a fierce contest between the military -and the 'prentices arose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Great stones hurtled through the air, and the -clubs of the "City Boys" made fine play with the -swords and rapiers of the halberdiers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the Household Guards, on their strong -Flemish horses, swept all before them, and closing -in a dense body around the Pursuivant, conveyed -him to a place of safety.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Sir John Jefferay and his nephew William -were about to leave the Court, an usher brought -him a note.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"From his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador," -said the man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Turning to the friends who accompanied him, -Sir John said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Await me one moment, my friends."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he drew William with him into one of the -waiting-rooms of the Court, and eagerly opened -the note. It was brief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"An hour hence I shall be with you at Gray's -Inn, and the Cardinal will be with me. His -Eminence wishes that no other person be present -at our interview.—<span class='sc'>Renard.</span>"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, thank God, thank God!" cried Sir John, -as he passed the letter to William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was light amid the darkness, and the -Treasurers noble face lost its look of despair and -flushed with joy and hope!</p> - -<p class='c014'>And well might it be so, for these two men, of -all others in the realm of England, possessed influence -with Mary and Philip of high and exalted -nature.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No word of this to our friends," whispered Sir -John to his nephew, as they proceeded to rejoin them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment the roar from the street reached -the little group, and they halted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Instantly it flashed upon the Treasurer's mind -that it might derange all their plans if he and -William were to be acclaimed by a wild, disorderly -mob.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Adieu, my friends," he said to those who surrounded -them, "it is necessary that we part here; -William and I will return through the Abbey. We -meet again to-night at Gray's Inn, to supper."</p> - -<p class='c014'>All saw the wisdom of this, and Sir Philip Broke, -noting the flush of hope in Sir John's face, whispered -to him—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You have news—something to cheer our -hearts?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To-night you shall know all, I trust, but now -depart, I pray you!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then grasping his hand he shook it warmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Farewell for the present, best and truest of -friends," he said; then turning to William, "Follow -me, nephew," he said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All the cloisters of Westminster were known to -Sir John, and soon, by many an ancient and -devious way, the two were in the Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah, how its glorious quietude contrasted with the -scene in the Star Chamber, with the tumult of the -streets!</p> - -<p class='c014'>A strange peace took possession of Sir John's -soul as he gazed into the semi-darkness of the -Chapel of King Edward the Confessor, where, over -the altar, gleamed a dull red light.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John was no Romanist—nay, he was a somewhat -ardent follower of Luther!</p> - -<p class='c014'>But it was no hour to think upon mysteries and -niceties.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Come with me, my dear nephew," he said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And under his guidance William in a moment -found himself kneeling by his uncle's side in front -of the glorious altar of King Edward's Chapel. -Long they knelt in fervent prayer, commending the -condemned prisoner to the mercy of Almighty God, -and beseeching His blessing on the steps they were -taking on his behalf.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, comforted and refreshed, they rose and -made their way towards Whitehall and Gray's Inn.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch09' class='c004'>CHAPTER IX <br /> <br /> THE DAWN OF HOPE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It was past mid-day when Sir John and William -reached Gray's Inn, and, as their footsteps reached -the ears of the watchful and anxious Susan, she -flew down-stairs to meet them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Already the fatal news had reached the girl's -ears, but she was far too prudent a housewife and -too loving a niece and sister to show her grief to -men who had not dined, who were probably well-nigh -spent with anxiety and need of bodily refreshment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Therefore, without a word, Susan led the way -into the dining-room, where food and wine had -been prepared through her loving care.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, dismissing the servants, she said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I myself have dined, now let me wait on you. -Do not speak, my dear uncle; alas, I know all, and -presently we will confer together; but now refresh -yourself, for I see indeed that you need it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John proceeded to obey his imperious housewife; -yet, ere he sat himself at table, he embraced -her affectionately and said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You little know, dear girl, how sage and -prudent is your advice, for I must needs tell you -that in half-an-hour two visitors will be here to -whom I must give immediate audience, for they -come on matters of life and death!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, uncle, is poor Ralph's case so desperate?" -cried Susan, with a terror-stricken face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God only knows," replied Sir John; "but if -there be any help in man, they who now are on -their way hither are surely sent by Heaven to bring -us that help, for they are none other than the -Cardinal and the Spanish Ambassador."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan's eyes sparkled with a sudden access of -joy; yet she resumed her first insistence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then you have but a few minutes wherein to -refresh yourself, dear uncle, and I will not speak -again, nor allow you to do so till you have -eaten."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John's serious face relaxed into a smile, and -he proceeded to obey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The minutes flew by, and soon Sir John's major-domo -entered the room, after a discreet knock at -the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Two visitors await you in the library, Sir John. -They did not give me their names, but they said -they came by appointment."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John rose at once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You will see that no one disturbs our conference -in the library," he said to his servant. "And you, -my children, await my return here; please God, I -may have good news to bring you."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he proceeded to the library.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two visitors stood near the great hearth, -where a fire sparkled, for the morning was chilly. -Hastening towards them, Sir John fell on one knee -at the foot of the Cardinal, who, with a kindly -smile, extended his hand towards him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Treasurer reverently kissed it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet did he not kiss the hand of the great Churchman -in his character of a Prince of the Roman -Church, but rather because he saw in Reginald -Pole a Plantagenet in whose veins ran royal blood. -Then, rising, he warmly saluted the Ambassador, -and at a courteous invitation from Sir John the -three men took seats.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Cardinal opened the conference.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You are in trouble, Sir John, very grievous -trouble, and there are many reasons why I should -seek to bring you aid and comfort. I know from -the Ambassador how great a service your two -brave nephews have rendered to him, and when I -saw them in Court to-day and marked their manly -bearing, their evident mutual love, and the heroic -loyalty of the condemned man as he cried 'God -save the Queen,' I vowed to God that I would save -him from the mutilating hand of the hangman and -the pillory at Tyburn, if it lay in my power."</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was a deep compassion in the Cardinal's -voice, and his noble face flushed with a generous -excitement as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He marked the unbidden tears which suffused -Sir John's eyes, and grasping his hand he cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Have faith in God, Sir John, and hope for the -best! Now tell me all about the Chiddingly affair -from your own point of view; I heard the Pursuivant's -tale, but I would fain have it supplemented -by yours: I would know the motives which -actuated Ralph, and what accomplices he had.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/illus112.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>"<span class='sc'>Will your boys volunteer for that service?</span>"</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Then tell me all about that heroic deed of rescue -on the Thames. I would know the smallest detail -of that gallant action, for therewith I trust to move -the Queen's heart to mercy!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, folding his purple cassock over his knees, -the Cardinal leant back in his seat and prepared to -listen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With consummate skill Sir John performed his -task, for which his legal training eminently fitted -him. Thus half-an-hour swiftly flew by, and at -the conclusion of the somewhat long narration the -Ambassador spoke briefly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Sir John," he said, "I have an expedient in my -mind which, perhaps, may win us through our -enterprise if all other means fail. Your lads are -born <i>soldiers</i>; why are you bent upon making such -fine fellows <i>lawyers</i>? I wager that they are better -hands with their rapiers than with their quills. I -fancy that if the matter were left to their choice -they would rather see camps and beleaguered cities -than pass their lives in musty law-courts!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now to my point. King Philip is here to -gain England's help in his war with France; he -seeks to raise a strong English contingent, under -Lords Pembroke and Clinton, which will proceed -forthwith to join his army under the command of -Count Egmont. Will your boys volunteer for that -service if the Queen extend to them her gracious -pardon?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a moment Sir John, taken utterly by surprise, -kept silence; then he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I would fain consult the boys themselves upon -so momentous a point; or, at least, crave for time -to consider it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Alas, my dear friend," replied Don Renard -quickly, "the matter is very urgent. I must be -prepared at all points when I see the King to-night. -Moreover, do you not know that the machinery of -the Star Chamber moves quickly, and it may be -(which God forbid) that to-morrow our young friend -Ralph may stand in the pillory at Tyburn. Think -what may depend on your decision, and let me act -on it, lest that should happen which we may have -to regret all our lives."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Remember also, Sir John," added the Cardinal, -"that the military service of which the Ambassador -speaks may be but of short duration; when the -campaign is over, the lads may resume their legal -studies if God spare their lives, and they so desire. -As a matter of fact, am I not right in saying that -you yourself have seen military service?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, your Excellency, it is true," replied the -Treasurer. "As a young man I did three years' -duty at Calais and in Flanders, but I did not know -that your Eminence was aware of the fact."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Cardinal smiled and answered significantly—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There are few circumstances connected with the -family of the Jefferays which are unknown to those -at Court."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John put his hand upon his brow and pondered -deeply. At length his mind seemed to be -made up, and he replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is true that I cannot consult both the boys -ere coming to a decision, and that delay may be -fatal. I therefore take the responsibility upon myself, -and I accept your Excellency's proposition; -God grant that I have not to regret my action."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Cardinal rose with a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then that closes our conference. There is much -to do between now and nightfall. To-night we see -the Queen and King Philip, and the matter will -be decided. Ere I seek my couch this night I will -let you know the result. Farewell, my friend!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John, as before, sank reverently on one knee -before him, and the good Cardinal, extending his -hand, pronounced the benediction of the Church—the -Ambassador kneeling likewise at Sir John's -side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the two illustrious visitors departed, Sir -John himself going before them to the entrance gate -of Gray's Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Treasurer returned to the library, and for -a while sat in deep thought; he was greatly -agitated, yet there was springing up in his heart -a blessed feeling of hope!</p> - -<p class='c014'>After a while he rose, and, remembering his -promise, went into the dining-room, where William -and Susan sat anxiously awaiting him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan flew to meet him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My dearest uncle," she cried, "you bring us -good and comforting news, I can see it in your -eyes."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John stooped and kissed her fondly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let us go into the library," he said; "we shall -be undisturbed there, and I will tell you all."</p> - -<p class='c014'>There Sir John resumed his seat, and with -Susan nestling fondly at his feet, and William -standing at his side, he detailed the conversation -which had passed between him and his visitors, -omitting nothing. His eyes were closely fixed -upon William as he came to the military proposition -of the Ambassador.</p> - -<p class='c014'>William's face flushed scarlet, and his eyes -flashed with evident joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Ambassador was right," he said within -himself; "the boy is a born soldier; it is in the -blood!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then aloud he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Was I acting rightly when I accepted Don -Renard's proposal?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Instantly William flung himself at his uncle's -knees with all affection and reverence, and seizing -his hand, cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I ask nothing better, it is my dearest heart's -wish; and when I speak for myself I speak for -Ralph also; I can answer for him."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I thought so," replied the Treasurer, "but as -far as Ralph is concerned (and he is chiefly concerned) -I will go to the Fleet prison at once and -learn his own decision."</p> - -<p class='c014'>But poor Susan was mute!</p> - -<p class='c014'>To be robbed of her two brothers at once, from -whom she had never been long separated; to see -them go forth to all the dangers of war; to think -that she might never see them more, all this -wrung her tender heart, and she began to sob -gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But she was yet to bear another trial, for William, -turning to his uncle as he prepared to go forth, -said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"One moment, uncle. Geoffrey de Fynes comes -to London this day from Lewes on business of -State. He longs for active service, and he is -heartsick with his present mode of life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let me hie to the Ambassador at once and -propose that De Fynes's name be added to ours.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He will be here to-night, and I can vouch for him -that he will rejoice to join us."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Treasurer hesitated for a moment, then -said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, go, William, and at once. De Fynes is -a brave man and true, I could not ask for a better -comrade for my boys; I think it can be done."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thereupon he left them, and William prepared -to go also. A deep sigh from Susan, almost a -groan was it, arrested his steps.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The poor girl had thrown herself upon a couch -in an attitude of despair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>William knelt at her side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What is it, my dear one?" he said compassionately.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, William," Susan murmured, "was it not -enough that I should lose my two brothers in one -day that you must needs take my lover also?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What!" cried William, "is that so?—and yet -you told me not?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The poor girl blushed to the roots of her hair, -amid all her sorrow, as she answered—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We were betrothed last week, and this night -he would have told you all; he comes to London -on no State business: it was to ask my uncle's -consent. And now," murmured the heart-stricken -girl, "now I may lose him—lose him for ever!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Susan," said her brother, throwing his -arms around her, "I knew not of this; and yet -I might have guessed it when I saw that bright -ring sparkling on your finger. I rejoice thereat -greatly; now we shall be brothers indeed, -Geoffrey and Ralph and I! Trust him to us, my -dear one; we will watch over him as he will over -us; we will bring him back to you by the blessing -and help of God!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Susan wept bitterly, her heart refused -comfort. And so with reluctant steps William -left her; his errand to the Embassy must be -done!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God wills it, God wills it," he said to himself -in the spirit of the old Crusaders as he set -forth.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch10' class='c004'>CHAPTER X <br /> <br /> WHITEHALL</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Supper was served that evening at Whitehall -with more than customary state and splendour—for -King Philip was present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Queen was royally attired in robes of purple -velvet, and men noted that, to-night, she wore her -famous diamonds.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Beside her sat King Philip in magnificent -apparel, and wearing the Collar of the Order of the -Golden Fleece.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Few guests were present, conspicuous among -them being the Queen's half-sister, the Lady Elizabeth, -lately restored to Court favour; next to her -sat De Noailles, the French Ambassador, with -whom the Princess kept up a lively conversation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Don Renard and the Lords Paget, Pembroke, -Arundel, and Clinton were there, all in splendid -attire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The hall was hung with the beautiful arras collected -by King Henry the Eighth, and a soft -pleasant light diffused from silver lamps fed with -perfumed oil. Foreign minstrels provided sweet -music, to which the guests seemed to pay little -heed, for to-night the Queen was in unusually good -spirits, and the Court, taking its cue from her, -jested and laughed freely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Later on, supper being ended, the Court (now -largely augmented in numbers) met in the gorgeous -salon which was adorned by some famous pictures -of Titian, brought hither, perhaps, by Philip, -whose father, Charles V, was the great patron of -the painter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the walls also hung portraits by Holbein and -many works of the Flemish and Italian schools.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The furniture of the room was of costly nature, -being chiefly of ebony, richly inlaid with mother-of-pearl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here the light was given by hundreds of wax -candles, set in silver sconces, and it shone upon the -fairest dames which England had to show to the -proud Castilian nobles who grouped around the -King.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here, also, great Churchmen were present—among -whom the Cardinal stood pre-eminent in his -scarlet robes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently the Cardinal found his way to the side -of Queen Mary, who welcomed him with a smile, -though it was a faint and weary one. For Mary -was growing feeble in health and broken in spirits, -though, to-night, she had shown herself more like -the Mary Tudor of former days.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas, poor Queen!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Disappointed of her fondest hopes, childless and -neglected by her husband, who would not pity -her?</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the Court to-night she could but see how the -young gallants gathered round the rising star—the -Lady Elizabeth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was mainly by Philip's influence that she had -recalled the hope of the Reformation Party to -Court, and she saw, with bitter pain, that the -Spanish King was strangely attentive to her young -rival. Had Stephen Gardiner's advice been followed, -Elizabeth would long ere now been swept -from her path.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! had she erred?" thought the Queen in -her inmost heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For this young and gay Princess was next in -succession to the Throne, according to the will of -their father, King Henry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so all her work might be undone, and the -fondest, dearest hopes of her heart frustrated!</p> - -<p class='c014'>As these thoughts darkened her soul she saw -Pole approaching her, and his very presence -brought new life to her heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He knelt and kissed the Queen's hand, and -when he rose Mary beckoned him to a seat beside -her, and they fell into a close and confidential -conversation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The night was wearing on, the Queen was growing -weary, yet she said in reply to a request from -him—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, to-night, after Chapel, in my boudoir;" -and so they separated.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King had left the salon.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A Court courier had arrived from Brussels, and -together with Don Renard he had withdrawn to his -own rooms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There they hastily examined the messenger's -portfolio, and that business being transacted the -Ambassador entered upon other matters.</p> - -<p class='c014'>King Philip was a hard master! Great statesmen -and famous warriors knew that it behoved -them to walk warily in their dealings with him. -Eminent service and a long discharge of duty would -not save them from the prison cell, and even the -block, if they thwarted their imperious master.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Don Renard knew this full well.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment he was the King's most trusted -servant—none knew England and the English as -he did, and Philip placed great reliance on his -astute counsels. To-night he felt the extreme -difficulty of the course he was pursuing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He knew that the King was violently offended by -Ralph's attack upon a Royal officer; that, moreover, -he had a suspicion that this was a Protestant -plot and that the offender himself was a kind of -"Hot Gospeller!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>He must walk very warily to-night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had a communication from the Council of the -City of London to lay before the King.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The citizens have debated the conditions of the -loan your Majesty did them the honour to ask of -them," said Don Renard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes," said Philip, somewhat eagerly, "and I -trust they raise no difficulty."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"These purse-proud burgesses are not like the -money-lenders of Madrid or Amsterdam, they are -not satisfied with the securities we offer," said the -Ambassador.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King frowned, as he replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The money must be procured; our expedition -hangs fire, and the English troops are badly -equipped. You must see to it, and that quickly."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The expedition is not popular in the City," said -Renard, "we must do something to placate these -stubborn islanders."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, I know," replied the King petulantly; -"but what can we do?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Will your Majesty pardon me if I suggest something?" -replied the Ambassador, and in obedience -to Philip's nod of assent, he continued, "That -young man, Ralph Jefferay, who was condemned -to-day in the Court of the Star Chamber, is -accounted a hero in London."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And why?" asked Philip impatiently, the frown -on his face deepening; "is it not because he is a -heretic?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay, your Majesty, I know not whether he is -of the 'New Learning' or not," replied Don -Renard. "But the real reason goes far deeper than -that: he is known to be a young man of splendid -daring and of intrepid courage," he continued.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King was not appeased.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Go on," he said, "I see you have something -further to tell me; I listen."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, sire," cried the Ambassador, "pardon me -if I err through zeal in your service. There is a -deed on record, just lately performed, which raised -the admiration of the Londoners."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then as briefly as possible Don Renard told the -stirring tale of the rescue on the Thames, hiding -for the moment his own connection with it. He told -it well, bringing out vividly all the strong points.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King was a cold-blooded man, yet he was -something of a soldier, and a deed of arms like this -moved him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And the man they rescued, who was he, you -have not told me his name?" said he.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It was my stepson, Don Diego, sire," was the -reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! I see, I see," said the King.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then after a moments thought he continued—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will see the Queen on his behalf, and I will -ask that the pillory and the mutilation be not undergone -by the condemned man. Yet, Renard, he is -a seditious man, and, I doubt not, a heretic. The -sentence as to the fine and the imprisonment must -stand."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"That will not render the Queen nor your -Majesty popular in the City; it will not expedite -our loan nor induce young Englishmen to come -forward to fight our battles," replied Renard. -"Pardon me once more, sire, if I make a suggestion -to you. We are calling for an English contingent -of eight thousand men: Lord Clinton tells me that -men are coming forward very slowly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"These twin brothers, William and Ralph -Jefferay, are of gentle birth and they are born -soldiers. They have an intended brother-in-law, a -young nobleman named Geoffrey de Fynes. All -the three are willing to take arms in your Majesty's -cause and to fight under your banner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"This is my proposition, sire, that you ask the -Queen to extend her gracious pardon to Ralph -Jefferay, on the condition that the three young men -I have named take service in Lord Clinton's -contingent."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The frown cleared from the King's brow, he even -smiled as he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You plead well, Don Renard, you would have -made a great lawyer; well, be it as you wish, I will -ask her to do us this service."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To-night, sire?" said the Ambassador.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay, to-morrow," replied the King; "I must -not urge State matters on the Queen at this late -hour."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But, sire, to-morrow will be too late, the Star -Chamber acts promptly, and to-morrow at ten -o'clock Ralph Jefferay will stand in pillory at -Tyburn!" replied Renard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King flushed and looked somewhat angered; -he was not accustomed to be thus urged.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this moment that an usher craved admission -into the chamber, he brought a message from -the Queen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Would the King grant her a few minutes interview -forthwith in her boudoir?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Tell her Majesty that I will wait upon her -immediately," he said to the usher.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then to the Ambassador he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There is your answer, Don Renard—Heaven -fights for you!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, sire, thank God!" replied Renard -fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile the cause the Ambassador had at heart -had progressed elsewhere.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mary was always strictly attentive to her religious -duties, and, at the accustomed hour, she had gone -to Vespers in the Chapel Royal, many of the -courtiers accompanying her thither.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At the conclusion of the short service she retired -to her boudoir, dismissing her Court for the -night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Cardinal still knelt in the Chapel, until an -usher came to summon him to the Queen's -presence. He rose and followed him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Queen had laid aside some of her heavy State -robes, and her diamonds no longer glistened on -her head and neck. She was clad in a rich suit of -black velvet, her favourite attire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the Cardinal entered she knelt before him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your blessing, father," she said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then she rose, and in his turn the Prelate knelt -and kissed her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She motioned him to a seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Behind her stood two ladies-in-waiting. Pointing -to them the Queen said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Shall my ladies leave us? It shall be as you wish."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Pole hesitated for a moment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had a difficult and delicate cause to plead, -he felt that he might be pitting the Queen against -her husband if the Ambassador, on his part, failed -to influence Philip.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It may be advisable, your Majesty," he said, -and thereupon the Queen motioned to the ladies to -withdraw.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were alone, and Reginald lifted up his -heart to God for Divine guidance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Madam," he said, "the hour grows late and -you are weary, I will be very brief in what I have -to say."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay," said the Queen, "nay, my Lord Cardinal -and good cousin, the hour matters not and your -voice brings comfort to my soul! Speak all that -your heart bids you say, I listen."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Cardinal addressed himself to his task.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I come, madam, on a matter of life and death, -on behalf of one who was tried and condemned -in the Court of the Star Chamber to-day—by name -Ralph Jefferay. The youth was found guilty of -'conspiracy,' yet am I sure that, though he may -be guilty on this charge in a strictly legal sense, -yet is he absolutely innocent morally; so loyal to -your royal person is he at heart, that when the -cruel sentence was pronounced, he cried out in loud -tones—'God save the Queen!' The poor youth's -offence is one of assault and nothing more, -let me tell you briefly the circumstances of the -case."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Cardinal rapidly recounted the episode -of the Chiddingly woods.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Mark, Madam, I beseech you, that no blood was -shed, though the Pursuivant threatened him with -dire punishment, being at the moment absolutely -at his mercy."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Queen listened attentively, but she made no -observation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Pole's heart sank within him, he felt that he had -not yet convinced his noble auditor's judgment, -nor had he deeply moved her feelings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Was it possible that the King had forestalled -him, representing the matter as a heretical plot and -Ralph as a wild incendiary—a "Hot Gospeller," in -fact?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once more the Cardinal's soul appealed to -Heaven for help, nor did he appeal in vain!</p> - -<p class='c014'>In warm and earnest language he set forth the -brothers' exploit on the Thames and their narrow -escape from a violent death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Madam," he cried, "as I looked upon his -pale, scarred, but noble face this day in the Star -Chamber, a deep sense of pity took possession of -me. He had atoned for his offence! It could not -be that one so young, so brave, so nobly daring -should suffer a felon's doom, and I besought -Heaven to have mercy on him."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sound of a gentle sob reached his ear, and -he looked on the Queen's sad face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yes, she was deeply moved at last!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Stay, my Lord Cardinal," she said in a low -voice, "I have heard enough. God spared that -young man's life—shall we be less merciful?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then it was that she sent for Philip, and in a -few minutes he was at the door, the Ambassador, -at his request, accompanying him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With Castilian courtesy Philip knelt and kissed -the Queen's hand, then, rising, he repeated the -salute on her forehead.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Queen's face flushed with pleasure, for she -dearly loved her husband—alas, he was all that she -had to love in this world!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then she marked the presence of the Ambassador, -and extended her hand towards him as he -knelt humbly to kiss it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Cardinal stood aside, he had made lowly -obeisance to the King as he entered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your Majesty sent for me, I await your gracious -pleasure," said Philip in low tones.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I crave your pardon if I have disturbed State -business," said Mary apologetically, glancing at the -Spanish Ambassador, "but I need your advice this -night, although the hour grows late."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Philip bowed gracefully as he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am always at your Majesty's service."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will state the matter in as few words as -possible," replied the Queen. "His eminence, our -good cousin, has pleaded for a Royal pardon in -the case of one Ralph Jefferay—condemned to-day -in the Star Chamber as a conspirator. He has -given me good reason to believe that the youth is -innocent of the alleged offence, he attributes his -assault upon our Pursuivant in the woods of Chiddingly -to the hot blood of youth, and to no lack -of loyalty to us. This is the youth of whom your -Majesty spoke to me yesterday, and I now ask your -advice and consent, ere I grant his Eminence's -petition."</p> - -<p class='c014'>A smile sat on Philips face as he replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I, too, your Majesty, have heard somewhat more -of this youth since he was the subject of our conversation, -and when your usher arrived just now, -our Ambassador, Don Renard here, was urging me -to seek your Royal pardon for him. I do so, on -the condition (may it please your Majesty) that the -two brothers take service in the English contingent -now being raised under Lord Clinton to fight under -my banner against France. His Excellency undertakes -that the young men accept this condition, -therefore I sue for your Majesty's pardon."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We grant it joyfully," replied the Queen, "and -we leave the matter confidently in the hands of the -Cardinal and the Ambassador, who will, doubtless, -see that all due formalities are observed."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Don Renard stepped forward and bowed -profoundly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Have I your Majesties' permission to speak?" -he said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then at his Sovereigns' nod of assent, he -continued—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The matter is so urgent that I have here a blank -form of Royal Pardon; it needs but the Queen's -signature."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thereupon he knelt at Mary's feet and presented -the paper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mary took it to a side-table, signed it and gave -the precious document into Don Renard's hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The long interview was ended.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two petitioners (the Cardinal and the Ambassador) -knelt before the Royal pair, kissed hands and -departed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the courtyard of Whitehall the Ambassadors -people were awaiting him with a carriage, into -which the Statesman and the Churchman entered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To the Fleet prison," Don Renard said to his -coachman. "It is midnight," he said to the Cardinal -as they drove through the silent and deserted -streets, "yet I think we are in good time; I sent -word to the Governor of the prison, ere I came to -Court, asking him to await our arrival to-night and -to notify to his prisoner, Ralph Jefferay, of our -intentions."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And I," replied the Cardinal, "have told Sir -John Jefferay that to-night I hoped to bring him -good news. We shall do better, we shall bring him -his nephew!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few minutes later the carriage drew up at the -frowning gates of the Fleet prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few words with the warders sufficed, the gates -opened and the Cardinal and the Ambassador -entered the prison and followed the warder to the -Governor's lodging. The Fleet was the most -gloomy prison in London, but the Governor's -lodging offered a violent contrast to its dismal -surroundings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In days long past it had formed a part of the -Town house of a great noble, and the fine hall into -which the two visitors were ushered was a relic of -its past magnificence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The walls were wainscoted with dark oak, richly -carved, and a bright fire lit up an open hearth -ornamented by a chimney-piece sculptured with -many a quaint device. On a table in the centre of -the hall wax candles in heavy silver candlesticks -shed forth a warm and pleasing light; the table was -laden with refreshments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the distinguished guests entered the hall the -Governor (Sir Thomas Middylton) hastened forward -to greet them, bowing repeatedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But to his courteous entreaty that his visitors -would honour him by resting awhile and taking -refreshment, the Ambassador replied—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah, Sir Thomas, how gladly would we avail -ourselves of your courtesy, but we have yet much -to do this night, and, I grieve to say, it must be -done quickly. We come to you from Whitehall: -the Queen has been graciously pleased to extend -her royal pardon to your prisoner Ralph Jefferay, -and we bring to you an order for his deliverance -to us, signed by her Majesty."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Therewith Don Renard handed the precious -document to the Governor, who read it with grave -deference. He then touched a gong, and, as a -warder appeared, he bade him fetch the prisoner -Ralph Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In a few minutes Ralph was brought into the -hall in the charge of two warders, and the Governor -instantly addressed him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Mr. Ralph Jefferay," he said, "her Majesty, -the Queen, has been pleased to grant you a full -and free pardon; you are no longer in my custody, -and I am happy to deliver you into the hands of -your friends who have come hither to convey you -hence."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph stood as one amazed and overwhelmed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had been forewarned that on the next day -he would stand in the pillory, that the common -hangman would do his cruel office of mutilation, -and lo! here was pardon, freedom, joy and -rejoicing!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The bright light of the hall had somewhat -dazzled him: he had not perceived that behind the -Governor stood his deliverers. As they stepped -forward to greet him he recognized the Cardinal, -whom he had last seen in the Star Chamber, and -he fell at his feet and sought to kiss his hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Rise, my son," said the Cardinal in kindly -tones; "we thank God for His mercy to you, and -the Queen for her goodness. And here is one," he -continued, "to whom you owe much more than to -me; for while I wrought with the Queen on your -behalf, his Excellency the Ambassador besought -the consent of King Philip."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Don Renard affectionately embraced him, -kissing him upon both cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And while Ralph stood speechless with joy the -Ambassador exclaimed—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Mr. Governor, you will pardon our hasty departure, -I am sure, for we must hie to Gray's Inn, -where eager hearts await us."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir Thomas bowed in reply, and himself led the -way to the great gate of the prison, where their -carriage awaited them.</p> -<p class='c013'>Gray's Inn at last!</p> - -<p class='c014'>And there the Treasurer, the sweet sister, the -much-loved brother received from the hands of the -liberators the released and pardoned prisoner, as -"one risen from the dead."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah, what joy and rejoicing, what radiant happiness -were theirs that night, as they knelt together -to thank Heaven for its mercies!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The night was departing, the day was at hand, -yet the men of the party gathered together round -the hearth for a brief consultation after Susan had -left them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Don Renard comes hither at mid-day," said Sir -John, "and he brings with him Lord Clinton, who -happens to be in London. I fear that this portends -that the conditions upon which Ralph obtained -his freedom are to be fulfilled at once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I heard to-day that King Philip has commenced -his campaign against the French King, and the -English contingent are assembling at Dover.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I would Geoffrey de Fynes were here; his man-servant -has arrived with the news that his master's -departure from Lewes was delayed, but that he -would follow him in a few hours. Perhaps we -assumed his consent to join you two boys too -readily; but we shall soon know—he may be here -to breakfast."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Have no fear on that score, dear uncle," replied -Ralph; "he will tell you himself, as he has often -told me, that he longs to see military service."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then a final "good-night" was said, and the men -betook themselves to rest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When William and Ralph entered the breakfast room -at a somewhat later hour than usual, they -were overjoyed to see Geoffrey de Fynes already -at table; he had ridden up to London that day. -Very hearty were the greetings which passed between -the young men. How much they had to tell -each other!</p> - -<p class='c014'>De Fynes was the eldest of the trio, being twenty -years of age. He was of moderate height, his -strong limbs were finely proportioned, his clear-cut -features exhibited all the manly grace which -seemed to be hereditary in the noble family of the -Dacres, of which he was the sole male representative. -He had not heard the great news that he -was to accompany the brothers to France. He was -of a race of warriors, and now the passionate -longings of his heart were to be fulfilled!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God save the Queen!" he cried, as he leapt -from his seat and flung his cap in the air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he grasped the brothers' hands and shook -them heartily; they would be his "brothers-in-arms" -now, and ere long, please God, they would -be united by a yet closer tie!</p> - -<p class='c014'>That last thought was very opportune, for at that -moment Susan entered the room and the lovers -fondly embraced.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I heard your voice as I was waiting on Sir -John in the library, and I hastened thither," she -said. "Now tell me, I pray you, the cause of all -this uproarious joy?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey hung his head; he had come to London -to ask for Susan's hand in marriage, and now he -was rejoicing at the news that he was "off to the -wars"!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan's womanly heart divined his trouble, and -she hastened to dissipate it with caressing words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God wills it, dear Geoffrey," she said; "I would -not have it otherwise; for think! at this very hour -our beloved Ralph might have been standing in -the pillory at Tyburn. Oh, let us thank God for -His mercy!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Quickly an hour flew by, and at mid-day the -expected visitors arrived and the young people were -summoned to the library, where Don Renard and -Lord Clinton awaited them, holding converse, -meanwhile, with Sir John Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Ambassador introduced them severally to -Lord Clinton, and the veteran soldier narrowly -scanned his young recruits. He was still in the -prime of life, though he had seen much service, as -the scars on his rough and rugged face plainly -showed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Evidently the General was pleased with the -appearance of the young men, of whom Don -Renard had told him much. He took especial note -of Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your father and I," he said, "were at Court -together, and we had the honour of forming part -of the escort which accompanied Queen Ann of -Cleves from Canterbury to London. I am glad to -meet the son of Lord Dacres."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he talked to each of them individually, as -one who was anxious to make their personal -acquaintance, and perhaps to form some opinion -of their capacities and inclinations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The English contingent, he informed them, consisted -of eight thousand men, of whom an advance -body would leave Dover for Calais under his command -to-morrow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For the present he offered them, with the King's -permission, commissions in the Arquebusiers, with -posts on his own staff. If this met their views it -would be necessary for them to join their regiment -this very night: the notice was short, but the case -was urgent; were they ready?</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young men eagerly gave willing consent, -and so the matter was decided, and the visitors rose -to depart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I have much to do to-day, Sir John," said Lord -Clinton, "and so, I doubt not, will be the case -with these young gentlemen. I pray you pardon -so short a visit and so hurried a departure."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Don Renard took an affectionate leave of his two -protégés, and the momentous interview was over.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Intense activity prevailed at Gray's Inn that -day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were many preparations to be made, many -farewells to be said and counsels to be given.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was late in the evening that the young soldiers, -each accompanied by a trusty serving-man, -mounted their horses for Dover, where they were -to embark with the troops for Calais.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch11' class='c004'>CHAPTER XI <br /> <br /> THE BATTLE OF ST. QUENTIN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>War had been declared with all due form and -ceremony between England and France, and King -Philip was now eager to return to the Continent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had obtained from Mary all the assistance -she could wring from reluctant England.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For though the Queen entered with all her heart -and soul into his projects, as became the daughter -of Catharine of Aragon, English people felt that -this was no quarrel of theirs, and they remembered -that when the "Spanish match" was hotly debated, -a provision had been made in the royal contract -"that England should not be made a party to -Philips Continental wars."</p> - -<p class='c014'>During the four months that he had been in -England the King had exerted himself strenuously -to overcome this reluctance, and he had so far -succeeded that a well-equipped contingent of eight -thousand stalwart Englishmen had joined his army.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lords Pembroke, Clinton and Gray were in chief -command of their countrymen, and many a gallant -young high-born Englishman had joined the -force, eager to gain military renown.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such was the feeling, undoubtedly, that influenced -the three sons of the Earl of Northumberland -to accompany it, and similar hopes beat high -in the breasts of the two Jefferays and Geoffrey de -Fynes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King took his last adieu of Mary at the old -palace of Greenwich; he was never to see the fond, -forsaken woman again!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Poor Mary, who would not pity her?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Philip hastened to Brussels, where the great -army was assembling which was to invade France -and bring King Henry the Second to his knees.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a motley army, consisting altogether of -thirty-five thousand foot and twelve thousand horse, -besides a strong train of artillery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The flower of the infantry was drawn from -Spain, Spanish warriors of great experience, -and bearing a reputation second to none in the -world.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The English force was entirely made up of foot -soldiers, the cavalry of the army being mercenary -troops from Germany, known as "Schwartzreiters."</p> - -<p class='c014'>These "reiters" were the most dreaded troops -of the age. Dark, swarthy men, of whom Brantôme -speaks as "noirs comme de beaux diables," each -carrying five or six pistolets in his belt, with swords -and, sometimes, a short arquebus.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Truly a formidable armament!</p> - -<p class='c014'>These were augmented by a fine corps of Burgundian -lances, and a great number of noble -Castilian youths, eager to fight for the honour of -Spain under the eye of their King.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The whole army was under the command of -Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, a youthful -warrior of but twenty-nine years of age, yet -possessing already a great reputation as a clever, -dashing soldier.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was the man whom Philip (probably for -reasons of State) was strongly supporting in his -suit for the hand of the Princess Elizabeth of -England—an alliance which that astute lady firmly -declined.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Besides the Duke of Savoy there were other -illustrious soldiers in command of Philip's army—the -Counts Egmont, Horn, Mansfeld being of the -number.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Egmont was the hero of the army, as he was -destined to become the darling of his nation!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Handsome beyond the usual share of mortals, -young, ambitious, "sans peur et sans reproche," -he was the "preux chevalier" of Europe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas! that he was destined to die a felon's death -in the market-place of Brussels, with his illustrious -brother-in-arms, Count Horn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such was the army, such were its leaders. For -miles and miles tents in many thousands shone -in the sunlight, in the pleasant month of August, -on the heights above the ancient town of St. -Quentin. At the foot of the great camp a morass -and the River Somme intervened between it and -the beleaguered city.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Well might the hearts of Englishmen beat high -as they beheld the river and thought of Agincourt -and Crécy! Such thoughts filled the hearts of four -horsemen grouped together on the highest plateau -whereon stood the English camp.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was the 9th of August, and the day was -breaking, flooding the scene before them with rosy -light. The pennons surmounting the snow-white -tents of the Spanish camps fluttered lightly in the -breeze, which was scarcely enough to unfurl the -heavily emblazoned standards of the great chiefs -present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were the ensigns of Eric and Henry, Dukes -of Brunswick, of the gigantic Lewes of Brederode, -of Almoral, Count of Egmont and of Count Horn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Look, boys," cried Lord Clinton to Geoffrey, -William and Ralph, whom he had made his aides-de-camp. -"Look well, the town is awake right -early to-day, and Coligni's men are mustering -heavily around the great gates. They are about -to attempt a sortie, unless I am deceived.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You, Geoffrey, will remain here on watch with -me; but you, Ralph, ride at top speed to the Duke's -tent and give the alarm; and you, William, to -Count Egmont. Haste, haste!" he cried, "the -sortie has begun!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a wondrous scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Out from the town poured the Dauphin's regiment -under the command of the brave but rash -Teligni, and in a few minutes the object of the -sortie became evident. Close to the walls, between -them and the Somme, stood many houses of the -humbler sort, and an avenue of thick plane-trees -grew beside them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In a few minutes the houses were enveloped in -flames, and the soldiers were levelling the trees to -the ground with axes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These would form an obvious shelter to an -attacking force, and their destruction was a necessity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile the Admiral (Coligni) was lining the -ramparts with arquebusiers, to protect the forces -on sortie.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The English camp was the first to receive the -alarm and to come into action, as Lord Clinton saw -to his great joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On all sides they were hurrying up, and presently -from their serried ranks a heavy musketry fire -poured forth. The distance was great, for the -Somme and the morass lay between them and -their foe, and this Lord Clinton instantly perceived.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ride, boy, to Count Brederode, and bid him -bring up some field-pieces," he cried hotly to -William, who dashed off on his errand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Now the French arquebusiers began a heavy -fusillade on the advancing besiegers, and soon a -thick veil of smoke hid the town of St. Quentin -from view.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Little harm was being done by the hot musketry -fire, and Lord Clinton soon saw that the object of -the garrison would be attained.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Brederode, Brederode! when will your -guns speak?" he cried, as he heard the enemy's -trumpets sound the recall.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly a roar of artillery rent the air, and the -brave foe began to retreat slowly and sullenly. -Many a gallant man lay dead outside the walls, -stricken by that fierce fire; but their work was -done—the Admiral's object was gained.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The town of St. Quentin, though rich and -prosperous, was protected only by ancient fortifications, -long since "out of date," and in ruinous -condition.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The garrison consisted of but one thousand men, -and these were miserably armed; there was practically -no artillery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the gallant Admiral had thrown himself -into the town he found but one culverin on the -ramparts, and for that one no ammunition had been -provided!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The town was not provisioned for a siege—a -month's rations for the troops was all that Coligni -could find in St. Quentin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Admiral took a desperate step which -nothing but the cruel exigencies of war could -justify.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All the aged and infirm, all the sick and helpless, -were ordered to leave the city, and seven hundred -individuals were thus expelled, most of them to -perish from want and misery!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The women were shut up in the cathedral and -the churches, "lest their terror and their tears -should unman the troops." Coligni himself was -the very life and soul of the defence; foremost in -every danger, sharing all hardships, and cheering -all despairing hearts, he was prepared to die under -the ruins of the town—he would never surrender -to the foe!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile, a great French army, numbering -eighteen thousand foot and six thousand horse, was -approaching to the relief of St. Quentin under the -Constable Montmorency.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was mainly composed of German mercenary -troops, but the chivalry of France were represented -there in splendid array, proud to fight under such -leaders as Montmorency, the Prince of Condé, the -Duke de Nevers, Daudelot (the brother of the -Admiral), and many another illustrious chief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The relief army had encamped on the banks of -the Somme at La Fère and Ham; the Admiral sent -messengers to Montmorency imploring instant -succour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The next day, August 8th, Daudelot strove to -break through the lines of the besiegers at the -head of two thousand men, and he failed miserably!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Most of his men perished in the morass, his -guides mistaking the paths, and thus bringing them -into contact with the outposts of the besiegers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their leader, under the cover of night, succeeded -in making good his retreat to La Fère, at -the head of a mere straggling group of beaten -men!</p> - -<p class='c014'>That same night a different scene took place in -the great military tent of Lord Clinton: he was -entertaining the Lords Pembroke and Gray, and -many of the leaders of the Spanish army were -there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The night was chilly, and a fine rain was falling. -Around the camp fire sat warriors of world-wide -fame, and the English aides-de-camp, watchful for -the comforts of their lord's guests, marked each -word that fell from their lips.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Especially did Almoral, Count Egmont, call -forth their fervent admiration.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He is like a young war-god," whispered Ralph -to William. "Never saw I so glorious a specimen -of the <i>genus homo</i>. Oh, to follow such a leader -as that into the hot din of battle!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Listen to what he is saying," replied his brother -in a low voice; "methinks our chance of such an -honour will soon come." For Almoral was relating -how that very night his reiters had captured a -messenger sent by Coligni to Montmorency.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He had short shrift, I suppose!" said Brederode, -with a hoarse laugh.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"By my faith, no!" replied Egmont. "When -I had read his message, I sent him on his way to -the French Constable, and bade him deliver it -duly. For this was the message—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"'Par l'amour de Dieu, des sècours, ou nous -allons perir.'"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You did well, Egmont," said Philibert of Savoy, -"for I know the fiery old Constable well, and this -message will sting him to frenzy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! would that to-morrow were the day of -battle; for, mark you, we stand in a strange position -of peril. In front of us is St. Quentin, which -we dare not abandon. Northward lies the French -army, while from the south Guise is hurrying up -with his victorious army from Italy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We may be caught between three fires unless -we can destroy this French army and capture -St. Quentin before Guise can arrive. And if we -can do this, as by the help of Heaven we shall, -there lies no other fortified city between us and -Paris, and Guise may arrive to find us in possession -of that noble city."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The guests rose with one consent and cheered -lustily. They drew their swords and clashed them -overhead with fierce joy!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes," whispered Ralph to William again, "we -shall fight to-morrow, and may you and I be in -the thick of the strife!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Saturday, August 9th, broke hazily; St. Quentin -was enveloped in a thick mist which arose from -the swampy plain surrounding it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At early dawn Montmorency put his whole army -in motion; he would relieve St. Quentin, or perish!</p> - -<p class='c014'>His first effort was attended with surprising -success. Intervening low hills hid the advance of -his troops from the Spaniards, and thus he was -able to secure possession of a windmill which commanded -a ford over the Somme, which led to the -Spanish camp.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The mill was held by a small force of the enemy, -but Montmorency quickly captured it and placed -there a strong garrison under the Prince of Condé. -The main body pressed across the ford, and the -artillery opened a heavy fire on the Spanish camp, -to the infinite surprise of the Spaniards.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was as though their foe had dropped from the -clouds. So near was the range that the Duke of -Savoy's tent was levelled to the ground, and Philibert -had barely time to escape, carrying his armour -in his hand! He took refuge in the quarters of the -commander of the cavalry, Count Egmont.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This brief success seemed to Montmorency to be -the presage of victory, and Daudelot was sent with -a strong force to cross the river and the morass, -and so bring succour to the besieged town. -Meanwhile the French army would keep the -Spaniards in check.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Soon the arquebusiers, in their heavy armour, -were plunging horribly in the quagmires of the -morass, and by this time the Spanish artillery was -dealing death among them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Moreover, boats were required, and only four -could be found; and these, heavily laden with -soldiers and the munitions of war, crossed and -recrossed the river slowly and with great difficulty. -Two, overladen with their burdens, sank in the -deep waters, and the shouts and screams of the -drowning men added to the horrors of the scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eventually Daudelot, with five hundred men, -reached the gates of St. Quentin; all the rest -perished miserably. Montmorency now gave the -order to retreat; a strong reinforcement (though at -great loss) had been thrown into the city, and so -far his object was effected.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile, a brief council of war was held in -Egmont's tent, in which the fiery vehemence of the -Count carried everything before it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Duke of Savoy urged <i>caution</i>.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The French army was so situated that the -Spanish infantry, on which he placed his chief -confidence, could not act effectually against it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the cavalry officers carried the day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Shall we let so rich a prize escape?" cried -Egmont, with wild enthusiasm. "Heaven has -placed within our power the destruction of the -flower of the French army, a Prince of the blood -royal, and the great Constable Montmorency. -Capture them, and St. Quentin will be ours to-morrow; -and, by the grace of God, Paris will -follow!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>And, as he spoke, the auburn locks which fell -over his shoulders shook like a lion's mane; his -eyes flashed fire, his burning eloquence was -irresistible!</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>From the English quarters, where every man -was drawn up in battle array, Lord Clinton watched -the progress of the battle and the movements of the -contending armies, ready at any moment to take -part therein.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He marked the Spanish cavalry drawing together -in one dense mass in Egmont's quarters. By his -side stood his young aides-de-camp.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It will be a cavalry battle, I fear," he cried, -"and England will have no share in the glory of -the day!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young men around him, full of martial fire -and thirsting for conflict and victory, groaned -audibly in dismay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Clinton turned suddenly to his faithful -three, whom he had learned to love.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! I see how it is," he cried, "and you shall -have the chance of glory you thirst for! Ride, all -three of you, to Egmont, and tell him that the -English force will follow swiftly on in the rear of -his cavalry, in case he need support. Tell him I -make him a gift of your three swords, if he can -find place for you, and Heaven send you back to -me in safety, and forgive me if I err!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, thanks, my Lord, a thousand thanks!" -cried the three with one voice, and in another -moment they were thundering forth to the spot -where Egmont's emblazoned standard fluttered -heavily in the breeze.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were just in time; a minute longer and they -had been too late!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sun had burst forth suddenly from a dark -bank of clouds; it shone vividly on Count Egmont -as he sat on his great Flemish war-horse, splendidly -armed, in front of his eight thousand cavalry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Availing themselves of the privilege attached to -aides-de-camp, the three Englishmen traversed the -plain in front of the grim line of the cavalry, -motionless, but eagerly awaiting the signal to -charge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Reaching Egmont's side, De Fynes, as the -eldest, bared his head and cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"A message, my Lord Count, from Lord -Clinton!" and he repeated the message word for -word.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Egmont had noted these three young Englishmen -as they hung upon his words in Lord Clinton's -tent on the previous night, and he knew the -value of good English swords!</p> - -<p class='c014'>So he smiled as he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Lord Clinton offers your services as my 'aides' -to-day; be it so—fall in behind me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>They bowed their gratitude, then drew their -swords and joined the ranks of the noble youths -who followed the banner of Egmont and did him -special and personal service.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Oh, how happy they were!</p> - -<p class='c014'>No fear, no misgiving beclouded their martial -souls at that supreme moment!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly Egmont waved his sword aloft, and -the clarions' shrill notes gave the eagerly looked -for signal to charge, and with a wild "Hurrah!" -the serried squadrons thundered down the slopes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile conflicting counsels destroyed the -confidence of the French army, hesitation and -dismay beset them. The keen eye of Condé had -watched the dark masses of Spanish cavalry -gathering together on the hills ready to descend -like an avalanche on the retreating enemy. De -Montmorency's artillery dragged heavily through -the swampy ground in the rear, and he would not -abandon it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In vain Condé sent swift and urgent messages to -him, pointing out the danger of delay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was too late, the Spaniards were upon them! -The retreating army stayed its course and boldly -faced the coming storm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Egmont with two thousand horse charged on -their left flank; the other side was assaulted by the -Dukes Eric and Henry of Brunswick, while Mansfeld -burst on their front.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The French army wavered under the tremendous -shock, while the camp followers, pedlers and -sutlers took to instant flight, and thus spread -dismay through the entire army.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Spanish cavalry carried everything before -it; the rout was sudden and final!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Duc de Nevers made a despairing effort to -restore the battle at the head of five hundred -dragoons; but the "black devils," as the Frenchmen -called the "Schwartzreiters," cut them to pieces, -and the Duc barely escaped at the head of a mere -handful of men to La Fère, and with him was the -Prince of Condé.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a time the French infantry presented a bold -front; the Gascons, the flower of the army, threw -themselves into squares, and the fierce cavalry rode -round their solid masses, bristling with steel, unable -to find an entrance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment the Duke of Savoy, with his -artillery, came on the field of action, and their -deadly fire sealed the fate of the foe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet the noble chivalry of France refused to be -thus scattered and beaten; they gathered together -in groups, fighting desperately to the last—brave -souls to whom death was preferable to -surrender!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Many men threw down their arms on that field -of blood, many fled helplessly before the remorseless -reiters, the strong overturning the weak and -trampling down the wounded.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Blood flowed like water, death was on every side, -and above all other sounds were the wild neighing -of the war-horses and the fierce curses of their -riders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fight and the pursuit of the fugitives had -lasted four hours; the shades of evening were falling -as the victors returned to the field to take up -their quarters for the night and to secure their -unhappy prisoners, for whom heavy ransoms would -have to be paid to their captors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>France had not suffered such a defeat since -Agincourt; the bravest and noblest of her sons -had fallen on that field of blood!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Montmorency was a prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A shot from a schwartzreiter had fractured his -thigh as he was throwing himself into the hottest -part of the battle, determined to perish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Covered with mire and blood, unrecognizable in -the fierce mêlée, he would have died where he fell, -at the hands of the fierce foe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But over his fallen body stood three gallant -swordsmen, whose determined attitude warned all -men off. And as the fiery stream of battle flowed -onwards, they lifted up the fallen Constable -tenderly, and bore him to a place of safety.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet were they not to do this deed of mercy -unmolested. A swarthy reiter followed them, -observing that the fallen man was of high rank.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I claim this man as my prisoner, and I hold -to ransom; mine was the shot that brought him -down," said he fiercely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Make your claim good to King Philip, we shall -not resist it; the ransom may be yours, but at -present the body is ours," answered De Fynes -boldly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And De Montmorency lived to pay so great a -ransom (10,000 ducats), that his captor was able to -buy a fortress on the Rhine and a title of nobility!</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the Constable's fame as a soldier was lost -for ever, and the evening of his days was spent in -obscurity.</p> -<p class='c013'>That night the three English youths, unwounded -and unscathed, reported themselves to their commander, -Lord Clinton. Ah, what a happy meeting -was that! And though the English contingent -took no leading part in the battle, yet their presence -before the town prevented Coligni from succeeding -in an attempted sortie from St. Quentin—they did -good service.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch12' class='c004'>CHAPTER XII <br /> <br /> THE FALL OF ST. QUENTIN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A vast amount of spoil fell into the hands of the -victors: among it were eighty standards and all -the artillery save two pieces.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The prisoners numbered six thousand men, of -whom six hundred were gentlemen of position.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Of De Montmorency's fine army of twenty-two -thousand men all were slain or captured, save five -thousand. Among the slain were some of the -noblest of the sons of France, notably Jean de -Bourbon, Count d'Enghien, a prince of the blood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the side of the Spaniards less than a thousand -fell, among them being Count Brederode (who -perished in the morass, smothered in his armour) -and Counts Spiegelbourg and Waldeck.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the next day King Philip himself rode into -the camp; he had left Brussels and was at Cambrai -when the battle took place. He was received -with all the honours of war—with unbounded -enthusiasm!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The unhappy prisoners were paraded before him -in long procession, and the captured standards were -placed at his feet—the camp was delirious with joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A council of war was forthwith held to decide -on future operations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With fiery zeal Egmont and Gonzaga urged -that an immediate march on Paris should be -made.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Send me on with the cavalry, sire, and I -promise you that in four days you shall sup in -Paris!" cried Egmont.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Philip was as cautious as his renowned -father, Charles the Fifth, was adventurous.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the news of the battle reached the abdicated -Emperor, his first inquiry was "whether -Philip was in Paris."</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were many difficulties to be surmounted -ere that glorious consummation could be reached, -and Philip laid them before the council.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"St. Quentin must first be taken! Between -them and Paris there existed many a strong -fortress, and wide rivers which must be crossed. -Moreover, Paris would not surrender lightly—its -citizens could man the walls with forty thousand -men at least.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Again, Condé and Nevers, with the relics of -the broken army, must be reckoned with. Ere -long Guise would come to their support."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the King argued, and the council reluctantly -agreed that all their efforts should now be concentrated -on the capture of St. Quentin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Before the council broke up King Philip called -Egmont to him, and taking the collar of the -Golden Fleece from his own person, placed it -upon the neck of the Count as the real hero of the -day!</p> - -<p class='c014'>All Spain ratified the King's deed; "Egmont and -St. Quentin" became the rallying cry of the nation, -and the fame of the brave Hollander reached the -farthest limits of the mighty empire over which -Philip ruled.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With royal generosity Philip bestowed rich -rewards on the chieftains assembled in council that -day. To Savoy princely rank and high office near -his person, and to all others guerdons according -to their rank.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>There was a great meeting in Egmont's tent that -night. Thither came the English lords—Pembroke, -Gray, and Clinton—and at the banquet-table -sat Spanish and Flemish nobles of high degree, -many of them bearing the traces of battle upon -them, yet all were jubilant and triumphant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Behind the great chiefs stood their aides-de-camp, -according to Spanish custom, and among -these young warriors were Geoffrey, Ralph, and -William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ere the revelry had grown to its height and had -become uproarious, Egmont's eye fell upon the -three English youths and, with the generosity of his -noble nature, he called them before him, inquired -their name, and shook each by the hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You rode well to-day, my gallant young -soldiers, and I saw you deal many a lusty blow for -the honour of Spain and the Netherlands," he said. -"I marked how you stood by the fallen Constable, -and though two Spaniards, as I hear, claim the -honour of his capture, you certainly rescued his -body. You will not forget the day of St. Quentin: -I will give you something whereby to remember it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he called his major-domo to him, and -taking a huge gold goblet into his hand, he cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Fill this goblet with golden ducats."</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was soon done, for King Philip had given him -five thousand that day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Take it, boys, and divide the money among you -and toss for the cup! Well do you deserve it. -England may be proud of her sons if they are all -such as you!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>What wonder that Almoral, Count Egmont, was -the hero, the darling, almost the demi-god of those -who served under his banner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was the bright and glittering side of war. -Alas! how little men recked of the desolation, -death, despair and destruction it caused! How -little thought they in Egmont's tent that night of -the unburied dead whose cold bodies lay on the -blood-stained battlefield of St. Quentin! How -little of the broken hearts, the shattered hopes, the -desolate homes in the fair regions of sunny France -when the news of that fatal day should be borne to -the humiliated but proud nation!</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The next day the Spanish camp resounded with -the preparations for the renewed siege of St. -Quentin. Fresh batteries were thrown up on all -sides on which the artillery, captured from the -French, was planted, and, ere many hours had -passed, a furious cannonade burst forth upon the -crumbling fortifications of the doomed city. Mines -were planted, and galleries excavated almost to the -very centre of St. Quentin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet no thought of surrender occupied the valiant -heart of Admiral Coligni!</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this point that his heroism and devotion -to duty reached its height. He knew that the -hopes of France depended upon the city being held -till succour came, till the conquering army under -Guise could arrive!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The able-bodied men of his garrison numbered -but eight hundred, and these were half-starved -and well-nigh worn out by incessant exertion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>By night, by day, sleepless yet indefatigable, the -gallant Admiral shared the dangers and the labours -of his men; cheering, exhorting, praising every -desperate deed of valour and immediately rewarding -it, the Admiral was the very life and soul of -the defence!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Help came to him unexpectedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>De Nevers, with the relics of the shattered army, -still lingered in the neighbourhood, and he -managed to throw one hundred and fifty arquebusiers -into the town, though thrice that number -perished in the attempt.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Coligni formed countermines, and in subterranean -regions fierce combats took place between -the besieged and the besiegers,—men fought like -demons!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet he knew that the last provisions were being -consumed, that huge breaches were being made in -the crumbling walls which St. Remy, the renowned -French engineer, strove to repair, under cover of -night, with desperate energy. Huge timbers were -dragged to the top of the tottering ramparts, and -under their shelter the arquebusiers kept up a -perpetual fire on the Spaniards.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus the siege went on till August 27. In vain -did Coligni scan the horizon from the top of the -cathedral tower—Guise came not!</p> - -<p class='c014'>A most furious cannonade from the Spanish batteries -on the night of the twenty-sixth had resulted -in the making of eleven great breaches in the -ramparts, and the Duke of Savoy saw that the time -had come for a general assault upon the city.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Early in the morning he put his whole force -under arms, assigning to the English contingent -the honour of leading the assault.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Coligni saw that the decisive hour was at hand. -He filled the breaches with his troops, taking -charge of the most dangerous one himself, while his -brother Daudelot took another almost equally -critical.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The spirit of the defenders was magnificent, each -man felt that the end was near, and they were -prepared to die under the ruins of the city; none -thought of surrender, no white flag was unfurled!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Savoy preluded the general assault by a furious -cannonade, and it was not till the afternoon that -the signal was given by the shrill voices of the -trumpets for the great onslaught.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the English rushed forward, closely followed -by Spaniards, Germans, and Flemish in -generous rivalry. King Philip beheld the wondrous -scene from a neighbouring hill, and his -troops, knowing that they were fighting under the -eye of their Sovereign, were inspired with heroic -zeal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a titanic struggle!</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a whole hour the gaunt and famished Frenchmen -held their foes in check, and at length the -Spaniards were driven off—not a single breach had -been carried.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Savoy gave his men a brief breathing time, then -the clarions pealed forth their wild notes again, and -the fierce strife burst forth anew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Duc's keen eye had noted a weak point in -the defence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A strong tower on the ramparts had been left -with few defenders, in reliance upon its apparent -invulnerability. On this point Savoy hurled the -English contingent, and in one great rush it was -carried and the invaders poured into the city.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In vain had Coligni rushed to its defence, -fighting desperately, hand-to-hand, with the -assailants. He was overpowered and, with his -heroic brother Daudelot, was taken prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Immediately he was led through one of the excavated -passages by his captor, Francisco Diaz, to -the exterior of the city and into the presence of -King Philip, who gave Diaz ten thousand ducats.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then a fierce onslaught by the whole army swept -all resistance before it, and in half-an-hour the city -was captured!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Philip entered the city in complete armour, a -page carrying his helmet; and a roar of savage -triumph went up from his troops as they beheld -their King. He had never been present at the -storming of a city before, and the sights that met -his eye moved even his stony heart to pity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The wild schwartzreiters spared neither age nor -sex. As the Frenchmen retreated to the market-place, -where their final slaughter took place, the -troops entered the well-built houses of the citizens, -slaying every living soul within them and loading -themselves with rich plunder, some obtaining two -or three thousand ducats apiece. In pure recklessness -they set the houses on fire, and soon the whole -city was ablaze.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Philip gave immediate orders that the fires should -be quenched, and that all who surrendered should -be admitted to pardon.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Crowds of women and children threw themselves -at his feet with loud cries for mercy, and he ordered -them to be escorted out of the city.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the cruel storm of savage lust and thirst for -blood had passed beyond human control.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the flames spread to the cathedral and the -churches, the women who had taken refuge within -the sacred walls came pouring forth, panic-stricken -with fear. Many of them were richly dressed, some -even wore jewels, perhaps thinking them safer in -their possession than if they had been left in the -doomed town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Upon these helpless women the wild Germans -rushed with savage cries, their ornaments and even -their rich garments were torn from them, and the -mad reiters slashed their faces with their daggers -and knives.</p> - -<p class='c014'>An infernal din filled the air, screams of -anguish, cries for mercy, mingled with the -demoniac shouts and curses of the conquerors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Under the walls of the venerable cathedral stood -a company of English soldiers; they had been sent -by Philip to perform a curious duty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In that building, dedicated to his honour, were -stored up the relics of St. Quentin, and Philip had -ordered that the venerated bones of the Saint should -be conveyed to the camp with all honour, and that -a mass should be sung before them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And this while the blazing streets were full of the -dead and dying, while helpless children and hapless -maidens were being dismembered, while blood ran -in torrents on every side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas, that the royal pity should thus be extended -to the dead and denied to the living!</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>Among the English group stood Lord Clinton's -three aides-de-camp, gazing on the scene with -sullen anger. Many a helpless babe and terror-stricken -mother had they rescued in obedience to -Philip's own command.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly a young Frenchwoman, richly dressed, -rushed towards them followed by a mounted reiter. -Ere she could reach the place of safety the trooper -overtook her, and with one cruel sweep of his sword -lopped off her right arm. She fell to her feet and -the soldier lifted his sword again, with the evident -intent of depriving her of both her arms. But ere -he could accomplish his fell purpose Ralph sprang -forward with a shout.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Devil, fiend and assassin!" he cried, as he ran -his sharp rapier through the reiter's sword-arm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The German's weapon dropped from his right -hand, and with his left he strove to draw a pistol -from his holster, as he turned fiercely upon his -assailant. But pain and anguish overcame him, -and he reeled from his saddle.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The deed had been seen by his comrades, and, -in an instant, a troop of them faced the English, -who had leapt to Ralph's side, with wild cries of -vengeance. They had dragged their wounded -comrade into their midst, now they drew their huge -pistols from their holsters and, advancing on the -English, their leader cried, as he pointed to -Ralph—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Deliver that man up to us or we will slay you -all!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this critical moment that the great door -of the cathedral was thrown open and a white-robed -procession of priests issued from it; they were -bearing forth the relics of St. Quentin in obedience -to the King's command. And on the southern -side of the place the King, in his flashing Milanese -armour, and mounted on his war-horse, advanced -to meet them, greeting the sacred relics with bowed -head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His royal presence quelled the tumult; all -weapons were lowered till the King should have -passed on his way. But the King's keen eye had -noted that something unusual had happened—that -the English and the Germans were confronting each -other in deadly hostility.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He beckoned Count Mansfeld to his side, the -reiter chieftain had been riding behind him. Pointing -to the two groups of soldiers, he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Something has gone amiss. Your brave -reiters, Count, are getting out of hand. Stay here -with fifty of my guards, inquire into the case and -report it to me this night."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mansfeld bowed low in acquiescence, and the -King rode slowly off in the rear of the priestly -procession. The instant the King was gone the -Count turned sternly on the offenders as the fifty -guards drew up behind him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The old Count was the sternest disciplinarian in -the Spanish army, and all men knew it. None but -he could bring an enraged, riotous reiter to order.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Come hither, Friedrich," he said in cold tones -of command to the leader of the German troop. -"Tell me briefly, what means this?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yon Englishman," said Friedrich, "ran his -poniard through Gustav's arm, and we were about -to avenge him."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And wherefore did he that?" said Mansfeld.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The reiter captain hesitated, and the Count's face -grew sternly fierce.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Was that the cause?" he said, pointing to -where the body of the woman lay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had gone into a swoon, and beside her lay -her severed arm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I see," said the Count, with increased severity; -"and the Englishman avenged her; was not that -so?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The reiter captain still remained silent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yet you knew of the King's command that -mercy should be shown to all women and children."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he turned to his escort.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Take that wounded man," he said, pointing to -the schwartzreiter, now craven with fear and crying -for mercy, "hang him from yon turret forthwith in -token that the King's order must be obeyed!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The order was instantly obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The night was coming down upon the unhappy -city and no deed of justice, no royal order could -quell the thirst for blood, for rapine and pillage -which possessed the mad soldiery who held St. -Quentin in their power that night. The powers -of evil took full possession of the fallen town—it -was given over to sack and pillage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The chieftains had retired to the camp to celebrate -their victory with banquets, the King was -holding high service over the relics of St. Quentin, -the army was left in possession of the city. It -was burning in every part, and houses were falling -with thunderous sound.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet the soldiers dashed through flame and smoke -like demons, in eager search for booty. The cellars -were plundered, the garrets were searched, nothing -escaped the greed and brutality of the plunderers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The streets were strewn with the bodies and dismembered -limbs of the vanquished, and famished -dogs were ravenously gnawing human flesh.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such women as had escaped had been again -driven by Philip's order into the cathedral, and -there were left to perish by famine!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet, while sin and crime lifted their heads high -and unabashed, there were three delinquents who -met condign punishment, and their case was a -singular one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Three Germans made their way into the vestry -of the cathedral, and they emerged thence clothed -in gorgeous copes and chasubles. Mounting their -horses outside the cathedral, they rode gaily about -the burning town, their strange attire attracting -laughter and derision from their comrades.</p> - -<p class='c014'>By some strange fatality this escapade came to -the ears of Philip, perhaps the royal chaplain -informed him of it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The offenders were instantly sought for and -arrested. Philip ordered all of the three to be -hanged! His sensitive soul could not endure this -outrage upon religion, though for three days and -three dreadful nights he had allowed the pillage -of the city to continue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the morning of the fourth day all soldiers -were ordered into camp. The desolated city was -left in peace—it was the peace of the dead!</p> - -<p class='c014'>So fell St. Quentin!</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch13' class='c004'>CHAPTER XIII <br /> <br /> THE SCHWARTZREITERS</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The week which followed the fall of St. Quentin -was a period of strenuous exertion on the part of -the conquerors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The dead were buried, the city was cleansed of -its many impurities, and the devastating fires -which had threatened the destruction of the whole -town were at length subdued.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Of all the religious edifices in the city the -cathedral alone remained unconsumed by the -devouring element. Philip had himself superintended -the efforts made for its preservation; -streets were pulled down, strong buildings were -blown up by gunpowder, and at length the noble -building stood in grand isolation, but safe from fire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A strong Spanish garrison was placed in possession -of St. Quentin; the remainder of the army -was under orders to prepare for instant and active -service.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The neighbouring towns of Picardy, Catelet, -Ham, and Chanley were to be besieged forthwith, -and the camp was full of zeal and animation—for -surely fresh spoils awaited the soldiers of Philip, -and bright visions of glory and honour filled the -minds of the chieftains. In the English camp alone -these feelings held no sway. The war had never -been popular with them—they felt that they were -fighting the battles of King Philip, and not those -of their own country.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And now that the main object of the expedition -had been won, and the chief town in Picardy captured, -the English contingent were eager to return -home.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>In the evening of a fine September day Lord -Clinton's three aides-de-camp were reposing in -their tent after a day's active exertion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That day a courier had brought them letters from -England, and the young men were eagerly discussing -home news.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Susan had written to each of them, for she had -much to tell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fires of Smithfield had burst forth anew, to -the horror of the people and the grief of all good -men. That very day three victims had perished, -and the Queen's guards had scarce prevented the -London people from attempting forcible rescue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>One condemned man had been pardoned by the -Cardinal Archbishop, and many were said to have -been freed by him after brief examination and -apparent but doubtful submission.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Rumours were afloat in London, Susan said, that -the Cardinal had fallen out of favour at Rome, and -that the Pope (Paul IV) had deprived him of his -legatine commission and had recalled him to Rome. -The Archbishop was in bad health, and on this -plea the Queen had refused to give him permission -to leave the country.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These things brought great unhappiness to the -Queen, and added to them was the increasing -malignity of her disorder—she was evidently sinking -into the grave—and there was none to pity her!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Alas, poor Queen," wrote Susan, "unloved by -her people, deserted by her husband, worried by -the Pope, and conscious, above all, that she had -failed in the one object of her life, and that her -successor, the Princess Elizabeth, would undo all -her work for the 'conversion' of England."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet Susan had some good news to tell them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Sir John was in excellent health, and he had -lately received news from their beloved father that -he and their dear Vicar were well, and were determined -to return to England on the day when the -Princess should be declared Queen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, when will you three dear boys come -home?" she wrote. "How I long for that day, -how I picture ourselves at the beloved home in -Sussex, the sweet old house at Chiddingly!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I close my eyes, and my mind pictures to me -the green woods and the noble sweep of the Sussex -downs. I seem to hear the cawing of the rooks in -the tall trees and the singing of the birds in the -shrubberies. Oh, I grow mad with deep longing! -God send you home quickly, safe and sound."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boys listened to these words with bated -breath—perhaps with moistened eyes—for Susan's -passionate love for her Sussex home expressed their -own deep longings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Here comes Lord Clinton," said Geoffrey suddenly, -as he saw their lord's well-known figure -approaching the tent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They rose to receive him; then, as he took a seat, -after some pleasant words of greeting, William -spoke—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We are happy to see you, my Lord; we are -anxious to know if our marching orders have been -given."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is on that very point that I am come to see -you. I have my marching orders, but I am not -sure that I shall take you with me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young "aides" started with surprise; but -ere they could seek an explanation of his words -Lord Clinton proceeded to say—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I wish to hold a brief consultation with you. -Count Mansfeld has just brought me some sinister -news. He tells me that his reiters have discovered -that it was Ralph's poniard which disabled the -man who was afterwards hung from the cathedral -turret, and they have sworn to avenge his death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He has sent them a message that he will sharply -punish the perpetrators of any such an attempt, -but Mansfeld tells me that his men are in a dangerous -humour, and he wished me to warn you -to keep to the limits of your own camp, and that -even within those limits Ralph should never -wander alone."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young soldiers smiled disdainfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Our swords can guard our heads, my Lord, -we have no fear!" said Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, I know that," cried Clinton, "but I want -to make assurance doubly sure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now, listen. By to-day's courier the King has -received some disquieting news. Guise is collecting -a great army under King Henry's orders, and -Philip has a suspicion that Calais is to be the object -of his attack.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"From his spies at the French Court he hears -that the Bishop of Acqs, the French envoy to -England, has just returned home, and that he -passed through Calais <i>en route</i>. He reports -that the town is practically defenceless; the garrison -is small, the fortifications are in a state of -ruin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The King is sending swift messengers to -Queen Mary to urge her to remedy this condition -of things, but he wishes to obtain proof that the -Bishop's statements are true. I have offered him -your services, if you are willing to undertake the -duty. What say you?</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your mission will be a secret one, and it will -be attended with many dangers both by land and -sea; but it will bring you much honour if you -succeed. From Calais you would proceed direct to -Dover, and so to London to lay your report before -the Queen."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The boys listened with glistening eyes; this was -the Heaven-sent fulfilment of their dearest hopes! -With one voice they cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We accept!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I knew that you would do so," replied Clinton, -"and I go to ask the King to give you a letter to -be presented to Lord Wentworth, the Governor of -Calais. Make your preparations with all possible -secrecy—you will start to-night under cover of -darkness. Your route will be to Brussels, and -thence to Antwerp, where you will embark on a -King's ship for Calais.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will provide you with three strong horses; at -Brussels you will change these for three others, -which you will leave at Antwerp. There is no -moon to-night, happily; you must start at eight -o'clock, and I will be here to give you money and -your last instructions. Now I go to the King; -commence your preparations at once; I return to -you in an hour's time," and therewith Lord -Clinton left them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>What joy he left behind him! The three boys -flung their caps in the air, they shook each other -by the hand, they would have given hearty cheers -but for the remembrance that secrecy had now -become their watchword.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their preparations would be few, but even for -these they required the help of their three faithful -serving lads, strong Chiddingly lads of approved -courage, who loved their young masters better than -their lives.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, that we might take the lads with us," cried -Ralph. "I will follow Lord Clinton and seek his -permission," he added.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"That you may not do," said Geoffrey firmly; -"do you not remember that you are not to leave -the tent alone? If you go we must accompany -you.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But stay; is there not a better way? If Lord -Clinton consent, the three lads can ride on our -horses, though they are somewhat sorry nags; we -will lay the matter before him when he returns at -eight o'clock. Meanwhile, they can help us furbish -our weapons and prepare our travelling packs, -they can feed the horses and have them ready to -set forth, we need not tell them more than is necessary, -that we have to ride forth on the King's -business to-night will suffice."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So it was decided.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lads occupied an adjoining tent; they were -at this moment awaiting their masters' summons -to prepare their simple evening meal. They were -called in, and speedily all things were proceeding -according to Geoffrey's suggestions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The shades of night were deepening as they sat -down to supper, it was a quarter to eight o'clock. -The camp fires were being lit, and the soldiers of -the English contingent were gathering around -them in merry groups.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was eight o'clock and the young Englishmen -had supped, all their preparations were complete.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The flap of the tent lifted silently, and two -cloaked figures entered, their features hidden in the -folds of their outer garments. These they now cast -aside, and by the dim light which illumined the -tent the "aides" recognized Lord Clinton, and with -him the King!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Instantly the young men knelt on one knee before -him and kissed his hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Philip gazed intently upon their countenances: -he knew them fairly well, but it seemed as if he -wished to reassure himself. Then in a low, cold, -but distinct voice he said to Lord Clinton—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"They will do; we have met under many different -circumstances, and I know them to be brave -men."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your Majesty is right," replied Lord Clinton, -"they will do their duty or die in endeavouring to -fulfil it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Philip addressed the Englishmen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their mission required secrecy, speed, courage -and endurance. They were to make close inspection -of the fortifications, guns, material of war, -and the garrison of Calais with Lord Wentworth's -help, to whom he had written. This letter, which -he now gave them, must never fall into the hands -of the enemy, to whom it would reveal all his -suspicions and plans. He delivered this letter into -the hands of Monsieur de Fynes, as the eldest of -the three. If danger befell them it were better that -the two younger men should perish, so long as the -bearer of the letter escaped. If he fell into the -hands of the foe let him see that the letter was -destroyed at all hazards. The perilous part of their -journey would be the portion of it which lay in -French territory, but twelve hours hard riding -would carry them into Flanders, after which there -would be little danger, yet let them never remit -their precautions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King then handed to each man a heavy -purse of gold wherewith to defray expenses, the -surplus, if any, would be their own.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I hear the sound of your horses outside the -tent," said the King; "have I made all explicit, -is there any question you would like to ask?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young men looked at each other. Then -Geoffrey spoke—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Your Majesty may rely on our carrying out -your gracious commands, or we shall perish in the -attempt. We have but one thing to suggest, and -that is that our three faithful servants may accompany -us; they can ride our own horses and they -will be of great service to us."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The King and Lord Clinton conversed in low -tones, then Clinton announced their decision.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"His Majesty agrees to your request," he said; -"we think it will attract less observation and suspicion -if three gentlemen be accompanied by their -serving men than if they travelled alone: it is a -wise suggestion on your part."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the King and Lord Clinton arose from -their seats and prepared to depart. The King -extended his hand, which the young men again -knelt to kiss, and he bade them farewell. Lord -Clinton shook hands warmly with them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Adieu! <i>mes braves gens</i>," he said: "God grant -you a safe and successful journey. We shall next -meet in London, I trust. Farewell, farewell." -And so they left the tent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young men stood in silence for a moment, -then Geoffrey spoke—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The King has laid a heavy trust upon us," he -said, "and therein has conferred on us great -honour, for we shall now be doing service to our -own dear country as well as to his. Let us ask a -greater King than Philip, even our Heavenly -Father, to bless our enterprise."</p> - -<p class='c014'>With one impulse the young men knelt, and for -a few minutes held silent converse with God. Ere -they left the tent William spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"In this matter, my brothers, we need a leader -whom we swear to obey in all things. I propose -that Geoffrey be our captain."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay," urged Geoffrey; but ere he could proceed -further Ralph intervened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I consent, and that most heartily," he said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey grasped the hands of his two comrades -and said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Let it be as you wish, my brothers, and my -first word of command is to horse! to horse!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a lovely night, the stars shone brilliantly -in the autumnal sky, a light refreshing breeze had -sprung up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Outside the tent six horses stood awaiting their -riders. Three of these were held by Lord Clinton's -grooms; they were great Flemish war-horses -of a renowned breed, beside which the three English -horses, held by the Sussex lads, looked small -and insignificant. Yet these latter were wiry and -strong; happily they were in excellent condition -and fit for the long journey before them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Before they mounted their horses the Englishmen -closely inspected every part of the harness, to -assure themselves that nothing was amiss. The -lads' horses were examined with equal care, and -the weapons of their riders underwent Geoffrey's -keen scrutiny. Every man was armed with a brace -of pistolets and with poniard and dagger. The -inspection was over, and, at the word of command, -the six men swung into their saddles.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Slowly through the camp," said Geoffrey in a -low voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As they moved forward a camp follower, -apparently the worse for drink, lurched heavily -against one of the lads' horses and caught at his -stirrup to steady himself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Where away, comrade?" he hiccuped to the -lad, who in reply slashed at the impudent villain -with his whip.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey's quick ear had caught the sound of a -voice, and he instantly reined up his horse.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Stop that man," he cried; but it was too late, -he had darted out of sight in the darkness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The party went on, the three young masters -riding abreast, the lads following closely behind. -They wound their way carefully through the camp, -now thronged with soldiers, sutlers and followers -of all kinds.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a striking sight. Huge fires burned high -at regular intervals, and around them all the revelry -of a camp in time of war was beginning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At ten o'clock a gun would be fired and all -fires would be put out, all strangers turned out of -camp, and stillness would come down where pandemonium -had so lately held sway.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The passing of the travellers through the camp -excited no observation nor surprise. Armed -couriers were frequently sent out to the outlying -posts and the neighbouring towns. These latter -were falling daily into the possession of the -conquering army.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the party rode forward unmolestedly and -slowly till the confines of the camp were reached. -Before them lay the broad trackway which led to -Brussels. It was a rough, rugged road, but it was -sufficiently plain to follow, even in the semi-darkness -of the night. The late contending armies -had passed along it recently, and all wayside inns -and even private houses had been ruthlessly -plundered and, in most cases, burnt. The despoiled -inhabitants, the peasantry, the woodsmen, -the charcoal burners, and a host of others had fled -into the woods for safety. Desperate and starving, -the men had formed themselves into marauding -bands, and many a fair chateau, many a quiet, -peaceful farm-house and village hamlet had been -plundered by them in turn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Each night the reddened sky told of some dreadful -fire, and for the moment the law was powerless. -Woe to the unarmed traveller, woe to the wounded -straggler who limped behind his regiment if they -fell into the hands of a furious peasantry!</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was one of the dangers which Philip had -in his mind when he told the young men that their -chief peril would be as they passed through French -territory.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Halt!" cried Geoffrey, as the party entered -upon the military road, and all drew rein and -gathered around him. "It is right, my lads," said -he, "that you should know whither we ride to-night, -and, as you will share whatever perils may -befall us, whither we go. We ride on the King's -business to Brussels, that is our first halting-place. -Before us lies a long journey, perhaps of ten or -twelve hours in duration, through the enemy's -country. Be wary, be watchful, see that your -pistols are ready for service and your swords loose -in their sheaths. We ride at a hand-gallop, not -too fast lest we distress our horses too soon. You, -Robin, will be our advance-guard, and you will -ride a hundred yards ahead of us. You, Hal, -will ride a hundred yards behind us, and you, -Tom, will keep close to our rear, we may need -you as a messenger. A shrill whistle will be the -signal that we all unite in one body, that danger -is near. The advance-guard will ever be on the -alert to see that the road is clear, that no obstacles -be placed in our way by the 'gueux' who haunt -these devastated regions. The rear-guard will see, -above all things, that we are not followed by foes. -Now have I made all things clear?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Aye, aye, sir," cried the men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then let us ride on, in God's name," said -Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Robin galloped forward, the four men followed -in close order, the rear-guard took up his allotted -position. The lights from the camp illumined the -country in the rear, and for a long time the hum -of the warlike multitude filled the air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus half-an-hour passed; they were galloping -at a fairly easy pace along the rough road, and -the great Flemish horses were warming to their -work, sometimes neighing gaily as they tossed their -heavy manes in the air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Not a sound now broke the solemn silence of the -night, save the beating of the horses' hoofs on -the hard road.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They passed through hamlets once full of happy -and industrious peasantry, now scenes of black ruin -and dire desolation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sometimes starving dogs would follow them -with a fierce howl, and it became necessary to beat -off the poor animals with the whip. Sometimes a -solitary shout, or the shrill scream of a woman's -voice reached their ears, and the young men would -have halted out of pure compassion. But it might -not be!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"On, on!" cried Geoffrey; "we may not draw -rein for man nor woman, for foe nor friend, till -we have done the King's business."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The signs of the works of the Prince of Darkness -were often visible, and the sky in a dozen -places reflected the red glare of lurid flames.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once they came very near to a scene of fierce -conflict—men were besieging a strong stone mill -and the valiant miller was making a hard fight for -his life and homestead.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ralph was strongly moved at this sight, all -his keen soldierly instincts arose in his soul, -and he laid his hand on Geoffrey's arm as he -cried—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh! may we not make one gallant charge on -that murderous mob? we should scatter them as -chaff before the wind. Oh! Geoffrey, give leave, -I prithee!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And lose the King's letter, perhaps. Nay, my -brave boy, it must not be," answered Geoffrey, as -they galloped on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On, on into the darkness they rode, their gallant -horses neither faltering nor failing. As they rode -a shrill cry as of some stricken creature in its last -agony burst upon their ears; they could not avoid -this case of distress, it lay in their very road.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A group of men could be dimly discerned at the -roadside. They had heeded not the approach of -a single horseman as Robin swept past them, but -as the central group came thundering on the men -leapt into the adjoining wood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Halt!" cried Geoffrey, and he blew his signal -to the advance-guard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A man was evidently bound to a tree; at his feet -was a half-extinguished fire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Seizing a firebrand and swinging it into flame, -the lad Tom (who had dismounted) held it close -to the prisoner's face, then cut his bonds with his -dagger. The man was a Jewish peddler, and his -mutilated hands showed the cause of his cries of -anguish, three of his fingers had been roughly cut -away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Speak, man!" cried Geoffrey; "tell us quickly -your case, for we may not tarry."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the peddler told them, in hurried words, -that he had fallen into the hands of robbers, and -that they were torturing him until he should tell -them where he had concealed his pack.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And where is your pack?" said Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The man hesitated, he cast a suspicious eye on -Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Put aside your fear, man," said Geoffrey; "we -are Englishmen on service for King Philip, and -we are in hot haste."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"At Busigney, my lord," said the peddler, -regaining confidence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey consulted with his comrades for a few -moments. They would pass Busigney shortly on -their route, they could not leave the man to perish; -a decision was soon reached.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We will take you to Busigney," said Geoffrey; -"mount behind me, my horse is strong and will -carry two as well as one."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Heaven bless you, my lord," replied the man, -and by the help of the lad Tom he was soon seated -behind Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Forward!" cried Geoffrey, "we have lost -valuable time and we must make up for it," -and the whole party galloped on at increased -speed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But ere they had gone far the lad in the rear -overtook them at a hot pace.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"There is a strong body of cavalry coming up -behind us, and in a few moments they will over-take -us—they are riding furiously."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey called all his party together, still riding -onward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Which is it, boys," he cried, "fight or flight? -The first may be fatal to our mission, the second -may fail."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the peddler spake—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"If I may venture my advice, gentlemen, you -will neither fight nor fly, at least until you know -who these men are. A hundred yards ahead there is -a deep dell overhung with trees. Under their -shelter you may let this band of cavalry pass on, -after you have seen them you may take better -counsel as to your action."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Right!" cried Geoffrey; and in a few moments -they reached, under the peddler's direction, the -place of temporary safety.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had not long to wait. In two or three -minutes a band of from twenty to thirty schwartzreiters -came thundering on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"How did they know of our journey?" whispered -Ralph.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Remember the drunken camp follower ere we -left the camp?" replied Geoffrey. "I knew he was -a spy."</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had not been perceived in the thick shades -of the trees—but what now? It was equally -dangerous to advance or retire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this dread and critical moment that -a wonderful intervention came. There arose in the -stillness of the night a great sound like the shock -of battle or the fall of an avalanche.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, God! it is the barricade!" cried the -peddler; "I passed it half-an-hour ago."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What barricade?" said Geoffrey eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The 'gueux' have filled the road with huge -stones, gathered from the quarry hard by, it is -their favourite trap to catch night travellers, and -the reiters have fallen into it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And a moment more <i>we</i> should have fallen into -it," cried Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"No," said the peddler, "for I was about to tell -you of it. But, hark! the 'gueux' are attacking -the fallen reiters."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Come," cried Geoffrey, "we must see what is -passing; keep close together, make no noise. If -any reiter escapes from the mêlée cut him down -with your swords, or we shall be discovered."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The "gueux" possessed guns and fowling-pieces, -and now they were pouring in a desultory fire upon -the confused mass of fallen men around the barricade. -There seemed to be hundreds of wild figures -gathering to the scene of conflict, and fresh bodies -of them were pouring from the woods.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then a hand-to-hand fight ensued, so fierce in -character that it was a combat of fiends rather than -of men. No quarter was asked or given, it was -a fight to the death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Soon it was evident that the reiters were being -overpowered, notwithstanding their superiority in -equipment and discipline. Their foes were twenty -to one, and many of the Germans were lying in a -helpless mass of men and horses amid the great -quarry stones. Their battle-cries grew feebler and -feebler; Geoffrey saw that the end would soon -come.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But what then?" thought Geoffrey anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The "gueux" would be as dangerous to them -as to the reiters, they would make no distinction -between English and Germans, all fought alike for -their detested enemy King Philip.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once again the peddler intervened, as he sat -behind Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My lord, my lord," he said in an agitated voice, -"we must be gone, or we shall likewise perish."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We cannot pass the gueux," said Geoffrey, -"and I cannot return to the camp; what third -course is there?"</p> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/illus180.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>"<span class='sc'>Here is the entrance into the woods.</span>"</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>"My lord," said the man, "you saved my life, -will you trust yours to me? I know every pathway -of these woods, I can take you by a safe road to -Busigney if you will take me as your guide; the -bypath enters the woods just below here, and once -at Busigney you are on the main road again."</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a minute Geoffrey consulted with his comrades, -then he turned to the peddler.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You seem to be an honest man, we will trust -you," he said. "Lead on, we accept your services -as guide."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The party retraced their steps for about a -hundred yards.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Here is the entrance into the woods," said the -peddler, as a leafy avenue dimly disclosed itself -on the left side of the road.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They turned into it, and now they were gently -and noiselessly traversing the woods by a smoothly -turfed trackway.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To the right," cried the peddler, as they came -to a crossway, and Geoffrey perceived that they -were now riding in a parallel track to the road they -had quitted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The roar of battle had quieted down, but the -wind brought to their ears the exultant shouts of -the gueux, the victors in the deadly strife.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From time to time some dark body would rush -across the track or dive into the forest, once indeed -a musket-shot was fired at them randomly. These -were marauders hastening to the scene of conflict, -eager to participate in the spoils.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We must ride quicker," said Geoffrey; "soon -the gueux will know of our presence and we shall -be pursued."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Beware," said the peddler in reply, "sometimes -there are fallen trees across the track. We rejoin -the main road in a few minutes."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey saw the wisdom of this advice, and they -rode stealthily forward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Presently they emerged into a clearing and, -to their joy, saw the great military road in front -of them. Once upon it they put their horses to -their fullest speed, there were no further barricades -to dread, the peddler told them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In half-an-hour they were in the little town of -Busigney, a town held to be neutral by both the -contending armies, for it was the patrimony of Mary -the Duchess of Burgundy, now the Regent of the -Netherlands for Philip. In a few minutes they had -drawn up in front of a little hotel, "L'Eperon -d'Or," and the peddler, dismounting, entered the -house. He quickly returned, accompanied by the -"maitre d'hotel."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Here, my lord," he said to Geoffrey, "you can -refresh your horses and yourselves also, if you need -it, yet I urge you to remember that your foes are -near, therefore you may not tarry long."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We owe you a thousand thanks," said Geoffrey. -"Will you not take refreshment with us?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay, my lord, it is well-nigh midnight, and I -must seek a chirurgeon this night to set my -wounded hand in order."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Ah! I had forgotten your grievous hurt," said -Geoffrey. "You are a brave and gallant man, -Mr. Peddler, may I not add a little golden salve -to the remedy?" and he produced his purse.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay, nay, my lord," said the man quickly, -"you have already given me my reward, it was a -life for a life!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>And forthwith he left them.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch14' class='c004'>CHAPTER XIV <br /> <br /> BRUSSELS, ANTWERP, CALAIS</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The horsemen needed but little time wherein to -refresh themselves and their horses. The aubergiste, -at Geoffrey's command, brought forth his -best wine for the gentlemen, and his ostlers produced -corn and water for the horses. In half-an-hour -the order to remount was given, and soon the -party was trotting quietly through the cobbled -streets of Busigney.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their next halting-place would be Mons; in two -hours' time they would be out of French territory.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Clear of the town they put their horses to a hand-gallop, -and once more the devastation of war became -evident. All was ruin and desolation in this -once fertile region, there seemed to be nothing left -by the cruel marauding hands of men!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The villages and hamlets still smouldered, and -the air was reeking with pungent smoke; but there -were no inhabitants, all had fled from the neighbourhood -of the great military highway.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet Geoffrey and his companions relaxed nothing -of their keen vigilance. Robin rode ahead and -Hal in the rear as before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On, on, through the night!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The stars shone brilliantly, not a cloud flecked -the sky. Ill-omened blotches of red light on the -horizon marked where the gueux were still at their -evil work, but even these grew fewer as the small -hours of the morning passed and the travellers were -reaching Flemish territory.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All at once the advance-guard dropped back upon -them. He reported that a crowd of men were -approaching; they were not in military order, but -they were occupying the whole road.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey signalled to the rear-guard to join them, -and a rapid consultation ensued. Finally, Geoffrey -ordered the three lads to fall in behind the gentlemen; -then with drawn swords all advanced at slow -pace towards the oncoming mob. Many of these -men carried pine-knot torches, and by their flickering -and lurid light it could be seen that they were -rudely armed peasantry—scythes, pitchforks and -huge clubs were their chief weapons, and these they -waved aloft with wild cries of defiance. The three -young soldiers felt a true pity for these homeless -and houseless men, and Geoffrey resolved to win -his way through them by expostulation, if it were -possible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Reining up his steed he waited till the gueux -were close at hand, then he thundered out—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Halt there, if you value your lives!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The men uttered derisive cries—yet they halted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Why do you obstruct the King's highway? -make way, or you will rue the day when you strove -to stop six heavily-armed men."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their leader stepped to the front.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You are six in number, are you," he cried, -"and we are ten to one against you! Dismount -from your horses, give them up to us and we will -let you pass," he continued.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Fools!" cried Geoffrey angrily; "do you think -to frighten soldiers with your base threats? Yet I -know that you are poor and starving, and I would -not willingly put you to the sword. Hear me! -On the word of a gentleman I promise you that -if you make way for us I will scatter five gold -pieces among you. Now answer me, and that -quickly!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a moment the men drew together to consider -the offer. But the very mention of "gold pieces" -aroused their base passions and cupidity; perhaps -they thought that fear dictated the generous offer. -Then the leader cried out—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We will have your gold and your horses too; -dismount and we promise you your lives."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey turned rapidly to his men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Two abreast," he cried; "are you ready? -Charge!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then they dug their spurs into their horses' -flanks and, like a thunderbolt, they hurled themselves -into the midst of the seething mob, with a -wild British cheer! Cutting, slashing, hewing, -stabbing, the six trained and disciplined soldiers -passed through their foes as if they had been but -wax dolls or stuffed effigies. In less than a minute -they had won their way, and the path through -which they had passed was strewn with the dead -and dying.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Geoffrey cried "Halt!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The gueux were a hundred yards behind them, -and they showed no inclination to pursue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Is any man hurt?" cried Geoffrey to his party.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Two lads answered—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Only a little blood-letting, sir."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then in God's name let us ride forward," cried -Geoffrey: "we have punished those poor wretches -sufficiently; but they would have it, Heaven pity -them!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>On, on once more into the night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The morn was breaking, streaks of grey light -quivered in the sky and the stars were losing their -brilliance. They were approaching the confines of -Flanders, and as the dawn deepened into day the -watch-towers of Maubeuge came in sight. It was -a frontier town, and in times of peace its barriers -would have been kept by an armed force, not to -be passed till all dues and customs had been paid, -and all questions fully answered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the armed party appeared in view the shrill -voice of a trumpet rang out, and men were to be -seen hurrying to their places of observation. But -the sight of six men in uniform, fully armed, -seemed to render all formalities unnecessary, and -no resistance to their passage was made as the -party rode through the town making no halt in it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sun was rising in great splendour; it shone -upon a scene that cheered the hearts of the horsemen. -All was bright and peaceful, the fields were -yellow with corn and the reapers were everywhere -at work.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, blessed peace!" said William to Ralph; -"who would not sigh for the time when wars should -be no more, when men shall 'beat their swords -into ploughshares and their spears into pruning -hooks'!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>They rode more gently now, for their gallant -steeds were beginning to flag. At mid-day the -towers and spires of Mons came into sight and -the splendid tracery of the glorious Cathedral of St. -Wandru, as it displayed itself against a sky of opal -blue, filled them with admiration.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Reaching the Grande Place, they halted in front -of the Hôtel de la Couronne, and the weary -travellers dismounted. They, as well as their -horses, needed repose, and Geoffrey decreed a -respite of three hours.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>All too soon Geoffrey aroused his comrades, who -had both dined and slept after they had seen carefully -that the needs of their horses had received -attention.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To horse, to horse," cried Geoffrey: "we must -be in Brussels ere nightfall."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once more they were in the saddle, and the bells -of the cathedral tolled the hour of three as they rode -across the bridge of the river Trouille, fresh and -reinvigorated. Their horses had been well cared -for, and they seemed to share the exhilaration of -their riders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On through the pleasant plains of Flanders, -through Jubise, Nivelles, Brise-le-Compte, and -many another small town. They sang, they talked -to their horses and caressed them, and the noble -animals responded to their efforts as they cantered -forwards.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet night was falling ere the noble town of -Brussels was reached; the sweet-toned bells of the -great Cathedral, St. Gudule, were chiming, and -presently they announced the hour—it was eight -o'clock.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The party halted in the Grande Place under the -shadow of the splendid Hôtel de Ville, and Geoffrey -quickly found a comfortable hotel where they could -stable their horses and refresh themselves.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he wended his way to the burgomaster's -house, that he might lodge his demand for six -fresh horses "for the King's service." He encountered -no difficulties, and this business being -accomplished he rejoined his companions at the -Hôtel de Flandres.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The horses were ordered for midnight, when -they would begin the last stage of their long ride; -they would reach Antwerp by daybreak, if all went -well. They had four hours for rest and refreshment, -yet, when they had dined, and ere they -snatched an hour's sleep, the gentlemen of the party -strolled for a brief space in the Grande Place. It -was full of gaily-dressed citizens; and great -lanterns, suspended on poles at intervals, cast a -bright light upon the animated scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here were gallant young Spanish officers, belonging -to the garrison of the city, attracting the -eyes of all beholders by the glitter of their uniforms -and the easy hauteur with which they moved among -the people.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were civic dignitaries in rich flowing -robes, escorting their wives and daughters to an -entertainment which was being given that night by -Margaret, Duchess of Parma, the King's half-sister. -She was paying a brief visit to the city, -where she had spent her childhood; she was soon -to become the Regent of the Netherlands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were groups of monks in the many-coloured -robes of their Orders, Black Dominicans, -White Augustinians and Brown Benedictines.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All sorts and conditions of men were there, and -the young Englishmen watched them with keen -interest. So novel a scene had they never witnessed, -nor so lovely a house as the "Maison du -Roi," which blazed with light in all its windows -on the eastern side of the Place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah, what a house that was! Richly sculptured, -ornamented with armorial bearings, which glittered -with crimson and gold; so splendid that it was -sometimes called "The Golden House." It was -in front of that very house that, eleven years later, -twenty-five Flemish nobles passed to their doom -on the scaffold—it was in the spring of 1568. Two -months later Counts Egmont and Horn were led -forth from that gorgeous abode to perish under -the headsman's axe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was no prophetic vision to foretell these -dread things; and that night, as the young Englishmen -gazed upon it in all its sumptuous beauty, -the wildest imagination would not have dreamt -of so tragic a thing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The eyes of the young men lingered on these -scenes of fascination, and, for a time, they lost the -feeling of weariness and fatigue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Come, boys," cried Geoffrey, as he laid his -hands on their shoulders, "this will not do! The -clocks are chiming for the ninth hour, and at twelve -we have to be in the saddle."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So they retraced their steps to the Hôtel de -Flandres and soon "fell on sleep," perhaps to dream -of gallant courtiers, stout burghers, of civic dignitaries -and the fair ladies of the wondrous city of -Brussels.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The hour of midnight had come, and in the -spacious stable-yard of the hotel six fine Flemish -horses, fully harnessed for military service, awaited -their riders. Nor had they long to wait.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Scarce had the sound of the chiming bells died -down than the six horsemen made their appearance. -Again was a minute examination made of every -part of the equipment, again the men renewed the -priming of their pistols and shook their sword-belts -into position.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Are you all ready?" cried Geoffrey, when all -was finished. And in response to the "Aye, aye, -sir," of the men, the word of command came—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then mount; we ride in pairs till we are clear -of the city, then as before: Robin in front and -Hal behind."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Quietly they rode through the dimly-lit streets -and passed over the river Senne into the open -country. They were on a good road now (the -ancient Roman "street"), which led straight away -to Antwerp, through Mechlin, where they would -make their first halt.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were splendidly mounted and their horses -broke into an easy canter, tossing their long manes -and snorting, as if with joy. Through verdant -plains, through teeming cornfields, through villages -and small towns, onwards they galloped till the -lights of Mechlin came in sight. Presently they -were riding gently through the ancient town, and -the carillon in the lofty belfry of St. Rombaut rang -out the hour of two as they drew rein in the Grande -Place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The city watchmen gathered round them, eager -to do them service as soon as Geoffrey had informed -them that he rode on the King's business. -Corn and water were quickly found for the horses, -wine from some secret store for the men (the hotels -were fast locked for the night), for all of which -things Geoffrey paid with free hand. Thus half-an-hour -was spent, then the horsemen remounted their -steeds and they cantered gaily out of the town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Heigh ho, for Antwerp, our last stage!" cried -Geoffrey, as they rode out into the darkness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So fresh were their horses that they rode now -at full gallop, and the country seemed to fly by -them. A grey light was tingeing the eastern -horizon as they drew near Antwerp, the dawn had -begun as they rode up to the watch-towers of the -fortified town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their approach had been signalled by trumpet -blasts, and a strong body of town-guards awaited -them. The horsemen drew up as the captain of -the guard approached them, and to him Geoffrey -handed his papers as he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"On the King's service!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Everything was <i>en règle</i>, and in a few moments -the great gates were opened and the party entered -Antwerp and proceeded direct to the Quai.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Antwerp was waking up, and already crowds of -men were making their way to the great dockyard -of the city. Sailors of many nationalities were -proceeding to their ships, which lay at anchor on -the broad waters of the noble river Scheldt.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Clinton had provided Geoffrey with a -"King's mandate" addressed to the dock-master, -and the party soon found their way to that functionary's -official residence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Herr Van Luhys, the worthy dock-master, had -not yet opened his doors to the outside world, and -the sleepy watchman gazed with dismay at the six -horsemen who, dismounted, stood at the door asking -for immediate audience. It was not till Geoffrey -had slipped a doubloon into the man's hand that -he consented to awake his master and to convey -a message to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the words "On the King's Service" soon -brought the dock-master into the hall, where the -three Englishmen awaited him. Geoffrey handed -the King's mandate to him, at the sight of which -document Herr Van Luhys bowed low and asked -his early visitors to be seated, while he read the -mandate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The effect was immediate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am the King's servant and loyal subject," he -said: "his commands shall be obeyed. I am bidden -to find you immediate means of reaching Calais, -and to see that your horses are returned to the -Burgomaster of Brussels. By Heaven's good providence -the <i>Santa Trinadad</i>, a swift King's ship, -is in the harbour, and she sails in an hour's time. -I will send word to the captain at once, that six -gentlemen are coming on board his ship, and that -he is to await your presence before he lifts anchor. -Meanwhile, gentlemen, you will break your fast -with me, I trust, if you will do me so great an -honour."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey bowed courteously, and very thankfully -accepted the dock-master's offers of service and -breakfast. They were weary, and their long ride -had made them hungry: an hour could not be -spent more profitably than at Herr Van der -Luhys's breakfast table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their horses were sent under the care of grooms, -hastily summoned, to the stables, and men-servants -began in hot haste to prepare a meal for the dock-master's -guests.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A great table stood in the centre of the hall: soon -it was covered with a fair white cloth, and fish, -flesh and fowl were produced and set out as if -by magic. The honest Dutchman's larder was -evidently well stocked and his cellar was equally -good, for in a trice curious bottles of spirits and -tall flasks, full of wine, were brought forth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Van Luhys sat at table with his guests, and when -the claims of hunger had been somewhat appeased -he plied them with questions. He would fain know -all about the battle and siege of St. Quentin; what -were the King's plans of campaign; where was -the Duke of Guise's army; where was De Nevers; -what great reward was to be given to their noble -compatriot Count Egmont, and many other like -things! And so an hour rapidly passed, so quickly -indeed that a message from the Captain of the -<i>Santa Trinadad</i> came to them almost as a surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The tide was falling, the gentlemen should -come aboard as quickly as possible."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey would have made his adieux, but the -hospitable Van Luhys insisted on seeing his guests -safely on board the ship; moreover, he wished to -introduce them to his honourable friend Captain -Don Gonzaga.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the party rose from table and made their way -through the docks, now become a scene of great -activity. No town in Europe possessed a finer -harbour than Antwerp, and its vast fortifications -were maintained with zealous care: a garrison of -five thousand Spaniards defended them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A walk of a few minutes brought them to the -water-side, where the war-ship floated at anchor. -She was a noble vessel, carrying forty-five guns, -though many of them were of small calibre. Her -decks were crowded with sailors, among whom -Geoffrey noted fifty men-at-arms, wearing glittering -cuirasses and morions and armed with arquebuses -and swords. Many sailors had gone aloft, awaiting -the signal to unfurl the sails and fling out the -royal standard of Spain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the party stepped on board, headed by the -dock-master, Captain Gonzaga advanced to meet -them. He was a young Castilian noble of purest -blood and long descent, and his manners, though -courteous, were tinged with a certain hauteur.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To what happy circumstances am I to attribute -the honour of the company of these gentlemen?" -he said, with a ceremonious bow towards them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I have the 'King's mandate,' honourable Captain, -to see that they are conveyed to Calais with -no delay," said Herr Van der Luhys.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I would fain see the 'mandate,'" replied Don -Gonzaga.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The dock-master bridled up somewhat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is addressed to me," he said, "but I have it -with me and you are welcome to see it;" and therewith -he handed the document to the punctilious -Captain, who hastily perused it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As he read the names of the three gentlemen -therein set forth, he started as he saw that of -Geoffrey de Fynes, and his manner of bearing -underwent a sudden change.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Which of you gentlemen is Mr. Geoffrey de -Fynes?" he inquired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey bowed slightly in reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Of Herstmonceux in the County of Sussex?" -inquired the Captain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My father was Baron Dacres of Herstmonceux", -said Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I welcome you on board my ship," said Don -Gonzaga warmly, as he held out his hand, which -Geoffrey took courteously. "My father was the -Spanish Ambassador at the Court of King Henry -the Eighth," continued the Captain, "and your -father, Baron Dacres, was his bosom friend; I -venture to hope that a like bond may unite their -sons! Now come to my cabin, gentlemen, for in -a few minutes we start for Calais."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then they bade farewell to the worthy Herr Van -der Luhys and followed Gonzaga to his cabin. -It was the "state room" of the ship, luxuriously -furnished.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Make this cabin your own, gentlemen, while -you do me the honour of remaining on the <i>Santa -Trinadad</i>," said the Captain. "And now I must -hasten on deck," he continued; "we are just -moving out," and with a bow he left them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was not long before the Englishmen ascended -to the deck, eager to see the country through which -they were passing. The sun was shining brightly -on the broad, deep waters of the Scheldt as the -noble ship slowly threaded its way out of the -crowded port of Antwerp. Soon the majestic city -faded out of sight, and on each side of the river -a flat and somewhat desolate landscape extended -itself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were broad meadows, reclaimed from the -sea, on which great droves of oxen were pastured; -there were innumerable wind-mills and quaint -Dutch farm-houses. Occasionally a village came -in sight with a metal-sheathed spire rising from -its midst. Soon Flushing was reached, the pilot -was dropped and the vessel was in the open sea, -under full sail.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At mid-day dinner was served in the great mess-room, -and Don Gonzaga introduced his guests to -the officers of the ship.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Spain was the rival with England for the -sovereignty of the sea, and, as a rule, there was -little love lost between the sailors of the two nations. -But now, taking their cue from their young Captain, -the Spanish officers vied in showing -hospitality to their English guests. As the -banquet, for it really deserved the name, came to -a close and the four young men were left alone, -Gonzaga turned to Geoffrey, who sat on his right -hand, and said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Shall I tell you how my father first met Lord -Dacres? He often told the tale to me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>And on Geoffrey's eager acquiescence, he proceeded -to say—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It was in the spring of 1538, and my father -was summoned to a banquet at the King's Palace -at Greenwich. As he crossed Blackheath on foot, -accompanied by a small band of servants, he was -attacked by a strong body of highwaymen. A -desperate fight ensued, and one by one all my -fathers servants fell, and he alone was left, fighting -desperately for his life with his back against a -stone wall. The assassins knew him, and perhaps -they were anxious to take him alive and so claim -a great ransom. Or perhaps his skill with the -rapier saved him, for he was thought to be the -finest swordsman of Spain. His foes called on him -to surrender, but they called in vain, though he -was sorely wounded—a Gonzaga dies but never -surrenders!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"A few minutes more and the tragedy would -have been complete, for my father was growing -faint with loss of blood. But the noise of the -strife was heard afar, and suddenly help came. -With a shout of 'Dacres to the rescue,' six stout -Sussex men attacked the highwaymen in the rear, -and they took to flight. Then your noble father, -Lord Dacres, bound up Gonzaga's wounds, and -his men bore him to Greenwich Palace. His -wounds were not serious, and in a few weeks' time -he had quite recovered from them. And that was -the beginning of a firm friendship between our -fathers, only too soon to end by the tragic event -which all good men will ever deplore."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey was deeply moved as he grasped Don -Gonzaga's proffered hand and shook it warmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I was but a babe," he said, "when my father -perished at Tyburn, but I love his revered memory, -and my one hope in life, above all others, is to see -his honour vindicated!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"May that day soon come!" said Gonzaga.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the four young men returned to the deck, -and at the request of the Englishmen the Captain -took them all over the war-ship, and afterwards -put the crew and the men-at-arms through a smart -drill, in which the wonderful efficiency of the men -excited the Englishmen's admiration.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The voyage was drawing to an end. Ostend -and Dunkirk had been passed, and as evening fell -Calais came in sight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At eight o'clock the ship dropped her anchor in -front of the town, firing a salute in honour of the -flag of St. George, which floated on the bastion. -Then a boat was lowered, and, ere taking their -departure, the Englishmen took an affectionate -farewell of their new friend.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We shall meet again," said Gonzaga.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"At Herstmonceux, I hope," replied Geoffrey, -as they shook hands once more.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Half-an-hour later the young men were in Calais, -and the <i>Santa Trinadad</i> pursued her journey to -Spain, whither she was bound.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch15' class='c004'>CHAPTER XV <br /> <br /> CALAIS</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Calais was a petty fishing village in the tenth -century, and its first appearance in the annals of -history was when Baldwin the Fourth, Count of -Flanders, took it under his fostering care and its -earliest fortifications were built.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Perceiving its natural advantages, Philip of -France, Count of Boulogne, took serious steps for -its defence. A citadel was built, forts were erected, -a lofty watch-tower was constructed on the bastion -fronting the sea, which for centuries was the chief -light-house of Calais. The town was encircled by -strong walls, deep moats were constructed, every -art known to the engineers of that age was -employed, and the town was thought to be -impregnable.</p> - -<p class='c014'>King Edward the Third captured it after the great -battle of Crécy, and it took that warlike monarch -eleven months ere he became master of the town, -chiefly aided by the grim necessities of famine. -It became an English town, and for two hundred -years it had resisted the repeated efforts of France -to reconquer it. The English rebuilt the cathedral -of Notre Dame, whose lofty tower served as a -landmark for sailors. When the sovereigns of England -and France met on the "Field of the Cloth -of Gold," much money was spent on the town by -the English.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Wolsey's keen eye marked the decrepitude of its -walls, and he spent twenty thousand crowns in -strengthening them. Yet vague rumours had -lately gone abroad that its fortifications were tottering -to a fall, undermined by the action of the sea; -that the ancient artillery which defended its walls -was but a vain show, and that its garrison of eight -hundred men was not only inadequate, but it was -untrustworthy from a military point of view. It -had become a kind of depôt for old soldiers, ill -watch was kept, and loose discipline was -maintained.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alarmed by the reports which the Bishop of -Acqs had conveyed to the French Government (all -of which were known by him), Philip took serious -alarm. In hot haste he laid these matters before -the English Government, only to find his reports -to be received with the utmost incredulity. The -two hundred years of almost quiet possession had -begotten a fatal sense of security on the part of the -English.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Again Philip sent to Cardinal Pole, who was the -Queen's chief adviser, offering to garrison Calais -with Spaniards at his own expense; but this offer -was received coldly by the English Government, -whose suspicion of the Spaniard, and of Philip -himself especially, reigned supreme. Then Philip -suggested a greatly increased garrison, of which -one half should be English and the other Spanish. -The offer was refused.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was under these circumstances that the King -had sent Geoffrey, William and Ralph to make -a secret inspection of the town and its garrison. -Their report was to be given to Cardinal Pole himself. -Philip knew that these three young Englishmen -were favourably known to the Cardinal, and -that his eminence would feel sure that their testimony -would be disinterested and reliable.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was under these circumstances that Geoffrey -and his companions landed at Calais on a fine September -evening in the year 1557. The approach -of their boat had been perceived from the watch-tower, -and as it grated on the shore a company of -armed men waited to receive them. The uniforms -of the young men gave assurance to the captain -of the guard, he recognized the blue accoutrements -of the English contingent, now serving with King -Philip. It was therefore with the utmost courtesy -and with military salute that Captain Lascelles -advanced towards the visitors and asked to be -allowed to inspect their papers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We come from St. Quentin as direct envoys -from the King to Lord Wentworth, the Governor -of Calais," replied Geoffrey. "May we ask you to -conduct us to him?" he continued.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Whom have I the honour to address?" -inquired the Captain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Geoffrey de Fynes, William Jefferay, Ralph -Jefferay, aides-de-camp to Lord Clinton, second -in command of the English contingent serving in -France," replied Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Captain Lascelles bowed low.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will conduct you to the Governor's lodgings -in the citadel forthwith," he replied; "but I fear -you will not see Lord Wentworth to-night, he is -entertaining the officers of the garrison to supper."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We thank you for your courtesy, sir," replied -Geoffrey; and the Captain leading the way the -party ascended to the citadel which overlooked the -little town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Through narrow, ill-paved streets, dimly lit, they -proceeded in silence till the plateau was reached -which fronted the gloomy old citadel.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Captain gave the password at the gates, -then he called for Lord Wentworth's major-domo, -with whom he held a brief consultation apart. -Then turning to Geoffrey, he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Castle is very full of guests to-night, yet -the major-domo can give you 'soldiers' quarters' -if you will deign to accept so humble a lodging."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We are soldiers," replied Geoffrey cheerfully, -"we ask for nothing better."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Forthwith the official led them through a long -vaulted passage, lit with oil lamps, from which -they emerged into a large low vaulted room, -roughly but sufficiently furnished with tables and -wooden benches. A great fire-place occupied one -end of the room, and a quantity of firewood lay on -the hearth waiting to be kindled.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Three stone-mullioned windows gave light and -air, and from them the twinkling lights of the -town could be perceived as it stretched itself out -below them. Cressets hung from the walls, and -into one of them the major-domo thrust the blazing -torch he had been carrying.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"By my faith I am sorry to give you so poor -a lodging," said Captain Lascelles; "but to-morrow -the major-domo will be able to do something better -for you. Beyond this room there lies another -exactly like it, but furnished with truckle-beds, -which shall be provided with fresh and clean linen -and blankets for you. And now, gentlemen," he -continued, "may I suggest that you come to my -quarters in the Castle, which, poor as they are, -present a few more comforts than this cold stone -room. Meanwhile, your varlets can light your -fires and help the major-domo to lay your supper—what -say you?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The offer was so kindly made and evidently so -well meant, that Geoffrey at once answered—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Most willingly, sir, and we are greatly your -debtors. Meanwhile," he added, "I have a letter -from Lord Clinton to the Governor, will you -kindly see that it reaches his hand to-night; the -royal mandate from King Philip I must deliver to -his Lordship myself."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It shall be done," said Captain Lascelles; "and -now, if it please you, I beg you to follow me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few steps brought them to the courtyard, and -crossing it the Captain led the way to a flight of -stone steps on the southern side. Ascending these -the party found themselves in front of a strong, -heavy door, on which Captain Lascelles rapped -loudly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A soldier speedily answered the summons and -led the way to his master's quarters, holding aloft -a flaming torch. It was a stone-built room, even -the floor was stone, like every other chamber in -that ancient citadel, but in every other respect it -was luxuriously furnished. Glittering designs in -daggers and poniards of every age adorned the -walls, which were covered with rich tapestries, soft -couches and divans invited to repose, curiously -carved tables and chairs testified to the taste and -elegance of the young Captain of the guard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Be seated, gentlemen," cried Lascelles, as he -sounded a gong and bade his servants bring wine -and refreshment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But are we not keeping you from the Governor's -hospitable table?" said Geoffrey, as the -sounds of arriving guests ascended from the courtyard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Nay," said the Captain, with a laugh; "I am -on duty to-night."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then, in that case, I pray that you will not -let us burden you with our company," replied -Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am free for an hour," replied Lascelles; "De -Courcy, my lieutenant, takes my place."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So they sat down while rich wines were being -poured into silver goblets and toasts were drunk. -Lascelles would fain know all the recent military -news from St. Quentin, of which the world knew -little as yet. He was eager to hear of the King's -present position and his schemes for the future. -On many such points Geoffrey was able and willing -to give information; on others he preserved a -discreet silence, as became a King's envoy sent on -a secret mission.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus an hour flew rapidly by, and then Geoffrey, -pleading fatigue, obtained his host's permission to -withdraw to the quarters assigned to them. There -they found bright fires burning, and a substantial -meal had been provided by the major-domo, with -wines for the gentlemen and small-beer for the -varlets.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The evening was speeding on, and the Englishmen -were about to retire to their truckle-beds, -when an unlooked-for intervention occurred. There -was a knock at the door, then it was thrown open -and a young aide-de-camp, richly dressed, stepped -into the room with the words—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"May it please you, gentlemen, his Excellency -the Governor!" and therewith the Earl of Wentworth -appeared on the threshold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was splendidly dressed, as became a great -noble. He had left his guests for a brief space, -and so was in all the rich attire of the banqueting-room. -Bowing courteously to the young men, he -besought them to take their seats, as he sat down -on one of the rough chairs of the guard-room. -Turning to his aide-de-camp the Governor said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Descend to the courtyard and wait there for -me, take with you the three grooms, and let no -man disturb us."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The envoys were left alone with the Earl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Wentworth was an elderly man of grave -and even majestic mien. As "Lord of the -Marches" he had seen much service in the Border -warfare between England and Scotland; he had -only recently been appointed to the Governorship -of Calais. In quiet and easy tones he addressed -the envoys.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Lord Clinton's letter has just reached my -hands," he said, "and in it he tells me that you are -the bearers of a royal mandate for me from King -Philip. He tells me that the matter is urgent, and -that must be my excuse for disturbing you at this -late hour of the night. I crave your pardon -therein. I shall be glad to read the mandate ere -I retire to rest."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey at once arose, bowed low, and presented -the royal document.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I thank you, young sir," said the Earl. "To-morrow -morning at nine o'clock I ask your company -to breakfast, there is much that you can tell -me which I am very desirous to hear, for Lord -Clinton tells me that you come direct from -St. Quentin. And now I will not detain you -from your rest, you have travelled far and -must needs be fatigued. And so good-night, -gentlemen!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>And therewith the Earl, attended by Geoffrey, -who carried a torch, descended to the courtyard. -Ere the Governor quitted his young companion, -he said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I gather from Lord Clinton's letter that one of -you three gentlemen is Geoffrey de Fynes—are you -he?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, your Lordship," replied Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Then you are of the family of the 'Dacres of -the South,' I presume," said the Earl. "I have -known the 'Dacres of the North' all my life and -I have been honoured by their friendship."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Earl shook hands warmly with -Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I am glad to know you, sir, and to welcome -you to this town of Calais, of which your grandfather -was Governor in the famous year of 'The -Field of the Cloth of Gold,' unless I err?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey bowed acquiescence, and the interview -came to an end.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Soon the six weary travellers sought their -truckle-beds and found solace in sleep.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The morning had come, the Earl and his three -young guests had breakfasted in the great hall of -the Castle. The servants had been dismissed and -the gentlemen sat alone.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Last night," said the Earl to them, "I read -King Philip's letter, and I gather from it that he -wishes me to allow you three gentlemen to make -a thorough, but informal, inspection of the fortifications -and the garrison of Calais. You will carry -your report to Cardinal Pole, and the King -earnestly hopes that the English Government will -remedy whatsoever may be lacking here. His -Majesty's wishes are commands to me, and they -shall be willingly obeyed. Indeed, I am heartily -glad to have this new opportunity of laying our -needs before the Government, to whom I have -written many letters and sent many messengers -in vain. The King is rightly informed respecting -the condition of matters here; it is true we need -more men, more guns, and a greater supply of -ammunition, and our walls are crumbling into -ruin in many important points. Yet I do not fear -any foe, nor do I believe that Calais can fall. I -held Berwick Castle against all the power of Scotland, -with a smaller garrison and with poorer -means of defence!</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But now we will go forth and you shall see for -yourselves how matters stand with us. First, we -will inspect the Castle itself, and I will show you -our magazines. And we go unattended, remembering -that your mission is a secret one. The -garrison is being drilled in the great courtyard at -this moment. You shall see the men under arms."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Governor had ordered a full muster this -morning, and the courtyard presented a scene full -of life and animation when the whole garrison -presented arms as the Earl and his guests made -their appearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The envoys passed between the lines and closely -inspected the men and their equipment. The -review was soon completed, and the men went to -their quarters with a great beating of drums and -blowing of trumpets.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"What think you of them?" asked the Governor, -as he and his guests moved on to the bastions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The envoys consulted together for a brief space, -and then Geoffrey, as spokesman, gave their -opinion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The men were gallant English soldiers, but -they were chiefly old men, some of them surely -past the usual age for men on service. Their -weapons were older still, and the arquebusiers were -astonishingly few in number," such was their -verdict.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Governor sighed as he admitted that the -criticism was just, and he now proceeded to lead -the party to the Castle wall.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Many of the great guns were so old that it would -be dangerous to use them; one wondrous piece of -artillery dated back to the days of Crécy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But others are on their way hither," the -Governor explained. "They were at Dover -waiting for shipment," according to his latest -information.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then a circuit of the fortifications was made, -and it was all too evident that many towers were -crumbling to ruin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Later in the day the Governor took his guests -to the outer walls of the town, the bulwarks of -Froyton and Neslé were visited, Newhaven Bridge -(as it was somewhat curiously named) was -traversed, and they inspected the Risbank and the -great moats. These moats formed a vital point in -the defence of Calais, should the day of trial come, -yet were so ill cared for that some were dry, and -in others the water was so shallow that great mudbanks -displayed themselves in their midst.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was with saddened hearts that the envoys -returned to the Castle, having inspected the sea -walls and the surrounding country as far as -Guisnes and Hames.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The night had fallen, the great gates of the -Castle were closed and the watches were set.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The envoys were the guests of the Governor, and -they sat at supper in the great hall. This was -the noblest room in the Castle, it had been built -by King Henry the Fifth, and it was a worthy -trophy of the Warrior King. Its lofty roof -towered above them, dimly seen by the light of the -great lanterns which hung upon the walls. On -festive nights the iron cressets, suspended at intervals -between the lanterns, were filled with -blazing torches, and over the "high table" hung -handsome candelabra, which on rare occasions -glittered with the light of hundreds of wax candles. -But this was a "low night," and the daïs was -illuminated by lanterns only.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"So to-morrow you leave us," said the Governor, -as the supper being finished they sat over their -wine. "I am sorry that you cannot prolong your -stay, for I would fain have seen more of you, but -I know it is impossible. I will not ask you aught -respecting your report to the Cardinal, but I can -divine what it will be. You tell me that the English -contingent are clamouring for their return -home: ask him to send me but a thousand of those -gallant men and I will pledge my honour that in -Calais the flag of St. George will never give place -to the lilies of France! But above all things -let the help, whatever it may be, come quickly. -I have forgotten what little Latin I ever knew, but -there is an old tag which I learnt at Carlisle -Grammar School which dwells in my memory: -<i>Bis dat qui cito dat!</i>"</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young men were much moved as the veteran -soldier talked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God grant that the Cardinal may listen to us, -and that the Government will heed him," said -Ralph.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But the Cardinal <i>is</i> the Government, for at -this moment he rules supreme in the council, and -the Queen relies implicitly upon his advice," -replied the Governor. "Persuade him and the -thing is accomplished. Calais will stand for -another two hundred years as the brightest gem -in the English crown—Heaven grant it!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"But meanwhile," interposed Ralph again, -"meanwhile, <i>if Guise come</i>?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Our latest advice is that Guise will <i>not</i> come," -answered the Governor; "he has joined De Nevers -and their combined armies are moving into -Picardy: all men say that France will make a -desperate effort to reconquer St. Quentin—and will -make it soon."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is the unexpected which happens," said -Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So they talked till the hour grew late and it was -time to retire. This night they were to occupy the -"Guest chamber" in the Governor's lodging.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"To-morrow, then," said the Earl, as he bade -them a good-night, "to-morrow the tide serves at -ten in the morning, and I have ordered a swift -fly-boat to be ready for you at the quay at that -hour. And now good-night, good-night!"</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch16' class='c004'>CHAPTER XVI <br /> <br /> HOME AGAIN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It was a dull gloomy day, the first day of "chill -October." The envoys stood on the deck of the -fly-ship as she cleared out of Calais harbour, and -they watched the fast-receding vista of the old -English town, the last remnant of the once vast -Continental possessions of the Plantagenet kings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The flag of St. George hung loosely on the -summit of the lofty tower of Notre Dame. The -rain had sodden it, and there was little wind to -throw out its heavy folds.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was much cause why Geoffrey, William -and Ralph should rejoice and be glad. Their -mission was drawing to an end, and all things had -gone happily. They had passed through many -dangers, and a Divine Providence had surely -watched over them. Soon they would be in London, -and a rapturous welcome awaited them at -Gray's Inn!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet these were three patriotic young Englishmen, -and an indefinable oppression weighed down -their spirits as they caught their last view of the -flag of St. George floating over Calais. A prophetic -intimation of evil oppressed their hearts.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had lately been brought into close contact -with the gallant soldiers of France; they had fought -against Montmorency and Coligni; they could -appreciate the desperate valour of a Guise!</p> - -<p class='c014'>How would the worn-out and meagre garrison -of Calais, defending its crumbling walls, withstand -the onslaught of such men?</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, brother," said Geoffrey, as he laid his hand -on William's shoulder, "I fear for Calais!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And I also," said William.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And I," said Ralph, and the hearts of the young -men were heavy within them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But presently the sun broke through a bank of -clouds, and lo! there, right in front of them, were -the white cliffs of dear old England.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy -cometh in the morning."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"God save England!" cried Geoffrey, and they -flung up their caps with joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Soon they were in Dover, and as the evening -came on they were galloping on three stout -horses into Canterbury. They made no stay in the -grand old cathedral city, but rode quickly through -it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At Rochester, where the grim old castle built by -William de Corbeuil frowned upon them, they -halted to refresh themselves and their horses.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On through the night for London!</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were crossing Blackheath at a gentle canter -when a slight interruption to their progress -occurred. It was a moonless night, but the stars -were shining brightly. A small band of horsemen -barred their road, and a rough voice called out -"Halt!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Certainly," cried Geoffrey merrily, as he reined -up his horse, and his sword rattled as he drew it from -its steel scabbard, a proceeding instantly imitated -by his companions. "What is your pleasure, -gentlemen?" he cried. "A merry passage of arms -on the Queen's highway? By all means; you do -us much honour!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the night rufflers had seen and heard enough, -and in a moment they were disappearing in the -darkness. Perhaps they had thought to encounter -three harmless travellers; they had no mind to -display their valour against three soldiers of the -English contingent!</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a loud laugh the travellers galloped on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Soon they were threading their way carefully -through the narrow streets of the suburbs of -London, and they headed straight for Gray's Inn. -They would have gone direct to Lambeth, where -the Archbishop was in residence, but the hour -was unseemly—the night was not yet past.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So they rode to Gray's Inn, where they aroused -the watchmen at the stables, and, like good soldiers, -saw to the needs of their horses ere they cared for -themselves. The day was dawning as they -presented themselves at the great door of the -Treasurer's lodgings and woke up the sleepy night -porter, who was slumbering in his cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Glad was old Robin to see his young masters, -of whom nothing had been heard at Gray's Inn for -many a day. They were neither hungry nor -thirsty, for they had supped well at Rochester; yet -the porter was able to find some wine and bread -for the weary travellers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But their chief need was rest, and they at once -sought their way to their well-known rooms, which -had not been occupied since they left them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They would sleep, they told Robin, for the next -three hours, and at breakfast time they would -present themselves to Sir John and Mistress Susan, -who might be informed of their arrival when they -descended to the breakfast room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, thank God, to be at home once more!" -cried Ralph.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, let us thank Him together," said Geoffrey -gravely, and the three young soldiers knelt in -silence. Then they sought the much needed rest, -and were soon in deep sleep.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was eight o'clock when the sound of the gong -aroused the sleepers, and, after a hasty preparation, -they descended to the breakfast room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah! what a meeting was that.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There stood Sir John, lost in wonder and delight; -there was Susan, clad in some bewitching morning -costume, her long fair hair loosely tied with some -bright ribbons and falling in masses over her -shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My boys, my boys," cried Sir John, as he -embraced them, kissing them on both cheeks, -"welcome home!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then came Susan's turn, and joy shone in her -fair eyes as she kissed them all, Geoffrey not being -excepted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was long ere they could sit down to breakfast, -so much had they to tell and to ask. Eating and -drinking were much too prosaic occupations for -such a time as that!</p> - -<p class='c014'>But there was an air of gravity on Sir John's -face as he presently asked the boys what brought -them home so suddenly; when last he heard of -them they were on service at St. Quentin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Geoffrey told briefly the history of their -special mission, reserving all details for some -future occasion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And now we must hie to Lambeth," said he, -"for our business with the Cardinal is urgent."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You cannot see him until after the hour of ten," -replied Sir John, "when the service in Lambeth -Chapel ends. Until that service is over his -Eminence receives no man. I will send a messenger -to him, informing him of your arrival and -your business, asking for an early audience."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John adjourned to the library, and the letter -was written and despatched immediately.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the whole party met again in that noble -room, and Sir John proceeded to tell the envoys -of the present position of affairs in England.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Queen," said he, "is rapidly failing in -health, and the Romanist party is in grave alarm, -especially at Court, where the greatest gloom -prevails. All eyes turn to the Princess Elizabeth, -who is the hope of the Reformation party, which -is both numerous and strong; already the courtiers -are flocking to Hatfield, where Elizabeth resides.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Cardinal Pole, also, is becoming each day -feebler in body, and his illness is aggravated by -the treatment he has received at the hands of Pope -Paul the Fourth—who has summoned him to Rome -to answer to various charges brought against him, -amongst others the charge of heresy. The Pope -has revoked his Legation, and has appointed -Cardinal Peto as his Legate to England.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Queen sternly resists these papal measures; -she refuses to allow Pole to leave the kingdom, and -she will not allow Peto to enter it. All the ports -are watched, and no messengers from Rome are -admitted to England. Alas! poor Queen," cried -Sir John, "deserted by her husband, and harassed -by the Pope for whom she has done so much, who -would not pity her?</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The fires of Smithfield, and at a hundred other -places, have quenched whatsoever love her subjects -once had for her. They distrust Philip and hate -the Spaniards with so mortal a hatred, that no man -of that race dare appear openly in the streets of -London, and they are fleeing from England in -shoals; our friend Don Diego left last week.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"For Cardinal Pole much popular sympathy -exists. His noble birth and blameless life plead for -him, and the mercy he has shown to many a poor -prisoner is alleged by the people to be the cause -of his present disgrace at Rome."</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the discourse went on till Sir John's messenger -to Lambeth returned; the Cardinal would -receive the envoys at once, and forthwith the young -men rose to obey the summons.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The clocks were striking ten as the envoys -entered the palace of Lambeth; they were conducted -immediately to the Cardinal's presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was busily writing as they entered the audience -chamber. It was plainly furnished; there were -no luxuries, no ostentation here.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He rose to greet them, and, as he did so, his wan -face lit up with a kindly smile. They knelt on -one knee and kissed the hand he extended to -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Welcome, my sons," he said; "you come from -St. Quentin and Calais, Sir John Jefferay tells me, -as envoys from the King."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey bowed low as he handed their credentials -to the Cardinal, among them a letter from -Philip to his Eminence. This letter Cardinal Pole -proceeded to read at once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I perceive," he said at length, "that his -Majesty is greatly concerned respecting the condition -of Calais, and that he sent ye thither that you -might report to the Government the true state of -things in that town."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Geoffrey then presented to the Cardinal a letter -from the Lord Wentworth, in which the urgent -needs of Calais were set forth for the Government's -information. Pole read this carefully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"My sons," he said, "you have been eye-witnesses -of the things of which this letter treats; -now tell me what you have seen; I know that you -are good men and true, and that you will neither -conceal nor exaggerate the needs and condition of -the town of Calais."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Geoffrey proceeded in grave and carefully -considered words to give their report.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He spoke of the weakness in numbers of the -garrison, and of their inefficiency through age and -decrepitude. He set forth the lack of the munitions -of war, the antiquity of the artillery and the means -of defence generally. He described the ruinous condition -of the fortifications, and especially the state -of the moats. And to all this William and Ralph -testified their assent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the Cardinal questioned them on many -points, and the envoys duly replied.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"These things must be remedied, and I will see -Lord Arundel about them to-day," said the -Cardinal. "I hear that the English contingent -return home shortly; it may be possible to induce -some of them to re-enlist for the defence of Calais -under Lord Gray, who knows the town well. At -any rate, I thank you heartily for your report, and -the matter shall be taken in hand at once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Now tell me, when last did you see King -Philip?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Four days since, at St. Quentin," replied -Geoffrey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You must have travelled very quickly," said the -Cardinal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We did not spare our horses, your Eminence," -replied Geoffrey, with a smile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You are brave young soldiers," said Pole warmly, -"and you deserve well of your Queen and country.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I will inform her Majesty of your return to -London, and as I know that she greatly desires to -hear news from St. Quentin, I doubt not but that -she will send for you. Hold yourselves at liberty -to come to Court to-night. If the Queen be -sufficiently well to receive you I will send you a -message to that effect.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And now I bid you 'good-day.' I would fain -detain you longer, but business of State awaits me, -and my time is not my own. Meanwhile you can -prepare for me a written report of the state and -condition of Calais."</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so the good Cardinal dismissed them, and -they hastened back to Gray's Inn.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The evening was closing in, supper was over, -and a happy family party was gathered together in -the library.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To-morrow many friends would join them, to -welcome the return of the travellers; there would be -Don Renard, Sir Philip Broke, the Lord Mayor, -and other distinguished guests; but to-night theirs -was a joy with which "the stranger intermeddleth -not": it was a purely family gathering. Much they -talked of the battle and siege of St. Quentin, much -had they to tell of Egmont, Horn, Montmorency, -and Coligni; but it was the ride through the forest -and the encounter with the "gueux" which held -Susan spellbound. Her eyes were fastened on -the young warriors with irrepressible admiration, -and glistened with love as she listened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the interview of the morning was told, and -the Cardinal's intimation that they might be wanted -at Whitehall that night was not forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this last piece of news Sir John seemed -troubled.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"I foresee," he said, "that the Queen or the -Cardinal will offer you some military promotion -and duty which would do you much honour, and -perhaps delight your hearts. But danger lies that -way.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The Queen's days are numbered—no man -doubts it, and soon the Princess Elizabeth will be -called to the throne. And to stand well with Mary, -to be actively engaged in her service would be -fatal to the statesman, soldier or lawyer when the -new era dawns upon the world."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir John spoke in a low voice, and with extreme -gravity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Remember also, my boys, that we Jefferays -belong to the party of the Reformation; that at this -very moment your father is an exile by reason of -his religious opinions. Therefore I counsel you -to resume your old occupation here, and, for the -moment, to lay aside the sword. The time will -soon come when you may re-consider the matter; -I counsel you to await that hour with patience."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young men looked grave also, for it was in -their hearts that if the Cardinal asked it, they -would offer him their swords in defence of Calais -while there were yet time to save it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this moment that the old major-domo -asked admission to the room; he brought them the -news that a Queen's messenger stood at the door -seeking an interview with his young masters.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The summons to Whitehall had arrived, as the -envoys told Sir John when they had interviewed -the messenger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Go, my boys, go, but remember my advice," -said Sir John, as the family gathering came to an -end.</p> - -<hr class='c011' /> - -<p class='c014'>The journey to Whitehall was soon accomplished. -The Royal Palace was shrouded in gloom; -it was but dimly lit up, for it was not a "guest -night."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas! guest nights were rare events now that the -Queen lay ill; in fact, she had withdrawn herself -from almost all public functions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Palace was strongly guarded, and ere the -young soldiers could gain admittance the officer -on duty demanded the password.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It had been communicated to them by the -messenger, and, strange to say, the word for the -night was "St. Quentin."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their business being ascertained, they were -immediately conducted to the private room occupied -by the Cardinal when he was at Whitehall, -and soon they were ushered into his presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was busily engaged in writing despatches -at a side-table lit by wax candles, nor did he lay -aside his work till the documents were signed and -sealed; then he turned round and faced his visitors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was clad in a plain purple cassock, the only -sign of his exalted rank. His handsome face was -wan and pale. Alas! his health was fast failing, -as all men knew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Welcome, my sons," he said; "the Queen is -anxiously awaiting your arrival, though the hour -grows late; we will go to her at once," and rising -he led the way to the royal apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Various corridors and chambers were traversed; -they were quite empty save for the halberdiers who -kept guard in the palace.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Stay here a moment," said the Cardinal in a -low voice, as they reached a richly furnished ante-chamber, -at the end of which rich curtains hung.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Through these the Cardinal passed; a minute -later he rejoined the envoys, saying—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Her Majesty will see you, weary as she is in -mind and body; follow me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>They entered Queen Mary's boudoir, the two -ladies-in-waiting leaving the room on the Cardinal's -signal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mary was reclining on a soft couch; she rose to -a sitting posture as she saw the young men, and -graciously extended her hand, which they kissed as -they fell on one knee.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was very pale, and there were marks of acute -suffering in her drawn and wasted face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"His Eminence tells me that you are just arrived -in London from St. Quentin; when did you leave -that town?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Four days since, may it please your Majesty," -answered Geoffrey, now standing erect.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Only four days," murmured the Queen; "how -small doth seem the space which separates me from -my lord the King!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>She sighed deeply; then, recovering herself, she -asked—</p> - -<p class='c014'>"How fares his Majesty? did he take part in the -siege?"</p> - -<p class='c014'>"The King is in excellent health," replied -Geoffrey, "and he took an active part in the siege -of St. Quentin."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You saw him there?" inquired Mary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Many times, your Majesty; he was the cynosure -of all eyes as he rode through the flaming streets -clad in splendid armour."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, I know," replied Mary, a wan smile -flickering awhile on her careworn face; "he would -surely be found where duty and danger called -him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, I can call him to mind as he sat on his war-horse, -wearing that wondrous suit of Milanese -armour which becomes him so well. I mind me -that it was in that suit that Titian painted him; I -have a copy of it."</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a moment the Queen mused, then she spoke -again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Under what circumstances saw you the King -in St. Quentin? Methinks he would thrust himself -somewhat recklessly into danger. Did he charge -at the head of his troops?—tell me all."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He was ever found where the fight was hottest," -replied Geoffrey, "and he was greatly concerned for -the fate of the women and children; he had them -conducted in safety out of the city."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh! gallant Philip," murmured the Queen, as -if she spoke to herself, and was unconscious that -others were present. "Go on, I pray you!" she said -aloud.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"He was greatly concerned for the safety of the -cathedral, and he ordered the English contingent -to see that it suffered no injury," continued -Geoffrey. "While the siege was hotly proceeding -he ordered the monks of the cathedral to convey the -relics of St. Quentin, which lay enshrined there, to -his own tent outside the town."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Queen was greatly moved, and she beckoned -the Cardinal to her side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"You hear, father?" she whispered to him. -"Sometimes I have thought that you misjudged the -King, that you did not fully estimate his fervent -piety, nor know how easily his noble heart was -ever open to the cry for mercy, how full it was -of tenderness and pity!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>Poor Mary, poor infatuated Queen!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly she put her hand to her side as a spasm -of pain seized her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Tell Lady Howard to come hither," she said to -Pole, "and to bring with her my strongest -essences."</p> - -<p class='c014'>This being done, the Queen seemed to recover, -and she would have made further inquiries of the -envoys, but the Cardinal intervened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Will your Majesty pardon me?" he said; "the -hour grows late, and these gallant young soldiers -can wait on you to-morrow; I fear that your -Majesty is exerting yourself too much."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Scarcely with these words had the Cardinal persuaded -Mary, but he had further arguments at -command.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"It is the hour for Vespers, your Majesty, and -Father Petre awaits us in the oratory."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Yes, you are right," replied the Queen, with -sudden willingness; "let us offer to Heaven our -thanks for this blessed news from St. Quentin, ere -my strength fail me."</p> - -<p class='c014'>The interview ended as it began; Mary extended -her poor wasted hand, and the envoys knelt to -kiss it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They never saw Queen Mary again.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch17' class='c004'>CHAPTER XVII <br /> <br /> THREE CLOSING SCENES</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='sc'>Scene I</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It was the last day of the year 1557, and it closed -amid storm and tempest. The old town of Calais -was enshrouded in gloom, the lanterns which dimly -lit the streets had one by one gone out under the -combined influence of a howling wind and a heavy -rain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the citadel alone was there light and active -life, for the Lords Wentworth and Gray were that -night seeing "the old year out and the new year -in," after the customary English fashion; there was -feasting and merriment within the old Castle walls -and the gay uniforms of the officers of the garrison -flashed and glittered as they moved about amid the -Governors guests.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Out in the darkness Captain Lascelles was relieving -the guards and setting the night watches; his -men carried lanterns, which they endeavoured to -shroud from the blasts of the tempest by the folds -of their great military cloaks. The men had -reached the strong town gate which guarded the -western approach from Sangatte and Hames. A -belated English sailor was vainly clamouring for -admission.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Fools," he shouted, "let me in, or you will rue -the day. I have a matter of life and death to -report to your Captain."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Whereat the guards laughed aloud.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Captain Lascelles arriving at this moment -ordered the gate to be opened and the man to be -brought before him, and this was quickly done.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"And now, my man, tell me your wondrous -news," said Captain Lascelles incredulously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"For your ears alone, Captain, I beg of you," -replied the sailor, and the pair stepped apart. "I -come from Sandgate to-night and the place is full -of armed men, they are occupying all the roads, -and when to-morrow dawns you will find Calais -invested on all sides by a French army."</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Are you sober, my man?" asked the Captain, -as he threw the light of a lantern on his features.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Oh, Captain, it is God's truth," said the sailor, -"and I can tell you even more. I mixed with some -of these men, and in the darkness they did not -discover that I was a foe. They told me that they -were the advanced corps of a great army under the -Dukes of Guise and De Nevers."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lascelles was convinced, the deep earnestness of -the sailor dispelled all doubt from his mind. He -called his lieutenant to his side, and in a few words -told him the fateful news.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"Take six of your best scouts, De Warenne," -he said, "we must verify the truth of this man's -statements, though in good sooth I doubt them -not. Be wary and watchful lest you fall into -the hands of the enemy; when you return come -to me at the Castle, I take this man thither at -once."</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he summoned his sergeant and bade him -take immediate steps to double the number of -guards at all the gates of Calais. Ten minutes -later he had reached the Castle, and in reply to -his urgent message the Governor gave him instant -audience.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Wentworth heard the Captain's report with -utter incredulity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"We know," he said, "that De Nevers is marching -into Luxembourg, and Guise is in Picardy; -the thing is absurd and impossible. It is now -nearly midnight, and I will not disturb the peace -and happiness of my guests, who will soon be -leaving the Castle. But, meanwhile, warn the -whole garrison that daybreak must find them under -arms," and therewith he rejoined his guests.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The hours of night passed slowly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Before the dawn of day Lascelles had visited -every outpost and the forts of Froyton and Neslé.</p> - -<p class='c014'>De Warenne had not returned, but at many of -the gates the country people were assembling in -frightened groups, begging for admission into the -town. Their report was in every case the same—Guisnes, -Sangatte, and Hames were beset by a host -of armed men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"De Warenne and his men have fallen into the -hands of the foe, and this is the beginning of woe -and disaster," said Captain Lascelles to himself, as -the first streaks of day appeared in the sky and -the drums of the garrison broke into furious -uproar calling all men, and even all citizens, to -arms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was the first day of January 1558. Ah, what -a "New Year's Day" was that for England!</p> - -<p class='c014'>All around Calais lay a great host of Frenchmen, -and the banners of Guise and De Nevers -revealed the fact that the young Duc, the hope of -France, was there in person, eager to wipe out -the disgrace of St. Quentin. Everywhere the -French were throwing up batteries and bringing -up their artillery, their first point of attack being -the forts of Froyton and Neslé.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the guns of the citadel opened fire, and -few and feeble as they were their deep roar filled -the air and shook the old houses of the town to -their foundations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Wentworth and Gray were everywhere, haranguing, -cheering, and encouraging their men. Gray -was a famous engineer and, with his own hands, -he aimed and fired the best guns the citadel possessed, -doing evident execution upon the batteries -in course of construction by the foe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus an hour flew by, it was broad daylight -now and the rain and storm of the preceding -night had ceased. Suddenly the French batteries -began to play upon the fortresses on the city -walls, and the uproar of war was increased -tenfold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at once perceived by the garrison that -Guise possessed very powerful battering-trains, for -which their poor artillery was no match. And -though Lord Gray had brought a reinforcement of -two hundred men to the garrison of Calais, no -artillery had been sent by the Government.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the unequal duel went on throughout the -day, with a roar so deafening that it was heard -both at Antwerp and at Dover. The very heavens -seemed to be fighting against England, for there, -at Dover, was a great train of artillery waiting -for transit to Calais. But the winds were fiercely -contrary, and not an English vessel could put to -sea.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The darkness of night did not stay the conflict, -for the French artillerymen had got their "mark -and distance," and the fierce cannonade never -ceased.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At daybreak on January 2nd, the Duke of Guise -stormed the forts of Froyton and Neslé in overwhelming -force and carried them. On the next -day Newhaven Bridge and Risbank surrendered, -and henceforth all the strength of Guise's thirty-five -great guns was directed upon the town and -the castle. There was no rest, day or night, for -the besieged garrison, each hour brought their -inevitable destruction nearer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was on the fifth day that a great breach in the -citadel was effected, and then came the final -struggle in which Captain Lascelles fell at the -head of his troops; the victorious foe overwhelmed -the defenders in irresistible force and the French -flag was planted on the walls of the citadel!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Castle of Guisnes still held out under Lord -Gray, but on the eighth day of the siege it was -captured, and with it went Hames.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lords Gray and Wentworth were taken prisoners -and were held to ransom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus fell Calais after two hundred and ten years -occupation by the English, and thus England lost -the last rood of its once vast Continental -possessions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Few of the garrison survived the siege, the -tremendous cannonade slew most of them, and -when the town and citadel were stormed by the -French every foot of ground was fiercely contested -until the streets of the town and the ramparts of -the Castle were choked with the dead and dying. -It is stated that only fifty prisoners were made.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a day and a night Calais was the prey of -the ruthless soldiery, neither age nor sex was -spared.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The town possessed little wealth; twenty-four -hours sufficed for the seizure of all that it had -to yield.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On January 10 the Dukes of Guise and De Nevers -entered the town in all the panoply of war, and -thenceforth all disorder ceased and the French -began to repair the shattered walls with desperate -haste.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Five days later King Henry the Second visited -his latest conquest, and the French army was -delirious with joy and enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The flag of France floated majestically from the -grey towers of the Castle, never to be replaced by -the flag of St. George.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='sc'>Scene II</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>On November 17, 1558, Queen Mary died. -Philip came not to England; by the hand of the -Count de Feria he sent a message and a ring to -his dying wife.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A truer friend to the hapless Queen than Philip -lay dying at Lambeth—Cardinal Reginald Pole.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Within the period of the dawn and sunset of the -same day Mary and her noble kinsman died, and -the courtiers passed in crowds from Whitehall to -Hatfield.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A new era was dawning for England—"the -night was departing, the day was at hand!"</p> - -<p class='c014'>How the bells of the many churches in London -clanged with joyous notes as Queen Elizabeth -entered her capital!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The youth of the nation, all that was noblest, -best and greatest thronged her passage as she -wended her way through the gay streets. All that -pageantry could devise, all that devoted loyalty -could prompt, greeted the brilliant young Queen as -she passed to the royal apartments of the Tower to -await her coronation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The first act of Queen Elizabeth was to release all -religious prisoners, and forthwith multitudes of -refugees returned from the Continent. Among -these were William Jefferay and the Vicar of Chiddingly, -and there was joy at Gray's Inn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was another reason for rejoicing among -the family of the Jefferays. This very year of -1558, by a short Act, Parliament restored Geoffrey -de Fynes "in blood and honours," and he took his -seat in the House of Peers as Baron Dacres.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet another reason for joy arose when the young -Queen promoted the Treasurer of Gray's Inn to the -Bench of Judges and Sir John was created Baron -Jefferay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And when it pleased Elizabeth to call William -and Ralph to Court, and to make them "Gentlemen -of the Queen's Guard," their happiness was -complete.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='sc'>Scene III, and Last</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>Chiddingly once more</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>The spring has come, it is the month of April in -the year of grace 1559.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Manor House at Chiddingly is thronged -with guests from all parts of Sussex, and the little -village is gay with floral arches and flags.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The bells of the church have been ringing at -intervals all this lovely spring day, and the -villagers are assembling in such numbers that the -sacred building cannot contain them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Would you know the reason of the happiness -which beams on the face of every man, woman and -child in Chiddingly?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here is your answer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Forth from the Manor House comes a noble -company, they are walking to the church in long -procession. There are Pelhams, Nevills, Howards, -De Fynes, and many another great Sussex family -represented there. And there comes the bridegroom, -for this is a wedding. Ah! we know him, -the brave young soldier who has proved his -courage on the tented field, and by his side walk -William and Ralph, his brothers-in-arms. It is -Geoffrey de Fynes, now Baron Dacres of Herstmonceux.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And presently the great dames of the noble -families here represented come forth, and among -them we espy one whom we know full well. It is -Susan!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Oh, how sweet she looks in her bridal attire, -and how supremely happy, as she takes the arm of -her father and walks forward to the church!</p> - -<p class='c014'>They enter it and there, awaiting them at the -altar, stands the good Vicar of Chiddingly, looking -little the worse for his year's banishment from his -parish. Then the young couple stand together -before him, and the solemn service proceeds which -is to make them man and wife.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It is over, the bells "gush out in merry tune," -the rustics make the welkin ring with their shouts, -and the noble couple retrace their steps to the -Manor House, the bride leaning upon the bridegroom's -arm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>"<i>O, ter felices ambo!</i>"</p> - -<p class='c014'>There we leave you, possessed of all the happiness -that earth has to bestow.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>EPILOGUE</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>In Chelsea old parish church there may be seen -an altar-tomb of such marked beauty that Dean -Stanley once declared that Westminster Abbey -contained only three finer. It is dedicated to the -memory of Geoffrey, Lord Dacre and his wife.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the west side is the following inscription—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c017'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Quos ardens amor juvenilibus annis</div> - <div class='line'>Abstulit atra dies—mors inopina rapit.</div> - <div class='line'>Ille prior fatis Dacrorum nobile germen</div> - <div class='line'>Occidit, in morbum ast incidit ilia prius</div> - <div class='line'>Quæ languescendo miseræ prætædia vitæ</div> - <div class='line'>Sensit, tam dulci conjuge cassa suo,</div> - <div class='line'>Ut teneri cordis concordia junxerat ambos</div> - <div class='line'>Sic idem amborum contegit ossa locus.</div> - <div class='line'>Quos jungit tumulus conjungant cœlica tecta</div> - <div class='line'>Ut tensant coelum qui tenuere fidem.</div> - <div class='line'>Nobilis iste Vir Nobilis iste Mulier</div> - <div class='line'>Obiit Sept. 25, 1594 Obiit Maii 14, 1595."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>The following is a free translation—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c017'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>"Those whom in youth love joined, death's day of gloom</div> - <div class='line'>With little warning sank into the tomb;</div> - <div class='line'>He, Dacre's seed, first yielded to the blow,</div> - <div class='line'>She lingered on in weariness and woe;</div> - <div class='line'>Their hearts responsive beat till life's calm close,</div> - <div class='line'>Together here the bones of each repose,</div> - <div class='line'>United by one grave,—in faith they lie,</div> - <div class='line'>One blissful meed awaits them in the sky."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>In Chiddingly Church there exists a noble monument -to the memory of Sir John Jefferay, Lord -Chief Baron of the Exchequer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He died full of years and honours in the year -1578.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='large'>PUBLICATIONS</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>OF</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'><i>The Society for Promoting</i></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'><i>Christian Knowledge.</i></span></div> - <div class='c000'>——:o:——</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>By GERTRUDE HOLLIS.</span></div> - <div class='c000'><b>Illustrated. 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Legends for -Children. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>HERBERT TRESHAM. A Tale of the Great Rebellion. -1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>LENT LEGENDS. Stories for Children from Church -History. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>SHEPPERTON MANOR. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>STORIES FROM HEATHEN MYTHOLOGY AND GREEK -HISTORY. For the use of Christian Children. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>STORIES OF THE CRUSADES: I. De Hellingley II. -The Crusade of St. Louis. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>TALES ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE APOSTLES' CREED. -2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>TALES OF CHRISTIAN ENDURANCE. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>TALES OF CHRISTIAN HEROISM. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THEODORA PHRANZA; or, The Fall of Constantinople. -2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE EGYPTIAN WANDERERS. A Story of the Great -Tenth Persecution. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE FARM OF APTONGA. A Story for Children of the -Times of S. Cyprian. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE FOLLOWERS OF THE LORD. Stories for Children -from Church History. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>VICTORIES OF THE SAINTS. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By FREDERICK HARRISON, M.A.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Large Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>BY PLUCK AND LUCK. A Story of Adventure. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>DE MONTFORT'S SQUIRE. A Story of the Battle of -Lewes. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>"ENGLAND EXPECTS." A Story of the Last Days of -Nelson. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>"1779." A Story of Old Shoreham. 5<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>FROM PLAYGROUND TO BATTLEFIELD. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>RUPERT DUDLEIGH. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE BOYS OF SPARTAN HOUSE SCHOOL. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>WITHIN A YEAR. A Story of the Siege of Acre. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<hr class='c011' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By EDITH COWPER.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>ANDREW GARNETT'S WILL. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>BESSIE. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>CALDER CREEK. A Story of Smuggling. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>LADY FABIA. A Story of Adventure on the South Coast -in 1805. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>LEO LOUSADA, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>MISADVENTURE OF I. M. P., THE. A Story for Little -Girls. 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>RED, WHITE, AND BLUE; or, Dick's Enemy. 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THEKLA JANSEN. The Story of a Lonely Girl. 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE "BROWN BIRD," AND HER OWNERS. A Story -of Adventure off the South Coast. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE CAPTAIN OF THE WATERGUARD. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DAVID PENDARVE. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE HOUSE WITH DRAGON GATES. A Story of Old -Chiswick in 1745. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE INVADERS OF FAIRFORD. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE ISLAND OF RUSHES. The Strange Story of a -Holiday Mystery. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE MOONRAKERS. A Story of Smugglers. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE WITCHES OF WESTOVER COMBE. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>TWO GIRLS AND A SECRET. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By EMILY PEARSON FINNEMORE.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>DAHLIA PEPLOE'S REAPING. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>JOHN DOBBY'S BETTER NATURE. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>MARY LOUISA QUAYNE. A Belated Love Story. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>MEG'S FORTUNE. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>MRS. GROOM'S LEGACY. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>SEPTIMA. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE MARK OF CAIN. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE ORDEAL OF SUSANNAH VANTHAM. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE POSTWOMAN. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>UNCLE ISAAC'S MONEY. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By W. H. G. KINGSTON.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>MICHAEL PENGUYNE. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>NED GARTH; or, Made Prisoner in Africa. A Tale of -the Slave Trade. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>OWEN HARTLEY; or, Ups and Downs. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>SUNSHINE BILL. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE CRUISE OF THE "DAINTY." 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE FRONTIER FORT; or, Stirring Times in the North-West -Territory of British America. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE GILPINS AND THEIR FORTUNES. A Tale of -Australia. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE LOG HOUSE BY THE LAKE. A Tale of Canada. -1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE MATE OF THE "LILY." 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE SETTLERS. A Tale of Virginia. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE TWO SHIPMATES. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE TWO WHALERS. 1<i>s.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By W. C. METCALFE.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Large Crown 8vo. With Coloured Illustrations. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>BLOWN OUT TO SEA. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>DICK TRAWLE, SECOND MATE. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>FRANK AND FEARLESS; or, Adventures amongst -Cannibals. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>GRIT AND PLUCK; or, The Young Commander. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>ICE-GRIPPED; or, The Tomboy of Boston. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>OCEAN CHUMS. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE MYSTERY OF THE "ALBATROSS." 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>YOUNG SALTS. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By G. MANVILLE FENN.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Illustrated. Cloth Boards, 5<i>s</i>. each.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>NEPHEW JACK. His Cruise for his Uncle's Craze.</p> -<p class='c018'>THE OCEAN CAT'S-PAW. The Story of a Strange Cruise.</p> -<p class='c018'>CHING, THE CHINAMAN, AND HIS MIDDY FRIENDS.</p> -<p class='c018'>JACK AT SEA.</p> -<p class='c018'>NED LEGER: The Adventures of a Middy.</p> -<p class='c018'>PLANTER JACK; or, The Cinnamon Garden.</p> -<p class='c018'>THE PERIL FINDERS.</p> -<p class='c018'>THE SILVER SALVORS; or, Treasure Found and Lost.</p> -<p class='c018'>THE VAST ABYSS. Being the Story of Tom Blount, his -Uncles, and his Cousin Sam.</p> -<p class='c018'>UNCLE BART. The Tale of a Tyrant.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><b>New Editions. Cloth Boards, 3<i>s</i>. 6<i>d</i>. each.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>GIL, THE GUNNER; or, The Youngest Officer in the East.</p> -<p class='c018'>MASS' GEORGE; or, A Boy's Adventures in the Old Savannahs.</p> -<p class='c018'>SAIL HO!; or, A Boy at Sea.</p> -<p class='c018'>TO THE WEST.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By F. FRANKFORT MOORE.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>CORAL AND COCOANUT. The Cruise of the Yacht -"Firefly" to Samoa. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>FIREFLIES AND MOSQUITOES. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>FROM THE BUSH TO THE BREAKERS. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE FATE OF THE "BLACK SWAN." A Tale of New -Guinea. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE "GREAT ORION." 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE TWO CLIPPERS. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>TRE, POL AND PEN. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>WILL'S VOYAGES. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By B. MARCHANT.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>A BRAVE LITTLE COUSIN. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>ATHABASCA BILL. A Tale of the Far West. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>DARLING OF SANDY POINT. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>HIS GREAT SURRENDER. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>REDWOOD RANCH. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>ROLF THE REBEL. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE DEPUTY BOSS. A Tale of British Honduras. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE GHOST OF ROCK GRANGE. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE HOUSE AT BRAMBLING MINSTER. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE MYSTERIOUS CITY. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE WESTERN SCOUT. 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>YEW TREE FARM. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By MRS. HENRY CLARKE, M.A.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards.</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>A VILLAGE TYRANT. 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>HONOR PENTREATH. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>JAMES GODFREY'S WIFE. 3<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>JENNIFER'S FORTUNE. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>MATTHEW PARKYN. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>REUBEN THORNE'S TEMPTATION. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>ROSCORIA FARM. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE COPLESTONE COUSINS. 2<i>s.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By HARRY COLLINGWOOD.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Crown 8vo. Illustrated. Cloth Boards</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>DICK LESLIE'S LUCK. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>JACK BERESFORD'S YARN. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE CRUISE OF THE "ESMERALDA." 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE HOMEWARD VOYAGE. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE PIRATE SLAVER. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>GEOFFREY HARRINGTON'S ADVENTURES. With -coloured Illustrations. 5<i>s.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>By AUSTIN CLARE.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>A LOCAL LION. The Story -of a False Estimate. 3<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>ANOTHER MAN'S BURDEN. -2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>ANOTHER PAIR OF -SHOES. A Northumbrian Story. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>BY LANTERN LIGHT. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>OUT OF THE NET or, The Change in Robert Holt. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>STANDARD BEARERS. A Story of Church Defence. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE CARVED CARTOON. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>THE ROYAL BANNER. A Tale of Life before and after Confirmation. -2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>TWO WAYS OF LOOKING AT IT. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>UNDER THE DOG STAR. A Tale of the Borders. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE ROMANCE OF SCIENCE.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'><i>Post 8vo, with numerous Illustrations, cloth boards.</i></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><b>CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN ITS BEARINGS ON NATIONAL WELFARE.</b> -1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>COAL, AND WHAT WE GET FROM IT.</b> By Professor <span class='sc'>R. -Meldola</span>, F.R.S., F.I.C. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>COLOUR MEASUREMENT AND MIXTURE.</b> By Sir <span class='sc'>W. de -W. 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Perry</span>, M.E., F.R.S. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> -net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>TIME AND TIDE: A Romance of the Moon.</b> By Sir <span class='sc'>Robert -S. Ball</span>, Fourth Edition, revised. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE MACHINERY OF THE UNIVERSE. Mechanical Conceptions -of Physical Phenomena.</b> By Professor <span class='sc'>A. E. Dolbear</span>, A.B., -A.M., M.E., Ph.D. 2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE STORY OF A TINDER-BOX.</b> By the late <span class='sc'>C. Meymott -Tidy</span>, M.B., M.S. 2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF WORLDS.</b> A Lecture by -the late Professor <span class='sc'>A. H. Green</span>, M.A., F.R.S. 1<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE NEW STATE OF MATTER.</b> By Professor <span class='sc'>H. Pellat</span>, -Translated by <span class='sc'>Edmund McClure</span>, M.A. 1<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE PRESSURE OF LIGHT.</b> By <span class='sc'>J. H. Poynting</span>, Sc.D., F.R.S. -2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE SPLASH OF A DROP.</b> By Professor <span class='sc'>A. M. Worthington</span>, -M.A., F.R.S. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>TURBINES.</b> By Engineer-Com. <span class='sc'>A. E. Tompkins</span>, R.N. -3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>NATURAL HISTORY.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><b>ANIMAL KINGDOM, THE.</b> Illustrated in twenty-seven coloured -plates containing several hundreds of species. The letterpress -by Dr. <span class='sc'>Zwanziger</span>, of Fuerth, translated from the original -German text by <span class='sc'>Gerard K. Gude</span>, F.Z.S. Large 4to, half -cloth, 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BIRDS (AMONG THE).</b> By <span class='sc'>Florence Anna Fulcher</span>. Crown -8vo., cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BIRDS (A CHAPTER ON). Rare British Visitors.</b> By <span class='sc'>R. -Bowdler Sharpe</span>, LL.D., F.L.S. With 18 beautifully coloured -Plates. Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BIRDS (BRITISH) IN THEIR HAUNTS.</b> Being a Popular -Account of the Birds which have been observed in the British -Isles, their Haunts and Habits, their systematic, common, -and provincial Names. By the late Rev. <span class='sc'>C. A. Johns</span>. With -16 coloured Plates and numerous Woodcuts. Post 8vo, cloth -boards, 5<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BIRDS (SKETCH BOOK OF BRITISH).</b> By <span class='sc'>R. Bowdler -Sharpe</span>, LL.D., F.L.S. With coloured Illustrations by A. F. -and <span class='sc'>C. Lydon</span>. Crown 4to, cloth boards, 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> -net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BIRDS' EGGS (BRITISH).</b> Described and Illustrated with 20 -coloured Plates, by <span class='sc'>A. F. Lydon</span>. 4to, cloth boards, 5<i>s.</i> -net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BOTANY.</b> By the late Professor <span class='sc'>R. Bentley</span>. Revised by -<span class='sc'>G. S. Boulger</span>, F.L.S., F.G.S. Illustrated. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, -1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS. In Romance and Reality.</b> By -<span class='sc'>W. F. Kirby</span>, F.L.S., F.E.S. With 28 coloured Plates and -other Illustrations. Small 4to, cloth 5<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>EDIBLE AND POISONOUS MUSHROOMS: What to eat and what to avoid.</b> By -<span class='sc'>M. C. Cooke</span>, M.A., LL.D. With 18 coloured Plates of 48 species. -Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>FERN PORTFOLIO (THE).</b> By <span class='sc'>Francis G. Heath</span>. With 15 -Plates, elaborately drawn, life-size, exquisitely coloured from -Nature. Cloth boards, 6<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>FLOWERS IN THEIR NATURAL COLOURS AND FORM (BRITISH -WILD).</b> Text by the Rev. Professor <span class='sc'>Henslow</span>, M.A., F.L.S., -F.G.S. With over 200 coloured Illustrations drawn from, -and of the size of, the natural plant. Large crown 8vo, cloth -boards, 8<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>FLOWERS OF THE FIELD.</b> By the late Rev. <span class='sc'>C. A. Johns</span>, -B.A., F.L.S. (33rd Edition). Revised by Professor <span class='sc'>G. S. -Boulger</span>, F.L.S., F.G.S. With Portrait and Memoir of Author. -With numerous Woodcuts, also 64 coloured Plates by -<span class='sc'>Grace Layton</span>. Large crown 8vo, cloth boards, 6<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>FOREST TREES OF BRITAIN (THE).</b> By the late Rev. <span class='sc'>C. A. -Johns</span>, B.A., F.L.S. Post 8vo. With 16 Plates taken direct -from Nature by Photography, giving the Natural Colours, and -150 Woodcuts, cloth boards, 6<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>OUR NATIVE SONGSTERS.</b> By the author of "Wild Flowers." -With 72 coloured Plates, 16mo, cloth boards, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>POISONOUS PLANTS IN FIELD AND GARDEN.</b> By the Rev. -Professor <span class='sc'>Henslow</span>, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S. With numerous -Illustrations. Small post 8vo, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>ROMANCE OF LOW LIFE AMONGST PLANTS: Facts and -Phenomena of Cryptogamic Vegetation.</b> By <span class='sc'>M. C. Cooke</span>, -M.A., LL.D. Post 8vo, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>ROMANCE OF THE SEA (THE).</b> <span class='sc'>Its Fictions, Facts, and -Folklore.</span> By <span class='sc'>Fred Whymper</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth boards, -2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>SELBORNE (THE NATURAL HISTORY OF).</b> By the late Rev. -<span class='sc'>Gilbert White</span>, M.A. Arranged for Young Persons. With -Map and numerous Woodcuts. Post 8vo, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>WHERE TO FIND FERNS.</b> By <span class='sc'>Francis G. Heath</span>. With -numerous Woodcuts. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, 1<i>s.</i> net.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>UNIFORM LIBRARY EDITION OF MRS. EWING'S WORKS.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c019'><i>Crown 8vo, half cloth, 1s. 4d. each, net; or complete in a case, 25s. -net.</i></p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. I. contains—"Melchior's Dream," "The Blackbird's Nest," -"A Bit of Green," "Friedrich's Ballad," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. II. contains—"Mrs. Overtheway's Remembrances," "Ida," -"Mrs. Moss," "The Snoring Ghost," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. III. contains—"Old-fashioned Fairy Tales."</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. IV. contains—"A Flat Iron for a Farthing."</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. V. contains—"The Brownies," "The Land of Lost Toys," -"Three Christmas Trees," "An Idyll of the Wood," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. VI. contains—"Six to Sixteen." A Story for Girls.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. VII. contains—"Lob Lie-by-the-Fire," and other Tales, -"Timothy's Shoes," "Benjy in Beastland," "So-So," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. VIII. contains—"Jan of the Windmill."</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. IX. contains—Verses for Children, Songs for Music, and -Hymns. With numerous Illustrations.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. X. contains—"The Peace Egg," "A Christmas Mumming -Play," "Snapdragons," "Old Father Christmas," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XI. contains—"A Great Emergency," and other Tales, "A -very Ill-tempered Family," "Our Field," "Madam Liberality."</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XII. contains—"Brothers of Pity," and other Tales of Beasts -and Men, "Father Hedge-hog and his Neighbours," "Toots -and Boots," "The Hens of Hencastle," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XIII. contains—"We and the World," Part I.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XIV. contains—"We and the World," Part II.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XV. contains—"Jackanapes," "Daddy Darwin's Dovecote," -"The Story of a Short Life."</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XVI. contains—"Mary's Meadow," and other Tales of Fields -and Flowers.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XVII. contains—Miscellanea, including "The Mystery of the -Bloody Hand," "Wonder Stories," "Tales of the Khoja," etc.</p> -<p class='c018'>Vol. XVIII. contains—"Juliana Horatia Ewing and her Books," -with a Selection from Mrs. Ewing's Letters.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>ILLUSTRATED</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><b>SOME WONDERFUL THINGS IN THE CATECHISM.</b> By <span class='sc'>Edward -W. Osborne</span>, D.D., Bishop of Springfield, U.S.A. Cloth -boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>OUR WONDERFUL FAITH.</b> Paper for Children on the Apostles' Creed. -By <span class='sc'>Edward W. Osborne</span>, D.D. Cloth bds., 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> -net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>OUR WONDERFUL CHURCH.</b> A Book for Children. By -<span class='sc'>Gertrude Hollis</span>. Cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>OUR WONDERFUL PRAYER-BOOK.</b> By <span class='sc'>Gertrude Hollis</span>, -4to, cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>CHURCH FASTS AND FESTIVALS.</b> Short Papers for Young Children, by -the Right Rev. <span class='sc'>E. Osborne</span>, <span class='sc'>Maud Carew</span>, &c. Small 4to, -cloth, 2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>PICTORIAL CHURCH TEACHING.</b> Papers for Young Children, by the -Right Rev. <span class='sc'>E. Osborne</span>, <span class='sc'>E. M. Blunt</span>, <span class='sc'>Maud -Carew</span>, &c. Small 4to, cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE LAND WHERE JESUS LIVED.</b> By <span class='sc'>Gertrude Hollis</span>, -4to, cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>HOW THE KING OF GLORY CAME.</b> By <span class='sc'>May Cochrane</span>. -Small 4to, cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>GENTLE JESUS.</b> A Book for His little Children. By <span class='sc'>Gertrude -Hollis</span>. 4to, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>HYMNS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN.</b> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Alexander</span>. -Small 4to, paper boards, 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE CHILDREN'S PICTURE BIBLE.</b> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>C. D. Francis</span>. -Twenty-four coloured Plates and numerous Illustrations in -black and white. Fcap 4to, cloth boards, 4<i>s.</i> net, or in two -volumes, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>BIBLE PICTURE BOOKS. The Old Testament Story. The Gospel Story.</b> -Two volumes, each containing sixteen large coloured Pictures, and black -and white Illustrations. Demy 4to Pictorial paper boards, each -1<i>s.</i> Cloth boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> In one volume, cloth -boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE SCRIPTURE PICTURE BOOK. Old Testament.</b></p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE GOSPEL PICTURE BOOK.</b> Small 4to, cloth, each 1<i>s.</i> -In one volume, cloth boards, gilt edges, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>ILLUSTRATED</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><b>THE LITTLE ONE'S WOOD BOOK. An indestructible Picture -Book for Infants.</b> 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>LA FONTAINE'S FABLES. Selected Fables with movable coloured -pictures.</b> Paper boards, 2<i>s.</i> net.</p> -<p class='c018'><b>SELECT FABLES FROM LA FONTAINE.</b> Illustrated by <span class='sc'>M. B. -de Monvel</span>. Cloth, 6<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>FIVE MINUTES' STORIES.</b> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Molesworth</span>, Coloured -Illustrations. 4to, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>FRIENDS WITHOUT FACES. A Fairy's Rebuke to Vanity.</b> -Written and Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Harry Furniss</span>, Fcap. 4to, paper -boards, 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>GRIMM'S HOUSEHOLD STORIES.</b> Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Dorothy -Furniss</span>. Fcap. 4to, paper boards, 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>LEAVES FROM A BABY'S LOG BOOK.</b> Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Blanche -Handler</span>. 4to, paper boards, 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>NURSERY RHYMES. Being Mother Goose's Melodies</b> arranged -by <span class='sc'>Charles Walsh</span>. Cloth, 1<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>NURSERY RHYMES AND FABLES.</b> Sixty Illustrations by -<span class='sc'>W. J. Morgan</span>. Paper boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>PICTORIAL RHYMES AND VERSES.</b> With Drawings by <span class='sc'>M. -Edwards</span>. 4to, paper boards, 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>PICTURE BOOK OF ANIMALS.</b> By the late Rev. <span class='sc'>C. A. Johns</span>. -Small 4to, cloth, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE BELLS OF LONDON TOWN.</b> Coloured Illustrations by -<span class='sc'>Gordon Browne</span>. 4to, paper boards, 2<i>s.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT.</b> Coloured Illustrations. By -<span class='sc'>M. Edwards</span>. Paper boards, 6<i>d.</i></p> -<p class='c018'><b>THE LUCKY DUCKS.</b> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Molesworth</span>. Coloured -Illustrations. Small 4to, cloth boards, 2<i>s.</i></p> -<hr class='c011' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE</div> - <div><span class='small'>LONDON: NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - <ul class='ul_1 c002'> - <li>Transcriber's Notes: - <ul class='ul_2'> - <li>Unbalanced quotation marks were left as the author intended. - </li> - <li>Typographical errors were silently corrected. - </li> - <li>Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent when a predominant form - was found in this book; otherwise it was not changed. - </li> - </ul> - </li> - </ul> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of In the Days of Queen Mary, by -Edward Ebenezer (Edward E.) 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