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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 58755 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Cover art]
+
+
+
+
+[Frontispiece: Astbury found himself looking into the black muzzle of a
+great horse pistol.  Frontispiece] [page 102.]
+
+
+
+
+
+A LOST LEADER
+
+_A TALE OF RESTORATION DAYS._
+
+
+BY
+
+DOROTHEA TOWNSHEND.
+
+  "And I but think and speak and do
+  As my dead fathers move me to."
+                      R. L. STEVENSON.
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY HAROLD PIFFARD
+
+
+
+  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. & J. B. YOUNG AND CO.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+CHAPTER
+
+  Prologue--"Under which King?"
+  I. Vae Victis!
+  II. A Noble Enemy
+  III. The End of a Regicide
+  IV. The Pleasant Isle of Avès
+  V. Hidden Worth
+  VI. An Old Acquaintance
+  VII. Fate at Work
+  VIII. The Queen returns to Hunstanton
+  IX. A Precious Thing discovered late
+  X. Escape
+  XI. A Candid Minister
+  XII. The Ghost of Hunstanton Place
+  XIII. A Visionary
+  XIV. Fate's Sequel
+  Notes
+
+
+
+
+
+A LOST LEADER.
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+"UNDER WHICH KING?"
+
+One December evening, in the year 1648, the little town of Farnham
+showed unusual signs of life.  Troopers were dismounting and leading
+their horses away to their stables, or were lounging at the doors of
+the houses where they were quartered, and a crowd of curious country
+folk and villagers gathered to stare at them, and even to put questions
+to the more affable-looking of the steel-coated soldiers.
+
+The press was greatest round the entrance of a house of the better
+class that stood back from the street with all the dignity that a
+flagged forecourt and a couple of high brick gate-pillars could lend it.
+
+There the sentries, who were stationed at the door, had some ado to
+keep back the curious throng, and many a sturdy country farmer
+shouldered his way into the house in the wake of his squire to catch a
+glimpse of his king, the ill-fated King Charles, who was to rest that
+night at Farnham on his last journey from the prison at Hurst Castle to
+the scaffold at Whitehall.
+
+"Be there no chance of seeing his blessed Majesty this even, Master
+Clarke?" whispered an old woman, clutching the arm of a good-natured
+neighbour.
+
+"No, dame, no, he be a-going to his supper, folks say, and they won't
+let none into his parlour but gentry, save these here lobsters as go
+where they please, and hold themselves as good as gentlefolk, rot 'em!"
+
+These uncomplimentary remarks were not said in a loud enough tone for
+the sentry to overhear, but they gave great satisfaction to the old
+woman who nodded agreement, and wiped her eyes with her apron.
+
+"Do'e think now they'll let us get a sight on him in the morning?" she
+quavered.
+
+"Ay, ay, they can scarce stop it; he must needs pass out this way to
+come to his horse.  But I reckon they must feel mighty vexed to see how
+the folk press to get a sight on him, God bless him."
+
+"God bless him, and bring him safe out of their wicked hands," echoed
+the old woman, as she turned to hobble home.
+
+Within the house, the hall and passages were thronged with servants and
+visitors, most of whom made no secret of their loyal sorrow at seeing
+their king brought among them as a prisoner.  The officers who formed
+the escort appeared, however, to trouble very little about the
+sentiments of the crowd, and from good nature or contempt went about
+their own affairs, allowing the country squires and their wives to show
+their loyal devotion in any fashion they pleased.
+
+In the panelled dining-parlour the supper-table stood ready, prepared
+for one guest only, but the room was as yet only lit by the fading
+gleams of the winter sunset and the dancing flames of the fire.  The
+group of officers and visitors who were gathered round the hearth,
+spoke to each other in low tones as they glanced with looks of
+curiosity, and even covert amusement, at two gentlemen who stood in the
+recessed window, in earnest talk.
+
+But a boy who stood near the door watched all with no amusement in his
+face.  He stood erect, grave, watching with his serious untroubled
+childish eyes the great things that were passing before him.  A bright,
+eager boy, whose brown hands one would think fitter to hold a top than
+to caress the hilt of his new sword; a boy young enough to be proud of
+his position, proud of his soldier's dress; to whom life was a very
+interesting but a very simple matter.  He looked with a child's awe at
+the two men in the window, and they were worthy of his gaze.  The
+slender, slightly bowed figure in the velvet coat and blue ribbon, with
+soft curls that flowed from beneath a plumed hat, the sad eyes, the
+regular features only marred by a look of weakness and almost
+peevishness about the mouth; the boy had seen them all often enough in
+pictures, but to-day he stood for the first time in the presence of a
+king, of King Charles the First of England.
+
+Before the king stood an equally picturesque personage, although at
+first sight you hardly noticed the features or colouring that went to
+make up the gallant figure of the man.  It was the erect, proud
+bearing, the vivid life, the eagerness of a high-strung nature, now
+controlled by the courtesy due to his companion.  His buff coat and
+crimson sash were like those worn by the boy, and the velvet cap he
+carried in his hand left uncovered curls as brown; but instead of the
+childish calm of the boy's hazel eyes, the older man's glance now
+flashed with the fire of an eagle, now glowed with the exalted
+enthusiasm of a poet.  It was no wonder that the boy watched him with a
+look of dog-like adoration that scarcely spared a glance for the king
+himself.  Young Dick's king stood before him in truth, and his name was
+not Charles Stuart but Thomas Harrison.
+
+"Show us thy new sword, Dick," whispered a young cornet, whose laughing
+eyes danced in very unpuritanical fashion.
+
+Dick moved forward, and the firelight gleamed on the slender blade as
+he held it out.
+
+"By my faith, a rare bit of steel!  And how many king's men hast thou
+skewered with it?"
+
+"None, sir," answered Dick, seriously.  "My uncle hath only let me use
+the foils hitherto."
+
+"Wise uncle!" laughed the other.  "He would not expose even our
+deadliest enemies to the blow of such a paladin.  But, hark 'ee, Dick,
+dost know the king hath sent for thine uncle to make him a duke?"
+
+"No, no," broke in another young soldier, "'tis not a duke; he is to be
+sworn of the king's privy council, and have the Garter."
+
+Dick looked gravely at the laughing speaker.
+
+"It would be good if the king would make Uncle Tom a councillor," he
+said.
+
+"Well said, boy," chimed in an older man.  "If his Majesty took Major
+Harrison's counsel, our cause were won; but the stars will go
+withershins ere that come to pass."
+
+The faces of the younger men changed, and one answered soberly enough--
+
+"You say too true, captain."
+
+Their voices were subdued lest they should reach the king's ears; but,
+respectful as was the bearing of all the members of the group by the
+fire, they clearly split into two halves: on the one hand, the officers
+of the escort who were teasing the boy, and on the other, a group of
+gentlemen, some wearing the conventional ribbons and laces of a
+cavalier, others in the rough cloth of country wear, stained with the
+mud of country lanes, while the master and mistress of the house moved
+from one guest to another, evidently nervous at the doubtful honour
+that such a royal visit had brought to their roof.
+
+The lady turned to one of the king's gentlemen-in-waiting with a
+whispered word--
+
+"I scarce hoped, Mr. Herbert, to see his Majesty in such pleasant
+spirits, for methinks his condition could scarce be more dolorous."
+
+"Faith, madam," answered Mr. Herbert, "he bears each new change of
+fortune with the dignity of a king and the resignation of a saint.  But
+I make no doubt that the sight of these your loyal neighbours whom you
+have called in, and the very blessings of the poor folk in the street,
+are somewhat of a balm to his heart, also I cannot deny that those
+gentlemen"--looking over at the officers--"have used us very civilly
+during the day's ride; methinks his Majesty finds himself more at ease
+with them than with those crop-eared parliament men and their
+preachers."
+
+"I marvel, nevertheless, to see his Majesty expend his gracious word on
+such a rebel as that Major Harrison.  We have heard strange and
+horrible things concerning him, and that he has even dared to plot
+against his Majesty's most sacred life!"
+
+"'Tis for that reason, madam, that the king made an occasion to speak
+with him," answered Mr. Herbert.  "He was pleased to say, to-day, when
+Major Harrison was riding behind him, that his aspect was good, and not
+as it had been represented to him, and I am assured that his Majesty
+did desire some discussion with him to try what his sentiments may
+truly be."
+
+They stood in silence watching the strange interview between the royal
+prisoner and his republican guardian; but no word of the conversation
+reached their ears, till, in answer to some word of the king's,
+Harrison said very vehemently--
+
+"Sir, I abhor the very thought of it."
+
+The king's sad face brightened with a look of surprise and pleasure,
+and his manner towards the soldier took on an indescribable air of
+gracious dignity.  But Harrison's expression did not respond; he
+continued to speak with grave, almost severe earnestness, and the
+surprise with which the king heard him quickly froze into a look of
+offence, and then abruptly his Majesty dismissed Major Harrison with a
+slight inclination of his head, and came forward to the supper-table;
+while Harrison, with a silent greeting to his friends by the fire,
+called Dick, and left the room.
+
+Their horses were in waiting outside, and for a few minutes they rode
+in silence through the gathering twilight towards their lodging.  Then
+Major Harrison spoke.
+
+"Dick! the king even now asked me whether we do intend to murder him."
+
+"To murder him?" echoed the boy, in horror.
+
+"Ay, to murder him.  There are some here that have whispered him that
+we wait to slay him privily, as we go to London!  I told him, Dick, I
+did abhor the very thought of it."  An indignant sincerity rang in his
+voice.  "Nevertheless, I told him roundly that the law is equal for
+great and small, and justice hath no respect of persons.  The blood of
+Englishmen hath been poured out like water at the word of this man, it
+crieth out against him unto God; the Cause needeth not the aid of any
+secret assassin; he shall render his account in public unto the high
+court of Parliament."
+
+"But what can the parliament do to the king?" asked the boy, lowering
+his voice, as if the very stones in the road might cry out against the
+thought he did not venture to speak plainly.
+
+"Do justice," said Harrison, with a sudden fire in his voice that made
+the boy's blood leap in response.  "Justice in the name of the Lord to
+whom kings and peoples are but dust in the balance.  The Lord hath
+owned us by marvellous victories, and the Cause is His, His day of
+reckoning is at hand, and Charles Stuart shall answer unto Him and His
+saints for the men he hath slain."
+
+"But can they--dare they--touch the king?  He is not as other men,"
+hazarded the boy.
+
+"Ay, will they," replied Harrison, sternly.  "And if they hang back,
+the army will see to it that the work is done.  In the face of the sun,
+in the eyes of all the world, shall the great deed be accomplished."
+
+"The deed?" whispered the boy, with dilated eyes, "the judgment?"
+
+"The execution," answered Harrison, solemnly, dropping his right hand
+on his thigh, and turning in his saddle, till he faced directly towards
+his nephew riding beside him.  "And, Dick, if it be so ordained, and
+the people of England do justice on their king, thou shalt stand by my
+side, and share in my service.  Thou hast set thine hand to the plough,
+boy, and art a partaker in our great work.  See thou look not back.
+Forget it not, thou art pledged to secure the just liberties of the
+people of God to live and to die for it."
+
+"Ay, uncle," answered Dick, earnestly; and the hand of the older man
+reached across in the darkness, and the boy laid his in it in the
+solemn clasp and pledge of fidelity.
+
+"Nevertheless," went on Major Harrison, his voice rising to deeper
+earnestness, "it may so fall out that it may go hardly with the people
+of God; we may yet have to suffer hard things; but bear in mind, Dick,
+we must be willing to receive hard things from the hands of our Father,
+as well as easy things.  Shall not the Lord do with His own what
+pleaseth Him?  Therefore be cheerful in the Lord your God; hold fast
+that you have, and be not afraid of suffering, for God will make hard
+and bitter things sweet to all those that trust in Him.  If I had ten
+thousand lives I would freely and cheerfully lay them all down to
+witness in this matter.  Many a time have I begged of the Lord that if
+He had any hard thing, any reproachful task, or contemptible service to
+be done by His people, that I should be employed in it, and blessed be
+God I have the assurance within me that He will put such a service upon
+me.  But whether I die or live, do thou go forward, and do valiantly as
+the friend of Christ, and may the Almighty Father carry thee in His
+very bosom."
+
+He ended as they drew rein before the farmhouse where they were to pass
+the night, and the boy, thrilled and awed, had no voice to answer, but
+the grasp of his uncle's hand, and the memory of his uncle's words
+remained with him, as a consecration of his new life as a soldier, and
+moulded his doings and beliefs for all his life after.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+VÆ VICTIS!
+
+                    "'Is there any hope?'
+  To which an answer peal'd from that high land,
+  But in a tongue no man could understand;
+  And on the glimmering limit far withdrawn
+  God made Himself an awful rose of Dawn."
+                        TENNYSON, _Vision of Sin._
+
+
+It was October in the year 1660.  The bonfires that had welcomed the
+Merry Monarch back to his father's throne were scarcely cold, the
+clamour of the joy-bells had hardly ceased, and London was still in a
+half-frightened, half-rapturous state of excitement.  Everything was
+new; the better part of the people had never even seen a king, and now
+they had the daily sight of a live king, and a couple of royal dukes
+besides, walking about the streets and feeding ducks in the parks like
+ordinary human beings.  The tension in men's minds suddenly gave way.
+To the winds with high-flown theories of government and religion, with
+ideals, and standards, and rules, and covenants!  Let us all be
+comfortable, and hang any one who might trouble our holiday!
+
+This popular fear of agitators who might disturb the rule of the Merry
+Monarch chimed in very well with the feelings of the old cavaliers, who
+felt that heavy amends were due to them for the sorrows and hardships
+of the last twenty years, and no doom could be too awful for the
+murderers who had laid sacrilegious hands upon the sacred person of the
+king.  With relentless activity they hunted down the audacious rebels
+who had dared to send Charles the First to the scaffold, and few were
+so fortunate as to escape the fate decreed for a regicide.
+
+Yet, full as London was of hopes and fears, of mad gaiety and black
+despair, the October day was as sweet and still as any day of any
+autumn; the late roses blossomed as of old in the gardens of the
+Strand, and vine-leaves wreathed the citizens' with their wonted
+coronals of ruby and gold.
+
+An upper chamber above a mercer's shop in Watling Street was decked
+with all the pride of city housewifery; the pewter dishes on the
+sideboard shone like silver, and the marigolds and lavender in a great
+beaupot on the window-sill filled all the pleasant chamber with autumn
+fragrance.  The room was that of wealthy people, and the rich silk gown
+and cobweb lawn of a lady who lay huddled up in the corner of a great
+settle were such as city matrons loved to wear.  She was a plump and
+comely woman enough, but her soft brown hair was disordered, and her
+dainty cap awry; her eyes were closed, and her face white with the
+exhaustion of one who has wept till she can weep no more.
+
+Near her stood the boy who had buckled on his sword eleven years
+before, to escort King Charles from Hurst Castle to his doom; a boy no
+longer, but a tall and handsome young man, with the bronzed complexion
+and alert eyes of one who has seen service.
+
+He hesitated as he looked down at her; had she for an instant forgotten
+her sorrows in the sleep of exhaustion?  But even as he paused, she
+opened her eyes and sprang to her feet, crying--
+
+"What news, nephew--what news?"
+
+"The worst," answered Dick, gloomily.  "They are in haste to accomplish
+their work; he dies in two days' time."
+
+She stared at him with dilated, half-comprehending eyes; he took her
+hands and drew her down gently to sit beside him on the settle.  He
+paused, trying to steady his voice.
+
+"It did not trouble him," he began; "indeed, General Harrison did seem
+to me to be as ready to break forth into thanksgiving as ever I have
+seen him on a battlefield when his enemies were put to flight.  He bade
+me--my uncle bade me--say to you that to-day is as joyful to him as his
+marriage-day.  He was borne up in a very ecstasy as it seemed to me,
+and when the judges railed on him for his share in the death of the
+king, he told them his conscience was clear, for in what he did, there
+was more from God than men are aware of.  And when he said further that
+what was done, was done in the name of the parliament, which was the
+only lawful authority, for that the generality of the people in
+England, Scotland, and Ireland had owned it by obeying it, and foreign
+States by sending embassies to it, they were cut to the heart and
+desired to silence him."
+
+Dick's voice failed suddenly; what use to torture the unhappy wife of
+the regicide with the story of his trial and condemnation?  He could
+not convey to her the intrepid composure, the exulting pride with which
+Harrison justified the deed for which he was arraigned.  Mrs. Harrison
+asked no question, she did not even answer his words; for a moment she
+doubted if she had heard him; but then she spoke: spoke with a calmness
+that startled him till he realized that she dreamt even yet that her
+husband might escape, and was too completely absorbed in devising
+schemes for his deliverance to have time to realize her own misery or
+measure her own powerlessness.
+
+"Dick," she exclaimed, putting her hands to her temples, "I cannot
+think; I am half mazed without him, who always thought for me.
+Consider!  I am very sure there are some we can move to help us!  Count
+over your friends; there must be some one with a heart of flesh left in
+all England!  General Monck loved you well once, though he wrote so
+wickedly counselling Oliver Cromwell to be very severe unto my beloved
+one when they threw him into prison at Portland.  But what is a prison!
+A prison was ever to him the gate of heaven.  Move but General Monck to
+have him cast once again into prison, and I will pray for him till my
+dying day!  They say that blasphemer, Harry Marten, will but be
+imprisoned; why should my saint have a harder fate?  Oh, let him but
+live, and though I never set eyes on him more, I shall be a happy
+woman!"
+
+"Dearest madam," he said tenderly, "it is, indeed, of no avail to turn
+to Monck or to any in power.  How can they forget that he of all men
+yet alive was most forward in the death of Charles Stuart; and he has
+but now justified his share in it.  Whomsoever they let escape, they
+will never loose their hold on him.  Not the new king himself could
+help us."
+
+"Not even the king," she repeated dully; "nay, I know not if the king
+be merciful; but," she cried, suddenly starting up, "it hath come back
+to me; there is one near to the king who may be our advocate--Prince
+Rupert!"
+
+Dick stared at her, aghast.
+
+"Nay," she said, with a desperate smile, as she read the doubt in his
+face, "I am not distraught.  God forgive me, I could well-nigh wish I
+were, so I might escape the knowledge of this misery.  But, listen to
+me," she went on, with sudden self-control.  "When Prince Rupert
+surrendered Bristol to the Parliament army, your uncle was among the
+officers who waited with General Cromwell at the port of the fort for
+his coming out, and waited on him to Sir Thomas Fairfax.  And the
+prince had much discourse with Major Harrison, for so your uncle was
+then, and when he bade him farewell he gave him a gallant compliment,
+saying he never received such satisfaction in such unhappiness, and
+that if ever it were in his power he would repay it."
+
+"But consider, madam, that was long years since.  In good truth, 'tis
+madness to build any hope on such a compliment."
+
+"Hope!" she shrieked.  "I have no hope--no faith!  I have nothing left
+in my bosom but despair!  I am not worthy to be wife to a martyr.  When
+he was with me I could be courageous with his courage, and catch the
+fashion of his heroic patience.  Lacking him I lack all!  Why did he
+not die when he was so sore wounded at Appleby!  Cruel woman that I was
+to nurse him back to life for this!"
+
+"But, dearest aunt, you saved him for many years of good service, and
+many valiant deeds."
+
+"Ah, and I would have saved him yet again if he would but have listened
+to me.  Do you mind, Dick," she went on, in a calmer tone, as her
+memory wandered back to happier days, "do you mind how I foresaw these
+evil times were at hand, and how I entreated him to flee?  Do you mind,
+last spring, when that letter came from New England from excellent
+Master Perrient, how I prayed him to hearken to it?"
+
+"Ay," answered Richard, humouring her quieter mood, "I mind well how he
+wrote, not knowing but that Richard Cromwell was yet Lord Protector,
+and how he said, if my dear uncle found no freedom for his religion in
+England, that there was a safe refuge in the Rhode Island Plantation,
+and the Lord's people there could serve him as their conscience did
+direct."
+
+"And do you mind how Mr. Goffe, being then with us, said, 'He is a good
+man, and gives good counsel, and to my mind it were no hardship even to
+flee into the woods and dwell among the savage Indians, so we might
+have liberty to serve the Lord'!"
+
+"Ay, and some folk say Mr. Goffe is indeed fled thither."
+
+"Alas, alas! and did I not kneel and entreat my dearest husband to heed
+the words of those good men if he would not mine?  How happy we might
+have been, even in a hut among the savages!  And you, too, Dick," she
+said tenderly, "you would have liked well to follow Master Perrient's
+leading; and my dear husband was ready to have you go, seeing all he
+and Sir Gyles Perrient had set their minds upon for your happiness."
+
+"Oh, think not of my matters," interrupted Richard, almost sharply.
+"How could I have left him?  And how could we be urgent to him to fly
+when we could not know what extraordinary impulse one of his virtue or
+courage may have had on his mind?  Forget not how he did answer to your
+entreaties, saying that he would not stir a foot, nor turn his back as
+though he repented he had been engaged in that great work, or were
+ashamed of the service of so glorious and great a God!  We could not
+seek to change such a resolve."
+
+"Ah, you are content to see him die!  You men can satisfy your hearts
+with fine words, and so be that you can call it heroic or courageous,
+or so forth, you care naught, naught!  That all comes of the evil men
+you fell among when you went north in the army of false General Monck.
+They it was who seduced you from the good old cause in which my dearest
+husband reared you up so faithfully.  When you went to Scotland first,
+you and he were of one mind, one heart, but when you came hither again,
+your head was stuffed full of worldly wisdom and time-serving devices,
+talking of a Lord Protector instead of the glory of God, and hand and
+glove with that cruel Cromwell who did throw my saint into prison!
+Your heart was turned from those that reared you, and given to their
+enemies!  And now you can stand by unmoved and see him you once loved
+haled to prison and death!"
+
+"No, no, dearest madam," cried Dick, "you know in your own heart you do
+me injustice.  What did it matter that in these latter days I did not
+share General Harrison's faith in the Fifth Monarchy being presently
+established, nor sit with him to hear Mr. Rogers' sermons? never did he
+find me backward in the day of battle, and that you, who tended my
+wounds, can yourself testify.  'Tis more than ten years back I swore to
+him to live and die for the just liberties of the people of England,
+and by God's help I have kept the vow.  And as in the field, so at
+home, you know well, my love and reverence for him came little short of
+idolatry."
+
+"Yes, yes," she murmured abstractedly; "who could fail to love him? so
+valiant and so goodly to look upon, so tender unto his friends, and to
+me his poor wife, and ever was the inward joy in his bosom breaking
+forth in praises to God--and yet"--turning wildly on Dick--"yet you
+will let him die!  You are as hard as the nether millstone!  Dick, do
+not shake your head, you must go!  You must force Prince Rupert to hear
+you.  He can--he shall be saved!  Cruel! you will not refuse me!"--and
+she flung herself on her knees in agony.
+
+"Madam, dearest aunt, this passion is indeed needless.  I will do all
+you desire; but cherish not these wild hopes, they will but plunge you
+into deeper sorrow.  Think rather that his passage to heaven, though
+sharp will be short; arm yourself with that confidence that already
+gives him a foretaste of the joys of the blessed."
+
+Richard's eyes were raining tears as he raised the poor lady from the
+floor, but no persuasion could change the idea that was fixed in her
+mind.
+
+"Go, go!" she cried, "there is no time to lose; inquire out the
+prince's lodging and make him hear you.  Even the unjust judge was
+moved by importunity to pity a widow, and am not I in worse case than
+she?"
+
+With a heavy heart Dick left the unhappy lady, and set out on what he
+knew was a hopeless errand.  But this was not the first, nor the
+second, time that his love for his adopted mother had driven him to do
+what his feelings and common sense equally rebelled against, for the
+kind and rather foolish lady was but an echo of her husband's stronger
+nature; and Dick no longer followed General Harrison as his sole leader.
+
+When the boy first left his father's house to become a member of his
+uncle's family, Harrison at once became the object of his youthful
+adoration.  Handsome in person, gracious in manner, point device in
+dress, the brilliant officer lived in an ideal world, in which he
+believed all his companions were as simple-minded and heroic as
+himself.  The sturdy independence he inherited from an ancestry of
+English tradesfolk and yeomen made him cherish the ideal of an English
+republic with religious fervour, while, whether leading a prayer
+meeting or heading a cavalry charge, his inspiring enthusiasm carried
+away all who were near him.  No wonder that the boy saw with his eyes
+and heard with his ears and modelled himself as nearly as he could on
+the ideals of his hero; and when Colonel Harrison signed the warrant
+for the king's execution, the boy was as convinced a regicide as any of
+the judges whose names were written beside that of Harrison on the
+fatal parchment.  Never a doubt nor a scruple entered Richard's mind,
+even on that memorable thirtieth of January, when on the scaffold at
+Whitehall the King--
+
+  "Bowed his comely head
+  Down, as upon a bed."
+
+The boy had learned his uncle's lessons too thoroughly to dream of pity
+or remorse.
+
+It was a complete change when, with his head full of Utopian dreams,
+"more of an antique Roman" than an Englishman, Dick was sent off to
+serve under General Monck in the army that was to administer as well as
+to garrison Scotland.  The boy came out of Plutarch into modern life,
+or out of Paradise into common day.  His character was naturally more
+logical and less high strung than that of his hero; and as the stern
+realities of life claimed the attention of the young soldier, the
+ecstatic glories of his uncle's visions faded from his mind, his work
+absorbed and satisfied him, and he forgot to dream of ideal republics,
+or even of the Celestial City, in the practical interest of helping to
+conquer and to govern Scotland.
+
+But when he returned home on flying visits, he found to his dismay that
+his uncle's visionary hopes were growing instead of fading; and from
+desiring a merely republican England, General Harrison had begun to
+dream of a theocracy as complete as that of the early Jews, and to look
+forward to the immediate inauguration of an earthly Reign of the
+Saints, under the sceptre of Christ Himself, as the Fifth and last of
+the great monarchies of the world.  Although General Harrison's strong
+personal fascination and unselfish ardour still commanded his nephew's
+affection and even admiration, the young man's irreverent common sense
+could not help viewing these new Fifth Monarchy opinions held by his
+uncle and his uncle's friends as fitter for Bedlam than for the pulpit
+or the parliament house.  But when the Restoration brought the king's
+men upper-most, and General Harrison was arrested and carried to the
+tower, all differences were forgotten, and Dick saw in his uncle the
+first martyr to die for his share in defending the liberties of
+England.  He accompanied Harrison's heart-broken wife up to her
+childhood's home in London, and waited with her during the slow months
+that crept on to the inevitable end.
+
+He had hoped that the consolations of her minister, or the calm of
+despair, might have brought to her some amount of resignation; but now
+this wild trust in the power of Prince Rupert had suddenly inspired the
+poor lady with a crazy vehemence.  Even if he had not known her hopes
+were vain, his proud spirit would have rebelled against crying for
+mercy to a German soldier of fortune!
+
+"It is worse than folly," he muttered; "it is disgrace to drag General
+Harrison's name in the dust with fruitless entreaties.  We did the
+great deed, and we abide by the consequences.  Even could we say we
+repented, there yet were no mercy to hope for; but we do not repent!
+Were it to do again, we should not flinch.  The poor flesh may
+shrink----"
+
+He stopped short, with the irrepressible agony of realization.  Death
+was easy enough to face among the high enthusiasms of the battlefield;
+but here, in the city, where the busy world was eating and drinking and
+making money among these sordid surroundings, what radiance of a
+celestial city could flash from opened gates to support a victim
+through a torturing death?  Could faith win a victory even here?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A NOBLE ENEMY.
+
+  "He was a stalwart knight and keen,
+  And had in many a battle been;
+  * * * *
+  His eyebrow dark, and eye of fire,
+  Show'd spirit proud and prompt to ire;
+  Yet lines of thought upon his cheek
+  Did deep design and council speak."
+                                      SCOTT.
+
+
+Richard reached Whitehall, and inquired his way to Prince Rupert's
+lodging in the Stone Gallery, still half dazed with the rush of
+conflicting thoughts.  Then he controlled himself, and knocked; and not
+till he heard that the prince was indeed arrived in London did he
+realize how heartily he had hoped that his search would be in vain.
+
+He found with some surprise a negro boy, the only attendant in waiting
+in the ante-room.  He had imagined that a royal ante-chamber must be
+thronged with courtiers and suitors, and his shy pride was relieved to
+find the way was at least not barred by gilded grooms-in-waiting, or
+fashionable loungers.  The boy greeting him with a flash of white
+teeth, made no formality over admitting an entire stranger, but at once
+introduced him into a little book-closet on the ground floor, where a
+gentleman was busily engaged in unpacking folios from a great sea
+chest; and as he turned to receive the visitor, Dick, to his
+inexpressible relief, saw a face that had been familiar to him in
+Scotland.
+
+"Zounds!  Captain Harrison," cried the gentleman, merrily, "are you the
+first swallow that heralds a summer?  I swear you are the first visitor
+that has crossed the threshold since we landed yesterday, and I thought
+you were anchored in Edinburgh.  But all men meet in London!  Well, and
+are you come to crush a cup with me in memory of the merry days we had
+in Old Reekie?"
+
+"Nay, Mr. Cowth, it is as a suitor I come," began Harrison, rather
+awkwardly.
+
+"A suitor!  'Tis admirable!" cried the lively youth.  "Why, man, we
+scarce believe ourselves royal till some one comes to beg a favour!
+Good faith, 'tis but a poor trade this of royalty!"
+
+"Why, sir," returned Richard, making an effort to respond to the
+geniality of the gentleman in waiting, "I thought you were on the sunny
+side of the hedge nowadays?"
+
+"Ay, ay; but we had some shrewd blasts to weather before we got here!
+And I am not yet well assured which way the weather-cock will swing
+yet.  Hark in your ear, 'tisn't every one in England that is glad to
+see us.  There is a fat old fox they have just made Earl of Clarendon
+who makes my master mad every time he sets eyes on him, and that fox
+holds the weather-cock by a string, I fancy.  Prim old self-seeking
+rascal.  But we'll have some merry times yet, which ever way the wind
+sets, hey, Captain Harrison?"
+
+"I fear," answered Richard, gravely, "the merry times are at an end for
+me and my friends."
+
+"Say you so?  I' faith, I was near forgetting that your party is down
+in the world, you have so little the cut of a square-toed roundhead!  I
+am heartily sorry you are in trouble.  But cheer up, man.  There sits
+his Highness above stairs that has been wrecked and imprisoned and
+ruined a dozen times over, and yet here has he come full sail into
+port.  And I'll warrant he'll sit at the king's table long after old
+Clarendon's sun has set."
+
+"I fear my fortune is scarce like to be so good," answered Richard.  "I
+have not a kins to my cousin."
+
+"True, true; and 'mon cousin' is a very pretty fellow, and a right
+loving kinsman to boot when he does not forget!  But to-day he is away
+a-hunting, and the Duke of York is making sheep's eyes at the fox's
+clever daughter Nan, so here we sit solitary."
+
+"Do you think his Highness would grant me an audience?" put in Richard,
+endeavouring to stem the flood of the lively young fellow's gossip.
+
+"Oh, Lord, yes; no doubt of it.  Come your ways, come your ways--in
+faith, you have come in a good hour, for, with one thing and another,
+my prince is in a desperate bad humour to-day, and who knows but you
+may make a distraction."
+
+And without more delay the young man bustled the half reluctant
+Harrison up the stairs, and into a great panelled room that looked out
+over the shining Thames.
+
+The afternoon sun streamed in through the wide casement, and lit up a
+curious medley that showed no woman's hand might dare to bring order
+into his Highness's apartment.  A beautiful portrait of the Queen of
+Bohemia, that could come from no meaner brush than that of Vandyke,
+hung on the wall, while beneath it a table was heaped with dusty
+bottles and jars, retorts, and powder-flasks.  A casket of chased
+silver lay overturned on the floor, with a plumed hat tossed beside it,
+and a gorgeous paraquet clambered up and down a heap of sea-rusted
+armour tumbled in a corner.
+
+At a table in the midst of this picturesque confusion, sat a man of
+middle age, whose thoughtful eyes and finely chiseled features still
+showed the beauty inherited from his mother, the luckless Queen of
+Hearts.  But the face, overshadowed by the heavy curls of a fashionable
+periwig, was worn and roughened by exposure and hardship, and the weary
+gloom that darkened the noble forehead and drooped the haughty lips
+marked the years of disappointment that had changed the fiery paladin
+of 1642 into the sad and cynical Rupert of the Restoration.
+
+The Prince was writing rapidly when they entered, and did not even
+raise his head as he exclaimed--
+
+"Go away, Cowth!  Did I not bid you leave me in peace till supper-time?"
+
+Mr. Cowth's manner had become suddenly subdued on entering the room,
+and he crossed over and spoke to the prince in a low tone, with a
+deferential air that was a curious contrast to the airy swagger with
+which he had run up the staircase.
+
+The prince flung his pen on the floor, and leaned back in his chair to
+look at the intruder, who stood by the door inwardly cursing himself
+for having been such a fool as to force himself into such a position.
+
+"Sir," the prince's cold imperious tone rung like a bell in the silent,
+sunny room, "I hear you are kin to General Harrison this day condemned
+to death."
+
+Richard bowed assent.
+
+"You are to be pitied," continued the prince; "but I know not anything
+in which I can serve you;" and with a slight inclination of his head
+Rupert turned to his papers.
+
+But he had forgotten the impatient movement with which he had flicked
+his pen to the other side of the room, and as he paused to search for
+it Dick caught the opportunity, and stepped over to the table.
+
+"I entreat you, sir, to give me leave to say two words," he urged.
+
+The prince looked up with cold surprise.  "Say on, sir," he answered.
+
+"Sir, when you delivered over Bristol to my Lord Fairfax, you said some
+words to General Harrison that his friends still bear in mind, and I
+would be so bold as to bring them back to-day to your Highness's
+memory.  You said then that were it ever in your power to repay the
+satisfaction you had received from him in your day of trouble, you
+would do it."
+
+For a moment Prince Rupert's amazement kept him absolutely silent; then
+he burst out--
+
+"How! you must be beside yourself to come to me--_me!_--Rupert! on such
+an errand!  Because, forsooth, I exchanged civilities with one I held
+an honourable enemy, you dare to expect my interest on behalf of a
+regicide!  I vow, sir, every man who even witnessed that most
+abominable and unnatural murder should swing, did it depend on me.  Go
+to those of your own party, who have had the wit to secure their own
+necks; maybe they may also have the skill to juggle your kinsman out of
+jail."
+
+Richard could hardly wonder at the tone of contempt, and he almost
+blessed it, for it aroused an answering anger that dispelled his shy
+reluctance to speak, and his answer came promptly--
+
+"We count among our friends, sir, none who have secured their own
+safety."
+
+"Faith, I might have guessed you were short of friends when you turned
+to me," replied Rupert, with a sneer.
+
+"Sir," answered Richard, boldly, "you yourself taught us in the wars
+that 'tis better to trust to a noble enemy than to an unworthy friend!"
+
+"Ha! well answered.  Faith!  I dare be sworn you have seen service;
+but, my good enemy," continued Rupert, in a perceptibly milder tone,
+"'tis not now war-time, and we soldiers have no say in matters of civil
+justice."
+
+The change in the prince's voice encouraged Dick to make another effort.
+
+"There can be no matter in which your Highness has not a say," he urged.
+
+"Thinkst thou so?" answered Rupert, with a keen glance at the handsome
+and soldierly figure of the young man.  "Now, sir, I warrant you know
+by experience that a broadsword is a good enough thing to have in your
+fist on the field of battle; but, the war over, 'tis neither fit for a
+lady's chamber nor for a courtier's duello; 'tis but a commodity of
+rusty iron to fling in the lumber-room."
+
+"Sir," cried Dick, with a gleam of comprehension that almost amounted
+to reverence, "that may be London fashion; we country folk hang the
+broadsword in the place of honour, and account it the prime treasure of
+the house."
+
+Rupert smiled.  "Those be fashions of another time," he said.  "Take
+the counsel of your preachers, and beat your sword into a pruning-hook,
+my good youth, else it will be apt to cut your fingers.  Under whom
+have you served?"
+
+"Under General Monck in Scotland, your Highness."
+
+"Under Monck!  Why, then, you must be a fool if you miss the good
+things showered on him and his friends by this heaven-sent Restoration!
+
+"No, sir, I laid down my sword when the late--when Richard Cromwell
+left Whitehall."
+
+Rupert's last remnant of ill-humour vanished in a peal of laughter.
+
+"Good faith," he cried; "'tis worth an hour lost to learn that
+Tumble-down Dick had one follower, and, I warrant, a faithful one!
+_Aller Teufel!_ thou art as good a lad as I have seen in this most
+virtuous and loyal city.  Nevertheless, I cannot help thee."
+
+"I have but to thank your Highness for your patience," said Dick.
+
+"Yet stay," said the prince, who was indeed strangely taken by the
+young Roundhead, "stay; I am heartily sorry I cannot serve you.  Are
+you in safety yourself?  My credit is small, yet perchance it might
+stretch----"
+
+"I thank you, sir," answered Dick, sadly; "I need nothing for myself."
+
+The prince's interest seemed to grow.  "I see not wherein I can move,"
+he muttered, "and I would not if I could."  He remained sunk in
+thought.  "Harkye, sir, I am not one of those that love to deck out a
+city with carrion.  I see naught gained by making war with the dead.
+Stone dead is the end of the story as far as it concerns a soldier.
+This healing and blessed Parliament, I hear, holds a gibbet a prettier
+sight than a stricken field; that is not my mind, and if I can move any
+of these valiant pantaloons to let General Harrison's body be delivered
+to his friends, I will do it.  Good day to you."  And, disregarding
+Dick's clumsy attempts at gratitude, the prince turned his back, and
+resumed his search for his pen.
+
+Mr. Cowth, who had kept prudently in the background, took Dick by the
+arm, and pulled him out of the room.
+
+"Take my thanks, Harrison," he chuckled, as he led him downstairs; "the
+black dog is off his Highness's back, and when he waits on his Majesty
+to-night, he will be worthy himself.  Ah, Harrison; why art thou a
+Roundhead?  Is not that a master worth serving?"
+
+"Ay, indeed," answered Richard, heartily; "he is a most noble and
+generous gentleman--well-nigh as noble as him they will hang on
+Saturday"--he added bitterly to himself; "but my lot is cast, friend,
+and I may not change it."
+
+"I am sorry to leave thee in such a mind," answered Mr. Cowth, with
+mock solemnity, "and I pray thee lay to heart my parting words.
+Forswear Square Toes; repent thee of Republicanism, and I'll stand
+godfather to thy new life!  So go and get thee wisdom!"  And the young
+fellow turned, laughing, back to his work, while Richard sadly retraced
+his steps to Mrs. Harrison's lodgings.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE END OF A REGICIDE.
+
+  "Sound, thou Trumpet of God, come forth, Great Cause, to array us,
+  King and leader appear, thy soldiers sorrowing seek thee."
+                                                  CLOUGH, _The Bothie._
+
+
+A solid mass of people thronged the space where three roads met and
+Charing Cross once stood, and above the serried heads rose the black
+skeleton of the gallows and the executioner's fire crackled and leapt
+below.  But the sight inspired little horror or pity in the throng:
+orange girls called their wares, squalid beggars beset beplumed
+gentlemen, burly ruffians shouldered back prim citizens in their
+broadcloth and silver buckles; the press, the smell, the noise of
+shouts and oaths and scraps of songs were much the same as had hailed
+the Second Charles's entry into London six months before; but the faces
+were changed, their coarse joviality was gone, and they were inflamed
+with the frenzy of the bull-fighter, the loathsome curiosity that will
+not miss one horrid detail, even if the gazer must trample down his own
+mother to get a better view of the butchery.
+
+The shouts swelled into a deep roar of execration, as the sledge on
+which the prisoner lay bound neared the place of execution, and Richard
+Harrison, struggling to keep his place as close to the victim as he
+might, thought with grim bitterness of the day when this same mob,
+silent and cowed, had seen General Harrison ride back from the scaffold
+at Whitehall.
+
+"The dastards dared not lift a finger then, though it was for their
+liberty we struck the blow.  And this is the reward the people of
+England have reserved for their deliverers!" muttered Dick.
+
+But no bitterness nor resentment darkened the prisoner's face, never
+had his glance been more serenely triumphant, and as he pressed nearer,
+Dick could catch above the yells and hootings, the rapturous words
+which he uttered, his hands and eyes raised to heaven.
+
+"I bless the Lord," he said, "it's a day of joy for my soul.  I do find
+so much of the joy of the Lord coming in, that I am carried far above
+the fear of death, going to receive that glorious crown which Christ
+hath prepared."  And when one fellow cried out jeeringly, "Where is now
+your Good Old Cause?" he, with a cheerful smile, clapped his hand on
+his breast saying, "Here it is, and I am going to seal it with my
+blood."
+
+Yet even the most callous were silent for a moment as the dying man
+spoke his last words from the ladder of the gallows, asserting once
+more that he was wrongfully charged with murder and bloodshed.
+
+"I must tell you I have kept a good conscience towards God, neither did
+I act maliciously toward any person, but as I judged them to be enemies
+to God and his people."
+
+And when his nephew came near for a last farewell, he repeated once
+more--
+
+"It's hard for most to follow God in such a dispensation as this, and
+yet my Lord and Master is as sweet and glorious to me now as He was in
+the time of my greatest prosperity;" and then, embracing his friends in
+farewell, he committed his spirit into the hands of God and was, the
+bystanders declared, "not so much thrown off the ladder by the
+executioner, but went readily off himself."
+
+The butchery of the sentence for treason was carried out to the bitter
+end, yet of the onlookers there were but a few women who sobbed
+hysterically or fainted, and but one or two men who pushed their way
+back, sick with the sight and smell of the shambles.
+
+A smartly dressed little gentleman, with a carefully curled wig, had
+forced his way as near as possible to the place of execution.  His bold
+curious eyes let nothing pass unnoticed, yet when the torture of the
+half-dead victim was ended even his lips were somewhat white, though he
+shouted and waved his hat with the loyal rabble who cheered and cheered
+again at the headsman's final speech: "So perish all King Charles's
+enemies."
+
+"So perish all his enemies," he repeated, "a very just vengeance, and
+'tis my chance to see it, as it was to see the king die at Whitehall.
+But Lord, 'tis a bloody business--and to see how cheerful he bore it!"
+He rapped on his snuff-box and hemmed away his emotion.  "Gad!" he
+said, suddenly staring at a face that rose above the crowd near him, "I
+was almost fool enough to think the fanatic's prophecy was come true,
+and there was General Harrison come alive again!  That young fellow
+yonder is the very marrow of him!  Some one of his family, I dare be
+sworn, poor wretch, and doubtless of the same way of thinking.  But
+'tis as handsome a young sprig as I have seen this long time.  Lord,
+how time flies, and how one forgets business when there is any
+pleasuring toward; my lord will be in a fine fume;" and Mr. Samuel
+Pepys walked off towards the Admiralty offices without wasting another
+glance at Richard Harrison.
+
+He also pushed blindly on out of the crowd, with the groping step of a
+sleep-walker, but as he neared the outskirts of the throng a tap on his
+shoulder seemed to awake him, and he straightened himself as he turned
+sharply round.
+
+"Come under this archway till the crowd be past," said a short man
+muffled in a horseman's cloak.  "You are too noticeable, Dick, to walk
+abroad to-day."
+
+"It is as safe for me as for you, Mr. Rogers," returned Dick.
+
+"Nay, nay; I am not like unto Saul the son of Kish for stature.
+Moreover, none who look on you can question you are kin to the servant
+of God who hath even now borne his witness, and this rabble is thirsty
+for the blood of the saints.  Yet I know you have security--the friends
+with whom you have cast in your lot sit now in high places, and General
+Monck loves you well."
+
+"General Monck is no friend of mine," returned the young man sternly.
+"His friends are those only who sit in the king's court, and can carry
+honours to his house."
+
+"I am glad to hear it; I am heartily glad to hear it," replied Mr.
+Rogers.  "The friendships of this evil generation will avail us little
+when the trumpet of the Lord of Hosts doth sound the reveille, and
+those poor bones yonder live once more, ay, and that dead hand beckon
+us on to victory."
+
+Mr. Rogers was quivering with excitement, and did not notice that
+Richard was leaning against the wall with set face, evidently quite
+deaf to his harangue.  He went on with increased vehemence in the
+wildest strain of Fifth Monarchy eloquence.
+
+"The night is dark, yet must we watch till the day dawn!--watch--ay,
+and not alone shall our lamps be burning, but our matches are alight
+and our muskets loaded.  The artillery of the Lord is called out, the
+iniquity of this Babylon is full, the saints are even now assembled,
+and expect the call to arms.  Truly your good aunt doth forget her
+widowhood in the expectation of the day that is presently to break.
+You also will join us; I know it is long since you have heard the words
+of pure doctrine, yet there is a blessing in reserve for the seed of
+the righteous, and the filth of the Presbyterian doctrines you learned
+in Scotland shall not cleave unto your feet to make them stumble in the
+way."
+
+He paused, discovering at last that his eloquence was entirely wasted.
+
+"Dick," he urged, shaking the young man by the arm, "you will not turn
+your back on those who shared your uncle's tribulation, and who do
+presently expect to share his triumph."
+
+Richard withdrew his arm haughtily.  "Mr. Rogers," he answered, "you
+mistake if you imagine that I can join you and your friends in any of
+your mad undertakings.  What I have seen to-day doth but show the
+clearer that our cause was lost through our unhappy divisions and
+distracted councils.  I hold that those that turned my uncle's mind
+against the Lord Protector Cromwell will not be held guiltless when the
+blame of this day's work is reckoned up."
+
+Mr. Rogers started back, and then, with a violent effort to control
+himself--
+
+"For the sake of him who hath even now rendered up himself as a martyr
+for the Lord's cause, I may not be angry with any word of yours," he
+answered sadly; "but I do entreat of you to take heed!  Would you lay
+down your arms and live in peace among your cattle and your corn,
+coached and complimented into effeminacy and foolishness?  Oh, for
+shame!  Rub your eyes and look about you!  What was the fate of the men
+of Sodom when they thought Lot was one that mocked when he warned them!"
+
+"Nay," answered Richard, "you do but lose time in seeking to persuade
+me.  God forbid I should think you mock, but I hold you to be
+grievously mistaken.  I think not the Kingdom of God is to be brought
+to us by the sword; nor will I be a party to endangering any shred of
+liberty yet left to the people of England by breaking the peace whether
+by word or deed."
+
+"Yet listen," pleaded Rogers, "seeing that even a criminal before the
+judge is given freedom to make his defence."
+
+"Say on; I will not interrupt you," answered Richard, wearily.
+
+"Then, let us leave those things that are behind, whether well or ill
+done, and leave also the late Protector Oliver Cromwell, seeing his
+judgment is in the hands of the Judge of all, who will surely avenge
+the tribulation that serpent did bring upon the suffering saints--and
+hearken to what is yet to come.  We have the most sure word of prophecy
+that the Day of the Lord is at hand; therefore the persecuted remnant
+who do expect the coming of the Fifth and only Monarch, are even now
+assembled with their swords upon their thighs, to publish their
+glorious gospel and go forth conquering and to conquer.  And in the
+train of Him who sitteth upon the white horse, we do confidently expect
+to behold General Harrison and those other saints who have died, either
+as at this time, or formerly, for the Good Old Cause, raised again in
+the flesh, that we and they may all triumph as one man.  Mrs. Harrison
+doth lay aside her sorrow, and abides with the saints in Colman Street,
+to add her praises and prayers unto theirs.  When all go forth, let not
+one who bears the honoured name of Harrison hang back.  Sure thou art
+no coward, Dick?"
+
+"Do I take you, that you and your friends do presently intend to raise
+an insurrection in this city?  cried Richard, in horror.
+
+"Ay, we trust to do our humble part in the great warfare."
+
+"And my unhappy aunt is now at your place of meeting?"
+
+"Ay; she even now expects till the fruition of our hopes be granted,
+and General Harrison doth arise from death to lead us on to victory."
+
+"Then, Mr. Rogers, I will go with you.  Hold," as the other raised his
+hand in an ecstasy of thankfulness, "I go not to join you, but to speak
+a word of common sense to your misguided followers, if they will hear
+it, and to remove Mrs. Harrison to a place more fitting her sex.  You
+cannot wish to involve a woman in your schemes of bloodshed!"
+
+"You err--you err," broke in the irrepressible fanatic.  "Women have
+been but too much denied their just liberty: they have a right as men
+to their free course of speech, and to follow the way their conscience
+doth point.  Nevertheless, you shall say to Sister Harrison all that is
+in your heart, and she shall act as the Lord shall direct her, and if
+she elect to go forth into desert places and await the consummation of
+our hopes afar off, in fasting and prayer, in that fashion also she may
+serve the Good Old Cause.  Now that the crowd is dispersed, we may go
+forth in safety; let us therefore hasten to put the matter to the
+touch."
+
+Richard followed Mr. Rogers in silence as he emerged from their place
+of shelter, and hurried cityward along the less crowded streets that
+lay northward of the Strand.  He strode along behind the flying form of
+the little minister, inwardly furious at the saintly and exasperating
+person who forced him to seek out the company that was precisely the
+most painful and uncongenial to him, when his one sole idea was to hide
+himself in solitude like some wounded animal and there wrestle down the
+grief and horror that possessed him.  Yet the grief and horror was
+still only in the background of his mind, his brain felt numbed, though
+an instinctive dread warned him that they lurked there ready at the
+first opportunity to spring out on him with overwhelming force.  It was
+only by an effort that he could rouse himself to consider what steps he
+must take to remove Mrs. Harrison from the party of desperate men among
+whom she had thrown herself.
+
+He knew that the extraordinary person in whose company he walked was
+completely deaf to the usual reasons that govern men's conduct; but,
+mixed up with his insane and even blasphemous beliefs, Mr. Rogers had
+occasional flashes of what can only be termed inspired common sense;
+and if he were judiciously approached, it was even possible that such
+an incalculable person might use his influence to restrain the old
+soldiers of his congregation from rushing on immediate destruction.
+Mr. Rogers was a gentleman by birth and a scholar by training, and was
+therefore accessible to arguments that did not affect the ruder members
+of his sect.
+
+Richard had been familiar with Mr. Rogers from his boyhood, and had a
+strong personal liking for the affectionate and unselfish little man as
+well as a real admiration for the saner points in his doctrines.  But
+the more he considered, the less he saw how to remonstrate with the
+excitable minister without irritating him afresh, and finally, in the
+very desperation of helplessness, he resolved to trust to his own
+influence over Mrs. Harrison, and hope that Mr. Roger's kindly feelings
+would prevent his interfering in any tyrannical manner with the poor
+lady's wishes.  Having come to this conclusion, he controlled himself
+sufficiently to speak to his companion in a more friendly tone.
+
+"By your leave, sir, I should like to stay and give orders as I pass
+our lodgings.  Mrs. Harrison had set to leave London instantly, and a
+hackney coach will be now in waiting at our door.  It will be the
+better to have it near at hand should she resolve to carry out that
+intention; so, if it please you, I will bid the coachman drive her
+woman to Colman Street and await near your meeting house till we know
+her will."
+
+The minister readily assented, and they turned into Watling Street,
+where, as Dick had foretold, a hackney coach stood ready packed before
+the mercer's shop that had belonged to Mrs. Harrison's father, and a
+groom was leading a stout cob up and down beside it.  A waiting woman
+in hood and cloak was peering anxiously from the door, but as Dick ran
+up the steps he was surprised to find she was not the only watcher.  An
+officer in the gay uniform of the Coldstream Guards came forward
+holding out his hand.
+
+"I have waited a round hour to catch you, Harrison," he said.  "I bring
+you a message from my Lord Monck."
+
+"I am sorry my lord should have troubled you," answered Dick, stiffly.
+
+"Tut, tut, Harrison; what though we have forsworn our protectorate sins
+and got a batch of new ones to suit the new times, we are not all born
+to be play-book heroes like you.  There are worse men than old George,
+and you were as well to listen to his message."  And, taking Dick by
+the arm, the officer continued earnestly, in a low tone, "You remember
+that fellow, Patrick Keith, with whom you quarrelled in Edinburgh; he
+is here in London in my Lord Lauderdale's household, and he swears he
+will be revenged on you.  He gives out he has sufficient evidence that
+you are corresponding with Johnson of Warriston and the other Scotch
+gentlemen under sentence of outlawry, and that he will see you at the
+gallows before he leaves you.  Now, you know the fellow is quite able
+to forge or trump up evidence enough to be mighty unpleasant, so Lord
+Monck prays you give no colour to anything he may say, by frequenting
+the company of any suspicious or fanatical people.  If you can keep
+private a while, his lordship makes no doubt it will all blow over, and
+he will use his influence to have Keith sent back to Scotland, or over
+sea on some errand."
+
+"I caned Keith in the High Street of Edinburgh for that he kicked a
+woman who by chance stood in his way," answered Dick, hotly; "and if I
+meet him in Fleet Street, I will cane him once more there."
+
+"That will doubtless be much to the advantage of Keith's manners,"
+laughed the other, "but scarce to the furtherance of your safety!  Now,
+I ride to Harrow to-night--why will you not bear me company and lie at
+my house, and so travel into the country for a while.  On my honour,
+Keith is a dangerous man," he continued, seeing that Richard's
+expression of careless contempt did not change.  "Every one of us at
+court finds his new seat so slippery that he dare not wag a finger for
+fear of being upset--and I know none there who dare meddle with my Lord
+Lauderdale's favourite.  He can tell such a cursed lot of tales of us
+all and what we did in Edinburgh in the days when we were all saints
+and went to meeting!"
+
+"You are very good," answered Dick, softening; "but I purpose to leave
+London within this hour.  You see my horse there in waiting."
+
+"I am right glad to hear it," answered the other, heartily.  "Then,
+farewell, but I trust we shall meet and be merry many a year after Pat
+Keith is hanged," and shaking Harrison warmly by the hand, the
+guardsman turned on his heel and swaggered down the street.
+
+Dick smiled grimly to himself as he directed the waiting-maid to follow
+her mistress in the coach to the Coleman Street meeting-house.
+
+"I am to avoid the company of fanatical people," he muttered.  "Heaven
+knows I have as little love for them as Old George can have!  If I can
+but get Aunt Harrison safe into the coach, I give them leave to clap a
+Geneva gown on my back if ever I am found in their company again."
+
+The shabby room in Coleman Street, where the Fifth Monarchy men were in
+the habit of assembling, was crowded with men, and the first glance
+showed with what ominous intentions the congregation were assembled.
+On a rickety platform at the end of the of the room a preacher in a
+Geneva gown was holding forth in the most violent language of the sect,
+and all around the grim listeners hung on his words with immovable
+attention, leaning on their pikes or holding their drawn swords across
+their knees.  Many were old soldiers, their stained buff-coats and
+scarred faces telling tales of Naseby and Marston Moor, and contrasting
+with the prim bands and well-brushed cloaks of the citizen members of
+the congregation.
+
+As the new-comers entered, the preacher paused in his harangue, and a
+hum of welcome went up from the armed ranks to greet their arrival.
+But one white-haired old soldier sprang up with a shout of exultation
+that was almost a scream.
+
+"Glory, glory," he shrieked, "the General is risen from the dead!  The
+power of Satan is broken!" and rushing forward he flung his arms round
+Dick in an ecstacy of welcome.
+
+"Nay, nay, brother Day," said Mr. Rogers, stepping forward, "you
+mistake; this is Richard Harrison who fought beside you at Worcester;
+he is come to speak with his kinswoman.  We must yet for a little
+possess our souls with patience," he continued; drawing the old man's
+hand on his arm, and leading him to a seat he sat down beside him,
+exhorting him in a low voice, while Dick made his way to the corner
+where Mrs. Harrison sat, her head bowed on her hands.
+
+To his astonishment and relief, she did not immediately refuse his
+invitation to accompany him; a woman of gentle nature and rather dull
+intelligence, she naturally clung to her nephew as the dearest thing
+left to her in her sorrow, and although she pleaded at first faintly
+that he would not take her away from the comfort of Mr. Feake's
+exhortations and the expectation of the miracle he foretold, she showed
+herself quite ready to listen to his persuasions.
+
+"Dearest madam," he urged, "when the Great Day of the Lord doth arrive,
+it will surely be of no moment whether it find you in London or in
+Newcastle; it will be as the lightning that shineth from the east even
+unto the west.  But for to-day they are at an end of the preaching; you
+will hear no more if you tarry; you see these men have their weapons
+prepared, and are ready to burst out into insurrection; this is no fit
+place for you."
+
+She murmured something of going back to her house in Watling Street.
+
+"Nay, nay," urged Richard; "all our friends in Newcastle await you.
+Come home with me to Staffordshire, and await events there.  Sure it is
+in General Harrison's own house that he would desire you to be?"
+
+He took her hand to lead her from the room, and she rose obediently;
+but several of the congregation who sat near and observed his action,
+protested in audible tones, and those further off, only half catching
+what was going on, joined in even more loudly.
+
+"Who is this man who is not of us, and hath forced himself among us?"
+cried one.  "A spy! a spy!" cried another.
+
+Mr. Rogers pushed forward.
+
+"Shame, shame, brethren; let no man dare to call the kinsman of a
+martyr a spy!  This is Richard Harrison, and it is but decent he have
+leave to come and go and speak with his kinswoman in liberty."
+
+"Nay," broke in another, "as for our sister Harrison, let her go in
+peace, seeing the day of slaughter is near, and the women should abide
+in safety by the stuff.  But as for this man, he shall remain.  Shall
+he go forth and sit lazily while his brethren fight for Canaan?  It may
+be that godly exhortation and the example of valiant men may turn him
+from the error of his ways ere it be too late."
+
+"Ay," cried a grizzled soldier pressing forward, "he shall be snatched
+out of the fire!  Even by force shall he be turned from the way of
+destruction, and be found in the Lord's ranks on the day of Armageddon."
+
+"Gentlemen," broke in Richard, "let me but carry Mrs. Harrison to her
+coach, and upon my honour I will return and give you my reasons for not
+joining with you.  Let us not fall into debate before a lady."
+
+After a little hesitation his hearers agreed, and Richard led his
+trembling aunt out of the meeting-house, but two sturdy armed fanatics
+followed him closely to make sure he did not escape from the advantages
+they proposed to force him to accept.
+
+The shouts and excitement in the meeting-house had warned the
+passers-by that something was in the wind, and a good many loiterers
+were hanging about the doors, who welcomed them with cries of "Whoop,
+Roundhead! whoop, crop ears!" and ribald parodies on the war-like
+psalms, whose sound could be clearly heard through the open windows of
+the room they had just left.
+
+To Dick's vexation many of the idlers seemed familiar with the names of
+the leaders of the Fifth Monarchy sect, and not only shouted for Parson
+Rogers, but hailed Madam Harrison and her nephew with expressions of
+mock respect.  Dick hurried her into the coach with all speed, and
+signed to his servant to lead his horse down a retired alley, but the
+aspect of the gathering crowd was so threatening, and that of his
+attendant saints so grim, that he began to suspect that his only escape
+from being stoned by the unbelieving mob, or run through by a Fifth
+Monarchy corporal, would be to be laid by the heels in a city jail!
+
+But the rising commotion in the street was nothing to the commotion
+that greeted Dick as he re-entered the meeting-house.  Some were
+clamouring for vengeance on the spy who had signalled the mob to gather
+round their door, others urging Richard to save himself from the fate
+awaiting impenitent sinners by immediately drawing his sword in the
+Fifth Monarchy cause, while others, of whom Mr. Rogers was chief, were
+clamouring for liberty for tender conscience and long suffering with
+those of feeble faith.  The shouting was so violent that the
+congregation effectually deafened themselves to the knocking that began
+to make itself heard at the door of the room, and it was not till the
+knocking changed to the clang of crowbars, and the door gave way before
+the assailants, that the excited fanatics realized that their enemies
+were upon them.  The doorways were filled with the pikes and muskets of
+a strong body of soldiers, and an officer pressing his way to the front
+called upon the principal leaders of the Fifth Monarchy men by name to
+surrender themselves.  Feake, Powell, John Rogers, Courteney, Day, and
+Richard Harrison were the names that rang out above the shouts of the
+sectaries, who, crying out that the day of the Lord was come, charged
+outwards with such impetuosity that the soldiers were for a moment
+forced backwards.
+
+Dick stood watching the conflict with a feeling of grim amusement.
+Fate had played into the hands of his Scotch enemy with a vengeance,
+and his presence among these desperate fanatics would corroborate any
+accusation that the ingenuity of malice could invent.  His arm was
+caught by John Rogers.
+
+"Fly, Dick, fly," he urged; "thou art not one of us, neither hast thou
+any part in our warfare.  Save thyself; that window looks out on a lane
+they will scarce have thought to guard."
+
+"Come you too, Mr. Rogers," cried Dick, endeavouring to draw the
+minister towards the open window.
+
+"Nay, nay, I abide with my comrades to live and die with them.  But
+begone--your time is not yet; none but the elect may abide the fury of
+the Lord's foemen.  Begone."
+
+Richard hesitated.  It was impossible to escape and leave this heroic
+fanatic to his fate; but words were wasted on John Rogers, so, suddenly
+seizing the minister's slight form in his stalwart arms, Dick thrust
+him up on the high window-sill and, swinging himself up beside him,
+dropped with his prisoner into the soft mud of a back lane.  Without
+waiting for the reproaches Mr. Rogers was too breathless to formulate,
+Dick hurried him down the dark road toward the corner where he knew his
+horse was waiting.
+
+"Mount behind me, sir," he urged, catching the rein from the trusty
+servant.
+
+"Nay, nay," replied Mr. Rogers; "thou art a good lad, Dick, and it may
+be the Lord hath reserved both thee and me for further service.  I have
+many friends and hiding places in this city--go thy way, and God be
+with thee;" and he vanished into the shadows, while Dick, drawing in
+the cool night air with a long breath of relief, struck into the road
+for the north, and left the shouts and yells of the combatants far
+behind him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE PLEASANT ISLE OF AVÈS.
+
+  "And such a port for mariners I ne'er shall see again
+  As the pleasant Isle of Aves, beside the Spanish main."
+                        C. KINGSLEY, _The Last Buccàneer_.
+
+
+For a while Richard Harrison found safety in his old county, not indeed
+in his father's comfortable town-house, nor in the widowed Mrs.
+Harrison's county home, but lurking among the potters' huts on the
+Staffordshire moors, and only venturing to visit his friends under
+cover of night.
+
+The colour which his unlucky presence among the congregation at Coleman
+Street on the day of General Harrisons execution, had given to his
+enemy's accusations, had made his position perilous in the extreme, for
+General Monck, and his other secret friends, considered that he had
+wilfully disregarded their warnings, and were not inclined to exert
+their influence in his behalf.  During those miserable months of hiding
+he had but one sad satisfaction--that of knowing that Prince Rupert had
+kept his promise and the mangled remains of Thomas Harrison were
+restored to his widow, and laid in decency in Newcastle churchyard.
+The dead was safe from further outrage, but the living were still at
+the mercy of private malice and public panic, and Richard found that to
+linger any longer near his old home would be but to draw suspicion on
+his friends, and even involve them in the fate that threatened himself.
+
+His best chance of escape was to reach some seaport, but it took all
+the efforts of his father and his relatives to rouse him to decide on
+trying to make for one.  Sick at heart, hopeless for the future of the
+country, all that had made life worth living--ambition, work, love, and
+even religion, seemed lost.  He was practically alone in the world.
+Those of General Harrison's friends who had not shared the Regicide's
+doom, were scattered to the four winds, and even if Richard had known
+of their places of refuge, he had nothing to unite him to them, but the
+bond of a common sorrow.  His own comrades either believed in the
+accusations that his enemy circulated with such industry against him,
+or were too busy and too selfish to trouble themselves about a man who
+was under a cloud.  There was no one left alive who had the power to
+rouse Richard from the torpor that possessed him; the numb misery that
+had fallen on him when he saw General Harrison die had never again
+lifted from his heart and brain.
+
+Till that day he had never realized how completely the warmth and
+enthusiasm of General Harrison's character had dominated his own life.
+While their opinions diverged completely, their feelings were in
+harmony, or rather the glowing faith and single-hearted idealism of the
+elder man had illuminated the being of the younger.  Now a glory had
+departed from the earth.  Richard's youthful wisdom had often grown
+impatient of his uncle's wild fancies, or smiled with affectionate
+mockery on his Utopian dreams; but unconsciously the young man had
+always measured his own thoughts and actions by the unworldly standard
+of General Harrison's ideal.  He, with all who lived near Harrison, had
+seemed to catch a reflected gleam of the radiance that shone on his
+path; now, a light was gone.  Where Richard had seen that noble figure
+treading the path before him, a sudden gulf yawned, the leader had
+vanished, the path was lost, and the blank fog was around him.  The
+warm clasp was gone, only the memory of the dead hand would be with him
+to the end.
+
+Richard's life had been one of activity.  Whether fighting or
+administrating or farming, his simple and practical nature had found
+its natural outlet in work.  Speculations on religion or forms of
+government had little attraction for him; there was always some work to
+be done, and that he found more congenial than meditation.  Now, his
+occupations were gone, his career wrecked, the only subject for his
+thoughts was how to preserve his own wretched life, a matter which soon
+grew to him one of complete indifference.  His relations painted to him
+in glowing colours the future that still opened to him in the New
+England plantations where their friend Parson Perrient was sure to
+offer him a warm welcome, and to satisfy their wishes, he made his way
+eastward, hoping to find a ship bound for Holland at King's Lynn, and
+so to take passage for the New World from Rotterdam.  But the new life
+in the West that had once seemed so attractive, the day dreams that had
+woven themselves about the log cabin in a forest clearing, faded almost
+before he began to desire them.  He was too heart-sick to hope, too
+weary to devise new ambitions, or even to recall the old ones that had
+kept him company from his youth.
+
+In the dusk of a winter evening, Richard Harrison's tired feet turned
+to the door of a shabby little inn on the outskirts of Northampton.  He
+had grown skilful in picking resting-places where he was likely to meet
+none but creatures as wretched as himself, wanderers and beggars too
+much taken up with their own misery to waste curiosity on the history
+of others.  Wet and weary, the fire was grateful to him, though the
+room it lit up was as dirty and mean as could well be.  But the rickety
+settle at least kept the wind from the tired traveller, and the bulging
+rafters supported a roof that kept the rain out.  Richard crouched over
+the hearth, drying his wet clothes and awaiting without much
+expectation of satisfaction the supper the slatternly hostess promised,
+when a heavy step without, and a violent rattle of the door-latch, told
+that another wayfarer was coming to share his wretched lair.  A tall
+burly fellow swaggered into the room, and flung into the elbow chair
+with a weight that made it creak.
+
+"Que tiempo maldito!" he growled, shaking the wet from his hat brim.
+"Hullo, good mother, food and drink as quick as may be, most especially
+drink, and none of your small beer for me," he shouted, jingling a few
+coppers in his hand with the air of an alderman ordering turtle and
+venison.
+
+"Pray Heaven my neighbour speedily drink himself drunk," thought Dick,
+withdrawing himself further into the chimney-corner.
+
+The stranger shivered, coughed, grumbled out a few more oaths in bad
+Spanish, and hitching his chair nearer to the fire he lifted the
+tankard the woman of the house brought to him, and nodded over at
+Richard.
+
+"Here's to thy health, friend, and our better acquaintance!"
+
+Richard answered civilly, and pulling his hat over his eyes leaned back
+as one disposed to sleep; but the new-comer seemed to have no fancy for
+solitary potations.
+
+"Take a pull at my ale, friend," he hallooed, pushing the steaming
+mixture under Dick's nose.  "It's rare stingo, 'schrecklich gut' as the
+Dutchmen say, though it be a slut that brewed it.  Folks in this
+country want something to warm their gizzards!"
+
+The hostess who brought Dick's bowl of onion broth at this moment
+destroyed his chance of feigning sleep, and he had to resign himself to
+endure his companion's conversation which flowed on, garnished with
+oaths and cant phrases in three or four different languages, without
+any interruption, till by an unguarded movement Richard exposed his
+face to the light of the fire, and the stranger stared a moment, and
+then sprang up exclaiming, "Body o' me if it be not Measter Dick
+himself!"
+
+Richard scanned the other's features with surprise and annoyance.
+
+"You have the advantage of me, sir," he answered, stiffly.
+
+"Whoy, Measter Dick, you ain't forgot me!  But 'tis little wonder; time
+flies, time flies, and I bean't so slim as I was once.  But you'll mind
+my name, Hodge Astbury from Penkull, that rode at the tail of your nag
+all the way from Hurst Castle to London, and many a day after."
+
+"Can it be Astbury!" cried Richard, with a warmer feeling of pleasure
+than he could have imagined possible at finding a link with his old
+past in the drunken ruffian who claimed his acquaintance.
+
+"Ay!" cried the other, seizing his hand.  "Hodge Astbury I am, and
+right pleased to set eyes on you again, sir.  But alack, alack, times
+is changed, and I hear tell they've hanged the Major?"
+
+Dick nodded.
+
+"Ay, dear, dear," meditated Astbury, in a maudlin tone of regret.  "The
+Major, he was a fine soldier, and no mistake.  I'd rather than a cup of
+strong waters ride behind him when fighting was toward, and see the
+pleasure he took in it!  Seemeth, whatever the Major did, us was bound
+to do, whether 'twas fighting or praying; 'twas somehow catching, like
+as 'twas the plague.  You may believe me, sir, I got afeared of keeping
+along o' him; he'd have turned me into a saint before I could wink.
+When he looked at you--why General Cromwell himself was put to it to
+say him nay!  Aye, dear, dear, 'tis a pity."
+
+Whether intentionally or not, the man had slipped back into his
+Staffordshire accent and dropped the strongest of his oaths, and Dick
+could not prevent a feeling of bitter amusement at seeing that this
+drunken ne'er-do-well, whom his uncle had persuaded to enlist in the
+hopes of drilling him into a decent life, had yielded to the influence
+of General Harrison's character just as he himself had done.  But
+Astbury had broken loose from the charm; he himself had remained
+obedient till death dissolved the spell.  Which of them had been the
+wiser--which was the better off?  The fellow maundered on, taking a
+drink at his replenished tankard now and then.
+
+"And seems as if times be not over good with you, Master Dick, if
+you'll excuse my making so bold."
+
+"No," answered Richard, with some reserve; "I have not been altogether
+fortunate of late.  But what has befallen you since we met last?" he
+continued, anxious to turn the conversation.  "I think you were bound
+for Ireland, were you not?"
+
+"Ay, ay, I've seen a siege or two, and a fight or two, and many a queer
+thing besides.  Why, if I had the wit to put it all into rhyme, what
+I've seen would make a score of ballads!  I've been across seas to
+Amerikey since last I clapped eyes on you, Maester Dick."
+
+Richard hesitated to ask in what fashion Astbury had made his voyage,
+seeing that the usual way to dispose of thieves and vagabonds was to
+ship them off to the American plantations; but Astbury loved the sound
+of his own voice, and stretching out his legs towards the fire, took up
+his tale in the fashion of the professional story-teller.  His history
+ran somewhat as follows, though it sounds bald enough without the
+expletives with which he garnished it, growing somewhat less shy of his
+Major's nephew as he went on.
+
+"I went across seas first time along o' Lord General Cromwell to
+Ireland, and he gave us our bellyful of fighting, and no mistake; but
+it ain't fighting that I complain of, having been always held a valiant
+man of my inches;" and he puffed out his broad chest and looked a very
+crusader.  "And you'll bear me out, sir, I wasn't one to call out at
+knocks.  But here's what I complains of--'twas nothing but knocks over
+there.  If so be you laid hands if it were but on a hen, if you 'scaped
+the gallows your back paid for your chicken, and as for kissing an
+Irish wench, they'd have hanged a colonel for doing of it!  And they
+great woods!  Now I've seen woods as is worth the seeing, chock full of
+monkeys and grapes and parrots and such like, but they Irish woods!
+Caramba!  I'd sooner be hanged than set eyes on them again!  So as I
+was saying, 'twas hard knocks and short commons and long sermons, and
+agues to boot; so when we come to Cork, I just turned my back on old
+Noll and padded the hoof to Kinsale, and there I shipped under Prince
+Rupert."
+
+"I hope that suited you better," said Richard.
+
+"Ay, there was a good deal to be said for Prince Rupert," answered
+Astbury, judicially--"a good deal.  He were a proper man--a very proper
+man, and valiant.  But, caramba, we had no luck!  Luck don't run in his
+family, folks say.  We overhauled a many good ships, and many a pretty
+bout of fighting we had; and when we went ashore, well, there wasn't
+any of old Noll's provost marshals after us.  But for all the ships we
+took, we didn't seem to get no richer; so being a prudent man, I
+thought the time had come to shift for myself, and I slipped off one
+fine morning without troubling nobody.  And there I found my luck!
+Those islands in the Caribee Sea are a very paradise, and no mistake!
+And all around there and down the Mosquito Coast the Indians are very
+good folk, and civil.  And plenty to eat there--turtle and wild pigs,
+and pineapples and bananas, and more fruits than I can count; and drink
+too--wines very curious and hearty, made both of grapes and pineapples.
+And if we got tired of swinging in a hammock, and eating of fruit and
+smoking tobacco, why there was a many jolly fellows ready to whip into
+a little sloop we had handy, and off to--to--to spoil the papishers.
+There is a many papishers in those seas, sir--black idolaters all on
+'em."
+
+"Spaniards?" asked Dick, idly, amused by the ne'er-do-well's yarn.
+
+"I reckon they were mostly Spaniards, or Portugees, or some such sort
+of outlandish cattle; but soon we got so as it wasn't only ships we
+made prize of.  Why, I could talk all night if I was to start in
+telling you of all the brave sport we had!  One time, I mind, we
+landed, there was a town, Santa Ysabel they called it, as it might be
+here"--arranging a tankard at the corner of the table--"with a good
+high road leading up to it from the sea, as it might be my tobacco
+pipe"--laying it down with care; "and if you'll believe me, sir, we
+took and run races, as it might be along my tobacco pipe, and as soon
+as them Spaniards was 'ware of our coming, they took and ran out by
+'tother gate, and left the town empty!  There was seven churches all
+chock full of gold and silver idols and candle-sticks, and such like:
+'twas just who'd fill his pockets fastest!"
+
+"But how is it you left such a prosperous life?" interrupted Dick, who
+had some recollection of Astbury's powers of imagination.
+
+"Ay, indeed!  There it was that luck was against me.  Shipwrecked we
+was, me and four others, on a little sandy key, where there was nought
+to eat or drink, and the rest, they died, and a Bristol ship come along
+and took me off, and I wish I was back again!"
+
+Half idly, Richard asked more questions and grew interested in the
+man's tales, for the fellow's varied experiences had given him a sort
+of shrewd cunning, which in a higher walk of life might have been
+almost worthy the name of diplomacy, and he knew how to fit his tale to
+his audience.  It was obvious that he was nothing better than a pirate,
+but he managed to gloss over the barbarities of the life so well, and
+to dwell on its picturesque and adventurous side so successfully, that
+Dick began insensibly to soften in his judgment of the wanderer.  As
+the night wore on, Astbury's description of a buccanneer's life grew
+more and more glowing; he exercised a good deal of rude art in his
+pictures of the career that awaited a gentleman of spirit among the
+keys of the Carribean Sea, and at last he burst out--
+
+"Now, Measter Dick, I don't ask no questions, but seems to me pretty
+plain your luck's not of the best.  Why don't you shout Westward Ho!
+and come along o' me?  I know many a roaring blade that would be proud
+to ship under such a captain as you'd make!"  Then leaning forward, he
+continued in a solemn whisper, "What though I seem no better than a
+beggar--cavado, cleaned out, as the Spaniards say--if I could but get a
+loan of as much as would carry me across sea, I'd be a rich man again.
+I have a nice little pot buried in a safe place on a certain key; I've
+got a map here"--and he thumped his broad chest--"here, sewed in the
+lining of my coat, and the place marked with a cross; and I tell you,
+sir, there's enough gold in that pot to fit out the snuggest little
+pinnace any man need want to see.  Now, don't say nay in a hurry, sir,
+but turn it over abit.  Why, I mind how the Major--General I should
+say--would be for ever talking of commonwealth.  Why, you could make a
+commonwealth to any pattern you please on that Mosquito Coast, and
+learn all the Indians to be saints!"  He chuckled.  "Why, you might be
+a regular king among them, sir, like Solomon in his glory, sitting
+there in golden jewels among apes and peacocks, leastways currasows,
+and as many queens as you please."  Harrison frowned.  "Ask your
+pardon, sir; my tongue runs away with me sometimes, and thinking of
+Solomon made me say it, and 'tis all in the Bible, sir, now isn't it?
+But to go back to what I was a saying, you know well, sir, as no one
+would follow a chap like me as captain, but if we could get a real
+gentleman, and one used to command to lead us--why, hang me, sir, if we
+wouldn't be masters of St. Jago de Cuba before many months were out!"
+
+It was all impossible, preposterous; yet the wild tales of the pirate
+began to exercise a curious fascination over Dick.
+
+"What good do you gain by stopping here?" urged Astbury.  "What did the
+Major gain by all his fighting and praying?  Nothing but the gallows!
+Now, for me!  I've been near the gallows a good few times, but I bean't
+hanged yet, and I've had a merry life of it; and I've got that pot of
+gold I told you of.  Strike hands and join me, sir!  What have you got
+to look for here, if you'd excuse me, but to hang like Major Harrison?"
+
+Strange, that this ignorant man should once and again put his finger on
+the vulnerable spot in Dick's armour.
+
+"Yes," he murmured to himself, "the wise man dieth as the fool dieth,
+and what hath a man for his labours but vexation of spirit.  This also
+is vanity!"
+
+Astbury caught the muttered words.  "Very well said, sir, and sounds
+like Scripture!  But I tell you gold's solid, that's no vanity; and if
+I could but get back to where I buried it----"
+
+Dick was not listening.  Something in his own bosom was arguing
+Astbury's cause, better than that vagrant could do it himself.
+Homeless, friendless in England, might there not yet be a career for
+him in the West?  Not in cold, pious Rhode Island, but under brighter
+skies that offered fiercer pleasures.  Good Parson Perrient had painted
+Providence plantation as a sort of paradise, where the liberty and
+toleration dreamt of by a few in England were the law for all; but was
+that refuge open to him?  The good parson might be dead; his daughter
+wedded to some sturdy settler, who would have no fancy for such a
+compromising guest as one bearing the hated name of Harrison!  To fly
+to New England would be but to begin his old life over again, and as
+Astbury truly said, What had it brought him?  What had he gained?  What
+had England gained by all they had done and dared?  "If our cause was,
+as we thought, of God, why did He not own us?  What were General
+Harrison's dreams of a pure republic, but vanity?  Who can say if his
+dreams of heaven were any truer?"
+
+A wild desire flashed across the young man to break once and for all
+with the puzzles and struggles of the past, and throw in his life with
+the ruffian who sat opposite to him.  He knew his own powers, he could
+lead, he was cool and prompt; he might be a stupid enough fellow in
+many ways, but he was a born soldier.  Astbury would get together
+enough of men to follow him; only too many good soldiers were then
+laying by their useless swords.  Why should he not sail in the wake of
+Drake and Raleigh, and make himself a name?  Ay, and found new
+commonwealths in the land of sunset?
+
+"I must think it over, Astbury," he said, rousing himself.  "Sleep
+brings council, they say; and we have sat our fire out."
+
+"And starving cold it is, too," grumbled Astbury.  "Best come to warm
+countries, Maester Dick!" and so flung himself on the wretched pallet
+in the corner of the room, and was snoring before many minutes were
+over.  Dick wrapped himself in his cloak and stretched himself on the
+settle, but sleep was far from him.  Many a man of good birth and
+education he had known driven to take the road and become a highwayman,
+and think himself none the worse gentleman for it.  Pah! that revolted
+him--that was little better than common thievery.  But to sail the
+South seas! to harry the Spaniard! to free the oppressed Indians!  A
+sort of fever seemed to possess him, and rouse him from the apathy that
+had fallen on him.  He tried to call up his cooler judgment, but in
+vain; pictures of sunny seas and waving palm groves, of gallant fights
+and sacked towns danced before him, and his broken slumbers only wove
+the fancies into dreams.  The morning found him still undecided.
+
+"I will go a mile or two along with you, Astbury," he said, "before I
+give my word.  Which way are you bound?"
+
+"Well," he answered, "the best seaport for our purpose would be either
+Bristol or London."
+
+"No, no," answered Richard.  "I may not venture on the back road so as
+to come to Bristol, and London were worse still.  Is there no seaport
+this side of England would do as well?"
+
+"Well, sir, if 'twas a matter of working my passage, I'd be bound to go
+where there would be ships trading the right way; but if I was with a
+gentleman as would oblige me with a loan, 'tis easy to take ship from
+Harwich, or find one lying in Yarmouth Roads that would carry us part
+way, and then we could take passage from some French or Spanish port.
+What do you say, sir, to Yarmouth?"
+
+Richard assented, and they trudged on silently for some time.  The
+morning air cooled Dick's fevered pulse, and the exercise shook off the
+sort of dream that had taken hold of him.  His sober reason began to
+awaken, and then, almost with the distinctness of a living voice, the
+words flashed back on him: "It is to secure the just liberties of the
+people of God that thou art pledged to live or die for it."
+
+What had possessed him?  Was he running mad?  Was he to draw that sword
+that had fought for justice and liberty as the comrade of murderers and
+pirates?  Had he sunk so low that he was willing to choose the company
+of a drunken ruffian; he who had been the comrade of Thomas Harrison?
+The dead hand still held his.  The Fifth Monarchy might be a dream, the
+hope of a Republic an idle fancy, but he had not been trained to fight
+for theories alone.  Justice, law, liberty were solid facts; those were
+the watchwords General Harrison had taught him; for those he had lived,
+to those he would be true, whether good or evil fortune awaited him,
+whether there were, indeed, a heavenly reward for the victor, or but
+the abyss of forgetfulness at the end of the strife.  He stopped short.
+
+"I have come to my resolution, Astbury," he said.  "I cannot go with
+you."
+
+And, even as he spoke, he realized what a very fool he had been to let
+this fellow gull him with his talk of a pot of gold!  The gleam of
+disappointed greed that shone in Astbury's eyes told what he might have
+guessed already, that it was no old affection or fidelity that had
+drawn the man to him, but merely the hope of making money.  And that
+hope the fellow was not likely to relinquish in a hurry.
+
+But in vain did Astbury implore and wheedle, swear and protest Dick was
+firm, till at last the rascal began to realize that his prize was
+slipping from him, and changed his tone and grumbling out--
+
+"It wasn't like a gentleman to go back on his word after as good as
+promising a poor fellow his passage-money."
+
+"Nay, I made no promise," returned Richard; "and I am a poor man
+myself.  But, for the sake of old times, I will give thee twenty
+shillings to help thee on thy road to Bristol."
+
+Astbury clutched the money, and then an evil grin came over his face.
+
+"Fair and easy, Master Dick!  Twenty shillings in hand is all very
+well, but you give me to expect more, and I do expect more."
+
+"Then you will get no more, my man," returned Dick, sharply; "so good
+day to you.  There lies your way, and here lies mine."
+
+He was turning as he said, when Astbury, with an oath, sprang forward,
+flourishing his cudgel; but he had forgotten that the young officer was
+no novice at sword-play, and a turn of Dick's wrist sent the ruffian's
+stick flying over the hedge.  Astbury, nothing disconcerted, rushed in
+and closed with him, and so heavy was the onslaught of the burly fellow
+that it staggered Richard, and he was put to it to hold his own.  But,
+after a few blows had been exchanged, Dick's rising temper supplied the
+strength that had been lessened by hardship, while Astbury, unwieldy
+and out of condition, soon lost his breath, and, hitting out wildly,
+gave Dick an opening for a good straight left-hander, that sent his
+opponent crashing on the ground.  Once down, he seemed in no hurry to
+get up, and Dick, having satisfied himself that the fellow was more
+frightened than hurt, left him sprawling in the mud with his twenty
+shillings scattered round him, and, as Bunyan would have put it, "went
+joyfully on his way, and was troubled no more by him at that time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HIDDEN WORTH.
+
+  "Here all things in their place remain,
+    As all were ordered ages since,
+  Come, care and pleasure, hope and pain,
+    And bring the fated fairy prince."
+                            TENNYSON, _The Day Dream._
+
+
+Through the winter weather Richard Harrison wandered eastward.
+
+The dull listlessness from which his encounter with Astbury aroused him
+for a moment, closed on him again as soon as he was once more alone;
+the glimpse of his old ideals that had revisited him had faded, and
+only left him with a dogged determination to do nothing unworthy of
+them, but with no pride or pleasure in his resolve.  And as he grew
+more weary, more desperate of escape from his pursuers, he soon ceased
+to think at all; political dreams, sorrow for the dead, hopes of
+finding new friends and ambitions in a new world, all were forgotten,
+the spirit within him was dulled by suffering; only the poor body cried
+incessantly for rest, for food, for warmth, and most often craved in
+vain.
+
+So one February evening found him struggling across the moorlands that
+fringe the coast of Norfolk between Hunstanton and Lynn.  Thickets of
+russet fern and gorse stretched from the dark firwoods to the grey
+strand and the grey waters of the Northern Sea.  The rooks croaked
+drearily to each other as they winged their way inland, and the gulls
+circled wailing over the heath before taking their flight to roost on
+some lonely sand-bank, and no other sound broke the monotonous plunge
+of the cold waves.
+
+But across the heath a clump of trees rising against the pale sky
+seemed to shelter a group of buildings, where possibly some charitable
+hand might bestow broken meat on a beggar, or at least a corner in a
+rick-yard might afford a shelter from the bitter frost that was numbing
+his limbs.  It was long since he had ventured into a town where he
+might be questioned and recognized--the hunted man had only dared ask
+food or lodging at solitary farms or lonely hamlets; and as he pushed
+forward, the gables and twisted chimneys of a mansion house, with
+garden walls and dove-cote, gave him hopes of help.  He hurried on as
+fast as his weary limbs could carry him, with a terror of the icy
+darkness that was closing in like the shadow of death descending upon
+him, and almost at a run he reached his goal, and stood on the
+balustraded stone arch that crossed the ice-encumbered moat of the old
+house.  Then, as he raised his eyes to the building, a groan of despair
+broke from him; it was but the mockery of shelter he could find there.
+The gates before him creaked on their rusty hinges, the gryffons that
+had ramped so proudly on the gate-posts, had fallen from their high
+estate, and lay grovelling among the dead flags that fringed the moat.
+Dead weeds bristled white with frost between the paving-stones of the
+once stately courtyard, and the great house beyond loomed dark and
+deserted in the twilight, with windows boarded up, or gaping black and
+empty through their shattered casements.
+
+The strength that had carried him so far, failed as his hopes dropped.
+He stumbled, clutched with a last effort at the gate, and lay a huddled
+heap on the threshold of the empty courtyard.  All was silent.  The dry
+flags rustled, the ice cracked in the moat below, the wanderer lay
+quiet at last.
+
+A very homely sound broke the ghostly stillness.  The click of pattens
+on the paving-stones, and a carol hummed in the clear tones of a girl's
+voice, as her tall lithe figure came round the corner of the apparently
+deserted house.  A greater contrast to the melancholy scene could not
+be imagined than her young face glowing with life and health, the ruddy
+coils of chestnut hair, and the bright hazel eyes that roved far and
+wide over the empty landscape, as she caught the swinging gates, and
+began to tie them in place with a piece of cord.
+
+"Mercy on us!" she cried, suddenly catching sight of the motionless
+figure below her.  "John!  John!  Old John!  Come here!  Here is one
+sick or hurt! pray heaven he be not dead," she concluded in a lower
+voice, as she stooped over the insensible man, and listened for sound
+of breath.  "Sir! sir! rouse yourself," and she shook the helpless man
+gently by the shoulder.  "Poor creature, this is no beggar, I warrant.
+He has the face of a gentleman, and his clothes were fine enough not so
+long ago.  John, I say!" she called again.  "'Tis just to vex me the
+old fool feigns himself to be deaf.  Sir, I pray you rouse; can you
+make shift to stand, for here is shelter close by, if you can but walk
+a step or two.  'Tis more than like he is one of those poor gentleman
+in trouble with this new government, he has the very air of a hunted
+man.  I cannot leave him here to freeze," she muttered.  "Well, if John
+is too deaf or too cross to help, I must e'en manage the business
+myself."  And without more ado she lifted the helpless man by the
+shoulders, and propped him up against the gate-post, and fell to
+rubbing his hands.  He opened his eyes, and gazed dully at her.  "Can
+you stand, and let me help you into the house?" she repeated.
+
+[Illustration: "Mercy on us!" she cried, suddenly catching sight of the
+motionless figure. [page 74.]
+
+"Yes, yes," he muttered thickly, and made an effort to rise.
+
+"That's well begun," she said brightly.  "Now another try, and I
+warrant you will find you can get the length of the court."
+
+With the help of her strong young arm he stumbled to his feet, and let
+her lead him round the house.  The back of the old mansion had a very
+different aspect to the front; a bucket of water stood by the well,
+brightly scoured milk-pans leant against the porch, and through the
+open door the glow of the fire streamed out into the twilight.  The
+girl glanced over towards the cowsheds, and then, with an impatient
+shake of her head, and a murmur of "Lazy old John," she carefully
+guided her bewildered guest into a great kitchen, and deposited him in
+the corner of a settle by the fire.  A minute afterwards she stood over
+him with a bowl of steaming broth in her hand.  The warmth of the
+comfortable fire had already begun to thaw his frozen wits, and he made
+shift to stammer a word of thanks as he fumbled with the spoon.
+
+"There, I will hold the bowl," she said; "you must say nothing till
+this broth is finished."  And she watched, well pleased how the colour
+came back to his face, and the starved glitter in his eyes softened
+into gratitude as he met her glance.
+
+"Madam," he said, when at length he laid down the spoon and
+straightened himself, "I do truly hold you have saved my life this
+night; and, indeed, not only have you delivered this poor body from
+danger, but the new spirit your kindness hath infused into me will go
+far to carry me to my journey's end.  For all, I do tender my thankful
+acknowledgement."
+
+And the bow with which he concluded his little speech confirmed his
+hostess in her assurance that she had to do with a man of position and
+breeding.  But the effect of his courtesy was sadly marred by a sudden
+false step, as he rose to take leave.
+
+"Nay, sir," she cried anxiously, "you must indeed not be in such haste;
+you are still faint," and she caught his arm as he clutched at the
+table and recovered himself.
+
+"Indeed, kind mistress, little ails me but weariness.  I have travelled
+far and not fared over-sumptuously; but now I am near my journey's end,
+and I must not linger on the way."
+
+"Indeed, sir," she cried, "you will not lose time by resting a little
+longer in the warmth here.  'Twould be poor speed to faint again in the
+woods!"
+
+"Ay," he answered, "and 'tis not very like I should there meet with a
+second good Samaritan to succour me; but I trust I shall go forward
+bravely now; 'tis but the warm room hath made me somewhat qualmish."
+
+But the young lady was clearly accustomed to have her own way, and
+quietly ignored his answer, as she continued--
+
+"You can rest here undisturbed if you fear not ghosts, for no one lives
+in the house.  I do but come here by day to attend to the dairy,
+so"--she concluded with a somewhat meaning tone--"you can shelter here,
+to-night, without any one asking whence you come, or whither you go."
+
+Richard looked at her.  How came it that this girl had guessed his
+secret at once when most people passed him, taking him but for a sturdy
+beggar?  What made her suspect him of being a fugitive?  Was her offer
+of shelter but careless good nature, or a heroic endeavour to save a
+hunted man?  At any rate he had not fallen so low as to draw suspicion
+on a woman, and a young woman to boot, although she was plainly no
+nervous, fanciful, fine lady, but a bright, resolute, country girl,
+with good health and high spirits gleaming from every flash of her
+bright eyes, and every turn of her auburn head.
+
+"Madam," he answered at length, "'twere a poor return for your
+kindness, did I not tell you that there are many who are no friends to
+me, and 'tis best I should depart, as I have come, lest I bring trouble
+on your hospitable house."
+
+The girl turned on him quick with a little stamp, of her neat foot on
+the sanded floor.
+
+"Sir, I know not, nor do I greatly care, who you may be, or what may be
+your reasons for keeping private; but 'tis very plain you are in
+trouble, and 'tis not the fashion of the house of Perrient to let folk
+go unsuccoured from our door."
+
+Richard sprang to his feet.  "Perrient! for heaven's sake, madam, of
+what Perrients do you come?"
+
+She looked at him with surprise.  "I am Audrey Perrient of Hunstanton,"
+she answered with a shade of coldness.
+
+"Mistress Perrient!  Mistress Audrey Perrient!  Can it be possible you
+are here in the flesh, or has God sent a blessed spirit in your shape
+to succour my misery!"
+
+She laughed with a puzzled scrutiny of his face.  "Sir, how do you know
+my name?  I am indeed a living woman, though this be a haunted house!
+It is sure no miracle to find me here at Inglethorpe, where my Aunt
+Isham lived for forty years past."
+
+Richard still stared at her like a man in a trance.  "Verily, God
+leadeth the blind by a way they know not," he said at length.  "We all
+believed you in America.  I can but admire the chance, or rather
+miracle, that hath directed my steps hither.  Madam, my name is well
+known to your honoured father.  I am Richard Harrison."
+
+The girl's bright cheek paled.  "Master Harrison!" she gasped; "the
+nephew of Major-General Harrison?"
+
+"Ay, madam," he answered, "the nephew, and well nigh the son of that
+martyr now in glory."
+
+There was silence for a minute, and then the girl recovered herself and
+the colour came back to her face.
+
+"But, good sir," she cried, "why are you in hiding?  How can you be in
+danger?  I know General Harrison was very forward against King Charles,
+and sat among the judges who sentenced him; but you--you must have been
+a mere boy when--when the king died.  'Twas no concern of yours?  Sure
+this new king is not a Herod that he should make war on men for what
+they did as babes in their cradles!  You were but a child in those
+days!"
+
+"Nay, madam, I was fifteen years old on the memorable day that the
+people of England did justice upon a king, even before the eyes of all
+nations.  I was already a soldier, and had the honour of wearing a
+sword, when my uncle's regiment kept guard round the scaffold at
+Whitehall.  Though in years I was but a lad, I do indeed believe I felt
+in my heart the terror of the presence of God, that was with his
+servants that day; and were that great deed to do again, I would with
+my heart's best blood set thereto my seal that it was just and right."
+
+Prompt and decided came his words.  The soldier had no questionings
+concerning the justice of the cause in which he had fought.
+
+Audrey interrupted him hastily.  "Oh, silence, sir!  Why say such
+dangerous words?"
+
+"Because, madam, dangerous words befit a dangerous man," he answered
+more gently.  "And"--smiling sadly at his own excitement--"and there
+are many that will tell you I am a dangerous man."
+
+"No, no; I am sure you are no evil doer, and, I am sure you can if you
+list, keep silence from such wild words."
+
+"Ay, madam, 'tis easier to keep silence than to testify; and I would
+not willingly vex you, but I desire that you should know me in my true
+colours.
+
+"I am not like to mistake the colours of Master Harrison--or Captain
+Harrison, is it not?" answered the girl; "and whatever differences did
+latterly divide us in mind, though not in love, from General Harrison,
+you must needs know we were all for the Parliament here--my
+grandfather, my father, and I; that is how I came to guess you for one
+in hiding from the king's men; but for your own sake I would have you
+careful, lest even walls should have ears."
+
+"It is but too true," he answered.  "I am no fit company for quiet
+folks and dainty maidens; but," he added rising, "it hath been a
+cordial to see the face of a friend, and the memory of it will abide
+long with me."  And as he spoke, the sudden life that had flashed into
+his eyes, seemed to flicker and go out like a candle, the soldier was
+changed back into a dull and spiritless wayfarer.
+
+Her face changed as quickly, the pained and alarmed look vanished.
+
+"No, no," she cried merrily, stepping before the door.  "No, no,
+Captain Harrison; you have betrayed yourself, and now you are my
+prisoner.  You do not depart hence till you have my leave!  Sit down!"
+she added peremptorily.  "I am going to prepare supper, and you are in
+my way; and afterwards you must confess to me whither you are bound,
+and what are your plans for escape, if escape you must."
+
+The charming masterfulness of her manner, the toss of her proud little
+head, might have quickened duller pulses than those of Richard
+Harrison.  It was so sweet to him to be commanded, to meet this glowing
+life and kindliness after the weeks of dull solitude that had almost
+bereaved him of his wits.  For a little while he might delay; let him
+have just a few moments more in the warmth and brightness; let him keep
+one fair memory to take out with him into the cold darkness.
+
+He met her challenge with a flash of his old spirit.  "Mercy, fair
+jailor!" he cried.  "What torment have you in store for me should I
+refuse to plead?"
+
+She seized a great ladle, and flourished it gaily.  "I am a magician,"
+she laughed, "and this is my wand.  I make no doubt when my prisoner
+tastes my Norfolk dumplings even his hard heart will be softened, and
+he will make fair confession.  And I have here besides a noble collar
+of brawn that would turn even a heathen to a better mind!  But, indeed,
+sir," she added, changing her banter to a winning tone of apology.  "I
+would not pry into your confidence, but whatever service I can render
+to General Harrison's nephew, that I am bound to give."
+
+"Nay, madam," he answered, "I have no secret that I should keep from
+your kindness.  There were some who were no friends to me in General
+Harrison's lifetime, and who would gladly have seen me share his fall.
+I need not particularize concerning their malice, as by God's help I
+have escaped it for the time.  But should they lay hands on me, I run
+some chance of sharing the lot of poor Venner and the other Fifth
+Monarchy men they hanged last month."
+
+"But are you indeed a Fifth Monarchy man?" cried Audrey, turning
+hurriedly from the great pot she was skimming and tasting.
+
+"No, no, on my honour I am not!" he answered earnestly.  "Perchance
+were I a better man, I were a greater fanatic!  My dear uncle was often
+very round with me, accounting me no better than a luke-warm Laodicean
+where the Fifth Monarchy was in question.  But truly, madam, I have in
+great part to thank your honoured grandfather that I was not carried
+away by the wild beliefs of one whom I did in all other matters desire
+to honour and obey.  The last time I saw Sir Gyles Perrient we had much
+speech concerning my uncle's plans.  Sir Gyles feared much General
+Harrison might be set on some rash action, and by throwing things into
+confusion, would leave the way open for the Cavaliers to join with the
+vile levelling party to root out all good in the land."
+
+"When was that time?" cried Audrey, disregarding the young man's deep
+interest in his political story; "when did you see my grandfather?"
+
+"When I was on my way to London in May two years ago," he answered
+flushing unaccountably.
+
+"That was when my father was lecturing at Ipswich," she answered, "and
+I was with him, and we were there still when the tidings came of the
+fit that carried off my grandfather suddenly; so you saw him later than
+I," she concluded wistfully.  "Can you mind any of the things he spoke
+of?"
+
+"We spoke much of public matters," he answered evasively, flushing yet
+deeper.  "Sir Gyles did earnestly desire to heal the breach betwixt my
+dear uncle and the Lord Protector, for he knew Oliver was ready to join
+hands with my uncle if he would but sit still and talk no more of a
+Fifth Monarchy rising.  I believe 'twas all of Sir Gyles Perrient's
+good counsel that General Harrison took no more heed of the fanatics'
+desire he should be their leader."
+
+"Ah, and is that also why you were too lukewarm a Laodicean to go out
+in Venner's rising last month?"
+
+"Indeed, Sir Gyles' words were wise enough to turn a very fool from his
+folly; but I was not in London when Venner broke out, but in hiding in
+Staffordshire.  Nevertheless, mine enemies found it an easy thing to
+bring witnesses to swear I was seen in Venner's company, and pressed
+hard on my hiding-place; so seeing I was not wealthy enough or easy
+enough to bribe their witnesses to refrain from lies, I e'en fled, and
+have the hue and cry after me for a dangerous plotter.  One of my name
+can scarce hope for much mercy in the very loyal city of London this
+day!"
+
+"But you have done wonders to reach so far as this.  And whither now
+are you bound?"
+
+"I thought perchance I might make my way to King's Lynn: there is a
+minister there, Mr. Marsham, who was a good friend of mine uncle: and I
+know hath often helped many in distress to escape to Holland.  I
+thought he might help me to a ship to some Dutch port, and thence I can
+go forward to New England when the way seems open."
+
+"'Tis an excellent plan," answered Audrey, thoughtfully, "and indeed I
+heard talk of the _Little Charity_ sailing to Rotterdam the end of this
+week.  But your plan may be so far amended that you will do best to
+stay here in hiding till the day before the ship may sail.  I can send
+in a private message from you to your friend, but Lynn is so distraught
+with loyalty that it might fare ill with Mr. Marsham were he found
+harbouring you for many days."
+
+"But how would it fare with Mistress Perrient, were she found
+harbouring me?" he asked, with a smile.  "Methinks it smacks somewhat
+of cowardice to drag a lady into my peril?"
+
+"Tush, there's no peril!" she answered gaily.  "No one comes here save
+the crows and seagulls, or maybe a ghost.  I trust, Captain Harrison,
+you fear not ghosts?"
+
+"Nay," he answered earnestly.  "If any blessed spirit did speak to me,
+it were indeed a grace and a light shining in darkness; but as they be
+evil spirits, they can scarce be more dangerous than when I withstood
+them in the flesh at Worcester fight and Dunbar.  Nevertheless, I have
+no great desire to behold such wonders, for a man cannot tell, till the
+trial come, if he shall bear himself manfully therein."
+
+"I did but jest," she answered; "but the common folk have much talk of
+ghosts in this house since it hath been left so desolate, and so they
+shun it; and if any man saw or heard you here, 'tis more likely they
+would hold you for some dead Cremer or Inglethorpe than for a mortal
+man.  But here is my broth ready; and, in common courtesy, you must
+tell me my supper was worth waiting for!"
+
+With housewifely pride, Audrey had dished up her country fare, and
+smiled to see her guest's enjoyment of it.  The great logs roared on
+the hearth and lit up the shining pewter on the dresser and the one
+silver tankard that was Audrey's pride.  Empty though the great kitchen
+was, its dainty cleanliness and the splendid solidity of the oak
+rafters and settle, saved it from any look of squalid poverty.  Yet the
+simple surroundings could not fail to strike the stranger.
+
+"Madam," he said at length, "may I pray you to resolve me the riddle
+how I find you dwelling in Norfolk?  We heard you had departed to the
+New England plantations near two years ago, with your honoured father."
+
+"My father, indeed, did sail to Rhode Island, but he left me here, with
+my great-aunt Isham, till he had prepared a home for me there.  And
+then, when I would have followed him, my great-aunt was grown so old
+and failed, that he deemed it my duty to stay with her to the last.
+Now she is lately dead, and I am in haste to depart to join my dearest
+father.  Right glad am I you chanced not here a few weeks later, or you
+might, in good truth, have found but a ghost to welcome you.  Indeed,
+your visit came pat to the minute, for I was just shutting up for the
+night when you must needs get in the way of the gate," and she laughed
+saucily.  "Had you but come five minutes later, I should have been away
+at my cowman's cottage, where I dwell now till I am ready to take ship.
+This house does but serve me for withdrawing-room, when I am weary of
+old Molly's clack and out of patience with her husband.  My poor aunt
+Isham loved this ruined Inglethorpe too well to leave it till she was
+carried to the church-yard, but I have no fancy to awake some morning
+to find I am but another of the Inglethorpe ghosts, and my body buried
+in the ruins of Inglethorpe Hall.  Therefore, I give the preference to
+the attic in the cottage below there for a state chamber."
+
+"Madam," he answered slowly, "if, indeed, this house is held for
+uninhabited, and you do purpose leaving the country so soon, methinks
+it may truly not bring you into danger if I take your generous offer
+and hide here for to-night.  You will scarce be questioned yonder in
+Providence Plantation concerning the malefactors you harboured in
+Norfolk, therefore will I thankfully close with your offer."
+
+"That's well," she cried, springing from her seat, and clapping her
+hands.  "I knew no man alive could resist the charm of my dumplings!
+Now, take patience but a little, and you shall see how well I order
+things for my visitor!" and she ran gaily out of the room.
+
+A mighty noise above stairs of moving furniture and the patter of light
+footsteps came to Harrison as he basked by the great fire; and it was
+not till the evening was growing late that Audrey reappeared, and,
+dropping a curtsey with a charming air of demureness, prayed leave to
+marshal his worship to his bedchamber.
+
+He followed her up the stairs to a chamber over the kitchen.
+
+"The real guest-chambers I may not offer you," she sighed, as she poked
+up the logs that blazed on the rusty andirons; "seeing the rats have
+made such havoc in them, and 'tis many years since any one slept there.
+But the rats do not affect this chamber greatly, and the roof is sound;
+also my aunt's woman slept here and saw no ghosts.  And if need comes
+you should hide--which God forbid--you see this little stair in the
+corner?  It leads up to the great attic that is full of lumber, where
+you could play hide-and-seek with a regiment; and were you pressed
+there--see"--and she ran lightly up the stair and pushed open the door
+into the lumber-room.  "Look at those bedsteads and chests and the
+great loom.  They make a very rampart!  And if that were forced, the
+ceiling is all broken at that end, so 'twere easy to scramble up on the
+rafters and lie hid under the tiles.  There, surely no one would follow
+you; leastways, not our constables from hereabouts.  They are too lusty
+for such mountebank scrambles!  And now, sir, your fire burns bright,
+and I will wish you good night, and God keep you in safety."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+  "And ever at the loom of birth
+    The mighty mother weaves and sings,
+  She weaves fresh robes for mangled earth,
+    She sings fresh hopes for desperate things."
+                                      C. KINGSLEY.
+
+
+Long after the light sound of Audrey's step had died away on the garden
+path, Richard Harrison sat and dreamed.  Of late, exhausted by cold and
+fatigue, he had begun to lose control of his mind: he had sometimes
+found himself forgetting what dangers threatened him, and in what
+direction he had decided to turn his steps; and even when he could
+force himself to think, he had grown too desperate to care what peril
+might be in wait for him.  It might be only the pestilential den men
+then called a jail; it might be the slave-ship, and the chain-gang in
+Barbadoes; it might be the gibbet, with the hand of the executioner
+scrabbling in his entrails.  Well, let it be, if it must.  His
+imagination seemed too dull to realize his danger, or work out any
+coherent scheme of escaping it.  It could only brood over one horrible
+memory, till he felt he could have welcomed the pike thrust of a
+soldier or the lash of a slave-driver, if only they roused him from the
+dreams that bordered on insanity.  Now, suddenly, he found himself
+awake.  He was his sane self again.  A girl's calm voice, a girl's
+clear eyes seemed to have exorcised the demon that had pursued him.  He
+remembered with a surprise that was full of relief that he had talked
+to her for long that evening, and his words had been coherent--that he
+had actually jested!  He was not mad!  That horrible execution was
+true; it was no insane dream; but other things were real too.  In what
+strange world had he been living?  Had that sullen, desperate wretch
+been indeed Dick Harrison?  He realized that he was alive; he could
+still enjoy the common comforts of food and fire; he could think; he
+could plan!  His feet were once more treading solid earth; his brain
+began to spin anew the projects that had delighted him of yore; his
+heart began to stir with the hopes of old.  Across the sea there were
+still battles to fight, new states to found.  Liberty was not an idle
+word; love might still make life glorious.  It seemed as if some
+healing touch had awakened him from a fevered dream, and recalled him
+to saner and earlier memories than those that tortured him; and when he
+stretched his weary limbs on the unwonted luxury of a bed, the old
+dreams awoke and bore him company all night long.
+
+The sounds of a ballad carolled below, awoke him next morning to the
+knowledge that his hostess was already at the house, and about her
+morning tasks.  He sprang refreshed from his pallet, and smiled as he
+recognized the voice.
+
+"'Tis a miracle," he muttered; "'tis nothing short of a miracle to find
+her here.  But how comes she to be alone in this ruined house, like an
+enchanted damosel of a fairy tale?  'Tis a strange plight for such a
+tenderly-nurtured maid, for old Sir Gyles guarded her as the very apple
+of his eye!  And what state did not he keep, and Hunstanton Hall!  And
+with what a retinue did he ride to visit us at Highgate!  Yet here is
+his grandchild without man or maid to serve her, working with her hands
+like--was I about to say a farm wench?  Fie, fie, like a nymph of
+Arcadia, rather!  I cannot but call to mind the romances my master
+whipped me so soundly for wasting my lesson-hours over in Newcastle
+Grammar School!  I wonder would she flout me, did she guess how like
+one of those enchanted princesses I deem her?  But, in sad earnest, I
+must needs ask how this change of fortune is come about; 'tis
+unmannerly to ask questions, but she cannot look on me as all a
+stranger, even if she hold no memory of those old days at Highgate.
+Dare I ask her concerning them?  That were a more perilous adventure; I
+must take more council with myself ere I can hold I am armed to dare
+it!"
+
+He left his room, but such vehement sounds of sweeping and scrubbing
+sounded from the kitchen that, when Richard reached the foot of the
+stair, he held discretion the better part of valour, and strolled out
+of the door into the bright morning air.  The little yard was so
+sheltered by walls and quaint outbuildings that the sunshine felt as
+warm as May, and the frost was gone from the cobble-stones.  A clink of
+chains down the cart-track drew his attention, and in a minute more an
+old man hobbled into the yard carrying a couple of milk pails on a yoke.
+
+"Sarvent, sir," said he, endeavouring to touch his forelock.
+
+Harrison saw his own imprudence in standing about so recklessly, but
+put a good face on the matter, and answered the old man's greeting.
+
+"Missis, her told us her'd got a visitor," continued the milkman,
+resting his pails on the top of a low wall, and straightening his
+shoulders; "her bides down at the cottage along o' we now--'tis too
+lonesome for a young maid here o' nights."
+
+"Oh, then you are Mistress Perrient's cowman," answered Harrison with
+relief.
+
+"Ees, sir, I be, and I was her grandfather's afore her.  Ees--I minds
+her father's christening, and our young lady's christening; I minds a
+many things; but times is changed--changed terrible since then."  He
+shook his old head solemnly.
+
+"I suppose it was at Hunstanton you were in Sir Gyles' household?"
+asked Harrison, idly.
+
+"Ees, sir; but you understand I was not rightly in his household, so to
+say; I was allers an outside man, and about the pigs and cows--but
+lawk! a man can see a lot if a man is only about the pigs and
+cows--beautiful cows they was too, beautiful! but they be all gone."
+
+Richard made a movement to pass on, but the old man had no mind to miss
+his chance of a gossip.
+
+"Seems to me as if I had seen 'ee afore, sir.  You were a-visiting at
+Hunstanton, warn't 'ee, in the old squire's time?  I reckoned I knowed
+'ee--fine young gentleman you was then, but not so lusty as you be
+growed now.  That was a fine house, now, warn't it?  _And_ kept as
+gentlefolks' houses should be."
+
+"Yes, I suppose Sir Gyles was a very rich man."
+
+"That he was--and respected.  Why he might 'a been a king an' more than
+a king the way he was thought on in the country.  And our young
+lady--she was always known by the name o' the Queen o' Hunstanton, even
+when queens was in no great favour in the country; but there--our
+parish clerk says, says he, there's a Scripture warrant for it--with
+Queen Esther and a sight more on 'em.  So why not Queen o' Hunstanton!"
+
+"You made an excellent choice of a queen," said Harrison, willing to
+humour the old man's desire for a talk.
+
+"Ees, that us did; but things was mighty different then.  A round dozen
+serving-men with blue coats there was, not to speak of the butler and
+the steward, and twenty or more in the stables; and where be 'un all
+gone--gone like the leaves!"  And he spread out his wrinkled hands with
+a gesture that had a touch of pathos in it.
+
+"Times are indeed changed.  I suppose the wars brought troubles
+everywhere."
+
+"'Twarn't the wars, 'twarn't the wars," broke in the old man, eagerly.
+"Squire was as big a man when the wars was done as when they
+begun--only older--older, you understand.  And no one 'ud ha' laid a
+finger on ought belonging to him, not for gold untold; they had that
+respect for him, and they bore fear on him too.  A very plain-speaking
+gentleman he was when he was pleased.  But no--'twarn't the wars.  He
+was a great man, and a rich man to the day of his death.  He was took
+sudden, you understand--in some sort of fit like; and young
+master--that's Passon Perrient as they calls him, our young missis'
+father--and missis, they was away at Ipswich, and come back all of a
+scuffle and finds him dead; and by all I hear, not the value of a
+penny-piece in the house in money--plenty of silver and pewter you
+understand, but no money whatsumever.  And when all come to be settled,
+why then Passon Perrient he was on the windy side of the hedge, and he
+just sold the horses and cows and the old house and went across seas,
+and our young missis, she come to her aunt, old Madam Isham, and Molly,
+that's my wife, and I, we come along on her; but 'twas a change--that
+it was."
+
+"It was well that some of her old servants were so faithful as to stay
+by her," said Harrison.
+
+"Ees, ees we'd surely stay by her; but 'tis no fitting place here for a
+young lady; why, there's no company--no coming and going; and the
+coaches as used to come to the old Squires's; and the quality; and they
+fare to have clean forgotten our young lady, dang 'em!  And Squire's
+great house turned into an inn!  You think o' that!  If so be as you
+goo into Hun'ston, you'll see the name o' it, The Royal Oak, and a
+great oak tree drawed for a sign over the front door.  How's that for
+impudence!"
+
+"John, John!" called a clear voice from the door, "is that milk coming
+in to-day?  Good morrow, Captain Harrison; methinks you look as though
+you had rested well."
+
+No change of circumstances seemed to have saddened the bright creature
+who stood on the doorstep, her pretty head rising like a flower from a
+wide white collar, her coarse black gown pinned back under a great
+white apron.
+
+"'Tis many a long week since I have rested so well, madam," answered
+Harrison, coming forward to greet her.  "Methinks you have some spell
+by which you strew pleasant dreams on the pillows you make ready for
+your guests."
+
+She laughed.  "Well said; you pass compliments as nimbly as a courtier!
+And, now, if you will but help me empty John's milk-pails into the
+dairy-pans you shall taste farmhouse bread and butter for your wages."
+
+"But have you no help in this work?" asked Harrison, as he lifted the
+heavy pails from the doorstep.
+
+"Why, no!  I was a fine lady till two years ago, but when fortune
+changes one is like to change with it.  And so you find me a
+dairywoman!"
+
+"But, pardon me, surely your father cannot know it?  He cannot know you
+are working thus, and enduring the life of a peasant?"
+
+"My dear daddy!  He knows more of St. Augustine than of how many cows
+feed in the five-acre meadow.  But he knows very well I have few
+pennies to jingle in my pocket, for he has fewer yet.  But such matters
+never trouble him; he only desired money to buy books, and give him but
+a book and he would forget if he had eat his dinner or no."
+
+She chatted away as she tripped from dairy to larder; it was a rare
+holiday for the lonely girl to find a companion, and a companion of her
+own age.  Two long years of poverty and seclusion had not dulled
+Audrey's gay spirits, which only waited a chance to bubble forth.  Old
+Madam Isham had sheltered her great niece out of family pride, not out
+of family affection; and Audrey had left the love and luxury of her
+grandfather's house to enter a life as dull and as cold as that of a
+nunnery.  Madam Isham considered most of her country neighbours to be
+either parvenus or white-washed rebels, while she was too proud to show
+her poverty to the few gentlefolk she considered worthy of her
+acquaintance.
+
+Old, sad, and sour, Audrey found the old lady's maundering lamentations
+over the good times of King James a sad contrast to her grandfather's
+discussions of public matters, or her father's learned conversation.
+Morning prayers in the chilly little church, an occasional airing in
+the shabby coach, with its moth-eaten cushions and patched harness,
+were the only varieties in Audrey's life.  She became better skilled in
+the making of pickles and preserves than ever she could have been in
+the masculine household at Hunstanton, where the old servants would
+have broken their hearts if their little mistress had ever set her
+dainty finger to anything rougher than gathering rose-leaves and
+lavender to scent the best parlour.  But the dull external life had no
+real effect on Audrey's spirits; she bore her great-aunt's peevishness
+and the monotony of her days with cheerful equanimity, for this all was
+but a parenthesis; soon she would join the beloved father whom she
+tended and petted and scolded and revered, and they would begin a new
+life in a wonderful country, where she should see live savages with
+painted faces and feather head-dresses, and valiant soldiers and
+frontiersmen, whose adventures were as romantic as those of Robin Hood,
+and saintly ministers who had fled from persecution, like the people in
+Fox's Book of Martyrs; her brilliant fancy painted the Western land
+with all the hues of the sunset.  Full of healthful energy, it was a
+relief to her to help the solitary maid in her household work; that was
+the least dull part of her new life; and, in the kitchen, the Queen of
+Hunstanton could still rule imperiously over the old cowman, and make
+the dairywoman tremble before her royal displeasure.
+
+But through the long dull hours of sewing in Aunt Isham's
+dressing-room, her unfailing treasure of consolation was in repeating
+to herself all the teachings she had received from her
+grandfather--words that could never be breathed aloud in Madam Isham's
+house; of liberty, and the rights of the people to representation and
+civil justice, teachings that were drawn from writings as far asunder
+as Bishop Taylor's "Liberty of Prophesying," and Mr. Milton's
+"Areopagitica."  The narrow formalism of Madam Isham's creed drove
+Audrey more and more to dwell on the lessons she had loved, but hardly
+comprehended, and in her solitude she rediscovered for herself the
+reasonings which had led Sir Gyles Perrient to stand with Eliot and Pym
+against the encroachments of the Crown.  Sir Gyles' own memories ran
+back to the time of Elizabeth, and he had taught his grand-daughter to
+reverence those golden days when a wise Queen and a loyal Parliament
+worked together for the good of the people.  He loved the Church of
+England as he loved the Queen and the Parliament; and Audrey had
+wondered and admired as she realized how he had endured to see the
+downfall of one cherished institution after another, still full of hope
+in the future of England, and of faith that the Divine Providence would
+bring good out of evil.
+
+As she told one story after another of her old life, Harrison could
+restrain himself no longer, and chimed in.
+
+"I wonder," he cried, "if you can remember how, a many years ago, Sir
+Gyles carried you up to London, and you lay for a week at our house at
+Highgate?  I had never seen his like!  He seemed to me the very model
+of the old courtier of the Queen in the ballad; he was so worshipful an
+old gentleman, and carried such a train of old servants riding with
+him.  And if he was like the old lord in the ballad, there was a little
+maid with him who seemed to me to have come straight from one of the
+fairy tales my nurse used to tell me away in Staffordshire, when I was
+a child."
+
+"I trust the little maid behaved herself fittingly," laughed Audrey.
+
+"Right royally did she bear herself, and rated me soundly for an
+overgrown boy with no manners," answered Harrison.  "I have endeavoured
+ever since to lay the schooling to heart."
+
+"Oh, this is past bearing!" cried Audrey, turning on him.  "'Tis not
+fair to make up such tales."
+
+"Indeed, 'tis true," he protested, "and--and I liked the rating."
+
+"I am afraid I was a pert poppet," she confessed; "my dear grandfather
+spoilt me sadly, but I knew not that I had carried my bad manners up to
+London town."
+
+"Don't you mind the garden?" he urged.  "There were stone figures in
+it, of men blowing horns, and between them a little stone basin with
+lilies in it."
+
+"I do remember!" she cried.  "And I tumbled in!  And who pulled me out?
+I do protest it was you! and right generous was it of you to risk a
+wetting for such a peevish brat!"
+
+"You were not peevish; it was all of your grace and favour that you
+chid me, for you would say no word to any one else in the house at all!
+And when you had done with chiding I was as proud and happy as a king.
+I have never forgotten my little playfellow.  But now, madam," cried
+he, rising with a sudden change of tone, "I pray you set me some task
+to do; I cannot lounge here in idleness and see you serving."
+
+"Good lack," said she, "I know not what labours to set you to; for you
+must surely not go outside the house lest you should be noted."
+
+"But I thought no one ever came here save the crows and the gulls," he
+answered.
+
+"Human folk come not often, indeed; but of them one were too many.
+Also, latterly, there have been more strangers on the road, tramping
+from Lynn--pedlars, and fiddlers, and such like--and small pity have
+they on our hen-roosts.  And if any such wandered hither and saw you,
+they might tattle."
+
+"You are right," he answered gravely, "I will put you to no needless
+risks, yet somewhat I must do to keep----"  He broke off suddenly.
+"Your pistols are in sorry case, Mistress Perrient," he went on in a
+gayer tone.  "I pray you let me clean them."
+
+"'Tis five long years since they were touched," she answered; "not
+since the day of the blue-coated serving-men you saw come riding out of
+a ballad.  Take them, sir, the pretty toys may serve to while away a
+dull day."
+
+The laughter faded from Harrison's face as he sat in his chamber oiling
+the pistols.  The smooth touch of the trigger under his finger, and the
+click of the lock, brought back the memory of many a past fight when
+hope was high and blood was warm.  "Truly we fought our best," he
+murmured, "and no man counted the cost or grudged his blood to the
+cause.  Was it indeed in vain?  What does this people care for liberty,
+when they are even now holding festival over the forging of their new
+chains!"
+
+He was roused from his brooding by steps under the window.  From the
+shelter of the curtain Harrison saw a swaggering figure in tawdry
+finery lurch into the yard where Audrey was scouring her milk-cans by
+the pump.  It was a figure he remembered only too well.  What cursed
+chance had brought that knave Astbury begging at Inglethorpe?  And was
+it chance?  The rascal might have dogged him.  Richard pressed close to
+the window and listened.
+
+"Good mistress," began the whining voice, "here is a poor soldier, come
+home after his blessed majesty, and hath ne'er a groat to carry him up
+to London to seek the king's grace."
+
+Audrey's first words in answer were inaudible; but then her voice rose
+higher.
+
+"I tell you I have nought here for you.  Go down to the cottage yonder,
+and perchance the good wife may find you some broken meat."
+
+The fellow persisted in his demands.  His actual words were inaudible
+to the listener behind the curtain, but there was no mistaking the
+canting professional tone, the whine which presently grew to a bullying
+roar, when the ruffian found that no one else appeared about the place
+or came to support the girl.  The sound of that threatening voice was
+too much for Harrison's prudence.  Still holding the empty pistol in
+his hand, he darted downstairs and reached the door just in time to see
+the ruffian dash forward to seize the terrified girl, as he roared with
+coarse jocularity--
+
+"As ye'll give me no meat, I'll e'en take the sweet."
+
+Audrey sprang back with a shriek, but with one bound Harrison was out
+of the door and beside her, and his strong hand sent the ruffian
+staggering against the wall.
+
+For a moment the bully stopped, uncertain whether to fight or fly, but
+then, discovering who his assailant was, he shouted--
+
+"You cowardly Roundhead, you played me a scurvy trick t'other day, now
+I'll be even with you," and pulling out a long sailor's knife, he
+rushed on Dick; but as he raised his arm, Dick's hand went up too, and
+Astbury found himself looking into the black muzzle of a great horse
+pistol.
+
+"Back, cur!" roared Dick, "or I'll shoot you like a dog."
+
+Astbury staggered back, stared a moment, and then with an actual howl
+of dismay the bold buccaneer turned and fled.  He did not fly so fast,
+however, as to escape a kick from Harrison's boot that sent him
+blundering half across the yard.
+
+"Be off, rascal," he shouted, "you are not worth powder and shot, but
+an' you stop before you have put ten miles between yourself and this
+door, the constable's whip and your back shall be the better
+acquainted."
+
+The last words seemed to revive such vivid recollections in the
+pirate's mind, that he picked himself up and vanished down the lane at
+his best speed, without waiting for further parley, while Harrison
+lowered his empty pistol and turned to the girl.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+FATE AT WORK.
+
+  "And, for the ways are dangerous to pass,
+  I do desire thy worthy company
+  Upon whose faith and honour I repose."
+                          _Two Gentlemen of Verona._
+
+
+Harrison took Audrey's hand and led her back into the kitchen.  For a
+minute he held her hand, and a curious memory came to him of how he had
+once picked up a little bird that had fallen from its nest, and how
+softly the little live thing had nestled in his palm.  Then he spoke
+gently--
+
+"Mistress Audrey, you must not stay here longer alone."
+
+"No," she gasped.  "No, I will go speedily.  But no one was ever
+uncivil to me before in all my life.  All the folk about here reverence
+our very name.  I will keep down at the cottage with old Molly till I
+am ready to depart."
+
+"May I ask you what delays your journey, madam?" he asked.
+
+"Faith!" she answered, smiling through some tears, "because I liked my
+own company too little to travel forth with no better.  I have delayed
+that perhaps I might hear of honest folk, travelling at least so far as
+Rotterdam, who would bear me company.  But I may not tarry much longer
+or all my money will be spent, so indeed I will now be gone with all
+speed."
+
+Harrison looked at her.  Could any man, with a spark of chivalry in his
+breast, endure to think of this bright young creature going forth
+alone, to cross half the world, as ignorant of the perils that might
+surround her as though she were still the child he had pulled out of
+the lily pond?  Could he forsake his little playfellow?
+
+Richard was not in the habit of hesitating.  "Mistress Audrey," he said
+eagerly, "why cannot you take your journey on Thursday when I do, and
+let me be as your brother to guard you?  God do so to me, and more
+also, if I bring you not safe to your father's hands.  Will you not
+take me for your brother, Audrey?  For the sake of old times, and the
+memory of those we both did love and reverence, you will trust me?"
+
+"In truth," she answered, "I knew not how sore I needed a brother till
+this very day."
+
+She looked out of the door across the empty landscape, brown woods and
+russet fields; nowhere, save in the little white cottage below the
+copse, was there a friend for her in all the country.  Who would burden
+themselves with a penniless girl?  And if her kinsfolk were too
+careless or too proud to own her, she on the other hand, had been too
+closely kept in her own circle of well-born neighbours to have any
+acquaintances among the Nonconformists who were now flying from
+England.  Her gay courage had always made her strive to ignore the
+difficulties that lay before her; but she knew only too well how
+difficult, nay almost impossible for a lonely girl, was the journey
+that lay before her; for those were days when a woman needed a strong
+arm and a ready blade to protect her among strangers.  She had still
+kept putting off her inevitable journey, telling herself that
+companions might yet be found to share the perils of a voyage half
+across the world.  But in the bottom of her heart she knew that she
+might linger in Inglethorpe Hall till she was grey-headed before the
+desired protector appeared.  Now, by a sort of miracle, came a friend
+of old times, pat to the minute!  Would it not be childish, nay wrong,
+to hesitate?  Harrison's kind hand still held hers, his eyes were bent
+on her face in anxious waiting for her decision.  She turned towards
+him, and he caught her meaning.
+
+"Then shall it be so?" he cried gaily.  "And you will be my little
+sister?  I will indeed do all I may to make the rough ways smooth for
+you, and you will pardon your brother's lack of courtly fashions?"
+
+"I knew not I was so very great a coward," she murmured, brushing away
+a tear that had stolen down her cheek; "but I am not of a fearful
+nature, and I will not be burdensome to you on the journey--good
+brother," she added softly.
+
+"Then, now," he cried cheerfully, "we have no time to lose; we must
+dispose all for our flitting.  What do you propose for our order of
+march?  You are the lady commander."
+
+"Oh, that will give no one a headache to plan.  I am but roosting in
+the corner of this old house by the charity of Sir Frank Cremer, to
+whom it passed back when my aunt died; so I have but to lock the door,
+and give the key to old John, and have done with my housekeeping.  John
+hath long desired to spend his savings on buying my cows, so they do
+not stand in the way of my journey; and what goods I desire to carry
+over seas can travel to Lynn by to-morrow's carrier, and he will see
+them aboard your ship.  But"--she interrupted herself--"I do not think
+you should be seen in those clothes."
+
+"Why?" he laughed rather ruefully, as he looked down at his tarnished
+lace.  "I know my suit is too travel-worn for the champion of so dainty
+a lady; but methinks there is no sign of a Puritan about it to put me
+in danger.  My uncle had no love for a godliness that depended on a
+plain band or a dingy cloak."
+
+"Nay, 'tis too gay you are," she answered; "so fine a gentleman cannot
+pass unnoticed.  Let me see"--she paused and considered--"I have it!
+The cowman John goes to-day on my errands to Castle Rising, and I will
+bid him buy me divers things that my father will need, so no one will
+wonder if he gets also a suit of country clothes, such as our yeomen
+wear.  Then the ship-men may take you for one of the wool-merchants who
+are always passing to and fro to Holland, and no questions will be
+asked."
+
+"Methinks, fair sister," he cried in admiration, "you were born a
+plotter!  I have money enow, but may I trust old John's discretion to
+buy me fitting raiment?"
+
+"Oh, you seem much of a height with my father," she said, eyeing him
+critically, "though you are broader in the shoulders.  The suit shall
+fit you as well as fit the times.  But I believe in your heart you are
+loth to change from a fine gentleman to the likeness of a country
+clown," she added mischievously: then, breaking into a laugh, "I know
+not what you will think of my father when we get to land!  I misdoubt
+me sorely we shall find him clad like John the Baptist on the
+tapestries, for what clothes he hath not given away will be falling off
+him in rags!"
+
+"Is it not strange that Sir Gyles' son should favour him so little?"
+
+"Ah, but he is like my grandfather in that he is wise; only he is wise
+like a philosopher, and looks at the matters of this world as if he
+were sitting away high up with Greeks, and Romans, and saints, in the
+clouds.  Grandad used to say father cared more for the laws of Plato's
+Republic than he did for English Acts of Parliament, and that some day
+he would be asking if Queen Bess sat still on the throne!  While my
+grandfather was wise for everything, for the constables, and the
+soldiers, and the poor folks, and the Parliament; so when he died it
+was as though the sky had fallen, and no one knew which way to turn."
+
+But there was little time to spare, even for such a chatterbox as
+Audrey to discourse in.  She was soon flying round the house, searching
+and planning, emptying cupboards, and tying up bundles, and Richard
+found work enough to drive away all thoughts, save how best to defend
+bedding from salt water, and whether it were possible to carry the
+great brass warming-pan over seas.  Not till evening drew on and the
+chests and bundles were piled ready in the entry, did the thoughts that
+had laid in ambush all day spring out and possess him again.  The
+pleasant occupation, the novelty of the girl's bright society and ready
+sympathy, had charmed them to sleep for a while, but the sickness that
+lay at his heart was part of himself; it was only the more real that he
+could turn from it for a while, and come back and find it unchanged.
+
+"Prithee, good brother," cried Audrey, crossing to the chimney corner,
+where he sat in sudden gloom, "why so sad?  Are you already repenting
+of having chosen a hard task-mistress as a travelling companion?"
+
+He started from his study.  "No, truly," he answered; "'tis the
+pleasantest day I have spent since the troubles came upon us.  I reckon
+I have laughed more this day than I have for a twelve-month past.  But,
+sweet sister, is there not enough to make a man sad nowadays?"
+
+"Yes," she answered gently; "but you must not grieve overmuch for
+General Harrison.  Surely, though the way thereto was hard, now he hath
+attained to rest from his labours."
+
+"Ay," answered Richard, bitterly, rising and pacing up and down the
+kitchen, "but do his works follow him?  Indeed I grieve no longer for
+him of whom this land is not worthy.  How may I dare to grieve, having
+witnessed his triumph over a death of agony?  But what of the liberties
+of England for which he gave his life?  If our cause had been of God
+would it not have gone forward?  But He hath not owned us, and our
+labour was spent in vain."
+
+"No, no," she cried eagerly; "not all in vain!  I am but a foolish
+girl, and should not speak of such high matters; but I mind my father
+often hath said that a great deed hath an immortality in itself and
+cannot die, even if for a time it seem to perish.  He did not justify
+the death of the king, but doth bewail it yearly as the day comes
+round, in fasting and humiliation.  He held that the cause of Liberty
+must triumph in the end by men's eyes being instructed to desire her
+for her beauty, for that she needs not the service of bloody hands.  He
+is of so meek a spirit, he would rather endure to the uttermost than
+take the sword.  Yet have I often heard him say that he did account all
+that the army had done for the liberty of England was so great, that
+the names of those who fought in it would, by-and-by, be numbered among
+the heroes of history."
+
+"You are a kind comforter, my gentle sister, and I trust your
+prophecies may prove true.  Yet, as a man may not read his own epitaph,
+'tis but a lesson of patience to say that by-and-by matters may mend,
+while now they go from bad to worse."
+
+Audrey could not, in the bottom of her heart, grieve as deeply as did
+the young soldier for the downfall of the Republican cause, but even in
+that lonely Hall she heard enough of public matters to understand that
+the new King Charles was not renewing the golden Elizabethan age she
+had been brought up to revere, and, moreover, she was a born
+hero-worshipper, and treasured the stories of Blake's victories, and of
+Cromwell's defence of the Waldenses all the more dearly now that the
+bones of those great Englishmen were torn from their graves and flung
+into a shameful pit under the gallows.  She could give a good deal of
+sympathy, and still more of pity to the lost cause, but could she give
+consolation?  She had seen her grandfather preserve his hope of the
+ultimate triumph of sober liberty through all the storms and tumult of
+the Civil wars; she knew how old men could sorrow and could endure.
+But this stranger's mind was still a sealed book to her.  How did the
+young sorrow?  What was the comfort that would appeal to him?  How
+could she whisper hope to the man who sat with his head dropped in his
+hands, as if he feared to let any one see the burning tears of shame
+that were gathering in his eyes?
+
+"If indeed the Lord spake to the Jews," Harrison went on, "did He not
+speak to us?  Or was that also but a vain imagination, and did men
+fable when they wrote of the wonders done for the Jews, as they fabled
+concerning the Greeks and Romans?"
+
+"I have heard my father and other clergymen of our English Church say
+they feared that some good men were apt to lean too much on the history
+of the Jews, as though we in England were their doubles, and bound by
+the same ordinances.  He said he feared such reasonings, when they
+proved hollow, would make men run the other way and fall into unbelief.
+For he held that God hath His fashions of working, which differ for
+every nation, as one star differs from another in glory, and that He
+speaketh not to us in England by open signs, but for the most part,
+through our reason and our consciences."
+
+Harrison rose with a groan and strode restlessly across the room.
+
+"Ay," he answered, "your father is a wise man.  But did not our reason
+and our consciences approve of that great work?  Why then is it cast
+down and brought to nought, as though it were all folly and wickedness?"
+
+She rose, and laid her hand on his arm; her eyes, too, were full of
+tears.
+
+"Good brother, may it not be as in the days of the martyrs Mr. Fox
+tells of?  I mind me of the words of Bishop Latimer concerning the
+flames that consumed him lighting a candle that should never be put out
+in England.  Perhaps in this war you have set going a word of liberty
+that none may put to silence.  Methinks, since the days of old Rome,
+there can have been no such talk of the government of the people by the
+people, as we have heard in these days, and as my father says, he
+beholds in very deed in New England.  Mayhap, liberty is but departed
+across seas to renew her strength, and will come again to gather, not
+England only, but all the nations, under her wings."
+
+Harrison turned and caught her hand.  "In truth I were worse than a Jew
+did I not believe so fair a prophetess," he cried.  "Yet----" he
+paused, and looked at her curiously, and a sudden impulse came on him
+to speak out all that was in his heart.  "You seem very sure of it
+all?" he said.
+
+Audrey blushed scarlet.  She had grown up among people who were less
+outspoken on religious matters than the Puritans, and the young girl's
+feelings were locked in her own little holy of holies; but she was no
+coward.
+
+"I doubt not I am often too sure of matters," she said.  "My father was
+wont to say I had too much impatience to be a true philosopher; but on
+this I cannot but be sure."
+
+All shyness was gone.  She fixed her large eyes on him with the
+directness of a child.
+
+"But," he said, leaning forward, "Mr. Rogers and my uncle were very
+sure, yet hath their Fifth Monarchy not appeared, nor have any miracles
+answered their faith."
+
+"You will think me very bold," she answered, "but may not men be great
+saints and yet mistaken in the opinions which they hold within the
+bounds of our common faith?  It seems scarce fitting for me to carp at
+the beliefs of General Harrison, yet you yourself did say he seemed to
+you well-nigh crazed concerning the Fifth Monarchy?"
+
+Richard nodded assent.
+
+"Then sure, if his prayers were not according to reason, 'twould be
+mercy that denied them?  But indeed, as touching prayers, I have heard
+my father say we must be on our guard lest we pray like the heathen,
+holding our words as a charm that must needs bring an answer according
+to our desires, for that the prayers of a Christian do consist rather
+in carrying his matters into the presence of the great God, and leaving
+them there, for Him to deal with as He lists."
+
+Harrison made no answer, and there was silence a long time; only the
+fire flickered, and the wind sighed softly without.  Then Audrey rose
+up and wished the young man good night; but as he took her hand, there
+were tears in his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE QUEEN RETURNS TO HUNSTANTON.
+
+  "Yes!  I love justice well, as well as you do;
+  But, since the good dame's blind, she shall excuse me
+  If, time and reason fitting, I prove dumb."
+                                          SCOTT, _Old Play._
+
+
+"I have been wondering," began Audrey next morning, "if there may not
+be danger of that fellow telling some one he saw a strange gentleman
+here?  If any noise of it should come to the constables, 'twould be
+tragic."
+
+"That rascal?  Oh, he can have no acquaintance with the constables save
+when they put him in the stocks.  I think not we need trouble over him!
+Yet, if indeed it would ease your fears, 'tis easy for me to go forward
+to Lynn to-day, and lie close at Master Marshman's till the ship sails
+to-morrow.  I will presently don my new raiment, and when you have
+admired it, if you counsel so, I will set forth to Lynn in all my
+glory."
+
+"I do believe 'twould be wise.  I have been tormented by foolish fears
+ever since that man was here.  You could lie hid aboard the ship
+perhaps?"
+
+"Ay, but as to that, I think I had better order me by Master Marshman's
+counsel.  And, methinks, if you do indeed drive me forth, it were well
+to set us a rendezvous in his house.  And yet I know not--'tis scarce
+fitting to take you there!  But you are a brave lady, and count to face
+bears and wolves in New England; perchance Master Marshman will not
+make you afeared.  But, sweet sister, be warned, I pray you, and when
+you come there, heed not Master Marshman's looks and address, for his
+words are oftentimes harsh, but 'tis only the bitter rind of a most
+noble kernel.  He is of a most generous spirit, and spends all his
+goods in alms, even bestowing his help on Quakers and Anabaptists,
+though he reproves their errors roundly.  For indeed he is so very
+valiant for truth, or what he holds as such, that he never tempers his
+warfare with any of the softnesses of peace.  Through fair weather and
+foul he has held fast to his Presbyterian doctrines, and for them did
+he suffer as much at the hand of Cromwell's men as he did in the old
+church days when the Bishop of Norwich cast him into jail for holding
+of conventicles.  He doth rage at some for their love of bishops, and
+at others for heresy, and at others for the killing of the king, and as
+for his congregation, he holds them in such subjection that the rule of
+Archbishop Laud was tender to his."
+
+"Oh, I know him well by report," laughed Audrey; "but if he gives my
+brother safe hiding I will forgive him some hard words.  My grandfather
+never rode into Lynn without bringing back some tale of Master
+Marshman's supremacy, though, indeed, I think he must have invented the
+best part of them, for he had a merry wit.  He loved above all things
+to carry such tales to our vicar, and he would always end with, 'Now,
+Parson Cholmondeley, confess that even a Roundhead spake truth when Mr.
+Milton wrote, 'New Presbyter is but old priest writ large;' and Parson
+Cholmondeley always answered pat, 'Ay, ay, Presbyterian and
+Independent, fight dog, fight cat.'  Parson Cholmondeley could not
+abide Mr. Milton, and when Parliament turned him out of the vicarage
+and he came to live with us, I hid all Mr. Milton's poems in
+grandfather's chamber for fear the good man should vex himself to come
+on them in the study.  He always read us the Church prayers morning and
+evening, and the folks said when Mr. Marshman heard tell----  Ah, see,"
+she shrieked, breaking off, "they are coming!  they are coming!  my
+fears were true.  Fly, fly to the attic.  I will keep the constables at
+bay a while;" and Audrey rushed to the hearth and, seizing the tongs,
+she set up such a clattering and rattling among the great logs on the
+hearth that Harrison's flying footsteps upstairs were drowned as
+completely as were the repeated knocks at the door.  After a while she
+condescended to notice the thundering blows, and crossing the kitchen
+leisurely she opened the door, and looked with somewhat contemptuous
+dignity at a little ferret-faced man in a black dress who stood on the
+threshold, backed up by a couple of stout constables, who pulled their
+forelocks and grinned recognition of the young lady.
+
+"What is your will, sir?" asked Audrey, in a lofty tone.
+
+"Mistress Perrient?" demanded the little man.  "Ah, yes; I have a
+search warrant from Justice Tomkins of Hunstanton, to search, seek,
+apprehend, and bring in custody one Richard Harrison, a regicide and
+Fifth-monarchy man, accused of sedition, and raising a riot on the 5th
+of January last against the king's peace."
+
+"How, sir!" cried Audrey; "know you whom you speak to?  Methinks you
+are strangely ignorant of the country, that you dare come here with
+such papers!  This house belongs to Sir Francis Cremer, the High
+Sheriff of the county!"
+
+"Madam," answered the man, visibly startled, "'tis no offence intended
+to his honour the High Sheriff; but, as he is not dwelling here, he
+cannot take order to apprehend suspicious persons found roaming round
+his premises.  And Justice Tomkins hath received a very sufficient
+description of a suspicious person seen here yesterday forenoon."
+
+"Suspicious person!" broke out Audrey, with fresh wrath.  "And do you
+dare to say that I, Mistress Audrey Perrient, harbour suspicious
+persons?  Doubtless you think I keep a troop of highwaymen in the
+house, and share their spoils!  And you"--turning on the
+constables--"Jack Catlin and Tom Abbes, you should take shame to come
+to the house of my grandfather's child on such an errand."
+
+The constables shuffled and looked at each other, and one muttered with
+a grin--
+
+"The lass is a masterpiece--might be old Sir Gyles himself a rating on
+us!"
+
+"Come, madam," interrupted the man in black, "you must know a
+magistrate's warrant cannot be disputed.  We would not be uncivil to a
+lady, but enter we must."
+
+"Oh, come in, come in!" cried Audrey, throwing the door wide.  "You can
+see all there is to see; and there are my keys," flinging them with a
+clash on the kitchen table, "only if you come on the Inglethorpe ghosts
+in searching the house, pray take it not as a sign that I am their
+murderer, neither if you find my father's clothes, hold them for the
+Sunday suit of a highwayman."
+
+One of the constables picked up the keys with a subdued air, and looked
+at the leader for further direction.
+
+"Yes, we must not delay.  You know something of the house, Catlin; you
+lead the way;" and he prepared to pass into the front part of the house.
+
+A thought struck Audrey; she could be sure that the constables would be
+too stupid and too much afraid of the well-known Inglethorpe ghosts to
+search over-curiously; but this little man with his ferret face and
+sharp eyes was dangerous; it might be wise to distract his attention.
+
+"Stay, sir," she said, as he was following the men out of the kitchen.
+"May I ask to whom I am speaking?  I see, of course, you are no
+constable."
+
+"My name is Robert Reed, at your service, madam, clerk to Justice
+Tomkins," he replied.
+
+He had regained some confidence on observing the shabby clothes of the
+young lady, and the poverty-stricken air of the house.
+
+"Mr. Reed," she said, making a curtesy, "you are but late come to these
+parts, so I should ask your pardon for being so warm.  'Tis no fault of
+yours that Justice Tomkins is wanting in that courtesy due to a lady."
+
+Mr. Reed bowed in some embarrassment.  "But, madam, 'tis the duty of
+every magistrate to be on his guard against the pestilent knaves who
+are roaming through the land, plotting and contriving against the
+present happy settlement."
+
+"Oh, doubtless, sir," interrupted Audrey; "and Justice Tomkins has my
+best thanks.  Our hen-roosts have been twice robbed; and a party of
+gipsies passed last Tuesday se'night who took every rag from our
+clothes-line, even to my dairy-woman's great aprons!"
+
+"Very sad, very reprehensible; it must be looked to," replied the
+clerk, pompously, falling at once into Audrey's trap, and laying down
+the hat he had been twirling impatiently.
+
+"I am so glad to have the opportunity of telling you of it, sir,"
+continued Audrey, artfully.  What lawyer's clerk could suspect this
+affable young lady of double dealing?  Yet her mind was only half given
+to diplomatizing with Mr. Reed; her ears were strained to follow the
+heavy footsteps of the constables as they creaked up the stairs and
+tramped from room to room.  Would they suspect that the chamber above
+had been occupied?  Had Captain Harrison remembered to close the door
+leading to his garret?  Would they think of rummaging there?  She lost
+the thread of her harangue, hesitated--Mr. Reed opened his mouth to
+speak, and she hurried to add, "for, indeed, it seemed as though the
+justices were taking little heed of the honesty of these hamlets."
+
+"It shall be looked to--it shall be looked to!  But pilfering is one
+thing, madam, and conspiracy and rebellion, and raising troops against
+the present most happy government of his sacred Majesty, is another!"
+
+"Oh la, sir!  Who can have told you that I had a rebellion and troops
+in my house?  'Tisn't likely now, is it?"
+
+"No, madam," he answered, with another pompous bow; "doubtless you
+disturb the peace of the king's liege subjects after another fashion."
+
+"Insolent little jackanapes!" thought Audrey.  "I trust my new brother
+is not within hearing!"
+
+"But," continued Reed, "'tis sure that this dangerous ruffian Harrison
+is lurking in these parts, and 'tis fitting a lady dwelling alone
+should be warned against such a character."
+
+"But who has been so insolent as to say a person of bad character could
+be seen about my house?  (Pray Heaven the person is well hidden among
+those old flock beds)," she mentally interpolated.
+
+"A--a soldier who was passing on his way to London laid a complaint of
+a strong rogue who assaulted and beat him, who answers to the
+description we have received of this fellow Harrison."
+
+"Now is the author of this mare's nest discovered!" burst out Audrey,
+with fine indignation.  "Your soldier, sir, was a sturdy beggar who
+behaved saucily, and was chastised by one of my household.  Justice
+Tomkins truly picks fair company when he holds conference with such a
+pick-purse instead of putting him in the stocks!"
+
+"Then, madam," continued the clerk, pertinaciously, "you have seen no
+sign of the said Harrison lurking in this neighbourhood?"
+
+"If Justice Tomkins had behaved like a gentleman and sent me a letter
+by his serving-man," she replied, with dignified severity, "I should
+have been happy to further his search; but when he knows no better than
+to send the constables and a search warrant to Inglethorpe Hall, he may
+do his work for himself, I trouble not myself about his business."
+
+"But, madam, you must needs give aid to the ministers of the law; if
+you will not answer me, you will, no question, be asked to take oath
+before the justices.  Well?"  He broke off, as the constables tramped
+back into the room.  "Have you seen any traces of the fellow?"
+
+"Noo; us haven't seen naught, without it be rats," grinned Jack Catlin.
+"There be a main sight of rats, mistress."
+
+"Very disappointing, very unsatisfactory," murmured the clerk; and
+Audrey could not refrain from a little gasp of relief which she
+converted into a prim cough at the constable's familiarity.  "The
+description tallied to a hair.  Now, madam, I must ask you upon your
+oath whether you have seen this Harrison, or have in any wise succoured
+or comforted him?"
+
+"Nonsense," interrupted Audrey.  "I will take no oath about such pure
+folly.  As I told you already, Justice Tomkins hath not behaved him
+like a gentleman, and I shall say no word about his matters."
+
+"But, madam, if you will not take oath, you put me in a strait," cried
+the perplexed clerk, divided between his pride in his responsible
+position and his alarm at this very impetuous young lady.  "I shall be
+driven to cite you for contumacy before the justices."
+
+"Oh, for that matter," answered Audrey, coolly, "I had as lief answer
+the justices as you.  The most part of them are my kinsfolk, and will
+be as angered as I am at Justice Tomkins' cavalier treatment of me."
+
+The clerk looked more and more distracted.  "Madam," he cried, "'tis
+beyond my power to pass it over.  You must needs return with me to
+Hunstanton and answer for yourself."
+
+"Me!  Take me to Hunstanton!  Man, you are out of your wits!  Do you
+forget who you are speaking to?"
+
+"No, madam," stammered the unhappy man, "but even ladies are not above
+the law, and Justice Tomkins hath a hasty temper and I may not venture
+to go back without I can give him a sufficient answer."
+
+"'Tis impossible--unheard of," she repeated.  "You will bring yourself
+and your precious Justice Tomkins into trouble--he will be the laughing
+stock of the neighbourhood when this mare's nest gets wind!"
+
+The clerk nearly tore his hair.  This young lady was enough to dash any
+man's courage; but the justice--he was even more alarming.  If he came
+back empty handed, the justice's language would be forcible.
+
+"Madam," he repeated helplessly, "I have no choice; I must needs take
+you with me!"
+
+Audrey's thoughts hurriedly summed up her situation.  If, after all,
+they did carry her to Hunstanton, it might draw the constables off from
+Inglethorpe.  And there would be at least this satisfaction when she
+was face to face with Justice Tomkins, she would have her revenge.  "A
+miserable little ranting linen-draper," she muttered wrathfully.  "I
+can tell a tale or two about his love of old Noll in old times, and his
+preachings and psalm-singings when they were the fashion, that will
+make him sorry he has ever meddled with me!  But, good lack! 'tis to be
+hoped he is no wiser than his clerk, and does not know that every
+cousin I have is out of the country, so that I can fright him with
+their names.  If I can but shuffle matters on for to-night, all will be
+well.  Swear a lie I cannot, but by to-morrow Richard will be surely on
+the high seas, and then I'll swear all they please, and truly say I
+know not where he is, I must e'en keep my fit of the sulks for
+to-night.  All will be well.  I doubt not Richard will wait me at
+Rotterdam, and will see that my stuff is safe bestowed somewhere.  Pray
+Heaven some maggot do not possess him to hang about here and double my
+danger!  But anyhow I can swear with a good conscience I know not where
+he is!"
+
+She consoled herself with these thoughts, and signified to the clerk
+that as he had brute force on his side she was not prepared to resist
+him; but it was with the offended dignity of a captured queen that she
+followed the men from the house, when, to her dismay, Reed suddenly
+turned to one of the constables.
+
+"Catlin, you must abide here in possession.  I cannot doubt our quarry
+hath been here, and 'tis very like that he will slink back to such a
+safe lair; therefore you must be in readiness to receive him.  Mistress
+Perrient can have your horse to carry her to Hunstanton."
+
+With a blank face the constable heard the order, and with a sinking
+heart Audrey was lifted on the spare horse as the cheerless winter
+twilight was falling.
+
+"Now my device is naught," she moaned to herself, "and 'tis too late to
+change it!  If Catlin were not such a very fool I should be clean
+desperate--but 'tis plain writ in his foolish face that he will think
+more of the Inglethorpe ghost than of any hunted Roundhead!  So I must
+but go through with it, and hope for the best!"
+
+A cutting east wind lay in wait for them as they came out from the
+shelter of the buildings, a wind that tore at Audrey's cloak, and
+wrestled with the black furze bushes on the heath, till they heaved and
+swayed like chained monsters striving to break loose.  In spite of
+herself, Audrey felt her courage flag.  So much of it was merely due to
+her natural buoyancy of health and spirits, and the sauciness of a
+petted girl who had seldom known reproof.  Now that she had taken such
+a rash step, she began to doubt and fear.  Her defiance had not drawn
+off the enemy's forces.  Had it been of any advantage at all?  Was she
+riding to prison for a mere fancy?  Why should she scruple to tell a
+white lie for once?  But the lie would only secure her own freedom; the
+constables would still hunt the country for Harrison, while now, she at
+least divided their numbers and their suspicions.  But suppose Richard
+was so mad as to wait for news of her!  Suppose he thought it cowardly
+to fly and leave her in the lurch!  Suppose he fell into another of
+those despairing fits and threw himself into peril out of mere
+recklessness?
+
+"Ah me!" she sighed, "I know not how to order my own life, and here I
+have a brother as well as a father to think for too!"
+
+It was not an outburst of vanity; she had so long tended her
+grandfather, and her father, that the only attitude she could conceive
+to a new friend, was that of adopting him as some one else to be taken
+care of.  Even while she trusted to his strong right hand to be her
+guard on her journey, she could not believe he could plan that journey
+without her help.
+
+The sandy road across the heath was hard with frost, and the little
+party trotted swiftly on, and before an hour was past, the lights of
+Hunstanton twinkled before them.  At Justice Tomkins' door there was a
+halt, and the clerk dismounted, and went to seek his employer's
+instructions; he came back in a few minutes with a perturbed face, and
+called the constable into the hall to a consultation.  Tom Abbes'
+sturdy voice was audible to Audrey, as she sat outside.
+
+"If so be as his worship won't be disturbed, 'tis no fault of ourn.
+And us can't put she in the lock-up; all the country would cry shame on
+us," grumbled the good-natured constable.
+
+"If only I had seen the justice before he dined, and had taken his
+instructions!" sighed the clerk.
+
+"See now, take her over to the Royal Oak; thee canst doo no wrong that
+way," councilled Tom.  "If justice won't attend to business, why,
+justice must pay the bill."
+
+A few steps more and the little party came out from the sheltered
+street, and the full force of the wind met them with a mingled dash of
+foam-flakes and sand.  Half-blinded, Audrey was lifted from her horse,
+and staggered into the shelter of the deep porch--a porch she knew only
+too well.  The Perrient arms were gone that once presided over the
+stately entrance to Sir Gyles Perrient's house, and a great signboard,
+daubed with a gaudy representation of an oak-tree, creaked as it swung
+in the shrill night wind, but in all else her grandfather's mansion was
+unchanged.  Here was the home where she had reigned queen at
+Hunstanton--where she had loved and been loved!  The house and its
+mistress had alike fallen on evil times; the mansion was an inn, and
+Audrey Perrient was a prisoner!
+
+Mr. Reed's summons was answered by the buxom landlady, whose cheerful
+voice resounded through the house before she appeared at the door.
+
+"Stars o' mine! what's that you say?  Justice Tomkins in liquor?
+That's no new tidings!  What!  Mistress Perrient without, with Tom
+Constable!  I'll never credit it!  Stars o' mine!  Justice must have
+been pretty drunk before he sent you off on such a fool's errand!  You
+should see to him, Mr. Reed!  But there! set a beggar on horseback, and
+we all know where he'll ride to!  Come your ways in, Mistress Perrient,
+my dear, and don't you take on!  'Tis enough to make Sir Gyles get out
+o' his grave, it is!  Why it makes me swimmy like!  'Tis a pity Justice
+Lestrange is out of town; but, for sure, 'twill be all right in the
+morning, when our fine new justice is out of his cups, and fine and
+shamed he'll be, I warrant!  Will you please to come upstairs, madam.
+'Tis strange to show you the way in your own house as should be; but
+times do change, and if 'twere your own house you couldn't have a
+cleaner hearth, nor fairer linen, nor one readier to serve you!  And
+what will you take to your supper, my dear?  Just a drop of mulled
+elderberry wine with a toast in it, to keep out the cold--and a wing of
+a capon, now, couldn't you seem to fancy?  Or anything else you could
+give a name to, it would just be an honour to my house, Mistress
+Perrient, my dear--madam, I should say; and here's Sally with a hot
+posset, and that you shall taste whether you drink it or no.  Why, Tom
+Constable, what are you a-doing of?  Turn the key on Mistress Perrient?
+Do you reckon my house is a lock-up?  That's a rare hearing!  Not while
+I am missis here!  What's that you are grumbling?  Tell justice on me!
+Tell him and welcome; but stand out o' the way while Molly brings in
+the feather bed."
+
+Mr. Reed had fled before the good woman was fairly embarked on her
+harangue, and she talked and worked, bustled about the room, and
+scolded the maids, and hustled the constable, who stood shame-faced but
+obstinate in the doorway.  But by the time Mrs. Joyce had decked the
+chamber with every luxury she could invent to do due honour to her
+guest, her temper had cooled, and her prudence began to revive.
+
+"Lackaday," she lamented, "if I meddle I may but make matters worse!
+Thou great fool"--turning viciously on the constable, "it would do my
+heart good to give thee a clout on the head!  But I reckon 'tis treason
+or such like to lay hands on a constable!  I be fairly 'mazed!  But my
+dear--madam, I should say, do you take notice I lie in the next
+chamber, and if you feel a bit swimmy or afeared in the night, if
+you'll please to give a call, I'll up and serve you, spite of all the
+constables in creation!"
+
+Audrey could only smile as grateful an answer as her trembling lips
+could muster, and the constable, catching a moment when Mrs. Joyce had
+fairly talked herself out of breath, bundled her out of the room
+without ceremony, and turned the key on the prisoner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A PRECIOUS THING DISCOVERED LATE.
+
+  "One can't disturb the dust of years
+      And smile serenely."
+                            AUSTIN DOBSON.
+
+
+Audrey was left alone!  And in what a room was she imprisoned!  It was
+her grandfather's own chamber!
+
+The firelight played on the panelled walls with which she had once been
+so familiar, and the figures on the tapestry curtains seemed to smile a
+grim welcome to the daughter of the house.  Here she had sat on her
+grandfather's knee, and heard fairy tales and legends of old days; here
+she had often watched by him when he grew old, and knelt at his side
+when the vicar read prayers; here she had seen his good white head laid
+in the coffin, and kissed the cold lips that had never bidden her
+farewell.  What a strange fate had brought her now back to say farewell
+to her old home!
+
+She sank back in the great chair that stood in its accustomed place by
+the hearth, bewildered by the whirl of thoughts that chased each other
+through her brain.  The five years that had passed since last she sat
+in that room, although they had dragged on slowly enough, seemed now to
+her only a sort of parenthesis in her life.  As she had left her old
+home she had come back to it--the years of poverty and trouble seemed
+but a bad dream--it would have been most natural to her to find herself
+once more the mistress of Hunstanton Place.
+
+In the cloister-like seclusion of Madam Isham's house Audrey had
+learned little more of real life than she had known as a child; and in
+that sheltered childhood what had she known?  Her duty to God and to
+her neighbours she had learned, and many wise theories of civil
+government and of philosophy; but of the rough realities of life, of
+suspicion, of caution, she knew nothing.  Petted by her grandfather,
+trusted by her father, adored by the servants and dependents to whom
+her slightest wish was law, she had learned to look with affectionate
+tolerance on the foolish ways of men, who being mostly old, or poor, or
+scholars, could not be expected to be as wise or as practical as such a
+young woman as Mistress Perrient.  Now her little throne of feminine
+superiority seemed tottering.  She had been frightened by a beggar,
+insulted by a jack-in-office, actually locked up by a constable!  Her
+theory of life--if it had struck her to use such long words--seemed
+inadequate, and she did not see how to reconstruct it.  She was
+tired--she was sad--her musings grew more confused; the grateful sense
+of being at home once more, the familiarity of her surroundings, the
+rest after the hurried ride through the storm, the luxurious
+chamber--so unlike the chilly attic where she had lain for many a
+winter night--all conspired to lull her into forgetfulness.  Half
+dreaming, she murmured the words of the prayer said so often at her
+grand-father's knee: "Lighten our darkness we beseech Thee, O Lord, and
+by Thy great mercy defend us from all the perils and dangers of this
+night," and suddenly she was indeed a child once more.  Such a weary
+little child, she could not keep her eyes open, it must surely be
+bedtime!  Was that nurse's step on the stairs?  She was not tired; she
+was no longer sleepy--that was forgotten!  Nurse should not catch her!
+Here, under the great table, was a splendid hiding-place.  The carved
+legs rose above her head like pillars, the Turkey carpet that covered
+it hung all around like a tent--if only grandad did not betray her!
+She would be quiet as a mouse, and he would never know she was there.
+He was walking up and down the chamber, with his hands clasped behind
+him; presently he turned and opened a cupboard, and brought out a
+leather box, and oh! such a lovely long string of shining beads.  "Oh,
+grandad! grandad! be those for me?" she cried, springing from her
+hiding-place.  "No, sweetheart, not yet awhile," answered Sir Gyles,
+lifting her on his knee; "these be the pearls good King Harry gave my
+grandmother; thou shalt wear them when thou art a great girl and goest
+to London town to see the king.  But first thou must be tall--as tall
+as the chimney-piece!"
+
+Audrey woke with a start.  She could almost hear the echo of the last
+words in the air--"as tall as the chimney-piece."  Was it a dream?
+"Oh, grandad, grandad!" she cried.  "Could you but come back and let me
+be a little child once more.  Never was there a girl so desolate in all
+the world!"  The sweet dream of childhood had broken down her
+courage--and she burst into tears.  And still the dream was with her.
+How vivid it had been!  It seemed like reality.  Could it be reality?
+Was it not a memory awakened by the sight of the old room?  Yes--it
+must be a memory; it certainly had once happened.  Forgotten for years,
+it came back to her now: how she had hidden under the table, and how
+she had cried when her grandfather had said the pearls must be locked
+up till she was a great girl, and how grandad had taken her on his knee
+and told her the tale of Tom Tit Tot, and she had forgotten all about
+the pearls, and set off next morning to hunt in the gravel pit for Tom
+Tit Tot and his wonderful spinning wheel.
+
+She lay back lazily in the chair, smiling over the old memories, and
+her eyes wandered over the fire-lit room.  It had been arranged
+differently in those days: grandfather's table stood by the window, and
+what cupboard was it he had opened?  There was no room on that side for
+a great standing cupboard.  It had been very big--big and black, like a
+closet.  A closet!  She started.  Could it indeed not have been a
+cupboard, but a secret closet?  What folly!  If there had been a closet
+there she must have known of it!  But the impression was so strong on
+her that she could not sit still.  She lit the candles in the great
+pewter candlesticks and smiled as she stirred the logs to do so, and
+saw that her head just reached the carved chimney-board.  "I am taller,
+by a head, than when I last lit a candle here," she thought.  "Now I am
+indeed a big girl!  But to reach just where grandfather's hand went, I
+shall need a stool and a tall one at that.  Good, I reckon this will
+serve."
+
+She mounted on the carved footstool, and candle in hand she surveyed
+the wall, drawing her finger carefully along the lines of the
+panelling, and pressing every little ornament that might conceal a
+spring.  "I verily believe there was something here," she murmured.
+"Hereabouts he put his hand, and I have never thought on it from that
+day to this!  It opened like a door," and as she said the words she
+thought the panel gave way a little, and her heart almost stopped
+beating.  She pressed again, more firmly; there was a creak--the whole
+side of the room seemed swinging towards her.  She sprang off the
+stool, and saw that a door had indeed opened before her.  Audrey raised
+the candle and peered into the darkness within.  The closet was indeed
+as large as a small room; opposite to her its back was panelled like
+the bedchamber, but on either side the walls were fitted with shelves
+and loaded with boxes, papers, and bunches of keys.
+
+[Illustration: Audrey raised the candle and peered into the darkness.
+[page 135.]
+
+She stood gazing, the candle flickered, suddenly she caught sight of
+the well remembered red leather casket, and with a cry of delight she
+set down the candle and seized it.  Here, indeed, was the long chain of
+pearls she had cried for so bitterly, and the curiously enamelled Tudor
+Rose hanging as a jewel from it.
+
+"How strange that daddy knew not of this hiding-place," she cried;
+"yet, grandad never troubled him with such matters; he were likelier to
+have told me than daddy.  This must be one of the priests' holes he
+often told me tales of, where the recusant gentlemen hid their priests,
+but he never said we had one in our own house!  Doubtless here lies the
+record of how our money was lost, but I reck little of that now I have
+the Perrient pearls safe.  Ah, but here is a purse of gold pieces!
+That will speed me well whether I escape Justice Tomkins' clutches, or
+he claps me up in jail!  More wonders!  Money bags!  I shall lose my
+wits for wonder!  Four bags!  Five!  Why 'tis a very treasure trove!
+And now for the papers.  Alack what a many and how dusty!  Why, to
+count them over would be half a night's work!  And as for reading this
+crabbed hand, I doubt I shall make nothing of it, without I ask Master
+Reed's help, and that I am scarce like to do!  Bills--more bills--they
+will not keep me long.  List of ministers to deliver to the Triers,
+letters from Parliament men, news letters; why, what is this?  "Note of
+monies lent to Master Vonsturm of Leyden," "Note of monies lent to
+Master Leyds of Amsterdam," "Note of half share in the ship _Maria
+Dirk_ trading from Rotterdam."  "That's where the money is!" she
+gasped.  "Oh, cunning old grandad!  You sent it over seas safe from
+both king and Parliament!  Master--what's his name?  Von Sturm, must
+have deemed us all dead!  He'll be mightily disappointed!  My faith,
+these papers must not lie hid here!  Yet if they take me to jail, they
+may search me; the papers were safer here than in my pockets in that
+hazard.  I must bethink me.  But first I must needs rummage for more
+treasures.  Here is my grandfather's great writing-box and his seal and
+pens; methinks I may find Master Tom Tit Tot himself next!"
+
+Her smile faded as suddenly as if the imp she spoke of had appeared.
+In the desk lay only one paper, endorsed in trembling handwriting:
+"Draught of my letter to Major-General Harrison concerning the marriage
+of my granddaughter.  February ye first 1659."
+
+"My marriage!  Grandad never said a word to me of marriage!  I was but
+sixteen!  I marvel whom he proposed to marry me to?"  And with rather a
+pale smile she unfolded the letter.
+
+
+_For my loving friend Major-General Harrison, these._
+
+SIR,--As touching the question of the marriage whereof we have more
+than once held discourse, and whereof you as at this present write to
+me, my mind being as yours in the matter, I see not wherefor we should
+not come to a speedy settlement.  Seeing that I am now a very old man,
+I do only desire, if it be God's will, to see my beloved child given
+happily in marriage, before I say my Nunc Dimittis.  Your young
+kinsman, Richard Harrison, is but now departed from me, and as I judge,
+he doth in all respects uphold the report you have made me of him.  He
+seemeth a godly and a gallant young gentleman, and a modest, and if it
+please God to dispose his heart and that of my granddaughter to an
+understanding, I doubt not but that you and I shall agree concerning
+the money to be settled.  My desire being, to find for this child, who
+is my chief earthly joy and blessing, not so much a wealthy husband as
+an entrance into a godly family and one whereto I am so much bound in
+love as with yours.  I desire not to defraud your good wife of any
+fortune you have gathered, neither any children whom it may yet please
+the Lord to bless you with, but as my granddaughter will have all that
+I possess, I do desire that it should be settled upon her and her
+children.  It's no bad division that the man should bear the sword and
+the woman the purse, so she be one in whom her husband's heart may
+safely trust.  When Captain Harrison is on his return to Scotland, if
+you will make him your messenger concerning your resolution as to
+settlements, he can then have speech of my granddaughter and shall
+understand her mind in the matter, for I do purpose she shall only be
+joined in marriage there where she is likewise joined in godly
+affection.  I speak not of my son, as in the disposal and ordering of
+all such matters he doth dutifully submit himself unto me, and I doubt
+not he will be of my mind in this matter."
+
+
+Audrey's face grew whiter and whiter as she spelt out the painfully
+written words, and, as she ended, she staggered back against the wall
+and covered her face with her hands.  Any thought of marriage, save as
+a vague sort of fairy tale, was so remote from her mind, that this
+formal negotiating of her destiny struck her like a blow, and she felt
+absolutely sick with the shock.  To her proud and virginal mind it
+mattered nothing that this was an old story, forgotten for two years
+past.  It was nothing to her that marriages at that time were almost
+invariably a matter of family arrangement.  She had been brought up
+with so much more personal liberty and independence than most girls of
+her day, that the idea that she had been talked over, bargained for,
+was unendurable!  And gradually, as the whole plan came home to her, a
+burning flush crept over her face.  She felt outraged, insulted.  Wild
+indignation with every one filled her heart.  Her grandfather, General
+Harrison, Richard, every one was detestable.  No one was to be trusted!
+They had dared to talk of her, to dispose of her, as if she were a mere
+chattel!  Better poverty, neglect, anything, than such an insult.  But
+then there rushed back on her with a sudden revulsion of feeling, all
+that might have been, all she had once possessed, and she dashed the
+letter on the ground and burst into a passion of tears.  Alone,
+friendless, she realized her position--she was brought face to face
+with all she had lost.  While she looked on her grandfather as a feeble
+old man depending on her young strength, he had foreseen how helpless
+she would be one day, he had known what a woman needed, he had been
+planning her future for her.  A future of wealth and dignity, a gallant
+and handsome young husband, loving kins-folk, all as gay as a fairy
+tale, and all vanished like a fairy dream!
+
+Her tears were partly remorseful--that she could have been angered at
+any thought of his, shamed her!  But she could not but give some sorrow
+to all that was gone--her grandfather dead and forgotten, her father in
+exile, she herself a prisoner, General Harrison--she shuddered to
+remember his fate, Richard Harrison--"Alas, I had not thought Captain
+Harrison was one of those summer friends who forsook us when our wealth
+was lost!  'Tis pity I should have discovered what he hath made such
+good speed to forget!"  She stood a while sunk in thought, then she
+shook herself.  "Fie, what a peevish maid I grow!  This was but talk
+between grandfather and the poor general; and then grandfather died and
+the general ran mad on the Fifth Monarchy, and was put in prison, and,
+most like, Captain Harrison never heard a word of the matter!  'Tis
+midsummer madness to dwell on it now.  Fie!  Audrey Perrient, a modest
+maiden should not waste thoughts on such matters!  But 'tis lucky I
+knew not of this when I found him fainting in the woods, or I protest I
+should have been too shamefaced a fool to have succoured him?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ESCAPE.
+
+  "Why, now I have Dame Fortune by the forelock,
+  And if she 'scapes my grasp, the fault is mine."
+                                      SCOTT, _Old Play._
+
+
+"Fie!  Fie!  Have I nothing more pressing to attend to than to weep
+over these old tales?" cried Audrey, as she looked round the crowded
+shelves of the closet.  "It were more to the point to decide what I am
+to do with all these treasures.  Are they best here, or can I carry the
+papers at least with me?  So much hangs on what awaits me to-morrow.
+If they let me go free I can tell Mistress Joyce of my discovery, and
+she will let me have a cart to carry off my plunder!  But if they clap
+me into jail?  Good faith, I'll give them some trouble first!  Who
+knows but I might make shift to escape on the road!  For that matter,
+why do I sit mewed up here without making an offer to escape?  This
+dear house is no prison that I should find no way out of it!  How did
+distressed damsels do in the tale books?  Methinks the favourite
+fashion was to make ropes out of the bed sheets.  But I should be loath
+to tear up Mistress Joyce's best linen, and I am not well assured that
+I could climb down a rope even could I make it.  That plan is naught!
+But I warrant some of these keys will undo the chamber door, and then
+it is but a small matter to slip downstairs and out of the hall door.
+But, good lack! if the bolts are as stiff as they used to be, the
+mighty creaking of them would awake the seven sleepers, and I should
+look a pretty fool, caught like a schoolboy breaking bounds!  Yet forth
+I must, and will go!  I may at least see if the chamber door can be
+fitted with a key.  I suppose there are no more secret doors in this
+room to match this closet?  After so many wonders, I am fit to believe
+Tom Tit Tot will unlock another panel and let me out!  Stay.  If this
+were indeed a priest's hole, surely they would have some fashion of
+escape if they were close pressed?  I am sure grandfather has told me
+these chambers often led into a very maze of secret ways.  Oh, you
+fool," she almost screamed, "to stand in the very draught of a sliding
+door and not see the chink!  Down on your knees and thank the Lord who
+hath delivered you from prison as truly as He did Peter!"
+
+It was true.  In the back of the closet was a sliding panel that was
+actually partly open, only in the hurry and excitement of so many
+discoveries she had not paused to look for the origin of the draught
+that made her candle flicker.  She pushed the panel cautiously, fearing
+that some dismal creak might awaken the house, but the woodwork was
+carefully fitted and the door slid back without a sound.  Before her a
+corkscrew staircase wound down in the thickness of the wall.  Carefully
+she stepped through the door, but the stair was of solid stone, and her
+light foot made no sound on it as she ran down.  The bottom of the
+stair was guarded by a narrow door, locked and barred.
+
+"Now, which of all those keys will help me here?" she wondered as she
+sped up again to fetch the great bunches that lay on the closet shelf.
+
+One key after another she tried, and then came the turn of a key that
+hung alone on a slender silver chain.  It fitted, it turned; hastily
+she drew back the bolts and the door swung open.  A flood of moonlight
+poured through a screen of ivy and dazzled her eyes.  Her prison was
+unlocked!  The wind had dropped and the weather changed, the snow had
+ceased, everything seemed in her favour.
+
+"My luck has turned," she laughed as she flew back up the stairs to
+prepare for her flight.  All fatigue and bewilderment was over.  She
+was as joyous and self-possessed as a child planning a new game.
+
+"They must not blame Mistress Joyce for mine escape," she meditated;
+"nor must they set to hunting for secret passages and spy out my
+treasure chamber.  If I unbar the shutter and leave the window open,
+they may amuse themselves by inventing how I found wings!  Now!  That
+was deftly done, that shutter has made never a sound!  'Tis well my
+pockets are new and strong.  They must carry the principal of the
+papers.  Now I must tie the money bags in my apron, and the pearls
+shall travel secure round my neck and tucked into my bodice."
+
+With dancing eyes she made her preparations.  Then she blew out the
+candles and pulled the closet door to behind her with a snap.  Then she
+stood a moment and hesitated, and, with a hasty movement, she swept her
+grandfather's letter from the floor and thrust it into her bodice, and
+ran down the stairs as if she wished to forget what she had done.
+
+She pushed the little door wide open and looked out.  A thicket of
+leafless thorns helped the tangled ivy to entirely hide the secret
+entrance, but beyond the bushes lay a wide field of rough grass
+glistening white with hoar frost in the moonlight, and shut in by
+miniature cliffs and hills.
+
+"Why, 'tis Tom Tit Tot's gravel pit!" she cried in delight.  "How well
+to bring the stairs out in such a deserted corner!  And, just beyond
+that bank, is the high road to Lynn.  But this frost is unlucky; my
+pursuers will dog me as a hart by my tracks, and I shall betray them my
+treasure-chamber.  What policy can I use to baffle them?  Richard said
+I was fit for plots and stratagems!  I have it!"
+
+She slipped her cloak from her shoulders, and flung it from her over
+the grass as far as she could.  Then, locking the door, she put the
+keys into her pocket, and sprang lightly from the threshold on to her
+cloak, leaving no sign of a footprint close to the door.  The ivy
+screen fell back over the entrance and Audrey laughed with triumph as
+she picked up the cloak and shook the frost from it.
+
+"I protest this last stratagem of mine hath crowned the record!" she
+laughed to herself.  "No one will dream there is a door yonder, or that
+this trampled patch is the mark of my cloak.  It looks as if some
+tinker's ass had made his bed here!  And my steps are but those of his
+master's boy fetching him away!  Now I can start forth with no fear of
+being tracked, and there goes nine on the church clock.  I'll warrant
+the best part of the good folk of Hunstanton are abed by this, so I
+shall have the road to myself.  But whither go I?  Straight to Lynn?
+'Tis a long trudge.  I doubt my feet will carry me so far this night.
+Jack Catlin is sure to be abed and snoring by the time I reach
+Inglethorpe.  What hinders my slipping into the stable and stealing my
+own horse?  Richard is sure to be off long ago.  He could easily drop
+from a window, or even walk out of the front door without Jack
+Constable knowing anything of it.  Doubtless I shall find him at Master
+Marshman's, whistling for a fair wind!  Had those fools kept me clapped
+up another twelve hours, I might have lost my travelling-companion."
+
+The triumph of her escape and her recovered riches had raised her
+elastic spirits to their wildest pitch.  Forgotten were her regrets,
+forgotten her shame-faced resentment, forgotten her vague fears of a
+cold and cruel world.  She had, alone and unhelped, escaped from prison
+and recovered her fortune; she was once more queen of her own destiny.
+Gay, self-confident, hopeful, she danced along the hard, sandy path
+through the heather.  The tide was out, no sound broke the silence but
+her own light footsteps, and soon she found she was singing aloud.  She
+was free, she was rich, she was on her way to a land of freedom, all
+was delightful and rosy.  Poor Richard Harrison!  How she had misjudged
+him in her first rush of resentful surprise on reading her
+grandfather's letter!
+
+"I must put a curb on this unruly temper of mine," she vowed.  "Had any
+one been near to hear all I was ready to say in my rage, I might have
+lost my fine new brother.  But all's well that ends well, and Westward
+Ho to-morrow!"
+
+It seemed but a few minutes before her merry heart had sped her over
+the long miles of salt marsh and moorland, and she saw the tower of
+Inglethorpe church and the gables of Inglethorpe Hall rising dark
+against the moonlight.  She passed softly in between the shattered gate
+pillars and crept round the house, crouching in the shadows which
+completely swallowed up her dark dress and wide dark hat.  Then she
+paused in dismay.  A bright light shone through the curtainless kitchen
+window, and sent a glaring beam across the yard and fell direct on the
+stable door!
+
+"This is indeed disastrous," thought Audrey.  "What possesses Jack
+Constable to keep such hours.  Pray heaven he have not set the old
+house afire.  I must needs peep, and see what prank he is playing."
+
+Cautiously she stole up to the window.  She heard a sound of voices,
+the clatter of pewter, then it was Jack Catlin who spoke--
+
+"Well, young sir, I'm beholden to you for your company, not to speak of
+your ale.  'Twould have been uncommon lonesome to bide here by myself;
+and noo, if I weren't afraid of the bogles, I reckon I'd go to bed."
+
+"Oh, surely you can have nought to fear from bogles," answered a voice.
+Could Audrey believe her ears.  Could Richard be so mad as to sit
+hobnobbing with the very constable who was set to catch him?  Yes--no
+question, it was his voice.  "You can have naught to fear from bogles.
+By all they say, these Cremers have been always on the king's side, so
+the ghosts in their house are bound to respect the majesty of the law."
+
+"Majesty of the law!" repeated the constable.  "'Tis a fine saying!
+The Majesty of the law!  Ay, ay, here I sit to uphold the majesty of
+the law.  I reckon I'll goo to bed!"
+
+"Shall I lend you a hand up the stairs, good sir?"
+
+Richard's voice sounded dangerously demure, and then came a noise of
+scuffling and grunting that told the task of getting the representative
+of the law upstairs to be not altogether a light one.
+
+She waited till she heard Richard return to the kitchen, and then she
+tapped at the window.  He started and turned; she tapped again, and
+with eager hands he flung the casement back.
+
+"In life or death, you are welcome!" he cried.
+
+Audrey's laugh brought him back to common life.  "I am no ghost!" she
+cried merrily; "but I am escaped like a bird from the snare, and I have
+mighty news to tell.  Give me your hand, and help me in by the window,
+for I fear unbarring the door may awake your boon companion."
+
+His face still white with agitation, Harrison leant out, and lifted her
+slight form to the window-sill.
+
+"Truly I thought it was your spirit," he began, half apologetically;
+"your face was so white in the moonlight, and----"
+
+"I am indeed no ghost, as yet," she laughed, as she slid down into the
+room.  "Pluck up all your courage, good brother, for I have such a
+fearsome and wonderful budget of news to unfold, as is fit to make a
+fresh chapter to the 'Princess of Cleves!'"
+
+The shamefacedness she had feared had vanished.  Harrison's unexpected
+agitation had put all thoughts of her own feelings out of her head.
+Her only wish was to laugh him out of the bewilderment that still kept
+him gazing at her as if he feared to trust his eyes.
+
+"I do solemnly declare to you that neither am I a ghost, nor did I ride
+hither on a broomstick; witness the mud upon my shoes!  But my
+adventure is marvellous enough for all that.  But before I tell it I
+must inquire into this strange fashion of housekeeping!  What hours are
+these to keep, sir?  Such junketings and revellings!  Fie, fie!  But in
+sad earnest, how dared you venture on such a wild prank!  What blessed
+dulness was it that kept Jack Catlin from guessing you?"
+
+Harrison's spirits rallied under her jests, and he laughed as he
+defended himself.
+
+"Indeed, stern mistress, you forget that I am a soldier, and 'tis my
+profession to use stratagems to gain news of the enemy's movements.  I
+have this night heard such a description of myself as, if scarce
+flattering, sets me free from all fear of being recognized.  That
+drunken knave, Astbury, painted me very truly from his own
+looking-glass.  But now, thanks to your wisdom in making me cut my hair
+short and change my clothes, a shrewder fellow than the good fool who
+snores overhead would not guess my true name.  But to make a clear
+shrift, 'twas more by chance than by craft, that this all came about.
+When I saw you ride off, I dropped from a front window, and came round
+to seek for John and find what had happened, and so I stumbled on my
+friend the constable, who told me you were bound to Hunstanton to
+appear before the justice.  You could not deem I should depart in full
+content, having got that news!  So I patched up my acquaintance with
+master constable, and sent him over to the sexton's to get some ale,
+and we hobnobbed right merrily.  I have all the news, they seek only
+for a swashbuckler somewhat like our rascal of yesterday, with curling
+hair, and a scarlet cloak, that's all they have to guide them!  And
+they are well assured I shall take ship at Brancaster Staith, where all
+rogues and vagabonds seek to escape by the fishing-boats.  And I heard
+further, what a tantrum the young mistress was in.  'Laws, she did give
+un a talking to!'  I knew not, gentle sister, that you were such a
+virago."
+
+"Indeed, I think I did somewhat dash them," answered Audrey,
+complacently; "and they will be yet more dashed to-morrow when they
+unlock their cage, and find their bird flown!  But now, surely we
+should be on our road to Lynn?"
+
+"No, no; 'tis of no use to reach Lynn before folks are up in the
+morning.  You must rest a while here on the settle, and I will watch
+lest any of the ghosts should rouse our friend above from his snoring,
+and by-and-by I will saddle your pony, and we shall be at Lynn by
+daybreak.  Now rest, sister; you must be wearied nigh to death!  I will
+ask nothing of your adventures now.  It suffices that you are safe, for
+which the Lord be praised.
+
+"No, indeed, I must and will tell you my story, and you must see my
+spoil.  Did you not foretell it all when you said grandfather was 'an
+old courtier of the queen'?  Here's the end of the ballad come true--
+
+  "'Who, like a wise man, kept himself within his bounds,
+  And when he died gave every child a thousand pounds!'
+
+Count that, and that, and that!" and she tossed her money bags into his
+hands in triumph.
+
+Harrison gazed in astonishment when she brought out one after another
+of her treasures.
+
+"It is indeed like a story of romance," he said, "or a miracle.  But,
+alas, 'tis a pity the Perrient pearls should but come back to you when
+you are bound for the Plantations.  Mistress Perrient should be
+queening it at court, instead of flying across seas to live among
+Indian savages!"
+
+"Fie, fie, brother!  You should not look so sad over worldly gauds!  I
+must bid Master Marshman deal faithfully with you to-morrow for setting
+your heart on vanities, to make no mention of drinking strong ale with
+the parish constable at midnight."
+
+"'Tis the way this fortune has come back to you, seems scarce within
+the bounds of nature," went on Harrison, in a graver tone; "you mind
+the old word Mortmain, the 'dead hand' as men called it, that still
+held the power over lands and goods, so that living men had to obey its
+will.  I could sometimes persuade myself that on a certain evening,
+when I took General Harrison's hand in pledge of fidelity, that I had
+indeed given my being into his keeping; for, though I held him mistaken
+on many matters of religion and government, in every decision that I
+make, and every chance that befalls me, I do but seem to be following
+the beck of his hand, such power hath it, and lo! now hath the same
+fate befallen you, and for all that Acts of Parliament have forbidden
+Mortmain, a dead hand hath given wealth into your lap!"
+
+Audrey grew suddenly scarlet.  With an involuntary movement her hand
+flew up to her bodice, to guard the letter that lay hidden there.  The
+dead hand had done more than he guessed.  She held its last commands,
+and she knew what road General Harrison had beckoned his nephew on.
+But never, never should he or any man living, know that she knew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A CANDID MINISTER.
+
+  "Love is a thing as any spirit free,
+  Women of kind desiren libertee,
+  And not to be constrained as a thral."
+                          CHAUCER, _Franklin's Tale._
+
+
+The grey dawn was stealing over the land as Audrey and Richard halted
+at a cottage outside Lynn, and gave the pony into the care of an old
+countryman, that they might slip into the town without attracting
+notice.  They stepped briskly on along the frosty road, pleased to feel
+that they were so near the end of their journey, when they were
+startled by a man bursting from the hedge and hurrying towards them.
+
+Audrey could not repress a cry of dismay as she pulled up her cloak to
+muffle her face; but in a moment she was reassured by a call from the
+stranger which made Richard spring forward and catch him in his arms.
+
+"Good, Mr. Rogers," he exclaimed.  "Well met, indeed!  What happy
+chance hath brought you hither?"
+
+"No chance, Dick, but the care of that God who I trust will give us a
+speedy deliverance from our troubles.  Right thankful I am to see thou
+hast escaped the snares that did beset thee.  I have awaited thee here
+to guide thee to Brother Marshman's house by the garden way, for there
+is a ship unlading hard by his front door, and idle folk might spy on
+you did you go that road."
+
+He turned courteously towards Audrey to include her in his words.
+Richard flung his arm round the minister's shoulders.
+
+"Mistress Perrient," he said, "this is Mr. Rogers, who hath been my
+good friend since my boyhood, and hardly escaped from London when I was
+well-nigh taken."
+
+Mr. Rogers bared his head with a courtly bow.  "Madam," he said, "I
+have been familiar with the name of your grandfather and your learned
+father on General Harrison's lips, and I trust this fortunate meeting
+may be accounted a sign that the Lord doth intend to make a happy
+ending to the troubles that have beset this His servant."
+
+Audrey could not repress a smile at this rather enigmatic compliment.
+
+"I fear, good sir," she said, "we have rather added to your troubles,
+since you have been at the pains of waiting here for us before
+daybreak."
+
+"Not a whit, not a whit," answered the minister, cheerily; "in truth, I
+thought not of my own troubles, but of my friend Dick's.  Brother
+Marshman would have come himself to welcome you," he continued, turning
+to Richard, "but I persuaded him that I should the better recognize you
+if you should be disguised.  Truly, Dick, I take it ill of this
+government they should be at such pains to seek thee out, and count me
+not worth pursuing."
+
+Mr. Rogers was in unusually high spirits.  Audrey wondered if he found
+it a relief to escape from the society of his brother minister; but the
+twinkle in his eye, when he looked at her, seemed to show his pleasure
+in the present meeting had something to do with his gay humour.
+
+"I pray thee, Dick," he continued, as they walked on, "tell me somewhat
+of the history of thy journey, and how all hath fallen out so happily.
+Pardon me, madam, for being so bold.  When my wife doth reprove me for
+curiosity, I tell her 'tis all due to my descent from Grandmother Eve,
+and therefore a woman should not blame it."
+
+Audrey laughed, and assured him she would gladly listen to the story of
+Richard's adventures; and it was in a strangely merry fashion that the
+sad story was told and heard, and it was by no means ended when they
+entered the garden of the Presbyterian minister, and passed up the trim
+path to the door.
+
+"Richard Harrison, you are welcome," said the grave voice of Mr.
+Marshman, as he took the young man's hand in his friendly grasp.  "And
+is this your sister who bears you company?  I knew not you would
+venture to carry her with you."
+
+"This is Mistress Perrient, of Inglethorpe," said Harrison, rather
+hurriedly.  "She is in danger of prison for the fault of aiding me, and
+is flying to her father in Providence Plantation."
+
+Mr. Marshman stopped and eyed Audrey steadily; then saying shortly, "My
+housekeeper shall attend her," he ushered her into a parlour, and led
+Harrison down the passage to his study.
+
+The kind and demure old woman who ruled Mr. Marshman's modest household
+looked on fugitives as the most usual and most welcome visitors to his
+house, and the gentle warmth of her reception made up to Audrey for the
+hardly expected severity of Mr. Marshman's manner.  But after a little
+time the door opened, and the minister returned.  His face was stern,
+but one who knew him would have detected an unusual expression of
+anxiety on his grave features.
+
+"Deborah, you may depart for a little space," he said.  "I have a word
+for Mistress Perrient's private ear."
+
+Audrey rose, somewhat fluttered by this opening, and calling to mind
+the alarming reports she had heard of Mr. Marshman's dictatorship in
+Lynn, but she hardly anticipated the experience that awaited her.
+
+"Mistress Perrient," he began, "I am acquainted with that learned
+gentleman, your father.  He is one of a very tender and sanctified
+spirit, although, to my judgment, his eyes are not fully opened to the
+dangers of prelacy.  Yet I doubt not that by him you were nurtured in
+the admonition and fear of the Lord."
+
+"I trust so," answered Audrey, somewhat abashed by the solemnity of
+this commencement.
+
+"Therefore," continued the minister, "seeing your father is not at
+hand, it is my duty to open thine eyes to see rightly the way thou art
+going.  No question it hath been a misfortune that it has been your lot
+to abide in Meshec, in the dwelling of a prelatical woman, and have
+been given over to your own devices and the vain follies of youth.
+Nevertheless, I will believe you can yet call to mind the pleasantness
+of the paths of righteousness, and your ears having been once open to
+the words of wholesome admonition, your heart may not have wholly
+turned aside to folly and vanity."
+
+"Indeed, sir!" cried Audrey.  "Madam Isham was very strict with her
+household; there were no more evil ways there than----"  She was
+prudent enough not to finish her sentence.
+
+The minister paid no attention whatever to her interruption, but
+continued in the same tone--
+
+"And because, as is mine office, I desire to snatch thee from the
+snares that do beset youth, and more especially womankind, I do hereby
+warn and exhort thee, and do thou give ear with docility and meekness.
+It is not fitting that you should go forth after this fashion with this
+young man, even Richard Harrison.  Even among the careless walkers of
+this generation would such a thing be counted scandalous, and much more
+for the daughter of one of the Lord's people is it an open shame!  Now,
+indeed, may the ungodly say, 'Lo, how their daughters have run eagerly
+to destruction!  Is this that modesty and sobriety of which they were
+used to make their boast?'"
+
+"Sir!" gasped Audrey, "what have I done?  What can I do?  I am in
+danger of jail if I abide at Inglethorpe."
+
+"Better is it for thee to lose thy liberty than thy good name,"
+answered the minister more sternly.  "Tarry and bethink thee while
+there is yet time.  What profit shalt thou have of thy pleasures when
+the end of them is death?  Knowst thou not that the way of an evil
+woman is the path of hell, going down to the chambers of the grave.
+Call to mind the end of them that did bring a curse even upon the cause
+of the king by reason of their dicing and swearing and chambering and
+wantonness, and fear to go forth on this journey lest a like curse fall
+upon thee.  Oh, bethink thee of the lessons thy father hath taught
+thee!  And for his sake will I even yet have patience, and I will seek
+out fair words that I may persuade thee."
+
+He paused, but Audrey's breath was so lost in anger and amazement that
+she could find no words to answer, before he resumed his harangue, but
+in a tone of studious calm.
+
+"Thou hast indeed made thyself a mocking and a byword by this foolish
+adventure, nevertheless, there can be a way found by which thou mayst
+escape, if thou wilt obey my counsels.  But answer not rashly nor in
+haste, for by thy resolution in the matter shall I judge what manner of
+woman thou art, and thy choice shall be as a winnowing fan to show if
+thou beest chaff or wheat.  It hath come to my knowledge that there was
+an agreement made between Sir Gyles Perrient and Major-General
+Harrison, who I trust hath found pardon and acceptance, though, as I
+must needs hold, he waxed wanton, and fell away from the grace
+vouchsafed unto him, when he sacrilegiously laid hands upon the sacred
+person of the king, and received his due reward therefor by being given
+over to strong delusion and belief in a lie, concerning the Fifth
+Monarchy, on which it is not now convenient to enter at large.  My
+friend, Mr. John Rogers, I say, who was with Major-General Harrison in
+his prison, hath made this matter of the agreement plain to me, and his
+testimony agreeth with that of Richard Harrison, who is an honourable
+and ingenuous youth.  Mr. Rogers and Richard Harrison, I say, bear
+witness that there was an intention of marriage betwixt you and the
+said Richard Harrison, decided and agreed upon by your lawful
+guardians, which agreement was not carried out, by reason of the sudden
+death of Sir Gyles Perrient, and the imprisonment of Major-General
+Harrison.  I ask thee now, Audrey Perrient, art thou ready to fulfil
+this agreement and contract in obedience to the will of thy
+grandfather, and presently take this young man for thy husband and
+lord, that in leaving this land thou mayst depart after a modest and
+godly fashion, even as Sarah did go into a strange country in the
+obedience and fear of her husband Abraham, when he was commanded to go
+forth from the land of the Chaldees."
+
+"But, sir, does Richard Harrison know of this?  What is his mind in it?
+He never said any word to me of such a thing."
+
+"I am glad of it; I am glad of it," answered Mr. Marshman.  "I judged
+he hath too much the ground of the matter in him to give rein to idle
+words.  Nevertheless, he is ready as an obedient son, to do the will of
+his father by adoption."
+
+"But, sir, this is too serious a matter--at least for me--to be decided
+in this hurry.  I have no mind to be married because Richard Harrison
+was bidden to it by his uncle," replied Audrey, with rising spirit.
+
+"Young woman, your words are lighter than befit your situation,
+nevertheless, I will have patience with you," said the minister, very
+seriously.  "Bear in mind, that this marriage is not alone the will of
+General Harrison, but also that of your late grandfather, for whom you
+can scarce yet have lost all sense of duty and obedience."
+
+"No, sir.  But my beloved and honoured grandfather did only desire I
+should marry where I should both give and receive the affection fitting
+to such a state, and that being his will, my very duty to him forbids
+my marrying, without Captain Harrison hath more to say in the matter
+than doth at present appear."
+
+"You have a nimble wit, mistress," replied Mr. Marshman, grimly; "yet
+can you not so easily beguile me.  Do you deem this sober house is as
+the antechambers of Whitehall, a fitting place for idle lovemaking and
+lascivious compliments?  Nay.  If you will hear and obey, it is well.
+But if you remain stiffnecked and obstinate, beware!  I will not permit
+thee to lay a snare to delude this young man from the right way, after
+the fashion of the wanton daughters of this evil age, neither shalt
+thou go forth with him to make him a shame and a byword and a
+laughing-stock before the multitude.  Therefore, in one word, answer
+me.  Wilt thou take this young man to thy husband?"
+
+"No!" cried Audrey, her cheeks flaming.  "It is a shame and an insult
+to speak so to me, a defenceless girl.  Does Captain Harrison
+commission you to purvey him a wife in all haste for his journey, as he
+would send for a cloak-bag, or a pair of riding-boots?  I will not be
+used so by any man!"
+
+"Then is your journey at its end," answered the minister, coolly, and
+closed the door behind him.
+
+In the study, Richard Harrison was pacing impatiently up and down,
+turning now and then in a sort of desperation to Mr. Rogers, who had
+sat down to his writing at the table.
+
+"What can Master Marshman have to say to her that he went forth in such
+haste?" he cried.  "What is he not capable of saying?"
+
+"Take patience," answered the other, with a smile, though he himself
+looked hardly the right man to prescribe patience.  His thin form was
+worn to a shadow by ill-health and privation, and appeared to be only
+sustained by a fire of inward enthusiasm, that glowed in his large
+light eyes with a brilliancy that almost betokened insanity.  His soft
+fair hair floated like a cloud round his transparent features from
+under the small black cap of a minister, although the rest of his dress
+was the ordinary dark habit of any professional man.
+
+"Take patience, Dick," he repeated, smiling.  "Brother Marshman can
+scarce do so much mischief in ten minutes that thou canst not amend in
+five.  Surely I can bear testimony to the power of thine arguments,
+seeing they carried me from the meeting-house in Coleman Street, when I
+was set to abide there!"
+
+"But, good Mr. Rogers," cried Dick, impatiently, "you know well that he
+has never spoken to any one of Mistress Perrient's station in his life.
+God knows, she is not proud; she hath treated me, a butcher's grandson,
+with the gentleness of an angel.  But any trifle may arouse Master
+Marshman to lecture her as though she were one of his spinners or
+huxters of Lynn!  Even though it be his own house, he owes some
+courtesy to his guests.  I must after him and see that he treats her
+fittingly."
+
+As he said the words, however, Mr. Marshman entered the room.  He stood
+for a minute or two in gloomy silence, and then, raising his eyes to
+Harrison, he said--
+
+"Thou must content thee, Richard, she will none of thee.  And well is
+it for thee, for a froward and rebellious woman can have no part in thy
+lot, neither shouldest thou take a daughter of Moab to thy bosom."
+
+"This passes all!" cried Harrison, startled out of any attempt at
+patience; "you are mad, Mr. Marshman!  You have not dared to open to
+her that tale of the overture for her marriage?  I must explain----"
+
+"Tarry yet a while," answered the minister, standing before the door.
+"Favour is deceitful, and what availeth her beauty to thee if it
+bringeth thee but shame and reproach?  Even as a jewel of gold in a
+swine's snout----"
+
+"Master Marshman, I pray you stand from the door; you have already
+meddled further in my matters than any other man could do with safety;"
+and, brushing past the minister, Harrison dashed out of the room.
+
+"Methinks, Brother Marshman, you have forgotten Æsop his fable
+concerning the sun and the wind!" said the writer, turning in his chair.
+
+"Tush, Brother Rogers!" answered Mr. Marshman, whose temper had risen
+rapidly.  "Soft words are but wasted on this wanton generation.  Women
+who forsake the modesty of their sex and ape the stature of men!  I
+know your pernicious doctrines concerning the liberty of women, a
+liberty that leads to licence, and to familiarism, and to anabaptism!"
+
+"Hold!" cried Mr. Rogers, growing hot in his turn, "you shall not so
+pervert a pure doctrine.  I deny not that the devil often makes women
+serve his turn, seeing that where they take, their affections are
+strongest, and he found out a Delilah for Samson and a Jezebel for
+Ahab.  But as when they are bad, they are exceeding bad, so when they
+are good, they are exceeding good; and as gold will sooner receive the
+stamp than iron, so are women more readily wrought upon than men, and
+persuaded into the truth, and oftentimes take the fullest impression of
+the seal of the Lord, as witness the holy women of old."
+
+"Ay," retorted Mr. Marshman, "the women of old, even as Eve, by whom
+sin and death did enter into the world!  Well, did Hierome say----"
+
+His tirade was interrupted by Harrison, who dashed back into the room
+with a distracted face.
+
+"She is gone--she is fled!" he gasped.
+
+"So, Brother Marshman, instead of leading the lambs into the
+sheepfold," cried Rogers, "thou scarest them with shouts into the jaws
+of the wolf!"
+
+"She is departed from us because she is not of us," answered Marshman,
+gloomily.
+
+"You are distraught," cried Harrison.  "How will you answer it to her
+father, to the world that you have driven a lady of birth and breeding
+from your house--to heaven only knows what perils?"
+
+Mr. Rogers had risen from his chair, and now snatched up his hat and
+walking-cane.
+
+"Take comfort, Dick," he said.  "Doubtless Mistress Perrient hath but
+gone down to the quay.  It is the _Little Charity_, is it not, that her
+stuff is aboard?  I will follow her there and bring you tidings of her
+safety with all speed.  Methinks, Brother Marshman, you also might do
+worse than to seek for this strayed lamb, seeing it is not all of her
+own fault that she has wandered forth."
+
+Mr. Marshman had by this time regained his ordinary manner.
+
+"I will go forth instantly and make inquiries," he answered.  "Nay,
+Richard, 'tis but folly for thee to come too.  'Twill but hinder our
+search if thou art taken by the constables.  Keep private here, and
+doubt not we shall speedily overtake her."
+
+The ministers departed in all haste, leaving the unhappy young soldier
+almost maddened by his impotence.  He was roused from a sort of stupor
+of despair by the return of Mr. Rogers.
+
+"Alas! they know nothing of her on the _Little Charity_, neither have
+the sailors seen any gentlewoman answering to her description on the
+quays.  Her stuff is all aboard, and the captain is set to warp out in
+an hour's time.  Therefore we must conclude on what we do in all haste.
+What do you purpose?
+
+"Purpose?  Can you imagine I can leave England While Mistress
+Perrient's fate is unknown?  Am I a stock or a stone?"
+
+"Nay, nay.  Yet, remember, you can be of no assistance in the search,
+and you double the anxiety of our good host, to whom I have made the
+matter somewhat clearer, and who, I believe, is by now unfeignedly
+sorry for his roughness.  Were you not, indeed, best safe out of the
+way in Holland?"
+
+"Doubtless I were best out of the way--there or elsewhere.  Best I
+should hang myself for very shame at having brought that angelic
+creature into such straits.  Nevertheless, I cannot go."
+
+"Well," answered Mr. Rogers, with a smile, "I can scarce blame you for
+abiding in England.  But, if you do not sail, I had best take some
+directions to the ship concerning Mistress Perrient's goods.  Shall I
+bid the sailors carry them to my wife's lodgings at Rotterdam, or are
+they best brought here till we can find her and know her mind?
+Methinks 'twill be best that my wife shall have them in her keeping.  I
+will write her by the captain and give her fitting directions; and,
+when I have disposed all that, I will return and take council as to our
+further search.  Await me, therefore, and I will return in haste."
+
+"But it is not endurable," cried Dick, "that I, who brought Mistress
+Perrient into this strait, should sit here idle!  Mr. Rogers, I must
+needs go forth!  How can I hold up my head among honest men if I lie
+hid here in shameful cowardice, when God only knows what straits she
+may be in!"
+
+"Now, give ear, thou foolish boy," cried Mr. Rogers, catching the
+distracted young man by the sleeve as he was preparing to dash from the
+room.  "In primis, this charge brought against the gentlewoman by a
+foolish jack-in-office doth put her in no real danger, and most like he
+and his _posse_ are by this time heartily ashamed of their folly.  She
+stands in no danger unless thou art found, for there is no proof
+against her, but the word of that vagabond, which no man of gravity
+would hear.  But, if thou art taken, she will indeed stand convicted of
+harbouring thee, and in no small peril.  Thou canst now take no step
+without involving her in the charges brought against thyself.
+Consider, she would be held, for certain, a party to our rising under
+Venner, and what, to my mind, is far worse, idle folk love so well to
+charge us with anabaptist looseness that light tongues would be busy
+with her fair fame.  Take heed, a maiden is a delicate creature, and a
+rough finger may do more evil than thou in thy very simplicity canst
+dream.  But, to leave that, thinkest thou not that thou owest somewhat
+to this roof that shelters thee?  If thou dost draw Brother Marshman
+under suspicion of Fifth Monarchy leanings, thou goest far to ruin, not
+only him, but all the poor folk that dwell in safety under his shadow.
+Be not a child, Dick; nothing but patience will serve this turn.  Thy
+passion will ruin all."
+
+It took all Mr. Rogers' powers of persuasion to induce Harrison to
+pause and reflect.  But as his sober reason began to reawaken, the
+young man realized not only that Mr. Rogers was right in showing him
+that he would make bad worse by running into the arms of the
+constables; but a new thought dawned on him that filled him with sick
+dismay.  He began to see that no rudeness of Mr. Marshman's could have
+so moved the girl; she was more likely to laugh at the ill-manners of
+one too far beneath her to be worth notice.  No, it was the dread of an
+unwelcome suitor that had driven her from shelter, she imagined that
+he, Dick Harrison, had beguiled her there to take advantage of her
+helplessness and force her into marriage!  Ingenious in self-torture,
+he saw ever new reasons for her flight.  She was an heiress!  She must
+believe he had entrapped her for her fortune.  And more, Mr. Rogers had
+spoken of light tongues--he, he who would die for her had exposed her
+to evil report, so that she should not be able to avoid a marriage for
+the sake of her own credit!  She had seen it all, she had fled from him
+in horror, and if he were to follow her, it would but drive her to some
+desperate expedient to escape him.  It was not Mr. Marshman; he himself
+alone was to blame; he could never dare to see her again, and yet how
+could he endure to live under such imputations!  With a groan he flung
+his arms across the table, hiding his face in them.
+
+"Do as you think best," he muttered.  "I am too great a dastard and a
+fool to be worthy to serve her."
+
+It was late in the evening when the two ministers returned from a
+fruitless search through the town of Lynn.  Mr. Marshman had learned a
+more merciful opinion of Audrey Perrient from Mr. Rogers, and had had
+time to recover from his indignation at finding his will withstood by a
+mere girl; he was now as anxious as the others concerning the fate of
+the fugitive.
+
+"She is surely not in this town!" he said, entering the study.  "My
+flock have aided the search to their best ability, and we are but too
+familiar with our hiding-places, for which we have had sad need in the
+past, and to all appearance shall have occasion in the future also.
+Had Mistress Perrient money with her for a journey?"
+
+"Yes," answered Harrison; "she carried her grandfather's purse that was
+well filled with gold pieces.  Other money she had, but she bade me
+carry it because of the weight; I have it in this little portmantel."
+
+"Then, perhaps, she may have gone further than we thought.  Had she any
+friends beyond the town who would hide her?"
+
+"Sir Roger Lascelles of Hunstanton is of her kindred; but I heard her
+say he is in London," answered Harrison, thoughtfully.  "She would
+never venture back to Inglethorpe Hall, and the parson of Inglethorpe
+Church is but newly come, and is a stranger to her.  The old Vicar of
+Hunstanton dwelt with her grandfather, but he is newly dead; and Sir
+Frank Cremer, the High Sheriff, is not in the country now.  I know not
+of a single friend she hath to turn to.  The old Lady Cremer, I heard
+her say, is in Norwich--could she have gone thither?"
+
+"She would never go so far without horse or waggon," answered Mr.
+Marshman.  "She came by horse here this morning, did she not?"
+
+"She only rode as far as a little farm at Gaywood, and left her pony
+there.  Her old servant was to fetch it thence when he had leisure.  I
+should have thought of that earlier."
+
+"'Tis not too late," answered Mr. Marshman, rising briskly.  "I will
+presently forth and see if her horse stands there still.  If he is
+gone, she has surely ridden him to some friend's house, and is in
+safety."
+
+When Mr. Marshman returned, he brought the information that the lady
+herself had returned to fetch her horse before midday, but that no one
+had noticed which way she went.
+
+"Young Drake, the mercer, rides to Norwich early to-morrow," continued
+Mr. Marshman.  "You were best give him a letter to Lady Cremer.  I will
+let him know there will be an errand to do."
+
+"If I rode thither myself this night, I should have the sooner
+assurance, and no one would notice me," hazarded Harrison.
+
+"Nay, nay, this is pure folly," answered Mr. Marshman, as he left the
+room; and Mr. Rogers interposed.
+
+"Consider, Dick, if Mistress Perrient were indeed there, the sight of
+you might but make her lie the closer hid.  Send a messenger she knows
+not to Norwich, lest you fright her to fly further, and let me ride
+to-morrow down the other way, and ask if her servant hath seen aught of
+her at Inglethorpe.  You cannot venture back there, yet to my mind that
+is the likeliest road to find her.  I would start forth at once, but I
+fear I should scarce find my way in the darkness across the commons.  I
+do, indeed, not hold myself guiltless in this matter, for that in my
+folly I deemed you had come to an agreement with the gentlewoman, and
+therefore spake unadvisably with my tongue of that contract of
+marriage, of which it would have been more fitting to be silent.  Yet
+credit me, Dick, I did it but from folly, and not out of malice."
+
+"Good, Mr. Rogers," cried Dick; "no one could blame you for this
+unfortunate mishap.  It was but Mr. Marshman's unwarranted
+interference, or, rather, my unspeakable folly that exposed her to him."
+
+"Nay, nay, of that we must say no more; but if you will pardon me my
+share in this trouble, you cannot refuse me the chance of making good
+the mischief I have done.  As for thyself, good Dick, strive to arm
+your soul with patience.  You have early learned to do; now must you
+learn the other mood, to suffer, and so win that perfection of patience
+that made Major-General Harrison find his prison a place of blessing,
+and a porch to the heavenly sanctuary.  When we have done our best
+endeavours, the Lord takes the business in hand, and bringeth it to
+what conclusion seemeth right in His sight."
+
+Richard had to resign himself to follow the good man's advice, and
+thankful was he that this agonizing time of waiting could be spent in
+the society of a sympathizing friend.  With extraordinary patience did
+Mr. Rogers listen as he repeated again and again the story of Audrey's
+cheerful endurance of hardship, of her devotion to her grandfather, of
+her readiness of resource, her noble thoughts on religion and
+government, and all the wonderful things she had said and done since
+the day when she tumbled into the lily pond in General Harrison's
+garden.
+
+But these confidences of Harrison's were interrupted pretty frequently
+by skirmishes between the two ministers, and if he had not been so
+distracted by anxiety, Richard would have found a mischievous amusement
+in the fallings out of the good men, who loved each other heartily, but
+could never meet without a battle; for the sudden impetus to
+individuality, given by the break-up of old forms of religion, and
+methods of government during the civil war, had made it rare to find
+two men who precisely agreed on matters of Church and State.  The
+thorough going cavaliers, who believed in the divine authority of king
+and bishops, had little patience with the Presbyterians, who, though
+loyal to the Crown, abhorred Episcopacy and the Prayer-book; but both
+Anglican and Presbyterian looked with equal horror on the Independent
+sectaries, who had been Cromwellians, Republicans, Parliamentarians, or
+Fifth Monarchy men, and now saw the downfall of all their hopes in the
+re-establishment of Monarchy and Episcopacy.
+
+For some little time that evening the Presbyterian minister was
+unusually subdued in his manner, for good Mr. Marshman was sorely
+perplexed and troubled by the result of his well-meant exhortations,
+and he did not join in the talk of the other two who sat quietly
+discussing their future plans, while Mr. Rogers urged Richard to travel
+with him as far as Leyden, and wait there for further news.
+
+"It will be a well and a resting-place for you in this Valley of Baca;
+there is a little company of saints already gathered there, the love of
+whom has drawn me to dwell there awhile."
+
+Then Mr. Marshman broke in: "I am, indeed, rejoiced that you have
+determined to study medicine while you are in Leyden."
+
+"I have no other choice," sighed Mr. Rogers.  "I must needs earn a
+crust of bread for my poor family, and seeing I am withheld from
+ministering to the souls of men, I can but fit myself to minister to
+their bodily needs."
+
+"The life of a physician lends itself to a very Christian walk,"
+answered Mr. Marshman "and I trust many comfortable experiences await
+you therein.  Neither should you be over much cast down by the failure
+of your temporal and creaturely hopes, seeing the most glorious promise
+is yet yours, and the righteous shall rejoice in the abundance of
+peace."
+
+The quotation roused Mr. Rogers like the sound of a trumpet.
+
+"Nay, nay!" he cried, "there you err!  Such forced interpretations are
+but the cloak of fearful and slothful spirits, who are loth to bear the
+reproach of Christ.  It was by them that cried peace, peace, when there
+was no peace, that the good old cause was lost.  And as the false
+prophets did deceive even the elect, behold, even Richard Harrison was
+carried away by their dissimulation, and hath taken part with the great
+green dragon Oliver that did persecute the saints."
+
+"There I am with you," answered Mr. Marshman, "and I pray thee,
+Richard, take it not ill that I touch on this matter with thee.  Surely
+in many things we offend all, yet may not a minister of the gospel hold
+his peace without the souls of his flock being required of his hand."
+
+"Pray say on, sir," answered Richard, who was too miserable to resent
+blame from any one.  "I promise you I will not take it ill."
+
+"Then I do desire you to consider that the Lord doth not chasten idly,
+but for our profit, and when His hand is heavy upon us it beseems us to
+rummage in our bosoms, where may lurk the sin that hath brought His
+anger upon us."
+
+"'Tis true," said Mr. Rogers; "nevertheless we must not join with the
+friends of Job to pass judgment upon the saints in their tribulation."
+
+"I pray you peace a little season, Brother Rogers.  I would not, truly,
+join with those that single them out for sinners on whom the tower of
+Siloam fell, but the judgments that come upon us be either for our
+learning or our chastisement.  Therefore, we do suffer loss if we seek
+not out the Lord's purpose.  I would not judge any man.  I would desire
+every man to judge himself.  But, behold now, what hath been the end of
+these men who have risen up against the king, set over us by the
+Almighty?  Have they come to their graves in peace?  Have not some of
+them been cut off in their strength, and have not the remnant of them
+come to a fearful end in their old age?  For in this matter there can
+be no two opinions, seeing that the Word of Scripture is plain: 'Honour
+the king,' yea, though he be a very Nero!  Therefore, Richard, I do
+lament that the stain of blood-guiltiness must needs cleave unto thee,
+seeing that thou wast consenting unto the death of the Lord's anointed
+king, even as Saul was consenting unto the death of Stephen; thou didst
+stand by even as he did, although thy hand was not lifted.  And I do
+affectionately pray thee to take the chastisement that has fallen
+already upon thee as a warning."
+
+Mr. Rogers' patience could hold out no longer.  He burst in--
+
+"In that, at least, did Richard well! and a glorious thing was it to be
+numbered among them that called the late Man to account for the blood
+he had shed."
+
+But his interruption was unheeded.  Mr. Marshman's steady harangue
+flowed on, as unmoved as is the bass of a mountain-torrent by the
+shrieks of the wind that may blow across it.  Mr. Marshman appealed to
+St. Paul, and Mr. Rogers retorted from the Maccabees; the one instanced
+King David, and the other King Pharaoh, and quotations from the
+classics and early fathers flew as thick as hailstones in a winter's
+storm.
+
+Richard sat half-stunned, half-amused, but knowing in his soul that no
+eloquence of either divine could go so far to shake his confidence in
+his own cause as the words of Audrey Perrient, "My father did not
+justify the death of the king."
+
+It was as much to answer the sudden doubt that rose in his own heart,
+as to answer Mr. Marshman, that when he took advantage of an instant's
+lull in the debate to rise, he said--
+
+"I thank you for your counsels, sir, and I will endeavour to profit by
+them, but give me leave to say one word.  I do verily hold, that had
+the late Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, seen any way to secure a
+settlement, save by the death of the king, I am assured he would have
+embraced it.  But to my thinking matters had come to that pass that no
+choice was left him."
+
+"Ay," retorted Mr. Marshman, "when the Gadarene swine ran violently
+down a steep place into the sea, they had no choice but to drown;
+nevertheless, it was the devil that set them a running at the first."
+
+"Talk not of the subtle reasons of that hypocrite, Oliver Cromwell,"
+cried Mr. Rogers.  "General Harrison held no such doctrines of fearful
+expediency.  Cromwell did doubtless talk of expediency, but only as a
+cloak for his own ambitions, and thereafter catching at greatness he
+fell from iniquity into iniquity."
+
+"Ay, as a punishment for that crime was he given space to purchase to
+himself greater damnation," retorted Mr. Marshman.  But Richard
+escaped, and, at last, in the silence and solitude of his
+sleeping-chamber, could fling himself on his bed and give way to the
+misery he was ashamed any human eye should see.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE GHOST OF HUNSTANTON PLACE.
+
+  "'Be brave!' she cried, 'you yet may be our guest;
+  Our haunted room was ever held the best.
+  If, then, your valour can the fright sustain
+  Of rustling curtains and of clinking chain.'"
+                                        SCOTT, _Old Play._
+
+
+Early next morning Mr. Rogers was on his way to Inglethorpe.  For some
+distance his ride was uneventful; but as he entered Castle Rising, he
+was roused from his meditations by very doleful cries for help.  No one
+in distress ever appealed in vain to the kindly minister, and he
+instantly drew rein, and perceived, sitting by the road, a man, whose
+tawdry finery was so covered with dirt and filth as to be hardly
+visible.  His head was tied up with a rag, and one of his legs was fast
+chained to a heavy log.  Several urchins stood round him, and the
+rotten apples and egg-shells that lay about, showed the boys had been
+taking an active part in vindicating the majesty of the law.
+
+"Oh, good sir, kind sir!" wailed the miserable object; "you ride
+Hunstanton way.  Do have pity, and let Justice Tomkins know of my
+plight!"
+
+"Justice Tomkins?" asked Mr. Rogers, with some interest.  "What have
+you to say to Justice Tomkins?"
+
+"Oh, kind sir, 'twas I that first put him on track of the plot--the
+Fifth-Monarchy plot, and the conspirators in hiding at Inglethorpe.
+And these ignorant folk will believe none of it, and hold me clapped up
+here as though I were a strayed donkey, 'od rot 'em!"
+
+"Why is this man chained up here?" asked Mr. Rogers, of the biggest of
+the grinning boys.
+
+"He frightened Molly Kett into fits, yesterday, and he robbed parson's
+hen-roosts the night afoor," answered the boy, taking a final bite out
+of an apple before aiming the core of it at the prisoner's eye; "and so
+his worship have clapped him into jail!"
+
+"Into jail!  Is this what you call jail?"
+
+"Why, this be Castle Rising Jail, all the world knows?  This here log
+is Roaring Meg, and that be Pretty Betty.  Us be main proud of our
+jail--us be!"
+
+"Where is your magistrate, your justice?" asked the minister.
+
+"The mayor?  Why, there he be!  Your worship"--raising his voice to a
+shout--"here be a stranger fares to see you!"
+
+"Does stranger want a thatcher?" answered a voice.  "If he wants a
+thatcher, I'll come down to he; but if he wants the mayor, he must come
+up to I!"
+
+Mr. Rogers raised his eyes and saw a portly man standing on a ladder,
+with a handful of golden straw, putting the last touches to a thatched
+roof.  The thatcher Mayor of Castle Rising was a well-known personage
+in the country, and, removing his hat, Mr. Rogers stepped to the foot
+of the ladder and bade the dignitary good morning.
+
+"May I be so far troublesome, sir, as to ask if this fellow, who sits
+tied by the leg, is indeed the man who gave Justice Tomkins news of a
+plot?"
+
+"I know nothing of Justice Tomkins, sir," answered the mayor, raising
+his hat in his turn, "neither does Justice Tomkins know aught of me.
+Castle Rising is my place of office, and thatching is my trade, and I
+meddle with no other man's business.  That drunken knave hath
+frightened a woman and robbed a hen-roost, for which I have committed
+him to jail, as by my duty bound, and I know nothing more of him."
+
+"Sir, your discretion does you great honour," answered Mr. Rogers.
+"But it is not from idle curiosity that I inquire concerning this man,
+but from interest in a young gentlewoman who, I fear, hath been
+frightened out of the country by his malicious tales."
+
+The temptation to a gossip was too much for the mayor's dignity.  He
+turned round on the top of his ladder, and settled himself leisurely
+and began--
+
+"And who may this gentlewoman be, good sir?"
+
+The man's face was sensible and honest.  Mr. Rogers rapidly decided
+that his help would be worth seeking.
+
+"Mistress Perrient, of Inglethorpe, the granddaughter of old Sir Gyles
+Perrient."
+
+"Sir Gyles was a very worthy gentleman.  There is no man nor woman in
+the country but will say a good word for Sir Gyles Perrient, and I've
+never heard that his grandarter has done aught to fly the country for."
+
+"We are in great anxiety as to Mistress Perrient's fate.  None of her
+friends know where she is hid.  I suppose you can give me no help?"
+
+"Mistress Perrient," said the mayor, meditating, and coming a step or
+two down his ladder.  "I hope the maid's come to no harm.  What are
+they charging her of?"
+
+"Being party to some manner of plot; but I know not precisely how the
+tale runs."
+
+"'Tisn't likely a young maid would go for to be party to a plot, is it
+now?" said the mayor, growing more colloquial as he grew interested;
+"leastways, without there was a young man in it.  A discreet maid will
+go the length of her tether if there be but a young man in the matter."
+
+Mr. Rogers was rather taken aback by the correctness of this guess.
+
+"Sir, you show much knowledge of the world," he answered at last; "but
+I have no doubt that this story is entirely trumped up by that
+runnagate yonder, to gain favour in the sight of the justice."
+
+"Ay, 'tis very like;" and then, lowering his voice, the mayor
+continued, "I knoo naught of Justice Tomkins, as I said, and I have no
+dealings with him; but if he wants that there fellow to bear witness
+again' Mistress Perrient, he will have to wait a while, we like him too
+well to spare him for a bit," and the mayor gave a solemn wink.  "I
+knoo naught of Mistress Perrient, good nor bad, and I never said a word
+to her, good nor bad, all my days--but a gentlewoman, on a dapple-grey
+pony, rode across the common about noon yesterday.  A great straw hat
+she had.  I took heed on the straw hat, for I was fetching a load of
+straw across the common for to thatch this roof, and she made down the
+trackway towards Inglethorpe--the trackway through the woods.  'Tis bad
+going, but 'tis a short cut, and private."
+
+"I thank you heartily," answered Mr. Rogers.  "I shall doubtless now
+get news of her from her old servant at Inglethorpe.  These seasonable
+words of yours have greatly lightened my heart, and I go on my way with
+much thankfulness to you, and to the Lord who hath directed my steps
+hither."
+
+"I am glad to oblige you, sir," answered the mayor, civilly, and so
+they parted.
+
+By midday Mr. Rogers had reached Inglethorpe, and found the old cowman
+pottering about his farmyard.  John looked with stolid indifference at
+the stranger.
+
+"Noo; Mistress Perrient bean't here.  Constables have took her to
+Hunstanton, to the justices."
+
+"The constables!" cried the minister, in dismay.  "When did they take
+her?"
+
+"Two days agone, and left Jack Catlin in the house here to keep watch."
+
+"Oh, then, friend," answered Mr. Rogers, "I have later news than yours.
+I know she rode into King's Lynn yester morning, and left her horse at
+Goodman Nobbs's, for you to fetch home."
+
+John grinned and looked the questioner over, as if to measure how many
+lies it was safe to tell him.
+
+"And we know further," continued Mr. Rogers, "that she rode away from
+Goodman Nobbs' as if she would return here, and methinks that grey pony
+I see in your shed yonder doth marvellously resemble the one I heard of
+her riding."
+
+"Ay, ay," grinned John, "the poor beast knows his road home right well;
+he comes back to his stable like a Christian."
+
+"Then we are afraid some accident may have befallen the gentlewoman,"
+urged the minister; "if the horse came back without her, she may have
+fallen off, and be lying hurt somewhere."
+
+"Ise warrant her can take care of herself," answered the old man.  "I
+never meddled with missis's business, nor never will.  And if her
+choose to send her horse home, her has the right to please herself;"
+and he resumed his sweeping with an immovable face, and neither
+persuasion nor entreaty could win another word from him.
+
+Mr. Rogers stood awhile in perplexity, and then turned to try his
+fortune at the Hall.  But there the constable could tell him nothing
+that he did not know already, and he began to despair of finding any
+further trace of the fugitive.  He ran over in his mind the places Dick
+had mentioned.  It seemed mere folly to hope to hear of her at
+Hunstanton.  But at the thought of Hunstanton the remembrance of
+Harrison's description of the good-natured landlady at the Royal Oak
+suddenly flashed on him.  It was just possible that the girl might have
+fled there, and thrown herself on the protection of the only person who
+seemed to have had a kind word for her in her extremity.  He turned his
+weary horse, and trotted forward to Hunstanton.
+
+The great door of the inn stood hospitably open, but the usual air of
+joviality seemed to have forsaken the place.  The stable-man stood idly
+by the horse-trough, gossiping with two scared-looking maids, and a
+knot of boys stared up at the windows of the great house as if they
+expected to see some strange sight to appear.  The maids fled as the
+visitor drew rein at the door.
+
+"Is there trouble in the house, friend?" asked Mr. Rogers, as he
+dismounted.
+
+The hostler shook his head solemnly.  "'Tain't for me to say if it be
+trouble, nor what it be.  The less I says the better, if missus be in
+hearing; but here her comes, and her'll do all the talking, I reckon."
+
+Mistress Joyce's voice indeed went before her as she bustled from the
+back regions to receive her guest, and if her face was somewhat pale
+and her cap was awry, her hospitality was as ready, and her tongue as
+voluble as ever.  The newcomer could but partly state his errand when
+she launched forth--
+
+"Desire news of Mistress Perrient, sir?  Ay, dear, dear, dear!  Poor,
+sweet young gentlewoman!  Pray, sir, come in, and take a chair in my
+parlour.  I am rare glad to see any one who is a friend to our young
+lady.  John hostler, take the gentleman's nag.  All the way from Lynn!
+You do fare to be wholly weary, and your nag, too.  Mistress Perrient!
+Why, sir, I have known her since she was that high.  My husband held
+one of Sir Gyles' farms when first we came into this country.  A sweet
+young gentlewoman she always has been, and a Perrient from top to toe.
+They be all as proud as proud.  Old Sir Gyles, now, he was like as it
+were a king in the county.  But to think of the constables making bold
+to lock our young lady up.  No wonder the spirit of her couldn't brook
+it!"
+
+"But what did she do, good dame; how could she not brook it?  Where is
+she now?  Do you know aught of her?"
+
+"I would I knew," answered Mrs. Joyce, shaking her head solemnly; "but
+I have my thoughts, whatever folks may say.  All I can say is, I saw
+her locked up in my best chamber on Wednesday night, and next morning,
+when Tom Constable opened the door, he fared to be wholly stanned, for
+there was naught to be seen, no more than if her'd flown out of window.
+Some folks are so bold as to say she 'as made away with herself, but
+that I'll never credit.  I fare to think if ever miracles are worked
+'tis the time for such to come to pass when a sweet young gentlewoman,
+and one of the real quality, is locked up by them jacks-in-office!
+Don't you think so, sir?  And all for to furbish up Justice Tomkins'
+new loyalty, and cloak his old treasons.  That's why he's so set on
+finding Mistress Perrient.  'A plot, a plot,' says he, 'and Fifth
+Monarchy men, and what not, from London, and a conspiracy with Mistress
+Perrient for to kill the king.'  A plot, it is sure enough, and Justice
+Tomkins' devising, for to make him a grandee!  I can't abide that
+Tomkins.  A mercer he was, in Norwich, and a kind of a preacher, and
+now he has made money, they've made him a justice, save the mark.  And
+if he can furbish up a great enough plot, he is assured it will bring
+him his knighthood at the least.  And so he goeth up and down, that
+maliceful to our young lady--only thanks be, she have escaped the claws
+of him.  The only thing that troubles me is the noises.  Leastways,
+they doesn't trouble me, not to say real trouble; I hope I can keep my
+wits about me.  'Tis but those idle huzzies that talk of ghosts and
+noises."
+
+"The noises!  What manner of noises?"
+
+"Oh, like folks moving, and clattering, and steps, and rustling like of
+a gown, and I've heard a sobbing, I'll be sworn, and naught to be seen.
+If it betokens our young lady be lying dead somewhere, and desires a
+Christian burial, I do wish as she'd speak a bit plainer, for 'twould
+be my pride, and my husband's, to see everything done fitting, and pay
+for it out of our pockets, we would.  But I cannot think a dear young
+lady, and as kind as kind, if she was a bit proud, would ever go to
+spoil an honest woman's business by making noises in her best chamber
+after she's dead, and frighting folks away from the Inn.  So, as I
+said, I don't hold 'tis a ghost, not at all; and I should hope I knoo
+more o' quality's ways than those sluts in the kitchen!"
+
+"This is truly a matter of great interest," said Mr. Rogers.  "I
+studied such matters a little in my youth, and I should be glad, while
+my horse rests, if you would let me tarry awhile in that chamber."
+
+"Ay, indeed, sir, and thankful shall we be for a learned gentleman to
+visit it.  And 'tis very like--if it should be, I wouldn't have those
+hussies hear me say it--but if it should be the dear young lady, her
+may have more to say to you than to the likes of us.  And you'll stop
+the night for sure, sir?"
+
+"Nay, I thank you, I am in haste to return, so soon as my horse may
+undertake the road."
+
+"Ay, dear sir, but the heath road is so mighty ungain at night, and
+'tis dark so early now."
+
+"Nay, I will but tarry till the moon be up, and then if this clear
+weather holds, I should be at Lynn by midnight.  But I will gladly have
+some food and drink, good hostess."
+
+"Ay, to be sure, sir.  And glad am I 'tis baking-day, and a noble pie
+hot from the oven, and a brace of woodcock roasted, sir, and, maybe,
+you could fancy a dish of prawns, and a custard?  And will a flask of
+Rhenish serve your taste?"
+
+"Excellently well, good dame, 'tis a very feast you offer me, and I
+pray you have it set in this chamber you tell me of, and by God's help,
+I may perchance bring back quietness to your dwelling."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A VISIONARY.
+
+  "Wenn der Lenzerwacht, und wenn Liebesmacht
+  Dich gefesselt hält mit Leide,
+  Wandle nicht allein, Nachts im Mondenschein,
+  Durch die grüne, grüne Haide."
+                                    M. NATHUSIUS.
+
+
+Mrs. Joyce ushered her guest up the wide staircase with due ceremony
+and volubility.  He was aware that faces peered from half-open doors
+and whispered remarks went round as he came out into the hall with the
+landlady, and when he began to ascend the stairs in her wake, the
+household ventured forth and watched his progress with admiration and
+awe.
+
+The maid, who carried in the sumptuous feast Mrs. Joyce provided,
+glanced nervously around as she deposited her dishes clattering on the
+table, and fled as quickly as she could, and Mrs. Joyce herself, who
+followed to superintend, was evidently ill at ease, and her hands
+trembled as she re-ordered the maid's hasty arrangements.  But, in
+spite of her alarms, it was with considerable difficulty that Mr.
+Rogers cut short her scoldings and apologies, and induced her to leave
+him to himself.
+
+When the good woman had at last been persuaded to depart, Mr. Rogers
+took a careful survey of the room, and then he softly bolted the door
+and drew a heavy tapestry curtain across it.  Then he walked over to
+the great fireplace and stood at one side of it, close to the panelled
+wall.
+
+"Mistress Perrient," he said, in a low but clear voice; "Miss Perrient,
+I pray you let me speak with you.  I am John Rogers, and I promise you,
+on my faith as a minister of the gospel, I will betray you neither to
+your enemies not yet to your friends.  I have come hither to pray you
+to let me be instrumental in your escape, and seeing that I also have
+often times been both fugitive and a prisoner, I pray you to trust me
+as a friend."
+
+He stood and waited, and all was silent.  Then he spoke again--
+
+"Mistress Perrient, I take God to witness I am a true man.  I pray you
+trust me and be not afraid.  There is no one here but I; if you will
+but speak with me, no one shall be told.  Your secret is indeed safe."
+
+There was a sound of a bolt shot back, and then a panel swung slowly
+forward.  There, in a doorway, stood Audrey Perrient, a very deplorable
+sight, with her tear-stained face and disordered dress.
+
+"My poor child!" cried the minister, stepping hastily forward and
+taking her hand.  "You are indeed in a sorry plight!  Madam, it goes to
+my heart to see you thus!  I pray you come forth and sit by the
+fire--the door is safely fastened.  Why, you look well-nigh as white as
+did my wife when she lay sick in Carisbrook Castle.  Before I say aught
+further, you must eat and drink."  And he poured out a cup of wine and
+carried to her.
+
+"How did you know I was here?" demanded Audrey, with a scared face,
+disregarding his hospitable care.
+
+"It was but a guess; but a guess I am right thankful to have made, and
+that no one knows of but myself.  Why, madam, you would have perished
+of cold and hunger had you stayed long in that hiding-place."
+
+"Oh no," she answered, with a wan smile.  "I have a great cloak, and an
+old man will bring me provisions as soon as 'tis dark to-night."
+
+Mr. Rogers remembered the description Harrison had given him of Audrey
+Perrient's fertility of devices; but he was too wise to make any
+comment, and contented himself with establishing her in the great
+chair, and pressing all Mrs. Joyce's dainties upon her.
+
+"But, sir," said Audrey, a faint colour creeping back into her white
+face; "I know not why I should let you so trouble yourself in serving
+me.  You have doubtless travelled far and are weary enough."
+
+"Yes, by your leave I will willingly share your dinner, Mistress
+Perrient.  They say 'tis ill talking between a full man and a fasting,
+and when we have dined I hope you will let me unfold the proposals I
+have for your escape."
+
+"I thank you, sir," said Audrey, drawing herself up, "I have made my
+own plans for my journey.  I care not to join company again with
+strangers."
+
+"Nay, madam, I do entreat you not to count me as a stranger, for not
+only am I a minister of the gospel, so that it is mine office to seek
+out any of Christ's flock whom I may serve and tend.  And further, it
+is now many years that I have known your name and even exchanged
+letters with your learned father.  And so much as five years agone,
+when I was snatched from my congregation and thrown into prison by the
+late tyrant, who did rage and devour in England, in the same chains did
+lie my precious friend Major-General Harrison.  And as we lay in
+bondage and comforted our souls with savoury discourse concerning holy
+things, so did we also speak of worldly concerns as casting our care
+concerning them on Him who careth for us.  And then did General
+Harrison tell me of his excellent friend, Sir Gyles Perrient of
+Hunstanton, and also of his granddaughter Mistress Audrey----"
+
+"Oh!" interrupted Audrey, a flash of angry comprehension coming across
+her face.  "Then it was you who told that uncivil old gentleman at Lynn
+of the talk of my marriage?"
+
+"To my sorrow I did.  And for that indiscretion of my tongue I do
+heartily ask your pardon.  But, indeed, I spoke of the matter in the
+simplicity of my heart with Dick Harrison, nor did either of us know
+that brother Marshman noted what we said.  But I am all the more bound
+to amend that evil I did ignorantly.  And, therefore, have I sought
+you, madam, to pray you to honour me with your company on my journey to
+Rotterdam, for I go there, God willing, by the next ship that sails
+from Lynn, to meet my wife, who waits for me there with our little
+lads."
+
+Audrey cast an eager look at him.  "Oh!" she cried, with a wild burst
+of weeping, "have I one friend in the world, can I trust any one?"
+
+"Take comfort, my child," answered the minister.  "I do verily believe
+I have been led hither, that I should be an instrument for your
+deliverance.  Therefore I bid you take no further thought concerning
+your journey, seeing I will bring you to my wife, and you shall abide
+with her till we hear of honest folks undertaking the New England
+voyage, with whom you may cross the ocean.  'Tis but a small matter,
+you see," he added, jestingly.  "We poor ministers are so well used to
+fleeing from one place to another, that we take little thought how to
+compass our ends, and yet doth the Lord bring us in safety to the haven
+where we would be."
+
+Audrey gave a sob, and then suddenly springing up, she threw herself on
+her knees before him.
+
+"I do believe you have been sent direct from heaven to succour me in my
+extremity of body and soul," she cried.
+
+"Nay, nay," answered the good man, raising her and placing her in her
+chair.  "Take not the matter with such passion.  I partly guess it is
+the precious balm of Brother Marshman that has been like to break your
+head, for the true wisdom of his counsel is often times lost by reason
+of the bitter husk in which he doth enfold it.  But the fear of man
+worketh a snare, therefore be of good courage and, by God's help, you
+shall come safe to your father."
+
+Audrey sat silent awhile, passively enjoying the relief from terror and
+fatigue.  The physical warmth and food that had refreshed her, seemed a
+sort of outward sign of the comfort that flowed into her soul from the
+good man's simple words of encouragement.  Mr. Rogers saw she was
+almost at an end of her strength, and drawing his bible from his
+pocket, he proceeded to read and write notes without seeming to pay any
+attention to her.  So they sat in silence for some time.  At last
+Audrey spoke, hesitatingly, her eyes fixed on the fire--
+
+"I am afraid I have been very fantastic and perverse."
+
+"Nay, nay," said Mr. Rogers, laying down his pen and drawing nearer to
+the hearth.  "There must be no more hard words, whether from ministers
+or yourself.  You do well to defend your liberty, even with your life.
+If you feared that any man should arrogate a sovereignty over you, for
+which none hath any warrant, or to hinder your liberty of choice and
+force you by star-chamber admonitions into the bonds of a marriage you
+like not, you did well to flee.  Hold fast your liberty, keep your
+ground that Christ hath got and won for you, and maintain your lawful
+rights."
+
+"I do believe my grandfather gave me more liberty than many women
+enjoy," said Audrey, thoughtfully.  "But I fear his goodness hath
+encouraged my natural pride and self-will most mightily."
+
+"Then take the greater heed," said Mr. Rogers.  "While I desire that
+men despise not women, neither wrong them of their liberty in voting
+and speaking in common affairs, yet I do also desire women to be
+cautious in the use of their liberty.  Festina lente.  First be swift
+to hear, slow to speak; your silence may sometimes be the best advocate
+of your orderly liberty, and the sweetest evidence of your prudence and
+modesty.  And yet you ought not by your silence to trouble your
+conscience nor lose your privileges.  But be not too hasty, nor too
+high, for"--he concluded with a smile, pointing to the writing that
+filled every blank corner on the pages of his Bible--"as the notes that
+come too nigh the margin are in danger of running into the text, so
+spirits that run too high at first, may soon fall into disorder and
+irregularity."
+
+Audrey smiled.  "I will lay your words to heart, sir," she said.  "It
+would not be in nature, methinks, that I should forget anything that
+has happened this day, and the remembrance of my miseries, and of your
+goodness, should be a beacon to point me to the thought of your
+counsels."
+
+They sank into silence once more.  Audrey lay dozing in the great
+chair, and her companion was soon completely absorbed in his own
+thoughts.  His Bible dropped on his knee, and his thin features worked
+with excitement, as broken vows of meditation and prayer escaped him
+now and again.  "The Lord's muster-day is at hand--then, by the grace
+of God, the proudest of them shall know we are engaged on life or
+death, to stand or fall with the Lord our Captain-General on his red
+horse."  "Though we may suffer hard things yet he hath a gracious end,
+and will make for His own glory and the good end of His people.  God
+will give testimony unto what He hath been doing."
+
+The early winter evening drew on, the shadows gathered in the corners
+of the great chamber, but still there was no sound but the crackling of
+the fire, and the murmured soliloquy of the minister.
+
+At last the silence was broken by the deep note of the church clock.
+Audrey sprang up.
+
+"That must be six," she said, "and old John awaits me below in the
+gravel pit.  I must go down to him."
+
+Mr. Rogers looked at her blankly for a moment, and then suddenly came
+down from the visionary regions in which he had spent the last two
+hours.
+
+"And what order shall we take for your journey?" he asked, in quite a
+businesslike tone.  "If you will honour me with your company so far, I
+pray you ride with me, to-night, to Lynn.  I know an excellent poor
+woman," he hastened to add, "in whose house you may lodge till I hear
+when the _Good Hope_ sails."
+
+"Thank you, sir, I will gladly embrace your counsel.  When do you
+purpose to start?  Perhaps it were safest I should meet you without the
+town if you will set me an hour and a rendezvous."
+
+"I think we may begin our march as soon as the moon rises.  All that
+troubles me is to find you a horse without awaking notice, for if I
+should go afoot to Lynn, I fear it will somewhat delay your flight."
+
+"Oh," cried Audrey, "did you, indeed, think I would consent to steal
+your horse!  No, no, my servant hath for sure ridden my pony hither,
+and I will bid him tramp home and let me ride into Lynn.  We can tarry
+as we pass Inglethorpe to shift saddles; old Molly will fetch me mine
+out without rousing the constable.  Then, sir, may I await you about a
+mile out on the road?  There is a pond there, screened by bushes.  I
+can keep close there till you come."
+
+When Mr. Rogers was aroused a second time from his meditation, by the
+message that his horse was in readiness, the whole household was on the
+watch to see him come forth from the haunted chamber, and as he passed
+down the stairs, his large eyes still bright with the vision that had
+occupied his hours of meditation, whispers went round from maid to man:
+"I'll warrant he has seen somewhat!"  "A' looks mighty ungain."  "A'
+might be a ghost hisself, and I'll be sworn I smell sulphur!"
+
+The landlady bustled forward, but Mr. Rogers hardly noticed her.
+
+"Pray, pray, good sir, tell me, have you seen aught?" she urged, in a
+loud whisper, catching his sleeve as he passed through the hall.
+
+He turned his eyes vaguely upon her.  "Have I seen aught?" he repeated.
+"Surely, surely, I have seen the glory of the Lord for many a year, and
+the vision is not for me alone, but for all!  All flesh shall see Him,
+and shall walk in the light of His light."
+
+"But, dear sir," she cried in great perturbation, her voice rising from
+a whisper in her urgency, "have you seen aught of our young lady--of
+Mistress Audrey Perrient?"
+
+"Oh, ay, I crave your pardon, good hostess.  My mind was set on certain
+words of promise that have been borne in on me while I read the
+Scriptures.  Your young lady?  She is in safety; she will speedily be
+with her friends."
+
+"But the noises, good sir?" urged Mrs. Joyce; and the maids, encouraged
+by her open curiosity, ventured near to listen.
+
+"The noises?  They matter not--they are nothing; you will not be
+further troubled, you need have no fear!  Nevertheless," he said,
+stopping suddenly, and turning with his hands raised to face the
+household, "ye do well to fear, seeing that the day cometh when all
+shall fear, both great and small.  Therefore I warn you to seek a sure
+refuge while it be time, and turn unto the Lord to-day; for those that
+be his saints dwell in safety, neither fear they any terror by night,
+and the pestilence that walketh in darkness shall not come nigh them."
+
+So saying, he walked out of the door.
+
+Half an hour later, the bright moon that lit up the open moorlands that
+bordered the sea showed two figures riding along the bridle-path that
+led from Hunstanton to Lynn.  Audrey led the way, and guided her
+companion down lonely little bye-paths and sandy lanes that were seldom
+used, save by the few fishermen or broom-binders, who lived on the
+borders of the moorlands.
+
+It was one of those rare nights that sometimes come in an English
+February and carry with them the promise of May.  The soft air brought
+wafts of fragrance from the balmy fir-woods and yellow gorse-blossoms,
+and the full moon shed a golden haze over the lonely heath.  They rode
+in silence, the horses' hoofs scarcely making a sound on the sandy way.
+Mr. Rogers was still wrapt in dreams.  Eager as he was to assist any
+one whom he considered was the victim of tyranny or cruelty, as soon as
+the immediate need of action ceased to press on him, he relapsed
+naturally into his habitual train of thought and returned to that
+visionary world that was far more real to him than the material one
+that lay around him.
+
+The spiritual powers of evil, and the human persecutors of the Fifth
+Monarchy men, rose marshalled before him in the one great host that
+followed the dragon, mustering for the final conflict of Armageddon;
+and to his vivid enthusiasm there could be but a little time to wait
+before that conflict must end in the crowning victory of the saints,
+and the establishment on earth of the visible kingdom of Christ--the
+last and greatest of the monarchies of the world.  He rode on, his head
+raised, his light hair floating back from his ecstatic face, riding, as
+he ever hoped it might be, to join the host of angelic horsemen, who
+might appear to him at any moment.
+
+To Audrey, that night-ride seemed the strangest thing she had ever
+known.  The silent, hazy landscape, the flood of golden moonlight, her
+own wild fears and resentments so suddenly stilled.  It seemed to her
+as though the words she caught from time to time, half-chanted by her
+companion, were less strange and dreamlike than the events that were
+passing around her.
+
+Silently Audrey led the way.  Mile after mile they rode, now threading
+a cautious way through the dark aisles of the fir-woods, and then
+making better time on the delicate turf that bordered the waste of
+sand-hills to seaward.
+
+"We must venture a little way on the road here,", said Audrey, at
+length.  "I fear the Babingly brook is too much swollen by the rains
+for safe fording, and we must cross the bridge."
+
+They turned on to the main road and reached the bridge, when a man
+suddenly sprang out from the bushes by the road, and barred their way.
+With a stifled cry Audrey turned her horse.
+
+"All's well," cried the stranger, "'tis only I, Dick Harrison.  I have
+waited here for you, thank Heaven, you are safe!"  He stood between
+them, his hand on Mr. Rogers's saddlebow, and spoke rapidly.  "The hue
+and cry is out after Mistress Perrient, and all the ways into Lynn are
+beset.  I could not go out of the south gate without a scuffle; she
+must not try to enter.  But I have a boat here, and if Mistress
+Perrient can endure a night on the water, 'twill be easy to board the
+_Good Hope_ to-morrow morning, when she is safe out of Lynn harbour."
+
+Mr. Rogers did not answer.  Richard laid his hand on his knee.
+
+"I have a boat here, good sir," he repeated.  "We must not venture into
+Lynn for fear of the constables."
+
+Mr. Rogers did not seem to hear.  He still gazed away into the distance
+with the ecstatic expression that had illuminated his face during the
+silent ride; then, as he caught the last word, he started.
+
+"Fear," he echoed, "what do we know of fear? is it not for the soldiers
+of the Most High to fear when the trumpet sounds?"
+
+"No, sir," urged Richard, "but there is no fighting towards now; it is
+only that Justice Tomkins desires to hinder Mistress Perrient's
+journey."
+
+The minister was too entirely absorbed in his own dreams to attend to
+the words of Harrison, except when they fell in with his own train of
+thought.
+
+"Tomkins," he repeated, "Tomkins, ay, he doubtless hindereth.  He that
+letteth will let, till he be taken out of the way.  Nevertheless, his
+time is short, and the day of repentance is well-nigh at its end.  I
+will back and warn him."
+
+Audrey looked at him in dismay.  "Dear sir," she ventured to say, "you
+had set to take me to Rotterdam by this ship."
+
+"Cast not a stumbling-block in my way!" cried Mr. Rogers, more wildly.
+"Shall I have the blood of this man Tomkins on my head?  Shall he go
+down into the pit suddenly without warning?  The great beast Oliver is
+cast down, and the remembrance of him is a scoffing; so shall it be
+also to all them that have followed him.  The Lord's muster-day is at
+hand; his magazines and artillery, yea, his most excellent mortar
+pieces and batteries are ready.  We wait only for the Most High to fall
+on----"  His voice died away in murmurs like those of a man talking in
+his sleep.
+
+Audrey's heart died within her.  What had befallen her half-angelic
+guardian?  Was her confidence once more given amiss?  If he had failed
+her, who indeed could she trust?  Astonished and alarmed, she looked
+from one to the other.  Where could she go?  She was once more as
+helpless and unfriended as she had been before Mr. Rogers had found
+her.  Nay, she was even in some ways in a worst plight; her
+self-reliance and self-confidence were shaken, for her calmer reason
+told her that Mr. Marshman's comments on her adventurous journey were
+perfectly just, that her grandfather would have said the same, though
+in more polished terms, and that no words at all would have been equal
+to expressing Madam Isham's horror at such an unconventional proceeding.
+
+That silent night-ride had calmed her spirits, and she could judge her
+life with a curious sense of detachment, as though she had risen for a
+while to look down on it from some starry height.  She read her own
+heart with a new clear-sightedness, and she knew now that it was not
+the dictatorial manner or the cruel candour of Mr. Marshman that was
+the true cause of the wild revolt that had filled her soul.  She had
+discovered why the thought of such a usual thing as an arranged
+marriage with Richard Harrison had stung her so bitterly, why the bare
+thought that he might have overheard the brutal plainness of Mr.
+Marshman's words brought back the wild desire to fly anywhere, so that
+she might hide herself.
+
+If it had not been for the strange quiet that had descended on her soul
+from Mr. Rogers's half-inspired words at Hunstanton, she would not have
+had courage to face this new discovery, for she knew now that this ache
+in her heart would never leave her and what its true name was.  Well,
+this pain must be endured with the other troubles of life, and endured
+in silence.
+
+Harrison turned to her, and she met his eyes without flinching.  She
+was relieved to find there was no intimacy, no claim to familiarity,
+only courtesy and the cool readiness of a leader.
+
+"Mr. Rogers is overwearied," he said, under his breath.  "We must rouse
+him."
+
+"Dear sir, you must come this way," he continued, laying his hand on
+the minister's rein.
+
+"Stay me not, stay me not," he answered, wheeling his horse so abruptly
+that Harrison had to step quickly out of the way.  "I must back to
+Hunstanton lest destruction come upon him even as a thief in the night."
+
+Harrison caught his bridle once more.  "You would not go alone to him,"
+he said, in a cheerful voice, "Remember, it is written that two
+witnesses shall establish a matter.  You will seek Mr. Marshman, and go
+together to warn this man."
+
+"You say well, you say well," answered the minister, hurriedly.  "There
+shall be two witnesses, and two prophets before the great day of the
+Lord.  I will go seek Brother Marshman instantly," and setting spurs to
+his wearied horse he dashed forward along the road to Lynn.
+
+Audrey looked at Harrison in dismay.  "Is he mad?" she asked.
+
+"I sometimes fear he must be near it," he answered.  "But, in truth, I
+believe it is but that he is very high-flown concerning the Fifth
+Monarchy and such matters, neither do these fits last long with him, I
+have never seen him so near distraught.  Yet Mr. Marshman knows how to
+handle him and will not let him run into any danger, and, I doubt not,
+will see him safe aboard in the morning."  He noticed that Audrey was
+still silent.  "Even if anything should befall the good man, which God
+forbid," he said, "we had set us a rendezvous at Mrs. Rogers's lodging
+at Rotterdam, so if you will do me so much grace, I will bring you
+thither; 'tis but a short voyage to come there."
+
+He looked at her.  Her face was white in the moonlight, and looked thin
+and drawn.  When might he dare to ask what had happened during the last
+two days?  When might he ask for her pardon?
+
+"I entreat of you to come to the boat," he said.  "Most like you know
+the old fisherman who owns it, Job Hamont?  He waits below for us.  I
+fear though the road is too bad for riding."
+
+Audrey made no answer in words, but slid from her horse and stood
+waiting in the road.
+
+"Shall I lead the pony down to Job's hut?" asked Harrison.
+
+"Oh, no, Dapple knows how to take care of himself," answered Audrey, at
+last.  She tied up the reins, and then with a sudden movement she laid
+her cheek beside the pony's.  "Farewell, old friend," she murmured, "I
+shall scarce find one more faithful.  Now home, little horse, home!"
+she cried, recovering herself and clapping her hands, and the docile
+little beast trotted off in the direction of Inglethorpe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+FATE'S SEQUEL.
+
+  "All precious things discovered late,
+  To those that seek them issue forth;
+  For love in sequel works with Fate,
+  And draws the veil from hidden worth."
+                              TENNYSON, _The Day Dream._
+
+
+Harrison led the way down the path across the heather.  Soon the narrow
+lane grew deeper, and the sand softer under their feet.  The tiny glen
+was dark, and Harrison turned, and offered his hand to his companion;
+but she shook her head in silent refusal, and they plodded on, till
+suddenly the dark banks broke away, and they came out on the empty
+moonlit beach.  The firm shining sands seemed to stretch away to a
+limitless distance, the far-off sea was only vaguely visible and no
+sound came up from it.  Down across the wide strand the silent pair
+rapidly passed, and then Richard halted.
+
+"Here the water begins," he said.  "It is too shallow for the boat to
+come nearer.  You must let me carry you to it."
+
+He knew with pride that he had made his tone as cold and formal as her
+own.
+
+"There is no need," protested Audrey.  "I have often waded here,
+gathering cockles."
+
+"Ay," he answered; "but not when starting on a sea voyage;" and without
+further question he stooped and lifted her in his arms, and waded in.
+
+A wild feeling of triumph possessed him.  So of old might some
+sea-rover have felt, bearing off his prey from that very shore.  His
+sweetheart was in his arms, he alone could save her from her pursuers;
+surely her icy pride would melt now.  So sweet, so cold, so near him,
+and yet so far off!
+
+Slowly he splashed forward, the water deepening as he went.  Audrey
+said no word, her little hand rested on his shoulder, she did not move.
+It seemed to him all too soon, breathless though he was, that they
+reached the boat, and old Job lifted the precious burden over the side.
+Harrison climbed, dripping, after, and shook himself like a water-dog,
+before venturing to approach his lady.  Then he took her hand, and led
+her to the stern of the boat, where he had prepared a heap of cloaks
+and sails.
+
+"We must do our best to shelter you from the night dew," he said, as he
+folded the cloak round her, and made an awning of the sails over her
+head.
+
+So warm and cosy was the little nest, so lulling the slow rocking of
+the boat, and her lazy creak as she leant over, that Audrey suddenly
+discovered she was unable to keep her eyes open, and before she could
+utter the formal speech of thanks she had been conning, she was fast
+asleep.
+
+She awoke to find the darkness past, and gay sunlight dancing on the
+ripples, and gilding the brown sail and weather-beaten mast.  All was
+blue around her, a clean pale blue, like a world fresh made, that had
+not yet bloomed into its full colour.  Pale blue was the sky, pale blue
+the sea, only fringed to the south by a narrow line of gold that showed
+the sand-hills that hid her home.  Close above her stood Harrison,
+keeping the swaying tiller steady with his knee, a handsome, soldierly
+figure, in spite of his rough clothes and great sea-boats.
+
+At the other end of the boat the old fisherman was busy with his lines,
+only laying them down now and again to give a stroke with one oar or
+the other, and keep the boat's head steady.
+
+As Audrey sat up, Harrison's grave face broke into a smile.  Who could
+think of misunderstandings, regrets, even of repentance, on a spring
+morning, with a face as fair as the spring dawning on him?
+
+"Good morrow," he said; "you have slept sound."
+
+"Indeed," she answered, "I feel as though I had slept the clock round.
+What time is it, and what day is it?"
+
+"'Tis Saturday, and our ship will soon be in sight, for the sun is
+high."
+
+"I am indeed a sluggard!" cried Audrey, looking at the little watch
+that hung in a silver ball at her waist.  "'Tis eight o'clock."
+
+"And Job hath no provisions, save bread and cheese and a flagon of
+small beer," said Harrison, regretfully.  "I would I could have been a
+better caterer, but my flight was so sudden."
+
+He knelt with one arm over the tiller while he rummaged out the
+fisherman's store.  He thanked the chance that let him serve her on his
+knees, and lay his offerings at her feet, when, poor fellow, he would
+so gladly have laid his heart, would she but give leave.
+
+She ate, and drank, and laughed.  The colour came back to her cheeks,
+and the light to her eyes.  The sunbeams caught her disordered curls,
+and played hide and seek in the golden web.  Her voice was cool, but
+not icy, as on the previous evening, only cool, and fresh, and dainty,
+like the cool air that came in delicate wafts across the water.
+
+But time was flying, flying cruelly fast, he knew.  Soon the sails of
+the _Good Hope_ would be in sight, and never again might he kneel so
+near his lady.  Now or never, before this last chance was snatched from
+him, he must tell his tale.
+
+"Madam," he began, "this is, perhaps, the last time I may have a word
+with you in private.  Will you give me leave to speak, and entreat your
+pardon for much that has passed?"
+
+Audrey's head was turned away; it rose a little more proudly, but no
+answer came for a minute.  Then, "I think you have need to ask it,"
+came in muffled tones.
+
+He paused, doubtful what to do.  His line of action ought to depend on
+her state of mind, and who could guess what that might be?  She could
+hardly fail to be indignant with Mr. Marshman, but on which of the many
+counts was she angry with him?  He had argued over the case so often in
+his mind that he had become desperate of any conclusion, and out of his
+very desperation a wayward hope began to whisper that possibly, just
+possibly, as she now knew through Mr. Marshman of the marriage
+contract, she might even accuse him of carelessness, and hold him to be
+but a laggard in love.  Was she now punishing him for having exposed
+her to Mr. Marshman's misapprehension, or was she merely troubled and
+cast down?  Who could guess anything while she kept her head turned
+stiffly away.  A wild desire seized him to take her by her pretty
+shoulders, and turn her round.
+
+"Will you not let me see your face?" he pleaded.  "What prisoner would
+dare sue for mercy if the judge turned his back?"
+
+His voice was not used to the tone of deference, even when he entreated
+there was something of command in it.  He leaned over, and took her
+hand, and slowly she turned her head towards him.
+
+"I know not," he said gently, "what Mr. Marshman may have dared to say
+to you, but I do entreat of you to believe whatever he said was without
+my knowledge or leave to meddle with matters of such privacy.  I knew
+not that he understood anything of my matters; but I have to ask your
+pardon for having spoken unadvisedly in his presence."
+
+"I am glad he was not your ambassador," answered Audrey, rather coldly.
+
+"And more I have to confess," he continued.  "I see now how cowardly a
+thing I did in hiding in your house, and bringing you into all this
+peril--for that also I do most heartily ask your forgiveness."
+
+"It was by my asking you came to my house," she answered, in rather a
+lofty tone.  "If I chose to run risks, it was by mine own will; in that
+matter there is not anything to pardon."
+
+"You are very generous," he answered, so humbly that Audrey was
+disarmed, and turned to him with all her old sweetness.
+
+"We women are forbid to fight or to speak for our country," she said.
+"You will not grudge us the right to suffer somewhat for her liberties."
+
+He looked at her with tender admiration.  "Methinks you are on the road
+to be one of Mr. Rogers's disciples," he said.
+
+She laughed, and for a moment forgot her coldness.  "Ay, 'tis perilous
+to spend so many hours with a madman; very like 'tis catching."
+
+"I was of Mr. Rogers's mind in some things before I even knew him,"
+said Richard.  "May I tell you how I learned to be of his mind
+concerning the liberties of women?"
+
+"I knew not any one else preached such doctrines," she said.
+
+"I learned them from a little maid who fell once into a lily pool," he
+answered.  "I learned from the thought of her to honour all women after
+another fashion than that which I saw common.  I will not boast 'twas
+constancy; very like it was because so few children came to our house,
+save my uncle's babes, who died ere they left their nurse's arms; but
+the memory of that little maid abode with me, and sat with me by camp
+fires, and kept me company on marches, and the desire to be fit for her
+company taught me some of the things which Mr. Rogers dares to preach.
+And she abode with me till last Sunday, and then she vanished, because
+I knew then that the desire of mine eyes was no more a little maid, but
+a woman grown."
+
+"Oh," she cried, "this is, indeed, madness, for it was by chance only
+that you came to Inglethorpe."
+
+"Ay, it seems as though it were chance on the face of it.  But that
+kindly chance, perchance the beckoning of the dead hand, hath but
+hastened the meeting I sought, for I was on my way to seek you in the
+plantations.  Here is my witness," he continued, taking a letter from
+his breast.  "When I fled from London I carried this with me, that it
+might be mine advocate with your father.  It seemed to me scarce
+honourable to show it you in England, and force myself on you after
+such a fashion; but seeing the turn things have taken, it is your right
+to see it.  It will at least bear me witness that this chance is but
+the sequel of what hath gone before."
+
+The letter bore the address: "To my loving friend, Major-General
+Harrison.  These----"  It was sealed with the Perrient coat-of-arms.
+The letter from the dead man to his dead friend had come back.
+
+A sudden memory flashed across Audrey.  "You say all this because your
+minister bade you," she cried.
+
+"Do you, indeed, think me so docile?" he answered, with a laugh that
+was almost angry.
+
+"I know not what to think of any one," she answered piteously, while
+two great tears ran down her face.
+
+"Think nothing, save that I desire to live and die for you," he cried.
+"Audrey, when I parted from your grandfather, he gave me leave to come
+again, and endeavour to win your heart.  But when I would have come, I
+heard you were departed to New England.  That letter is two years
+old--tell me not that my day of grace is past!  And yet, if you bid me
+tear the letter, I will upon mine honour strive to guard you as a
+brother on this journey.  But there is a friend that sticketh closer
+than a brother, and to be such a friend to you, I will serve as many
+years as Jacob served for a wife.  May I carry this letter to your
+father?  You will not bid me tear it?"
+
+A rainbow smile flickered over Audrey's face.  "'Tis no use to tear
+it," she said.  "I have here its fellow;" and she pulled out her letter
+and held it to him.
+
+He gazed at it, dumb with surprise.  "You have its fellow!" he said at
+last.  "You knew all!  And while I was tormenting myself to keep
+silence, I was but playing the part of a laggard wooer!"
+
+"I only found the letter at Hunstanton the other night," she said.
+
+"And you kept it!  You were as kind to me as before!  You were not
+unwilling to hear of the design!  Audrey, you know you have all my
+heart; I can be content with nothing less than yours in return."
+
+"I fear you are no honest man," she murmured.  "You stole it before
+ever you asked my leave."
+
+His arm was round her.  "My dear heart, believe that I have waited half
+my lifetime for this kiss."
+
+"Oh, Dick!  Remember old Job!  He will be making a mock of us!"
+
+"Tush! he is busy with his oars and lines; he heeds us not!"
+
+"Luff, sir, luff!" shouted the maligned fisherman, with a twinkle in
+his eye.  "Here be the _Good Hope_ a bearing down on us.  'Tis a pretty
+name, the _Good Hope_, and I hope as she'll bring 'ee luck."
+
+"Thank you, friend; methinks few men can have such good hope to carry
+on a voyage as I!  There is Mr. Rogers signalling with his hat.  Wave
+your handkerchief, and show him we are here!  And, sweetheart," he
+whispered, "Mr. Rogers must make us one as soon as we land in
+Rotterdam, that you may despatch the bride ribbons to good Mistress
+Joyce by the ship on her return."
+
+And this was how Richard Harrison learned that he might still follow
+the path marked out for him by his Lost Leader, and received his bride
+from the hand that had cherished his childhood.  And with the
+knowledge, the hopes of his childhood came back to him, and he gathered
+faith that as the wanderings of his dark days had brought him to the
+door of his love, so the dark ways of earth may be but the shortest
+road to lead the pilgrim to the Celestial City, if but he follow close
+his Divine Leader.
+
+
+
+
+NOTES.
+
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+1.  The interview between the king and Major Harrison is described by
+Anthony Wood.
+
+2.  There is no historical evidence of Major Harrison adopting a
+nephew; but as none of his own children lived to grow up, while several
+families in the United States of America believe they can trace their
+descent to this, "the most single-minded of the Regicides," the
+existence of an adopted son is suggested as a theory to meet the
+difficulty.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+1.  The history of Major-General Harrison's life is founded on "The
+Life of Thomas Harrison," by Charles H. Firth, Proc. Amer. Antiq. Soc.,
+printed at Worcester, Mass., 1893.
+
+2.  For Prince Rupert's acquaintance with Harrison, see _Moderate
+Intelligencer_; Friday, September 12, 1645.
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+1.  John Rogers's conversations throughout the book are taken almost
+verbally from his sermons and letters printed in "Life and Opinions of
+a Fifth-Monarchy Man," by Rev. E. Rogers.
+
+2.  The account of the last words and death of Harrison are taken from
+a contemporary pamphlet: "Rebels no Saints," by a Person of Quality,
+London, 1661.
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The ghost of Inglethorpe Hall is well known in Norfolk tradition.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The thatcher Mayor of Castle Rising and the unique jail of the little
+town were matters of local celebrity.
+
+
+
+
+PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Lost Leader, by Dorothea Townshend
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 58755 ***