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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Splendid Spur, by Arthur T. Quiller Couch
+
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+Title: The Splendid Spur
+
+Author: Arthur T. Quiller Couch
+
+Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6437]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on December 14, 2002]
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+Edition: 10
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+Language: English
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+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SPLENDID SPUR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karl Hagen, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "I loved thee so, boy Jack."]
+
+THE SPLENDID SPUR
+
+BEING MEMOIRS OF THE ADVENTURES OF MR. JOHN MARVEL,
+A SERVANT OF HIS LATE MAJESTY KING CHARLES I., IN THE YEARS 1642-3:
+WRITTEN BY HIMSELF:
+
+Edited in Modern English by
+
+Q
+(ARTHUR T. QUILLER COUCH)
+
+1897
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+EDWARD GWYNNE EARDLEY-WILMOT.
+
+_MY DEAR EDDIE,
+
+Whatever view a story-teller may take of his business, 'tis happy
+when he can think, "This book of mine will please such and such a
+friend," and may set that friend's name after the title page. For
+even if to please (as some are beginning to hold) should be no part
+of his aim, at least 'twill always be a reward: and (in unworthier
+moods) next to a Writer I would choose to be a Lamplighter, as the
+only other that gets so cordial a "God bless him!" in the long
+winter evenings.
+
+To win such a welcome at such a time from a new friend or two would
+be the happiest fortune for my tale. But to you I could wish it to
+speak particularly, seeing that under the coat of_ JACK MARVEL
+_beats the heart of your friend_
+
+Q.
+
+_Torquay, August 22d_, 1889.
+
+
+
+
+
+ INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
+
+"Q."
+
+A year or two ago it was observed that three writers were using the
+curiously popular signature "Q." This was hardly less confusing than
+that one writer should use three signatures (Grant Allen, Arbuthnot
+Wilson, and Anon), but as none of the three was willing to try
+another letter, they had to leave it to the public (whose decision
+in such matters is final) to say who is Q to it. The public said,
+Let him wear this proud letter who can win it, and for the present
+at least it is in the possession of the author of "The Splendid
+Spur" and "The Blue Pavilions." It would seem, too, as if it were
+his "to keep," for "Q" is like the competition cups that are only
+yours for a season, unless you manage to carry them three times in
+succession. Mr. Quiller-Couch has been champion Q since 1890.
+
+The interesting question is not so much, What has he done to be the
+only prominent Q of these years, as Is he to be the Q of all time?
+If so, he will do better work than he has yet done, though several
+of his latest sketches--and one in particular--are of very uncommon
+merit. Mr. Quiller-Couch is so unlike Mr. Kipling that one
+immediately wants to compare them. They are both young, and they
+have both shown such promise that it will be almost sad if neither
+can write a book to live--as, of course, neither has done as yet. Mr.
+Kipling is the more audacious, which is probably a matter of
+training. He was brought up in India, where one's beard grows much
+quicker than at Oxford, and where you not only become a man (and a
+cynic) in a hurry, but see and hear strange things (and print them)
+such as the youth of Oxford miss, or, becoming acquainted with,
+would not dare insert in the local magazine of the moment. So Mr.
+Kipling's first work betokened a knowledge of the world that is by
+no means to be found in "Dead Man's Rock," the first book published
+by Mr. Quiller-Couch. On the other hand, it cannot truly be said
+that Mr. Kipling's latest work is stronger than his first, while the
+other writer's growth is the most remarkable thing about him. It is
+precisely the same Mr. Kipling who is now in the magazines that was
+writing some years ago in India (and a rare good Mr. Kipling too),
+but the Mr. Quiller-Couch of to-day is the Quiller-Couch of "Dead
+Man's Rock" grown out of recognition. To compare their styles is
+really to compare the men. Mr. Kipling's is the more startling, the
+stronger (as yet), and the more mannered. Mark Twain, it appears,
+said he reads Mr. Kipling for his style, which is really the same
+thing as saying you read him for his books, though the American
+seems only to have meant that he eats the beef because he likes the
+salt. It is a journalistic style, aiming too constantly at sharp
+effects, always succeeding in getting them. Sometimes this is
+contrived at the expense of grammar, as when (a common trick with
+the author) he ends a story with such a paragraph as "Which is
+manifestly unfair." Mr. Quiller-Couch has never sinned in this way,
+but his first style was somewhat turgid, even melodramatic, and,
+compared with Mr. Kipling's, lacked distinction. From the beginning
+Mr. Kipling had the genius for using the right word twice in three
+times (Mr. Stevenson only misses it about once in twelve), while Mr.
+Quiller-Couch not only used the wrong word, but weighted it with
+adjectives. The charge, however, cannot be brought against him
+to-day, for having begun by writing like a Mr. Haggard not quite
+sure of himself (if one can imagine such a Mr. Haggard), and changing
+to an obvious imitation of Mr. Stevenson, he seems now to have made a
+style for himself. It is clear and careful, but not as yet strong
+winged. Its distinctive feature is that it is curiously musical.
+
+"Dead Man's Rock" is a capital sensational story to be read and at
+once forgotten. It was followed by "The Astonishing History of Troy
+Town," which was humorous, and proved that the author owed a debt to
+Dickens. But it was not sufficiently humorous to be remarkable for
+its humor, and it will go hand in hand with "Dead Man's Rock" to
+oblivion. Until "The Splendid Spur" appeared Mr. Quiller-Couch had
+done little to suggest that an artist had joined the ranks of the
+story-tellers. It is not in anyway a great work, but it was among
+the best dozen novels of its year, and as the production of a new
+writer it was one of the most notable. About the same time was
+published another historical romance of the second class (for to
+nothing short of Sir Walter shall we give a first-class in this
+department), "Micah Clarke," by Mr. Conan Doyle. It was as
+inevitable that the two books should be compared as that he who
+enjoyed the one should enjoy the other. In one respect "Micah
+Clarke" is the better story. It contains one character, a soldier of
+fortune, who is more memorable than any single figure in "The
+Splendid Spur." This, however, is effected at a cost, for this man
+is the book. It contains, indeed, two young fellows, one of them a
+John Ridd, but no Diana Vernon would blow a kiss to either. Both
+stories are weak in pathos, despite Joan, but there are a score of
+humorous situations in "The Splendid Spur" that one could not forget
+if he would--which he would not--as, for instance, where hero and
+heroine are hidden in barrels in a ship, and hero cries through his
+bunghole, "Wilt marry me, sweetheart?" to which heroine replies,
+"Must get out of this cask first." Better still is the scene in
+which Captain Billy expatiates, with a mop and a bucket, on the
+merits of his crew. But the passages are for reading, not for
+hearing about. Of the characters, this same Captain Billy is not the
+worst, but perhaps the best is Joan, Mr. Quiller-Couch's first
+successful picture of a girl. A capital eccentric figure is killed
+(some good things are squandered in this book) just when we are
+beginning to find him a genuine novelty. Anything that is ready to
+leap into danger seems to be thought good enough for the hero of a
+fighting romance, so that Jack Marvel will pass (though Delia, as is
+right and proper, is worth two of him, despite her coming-on
+disposition). The villain is a failure, and the plot poor.
+Nevertheless there are some ingenious complications in it. Jack's
+escape by means of the hangman's rope, which was to send him out of
+the world in a few hours, is a fine rollicking bit of sensation.
+Where Mr. Quiller-Couch and Mr. Conan Doyle both fail as compared
+with the great master of romance is in the introduction of
+historical figures and episodes. Scott would have been a great man
+if he had written no novel but "The Abbott" (one of his second best),
+and no part of "The Abbott" but the scene in which Mary signs away
+her crown. Mr. Quiller-Couch almost entirely avoids such attempts,
+and even Mr. Conan Doyle only dips into them timidly. There is, one
+has been told, a theory that the romancist has no right to picture
+history in this way. But he makes his rights when he does it as
+Scott did it.
+
+Since "The Splendid Spur," Mr. Quiller-Couch has published nothing
+in book form which can be considered an advance on his best novel,
+but there have appeared by him a number of short Cornish sketches,
+which are perhaps best considered as experiments. They are
+perilously slight, and where they are successful one remembers them
+as sweet dreams or like a bar of music. All aim at this effect, so
+that many should not be taken at a time, and some (as was to be
+expected with such delicate work) miss their mark. It might be said
+that in several of these melodies Mr. Quiller-Couch has been writing
+the same thing again and again, determined to succeed absolutely, if
+not this time then the next, and if not the next time then the time
+after. In one case he has succeeded absolutely. "The Small People,"
+is a prose "Song of the Shirt." To my mind this is a rare piece of
+work, and the biggest thing for its size that has been done in
+English fiction for some years.
+
+These sketches have been called experiments. They show (as his books
+scarcely show) that Mr. Quiller-Couch can feel. They suggest that he
+may be able to do for Cornwall what Mr. Hardy has done for Dorset--
+though the methods of the two writers are as unlike as their
+counties. But that can only be if in filling his notebook with these
+little comedies and tragedies Mr. Quiller-Couch is preparing for
+more sustained efforts.
+
+   "Our hope and heart is with thee
+    We will stand and mark."
+
+J. M. BARRIE.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER
+
+I. THE BOWLING-GREEN OF THE "CROWN"
+
+II. THE YOUNG MAN IN THE CLOAK OF AMBER SATIN
+
+III. I FIND MYSELF IN A TAVERN BRAWL; AND BARELY ESCAPE
+
+IV. I TAKE THE ROAD
+
+V. MY ADVENTURE AT THE "THREE CUPS"
+
+VI. THE FLIGHT IN THE PINE WOOD
+
+VII. I FIND A COMRADE
+
+VIII. I LOSE THE KING'S LETTER; AND AM CARRIED TO BRISTOL
+
+IX I BREAK OUT OF PRISON
+
+X. CAPTAIN POTTERY AND CAPTAIN SETTLE
+
+XI. I RIDE DOWN INTO TEMPLE; AND AM WELL TREATED THERE
+
+XII. HOW JOAN SAVED THE ARMY OF THE WEST; AND SAW THE FIGHT ON
+BRADDOCK DOWN
+
+XIII. I BUY A LOOKING GLASS AT BODMIN FAIR; AND MEET WITH MR.
+HANNIBAL TINGCOMB
+
+XIV. I DO NO GOOD IN THE HOUSE OF GLEYS
+
+XV. I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS
+
+XVI. THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD HEATH
+
+XVII. I MEET WITH A HAPPY ADVENTURE BY BURNING OF A GREEN LIGHT
+
+XVIII. JOAN DOES ME HER LAST SERVICE
+
+XIX THE ADVENTURE OF THE HEARSE
+
+XX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE LEDGE; AND HOW I SHOOK HANDS WITH MY
+COMRADE
+
+
+
+THE SPLENDID SPUR.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE BOWLING-GREEN OF THE "CROWN."
+
+
+He that has jilted the Muse, forsaking her gentle pipe to follow
+the drum and trumpet, shall fruitlessly besiege her again when the
+time comes to sit at home and write down his adventures. 'Tis her
+revenge, as I am extremely sensible: and methinks she is the harder
+to me, upon reflection how near I came to being her lifelong servant,
+as you are to hear.
+
+'Twas on November 29th, Ao. 1642--a clear, frosty day--that the King,
+with the Prince of Wales (newly recovered of the measles), the
+Princes Rupert and Maurice, and a great company of lords and
+gentlemen, horse and foot, came marching back to us from Reading. I
+was a scholar of Trinity College in Oxford at that time, and may
+begin my history at three o'clock on the same afternoon, when going
+(as my custom was) to Mr. Rob. Drury for my fencing lesson, I found
+his lodgings empty.
+
+They stood at the corner of Ship Street, as you turn into the Corn
+Market--a low wainscoted chamber, ill-lighted but commodious. "He is
+off to see the show," thought I as I looked about me; and finding an
+easy cushion in the window, sat down to await him. Where presently,
+being tired out (for I had been carrying a halberd all day with the
+scholars' troop in Magdalen College Grove), and in despite of the
+open lattice, I fell sound asleep.
+
+It must have been an hour after that I awoke with a chill (as was
+natural), and was stretching out a hand to pull the window close,
+but suddenly sat down again and fell to watching instead.
+
+The window look'd down, at the height of ten feet or so, upon a
+bowling-green at the back of the "Crown" Tavern (kept by John
+Davenant, in the Corn Market), and across it to a rambling wing of
+the same inn; the fourth side--that to my left--being but an old
+wall, with a broad sycamore growing against it. 'Twas already
+twilight; and in the dark'ning house, over the green, was now one
+casement brightly lit, the curtains undrawn, and within a company of
+noisy drinkers round a table. They were gaming, as was easily told
+by their clicking of the dice and frequent oaths: and anon the
+bellow of some tipsy chorus would come across. 'Twas one of these
+catches, I dare say, that woke me: only just now my eyes were bent,
+not toward the singers, but on the still lawn between us.
+
+The sycamore, I have hinted, was a broad tree, and must, in summer,
+have borne a goodly load of leaves: but now, in November, these were
+strewn thick over the green, and nothing left but stiff, naked
+boughs. Beneath it lay a crack'd bowl or two on the rank turf, and
+against the trunk a garden bench rested, I suppose for the
+convenience of the players. On this a man was now seated.
+
+He was reading in a little book; and this first jogged my curiosity:
+for 'twas unnatural a man should read print at this dim hour, or, if
+he had a mind to try, should choose a cold bowling-green for his
+purpose. Yet he seemed to study his volume very attentively, but
+with a sharp look, now and then, toward the lighted window, as if
+the revellers disturb'd him. His back was partly turn'd to me; and
+what with this and the growing dusk, I could but make a guess at his
+face: but a plenty of silver hair fell over his fur collar, and his
+shoulders were bent a great deal. I judged him between fifty and
+sixty. For the rest, he wore a dark, simple suit, very straitly cut,
+with an ample furr'd cloak, and a hat rather tall, after the fashion
+of the last reign.
+
+Now, why the man's behavior so engaged me, I don't know: but at the
+end of half an hour I was still watching him. By this, 'twas near
+dark, bitter cold, and his pretence to read mere fondness: yet he
+persevered--though with longer glances at the casement above, where
+the din at times was fit to wake the dead.
+
+And now one of the dicers upsets his chair with a curse, and gets on
+his feet. Looking up, I saw his features for a moment--a slight,
+pretty boy, scarce above eighteen, with fair curls and flush'd
+cheeks like a girl's. It made me admire to see him in this ring of
+purple, villainous faces. 'Twas evident he was a young gentleman of
+quality, as well by his bearing as his handsome cloak of amber satin
+barr'd with black. "I think the devil's in these dice!" I heard him
+crying, and a pretty hubbub all about him: but presently the drawer
+enters with more wine, and he sits down quietly to a fresh game.
+
+As soon as 'twas started, one of the crew, that had been playing but
+was now dropp'd out, lounges up from his seat, and coming to the
+casement pushes it open for fresh air. He was one that till now had
+sat in full view--a tall bully, with a gross pimpled nose; and led
+the catches in a bull's voice. The rest of the players paid no heed
+to his rising; and very soon his shoulders hid them, as he lean'd
+out, drawing in the cold breath.
+
+During the late racket I had forgot for a while my friend under the
+sycamore, but now, looking that way, to my astonishment I saw him
+risen from his bench and stealing across to the house opposite. I
+say "stealing," for he kept all the way to the darker shadow of the
+wall, and besides had a curious trailing motion with his left foot
+as though the ankle of it had been wrung or badly hurt.
+
+As soon as he was come beneath the window he stopped and called
+softly--
+
+"Hist!"
+
+The bully gave a start and look'd down. I could tell by this motion
+he did not look to find anyone in the bowling-green at that hour.
+Indeed he had been watching the shaft of light thrown past him by
+the room behind, and now moved so as to let it fall on the man that
+addressed him.
+
+The other stands close under the window, as if to avoid this, and
+calls again--
+
+"Hist!" says he, and beckons with a finger.
+
+The man at the window still held his tongue (I suppose because those
+in the room would hear him if he spoke), and so for a while the two
+men studied one another in silence, as if considering their next
+moves.
+
+After a bit, however, the bully lifted a hand, and turning back into
+the lighted room, walks up to one of the players, speaks a word or
+two and disappears.
+
+I sat up on the window seat, where till now I had been crouching for
+fear the shaft of light should betray me, and presently (as I was
+expecting) heard the latch of the back perch gently lifted, and
+spied the heavy form of the bully coming softly over the grass.
+
+Now, I would not have my readers prejudiced, and so may tell them
+this was the first time in my life I had played the eavesdropper.
+That I did so now I can never be glad enough, but 'tis true,
+nevertheless, my conscience pricked me; and I was even making a
+motion to withdraw when that occurred which would have fixed any
+man's attention, whether he wish'd it or no.
+
+The bully must have closed the door behind him but carelessly, for
+hardly could he take a dozen steps when it opened again with a
+scuffle, and the large house dog belonging to the "Crown" flew at
+his heels with a vicious snarl and snap of the teeth.
+
+'Twas enough to scare the coolest. But the fellow turn'd as if shot,
+and before he could snap again, had gripped him fairly by the throat.
+The struggle that follow'd I could barely see, but I heard the
+horrible sounds of it--the hard, short breathing of the man, the
+hoarse rage working in the dog's throat--and it turned me sick. The
+dog--a mastiff--was fighting now to pull loose, and the pair swayed
+this way and that in the dusk, panting and murderous.
+
+I was almost shouting aloud--feeling as though 'twere my own throat
+thus gripp'd--when the end came. The man had his legs planted well
+apart.
+
+I saw his shoulders heave up and bend as he tightened the pressure
+of his fingers; then came a moment's dead silence, then a hideous
+gurgle, and the mastiff dropped back, his hind legs trailing limp.
+
+The bully held him so for a full minute, peering close to make sure
+he was dead, and then without loosening his hold, dragged him across
+the grass under my window. By the sycamore he halted, but only to
+shift his hands a little; and so, swaying on his hips, sent the
+carcase with a heave over the wall. I heard it drop with a thud on
+the far side.
+
+During this fierce wrestle--which must have lasted about two
+minutes--the clatter and shouting of the company above had gone on
+without a break; and all this while the man with the white hair had
+rested quietly on one side, watching. But now he steps up to where
+the bully stood mopping his face (for all the coolness of the
+evening), and, with a finger between the leaves of his book, bows
+very politely.
+
+"You handled that dog, sir, choicely well," says he, in a thin voice
+that seemed to have a chuckle hidden in it somewhere.
+
+The other ceased mopping to get a good look at him.
+
+"But sure," he went on, "'twas hard on the poor cur, that had never
+heard of Captain Lucius Higgs--"
+
+I thought the bully would have had him by the windpipe and pitched
+him after the mastiff, so fiercely he turn'd at the sound of this
+name. But the old gentleman skipped back quite nimbly and held up a
+finger.
+
+"I'm a man of peace. If another title suits you better--"
+
+"Where the devil got you that name?" growled the bully, and had half
+a mind to come on again, but the other put in briskly--
+
+"I'm on a plain errand of business. No need, as you hint, to mention
+names; and therefore let me present myself as Mr. Z. The residue of
+the alphabet is at your service to pick and choose from."
+
+"My name is Luke Settle," said the big man hoarsely (but whether
+this was his natural voice or no I could not tell).
+
+"Let us say 'Mr. X.' I prefer it."
+
+The old gentleman, as he said this, popped his head on one side,
+laid the forefinger of his right hand across the book, and seem'd to
+be considering.
+
+"Why did you throttle that dog a minute ago?" he asked sharply.
+
+"Why, to save my skin," answers the fellow, a bit puzzled.
+
+"Would you have done it for fifty pounds?"
+
+"Aye, or half that."
+
+"And how if it had been a _puppy_, Mr. X?"
+
+Now all this from my hiding I had heard very clearly, for they stood
+right under me in the dusk. But as the old gentleman paused to let
+his question sink in, and the bully to catch the drift of it before
+answering, one of the dicers above struck up to sing a catch----
+
+    "With a hey, trolly-lolly! a leg to the Devil,
+     And answer him civil, and off with your cap:
+     Sing--Hey, trolly-lolly! Good-morrow, Sir Evil,
+         We've finished the tap,
+     And, saving your worship, we care not a rap!"
+
+While this din continued, the stranger held up one forefinger again,
+as if beseeching silence, the other remaining still between the
+pages of his book.
+
+"Pretty boys!" he said, as the noise died away; "pretty boys! 'Tis
+easily seen they have a bird to pluck."
+
+"He's none of my plucking."
+
+"And if he were, why not? Sure you've picked a feather or two before
+now in the Low Countries--hey?"
+
+"I'll tell you what," interrupts the big man, "next time you crack
+one of your death's-head jokes, over the wall you go after the dog.
+What's to prevent it?"
+
+"Why, this," answers the old fellow, cheerfully. "There's money to
+be made by doing no such thing. And I don't carry it all about with
+me. So, as 'tis late, we'd best talk business at once."
+
+They moved away toward the seat under the sycamore, and now their
+words reached me no longer--only the low murmur of their voices or
+(to be correct) of the elder man's: for the other only spoke now and
+then, to put a question, as it seemed. Presently I heard an oath
+rapped out and saw the bully start up. "Hush, man!" cried the other,
+and "hark-ye now--"; so he sat down again. Their very forms were
+lost within the shadow. I, myself, was cold enough by this time and
+had a cramp in one leg--but lay still, nevertheless. And after
+awhile they stood up together, and came pacing across the bowling-
+green, side by side, the older man trailing his foot painfully to
+keep step. You may be sure I strain'd my ears.
+
+"--besides the pay," the stranger was saying, "there's all you can
+win of this young fool, Anthony, and all you find on the pair, which
+I'll wager--"
+
+They passed out of hearing, but turned soon, and came back again.
+The big man was speaking this time.
+
+"I'll be shot if I know what game _you're_ playing in this."
+
+The elder chuckled softly. "I'll be shot if I mean you to," said he.
+
+And this was the last I heard. For now there came a clattering at
+the door behind me, and Mr. Robert Drury reeled in, hiccuping a
+maudlin ballad about "_Tib and young Colin, one fine day, beneath
+the haycock shade-a_," &c., &c., and cursing to find his fire
+gone out, and all in darkness. Liquor was ever his master, and to-
+day the King's health had been a fair excuse. He did not spy me, but
+the roar of his ballad had startled the two men outside, and so,
+while he was stumbling over chairs, and groping for a tinder-box, I
+slipp'd out in the darkness, and downstairs into the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE YOUNG MAN IN THE CLOAK OF AMBER SATIN,
+
+Guess, any of you, if these events disturbed my rest that night.
+'Twas four o'clock before I dropp'd asleep in my bed in Trinity, and
+my last thoughts were still busy with the words I had heard. Nor, on
+the morrow, did it fair any better with me: so that, at rhetoric
+lecture, our president--Dr. Ralph Kettle--took me by the ears before
+the whole class. He was the fiercer upon me as being older than the
+gross of my fellow-scholars, and (as he thought) the more restless
+under discipline. "A tutor'd adolescence," he would say, "is a fair
+grace before meat," and had his hourglass enlarged to point the
+moral for us. But even a rhetoric lecture must have an end, and so,
+tossing my gown to the porter, I set off at last for Magdalen Bridge,
+where the new barricado was building, along the Physic Garden, in
+front of East Gate.
+
+The day was dull and low'ring, though my wits were too busy to heed
+the sky; but scarcely was I past the small gate in the city wall
+when a brisk shower of hail and sleet drove me to shelter in the Pig
+Market ( or _Proscholium_) before the Divinity School. 'Tis an
+ample vaulted passage, as I dare say you know; and here I found a
+great company of people already driven by the same cause.
+
+To describe them fully 'twould be necessary to paint the whole state
+of our city in those distracted times, which I have neither wit nor
+time for. But here, to-day, along with many doctors and scholars,
+were walking courtiers, troopers, mountebanks, cut-purses,
+astrologers, rogues and gamesters; together with many of the first
+ladies and gentlemen of England, as the Prince Maurice, the lords
+Andover, Digby and Colepepper, my lady Thynne, Mistress Fanshawe, Mr.
+Secretary Nicholas, the famous Dr. Harvey, arm-in-arm with my lord
+Falkland (whose boots were splash'd with mud, he having ridden over
+from his house at Great Tew), and many such, all mix'd in this
+incredible tag-rag. Mistress Fanshawe, as I remember, was playing on
+a lute, which she carried always slung about her shoulders: and
+close beside her, a fellow impudently puffing his specific against
+the _morbus campestris_, which already had begun to invade us.
+
+"_Who'll buy?_" he was bawling. "'_Tis from the receipt of a famous
+Italian, and never yet failed man, woman, nor child, unless the heart
+were clean drown'd in the disease: the lest part of it good muscadine,
+and has virtue against the plague, smallpox, or surfeits!_"
+
+I was standing before this jackanapes, when I heard a stir in the
+crowd behind me, and another calling, "_Who'll buy? Who'll buy?_"
+
+Turning, I saw a young man, very gaily dressed, moving quickly about
+at the far end of the Pig Market, and behind him an old lackey, bent
+double with the weight of two great baskets that he carried. The
+baskets were piled with books, clothes, and gewgaws of all kinds;
+and 'twas the young gentleman that hawked his wares himself. "_What
+d'ye lack?_" he kept shouting, and would stop to unfold his
+merchandise, holding up now a book, and now a silk doublet, and
+running over their merits like any huckster--but with the merriest
+conceit in the world.
+
+And yet 'twas not this that sent my heart flying into my mouth at
+the sight of him. For by his curls and womanish face, no less than
+the amber cloak with the black bars, I knew him at once for the same
+I had seen yesterday among the dicers.
+
+As I stood there, drawn this way and that by many reflections, he
+worked his way through the press, selling here and there a trifle
+from his baskets, and at length came to a halt in front of me.
+
+"Ha!" he cried, pulling off his plumed hat, and bowing low, "a
+scholar, I perceive. Let me serve you, sir. Here is the 'History of
+Saint George,'" and he picked out a thin brown quarto and held it
+up; "written by Master Peter Heylin; a ripe book they tell me
+(though, to be sure, I never read beyond the title), and the price
+a poor two shillings."
+
+[Illustration: "A scholar, I perceive. Let me serve you sir?"--Page
+30.]
+
+Now, all this while I was considering what to do. So, as I put my
+hand in my pocket, and drew out the shillings, I said very slowly,
+looking him in the eyes (but softly, so that the lackey might not
+hear)----
+
+"So thus you feed your expenses at the dice: and my shilling, no
+doubt, is for Luke Settle, as well as the rest."
+
+For the moment, under my look, he went white to the lips; then
+clapped his hand to his sword, withdrew it, and answered me, red as
+a turkey-cock----
+
+"Shalt be a parson, yet, Master Scholar: but art in a damn'd hurry,
+it seems."
+
+Now, I had ever a quick temper, and as he turned on his heel, was
+like to have replied and raised a brawl. My own meddling tongue had
+brought the rebuff upon me: but yet my heart was hot as he walked
+away.
+
+I was standing there and looking after him, turning over in my hand
+the "Life of Saint George," when my fingers were aware of a slip of
+paper between the pages. Pulling it out, I saw 'twas scribbled over
+with writing and figures, as follows:--
+
+"Mr. Anthony Killigrew, his acct for Oct. 25th, MDCXLII.--_For
+herrings_, 2d.; _for coffie_, 4d.; _for scowring my coat_, 6d.; _at
+bowls_, 5s. 10d.; _for bleading me_, 1s. 0d.; _for ye King's speech_,
+3d.; _for spic'd wine (with Marjory)_, 2s. 4d.; _for seeing ye
+Rhinoceros_, 4d.; _at ye Ranter-go-round_, 6 3/4d.; _for a pair of
+silver buttons_, 2s. 6d.; _for apples_, 2 1/2d.; _for ale_, 6d.; _at
+ye dice_, L17 5s.; _for spic'd wine (again)_, 4s. 6d."
+
+And so on.
+
+As I glanced my eye down this paper, my anger oozed away, and a
+great feeling of pity came over me, not only at the name of Anthony
+--the name I had heard spoken in the bowling-green last night--but
+also to see that monstrous item of L17 odd spent on the dice. 'Twas
+such a boy, too, after all, that I was angry with, that had spent
+fourpence to see the rhinoceros at a fair, and rode on the ranter-
+go-round (with "Marjory," no doubt, as 'twas for her, no doubt, the
+silver buttons were bought). So that, with quick forgiveness, I
+hurried after him, and laid a hand on his shoulder.
+
+He stood by the entrance, counting up his money, and drew himself up
+very stiff.
+
+"I think, sir," said I, "this paper is yours."
+
+"I thank you," he answered, taking it, and eyeing me. "Is there
+anything, besides, you wished to say?"
+
+"A great deal, maybe, if your name be Anthony."
+
+"Master Anthony Killigrew is my name, sir; now serving under Lord
+Bernard Stewart in His Majesty's troop of guards."
+
+"And mine is Jack Marvel," said I.
+
+"Of the Yorkshire Marvels?"
+
+"Why, yes; though but a shoot of that good stock, transplanted to
+Cumberland, and there sadly withered."
+
+"'Tis no matter, sir," said he politely; "I shall be proud to cross
+swords with you."
+
+"Why, bless your heart!" I cried out, full of laughter at this
+childish punctilio; "d'ye think I came to fight you?"
+
+"If not, sir"--and he grew colder than ever--"you are going a cursed
+roundabout way to avoid it."
+
+Upon this, finding no other way out of it, I began my tale at once:
+but hardly had come to the meeting of the two men on the bowling-
+green, when he interrupts me politely----
+
+"I think, Master Marvel, as yours is like to be a story of some
+moment, I will send this fellow back to my lodgings. He's a long-
+ear'd dog that I am saving from the gallows for so long as my
+conscience allows me. The shower is done, I see; so if you know of
+a retir'd spot, we will talk there more at our leisure."
+
+He dismiss'd his lackey, and stroll'd off with me to the Trinity
+Grove, where, walking up and down, I told him all I had heard and
+seen the night before.
+
+"And now," said I, "can you tell me if you have any such enemy as
+this white-hair'd man, with the limping gait?"
+
+He had come to a halt, sucking in his lips and seeming to reflect--
+
+"I know one man," he began: "but no--'tis impossible."
+
+As I stood, waiting to hear more, he clapp'd his hand in mine, very
+quick and friendly: "Jack," he cried;--"I'll call thee Jack--'twas
+an honest good turn thou hadst in thy heart to do me, and I a surly
+rogue to think of fighting--I that could make mincemeat of thee."
+
+"I can fence a bit," answer'd I.
+
+"Now, say no more, Jack: I love thee."
+
+He look'd in my face, still holding my hand and smiling. Indeed,
+there was something of the foreigner in his brisk graceful ways--yet
+not unpleasing. I was going to say I had never seen the like--ah,
+me! that both have seen and know the twin image so well.
+
+"I think," said I, "you had better be considering what to do."
+
+He laugh'd outright this time; and resting with his legs cross'd,
+against the trunk of an elm, twirl'd an end of his long lovelocks,
+and looked at me comically. Said he: "Tell me, Jack, is there aught
+in me that offends thee?"
+
+"Why, no," I answered. "I think you're a very proper young man--such
+as I should loathe to see spoil'd by Master Settle's knife."
+
+"Art not quick at friendship, Jack, but better at advising; only in
+this case fortune has prevented thy good offices. Hark ye," he
+lean'd forward and glanc'd to right and left, "if these twain intend
+my hurt--as indeed 'twould seem--they lose their labor: for this
+very night I ride from Oxford."
+
+"And why is that?"
+
+"I'll tell thee, Jack, tho' I deserve to be shot. I am bound with a
+letter from His Majesty to the Army of the West, where I have
+friends, for my father's sake--Sir Deakin Killigrew of Gleys, in
+Cornwall. 'Tis a sweet country, they say, tho' I have never seen
+it."
+
+"Not seen thy father's country?"
+
+"Why no--for he married a Frenchwoman, Jack, God rest her dear
+soul!"--he lifted his hat--"and settled in that country, near
+Morlaix, in Brittany, among my mother's kin; my grandfather refusing
+to see or speak with him, for wedding a poor woman without his
+consent. And in France was I born and bred, and came to England two
+years agone; and this last July the old curmudgeon died. So that my
+father, who was an only son, is even now in England returning to his
+estates: and with him my only sister Delia. I shall meet them on the
+way. To think of it!" (and I declare the tears sprang to his eyes):
+"Delia will be a woman grown, and ah! to see dear Cornwall
+together!"
+
+Now I myself was only a child, and had been made an orphan when but
+nine years old, by the smallpox that visited our home in Wastdale
+Village, and carried off my father, the Vicar, and my dear mother.
+Yet his simple words spoke to my heart and woke so tender a yearning
+for the small stone cottage, and the bridge, and the grey fells of
+Yewbarrow above it, that a mist rose in my eyes too, and I turn'd
+away to hide it.
+
+"'Tis a ticklish business," said I after a minute, "to carry the
+King's letter. Not one in four of his messengers comes through, they
+say. But since it keeps you from the dice----"
+
+"That's true. To-night I make an end."
+
+"To-night!"
+
+"Why, yes. To-night I go for my revenge, and ride straight from the
+inn door."
+
+"Then I go with you to the 'Crown,'" I cried, very positive.
+
+He dropp'd playing with his curl, and look'd me in the face, his
+mouth twitching with a queer smile.
+
+"And so thou shalt Jack: but why?"
+
+"I'll give no reason," said I, and knew I was blushing.
+
+"Then be at the corner of All Hallows' Church in Turl Street at
+seven to-night. I lodge over Master Simon's, the glover, and must be
+about my affairs. Jack,"--he came near and took my hand--"am sure
+thou lovest me."
+
+He nodded, with another cordial smile, and went his way up the grove,
+his amber cloak flaunting like a belated butterfly under the leaf
+less trees; and so pass'd out of my sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+I FIND MYSELF IN A TAVERN BRAWL: AND BARELY ESCAPE.
+
+
+It wanted, maybe, a quarter to seven, that evening, when, passing
+out at the College Gate on my way to All Hallows' Church, I saw
+under the lantern there a man loitering and talking with the porter.
+'Twas Master Anthony's lackey; and as I came up, he held out a note
+for me.
+
+Deare Jack
+
+Wee goe to the "Crowne" at VI. o'clock, I having mett with Captain
+Settle, who is on dewty with the horse tonite, and must to Abendonn
+by IX. I looke for you---
+                           Your unfayned loving
+                                          A. K.
+
+The bearer has left my servise, and his helth conserus me nott. Soe
+kik him if he tarrie.
+
+This last advice I had no time to carry out with any thoroughness:
+but being put in a great dread by this change of hour, pelted off
+toward the Corn Market as fast as legs could take me, which was the
+undoing of a little round citizen into whom I ran full tilt at the
+corner of Balliol College: who, before I could see his face in the
+darkness, was tipp'd on his back in the gutter and using the most
+dismal expressions. So I left him, considering that my excuses would
+be unsatisfying to his present demands, and to his cooler judgment
+a superfluity.
+
+The windows of the "Crown" were cheerfully lit behind their red
+blinds. A few straddling grooms and troopers talked and spat in the
+brightness of the entrance, and outside in the street was a servant
+leading up and down a beautiful sorrel mare, ready saddled, that was
+mark'd on the near hind leg with a high white stocking. In the
+passage, I met the host of the "Crown," Master John Davenant, and
+sure (I thought) in what odd corners will the Muse pick up her
+favorites! For this slow, loose-cheek'd vintner was no less than
+father to Will Davenant, our Laureate, and had belike read no other
+verse in his life but those at the bottom of his own pint-pots.
+
+"Top of the stairs," says he, indicating my way, "and open the door
+ahead of you, if y'are the young gentleman Master Killigrew spoke
+of."
+
+I had my foot on the bottom step, when from the room above comes the
+crash of a table upsetting, with a noise of broken glass, chairs
+thrust back, and a racket of outcries. Next moment, the door was
+burst open, letting out a flood of light and curses; and down flies
+a drawer, three steps at a time, with a red stain of wine trickling
+down his white face.
+
+"Murder!" he gasped out; and sitting down on a stair, fell to
+mopping his face, all sick and trembling.
+
+I was dashing past him, with the landlord at my heels, when three
+men came tumbling out at the door, and downstairs. I squeezed myself
+against the wall to let them pass: but Master Davenant was pitch'd
+to the very foot of the stairs. And then he picked himself up and
+ran out into the Corn Market, the drawer after him, and both
+shouting "Watch! Watch!" at the top of their lungs; and so left the
+three fellows to push by the women already gathered in the passage,
+and gain the street at their ease. All this happen'd while a man
+could count twenty; and in half a minute I heard the ring of steel
+and was standing in the doorway.
+
+There was now no light within but what was shed by the fire and two
+tallow candles that gutter'd on the mantelshelf. The remaining
+candlesticks lay in a pool of wine on the floor, amid broken glasses,
+bottles, scattered coins, dice boxes and pewter pots. In the corner
+to my right cower'd a potboy, with tankard dangling in his hand, and
+the contents spilling into his shoes. His wide terrified eyes were
+fix'd on the far end of the room, where Anthony and the brute Settle
+stood, with a shattered chair between them. Their swords were
+cross'd in tierce, and grating together as each sought occasion for
+a lunge: which might have been fair enough but for a dog-fac'd
+trooper in a frowsy black periwig, who, as I enter'd, was gathering
+a handful of coins from under the fallen table, and now ran across,
+sword in hand, to the Captain's aid.
+
+'Twas Anthony that fac'd me, with his heel against the wainscoting,
+and, catching my cry of alarm, he call'd out cheerfully over the
+Captain's shoulder, but without lifting his eyes--
+
+"Just in time, Jack! Take off the second cur, that's a sweet boy!"
+
+Now I carried no sword; but seizing the tankard from the potboy's
+hand, I hurl'd it at the dog-fac'd trooper. It struck him fair
+between the shoulder blades; and with a yell of pain he spun round
+and came toward me, his point glittering in a way that turn'd me
+cold. I gave back a pace, snatch'd up a chair (that luckily had a
+wooden seat) and with my back against the door, waited his charge.
+
+'Twas in this posture that, flinging a glance across the room, I saw
+the Captain's sword describe a small circle of light, and next
+moment, with a sharp cry, Anthony caught at the blade, and stagger'd
+against the wall, pinn'd through the chest to the wainscoting.
+
+"Out with the lights, Dick!" bawl'd Settle, tugging out his point.
+"Quick, fool--the window!"
+
+Dick, with a back sweep of his hand, sent the candles flying off the
+shelf; and, save for the flicker of the hearth, we were in darkness.
+I felt, rather than saw, his rush toward me; leap'd aside; and
+brought down my chair with a crash on his skull. He went down like
+a ninepin, but scrambled up in a trice, and was running for the
+window.
+
+There was a shout below as the Captain thrust the lattice open:
+another, and the two dark forms had clambered through the purple
+square of the casement, and dropped into the bowling-green below.
+
+By this, I had made my way across the room, and found Anthony sunk
+against the wall, with his feet outstretched. There was something he
+held out toward me, groping for my hand and at the same time
+whispering in a thick, choking voice--
+
+"Here, Jack, here: pocket it quick!"
+
+'Twas a letter, and as my fingers closed on it they met a damp smear,
+the meaning of which was but too plain.
+
+"Button it--sharp--in thy breast: now feel for my sword."
+
+"First let me tend thy hurt, dear lad."
+
+"Nay--quickly, my sword! 'Tis pretty, Jack, to hear thee say 'dear
+lad.' A cheat to die like this--could have laugh'd for years yet.
+The dice were cogg'd--hast found it?"
+
+I groped beside him, found the hilt, and held it up.
+
+"So--'tis thine, Jack: and my mare, Molly, and the letter to take.
+Say to Delia--Hark! they are on the stairs. Say to--"
+
+With a shout the door was flung wide, and on the threshold stood the
+Watch, their lanterns held high and shining in Anthony's white face,
+and on the black stain where his doublet was thrown open.
+
+In numbers they were six or eight, led by a small, wrynecked man
+that held a long staff, and wore a gilt chain over his furr'd collar.
+Behind, in the doorway, were huddled half a dozen women, peering:
+and Master Davenant at the back of all, his great face looming over
+their shoulders like a moon.
+
+"Now, speak up, Master Short!"
+
+"Aye, that I will--that I will: but my head is considering of
+affairs," answered Master Short--he of the wryneck. "One, two,
+three--" He look'd round the room, and finding but one capable of
+resisting (for the potboy was by this time in a fit), clear'd his
+throat, and spoke up--
+
+"In the king's name, I arrest you all--so help me God! Now what's
+the matter?"
+
+"Murder," said I, looking up from my work of staunching Anthony's
+wound.
+
+"Then forbear, and don't do it."
+
+"Why, Master Short, they've been forbearin' these ten minutes," a
+woman's voice put in.
+
+"Hush, and hear Master Short: he knows the law, an' all the dubious
+maxims of the same."
+
+"Aye, aye: he says forbear i' the King's name, which is to say, that
+other forbearing is neither law nor grace. Now then, Master Short!"
+
+Thus exhorted, the man of law continued--
+
+"I charge ye as honest men to disperse!"
+
+"Odds truth, Master Short, why you've just laid 'em under arrest!"
+
+"H'm, true: then let 'em stay so--in the king's name--and have done
+with it."
+
+Master Short, in fact, was growing testy: but now the women push'd
+by him, and, by screaming at the sight of blood, put him out of all
+patience. Dragging them back by the skirts, he told me he must take
+the depositions, and pull'd out pen and ink horn.
+
+"Sirs," said I, laying poor Anthony's head softly back, "you are too
+late: whilst ye were cackling my friend is dead."
+
+"Then, young man, thou must come along."
+
+"Come along?"
+
+"The charge is _homocidium_, or manslaying, with or without malice
+prepense--"
+
+"But--" I look'd round. The potboy was insensible, and my eyes fell
+on Master Davenant, who slowly shook his head.
+
+"I'll say not a word," said he, stolidly: "lost twenty pound, one
+time, by a lawsuit."
+
+"Pack of fools!" I cried, driven beyond endurance. "The guilty ones
+have escap'd these ten minutes. Now stop me who dares!"
+
+And dashing my left fist on the nose of a watchman who would have
+seized me, I clear'd a space with Anthony's sword, made a run for
+the casement, and dropp'd out upon the bowling-green.
+
+A pretty shout went up as I pick'd myself off the turf and rush'd
+for the back door. 'Twas unbarr'd, and in a moment I found myself
+tearing down the passage and out into the Corn Market, with a score
+or so tumbling downstairs at my heels, and yelling to stop me.
+Turning sharp to my right, I flew up Ship Street, and through the
+Turl, and doubled back up the High Street, sword in hand. The people
+I pass'd were too far taken aback, as I suppose, to interfere. But
+a many must have join'd in the chase: for presently the street behind
+me was thick with the clatter of footsteps and cries of "A thief--a
+thief! Stop him!"
+
+At Quater Voies I turn'd again, and sped down toward St. Aldate's,
+thence to the left by Wild Boar Street, and into St. Mary's Lane. By
+this, the shouts had grown fainter, but were still following. Now I
+knew there was no possibility to get past the city gates, which were
+well guarded at night. My hope reach'd no further than the chance of
+outwitting the pursuit for a while longer. In the end I was sure the
+potboy's evidence would clear me, and therefore began to enjoy the
+fun. Even my certain expulsion from College on the morrow seem'd of
+a piece with the rest of events and (prospectively) a matter for
+laughter. For the struggle at the "Crown" had unhinged my wits, as
+I must suppose and you must believe, if you would understand my
+behavior in the next half hour.
+
+A bright thought had struck me: and taking a fresh wind, I set off
+again round the corner of Oriel College, and down Merton Street
+toward Master Timothy Carter's house, my mother's cousin. This
+gentleman--who was town clerk to the Mayor and Corporation of
+Oxford--was also in a sense my guardian, holding it trust about L200
+(which was all my inheritance), and spending the same jealously on
+my education. He was a very small, precise lawyer, about sixty years
+old, shaped like a pear, with a prodigious self-important manner
+that came of associating with great men: and all the knowledge I had
+of him was pick'd up on the rare occasions (about twice a year) that
+I din'd at his table. He had early married and lost an aged shrew,
+whose money had been the making of him: and had more respect for law
+and authority than any three men in Oxford. So that I reflected,
+with a kind of desperate hilarity, on the greeting he was like to
+give me.
+
+This kinsman of mine had a fine house at the east end of Merton
+Street as you turn into Logic Lane: and I was ten yards from the
+front door, and running my fastest, when suddenly I tripp'd and fell
+headlong.
+
+Before I could rise, a hand was on my shoulder, and a voice speaking
+in my ear--
+
+"Pardon, comrade. We are two of a trade, I see."
+
+'Twas a fellow that had been lurking at the corner of the lane, and
+had thrust out a leg as I pass'd. He was pricking up his ears now to
+the cries of "Thief--thief!" that had already reach'd the head of
+the street, and were drawing near.
+
+"I am no thief," said I.
+
+"Quick!" He dragged me into the shadow of the lane. "Hast a crown in
+thy pocket?"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Why, for a good turn. I'll fog these gentry for thee. Many thanks,
+comrade," as I pull'd out the last few shillings of my pocket money.
+"Now pitch thy sword over the wall here, and set thy foot on my hand.
+'Tis a rich man's garden, t'other side, that I was meaning to
+explore myself; but another night will serve."
+
+"'Tis Master Carter's," said I; "and he's my kinsman."
+
+"The devil!--but never mind, up with thee! Now mark a pretty piece
+of play. 'Tis pity thou shouldst be across the wall and unable to
+see."
+
+He gave a great hoist: catching at the coping of the wall, I pull'd
+myself up and sat astride of it.
+
+"Good turf below--ta-ta, comrade!"
+
+By now, the crowd was almost at the corner. Dropping about eight
+feet on to good turf, as the fellow had said, I pick'd myself up and
+listen'd.
+
+"Which way went he?" call'd one, as they came near.
+
+"Down the street!" "No: up the lane!'" "Hush!" "Up the lane, I'll be
+sworn." "Here, hand the lantern!" &c., &c.
+
+While they debated, my friend stood close on the other side of the
+wall: but now I heard him dash suddenly out, and up the lane for his
+life. "There he goes!" "Stop him!" the cries broke out afresh. "Stop
+him, i' the king's name!" The whole pack went pelting by, shouting,
+stumbling, swearing.
+
+For two minutes or more the stragglers continued to hurry past by
+ones and twos. As soon as their shouts died away, I drew freer
+breath and look'd around.
+
+I was in a small, turfed garden, well stock'd with evergreen shrubs,
+at the back of a tall house that I knew for Master Carter's. But
+what puzzled me was a window in the first floor, very brightly lit,
+and certain sounds issuing therefrom that had no correspondence with
+my kinsman's reputation.
+
+    "It was a frog leap'd into a pool--
+     Fol--de--riddle, went souse in the middle!
+     Says he, This is better than moping in school.
+     With a--"
+
+"--Your Royal Highness, have some pity! What hideous folly! Oh, dear,
+dear--"
+
+    "With a fa-la-tweedle-tweedle,
+     Tiddifol-iddifol-ido!"
+
+"--Your Royal Highness, I _cannot_ sing the dreadful stuff! Think of
+my grey hairs!"
+
+"Tush! Master Carter--nonsense; 'tis choicely well sung. Come,
+brother, the chorus!"
+
+  "With a fa-la--"
+
+
+And the chorus was roar'd forth, with shouts of laughter and
+clinking of glasses. Then came an interval of mournful appeal, and
+my kinsman's voice was again lifted----
+
+    "He scattered the tadpoles, and set 'em agog,
+     Hey! nod-noddy-all head and no body!
+     Oh, mammy! Oh, minky!--"
+
+"--O, mercy, mercy! it makes me sweat for shame."
+
+Now meantime I had been searching about the garden, and was lucky
+enough to find a tool shed, and inside of this a ladder hanging,
+which now I carried across and planted beneath the window. I had a
+shrewd notion of what I should find at the top, remembering now to
+have heard that the Princes Rupert and Maurice were lodging with
+Master Carter: but the truth beat all my fancies.
+
+For climbing softly up and looking in, I beheld my poor kinsman
+perch'd on his chair a-top of the table, in the midst of glasses,
+decanters, and desserts: his wig askew, his face white, save where,
+between the eyes, a medlar had hit and broken, and his glance
+shifting wildly between the two princes, who in easy postures, loose
+and tipsy, lounged on either side of him, and beat with their
+glasses on the board.
+
+"Bravissimo! More, Master Carter--more!"
+
+    "O mammy, O nunky, here's cousin Jack Frog--
+     With a fa-la--"
+
+I lifted my knuckles and tapp'd on the pane; whereon Prince Maurice
+starts up with an oath, and coming to the window, flings it open.
+
+"Pardon, your Highness," said I, and pull'd myself past him into the
+room, as cool as you please.
+
+'Twas worth while to see their surprise. Prince Maurice ran back to
+the table for his sword: his brother (being more thoroughly drunk)
+dropped a decanter on the floor, and lay back staring in his chair.
+While as for my kinsman, he sat with mouth wide and eyes starting,
+as tho' I were a very ghost. In the which embarrassment I took
+occasion to say, very politely--
+
+"Good evening, nunky!"
+
+"Who the devil is this?" gasps Prince Rupert.
+
+"Why the fact is, your Highnesses," answered I, stepping up and
+laying my sword on the table, while I pour'd out a glass, "Master
+Timothy Carter here is my guardian, and has the small sum of L200 in
+his possession for my use, of which I happen to-night to stand in
+immediate need. So you see--" I finished the sentence by tossing off
+a glass. "This is rare stuff!" I said.
+
+"Blood and fury!" burst out Prince Rupert, fumbling for his sword,
+and then gazing, drunk and helpless.
+
+"Two hundred pound! Thou jackanapes--" began Master Carter.
+
+"I'll let you off with fifty to-night," said I.
+
+"Ten thousand--!"
+
+"No, fifty. Indeed, nunky," I went on, "'tis very simple. I was at
+the 'Crown' tavern--"
+
+"At a tavern!"
+
+"Aye, at a game of dice--"
+
+"Dice!"
+
+"Aye, and a young man was killed--"
+
+"Thou shameless puppy! A man murder'd!"
+
+"Aye, nunky; and the worst is they say 'twas I that kill'd him."
+
+"He's mad. The boy's stark raving mad!" exclaim'd my kinsman. "To
+come here in this trim!"
+
+"Why, truly, nunky, thou art a strange one to talk of appearances.
+Oh, dear!" and I burst into a wild fit of laughing, for the wine had
+warm'd me up to play the comedy out. "To hear thee sing
+
+    "'With a fa--la--tweedle--tweedle!'
+
+and--Oh, nunky, that medlar on thy face is so funny!"
+
+"In Heaven's name, stop!" broke in the Prince Maurice. "Am I mad, or
+only drunk? Rupert, if you love me, say I am no worse than drunk."
+
+"Lord knows," answer'd his brother. "I for one was never this way
+before."
+
+"Indeed, your Highnesses be only drunk," said I, "and able at that
+to sign the order that I shall ask you for."
+
+"An order!"
+
+"To pass the city gates to-night."
+
+"Oh, stop him somebody," groan'd Prince Rupert: "my head is
+whirling."
+
+"With your leave," I explain'd, pouring out another glassful: "tis
+the simplest matter, and one that a child could understand. You see,
+this young man was kill'd, and they charg'd me with it; so away I
+ran, and the Watch after me; and therefore I wish to pass the city
+gates. And as I may have far to travel, and gave my last groat to a
+thief for hoisting me over Master Carter's wall--"
+
+"A thief--my wall!" repeated Master Carter. "Oh well is thy poor
+mother in her grave!"
+
+"--Why, therefore I came for money," I wound up, sipping the wine,
+and nodding to all present.
+
+'Twas at this moment that, catching my eye, the Prince Maurice
+slapp'd his leg, and leaning back, broke into peal after peal of
+laughter. And in a moment his brother took the jest also; and there
+we three sat and shook, and roar'd unquenchably round Master Carter,
+who, staring blankly from one to another, sat gaping, as though the
+last alarm were sounding in his ears.
+
+"Oh! oh! oh! Hit me on the back, Maurice!"
+
+"Oh! oh! I cannot--'tis killing me--Master Carter, for pity's sake,
+look not so; but pay the lad his money."
+
+"Your Highness----"
+
+"Pay it I say; pay it: 'tis fairly won."
+
+"Fifty pounds!"
+
+"Every doit," said I: "I'm sick of schooling."
+
+"Be hang'd if I do!" snapp'd Master Carter.
+
+"Then be hang'd, sir, but all the town shall hear to-morrow of the
+frog and the pool! No, sir: I am off to see the world----
+
+    "'Says he: "This is better than moping in school!"'"
+
+"Your Highnesses," pleaded the unhappy man, "if, to please you, I
+sang that idiocy, which, for fifty years now, I had forgotten----"
+
+"Exc'll'nt shong," says Prince Rupert, waking up; "less have't
+again!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To be short, ten o'clock was striking from St. Mary's spire when,
+with a prince on either side of me, and thirty guineas in my pocket
+(which was all the loose gold he had), I walked forth from Master
+Carter's door. To make up the deficiency, their highnesses had
+insisted on furnishing me with a suit made up from the simplest in
+their joint wardrobes--riding-boots, breeches, buff-coat, sash,
+pistols, cloak, and feather'd hat, all of which fitted me
+excellently well. By the doors of Christ Church, before we came to
+the south gate, Prince Rupert, who had been staggering in his walk,
+suddenly pull'd up, and leaned against the wall.
+
+"Why--odd's my life--we've forgot a horse for him!" he cried.
+
+"Indeed, your Highness," I answered, "if my luck holds the same, I
+shall find one by the road." (How true this turned out you shall
+presently hear.)
+
+There was no difficulty at the gate, where the sentry recogniz'd the
+two princes and open'd the wicket at once. Long after it had clos'd
+behind me, and I stood looking back at Oxford towers, all bath'd in
+the winter moonlight, I heard the two voices roaring away up the
+street:
+
+    "It was a frog leap'd into a pool--"
+
+At length they died into silence; and, hugging the king's letter in
+my breast, I stepped briskly forward on my travels.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+I TAKE THE ROAD.
+
+
+So puffed up was I by the condescension of the two princes, and my
+head so busy with big thoughts, that not till I was over the bridges
+and climbing the high ground beyond South Hincksey, with a shrewd
+northeast wind at my back, could I spare time for a second backward
+look. By this, the city lay spread at my feet, very delicate and
+beautiful in a silver network, with a black clump or two to
+southward, where the line of Bagley trees ran below the hill. I
+pulled out the letter that Anthony had given me. In the moonlight
+the brown smear of his blood was plain to see, running across the
+superscription:
+
+"_To our trusty and well beloved Sir Ralph Hopton, at our Army in
+Cornwall--these._"
+
+'Twas no more than I look'd for; yet the sight of it and the king's
+red seal, quicken'd my step as I set off again. And I cared not a
+straw for Dr. Kettle's wrath on the morrow.
+
+Having no desire to fall in with any of the royal outposts that lay
+around Abingdon, I fetched well away to the west, meaning to shape
+my course for Faringdon, and so into the great Bath road. 'Tis not
+my purpose to describe at any length my itinerary, but rather to
+reserve my pen for those more moving events that overtook me later.
+Only in the uncertain light I must have taken a wrong turn to the
+left (I think near Besselsleigh) that led me round to the south: for,
+coming about daybreak to a considerable town, I found it to be, not
+Faringdon, but Wantage. There was no help for it, so I set about
+enquiring for a bed. The town was full, and already astir with
+preparations for cattle-fair; and neither at the "Bear" nor the
+"Three Nuns" was there a bed to be had. But at length at the "Boot"
+tavern--a small house, I found one just vacated by a couple of
+drovers, and having cozen'd the chambermaid to allow me a clean pair
+of sheets, went upstairs very drowsily, and in five minutes was
+sleeping sound.
+
+I awoke amid a clatter of voices, and beheld the room full of
+womankind.
+
+"He's waking," said one.
+
+"Tis a pity, too, to be afflicted thus--and he such a pretty young
+man!"
+
+This came from the landlady, who stood close, her hand shaking my
+shoulder roughly.
+
+"What's amiss?" I asked, rubbing my eyes.
+
+"Why, 'tis three of the afternoon."
+
+"Then I'll get up, as soon as you retire."
+
+"Lud! we've been trying to wake thee this hour past; but 'twas
+sleep--sleep!"
+
+"I'll get up, I tell you."
+
+"Thought thee'd ha' slept through the bed and right through to the
+floor," said the chambermaid by the door, tittering.
+
+"Unless you pack and go, I'll step out amongst you all!"
+
+Whereat they fled with mock squeals, calling out that the very
+thought made them blush: and left me to dress.
+
+Downstairs I found a giant's breakfast spread for me, and ate the
+hole, and felt the better for it: and thereupon paid my scot,
+resisting the landlady's endeavor to charge me double for the bed,
+and walked out to see the town.
+
+"Take care o' thysel'," the chambermaid bawled after me; "nor
+flourish thy attainments abroad, lest they put thee in a show!"
+
+Dark was coming on fast: and to my chagrin (for I had intended
+purchasing a horse) the buying and selling of the fair were over,
+the cattle-pens broken up, and the dealers gather'd round the
+fiddlers, ballad singers, and gingerbread stalls. There were gaming
+booths, too, driving a brisk trade at Shovel-board, All-fours, and
+Costly Colors; and an eating tent, whence issued a thick reek of
+cooking and loud rattle of plates. Over the entrance, I remember,
+was set a notice: "_Dame Alloway from Bartholomew Fair. Here are
+the best geese, and she does them as well as ever she did_." I
+jostled my way along, keeping tight hold on my pockets, for fear of
+cut-purses; when presently, about halfway down the street, there
+arose the noise of shouting. The crowd made a rush toward it; and in
+a minute I was left alone, standing before a juggler who had a sword
+halfway down his throat, and had to draw it out again before he
+could with any sufficiency curse the defection of his audience; but
+offered to pull out a tooth for me if I wanted it.
+
+I left him, and running after the crowd soon learn'd the cause of
+this tumult.
+
+'Twas a meagre old rascal that someone had charged with picking
+pockets: and they were dragging him off to be duck'd. Now in the
+heart of Wantage the little stream that runs through the town is
+widen'd into a cistern about ten feet square, and five in depth,
+over which hung a ducking stool for scolding wives. And since the
+townspeople draw their water from this cistern, 'tis to be supposed
+they do not fear the infection. A long beam on a pivot hangs out
+over the pool, and to the end is a chair fasten'd; into which,
+despite his kicks and screams, they now strapped this poor wretch,
+whose grey locks might well have won mercy for him.
+
+Souse! he was plunged: hauled up choking and dripping: then--just as
+he found tongue to shriek--souse! again.
+
+'Twas a dismal punishment; and this time they kept him under for a
+full half minute. But as the beam was lifted again, I heard a
+hullaballoo and a cry--
+
+"The bear! the bear!"
+
+And turning, I saw a great brown form lumbering down the street
+behind, and driving the people before it like chaff.
+
+The crowd at the brink of the pool scatter'd to right and left,
+yelling. Up flew the beam of the ducking stool, reliev'd of their
+weight, and down with a splash went the pickpocket at the far end.
+As well for my own skin's sake as out of pity to see him drowning,
+I jumped into the water. In two strokes I reach'd him, gained footing,
+and with Anthony's sword cut the straps away and pull'd him up. And
+there we stood, up to our necks, coughing and spluttering; while on
+the deserted brink the bear sniff'd at the water and regarded us.
+
+No doubt we appear'd contemptible enough: for after a time he turned
+with a louder sniff, and went his way lazily up the street again. He
+had broken out from the pit wherein, for the best part of the day,
+they had baited him; yet seemed to bear little malice. For he
+saunter'd about the town for an hour or two, hurting no man, but
+making a clean sweep of every sweet stall in his way; and was taken
+at last very easily, with his head in a treacle cask, by the bear
+ward and a few dogs.
+
+Meanwhile the pickpocket and I had scrambled out by the further bank
+and wrung our clothes. He seemed to resent his treatment no more
+than did the bear.
+
+"Ben cove--'tis a good world. My thanks!"
+
+And with this scant gratitude he was gone, leaving me to make my way
+back to the sign of "The Boot," where the chambermaid led me
+upstairs, and took away my clothes to dry by the fire. I determin'd
+to buy a horse on the morrow, and with my guineas and the King's
+letter under the pillow, dropp'd off to slumber again.
+
+My powers of sleep must have been nois'd abroad by the hostess: for
+next morning at the breakfast ordinary, the dealers and drovers laid
+down knife and fork to stare as I enter'd. After a while one or two
+lounged out and brought in others to look: so that soon I was in a
+ring of stupid faces, all gazing like so many cows.
+
+For a while I affected to eat undisturbed: but lost patience at last
+and addressed a red-headed gazer----
+
+"If you take me for a show, you ought to pay."
+
+"That's fair," said the fellow, and laid a groat on the board. This
+came near to putting me in a passion, but his face was serious.
+"'Tis a real pleasure," he added heartily, "to look on one so
+gifted."
+
+"If any of you," I said, "could sell me a horse----"
+
+At once there was a clamor, all bidding in one breath for my custom.
+So finishing my breakfast, I walked out with them to the tavern yard,
+where I had my pick among the sorriest-looking dozen of nags in
+England, and finally bought from the red-haired man, for five pounds,
+bridle, saddle, and a flea-bitten grey that seem'd more honestly
+raw-boned than the rest. And the owner wept tears at the parting
+with his beast, and thereby added a pang to the fraud he had already
+put upon me. And I rode from the tavern door suspecting laughter in
+the eyes of every passer-by.
+
+The day ('twas drawing near noon as I started) was cold and clear,
+with a coating of rime over the fields: and my horse's feet rang
+cheerfully on the frozen road. His pace was of the soberest: but, as
+I was no skilful rider, this suited me rather than not. Only it was
+galling to be told so, as happened before I had gone three miles.
+
+'Twas my friend the pickpocket: and he sat before a fire of dry
+sticks a little way back from the road. His scanty hair, stiff as a
+badger's, now stood upright around his batter'd cap, and he look'd
+at me over the bushes, with his hook'd nose thrust forward like a
+bird's beak.
+
+"Bien lightmans, comrade--good day! 'Tis a good world; so stop and
+dine."
+
+I pull'd up my grey.
+
+"Glad you find it so," I answered; "you had a nigh chance to compare
+it with the next, last night."
+
+"Shan't do so well i' the next, I fear," he said with a twinkle:
+"but I owe thee something, and here's a hedgehog that in five
+minutes'll be baked to a turn. 'Tis a good world, and the better
+that no man can count on it. Last night my dripping duds helped me
+to a cant tale, and got me a silver penny from a man of religion.
+Good's in the worst; and life's like hunting the squirrel--a man
+gets much good exercise thereat, but seldom what he hunts for."
+
+"That's as good morality as Aristotle's," said I.
+
+"'Tis better for _me_, because 'tis mine." While I tether'd my
+horse he blew at the embers, wherein lay a good-sized ball of clay,
+baking. After a while he look'd up with red cheeks. "They were so
+fast set on drowning me," he continued with a wink, "they couldn't
+spare time to look i' my pocket--the ruffin cly them!"
+
+He pull'd the clay ball out of the fire, crack'd it, and lo! inside
+was a hedgehog cook'd, the spikes sticking in the clay, and coming
+away with it. So he divided the flesh with his knife, and upon a
+slice of bread from his wallet it made very delicate eating: tho' I
+doubt if I enjoyed it as much as did my comrade, who swore over and
+over that the world was good, and as the wintry sun broke out, and
+the hot ashes warm'd his knees, began to chatter at a great pace.
+
+"Why, sir, but for the pretty uncertainty of things I'd as lief die
+here as I sit----"
+
+He broke off at the sound of wheels, and a coach with two
+postillions spun past us on the road.
+
+I had just time to catch a glimpse of a figure huddled in the corner,
+and a sweet pretty girl with chestnut curls seated beside it, behind
+the glass. After the coach came a heavy broad-shoulder'd servant
+riding on a stout grey; who flung us a sharp glance as he went by,
+and at twenty yards' distance turn'd again to look.
+
+"That's luck," observed the pickpocket, as the travelers disappear'd
+down the highway: "Tomorrow, with a slice of it, I might be riding
+in such a coach as that, and have the hydropsy, to boot. Good lack!
+when I was ta'en prisoner by the Turks a-sailing i' the _Mary_ of
+London, and sold for a slave at Algiers, I escap'd, after two months,
+with Eli Sprat, a Gravesend man, in a small open boat. Well, we sail'd
+three days and nights, and all the time there was a small sea bird
+following, flying round and round us, and calling two notes that
+sounded for all the world like 'Wind'ard! Wind'ard!' So at last says
+Eli, ''Tis heaven's voice bidding us ply to wind'ard.' And so we did,
+and on the fourth day made Marseilles; and who should be first to meet
+Eli on the quay but a Frenchwoman he had married five years before,
+and left. And the jade had him clapp'd in the pillory, alongside of a
+cheating fishmonger with a collar of stinking smelts, that turn'd poor
+Eli's stomach completely. Now there's somewhat to set against the
+story of Whittington next time 'tis told you."
+
+I was now for bidding the old rascal good-bye. But he offer'd to go
+with me as far as Hungerford, where we should turn into the Bath
+road. At first I was shy of accepting, by reason of his coat,
+wherein patches of blue, orange-tawny and flame-color quite overlaid
+the parent black: but closed with him upon his promise to teach me
+the horsemanship that I so sadly lacked. And by time we enter'd
+Hungerford town I was advanced so far, and bestrode my old grey so
+easily, that in gratitude I offer'd him supper and bed at an inn, if
+he would but buy a new coat: to which he agreed, saying that the
+world was good.
+
+By this, the day was clouded over and the rain coming down apace. So
+that as soon as my comrade was decently array'd at the first
+slopshop we came to, 'twas high time to seek an inn. We found
+quarters at "The Horn," and sought the travelers' room, and a fire
+to dry ourselves.
+
+In this room, at the window, were two men who look'd lazily up at
+our entrance. They were playing at a game, which was no other than
+to race two snails up a pane of glass and wager which should prove
+the faster.
+
+"A wet day!" said my comrade, cheerfully.
+
+The pair regarded him. "I'll lay you a crown it clears within the
+hour!" said one.
+
+"And I another," put in the other; and with that they went back to
+their sport.
+
+Drawing near, I myself was soon as eager as they in watching the
+snails, when my companion drew my notice to a piece of writing on
+the window over which they were crawling. 'Twas a set of verses
+scribbled there, that must have been scratch'd with a diamond: and
+to my surprise--for I had not guess'd him a scholar--he read them
+out for my benefit. Thus the writing ran, for I copied it later:
+
+"_Master Ephraim Tucker_, his dying councell to wayfardingers; to seek
+_The Splendid Spur_.
+
+    "Not on the necks of prince or hound,
+       Nor on a woman's finger twin'd,
+     May gold from the deriding ground
+       Keep sacred that we sacred bind
+           Only the heel
+           Of splendid steel
+     Shall stand secure on sliding fate,
+     When golden navies weep their freight.
+
+    "The scarlet hat, the laurell'd stave
+       Are measures, not the springs, of worth;
+     In a wife's lap, as in a grave,
+       Man's airy notions mix with earth.
+           Seek other spur
+           Bravely to stir
+     The dust in this loud world, and tread
+     Alp-high among the whisp'ring dead.
+
+    "_Trust in thyself_,--then spur amain:
+       So shall Charybdis wear a grace,
+     Grim Aetna laugh, the Lybian plain
+       Take roses to her shrivell'd face.
+           This orb--this round
+           Of sight and sound--
+     Count it the lists that God hath built
+     For haughty hearts to ride a-tilt.
+
+"FINIS-Master Tucker's Farewell."
+
+"And a very pretty moral on four gentlemen that pass their afternoon
+a setting snails to race!"
+
+At these words, spoken in a delicate foreign voice we all started
+round: and saw a young lady standing behind us.
+
+Now that she was the one who had passed us in the coach I saw at
+once. But describe her--to be plain--I cannot, having tried a many
+times. So let me say only that she was the prettiest creature on
+God's earth (which, I hope, will satisfy her); that she had chestnut
+curls and a mouth made for laughing; that she wore a kirtle and
+bodice of grey silk taffety, with a gold pomander-box hung on a
+chain about her neck; and held out a drinking glass toward us with
+a Frenchified grace.
+
+"Gentlemen, my father is sick, and will taste no water but what is
+freshly drawn. I ask you not to brave Charybdis or Aetna, but to step
+out into the rainy yard and draw me a glassful from the pump there:
+for our servant is abroad in the town."
+
+To my deep disgust, before I could find a word, that villainous old
+pickpocket had caught the glass from her hand and reached the door.
+But I ran after; and out into the yard we stepp'd together, where I
+pump'd while he held the glass to the spout, flinging away the
+contents time after time, till the bubbles on the brim, and the film
+on the outside, were to his liking.
+
+'Twas he, too, that gain'd the thanks on our return.
+
+"Mistress," said he with a bow, "my young friend is raw, but has a
+good will. Confess, now, for his edification--for he is bound on a
+long journey westward, where, they tell me, the maidens grow
+comeliest--that looks avail naught with womankind beside a dashing
+manner."
+
+The young gentlewoman laughed, shaking her curls.
+
+"I'll give him in that case three better counsels yet: first (for by
+his habit I see he is on the King's side), let him take a circuit
+from this place to the south, for the road between Marlboro' and
+Bristol is, they tell me, all held by the rebels; next, let him
+avoid all women, even tho' they ask but an innocent cup of water;
+and lastly, let him shun thee, unless thy face lie more than thy
+tongue. Shall I say more?"
+
+"Why, no--perhaps better not," replied the old rogue hastily, but
+laughing all the same. "That's a clever lass," he added, as the door
+shut behind her.
+
+And, indeed, I was fain, next morning, to agree to this. For,
+awaking, I found my friend (who had shar'd a room with me) already
+up and gone, and discovered the reason in a sheet of writing pinn'd
+to my clothes----
+
+"Young Sir,--I convict myself of ingratitude: but habit is hard to
+break. So I have made off with the half of thy guineas and thy horse.
+The residue, and the letter thou bearest, I leave. 'Tis a good world,
+and experience should be bought early. This golden lesson I leave in
+return for the guineas. Believe me, 'tis of more worth. Read over
+those verses on the windowpane before starting, digest them, and
+trust me, thy obliged,
+
+"Peter, The Jackman.
+
+"Raise not thy hand so often to thy breast: 'tis a sure index of
+hidden valuables."
+
+Be sure I was wroth enough: nor did the calm interest of the two
+snail owners appease me, when at breakfast I told them a part of the
+story. But I thought I read sympathy in the low price at which one
+of them offer'd me his horse. 'Twas a tall black brute, very strong
+in the loins, and I bought him at once out of my shrunken stock of
+guineas. At ten o'clock, I set out, not along the Bath road, but
+bearing to the south, as the young gentlewoman had counselled. I
+began to hold a high opinion of her advice.
+
+By twelve o'clock I was back at the inn door, clamoring to see the
+man that sold me the horse, which had gone dead lame after the
+second mile.
+
+"Dear heart!" cried the landlord; "they are gone, the both, this
+hour and a half. But they are coming again within the fortnight; and
+I'm expressly to report if you return'd, as they had a wager about
+it."
+
+I turn'd away, pondering. Two days on the road had put me sadly out
+of conceit with myself. For mile upon mile I trudged, dragging the
+horse after me by the bridle, till my arms felt as if coming from
+their sockets. I would have turn'd the brute loose, and thought
+myself well quit of him, had it not been for the saddle and bridle
+he carried.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Twas about five in the evening, and I still laboring along, when,
+over the low hedge to my right, a man on a sorrel mare leap'd easily
+as a swallow, and alighted some ten paces or less in front of me;
+where he dismounted and stood barring my path. The muzzle of his
+pistol was in my face before I could lay hand to my own.
+
+"Good evening!" said I.
+
+"You have money about you, doubtless," growled the man curtly, and
+in a voice that made me start. For by his voice and figure in the
+dusk I knew him for Captain Settle: and in the sorrel with the high
+white stocking I recognized the mare, Molly, that poor Anthony
+Killigrew had given me almost with his last breath.
+
+The bully did not know me, having but seen me for an instant at "The
+Crown," and then in very different attire.
+
+"I have but a few poor coins," I answer'd.
+
+"Then hand 'em over."
+
+"Be shot if I do!" said I in a passion; and pulling out a handful
+from my pocket, I dash'd them down in the road.
+
+For a moment the Captain took his pistol from my face, and stooped
+to clutch at the golden coins as they trickled and ran to right and
+left. The next, I had struck out with my right fist, and down he
+went staggering. His pistol dropped out of his hand and exploded
+between my feet. I rush'd to Molly, caught her bridle, and leap'd on
+her back. 'Twas a near thing, for the Captain was rushing toward us.
+But at the call of my voice the mare gave a bound and turn'd: and
+down the road I was borne, light as a feather.
+
+A bullet whizz'd past my ear: I heard the Captain's curse mingle
+with the report: and then was out of range, and galloping through
+the dusk.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MY ADVENTURE AT THE "THREE CUPS."
+
+
+Secure of pursuit, and full of delight in the mare's easy motion, I
+must have travelled a good six miles before the moon rose. In the
+frosty sky her rays sparkled cheerfully, and by them I saw on the
+holsters the silver demi-bear that I knew to be the crest of the
+Killigrews, having the fellow to it engraved on my sword-hilt. So
+now I was certain 'twas Molly that I bestrode: and took occasion of
+the light to explore the holsters and saddle flap.
+
+Poor Anthony's pistols were gone--filched, no doubt, by the Captain:
+but you may guess my satisfaction, when on thrusting my hand deeper,
+I touched a heap of coins, and found them to be gold.
+
+'Twas certainly a rare bargain I had driven with Captain Settle. For
+the five or six gold pieces I scatter'd on the road, I had won close
+on thirty guineas, as I counted in the moonlight; not to speak of
+this incomparable Molly. And I began to whistle gleefully, and taste
+the joke over again and laugh to myself, as we cantered along with
+the north wind at our backs.
+
+All the same, I had no relish for riding thus till morning. For the
+night was chill enough to search my very bones after the heat of the
+late gallop: and, moreover, I knew nothing of the road, which at
+this hour was quite deserted. So that, coming at length to a tall
+hill with a black ridge of pine wood standing up against the moon
+like a fish's fin, I was glad enough to note below it, and at some
+distance from the trees, a window brightly lit; and pushed forward
+in hope of entertainment.
+
+The building was an inn, though a sorry one. Nor, save for the
+lighted window, did it wear any grace of hospitality, but thrust out
+a bare shoulder upon the road, and a sign that creaked overhead and
+look'd for all the world like a gallows. Round this shoulder of the
+house, and into the main yard (that turn'd churlishly toward the
+hillside), the wind howled like a beast in pain. I climb'd off Molly,
+and pressing my hat down on my head, struck a loud rat-tat on the
+door.
+
+Curiously, it opened at once; and I saw a couple of men in the
+lighted passage.
+
+"Heard the mare's heels on the road, Cap--. Hillo! What in the
+fiend's name is this?"
+
+Said I: "If you are he that keeps this house, I want two things of
+you--first, a civil tongue, and next a bed."
+
+"Ye'll get neither, then."
+
+"Your sign says that you keep an inn."
+
+"Aye--the 'Three Cups': but we're full."
+
+"Your manner of speech proves that to be a lie."
+
+I liked the fellow's voice so little that 'tis odds I would have
+re-mounted Molly and ridden away; but at this instant there floated
+down the stairs and out through the drink-smelling passage a sound
+that made me jump. 'Twas a girl's voice singing----
+
+    "Hey nonni--nonni--no!
+     Men are fools that wish to die!
+     Is't not fine to laugh and sing
+     When the hells of death do ring----"
+
+There was no doubt upon it. The voice belonged to the young
+gentlewoman I had met at Hungerford. I turned sharply toward the
+landlord, and was met by another surprise. The second man, that till
+now had stood well back in the shadow, was peering forward, and
+devouring Molly with his gaze. 'Twas hard to read his features, but
+then and there I would have wagered my life he was no other than
+Luke Settle's comrade, Black Dick.
+
+My mind was made up. "I'll not ride a step further, to-night," said
+I.
+
+"Then bide there and freeze," answer'd the landlord.
+
+He was for slamming the door in my face, when the other caught him
+by the arm and, pulling him a little back, whisper'd a word or two.
+I guess'd what this meant, but resolved not to draw back; and
+presently the landlord's voice began again, betwixt surly and
+polite----
+
+"Have ye too high a stomach to lie on straw?"
+
+"Oho!" thought I to myself, "then I am to be kept for the mare's
+sake, but not admitted to the house:" and said aloud that I could
+put up with a straw bed.
+
+"Because there's the stable loft at your service. As ye hear" (and
+in fact the singing still went on, only now I heard a man's voice
+joining in the catch) "our house is full of company. But straw is
+clean bedding, and the mare I'll help to put in stall."
+
+"Agreed," I said, "on one condition--that you send out a maid to me
+with a cup of mulled sack: for this cold eats me alive."
+
+To this he consented: and stepping back into a side room with the
+other fellow, returned in a minute alone, and carrying a lantern
+which, in spite of the moon, was needed to guide a stranger across
+that ruinous yard. The flare, as we pick'd our way along, fell for
+a moment on an open cart shed and, within, on the gilt panels of a
+coach that I recogniz'd. In the stable, that stood at the far end of
+the court, I was surprised to find half a dozen horses standing,
+ready saddled, and munching their fill of oats. They were ungroom'd,
+and one or two in a lather of sweat that on such a night was hard to
+account for. But I asked no questions, and my companion vouchsafed
+no talk, though twice I caught him regarding me curiously as I
+unbridled the mare in the only vacant stall. Not a word pass'd as he
+took the lantern off the peg again, and led the way up a ramshackle
+ladder to the loft above. He was a fat, lumbering fellow, and made
+the old timbers creak. At the top he set down the light, and pointed
+to a heap of straw in the corner.
+
+"Yon's your bed," he growled; and before I could answer, was picking
+his way down the ladder again.
+
+I look'd about, and shiver'd. The eaves of my bedchamber were scarce
+on speaking terms with the walls, and through a score of crannies at
+least the wind poured and whistled, so that after shifting my truss
+of straw a dozen times I found myself still the centre of a whirl of
+draught. The candle-flame, too, was puffed this way and that inside
+the horn sheath. I was losing patience when I heard footsteps below;
+the ladder creak'd, and the red hair and broad shoulders of a
+chambermaid rose into view. She carried a steaming mug in her hand,
+and mutter'd all the while in no very choice talk.
+
+The wench had a kind face, tho'; and a pair of eyes that did her
+more credit than her tongue.
+
+"And what's to be my reward for this, I want to know?" she panted
+out, resting her left palm on her hip.
+
+"Why, a groat or two," said I, "when it comes to the reckoning."
+
+"Lud!" she cried, "what a dull young man!"
+
+"Dull?"
+
+"Aye--to make me ask for a kiss in so many words:" and with the back
+of her left hand she wiped her mouth for it frankly, while she held
+out the mug in her right.
+
+"Oh!" I said, "I beg your pardon, but my wits are frozen up, I think.
+There's two, for interest: and another if you tell me whom your
+master entertains to-night, that I must be content with this crib."
+
+She took the kisses with composure and said---
+
+"Well--to begin, there's the gentlefolk that came this afternoon
+with their own carriage and heathenish French servant: a cranky old
+grandee and a daughter with more airs than a peacock: Sir Something-
+or-other Killigew--Lord bless the boy!"
+
+For I had dropp'd the mug and split the hot sack all about the straw,
+where it trickled away with a fragrance reproachfully delicious.
+
+"Now I beg your pardon a hundred times: but the chill is in my bones
+worse than the ague;" and huddling my shoulders up, I counterfeited
+a shivering fit with a truthfulness that surpris'd myself.
+
+"Poor lad!"
+
+"--And 'tis first hot and then cold all down my spine."
+
+"There, now!"
+
+"-And goose flesh and flushes all over my body."
+
+"Dear heart-and to pass the night in this grave of a place!"
+
+"--And by morning I shall be in a high fever: and oh! I feel I shall
+die of it!"
+
+"Don't--don't!" The honest girl's eyes were full of tears. "I wonder,
+now--" she began: and I waited, eager for her next words. "Sure,
+master's at cards in the parlor, and 'll be drunk by midnight. Shalt
+pass the night by the kitchen fire, if only thou make no noise."
+
+"But your mistress--what will she say?"
+
+"Is in heaven these two years: and out of master's speaking distance
+forever. So blow out the light and follow me gently."
+
+Still feigning to shiver, I follow'd her down the ladder, and
+through the stable into the open. The wind by this time had brought
+up some heavy clouds, and mass'd them about the moon: but 'twas
+freezing hard, nevertheless. The girl took me by the hand to guide
+me: for, save from the one bright window in the upper floor, there
+was no light at all in the yard. Clearly, she was in dread of her
+master's anger, for we stole across like ghosts, and once or twice
+she whisper'd a warning when my toe kick'd against a loose cobble.
+But just as I seem'd to be walking into a stone wall, she put out
+her hand, I heard the click of a latch, and stood in a dark, narrow
+passage.
+
+The passage led to a second door that open'd on a wide, stone-pav'd
+kitchen, lit by a cheerful fire, whereon a kettle hissed and bubbled
+as the vapor lifted the cover. Close by the chimney corner was a
+sort of trap, or buttery hatch, for pushing the hot dishes
+conveniently into the parlor on the other side of the wall. Besides
+this, for furniture, the room held a broad deal table, an oak
+dresser, a linen press, a rack with hams and strings of onions
+depending from it, a settle and a chair or two, with (for
+decoration) a dozen or so of ballad sheets stuck among the dish
+covers along the wall.
+
+"Sit," whisper'd the girl, "and make no noise, while I brew a rack-
+punch for the men-folk in the parlor." She jerked her thumb toward
+the buttery hatch, where I had already caught the mur-mer of voices.
+
+I took up a chair softly, and set it down between the hatch and the
+fireplace, so that while warming my knees I could catch any word
+spoken more than ordinary loud on the other side of the wall. The
+chambermaid stirr'd the fire briskly, and moved about singing as she
+fetch'd down bottles and glasses from the dresser----
+
+    "Lament ye maids an' darters
+       For constant Sarah Ann,
+     Who hang'd hersel' in her garters
+       All for the love o' man,
+     All for the--"
+
+She was pausing, bottle in hand, to take the high note: but hush'd
+suddenly at the sound of the voices singing in the room upstairs---
+
+    "Vivre en tout cas
+     C'est le grand soulas
+     Des honnetes gens!"
+
+"That's the foreigners," said the chambermaid, and went on with her
+ditty----
+
+    "All for the love of a souljer
+     Who christening name was Jan."
+
+A volley of oaths sounded through the buttery hatch.
+
+"--And that's the true-born Englishmen, as you may tell by their
+speech. 'Tis pretty company the master keeps, these days."
+
+She was continuing her song, when I held up a finger for silence. In
+fact, through the hatch my ear had caught a sentence that set me
+listening for more with a still heart.
+
+"D--n the Captain," the landlord's gruff voice was saying; "I warn'd
+'n agen this fancy business when sober, cool-handed work was
+toward."
+
+"Settle's way from his cradle," growl'd another; "and times enough
+I've told 'n: 'Cap'n,' says I, 'there's no sense o' proportions
+about ye.' A master mind, sirs, but 'a 'll be hang'd for a hen-roost,
+so sure as my name's Bill Widdicomb."
+
+"Ugly words-what a creeping influence has that same mention o'
+hanging!" piped a thinner voice.
+
+"Hold thy complaints, Old Mortification," put in a speaker that I
+recogniz'd for Black Dick; "sure the pretty maid upstairs is tender
+game. Hark how they sing!"
+
+And indeed the threatened folk upstairs were singing their catch
+very choicely, with a girl's clear voice to lead them---
+
+    "Comment dit papa
+      --Margoton, ma mie?"
+
+"Heathen language, to be sure," said the thin voice again, as the
+chorus ceased: "thinks I to mysel' 'they be but Papisters,' an' my
+doubting mind is mightily reconcil'd to manslaughter."
+
+"I don't like beginning 'ithout the Cap'n," observed Black Dick:
+"though I doubt something has miscarried. Else, how did that young
+spark ride in upon the mare?"
+
+"An' that's what thy question should ha' been, Dick, with a pistol
+to his skull."
+
+"He'll keep till the morrow."
+
+"We'll give Settle half-an-hour more," said the landlord: "Mary!" he
+push'd open the hatch, so that I had barely time to duck my head out
+of view, "fetch in the punch, girl. How did'st leave the young man
+i' the loft?'
+
+"Asleep, or nearly," answer'd Mary--
+
+    "Who hang'd hersel' in her gar-ters,
+     All for the love o' man--"
+
+"--Anon, anon, master: wait only till I get the kettle on the boil."
+
+The hatch was slipp'd to again. I stood up and made a step toward
+the girl.
+
+"How many are they?" I ask'd, jerking a finger in the direction of
+the parlor.
+
+"A dozen all but one."
+
+"Where is the foreign guests' room?"
+
+"Left hand, on the first landing."
+
+"The staircase?"
+
+"Just outside the door."
+
+"Then sing--go on singing for your life."
+
+"But--"
+
+"Sing!"
+
+"Dear heart, they'll murder thee! Oh! for pity's sake, let go my
+wrist---
+
+    "'Lament, ye maids an' darters--'"
+
+I stole to the door and peep'd out. A lantern hung in the passage,
+and showed the staircase directly in front of me. I stay'd for a
+moment to pull off my boots, and, holding them in my left hand,
+crept up the stairs. In the kitchen, the girl was singing and
+clattering the glasses together. Behind the door, at the head of the
+stairs, I heard voices talking. I slipp'd on my boots again and
+tapp'd on the panel.
+
+"Come in!"
+
+Let me try to describe that on which my eyes rested as I push'd the
+door wide. 'Twas a long room, wainscoted half up the wall in some
+dark wood, and in daytime lit by one window only, which now was hung
+with red curtains. By the fireplace, where a brisk wood fire was
+crackling, lean'd the young gentlewoman I had met at Hungerford, who,
+as she now turn'd her eyes upon me, ceas'd fingering the guitar or
+mandoline that she held against her waist, and raised her pretty
+head not without curiosity.
+
+But 'twas on the table in the centre of the chamber that my gaze
+settled; and on two men beside it, of whom I must speak more
+particularly.
+
+The elder, who sat in a high-back'd chair, was a little, frail,
+deform'd gentleman of about fifty, dress'd very richly in dark
+velvet and furs, and wore on his head a velvet skullcap, round which
+his white hair stuck up like a ferret's. But the oddest thing about
+him was a complexion that any maid of sixteen would give her ears
+for--of a pink and white so transparent that it seem'd a soft light
+must be glowing beneath his skin. On either cheek bone this delicate
+coloring centred in a deeper flush. This is as much as I need say
+about his appearance, except that his eyes were very bright and
+sharp, and his chin stuck out like a vicious mule's.
+
+The table before him was cover'd with bottles and flasks, in the
+middle of which stood a silver lamp burning, and over it a silver
+saucepan that sent up a rare fragrance as the liquid within it
+simmer'd and bubbled. So eager was the old gentleman in watching the
+progress of his mixture, that he merely glanc'd up at my entrance,
+and then, holding up a hand for silence, turn'd his eyes on the
+saucepan again.
+
+The second man was the broad-shouldered lackey I had seen riding
+behind the coach: and now stood over the saucepan with a twisted
+flask in his hand, from which he pour'd a red syrup very gingerly,
+drop by drop, with the tail of his eye turn'd on his master's face,
+that he might know when to cease.
+
+Now it may be that my entrance upset this experiment in strong
+drinks. At any rate, I had scarce come to a stand about three paces
+inside the door, when the little old gentleman bounces up in a fury,
+kicks over his chair, hurls the nearest bottles to right and left,
+and sends the silver saucepan spinning across the table to my very
+feet, where it scalded me clean through the boot, and made me hop
+for pain.
+
+"Spoil'd--spoil'd!" he scream'd: "drench'd in filthy liquor, when it
+should have breath'd but a taste!"
+
+And, to my amazement, he sprang on the strapping servant like a
+wild-cat, and began to beat, cuff, and belabor him with all the
+strength of his puny limbs.
+
+'Twas like a scene out of Bedlam. Yet all the while the girl lean'd
+quietly against the mantelshelf, and softly touched the strings of
+her instrument; while the servant took the rain of blows and slaps
+as though 'twere a summer shower, grinning all over his face, and
+making no resistance at all.
+
+Then, as I stood dumb with perplexity, the old gentleman let go his
+hold of the fellow's hair, and, dropping on the floor, began to roll
+about in a fit of coughing, the like of which no man can imagine.
+'Twas hideous. He bark'd, and writhed, and bark'd again, till the
+disorder seem'd to search and rack every innermost inch of his small
+frame. And in the intervals of coughing his exclamations were
+terrible to listen to.
+
+"He's dying!" I cried; and ran forward to help.
+
+The servant pick'd up the chair, and together we set him in it. By
+degrees the violence of the cough abated, and he lay back, livid in
+the face, with his eyes closed, and his hands clutching the knobs of
+the chair. I turn'd to the girl. She had neither spoken nor stirr'd,
+but now came forward, and calmly ask'd my business.
+
+"I think," said I, "that your name is Killigrew?"
+
+"I am Delia Killigrew, and this is my father, Sir Deakin."
+
+"Now on his way to visit his estates in Cornwall?"
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Then I have to warn you that your lives are in danger." And, gently
+as possible, I told her what I had seen and heard downstairs. In the
+middle of my tale, the servant stepp'd to the door, and return'd
+quietly. There was no lock on the inside. After a minute he went
+across, and drew the red curtains. The window had a grating within,
+of iron bars as thick as a man's thumb, strongly clamp'd in the
+stonework, and not four inches apart. Clearly, he was a man of few
+words; for, returning, he merely pull'd out his sword, and waited
+for the end of my tale.
+
+The girl, also, did not interrupt me, but listen'd in silence. As I
+ceas'd, she said----
+
+"Is this all you know?"
+
+"No," answer'd I, "it is not. But the rest I promise to tell you if
+we escape from this place alive. Will this content you?"
+
+She turn'd to the servant, who nodded. Whereupon she held out her
+hand very cordially.
+
+"Sir, listen: we are travelers bound for Cornwall, as you know, and
+have some small possessions, that will poorly reward the greed of
+these violent men. Nevertheless, we should be hurrying on our
+journey did we not await my brother Anthony, who was to have ridden
+from Oxford to join us here, but has been delayed, doubtless on the
+King's business----"
+
+She broke off, as I started: for below I heard the main door open,
+and Captain Settle's voice in the passage. The arch villain had
+return'd.
+
+"Mistress Delia," I said hurriedly, "the twelfth man has enter'd the
+house, and unless we consider our plans at once, all's up with us."
+
+"Tush!" said the old gentleman in the chair, who (it seems) had
+heard all, and now sat up brisk as ever. "I, for my part shall mix
+another glass, and leave it all to Jacques. Come, sit by me, sir,
+and you shall see some pretty play. Why, Jacques is the neatest
+rogue with a small sword in all France!"
+
+"Sir," I put in, "they are a round dozen in all, and your life at
+present is not worth a penny's purchase."
+
+"That's a lie! 'Tis worth this bowl before me, that, with or without
+you, I mean to empty. What a fool thing is youth! Sir, you must be
+a dying man like myself to taste life properly." And, as I am a
+truthful man, he struck up quavering merrily--
+
+    "Hey, nonni--nonni--no!
+     Men are fools that wish to die!
+     Is't not fine to laugh and sing
+     When the bells of death do ring?
+     Is't not fine to drown in wine,
+     And turn upon the toe,
+     And sing, hey--nonni--no?
+     Hey, nonni--nonni--"
+
+"--Come and sit, sir, nor spoil sport. You are too raw, I'll wager,
+to be of any help; and boggling I detest."
+
+"Indeed, sir," I broke in, now thoroughly anger'd, "I can use the
+small sword as well as another."
+
+"Tush! Try him, Jacques."
+
+Jacques, still wearing a stolid face, brought his weapon to the
+guard. Stung to the quick, I wheel'd round, and made a lunge or two,
+that he put aside as easily as though I were a babe. And then--I
+know not how it happened, but my sword slipp'd like ice out of my
+grasp, and went flying across the room. Jacques, sedately as on a
+matter of business, stepp'd to pick it up, while the old gentleman
+chuckled.
+
+I was hot and asham'd, and a score of bitter words sprang to my
+tongue-tip, when the Frenchman, as he rose from stooping, caught my
+eye, and beckon'd me across to him.
+
+He was white as death, and pointed to the hilt of my sword and the
+demi-bear engrav'd thereon.
+
+"He is dead," I whisper'd: "hush!--turn your face aside--killed by
+those same dogs that are now below."
+
+I heard a sob in the true fellow's throat. But on the instant it was
+drown'd by the sound of a door opening and the tramp of feet on the
+stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE FLIGHT IN THE PINE WOOD.
+
+
+By the sound of their steps I guess'd one or two of these dozen
+rascals to be pretty far gone in drink, and afterward found this to
+be the case. I look'd round. Sir Deakin had pick'd up the lamp and
+was mixing his bowl of punch, humming to himself without the least
+concern----
+
+    "Vivre en tout cas
+     C'est le grand soulas"--
+
+with a glance at his daughter's face, that was white to the lips,
+but firmly set.
+
+"Hand me the nutmeg yonder," he said, and then, "why, daughter,
+what's this?--a trembling hand?"
+
+And all the while the footsteps were coming up.
+
+There was a loud knock on the door.
+
+"Come in!" call'd Sir Deakin.
+
+At this, Jacques, who stood ready for battle by the entrance,
+wheeled round, shot a look at his master, and dropping his point,
+made a sign to me to do the same. The door was thrust rudely open,
+and Captain Settle, his hat cock'd over one eye, and sham
+drunkenness in his gait, lurched into the room, with the whole
+villainous crew behind him, huddled on the threshold. Jacques and
+I stepp'd quietly back, so as to cover the girl.
+
+[Illustration: The door was thrust rudely open.--Page 88.]
+
+"Would you mind waiting a moment?" inquir'd Sir Deakin, without
+looking up, but rubbing the nutmeg calmly up and down the grater: "a
+fraction too much, and the whole punch will be spoil'd."
+
+It took the Captain aback, and he came to a stand, eyeing us, who
+look'd back at him without saying a word. And this discomposed him
+still further.
+
+There was a minute during which the two parties could hear each
+other's breathing. Sir Deakin set down the nutmeg, wiped his thin
+white fingers on a napkin, and address'd the Captain sweetly--
+
+"Before asking your business, sir, I would beg you and your company
+to taste this liquor, which, in the court of France"--the old
+gentleman took a sip from the mixing ladle--"has had the extreme
+honor to be pronounced divine." He smack'd his lips, and rising to
+his feet, let his right hand rest on the silver foot of the lamp as
+he bowed to the Captain.
+
+Captain Settle's bravado was plainly oozing away before this polite
+audacity: and seeing Sir Deakin taste the punch, he pull'd off his
+cap in a shamefaced manner and sat down by the table with a word of
+thanks.
+
+"Come in, sirs--come in!" call'd the old gentleman; "and follow your
+friend's example. 'Twill be a compliment to make me mix another bowl
+when this is finish'd." He stepped around the table to welcome them,
+still resting his hand on the lamp, as if for steadiness. I saw his
+eye twinkle as they shuffled in and stood around the chair where the
+Captain was seated.
+
+"Jacques, bring glasses from the cupboard yonder! And, Delia, fetch
+up some chairs for our guests--no, sirs, pray do not move!"
+
+He had waved his hand lightly to the door as he turned to us: and in
+an instant the intention as well as the bright success of this
+comedy flash'd upon me. There was now no one between us and the
+stairs, and as for Sir Deakin himself, he had already taken the step
+of putting the table's width between him and his guests.
+
+I touch'd the girl's arm, and we made as if to fetch a couple of
+chairs that stood against the wainscot by the door. As we did so,
+Sir Deakin push'd the punch bowl forward under the Captain's nose.
+
+"Smell, sir," he cried airily, "and report to your friends on the
+foretaste."
+
+Settle's nose hung over the steaming compound. With a swift pass of
+the hand, the old gentleman caught up the lamp and had shaken a drop
+of burning oil into the bowl. A great blaze leap'd to the ceiling.
+There was a howl--a scream of pain; and as I push'd Mistress Delia
+through the doorway and out to the head of the stairs, I caught a
+backward glimpse of Sir Deakin rushing after us, with one of the
+stoutest among the robbers at his heels.
+
+"Downstairs, for your life!" I whisper'd to the girl, and turning,
+as her father tumbled past me, let his pursuer run on my sword, as
+on a spit. At the same instant, another blade pass'd through the
+fellow transversely, and Jacques stood beside me, with his back to
+the lintel.
+
+As we pull'd our swords out and the man dropp'd, I had a brief view
+into the room, where now the blazing liquid ran off the table in a
+stream. Settle, stamping with agony, had his palms press'd against
+his scorch'd eyelids. The fat landlord, in trying to beat out the
+flames, had increased them by upsetting two bottles of aqua vitae,
+and was dancing about with three fingers in his mouth. The rest
+stood for the most part dumbfounder'd: but Black Dick had his pistol
+lifted.
+
+Jacques and I sprang out for the landing and round the doorway.
+Between the flash and the report I felt a sudden scrape, as of a
+red-hot wire, across my left thigh and just above the knee.
+
+"Tenez, camarade," said Jacques' voice in my ear; "a moi la porte--a
+vous le maitre, la-bas:" and he pointed down the staircase, where,
+by the glare of the conflagration that beat past us, I saw the
+figures of Sir Deakin and his daughter standing.
+
+"But how can you keep the door against a dozen?"
+
+The Frenchman shrugg'd his shoulders with a smile---
+
+"Mais-comme ca!"
+
+For at this moment came a rush of footsteps within the room. I saw
+a fat paunch thrusting past us, a quiet pass of steel, and the
+landlord was wallowing on his face across the threshold. Jacques'
+teeth snapp'd together as he stood ready for another victim: and as
+the fellows within the room tumbled back, he motion'd me to leave
+him.
+
+I sprang from his side, and catching the rail of the staircase,
+reach'd the foot in a couple of bounds.
+
+"Hurry!" I cried, and caught the old baronet by the hand. His
+daughter took the other, and between us we hurried him across the
+passage for the kitchen door.
+
+Within, the chambermaid was on her knees by the settle, her face and
+apron of the same hue. I saw she was incapable of helping, and
+hasten'd across the stone floor, and out toward the back entrance.
+
+A stream of icy wind blew in our faces as we stepp'd over the
+threshold. The girl and I bent our heads to it, and stumbling,
+tripping, and panting, pull'd Sir Deakin with us out into the cold
+air.
+
+The yard was no longer dark. In the room above someone had push'd
+the casement open, letting in the wind: and by this 'twas very
+evident the room was on fire. Indeed, the curtains had caught, and
+as we ran, a pennon of flame shot out over our heads, licking the
+thatch. In the glare of it the outbuildings and the yard gate stood
+clearly out from the night. I heard the trampling of feet, the sound
+of Settle's voice shouting an order, and then a dismal yell and
+clash of steel as we flung open the gate.
+
+"Jacques!" scream'd the old gentleman: "my poor Jacques! Those dogs
+will mangle him with their cut and thrust--"
+
+'Twas very singular and sad, but as if in answer to Sir Deakin's cry,
+we heard the brave fellow's voice; and a famous shout it must have
+been to reach us over the roaring of the flames--
+
+"Mon maitre-mon maitre!" he call'd twice, and then "Sauve toi!" in
+a fainter voice, yet clear. And after that only a racket of shouts
+and outcries reach'd us. Without doubt the villains had overpower'd
+and slain this brave servant. In spite of our peril (for they would
+be after us at once),'twas all we could do to drag the old man from
+the gate and up the road: and as he went he wept like a child.
+
+After about fifty yards, we turn'd in at a gate, and began to cut
+across a field: for I hop'd thus not only to baffle pursuit for a
+while, but also to gain the wood that we saw dimly ahead. It reach'd
+to the top of the hill, and I knew not how far beyond: and as I was
+reflecting that there lay our chance of safety, I heard the inn door
+below burst open with loud cries, and the sound of footsteps running
+up the road after us.
+
+Moreover, to complete our fix, the clouds that had been scurrying
+across the moon's face, now for a minute left a clear interval of
+sky about her: so that right in our course there lay a great patch
+brilliantly lit, whereon our figures could be spied at once by
+anyone glancing into the field. Also, it grew evident that Sir
+Deakin's late agility was but a short and sudden triumph of will
+over body: for his poor crooked legs began to trail and lag sadly.
+So turning sharp about, we struck for the hedge's shadow, and there
+pull'd him down in a dry ditch, and lay with a hand on his mouth to
+stifle his ejaculations, while we ourselves held our breathing.
+
+The runners came up the road, pausing for a moment by the gate. I
+heard it creak, and saw two or three dark forms enter the field--the
+remainder tearing on up the road with a great clatter of boots.
+
+"Alas, my poor Jacques!" moan'd Sir Deakin: "and to be butcher'd so,
+that never in his days kill'd a man but as if he lov'd him!"
+
+"Sir," I whisper'd harshly, "if you keep this noise I must gag you."
+And with that he was silent for awhile.
+
+There was a thick tangle of brambles in the ditch where we lay: and
+to this we owe our lives. For one of the men, coming our way, pass'd
+within two yards of us, with the flat of his sword beating the
+growth over our heads.
+
+"Reu-ben! Reuben Gedges!" call'd a voice by the gate.
+
+The fellow turn'd; and peeping between the bramble twigs, I saw the
+moonlight glittering on his blade. A narrow, light-hair'd man he was,
+with a weak chin: and since then I have paid him out for the fright
+he gave us.
+
+"What's the coil?" he shouted back.
+
+"The stable roofs ablaze--for the Lord's sake come and save the
+hosses!"
+
+He strode back, and in a minute the field was clear. Creeping out
+with caution, I grew aware of two mournful facts: first, that the
+stable was indeed afire, as I perceiv'd by standing on tiptoe and
+looking over the hedge; and second, that my knee was hurt by Black
+Dick's bullet. The muscles had stiffened while we were crouching,
+and now pain'd me badly. Yet I kept it to myself as we started off
+again to run.
+
+But at the stile that, at the top of the field, led into the woods,
+I pull'd up--
+
+"Sorry I am to say it, but you must go on without me."
+
+"O--oh!" cried the girl.
+
+"'Tis for your safety. See, I leave a trail of blood behind me, so
+that when day rises they will track us easily."
+
+And sure enough, even by the moon, 'twas easy to trace the dark
+spots on the grass and earth beside the stile. My left boot, too,
+was full of blood.
+
+She was silent for awhile. Down in the valley we could hear the
+screams of the poor horses. The light of the flames lit up the pine
+trunks about us to a bright scarlet.
+
+"Sir, you hold our gratitude cheaply."
+
+She unwound the kerchief from her neck, and making me sit on the
+stile, bound up my knee skillfully, twisting a short stick in the
+bandage to stop the bleeding.
+
+I thank'd her, and we hurried on into the depths of the wood,
+treading silently on the deep carpet of pine needles. The ground
+rose steeply all the way: and all the way, tho' the light grew
+feebler, the roar and outcries in the valley follow'd us.
+
+Toward the hill's summit the trees were sparser. Looking upward, I
+saw that the sky had grown thickly overcast. We cross'd the ridge,
+and after a minute or so were in thick cover again.
+
+'Twas here that Sir Deakin's strength gave out. Almost without
+warning, he sank down between our hands, and in a second was taken
+with that hateful cough, that once already this night had frightened
+me for his life.
+
+"Ah, ah!" he groaned, between the spasms, "I'm not fit--I'm not fit
+for it!" and was taken again, and roll'd about barking, so that I
+fear'd the sound would bring all Settle's gang on our heels. "I'm
+not fit for it!" he repeated, as the cough left him, and he lay back
+helpless, among the pine needles.
+
+Now, I understood his words to bear on his unfitness for death, and
+judg'd them very decent and properly spoken: and took occasion to
+hint this in my attempts to console him.
+
+"Why, bless the boy!" he cried, sitting up and staring, "for what
+d'ye think I'm unsuited?"
+
+"Why, to die, sir--to be sure!"
+
+"Holy Mother!" he regarded me with surprise, contempt and pity, all
+together: "was ever such a dunderhead! If ever man were fit to die,
+I am he--and that's just my reasonable complaint. Heart alive! 'tis
+unfit to _live_ I am, tied to this absurd body!"
+
+I suppose my attitude express'd my lack of comprehension, for he
+lifted a finger and went on--
+
+"Tell me--can you eat beef, and drink beer, and enjoy them?"
+
+"Why, yes."
+
+"And fight--hey? and kiss a pretty girl, and be glad you've done it?
+Dear, dear, how I do hate a fool and a fool's pity! Lift me up and
+carry me a step. This night's work has kill'd me: I feel it in my
+lungs. 'Tis a pity, too; for I was just beginning to enjoy it."
+
+I lifted him as I would a babe, and off we set again, my teeth
+shutting tight on the pain of my hurt. And presently, coming to a
+little dingle, about half a mile down the hillside, well hid with
+dead bracken and blackberry bushes, I consulted with the girl. The
+place was well shelter'd from the wind that rock'd the treetops, and
+I fear'd to go much further, for we might come on open country at
+any moment and so double our peril. It seem'd best, therefore, to
+lay the old gentleman snugly in the bottom of this dingle and wait
+for day. And with my buff-coat, and a heap of dried leaves, I made
+him fairly easy, reserving my cloak to wrap about Mistress Delia's
+fair neck and shoulders. But against this at first she protested.
+
+"For how are you to manage?" she ask'd.
+
+"I shall tramp up and down, and keep watch," answer'd I, strewing a
+couch for her beside her father: "and 'tis but fair exchange for the
+kerchief you gave me from your own throat."
+
+At last I persuaded her, and she crept close to her father, and
+under the edge of the buff-coat for warmth. There was abundance of
+dry bracken in the dingle, and with this and some handfuls of pine
+needles, I cover'd them over, and left them to find what sleep they
+might.
+
+For two hours and more after this, I hobbled to and fro near them,
+as well as my wound would allow, looking up at the sky through the
+pine tops, and listening to the sobbing of the wind. Now and then I
+would swing my arms for warmth, and breathe on my fingers, that were
+sorely benumb'd; and all the while kept my ears on the alert, but
+heard nothing.
+
+'Twas, as I said, something over two hours after, that I felt a soft
+cold touch, and then another, like kisses on my forehead. I put up
+my hand, and looked up again at the sky. As I did so, the girl gave
+a long sigh, and awoke from her doze---
+
+"Sure, I must have dropp'd asleep," she said, opening her eyes, and
+spying my shadow above her: "has aught happened?"
+
+"Aye," replied I, "something is happening that will wipe out our
+traces and my bloody track."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"Snow: see, 'tis falling fast."
+
+She bent over, and listen'd to her father's breathing.
+
+"'Twill kill him," she said simply.
+
+I pull'd some more fronds of the bracken to cover them both. She
+thank'd me, and offer'd to relieve me in my watch: which I refus'd.
+And indeed, by lying down I should have caught my death, very likely.
+
+The big flakes drifted down between the pines: till, as the moon
+paled, the ground about me was carpeted all in white, with the
+foliage black as ink above it. Time after time, as I tramp'd to and
+fro, I paus'd to brush the fresh-forming heap from the sleepers'
+coverlet, and shake it gently from the tresses of the girl's hair.
+The old man's face was covered completely by the buff-coat: but his
+breathing was calm and regular as any child's.
+
+Day dawn'd. Awaking Mistress Delia, I ask'd her to keep watch for a
+time, while I went off to explore. She crept out from her bed with
+a little shiver of disgust.
+
+"Run about," I advis'd, "and keep the blood stirring."
+
+She nodded: and looking back, as I strode down the hill, I saw her
+moving about quickly, swinging her arms, and only pausing to wave a
+hand to me for goodspeed.
+
+*    *    *    *    *
+
+'Twas an hour before I return'd: and plenty I had to tell. Only at
+the entrance to the dingle the words failed from off my tongue. The
+old gentleman lay as he had lain throughout the night. But the
+bracken had been toss'd aside, and the girl was kneeling over him.
+I drew near, my step not arousing her. Sir Deakin's face was pale and
+calm: but on the snow that had gather'd by his head, lay a red
+streak of blood. 'Twas from his lungs, and he was quite dead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+I FIND A COMRADE.
+
+But I must go back a little and tell you what befell in my
+expedition.
+
+I had scarce trudged out of sight of my friends, down the hill, when
+it struck me that my footprints in the snow were in the last degree
+dangerous to them, and might lead Settle and his crew straight to
+the dingle. Here was a fix. I stood for some minutes nonpluss'd,
+when above the stillness of the wood (for the wind had dropp'd) a
+faint sound as of running water caught my ear, and help'd me to an
+idea.
+
+The sound seem'd to come from my left. Turning aside I made across
+the hill toward it, and after two hundred paces or so came on a tiny
+brook, not two feet across, that gush'd down the slope with a quite
+considerable chatter and impatience. The bed of it was mainly earth,
+with here and there a large stone or root to catch the toe: so that,
+as I stepped into the water and began to thread my way down between
+the banks of snow, 'twas necessary to look carefully to my steps.
+
+Here and there the brook fetch'd a leap down a sharper declivity, or
+shot over a hanging stone: but, save for the wetting I took in these
+places, my progress was easy enough. I must have waded in this
+manner for half a mile, keeping the least possible noise, when at an
+angle ahead I spied a clearing among the pines, and to the right of
+the stream, on the very verge, a hut of logs standing, with a wood
+rick behind it.
+
+'Twas a low building, but somewhat long, and I guess'd it to be, in
+summer time, a habitation for the woodcutters. But what surpris'd me
+was to hear a dull, moaning noise, very regular and disquieting,
+that sounded from the interior of the hut. I listen'd, and hit on
+the explication. 'Twas the sound of snoring.
+
+Drawing nearer with caution, I noticed, in that end of the hut which
+stood over the stream, a gap, or window hole. The sound issued
+through this like the whirring of a dozen looms. "He must be an
+astonishing fellow," thought I, "that can snore in this fashion.
+I'll have a peep before I wake him." I waded down till I stood under
+the sill, put both hands upon it, and pulling myself up quiet as a
+mouse, stuck my face in at the window--and then very nearly sat back
+into the brook for fright.
+
+For I had gazed straight down into the upturn'd faces of Captain
+Settle and his gang.
+
+How long I stood there, with the water rushing past my ankles and my
+body turning from cold to hot, and back again, I cannot tell you.
+But 'twas until, hearing no pause in the sleepers' chorus, I found
+courage for another peep: and that must have been some time.
+
+There were but six rascals beside the Captain (so that Jacques must
+have died hard, thought I), and such a raffle of arms and legs and
+swollen up-turn'd faces as they made I defy you to picture. For they
+were pack'd close as herrings; and the hut was fill'd up with their
+horses, ready saddled, and rubbing shoulder to loin, so narrow was
+the room. It needed the open window to give them air: and even so,
+'twas not over-fresh inside.
+
+I had no mind to stay: but before leaving found myself in the way of
+playing these villains a pretty trick. To right and left of the
+window, above their heads, extended two rude shelves that now were
+heap'd with what I conjectured to be the spoils of the larder of the
+"Three Cups." Holding my breath and thrusting my head and shoulders
+into the room, I ran my hand along and was quickly possess'd of a
+boil'd ham, two capons, a loaf, the half of a cold pie, and a basket
+holding three dozen eggs. All these prizes I filched one by one,
+with infinite caution.
+
+I was gently pulling the basket through the window hole, when I
+heard one of the crew yawn and stretch himself in his sleep. So,
+determining to risk no more, I quietly pack'd the basket, slung it
+on my right arm, and with the ham grasp'd by the knuckle in my left,
+made my way up the stream.
+
+'Twas thus laden that I enter'd the dingle, and came on the sad
+sight therein. I set down the ham as a thing to be asham'd of, and
+bar'd my head. The girl lifted her face, and turning, all white and
+tragical, saw me.
+
+"My father is dead, sir."
+
+I stoop'd and pil'd a heap of fresh snow over the blood stains.
+There was no intent in this but to hide the pity that chok'd me. She
+had still to hear about her brother, Anthony. Turning, as by a
+sudden thought, I took her hand. She look'd into my eyes, and her
+own filled with tears. 'Twas the human touch that loosen'd their
+flow, I think: and sinking down again beside her father, she wept
+her fill.
+
+"Mistress Killigrew," I said, as soon as the first violence of her
+tears was abated, "I have still some news that is ill hearing. Your
+enemies are encamp'd in the woods, about a half mile below this"--
+and with that I told my story.
+
+"They have done their worst, sir."
+
+"No."
+
+She looked at me with a question on her lip.
+
+Said I, "you must believe me yet a short while without questioning."
+
+Considering for a moment, she nodded. "You have a right, sir, to be
+trusted, tho' I know not so much as your name. Then we must stay
+close in hiding?" she added very sensibly, tho' with the last word
+her voice trail'd off, and she began again to weep.
+
+But in time, having cover'd the dead baronet's body with sprays of
+the wither'd bracken, I drew her to a little distance and prevail'd
+on her to nibble a crust of the loaf. Now, all this while, it must
+be remembered, I was in my shirt sleeves, and the weather bitter
+cold. Which at length her sorrow allow'd her to notice.
+
+"Why, you are shivering, sore!" she said, and running, drew my
+buff-coat from her father's body, and held it out to me.
+
+"Indeed," I answer'd, "I was thinking of another expedition to warm
+my blood." And promising to be back in half an hour, I follow'd down
+my former tracks toward the stream.
+
+Within twenty minutes I was back, running and well-nigh shouting
+with joy.
+
+"Come!" I cried to her, "come and see for yourself!"
+
+What had happen'd was this:--Wading cautiously down the brook, I had
+cause suddenly to prick up my ears and come to a halt. 'Twas the
+muffled tramp of hoofs that I heard, and creeping a bit further, I
+caught a glimpse, beyond the hut, of a horse and rider disappearing
+down the woods. He was the last of the party, as I guess'd from the
+sound of voices and jingling of bits further down the slope.
+Advancing on the hut with more boldness, I found it deserted. I
+scrambled up on the bank and round to the entrance. The snow before
+it was trampled and sullied by the footmarks of men and horses: and
+as I noted this, came Settle's voice calling up the slope----
+
+"Jerry--Jerry Toy!"
+
+A nearer voice hail'd in answer.
+
+"Where's Reuben?"
+
+"Coming, Captain--close behind!"
+
+"Curse him for a loitering idiot! We've wasted time enough, as
+'tis," called back the Captain. "How in thunder is a man to find the
+road out of this cursed wood?"
+
+"Straight on, Cap'n--you can't miss it," shouted another voice, not
+two gunshots below.
+
+A volcano of oaths pour'd up from Settle. I did not wait for the end
+of them: but ran back for Mistress Delia.
+
+Together we descended to the hut. By this time the voices had faded
+away in distance. Yet to make sure that the rascals had really
+departed, we follow'd their tracks for some way, beside the stream;
+and suddenly came to a halt with cries of joyful surprise.
+
+The brook had led us to a point where, over a stony fall veil'd with
+brown bracken, it plunged into a narrow ravine. Standing on the lip,
+where the water took a smoother glide before leaping, we saw the
+line of the ravine mark'd by a rift in the pines, and through this
+a slice of the country that lay below. 'Twas a level plain, well
+watered, and dotted here and there with houses. A range of wooded
+hills clos'd the view, and toward them a broad road wound gently,
+till the eye lost it at their base. All this was plain enough, in
+spite of the snow that cover'd the landscape. For the sun had burst
+out above, and the few flakes that still fell looked black against
+his brilliance and the dazzling country below.
+
+But what caus'd our joy was to see, along the road, a small
+cavalcade moving away from us, with many bright glances of light and
+color, as their steel caps and sashes took the sunshine--a pretty
+sight, and the prettier because it meant our present deliverance.
+
+The girl beside me gave a cry of delight, then sigh'd; and after a
+minute began to walk back toward the hut: where I left her, and ran
+up hill for the basket and ham. On my return, I found her examining
+a heap of rusty tools that, it seem'd, she had found on a shelf of
+the building. 'Twas no light help to the good fellowship that
+afterward united us, that from the first I could read her thoughts
+often without words; and for this reason, that her eyes were as
+candid as the noonday.
+
+So now I answer'd her aloud---
+
+"This afternoon we may venture down to the plain, where no doubt we
+shall find a clergyman to sell us a patch of holy ground--"
+
+"Holy ground?" She look'd at me awhile and shook her head. "I am not
+of your religion," she said.
+
+"And your father?"
+
+"I think no man ever discovered my father's religion. Perhaps there
+was none to discover: but he was no bad father" she steadied her
+voice and went on:--"He would prefer the hillside to your 'holy
+ground.'"
+
+So, an hour later, I delv'd his grave in the frosty earth, close by
+the spot where he lay. Somehow, I shiver'd all the while, and had a
+cruel shooting pain in my wound that was like to have mastered me
+before the task was ended. But I managed to lower the body softly
+into the hole and to cover it reverently from sight: and afterward
+stood leaning on my spade and feeling very light in the head, while
+the girl knelt and pray'd for her father's soul.
+
+And the picture of her as she knelt is the last I remember, till I
+open'd my eyes, and was amazed to find myself on my back, and
+staring up at darkness.
+
+"What has happen'd?"
+
+"I think you are very ill," said a voice: "can you lean on me, and
+reach the hut?"
+
+"Why, yes: that is, I think so. Why is everything dark?"
+
+"The sun has been down for hours. You have been in a swoon first,
+and then talk'd--oh, such nonsense! Shame on me, to let you catch
+this chill!"
+
+She help'd me to my feet and steadied me: and how we reached the hut
+I cannot tell you. It took more than one weary hour, as I now know;
+but, at the time, hours and minutes were one to me.
+
+In that hut I lay four nights and four days, between ague fit and
+fever. And that is all the account I can give of the time, save that,
+on the second day, the girl left me alone in the hut and descended
+to the plain, where, after asking at many cottages for a physician,
+she was forced to be content with an old woman reputed to be
+amazingly well skill'd in herbs and medicines; whom, after a day's
+trial, she turn'd out of doors. On the fourth day, fearing for my
+life, she made another descent, and coming to a wayside tavern,
+purchased a pint of aqua vitae, carried it back, and mix'd a potion
+that threw me into a profuse sweat. The same evening I sat up, a
+sound man.
+
+Indeed, so thoroughly was I recover'd that, waking early next
+morning, and finding my sweet nurse asleep from sheer weariness, in
+a corner of the hut, I stagger'd up from my bed of dried bracken,
+and out into the pure air. Rare it was to stand and drink it in like
+wine. A footstep arous'd me. 'Twas Mistress Delia: and turning, I
+held out my hand.
+
+"Now this is famous," said she: "a day or two will see you as good
+a man as ever."
+
+"A day or two? To-morrow at latest, I shall make trial to start." I
+noted a sudden change on her face, and added: "Indeed, you must hear
+my reasons before setting me down for an ingrate;" and told her of
+the King's letter that I carried. "I hoped that for a while our ways
+might lie together," said I; and broke off, for she was looking me
+earnestly in the face.
+
+"Sir, as you know, my brother Anthony was to have met me--nay, for
+pity's sake, turn not your face away! I have guess'd--the sword you
+carry--I mark'd it. Sir, be merciful, and tell me!"
+
+I led her a little aside to the foot of a tall pine; and there, tho'
+it rung my heart, told her all; and left her to wrestle with this
+final sorrow. She was so tender a thing to be stricken thus, that I
+who had dealt the blow crept back to the hut, covering my eyes. In
+an hour's time I look'd out. She was gone.
+
+At nightfall she return'd, white with grief and fatigue; yet I was
+glad to see her eyes red and swol'n with weeping. Throughout our
+supper she kept silence; but when 'twas over, look'd up and spoke in
+a steady tone----
+
+"Sir, I have a favor to ask, and must risk being held importunate--"
+
+"From you to me," I put in, "all talk of favors had best be
+dropp'd."
+
+"No--listen. If ever it befel you to lose father or mother or dearly
+loved friend, you will know how the anguish stuns--Oh sir! to-day
+the sun seem'd fallen out of heaven, and I a blind creature left
+groping in the void. Indeed, sir, 'tis no wonder: I had a father,
+brother, and servant ready to die for me--three hearts to love and
+lean on: and to-day they are gone."
+
+I would have spoken, but she held up a hand.
+
+"Now when you spoke of Anthony--a dear lad!--I lay for some time
+dazed with grief. By little and little, as the truth grew plainer,
+the pain grew also past bearing. I stood up and stagger'd into the
+woods to escape it. I went fast and straight, heeding nothing, for
+at first my senses were all confus'd: but in a while the walking
+clear'd my wits, and I could think: and thinking, I could weep: and
+having wept, could fortify my heart. Here is the upshot, sir--tho'
+'tis held immodest for a maid to ask even far less of a man. We are
+both bound for Cornwall--you on an honorable mission, I for my
+father's estate of Gleys, wherefrom (as your tale proves) some
+unseen hands are thrusting me. Alike we carry our lives in our hands.
+You must go forward: I may not go back. For from a King who cannot
+right his own affairs there is little hope; and in Cornwall I have
+surer friends than he. Therefore take me, sir--take me for a
+comrade! Am I sad? Do you fear a weary journey? I will smile--laugh
+--sing--put sorrow behind me. I will contrive a thousand ways to
+cheat the milestones. At the first hint of tears, discard me, and go
+your way with no prick of conscience. Only try me--oh, the shame of
+speaking thus!"
+
+Her voice had grown more rapid toward the close: and now, breaking
+off, she put both hands to cover her face, that was hot with blushes.
+I went over and took them in mine:
+
+"You have made me the blithest man alive," said I.
+
+She drew back a pace with a frighten'd look, and would have pull'd
+her hands away.
+
+"Because," I went on quickly, "you have paid me this high compliment,
+to trust me. Proud was I to listen to you; and merrily will the
+miles pass with you for comrade. And so I say--Mistress Killigrew,
+take me for your servant."
+
+To my extreme discomposure, as I dropp'd her hands, her eyes were
+twinkling with laughter.
+
+"Dear now; I see a dull prospect ahead if we use these long titles!"
+
+"But---"
+
+"Indeed, sir, please yourself. Only as I intend to call you 'Jack'
+perhaps 'Delia' will be more of a piece than 'Mistress Killigrew.'"
+She dropp'd me a mock curtsey. "And now, Jack, be a good boy, and
+hitch me this quilt across the hut. I bought it yesterday at a
+cottage below here----"
+
+She ended the sentence with the prettiest blush imaginable; and so,
+having fix'd her screen, we shook hands on our comradeship, and
+wish'd each other good night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+I LOSE THE KING'S LETTER; AND AM CARRIED TO BRISTOL.
+
+
+Almost before daylight we were afoot, and the first ray of cold
+sunshine found us stepping from the woods into the plain, where now
+the snow was vanished and a glistening coat of rime spread over all
+things. Down here the pines gave way to bare elms and poplars,
+thickly dotted, and among them the twisting smoke of farmstead and
+cottage, here and there, and the morning stir of kitchen and stable
+very musical in the crisp air.
+
+Delia stepped along beside me, humming an air or breaking off to
+chatter. Meeting us, you would have said we had never a care. The
+road went stretching away to the northwest and the hills against the
+sky there; whither beyond, we neither knew nor (being both young,
+and one, by this time, pretty deep in love) did greatly care. Yet
+meeting with a waggoner and his team, we drew up to enquire.
+
+The waggoner had a shock of whitish hair and a face purple-red above,
+by reason of the cold, and purple-black below, for lack of a barber.
+He purs'd up his mouth and look'd us slowly up and down.
+
+"Come," said I, "you are not deaf, I hope, nor dumb."
+
+"Send I may niver!" the fellow ejaculated, slowly and with
+contemplation: "'tis an unseemly sight, yet tickling to the
+mirthfully minded. Haw--haw!" He check'd his laughter suddenly and
+stood like a stone image beside his horses.
+
+"Good sir," said Delia, laying a hand on my arm (for I was growing
+nettled), "your mirth is a riddle: but tell us our way and you are
+free to laugh."
+
+"Oh, Scarlet--Scarlet!" answer'd he: "and to me, that am a man o'
+blushes from my cradle!"
+
+Convinced by this that the fellow must be an idiot, I told him so,
+and left him staring after us; nor heard the sound of his horses
+moving on again for many minutes.
+
+After this we met about a dozen on the road, and all paus'd to stare.
+But from one--an old woman--we learn'd we were walking toward
+Marlboro', and about noon were over the hills and looking into the
+valley beyond.
+
+'Twas very like the other vale; only a pleasant stream wound along
+the bottom, by the banks of which the road took us. Here, by a
+bridge, we came to an inn bearing the sign of "The Broad Face," and
+entered: for Captain Settle's stock of victuals was now done. A
+sour-fac'd woman met us at the door.
+
+"Do you stay here," Delia advis'd me, "and drink a mug of beer while
+I bargain with the hostess for fresh food." She follow'd the sour-
+fac'd woman into the house.
+
+But out she comes presently with her cheeks flaming and a pair of
+bright eyes. "Come!" she commanded, "come at once!" Setting down my
+half emptied mug, I went after her across the bridge and up the road,
+wondering. In this way we must have walk'd for a mile or more before
+she turn'd and stamp'd her little foot--
+
+"Horrible!" she cried. "Horrible--wicked--shameful! Ugh!" There were
+tears in her eyes.
+
+"What is shameful?"
+
+She made no reply, but walk'd on again quickly.
+
+"I am getting hungry, for my part," sigh'd I, after a little.
+
+"Then you must starve!"
+
+"Oh!"
+
+She wheel'd round again.
+
+"Jack, this will never do. If you are to have a comrade, let it be
+a boy."
+
+"Now, I am very passably content as things are."
+
+"Nonsense: at Marlboro', I mean, you must buy me a suit of boy's
+clothes. What are you hearkening to?"
+
+"I thought I heard the noise of guns--or is it thunder?"
+
+"Dear Jack, don't say 'tis thunder! I do mortally fear thunder--and
+mice."
+
+"'Twouldn't be thunder at this time of year. No, 'tis guns firing."
+
+"Where?--not that I mind guns."
+
+"Ahead of us."
+
+On the far side of the valley we enter'd a wood, thinking by this to
+shorten our way: for the road here took a long bend to eastward. Now,
+at first this wood seem'd of no considerable size, but thicken'd and
+spread as we advanced. 'Twas only, however, after passing the ridge,
+and when daylight began to fail us, that I became alarm'd. For the
+wood grew denser, with a tangle of paths criss-crossing amid the
+undergrowth. And just then came the low mutter of cannon again,
+shaking the earth. We began to run forward, tripping in the gloom
+over brambles, and stumbling into holes.
+
+For a mile or so this lasted: and then, without warning, I heard a
+sound behind me, and look'd back, to find Delia sunk upon the ground.
+
+"Jack, here's a to-do!"
+
+"What's amiss?"
+
+"Why, I am going to swoon!"
+
+The words were scarce out, when there sounded a crackling and
+snapping of twigs ahead, and two figures came rushing toward us--a
+man and a woman. The man carried an infant in his arms: and tho' I
+call'd on them to stop, the pair ran by us with no more notice than
+if we had been stones. Only the woman cried, "Dear Lord, save us!"
+and wrung her hands as she pass'd out of sight.
+
+"This is strange conduct," thought I: but peering down, saw that
+Delia's face was white and motionless. She had swoon'd, indeed, from
+weariness and hunger. So I took her in my arms and stumbled forward,
+hoping to find the end of the wood soon. For now the rattle of
+artillery came louder and incessant through the trees, and mingling
+with it, a multitude of dull shouts and outcries. At first I was
+minded to run after the man and woman, but on second thought,
+resolv'd to see the danger before hiding from it.
+
+The trees, in a short while, grew sparser, and between the stems I
+mark'd a ruddy light glowing. And then I came out on an open space
+upon the hillside, with a dip of earth in front; and beyond, a long
+ridge of pines standing up black, because of a red glare behind
+them; and saw that this came not from any setting sun, but was the
+light of a conflagration.
+
+The glare danced and quiver'd in the sky, as I cross'd the hollow.
+It made even Delia's white cheek seem rosy. Up amid the pines I
+clamor'd, and along the ridge to where it broke off in a steep
+declivity. And lo! in a minute I look'd down as 'twere into the
+infernal pit.
+
+There was a whole town burning below. And in the streets men were
+fighting, as could be told by their shouts and the rattle and blaze
+of musketry. For a garment of smoke lay over all and hid them: only
+the turmoil beat up as from a furnace, and the flames of burning
+thatches, and quick jets of firearms like lightning in a
+thundercloud. Great sparks floated past us, and over the trees at
+our back. A hot blast breath'd on our cheeks. Now and then you might
+hear a human shriek distinct amid the din, and this spoke terribly
+to the heart.
+
+Now the town was Marlboro', and the attacking force a body of royal
+troops sent from Oxford to oust the garrison of the Parliament,
+which they did this same night, with great slaughter, driving the
+rebels out of the place, and back on the road to Bristol. Had we
+guess'd this, much ill luck had been spared us; but we knew nought
+of it, nor whether friends or foes were getting the better. So
+(Delia being by this time recover'd a little) we determined to pass
+the night in the woods, and on the morrow to give the place a wide
+berth.
+
+Retreating, then, to the hollow (that lay on the lee side of the
+ridge, away from the north wind), I gather'd a pile of great stones,
+and spread my cloak thereover for Delia. To sleep was impossible,
+even with the will for it. For the tumult and fighting went on, and
+only died out about an hour before dawn: and once or twice we were
+troubled to hear the sound of people running on the ridge above. So
+we sat and talked in low voices till dawn; and grew more desperately
+hunger'd than ever.
+
+With the chill of daybreak we started, meaning to get quit of the
+neighborhood before any espied us; and fetch'd a compass to the
+south without another look at Marlboro'. At the end of two hours,
+turning northwest again, we came to some water meadows beside a tiny
+river (the Kennet, as I think), and saw, some way beyond, a high
+road that cross'd to our side (only the bridge was now broken down),
+and further yet, a thick smoke curling up; but whence this came I
+could not see. Now we had been avoiding all roads this morning, and
+hiding at every sound of footsteps. But hunger was making us bold.
+I bade Delia crouch down by the stream's bank, where many alders grew,
+and set off toward this column of smoke.
+
+By the spot where the road cross'd I noted that many men and horses
+had lately pass'd hereby to westward, and, by their footmarks, at a
+great speed. A little further, and I came on a broken musket flung
+against the hedge, with a nauseous mess of blood and sandy hairs
+about the stock of it; and just beyond was a dead horse, his legs
+sticking up like bent poles across the road. 'Twas here that my
+blood went cold on a sudden, to hear a dismal groaning not far ahead.
+I stood still, holding my breath, and then ran forward again.
+
+The road took a twist that led me face to face with a small
+whitewashed cottage, smear'd with black stains of burning. For
+seemingly it had been fir'd in one or two places, only the flames
+had died out: and from the back, where some out-building yet
+smoulder'd, rose the smoke that I spied. But what brought me to a
+stand was to see the doorway all crack'd and charr'd, and across it
+a soldier stretch'd--a green-coated rebel--and quite dead. His face
+lay among the burn'd ruins of the door, that had wofully singed his
+beard and hair. A stain of blood ran across the door stone and into
+the road.
+
+I was gazing upon him and shuddering, when again I heard the groans.
+They issued from the upper chamber of the cottage. I stepped over
+the dead soldier and mounted the ladder that led upstairs.
+
+The upper room was but a loft. In it were two beds, whereof one was
+empty. On the edge of the other sat up a boy of sixteen or
+thereabouts, stark naked and moaning miserably. With one hand he
+seem'd trying to cover a big wound that gaped in his chest: the
+other, as my head rose over the ladder, he stretch'd out with all
+the fingers spread. And this was his last effort. As I stumbled up,
+his fingers clos'd in a spasm of pain; his hands dropp'd, and the
+body tumbled back on the bed, where it lay with the legs dangling.
+
+The poor lad must have been stabb'd as he lay asleep. For by the
+bedside I found his clothes neatly folded and without a speck of
+blood. They were clean, though coarse; so thinking they would
+serve for Delia, I took them, albeit with some scruples at robbing
+the dead, and covering the body with a sheet, made my way
+downstairs.
+
+[Illustration: "Oh, Jack--they do not fit at all!"--Page 121.]
+
+Here, on a high shelf at the foot of the ladder, I discover'd a
+couple of loaves and some milk, and also, lying hard by, a pair of
+shepherd's shears, which I took also, having a purpose for them. By
+this time, being sick enough of the place, I was glad to make all
+speed back to Delia.
+
+She was still waiting among the leafless alders, and clapp'd her
+hands to see the two loaves under my arm.
+
+Said I, flinging down the clothes, and munching at my share of the
+bread---
+
+"Here is the boy's suit that you wish'd for."
+
+"Oh, dear! 'tis not a very choice one." Her face fell.
+
+"All the better for escaping notice."
+
+"But--but I _like_ to be notic'd!"
+
+Nevertheless, when breakfast was done, she consented to try on the
+clothes. I left her eyeing them doubtfully, and stroll'd away by the
+river's bank. In a while her voice call'd to me---
+
+"Oh, Jack--they do not fit at all!"
+
+"Why, 'tis admirable!" said I, returning, and scanning her. Now this
+was a lie: but she took me more than ever, so pretty and comical she
+look'd in the dress.
+
+"And I cannot walk a bit in them!" she pouted, strutting up and down.
+
+"Swing your arms more, and let them hang looser."
+
+"And my hair. Oh, Jack, I have such beautiful hair!"
+
+"It must come off," said I, pulling the shears out of my pocket.
+
+"And look at these huge boots!"
+
+Indeed, this was the main trouble, for I knew they would hurt her in
+walking: yet she made more fuss about her hair, and only gave in
+when I scolded her roundly. So I took the shears and clipp'd the
+chestnut curls, one by one, while she cried for vexation; and took
+occasion of her tears to smuggle the longest lock inside my doublet.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But, an hour after, she was laughing again, and had learned to cock
+the poor country lad's cap rakishly over one eye: and by evening was
+walking with a swagger and longing (I know) to meet with folks. For,
+to spare her the sight of the ruin'd cottage, I had taken her round
+through the fields, and by every bypath that seem'd to lead westward.
+'Twas safer to journey thus; and all the way she practic'd a man's
+carriage and airs, and how to wink and whistle and swing a stick.
+And once, when she left one of her shoes in a wet ditch, she said
+"d--n!" as natural as life: and then--
+
+We jump'd over a hedge, plump into an outpost of rebels, as they sat
+munching their supper.
+
+They were six in all, and must have been sitting like mice: for all
+I know of it is this. I had climb'd the hedge first, and was helping
+Delia over, when out of the ground, as it seem'd, a voice shriek'd,
+"Run--run!--the King's men are on us!" and then, my foot slipping,
+down I went on to the shoulders of a thick-set man, and well-nigh
+broke his neck as he turn'd to look up at me.
+
+At first, the whole six were for running, I believe. But seeing only
+a lad stretch'd on his face, and a second on the hedge, they thought
+better of it. Before I could scramble up, one pair of hands was
+screw'd about my neck, another at my heels, and in a trice there we
+were pinion'd.
+
+"Fetch the lantern, Zacchaeus."
+
+'Twas quickly lit, and thrust into my face; and very foolish I must
+have look'd. The fellows were all clad in green coats, much soil'd
+with mud and powder. And they grinn'd in my face till I long'd to
+kick them.
+
+"Search the malignant!" cried one. "Question him," call'd out
+another; and forthwith began a long interrogatory concerning the
+movements of his Majesty's troops, from which, indeed, I learn'd
+much concerning the late encounter: but of course could answer
+nought. 'Twas only natural they should interpret this silence for
+obstinacy.
+
+"March 'em off to Captain Stubbs!"
+
+"Halloa!" shouted a pockmarked trooper, that had his hand thrust in
+on my breast: "bring the lantern close here. What's this?"
+
+'Twas, alas! the King's letter: and I bit my lip while they
+cluster'd round, turning the lantern's yellow glare upon the
+superscription.
+
+"Lads, there's promotion in this!" shouted the thick-set man I had
+tumbled on (who, it seem'd, was the sergeant in the troop): "hand me
+the letter, there! Zacchaeus Martin and Tom Pine--you two bide here
+on duty: t'other three fall in about the prisoners--quick march!'
+The wicked have digged a pit--'"
+
+The rogue ended up with a tag from the Psalmist.
+
+We were march'd down the road for a mile or more, till we heard a
+loud bawling, as of a man in much bodily pain, and soon came to a
+small village, where, under a tavern lamp, by the door, was a man
+perch'd up on a tub, and shouting forth portions of the Scripture to
+some twenty or more green-coats assembled round. Our conductor
+pushed past these, and enter'd the tavern. At a door to the left in
+the passage he halted, and knocking once, thrust us inside.
+
+The room was bare and lit very dimly by two tallow candles, set in
+bottles. Between these, on a deal table, lay a map outspread, and
+over it a man was bending, who look'd up sharply at our entrance.
+
+He was thin, with a blue nose, and wore a green uniform like the
+rest: only his carriage proved him a man of authority.
+
+This Captain Stubbs listened, you may be sure, with a bright'ning
+eye to the sergeant's story; and at the close fix'd an inquisitive
+gaze on the pair of us, turning the King's letter over and over in
+his hands.
+
+"How came this in your possession?" he ask'd at length.
+
+"That," said I, "I must decline to tell."
+
+He hesitated a moment; then, re-seating himself, broke the seal,
+spread the letter upon the map, and read it slowly through. For the
+first time I began heartily to hope that the paper contain'd nothing
+of moment. But the man's face was no index of this. He read it
+through twice, folded it away in his breast, and turn'd to the
+sergeant--
+
+
+"To-morrow at six in the morning we continue our march. Meanwhile
+keep these fellows secure. I look to you for this."
+
+The sergeant saluted and we were led out. That night we pass'd in
+handcuffs, huddled with fifty soldiers in a hayloft of the inn and
+hearkening to their curious talk, that was half composed of Holy
+Writ and half of gibes at our expense. They were beaten men and,
+like all such, found comfort in deriding the greater misfortunes of
+others.
+
+Before daylight the bugles began to sound, and we were led down to
+the green before the tavern door, where already were close upon five
+hundred gather'd, that had been billeted about the village and were
+now forming in order of march--a soil'd, batter'd crew, with torn
+ensigns and little heart in their movements. The sky began a cold
+drizzle as we set out, and through this saddening whether we trudged
+all day, Delia and I being kept well apart, she with the vanguard
+and I in the rear, seeing only the winding column, the dejected
+heads bobbing in front as they bent to the slanting rain, the
+cottagers that came out to stare as we pass'd; and hearing but the
+hoarse words of command, the low mutterings of the men, and always
+the monotonous _tramp-tramp_ through the slush and mire of the roads.
+
+'Tis like a bad dream to me, and I will not dwell on it. That night
+we pass'd at Chippenham--a small market town--and on the morrow went
+tramping again through worse weather, but always amid the same
+sights and sounds. There were moments when I thought to go mad,
+wrenching at my cords till my wrists bled, yet with no hope to
+escape. But in time, by good luck, my wits grew deaden'd to it all,
+and I march'd on with the rest to a kind of lugubrious singsong that
+my brain supplied. For hours I went thus, counting my steps, missing
+my reckoning, and beginning again.
+
+Daylight was failing when the towers of Bristol grew clear out of
+the leaden mist in front; and by five o'clock we halted outside the
+walls and beside the ditch of the castle, waiting for the drawbridge
+to be let down. Already a great crowd had gather'd about us, of
+those who had come out to learn news of the defeat, which, the day
+before some fugitives had carried to Bristol. To their questions, as
+to all else, I listen'd like a man in a trance: and recall this
+only--that first I was shivering out in the rain and soon after was
+standing beside Delia, under guard of a dozen soldiers, and shaking
+with cold, beneath a gateway that led between the two wards of the
+castle. And there, for an hour at least, we kick'd our heels, until
+from the inner ward Captain Stubbs came striding and commanded us to
+follow.
+
+Across the court we went in the rain, through a vaulted passage, and
+passing a screen of carved oak found ourselves suddenly in a great
+hall, near forty yards long (as I reckon it), and rafter'd with oak.
+At the far end, around a great marble table, were some ten or more
+gentlemen seated, who all with one accord turn'd their eyes upon us,
+as the captain brought us forward.
+
+The table before them was litter'd with maps, warrants, and papers;
+and some of the gentlemen had pens in their hands. But the one on
+whom my eyes fastened was a tall, fair soldier that sat in the
+centre, and held his Majesty's letter, open, in his hand: who rose
+and bow'd to me as I came near.
+
+"Sir," he said, "the fortune of war having given you into our hands,
+you will not refuse, I hope, to answer our questions."
+
+"Sir, I have nought to tell," answer'd I, bowing in return.
+
+With a delicate white hand he wav'd my words aside. He had a
+handsome, irresolute mouth, and was, I could tell, of very different
+degree from the merchants and lawyers beside him.
+
+"You act under orders from the--the--"
+
+"Anti-Christ," put in a snappish little fellow on his right.
+
+"I do nothing of the sort," said I.
+
+"Well, then, sir, from King Charles."
+
+"I do not."
+
+"Tush!" exclaim'd the snappish man, and then straightening himself
+up--"That boy with you--that fellow disguis'd as a countryman--look
+at his boots!--he's a Papist spy!"
+
+"There, sir, you are wrong!"
+
+"I saw him--I'll be sworn to his face--I saw him, a year back, at
+Douai, helping at the mass! I never forget faces."
+
+"Why, what nonsense!" cried I, and burst out laughing.
+
+"Don't mock at me, sir!" he thunder'd, bringing down his fist on the
+table. "I tell you the boy is a Papist!" He pointed furiously at
+Delia, who, now laughing also, answer'd him very demurely---
+
+"Indeed, sir--"
+
+"I saw you, I say."
+
+"You are bold to make so certain of a Papist--"
+
+"I saw you!"
+
+"That cannot even tell maid from man!"
+
+"What is meant by that?" asks the tall soldier, opening his eyes.
+
+"Why, simply this, sir: I am no boy at all, but a girl!"
+
+There was a minute, during which the little man went purple in the
+face, and the rest star'd at Delia in blank astonishment.
+
+"Oh, Jack," she whisper'd in my ear, "I am so very, very sorrow: but
+I _cannot_ wear these hateful clothes much longer."
+
+She fac'd the company with a rosy blush.
+
+"What say you to this?" ask'd Colonel Essex--for 'twas he--turning
+round on the little man.
+
+"Say? What do I say? That the fellow is a Papist, too. I knew it
+from the first, and this proves it!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+I BREAK OUT OF PRISON.
+
+
+You are now to be ask'd to pass over the next four weeks in as many
+minutes: as would I had done at the time! For I spent them in a
+bitter cold cell in the main tower of Bristol keep, with a chair and
+a pallet of straw for all my furniture, and nothing to stay my fast
+but the bread and water that the jailer--a sour man, if ever there
+were one--brought me twice a day.
+
+This keep lies in the northwest corner of the outer ward of the
+castle--a mighty tall pile and strongly built, the walls (as the
+jailer told me) being a full twenty-five feet thick near the
+foundations, tho' by time you ascended to the towers this thickness
+had dwindled to six feet and no more. In shape 'twas a quadrilateral,
+a little shorter from north to south than from east to west (in
+which latter direction it measured sixty feet, about), and had four
+towers standing at the four corners, whereof mine was five fathoms
+higher than the rest.
+
+Guess, then, how little I thought of escape, having but one window,
+a hundred feet (I do believe) above the ground, and that so narrow
+that, even without the iron bar across it, 'twould barely let my
+shoulders pass. What concern'd me more was the cold that gnaw'd me
+continually these winter nights, as I lay thinking of Delia (whom I
+had not seen since our examination), or gazing out on the patch of
+frosty heaven that was all my view. 'Twas thus I had heard Bristol
+bells ringing for Christmas in the town below.
+
+Colonel Essex had been thrice to visit me, and always offer'd many
+excuses for my treatment; but when he came to question me, why of
+course I had nothing to tell, so that each visit but served to vex
+him more. Clearly I was suspected to know a great deal beyond what
+appear'd in the letter: and no doubt poor Anthony Killigrew had
+receiv'd some verbal message from His Majesty which he lived not
+long enough to transmit to me. As 'twas, I kept silence; and the
+Colonel in return would tell me nothing of what had befallen Delia.
+
+One fine, frosty morning, then, when I had lain in this distress
+just four weeks, the door of my cell open'd, and there appear'd a
+young woman, not uncomely, bringing in my bread and water. She was
+the jailer's daughter, and wore a heavy bunch of keys at her girdle.
+
+"Oh, good morning!" said I: for till now her father only had visited
+me, and this was a welcome change.
+
+Instead of answering cheerfully (as I look'd for), she gave a little
+nod of the head, rather sorrowful, and answered:--
+
+"Father's abed with the ague."
+
+"Now you cannot expect me to be sorry."
+
+"Nay," she said; and I caught her looking at me with something like
+compassion in her blue eyes, which mov'd me to cry out suddenly---
+
+"I think you are woman enough to like a pair of lovers."
+
+"Oh, aye: but where's t'other half of the pair?"
+
+"You're right. The young gentlewoman that was brought hither with
+me--I know not if she loves me: but this I do know--I would give my
+hand to learn her whereabouts, and how she fares."
+
+"Better eat thy loaf," put in the girl very suddenly, setting down
+the plate and pitcher.
+
+'Twas odd, but I seem'd to hear a sob in her voice. However, her
+back was toward me as I glanc'd up. And next moment she was gone,
+locking the iron door behind her.
+
+I turn'd from my breakfast with a sigh, having for the moment tasted
+the hope to hear something of Delia. But in a while, feeling hungry,
+I pick'd up the loaf beside me, and broke it in two.
+
+To my amaze, out dropp'd something that jingled on the stone floor.
+
+'Twas a small file: and examining the loaf again, I found a clasp-
+knife also, and a strip of paper, neatly folded, hidden in the bread.
+
+"Deare Jack,
+
+"Colonel Essex, finding no good come of his interrogatories, hath
+set me at large; tho' I continue under his eye, to wit, with a
+dowager of his acquaintance, a Mistress Finch. Wee dwell in a
+private house midway down St. Thomas his street, in Redcliffe: and
+she hath put a dismal dress upon me (Jack, 'tis _hideous_), but
+otherwise uses me not ill. But take care of thyself, my deare
+friend: for tho' the Colonel be a gentilman, he is press'd by them
+about him, and at our last interview I noted a mischief in his eye.
+Canst use this file?--(but take care: all the gates I saw guarded
+with troopers to-day.) This by one who hath been my friend: for
+whose sake tear the paper up. And beleeve your cordial, loving
+comrade
+
+"D. K."
+
+After reading this a dozen times, till I had it by heart, I tore the
+letter into small pieces and hid them in my pocket. This done, I
+felt lighter-hearted than for many a day, and (rather for employment
+than with any farther view) began lazily to rub away at my window
+bar. The file work'd well. By noon the bar was half sever'd, and I
+broke off to whistle a tune. 'Twas---
+
+    "Vivre en tout cas,
+     C'est le grand soulas--"
+
+and I broke off to hear the key turning in my lock.
+
+The jailer's daughter enter'd with my second meal. Her eyes were red
+with weeping.
+
+Said I, "Does your father beat you?"
+
+"He has, before now," she replied: "but not to-day."
+
+"Then why do you weep?"
+
+"Not for that."
+
+"For what then?"
+
+"For you--oh, dear, dear! How shall I tell it? They are going to--
+to---" She sat down on the chair, and sobb'd in her apron.
+
+"What is't they are going to do?"
+
+"To--to--h-hang you."
+
+"The devil! When?"
+
+"Tut-tut-to-morrow mo-horning!"
+
+I went suddenly very cold all over. There was silence for a moment,
+and then I heard the noise of some one dropping a plank in the
+courtyard below.
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"The gug-gug---"
+
+"Gallows?"
+
+She nodded.
+
+"You are but a weak girl," said I, meditating.
+
+"Aye: but there's a dozen troopers on the landing below."
+
+"Then, my dear, you must lock me up," I decided gloomily, and fell
+to whistling----
+
+    "Vivre en tout cas,
+     C'est le grand soulas--"
+
+A workman's hammer in the court below chim'd in, beating out the
+tune, and driving the moral home. I heard a low sob behind me. The
+jailer's daughter was going.
+
+"Lend me your bodkin, my dear, for a memento."
+
+She pull'd it out and gave it to me.
+
+"Thank you, and now good-bye! Stop: here's a kiss to take to my dear
+mistress. They shan't hang me, my dear."
+
+The girl went out, sobbing, and lock'd the door after her.
+
+I sat down for a while, feeling doleful. For I found myself
+extremely young to be hang'd. But soon the _whang--whang!_ of
+the hammer below rous'd me. "Come," I thought, "I'll see what that
+rascal is doing, at any rate," and pulling the file from my pocket,
+began to attack the window bar with a will. I had no need for
+silence, at this great height above the ground: and besides, the
+hammering continued lustily.
+
+Daylight was closing as I finish'd my task and, pulling the two
+pieces of the bar aside, thrust my head out at the window.
+
+Directly under me, and about twenty feet from the ground, I saw a
+beam projecting, about six feet long, over a sort of doorway in the
+wall. Under this beam, on a ladder, was a carpenter fellow at work,
+fortifying it with two supporting timbers that rested on the sill of
+the doorway. He was merry enough over the job, and paused every now
+and again to fling a remark to a little group of soldiers that stood
+idling below, where the fellow's workbag and a great coil of rope
+rested by the ladder's foot.
+
+"Reckon, Sammy," said one, pulling a long tobacco pipe from his
+mouth and spitting, "'tis a long while since thy last job o' the
+sort."
+
+"Aye, lad: terrible disrepair this place has fall'n into. But send
+us a cheerful heart, say I! Instead o' the viper an' owl, shall
+henceforward be hangings of men an' all manner o' diversion."
+
+I kept my head out of sight and listen'd.
+
+"What time doth 'a swing?" ask'd another of the soldiers.
+
+"I heard the Colonel give orders for nine o'clock to-morrow,"
+answer'd the first soldier, spitting again.
+
+The clock over the barbican struck four: and in a minute was being
+answer'd from tower after tower, down in the city.
+
+"Four o'clock!" cried the man on the ladder: "time to stop work, and
+here goes for the last nail!" He drove it in and prepar'd to descend.
+
+"Hi!" shouted a soldier, "you've forgot the rope."
+
+"That'll wait till to-morrow. There's a staple to drive in, too. I
+tell you I'm dry, and want my beer."
+
+He whipp'd his apron round his waist, and gathering up his nails,
+went down the ladder. At the foot he pick'd up his bag, shoulder'd
+the ladder, and loung'd away, leaving the coil of rope lying there.
+Presently the soldiers saunter'd off also, and the court was empty.
+
+Now up to this moment I had but one idea of avoiding my fate, and
+that was to kill myself. 'Twas to this end I had borrow'd the bodkin
+of the maid. Afterward I had a notion of flinging myself from the
+window as they came for me. But now, as I look'd down on that coil
+of rope lying directly below, a prettier scheme struck me. I sat
+down on the floor of my cell and pull'd off my boots and stockings.
+
+'Twas such a pretty plan that I got into a fever of impatience.
+Drawing off a stocking and picking out the end of the yarn, I began
+to unravel the knitting for dear life, until the whole lay, a heap
+of thread, on the floor. I then serv'd the other in the same way:
+and at the end had two lines, each pretty near four hundred yards in
+length: which now I divided into eight lines of about a hundred
+yards each.
+
+With these I set to work, and by the end of twenty minutes had
+plaited a rope--if rope, indeed, it could be called--weak to be sure,
+but long enough to reach the ground with plenty to spare. Then,
+having bent my bodkin to the form of a hook, I tied it to the end of
+my cord, weighted it with a crown from my pocket, and clamber'd up
+to the window. I was going to angle for the hangman's rope.
+
+'Twas near dark by this; but I could just distinguish it on the
+paving stones below, and looking about the court, saw that no one
+was astir. I wriggled first my head, then a shoulder, through the
+opening, and let the line run gently through my hand. There was
+still many yards left, that could be paid out, when I heard my coin
+tinkle softly on the pavement.
+
+Then began my difficulty. A dozen times I pull'd my hook across the
+coil before it hitch'd; and then a full three score of times the
+rope slipped away before I had rais'd it a dozen yards. My elbow was
+raw, almost, with leaning on the sill, and I began to lose heart and
+head, when, to my delight, the bodkin caught and held. It had
+fasten'd on a kink in the rope, not far from the end. I began to
+pull up, hand over hand, trembling all the while like a leaf.
+
+For I had two very reasonable fears. First, the rope might slip away
+and tumble before it reach'd my grasp. Secondly, it might, after all,
+prove a deal too short. It had look'd to me a new rope of many
+fathoms, not yet cut for to-morrow's purpose; but eyesight might
+well deceive at that distance, and surely enough I saw that the
+whole was dangling off the ground long before it came to my hand.
+
+But at last I caught it, and slipping back into the room, pull'd it
+after me, yard upon yard. My heart went loud and fast. There was
+nothing to fasten it to but an iron staple in the door, that meant
+losing the width of my cell, some six feet. This, however, must be
+risk'd, and I made the end fast, lower'd the other out of window
+again, and climbing to a sitting posture on the window sill, thrust
+out my legs over the gulf.
+
+Thankful was I that darkness had fallen before this, and hidden the
+giddy depths below me. I gripp'd the rope and push'd myself inch by
+inch through the window, and out over the ledge. For a moment I
+dangled, without courage to move a hand. Then, wreathing my legs
+round the rope, I loosed my left hand, and caught with it again some
+six inches lower. And so, down I went.
+
+Minute follow'd minute, and left me still descending, six inches at
+a time, and looking neither above nor below, but always at the grey
+wall that seem'd sliding up in front of me. The first dizziness was
+over, but a horrible aching of the arms had taken the place of it.
+'Twas growing intolerable, when suddenly my legs, that sought to
+close round the rope, found space only. I had come to the end.
+
+I look'd down. A yard below my feet the beam of the gallows gleam'd
+palely out of the darkness. Here was my chance. I let my hands slip
+down the last foot or so of rope, hung for a moment, then dropp'd
+for the beam.
+
+My feet miss'd it, as I intended they should; but I flung both arms
+out and caught it, bringing myself up with a jerk. While yet I hung
+clawing, I heard a footstep coming through the gateway between the
+two wards.
+
+Here was a fix. With all speed and silence I drew myself up to the
+beam, found a hold with one knee upon it, got astride, and lay down
+at length, flattening my body down against the timber. Yet all the
+while I felt sure I must have been heard.
+
+The footsteps drew nearer, and pass'd almost under the gallows.
+'Twas an officer, for, as he pass'd, he called out---
+
+"Sergeant Downs! Sergeant Downs!"
+
+A voice from the guardroom in the barbican answer'd him through the
+darkness.
+
+"Why is not the watch set?"
+
+"In a minute, sir: it wants a minute to six."
+
+"I thought the Colonel order'd it at half past five?"
+
+In the silence that follow'd, the barbican clock began to strike,
+and half a dozen troopers tumbled out from the guardroom, some
+laughing, some grumbling at the coldness of the night. The officer
+return'd to the inner ward as they dispersed to their posts: and
+soon there was silence again, save for the _tramp-tramp_ of a sentry
+crossing and recrossing the pavement below me.
+
+All this while I lay flatten'd along the beam, scarce daring to
+breathe. But at length, when the man had pass'd below for the sixth
+time, I found heart to wriggle myself toward the doorway over which
+the gallows protruded. By slow degrees, and pausing whenever the
+fellow drew near, I crept close up to the wall: then, waiting the
+proper moment, cast my legs over, dangled for a second or two
+swinging myself toward the sill, flung myself off, and, touching the
+ledge with one toe, pitch'd forward in the room.
+
+The effect of this was to give me a sound crack as I struck the
+flooring, which lay about a foot below the level of the sill. I
+pick'd myself up and listen'd. Outside, the regular tramp of the
+sentry prov'd he had not heard me; and I drew a long breath, for I
+knew that without a lantern he would never spy, in the darkness, the
+telltale rope dangling from the tower.
+
+In the room where I stood all was right. But the flooring was uneven
+to the foot, and scatter'd with small pieces of masonry. 'Twas one
+of the many chambers in the castle that had dropp'd into disrepair.
+Groping my way with both hands, and barking my shins on the loose
+stones, I found a low vaulted passage that led me into a second
+chamber, empty as the first. To my delight, the door of this was
+ajar, with a glimmer of light slanting through the crack. I made
+straight toward it, and pull'd the door softly. It open'd, and
+show'd a lantern dimly burning, and the staircase of the keep
+winding past me, up into darkness.
+
+My chance was, of course, to descend: which I did on tiptoe, hearing
+no sound. The stairs twisted down and down, and ended by a stout
+door with another lamp shining above it. After listening a moment I
+decided to be bold, and lifted the latch. A faint cry saluted me.
+
+I stood face to face with the jailer's daughter.
+
+The room was a small one, well lit, and lin'd about the walls with
+cups and bottles. 'Twas, as I guess'd, a taproom for the soldiers:
+and the girl had been scouring one of the pewter mugs when my
+entrance startled her. She stood up, white as if painted, and
+gasp'd--
+
+"Quick--quick! Down here behind the counter for your life!"
+
+There was scarce time to drop on my knees before a couple of
+troopers loung'd in, demanding mull'd beer. The girl bustled about
+to serve them, while the pair lean'd their elbows on the counter,
+and in this easy attitude began to chat.
+
+"A shrewd night!"
+
+"Aye, a very freezing frost! Lucky that soldiering is not all sentry
+work, or I for one 'ud ensue my natural trade o' plumbing. But let's
+be cheerful: for the voice o' the turtle is heard i' the land."
+
+"Hey?"
+
+The man took a pull at his hot beer before explaining.
+
+"The turtle signifieth the Earl o' Stamford, that is to-night
+visiting Colonel Essex in secret: an' this is the import--war,
+bloody war. Mark me."
+
+"Stirring, striving times!"
+
+"You may say so! 'A hath fifteen thousand men, the Earl, no farther
+off than Taunton--why, my dear, how pale you look, to be sure!"
+
+"'Tis my head that aches," answer'd the girl.
+
+The men finish'd their drink, and saunter'd out. I crept from under
+the counter, and look'd at her.
+
+"Father'll kill me for this!"
+
+"Then you shall say--Is it forward or back I must go?"
+
+"Neither." She pull'd up a trap close beside her feet, and pointed
+out a ladder leading down to the darkness. "The courts are full of
+troopers," she added.
+
+"The cellar?"
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Quick! There's a door at the far end. It leads to the crypt of St.
+John's Chapel. You'll find the key beside it, and a lantern. Here is
+flint and steel." She reach'd them down from a shelf beside her.
+"Crouch down, or they'll spy you through the window. From the crypt
+a passage takes you to the governor's house. How to escape then, God
+knows! 'Tis the best I can think on."
+
+I thank'd her, and began to step down the ladder. She stood for a
+moment to watch, leaving the trap open for better light. Between the
+avenue of casks and bins I stumbled toward the door and lantern that
+were just to be discern'd at the far end of the cellar. As I struck
+steel on flint, I heard the trap close: and since then have never
+set eyes on that kind-hearted girl.
+
+The lantern lit, I took the key and fitted it to the lock. It turned
+noisily, and a cold whiff of air struck my face. Gazing round this
+new chamber, I saw two lines of squat pillars, supporting a low
+arch'd roof. 'Twas the crypt beneath the chapel, and smelt vilely.
+A green moisture trickled down the pillars, and dripp'd on the tombs
+beneath them.
+
+At the end of this dreary place was a broken door, consisting only
+of a plank or two, that I easily pull'd away: and beyond, a narrow
+passage, over which I heard the tread of troopers plainly, as they
+pac'd to and fro; also the muffled note of the clock, sounding seven.
+
+The passage went fairly straight, but was block'd here and there
+with fallen stones, over which I scrambled as best I could. And then,
+suddenly I was near pitching down a short flight of steps. I held
+the lantern aloft and look'd.
+
+At the steps' foot widen'd out a low room, whereof the ceiling, like
+that of the crypt, rested on pillars. Between these, every inch of
+space was pil'd with barrels, chests, and great pyramids of round
+shot. In each corner lay a heap of rusty pikes. Of all this the
+signification was clear. I stood in the munition room of the Castle.
+
+But what chiefly took my notice was a great door, studded with iron
+nails, that barr'd all exit from the place. Over the barrels I crept
+toward it, keeping the lantern high, in dread of firing any loose
+powder. 'Twas fast lock'd.
+
+I think that, for a moment or two, I could have wept. But in a while
+the thought struck me that with the knife in my pocket 'twas
+possible to cut away the wood around the lock. "Courage!" said I:
+and pulling it forth, knelt down to work.
+
+Luck in life has always used me better than my deserts. At an hour's
+end there I was, hacking away steadily, yet had made but little
+progress. And then, pressing the knife deep, I broke the blade off
+short. The door upon the far side was cas'd with iron.
+
+_Tramp--tramp!_
+
+'Twas the sound of man's footfall, and to the ear appear'd to be
+descending a flight of steps on the other side of the door. I bent
+my ear to the keyhole: then stepp'd to a cask of bullets that stood
+handy by. I took out a dozen, felt in my pocket for Delia's kerchief
+that she had given me, caught up a pike from the pile stack'd in the
+corner, and softly blowing out my light, stood back to be conceal'd
+by the door, when it open'd.
+
+The footsteps still descended. I heard an aged voice muttering--
+
+"Shrivel my bones--ugh!--ugh! Wintry work--wintry work! Here's an
+hour to send a grandfatherly man a-groping for a keg o' powder!"
+
+A wheezy cough clos'd the sentence, as a key was with difficulty
+fitted in the lock.
+
+"Ugh--ugh! Sure, the lock an' I be a pair, for stiff joints."
+
+The door creak'd back against me, and a shaft of light pierc'd the
+darkness.
+
+Within the threshold, with his back to me, stood a grey-bearded
+servant, and totter'd so that the lantern shook in his hand. It
+sham'd me to lift a pike against one so weak. Instead, I dropp'd it
+with a clatter, and leap'd forward. The old fellow jumped like a boy,
+turn'd, and fac'd me with dropp'd jaw, which gave me an opportunity
+to thrust four or five bullets, not over roughly, into his mouth.
+Then, having turn'd him on his back, I strapp'd Delia's kerchief
+tight across his mouth, and took the lantern from his hand.
+
+Not a word was said. Sure, the poor old man's wits were shaken, for
+he lay meek as a mouse, and star'd up at me, while I unstrapp'd his
+belt and bound his feet with it. His hands I truss'd up behind him
+with his own neckcloth; and catching up the lantern, left him there.
+I lock'd the door after me, and slip'd the key into my pocket as I
+sprang up the stairs beyond.
+
+But here a light was shining, so once more I extinguish'd my lantern.
+The steps ended in a long passage, with a handsome lamp hanging at
+the uttermost end, and beneath this lamp I stepp'd into a place that
+fill'd me with astonishment.
+
+'Twas, I could not doubt, the entrance hall of the governor's house.
+An oak door, very massive, fronted me; to left and right were two
+smaller doors, that plainly led into apartments of the house. Also
+to my left, and nigher than the door on that side, ran up a broad
+staircase, carpeted and brightly lit all the way, so that a very
+blaze fell on me as I stood. Under the first flight, close to my
+left shoulder, was a line of pegs with many cloaks and hats
+depending therefrom. Underfoot, I remember, the hall was richly
+tiled in squares of red and white marble.
+
+Now clearly, this was a certain place wherein to be caught. "But,"
+thought I, "behind one of the two doors, to left or to right, must
+lie the governor's room of business; and in that room--as likely as
+not--his keys." Which door, then, should I choose? For to stay here
+was madness.
+
+While I stood pondering, the doubt was answer'd for me. From behind
+the right-hand door came a burst of laughter and clinking of glasses,
+on top of which a man's voice--the voice of Colonel Essex--call'd
+out for more wine.
+
+I took a step to the door on the left, paus'd for a second or two
+with my hand on the latch, and then cautiously push'd it open. The
+chamber was empty.
+
+'Twas a long room, with a light burning on a square centre table,
+and around it a mass of books, loose papers and documents strewn,
+seemingly without order. The floor too was litter'd with them.
+Clearly this was the Colonel's office.
+
+I gave a rapid glance around. The lamp's rays scarce illumin'd the
+far corners; but in one of these stood a great leathern screen, and
+over the fireplace near it a rack was hanging, full of swords,
+pistols, and walking canes. Stepping toward it I caught sight of
+Anthony's sword, suspended there amongst the rest (they had taken it
+from me on the day of my examination); which now I took down and
+strapp'd at my side. I then chose out a pistol or two, slipped them
+into my sash, and advanced to the centre table.
+
+Under the lamplight lay His Majesty's letter, open.
+
+My hand was stretch'd out to catch it up, when I heard across the
+hall a door open'd, and the sound of men's voices. They were coming
+toward the office.
+
+There was scarce time to slip back, and hide behind the screen,
+before the door latch was lifted, and two men enter'd, laughing yet.
+
+"Business, my lord--business," said the first ('twas Colonel Essex):
+"I have much to do to-night."
+
+"Sure," the other answer'd, "I thought we had settled it. You are to
+lend me a thousand out of your garrison--"
+
+"Which, on my own part, I would willingly do. Only I beg you to
+consider, my lord, that my position here hangs on a thread. The
+extreme men are already against me: they talk of replacing me by
+Fiennes--"
+
+"Nat Fiennes is no soldier."
+
+"No: but he's a bigot--a stronger recommendation. Should this plan
+miscarry, and I lose a thousand men---"
+
+"Heavens alive, man! It _cannot_ miscarry. Hark ye: there's Ruthen of
+Plymouth will take the south road with all his forces. A day's march
+behind I shall follow--along roads to northward--parallel for a way,
+but afterward converging. The Cornishmen are all in Bodmin. We shall
+come on them with double their number, aye, almost treble. Can you
+doubt the issue?"
+
+"Scarcely, with the Earl of Stamford for General."
+
+The Earl was too far occupied to notice this compliment.
+
+"'Twill be swift and secret," he said, "as Death himself--and as
+sure. Let be the fact that Hopton is all at sixes and sevens since
+the Marquis shipp'd for Wales: and at daggers drawn with Mohun."
+
+Said the Colonel slowly--"Aye, the notion is good enough. Were I not
+in this corner, I would not think twice. Listen now: only this
+morning they forc'd me to order a young man's hanging, who might if
+kept alive be forc'd in time to give us news of value. I dar'd not
+refuse."
+
+"He that you caught with the King's letter?"
+
+"Aye--a trumpery missive, dealing with naught but summoning of the
+sheriff's posse and the like. There is more behind, could we but
+wait to get at it."
+
+"The gallows may loosen his tongue. And how of the girl that was
+taken too?"
+
+"I have her in safe keeping. This very evening I shall visit her,
+and make another trial to get some speech. Which puts me in mind--"
+
+The Colonel tinkled a small hand bell that lay on the table.
+
+The pause that followed was broken by the Earl.
+
+"May I see the letter?"
+
+The Colonel handed it, and tinkled the bell again, more impatiently.
+At length steps were heard in the hall, and a servant open'd the
+door.
+
+"Where is Giles?" ask'd the Colonel. "Why are you taking his place?"
+
+"Giles can't be found, your honor."
+
+"Hey?"
+
+"He's a queer oldster, your honor, an' maybe gone to bed wi' his
+aches and pains."
+
+(I knew pretty well that Giles had done no such thing: but be sure
+I kept the knowledge safe behind my screen.)
+
+"Then go seek him, and say--No, stop: I can't wait. Order the coach
+around at the barbican in twenty minutes from now--twenty minutes,
+mind, without fail. And say--'twill save time--the fellow's to drive
+me to Mistress Finch's house in St. Thomas' Street--sharp!"
+
+As the man departed on his errand, the Earl laid down His Majesty's
+letter.
+
+"Hang the fellow," he said, "if they want it: the blame, if any,
+will be theirs. But, in the name of Heaven, Colonel, don't fail in
+lending me this thousand men! 'Twill finish the war out of hand."
+
+"I'll do it," answered the Colonel slowly.
+
+"And I'll remember it," said the Earl. "To-morrow, at six o'clock,
+I set out."
+
+The two men shook hands on their bargain and left the room, shutting
+the door after them.
+
+I crept forth from behind the screen, my heart thumping on my ribs.
+Thus far it had been all fear and trembling with me; but now this
+was chang'd to a kind of panting joy. 'Twas not that I had spied the
+prison keys hanging near the fireplace, nor that behind the screen
+lay a heap of the Colonel's riding boots, whereof a pair, ready
+spurr'd, fitted me choicely well; but that my ears tingled with news
+that turn'd my escape to a matter of public welfare: and also that
+the way to escape lay plann'd in my head.
+
+Shod in the Colonel's boots, I advanc'd again to the table. With
+sealing-wax and the Governor's seal, that lay handy, I clos'd up the
+King's letter, and sticking it in my breast, caught down the bunch
+of keys and made for the door.
+
+The hall was void. I snatch'd down a cloak and heavy broad-brimm'd
+hat from one of the pegs, and donning them, slipp'd back the bolts
+of the heavy door. It opened without noise. Then, with a last hitch
+of the cloak, to bring it well about me, I stepp'd forth into the
+night, shutting the door quietly on my heels.
+
+My feet were on the pavement of the inner ward. Above, one star only
+broke the blackness of the night. Across the court was a sentry
+tramping. As I walk'd boldly up, he stopped short by the gate
+between the wards and regarded me.
+
+Now was my danger. I knew not the right key for the wicket: and if
+I fumbled, the fellow would detect me for certain. I chose one and
+drew nearer; the fellow look'd, saluted, stepp'd to the wicket, and
+open'd it himself.
+
+"Good night, Colonel!"
+
+I did not trust myself to answer: but passed rapidly through to the
+outer ward. Here, to my joy, in the arch'd passage of the barbican
+gate, was the carriage waiting, the porter standing beside the door;
+and here also, to my dismay, was a torch alight, and under it half
+a dozen soldiers chatting. A whisper pass'd on my approach--
+
+"The Colonel!" and they hurried into the guardroom.
+
+"Good evening, Colonel!" The porter bow'd low, holding the door wide.
+
+I pass'd him rapidly, climb'd into the shadow of the coach, and drew
+a long breath.
+
+Then ensued a hateful pause, as the great gates were unbarr'd. I
+gripp'd ray knees for impatience.
+
+The driver spoke a word to the porter, who came round to the coach
+door again.
+
+"To Mistress Finch's, is it not?"
+
+"Ay," I muttered; "and quickly."
+
+The coachman touched up his pair. The wheels mov'd; went quicker. We
+were outside the Castle.
+
+With what relief I lean'd back as the Castle gates clos'd behind us!
+And with what impatience at our slow pace I sat upright again next
+minute! The wheels rumbled over the bridge, and immediately we were
+rolling easily down hill, through a street of some importance: but
+by this time the shutters were up along the shop fronts and very few
+people abroad. At the bottom we turn'd sharp to the left along a
+broader thoroughfare: and then suddenly drew up.
+
+"Are we come?" I wonder'd. But no: 'twas the city gate, and here we
+had to wait for three minutes at least, till the sentries recogniz'd
+the Colonel's coach and open'd the doors to us. They stood on this
+side and that, presenting arms, as we rattled through; and next
+moment I was crossing a broad bridge, with the dark Avon on either
+side of me, and the vessels thick thereon, their lanterns casting
+long lines of yellow on the jetty water, their masts and cordage
+looming up against the dull glare of the city.
+
+Soon we were between lines of building once more, shops, private
+dwellings and warehouses intermix'd; then pass'd a tall church; and
+in about two minutes more drew up again. I look'd out.
+
+Facing me was a narrow gateway leading to a house that stood
+somewhat back from the street, as if slipping away from between the
+lines of shops that wedg'd it in on either hand. Over the grill a
+link was burning. I stepp'd from the coach, open'd the gate, and
+crossing the small court, rang at the house bell.
+
+At first there was no answer. I rang again: and now had the
+satisfaction to hear a light footfall coming. A bolt was pull'd and
+a girl appear'd holding a candle high in her hand. Quick as thought,
+I stepped past her into the passage.
+
+"Delia!"
+
+"Jack!"
+
+"Hist! Close the door. Where is Mistress Finch?"
+
+"Upstairs, expecting Colonel Essex. Oh, the happy day! Come--" she
+led me into a narrow back room and setting down the light regarded
+me--"Jack, my eyes are red for thee!"
+
+"I see they are. To-morrow I was to be hang'd."
+
+She put her hands together, catching her breath: and very lovely I
+thought her, in her straight grey gown and Puritan cap.
+
+"They have been questioning me. Didst get my letter?"
+
+The answer was on my lip when there came a sound that made us both
+start.
+
+'Twas the dull echo of a gun firing, up at the Castle.
+
+"Delia, what lies at the back here?"
+
+"A garden and a garden door: after these a lane leading to Redcliff
+Street."
+
+"I must go, this moment."
+
+"And I?"
+
+She did not wait my answer, but running out into the passage, she
+came swiftly back with a heavy key. I open'd the window.
+
+"Delia! De-lia!" 'Twas a woman's voice calling her, at the head of
+the stairs.
+
+"Aye, Mistress Finch."
+
+"Who was that at the door?"
+
+I sprang into the garden and held forth a hand to Delia. "In one
+moment, mistress!" call'd she, and in one moment was hurrying with
+me across the dark garden beds. As she fitted the key to the garden
+gate, I heard the voice again.
+
+"De-lia!"
+
+'Twas drown'd in a--wild _rat-a-tat!_ on the street door, and the
+shouts of many voices. We were close press'd.
+
+"Now, Jack--to the right for our lives! Ah, these clumsy skirts!"
+
+We turn'd into the lane and rac'd down it. For my part, I swore to
+drown myself in Avon rather than let those troopers retake me. I
+heard their outcries about the house behind us, as we stumbled over
+the frozen rubbish heaps with which the lane was bestrewn.
+
+"What's our direction?" panted I, catching Delia's hand to help her
+along.
+
+"To the left now--for the river."
+
+We struck into a narrow side street; and with that heard a watchman
+bawl---
+
+"_Past nine o' the night, an' a--!_"
+
+The shock of our collision sent him to finish his say in the gutter.
+
+"Thieves!" he yell'd.
+
+But already we were twenty yards away, and now in a broader street,
+whereof one side was wholly lin'd with warehouses. And here, to our
+dismay, we heard shouts behind, and the noise of feet running.
+
+About halfway down the street I spied a gateway standing ajar, and
+pull'd Delia aside, into a courtyard litter'd with barrels and
+timbers, and across it to a black empty barn of a place, where a
+flight of wooden steps glimmer'd, that led to an upper story. We
+climb'd these stairs at a run,
+
+"Faugh! What a vile smell!"
+
+The loft was pil'd high with great bales of wool, as I found by the
+touch, and their odor enough to satisfy an army. Nevertheless, I was
+groping about for a place to hide, when Delia touch'd me by the arm,
+and pointed.
+
+Looking, I descried in the gloom a tall quadrilateral of purple, not
+five steps away, with a speck of light shining near the top of it,
+and three dark streaks running down the middle, whereof one was much
+thicker than the rest. 'Twas an open doorway; the speck, a star
+fram'd within it; the broad streak, a ship's mast reaching up; and
+the lesser ones two ends of a rope, working over a pulley above my
+head, and used for lowering the bales of wool on shipboard.
+
+Advancing, I stood on the sill and look'd down. On the black water,
+twenty feet below, lay a three-masted trader, close against the
+warehouse. My toes stuck out over her deck, almost.
+
+At first glance I could see no sign of life on board: but presently
+was aware of a dark figure leaning over the bulwarks, near the bows.
+He was quite motionless. His back was toward us, blotted against the
+black shadow; and the man engag'd only, it seem'd, in watching the
+bright splash of light flung by the ship's lantern on the water
+beneath him.
+
+I resolv'd to throw myself on the mercy of this silent figure; and
+put out a hand to test the rope. One end of it was fix'd to a bale
+of wool that lay, as it had been lower'd, on the deck. Flinging
+myself on the other, I found it sink gently from the pulley, as the
+weight below moved slowly upward: and sinking with it, I held on
+till my feet touch'd the deck.
+
+Still the figure in the bows was motionless.
+
+I paid out my end of the rope softly, lowering back the bale of
+wool: and, as soon as it rested again on deck, signalled to Delia to
+let herself down.
+
+She did so. As she alighted, and stood beside me, our hands bungled.
+The rope slipp'd up quickly, letting down the bale with a run.
+
+We caught at the rope, and stopp'd it just in time: but the pulley
+above creak'd vociferously. I turn'd my head.
+
+The man in the bows had not mov'd.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CAPTAIN POTTERY AND CAPTAIN SETTLE.
+
+
+"Now either I am mad or dreaming," thought I: for that the fellow
+had not heard our noise was to me starkly incredible. I stepp'd
+along the deck toward him: not an inch did he budge. I touch'd him
+on the shoulder.
+
+He fac'd round with a quick start.
+
+"Sir," said I, quick and low, before he could get a word out--"Sir,
+we are in your hands. I will be plain. To-night I have broke out of
+Bristol Keep, and the Colonel's men are after me. Give me up to them,
+and they hang me to-morrow: give my comrade up, and they persecute
+her vilely. Now, sir, I know not which side you be, but there's our
+case in a nutshell."
+
+The man bent forward, displaying a huge, rounded face, very kindly
+about the eyes, and set atop of the oddest body in the world: for
+under a trunk extraordinary broad and strong, straddled & pair of
+legs that a baby would have disown'd--so thin and stunted were they,
+and (to make it the queerer) ended in feet the most prodigious you
+ever saw.
+
+As I said, this man lean'd forward, and shouted into my ear so that
+I fairly leap'd in the air--
+
+"My name's Pottery--Bill Pottery, cap'n o' the _Godsend_--an' you
+can't make me hear, not if you bust yoursel'!"
+
+You may think this put me in a fine quandary.
+
+"I be deaf as nails!" bawl'd he.
+
+'Twas horrible: for the troopers (I thought) if anywhere near, could
+not miss hearing him. His voice shook the very rigging.
+
+"... An' o' my crew the half ashore gettin' drunk, an' the half
+below in a very accomplished state o' liquor: so there's no chance
+for 'ee to speak!"
+
+He paus'd a moment, then roared again---
+
+"What a pity! 'Cos you make me very curious--that you do!"
+
+Luckily, at this moment, Delia had the sense to put a finger to her
+lip. The man wheel'd round without another word, led us aft over the
+blocks, cordage, and all manner of loose gear that encumber'd the
+deck, to a ladder that, toward the stern, led down into darkness.
+Here he sign'd to us to follow; and, descending first, threw open a
+door, letting out a faint stream of light in our faces. 'Twas the
+captain's cabin, lin'd with cupboards and lockers: and the light
+came from an oil lamp hanging over a narrow deal table. By this
+light Captain Billy scrutiniz'd us for an instant: then, from one of
+his lockers, brought out pen, paper, and ink, and set them on the
+table before me.
+
+[Illustration: "Master Pottery shaking us both by the hand."]
+
+I caught up the pen, dipp'd it, and began to write--
+
+"I am John Marvel, a servant of King Charles; and this night am
+escap'd out of Bristol Castle. If you be--"
+
+Thus far I had written without glancing up, in fear to read the
+disappointment of my hopes. But now the pen was caught suddenly from
+my fingers, the paper torn in shreds, and there was Master Pottery
+shaking us both by the hand, nodding and becking, and smiling the
+while all over his big red face.
+
+But he ceas'd at last: and opening another of his lockers, drew
+forth a horn lantern, a mallet, and a chisel. Not a word was spoken
+as he lit the lantern and pass'd out of the cabin, Delia and I
+following at his heels.
+
+Just outside, at the foot of the steps, he stoop'd, pull'd up a trap
+in the flooring, and disclos'd another ladder stretching, as it
+seem'd, down into the bowels of the ship. This we descended
+carefully; and found ourselves in the hold, pinching our noses
+'twixt finger and thumb.
+
+For indeed the smell here was searching to a very painful degree:
+for the room was narrow, and every inch of it contested by two
+puissant essences, the one of raw wood, the other of bilge water.
+With wool the place was pil'd: but also I notic'd, not far from the
+ladder, several casks set on their ends; and to these the captain
+led us.
+
+They were about a dozen in all, stacked close together: and Master
+Pottery, rolling two apart from the rest, dragg'd them to another
+trap and tugg'd out the bungs. A stream of fresh water gush'd from
+each and splash'd down the trap into the bilge below. Then, having
+drained them, he stay'd in their heads with a few blows of his
+mallet.
+
+His plan for us was clear. And in a very few minutes Delia and I
+were crouching on the timbers, each with a cask inverted over us,
+our noses at the bungholes and our ears listening to Master
+Pottery's footsteps as they climb'd heavily back to deck. The rest
+of the casks were stack'd close round us, so that even had the gloom
+allow'd, we could see nothing at all.
+
+"Jack!"
+
+"Delia!"
+
+"Dost feel heroical at all?"
+
+"Not one whit. There's a trickle of water running down my back, to
+begin with."
+
+"And my nose it itches; and oh, what a hateful smell! Say something
+to me, Jack."
+
+"My dear," said I, "there is one thing I've been longing these weeks
+to say: but this seems an odd place for it."
+
+"What is't?"
+
+I purs'd up my lips to the bunghole, and---
+
+"I love you," said I.
+
+There was silence for a moment: and then, within Delia's cask, the
+sound of muffled laughter.
+
+"Delia," I urg'd, "I mean it, upon my oath. Wilt marry me,
+sweetheart?"
+
+"Must get out of this cask first. Oh, Jack, what a dear goose thou
+art!" And the laughter began again.
+
+I was going to answer, when I heard a loud shouting overhead. 'Twas
+the sound of someone hailing the ship, and thought I, "the troopers
+are on us!"
+
+They were, in truth. Soon I heard the noise of feet above and a
+string of voices speaking one after another, louder and louder. And
+next Master Pottery began to answer up and drown'd all speech but
+his own. When he ceas'd, there was silence for some minutes: after
+which we heard a party descend to the cabin, and the trampling of
+their feet on the boards above us. They remain'd there some while
+discussing: and then came footsteps down the second ladder, and a
+twinkle of light reach'd me through the bunghole of my cask.
+
+"Quick!" said a husky voice; "overhaul the cargo here!"
+
+I heard some half dozen troopers bustling about the hold and tugging
+out the bales of wool.
+
+"Hi!" call'd Master Pottery: "an' when you've done rummaging my ship,
+put everything back as you found it."
+
+"Poke about with your swords," commanded the husky voice. "What's in
+those barrels yonder?"
+
+"Water, sergeant," answers a trooper, rolling out a couple.
+
+"Nothing behind them?"
+
+"No; they're right against the side."
+
+"Drop 'em then. Plague on this business! 'Tis my notion they're a
+mile a-way, and Cap'n Stubbs no better than a fool to send us back
+here. He's grudging promotion, that's what he is! Hurry, there--
+hurry!"
+
+Ten minutes later, the searchers were gone; and we in our casks
+drawing long breaths of thankfulness and strong odors. And so we
+crouch'd till, about midnight, Captain Billy brought us down a
+supper of ship's biscuit: which we crept forth to eat, being sorely
+cramp'd.
+
+He could not hear our thanks: but guess'd them.
+
+"Now say not a word! To-morrow we sail for Plymouth Sound: thence
+for Brittany. Hist! We be all King's men aboard the _Godsend_, tho'
+hearing nought I says little. Yet I have my reasoning heresies,
+holding the Lord's Anointed to be an anointed rogue, but nevertheless
+to be serv'd: just as aboard the _Godsend_ I be Cap'n Billy an' you
+plain Jack, be your virtues what they may. An' the conclusion is--damn
+all mutineers an' rebels! Tho', to be sure, the words be a bit lusty
+for a young gentlewoman's ears."
+
+We went back to our casks with lighter hearts. Howbeit 'twas near
+five in the morning, I dare say, before my narrow bedchamber allow'd
+me to drop asleep.
+
+I woke to spy through my bunghole the faint light of day struggling
+down the hatches. Above, I heard a clanking noise, and the voices of
+the men hiccoughing a dismal chant. They were lifting anchor. I
+crawl'd forth and woke Delia, who was yet sleeping: and together we
+ate the breakfast that lay ready set for us on the head of a barrel.
+
+Presently the sailors broke off their song, and we heard their feet
+shuffling to and fro on deck.
+
+"Sure," cried Delia, "we are moving!"
+
+And surely we were, as could be told by the alter'd sound of the
+water beneath us, and the many creakings that the _Godsend_ began to
+keep. Once more I tasted freedom again, and the joy of living, and
+could have sung for the mirth that lifted my heart. "Let us but gain
+open sea," said I, "and I'll have tit-for-tat with these rebels!"
+
+But alas! before we had left Avon mouth twenty minutes, 'twas
+another tale. For I lay on my side in that dark hold and long'd to
+die: and Delia sat up beside me, her hands in her lap, and her great
+eyes fix'd most dolefully. And when Captain Billy came down with
+news that we were safe and free to go on deck, we turn'd our faces
+from him, and said we thank'd him kindly, but had no longer any wish
+that way--too wretched, even, to remember his deafness.
+
+Let me avoid, then, some miserable hours, and come to the evening,
+when, faint with fasting and nausea, we struggled up to the deck for
+air, and look'd about us.
+
+'Twas grey--grey everywhere: the sky lead-colored, with deeper
+shades toward the east, where a bank of cloud blotted the coast
+line: the thick rain descending straight, with hardly wind enough to
+set the sails flapping; the sea spread like a plate of lead, save
+only where, to leeward, a streak of curded white crawled away from
+under the _Godsend's_ keel.
+
+On deck, a few sailors mov'd about, red eyed and heavy. They show'd
+no surprise to see us, but nodded very friendly, with a smile for
+our strange complexions. Here again, as ever, did adversity mock her
+own image.
+
+But what more took our attention was to see a row of men stretch'd
+on the starboard side, like corpses, their heads in the scuppers,
+their legs pointed inboard, and very orderly arranged. They were a
+dozen and two in all, and over them bent Captain Billy with a mop in
+his hand, and a bucket by his side: who beckon'd that we should
+approach.
+
+"Array'd in order o' merit," said he, pointing with his mop like a
+showman to the line of figures before him.
+
+We drew near.
+
+"This here is Matt. Soames, master o' this vessel--an' he's dead."
+
+"Dead?"
+
+"Dead-drunk, that is. O the gifted man! Come up!" He thrust the mop
+in the fellow's heavy face. "There now! Did he move, did he wink?
+'No,' says you. O an accomplished drunkard!"
+
+He paus'd a moment; then stirr'd up No. 2, who open'd one eye lazily,
+and shut it again in slumber.
+
+"You saw? Open'd one eye, hey? That's Benjamin Halliday. The next is
+a black man, as you see: a man of dismal color, and hath other
+drawbacks natural to such. Can the Aethiop shift his skin? No, but
+he'll open both eyes. See there--a perfect Christian, in so far as
+drink can make him."
+
+With like comments he ran down the line till he came to the last man,
+in front of whom he stepp'd back.
+
+"About this last--he's a puzzler. Times I put him top o' the list,
+an' times at the tail. That's Ned Masters, an' was once the Reverend
+Edward Masters, Bachelor o' Divinity in Cambridge College; but in a
+tavern there fell a-talking with a certain Pelagian about Adam an'
+Eve, an' because the fellow turn'd stubborn, put a knife into his
+waistband, an' had to run away to sea: a middling drinker only, but
+after a quart or so to hear him tackle Predestination! So there be
+times after all when I sets'n apart, and says, 'Drunk, you'm no
+good, but half-drunk, you'm priceless.' Now there's a man--" He
+dropp'd his mop, and, leading us aft, pointed with admiring finger
+to the helmsman--a thin, wizen'd fellow, with a face like a crab
+apple, and a pair of piercing grey eyes half hidden by the droop of
+his wrinkled lids. "Gabriel Hutchins, how old be you?"
+
+"Sixty-four, come next Martinmas," pip'd the helmsman.
+
+"In what state o' life?"
+
+"Drunk."
+
+"How drunk?"
+
+"As a lord!"
+
+"Canst stand upright?"
+
+"Hee-hee! Now could I iver do other?--a miserable ould worms to whom
+the sweet effects o' quantums be denied. When was I iver wholesomely
+maz'd? Or when did I lay my grey hairs on the floor, saying, 'Tis
+enough, an' 'tis good'? Answer me that, Cap'n Bill."
+
+"But you hopes for the best, Gabriel."
+
+"Aye, I hopes--I hopes."
+
+The old man sigh'd as he brought the _Godsend_ a point nearer the
+wind; and, as we turn'd away with the Captain, was still muttering,
+his sharp grey eyes fix'd on the vessel's prow.
+
+"He's my best," said Captain Billy Pottery.
+
+With this crew we pass'd four days; and I write this much of them
+because they afterward, when sober, did me a notable good turn, as
+you shall read toward the end of this history. But lest you should
+judge them hardly, let me say here that when they recovered of their
+stupor--as happen'd to the worst after thirty-six hours--there was
+no brisker, handier set of fellows on the seas. And this Captain
+Billy well understood: "but" (said he) "I be a collector an' a man
+o' conscience both, which is uncommon. Doubtless there be good sots
+that are not good seamen, but from such I turn my face, drink they
+never so prettily."
+
+'Twas necessary I should impart some notion of my errand to Captain
+Billy, tho' I confin'd myself to hints, telling him only 'twas
+urgent I should be put ashore somewhere on the Cornish coast, for
+that I carried intelligence which would not keep till we reached
+Plymouth, a town that, besides, was held by the rebels. And he
+agreed readily to land me in Bude Bay: "and also thy comrade, if (as
+I guess) she be so minded," he added, glancing up at Delia from the
+paper whereon I had written my request.
+
+She had been silent of late, beyond her wont, avoiding (I thought)
+to meet my eye: but answer'd simply,
+
+"I go with Jack."
+
+Captain Billy, whose eyes rested on her as she spoke, beckon'd me,
+very mysterious, outside the cabin, and winking slily, whisper'd
+loud enough to stun one----
+
+"Ply her, Jack"--he had call'd me "Jack" from the first--"ply her
+briskly! Womankind is but yielding flesh: 'am an amorous man mysel',
+an' speak but that I have prov'd."
+
+On this--for the whole ship could hear it--there certainly came the
+sound of a stifled laugh from the other side of the cabin door: but
+it did not mend my comrade's shy humor, that lasted throughout the
+voyage.
+
+To be brief, 'twas not till the fourth afternoon (by reason of
+baffling head winds) that we stepped out of the _Godsend's_ boat upon
+a small beach of shingle, whence, between a rift in the black cliffs,
+wound up the road that was to lead us inland. The _Godsend_, as we
+turn'd to wave our hands, lay at half a mile's distance, and made a
+pretty sight: for the day, that had begun with a white frost, was now
+turn'd sunny and still, so that looking north we saw the sea all
+spread with pink and lilac and hyacinth, and upon it the ship lit up,
+her masts and sails glowing like a gold piece. And there was Billy,
+leaning over the bulwarks and waving his trumpet for "Good-bye!"
+Thought I, for I little dream'd to see these good fellows again, "what
+a witless game is this life! to seek ever in fresh conjunctions what
+we leave behind in a hand shake." 'Twas a cheap reflection, yet it
+vex'd me that as we turn'd to mount the road Delia should break out
+singing---
+
+"Hey! nonni--nonni--no! Is't not fine to laugh and sing When the
+hells of death do ring!--"
+
+"Why, no," said I, "I don't think it": and capp'd her verse with
+another--
+
+"Silly man, the cost to find Is to leave as good behind--"
+
+"Jack, for pity's sake, stop!" She put her fingers to her ears.
+"What a nasty, creaking voice thou hast, to be sure!"
+
+"That's as a man may hold," said I, nettled.
+
+"No, indeed: yours is a very poor voice, but mine is beautiful. So
+listen."
+
+She went on to sing as she went, "Green as grass is my kirtle,"
+"Tire me in tiffany," "Come ye bearded men-at-arms," and "The
+Bending Rush." All these she sang, as I must confess, most
+delicately well, and then fac'd me, with a happy smile---
+
+"Now, have not I a sweet voice? Why, Jack--art still glum?"
+
+"Delia," answer'd I, "you have first to give me a reply to what,
+four days agone, I ask'd you. Dear girl--nay then, dear comrade--"
+
+I broke off, for she had come to a stop, wringing her hands and
+looking in my face most dolefully.
+
+"Oh, dear--oh, dear! Jack, we have had such merry times: and you are
+spoiling all the fun!"
+
+We follow'd the road after this very moodily; for Delia, whom I had
+made sharer of the rebels' secret, agreed that no time was to be
+lost in reaching Bodmin, that lay a good thirty miles to the
+southwest. Night fell and the young moon rose, with a brisk breeze
+at our backs that kept us still walking without any feeling of
+weariness. Captain Billy had given me at parting a small compass, of
+new invention, that a man could carry easily in his pocket; and this
+from time to time I examin'd in the moonlight, guiding our way
+almost due south, in hopes of striking into the main road westward.
+I doubt not we lost a deal of time among the byways; but at length
+happen'd on a good road bearing south, and follow'd it till daybreak,
+when to our satisfaction we spied a hill in front, topp'd with a
+stout castle, and under it a town of importance, that we guess'd to
+be Launceston.
+
+By this, my comrade and I were on the best of terms again; and now
+drew up to consider if we should enter the town or avoid it to the
+west, trusting to find a breakfast in some tavern on the way.
+Because we knew not with certainty the temper of the country, it
+seem'd best to choose this second course: so we fetch'd around by
+certain barren meadows, and thought ourselves lucky to hit on a road
+that, by the size, must be the one we sought, and a tavern with a
+wide yard before it and a carter's van standing at the entrance, not
+three gunshots from the town walls.
+
+"Now Providence hath surely led us to breakfast," said Delia, and
+stepped before me into the yard, toward the door.
+
+I was following her when, inside of a gate to the right of the house,
+I caught the gleam of steel, and turn'd aside to look.
+
+To my dismay there stood near a score of chargers in this second
+court, saddled and dripping with sweat. My first thought was to run
+after Delia; but a quick surprise made me rub my eyes with wonder---
+
+'Twas the sight of a sorrel mare among them--a mare with one high
+white stocking. In a thousand I could have told her for Molly.
+
+Three seconds after I was at the tavern door, and in my ears a voice
+sounding that stopp'd me short and told me in one instant that
+without God's help all was lost.
+
+'Twas the voice of Captain Settle speaking in the taproom; and
+already Delia stood, past concealment, by the open door.
+
+"... And therefore, master carter, it grieves me to disappoint thee;
+but no man goeth this day toward Bodmin. Such be my Lord of
+Stamford's orders, whose servant I am, and as captain of this troop
+I am sent to exact them. As they displease you, his lordship is but
+twenty-four hours behind: you can abide him and complain. Doubtless
+he will hear--_ten million devils!_"
+
+I heard his shout as he caught sight of Delia. I saw his crimson
+face as he darted out and gripp'd her. I saw, or half saw, the
+troopers crowding out after him. For a moment I hesitated. Then came
+my pretty comrade's voice, shrill above the hubbub---
+
+"Jack--they have horses outside! Leave me--I am ta'en--and ride,
+dear lad--ride!"
+
+In a flash my decision was taken, for better or worse. I dash'd out
+around the house, vaulted the gate, and catching at Molly's mane,
+leap'd into the saddle.
+
+A dozen troopers were at the gate, and two had their pistols
+levell'd.
+
+"Surrender!"
+
+"Be hang'd if I do!"
+
+I set my teeth and put Molly at the low wall. As she rose like a
+bird in air the two pistols rang out together, and a burning pain
+seem'd to tear open my left shoulder. In a moment the mare alighted
+safe on the other side, flinging me forward on her neck. But I
+scrambled back, and with a shout that frighten'd my own ears, dug my
+heels into her flanks.
+
+Half a minute more and I was on the hard road, galloping westward
+for dear life. So also were a score of rebel troopers. Twenty miles
+and more lay before me; and a bare hundred yards was all my start.
+
+[Illustration: The two pistols rang out together.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+I RIDE DOWN INTO TEMPLE: AND AM WELL TREATED THERE.
+
+
+And now I did indeed abandon myself to despair. Few would have given
+a groat for my life, with that crew at my heels; and I least of all,
+now that my dear comrade was lost. The wound in my shoulder was
+bleeding sore--I could feel the warm stream welling--yet not so sore
+as my heart. And I pressed my knees into the saddle flap, and
+wondered what the end would be.
+
+The sorrel mare was galloping, free and strong, her delicate ears
+laid back, and the network of veins under her soft skin working with
+the heave and fall of her withers: yet--by the mud and sweat about
+her--I knew she must have travelled far before I mounted. I heard a
+shot or two fired, far up the road: tho' their bullets must have
+fallen short: at least, I heard none whiz past. But the rebels'
+shouting was clear enough, and the thud of their gallop behind.
+
+I think that, for a mile or two, I must have ridden in a sort of
+swoon. 'Tis certain, not an inch of the road comes back to me: nor
+did I once turn my head to look back, but sat with my eyes fastened
+stupidly on the mare's neck. And by-and-bye, as we galloped, the
+smart of my wound, the heartache, hurry, pounding of hoofs--all
+dropp'd to an enchanting lull. I rode, and that was all.
+
+For, swoon or no, I was lifted off earth, as it seemed, and on easy
+wings to an incredible height, where were no longer hedges, nor road,
+nor country round; but a great stillness, and only the mare and I
+running languidly through it.
+
+"Ride!"
+
+Now, at first, I thought 'twas someone speaking this in my ear, and
+turn'd my head. But 'twas really the last word I had heard from Delia,
+now after half an hour repeated in my brain. And as I grew aware of
+this, the dullness fell off me, and all became very distinct. And
+the muscles about my wound had stiffen'd--which was vilely painful:
+and the country, I saw, was a brown, barren moor, dotted with peat-
+ricks: and I cursed it.
+
+This did me good: for it woke the fighting-man in me, and I set my
+teeth. Now for the first time looking back, I saw, with a great gulp
+of joy, I had gained on the troopers. A long dip of the road lay
+between me and the foremost, now topping the crest. The sun had
+broke through at last, and sparkled on his cap and gorget. I
+whistled to Molly (I could not pat her), and spoke to her softly:
+the sweet thing prick'd up her ears, laid them back again, and
+mended her pace. Her stride was beautiful to feel.
+
+I had yet no clear idea how to escape. In front the moors rose
+gradually, swelling to the horizon line, and there broken into steep,
+jagged heights. The road under me was sound white granite and
+stretch'd away till lost among these fastnesses--in all of it no
+sign of man's habitation. Be sure I look'd along it, and to right
+and left, dreading to spy more troopers. But for mile on mile, all
+was desolate.
+
+Now and then I caught the cry of a pewit, or saw a snipe glance up
+from his bed; but mainly I was busied about the mare. "Let us but
+gain the ridge ahead," thought I, "and there is a chance." So I rode
+as light as I could, husbanding her powers.
+
+She was going her best, but the best was near spent. The sweat was
+oozing, her satin coat losing the gloss, the spume flying back from
+her nostrils--"Soh!" I called to her: "Soh! my beauty; we ride to
+save an army!" The loose stones flew right and left, as she reach'd
+out her neck, and her breath came shorter and shorter.
+
+A mile, and another mile, we passed in this trim, and by the end of
+it must have spent three-quarters of an hour at the work. Glancing
+back, I saw the troopers scattered; far behind, but following. The
+heights were still a weary way ahead: but I could mark their steep
+sides ribb'd with boulders. Till these were passed, there was no
+chance to hide. The parties in this race could see each other all
+the way, and must ride it out.
+
+And all the way the ground kept rising. I had no means to ease the
+mare, even by pulling off my heavy jack-boots, with one arm (and
+that my right) dangling useless. Once she flung up her head and I
+caught sight of her nostril, red as fire, and her poor eyes starting.
+I felt her strength ebbing between my knees. Here and there she
+blundered in her stride. And somewhere, over the ridge yonder, lay
+the Army of the West, and we alone could save it.
+
+The road, for half a mile, now fetched a sudden loop, though the
+country on either side was level enough. Had my head been cool, I
+must have guessed a reason for this: but, you must remember, I had
+long been giddy with pain and loss of blood--so, thinking to save
+time, I turned Molly off the granite, and began to cut across.
+
+The short grass and heath being still frozen, we went fairly for the
+first minute or so. But away behind us, I heard a shout--and it must
+have been loud to reach me. I learn'd the meaning when, about two
+hundred yards before we came on the road again, the mare's forelegs
+went deep, and next minute we were plunging in a black peat-quag.
+
+Heaven can tell how we won through. It must have been still partly
+frozen, and perhaps we were only on the edge of it. I only know that
+as we scrambled up on solid ground, plastered and breathless, I
+looked at the wintry sun, the waste, and the tall hill tow'ring to
+the right of us, and thought it a strange place to die in.
+
+For the struggle had burst open my wound again, and the blood was
+running down my arm and off my fingers in a stream. And now I could
+count every gorsebush, every stone--and now I saw nothing at all.
+And I heard the tinkling of bells: and then found a tune running in
+my head--'twas "Tire me in tiffany," and I tried to think where last
+I heard it.
+
+But sweet gallant Molly must have held on: for the next thing I woke
+up to was a four-hol'd cross beside the road: and soon after we were
+over the ridge and clattering down hill.
+
+A rough tor had risen full in front, but the road swerved to the
+left and took us down among the spurs of it. Now was my last lookout.
+I tried to sway less heavily in the saddle, and with my eyes
+searched the plain at our feet.
+
+Alas! Beneath us the waste land was spread, mile upon mile: and I
+groaned aloud. For just below I noted a clump of roofless cabins,
+and beyond, upon the moors, the dotted walls of sheep-cotes, ruined
+also: but in all the sad-color'd leagues no living man, nor the sign
+of one. It was done with us. I reined up the mare--and then, in the
+same motion, wheeled her sharp to the right.
+
+High above, on the hillside, a voice was calling.
+
+I look'd up. Below the steeper ridge of the tor a patch of land had
+been cleared for tillage: and here a yoke of oxen was moving
+leisurely before a plough ('twas their tinkling bells I had heard,
+just now); while behind followed the wildest shape--by the voice, a
+woman.
+
+She was not calling to me, but to her team: and as I put Molly at
+the slope, her chant rose and fell in the mournfullest singsong.
+
+"So-hoa! Oop Comely Vean! oop, then--o-oop!"
+
+I rose in my stirrups and shouted.
+
+At this and the sound of hoofs, she stay'd the plough and, hand on
+hip, looked down the slope. The oxen, softly rattling the chains on
+their yoke, turn'd their necks and gazed. With sunk head Molly
+heaved herself up the last few yards and came to a halt with a
+stagger. I slipp'd out of the saddle and stood, with a hand on it,
+swaying.
+
+"What's thy need, young man--that comest down to Temple wi' sword a-
+danglin'?"
+
+The girl was a half-naked savage, dress'd only in a strip of sacking
+that barely reach'd her knees, and a scant bodice of the same, lac'd
+in front with pack thread, that left her bosom and brown arms free.
+Yet she appear'd no whit abash'd, but lean'd on the plough-tail and
+regarded me, easy and frank, as a man would.
+
+"Sell me a horse," I blurted out: "Twenty guineas will I give for
+one within five minutes, and more if he be good! I ride on the
+King's errand."
+
+"Then get thee back to thy master, an' say, no horse shall he have
+o' me--nor any man that uses horseflesh so." She pointed to Molly's
+knees, that were bow'd and shaking, and the bloody froth dripping
+from her mouth.
+
+"Girl, for God's sake sell me a horse! They are after me, and I am
+hurt." I pointed up the road. "Better than I are concerned in this."
+
+"God nor King know I, young man. But what's on thy saddle cloth,
+there?"
+
+'Twas the smear where my blood had soak'd: and looking and seeing
+the purple mess cak'd with mud and foam on the sorrel's flank, I
+felt suddenly very sick. The girl made a step to me.
+
+"Sell thee a horse? Hire thee a bedman, more like. Nay, then, lad--"
+
+But I saw her no longer: only called "oh-oh!" twice, like a little
+child, and slipping my hold of the saddle, dropp'd forward on her
+breast.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+Waking, I found myself in darkness--not like that of night, but of
+a room where the lights have gone out: and felt that I was dying. But
+this hardly seem'd a thing to be minded. There was a smell of peat
+and bracken about. Presently I heard the tramp of feet somewhere
+overhead, and a dull sound of voices that appear'd to be cursing.
+
+The footsteps went to and fro, the voices muttering most of the time.
+After a bit I caught a word--"Witchcraft": and then a voice speaking
+quite close--"There's blood 'pon her hands, an' there's blood yonder
+by the plough." Said another voice, higher and squeaky, "there's
+scent behind a fox, but you don't dig it up an' take it home." The
+tramp passed on, and the voices died away.
+
+By this I knew the troopers were close, and seeking me. A foolish
+thought came that I was buried, and they must be rummaging over my
+grave: but indeed I had no wish to enquire into it; no wish to move
+even, but just to lie and enjoy the lightness of my limbs. The blood
+was still running. I felt the warmth of it against my back: and
+thought it very pleasant. So I shut my eyes and dropp'd off again.
+
+Then I heard the noise of shouting, far away: and a long while after
+that, was rous'd by the touch of a hand, thrust in against my naked
+breast, over my heart.
+
+"Who is it?" I whispered.
+
+"Joan," answered a voice, and the hand was withdrawn.
+
+The darkness had lifted somewhat, and though something stood between
+me and the light, I mark'd a number of small specks, like points of
+gold dotted around me--
+
+"Joan--what besides?"
+
+"Joan's enough, I reckon: lucky for thee 'tis none else. Joan o' the
+Tor folks call me, but may jet be Joan i' Good Time. So hold thy
+peace, lad, an' cry out so little as may be."
+
+I felt a ripping of my jacket sleeve and shirt, now clotted and
+stuck to the flesh. It pain'd cruelly, but I shut my teeth: and
+after that came the smart and delicious ache of water, as she rinsed
+the wound.
+
+"Clean through the flesh, lad:--in an' out, like country dancin'. No
+bullet to probe nor bone to set. Heart up, soce! Thy mother shall
+kiss thee yet. What's thy name?"
+
+"Marvel, Joan--Jack Marvel."
+
+"An' marvel 'tis thou'rt Marvel yet. Good blood there's in thee, but
+little enow."
+
+She bandaged the sore with linen torn from my shirt, and tied it
+round with sackcloth from her own dress. 'Twas all most gently done:
+and then I found her arms under me, and myself lifted as easy as a
+baby.
+
+"Left arm round my neck, Jack: an' sing out if 'tis hurtin' thee."
+
+It seemed but six steps and we were out on the bright hillside, not
+fifty paces from where the plough yet stood in the furrow. I caught
+a glimpse of a brown neck and a pair of firm red lips, of the grey
+tor stretching above us and, further aloft, a flock of field fare
+hanging in the pale sky; and then shut my eyes for the dazzle: but
+could still feel the beat of Joan's heart as she held me close, and
+the touch of her breath on my forehead.
+
+Down the hill she carried me, picking the softest turf, and moving
+with an easeful swing that rather lull'd my hurt than jolted it. I
+was dozing, even, when a strange noise awoke me.
+
+'Twas a high protracted note, that seem'd at first to swell up
+toward us, and then broke off in half a dozen or more sharp yells.
+Joan took no heed of them, but seeing my eyes unclose, and hearing
+me moan, stopped short.
+
+"Hurts thee, lad?"
+
+"No." 'Twas not my pain but the sight of the sinking sun that wrung
+the exclamation from me--"I was thinking," I muttered.
+
+"Don't: 'tis bad for health. But bide thee still a-while, and shalt
+lie 'pon a soft bed."
+
+By this time, we had come down to the road: and the yells were still
+going on, louder than ever. We cross'd the road, descended another
+slope, and came all at once on a low pile of buildings that a moment
+before had been hid. 'Twas but three hovels of mud, stuck together
+in the shape of a headless cross, the main arm pointing out toward
+the moor. Around the whole ran a battered wall, patched with furs;
+and from this dwelling the screams were issuing--
+
+"Joan!" the voice began, "Joan--Jan Tergagle's a-clawin' my legs--
+Gar-rout, thou hell cat--Blast thee, let me zog! Pull'n off Joan--
+Jo-an!"
+
+The voice died away into a wail; then broke out in a racket of
+curses. Joan stepped to the door and flung it wide. As my eyes grew
+used to the gloom inside, they saw this:--
+
+A rude kitchen--the furniture but two rickety chairs, now toss'd on
+their faces, an oak table, with legs sunk into the earth, a keg of
+strong waters, tilted over and draining upon the mud floor, a ladder
+leading up to a loft, and in two of the corners a few bundles of
+bracken strewn for bedding. To the left, as one entered, was an open
+hearth; but the glowing peat-turves were now pitch'd to right and
+left over the hearthstone and about the floor, where they rested,
+filling the den with smoke. Under one of the chairs a black cat spat
+and bristled: while in the middle of the room, barefooted in the
+embers, crouched a man. He was half naked, old and bent, with matted
+grey hair and beard hanging almost to his waist. His chest and legs
+were bleeding from a score of scratches; and he pointed at the cat,
+opening and shutting his mouth like a dog, and barking out curse
+upon curse.
+
+No way upset, Joan stepped across the kitchen, laid me on one of the
+bracken beds, and explain'd--
+
+"That's feyther: he's drunk."
+
+With which she turn'd, dealt the old man a cuff that stretch'd him
+senseless, and gathering up the turves, piled them afresh on the
+hearth. This done, she took the keg and gave me a drink of it. The
+stuff scalded me, but I thanked her. And then, when she had shifted
+my bed a bit, to ease the pain of lying, she righted a chair, drew
+it up and sat beside me. The old man lay like a log where he had
+fallen, and was now snoring. Presently, the fumes of the liquor, or
+mere faintness, mastered me, and my eyes closed. But the picture they
+closed upon was that of Joan, as she lean'd forward, chin on hand,
+with the glow of the fire on her brown skin and in the depths of her
+dark eyes.
+
+[Illustration: Joan]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HOW JOAN SAVED THE ARMY OF THE WEST; AND SAW THE FIGHT ON BRADDOCK
+DOWN.
+
+
+But the pain of my hurt followed into my dreams. I woke with a start,
+and tried to sit up.
+
+Within the kitchen all was quiet. The old savage was still stretch'd
+on the floor: the cat curled upon the hearth. The girl had not
+stirr'd: but looking toward the window hole, I saw night out side,
+and a frosty star sparkling far down in the west.
+
+"Joan, what's the hour?"
+
+"Sun's been down these four hours." She turned her face to look at
+me.
+
+"I've no business lying here."
+
+"Chose to come, lad: none axed thee, that _I_ knows by."
+
+"Where's the mare? Must set me across her back, Joan, and let me
+ride on."
+
+"Mare's in stable, wi' fetlocks swelled like puddens. Chose to come,
+lad; an' choose or no, must bide."
+
+"'Tis for the General Hopton, at Bodmin, I am bound, Joan; and wound
+or no, must win there this night."
+
+"And that's seven mile away: wi' a bullet in thy skull, and a peat
+quag thy burial. For _they_ went south, and thy road lieth more south
+than west."
+
+"The troopers?"
+
+"Aye, Jack: an' work I had this day wi' those same bloody warriors:
+but take a sup at the keg, and bite this manchet of oat cake while
+I tell thee."
+
+And so, having fed me, and set my bed straight, she sat on the floor
+beside me (for the better hearing), and in her uncouth tongue, told
+how I had been saved. I cannot write her language; but the tale, in
+sum, was this:--
+
+When I dropp'd forward into her arms, Joan for a moment was taken
+aback, thinking me dead. But (to quote her) "'no good,' said I, 'in
+cuddlin' a lad 'pon the hillside, for folks to see, tho' he _have_
+a-got curls like a wench: an' dead or 'live, no use to wait for others
+to make sure.'"
+
+So she lifted and carried me to a spot hard by, that she called the
+"Jew's Kitchen;" and where that was, even with such bearings as I
+had, she defied me to discover. There was no time to tend me, whilst
+Molly stood near to show my whereabouts: so she let me lie, and went
+to lead the sorrel down to stable.
+
+Her hand was on the bridle when she heard a _Whoop!_ up the road; and
+there were half a dozen riders on the crest, and tearing down hill
+toward her. Joan had nothing left but to feign coolness, and went on
+leading the mare down the slope.
+
+In a while, up comes the foremost trooper, draws rein, and pants out
+"Where's he to?"
+
+"Who?" asks Joan, making out to be surprised.
+
+"Why, the lad whose mare thou'rt leadin'?"
+
+"Mile an' half away by now."
+
+"How's that?"
+
+"Freshly horsed," explains Joan.
+
+The troopers--they were all around her by this--swore 'twas a lie;
+but luckily, being down in the hollow, could not see over the next
+ridge. They began a string of questions all together: but at last a
+little tun bellied sergeant call'd "Silence!" and asked the girl,
+"did she loan the fellow a horse?"
+
+Here I will quote her again:--
+
+"'Sir, to thee,' I answer'd, 'no loan at all, but fair swap for our
+Grey Robin.'
+
+"'That's a lie,' he says; 'an' I won't believe thee.'
+
+"'Might so well,' says I; 'but go to stable, an' see for thysel'
+(Never had grey horse to my name, Jack; but, thinks I, that's
+_his'n_ lookout.)"
+
+They went, did these simple troopers, to look at the stable, and
+sure enough, there was no Grey Robin. Nevertheless, some amongst
+them had logic enough to take this as something less than proof
+convincing, and spent three hours and more ransacking the house and
+barn, and searching the tor and the moors below it. I learn'd too,
+that Joan had come in for some rough talk--to which she put a stop,
+as she told me, by offering to fight any man Jack of them for the
+buttons on his buffcoat. And at length, about sundown, they gave up
+the hunt, and road away over the moors toward Warleggan, having (as
+the girl heard them say) to be at Braddock before night.
+
+"Where is this Braddock?"
+
+"Nigh to Lord Mohun's house at Boconnoc: seven mile away to the
+south, and seven mile or so from Bodmin, as a crow flies."
+
+"Then go I must," cried I: and hereupon I broke out with all the
+trouble that was on my mind, and the instant need to save these
+gallant gentlemen of Cornwall, ere two armies should combine against
+them. I told of the King's letter in my breast, and how I found the
+Lord Stamford's men at Launceston; how that Ruthen, with the
+vanguard of the rebels, was now at Liskeard, with but a bare day's
+march between the two, and none but I to carry the warning. And "Oh,
+Joan!" I cried, "my comrade I left upon the road. Brighter courage
+and truer heart never man proved, and yet left by me in the rebels'
+hands. Alas! that I could neither save nor help, but must still ride
+on: and here is the issue--to lie struck down within ten mile of my
+goal--I, that have traveled two hundred. And if the Cornishmen be
+not warned to give fight before Lord Stamford come up, all's lost.
+Even now they be outnumber'd. So lift me, Joan, and set me astride
+Molly, and I'll win to Bodmin yet."
+
+"Reckon, Jack, thou'd best hand _me_ thy letter."
+
+Now, I did not at once catch the intent of these words, so simply
+spoken; but stared at her like an owl.
+
+"There's horse in stall, lad," she went on, "tho' no Grey Robin.
+Tearaway's the name, and strawberry the color."
+
+"But, Joan, Joan, if you do this--feel inside my coat here, to the
+left--you will save an army, girl, maybe a throne! Here 'tis, Joan,
+see--no, not that--here! Say the seal is that of the Governor of
+Bristol, who stole it from me for a while: but the handwriting will
+be known for the King's: and no hand but yours must touch it till
+you stand before Sir Ralph Hopton. The King shall thank you, Joan;
+and God will bless you for't."
+
+"Hope so, I'm sure. But larn me what to say, lad: for I be main
+thick witted."
+
+So I told her the message over and over, till she had it by heart.
+
+"Shan't forgit, now," she said, at length; "an' so hearken to me for
+a change. Bide still, nor fret thysel'. Here's pasty an' oat cake,
+an' a keg o' water that I'll stow beside thee. Pay no heed to
+feyther, an' if he wills to get drunk an' fight wi' Jan Tergagle--
+that's the cat--why let'n. Drunk or sober, he's no 'count."
+
+She hid the letter in her bosom, and stepp'd to the door. On the
+threshold she turned--
+
+"Jack--forgot to ax: what be all this bloodshed about?"
+
+"For Church and King, Joan."
+
+"H'm: same knowledge ha' I o' both--an' that's naught. But I dearly
+loves fair play."
+
+She was gone. In a minute or so I heard the trampling of a horse:
+and then, with a scurry of hoofs, Joan was off on the King's errand,
+and riding into the darkness.
+
+Little rest had I that night; but lay awake on my bracken bed and
+watched the burning peat-turves turn to grey, and drop, flake by
+flake, till only a glowing point remained. The door rattled now and
+then on the hinge: out on the moor the light winds kept a noise
+persistent as town dogs at midnight: and all the while my wound was
+stabbing, and the bracken pricking me till I groaned aloud.
+
+As day began to break, the old man picked himself up, yawned and
+lounged out, returning after a time with fresh turves for the hearth.
+He noticed me no more than a stone, but when the fire was restack'd,
+drew up his chair to the warmth, and breakfasted on oat cake and a
+liberal deal of liquor. Observing him, the black cat uncoil'd,
+stretch'd himself, and climbing to his master's knee, sat there
+purring, and the best of friends. I also judged it time to
+breakfast: found my store:* took a bite or two, and a pull at the
+keg, and lay back--this time to sleep.
+
+When I woke, 'twas high noon. The door stood open, and outside on
+the wall the winter sunshine was lying, very bright and clear.
+Indoors, the old savage had been drinking steadily; and still sat
+before the fire, with the cat on one knee, and his keg on the other.
+I sat up and strain'd my ears. Surely, if Joan had not failed, the
+royal generals would march out and give battle at once: and surely,
+if they were fighting, not ten miles away, some sound of it would
+reach me. But beyond the purring of the cat, I heard nothing.
+
+I crawl'd to my feet, rested a moment to stay the giddiness, and
+totter'd across to the door, where I lean'd, listening and gazing
+south. No strip of vapor lay on the moors that stretch'd--all bathed
+in the most wonderful bright colors--to the lip of the horizon. The
+air was like a sounding board. I heard the bleat of an old wether,
+a mile off, upon the tors; and was turning away dejected, when, far
+down in the south, there ran a sound that set my heart leaping.
+
+'Twas the crackling of musketry.
+
+There was no mistaking it. The noise ran like wildfire along the
+hills: before echo could overtake it, a low rumbling followed, and
+then the brisker crackling again. I caught at the door post and
+cried, faint with the sudden joy---
+
+"Thou angel, Joan!--thou angel!"
+
+And then, as something took me by the throat--"Joan, Joan--to see
+what thou seest!"
+
+A long time I lean'd by the door post there, drinking in the sound
+that now was renewed at quicker intervals. Yet, for as far as I
+could see, 'twas the peacefullest scene, though dreary--quiet
+sunshine on the hills, and the sheep dotted here and there, cropping.
+But down yonder, over the edge of the moors, men were fighting and
+murdering each other: and I yearn'd to see how the day went.
+
+Being both weak and loth to miss a sound of it, I sank down on the
+threshold, and there lay, with my eyes turned southward, through a
+gap in the stone fence. In a while the musketry died away, and I
+wondered: but thought I could still at times mark a low sound as of
+men shouting, and this, as I learn'd after, was the true battle.
+
+It must have been an hour or more before I saw a number of black
+specks coming over the ridge of hills, and swarming down into the
+plain toward me: and then a denser body following. 'Twas a company
+of horse, moving at a great pace: and I guessed that the battle was
+done, and these were the first fugitives of the beaten army.
+
+On they came, in great disorder, scattering as they advanced: and
+now, in parts, the hill behind was black with footmen, running.
+'Twas a rout, sure enough. Once or twice, on the heights, I beard a
+bugle blown, as if to rally the crowd: but saw nothing come of it,
+and presently the notes ceased, or I forgot to listen.
+
+The foremost company of horse was heading rather to the eastward of
+me, to gain the high road; and the gross pass'd me by at half a
+mile's distance. But some came nearer, and to my extreme joy, I
+learn'd from their arms and shouting, what till now I had been
+eagerly hoping, that 'twas the rebel army thus running in rout: and
+tho' now without strength to kneel, I had enough left to thank God
+heartily.
+
+'Twas so curious to see the plain thus suddenly fill'd with rabble,
+all running from the south, and the silly startled sheep rushing
+helter-skelter, and huddling together on the tors above, that I
+forgot my own likely danger if any of this revengeful crew should
+come upon me lying there: and was satisfied to watch them as they
+straggled over the moors toward the road. Some pass'd close to the
+cottage; but none seem'd anxious to pause there. 'Twas a glad and a
+sorry sight. I saw a troop of dragoons with a standard in their
+midst; and a drummer running behind, too far distracted even to cast
+his drum away, so that it dangled against his back, with a great
+rent where the music had been; and then two troopers running
+together; and one that was wounded lay down for a while within a
+stone's throw of me, and would not go further, till at last his
+comrade persuaded him; and after them a larger company, in midst of
+whom was a man crying, "We are sold, I tell ye, and I can point to
+the man!" and so passed by. There were some, too, that were
+galloping three stout horses in a carriage, and upon it a brass
+twelve pounder. But the carriage stuck fast in a quag, and so they
+cut the traces and left it there, where, two days after, Sir John
+Berkeley's dragoons found and pulled it out. And this was the fourth,
+I had heard, that the King's troops took in that victory.
+
+Yet there were not above five or six hundred in all that I saw; and
+I guessed (as was the case) that this must be but an off-shoot, so
+to say, of the bigger rout that pass'd eastward through Liskeard. I
+was thinking of this when I heard footsteps near, and a man came
+panting through a gap in the wall, into the yard.
+
+He was a big, bareheaded fellow, exceedingly flush'd with running,
+but unhurt, as far as I could see. Indeed, he might easily have
+kill'd me, and for a moment I thought sure he would. But catching
+sight of me, he nodded very friendly, and sitting on a heap of
+stones a yard or two away, began to draw off his boot, and search
+for a prickle, that it seem'd had got into it.
+
+"'Tis a mess of it, yonder," said he, quietly, and jerk'd his thumb
+over his shoulder.
+
+By the look of me, he could tell I was on the other side; but this
+did not appear to concern him.
+
+"How has it gone?" asked I.
+
+"Well," says he, with his nose in the boot; "we had a pretty rising
+ground, and the Cornishmen march'd up and whipp'd us out--that's
+all--and took a mort o' prisoners." He found the prickle, drew on
+his boot again, and asked---
+
+"T'other side?"
+
+I nodded.
+
+"That's the laughing side, this day. Good evening."
+
+And with that he went off as fast as he came.
+
+'Twas, may be, an hour after, that another came in through the same
+gap: this time a lean, hawk-eyed man, with a pinch'd face and two
+ugly gashes--one across the brow from left eye to the roots of his
+hair, the other in his leg below the knee, that had sliced through
+boot and flesh like a scythe-cut. His face was smear'd with blood,
+and he carried a musket.
+
+"Water!" he bark'd out as he came trailing into the yard. "Give me
+water--I'm a dead man!"
+
+He was stepping over me to enter the kitchen, when he halted and
+said---
+
+"Art a malignant, for certain!"
+
+And before I had a chance to reply, his musket was swung up, and I
+felt my time was come to die.
+
+But now the old savage, that had been sitting all day before his
+fire, without so much as a sign to show if he noticed aught that was
+passing, jump'd up with a yell and leap'd toward us. He and the cat
+were on the poor wretch together, tearing and clawing. I can hear
+their hellish outcries to this day: but at the moment they turn'd me
+faint. And the next thing I recall is being dragged inside by the
+old man, who shut the door after me and slipp'd the bolt, leaving
+the wounded trooper on the other side. He beat against it for some
+time, sobbing piteously for water: and then I heard him groaning at
+intervals, till he died. At least, the groans ceased; and next day
+he was found with his back against the cottage wall, stark and dead.
+
+Having pulled me inside, Joan's father must have thought he had done
+enough: for on the floor I lay for hours, and passed from one swoon
+into another. He and the cat had gone back to the fire again, and
+long before evening both were sound asleep.
+
+So there I lay helpless, till, at nightfall, there came the
+trampling of a horse outside, and then a rap on the door. The old
+man started up and opened it: and in rushed Joan, her eyes lit up,
+her breast heaving, and in her hand a naked sword.
+
+"Church and King, Jack!" she cried, and flung the blade with a clang
+on to the table. "Church and King! O brave day's work, lad--O bloody
+work this day!"
+
+And I swooned again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+I BUY A LOOKING GLASS AT BODMIN FAIR: AND MEET WITH MR. HANNIBAL
+TINGCOMB.
+
+
+There had, indeed, been brave work on Braddock Down that 19th of
+January. For Sir Ralph Hopton with the Cornish grandees had made
+short business of Ruthen's army--driving it headlong back on
+Liskeard at the first charge, chasing it through that town, and
+taking 1,200 prisoners (including Sir Shilston Calmady), together
+with many colors, all the rebel ordnance and ammunition, and most of
+their arms. At Liskeard, after refreshing their men, and holding
+next day a solemn thanksgiving to God, they divided--the Lord Mohun
+with Sir Ralph Hopton and Colonel Godolphin marching with the
+greater part of the army upon Saltash, whither Ruthen had fled and
+was entrenching himself; while Sir John Berkeley and Colonel
+Ashburnham, with a small party of horse and dragoons and the
+voluntary regiments of Sir Bevill Grenville, Sir Nich. Slanning, and
+Colonel Trevanion, turned to the northeast, toward Launceston and
+Tavistock, to see what account they might render of the Earl of
+Stamford's army; that, however, had no stomach to await them, but
+posted out of the county into Plymouth and Exeter.
+
+'Twas on this expedition that two or three of the captains I have
+mentioned halted for an hour or more at Temple, as well to recognize
+Joan's extreme meritorious service, as to thank me for the part I
+had in bringing news of the Earl of Stamford's advance. For 'twas
+this, they own'd, had saved them--the King's message being but an
+exhortation and an advertisement upon some lesser matters, the most
+of which were already taken out of human hands by the turn of events.
+
+But though, as I learn'd, these gentlemen were full of compliments
+and professions of esteem, I neither saw nor heard them, being by
+this time delirious of a high fever that followed my wound. And not
+till three good weeks after, was I recover'd enough to leave my bed,
+nor, for many more, did my full strength return to me. No mother
+could have made a tenderer nurse than was Joan throughout this time.
+'Tis to her I owe it that I am alive to write these words: and if
+the tears scald my eyes as I do so, you will pardon them, I promise,
+before the end of my tail is reach'd.
+
+In the first days of my recovery, news came to us (I forget how)
+that a solemn sacrament had been taken between the parties in Devon
+and Cornwall, and the country was a peace. Little I cared, at the
+time: but was content--now spring was come--to loiter about the tors,
+and while watching Joan at her work, to think upon Delia. For,
+albeit I had little hope to see her again, my late pretty comrade
+held my thoughts the day long. I shared them with nobody: for tho'
+'tis probable I had let some words fall in my delirium, Joan never
+hinted at this, and I never found out.
+
+To Joan's company I was left: for her father, after saving my life
+that afternoon, took no further notice of me by word or deed; and
+the cat, Jan Tergagle (nam'd after a spirit that was said to haunt
+the moors hereabouts), was as indifferent. So with Joan I passed the
+days idly, tending the sheep, or waiting on her as she ploughed, or
+lying full length on the hillside and talking with her of war and
+battles. 'Twas the one topic on which she was curious (scoffing at
+me when I offered to teach her to read print), and for hours she
+would listen to stories of Alexander and Hannibal, Caesar and Joan
+of Arc, and other great commanders whose history I remember'd.
+
+One evening--'twas early in May--we had climb'd to the top of the
+grey tor above Temple, whence we could spy the white sails of the
+two Channels moving, and, stretch'd upon the short turf there, I was
+telling my usual tale. Joan lay beside me, her chin propp'd on one
+earth-stain'd hand, her great solemn eyes wide open as she listened.
+Till that moment I had regarded her rather as a man comrade than a
+girl, but now some feminine trick of gesture awoke me perhaps, for
+my fancy began to contrast her with Delia, and I broke off my story
+and sigh'd.
+
+"Art longing to be hence?" she asked.
+
+I felt ashamed to be thus caught, and was silent. She look'd at me
+and went on--
+
+"Speak out, lad."
+
+"Loth would I be to leave you, Joan."
+
+"And why?"
+
+"Why, we are good friends, I hope: and I am grateful."
+
+"Oh, aye--wish thee'd learn to speak the truth, Jack. Art longing to
+be hence, and shalt--soon."
+
+"Why, Joan, you would not have me dwell here always?"
+
+She made no answer for a while, and then with a change of tone--
+
+"Shalt ride wi' me to Bodmin Fair to-morrow for a treat, an' see the
+Great Turk and the Fat 'Ooman and hocus-pocus. So tell me more 'bout
+Joan the Frenchwoman."
+
+On the morrow, about nine in the morning, we set off--Joan on the
+strawberry, balanced easily on an old sack, which was all her
+saddle; and I on Molly, that now was sound again and chafing to be
+so idle. As we set out, Joan's father for the first time took some
+notice of me, standing at the door to see us off and shouting after
+us to bring home some account of the wrestling. Looking back at a
+quarter mile's distance I saw him still fram'd in the doorway, with
+the cat perch'd on his shoulder.
+
+Bodmin town is naught but a narrow street, near on a mile long, and
+widening toward the western end. It lies mainly along the south side
+of a steep vale, and this May morning as Joan and I left the moors
+and rode down to it from northward, already we could hear trumpets
+blowing, the big drum sounding, and all the bawling voices and
+hubbub of the fair. Descending, we found the long street lin'd with
+booths and shows, and nigh blocked with the crowd: for the revel
+began early and was now in full swing. And the crew of gipsies,
+whifflers, mountebanks, fortune tellers, cut-purses and quacks,
+mix'd up with honest country faces, beat even the rabble I had seen
+at Wantage.
+
+Now my own first business was with a tailor: for the clothes I wore
+when I rode into Temple, four months back, had been so sadly messed
+with blood, and afterward cut, to free them from my wound, that now
+all the tunic I wore was of sackcloth, contrived and stitch'd
+together by Joan. So I made at once for a decent shop, where luckily
+I found a suit to fit me, one taken (the tailor said) off a very
+promising young gentleman that had the misfortune to be kill'd on
+Braddock Down. Arrayed in this, I felt myself again, and offered to
+take Joan to see the Fat Woman.
+
+We saw her, and the Aethiop, and the Rhinoceros (which put me in
+mind of poor Anthony Killigrew), and the Pig-fac'd Baby, and the
+Cudgel play; and presently halted before a Cheap Jack, that was
+crying his wares in a prodigious loud voice, near the town wall.
+
+'Twas a meagre, sharp-visag'd fellow with a grey chin beard like a
+billy goat's; and (as fortune would have it) spying our approach, he
+picked out a mirror from his stock and holding it aloft, addressed
+us straight--
+
+"What have we here," cries he, "but a pair o' lovers coming? and
+what i' my hand but a lover's hourglass? Sure the stars of heav'n
+must have a hand in this conjuncture--and only thirteen pence, my
+pretty fellow, for a glass that will tell the weather i' your
+sweetheart's face, and help make it fine."
+
+There were many country fellows with their maids in the crowd, that
+turned their heads at this address; and as usual the women began.
+
+"Tis Joan o' the Tor!"
+
+"Joan's picked up wi' a sweetheart--tee-hee!--an' us reckoned her'd
+forsworn mankind!"
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"Some furriner, sure: that likes garlic."
+
+"He's bought her no ribbons yet."
+
+"How should he, poor lad; that can find no garments upon her to
+fasten 'em to?"
+
+And so on, with a deal of spiteful laughter. Some of these sayings
+were half truth, no doubt: but the truthfullest word may be infelix.
+So noting a dark flush on Joan's cheek, I thought to end the scene
+by taking the Cheap Jack's mirror on the spot, to stop his tongue,
+and then drawing her away.
+
+But in this I was a moment too late; for just as I reached up my
+hand with the thirteen pence, and the grinning fellow on the
+platform bent forward with his mirror, I heard a coarser jest, a
+rush in the crowd, and two heads go _crack!_ together like eggs.
+'Twas two of Joan's tormentors she had taken by the hair and served
+so: and dropping them the next instant had caught the Cheap Jack's
+beard, as you might a bell rope, and wrench'd him head-foremost off
+his stand, my thirteen pence flying far and wide. Plump he fell into
+the crowd, that scatter'd on all hands as Joan pummelled him: and
+_whack, whack!_ fell the blows on the poor idiot's face, who
+scream'd for mercy, as though Judgment Day were come.
+
+No one, for the minute, dared to step between them: and presently
+Joan looking up, with arm raised for another buffet, spied a poor
+Astrologer close by, in a red and yellow gown, that had been reading
+fortunes in a tub of black water beside him, but was now broken off,
+dismayed at the hubbub. To this tub she dragged the Cheap Jack and
+sent him into it with a round souse. The black water splashed right
+and left over the crowd. Then, her wrath sated, Joan faced the rest,
+with hands on hips, and waited for them to come on.
+
+Not a word had she spoken, from first to last: but stood now with
+hot cheeks and bosom heaving. Then, finding none to take up her
+challenge, she strode out through the folk, and I after her, with
+the mirror in my hand; while the Cheap Jack picked himself out of
+the tub, whining, and the Astrologer wip'd his long white beard and
+soil'd robe.
+
+Outside the throng was a carriage, stopp'd for a minute by this
+tumult, and a servant at the horses' heads. By the look of it, 'twas
+the coach of some person of quality; and glancing at it I saw inside
+an old gentleman with a grave venerable face, seated. For the moment
+it flash'd on me I had seen him before, somewhere: and cudgell'd my
+wits to think where it had been. But a second and longer gaze
+assured me I was mistaken, and I went on down the street after Joan.
+
+She was walking fast and angry; nor when I caught her up and tried
+to soothe, would she answer me but in the shortest words. Woman's
+justice, as I had just learn'd, has this small defect--it goes
+straight enough, but mainly for the wrong object. Which now I proved
+in my own case.
+
+"Where are you going, Joan?"
+
+"To 'Fifteen Balls'' stable, for my horse."
+
+"Art not leaving the fair yet, surely!"
+
+"That I be, tho'. Have had fairing enow--wi' a man!"
+
+Nor for a great part of the way home would she speak to me. But
+meeting, by Pound Scawens (a hamlet close to the road), with some
+friends going to the fair, she stopp'd for a while to chat with them,
+whilst I rode forward: and when she overtook me, her brow was clear
+again.
+
+"Am a hot headed fool, Jack, and have spoil'd thy day for thee."
+
+"Nay, that you have not," said I, heartily glad to see her humble,
+for the first time in our acquaintance: "but if you have forgiven me
+that which I could not help, you shall take this that I bought for
+you, in proof."
+
+And pulling out the mirror, I lean'd over and handed it to her.
+
+"What i' the world be this?" she ask'd, taking and looking at it
+doubtfully.
+
+"Why, a mirror."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"A glass to see your face in," I explained.
+
+"Be this my face?" She rode forward, holding up the glass in front
+of her. "Why, what a handsome looking gal I be, to be sure! Jack,
+art certain 'tis my very own face?"
+
+"To be sure," said I amazed.
+
+"Well!" There was silence for a full minute, save for our horses'
+tread on the high road. And then--
+
+"Jack, I be powerful dirty!"
+
+This was true enough, and it made me laugh. She looked up solemnly
+at my mirth (having no sense of a joke, then or ever) and bent
+forward to the glass again.
+
+"By the way," said I, "did you mark a carriage just outside the
+crowd, by the Cheap Jack's booth?--with a white-hair'd gentleman
+seated inside?"
+
+Joan nodded. "Master Hannibal Tingcomb: steward o' Gleys."
+
+"What!"
+
+I jumped in my saddle, and with a pull at the bridle brought Molly
+to a standstill.
+
+"Of Gleys?" I cried. "Steward of Sir Deakin Killigrew that was?"
+
+"Right, lad, except the last word. 'That _is_,' should'st rather say."
+
+"Then you are wrong, Joan: for he's dead and buried, these five
+months. Where is this house of Gleys? for to-morrow I must ride
+there."
+
+"'Tis easy found, then: for it stands on the south coast yonder, and
+no house near it: five mile from anywhere, and sixteen from Temple,
+due south. Shall want thee afore thou startest, Jack. Dear, now!
+who'd ha' thought I was so dirty?"
+
+The cottage door stood open as we rode into the yard, and from it a
+faint smoke came curling, with a smell of peat. Within I found the
+smould'ring turves scattered about as on the day of my first arrival,
+and among them Joan's father stretch'd, flat on his face: only this
+time the eat was curl'd up quietly, and lying between the old man's
+shoulder blades.
+
+"Drunk again," said Joan shortly.
+
+But looking more narrowly, I marked a purplish stain on the ground
+by the old man's mouth, and turned him softly over.
+
+"Joan," said I, "he's not drunk--he's dead!"
+
+She stood above us and looked down, first at the corpse, then at me,
+without speaking for a time: at last---
+
+"Then I reckon he may so well be buried."
+
+"Girl," I call'd out, being shocked at this callousness, "'tis your
+father--and he is dead!"
+
+"Why that's so, lad. An he were alive, shouldn't trouble thee to
+bury 'n."
+
+And so, before night, we carried him up to the bleak tor side, and
+dug his grave there; the black cat following us to look. Five feet
+deep we laid him, having dug down to solid rock; and having covered
+him over, went silently back to the hovel. Joan had not shed a
+single tear.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+I DO NO GOOD IN THE HOUSE OF GLEYS.
+
+
+Very early next morning I awoke, and hearing no sound in the loft
+above (whither, since my coming, Joan had carried her bed),
+concluded her to be still asleep. But in this I was mistaken: for
+going to the well at the back to wash, I found her there, studying
+her face in the mirror.
+
+"Luckily met, Jack," she said, when I was cleansed and freshly
+glowing: "Now fill another bucket and sarve me the same."
+
+"Cannot you wash yourself?" I ask'd, as I did so.
+
+"Lost the knack, I reckon. Stand thee so, an' slush the water over
+me."
+
+"But your clothes!" I cried out, "they'll be soaking wet!"
+
+"Clothes won't be worse for a wash, neither. So slush away."
+
+Therefore, standing at three paces' distance, I sent a bucketful
+over her, and then another and another. Six times I filled and
+emptied the bucket in all: and at the end she was satisfied, and
+went, dripping, back to the kitchen to get me my breakfast.
+
+"Art early abroad," she said, as we sat together over the meal.
+
+"Yes, for I must ride to Gleys this morning."
+
+"Shan't be sorry to miss thee for a while. Makes me feel so shy--
+this cleanliness." So, promising to be back by nightfall, I went
+presently to saddle Molly: and following Joan's directions and her
+warnings against quags and pitfalls, was soon riding south across
+the moor and well on my road to the House of Gleys.
+
+My way leading me by Braddock Down, I turned aside for a while to
+examine the ground of the late fight (tho' by now little was to be
+seen but a piece of earthwork left unfinish'd by the rebels, and the
+fresh mounds where the dead were laid); and so 'twas high noon--and
+a dull, cheerless day--before the hills broke and let me have sight
+of the sea. Nor, till the noise of the surf was in my ears, did I
+mark the chimneys and naked grey walls of the house I was bound for.
+
+'Twas a gloomy, savage pile of granite, perch'd at the extremity of
+a narrow neck of land, where every wind might sweep it, and the
+waves beat on three sides the cliff below. The tide was now at the
+full, almost, and the spray flying in my face, as we crossed the
+head of a small beach, forded a stream, and scrambled up the rough
+road to the entrance gate.
+
+A thin line of smoke blown level from one chimney was all the sign
+of life in the building: for the narrow lights of the upper story
+were mostly shuttered, and the lower floor was hid from me by a high
+wall enclosing a courtlage in front. One stunted ash, with boughs
+tortured and bent toward the mainland, stood by the gate, which was
+lock'd. A smaller door, also lock'd, was let into the gate, and in
+this again a shuttered iron grating. Hard by, dangled a rusty bell-
+pull, at which I tugg'd sturdily.
+
+On this, a crack'd bell sounded, far in the house, and scared a
+flock of starlings out of a disused chimney. Their cries died away
+presently, and left no sound but that of the gulls wailing about the
+cliff at my feet. This was all the answer I won.
+
+I rang again, and a third time: and now at last came the sound of
+footsteps shuffling across the court within. The shutter of the
+grating was slipp'd back, and a voice, crack'd as the bell, asked my
+business.
+
+"To see Master Hannibal Tingcomb," answered I.
+
+"Thy name?"
+
+"He shall hear it in time. Say that I come on business concerning
+the estate."
+
+The voice mutter'd something, and the footsteps went back. I had
+been kicking my heels there for twenty minutes or more when they
+returned, and the voice repeated the question---
+
+"Thy name?"
+
+Being by this time angered, I did a foolish thing; which was, to
+clap the muzzle of my pistol against the grating, close to the
+fellow's nose. Singular to say, the trick serv'd me. A bolt was
+slipp'd hastily back and the wicket door opened stealthily.
+
+"I want," said I, "room for my horse to pass."
+
+Thereupon more grumbling follow'd, and a prodigious creaking of
+bolts and chains; after which the big gate swung stiffly back.
+
+"Sure, you must be worth a deal," I said, "that shut yourselves in
+so careful."
+
+Before me stood a strange fellow--extraordinary old and bent, with
+a wizen'd face, one eye only, and a chin that almost touched his nose.
+He wore a dirty suit of livery, that once had been canary-yellow;
+and shook with the palsy.
+
+"Master Tingcomb will see the young man," he squeak'd, nodding his
+head; "but is a-reading just now in his Bible."
+
+"A pretty habit," answered I, leading in Molly--"if unseasonable.
+But why not have said so?"
+
+He seem'd to consider this for a while, and then said abruptly--
+
+"Have some pasty and some good cider?"
+
+"Why yes," I said, "with all my heart, when I have stabled the
+sorrel here."
+
+He led the way across the court, well paved but chok'd with weeds,
+toward the stable. I found it a spacious building, and counted
+sixteen stalls there; but all were empty save two, where stood the
+horses I had seen in Bodmin the day before. Having stabled Molly, I
+left the place (which was thick with cobwebs) and follow'd the old
+servant into the house.
+
+He took me into a great stone kitchen, and brought out the pasty and
+cider, but poured out half a glass only.
+
+"Have a care, young man: 'tis a luscious, thick, seductive drink,"
+and he chuckled.
+
+"'Twould turn the edge of a knife," said I, tasting it and looking
+at him: but his one blear'd eye was inscrutable. The pasty also was
+mouldy, and I soon laid it down.
+
+"Hast a proud stomach that cometh of faring sumptuously: the beef
+therein is our own killing," said he. "Young sir, art a man of blood,
+I greatly fear, by thy long sword and handiness with the firearms."
+
+"Shall be presently," answered I, "if you lead me not to Master
+Tingcomb."
+
+He scrambled up briskly and totter'd out of the kitchen into a stone
+corridor, I after him. Along this he hurried, muttering all the way,
+and halted before a door at the end. Without knocking he pushed it
+open, and motioning me to enter, hasten'd back as he had come.
+
+"Come in," said a voice that seem'd familiar to me.
+
+Though, as you know, 'twas still high day, in the room where now I
+found myself was every appearance of night: the shutters being
+closed, and six lighted candles standing on the table. Behind them
+sat the venerable gentleman whom I had seen in the coach, now
+wearing a plain suit of black, and reading in a great book that lay
+open on the table. I guess'd it to be the Bible; but noted that the
+candles had shades about them, so disposed as to throw the light,
+not on the page, but on the doorway where I stood.
+
+Yet the old gentleman, having bid me enter, went on reading for a
+while as though wholly unaware of me: which I found somewhat
+nettling, so began---
+
+"I speak, I believe, to Master Hannibal Tingcomb, steward to Sir
+Deakin Killigrew."
+
+He went on, as if ending his sentence aloud: "... And my darling
+from the power of the dog." Here he paused with finger on the place
+and looked up. "Yes, young sir, that is my name--steward to the late
+Sir Deakin Killigrew."
+
+"The late?" cried I: "Then you know--"
+
+"Surely I know that Sir Deakin is dead: else should I be but an
+unworthy steward." He open'd his grave eyes as if in wonder.
+
+"And his son, also?"
+
+"Also his son Anthony, a headstrong boy, I fear me, a consorter with
+vile characters. Alas? that I should say it."
+
+"And his daughter, Mistress Delia?"
+
+"Alas!" and he fetched a deep sigh.
+
+"Do you mean, sir, that she too is dead!"
+
+"Why, to be sure-but let us talk on less painful matters."
+
+"In one moment, sir: but first tell me--where did she die, and when?
+"
+
+For my heart stood still, and I was fain to clutch the table between
+us to keep me from falling. I think this did not escape him, for he
+gave me a sharp look, and then spoke very quiet and hush'd,
+
+"She was cruelly kill'd by highwaymen, at the 'Three Cups' inn, some
+miles out of Hungerford. The date given me is the 3d of December
+last."
+
+With this a great rush of joy came over me, and I blurted out,
+delighted--
+
+"There, sir, you are wrong! Her father was kill'd on the night of
+which you speak--cruelly enough, as you say: but Mistress Delia
+Killigrew escaped, and after the most incredible adventures--"
+
+I was expecting him to start up with joy at my announcement; but
+instead of this, he gaz'd at me very sorrowfully and shook his head;
+which brought me to a stand.
+
+"Sir," I said, changing my tone, "I speak but what I know: for 'twas
+I had the happy fortune to help her to escape, and, under God's hand,
+to bring her safe to Cornwall."
+
+"Then, where is she now?"
+
+Now this was just what I could not tell. So, standing before him, I
+gave him my name and a history of all my adventures in my dear
+comrade's company, from the hour when I saw her first in the inn at
+Hungerford. Still keeping his finger on the page, he heard me to the
+end attentively, but with a curling of the lips toward the close,
+such as I did not like. And when I had done, to my amaze he spoke
+out sharply, and as if to a whipp'd schoolboy.
+
+"'Tis a cock-and-bull story, sir, of which I could hope to make you
+ashamed. Six weeks in your company? and in boy's habit? Surely 'twas
+enough the pure unhappy maid should be dead--without such vile
+slander on her fame, and from you, that were known, sir, to have
+been at that inn, and on that night, with her murderers. Boy, I have
+evidence that, taken with your confession, would weave you a halter;
+and am a Justice of the Peace. Be thankful, then, that I am a
+merciful man; yet be abash'd."
+
+Abash'd, indeed, I was; or at least taken aback, to see his holy
+indignation and the flush on his waxen cheek. Like a fool I stood
+staggered, and wondered dimly where I had heard that thin voice
+before. In the confusion of my senses I heard it say solemnly---
+
+"The sins of her fathers have overtaken her, as the Book of Exodus
+proclaim'd: therefore is her inheritance wasted, and given to the
+satyr and the wild ass."
+
+[Illustration: "What did you in Oxford last November?"--Page 219.]
+
+"And which of the twain be you, sir?"
+
+I cannot tell what forced this violent rudeness from me, for he
+seem'd an honest, good man; but my heart was boiling that any should
+put so ill a construction on my Delia. As for him, he had risen, and
+was moving with dignity to the door--to show me out, as I guess.
+When suddenly I, that had been staring stupidly, leap'd upon him and
+hurled him back into his chair.
+
+For I had marked his left foot trailing, and, by the token, knew him
+for the white hair'd man of the bowling-green.
+
+"Master Hannibal Tingcomb," I spoke in his ear, "--dog and murderer!
+What did you in Oxford last November? And how of Captain Lucius
+Higgs, otherwise Captain Luke Settle, otherwise Mr. X.? Speak,
+before I serve you as the dog was served that night!"
+
+I dream yet, in my sick nights, of the change that came over the
+vile, hypocritical knave at these words of mine. To see his pale
+venerable face turn green and livid, his eyeball start, his hands
+clutch at air--it frighten'd me.
+
+"Brandy!" he gasped. "Brandy! there--quick--for God's sake!"
+
+And the next moment he had slipp'd from my grasp, and was wallowing
+in a fit on the floor. I ran to the cupboard at which he had pointed,
+and finding there a bottle of strong waters, forced some drops
+between his teeth; and hard work it was, he gnashing at me all the
+time and foaming at the mouth.
+
+Presently he ceased to writhe and bite: and lifting, I set him in
+his chair, where he lay, a mere limp bundle, staring and blinking.
+So I sat down facing him, and waited his recovery.
+
+"Dear young sir," he began at length feebly, his fingers searching
+the Bible before him, from force of habit. "Kind young sir--I am an
+old, dying man, and my sins have found me out. Only yesterday, the
+physician at Bodmin told me that my days are numbered. This is the
+second attack, and the third will kill me."
+
+"Well?" said I.
+
+"If--if Mistress Delia be alive (as indeed I did not think), I will
+make restitution--I will confess--only tell me what to do, that I
+may die in peace."
+
+Indeed, he look'd pitiable, sitting there and stammering: but I
+harden'd my heart to say---
+
+"I must have a confession, then, written before I leave the room."
+
+"But, dear young friend, you will not use it if I give up all? You
+will not seek my life? that already is worthless, as you see."
+
+"Why, 'tis what you deserve. But Delia shall say when I find her--as
+I shall go straight to seek her. If she be lost, I shall use it--
+never fear: if she be found, it shall be hers to say what mercy she
+can discover in her heart; but I promise you I shall advise none."
+
+The tears by this were coursing down his shrunken cheeks, but I
+observ'd him watch me narrowly, as though to find out how much I
+knew. So I pull'd out my pistol, and setting pen and paper before
+him, obtained at the end of an hour a very pretty confession of his
+sins, which lies among my papers to this day. When 'twas written and
+sign'd, in a weak, rambling hand, I read it through, folded it,
+placed it inside my coat, and prepared to take my leave.
+
+But he called out an order to the old servant to saddle my mare, and
+stood softly praying and beseeching me in the courtyard till the
+last moment. Nor when I was mounted would anything serve but he must
+follow at my stirrup to the gate. But when I had briefly taken leave,
+and the heavy doors had creaked behind me, I heard a voice calling
+after me down the road---
+
+"Dear young sir! Dear friend!--I had forgotten somewhat."
+
+Returning, I found the gate fastened, and the iron shutter slipp'd
+back.
+
+"Well?" I asked, leaning toward it.
+
+"Dear young friend, I pity thee, for thy paper is worthless. To-day,
+by my advices, the army of our most Christian Parliament, more than
+twenty thousand strong, under the Earl of Stamford, have overtaken
+thy friends, the malignant gentry, near Stratton Heath, in the
+northeast. They are more than two to one. By this hour to-morrow,
+the Papists all will be running like conies to their burrows, and
+little chance wilt thou have to seek Delia Killigrew, much less to
+find her. And remember, I know enough of thy late services to hang
+thee: mercy then will lie in my friends' hands; but be sure I shall
+advise none."
+
+And with a mocking laugh he clapp'd--to the grating in my face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+I LEAVE JOAN AND RIDE TO THE WARS.
+
+
+You may guess how I felt at being thus properly fooled. And the
+worst was I could see no way to mend it; for against the barricade
+between us I might have beat myself for hours, yet only hurt my
+fists: and the wall was so smooth and high, that even by standing on
+Molly's back I could not--by a foot or more--reach the top to pull
+myself over.
+
+There was nothing for it but to turn homewards, down the hill: which
+I did, chewing the cud of my folly, and finding it bitter as gall.
+What consoled me somewhat was the reflection that his threats were,
+likely enough, mere vaporing: for of any breach of the late compact
+between the parties I had heard nothing, and never seem'd a country
+more wholly given up to peace than that through which I had ridden
+in the morning. So recalling Master Tingcomb's late face of terror,
+and the confession in my pocket, I felt more cheerful. "England has
+grown a strange place, if I cannot get justice on this villain,"
+thought I; and rode forward, planning a return-match and a sweet
+revenge.
+
+There is no more soothing game, I believe, in the world than this of
+holding imaginary triumphant discourse with your enemy. Yet (oddly)
+it brought me but cold comfort on this occasion, my wound being too
+recent and galling. The sky, so long clouded, was bright'ning now,
+and growing serener every minute: the hills were thick with fox-
+gloves, the vales white with hawthorn, smelling very sweetly in the
+cool of the day: but I, with the bridle flung on Molly's neck,
+pass'd them by, thinking only of my discomfiture, and barely rousing
+myself to give back a "Good-day" to those that met me on the road.
+Nor, till we were on the downs and Joan's cottage came in sight, did
+I shake the brooding off.
+
+Joan was not in the kitchen when I arrived, nor about the buildings;
+nor yet could I spy her anywhere moving on the hills. So, after
+calling to her once or twice, I stabled the mare, and set off up the
+tor side to seek her.
+
+Now I must tell you that since the day of my coming I had made many
+attempts to find the place where Joan had then hidden me, and always
+fruitlessly: though I knew well whereabouts it must be. Indeed, I
+had thought at first I had only to walk straight to the hole: yet
+found after repeated trials but solid earth and boulders for my
+pains.
+
+But to-day as I climb'd past the spot, something very bright flashed
+in my eyes and dazzled me, and rubbing them and looking, I saw a
+great hole in the hill--facing to the sou'-west--in the very place
+I had search'd for it; and out of this a beam of light glancing.
+
+Creeping near on tiptoe, I found one huge block of granite that
+before had seemed bedded, among a dozen fellow-boulders, against the
+turf--the base resting on another well-nigh as big--was now rolled
+back; having been fixed to work smoothly on a pivot, yet so like
+nature that no eye, but by chance, could detect it. Now, who in the
+beginning designed this hiding place I leave you to consider; and
+whether it was the Jews or Phoenicians--nations, I am told, that
+once work'd the hills around for tin. But inside 'twas curiously
+paved and lined with slabs of granite, the specks of ore in which,
+I noted, were the points of light that had once puzzled me. And here
+was Joan's bower, and Joan herself inside it.
+
+She was sitting with her back to me, in her left hand holding up the
+mirror, that caught the rays of the now sinking sun (and thus had
+dazzled me), while with her right she tried to twist into some form
+of knot her tresses--black, and coarse as a horse's mane--that
+already she had roughly braided. A pail of water stood beside her;
+and around lay scatter'd a score or more of long thorns, cut to the
+shape of hair pins.
+
+'Tis probable that after a minute's watching I let some laughter
+escape me. At any rate Joan turned, spied me, and scrambled up, with
+an angry red on her cheek. Then I saw that her bodice was neater
+lac'd than usual, and a bow of yellow ribbon (fish'd up heaven knows
+whence) stuck in the bosom. But the strangest thing was to note the
+effect of this new tidiness upon her: for she took a step forward as
+if to cuff me by the ear (as, a day agone, she would have done), and
+then stopp'd, very shy and hesitating.
+
+"Why, Joan," said I, "don't be anger'd. It suits you choicely--it
+does indeed."
+
+"Art scoffing, I doubt." She stood looking heavily and askance at me.
+
+"On my faith, no: and what a rare tiring-bower the Jew's Kitchen
+makes! Come, Joan, be debonair and talk to me, for I am out of luck
+to-day."
+
+"Forgit it, then" (and she pointed to the sun), "whiles yet some o't
+is left. Tell me a tale, an thou'rt minded."
+
+"Of what?"
+
+"O' the bloodiest battle thou'st ever heard tell on."
+
+So, sitting by the mouth of the Jew's Kitchen, I told her as much as
+I could remember out of Homer's Iliad, wondering the while what my
+tutor, Mr. Josias How, of Trinity College, would think to hear me so
+use his teaching. By-and-bye, as I warm'd to the tale, Joan forgot
+her new smartness; and at length, when Hector was running from
+Achilles round the walls, clapp'd her hands for excitement, crying,
+"Church an' King, lad! Oh, brave work!"
+
+"Why, no," answered I, "'twas not for that they were fighting;" and
+looking at her, broke off with, "Joan, art certainly a handsome
+girl: give me a kiss for the mirror."
+
+Instead of flying out, as I look'd for, she fac'd round, and
+answered me gravely---
+
+"That I will not: not to any but my master."
+
+"And who is that?"
+
+"No man yet; nor shall be till one has beat me sore: him will I love,
+an' follow like a dog--if so be he whack me often enow'."
+
+"A strange way to love," laughed I.
+
+She look'd at me straight, albeit with an odd gloomy light in her
+eyes.
+
+"Think so, Jack? then I give thee leave to try."
+
+I think there is always a brutality lurking in a man to leap out
+unawares. Yet why do I seek excuses, that have never yet found one?
+To be plain, I sprang fiercely up and after Joan, who had already
+started, and was racing along the slope.
+
+Twice around the tor she led me: and though I strain'd my best, not
+a yard could I gain upon her, for her bare feet carried her light
+and free. Indeed, I was losing ground, when coming to the Jew's
+Kitchen a second time, she tried to slip inside and shut the stone
+in my face.
+
+Then should I have been prettily bemock'd, had I not, with a great
+effort, contrived to thrust my boot against the door just as it was
+closing. Wrenching it open, I laid hand on her shoulder; and in a
+moment she had gripp'd me, and was wrestling like a wild-cat.
+
+Now being Cumberland-bred I knew only the wrestling of my own county,
+and nothing of the Cornish style. For in the north they stand well
+apart, and try to wear down one another's strength: whereas the
+Cornish is a brisker lighter play--and (as I must confess) prettier
+to watch. So when Joan rush'd in and closed with me, I was within an
+ace of being thrown, pat.
+
+But recovering, I got her at arm's length, and held her so, while my
+heart ach'd to see my fingers gripping her shoulders and sinking
+into the flesh. I begg'd off; but she only fought and panted, and
+struggled to lock me by the ankles again. I could not have dream'd
+to find such fierce strength in a girl. Once or twice she nearly
+overmastered me: but at length my stubborn play wore her out. Her
+breath came short and fast, then fainter: and in the end, still
+holding her off, I turned her by the shoulders, and let her drop
+quietly on the turf. No thought had I any longer of kissing her; but
+stood back, heartily sick and ashamed of myself.
+
+For awhile she lay, turn'd over on her side, with hands guarding her
+head, as if expecting me to strike her. Then gathering herself up,
+she came and put her hand in mine, very meekly.
+
+"Had lik'd it better had'st thou stamped the life out o' me, a'most.
+But there, lad--am thine forever!"
+
+'Twas like a buffet in the face to me. "What!" I cried.
+
+She look'd up in my face--dear Heaven, that I should have to write
+it!--with eyes brimful, sick with love; tried to speak, but could
+only nod: and broke into a wild fit of tears.
+
+I was standing there with her hand in mine, and a burning remorse in
+my heart, when I heard the clear notes of a bugle blown, away on the
+road to Launceston.
+
+Looking that way, I saw a great company of horse coming down over
+the crest, the sun shining level on their arms and a green standard
+that they bore in their midst.
+
+Joan spied them the same instant, and check'd her sobs. Without a
+word we flung ourselves down full length on the turf to watch.
+
+They were more than a thousand, as I guess'd, and came winding down
+the road very orderly, till, being full of them, it seem'd a long
+serpent writhing with shiny scales. The tramp of hoofs and jingling
+of bits were pretty to hear.
+
+"Rebels!" whisper'd I.
+
+Joan nodded.
+
+There were three regiments in all, whereof the first (and biggest)
+was of dragoons. So clear was the air, I could almost read the
+legend on their standard, and the calls of their captains were borne
+up to us extremely distinct.
+
+As they rode leisurely past, I thought of Master Tingcomb's threat,
+and wonder'd what this array could intend. Nor, turning it over,
+could I find any explanation: for the Earl of Stamford's gathering,
+he had said, was in the northeast, and I knew such troops as the
+Cornish generals had to be quarter'd at Launceston. Yet here, on the
+near side of Launceston, was a large body of rebel horse marching
+quietly to the sou'-west. Where was the head or tail to it?
+
+Turning my head as the last rider disappear'd on the way to Bodmin,
+I spied a squat oddly shap'd man striding down the hill very
+briskly: yet he look'd about him often and kept to the hollows of
+the ground; and was crossing below us, as it appeared, straight for
+Joan's cottage.
+
+Cried I: "There is but one man in the world with such a gait--and
+that's Billy Pottery!"
+
+And jumping to my feet (for he was come directly beneath us) I
+caught up a great stone and sent it bowling down the slope.
+
+Bounce it went past him, missing his legs by a foot or less. The man
+turn'd, and catching sight of me as I stood waving, made his way up
+the hill. 'Twas indeed Captain Bilty: and coming up, the honest
+fellow almost hugg'd me for joy.
+
+"Was seeking thee, Jack," he bawled: "learn'd from Sir Bevill where
+belike I might find thee. Left his lodging at Launceston this
+mornin', and trudged ivery foot o' the way. A thirsty land, Jack--
+neither horse's meat nor man's meat therein, nor a chair to sit down
+on: an' three women only have I kiss'd this day!" He broke off and
+look'd at Joan. "Beggin' the lady's pardon for sea manners and way
+o' speech."
+
+"Joan," said I, "this is Billy Pottery, a good mariner and friend of
+mine: and as deaf as a haddock."
+
+Billy made a leg; and as I pointed to the road where the cavalry had
+just disappeared, went on with a nod---
+
+"That's so: old Sir G'arge Chudleigh's troop o' horse sent off to
+Bodmin to seize the High Sheriff and his _posse_ there. Two
+hour agone I spied 'em, and ha' been ever since playin' spy."
+
+"Then where be the King's forces?" I made shift to enquire by signs.
+
+"March'd out o' Launceston to-day, lad--an' but a biscuit a man
+between 'em, poor dears--for Stratton Heath, i' the nor'-east, where
+the rebels be encamp'd. Heard by scouts o' these gentry bein' sent
+to Bodmin, and were minded to fight th' Earl o' Stamford whiles his
+dragooners was away. An' here's the long an' short o't: thou'rt
+wanted, lad, to bear a hand wi' us up yonder--an the good lady here
+can spare thee."
+
+And here we both look'd at Joan--I shamefacedly enough, and Billy
+with a puzzled air, which he tried very delicately to hide.
+
+She put her hand in mine.
+
+"To fight, lad?"
+
+I nodded my head.
+
+"Then go," she said without a shade in her voice; and as I made no
+answer, went on--"Shall a woman hinder when there's fightin'
+toward? Only come back when thy wars be over, for I shall miss thee,
+Jack."
+
+And dropping my hand she led the way down to the cottage.
+
+Now Billy, of course, had not heard a word of this: but perhaps he
+gathered some import. Any way, he pull'd up short midway on the
+slope, scratched his head, and thunder'd---
+
+"What a good lass!"
+
+Joan, some paces ahead, turn'd at this and smil'd: whereat, having
+no idea he'd spoken above a whisper, Billy blush'd red as any peony.
+
+'Twas but a short half hour when, the mare being saddled and Billy
+fed, we took our leave of Joan. Billy walked beside one stirrup, and
+the girl on the other side, to see us a few yards on our way. At
+length she halted---
+
+"No leave-takin's, Jack, but 'Church and King!' Only do thy best and
+not disgrace me."
+
+And "Church and King!" she call'd thrice after us, standing in the
+road. For me, as I rode up out of that valley, the drums seem'd
+beating and the bugles calling to a new life ahead. The last light
+of day was on the tors, the air blowing fresher as we mounted: and
+with Molly's every step the past five months appear'd to dissolve
+and fall away from me as a dream.
+
+On the crest, I turn'd in the saddle. Joan was yet standing there,
+a black speck on the road. She waved her hand once.
+
+Billy had turn'd too, and, uncovering, shouted so that the hilltops
+echoed.
+
+"A good lass--a good lass! But what's become o' t'other one?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD HEATH.
+
+
+Night came, and found us but midway between Temple and Lannceston:
+for tho' my comrade stepp'd briskly beside me, 'twas useless to put
+Molly beyond a walk; and besides, the mare was new from her day's
+journey. This troubled me the less by reason of the moon (now almost
+at the full), and the extreme whiteness of the road underfoot, so
+that there was no fear of going astray. And Billy engaged that by
+sunrise we should be in sight of the King's troops.
+
+"Nay, Jack," he said, when by signs I offered him to ride and tie:
+"never rode o' horseback but once, and then 'pon Parson Spinks his
+red mare at Bideford. Parson i' those days was courtin' the Widow
+Hambly, over to Torrington: an' I, that wanted to fare to Barnstaple,
+spent that mornin' an' better part o' th' afternoon, clawin' off
+Torrington. And th' end was the larboard halyards broke, an' the
+mare gybed, an' to Torrington I went before the wind, wi' an
+unseemly bloody nose. 'Lud!' cries the widow, ''tis the wrong man
+'pon the right horse!' 'Pardon, mistress,' says I, 'the man is well
+enow, but 'pon the wrong horse, for sure.'"
+
+Now and then, as we went, I would dismount and lead Molly by the
+bridle for a mile or so: and all the way to Launceston Billy was
+recounting his adventures since our parting. It appeared that, after
+leaving me, they had come to Plymouth with a fair passage: but
+before they could unlade, had advertisement of the Governor's design
+to seize all vessels then riding in the Sound, for purposes of war;
+and so made a quick escape by night into Looe Haven, where they had
+the fortune to part with the best part of their cargo at a high
+profit. 'Twas while unlading here that Billy had a mind to pay a
+debt he ow'd to a cousin of his at Altarnun, and, leaving Matt
+Soames in charge, had tramped northward through Liskeard to
+Launceston, where he found the Cornish forces, and was met by the
+news of the Earl of Stamford's advance in the northeast. Further,
+meeting, in Sir Bevill's troop, with some north coast men of his
+acquaintance, he fell to talking, and so learn'd about me and my
+ride toward Braddock, which (it seem'd) was now become common
+knowledge. This led him to seek Sir Bevill, with the result that you
+know: "for," as he wound up, "'tis a desirable an' rare delight to
+pay a debt an' see some fun, together."
+
+We had some trouble at Launceston gate, where were a few burghers
+posted for sentries, and, as I could see, ready to take fright at
+their own shadows. But Billy gave the watchword ("One and All"), and
+presently they let us through. As we pass'd along the street we
+marked a light in every window almost, tho' 'twas near midnight; and
+the people moving about behind their curtains. There were groups too
+in the dark doorways, gather'd there discussing, that eyed us as we
+went by, and answered Billy's _Good-night, honest men!_ very hoarse
+and doubtfully.
+
+But when we were beyond the town, and between hedges again, I think
+I must have dozed off in my saddle. For, though this was a road full
+of sharp memories, being the last I had traveled with Delia, I have
+no remembrance to have felt them; or, indeed, of noting aught but
+the fresh night air, and the constellation of the Bear blazing ahead,
+and Billy's voice resonant beside me.
+
+And after this I can recall passing the tower of Marham Church, with
+the paling sky behind it, and some birds chattering in the carved
+courses: and soon (it seem'd) felt Billy's grip on my knee, and
+open'd my eyes to see his finger pointing.
+
+We stood on a ridge above a hollow vale into which the sun, though
+now bright, did not yet pierce, but passing over to a high, conical
+hill beyond, smote level on line after line of white tents--the
+prettiest sight! 'Twas the enemy there encamped on the top and some
+way down the sides, the smoke of their trampled watch fires still
+curling among the gorsebushes. I heard their trumpets calling and
+drums beating to arms; for though, glancing back at the sun, I
+judged it to be hardly past four in the morning, yet already the
+slopes were moving like an ant-hill--the regiments gathering, arms
+flashing, horsemen galloping to and fro, and the captains shouting
+their commands. In the distance this had a sweet and cheerful sound,
+no more disquieting than a ploughboy calling to his team.
+
+Looking down into the valley at our feet, at first I saw no sign of
+our own troops--only the roofs of a little town, with overmuch smoke
+spread above it, like a morning mist. But here also I heard the
+church bells clashing and a drum beating, and presently spied a
+gleam of arms down among the trees, and then a regiment of foot
+moving westward along the base of the hill. 'Twas evident the battle
+was at hand, and we quicken'd our pace down into the street.
+
+It lay on the slope, and midway down we pass'd some watch fires
+burn'd out; and then a soldier or two running and fastening their
+straps; and last a little child, that seem'd wild with the joy of
+living amid great events, but led us pretty straight to the sign of
+"The Tree," which indeed was the only tavern.
+
+It stood some way back from the street, with a great elm before the
+porch: where by a table sat two men, with tankards beside them, and
+a small company of grooms and soldiers standing round. Both men were
+more than ordinary tall and soldier like: only the bigger wore a
+scarlet cloak very richly lac'd, and was shouting orders to his men;
+while the other, dress'd in plain buff suit and jack boots, had a
+map spread before him, which he studied very attentively, writing
+therein with a quill pen.
+
+"What a plague have we here?" cries the big man, as we drew up.
+
+"Recruits if it please you, sir," said I, dismounting and pulling
+off my hat, tho' his insolent tone offended me.
+
+"S'lid! The boy speaks as if he were a regiment," growls he, half
+aloud: "Can'st fight?"
+
+"That, with your leave, sir, is what I am come to try."
+
+"And this rascal?" He turned on Billy.
+
+Billy heard not a word, of course, yet answered readily--
+
+"Why, since your honor is so pleasantly minded--let it be cider."
+
+Now the first effect of this, deliver'd with all force of lung, was
+to make the big man sit bolt upright and staring: recovering speech,
+however, he broke into a volley of blasphemous curses.
+
+All this while the man in buff had scarce lifted his eyes off the
+map. But now he looks up--and I saw at the first glance that the two
+men hated each other.
+
+"I think," said he quietly, "my Lord Mohun has forgot to ask the
+_gentleman's_ name."
+
+"My name is Marvel, sir--John Marvel." I answer'd him with a bow.
+
+"Hey!"--and dropping his pen he starts up and grasps my hand--"Then
+'tis you I have never thanked for His Gracious Majesty's letter."
+
+"The General Hopton?" cried I.
+
+"Even so, sir. My lord," he went on, still holding my hand and
+turning to his companion, "let me present to you the gentleman that
+in January sav'd your house of Bocconnoc from burning at the hands
+of the rebels--whom God confound this day!" He lifted his hat.
+
+"Amen," said I, as his lordship bowed, exceedingly sulky. But I did
+not value his rage, being hot with joy to be so beprais'd by the
+first captain (as I yet hold) on the royal side. Who now, not
+without a sly triumph, flung the price of Billy's cider on the table
+and, folding up his map, address'd me again--
+
+"Master Marvel, the fight to-day will lie but little with the horse
+--or so I hope. You will do well, if your wish be to serve us best,
+to leave your mare behind. The troop which my Lord Mohun and I
+command together is below. But Sir Bevill Grenville, who has seen
+and is interested in you, has the first claim: and I would not deny
+you the delight to fight your first battle under so good a master.
+His men are, with Sir John Berkeley's troop, a little to the
+westward: and if you are ready I will go some distance with you, and
+put you in the way to find him. My lord, may we look for you
+presently?"
+
+The Lord Mohun nodded, surly enough: so, Billy's cider being now
+drunk and Molly given over to an ostler, we set out down the hill
+together, Billy shouldering a pipe and walking after with the groom
+that led Sir Ralph's horse. Be sure the General's courtly manner of
+speech set my blood tingling. I seem'd to grow a full two inches
+taller; and when, in the vale, we parted, he directing me to the
+left, where through a gap I could see Sir Bevill's troop forming at
+some five hundred paces' distance, I felt a very desperate warrior
+indeed; and set off at a run, with Billy behind me.
+
+'Twas an open space we had to cross, dotted with gorsebushes; and
+the enemy's regiments, plain to see, drawn up in battalia on the
+slope above, which here was gentler than to the south and west. But
+hardly had we gone ten yards than I saw a puff of white smoke above,
+then another, and then the summit ring'd with flame; and heard the
+noise of it roaring in the hills around. At the first sound I pull'd
+up, and then began running again at full speed: for I saw our
+division already in motion, and advancing up the hill at a quick
+pace.
+
+The curve of the slope hid all but the nearest: but above them I saw
+a steep earthwork, and thereon three or four brass pieces of
+ordnance glittering whenever the smoke lifted. For here the
+artillery was plying the briskest, pouring down volley on volley;
+and four regiments at least stood mass'd behind, ready to fall on
+the Cornish-men; who, answering with a small discharge of musketry,
+now ran forward more nimbly.
+
+To catch up with them, I must now turn my course obliquely up the
+hill, where running was pretty toilsome. We were panting along when
+suddenly a shower of sand and earth was dash'd in my face,
+spattering me all over. Half-blinded, I look'd and saw a great round
+shot had ploughed a trench in the ground at my feet, and lay there
+buried.
+
+At the same moment, Billy, who was running at my shoulder, plumps
+down on his knees and begins to whine and moan most pitiably.
+
+"Art hurt, dear fellow?" asked I, turning.
+
+"Oh, Jack, Jack--I have no stomach for this! A cool, wet death at
+sea I do not fear; only to have the great hot shot burning in a
+man's belly--'tis terrifying. I _hate_ a swift death! Jack, I
+be a sinner--I will confess: I lied to thee yesterday--never kiss'd
+the three maids I spoke of--never kiss'd but one i' my life, an' her
+a tap-wench, that slapp'd my face for 't, an' so don't properly
+count. I be a very boastful man!"
+
+Now I myself had felt somewhat cold inside when the guns began
+roaring: but this set me right in a trice. I whipp'd a pistol out of
+my sash and put the cold ring to his ear: and he scrambled up; and
+was a very lion all the rest of the day.
+
+But now we had again to change our course, for to my dismay I saw a
+line of sharpshooters moving down among the gorsebushes, to take the
+Cornishmen in flank. And 'twas lucky we had but a little way further
+to go; for these skirmishers, thinking perhaps from my dress and our
+running thus that we bore some message open'd fire on us: and tho'
+they were bad marksmen, 'twas ugly to see their bullets pattering
+into the turf, to right and left.
+
+We caught up the very last line of the ascending troop--lean, hungry
+looking men, with wan faces, but shouting lustily. I think they were
+about three hundred in all. "Come on, lad," called out a bearded
+fellow with a bandage over one eye, making room for me at his side;
+"there's work for plenty more!"--and a minute after, a shot took him
+in the ribs, and he scream'd out "Oh, my God!" and flinging up his
+arms, leap'd a foot in air and fell on his face.
+
+Pressing up, I noted that the first line was now at the foot of the
+earthwork; and, in a minute, saw their steel caps and crimson sashes
+swarming up the face of it, and their pikes shining. But now came a
+shock, and the fellow in front was thrust back into my arms. I
+reeled down a pace or two and then, finding foothold, stood pushing.
+And next, the whole body came tumbling back on me, and down the hill
+we went flying, with oaths and cries. Three of the rebel regiments
+had been flung on us and by sheer weight bore us before them. At the
+same time the sharpshooters pour'd in a volley: and I began to see
+how a man may go through a battle, and be beat, without striking a
+blow.
+
+But in the midst of this scurry I heard the sound of cheering. 'Twas
+Sir John Berkeley's troop (till now posted under cover of the hedges
+below) that had come to our support; and the rebels, fearing to
+advance too far, must have withdrawn again behind their earthwork,
+for after a while the pressure eas'd a bit, and, to my amaze, the
+troop which but a minute since was a mere huddled crowd, formed in
+some order afresh, and once more began to climb. This time, I had a
+thick-set pikeman in front of me, with a big wen at the back of his
+neck that seem'd to fix all my attention. And up we went, I counting
+the beat of my heart that was already going hard and short with the
+work; and then, amid the rattle and thunder of their guns, we
+stopp'd again.
+
+I had taken no notice of it, but in the confusion of the first
+repulse the greater part of our men had been thrust past me, so that
+now I found myself no further back than the fourth rank, and at the
+very foot of the earthwork, up the which our leaders were flung like
+a wave; and soon I was scrambling after them, ankle deep in the
+sandy earth, the man with the wen just ahead, grinding my instep
+with his heel and poking his pike staff between my knees as he
+slipp'd.
+
+And just at the moment when the top of our wave was cleaving a small
+breach above us, he fell on the flat of his pike, with his nose
+buried in the gravel and his hands clutching. Looking up I saw a
+tall rebel straddling above him with musket clubb'd to beat his
+brains out: whom with an effort I caught by the boot; and, the bank
+slipping at that instant, down we all slid in a heap, a jumble of
+arms and legs, to the very bottom.
+
+Before I had the sand well out of my eyes, my comrade was up and had
+his pike loose; and in a twinkling, the rebel was spitted through
+the middle and writhing. 'Twas sickening: but before I could pull
+out my pistol and end his pain (as I was minded), back came our
+front rank a-top of us again, and down they were driven like sheep,
+my companion catching up the dead man's musket and ammunition bag,
+and I followed down the slope with three stout rebels at my heels.
+"What will be the end of _this?_" thought I.
+
+The end was, that after forty yards or so, finding the foremost
+close upon me, I turn'd about and let fly with my pistol at him. He
+spun round twice and dropp'd: which I was wondering at (the pistol
+being but a poor weapon for aim) when I was caught by the arm and
+pull'd behind a clump of bushes handy by. 'Twas the man with the wen,
+and by his smoking musket I knew that 'twas he had fired the shot
+that killed my pursuer.
+
+"Good turn for good turn," says he: "quick with thy other pistol!"
+
+The other two had stopped doubtfully, but at the next discharge of
+my pistol they turn'd tail and went up the hill again, and we were
+left alone. And suddenly I grew aware that my head was aching fit to
+split, and lay down on the turf, very sick and ill.
+
+My comrade took no notice of this, but, going for the dead man's
+musket, kept loading and firing, pausing now and then for his
+artillery to cool, and whistling a tune that runs in my head to this
+day. And all the time I heard shouts and cries and the noise of
+musketry all around, which made me judge that the attack was going
+on in many places at once. When I came to myself 'twas to hear a
+bugle below calling again to the charge, and once more came the two
+troops ascending. At their head was a slight built man, bare-headed,
+with the sun (that was by this, high over the hill) smiting on his
+brown curls, and the wind blowing them. He carried a naked sword in
+his hand, and waved his men forward as cheerfully as though 'twere
+a dance and he leading out his partner.
+
+"Who is that yonder?" asked I, sitting up and pointing.
+
+"Bless thy innocent heart!" said my comrade, "dostn't thee know? Tis
+Sir Bevill."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Twould be tedious to tell the whole of this long fight, which,
+beginning soon after sunrise, ended not till four in the afternoon,
+or thereabouts: and indeed of the whole my recollection is but of
+continual advance and repulse on that same slope. And herein may be
+seen the wisdom of our generals, in attacking while the main body of
+the enemy's horse was away: for had the Earl of Stamford possessed
+a sufficient force of dragoons to let slip on us at the first
+discomfiture, there is little doubt he might have ended the battle
+there and then. As it was, the horse stood out of the fray, theirs
+upon the summit of the hill, ours (under Col. John Digby) on the
+other slope, to protect the town and act as reserve.
+
+The foot, in four parties, was disposed about the hill on all sides;
+to the west--as we know--under Sir John Berkeley and Sir Bevill
+Grenville; to the south under General Hopton and Lord Mohun; to the
+east under the Colonels Tom Basset and William Godolphin; while the
+steep side to the north was stormed by Sir Nicholas Slanning and
+Colonel Godolphin, with their companies. And as we had but eight
+small pieces of cannon and were in numbers less than one to two, all
+we had to do was to march up the hill in face of their fire, catch
+a knock on the head, may be, grin, and come on again.
+
+But at three o'clock, we, having been for the sixth time beaten back,
+were panting under cover of a hedge, and Sir John Berkeley, near by,
+was writing on a drumhead some message to the camp, when there comes
+a young man on horseback, his face smear'd with dirt and dust, and
+rides up to him and Sir Bevill. 'Twas (I have since learn'd) to say
+that the powder was all spent but a barrel or two: but this only the
+captains knew at the time.
+
+"Very well, then," cries Sir Bevill, leaping up gaily. "Come along,
+boys--we must do it this time." And, the troop forming, once more
+the trumpets sounded the charge, and up we went. Away along the
+slope we heard the other trumpeters sounding in answer, and I
+believe 'twas a _sursum corda!_ to all of us.
+
+Billy Pottery was ranged on my right, in the first rank, and next to
+me, on the other side, a giant, near seven foot high, who said his
+name was Anthony Payne and his business to act as body-servant to
+Sir Bevill. And he it was that struck up a mighty curious song in
+the Cornish tongue, which the rest took up with a will. Twas
+incredible how it put fire into them all: and Sir Bevill toss'd his
+hat into the air, and after him like schoolboys we pelted, straight
+for the masses ahead.
+
+For now over the rampart came a company of red musketeers, and two
+of russet-clad pikemen, charging down on us. A moment, and we were
+crushed back: another, and the chant rose again. We were grappling,
+hand to hand, in the midst of their files.
+
+But, good lack! What use is swordsmanship in a charge like this? The
+first red coat that encounter'd me I had spitted through the lung,
+and, carried on by the rush, he twirled me round like a windmill. In
+an instant I was pass'd; the giant stepping before me and clearing
+a space about him, using his pike as if 'twere a flail. With a wrench
+I tugg'd my sword out and followed. I saw Sir Bevill, a little to
+the left, beaten to his knee, and carried toward me. Stretching out
+a hand I pull'd him on his feet again, catching, as I did so, a
+crack on the skull that would have ended me, had not Billy Pottery
+put up his pike and broke the force of it. Next, I remember gripping
+another red coat by the beard and thrusting at him with shortened
+blade. Then the giant ahead lifted his pike high, and we fought to
+rally round it; and with that I seem'd caught off my feet and swept
+forward:--and we were on the crest.
+
+Taking breath, I saw the enemy melting off the summit like a man's
+breath off a pane. And Sir Bevill caught my hand and pointed across
+to where, on the north side, a white standard embroider'd with gold
+griffins was mounting.
+
+"'Tis dear Nick Slanning!" he cried; "God be prais'd--the day is
+ours for certain!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+I MEET WITH A HAPPY ADVENTURE BY BURNING OF A GREEN LIGHT.
+
+
+The rest of this signal victory (in which 1,700 prisoners were taken,
+besides the Major-General Chudleigh; and all the rebels' camp,
+cannon and victuals) I leave historians to tell. For very soon after
+the rout was assured (the plain below full of men screaming and
+running, and Col. John Digby's dragoons after them, chasing, cutting,
+and killing), a wet muzzle was thrust into my hand, and turning, I
+found Molly behind me, with the groom to whom I had given her in the
+morning. The rogue had counted on a crown for his readiness, and
+swore the mare was ready for anything, he having mix'd half a pint
+of strong ale with her mash, not half an hour before.
+
+So I determin'd to see the end of it, and paying the fellow, climb'd
+into the saddle. On the summit the Cornish captains were now met,
+and cordially embracing. 'Tis very sad in these latter times to call
+back their shouts and boyish laughter, so soon to be quench'd on
+Lansdowne slopes, or by Bristol graff. Yet, O favor'd ones!--to
+chase Victory, to grasp her flutt'ring skirt, and so, with warm,
+panting cheeks, kissing her, to fall, escaping evil days!
+
+How could they laugh? For me, the late passionate struggle left me
+shaken with sobs; and for the starting tears I saw neither moors
+around, nor sun, nor twinkling sea. Brushing them away, I was aware
+of Billy Pottery striding at my stirrup, and munching at a biscuit
+he had found in the rebels' camp. Said he, "In season, Jack, is in
+reason. There be times to sing an' to dance, to marry and to give in
+marriage; an' likewise times to become as wax: but now, lookin'
+about an' seein' no haughty slaughterin' cannon but has a Cornishman
+seated 'pon the touch-hole of the same, says I in my thoughtsome way,
+'Forbear!'"
+
+Presently he pulls up before a rebel trooper, that was writhing on
+the slope with a shatter'd thigh, yet raised himself on his fists to
+gaze on us with wide, painful eyes.
+
+"Good sirs," gasp'd out the rebel, "can you tell me--where be Nat
+Shipward?"
+
+"Now how should I know?" I answer'd.
+
+"'A had nutty-brown curls, an' wore a red jacket--Oh, as straight a
+young man as ever pitched hay! 'a sarved in General Chudleigh's
+troop--a very singular straight young man."
+
+"Death has taken a many such," said I, and thought on the man I had
+run through in our last charge.
+
+The fellow groaned. "'A was my son," he said: and though Billy
+pull'd out a biscuit (his pockets bulged with them) and laid it
+beside him, he turn'd from it, and sank back on the turf again.
+
+We left him, and now, the descent being gentler, broke into a run,
+in hopes to catch up with Col. John Digby's dragoons, that already
+were far across the next vale. The slope around us was piled with
+dead and dying, whereof four out of every five were rebels; and
+cruelly they cursed us as we passed them by. Night was coming on
+apace; and here already we were in deep shadow, but could see the
+yellow sun on the hills beyond. We crossed a stream at the foot, and
+were climbing again. Behind us the cheering yet continued, though
+fainter: and fainter grew the cries and shouting in front. Soon we
+turn'd into a lane over a steep hedge, under the which two or three
+stout rebels were cowering. As we came tumbling almost atop of them,
+they ran yelling: and we let them go in peace.
+
+The lane gradually led us to westward, out of the main line of the
+rout, and past a hamlet where every door was shut and all silent.
+And at last a slice of the sea fronted us, between two steeply
+shelving hills. On the crest of the road, before it plunged down
+toward the coast, was a wagon lying against the hedge, with the
+horses gone: and beside it, stretch'd across the road, an old woman.
+Stopping, we found her dead, with a sword-thrust through the left
+breast; and inside the wagon a young man lying, with his jaw bound
+up,--dead also. And how this sad spectacle happened here, so far
+from the battlefield, was more than we could guess.
+
+I was moving away, when Billy, that was kneeling in the road,
+chanced to cast his eyes up toward the sea, and dropping the dead
+woman's hand scrambled on his feet and stood looking, with a puzzled
+face.
+
+Following his gaze, I saw a small sloop moving under shorten'd
+canvas, about two miles from the land. She made a pleasant sight,
+with the last rays of sunlight flaming on her sails: but for Billy's
+perturbation I could not account, so turn'd an enquiring glance to
+him.
+
+"Suthin' i' the wind out yonder," was his answer: "What's a sloop
+doing on that ratch so close in by the point? Be dang'd! but there
+she goes again;"--as the little vessel swung off a point or two
+further from the breeze, that was breathing softly up Channel. "Time
+to sup, lad, for the both of us," he broke off shortly.
+
+Indeed, I was faint with hunger by this time, yet had no stomach to
+eat thus close to the dead. So turning into a gate on our left hand,
+we cross'd two or three fields, and sat down to sup off Billy's
+biscuits, the mare standing quietly beside us, and cropping the
+short grass.
+
+The field where we now found ourselves ran out along the top of a
+small promontory, and ended, without fence of any sort, at the
+cliff's edge. As I sat looking southward, I could only observe the
+sloop by turning my head: but Billy, who squatted over against me,
+hardly took his eyes off her, and between this and his meal was too
+busy to speak a word. For me, I had enough to do thinking over the
+late fight: and being near worn out, had half a mind to spend the
+night there on the hard turf: for, though the sun was now down and
+the landscape grey, yet the air was exceeding warm: and albeit, as
+I have said, there breath'd a light breeze now and then, 'twas hardly
+cool enough to dry the sweat off me. So I stretch'd myself out, and
+found it very pleasant to lie still; nor, when Billy stood up and
+sauntered off toward the far end of the headland, did I stir more
+than to turn my head and lazily watch him.
+
+He was gone half an hour at the least, and the sky by this time was
+so dark, that I had lost sight of him, when, rising on my elbow to
+look around, I noted a curious red glow at a point where the turf
+broke off, not three hundred yards behind me, and a thin smoke
+curling up in it, as it seem'd, from the very face of the cliff
+below. In a minute or so the smoke ceased almost; but the shine
+against the sky continued steady, tho' not very strong. "Billy has
+lit a fire," I guessed, and was preparing to go and look, when I
+spied a black form crawling toward me, and presently saw 'twas Billy
+himself.
+
+Coming close, he halted, put a finger to his lip and beckoned: then
+began to lead the way back as he had come.
+
+Thought I, "these are queer doings:" but left Molly to browse, and
+crept after him on hands and knees. He turn'd his head once to make
+sure I was following, and then scrambled on quicker, but softly,
+toward the point where the red glow was shining.
+
+Once more he pull'd up--as I judg'd, about twelve paces' distance
+from the edge--and after considering for a second, began to move
+again; only now he worked a little to the right. And soon I saw the
+intention of this: for just here the cliff's lip was cleft by a
+fissure--very like that in Scawfell which we were used to call the
+_Lord's Rake_, only narrower--that ran back into the field and
+shelved out gently at the top, so that a man might easily scramble
+some way down it, tho' how far I could not then tell. And 'twas from
+this fissure that the glow came.
+
+Along the right lip of this Billy led me, skirting it by a couple of
+yards, and wriggling on his belly like a blind worm. Crawling closer
+now (for 'twas hard to see him against the black turf), I stopp'd
+beside him and strove to quiet the violence of my breathing. Then,
+after a minute's pause, together we pulled ourselves to the edge,
+and peer'd over.
+
+The descent of the gully was broken, some eight feet below us, by a
+small ledge, sloping outward about six feet (as I guess), and
+screen'd by branches of the wild tamarisk. At the back, in an angle
+of the solid rock, was now set a pan pierced with holes, and full of
+burning charcoal: and over this a man in the rebels' uniform was
+stooping.
+
+He had a small paper parcel in his left hand, and was blowing at the
+charcoal with all his might. Holding my breath, I heard him clearly,
+but could see nothing of his face, for his back was toward us, all
+sable against the glow. The charcoal fumes as they rose chok'd me so,
+that I was very near a fit of coughing, when Billy laid one hand on
+my shoulder, and with the other pointed out to seaward.
+
+Looking that way, I saw a small light shining on the sea, pretty
+close in. 'Twas a lantern hung out from the sloop, as I concluded on
+the instant: and now I began to have an inkling of what was toward.
+
+But looking down again at the man with the charcoal pan I saw a
+black head of hair lifted, and then a pair of red puff'd cheeks, and
+a pimpled nose with a scar across the bridge of it--all shining in
+the glare of the pan.
+
+"Powers of Heaven!" I gasped; "'tis that bloody villain Luke
+Settle!"
+
+And springing to my feet, I took a jump over the edge and came
+sprawling on top of him. The scoundrel was stooping with his nose
+close to the pan, and had not time to turn before I lit with a thud
+on his shoulders, flattening him on the ledge and nearly sending his
+face on top of the live coal. 'Twas so sudden that, before he could
+so much as think, my fingers were about his windpipe, and the both
+of us struggling flat on the brink of the precipice. For he had a
+bull's strength, and heaved and kicked, so that I fully looked, next
+moment, to be flying over the edge into the sea: nor could I loose
+my grip to get out a pistol, but only held on and worked my fingers
+in, and thought how he had strangled the mastiff that night on the
+bowling-green, and vowed to serve him the same if only strength held
+out.
+
+But now, just as he had almost twisted his neck free, I heard a
+stone or two break away above us, and down came Billy Pottery flying
+atop of us, and pinned us to the ledge.
+
+'Twas short work now. Within a minute, Captain Luke Settle was
+turned on his back, his eyes fairly starting with Billy's clutch on
+his throat, his mouth wide open and gasping; till I slipp'd the
+nozzle of my pistol between his teeth; and with that he had no more
+chance, but gave in, and like a lamb submitted to have his arms
+truss'd behind him with Billy's leathern belt, and his legs with his
+own.
+
+"Now," said I, standing over him, and putting the pistol against his
+temple, "you and I, Master Turncoat Settle, have some accounts that
+'twould be well to square. So first tell me, what do you here, and
+where is Mistress Delia Killigrew?"
+
+I think that till this moment the bully had no idea his assailants
+were more than a chance couple of Cornish troopers. But now seeing
+the glow of the burning charcoal on my face, he ripped out a horrid
+blasphemous curse, and straightway fell to speaking calmly.
+
+"Good sirs, the game is yours, with care. S'lid! but you hold a
+pretty hand--if only you know how to play it."
+
+"'Tis you shall help me, Captain: but let us be clear about the
+stakes. For you, 'tis life or death: for me, 'tis to regain Mistress
+Delia, failing which I shoot you here through the head, and topple
+you into the sea. You are the Knave of trumps, sir, and I play that
+card: as matters now stand, only the Queen can save you."
+
+"Right: but where be King and Ace?"
+
+"The King is the Cornish army, yonder: the Ace is my pistol here,
+which I hold."
+
+"And that's a very pretty comprehension of the game, sir: I play the
+Queen."
+
+"Where is she?"
+
+For answer, he pointed seaward, where the sloop's lantern lay like
+a floating star on the black waters.
+
+"What!" cried I. "Mistress Delia in that sloop! And who is with her,
+pray?"
+
+"Why, Black Dick, to begin with--and Reuben Gedges--and Jeremy Toy."
+
+"All the Knaves left in the pack--God help her!" I muttered, as I
+look'd out toward the light, and my heart beat heavily. "God help
+her!" I said again, and turning, spied a grin on the Captain's face.
+
+"Under Providence," answered he, "your unworthy servant may suffice.
+But what is my reward to be?"
+
+"Your neck," said I, "if I can save it when you are led before the
+Cornish captains."
+
+"That's fair enough: so listen. These few months the lady has been
+shut in Bristol keep, whither, by the advice of our employer, we
+conveyed her back safe and sound. This same employer--"
+
+"A dirty rogue, whom you may as well call by his name--Hannibal
+Tingcomb."
+
+"Right, young sir: a very dirty rogue, and a niggardly:--I hate a
+mean rascal. Well, fearing her second escape from that prison, and
+being hand in glove with the Parliament men, he gets her on board a
+sloop bound for the Virginias, just at the time when he knows the
+Earl of Stamford is to march and crush the Cornishmen. For escort
+she has the three comrades of mine that I named: and the captain of
+the sloop (a fellow that asks no questions) has orders to cruise
+along the coast hereabouts till he gets news of the battle."
+
+"Which you were just now about to give him," cried I, suddenly
+enlighten'd.
+
+"Right again. 'Twas a pretty scheme: for--d'ye see?--if all went
+well with the Earl of Stamford, the King's law would be wiped out in
+Cornwall, and Master Tingcomb (with his claims and meritorious
+services) might snap his thumb thereat. So, in that case, Mistress
+Delia was to be brought ashore here and taken to him, to serve as he
+fancied. But if the day should go against us--as it has--she was to
+sail to the Virginias with the sloop, and there be sold as a slave.
+Or worse might happen; but I swear that is the worst was ever told
+me."
+
+"God knows 'tis vile enough," said I, scarce able to refrain from
+blowing his brains out. "So you were to follow the Earl's army, and
+work the signals. Which are they?" For a quick resolve had come into
+my head, and I was casting about to put it into execution.
+
+"A green light if we won: if not, a red light, to warn the sloop
+away."
+
+I picked up the packet that had dropp'd from his hand when first I
+sprang upon him. It was burst abroad, and a brown powder trickling
+from it about the ledge.
+
+"This was the red light--to be sprinkled on the burning charcoal, I
+suppose?"
+
+The fellow nodded. At the same moment, Billy (who as yet had not
+spoke a word, and of course, understood nothing) thrust into my hand
+another packet that he had found stuck in a corner against the rock.
+
+"Now tell me--in case the rebels won, where was the landing to be
+made?"
+
+"In the cove below here--where the road leads down."
+
+"Aye, the road where the wagon stood."
+
+Captain Luke Settle blink'd his eyes at this: but nodded after a
+moment.
+
+"And how many would escort her?"
+
+He caught my drift and laughed softly---
+
+"Be damn'd, sir, but I begin to love you, for you play the game very
+proper and soundly. Reuben, Jeremy, and Black Dick alone are in the
+plot; so why should more escort her? For the skipper and crew have
+their own business to look after."
+
+"Then, Master Settle, tho' it be a sore trial to you, those three
+Knaves you must give me, or I play my Ace," and I pressed the ring
+of my pistol sharply against his ear as a reminder.
+
+"With all my heart, young sir, you shall have them," says he briskly.
+
+"And this is 'honor among thieves,'" thought I: "You would sell your
+comrade as you sold your King:" but only said, "If you cry out, or
+speak one word to warn them--"
+
+Before I could get my sentence out, Billy Pottery broke in with a
+voice like a trumpet--
+
+"As folks go, Jack, I be a humorous man. But sittin' here, an'
+ponderin' this way an' that, I says, in my deaf an' afflicted style,
+'Why not shoot the ugly rogue, if mirth, indeed, be your object?'
+For to wait till an uglier comes to this untravel'd spot is
+superfluity."
+
+How to explain matters to Billy was more than I could tell: but in
+a moment he himself supplied the means. For the rocks here were of
+some kind of slate, very hard, but scaly: and finding two pieces, a
+large and a small, he handed them to me, bawling that I was to write
+therewith. So giving him my pistol, I made shift to scribble a few
+words. Seeing his eyes twinkle as he read, I stood up.
+
+The charcoal by this time was a glowing mass of red: and threw so
+clear a light on us that I feared the crew on board the sloop might
+see our forms and suspect their misadventure. But the lantern still
+hung steadily: so signing to Billy to drag our prisoner behind a
+tamarisk bush, I open'd the second packet, and poured some of the
+powder into my hand.
+
+It was composed of tiny crystals, yellow and flaky: and holding it,
+for a moment I was possessed with a horrid fear that this might be
+the signal to warn the sloop away. I flung a look at the Captain:
+who read my thoughts on the instant.
+
+"Never fear, young sir: am no such hero as to sell my life for that
+tag-rag. Only make haste, for your deaf friend has a cursed ugly way
+of fumbling his pistol."
+
+So taking heart, I tore the packet wide, and shook out the powder on
+the coals.
+
+Instantly there came a dense choking vapor, and a vivid green flare
+that turned the rocks, the sky, and our faces to a ghastly
+brilliance. For two minutes, at least, this unnatural light lasted.
+As soon as it died away and the fumes clear'd, I look'd seaward.
+
+The lantern on the sloop was moving in answer to the signal. Three
+times it was lifted and lower'd: and then in the stillness I heard
+voices calling, and soon after the regular splash of oars.
+
+There was no time to be lost. Pulling the Captain to his feet, we
+scrambled up the gully, and out at the top, and across the fields as
+fast as our legs would take us. Molly came to my call and trotted
+beside me--the Captain following some paces behind, and Billy last,
+to keep a safe watch on his movements.
+
+At the gate, however, where we turned into the road, I tethered the
+mare, lest the sound of her hoofs should betray us: and down toward
+the sea we pelted, till almost at the foot of the hill I pull'd up
+and listen'd, the others following my example.
+
+We could hear the sound of oars plain above the wash of waves on the
+beach. I look'd about me. On either side the road was now bank'd by
+tall hills, with clusters of bracken and furze bushes lying darkly
+on their slopes. Behind one of these clusters I station'd Billy with
+the Captain's long sword, and a pistol that I by signs forbade him
+to fire unless in extremity. Then, retiring some forty paces up the
+road, I hid the Captain and myself on the other side.
+
+Hardly were we thus disposed, before I heard the sound of a boat
+grounding on the beach below, and the murmur of voices; and then the
+noise of feet trampling the shingle. Upon which I ordered my
+prisoner to give a hail, which he did readily.
+
+"Ahoy, Dick! Ahoy, Reuben Gedges!"
+
+In a moment or two came the answer--
+
+"Ahoy, there, Captain--here we be!"
+
+"Fetch along the cargo!" shouted Captain Settle, on my prompting.
+
+"Where be you?"
+
+"Up the road, here--waiting!"
+
+"One minute, then--wait one minute, Captain!"
+
+I heard the boat push'd off, some _Good-nights_ call'd, and then (with
+tender anguish) the voice of my Delia lifted in entreaty. As I
+guess'd, she was beseeching the sailors to take her back to the
+sloop, nor leave her to these villains. There follow'd an oath or
+two growl'd out, a short scrimmage, and at last, above the splash of
+the retreating boat, came the tramp of heavy feet on the road below.
+
+So fired was I at the sound of Delia's voice, that 'twas with much
+ado I kept quiet behind the bush. Yet I had wit enough left to look
+to the priming of my pistol, and also to bid the Captain shout again.
+As he did so, a light shone out down the road, and round the corner
+came a man bearing a lantern.
+
+"Can't be quicker, Captain," he called: "the jade struggles so that
+Dick and Jeremy ha' their hands full."
+
+Sure enough, after him there came in view two stooping forms that
+bore my dear maid between them--one by the feet, the other by the
+shoulders. I ground my teeth to see it, for she writhed sorely. On
+they came, however, until not more than ten paces off; and then that
+traitor, Luke Settle, rose up behind our bush.
+
+"Set her here, boys," said he, "and tie her pretty ankles."
+
+"Well met, Captain!" said the fellow with the lantern--Reuben
+Gedges--stepping forward; "Give us your hand!"
+
+He was holding out his own, when I sprang up, set the pistol close
+to his chest, and fired. His scream mingled with the roar of it, and
+dropping the lantern, he threw up his hands and tumbled in a heap.
+At the same moment, out went the light, and the other rascals,
+dropping Delia, turn'd to run, crying, "Sold--sold!"
+
+But behind them came now a shout from Billy, and a crashing blow
+that almost severed Black Dick's arm at the shoulder: and at the
+same instant I was on Master Toy's collar, and had him down in the
+dust. Kneeling on his chest, with my sword point at his throat, I
+had leisure to glance at Billy, who in the dark, seem'd to be
+sitting on the head of his disabled victim. And then I felt a touch
+on my shoulder, and a dear face peer'd into mine.
+
+"Is it Jack--my sweet Jack?"
+
+"To be sure," said I: "and if you but reach out your hand, I will
+kiss it, for all that I'm busy with this rogue."
+
+"Nay, Jack, I'll kiss thee on the cheek--so! Dear lad, I am so
+frighten'd, and yet could laugh for joy!"
+
+But now I caught the sound of galloping on the road above, and
+shouts, and then more galloping; and down came a troop of horsemen
+that were like to have ridden over us, had I not shouted lustily.
+
+"Who, in the fiend's name is here?" shouted the foremost, pulling in
+his horse with a scramble.
+
+"Honest men and rebels together," I answered; "but light the lantern
+that you will find handy by, and you shall know one from t'other."
+
+By the time 'twas found and lit, there was a dozen of Col. John
+Digby's dragoons about us: and before the two villains were bound,
+comes a half dozen more, leading in Captain Settle, that had taken
+to his heels at the first blow and climb'd the hill, all tied as he
+was about the hands, and was caught in his endeavor to clamber on
+Molly's back. So he and Black Dick and Jeremy Toy were strapp'd up:
+but Reuben Gedges we left on the road for a corpse. Yet he did not
+die (though shot through the lung), but recovered--heaven knows how:
+and I myself had the pleasure to see him hanged at Tyburn, in the
+second year of his late Majesty's most blessed Restoration, for
+stopping the Bishop of Salisbury's coach, in Maidenhead Thicket, and
+robbing the Bishop himself, with much added contumely.
+
+But as we were ready to start, and I was holding Delia steady on
+Molly's back, up comes Billy and bawls in my ear---
+
+"There's a second horse, if wanted, that I spied tether'd under a
+hedge younder"--and he pointed to the field where we had first found
+Captain Settle--"in color a sad black, an' harness'd like as if he
+came from a cart."
+
+I look'd at the Captain, who in the light of the lantern blink'd
+again. "Thou bloody villain!" muttered I, for now I read the tragedy
+of the wagon beside the road, and knew how Master Settle had
+provided a horse for his own escape.
+
+But hereupon the word was given, and we started up the hill, I
+walking by Delia's stirrup and listening to her talk as if we had
+never been parted--yet with a tenderer joy, having by loss of it
+learn'd to appraise my happiness aright.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+JOAN DOES ME HER LAST SERVICE.
+
+
+We came, a little before midnight, to Sir Bevill's famous great
+house of Stow, near Kilkhampton: that to-night was brightly lit and
+full of captains and troopers feasting, as well they needed to,
+after the great victory. And here, though loth to do so, I left
+Delia to the care of Lady Grace Grenville, Sir Bevill's fond
+beautiful wife, and of all gentlewomen I have ever seen the pink and
+paragon, as well for her loyal heart as the graces of her mind: who,
+before the half of our tale was out, kissed Delia on both cheeks,
+and led her away. "To you too, sir, I would counsel bed," said she,
+"after you have eaten and drunk, and especially given God thanks for
+this day's work."
+
+Sir Bevill I did not see, but striding down into the hall, picked my
+way among the drinking and drunken; the servants hurrying with
+dishes of roast and baked and great tankards of beer; the swords and
+pikes flung down under the forms and settles, and sticking out to
+trip a man up; and at length found a groom who led me to a loft over
+one of the barns: and here, above a mattress of hay, I slept the
+first time for many months between fresh linen that smell'd of
+lavender, and in thinking how pleasant 'twas, dropped sound asleep.
+
+Sure there is no better, sweeter couch than this of linen spread
+over hay. Early in the morning, I woke with wits clear as water, and
+not an ache or ounce of weariness in my bones: and after washing at
+the pump below, went in search of breakfast and Sir Bevill. The one
+I found, ready laid, in the hall; the other seated in his writing-
+room, studying in a map; and with apology for my haste, handed him
+Master Tingcomb's confession and told my story.
+
+When 'twas over, Sir Bevill sat pondering, and after a while said,
+very frankly----
+
+"As a magistrate I can give this warrant; and 'twould be a pleasure,
+for well, as a boy, do I remember Deakin Killigrew. Young sir----"
+he rose up, and taking a turn across the room, came and laid a hand
+on my shoulder, "I have seen his daughter. Is it too late to warn
+you against loving her?"
+
+"Why yes," I answer'd blushing: "I think it is."
+
+"She seems both sweet and quaint. God forbid I should say a word
+against one that has so taken me! But in these times a man should
+stand alone: to make a friend is to run the chance of a soft heart:
+to marry a wife makes the chance sure----"
+
+He broke off, and went on again with a change of tone----
+
+"For many reasons I would blithely issue this warrant. But how am I
+to spare men to carry it out? At any moment we may be assail'd."
+
+"If that be your concern, sir," answer'd I, "give me the warrant. I
+have a good friend here, a seafaring man, whose vessel lies at this
+moment in Looe Haven, with a crew on board that will lay Master
+Tingcomb by the heels in a trice. Within three days we'll have him
+clapp'd in Launceston Jail, and there at the next Assize you shall
+sit on the Grand Jury and hear his case, by which time, I hope, the
+King's law shall run on easier wheels in Cornwall. The prisoners we
+have already I leave you to deal withal: only, against my will, I
+must claim some mercy for that rogue, Settle."
+
+To this Sir Bevill consented; and, to be short, the three knaves
+were next morning pack'd off to Launceston: but in time, no evidence
+being brought against them, regained their freedom, which they used
+to come to the gallows, each in his own way. Their doings no longer
+concern this history, and so I gladly leave them.
+
+To return, then, to my proper tale, 'twas not ten minutes before I
+had the warrant in my pocket. And by eleven o'clock (word having
+been carried to Delia, and our plans laid before Billy Pottery, who
+on the spot engaged himself to help us) our horses were brought
+round to the gate, and my mistress appear'd, all ready for the
+journey. For tho' assured that the work needed not her presence, and
+that she had best wait at Stow till Master Tingcomb was smok'd out
+of his nest, she would have none of it, but was set on riding with
+me to see justice done on this fellow, of whose villainy I had told
+her much the night before. And glad I was of her choice, as I saw
+her standing on the entrance steps, fresh as a rose, and in a fit
+habit once more: for Lady Grace had lent not only her own bay horse,
+but also a riding dress and hat of grey velvet to equip her: and
+stood in the porch to wish us _Godspeed!_ while Sir Bevill help'd
+Delia to the saddle.
+
+So, with Billy tramping behind us, away we rode up the combe, where
+Kilkhampton tower stood against the sky; and turning to wave hands
+at the top, found our host and hostess still by the gate, watching
+us, with hands rais'd to shield their eyes from the sun.
+
+The whole petty tale of this day's ride I shall not dwell upon.
+Indeed, I scarcely noted the miles as they pass'd. For all the way
+we were chattering, Delia telling me how Captain Settle and his gang
+had hurried her (tho' without indignity) across Dartmoor to
+Ashburton, thence to Lynton in North Devon, and so along the coast
+of Somerset to Bristol; how they there produced a paper, at sight of
+which Sir Nathaniel Fiennes, the new Governor, kept her under lock
+and key. And thus she remained four months, at the end of which time
+they convey'd her on board a sloop, call'd the _Fortitude_, and bound
+for the Virginias, with the result that has been told. To all of which
+I listened greedily, stealing from time to time a look at her shape,
+that on horseback was graceful as a willow, and into her eyes that,
+under the flapping grey brim, were gay and fancy-free as ever.
+
+"And did you," asked I, "never at heart chide me for leaving you
+so!"
+
+"Why no. I never took thee for a conjurer, Jack."
+
+"But, at least, you thought of me," I urged.
+
+"Oh, dear--oh, dear!" She pull'd rein and look'd at me: "I remember
+now that last night I kiss'd thee. Forget it, Jack: last night, so
+glad was I to be sav'd, I could have kiss'd a cobbler. Indeed,
+Jack," she went on seriously, "I would that some maid had got hold
+of thee, in all these months, to cure thy silly notions!"
+
+At Launceston, Billy Pottery took leave of us: and now went, due
+south, toward Looe, with a light purse and lighter heart,
+undertaking that his ship should lie off Gleys, with her crew ready
+for action, within eight-and-forty hours. Delia and I rode faster
+now toward the southwest: and having by this time recover'd my
+temper, I was recounting my flight along this very road, when I
+heard a sound that brought my heart into my mouth.
+
+'Twas the blast of a bugle, and came from behind the hill in front
+of us. And at the same moment I understood. It must be Sir George
+Chudleigh's cavalry returning, on news of their comrades' defeat,
+and we were riding straight toward them, as into a trap.
+
+Now what could have made me forgetful of this danger I cannot
+explain, unless it be that our thorough victory over the rebels had
+given me the notion that the country behind us was clear of foes.
+And Sir Bevill must have had a notion we were going straight to Looe
+with Billy. At any rate, there was no time to be lost: for my
+presence was a danger to Delia as well. I cast a glance about me.
+There was no place to hide.
+
+"Quick!" I cried; "follow me, and ride for dear life!"
+
+And striking spur into Molly I turn'd sharp off the road and
+gallop'd across the moor to the left, with Delia close after me.
+
+We had gone about two hundred yards only when I heard a shout, and
+glancing over my right shoulder, saw a green banner waving on the
+crest of the road, and gathered about it the vanguard of the troop--
+some score of dragoons: and these, having caught sight of us, were
+pausing a moment to watch.
+
+The shout presently was followed by another; to which I made no
+answer, but held on my way, with the nose of Delia's horse now level
+with my stirrup: for I guess'd that my dress had already betrayed us.
+And this was the case; for at the next glance I saw five or six
+dragoons detach themselves from the main body, and gallop in a
+direction at an acute angle to ours. On they came, yelling to us to
+halt, and scattering over the moor to intercept us.
+
+Not choosing, however, to be driven eastward, I kept a straight
+course and trusted to our horses' fleetness to carry us by them, out
+of reach of their shot. In the pause of their first surprise we had
+stolen two hundred yards more. I counted and found eight men thus in
+pursuit of us: and to my joy heard the bugle blown again, and saw
+the rest of the troop, now gathering fast above, move steadily along
+the road without intention to follow. Doubtless the news of the
+Cornish success made them thus wary of their good order.
+
+[Illustration: two arrows]
+
+Still, eight men were enough to run from; and now the nearest let
+fly with his piece--more to frighten us, belike, than with any other
+view, for we were far out of range. But it grew clear that if we
+held on our direction they must cut us off: as you may see by these
+two arrows, the long thin one standing for our own course, the
+thicker and shorter for that of the dragoons.
+
+Only now with good hope I saw a hill rising not half a mile in front,
+and somewhat to the right of our course: and thought I "if we can
+gain the hollow to the left of it, and put the hill between us, they
+must ride over it or round--in either case losing much time." So,
+pointing this out to Delia, who rode on my left (to leave my pistol
+arm free and at the same time be screen'd by me from shot of the
+dragoons) I drove my spurs deep and called to Molly to make her best
+pace.
+
+The enemy divin'd our purpose: and in a minute 'twas a desperate
+race for the entrance to the hollow. But our horses were the faster,
+and we the lighter riders; so that we won, with thirty yards to
+spare, from the foremost:--not without damage, however; for finding
+himself baulked, he sent a bullet at us which cut neatly through my
+off rein, so that my bridle was henceforward useless and I could
+guide Molly with knee and voice alone. Delia's bay had shied at the
+sound of it, and likely enough saved my mistress' life by this; for
+the bullet must have pass'd within a foot before her.
+
+Down the hollow we raced with three dragoons at our heels, the rest
+going round the hill. But they did little good by so doing, for
+after the hollow came a broad, dismal sheet of water (by name
+Dozmare Pool, I have since heard) about a mile round and bank'd with
+black peat. Galloping along the left shore of this, we cut them off
+by near half a mile. But the three behind followed doggedly, though
+dropping back with every stride.
+
+Beyond the pool came a green valley; and a stream flowing down it,
+which we jump'd easily. Glancing at Delia as she landed on the
+further side, I noted that her cheeks were glowing, and her eyes
+brimful of mirth.
+
+"Say, Jack," she cried; "is not this better than love of women?"
+
+"In Heaven's name," I called out, "take care!"
+
+But 'twas too late. The green valley here melted into a treacherous
+bog, in the which her bay was already plunging over his fetlocks,
+and every moment sinking deeper.
+
+"Throw me the rein!" I shouted, and catching the bridle close by the
+bit, lean'd over and tried to drag the horse forward. By this, Molly
+also was over hoofs in liquid mud. For a minute and more we heav'd
+and splashed: and all the while the dragoons, seeing our fix, were
+shouting and drawing nearer and nearer. But just as a brace of
+bullets splashed into the slough at our feet, we stagger'd to the
+harder slope, and were gaining on them again. So for twenty minutes
+along the spurs of the hills, we held on, the enemy falling back and
+hidden, every now and again, in the hollows--but always following:
+at the end of which time, Delia call'd from just behind me--
+
+"Jack--here's a to-do: the bay is going lame!"
+
+There was no doubt of it. I suppose he must have wrung his off hind
+leg in fighting through the quag. Any way, ten minutes more would
+see the end of his gallop. But at this moment we had won to the top
+of a stiff ascent: and now, looking down at our feet, I had the
+joyfullest surprise.
+
+'Twas the moor of Temple spread below like a map, the low sun
+striking on the ruin'd huts to the left of us, on the roof of Joan's
+cottage, on the scar of the high road, and the sides of the tall tor
+above it.
+
+"In ten minutes," said I, "we may be safe."
+
+So down into the plain we hurried: and I thought for the first time
+of the loyal girl waiting in the cottage yonder; of my former ride
+into Temple; and (with angry shame) of the light heart with which I
+left it. To what had the summoning drums and trumpets led me? Where
+was the new life, then so carelessly prevented? But two days had
+gone, and here was I running to Joan for help, as a child to his
+mother.
+
+Past the peat-ricks we struggled, the sheep-cotes, the straggling
+fences--all so familiar; cross'd the stream and rode into the yard.
+
+"Jump down," I whisper'd: "we have time, and no more." Glancing back,
+I saw a couple of dragoons already coming over the heights. They had
+spied us.
+
+Dismounting I ran to the cottage door and flung it open. A stream of
+light, flung back against the sun, blazed into my eyes.
+
+I rubbed them and halted for a moment stock-still.
+
+For Joan stood in front of me, dress'd in the very clothes I had
+worn on the day we first met--buff-coat, breeches, heavy boots, and
+all. Her back was toward me, and at the shoulder, where the coat had
+been cut away from my wound, I saw the rents all darn'd and patch'd
+with pack thread. In her hand was the mirror I had given her.
+
+At the sound of my step on the threshold she turn'd with a short
+cry--a cry the like of which I have never heard, so full was it of
+choking joy. The glass dropp'd to the floor and was shatter'd. In a
+second her arms were about me, and so she hung on my neck, sobbing
+and laughing together.
+
+"'Twas true--'twas true! Dear, dear Jack--dear Jack to come to me:
+hold me tighter, tighter--for my very heart is bursting!"
+
+And behind me a shadow fell on the doorway: and there stood Delia
+regarding us.
+
+"Good lad--all yesterday I swore to be strong and wait for years, if
+need be. Fie on womankind, to be so weak! All day I sat an' sat, an'
+did never a mite o' work--never set hand to a tool: an' by sunset I
+gave in an' went, cursing mysel', over the moor to Warleggan, to
+Alsie Pascoe, the wise woman--an' she taught me a charm--an' bless
+her, bless her, Jack, for't hath brought thee!"
+
+"Joan," said I, hot with shame, taking her arms gently from my neck:
+"listen: I come because I am chased. Once more the dragooners are
+after me--not five minutes away. You must lend me a horse, and at
+once."
+
+"Nay," said a voice in the doorway, "the horse, if lent, is for _me!_"
+
+Joan turn'd, and the two women stood looking at each other;--the one
+with dark wonder, the other with cold disdainfulness--and I between
+them scarce lifting my eyes. Each was beautiful after her kind, as
+day and night: and though their looks cross'd for a full minute like
+drawn blades, neither had the mastery. Joan was the first to speak.
+
+"Jack, is thy mare in the yard?"
+
+I nodded.
+
+"Give me thy pistols and thy cloak." She stepp'd to the window hole
+at the end of the kitchen, and look'd out. "Plenty o' time," she
+said; and pointed to the ladder leading to the loft above--"Climb up
+there, the both, and pull the ladder after. Is't _thou_, they want--or
+_she?_" pointing to Delia.
+
+"Me chiefly they would catch, no doubt--being a man," I answer'd.
+
+"Aye--bein' a man: the world's full o' folly. Then Jack do thou look
+after _her_, an' I'll look after _thee_. If the rebels leave thee in
+peace, make for the Jews' Kitchen and there abide me."
+
+She flung my cloak about her, took my pistols and went out at the
+door. As she did so, the sun sank and a dull shadow swept over the
+moor. "Joan!" I cried, for now I guess'd her purpose and was
+following to hinder her: but she had caught Molly's bridle and was
+already astride of her. "Get back!" she call'd softly; and then, "I
+make a better lad than wench, Jack,"--leap'd the mare through a gap
+in the wall, and in a moment was breasting the hill and galloping
+for the high road.
+
+In less than a minute, as it seem'd, I heard a pounding of hoofs,
+and had barely time to follow Delia up the ladder and pull it after
+me, when two of the dragoons rode skurrying by the house, and pass'd
+on yelling. Their cries were hardly faint in the distance before
+there came another three.
+
+"'A's a lost man, now, for sure," said one: "Be dang'd if 'a's not
+took the road back to Lan'son!"
+
+"How 'bout the gal?" ask'd another voice. "Here's her horse i' the
+yard."
+
+"Drat the gal! Sam, go thou an' tackle her: reckon thou'rt warriors
+enow for one 'ooman."
+
+The two hasten'd on: and presently I heard the one they call'd "Sam"
+dismounting in the yard. Now there was a window hole in the loft,
+facing, not on the yard, but toward the country behind; and running
+to it I saw that no more were following--the other three having, as
+I suppose, early given up the chase. Softly pulling out a loose
+stone or two, I widen'd this hole till I could thrust the ladder out
+of it. To my joy it just reach'd the ground. I bade Delia squeeze
+herself through and climb down.
+
+But before she was halfway down I heard a wild screech in the
+kitchen below, and the voice of Sam shrieking---
+
+"Help--help! Lord ha' mercy 'pon me--'tis a black cat--'tis a witch!
+The gal's no gal, but a witch!"
+
+Laughing softly, I was descending the ladder when the fellow came
+round the corner screaming--with Jan Tergagle clawing at his back
+and spitting murderously. Delia had just time to slip aside, before
+he ran into the ladder and brought me flying on top of him. And
+there he lay and bellow'd till I tied him, and gagg'd his noise with
+a big stone in his mouth and his own scarf tied round it.
+
+"Come!" I whisper'd: for Joan and her pursuers were out of sight.
+Catching up her long skirt, Delia follow'd me, and up the tor we
+panted together, nor rested till we were safe in the Jews' Kitchen.
+
+"What think you of this for a hiding place?" ask'd I, with a laugh.
+
+But Delia did not laugh. Instead, she faced me with blazing eyes,
+check'd herself and answer'd, cold as ice---
+
+"Sir, you have done me a many favors. How I have trusted you in
+return it were best for you to remember, and for me to forget."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The dark drew on; the western star grew distinct and hung flashing
+over against our hiding; and still we sat there, hour after hour,
+silent, angry, waiting for Joan's return, Delia at the entrance of
+the den, chin on hand, scanning the heavens and never once turning
+toward me; I further inside, with my arms cross'd, raging against
+myself and all the world, yet with a sick'ning dread that Joan would
+never come back.
+
+As the time lagg'd by, this terror grew and grew. But, as I think,
+about ten o'clock, I heard steps coming over the turf. I ran out.
+'Twas Joan herself and leading Molly by the bridle. She walk'd as if
+tir'd, and leaving the mare at the entrance, follow'd me into the
+cave. Glancing round, I noted that Delia had slipp'd away.
+
+"Am glad she's gone," said Joan shortly: "How many rebels pass'd
+this way, Jack?"
+
+"Five, counting one that lies gagg'd and bound, down at the
+cottage."
+
+"That leaves four:"--she stretch'd herself on the ground with a
+sigh--"four that'll never trouble thee more, lad."
+
+"Why? how--"
+
+"Listen, lad: sit down an' let me rest my head 'pon thy knee. Oh,
+Jack, I did it bravely! Eight good miles an' more I took the mare--
+by the Four--hol'd Cross, an' across the moor past Tober an'
+Catshole, an' over Brown Willy, an' round Roughtor to the nor'-west:
+an' there lies the bravest quag--oh, a black, bottomless hole!--an'
+into it I led them; an' there they lie, every horse, an' every
+mother's son, till Judgment Day."
+
+"Dead?"
+
+"Aye--an' the last twain wi' a bullet apiece in their skulls. Oh,
+rare! Dear heart--hold my head--so, atween thy hands. 'Put on his
+cast off duds,' said Alsie, 'an' stand afore the glass, sayin' "Come,
+true man!" nine-an'-ninety time.' I was mortal 'feard o' losin'
+count; but afore I got to fifty, I heard thy step an'--hold me
+closer, Jack."
+
+"But Joan, are these men dead, say you?"
+
+"Surely, yes. Why, lad, what be four rebels, up or down, to make
+this coil over? Hast never axed after _me!"_
+
+"Joan--you are not hurt?"
+
+In the darkness I sought her eyes, and, peering into them, drew back.
+
+"Joan!"
+
+"Hush, lad--bend down thy head, and let me whisper. I went too near
+--an' one, that was over his knees, let fly wi' his musket--an' Jack,
+I have but a minute or two. Hush lad, hush--there's no call! Wert
+never the man could ha' tam'd me--art the weaker, in a way: forgie
+the word, for I lov'd thee so, boy Jack!"
+
+Her arms were drawing down my face to her: her eyes dull with pain.
+
+"Feel, Jack--there--over my right breast. I plugg'd the wound wi' a
+peat turf. Pull it out, for 'tis bleeding inwards, and hurts
+cruelly--pull it out!"
+
+As I hesitated, she thrust her own hand in and drew it forth,
+leaving the hot blood to gush.
+
+"An' now, Jack, tighter--hold me tighter. Kiss me--oh, what brave
+times! Tighter, lad, an' call wi' me--'Church an' King!' Call, lad--
+'Church an'--'"
+
+The warm arms loosen'd: the head sank back upon my lap.
+
+I look'd up. There was a shadow across the entrance, blotting out
+the star of night. 'Twas Delia, leaning there and listening.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF THE HEARSE.
+
+
+The day-spring came at last, and in the sick light of it I went down
+to the cottage for spade and pickaxe. In the tumult of my senses I
+hardly noted that our prisoner, the dragoon, had contrived to slip
+his bonds and steal off in the night.
+
+And then Delia, seeing me return with the sad tools on my shoulder,
+spoke for the first time:
+
+"First, if there be a well near, fetch me two buckets of water, and
+leave us for an hour."
+
+Her voice was weary and chill: so that I dared not thank her, but
+did the errand in silence. Then, but a dozen paces from the spot
+where Joan's father lay, I dug a grave and strew'd it with bracken,
+and heather, and gorse petals, that in the morning air smell'd
+rarely. And soon after my task was done, Delia call'd me.
+
+In her man's dress Joan lay, her arms cross'd, her black tresses
+braided, and her face gentler than ever 'twas in life. Over her
+wounded breast was a bunch of some tiny pink flower, that grew about
+the tor.
+
+So I lifted her softly as once in this same place she had lifted me,
+and bore her down the slope to the grave: and there I buried her,
+while Delia knelt and pray'd, and Molly browsed, lifting now and
+then her head to look.
+
+When all was done, we turn'd away, dry-eyed, and walked together to
+the cottage. The bay horse was feeding on the moor below; and
+finding him still too lame to carry Delia, I shifted the saddles,
+and mending the broken rein, set her on Molly. The cottage door
+stood open, but we did not enter; only look'd in, and seeing Jan
+Tergagle curl'd beside the cold hearth, left him so.
+
+Mile after mile we pass'd in silence, Delia riding, and I pacing
+beside her with the bay. At last, tortur'd past bearing, I spoke--
+
+"Delia, have you nothing to say?"
+
+For a while she seem'd to consider: then, with her eyes fix'd on the
+hills ahead, answered--
+
+"Much, if I could speak: but all this has changed me somehow--'tis,
+perhaps, that I have grown a woman, having been a girl--and need to
+get used to it, and think."
+
+She spoke not angrily, as I look'd for; but with a painful slowness
+that was less hopeful.
+
+"But," said I, "over and over you have shown that I am nought to you.
+Surely--"
+
+"Surely I am jealous? 'Tis possible--yes, Jack, I am but a woman,
+and so 'tis certain."
+
+"Why, to be jealous, you must love me!"
+
+She look'd at me straight, and answered very deliberate--
+
+"Now that is what I am far from sure of."
+
+"But, dear Delia, when your anger has cool'd--"
+
+"My anger was brief: I am disappointed, rather. With her last breath,
+almost, Joan said you were weaker than she: she lov'd you better
+than I, and read you clearer. You _are_ weak. Jack"--she drew
+in Molly, and let her hand fall on my shoulder very kindly--"we have
+been comrades for many a long mile, and I hope are honest good
+friends; wherefore I loathe to say a harsh or ungrateful-seeming
+word. But you could not understand that brave girl, and you cannot
+understand me: for as yet you do not even know yourself. The
+knowledge comes slowly to a man, I think; to a woman at one rush.
+But when it comes, I believe you may be strong. Now leave me to
+think, for my head is all of a tangle."
+
+Our pace was so slow (by reason of the lame horse), that a great
+part of the afternoon was spent before we came in sight of the House
+of Gleys. And truly the yellow sunshine bad flung some warmth about
+the naked walls and turrets, so that Delia's home-coming seem'd not
+altogether cheerless. But what gave us more happiness was to spy, on
+the blue water beyond, the bright canvas of the _Godsend_, and
+to hear the cries and stir of Billy Pottery's mariners as they
+haul'd down the sails.
+
+And Billy himself was on the lookout with his spyglass. For hardly
+were we come to the beach when our signal--the waving of a white
+kerchief--was answered by another on board; and within half an hour
+a boat puts off, wherein, as she drew nearer, I counted eight
+fellows.
+
+They were (besides Billy), Matt. Soames, the master, Gabriel
+Hutchins, Ned Masters, the black man Sampson, Ben Halliday, and two
+whose full names I have forgot--but one was call'd Nicholas. And,
+after many warm greetings, the boat was made fast, and we climbed up
+along the peninsula together, in close order, like a little army.
+
+All this time there was no sign or sound about the House of Gleys to
+show that anyone mark'd us or noted our movements. The gate was
+closed, the windows stood shutter'd, as on my former visit: even the
+chimneys were smokeless. Such effect had this desolation on our
+spirits, that drawing near, we fell to speaking in whispers, and
+said Ned Masters--
+
+"Now a man would think us come to bury somebody!"
+
+"He might make a worse guess," I answer'd.
+
+Marching up to the gate, I rang a loud peal on the bell; and to my
+astonishment, before the echoes had time to die away, the grating
+was push'd back, and the key turn'd in the lock.
+
+"Step ye in--step ye in, good folks! A sorry day,--a day of sobs an'
+tears an' afflicted blowings of the nose--when the grasshopper is a
+burden an' the mourners go about seeking whom they may devour the
+funeral meats. Y' are welcome, gentlemen."
+
+'Twas the voice of my one-eyed friend, as he undid the bolts; and
+now he stood in the gateway with a prodigious black sash across his
+canary livery, so long that the ends of it swept the flagstones.
+
+"Is Master Tingcomb within?" I helped Delia to dismount, and gave
+our two horses to a stable boy that stood shuffling some paces off.
+
+"Alas!" the old man heav'd a deep sigh, and with that began to
+hobble across the yard. We troop'd after, wondering. At the house
+door he turn'd---
+
+"Sirs, there is cold roasted capons, an' a ham, an' radishes in
+choice profusion for such as be not troubled wi' the wind: an'
+cordial wines--alack the day!"
+
+He squeez'd a frosty tear from his one eye, and led us to a large
+bare hall, hung round with portraits; where was a table spread with
+a plenty of victuals, and horn-handled knives and forks laid beside
+plates of pewter; and at the table a man in black, eating. He had
+straight hair and a sallow face; and look'd up as we enter'd, but,
+groaning, in a moment fell to again.
+
+"Eat, sirs," the old servitor exhorted us: "alas! that man may take
+nothing out o' the world!"
+
+I know not who of us was most taken aback. But noting Delia's sad
+wondering face, as her eyes wander'd round the neglected room and
+rested on the tatter'd portraits, I lost patience.
+
+"Our business is with Master Hannibal Tingcomb," said I sharply.
+
+The straight-hair'd man look'd up again, his mouth full of ham.
+
+"Hush!"--he held his fork up, and shook his head sorrowfully: and I
+wonder'd where I had Been him before. "Hast thou an angel's wings?"
+he ask'd.
+
+"Why, no, sir; but the devil's own boots--as you shall find if I be
+not answer'd."
+
+"Young man--young man," broke in the one-eyed butler: "our minister
+is a good minister, an' speaks roundabout as such: but the short is,
+that my master is dead, an' in his coffin."
+
+"The mortal part," corrected the minister, cutting another slice.
+
+"Aye, the immortal is a-trippin' it i' the New Jeroosalem: but the
+mortal was very lamentably took wi' a fit, three days back--the same
+day, young man, as thou earnest wi' thy bloody threats."
+
+"A fit?"
+
+"Aye, sir, an' verily--such a fit as thou thysel' witness'd. 'Twas
+the third attack--an' he cried, 'Oh!' he did, an' 'Ah!'--just like
+that. 'Oh!' an' then 'Ah!' Such were his last dyin' speech. 'Dear
+Master,' says I, 'there's no call to die so hard:' but might so well
+ha' whistled, for he was dead as nails. A beautiful corpse, sirs,
+dang my buttons!"
+
+"Show him to us."
+
+"Willingly, young man." He led the way to the very room where Master
+Tingcomb and I had held our interview. As before, six candles were
+burning there: but the table was push'd into a corner, and now their
+light fell on a long black coffin, resting on trestles in the centre
+of the room. The coffin was clos'd, and studded with silver nails;
+on the lid was a silver plate bearing these words written--
+"_Hannibal Tingcomb_, MDCXLIIL," with a text of Scripture below.
+
+"Why have you nail'd him down?" I asked.
+
+"Now where be thy bowels, young man, to talk so unfeelin'? An' where
+be thy experience, not to know the ways o' thy blessed dead in
+summer time?"
+
+"When do you bury him?"
+
+"To-morrow forenoon. The spot is two mile from here." He blinked at
+me, and hesitated for a minute. "Is it your purpose, sirs, to
+attend?"
+
+"Be sure of that," I said grimly. "So have beds ready to-night for
+all our company."
+
+"All thy--! Dear sir, consider: where are beds to be found? Sure,
+thy mariners can pass the night aboard their own ship?"
+
+"So then," thought I, "you have been on the lookout;" but Delia
+replied for me---
+
+"I am Delia Killigrew, and mistress of this house. You will prepare
+the beds as you are told." Whereupon what does that decrepit old
+sinner but drop upon his knees?
+
+"Mistress Delia! O goodly feast for this one poor eye! Oh, that
+Master Tingcomb had seen this day!"
+
+I declare the tears were running down his nose; but Delia march'd
+out, cutting short his hypocrisy.
+
+In the passage she whisper'd--
+
+"Villainy, Jack!"
+
+"Hush!" I answered, "and listen: _Master Tingcomb is no more in
+that coffin than I._"
+
+"Then where is he?"
+
+"That is just what we are to discover." As I said this a light broke
+on me. "By the Lord," I cried, "'tis the very same!"
+
+Delia open'd her eyes wide.
+
+"Wait," I said: "I begin to touch ground."
+
+We returned to the great hall. The straight-hair'd man was still
+eating, and opposite sat Billy, that had not budg'd, but now
+beckoning to me, very mysterious, whisper'd in a voice that made the
+plates rattle--
+
+"That's--a damned--rogue!"
+
+'Twas discomposing, but the truth. In fact, I had just solv'd a
+puzzle. This holy-speaking minister was no other than the groom I
+had seen at Bodmin Fair holding Master Tingcomb's horses.
+
+By this, the sun was down, and Delia soon made an excuse to withdraw
+to her own room. Nor was it long before the rest followed her
+example. I found our chambers prepared, near together, in a wing of
+the house at some distance from the hall. Delia's was next to mine,
+as I made sure by knocking at her door: and on the other side of me
+slept Billy with two of his crew. My own bed was in a great room
+sparely furnish'd; and the linen indifferent white. There was a
+plenty of clean straw, tho', on the floor, had I intended to sleep--
+which I did not.
+
+Instead, having blown out my light, I sat on the bed's edge,
+listening to the big clock over the hall as it chim'd the quarters,
+and waiting till the fellows below should be at their ease. That
+Master Tingcomb rested under the coffin lid, I did not believe, in
+spite of the terrifying fit that I could vouch for. But this, if
+driven to it, we could discover at the grave. The main business was
+to catch him; and to this end I meant to patrol the buildings, and
+especially watch the entrance, on the likely chance of his creeping
+back to the house (if not already inside), to confer with his
+fellow-rascals.
+
+As eleven o'clock sounded, therefore, I tapp'd on Billy's wall; and
+finding that Matt. Soames was keeping watch (as we had agreed upon),
+slipp'd off my boots. Our rooms were on the first floor, over a
+straw yard; and the distance to the ground an easy drop for a man.
+But wishing to be silent as possible, I knotted two blankets
+together, and strapping the end round the window mullion, swung
+myself down by one hand, holding my boots in the other.
+
+I dropp'd very lightly, and look'd about. There was a faint moon up
+and glimmering on the straw; but under the house was deep shadow,
+and along this I crept. The straw yard led into the court before the
+stables, and so into the main court. All this way I heard no sound,
+nor spied so much as a speck of light in any window. The house door
+was clos'd, and the bar fastened on the great gate across the yard.
+I turn'd the corner to explore the third side of the house.
+
+Here was a group of outbuildings jutting out, and between them and
+the high outer wall a narrow alley. 'Twas with difficulty I groped
+my way here, for the passage was dark as pitch, and rendered the
+straiter by a line of ragged laurels planted under the house; so
+that at every other step I would stumble, and run my head into a
+bush.
+
+I had done this for the eighth time, and was cursing under my breath,
+when on a sudden I heard a stealthy footfall coming down the alley
+behind me.
+
+"Master Tingcomb, for a crown!" thought I, and crouch'd to one side
+under a bush. The footsteps drew nearer. A dark form parted the
+laurels: another moment, and I had it by the throat.
+
+"Uugh--ugh--grr! For the Lord's sake, sir,--"
+
+I loos'd my hold: 'twas Matt. Soames. "Your pardon," whisper'd I;
+"but why have you left your post?"
+
+"Black Sampson is watchin', so I took the freedom--ugh! my poor
+windpipe!--to--"
+
+He broke off to catch me by the sleeve and pull me down behind the
+bush. About twelve paces ahead I heard a door softly open'd and saw
+a shaft of light flung across the path between the glist'ning
+laurels. As the ray touch'd the outer wall, I mark'd a small postern
+gate there, standing open.
+
+Cowering lower, we waited while a man might count fifty. Then came
+footsteps crunching the gravel, and a couple of men cross'd the path,
+bearing a large chest between them. In the light I saw the handle of
+a spade sticking out from it: and by his gait I knew the second man
+to be my one-ey'd friend.
+
+"Woe's my old bones!" he was muttering: "here's a fardel for a man
+o' my years!"
+
+"Hold thy breath for the next load!" growl'd the other voice, which
+as surely was the good minister's.
+
+They pass'd out of the small gate, and by the sounds that follow'd,
+we guess'd they were hoisting their burden into a cart. Presently
+they re-cross'd the path, and entered the house, shutting the door
+after them.
+
+"Now for it!" said I in Matt's ear. Gliding forward, I peep'd out at
+the postern gate; but drew back like a shot.
+
+I had almost run my head into a great black hearse, that stood there
+with the door open, back'd against the gate, the heavy plumes
+nodding above it in the night wind.
+
+Who held the horses I had not time to see: but whispering to Matt,
+to give me a leg up, clamber'd inside. "Quick!" I pull'd him after,
+and crept forward. I wonder'd the man did not hear us: but by good
+luck the horses were restive, and by his maudlin talk to them I knew
+he was three parts drunk--on the funeral wines, doubtless.
+
+I crept along, and found the tool chest stow'd against the further
+end: so, pulling it gently out, we got behind it. Tho' Matt was the
+littlest man of my acquaintance, 'twas the work of the world to stow
+ourselves in such compass as to be hidden. By coiling up our limbs
+we managed it; but only just before I caught the glimmer of a light
+and heard the pair of rascals returning.
+
+They came very slow, grumbling all the way; and of course, I knew
+they carried the coffin.
+
+"All right, Sim?" ask'd the minister.
+
+"Aye," piped a squeaky voice by the horses heads ('twas the
+shuffling stable boy), "aye, but look sharp! Lord, what sounds I've
+heerd! The devil's i' the hearse, for sure!"
+
+"Now, Simmy," the one-ey'd gaffer expostulated, "thou dostn' think
+the smoky King is a-took in, same as they poor folks upstairs? Tee-
+hee! Lord, what a trick!--to come for Master Tingcomb, an' find--aw
+dear!--aw, bless my old ribs, what a thing is humor!"
+
+"Shut up!" grunted the minister. The end of the coffin was tilted up
+into the hearse. "Push, old varmint!"
+
+"Aye-push, push! Where be my young, active sinews? What a shrivell'd
+garment is all my comeliness! 'The devil inside,' says Simmy--haw,
+haw!"
+
+"Burn the thing! 'twon't go in for the tool box. Push, thou cackling
+old worms!"
+
+"Now so I be, but my natural strength is abated. 'Yo-heave ho!' like
+the salted seafardingers upstairs. Push, push!"
+
+"Oh, my inwards!" groans poor Matt, under his breath, into whom the
+chest was squeezing sorely.
+
+"Right at last!" says the minister. "Now, Simmy, nay lad, hand the
+reins an' jump up. There's room, an' you'll be wanted."
+
+The door was clapp'd-to, the three rogues climb'd upon the seat in
+front: and we started.
+
+I hope I may never be call'd to pass such another half hour as that
+which follow'd. As soon as the wheels left turf for the hard road,
+'twas jolt, jolt all the way; and this lying mainly down hill, the
+chest and coffin came grinding into our ribs, and pressing till we
+could scarce breathe. And I dared not climb out over them, for fear
+the fellows should hear us; their chuckling voices coming quite
+plain to us from the other side of the panel. I held out, and
+comforted Matt, as well as I could, feeling sure we should find
+Master Tingcomb at our journey's end. Soon we climb'd a hill, which
+eas'd us a little; but shortly after were bumping down again, and
+suffering worse than ever.
+
+"Save us," moan'd Matt, "where will this end?"
+
+The words were scarce out, when we turn'd sharp to the right, with
+a jolt that shook our teeth together, roll'd for a little while over
+smooth grass, and drew up.
+
+I heard the fellows climbing down, and got my pistols out.
+
+"Simmy," growl'd the minister, "where's the lantern?"
+
+There was a minute or so of silence, and then the snapping of flint
+and steel, and the sound of puffing.
+
+"Lit, Simmy?"
+
+"Aye, here 'tis."
+
+"Fetch it along then."
+
+The handle of the door was turn'd, and a light flash'd into the
+hearse.
+
+"Here, hold the lantern steady! Come hither, old Squeaks, and help
+wi' the end."
+
+"Surely I will. Well was I call'd Young Look-alive when a gay,
+fleeting boy. Simmy, my son, thou'rt sadly drunken. O youth, youth!
+Thou winebibber, hold the light steady, or I'll tell thy mammy!"
+
+"Oh, sir, I do mortally dread the devil an' all his works!"
+
+"Now, if ever! The devil,' says he--an' Master Tingcomb still livin',
+an' in his own house awaitin' us!"
+
+Be sure, his words were as good as a slap in the face to me. For I
+had counted the hearse to lead me straight to Master Tingcomb
+himself. "In his own house," too! A fright seiz'd me for Delia. But
+first I must deal with these scoundrels, who already were dragging
+out the coffin.
+
+"Steady there!" calls the minister. The coffin was more than halfway
+outside. I levell'd my pistol over the edge of the tool chest, and
+fetch'd a yell fit to wake a ghost--at the same time letting fly
+straight for the minister.
+
+In the flash of the discharge, I saw him, half-turn'd, his eyes
+starting, and mouth agape. He clapp'd his hand to his shoulder. On
+top of his wild shriek, broke out a chorus of screams and oaths, in
+the middle of which the coffin tilted up and went over with a crash.
+"Satan--Satan!" bawled Simmy, and, dropping the lantern, took to his
+heels for dear life. At the same moment the horses took fright; and
+before I could scramble out, we were tearing madly away over the
+turf and into the darkness. I had made a sad mess of it.
+
+It must have been a full minute before the hedge turn'd them, and
+gave me time to drop out at the back and run to their heads. Matt.
+Soames was after me, quick as thought, and very soon we mastered
+them, and gathering up the reins from between their legs, led them
+back. As luck would have it, the lantern had not been quench'd by
+the fall, but lay flaring, and so guided us. Also a curious bright
+radiance seem'd growing on the sky, for which I could not account.
+The three knaves were nowhere to be seen, but I heard their
+footsteps scampering in the distance, and Simmy still yelling
+"Satan!" I knew my bullet had hit the minister; but he had got away,
+and I never set eyes on any of the three again.
+
+Leaving Matt to mind the horses, I caught up the lantern, and
+look'd about me. As well as could be seen, we were in a narrow
+meadow between two hills, whereof the black slopes rose high above
+us. Some paces to the right, my ear caught the noise of a stream
+running.
+
+I turn'd the lantern on the coffin, which lay face downward, and
+with a gasp took in the game those precious rogues had been playing.
+For, with the fall of it, the boards (being but thin) were burst
+clean asunder; and on both sides had tumbled out silver cups, silver
+saltcellars, silver plates and dishes, that in the lantern's rays
+sparkled prettily on the turf. The coffin, in short, was stuff'd
+with Delia's silverware.
+
+I had pick'd up a great flagon, and was turning it over to read the
+inscription, when Matt. Soames call'd to me, and pointed over the
+hill in front. Above it the whole sky was red and glowing.
+
+"Sure," said he, "'tis a fire out yonder!"
+
+"God help us, Matt.--'tis the House of Gleys!"
+
+It took but two minutes to toss the silver back into the hearse. I
+clapp'd-to the door, and snatching the reins, sprang upon the
+driver's seat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF THE LEDGE; AND HOW I SHOOK HANDS WITH MY COMRADE.
+
+
+We had some ado to find the gate: but no sooner were through, and
+upon the high road, than I lash'd the horses up the hill at a gallop.
+To guide us between the dark hedges we had only our lantern and the
+glare ahead. The dishes and cups clash'd and rattled as the hearse
+bump'd in the ruts, swaying wildly: a dozen times Matt, was near
+being pitch'd clean out of his seat. With my legs planted firm, I
+flogg'd away like a madman; and like mad creatures the horses tore
+upward.
+
+On the summit a glance show'd us all--the wild crimson'd sky--the
+sea running with lines of fire--and against it the inky headland
+whereon the House of Gleys flar'd like a beacon. Already from one
+wing--_our_ wing--a leaping column of flame whirl'd up through
+the roof, and was swept seaward in smoke and sparks. I mark'd the
+coast line, the cliff tracks, the masts and hull of the _Godsend_
+standing out, clear as day; and nearer, the yellow light flickering
+over the fields of young corn. We saw all this, and then were plunging
+down hill, with the blaze full ahead of us. The heavy reek of it was
+flung in our nostrils as we gallop'd.
+
+At the bottom we caught up a group of men running. 'Twas a boatload
+come from the ship to help. As our horses swept past them, one or
+two came to a terrified halt; but presently were running hard again
+after us.
+
+The great gate stood open. I drove straight into the bright-lit yard,
+shouting "Delia!--where is Delia?"
+
+"Here!" call'd a voice; and from a group that stood under the glare
+of the window came my dear mistress running.
+
+"All safe, Jack! But what--" She drew back from our strange equipage.
+
+"All in good time. First tell me--how came the fire?"
+
+"Why, foul work, as it seems. All I know is I was sleeping, and
+awoke to hear the black seaman hammering on my door. Jumping up, I
+found the room full of smoke, and escap'd. The rooms beneath, they
+say, were stuff'd with straw, and the yard outside heap'd also with
+straw, and blazing. Ben Halliday found two oil jars lying there--"
+
+"Are the horses out?"
+
+"Oh, Jack--I do not know! Shame on me to forget them!"
+
+I ran toward the stable. Already the roof was ablaze, and the straw
+yard, beyond, a very furnace. Rushing in, I found the two horses
+cowering in their stalls, bath'd in sweat, and squealing. But 'twas
+all fright. So I fetch'd Molly's saddle, and spoke to her, and set
+it across her back: and the sweet thing was quiet in a moment,
+turning her head to rub my sleeve gently with her muzzle: and
+followed me out like a lamb. The bay gave more trouble; but I
+sooth'd him in the same manner, and patting his neck, led him, too,
+into safety.
+
+By this, all hope to save the house was over: for the well in the
+court yielded but twenty buckets before it ran dry, and after that
+no water was to be had. Of the wing where the fire burst out only
+the walls stood, and a few oaken rafters, that one by one came
+tumbling and crashing. The flames had spread along the roof, and
+were now licking the ceiling of the hall and spouting around the
+clock tower. In the roar and hubbub, Billy's men work'd like demons,
+dragging out chairs, chests, and furniture of all kinds, which they
+strew'd in the yard, returning with shouts for more. One was tearing
+down the portraits in the hall: another was pulling out the great
+dresser from the kitchen: a third had found a pile of tapestry and
+came staggering forth under the load of it.
+
+I had fasten'd the horses by the gate, and was ready to join in the
+work, when a shout was rais'd---
+
+"Billy!--Where's Billy Pottery? Has any seen the skipper?"
+
+"Sure," I call'd, "you don't say he was never alarm'd!"
+
+"Black Sampson was in his room--where's Black Sampson?"
+
+"Here I be!" cried a voice. "To be sure I woke the skipper before
+any o' ye."
+
+"Then where's he hid? Did any see him come out?"
+
+"Now, that we have not!" answer'd one or two.
+
+I stood by the house door shouting these questions to the men inside,
+when a hand was laid on my arm, and there in the shadow waited Billy
+himself, with a mighty curious twinkle in his eye. He put a finger
+up and signed that I should follow.
+
+We pass'd round the outbuildings where, three hours before, Matt.
+Soames and I had hid together. I was minded to stop and pull on my
+boots, that were hid here: but (and this was afterward the saving of
+me) on second thoughts let them lie, and follow'd Billy, who now led
+me out by the postern gate.
+
+Without speech we stepp'd across the turf, he a pace or two ahead.
+A night breeze was blowing here, delicious after the heat of the fire.
+We were walking quickly toward the east side of the headland, and
+soon the blaze behind flung our shadows right to the cliff's edge,
+for which Billy made straight, as if to fling himself over.
+
+But when, at the very verge, he pull'd up, I became enlighten'd. At
+our feet was an iron bar driven into the soil, and to it a stout
+rope knotted, that ran over a block and disappeared down the cliff.
+I knelt and, pulling at it softly, look'd up. It came easy in the
+hand.
+
+Billy, with the glare in his face, nodded: and bending to my ear,
+for once achiev'd a whisper.
+
+"Saw one stealing hither--an' follow'd. A man wi' a limp foot--went
+over the side like a cat."
+
+I must have appeared to doubt this good fortune, for he added---
+
+"'Be a truth speakin' man i' the main, Jack--'lay over 'pon my belly,
+and spied a ledge--fifty feet down or less--'reckon there be a way
+thence to the foot. Dear, now! what a rampin', tearin' sweat is
+this?"
+
+For, fast as I could tug, I was hauling up the rope. Near sixty feet
+came up before I reach'd the end--a thick twisted knot. I rove a
+long noose; pull'd it over my head and shoulders, and made Billy
+understand he was to lower me.
+
+"Sit i' the noose, lad, an' hold round the knot. For sign to hoist
+again, tug the rope hard. I can hold."
+
+He paid it out carefully while I stepp'd to the edge. With the noose
+about my loins I thrust myself gently over, and in a trice hung
+swaying.
+
+On three sides the sky compass'd me--wild and red, save where to
+eastward the dawn was paling: on the fourth the dark rocky face
+seem'd gliding upward as Billy lower'd. Far below I heard the wash
+of the sea, and could just spy the white spume of it glimmering. It
+stole some of the heart out of me, and I took my eyes off it.
+
+Some feet below the top, the cliff fetch'd a slant inward, so that
+I dangled a full three feet out from the face. As a boy I had
+adventured something of this sort on the north sides of Gable and
+the Pillar, and once (after a nest of eaglets) on the Mickledore
+cliffs: but then 'twas daylight. Now, tho' I saw the ledge under me,
+about a third of the way down, it look'd, in the darkness, to be so
+extremely narrow, that 'tis probable I should have call'd out to
+Billy to draw me up but for the certainty that he would never hear:
+so instead I held very tight and wish'd it over.
+
+Down I sway'd (Billy letting out the rope very steady), and at last
+swung myself inward to the ledge, gain'd a footing, and took a
+glance round before slipping off the rope.
+
+I stood on a shelf of sandy rock that wound round the cliff some way
+to my left, and then, as I thought, broke sharply away. 'Twas mainly
+about a yard in width, but in places no more than two feet. In the
+growing light I noted the face of the headland ribb'd with several
+of these ledges, of varying length, but all hollow'd away underneath
+(as I suppose by the sea in former ages), so that the cliff's summit
+overhung the base by a great way: and peering over I saw the waves
+creeping right beneath me.
+
+Now all this while I had not let Master Tingcomb out of my mind. So
+I slipp'd off the rope and left it to dangle, while I crept forward
+to explore, keeping well against the rock and planting my feet with
+great caution.
+
+I believe I was twenty minutes taking as many steps, when at the
+point where the ledge broke off I saw the ends of an iron ladder
+sticking up, and close beside it a great hole in the rock, which
+till now the curve of the cliff had hid. The ladder no doubt stood
+on a second shelf below.
+
+I was pausing to consider this, when a bright ray stream'd across
+the sea toward me, and the red rim of the sun rose out of the waters,
+outfacing the glow on the headland, and rending the film of smoke
+that hung like a curtain about the horizon. 'Twas as if by alchemy
+that the red ripples melted to gold; and I stood watching with a
+child's delight.
+
+I heard the sound of a footstep: and fac'd round.
+
+Before me, not six paces off, stood Hannibal Tingcomb.
+
+He was issuing from the hole with a sack on his shoulder, and
+sneaking to descend the steps, when he threw a glance behind--and
+saw me!
+
+Neither spoke. With a face grey as ashes he turn'd very slowly,
+until in the unnatural light we look'd straight into each other's
+eyes. His never blink'd, but stared--stared horribly, while the
+veins swell'd black on his forehead and his lips work'd, attempting
+speech. No words came--only a long drawn sob, deep down in his
+throat.
+
+And then, letting slip the sack, he flung his arms up, ran a pace or
+two toward me, and tumbled on his face in a fit. His left shoulder
+hung over the verge; his legs slipp'd. In a trice he was hanging by
+his arms, his old distorted face turn'd up, and a froth about his
+lips. I made a step to save him: and then jump'd back, flattening
+myself against the rock.
+
+The ledge was breaking.
+
+I saw a seam gape at my feet. I saw it widen and spread to right and
+left. I heard a ripping, rending noise--a rush of stones and earth:
+and, clawing the air, with a wild screech, Master Tingcomb pitch'd
+backward, head over heels, into space.
+
+Then follow'd silence: then a horrible splash as he struck the water,
+far below: then again a slipping and trickling, as more of the ledge
+broke away--at first a pebble or two sliding--a dribble of earth--
+next, a crash and a cloud of dust. A last stone ran loose and
+dropp'd. Then fell a silence so deep I could catch the roar of the
+flames on the hill behind.
+
+Standing there, my arms thrown back and fingers spread against the
+rock, I saw a wave run out, widen, and lose itself on the face of
+the sea. Under my feet but eight inches of the cornice remain'd. My
+toes stuck forward over the gulf.
+
+[Illustration: The ledge was breaking.]
+
+A score of startled gulls with their cries call'd me to myself. I
+open'd my eyes, that had shut in sheer giddiness. Close on my left the
+ledge was broke back to the very base, cutting me off by twelve
+feet from that part where the ladder still rested. No man could jump
+it, standing. To the right there was no gap: but in one place only
+was the footing over ten inches wide, and at the end my rope hung
+over the sea, a good yard away from the edge.
+
+I shut my eyes and shouted.
+
+There was no answer. In the dead stillness I could hear the rafters
+falling in the House of Gleys, and the shouts of the men at work.
+The _Godsend_ lay around the point, out of sight. And Billy,
+deaf as a stone, sat no doubt by his rope, placidly waiting my
+signal.
+
+I scream'd again and again. The rock flung my voice seaward. Across
+the summit vaulted above, there drifted a puff of brown smoke. No
+one heard.
+
+A while of weakness followed. My brain reel'd: my fingers dug into
+the rock behind till they bled. I bent forward--forward over the
+heaving mist through which the sea crawl'd like a snake. It beckon'd
+me down, that crawling water....
+
+I stiffened my knees and the faintness pass'd. I must not look down
+again. It flashed on me that Delia had call'd me weak: and I
+hardened my heart to fight it out. I would face round to the cliff
+and work toward the rope.
+
+'Twas a hateful moment while I turned: for to do so I must let go
+with one hand. And the rock thrust me outward. But at last I faced
+the cliff; waited a moment while my knees shook; and moving a foot
+cautiously to the left, began to work my way along, an inch at a
+time.
+
+Looking down to guide my feet, I saw the waves twinkling beneath my
+heels. My palms press'd the rock. At every three inches I was fain
+to rest my forehead against it and gasp. Minute after minute went
+by--endless, intolerable, and still the rope seem'd as far away as
+ever. A cold sweat ran off me: a nausea possessed me. Once, where
+the ledge was widest, I sank on one knee, and hung for a while
+incapable of movement. But a black horror drove me on: and after the
+first dizzy stupor my wits were mercifully wide awake. Sure, 'twas
+God's miracle preserv'd them to me, who looking at the sea and cliff
+and pitiless sun, had almost denied Him and his miracles together.
+
+All the way I kept shouting: and so, for half an hour, inch by inch,
+shuffled forward, until I stood under the rope. Then I had to turn
+again.
+
+The rock, tho' still overarching, here press'd out less than before:
+so that, working round on the ball of my foot, I managed pretty
+easily. But how to get the rope? As I said, it hung a good yard
+beyond the ledge, the noose dangling some two feet below it. With my
+finger tips against the cliff, I lean'd out and clutch'd at it. I
+miss'd it by a foot. "Shall I jump?" thought I, "or bide here till
+help comes?"
+
+'Twas a giddy, awful leap. But the black horror was at my heels now.
+In a minute more 'twould have me; and then my fall was certain. I
+call'd up Delia's face as she had taunted me. I bent my knees, and,
+leaving my hold of the rock, sprang forward--out, over the sea.
+
+I saw it twinkle, fathoms below. My right hand touch'd--grasp'd the
+rope: then my left, as I swung far out upon it. I slipp'd an inch--
+three inches--then held, swaying wildly. My foot was in the noose.
+I heard a shout above: and, as I dropp'd to a sitting posture, the
+rope began to rise.
+
+"Quick! Oh, Billy, pull quick!"
+
+He could not hear; yet tugg'd like a Trojan.
+
+"Now, here's a time to keep a man sittin'!" he shouted, as he caught
+my hand, and pull'd me full length on the turf. "Why, lad--hast seen
+a ghost?"
+
+There was no answer. The black horror had overtaken me at last.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+They carried me to a shed in the great court of Gleys, and set me on
+straw: and there, till far into the afternoon, I lay betwixt
+swooning and trembling, while Delia bath'd my head in water from the
+sea, for no other was to be had. And about four in the afternoon the
+horror left me, so that I sat up and told my story pretty steadily.
+
+"What of the house?" I ask'd, when the tale was done, and a company
+sent to search the east cliff from the beach.
+
+"All perish'd!" said Delia, and then smiling, "I am houseless as
+ever, Jack."
+
+"And have the same good friends."
+
+"That's true. But listen--for while you have lain here, Billy and I
+have put our heads together. He is bound for Brest, he says, and has
+agreed to take me and such poor chattels as are saved, to Brittany,
+where I know my mother's kin will have a welcome for me, until these
+troubles be pass'd. Already the half of my goods is aboard the
+_Godsend_, and a letter writ to Sir Bevill, begging him to
+appoint an honest man as my steward. What think you of the plan?"
+
+"It seems a good plan," I answer'd slowly: "the England that now is,
+is no place for a woman. When do you sail?"
+
+"As soon as you are recovered, Jack."
+
+"Then that's now." I got on my feet, and drew on my boots (that Matt.
+Soames had found in the laurel bushes and brought). My knees
+trembled a bit, but nothing to matter.
+
+"Art looking downcast, Jack."
+
+Said I: "How else should I look, that am to lose thee in an hour or
+more?"
+
+She made no reply to this, but turned away to give an order to the
+sailors.
+
+The last of Delia's furniture was hardly aboard, when we heard great
+shouts of joy, and saw the men returning that had gone to search the
+cliff. They bore between them three large oak coffers: which being
+broke, we came on an immense deal of old plate and jewels, besides
+over L300 in coined money. There were two more left behind, they
+said, besides several small bags of gold. The path up the cliff was
+hard to climb, and would have been impossible, but for the iron
+ladder they found ready fix'd for Master Tingcomb's descent. In the
+hole (that could not be seen from the beach, the shelf hiding it)
+was tackle for lowering the chest: and below a boat moor'd, and now
+left high and dry by the tide. Doubtless, the arch-rascal had waited
+for his comrades to return, whom Matt. Soames and I had scar'd out
+of all stomach to do so. His body was nowhere found.
+
+The sea had wash'd it off: but the sack they recover'd, and found to
+hold the choicest of Delia's heirlooms. Within an hour the remaining
+coffers and the money bags were safe in the vessel's hold.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sun was setting, as Delia and I stood on the beach, beside the
+boat that was to take her from me. Aboard the _Godsend_ I could
+hear the anchor lifting, and the men singing, as, holding Molly's
+bridle, I held out my hand to the dear maid who with me had shar'd
+so many a peril.
+
+"Is there any more to come?" she ask'd.
+
+"No," said I, and God knows my heart was heavy: "nothing to come but
+'Farewell!'"
+
+She laid her small hand in my big palm, and glancing up, said very
+pretty and demur--
+
+"_And shall I leave my best? Wilt not come, too, dear Jack?_"
+
+"Delia!" I stammer'd. "What is this? I thought you lov'd me not."
+
+"And so did I, Jack: and thinking so, I found I loved thee better
+than ever. Fie on thee, now! May not a maid change her mind without
+being forced to such unseemly, brazen words?" And she heav'd a mock
+sigh.
+
+But as I stood and held that little hand, I seem'd across the very
+mist of happiness to read a sentence written, and spoke it, perforce
+and slow, as with another man's mouth--
+
+"Delia, you only have I lov'd, and will love! Blithe would I be to
+live with you, and to serve you would blithely die. In sorrow, then,
+call for me, or in trust abide me. But go with you now--I may not."
+
+She lifted her eyes, and looking full into mine, repeated slowly the
+verse we had read at our first meeting--
+
+    "'In a wife's lap, as in a grave,
+     Man's airy notions mix with earth--'
+
+--thou hast found it, sweetheart--thou has found the Splendid Spur!"
+
+She broke off, and clapp'd her hands together very merrily; and then,
+as a tear started--
+
+"But thou'lt come for me, ere long, Jack? Else I am sure to blame
+some other woman. Stay--"
+
+She drew off her ring, and slipp'd it on my little finger.
+
+"There's my token! Now give me one to weep and be glad over."
+
+Having no trinkets, I gave my glove: and she kiss'd it twice, and
+put it in her bosom.
+
+"I have no need of this ring," said I: "for look!" and I drew forth
+the lock I had cut from her dear head, that morning among the alders
+by Kennet side, and worn ever since over my heart.
+
+"Wilt marry no man till I come?"
+
+"Now, that's too hard a promise," said she, laughing, and shaking
+her curls.
+
+"Too hard!"
+
+"Why, of course. Listen, sweetheart--a true woman will not change
+her mind: but, oh! she dearly loves to be able to! So, bating this,
+here's my hand upon it--now, fie, Jack! and before all these
+mariners!--well, then if thou _must_--"
+
+*       *       *       *       *
+
+I watch'd her standing in the stern and waving, till she was under
+the _Godsend's_ side: then turn'd, and mounting Molly, rode inland
+to the wars.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Splendid Spur, by Arthur T. Quiller Couch
+
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