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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd1975f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67658 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67658) diff --git a/old/67658-0.txt b/old/67658-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 94e8381..0000000 --- a/old/67658-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3748 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of White Cockades, by Edward Irenæus -Stevenson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: White Cockades - An Incident of the "Forty-Five" - -Author: Edward Irenæus Stevenson - -Release Date: March 19, 2022 [eBook #67658] - -Language: English - -Produced by: anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteers - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHITE COCKADES *** - - - - - - WHITE COCKADES - - - An Incident of the "Forty-Five" - - - BY - EDWARD IRENÆUS STEVENSON - AUTHOR OF "THE GOLDEN MOON," ETC. - - - NEW YORK - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - 1887 - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1887, BY - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - - - TROW'S - PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY, - NEW YORK. - - - - - TO - CLINTON BOWEN FISK, JR. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. PAGE - -IN A HIGHLAND GLADE, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - - CHAPTER II. - -A STORY AND A SHELTER, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 - - CHAPTER III. - -"IN THE KING'S NAME," . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - - CHAPTER IV. - -"PUSS IN THE CORNER," . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 - - CHAPTER V. - -IN WHICH CAPTAIN JERMAIN'S MEMORY IS USEFUL, . . . . . . . . . . . 66 - - CHAPTER VI. - -A DESPERATE SHIFT, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 - - CHAPTER VII. - -PRISONER AND SENTRY, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 - - CHAPTER VIII. - -MEETING--FLIGHT, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 - - CHAPTER IX. - -COLONEL DANFORTH, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 - - CHAPTER X. - -ALL FOR HIM, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 - - CHAPTER XI. - -UNDER THE OAK, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 - - CHAPTER XII. - -L'ENVOI, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 - - - - - WHITE COCKADES - - AN INCIDENT OF THE "FORTY-FIVE" - - - CHAPTER I. - - IN A HIGHLAND GLADE. - - -Just as the brilliancy of a singularly clear July afternoon, in the -year above named, was diminishing into that clear, white light which, -in as high a Scotch latitude as Loch Arkaig, lasts long past actual -sunset, Andrew Boyd, a Highland lad of sixteen, was putting the -finishing strokes to the notch in the trunk of a good-sized oak he -was felling. Its thick foliage waved rather mournfully, as if in -expectancy of near doom, over the boy's head. That oak had engaged -Andrew's attention pretty much all the afternoon. He was glad to be so -well on toward his work's close. - -Around the young wood-cutter soughed the dense forest. It clothed the -mountain side, straight from the margin of the loch below. Andrew's -blows rang quick and true against the trunk. His springy back, his -well-developed legs and arms, came handsomely into play. On the moss -lay his plaid and bonnet. The sweat dripped from his forehead, not -much cooled by the breeze that tossed his yellow hair and the folds of -his kilt. - -Young Boyd did not cut down oak-trees for a livelihood, though he just -now worked as if fortune had mapped a no less arduous career for him. -He was the only son of a wealthy landholder of the vicinity, a man of -English descent and English thrift. Andrew's grandfather came north -into Scotland from Shrewsbury, in a sort of angry freak after a local -quarrel. He bought and developed a valuable farm near Loch Arkaig, and -then suddenly died upon it, leaving the newly acquired estate to -Gilbert Boyd, the father of young Andrew. All of which had happened -some forty years before this tale's beginning. - -One, two--one, two--rang the axe upon the tough wood which Andrew -wished for the boat he was building, down at the loch side. His -thoughts ran an accompaniment. We spare the reader their translation -from the Scotch dash in which they were couched, the result of -Andrew's schooling and intimacies round about him. - -"There! Have at you again, old tree! How I wish you were a dragon, and -I some Saint George busy at carving you!" One, two--one, two--quoth -the axe, approvingly. "No, I don't! Away with any wish that meddles -with saint or man that the Lowlanders love!" One, two--one, two--assented -the axe. "Better wish that you were the little English King George -himself! and I a stout headsman, ready to knock his crown off, head -and all!" - -The chopper's brows knit. His eyes flashed at a notion that struck -a specially sensitive chord. "Ah, you stockish trunk, if you only -were George, the Dutchman! Tyrant! Monster! Will you withdraw your -troops from our harried counties? Will you end now, at once, your -bloodthirsty hunt for the Prince?--God bless him! Will you empty out -that horrid Tower, full of our noble gentlemen and lords who fought -for the Lost Cause? Will you pardon my father's friend, the Earl of -Arkaig, and send him home straightway to us? What, you won't? Take -that, then!--and that!" - -Here the axe-strokes descended with such vim and amid such a meteoric -shower of chips that no clear-headed listener could entertain for a -moment doubt as to hot-headed young Boyd's politics. The oak sighed, -and rather unexpectedly crackled and snapped, and came crashing down -most magnificently. - -But halloa! At the instant that its mighty top smashed into the -underbrush and saplings, a single sharp, piercing cry of pain and -terror rang out above the crackle and splinterings. - -Andrew dropped the axe. He rested rigid as stone, open-mouthed, in -sudden alarm and consternation. "What!" he exclaimed. "Great Heaven! -Can it be that--that a human creature--a man--was hid in the thicket, -and that when the oak fell----" - -"Help! help! for the love of mercy!" The appeal, fainter than the -first cry, rose from the densest crush of the shattered oak branches. -There could be no mistake. Some one _had_ been slinking in the -bushes near young Boyd; possibly a Hanoverian spy! Through his own -unaccountable carelessness the unseen person had allowed himself to be -suddenly trapped by the boughs of the falling tree. He was pinned in a -torturing, if not a fatal trap. - -Andrew's sharp eyes could not penetrate the barricade of dark green. -"Hi, there! Halloa!" he shouted. "Are ye under the oak? What has -befallen ye, man, or whatever ye be?" - -No answer. To catch up his axe and plunge boldly into the tangle was -his next impulse. He hewed and trampled a path toward the centre of -the felled tree, which had been young but very vigorous and leafy. No -trace of any unusual object imprisoned beneath the knitted boughs, no -new cry for help guided him. - -He began to doubt whether to press to right or left, or to go round -about and continue his examination from another point of the oak's -circumference, when a low but distinct groan spurred him to more -active work in the same direction. Forcing aside the strong branches -by his knees, he caught sight of a dark object just beyond. He next -discerned a cloth garment, covering a man's back. The yet invisible -wearer had been all this time in a faint, and was now able to betray -but small sign of interest in his own deliverance. - -"This way, this way," Andrew heard him moan, as if articulating with -real anguish; "I am hurt badly, I fear. I cannot stir." - -The accent, not so Scotch as Andrew's, seemed gentle. The mysterious -interloper might then be some well-bred prowler. Andrew thrust away -the last intervening twigs. There lay on the turf a man, at full -length, and face downward, with one arm and a part of his right -shoulder held as if in a vice by the oak's grasp. His well-turned neck -and figure implied to Andrew's hasty survey that he was young and -comely. - -"Whatever you do, man, don't try to move!" exclaimed Andrew; "leave -your outgetting to me. I'll set you free in a trice." - -He went to work cautiously but swiftly to do it. - -"And my ankle is fast too"--came the smothered complaint. "Look--you -will see how--my leg--is held!" - -Andrew looked. "'Twill be free speedily, sir!" he answered cheerfully, -already impressed by the fortitude of the tormented man. "Be but a bit -patient, sir. That's it; now you can roll to the left, please." He -employed axe and helve adroitly as he spoke. "Now, to the right; up, -up--that's it, sir. What a miracle your skull 'scaped the fork." - -The victim rolled over, displaying the countenance of an entire -stranger, eight or ten years Andrew's senior, and with strikingly -handsome features. "Thank you, thank you, my good friend!" he gasped, -pulling himself to his feet; "that was the torture of a fiend, I -assure you! Your hand, one instant, please." - -By dint of leaning on Andrew's arm, and after several battles with -successive tough boughs, in which the new-comer showed that he -possessed strength and dexterity, the two finally scrambled out of all -the labyrinth of foliage and into clear space. Andrew flung down the -axe and assisted his new acquaintance to a seat upon the prostrate -trunk. - -"The next matter is to examine your hurts, sir!" Boyd exclaimed, -taking a sharp look at his dignified _protégé_. The latter returned -this scrutiny as keenly, however. - -"I begin to suspect that such hurts amount to little or naught," -returned the stranger, dropping Andrew's hand which he had held in -a grateful pressure. "I have nothing worse than a bruised shin, a -scraped shoulder and back, I fancy. Heaven be blessed, nothing is -broken in my anatomy!" - -Andrew laughed, although he knelt down all the same and began a rigid -inspection of the bruises. He remarked how spare and muscular were -the stranger's legs and arms, as if from much exertion and little -food. His costume was odd: a faded Highland suit, rent and stained, -ill-fitting brogans, agape with holes cut by mountain flints; his -throat and face were surprisingly sunburnt, though his natural -complexion seemed to be fair. But what of his clothing or his tan? As -the man leaned against the prostrate trunk, with one leg boldly out -before the other for Andrew's care, there was something commanding, -fascinating to Boyd in his whole bearing. Andrew had not read -Shakespeare, but if he had he might well have recalled the lines in -"Coriolanus": - - "----though thy tackle's torn - Thou showest a noble vessel." - -While the hurried surgery progressed the object of it aided therein -with no small skill, venting now and then an ejaculation of pain. He -stealthily studied Andrew. It was a question which should first act on -the opinions shaped by this mutual caution. But in those gray blue -eyes sparkled a quizzical light that made Andrew smile, as he suddenly -observed it, when rising from his bowed attitude. - -"Name for name, it must be, I see; and faction for faction, eh? Well, -I don't wonder that you and I have eyed each other askance. These be -days when honest men can ill be known as such. It would be strange, -too, if loyal subjects of Hanover, like you and your axe, should -not remember spies and renegades when you pluck strangers out of -tree-tops." - -"You--you overheard my thoughts while I hewed!" returned Andrew, first -red, then pale. "I--I knew not that I ran them so heedlessly into -speech. Evil speech to be overheard, sir." - -"Your tongue has a Lowland twang to it, whatever little to please a -Lowlander it spoke," said the stranger. "You are right my lad; what -you prattled there, by yourself, as you thought, was treason--with a -vengeance. Know you not that these mountains are filled with those who -would gladly tie your arms behind your back and gallop you off to -Neith jail, for half such sentiments. Or"--and here the voice became -tinged with a profound sadness, "or, have you been, young as you seem, -like myself, a defender of that most unlucky young soldier, my master, -Charles Stewart, who, a hunted refugee, with an army cut to pieces -and a realm lost, is skulking to-day in some corner of the country -with death at his heels and a price upon his head--instead of a -crown-royal." - -Andrew drew himself back proudly and stared into his questioner's -face. "Sir," he exclaimed, "I see you _are_ a soldier! You may be a -Southerner as well. I care not. God save the Prince! I love him! -God defend him! So will say my father and every man and woman at -Windlestrae! I was too young--so they pleased to think--to fight at -Culloden Moor, and my father has just tided over a long sickness. But -for these things we had both been there--and dead, by now, 'tis very -likely." - -The stranger fairly leaped from his resting-place. "Your hand, your -hand, young sir!" he demanded, his face suffused with color. "Rash as -you are loyal, let me press it! I, too, love the Prince, our master; -and I, too, hope yet to see him make a footstool of his enemies. -My name is Geoffry Armitage--Lord Armitage I am oftenest called. -Windlestrae, said you? Then I speak to one of those to whom I am sent -on an errand from which yonder villainous tree did its best to let me. -Are you Peter--no, Andrew Boyd, the son of Gilbert Boyd, who owns the -manor of Windlestrae?" - -"I am, sir," replied Andrew, in deepening surprise: "this very nook of -the woodland we stand in belongs to my father and is within our farm. -The manor house and fields are but half-an-hour from this spot; below -the hill-foot yonder." - -"Fortune favors me at last!" cried Lord Geoffry, seating himself again -on the trunk. "I bring a long message from the minister of Sheilar -Kirk, that I have to give to your father. I am a fugitive, as you may -have already guessed from the disparity between a title and my dress. -A fugitive? Yes, and one who has often thought that his life might -better have been left where the cause for which he would have laid it -down was lost--on Culloden Moor." - -"Culloden!" exclaimed Andrew, "Oh! sir, were you truly in the fight? -Tell me more of it, I beseech you." - -"Ay--for whatever in my own history is worth telling you or your -father begins with it!" the ruined nobleman replied in a melancholy -tone. He paused. Andrew heard him murmur, "Can I speak of _that_ day -so soon?" But he composed his utterance, and after a quick glance -about them looked up at Andrew, to begin his brief account of himself. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - A STORY AND A SHELTER. - - -"You would hear more of--Culloden?" began the fugitive. "Not from me! -I headed a charge of foot under Lord George Murray on that fatal -day. My men were cut to pieces before my eyes. I, after what last, -desperate stand for liberty one arm could make against a score of the -enemy, was taken prisoner in a ditch--in a ditch, like a fox or a -badger!----" - -"But you escaped?" Andrew interrupted. - -"Ay, I escaped, after three days of starvation and brutality. The hand -of God seemed to deliver me--I know not what else to call that series -of events that saw me free and able to fly for my life. Favored again -by a dozen happy occurrences I reached these mountains. They are -swarming with gallant fellows as unlucky as myself. Now some brave -Highlander sheltered me in his cottage; now I lay, night after night, -in holes and caves, when the English troops who scout the hillsides -for refugees came too close to my retreat. Some weeks ago I ventured -to come westward, and Solomon McMucklestane, the old minister at -Sheilar Kirk, received me into his manse. He hid me there, he, at the -risk of his all. I have had a brief respite for rest and the regaining -of my strength." - -"Have you been forced to turn from Sheilar also?" said Andrew, who -listened with the deepest interest to the Jacobite's tale. - -"Yes. You have heard that Colonel Danforth has lately begun his -searches in the neighborhood of Sheilar? It seems that he has lately -got wind of the fact that the neighborhood hides one or two lurking -Jacobites. My reverend host was warned upon Monday that he and his -manse were suspected. I was obliged to be off again. On Tuesday night -I quitted him, directed by him to your father, and expecting to reach -your farm yesterday. I saw soldiery and abandoned the highway. My -path of uncertainty over these wild slopes I quickly lost. With only -glimpses of the pallid Loch yonder to guide me, I have wandered in -desperation. I slept last night airily--in a stout yew. This evening -the sound of your axe all at once caught my ear. I followed it. -You can understand that I should think it best to study your face -and appearance from the shelter of the thicket before advancing to -a stranger. My excitement and fear of your observing me made me -careless, I presume, for I did not notice how nearly your wooden King -George was done for until too late to escape his clutches. (I hope it -is not an omen.) Down came the oak, and I under it. - -"Such is my story, friend Andrew. I am glad to have found one from -your household at last. You see before you," and Lord Geoffry again -smiled bitterly, "no English spy--only a hunted, hiding follower of -the Prince, come to beg for your father's and your pity, and to pray -for shelter until escape from this dangerous region is possible. It -has never seemed less so than now." - -Andrew could contain himself no longer. - -"What a blessed chance was it which led me to stay here a couple of -hours later than I purposed; simply to finish bringing down that oak! -Ah, my lord! You do not know my father! I do. You will be welcome a -hundred times to our house, and all that we have. It will go hard if -you quit Windlestrae, except in safety. Let us lose no more time in -getting down to the Manor, and my father's presence. To him must you -tell over your story and at once receive the earnest of his help." - -"God bless you both! and after a night's rest I shall be better able -to hear and discuss new plans for my welfare," said Lord Geoffry. "A -little food might not be amiss either," he added carelessly. There was -a peculiar sweetness in his smile and an air of dignity which had -already made its fascination felt upon young Andrew Boyd. - -"Ay, this _is_ a soldier indeed," the lad thought, "able to endure -peril, and hunger, and thirst, and fatigue, and laugh over them!" - -The boy caught up his bonnet and plaid and thrust the axe under the -oak's trunk. "Take my arm, my lord," he urged courteously. The wearied -man accepted it, and they set out. - -"There are some questions I ought to ask, friend Andrew, while we go," -said the young nobleman, as they entered a narrow, stony path leading -upward from the glade. The sunless sky was still bright overhead. -"First of all, have the soldiery been prowling around your Manor or -its neighborhood?" - -"Until lately they have scarcely shown themselves near us. Colonel -Danforth and his dragoons are stationed at Neith--as you too well -know--with orders from the Duke of Cumberland to arrest any suspected -Jacobites. But we have seen nothing of Danforth or his band." - -"And what of the Duke himself and the garrison to the northeast, at -Fort Augustus?" - -"They have been equally quiet. The Manor lies midway between both -garrisons; the troopers have harried the settlements closer to their -hand. But--but--there is a better reason, my lord, for Windlestrae's -being let alone." - -"And what is that? Your father's friend, at Sheilar, I think hinted at -some special one. I did not pay the heed which I should to his words." - -"Why, my lord, my grandfather was an Englishman like yourself; and my -father lived thirty years upon English ground, and spoke the English -tongue before he came hither to live. Our Scottish neighbors have -always counted us Whigs! They have never ceased to suspect my father -of favoring the cause of King George--though he has said many a bold -word for the Lost Cause. Worse still, my father was too ill to enlist -under the Prince, as he would gladly have done; and this has set our -neighbors yet more bitterly against him. We have no character as -patriots, sir." - -"You think that the English troops in the town and at the Fort hold -your father a good partisan of their own king?" - -"Exactly, my lord; and hence is it, I am sure, that our Manor has -been so let alone by the enemy during these past weeks of spying and -searching. The ill-color of my father's name shall stand you in good -stead. There is no house in Scotland where a Jacobite would less be -thought a-lurking or protected. But my father has felt the unkind -opinions of his Scotch neighbors very deeply." - -"Strange!" said Lord Geoffry, as if to himself, "the hand of heaven -seems to lead me still. To find, in the heart of Scotland, Englishmen -who are loyal to the Stewarts!" - -While they spoke the lad guided Lord Geoffry rapidly along the flinty, -steep path, which did not admit of their now walking side by side. It -so continually twisted and turned and the trees shut it in so closely -that Lord Armitage presently confessed that he could not imagine which -point of the compass lay before him. - -"We cross directly over the top of this mountain, my lord," explained -Andrew. "Windlestrae Manor lies in the valley. We shall presently go -down by a steep mountain-road which our wood-cutters use, after we -reach a clearing on the summit of the hill, whence you might be able -to trace all your late wanderings from Balloch and get a glimpse of -the chimneys of the Manor also." - -Sure enough, our two quick walkers presently attained exactly this -spot--the crown of the ridge. A remarkable prospect was to be viewed -from it. The loch lay behind them; on the left, a wooded, rugged -extent of country, stretching toward Neith; and descending from their -feet, the mountain waving with foliage. In the valley below Sir -Geoffry could distinctly see some substantial buildings and tall -chimney-pots. - -"The Manor," said Andrew, pointing at these last. To the north -continued the plain, with wild hills on the west closing the -scene--altogether a savage Inverness landscape, not less romantic in -the evening light. - -But neither wished now to tarry for gazing. They left the cleared -space behind. At once began the descent of the hill. Their course -was almost a series of plunges. They darted between bowlders, they -overleaped trees fallen across the scarcely traceable path; they -sprang over tiny cascades pouring down the slope. The excitement of -such a rapid journey made Armitage forget well-nigh everything except -keeping breath and footing. Andrew noticed that he was not much the -better mountaineer of the two. - -They landed in a glen at the foot of the mountain. "We cross this," -explained Andrew. They did so, and as well two tracts of boggy land. -Grain-fields and hay-ricks succeeded, and then the barns and Manor -House of Windlestrae were suddenly looming before them. Lord Geoffry -perceived that Andrew's father must be a man of wealth. Just as he was -about to ask the boy whether it would be well for them to enter the -house together, Andrew exclaimed, "Huzzah! There is my father this -minute!" - -"Where?" asked Lord Armitage, eagerly. - -"He comes yonder, through the gate, talking with two of the farm-hands. -He usually walks here after his supper." - -From the southwest corner of the field approached Gilbert Boyd. He was -a tall, gray-haired man, decidedly English in style and feature, but -dressed in the usual attire of a Highland landholder of the best -rank. He appeared engaged in an excited discussion with two stalwart -servants accompanying him. Andrew and his companion could catch the -sound of the uplifted voices. Andrew put his fingers to his lips and -whistled shrill. The elder Boyd, startled by the sound, stopped short -in a sentence and looked up. He perceived Andrew and the stranger -advancing. - -"Stay you where you are," Lord Geoffry heard him say quickly to the -tall servants. Gilbert then came on alone. The fugitive began to -wonder what sort of a reception awaited him. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - "IN THE KING'S NAME." - - -He need not have had any misgivings. The rugged face of the Master of -Windlestrae underwent rapid changes as he listened to his young son's -breathless story. Then he came striding across to the fugitive -nobleman with outstretched palm. Andrew looked delighted enough at -this quick show of cordiality to a man by whom he already was not a -little fascinated. - -As the elder Boyd halted in front of Lord Geoffry the latter instantly -decided that he had seldom seen a more naturally commanding figure and -a face fuller of resolution than this transplanted Englishman's--his -tall, sturdy form, iron-grizzled hair, and keen gray eyes. - -"Welcome, welcome, my lord!" he exclaimed; "welcome to the board and -hearth of Windlestrae! My son has bidden you be so, and I echo his -greeting. Surely all Scotland is at the service of those who have -drawn blade for--its rightful sovereign." - -The two men shook hands, and Boyd's mighty grip thrilled Lord -Armitage's heart. He tried to falter out something about being "an -ill-omened bird to flutter to so peaceful a roost." - -"Peaceful? Tut, tut, my lord, no roost is peaceful when there be so -many hawks in the air. Andrew, lad, run--hasten to the Manor before -us. Bid Girzie and Mistress Annan prepare supper and all things -suitable for our guest. I must trouble Lord Geoffry with questionings -and doubtless make him many answers, while we shall come after you." - -Andrew sped away toward the house, which ended the lane. The two older -men came on more slowly. - -"First, my lord," began Gilbert Boyd, "as my son has surely told you, -you have come to the house in this neighborhood where you will be -safest from pursuit. My good friends hereabouts have never forgot that -my father was Southern-born and that I speak Scotch only when I must. -Hence it follows that I am worthy to be hanged as a traitor. For -once, though, I am glad that I stand in such sorely false light. The -soldiers have troubled themselves little about Windlestrae, and have -ransacked many of the loud-mouthed patriots instead." - -"And you have had no raidings from Colonel Danforth's troop?" asked -Lord Geoffry. - -Boyd laughed disdainfully. "His soldiery have occasionally moved -toward the Manor, my lord, but even that seldom. I confess, I have -been surprised at my good fortune. One afternoon Danforth and his -company galloped past the crossroads, a couple of miles down yonder, -and asked one of my neighbors, 'Who lives up yonder?' 'Boyd of -Windlestrae,' says the lad. 'Well, then, we'll go no further up that -way to-day!' cries Danforth; 'that man Boyd is as sound a Whig as -ourselves and his wine is most properly bad.' So away they rode, good -riddance to them." - -"Safe for long or not, I can at least be sure of a supper and a -bedchamber less airy than a tree," Lord Armitage responded cheerily; -"and both I will enjoy, although Danforth suddenly alter his mind and -come to open every closet in your Manor House." - -"Hm!" grunted Boyd, with a peculiar expression. "He will hardly do -_that_." - -They passed thatched barns and low stables. It was now growing murky -and dark. The Manor House was next reached, a rambling but dignified -structure, built of gray stone and apparently remarkably roomy and -comfortable. Gilbert pushed open the thick oaken door and motioned his -guest to enter. One or two servants were hurrying along the wainscoted -hall, running in and out of a dining-parlor. Andrew appeared from -this, and with him an elderly woman, Mistress Janet Annan, the -housekeeper, who courtesied to the master and the unexpected guest. -Andrew's mother had died in giving birth to her only child. - -The hall and aforesaid dining-parlor were brightly lighted. The -excellent supper--to which Lord Armitage did ravenous justice, -seconded by Andrew--was hurried through in silence; Boyd absorbed in -ministering to the wants of his guest. In the Manor it was already -rumored that the master had suddenly met an old friend; and this -explanation satisfied the present curiosity of the servants' hall. - -"To-morrow morning they shall be told the truth," Boyd said reflectively. -"They must not be permitted to gossip. They are all loyal-hearted men -and women. And now, my lord," he continued, as Lord Geoffry pushed -back his chair from the table and exclaimed, "I am quite another -man already!" in his refreshment--"now you must to your rest without -a moment's loss. To-morrow we can discuss together the means of -forwarding you to the sea-coast. Candles, son Andrew! To the Purple -Chamber." - -Andrew led the way up a staircase of very respectable breadth and -ease. The room designated as "the Purple Chamber"--from sundry faded -hangings--proved a fair-sized apartment with three casements and a -low-studded ceiling. A formidable four-posted bed and accompanying -furniture graced it, and a trifle of fire flickered on the hearth. -Gilbert locked the door, as Andrew set down the candlesticks on a tall -chest of drawers. "Nay, wait my lad," he said, as he turned toward the -door, "I have something to impart to both our guests and you." - -In some surprise, Andrew returned and leaned against one of the heavy -chairs in silence. - -"My lord," began Boyd, turning to Armitage, "you spoke a while ago of -Danforth searching the very closets--was it?--of Windlestrae Manor, if -once his suspicions that it sheltered such refugees as yourself should -be stirred. I care not if he do--provided no earthquake and no traitor -disclose to him one of them, built in this old rookery long before my -father bought it and added to it. Until this day have I preserved one -secret of it from you, son, with the rest. There opens from the wall -yonder as snug a hiding-hole as any in Scotland." - -"A secret chamber!" ejaculated both Boyd's auditors, following the -pointing of his hand. - -"Ay," replied he, approaching Andrew, with a smile upon his grim -features. "The Mouse's Nest--so my father heard it called. I doubt not -that it hid many a Jacobite in the first uprising. Andrew, is yonder -door locked? Good. Now mark!" - -Boyd pushed back the hangings and pressed his hand steadily on the -joining of the wainscot at some spot which he identified after an -instant's quick scrutiny. To Andrew's intense astonishment, part of -the jamb of the chimney-piece slid back into the thickness of the -wall. A narrow door-way was revealed leading into darkness. - -Andrew was more surprised at the existence of this unsuspected -mystery than Lord Armitage. The latter had been shown many similar -hiding-places in old French and English mansions, he declared. - -"Let us within," Gilbert Boyd said; and they passed into a long and -narrow sort of closet, not more than five feet wide, but of six -or seven times that length. Gray stone, above, below--everywhere; -rough-hewn and clammy; no plastering. The place would have been -scarcely at all lighted, and that only at its upper end, without the -candles carried by Boyd. An opening a few inches square, that Andrew -discovered, some ten feet above their heads, seemed constructed only -to admit air, although a faint light also found entrance thereby. - -On the floor lay two or three stag-skins, and a couple of small -stools, a taper, and flint and steel; and a pallet in the farther -corner completed the furnishings. - -Lord Armitage and Andrew surveyed the place curiously, and Gilbert -explained the means of opening it and securing the panel from within. - -"It has not been used in my recollection, my lord," he said, laughing, -as the jamb reclosed. "I trust it may not be; yet if Danforth come too -close, your retreat is secure; and I warrant you one he will not -fathom! Knowing that I have such a guest-room for such a guest is a -rare satisfaction to me to-night." - -Father and son then bade the young refugee good-night and left him to -get to bed; he declining all valeting from Andrew. Lord Geoffry was -indeed so exhausted, and the homespun sheets of Mistress Annan's -purveyance seemed so cool, that he fell back into them, asleep, almost -as he touched them. - -That sound repose lasted far into the afternoon of the next day. -The Manor House was kept quiet by the master's order, lest word or -foot-fall should waken the young knight out of season. He left his -chamber, on Andrew's arm, as the tall clock on the landing of the -staircase struck four. - -"Ha! you look like a new man!" exclaimed Gilbert; "your color has come -back; your eye sparkles like a live coal!" - -Seated at the table in the dining-room, the master showed that, while -his guest had slept, he had not been careless for his welfare. In the -first place, the trustworthy servants of the Manor had been solemnly -informed of the situation at morning prayers, and each one pledged to -secrecy and assistance. - -"And when do you think that I can proceed eastward to the sea-coast?" -asked Lord Geoffry, anxiously. - -"Within three weeks, I trust," replied the master--"not before. -Inside of that time I shall have marked out your route for you, and -started you in loyal hands upon it from one shelter to the other. In -the meantime, you must abide here with us plain folk of Windlestrae. -I am glad to say that we have heard no more of Danforth to-day." - -Nor came there any such unwelcome tidings. The day passed quietly, -each hour benefiting Lord Armitage in body and spirit. The second -night that he slept under the Manor's roof was spent as tranquilly as -the first. His strength and vivacity were doubled by it. The next few -days he did nothing but eat and sleep, or, shut up for the most part -within the comfortable Purple Chamber, talk with Andrew and Boyd or -Mistress Annan of his travels and hardships. The rest and a sense of -security did him worlds of good, and he grew more entertaining and -full of merriment each hour of it. - -"I never saw such a fellow!" Gilbert remarked once to Mistress Annan. -"One would think that he were at ease and freedom in some court, -instead of in daily danger of a hanging! What a careless, happy -temper! Hearken to him, laughing this minute with my lad, as though he -had never a trouble in the world!" - -"And I am na sorry for it, sir," Mistress Annan stoutly responded; -"'tis o' God's favor that his heart is sae licht! Wad ye hae the -puir man gae roun' wi' the shadow o' the gibbet in front o' his twa -bonny eyes?" Mistress Annan, in truth, was quite bewitched with Lord -Geoffry's engaging glances and his gay tongue. - -Both Andrew and his father observed one thing--how little the young -exile spoke of England; of his home there, or of the Lowland life and -cities. But he explained this one morning by confessing that he had -lived most of his life in Paris, his only brother, Guy, looking after -the family estate. - -"I am more a Frenchman than an Englishman, I fear," he admitted, -smiling; and often, as if unconsciously, he would begin a sentence in -the French, that seemed to come upon his lips spontaneously; and the -light songs he hummed were echoes of the gay days of Fontainebleau -and the court of Louis XV. But, French or English, all the little -household agreed that a more gallant, a jollier spirit had never sat -at their table, or whiled away long evenings with reminiscences of -famous men, fair women, and strange adventures. - -It was not until the third day, by the way, that they discovered him -to be a Roman Catholic; but then so great a proportion of the Stewart -adherents were of the older faith that Gilbert was not displeased. -Besides, the refugee was quite as devout at the morning and evening -prayers and accompanying Bible-reading of the Manor family as Mistress -Annan herself. That good woman was so edified by Lord Geoffry's -respect to religion and solemn recognition of Providence in his -escapes that she confessed to Girzie Inglis, her head hand-maiden: -"Aiblins thae Papists are nae all sic children o' the Deil, as I hae -been tauld! Yon's a gude young man--a gude young man! The Lord bring -him to mair pairfect licht!" - -So passed four days. At noon of the fourth the sky was overcast. In -less than an hour thick mist and rain shut out almost all the light, -and it grew so dark that the Manor had to be illumined by candles. At -supper everybody was in the best of moods; Gilbert at the head of the -table, the red firelight showing his grim face relaxed as he listened -to Lord Geoffry's keen speeches; Andrew next the knight; and Mistress -Annan forgetting to put her cup to her lips or adjust her cap more -trimly, in her reluctant enjoyment of such unaccustomed fun. "I fear -me 'tis no Christian behavior in me to be sae frivolous!" her -Presbyterian conscience whispered; but she laughed all the more in -spite of the Presbyterian conscience. Neil Auchcross, Boyd's main -manager of the farm, was the only other person for whom a cover was -laid. The table was bountifully spread, and Mistress Annan had set it -with their store of silver, in honor of Lord Geoffry. In the kitchen -the more menial servants were also supping. - -Suddenly, in a brief silence throughout the dining-parlor, there came -a sound to the ears of each one present. It struck them all alike with -alarm. Lusty voices, not far off, were singing together. - -"Hark!" exclaimed Boyd, "what do you think that sound can be?" - -Auchcross leaped up and threw open the heavy window. - -Through the mist and darkness rang into the cheerful old room the -notes of a familiar drinking-song: - - ... "King George, God bless him forever! - And down with the _White Cockades!_"... - -The trampling of hoofs, the dull clank of steel, accompanied this -chorus, borne on the murky breeze of the night. - -"Danforth's cavalry!" cried Boyd and Auchcross. - -"What! coming up toward Windlestrae?" exclaimed Lord Geoffry, -springing from his seat. - -"I fear it--I fear it!" muttered Boyd, leaning out of the casement -into the driving mist. The rest hearkened at his back, breathless. - -The roystering voices, the thud of hoofs and a single whinny, sounded -nearer than before. - -Gilbert drew himself quickly inside the room again and pulled Neil and -the shutters with him. - -"It is! It is Danforth!" he cried. "This misty night, of all others! -We have not a moment to waste! They may have set out directly for the -Manor to see what discoveries can be made here. Very good! Andrew, ask -no questions, but assemble all the household in the hall! Neil, go you -to find Hugh and Malcolm. My lord, with me to the Purple Chamber--and -the Mouse's Nest!" - -The singers in their saddles were not fifty yards off by the time -Andrew, Neil, and Mistress Annan had executed Boyd's orders, in -ignorance of what was to be gained by them; and seen the four or -five women and as many men-servants, constituting the Windlestrae -household, seated on the benches and stools in the hall. Each one knew -what was the imminent danger which had stolen a march on them and -their guest. Each was prepared to do all possible to avert it. -Mistress Annan and the maids were so white and trembling that Andrew -feared discovery through their very looks. But Armitage was his next -thought. Turning his back on the confused and whispering group in the -hall, he dashed up-stairs. - -"Back, son!" Gilbert Boyd exclaimed, sternly, catching the lad in his -arms on the landing-place. "Back, I say! He is safe!" - -"Safe? Lord Geoffry? Is he in the Mouse's Nest? Oh, father, tell me!" - -The sound of the singing, mingled with calls and something like -argument, as if the intruders were discussing the direction of the -Manor House in the fog, now were clearly audible. Boyd sprang -down-stairs into the hall, drawing Andrew with him. - -"Girzie!" cried he--"Mistress Annan! They have turned up from the -gate! Bring candles--candles--from the table." - -They were back with them at once, the grease dripping to the floor -through the trembling of their hands. Gilbert motioned them all not to -move from the settles along the wainscot. "Sit ye still there," he -whispered, hoarsely. He dropped into an arm-chair beside the candles, -flapped open some book which he carried, and exclaimed, in a firm -voice, "Let us sing the praise--of God--in the Thirtieth Psalm."--and -thereupon led off the verse! - -Andrew caught the idea that lay behind this extraordinary conduct. But -could Windlestrae seem to Colonel Danforth a quiet Scotch household, -engaged in the usual family prayers, untroubled by trembling hearts or -the care of a Jacobite refugee? - -Somehow or other he and the rest found voice to unite in the psalm -with the master. Those approaching outside heard the melody. Then came -a louder trampling, the thud of dismounting riders, loud, coarse -accents, and spurs jingling on the very porch. - -A thundering knock broke off the Thirtieth Psalm in its second verse. -Mistress Annan gasped audibly in terror. - -"Halloo there! Open, in the King's name!" rang out a stern voice. - -"Andrew, open the door!" commanded Gilbert. - -Andrew obeyed. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - "PUSS IN THE CORNER." - - -In the fog outside flared a torch or two. The candle-lit hall -sent forth a pale stream. Five horsemen in their saddles could be -discerned--but not Danforth. Nor was Danforth the trooper who had -alighted to knock--a short, young fellow with a swarthy skin, a -magnificent mustache, and eyes as black as the long, damp cloak -tossed back over his shoulder. It swayed as he bowed with unexpected -ceremony. - -"Is this the Manor House of Windlestrae?--and do I address its -master?" he asked, in a commanding but civil tone, peering past Andrew -into the hall. - -Gilbert Boyd laid aside the psalm-book with studied calmness, coming -forward to the doorway. - -"It is. I am Gilbert Boyd, the Master of Windlestrae, sir," he -responded, courteously. "What is your pleasure?" - -Both his own and Andrew's minds were fully prepared for the answer: "I -am in the service of the King and have reason to believe that there is -now hidden in this dwelling a Jacobite rebel and refugee, Lord Geoffry -Armitage." - -But, oh, unexpected occurrence! not such was the response. In an -accent yet more courteous, the unknown cavalier returned. "Pardon the -rudeness of our summons, Mr. Boyd. I fear--I see, that we disturb your -evening devotions. The house was so dark as we rode hither that we -could scarce tell whether it was really tenanted or not. My name is -Jermain--Captain Jermain. I was ordered this morning to convey a -message to Colonel Danforth at Neith, and I set out from Fort Augustus -with a few of our troop. Unluckily this fog came up apace. Our escort -speedily became dispersed. They are now somewhere in the hills, -behind. We lost our own road; and, encumbered by a rebel prisoner that -we were fortunate enough to capture on the way, we found ourselves -almost at your doors before we knew our bearings." - -Andrew's heart gave a leap, as he realized that these were not -the expected and dreaded guests; but others who came by accident! -Evidently they knew nothing of the man hidden within his father's -walls. It was an unspeakable relief! - -Gilbert Boyd was not a whit behind him in apprehension and gratefulness: -"You have, indeed, fared poorly, sir," he said, motioning the young -officer to step within his threshold. "What with by-paths and -cross-roads the track is difficult in fair weather. I presume that my -sending one of my household with you, until you need his guidance no -longer, will be a welcome offer." - -"For which I thank you," laughed the young trooper; "but, begging -your pardon, I don't intend to ask that favor until to-morrow. It is -no evening for travelling, Mr. Boyd--and my faith! nothing but a -bayonet's point, I fear, will turn me out of your hospitable doors -to-night. You must find quarters, no matter how poor, for us few weary -men, until daylight. I have learned too much of Highland kindness to -fear that you will not--eh? House, barn or shed--it is all one to me -and my little troop." - -In spite of the ingratiating tone, a command of a sort common -enough to all the region at the time, lurked unmistakably in the -dragoon-captain's smooth words. Gilbert recognized this. At the -precise hour when he was sheltering a proscribed and hunted Jacobite, -he must entertain, as best he could, a handful of the very men who, -did they suspect the other's nearness, would delight to drag him forth -to his death, as, very possibly, they were preparing to do with their -prisoner out yonder! - -But it was no moment to allow more than a bewildered thought of the -untoward complication and how it must be met. - -"Gude sauf us!" ejaculated poor Mistress Annan in her heart, "what an -awfu' kind o' game o' puss in the corner we're a' like to be playin' -this night!" - -For she heard Gilbert, with well-simulated cordiality say, -"Neil--Morgan--Mistress Annan! Girzie Inglis! You hear? Pray request -your companions to dismount, sir. We will offer you and them any such -poor entertainment as my house affords. Step within, gentlemen!" - -One grateful thought of the infinitely less trying situation that now -seemed ahead of him and his family, and another of gratitude at what -appeared an uncommon refinement on the part of this young soldier -crossed him, as Captain Jermain bowed and prepared to follow. The -other dragoons threw themselves from their saddles with exclamations -of satisfaction. - -"Captain, Captain? How about this Highland wild-cat that we've got on -our hands," called one of the party to Jermain, who stood on the porch -giving some directions. - -"Oh, bring him along with you," returned he. "We can keep him in -the kitchen for the present, and find a hole to stow him safely in -over-night. Meanwhile, see that no one speaks with him." - -Captain Jermain preceded his escort into the hall. They who tramped -along at his back were of quite inferior social stamp and address. Two -of the party led between them the captured Highlander. - -Andrew started back and stared half in pity, half curiosity. The -troopers had tied their prize's hands at his back, and he limped, as -if in the contest he had hurt his foot. There were stains of blood and -soil on his rough garments, and a ragged bandage was tied across his -forehead. A thick shock of black hair effectually disguised his -sunburnt and unshaven face from close recognition. A more wretched -figure it would have been hard to draw. He gave a piercing look at the -group in the hall as he passed, as if seeking compassion; but there -was too much else to engross the attention of the Master and Andrew -for them now to proffer it. Even the women shrunk back as he was -forced along. Gilbert directed Angus to show two of the four guards to -a small outer room adjoining the rear passage, where Captain Jermain -suggested that supper be served them speedily, and thus their charge -remain directly under their eyes and ears. - -"Sit down, Captain," Gilbert said, as Andrew once more closed the -door. "We shall have some refreshment at your service in a few -moments. We finished our own evening meal just before you arrived. Be -seated, gentlemen." - -"I must again regret that we disturbed your family-prayers, Mr. Boyd," -apologized the young soldier, dropping into a seat: "I have too much -respect for your kindness and for religion, soldier that I am, to -willingly disarrange you. Ah, this is a fine old house! It is like a -bit of home for a Southerner to slip into such a spot for a night." - -"You have not been long in the army?" Gilbert inquired. - -"Oh, dear, no," returned the young captain, stretching out his long -legs luxuriously--"only a couple of months, and all of those loitering -about the Fort. I haven't gained much military experience, I dare -swear, by all this famous Rebellion! Have I, Mr. Dawkin? Have I, -Roxley?" - -Two of the other men laughed; and confirmed Boyd in his idea that this -was a very simple-hearted young soldier, a good theorist likely, but -not much experienced in anything except fox-hunting, or slaying soft -hearts at Lowland balls. Very boyish and frank did he look, sitting -there, in spite of his dignity and manliness; and also very much like -a boy was his evident enjoyment in finding himself so comfortably -situated. In spite of his apprehensions, Gilbert could not help -fancying this Achilles the pride of some Surrey household, the darling -of some mother whose breeding of him all the rough life of a barracks -had not effaced. How much worse the peril would have been if such a -guest, forcing himself on the household, were a rude, wary old officer -full of strange oaths, exactions and suspicions of everybody and -everything about him! "Praise be to God!" Gilbert exclaimed, in his -soul, "for we may tide over the danger yet!" - -He led the conversation with increased self-control into such topics -as could be discussed in common. Each sentence went further in -convincing Captain Jermain, as well as his two companions, that they -were meeting quite the most frank and friendly of hosts. - -Girzie appeared and announced the supper, hastily got together by -Mistress Annan's trembling but energetic hands. - -"Walk into the next room, captain. This way, gentlemen," said Boyd, -rising. Then, turning to Andrew, he added, with a meaning look, but no -accent in his voice that might awaken any interest in his remark among -the enemy. "My son, step upstairs and see if you can be of use. The -East Room will be wanted--tell Mistress Annan so." - -The three troopers, headed by Gilbert, passed into the dining-parlor. - -Andrew stood bewildered. His father had surely intended some special -reference to Lord Geoffry Armitage! Was Lord Geoffry waiting all this -time within ear-shot? Andrew could hardly force himself into walking -toward the stair with assumed indifference--to mount step after step -leisurely, as if reluctant to quit the sudden stir going on below and -the company of the soldiers. - -All was dark as he turned toward the landing. The boy's nerves were by -this time strained intensely. He nearly uttered a cry as he ran into a -figure kneeling at the top of the staircase. Lord Geoffry's strong -clasp about him and exclamation of caution saved him. - -"Oh, my lord, my lord! Have you heard? Do you know it all? It is not -Danforth!" Andrew whispered, still clasped in the imperiled young -nobleman's arms. - -"Yes, yes, dear lad! I have been listening. I stole out from the -Mouse's Nest and the Purple Chamber--I can retreat to it again at an -instant's warning, you see! Be calm, dear Andrew. Do not tremble so. I -am yet safe." - -"But, my lord, they may discover that you are here!" - -"I do not know how," whispered the fugitive. "We have no traitors, and -walls have not tongues." He pressed the Highland boy yet more warmly -to his breast, as if in that hour of ill-fortune, standing there -within ear-shot of his foes, he was glad to feel a human heart so near -him, however young, that he knew already loved him too well to betray -him, even at the point of the bayonet. - -The boy murmured passionately in his ear: "If you--are taken--I shall -die!" all of a tremor, that came from dread and love. - -"Pshaw! Keep up heart!" hoarsely replied the young nobleman, with -something like tears in his voice at the gallant lad's devotion; "you -must not die, nor must I, either. We shall all come out right and -safe, I am sure. Quick--back to that handful of knaves below! I can -see already that they have a bigger child than you for their leader. -Find out for me, if possible, who is their prisoner. Contrive to let -your father know that I am in spirits--that is why he sent you. Go, -play your part well. My life is in your hands too, remember." - -"I shall, I shall! But oh, my lord--go back to the Mouse's Nest. -Promise me that you will." - -"So be it!" And Andrew thought he heard the intrepid young man laugh -shame-facedly at yielding to his terrified importunity, "I promise!" -Then they pressed hands and parted in the gloom. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - IN WHICH CAPTAIN JERMAIN'S MEMORY IS USEFUL. - - -Andrew entered the dining-parlor timorously. He made his way thither -by the little passage into which opened the outer kitchen containing -the Highland prisoner and his guards. It was shut. The servants, who -questioned him eagerly as to Lord Armitage's security, told him that -to knock at the door was only to have one of the guards come to it and -slam it in his face. They would allow nobody within but themselves. - -His father sat at the head of the long table, only half of which was -laid. The three cavaliers had begun hungrily on meats, bread, and -potables. - -"Come and sit down here, my lad," called out Captain Jermain kindly, -well-disposed to pay some attention to his host's attractive son; "you -are a fine, tall fellow. I dare say you will be carrying the king's -colors yourself one of these days--eh?" - -Andrew seated himself between the captain and Gilbert. A glance -passed between father and boy as he did so. Boyd read in it a quick -reassurance upon the state of mind of Lord Armitage above-stairs. - -A man who better liked plain-dealing than Gilbert Boyd of Windlestrae -it would be hard to light upon. To seem to be what he was not stifled -him. Nevertheless, his feeling of sacred duty to the fugitive, to whom -he had sworn protection by every lawful means, induced him to waive -scruples and to preside at this supper with a remarkable simulation of -calmness and of desire to make the three soldiers at ease in the -Manor. As far as possible, he diverted the talk from politics, where -he must and would betray himself rather than lie! "I have been rumored -a Whig so long to no good," he thought, resignedly, "that I may as -well let the error keep alive on such a night as this, when it can -save a life. Humph." - -Presently he said aloud: "Help yourselves freely, gentlemen. I am -sorry, by the way, that the Manor can offer you no better liquors than -our own ales and usquebaugh." - -"Oh, no apologies, no apologies," replied Captain Jermain. "This is -the very lap of luxury for us. I trust that when these troubled times -end--and his ragged Princeship with his bare-legged support are -hanged--many a hospitable Whig like yourself will call upon us in -London, or anywhere else, and be repaid for your trouble in kind. To -your health, Mr. Boyd!" - -"Be entirely at ease, sir, as to trouble," Gilbert answered, raising -his ale-glass; "there is always room and to spare in this old nook." - -Andrew nerved himself in the instant of silence ensuing: "Was the -prisoner that you captured--was he--a person of consequence, sir?" he -faltered. - -Roxley, the elder of the two other troopers (and who, Gilbert soon -decided, was a special favorite with the young captain and a man of -some petty rank), exclaimed, with a sneering oath: "Consequence? I -should scarce think so!" Jermain, however, bent his eyes pleasantly on -the embarrassed boy, and replied: "Faith, no, my young warrior! A -tattered and villainous hind, lurking about, whom we sighted slipping -into a copse two or three miles above the crossroads." - -Our hero longed to put the captive upstairs in possession of even this -slight portion of what he desired to know. But Boyd took up the cue -intuitively. - -"Did you run him down?" - -"Ay. By some awkwardness the villain tripped; and though he wrestled -with Roxley like a tiger, and won sundry thumps and cuts for his -pains, we managed to master him. He is all bone and muscle, I verily -believe." - -"Simply a wandering spy, Captain, depend upon it!" affirmed Dawkin. -"Whatever he was busy about," he continued, to Andrew's father, -"he refused to speak a syllable of, in spite of all our little -measures--ha, ha, Captain! But we will see what the guard-room at -Neith can do for him to-morrow. Here's to his obstinacy after Danforth -gets hold of him!" - -"His straps must be looked to sharply before we go to bed," suggested -Roxley. - -"Yes," added the captain, drinking; "'tis a pity that Tracey and -Saville must lose their sleep to-night on his account." - -Boyd shuddered at the mention of those "little measures," and -the persuasions of the Neith guard-room. The Spanish boots, the -whip-corded eyeballs, the thumb-screw, and brimstone-sliver were -meant. God help the poor wretch who became Danforth's victim! Clearly -nothing more was to be discovered as to the prisoner from his captors. -Andrew determined to slip back to the outer kitchen, and thence up to -Lord Armitage with just so much intelligence as he had come by. But he -would do well to wait until the exactly right excuse should offer for -his leaving the room. The troopers pushed back their chairs and -refilled their glasses of whiskey-and-water. Good cheer began to tell -on their tongues. Jermain rose, stretched himself, and stared about the -room in great good-humor. He noticed a small hanging-shelf with half a -dozen books on it, and thereupon turned amiably to Andrew. - -"So you go to school up in this forsaken region of the kingdom, do -you, Andrew? You remind me not a little of a fair young cousin of -mine, Eustace Jermain, down in Warwickshire. He is now a scholar, too, -prosing away at some Oxford college." - -"I have always been at school when there was any school to go to, sir. -But my father has taught me for the most part, and once or twice I had -a tutor, by good luck." - -"And I, too, by ill-luck!" The young man laughed, sauntering up to the -shelf and glancing over the titles. "What a life I led them! Ah! 'The -Pilgrim's Progress,' 'The Call to Truth,' 'Common Prayer,' 'An History -of Rome,' 'Virgil's Æneid--' So you know Latin here, friend Boyd? I -used to know it myself. How begins old Virgil?-- - - "'Ar--arma v_o_rumque can_i_,' - -it goes, don't it?" He opened the volume idly. In so doing his eye -fell upon the title-page. - -He read the name written there with an exclamation of surprise. Then -holding the Virgil he came back to his chair, puzzling over the -fly-leaf. Next he smote his hand upon the board with an impetuous, "By -the sword of Claver'se! 'Jonas Lockett, His Book.' Can it be the man? -What Jonas, except our long-legged Jonas, wrote that cramped fist? -Tell me, friend Boyd, was Jonas Lockett, an Edinboro' pedagogue, ever -in _your_ house, here, a certain winter?" - -"One of my son's instructors, years ago, was so named," replied Boyd, -cautiously. He did not like to give these interlopers the least -significant bit of information upon his family or its history. - -"Was he from Edinboro'? Tell me of him. Well, well, well--Jonas -Lockett! Ha!" - -"There is little to tell, sir. I understood that he was from -Edinboro'. His health suffered there and he travelled into -Perthshire and Inverness to recruit it. He was poor and somehow came -to me for help. Andrew's ignorance enabled me to give it him. But he -only stayed with us a season. I have scarce thought of him since. Did -you know him also?" - -"Know him! Truly I did. I recollect that he came from Scotland -directly before he entered my father's employ. A tall, lean, -quick-spoken fellow, with a sly eye and many odd stories at his -tongue's end." - -"The same, I dare say," Boyd assented, indifferently; "an odd -coincidence. But the world is a narrow place, Captain." - -Andrew glanced uneasily from one face to the other. Was even this -trivial discovery likely to breed the seed of any fresh danger? Danger -lurked in every turn of thought or speech. - -Jermain continued turning over the leaves of the Virgil absently. - -"Upon my honor!" he suddenly cried, throwing down the book; "of what -have I been thinking? This, too, must be the very old Scotch house -that Lockett told me all about one evening at the Parsonage! I -declare--I have heard of you and it before this night, friend Boyd. I -remembered it not until now." - -"Ah!" came Gilbert's dry monosyllable. Boyd's whole being was at once -wholly on the alert. Andrew thought it best not to make for that outer -door quite yet. - -"Nor is that all," continued the young officer, draining his glass. "I -dare wager that through Lockett's describing his life here that -winter, besides his being a famous hand to poke and pry about and -meddle with other people's concerns, I know a rare little secret of -you and your Manor House, friend Boyd." - -"Captain Jermain! How--what?--I do not understand you, sir!" exclaimed -Gilbert, growing pale and turning sharply upon the young soldier. -Andrew grasped the arm of his chair so tightly that his knuckles -were white. Peril, relentless peril--could it be possible?--and from -so remote a chance! Dawkin and Roxley looked around from their -discussion, surprised at the excited turn the talk behind them had -taken. - -"What's all this in the wind now?" asked Dawkin. - -"Nothing, except that I am in possession of a family mystery of friend -Boyd's here," returned Jermain gayly, "or I think I am. Forgive me, -Boyd, but the jest is too good! Let me explain. You must know that -Lockett slept sometimes in a room in your old house called--what the -mischief was it called?--the Green--the Red--no, the Purple Chamber! -That's it, the Purple Chamber; and opening out of this Purple Chamber -is a secret room, to be got at by a spring-panel in the wall; a most -curious old place altogether--and, by the by, perhaps just the sort of -strong room that Tracey and Saville have been wishing for to shut that -slippery rascal into to-night. Ha! ha! ha! Boyd, I'm sorry for you, -for you see that I did know this little family secret after all, did -I not? Oh, man, don't look so tragic over it. See his face, Roxley! -By all that is hospitable to mad wags like ourselves here, you shall -make amends for your soberness by taking us all upstairs and helping -us to find out this wonderful hole. Up, Roxley! Up, Dawkin!" continued -the domineering young trooper, already excited by the usquebaugh and -full of a boyish delight at having someone to tease who was quite in his -power; "you, too, my blue-eyed Andrew! Your father must pilot us -upstairs at once, or he is no honest host. Huzzah!" - -"Huzzah! huzzah!" chimed in Roxley and Dawkin. Jermain seized the -candles, and, laughing boisterously, forced one of them into the -terrified Boyd's hand. Roxley caught hold of the master's arm. Boyd -stood between them, the color of the wall, rigid, his eyes conveying -to Andrew a despairing signal. Through the crack of the door were -peering Mistress Annan and some women-servants, with blanched cheeks. - -Ruin had stalked in a few seconds into their midst. - -Terrible was the temptation to Gilbert Boyd as he was held there in -the half-sportive, half-brutal grasp of the dragoons. Yet might one -bold falsehood save everything! How easy to cry out, "That wing of my -house was burnt to the ground years ago!" or to declare that the -Mouse's Nest itself had been opened up and its secrecy destroyed--one -of a half-dozen other excuses, proffered with the dignity of a man in -his own house might avert the calamity precipitating. Hospitality--the -saving of a guest's life--did not these cry out for a lie? - -But he did not utter it. Not he, Gilbert Boyd, of Windlestrae. It was -not because with the thought of falsehood he remembered that those -beside him would probably exact proof. It was because too keenly upon -his conscience pressed the acted-out departures from strict truth of -which this bitter evening had already made him guilty. These must be -none worse henceforth. He would obey his God; and God would sustain -him and his. Nevertheless he was mortal man enough to protest, as he -wrested his wrist from the familiar grasp of the leering Dawkin and -stood commandingly before the trio: "Gentlemen--Captain Jermain--you -have forgotten yourselves! It--it is impossible! The room--the room is -all in unreadiness. Mistress Annan hath charge of it--I cannot take -you into it to-night. Let me go, I beg, Captain! You carry your wild -humors too far." - -"Oh, no, Boyd, not a step too far," retorted Roxley, "provided you -carry us upstairs with you." - -"But--but--I assure you, gentlemen, the--the Nest is wholly unfit for -the purposes of a prison. Listen to me, Captain Jermain, I pray. Only -be reasonable, Mr. Roxley! It is not in repair; and we have under -our roof another, a much securer place of the sort, if you insist on -one----" - -"Hardly, Mr. Boyd, I dare wager," interrupted Captain Jermain, -laughing afresh at what he counted Gilbert's absurd annoyance over -the "family secret." - -"A strong, well-barred room in the East Wing, overhead, that was -fitted up for a gaol, and hath been so employed before now. I will -send and have it made ready to show you, gentlemen. Release my arm, -Captain, I insist! I will _not_ consent." - -Jermain, Dawkin, and Roxley seemed the more amused at his annoyance. -It was plain that only forcible resistance would check their folly, -and forcible resistance was not to be, for an instant, considered. - -Had Lord Armitage been listening? Ought not he to be within the -Mouse's Nest--out of earshot? He must be warned and extricated. Andrew -responded to that intense look from his father's eyes by a quick step -toward the hall-door, frantic to dash headlong up the dark stairs and -transmit an alarm through the panel in the Purple Chamber. Ah, by his -own pledge he had made more certain the doom of his friend! By his own -pledge! - -But the captain interrupted him by a single stride. "Hold there, -friend Andrew, my bonny Highland chiel! No dodging upward to warn any -pretty faces that have shut themselves into this same old room. They -shall be gallantly surprised by a serenade before their portal. -Here!" continued Jermain, snatching a candle from the elder Boyd, -and bestowing it in Andrew's unwilling grasp; "you shall head the -exploring party! Huzzah!" - -With one arm about Boyd's neck, and holding Andrew between Roxley and -himself, Jermain set the unsteady procession on the march from the -dining-parlor and out into the hall, the three shouting boisterously: -"Above-stairs, all of us! Huzzah!" and singing, like the caricature -of a death-hymn, as they approached the first step, that roystering -refrain: - - "King George, God bless him forever! - And down with the _White Cockades!_" - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - A DESPERATE SHIFT. - - -In the meantime Lord Armitage had been sitting on one of the two -stools in the Mouse's Nest. That retreat was quite too dark for him -to see his hand before his face, except precisely in the corner where -he was resting. Into this the high opening in the wall, alluded to, -seemed to filter a gray gleam. - -The young refugee realized that his present insecurity was great; but -he had been in deeper danger before it, and that self-control which -had rather disconcerted Andrew during that moment they had been -standing at the stair-top was not much assumed. - -"Bless the boy!" he muttered; "it is something to have won such a -stout young heart! Ah, if ever I get away from this accursed land, -where death dogs my footsteps to trip me up, Andrew, you shall not be -forgotten, depend upon it. But, gadzooks! it looks now very little -like my conferring care or honor upon any man, young or old!" - -He rose and peered curiously up at the aperture in the blank, black -wall, with his hands clasped behind his back. - -"A strong draught from that, I note. I wonder with what it communicates? -Some sort of an air shaft probably. Faugh, what a den is this! A -day or so within it would go far to bring a gay fellow like me to -suicide--provided he could lay hand on aught here to take himself away -with. When can Andrew get back here to bring me word of the prisoner -below? Would to God I knew! My mind misgives me. If it be from them, -after all--! Still, still, there are so many of our gallant fellows -hiding in thickets and caves. If it _were_ Cameron or Lochiel it would -break my heart. That peasant-woman last week told me that she had -given shelter to a gentleman of the Prince's army only the day before! -Oh, Andrew, Andrew, my lad! make haste, for I am in worse dread for -others than for myself until you ease me." - -He went softly--though there was no need, for the floor was stone and -only the under-arching thickness of the partition was below--down the -length of the Nest in the darkness, feeling his way along the wall -until he perceived that he stood alongside the sliding panel. A -narrow, almost undistinguishable crevice marked it out. He put his -ear to this, as he had done a score of times since his entrance; but -he could not catch the slightest sound, so impervious and exactly -adjusted was the barrier. - -"I cannot stand it!" he ejaculated, feeling for the iron lever, a -simple turn of which, followed by a prolonged and equable pressure, -would slide back the panel. "It is a risk. Andrew is right. Any one of -those miscreants may take it into his head to go prowling about the -halls or chambers while the rest are at supper. But I _must_ get some -inkling of what is going on in that dining-parlor! Andrew may be on -his way to me, too." - -He moved the lever. A slight tremor--a widening of the crevice--in an -instant he perceived that the massive jamb had retreated. - -All was dark. He thrust forth his arm and touched the under-side of -the thick hangings along the wall of the Purple Chamber. Then he -slipped out beneath their folds, like a cat, and stood again in the -great room itself--alone. Apparently no one, friendly or hostile, was -on that second story as yet. Tiptoe he ventured toward the closed -door, the outline of which he could trace. - -But he caught his breath as he came to it and set it ajar with -trembling caution. He had stolen forth from the Nest exactly as the -bustle below, the voices, laughter, and singing culminated in the -audacious demand by Captain Jermain that the mysterious secret-chamber -be laid open for the diversion of himself and his companions. Boyd's -protests he could not hear--nor see the scene at the table--nor guess -how it had come about. He heard only the pushing aside of the chairs, -the drunken march into the broad hall, the hoarse-- - - "King George, God bless him forever! - And down with the _White Cockades!_" - -the reiterated cry: "Above-stairs, all of us! huzzah!" - -The tone in which that drinking song was sung, those words uttered, -assured him that it was not betrayal, but some new train of concurrent -circumstances, that was bringing about a startling move. He dared -not lock the door. He leaped back, stumbled headlong toward the -chimney-piece, tossed aside the arras and threw himself within the -Mouse's Nest, with the pant of a hunted stag. To seize the lever -was the gesture of a half-second. He could bolt the panel to all -outsiders as soon as it shut. Excitement guided his hand truly in the -dark. He pushed and pressed. The panel slid obediently back toward its -deceptive resting-place. In doing so it creaked slightly--an ominous -occurrence that had not accompanied its previous passage. He tugged -harder at the lever as, with the creak, something seemed to resist his -hand. - -Up the stairway was coming the tramp of the soldiers and the two -Boyds. He could overhear more merriment. He pushed with all his might. -It was useless labor. Within some three inches of closure, for its -bolting, the mechanism operating from the within-side of the panel -suddenly had refused to act. Everything stood still--perfectly, -terribly still. A wide black crack must inevitably be visible to any -person who should draw aside the arras of the chamber wall! - -"I am lost if the villains have lighted on the secret of the Nest!" -the endangered nobleman exclaimed, in sudden realization and despair. -"Oh why, why did I not bethink me that I might not be able to close -it--through some weakness of the old apparatus? The chase is up!" - -The next moment the shine of candles below the folds of the arras--the -loud banter and laughter of Jermain--broken sentences from Boyd--came -all within a few yards' length, as the quintet stood within the Purple -Chamber. - -The young man crouched down. His teeth were set to meet the extreme of -his peril. The perspiration oozed from his forehead. - -"Once for all, gentlemen," came the angry tones of Gilbert Boyd, amid -the scuffling of feet, "I swear to you that no hand but mine shall -ever, with my consent, disclose this secret place, however near it may -lie to us--and, as I live, it shall not be so disclosed this night!" - -"Oh, but it must be, and shall be!" retorted Jermain, more delighted -than ever at prolonging and enjoying the old Master's concern; "away -with your silly family pride, Boyd! You have too much sense for it." - -"We'll never tell, Boyd," said Dawkin; "will we, Roxley? Oh, 'tis rare -sport!" - -"Never," assented Roxley; "hold up the candles, Andrew, that we may -all guess at the very spot." - -"Beware, gentlemen, how you tempt my patience further! Surely, you -see that I am past the humor for such folly! Leave the room with me, -Captain Jermain! I command it--I adjure you all, by the laws of -hospitality and courtesy----" - -"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed the three tormentors. Had they been less -influenced by the excellent cheer at the table just quitted, one or -all of them must have by this suspected a deeper motive for Boyd's -recusancy. But, as it was, it all was taken with the other details of -the scene--an obstinate and proud Scotch householder, unwilling to -share a petty secret with some gay guests. - -"And I--I adjure you," mimicked Jermain, "by the laws of hospitality -and courtesy, not to cross my pleasure so peevishly. Ay, there is the -chimney! Lockett particularized the chimney. Behind the corner of the -arras, just about where that figure of the Prodigal Son is worked, -must lie the plate set in the angle of the stone----" - -Lord Armitage stiffened his muscles. "If I had only caught up one of -those stools yonder, the battle should begin from _my_ side!" he -grimly reflected. "Stay--I must not give them one extra inch of -vantage. I will creep into yonder farthest corner--lay hand on a -stool, crouch--and wait for them!" - -"Oh, merciful God!" thought, or rather prayed Andrew, on the other -side, clutching the candles and white as one who swoons. "Does he -hear? What can he do? Save him, save him, O Lord--for only thou canst -preserve him or us now." - -Dawkin made for the chimney-jamb, exclaiming: "Come, I'll draw back -the Prodigal from his husks!" - -Before he could reach it, Gilbert, desperate, careless of any further -pacific measures, seeing in mind nothing but imminent bloodshed, -leaped between him and the chimney. Indignation had altered the very -fashion of his countenance. - -"Hear me, sirs, for the last time!" he cried; "by the God of my -fathers, who hath preserved me and mine within this house until -these hairs are white, not one step further into its secrets or -secret chambers shall you take, nor dare any longer to indulge this -unsoldierly curiosity and insolence! I mean what I say. No, I will -give no reasons except what I have given, what common decency might -prompt to you. This impudent business stops at once. Take away your -hand, sir! Put down your arm, fellow! Call it over-respect to my -family and its trusts, or call it what you may, I swear that I will -strike down the man who sets a finger upon this arras! Must I call up -my servants to protect us from you?" [Four or five of these last were -already waiting wherever a man could lurk in the hall or adjoining -rooms, trembling for their master's safety, and only restrained by -Neil from running into the Purple Chamber to chastise the insolent -troopers.] - -Half-intoxicated though he was, this vehement speech and the gestures -accompanying it were enough to change the mood of Captain Jermain to -irritation. He turned red, gave a short, hard laugh of contempt, and -uttered an oath--with which he darted forward to seize the arras. He -slipped, laughing triumphantly, beneath Boyd's extended arm. He -clutched the tapestry with a violent pull. The rusty nails above -yielded. Down fell the Prodigal and his Swine, partly overturning both -disputants. A cloud of dust rose; and, as it cleared away, a cry of -surprise broke from the lips of all the group. There, exposed to full -sight, rose the broad crack! The panel was unmistakable, because -partially open! "O Almighty Protector!" thought Gilbert, a thrill of -hope entering his heart, "he overheard--he had time to escape from -it." - -"Yes, he has escaped--he has escaped!" ejaculated Andrew to himself; -"not yet in their power, not yet!" - -"Open?" cried Jermain. "Yes, by the sword of Claverhouse, it is open! -The easier for us to take our look at it, but a bad sign for its -safety as a prison to-night. Let's see--will the doorway widen if we -push at the old panel." - -There was no sound from the cell. Captain Jermain approached the -opening. Boyd could make no further resistance--he wondered whether -he might not have undone the success of some defence on his guest's -part, as it was; for as Roxley and Dawkin stepped toward the wall -Gilbert gave a sigh of exhaustion, and then sank back upon an -arm-chair in a half-faint. - -Mistress Annan darted into the room unobtrusively, but looking like -an elderly Scotch ghost in cap and spectacles, and began chafing her -master's cold hands. Andrew would see it out to the end. "If he be -there, and if they seize him, I will strike one of them down for him," -thought the lad. The end, the end was at hand--life or death in it! - -"Works like a charm!" cried Jermain, now quite forgetting his fit of -passion in the indulgence of curiosity. "There, we can pass! Ugh! -What a stinking hole!" The lever, to outside persuasion, offered no -reluctance to move. The door, truly, was wide open. Blackness of -darkness--a rush of chill, malodorous wind. But no outrushing or -defiant figure! - -"Give me one candle, boy," said Jermain--"hold the other before us. -So. Watch well your feet, lads. These odd nooks often have holes and -traps in their floors." With these words he stepped inside the Nest. - -Face the worst, within that pit of gloom, Andrew must. But he -contrived, in obeying the command to accompany the three, audaciously -to stumble against the captain on the very sill. The latter's taper -was thereby cleverly dashed from the candlestick. It rolled to some -dusty nook quite beyond their feet. - -"Awkward lout!" exclaimed Jermain; "but never mind; one candle shall -serve." - -Making even it waver as much as he could (a process very easy in the -state of his nerves) they advanced well within the Nest, Jermain and -the others more awed each step by the dismalness of the retreat, but -all talking loudly. No Lord Armitage at bay, desperate, yet faced -them. And they moved on--on--now to the very end of the narrow -apartment, where were placed the mothy stag-skins and the two stools. -Everything seemed undisturbed, as if during the lapse of decades. - -"Well, 'tis a dull discovery after all, so far, I admit," said -Jermain, peering now to the right, now to the left, or glancing -toward the cornice, all a black void some twenty-five feet overhead, -in such wretched illumination. "Not worth while to have so hot a -question with--ha, ha--friend Boyd, over it! Yes, here we are at its -end, I declare. Nothing beyond this dead wall, of course. Look, -Roxley, how rough the courses are--how strong." - -"There seems to be a glim of light somewhere there," Dawkin remarked, -pointing up to the square aperture previously mentioned. "But 'tis a -vile den for any poor wretch to be shut into. Plenty snug enough for -that Highland dog, though." - -"Ay," replied Jermain, frowning, "provided it be secure. Let's back to -look. Steady--beware of this uncertain floor. Dawkin, thou wilt need -all Andrew's candle-light for thine own share, thanks to the last two -glasses I filled thee." - -Could it be possible? Andrew was dumb with gratitude. For he realized -that, tired of their own rudeness and curiosity, Jermain, Roxley, and -Dawkin were retracing their steps to the open panel, and that for all -the harm that had been done him by Jermain's acquaintance with the -place of his concealment and this visit to it, Lord Geoffry Armitage -might as well have been a thousand miles away! - -But far more inexplicable was the mystery than he divined; until, on -the heels of Dawkin and the other two, he was crossing the threshold. -He saw his father standing a few paces outside, himself unable to -solve the riddle, but full of thankfulness for that which he felt was -the veritable overruling of God's power. He saw Captain Jermain offer -his hand with a stammered apology. He heard Roxley call to him, "Come -forth, youngster, we must shut up this panel and try what kind of a -lock it hath upon it, and then back to the merry board, my friends. -Halloa, look, look you at this, Captain. Here, Boyd, don't bear -malice, man, but give us your counsel a moment." - -And then--and then--just as Andrew hastened to obey Roxley, a -voice spoke his name: "Andrew--Andrew." That was all; uttered in a -startling, almost magical, whisper. It came from somewhere over his -head, like speech evoked from the dense shadow itself. - -He had presence of mind not to exclaim or start. He dared not stand -still there. With difficulty Roxley and the young captain closed -the panel once more. Like one in a dream he heard them exclaim in -disappointment and surprise on discovering that there was absolutely -no way of securing the door on the outside, and thus rendering it fit -for the special use desired. Still like one in a dream the boy watched -them, already wearied of their whim, force the panel back and forth in -its grooves, and with more boisterous raillery declare the place no -more a prison than a parlor. He heard Roxley ask his father to exhibit -to them the strong room in the East Wing, of which he had spoken, and -Captain Jermain interpose, laughing, "Oh, later, later, Roxley. One -dungeon is surely enough until we have forgot our quarrel over it in -a fresh glass together! Let the strong-room in the East Wing wait -an hour." And next he and they were all descending the staircase -together, the ordeal over, and he on fire to be rushing back to the -Purple Chamber! For he understood it all now. - - * * * * * - -At the moment in which Lord Armitage partially rose to make his way -toward the sole weapon of defence at hand--one of the three-legged -stools--an inspiration came to him. He recollected the void above him; -the uncertainty of candle-light--the inaccuracy of eyes dulled with -wine. He drew off, in the twinkling of an eye, the brogues Gilbert -Boyd had loaned him. Holding these between his teeth, he stepped a -yard or so beyond the panel, so dangerously ajar for the success of -the daring plan he had suddenly devised. He thrust his feet into the -crevices of the rude masonry, searching noiselessly with fingers and -toes for the numberless rough projections. In a few seconds he had -readily gained a height of eight or ten feet. Clinging to the stones, -he raised his hand to feel for some further coign of vantage. His hand -struck an object that he had little suspected, but instantly bethought -him was almost certain to be there, discoverable in any room so -constructed in such a house--a strong iron brace traversing the Nest -at a height considerably above the low entrance and running from wall -to wall. He laid hold of it. Would it break? He had no time to test -it. He took his fate in his hands. - -With rigid muscles, and jaws aching from the strain of holding the -shoes, he drew himself up, got astride of it, and at last stood with -both feet upon it! - -It was rusted, but it did not even bend. He balanced himself. Before -climbing he had knotted the latchets of the brogues together; he now -hung them across the bar, close to the black wall. So far so good! - -Again must he attempt the dangerous, but far from impracticable, feat, -that he began to feel convinced was his succor. Could those outside -hear him as he climbed? No--it would seem not. He could have cried -aloud for joy as he felt, at arm's length above his head, a second -iron brace, evidently another essential in the support of the wall, to -which he clove like a human fly. To this second aid he pulled himself -up, and stood upright on it, with palms pressing the stones. At that -height, perhaps twenty feet from the floor he could, he dared hope, -defy the candle-light the intruders might introduce. It proved that he -could. Motionless, afraid to breathe, he presently saw their entrance, -and blessed Andrew for the additional security the fallen candle -brought about; and it was from up there, exhausted but safe from -capture, if not death, that he marked the troopers' departure from -beneath his very feet. Then was it that, wishing to enlighten Andrew -as to his resource and its merciful success, he ventured to send down -to the boy's quick ears that repeated name--"Andrew--Andrew."* - - -*The escape of Lord Geoffry Armitage has its foundation in the -experience of a Jacobite refugee, of inferior extraction, who -participated in the Insurrection of 1715. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - PRISONER AND SENTRY. - - -"It was a miracle--a miracle!" repeated Gilbert Boyd, lost in wonder -and gratitude, some twenty minutes after the return of Captain Jermain -and his friends to their glasses down in the dining-parlor, whither -Boyd, in a state of utter bewilderment, had escorted them. The -sound of their laughter and raillery penetrated to the place where -the fugitive with Andrew and Gilbert now sat--a small lumber-room, -windowless and unceiled, in the attic of the rambling Manor, -partitioned off in one of its gables. Lord Armitage's self-extrication -from the Nest had been dangerously prompt. Andrew hurried up the -staircase and came upon Lord Geoffry creeping about in the dark hall; -through the boy's suggestion this uppermost retreat had been gained, -and hither, too, hastened Gilbert from the festivities recommenced in -the dining-parlor. - -"Miracle? Ay--it seems a trifle like one," responded Lord Armitage, -laughing already; "what's the verse of Holy Writ about they who shall -bear up the righteous in their arms? Surely, I may count myself a -better man than I dared, and take courage forever." - -"Blessed be the hasty fingers that left those walls so rude within!" -ejaculated Gilbert. "And a second brace above the first! I shall go -and see it for myself when those villains have spurred away to-morrow. -But I dare leave them no longer to themselves, my lord. I must below. -Andrew shall be our messenger--the comings and goings of the boy will -not be noticed. I will return at the next possible chance--say within -half an hour. But such a place for you! Mistress Annan shall see that -it is made as comfortable for you until morning as it can be. Little -dreamed I you were safer here than in _that_ most hidden corner of my -house. Come, Andrew; this greatest of perils is over; go you and see -if you can learn more of this prisoner or how we can help him. -Farewell, my lord, you are not likely to be endangered again. I must -keep my noisy guests in good humor till they be ready for bed." - -Lord Armitage bolted the door behind them. He sank upon a pile of -dried hides, in the middle of his musty sanctuary, feeling completely -exhausted. He closed his eyes. Perhaps the reaction from such present -peril was all at once something like a swoon. In any case he lay -motionless and with eyelids closed for quite an indefinite time, until -he was startled by Andrew's knock, and his whisper from without. - -"You are soon back," he said, collecting his faculties. - -"Soon? Yes, yes--I have had an adventure myself, and I bring you -tidings thereby," began the lad, quickly. "Oh, I thought I was never -coming up." - -He drew Lord Geoffry to the improvised seat. "All is well below. They -are drinking--laughing. But I have spoken with the prisoner! My lord, -despite his tattered clothes and sorry look, I truly believe him, like -yourself, a gentleman, a----" - -The boy was startled at the effect of these few words. Lord Armitage -uttered a low cry, as of assurance made sure. His eyes flashed, and he -caught at Andrew's arm: "I feared it! I hoped it! Tell me what you -did, what happened! Tell me all, at once!" - -In a few words Andrew related his slipping into the improvised -guard-room under pretence of offering to the willing Tracey and -Saville another flagon. Thereupon he boldly asked leave to give the -prisoner a glass of water, for which the man suddenly began faintly -moaning. What with their refreshments and the absence of anyone to -remind them of discipline, both dragoons were in a vastly better humor -than before their meal. - -"So I leaned over him," Andrew continued, excitedly, "and I raised his -head and held him the cup. The man they call Saville had his back to -me. 'You are with friends, but we cannot help you,' said I, in his -ear. I could scarcely catch what he dared whisper as I laid down his -head, but I surely heard him say in English: 'Your father--warn -him--Danforth.'" - -"Your father? Danforth?" interrupted Lord Armitage. "Good heavens! -What can he desire to say? Danforth? Oh, my God!" - -"I know not," pursued Andrew, "for just as I bent to listen again -the two soldiers turned around. 'Are you not through yet with your -fetching a drink, boy?' called out Saville to me; 'come, come, enough -of such folly! He is not worth it. Out with you. This is not your -place.' So I had to hasten forth trembling. I dare not try again yet -awhile. They have set a chair against the door." - -"Danforth? He spoke of him--and of your father, and of a warning?" -repeated Lord Geoffry, with clenched fist and a knit forehead. "Oh, -Andrew, what may those words mean? Why, why could you not gather more? -More _must_ be gained in some way. There has been, is, fresh danger -brewing, I fear, and before we are out of the shadow of this. But -stay here no longer. Hasten, tell your father what has chanced, that -he, too, may ponder over it. Return when you may--be cautious--but -especially come to me if you discover anything, ay, anything more -about this mysterious prisoner or from him." The knight hesitated an -instant, and then added: - -"I will confess to you, dear lad, that for weeks before I came -to Windlestrae I lived in daily hope of hearing certain special -intelligence that very possibly can be trusted only to me. Moreover, -it will come to me from--I know not whom! It concerns a friend--the -nearest friend I have, and one pursued and miserable as I am. I wait -for it, I hope for it, without the least knowledge of who shall bring -it me. Alas, look not so surprised and perplexed! I cannot tell thee -more, my boy. But so it is--and in every stranger I may pass by my -messenger unless I am ever-watchful. On such a hard riddle hangs -perhaps all my future. Leave me; while you are gone I must plan how it -may be possible for me, in spite of Jermain or Tracey or Saville, to -speak with this man myself." - -These last declarations left Andrew aghast; but he quitted the attic -and sped down-stairs, just as Mistress Annan and a maid-servant were -seeking the gable-room with a mattress, a pitcher of water, and some -other articles. He once more attempted the outer kitchen; but it was -hopeless, Neil informing him that the door had again been denied all -comers by the two on its inside. Andrew listened, and heard enough to -convince him that Tracey and Saville, well supplied with liquor at -their own angry demands, were setting in for private saturnalia of -their own; a course, which, however loathed by the temperate Manor -House family, the Master saw might be of great help, if the prisoner -they guarded was really to be addressed. - -The little dining-parlor was still bright with a dozen of Mistress -Annan's best candles; and the liquors that Boyd dared not withhold, -when fresh supplies were called for, seemed in active circulation. - -"Come in, Andrew," called Jermain, as Andrew slipped back to a seat, -"you are too young to be gay, but you can sit down and let your bonny -face smile on us. May you never grow up as wild a fellow as I! Here's -to your health, Boyd, prince of solemn-faced Highland hosts! Now, -gentlemen, I'm going to sing you all a capital song." Which he -proceeded to do. - -Andrew, during it, whispered over his father's shoulder. Gilbert's -heart sank like lead again. Yes, there must be a communication with -the prisoner, whoever he really was, as soon as possible. A prospect -of Danforth! That meant fresh peril. Had there not been enough? He -sat and affected to listen to Jermain's frivolous chat until he could -remain no longer. He rose as if to get something. - -"No, friend Boyd, no more budging," protested Jermain, "you can sit -as long as we, and sit you must. You have been an uneasy host all the -evening, ever since the secret-chamber affair was broached, and now -you shall make amends. Fill up your glass." - -Boyd dared not persist. Twice after this did he attempt to get away, -that he might try to hold a conversation with the captive in the -outer apartment, or compare his alarmed surmises with Lord Geoffry. -But the captain seemed good-humoredly wary. By this time, however, -the hilarity of the two other soldiers had passed into, first, a -disputatious, then a maudlin, mood. The familiarity between Roxley -and the captain was decidedly more apparent, Jermain laughing -immoderately at all his stories, and applying himself quite as -liberally to the cup, though with what seemed a stronger head for it. -Andrew disappeared a little earlier, which the lateness of the hour -entirely warranted the boy's doing. - -"I must speak with my son before he sleeps," Gilbert said abruptly. He -left the table, this time without exciting comment. - -When he reached the kitchen he was not a little disturbed to find -Mistress Annan, the two maid-servants, Angus and Neil, and two -others of the household, all sitting in partial darkness and silence, -evidently each too apprehensive of further trouble to be willing to go -to sleep. "Nay, to your beds, all of you!" he ordered quickly. "I hope -that the night will pass without new disquiet. You can do no good by -watchfulness here--rather harm. Stay! Neil and Angus, you two had best -sit awhile until I speak with you again. The rest of you go cautiously -hence at once." - -Gilbert passed swiftly on and listened at the outer kitchen. He could -hear Saville humming a tune and Tracey talking. "Do you lack anything, -gentlemen?" he inquired, pushing against the barrier on its inner side -and opening the door, "or are you disposed to seek your rest?" - -"No," growled Tracey; "we'll go to bed when we please, and not before. -Shut the door!" Boyd obeyed; but the glance he had cast within the -place showed that the prisoner lay wide awake in his corner, and that -his two guards seemed further advanced in drunkenness than their -superiors at the other end of the house. For once the upright master -of Windlestrae thanked God that beings made in his own image could so -readily turn themselves into beasts. He hastened to the attic. Andrew -was there also, as he had fancied. - -"Ah, you are come!" exclaimed Lord Armitage, as he entered; "you are -just in time, for I was about bidding Andrew go down to you and tell -you what I have decided must be done as to this prisoner and his -message to you or me. First of all, are Tracey and Saville yet enough -off their guard to allow you speech with him? No? Very well, then, my -chance is desperate. I shall speak with him myself." - -"You?" ejaculated Boyd, in consternation. - -"Yes, I! Listen. I more safely than anyone else. These villains -propose to shut the poor man into the Nest, do they not?" - -"Not so, my lord. They have given that over." - -"Why?" - -"The panel cannot be fastened on the outside. It was never intended to -be made a bridewell. There is no lock, and besides that the mechanism -of the door is rusted and uncertain; you found that out to your cost." - -"Where, then, will they stow the unfortunate fellow?" - -"In the East Wing. There is a strong room there which I have offered -them." - -"Has it a window?" - -"Yes, but a window useless to you if you attempt parley from without -the house. It is the oldest part of the Manor; a dead-wall has been -built up flat in front of the window-bars." - -"Is the cell upon a passage, then?" - -"No; it opens from a larger chamber, my lord--the East Room we call -it--and that East Room is the only access to it; and the captain has -already said that one or two of his party must sleep in the East Room, -if only for the sake of form----" - -Lord Geoffry interrupted Gilbert decisively. "I want, then, a suit of -Neil's or Angus' clothes--their worst. When you return below offer -Jermain a servant to relieve his men of this same formal guard-duty. -'Tis ten to one that this thoughtless, half-drunken young soldier -jumps at your proposal. If I am once stationed before the door of that -strong-room, depend upon it I can find a way to learn all that its -inmate has to tell. Those brutes will not waken, once sound asleep, -though I blew a trumpet over them." - -Boyd stared, bewildered, at this audacious scheme. "He will lock the -cell's door, my lord; keep the key himself or give it to one of his -men. Such a plan is folly." - -"He must _not_ keep the key; or, if he do, it must be got again. It -can be, if you do not spare your whiskey." - -"And do you, then, suppose," asked Gilbert impatiently, and staggered -by such persistency, "do you suppose that Jermain will say 'yes' to -this offer? He is innocent of suspicions, my lord. But he is not a -fool." - -"If he say 'no,' well and good. Then will I go down to the room as I -am dressed this minute, and while they sleep; or we will devise other -means to do what must be done. Bring first the suit--the clothes--I -beg. Boyd, be not so fearful." - -In spite of his determination not to assist his guest in such an -extraordinary attempt, the arguments of Sir Geoffry faced the -bewildered Master quite down. Particularly was Boyd impressed with Sir -Geoffry's strange insistence that "the prisoner might have that to -utter which could be said best or only to him." - -"So be it, my lord," he said; "your blood be upon your own head; and -yet, good sooth, I know not what else to attempt. Danforth! Danforth! -The name makes me tremble for you. I will go and await the fittest -moment to proffer your services to Jermain, and, if he accept it, I -will do my best to apprise the prisoner that something is in store for -him. Andrew, my son, this is no hour for you to be awake. You aid us -at your own cost. Go you to your bed when you have helped my lord into -yonder frieze-coat and leather breeches." - -"If I do go I shall not shut my eyes; I shall but lie there and suffer -death each moment," cried the boy pleadingly. "No, let me stay near my -lord until all these new dangers are over. Ah, how can I sleep until -he and you sleep?" - -Gilbert had not the heart to command. - -"Well, well, be it as you will; but keep above-stairs," returned his -father. "God knows the end of this night's business. Pray each moment -for us all. Hark! I hear Roxley singing and the rest shouting. How -vile, how vile a crew to be harbored in this honest abode! What goodly -lessons for thy youth to be taught!" - -Gilbert had been absent quite a considerable period this time, -although the fact aroused no interest in the dissolute trio he would -willingly have driven from his threshold. He saw at once, as he -entered the dining-parlor, that a change had taken place. Good Scotch -whiskey had done disgusting work. Roxley had ceased singing and -telling anecdotes and lounged with one arm on the table, supporting -his drowsy head, which lolled back stupidly. Dawkin was sprawled -half-across the board, his hand clutching an empty bottle. Jermain -was arguing some point of military etiquette in an aimless fashion -and without waiting for replies from Roxley. The young captain's -gallant bearing was gone: his eyes were dull and bloodshot, his -dignity and vigilance vanished, and his whole appearance that of a -half-intoxicated and quite commonplace young soldier. - -"At this rate," thought Boyd, "your fine Surrey friends will not know -you when you go back southward. The king's army is an ill school -indeed, for you young men!" - -"Well, Boyd--do your clocks--sing bedtime for all honest people," he -inquired, sluggishly; "your face betokens your thinking that it is an -hour when all men and most brutes should be asleep--and under either -name I am ready enough to stretch myself. Halloa there, Dawkin! wake -up, man, and go out to the kitchen and tell Saville and Tracey to -fetch that rascal hither. I must see him securely bound before we -fasten him into that strong-room upstairs, that Boyd talks about. Pity -the secret chamber is of no use. Boyd, I'll go up with you now and -inspect this other place at once." - -Dawkin stirred, looked vacantly at his superior, and burlesqued a -salute with his hand and the bottle. He rose staggeringly, but fell -back in his chair, apologetically murmuring something. - -"The man is drunk!" commented Jermain, angrily, relinquishing his -grasp of him. "Roxley--no, wait here until I come back." - -He took Gilbert's arm. The latter led him up through the second-story -hall again. - -"Down this way," said Boyd, descending abruptly a couple of steps into -a side passage, very low-ceiled and evidently little used. He opened -the door of a large chamber tolerably furnished, and put in order for -the night by Mistress Annan, but plainly seldom tenanted. Directly -opposite them Jermain saw a solid oak-door studded with nails--a -grim-looking little portal that admitted them into a stone-floored and -certainly dismal enough apartment, with a grated window. - -"Fetters even, I declare!" exclaimed Jermain, stooping to examine some -rusted chains, which proved past service. "Come along, Boyd; this is -just the place. That's the key? So. Tight as Newgate! We'll get our -fellow here in a trice and Tracey and Saville shall lie in the outside -chamber." - -But when they and Roxley presently stood before the door of the -outer kitchen, it resisted Roxley's efforts, until his violent push -overturned the chair-barricade within--and with no audible protest -from the prudent architects thereof. - -"Well, well--this is a pretty sight!" ejaculated the captain. - -It was, indeed. A candle was guttering on the table amid empty flagons -and spilled wine. Motionless in a corner lay the prisoner, just where -Gilbert last saw him, apparently asleep now, in spite of his pain and -the stifling air. At full length, opposite, stretched Saville, a -brawny Irishman of middle years, sound asleep. Tracey, similarly -oblivious to all responsibilities, snored beside Saville. - -"More brutishness!" thought Boyd, in disgust at such a spectacle; "and -yet I would they had but dropped off an hour earlier!" - -Jermain and Roxley began trying to rouse the derelict pair. It was no -use. Each relapsed into a stupidity more hopelessly complete at each -attempt. - -The captain suddenly gave up the task with a spasm of profanity that -horrified Boyd, and drew from him a stern rebuke. - -"They both deserve to be court-martialled and shot," declared -Jermain. "Wait until we get to Neith! No, I don't care how informal -their service is, Roxley. They shall be hung up by the thumbs for -this--Dawkin, too." - -"What--what's to be done, captain?" demanded Roxley, in a sudden -attempt to hide his own dubious condition that was ludicrous to -behold. - -"To be done? Why, those fellows must be let lie where they are--no use -trying to stir them. We must get him above-stairs ourselves. By Jove, -Boyd, I'm glad of your strong-room, with a vengeance! Look at those -two; look at Roxley--and," he added, with a laugh, "look at me! -Strong-room be praised! I am too tired to play watchman, and I seem to -be the only one fit--were it my place--which it certainly is not! -But--by the sword of Claverhouse!--somebody ought to have an open ear -to what goes on inside or outside this house, between now and morning. -A surprise might be undertaken by the Jacobite farmers hereabouts. -What's that? You can ask one of your hinds to mount guard upstairs -with Roxley?" - -Boyd reiterated his proposal. "H'm--I don't know. Yet why not? Yes, -let it be so. If I should have to report such a thing, I would have -to be mum about Roxley's status. Here, pray lend a hand. Be lively, -Roxley. Up, you varlet!" - -The prisoner struggled sullenly to his feet. Boyd dared not yet speak -to him. Roxley was close on the other side. But his eyes met the -captive's with a meaning look. Just as they came to the stairs Roxley -stumbled. Jermain leaned to his aid. It was Boyd's opportunity, albeit -one of seconds only. - -"_The sentinel is a friend,_" he whispered--"_he will speak with you. -Expect him._" - -There was time for no more; but he felt the man's hobbled foot pressed -upon his own. He had been understood, at least in part. They reached -the East Room. - -"In with you, sirrah!" said Roxley, urging on their charge with a -thrust past the iron-studded door of the cell. He made no resistance -while they bound his legs more tightly. - -Then came a crucial moment. Jermain pulled the key from the lock. Boyd -held in his hand another key of Andrew's searching out, one closely -like it. Only a sober and sharp eye would detect imposture. To make -the change was a matter of adroitness, but its success involved the -discovery of the trick before morning, unless cunning could accomplish -a second change. Luckily, Boyd did not have to effect the first one. - -"Take the key, Roxley," said Jermain, yawning, "put it in your pocket, -and don't open the door, no matter what you hear, without calling me. -Boyd has stowed me not far off--I'll show you." - -In his heart the derelict young captain was glad to throw any -responsibilities of the night upon his favorite's shoulders. - -"Dawkin and I lie here?" inquired Roxley, disposing of the key. - -"Ay. Keep on your clothes, of course--I shall. There's a bed, and that -great sofa--you can give Dawkin that. You'd best go and help him up -now." Roxley departed with an uncertain step. - -"Fetch your trusty henchman now, if you will, Boyd," assented Jermain, -wearily. "I--I'll pay him for it to-morrow. I ought to have looked -sharper after these soldiers of mine." - -The die was cast. If he still were resolved Lord Armitage might come. -And Roxley held the key. - -Boyd vanished. Jermain gaped tremendously, sank into a seat, and -leaned his spinning head upon his palm. Roxley came in with Dawkin and -succeeded in getting him, still somnolent, upon the sofa, Jermain -dozing in his chair while this performance was got through with. "Push -up his long legs, Roxley," he advised--"that's it! I shall be glad to -push up mine, I'm sure. My report must be--a--well, a loose affair, if -I have to draw out one. Whe-e-w!" and the captain groaned. "How fagged -I am! Here's Boyd, at last." - -Behind Gilbert slouched an ill-kempt peasant, whose age was -undistinguishable, armed with a pair of pistols and a cutlass. His -hair hung low over his forehead. - -"Found somebody, did you?" inquired Jermain, rousing himself and -bestowing a single glance on Sir Geoffry. "Well, my man, we rely upon -your eyes and ears for at least the forepart of the night; until Mr. -Roxley relieves you--if he does. Call him, call me, if you hear or see -aught amiss, within or without. Do you understand?" - -A clumsy nod was the supposed servant's reply. Boyd, unwilling to open -his lips in this danger-fraught moment, lighted Captain Jermain away, -and beneath his grim brows looked at the three thus face to face. It -seemed incredible that the men whose meeting, an hour or so earlier, -seemed such an accident of dread, could, in this moment, be contrived -with but a fraction of risk to one of them! - -"Good-night, Roxley!" said the Captain. "Lock the door after us." -But he drew the soldier aside. "Look here, Roxley, we start early; -sleep soundly, but not too soundly. We ain't setting an example of -discipline to the service to-night! Boyd's hand might be tempted to -do--one knows not exactly what. Another time, when we have prisoners, -we had best rest earlier--and drink less. Mum's the word, though, -Roxley." - -With a parting glance at the supposed Highlander, who sat on a stool -by the chimney-piece, the very model of a steadfast, awkward Scotch -farm-servant, expecting to be well-feed for an irksome duty, the -Captain allowed Boyd to conduct him from the East Room. - -Roxley made a remark or two to his mute aid, while pulling off his -boots. "Rouse me, if aught goes amiss," he said, with a hiccough, "but -not unless--and I don't promise this--you can wake me any easier than -Dawkin over there. You and I'll call it our night off duty--eh?--now -that Captain's gone." Whereupon Roxley sighed and hiccoughed again, -and laid himself at full length across one of Mistress Annan's best -coverlets; and, in a trice, could not have been roused by the incoming -of his own horse at a trot. - -So it is. Stillness, stillness, all through the Manor House. Dull -comes the sound of one o'clock. Jermain sleeps; Roxley and Dawkin -sleep; Saville and Tracey sleep. Boyd and Andrew are hidden in the -garret until an appointed signal; the lad's eyes shut involuntarily -from pure fatigue. Geoffry, Lord Armitage, in what of peril thou must -yet meet before this wonderful night shall give place to dawn, may the -Lord of the defenceless be thy helper! - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - MEETING--FLIGHT. - - -Again came the muffled chime of the antique clock down-stairs; the -quarter-hour. - -Strange sight--the sentinel in the East Room moves. He cautiously lays -aside his cutlass; his brogans he had taken off, as if to ease his -feet, when he sat down. - -Like a thief, he walks from his stool to the bed, then to the sofa. -The sleepers are as those dead. He goes to the old door of the -strong-room and lays his ear to each crevice. - -"Too well-joinered yet," he says to himself, "for me to try opening my -lips from here, were he close beside it. Will he hear this, I wonder!" - -Gradually augmenting the sound, he imitates with his nails the scratch -of a rat in the wall. But no responsive signal traverses the barrier. -Nevertheless, when he repeats it he fancies that there filters to his -ear, from the stillness within, a faint, prolonged whistle. - -"It is the only way," he decides, raising himself from the floor. - -The bolt is on the hall-door, as Captain Jermain directed. Our -disguised knight need dread no interruption thence. He advances again, -on tiptoe, to the motionless figure on the bed. - -Drunken Roxley! Shake off your stupor, for one instant! Turn over, -man! Murmur; do something that will startle this robber who is picking -your pocket with the caution and address of one who realizes that -his life is between his thumb and finger. But no; you merely snore, -Roxley, and you do not start at the hand that by quarters of inches -draws the key from its hiding-place. It is too late now; for he has -glided from your side with it. - -"Harmless sot!" thought Lord Geoffry, contemptuously. "Had my Lady -Macbeth drugged his posset he could not be safer! Now, pray Heaven, -Andrew left the lock as well-oiled as Boyd thought!" - -The candle stood so that it had lighted him in his attempt, though -screened from the eyelids of Roxley and Dawkin. - -Once more he made his former signal. Then he inserted the key. It -moved readily in the wards. He softly pushed open the door. There was -no sound yet from the occupant. He stole back to the candle, returned -with it, sheltering the flame with his palm, and, after a parting -glance backward around the shadowy East Room, entered the cell, -tiptoe. - -The object of his scrutiny lay in a corner, where he had been secured -to a staple, by a rope, in addition to his pinioned legs and arms. He -had started into a semi-upright attitude and was maintaining it, -despite his cords, leaning forward with a most miserably eager and -despairing expression upon his wild countenance. - -Lord Geoffry partially closed the door as he came in. He advanced with -one hand raised, to remind the other of those so near them. - -The prisoner showed that he appreciated the perilous situation by a -nod. Another step or two brought the knight to his side. - -"Do they sleep, out there?" whispered the captive, hoarsely. - -"As if they were dead. Two in that room; the rest elsewhere. Did you -hear my scratching? You expected me?" - -"Yes, but I could make no louder answer. I caught Boyd's warning. -Where is he?" - -"Waiting until the half-hour strikes; with that he comes to the door -of that outer room, and I can tell him whatsoever be these tidings you -bring. What are you--a refugee? Ah, so I supposed. Trust me, then, -with what you have to say. In a moment I will tell you why you may. We -are all friends here." - -"Great God!" interrupted the prisoner, in a bewilderment increasing -each instant, despite the many emotions of the situation. "You are no -servant of Boyd's! Are you his kinsman? I have heard your voice, seen -you before! For the love of Heaven lean forward where I can see your -countenance clearly. I am called Hugh Chisholm." - -Lord Armitage complied. He must have expected, indeed, some special -recognition; for at the sound of that low-spoken name, "Hugh Chisholm," -he bent toward the other man, and in a distinct tone and with a -piercingly anxious glance he repeated it--"Hugh Chisholm? Can it be -the same Chisholm? And if you be from the Braes of Glenmoriston, and -are sent to find in high-road or hedge one Lord Geoffry Armitage, and -answer to his challenge of the Lost Cause"--and he whispered it--"I am -he whom you seek, he who has despaired of meeting you or your fellows -since he left Sheilar." - -The self-control of the other seemed for an instant nearly overthrown. -He murmured some words in a foreign tongue, with so passionate an -inflection that Lord Armitage checked him. - -"'Tis as I scarcely dared hope!" said the latter, continuing in the -fluent French which his overjoyed interlocutor seemed entirely to -understand. "Yes, you find me here. And that it should be you, and I, -I not recognize you at sight! Did Patrick Grant send to Sheilar? I -see; I had left the house before the message could get thither. Here, -let me cut those thongs--the hounds, to so tighten them!" - -Lord Armitage severed them; and he who had endured them was with -difficulty prevented from kneeling at his feet, in what may have been -a thrill of delight and gratitude--or another feeling. But there was -only too much employment for the few moments, any one of which was -liable to fatal interruption. As it was, some outside sound made their -hearts stop beating; but all remained calm again, and they spoke on in -lower and quicker voices. - -"I would have been here early this afternoon but for this luckless -meeting with Jermain and his men on the road, and their capture of me. -I had a companion with me, Rab Kaims, but he escaped in the forest. I -was in despair when they bound me; but scarcely could I believe my -senses when I found that they had turned to Windlestrae, the very -place where Grant expected us to find you! I was able to breathe part -of my tidings in the ear of that lad--Boyd's son, I fancy--awhile -since. He told you? So! My security rested in my feigning to be more -wretched and wounded than I am. But, oh, Heaven! your daring, my -gracious lord, bewilders me. Suppose that----" - -"Suppose nothing, Chisholm! Long ago in Paris I used to tell you that -destiny would support me through any peril. But what brings Danforth -here so unlooked for?" - -"In Neith, the garrison and he have suddenly suspected Boyd's politics -to be quite mistaken hereabouts. Danforth gathered that a refugee had -taken flight from Sheilar Manse in this direction. Yesterday Patrick -Grant had word from Neith that Danforth was for riding over here after -sunrise, examining Boyd and formally searching this manor. He comes; -and you must be far away!" - -"I far away, Chisholm? Truly. But where? Surely you cannot convey me -to--to the place of which you and I know, in the short time between -now and day-break?" - -"I can! Why not? Morning must find us both there, in safety and among -loyal hearts. Naught prevents. It is more than likely that Grant has -provided for our being met on the way. The man Kaims is fleet. They -will all rely on my escaping, be sure." - -"Hark! No; that was not the half-hour. Concerning Boyd, one word." And -Lord Geoffry spoke a sentence that made Chisholm open his wild eyes -still wider and exclaim, "Impossible! But, for the love of Heaven, -why?" - -"Because I so chose--I scarce know why myself," answered Sir Geoffry. -"And I _still choose;_ it must not be otherwise yet. But come; be it -as you say! We will get away from this den of peril. God help Boyd -and his household, when Jermain awakes and Danforth rides up to join -him; for it will be found that two birds instead of one have flown." - -"Aha!" returned the other, with a diabolic glitter flashing in his -eyes that at once revealed the savage nature below, "but why must they -wake, my liege? Are not these in our hand? One knife does their -business before we quit this roof--saves Boyd--eh?" - -Lord Armitage recoiled at the bloody suggestion. - -"_Mort de Dieu!_ Would you slay the sleeping?" he cried. "Never--never. -It were as foul murder as a Virginian savage could bring himself to -do. Speak of it again, and I will cry out and we both shall perish! -You chill the blood in my veins." - -Chisholm looked at him curiously. But he recognized the determination -in Lord Geoffry's attitude and accent and yielded, murmuring, "So be -it. But because it is thy will. They would serve us thus, be sure." - -"Chisholm, what will become of Boyd and his people when we are sought -for? Oh, the thought is intolerable to me. Go you alone. I cannot -leave them." - -"If we stayed, it were no aid to Boyd," responded Chisholm, rising -after him and taking his shoes in his hand; "and think of what your -death"--the rest of the sentence he finished in Lord Armitage's ear, -plucking the young nobleman imperatively onward. The outlaw locked the -low door behind them with a cool and cautious hand and put the key -into his own pocket, with a scornful smile. - -Cautious of the candle's flickering light in the sleepers' eyelids, -they emerged into the East Room. Boyd came in view as Sir Geoffry -permitted his companion to pass through into the hall, where a lantern -swung. The startled Master clasped his strong hands in consternation -at beholding, not only the expected knight, but with him the prisoner, -released from his fetters and walking upright, with so altered a mien. -Evidently some new move had been found necessary. Boyd's cheek paled -as he realized what would occur if Roxley should spring from his bed -and cry out. He beckoned the fugitives away. - -In a few low-uttered sentences Armitage described his successful -attempt; and in the same breath disclosed the necessity for his -instant flight from the Manor, along with the mysterious messenger. -But more than that he had a private knowledge of Chisholm, and was -positive that he could rely upon his efficient help, the fugitive -seemed not to think it proper to disclose. However, Boyd had heard -often enough of that singular brotherhood of loyalty and marauding, -whose names and exploits have since become part of the history of the -troubled time, and whose cruelty and courage in skirmish and raid -terrified even the Tory troopers in relating--the Seven Men of Glen -Moriston! Who, in turning over the pages of the chronicle of the -"Forty-five," has not paused to admire the daring with which a handful -of desperate spirits maintained themselves in a mountain fastness, -defied pursuit, and, at last, their country restored to peace, died -in their beds?* - -With the Men of Glen Moriston, two of them acquaintances, Boyd had -already had dealings; and he needed not now to be informed as to their -fidelity and strength. - -"There is but one course! You must be off without delay!" he exclaimed -to Lord Geoffry. "The great God holds thee in his hand, that he -suffers this warning to reach thee and still leaves open the way of -escape. There must be no stopping for food or better clothing, or what -not--though all that I have, my lord, you know, were at your service. -Those to whom you go will supply you. Downstairs at once! I know the -door best for your passage out. Come!" - -Bewildered still, by want of preparation for this flight, which it was -more than probable he would never retrace, Sir Geoffry obeyed. Boyd, -who was barefooted, went stealthily to the lantern and took it from -its hook. Step by step they descended the staircase after him, the -lantern flashing fitfully upon the wall. Opposite the lowest step -there chanced to be driven a row of wooden pegs for the hanging up of -outside garments. - -"It is chilly. We had best not go without better protection," -suggested Chisholm, in French; and his eye falling on the pile of damp -wraps that Captain Jermain and his men had cast there, the outlaw -detained Boyd until he had coolly laid hands upon a couple of fine -military cloaks, belonging to the dragoons, and, in spite of Boyd's -dumb-show protest, also helped himself to a small leathern pouch which -his deft examination showed him contained a purse and sundry trifling -matters. - -"It makes your false servant who releases me a genuine varlet," the -outlaw argued. "Let us spoil the Egyptians." - -But Boyd only thought, indignantly: "There shines the real thief-spirit, -with a vengeance!" Gilbert gave them his own and Andrew's hats, -and, turning through a short passage, led them into a kind of -"lean-to" opening into the garden. A rude door, fastened with a stout -timber-bar, was all that now interposed between the fugitives and the -outside world of liberty. - -The solemnity and regret of the instant entered deeply into the -spirits of both the young and the elderly man, in spite of the awful -possibility of an alarm ringing through the silent house, now, before -the confident hands of the outlaw, already on the bolt, should lift -it. The generous and grateful soul of the refugee was distressed with -the reflection of the tempest sure to descend upon his protector and -his household; if not from the negligent Jermain, who for his own sake -would hardly dare to make too great a matter of Chisholm's escape, yet -from the untimely visitation of the suspicious Danforth. - -"We must not be shod until we reach the very end of the garden," -cautioned Hugh Chisholm. - -Lord Armitage scarcely heard the words. "Would to Heaven I did not -thus leave you, Boyd!" said he to Gilbert. "Had I believed that such -was to be our parting, I doubt if I had suffered our meeting. After -all that you have done, all that I owe to you--Boyd, forgive me!" - -"I have nothing to forgive, my lord. You came welcomed; whatever -service I have offered has been welcomely tendered--you go to save -your life when I cannot. Farewell!" - -"But how shall I learn of your fortune after this morning's alarm and -search? I cannot turn my back now, thinking that days may pass ere I -do." - -"Those who receive you will bear us tidings; you from me, I from -you, if I live. Fear not for me and mine. The Lord is the Keeper of -Windlestrae; we will not fear what man can do unto us. There will -hardly be more than rough words and impudent questions." - -Ah, self-sacrificing Master of Windlestrae! Even your guest feels that -you are generously glozing over other pictures seen in your mind, as -you thus encourage him. - -"But when shall I see you? Cannot you assure me of that?" implored -Lord Geoffry. - -"I cannot, in truth. In better times, we must both pray; and better -times are not likely soon to break. Come, no more of this! Farewell, -my lord--each second is precious." He held the door open. "Go, go!" - -The outlaw, indeed, beckoned in impatience. A puff of the chill -morning air fluttered out the lantern. In the distance a cock crew -shrilly. Lord Geoffry grasped Boyd's hand, and turned away. - -"God protect you both!" murmured Gilbert, shivering in the wind. It -was clear and cold; the fog in which Jermain had arrived had blown -away, stars glittering overhead, and the bright dawn glimmering -already in the East, in that region so early aglow. But as Armitage -stepped from the stone threshold a sudden, last remembrance rushed -over him. How could it have come so tardily? - -"Boyd, Boyd!" he exclaimed, softly, in a tone that expressed the pang -of remorse and regret assailing him. "Andrew! Where is Andrew? Good -God! can I have so nearly forgotten him?" - -The idea of departing thus, without a syllable to the lad who had -devoted himself to him and exhibited such courage in his protection -amid the environment of danger, was unendurable. - -"He sleeps," replied Gilbert, chafing at further delay; "sheer -weariness all at once overcame him. When I came down he lay on the -floor of the attic chamber." - -Lord Armitage pulled a ring from his finger. "It is better so. That to -him, I beg; that, with my last adieux and my love. Say to him that it -must remind him of the hour when we met, of that hour when we shall -meet again. Heaven bless your boy! I hold him very dear." - -Boyd took the ring. Lord Geoffry vanished after Chisholm in the cold -and darkness. - - -*See Jesse's Lives of the Pretenders, vol. ii., pp. 136-142. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - COLONEL DANFORTH. - - -Streaked east became flaring light. Deep silence brooded yet over -Windlestrae Farm, broken by no more unaccustomed sound than the notes -of wakened birds, a cock's crow, or the low of kine. - -But when the eastern side of the Manor House was showing a yellowish -tint, with the faint rays of the sun through the morning mist, a -hand was laid upon Roxley's shoulder and that heavy-lidded dragoon -unwillingly opened his eyes, to find Captain Jermain shaking him -gently. - -"Come, Roxley, up with you! We must be on the road without asking for -breakfast. I woke, myself, just now, by good-luck. Hasten!" - -Roxley rubbed his organs of vision. Jermain stumbled, in the dark -room, toward a window, administering a jolting to Dawkin on the way. -He pushed open the thick shutters, so that a gray light filled the -East Room; then he turned abruptly toward the corner, on the farther -side of the bed, saying to what he thought was sentry but was only -shadow: - -"Halloa, there, my man! Go downstairs and see if you can fetch some -water. For the----" Jermain's sentence broke in a profane ejaculation. -"Boyd's knave has bolted! A fine sense of responsibility, truly; and I -dare swear, Roxley, that you cannot tell me when." - -"Captain! Captain Jermain!" spoke Roxley, in an agitated tone. The -trooper was rummaging his clothes excitedly. "I can't find that key. -Did you give it to me?" - -"Of course I did," said Jermain, with a laugh. "I remember well -enough. You pocketed it somewhere. We _were_ all in a bad way, weren't -we?" - -"H'm--where is it? Where is it?" muttered Roxley. The last pocket went -inside out; and just then Roxley started, for at his feet he saw lying -two pieces of leathern thong. - -He uttered a cry of consternation, as things all at once suggested -themselves in their true light. - -"Save us, captain! I fear there has been treachery--an escape!" he -called, hoarsely, running to the oak-door. - -"Escaped! what? who?" cried the confused Dawkin, staggering to his -feet. "Was the prisoner shut up yonder? Where am I? I remember -nothing--what has happened?" - -"Happened? Sots and dullards that you are!" cried Jermain, at once -putting two and two together. "Alarm the place with me, ye sluggards! -Bid them bring an axe and a crow. Where, where be Boyd's ears--or his -people's? Halloa again! The house! The house!" - -Not long after, the morning sunshine lighted up a scene of mortal -confusion in the East Room, the halls, and gardens of the old Manor -House. Jermain, in his first surprise and bitter anger, was not able -to make an intelligible inquiry of anyone--either of his following -or the household. It was Chaos come again. He questioned without -listening to replies, swore furiously at his men, and seemed disposed -to think only of the superficial details of affairs. This was not for -long. When into the upset room, streaked with sunshine, came Gilbert -Boyd, firm of step and hollow-eyed from his long vigil, in which he -had wrestled with his God for guidance and support in the desperate -crisis now involving him and his house--then was it that Jermain -turned upon him like a baited bull. - -For, Boyd's reputation at Fort Augustus, or elsewhere, might be as -Tory as tongues had made it. Possibly a wary Highland prisoner had -cunningly corrupted his guard, and the two vanished together, leaving -no soul under the Manor's roof responsible for the trick. One chain of -thought forbade Jermain to go deeper than this theory, or consider his -host as in collusion. But another one instantly asserted it, link by -link, and turned the accepted partisanship of Gilbert Boyd, Master of -Windlestrae, into a ridiculous error; and, instead of having divined -that error, he, Captain Lionel Jermain, stood there, hoodwinked, -entrapped, a laughing-stock to the regiments! Oh, his puerile taking -all for granted last night--his unsoldierly debauch, that lay also at -the bottom of his predicament! The grosser wits and tastes of Roxley -and the rest might seem pardonable; his behavior, never! - -"You have heard of this miserable business, Mr. Boyd?" he demanded, -breathlessly, of Gilbert. - -"I have," was Gilbert's monosyllabic answer. He looked the captain -straight in the eye. - -"It is inexplicable, outrageous! What business had you, Mr. Boyd, to -press upon me a servant of whom, by all that I gather, you knew far -less than you gave me to understand--a fellow who has played the -traitor, disgraced me, and criminated you!" - -"I am sorry that any gentleman of the service should suffer by the -misconduct of one of my household," replied Gilbert, sharply, "but I -deny that it criminates anyone of my household, except I shall have -proof of it." - -Jermain stared angrily at Boyd for a couple of seconds. Then, with an -oath, he burst into a peal of coarse laughter, ending it with: - -"Your impudence is a marvel, Mr. Boyd." - -"And your conduct, at this moment, Captain Jermain, very unlike your -behavior last night upon entering my house." - -"I fancy that I know now a different host," sneered the captain. -"Idiot that I have been!" he muttered. "Hark ye, Boyd, I tie, hand and -foot, a wounded prisoner. I cast him into yonder strong-room, through -whose door he cannot be heard, unless he call--a door that I lock with -my own hands----" - -Boyd interrupted--"The key of which you gave to one of your own troop, -who hides it about his person." - -"Ay, but--when the soldier he commits it to is in no case to resist -its theft. Be silent, I command you, Roxley! You knew this, Mr. -Boyd; so did your sentry, after or before your return with him well -instructed in how he was to act." - -"Was it your duty to accept such aid, Captain Jermain? Was it--no -matter if you knew the outsider as well as I?" - -"I--I--there are circumstances, Mr. Boyd, in which--in which an -officer acts--according to circumstances; especially with an honest -representation in his ear. Mr. Boyd, Mr. Boyd, I know not yet what -to think of you, sir, however much you may have trusted your false -varlet!" - -"Determine for yourself, Captain Jermain. But let me ask if I am not -to be deceived in a man, like the rest of the world?" - -"Oh, don't plead that!" retorted Jermain. "Had you less knowledge of -him than selecting him meant? Or is he, too, a part of the riddle? -For, by the sword of Claver'se! I can find but little account of him -from his fellows whom I have catechized here. What have you to say for -yourself?" - -"Captain Jermain, you shall use no such tone to me! I deny the need of -my replying to you, sir. Remember that, soldier or not, you have been -and you are my guest!" - -"Oh, you do well to remind me of that! It is no moment for me to be -overawed by trumpery Highland dignity, sir. If I am forced to violate -the code of hospitality, it is because I have reason to believe that I -have been tricked and deluded--with many other people. I propose to -sift this occurrence at once, Mr. Boyd." - -"Sift it how and when you choose, young sir! You will find only -honesty where Windlestrae is concerned. I defy you!" - -"Ha! you defy me?" iterated Jermain, sarcastically. "Mark that, -Roxley!" The other two dragoons would have spoken, but he silenced -them with an angry gesture. "_That_ commonly means a plot that is -deep-laid, Mr. Boyd." - -"Deep-laid?" returned Gilbert, in a sterner accent and with curling -lips--"find it out, then, Captain Jermain! Or, rather, create it to -suit yourself and to best screen yourself. You would visit your spleen -upon Windlestrae? You would fasten the fault of your prisoner's escape -on my family? Suppose I cast in your teeth the abuse of my kindness -that made you and your four companions incapable of thinking of your -common duty, unable to perform it. Can you deny that----" - -"No more, Mr. Gilbert Boyd!" exclaimed Jermain, scarlet with anger and -the sting of Boyd's bold reminders. But he thought best to stomach the -rest of Gilbert's courageous accusation. - -"----That on yonder bed lay Roxley--and Dawkin there? Why suffered -they this jail-breaking to go on, not two paces from their ears? -Down-stairs at this moment are stretched Tracey and Saville, sunk in a -drunken stupor yet too deep for their stirring, for all your cries -and tramplings over this discovery. And you, Captain, where and how -employed were you? You, their head, and responsible for their conduct -on the march?" - -Jermain was silent. The course of the Master of Windlestrae grew with -each sentence, to him and the rest, more astonishing. But the secret -of it was not Boyd's hope to avert by bandying of words or by his -dignity the storm now let loose. In the dark attic the Master had -risen from his knees believing, as if from an assurance of the Lord, -that the time for blunt truth, right against might, was set straight -before him. "God help me!" he cried, "not another twist, not another -half-lie nor Devil's gloze of fact shall they have from lips of me or -mine. Only a long and black list of them could serve us now; and that -for how little space! Reveal thine arm to me this day, O Thou of the -Covenant!" It was with the iron composure of some martyrs who have -gone to their stakes that Gilbert Boyd had entered the East Room. - -"Look here, Mr. Boyd," said Jermain, now striving to maintain a -certain politic decorum, "I will have no such insinuations. It is true -that I--or some--all--of my attendance became, last evening, owing to -the fatigues of the day's riding, less--less abstemious at table than -we might properly have been. I apologize for it. I apologize for the -way in which we conducted ourselves during the inspection of your -famous Mouse's Nest----" - -"You do well, sir," said Boyd, coldly. - -"Do well?" repeated Jermain, angrily. "By Mars! but I dare swear that -your Scotch revenge for my acquaintance with the secret chamber was -thus taken. 'Tis like a Scotchman." - -"That is false. I bore no malice for your knowledge, nor for your -violence. You were in no state to conduct yourself like a gentleman." - -Alack! Discretion ought ever to elbow Valor, but so seldom does. Old -Gilbert Boyd was bringing to bear in this interview many heroic -qualities--his love for the truth, his trust in Heaven, and the simple -power of a bold soul. Jermain inwardly weakened before them; and -whatever he attempted to seem, he was beginning to wonder whether he -were behaving wisely. He did not wish, he dared not just now, to press -the affair. To do so he must be re-enforced from somewhere. His -reputation as a soldier Boyd plainly held in his hands. He feared him. -He was already thinking it would be better to swallow his pride, hurry -off from the Manor with as much dignity as he could collect, and then -descend again upon it from Neith, some fine morning, like a whirlwind. -Yes, that would make brave amends! Such were Jermain's reflections -when Boyd said that indignant something he needed not--that luckless, -"You were in no state to conduct yourself like a gentleman." - -"You lie, Mr. Boyd!" cried the young captain. He threw himself at -Gilbert's throat, forgetting the disparity in their years, forgetting -policy, everything. - -"Back with you, baby in your gold-laced cap!" quoth Boyd, dashing him -to the floor with one stroke of his muscular arm, all his fiery temper -and outraged respect showing themselves in his defiant attitude. - -Jermain struck out both hands in falling. He dragged Boyd nearly -prostrate. Gilbert resisted furiously. This violent turn of affairs -consumed so little time that the crestfallen Roxley and Dawkin were -taken by surprise. But Dawkin and one of the men-servants sprang -forward and caught hold of the Captain. Roxley grasped Boyd. The two -were forced apart. With Boyd panting and Jermain cursing, each was -made to right himself. - -But, just as the on-lookers restrained them, Andrew Boyd hurriedly -crossed the threshold of the room. He uttered a cry of terror. In the -confusion of struggling figures, the clamor of eavesdropping women, -and exclamations of the rest, it seemed to him immediately that Roxley -was throttling Gilbert. - -"Unhand my father, villain!" the intrepid boy called out, springing -like a tiger-cat on the uncouth dragoon. With a blow from his doubled -fist he struck stout Roxley much more effectively than the rules of -his Lordship of Queensberry now sanction--aiming at, in a gastronomic -as well as a pugilistic sense, Roxley's most attackable spot--and at -the same time seized him by the windpipe. Roxley, roaring and gasping, -released Gilbert; then strove to clutch this puissant enemy. The -_mêlée_ might have become general, for the room rang with exclamations -and threats and the scuffle of feet. But Boyd snatched Andrew to his -side, waved away the servants, and cried, "Peace! peace, I say! This -is no time for a brawl over a boy. Captain Jermain, command yonder -fellow to keep his hands for men, not children. Andrew, leave the -room." - -Scarcely had Gilbert uttered such words when hasty steps came along -the corridor. A cry of surprise echoed from the hall. The angry group -turned. They beheld in the door-way a new participant--a short, spare -little officer, of perhaps forty-five years, with grizzled hair, a -thin face, set lips, and a pallid color. He stretched out his hand at -the astonished disputants. - -"No! Neither Andrew nor any other person must leave the room. Mr. -Boyd, you and these comrades here seem not to have expected visitors -so early." - -It was Colonel Danforth. At his back appeared half a dozen other -soldiers. Without the house were reined six times as many. The -confusion within enabled the Colonel to make one of those quiet -advents so dear to his cunning heart; and he had hastened up from the -nearly deserted lower story to share in the extraordinary fracas, -visible as well as audible through the open windows of the East Room, -as he and his men had trotted up below. - -With grim pleasure, he stood there. He observed the consternation -his presence brought. This small, invalid-looking man! Was he the -soldier never accused by his comrades of humor except to wound; -devoid of enthusiasm except in cruelty, of clemency save to the -dead, or, indeed, of any emotions but those allied to a ferocity and -vindictiveness from which a Malaccan pirate might have borrowed? - -"Captain Lionel Jermain, I believe," he said, advancing carelessly -through the roomful, and still extending his hand. "This is an -unexpected meeting, Mr. Boyd. I give myself the honor of this very -early visit--that is, to you, not your guests--upon a matter of some -import; but I am glad to find acquaintance already before me. You seem -agitated here. May I take the liberty of asking you, Captain, from -what has arisen this altercation? Or you, Mr. Boyd? I may be able to -adjust it." - -The quick, decisive voice ceased. The speaker fixed his eyes on -Gilbert, though he addressed Jermain. The Captain, seeing his way very -clear to violent methods of uncovering the whole puzzle and revenging -himself upon fate and Windlestrae for it, saluted, assumed a more -soldier like attitude and demeanor, and said, with an angry glance at -Gilbert: "Colonel, you know me. I am not one to groundlessly accuse. I -have lodged with Mr. Boyd overnight. I charge him with promoting the -escape of a Jacobite prisoner whom I bestowed in yonder strong-room -under his direction." - -"And I charge that young soldier with behavior unworthy a gentleman -and an officer--drunkenness, abuse, and assault, and I throw his -accusation back into his face," returned Boyd, speaking clearly and -decidedly. But he drew Andrew closer as he uttered his brave defiance. -The worst had come to the worst; and it was now simply a question of -manly behavior and the end appointed by Providence. - -"Ha!" spat out Danforth, with a flash darting from his small eyes -that betokened instant thunder, "is this the trouble? Ah, I am not -surprised, Captain. Mr. Boyd seems to be a man concerning whom most of -us have oddly been at fault. Mr. Boyd, I have heard both sides, I -presume? In turn, I must inform you that I have come to you this -morning to determine whether or not you have in hiding at present in -your house, or have been so secreting for certain days, a Jacobite -refugee--another one, I take it--named Lord Geoffry Armitage. Will you -be good enough to answer whether you have known aught of the movements -of such a person?" - -Boyd stared back in rigid silence. Whatever he might have said--always -within the truth--he had no chance to prove. For, at the mention of -his gallant friend's name, Andrew, in horror and utter despair, sank -gasping in a half-faint. Boyd caught him or he would have fallen at -his feet, and kneeling, with his son upon his arm, looked silently up -at Danforth, like an old lion beside its tormented whelp. - -"Ha!" exclaimed Danforth, with a sudden change from dignity to -ferocity, "I need no other answer than that cry at present. Mr. Boyd, -consider yourself under arrest." He struck his palms together. The -soldiers manacled Boyd. - -"The cockerel with the cock!" added Danforth. They gyved the -semiconscious Andrew also. Angus and Neil and their fellows suffered -a similar indignity in a twinkling. - -"Now, gentlemen, all down below!" ejaculated Danforth, looking like -some venomous snake, exultant in the power of the poison he can -infuse. "Bring them! Captain Jermain, you can tell me more of your -story outside." With an oath, he added: "I'll hold high court on the -lawn; and I rather think that there won't be much left to find out -when it's over. Be quick, you lazy varlets!" - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - ALL FOR HIM. - - -In the middle of the little lawn Danforth stopped. A portion of the -dismounted guard, on seeing their leader and Captain Jermain come from -the Manor House door followed by their companions and the prisoners, -gathered about him. The eight or ten who remained on horseback drew as -close to the centre of investigation as was practicable. It was a -spirited picture--the frowning gray house, all thrown open; the -sunshiny grass-plot, covered with horses and men; the group of -prisoners, at whom, from time to time, Danforth looked maliciously -while Captain Jermain poured his angry tale in his ear. - -"That will do, Captain!" the Colonel presently interrupted; "I think I -understand the course of matters sufficiently to get to the bottom of -them." He leaned against a tree. "Hark ye, Mr. Boyd," and he surveyed -Gilbert amid his guards. "That you are responsible for both these acts -I clearly see. You are an old traitor, an old traitor, sir! You merit -the fullest punishment that you have too long escaped. But I am just, -sir, I am perfectly just--I do not wish to visit more than he deserves -upon even the worst Jacobite rascal that draws breath. Tell me, -therefore, instantly, the whole of your share, first, in this shameful -treachery to Captain Jermain, and, second, everything concerning this -equally treasonable Armitage business." - -With as calm deliberateness as if he had been announcing the fact -to Lord George Murray or Lochiel, Gilbert responded: "The Highland -prisoner, brought by Captain Jermain, I ordered set at liberty this -morning by his sentry. At this hour they are both beyond your -pursuit." - -A general cry of wrath put a period to Boyd's response. Danforth -smiled--smiled in his most sinister fashion. He muttered something to -Jermain. Andrew did not take his eyes from his father's set face. - -"Very well, Mr. Boyd," resumed Colonel Danforth; "so much for that! -Now for the next. Have you entertained this Lord Armitage under your -roof?" - -"That question I decline to answer, Colonel Danforth," said Gilbert. - -"Which is a silly way of saying 'yes.' How long since, Mr. Boyd?" - -No reply. Other interests than his own were blended in a response to -this. Unforced, Gilbert would not yield an inch here. - -"How long since, I say, Mr. Boyd? So reluctant? Very good. Bring that -lad here!" - -Gilbert could not suppress a tremor and a stifled protest as he heard -this sudden order and saw Andrew pushed forward. But a hand struck the -Master of Windlestrae sharply across his mouth, he was seized on -either side, made to stand turned about, with his back to his son and -this English inquisitor, and so held fast. - -"You heard what I last asked your father, boy? Now I'll try you--and -mind you speak the truth. Has this Armitage been in Windlestrae Manor -within one week?" - -White and defiant, Andrew looked Danforth in the face; and, remembering -Gilbert's behavior, was also mute. He glanced, too, at a sapphire ring -upon his finger. - -Cunning Danforth! He well guessed how speediest to reach his end. He -made a sign. Boyd heard a certain confusion, but was held as if in a -vice. In a twinkling Andrew's clothes were, not so much pulled, as -torn from his back. Three burly dragoons forced the lad into a -partially stooping position. A fourth raised a leathern whip with four -or five lashes. - -"Speak, insolent young dog!" cried Danforth; "answer my question!" - -"I will not!" retorted Andrew, suddenly struggling. - -"Give it to him, Foote!" shouted the Colonel. - -A whish in the air--the blows of the thongs, and a boyish shriek! - -"Again!" spoke Danforth; and again the hideous instrument descended, -cutting into the bared white flesh and wringing confession of the -agony it inflicted--no other confession. - -But before the whip could again do its fearful office Boyd wrenched -himself loose. He ran to his son's side with a cry of passion and -horror and sacrifice. He threw his arms about Andrew, fettered as he -was, fairly dashing the monsters off by his impetuous interposition. - -"Stop, stop, for the love of God!" he exclaimed. "Colonel -Danforth--Captain Jermain--spare the innocent! On me, on me, do what -you will! I _have_ sheltered Lord Geoffry Armitage. He was the sentry -who fled with the prisoner this morning. They are safe! Do your worst, -but only to me; I am responsible for everything--everything! God send -all such hunted men deliverance; and God send confusion on you and -your king!" - -A shout from the dragoons, a confused clamor from the helpless -servants, and half a dozen quick sentences from the two officers -followed. - -Under such a revelation, Captain Jermain was with difficulty kept from -a second personal assault on his late host. Without blenching, Gilbert -stood firm until all the ebullition should subside. "Courage, my brave -lad!" he said to Andrew; "we could only bring worse trouble on others -by longer silence. We are in the hands of the Lord of Hosts--if the -worst be death, He shall sustain us in that, too!" - -Danforth turned upon Boyd, with a smile which was more ominous than a -whole torrent of threats. - -"Thank you, Mr. Boyd. I see you have prudence in emergencies as well -as adroitness. I am satisfied with your admissions for this moment. -The details I shall take opportunity of hearing in the guard-house at -Neith. Ah, Barkalow, you have finished your search through the house? -Did you get into that secret chamber with Captain Jermain's man? Very -good. Holloa, there! Into the saddle, everybody! Captain Jermain, -please order your men to mount! Croft, see that Boyd and his son have -horses--it will save time. Release the servants! By Jove! we have made -quick work this morning. Back to Neith, instantly!" - -In five minutes Andrew and Gilbert found themselves the centre of a -cordon moving slowly over the Manor lawn. Protest from the servants -was useless; the weeping of the faithful women was rudely silenced. In -front rode Colonel Danforth and his younger colleague, who was still -tracing out, angrily, the night's work, with Roxley and Dawkin, and an -occasional comment from gruff Lieutenant Barkalow. But just as they -gained a slight eminence, close beside the rude gate-way of the Manor -that opened into the Neith Road, the Colonel reined his horse and said -to the Master: - -"Boyd, what shall be done to you for this traitorous business I know -not; nor shall I know until I draw out of you at Neith an accounting, -down to the least detail. And I will draw it--expect that! But, for -your insolence and stubbornness thus far, I can show you your reward, -already." - -He pointed back to the Manor House through the oaks. Four belated -dragoons dashed up at the same moment. What had detained them -explained itself at once. Faint cries from the terrified group -left masterless about the open door; a column of smoke suddenly -rising against the sky--the defenceless old house was fired! Two of -Danforth's cruel emissaries had slipped around to the rear and set -brands to the thatch of an odd wing. In a moment the flames leaped -high in air, roaring and crackling, before the eyes of its owner and -his heir. - -Boyd groaned. But he said no word. He watched the destroyer blaze from -casement to casement, seethe against the old stone walls and surge -upward in rolling masses of smoke, consuming all that was perishable -before it. He had to stand there and hear his live-stock career in a -panic down distant lanes as the great barn caught in turn and swelled -the conflagration. Andrew covered his face. He could not bear the -spectacle. - -Once, however, he looked across at his father, and observed him still -determined not to give his tormentors the satisfaction of a word of -protest or despair over what was leaving him a ruined man; but the -strong old face was working convulsively, and the overarched eyes were -filled with tears. - -Long afterward, Andrew used to say that it was the only time that he -remembered seeing his father shed them. - -"On!" commanded Danforth, abruptly, "the show is over!" - -The father and son were separated; neither could they converse. They -rode along, now too miserable over the past to be concerned for the -future. The laughing and talking of the dragoons they heeded no -longer. Once Boyd was heard to say, in a suffocated voice, "The Lord -gave and the Lord hath taken away!" He knew what that meant now. - -After about an hour's slow progress, they entered a little defile -between two low hills covered with pine-trees. As the middle of it was -attained, Colonel Danforth, from the van of the column, raised his -eyes to a covert, and then exclaimed, "Captain Jermain! Mr. Barkalow! -Look up there--beside the white bowlder. Isn't that a man skulking?" - -Before the other two could answer, a shot rang out on the breeze. -A dragoon cried out in anguish and fell from his horse, dead. -Another shot followed--another. The figures of several men were now -discernible above, leaping between the trees. - -"A surprise! a surprise! At them, every man of you! 'Tis a rescue!" -called out Danforth and the other officers. - -But the volley that hailed on them with this order was so full and -galling that it struck the troop with panic. Men were calling out in -pain, or falling, right and left. A wild slogan echoed above and -around from the dense shrubbery. The horses plunged, their riders -rolling in the dust under their hoofs. Encumbered with their steeds, -the soldiers were utterly unprepared for such an ambush. Each second -came the bullets from the ensconced sharp-shooters. - -"Villains! cowards!" shouted Colonel Danforth; "will you fly from a -pack of Highland wolves?" But as he lashed his horse up the bluff, -what seemed to be the first of a horde of gigantic, half-crazed -desperadoes rushed from the thicket upon the troopers, yelling again -an undistinguishable cry, and brandishing naked weapons. - -This was too much even for Danforth. Over the bodies of a dozen dead -or dying men of his escort, and a struggling horse or two, he fled -amain, with all his cohort, regardless of aid to comrades or securing -the two prisoners. But as the dragoon conducting Andrew pushed away -the boy, he fired his pistol full at him. Gilbert struck his arm -aside. He diverted the bullet from his son's brain to his own -shoulder. And then, in a flash, the defile was abandoned to these -uncouth and unknown friends, so disguised that they could not be -distinguished one from the other. - -Amid a rush and sundry very disconnected reassurances, Gilbert and -Andrew found themselves surrounded by their panting but victorious -deliverers, and urged furiously up the almost inaccessible mountain-path. - -"Ask no questions now! You shall hear all soon," said one of their -flying escort; "you must first be safe." Gilbert was soon discovered -to be in no condition to ask questions, or, indeed, more than endure -so rough a journey. The wound, which in the excitement of their rescue -he had thought little of, was bleeding profusely, and he turned -presently very faint from pain and weakness. In astonishment at his -fortitude, so far, the riders halted behind a pile of crags, and the -hurt was looked to hastily by two young men. The bullet had entered -the breast, glancing from the shoulder, and its dislodgement must be a -work of better opportunity. They supported Gilbert on his horse for -the rest of the way, he enduring the increasing torment and weakness -manfully. But Andrew was not a little alarmed to see how much his -father suffered and how haggard grew his face. They had, however, -chance for but a few words now; Gilbert's resolution keeping up the -speed of the party at a high rate, and mounted or unmounted members of -it hurrying along with an astonishingly equal rapidity. - -After half an hour's ride they galloped through a ravine where it was -a miracle to find a track, so savage and sombre were the surroundings. -Next, a deep glen began opening below them. From those beside them -neither father nor son could yet gain a syllable of explanation as to -how they had come to them in their extreme need nor whither they sped; -indeed, all of them spoke a particularly guttural Gaelic. But with the -certainty that he and his father were delivered, there came a new hope -into Andrew's heart. - -Nor was that hope checked. For, presently, flushed and breathless -from their downward career, he and Gilbert suddenly passed through a -vast cleft, some rods wide, between two cliffs at the foot of the last -mountain-spur. A rude camp lay before them. Men and women, and even -children, were moving about in it, and spoil of all sorts seemed to be -piled up under the shelter of booths and trees. - -"Huzzah!" rang a welcome to their guards. - -"Huzzah!" replied the latter's shout, the horsemen throwing themselves -to the turf; some of the band talking boisterously in Gaelic, others -assisting the two Boyds to dismount and paying solicitous heed to -Gilbert's suffering state. - -Andrew set his feet on the earth. And then out from a hut hurried a -dozen men, whose bearing at once asserted high rank and broken -fortunes. But the foremost figure outsped them and ran forward, and -caught Andrew in an embrace, amid an acclaim, "God save the Prince!" -and all about Andrew and his father men and women were kneeling upon -the green sod. - -"Oh, my lord, my lord!" cried Andrew, looking up into Sir Geoffry's -face; "are you here? God be praised!" - -"Yes, Andrew," replied the knight, with one hand upon the boy's -shoulder, but extending the other to Gilbert, who knelt, despite his -exhaustion, before his late guest, in a sudden awe and amazement -that even the morning's terrible experiences could not check. "Yes, -Andrew, I am here, dearest lad--I, your friend; and, some day, please -Heaven!--your King!" - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - UNDER THE OAK. - - -Yes, so it was! The pursued refugee, for whose sake Windlestrae lay a -ruin, for whose sake its owner and his son were sheltered with him in -the hidden stronghold of the Seven Men of Glenmoriston, might be no -better able to make amends for such calamities, nor defend himself -and them from further mischiefs. But under the veil of Lord Geoffry -Armitage, Charles Stewart, the adored Prince of Scotland, had seen fit -to hide himself in Windlestrae; and if it was the man that Andrew and -his father had learned to love, it was also their sovereign whom they -had entertained unawares. - -"Forgive me, Boyd," cried the Pretender, raising Gilbert tenderly and -insisting that, because of his extreme faintness, he should recline on -a pallet already improvised; "forgive me! It was not that I feared to -trust you or Andrew with your king's identity. I deferred doing so -from an idle freak, when we met, until I was ashamed--and then -came the hope of better days, when I might enjoy your surprise at -recognizing me in gayer surroundings. Alas, alas! I looked not for -such a meeting as this. Tell me at once, Andrew, for the love of -Heaven, the worst those miscreants have done to you." - -"Danforth arrived, my lord--I mean, Your Majesty," Andrew began, -falteringly. - -"Nay, I like the old title best. By the ring that I gave thee, call me -by it," interrupted Prince Charles, smiling. He was in haste to hear -the outlines of the story, for he was secretly shocked at Boyd's -appearance. A refugee surgeon, who was addressed by the sympathizing -group as MacCullom, was dressing the pistol-wound, with a solicitous -face, and administering spirits. Extracting the ball he found was -impossible. - -"The escape had just been discovered. They sought to know more. -Danforth was there, too. My father and I kept back what we could, -until they wrung from us your being at Windlestrae and flying with the -outlaw. They fettered my father--beat me--have burnt Windlestrae. We -were being borne to Neith by them." - -"O God!" cried Prince Charles, raising his eyes to the blue sky above, -and then casting them in grief and pity on the father and son; "what -misery do I bring upon men wherever I set my foot! Reward such -faithful hearts, O Lord, for all the sorrow I breed among them! Hear -ye that, Patrick Grant--hear ye that, John Macdonnell? If ever we -again can lift hand against them, woe be to them and their children!" - -"It shall--it shall! Woe be to them!" rose the hoarse reply from those -standing by. - -"Your Majesty, the wounded gentleman would fain speak with you," said -the surgeon MacCollum. He added, in a whisper, something else, as -Charles turned apologetically to Boyd's resting-place, that made the -Prince exclaim, in a shocked tone, "What? No, no! It cannot be, -MacCollum, it must not be." - -But the other answered, "I am as astonished as you; but it is too -late, Your Majesty." - -Boyd was stretched out at the foot of an oak, carefully tended. "What -is it, true friend?" asked Charles, bending over him and clasping his -sinewy hand. "God do more to me for ill than he hath, if I do not -revenge you upon those who have so wronged you for my sake! Are you in -great pain?" - -"Not so great but that I would fain hear of your adventures after you -left my poor house," began Boyd, gasping, despite his fortitude. -"Alas! my house had done them no wrong! Why should they destroy it -with its Master?" - -"With its Master?" remonstrated Charles; "nay, Boyd, you are -over-fearful. Chisholm and I--see, there he is--oh, we found the path -that he well knew how to trace, and were here hours ago. A number of -brave men, believing, from Rab Kaims' tale, that mischief was in the -air, were dashing away toward the Neith Road to fall upon Danforth -when he should set out for the town. They were your rescuers, and had -gone when Chisholm and I got hither." - -"God be blessed for them!" replied Boyd, feebly. "I thank Him that I, -too, have been counted worthy to suffer for my king! What a joy, what -an honor forever, in my family, unto Andrew's children's children, -shall this week remain!" The thought seemed to possess him wholly. - -"And what keen remorse and regret to me, noble Master of Windlestrae!" -exclaimed Charles. He drew Andrew closer as they knelt there together. -The lad had grown more alarmed than ever at his father's appearance, -but was far from suspecting that MacCollum's whisper pronounced the -wound mortal, and Gilbert's life a question of brief time. The -infuriated trooper had not thrown away his shot. - -"Nay, my lord--be it not so," replied Boyd, "not so! What hath chanced -is of God and for my sovereign. Aha!" added he with a scornful curl of -his lips, now white and compressed in pain, "what will my Windlestrae -neighbors say when they learn it? Andrew, boy, the honor of my house, -of thy house is won for thee, when Scotland shall see peace beneath -her rightful king. Would I might not die here! If I could but live to -welcome such a day, too! Not so is it set for me!" - -"Father, father!" ejaculated Andrew, dropping his royal protector's -hand as the bitter truth broke upon him. "Why speak you thus? Do you -suffer so? Oh, tell me not, tell me not that he is--is dying! Look at -him, gentlemen, look at him!" - -"My poor fellow," responded MacCollum, gently, as he felt the -patient's pulse--for Boyd had closed his eyes an instant, from agony -and exhaustion--"I should wrong you by feigning. I fear that he cannot -hold out long." - -Boyd looked up again. A great change had suddenly come over his face. -Andrew was terrified at it. His father not only was intensely pale -and weak, but the lines of age had somehow stolen into his rugged -countenance, the shadows of eld into his sunken eyes. - -"My lord," he said to the Pretender, after a long look at Andrew, "I -am dying. I pass away, here, in this green-wood, stretched at your -feet, not making obeisance before you when you shall be seated on the -throne of your fathers. Will you grant me a last request? By one -promise you can repay all this debt which, while it lies lightly, ay, -joyfully, on my heart, you say is a burden to yours." - -"Oh, Boyd, Boyd--anything--everything!" exclaimed Charles, the tears -filling his blue eyes. - -"Unto you, then, do I commit my son. Defend him, care for him, so far -as Heaven shall permit. He is as a wild partridge upon the mountains -now; as art thou. But I see it, I feel it, the God of Strength shall -lead thee and him hence; yea, shall deliver thee in safety from this -land, and grant to thee long life and a death upon a peaceful pillow. -Henceforth, remember my lad. Swear to me that thou wilt, so far as -shall be in thy power, be his guardian, his protector forevermore." - -"I swear it," replied Prince Charles, solemnly, taking the sobbing -Andrew's hand again in his own. "I call these about us to my witness. -Whither I go, shall he go; and where I lodge, shall he lodge." - -"You mark?" asked Boyd, with painful eagerness, turning his eyes -to those on the right and left of his couch. "So may it be! Andrew, -to thy king do I commit thee. Live thou for him--die thou for him -as do I, if need be. Lean over--kiss my forehead. Ah, thy face -looks like thy mother's, boy, when I wedded her under the green -holms at Dunmorar. So!--my lord, with this Mouse's Nest we defy -Danforth----Quick, Mistress Janet, bring the candles!--we must not -lose a moment! It is life and death! Captain Jermain, Captain Jermain, -you can _not_ lodge in the Purple Chamber!"----And then, with a few -more muttered incoherencies in his delirium, the heroic soul of the -Master of Windlestrae fled. - -One by one the circle drew back or slipped away, leaving only the -Prince and Andrew gazing through their tears on the face upturned to -the waving oak. Presently Surgeon MacCollum came and gently laid a -cloak over the still form. The sobbing Andrew was drawn away. But -Charles remained on his knees, praying inaudibly, beside the dead -Master's body. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - L'ENVOI. - - -Perhaps history can best remind the reader of what followed. How, -after some further but slighter peril, Charles Stewart was guided, by -other devoted friends, by way of Bowalder and Auchnagarry, to the -Castle of Lochiel and the longed-for sea-coast--one can read this -for himself. There rode at anchor--oh, sight of inexpressible -comfort!--the two French vessels _L'Heureux_ and _La Princesse de -Conti,_ sent by the exiled Chevalier from Morlaix Harbor, France, and -waiting until the fugitive's approach, so frequently despaired of. -In _L'Heureux,_ on the night of September 20, 1746, Charles Stewart -embarked for France, with one hundred and thirty other exiled -and beggared followers. From its deck, nine days later, did the -unfortunate heir to the throne of the Stewarts step to the beach at -Roscoff, near Morlaix--able, for the first time in weary months, to -draw a free breath and look about him in perfect safety; his hopes of -a kingdom broken at his back like egg-shells. - -But history, which seldom has space for such trifles, does not state -that ever at the Prince's side, upon sea or land, from the hour of his -departure from Glenmoriston and its outlaws, there was a Highland lad, -toward whom the exile showed a quiet care and affection, never for -an instant relaxed, and of a sort that won the notice of all who -encountered them. Little was said of his antecedents or his story. The -Prince desired no questions upon the matter; but he and his gallant -looking _protégé_ seemed inseparable even in private. - -And when the fugitive made that almost royal entrance to Fontainebleau -to meet Louis XV., in a carriage following his own, clad in -deep mourning, rode Andrew Boyd, usually spoken of as "that young -Scotchman--the special confidential secretary of the Prince." - -With Charles, Andrew led a busy and somewhat varied life for the next -few years, while his noble protector flitted, now to one European -city, now another; until Charles succeeded, through the agency of some -Scotch acquaintances, in providing substantially for Andrew and, at -the same time, in having restored to him the lands of Windlestrae. -Thereupon, grown to man's estate, Andrew built again a Manor House, -and even collected about him some of the old servants. Thither, too, -did he bring home, not long after, a fair French bride. Never was a -cheerfuller wedding, or one that prophesied more truly of the calm -and happy years to follow it, for the bride and groom. But on the -marriage-day, as he stood proudly admiring his young wife's rich -costume, Andrew was heard to sigh; and when she demanded the reason, -he replied, gently, "Alas! dear heart, thy knots of white ribbon -mind me of so many White Cockades! Thou hast many fair white roses, -yonder--hide thy love-knots with them!" - - - - - TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE - - -Obvious printing errors have been silently corrected throughout. -Otherwise, inconsistencies and possible errors have been preserved. - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHITE COCKADES *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: White Cockades</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>An Incident of the "Forty-Five"</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Edward Irenæus Stevenson</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: March 19, 2022 [eBook #67658]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteers</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHITE COCKADES ***</div> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<div class="image-centre"> - <img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Book cover" /> -</div> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<div class="image-centre"> - <img src="images/allwasdark.jpg" alt="All was dark as he turned toward the landing. —(P.68.)" /> - <p class="centre smcap">"All was dark as he turned toward the landing."<br /> - —(p. 68.)</p> -</div> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<h1>WHITE COCKADES</h1> - -<p class="centre spaceabove">An Incident of the "Forty-Five"</p> - -<p class="centre spaceabove"><span class="verysmall">BY</span><br /> -EDWARD IRENÆUS STEVENSON<br /> -<span class="verysmall">AUTHOR OF "THE GOLDEN MOON," ETC.</span></p> - -<p class="centre spaceabove"><span class="small">NEW YORK</span><br /> -CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS<br /> -<span class="small">1887</span></p> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<p class="centre spaceabove"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1887, by</span><br /> -CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</p> - -<p class="centre spaceabove verysmall">TROW'S<br /> -PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY,<br /> -NEW YORK.</p> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<p class="centre spaceabove"><span class="small">TO</span><br /> -CLINTON BOWEN FISK, JR.</p> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<hr class="decorative" /> - -<table class="toc"> - <tr> - <td class="chap1">CHAPTER I.</td> - <td class="centre"><span class="small">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">In a Highland Glade,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c1">1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER II.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">A Story and a Shelter,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c2">17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER III.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">"In the King's Name",</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c3">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER IV.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">"Puss in the Corner",</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c4">52</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER V.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">In which Captain Jermain's Memory is Useful,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c5">66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER VI.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">A Desperate Shift,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c6">85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER VII.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">Prisoner and Sentry,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c7">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER VIII.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">Meeting—Flight,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c8">140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER IX.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">Colonel Danforth,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c9">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER X.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">All for Him,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c10">184</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER XI.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">Under the Oak,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c11">202</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="centre">CHAPTER XII.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="chaptitle smcap">L'Envoi,</td> - <td class="rightalign"><a href="#c12">213</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="page" /> - -<p class="centre"><span class="big">WHITE COCKADES</span><br /> -AN INCIDENT OF THE "FORTY-FIVE"</p> - -<hr class="decorative" /> - -<h2 id="c1">CHAPTER I.<br /> - -<span class="small">IN A HIGHLAND GLADE.</span></h2> - -<p>Just as the brilliancy of a singularly clear July afternoon, in the -year above named, was diminishing into that clear, white light which, -in as high a Scotch latitude as Loch Arkaig, lasts long past actual -sunset, Andrew Boyd, a Highland lad of sixteen, was putting the -finishing strokes to the notch in the trunk of a good-sized oak he -was felling. Its thick foliage waved rather mournfully, as if in -expectancy of near doom, over the boy's head. That oak had engaged -Andrew's attention pretty much all the afternoon. He was glad to be so -well on toward his work's close.</p> - -<p>Around the young wood-cutter soughed the dense forest. It clothed the -mountain side, straight from the margin of the loch below. Andrew's -blows rang quick and true against the trunk. His springy back, his -well-developed legs and arms, came handsomely into play. On the moss -lay his plaid and bonnet. The sweat dripped from his forehead, not -much cooled by the breeze that tossed his yellow hair and the folds of -his kilt.</p> - -<p>Young Boyd did not cut down oak-trees for a livelihood, though he just -now worked as if fortune had mapped a no less arduous career for him. -He was the only son of a wealthy landholder of the vicinity, a man of -English descent and English thrift. Andrew's grandfather came north -into Scotland from Shrewsbury, in a sort of angry freak after a local -quarrel. He bought and developed a valuable farm near Loch Arkaig, and -then suddenly died upon it, leaving the newly acquired estate to -Gilbert Boyd, the father of young Andrew. All of which had happened -some forty years before this tale's beginning.</p> - -<p>One, two—one, two—rang the axe upon the tough wood which Andrew -wished for the boat he was building, down at the loch side. His -thoughts ran an accompaniment. We spare the reader their translation -from the Scotch dash in which they were couched, the result of -Andrew's schooling and intimacies round about him.</p> - -<p>"There! Have at you again, old tree! How I wish you were a dragon, and -I some Saint George busy at carving you!" One, two—one, two—quoth -the axe, approvingly. "No, I don't! Away with any wish that meddles -with saint or man that the Lowlanders love!" One, two—one, two—assented -the axe. "Better wish that you were the little English King George -himself! and I a stout headsman, ready to knock his crown off, head -and all!"</p> - -<p>The chopper's brows knit. His eyes flashed at a notion that struck -a specially sensitive chord. "Ah, you stockish trunk, if you only -were George, the Dutchman! Tyrant! Monster! Will you withdraw your -troops from our harried counties? Will you end now, at once, your -bloodthirsty hunt for the Prince?—God bless him! Will you empty out -that horrid Tower, full of our noble gentlemen and lords who fought -for the Lost Cause? Will you pardon my father's friend, the Earl of -Arkaig, and send him home straightway to us? What, you won't? Take -that, then!—and that!"</p> - -<p>Here the axe-strokes descended with such vim and amid such a meteoric -shower of chips that no clear-headed listener could entertain for a -moment doubt as to hot-headed young Boyd's politics. The oak sighed, -and rather unexpectedly crackled and snapped, and came crashing down -most magnificently.</p> - -<p>But halloa! At the instant that its mighty top smashed into the -underbrush and saplings, a single sharp, piercing cry of pain and -terror rang out above the crackle and splinterings.</p> - -<p>Andrew dropped the axe. He rested rigid as stone, open-mouthed, in -sudden alarm and consternation. "What!" he exclaimed. "Great Heaven! -Can it be that—that a human creature—a man—was hid in the thicket, -and that when the oak fell——"</p> - -<p>"Help! help! for the love of mercy!" The appeal, fainter than the -first cry, rose from the densest crush of the shattered oak branches. -There could be no mistake. Some one <em>had</em> been slinking in the -bushes near young Boyd; possibly a Hanoverian spy! Through his own -unaccountable carelessness the unseen person had allowed himself to be -suddenly trapped by the boughs of the falling tree. He was pinned in a -torturing, if not a fatal trap.</p> - -<p>Andrew's sharp eyes could not penetrate the barricade of dark green. -"Hi, there! Halloa!" he shouted. "Are ye under the oak? What has -befallen ye, man, or whatever ye be?"</p> - -<p>No answer. To catch up his axe and plunge boldly into the tangle was -his next impulse. He hewed and trampled a path toward the centre of -the felled tree, which had been young but very vigorous and leafy. No -trace of any unusual object imprisoned beneath the knitted boughs, no -new cry for help guided him.</p> - -<p>He began to doubt whether to press to right or left, or to go round -about and continue his examination from another point of the oak's -circumference, when a low but distinct groan spurred him to more -active work in the same direction. Forcing aside the strong branches -by his knees, he caught sight of a dark object just beyond. He next -discerned a cloth garment, covering a man's back. The yet invisible -wearer had been all this time in a faint, and was now able to betray -but small sign of interest in his own deliverance.</p> - -<p>"This way, this way," Andrew heard him moan, as if articulating with -real anguish; "I am hurt badly, I fear. I cannot stir."</p> - -<p>The accent, not so Scotch as Andrew's, seemed gentle. The mysterious -interloper might then be some well-bred prowler. Andrew thrust away -the last intervening twigs. There lay on the turf a man, at full -length, and face downward, with one arm and a part of his right -shoulder held as if in a vice by the oak's grasp. His well-turned neck -and figure implied to Andrew's hasty survey that he was young and -comely.</p> - -<p>"Whatever you do, man, don't try to move!" exclaimed Andrew; "leave -your outgetting to me. I'll set you free in a trice."</p> - -<p>He went to work cautiously but swiftly to do it.</p> - -<p>"And my ankle is fast too"—came the smothered complaint. "Look—you -will see how—my leg—is held!"</p> - -<p>Andrew looked. "'Twill be free speedily, sir!" he answered cheerfully, -already impressed by the fortitude of the tormented man. "Be but a bit -patient, sir. That's it; now you can roll to the left, please." He -employed axe and helve adroitly as he spoke. "Now, to the right; up, -up—that's it, sir. What a miracle your skull 'scaped the fork."</p> - -<p>The victim rolled over, displaying the countenance of an entire -stranger, eight or ten years Andrew's senior, and with strikingly -handsome features. "Thank you, thank you, my good friend!" he gasped, -pulling himself to his feet; "that was the torture of a fiend, I -assure you! Your hand, one instant, please."</p> - -<p>By dint of leaning on Andrew's arm, and after several battles with -successive tough boughs, in which the new-comer showed that he -possessed strength and dexterity, the two finally scrambled out of all -the labyrinth of foliage and into clear space. Andrew flung down the -axe and assisted his new acquaintance to a seat upon the prostrate -trunk.</p> - -<p>"The next matter is to examine your hurts, sir!" Boyd exclaimed, -taking a sharp look at his dignified <i class="loanword">protégé</i>. The latter returned -this scrutiny as keenly, however.</p> - -<p>"I begin to suspect that such hurts amount to little or naught," -returned the stranger, dropping Andrew's hand which he had held in -a grateful pressure. "I have nothing worse than a bruised shin, a -scraped shoulder and back, I fancy. Heaven be blessed, nothing is -broken in my anatomy!"</p> - -<p>Andrew laughed, although he knelt down all the same and began a rigid -inspection of the bruises. He remarked how spare and muscular were -the stranger's legs and arms, as if from much exertion and little -food. His costume was odd: a faded Highland suit, rent and stained, -ill-fitting brogans, agape with holes cut by mountain flints; his -throat and face were surprisingly sunburnt, though his natural -complexion seemed to be fair. But what of his clothing or his tan? As -the man leaned against the prostrate trunk, with one leg boldly out -before the other for Andrew's care, there was something commanding, -fascinating to Boyd in his whole bearing. Andrew had not read -Shakespeare, but if he had he might well have recalled the lines in -"Coriolanus":</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">"——though thy tackle's torn</div> -<div class="verse indent2">Thou showest a noble vessel."</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>While the hurried surgery progressed the object of it aided therein -with no small skill, venting now and then an ejaculation of pain. He -stealthily studied Andrew. It was a question which should first act on -the opinions shaped by this mutual caution. But in those gray blue -eyes sparkled a quizzical light that made Andrew smile, as he suddenly -observed it, when rising from his bowed attitude.</p> - -<p>"Name for name, it must be, I see; and faction for faction, eh? Well, -I don't wonder that you and I have eyed each other askance. These be -days when honest men can ill be known as such. It would be strange, -too, if loyal subjects of Hanover, like you and your axe, should -not remember spies and renegades when you pluck strangers out of -tree-tops."</p> - -<p>"You—you overheard my thoughts while I hewed!" returned Andrew, first -red, then pale. "I—I knew not that I ran them so heedlessly into -speech. Evil speech to be overheard, sir."</p> - -<p>"Your tongue has a Lowland twang to it, whatever little to please a -Lowlander it spoke," said the stranger. "You are right my lad; what -you prattled there, by yourself, as you thought, was treason—with a -vengeance. Know you not that these mountains are filled with those who -would gladly tie your arms behind your back and gallop you off to -Neith jail, for half such sentiments. Or"—and here the voice became -tinged with a profound sadness, "or, have you been, young as you seem, -like myself, a defender of that most unlucky young soldier, my master, -Charles Stewart, who, a hunted refugee, with an army cut to pieces -and a realm lost, is skulking to-day in some corner of the country -with death at his heels and a price upon his head—instead of a -crown-royal."</p> - -<p>Andrew drew himself back proudly and stared into his questioner's -face. "Sir," he exclaimed, "I see you <em>are</em> a soldier! You may be a -Southerner as well. I care not. God save the Prince! I love him! -God defend him! So will say my father and every man and woman at -Windlestrae! I was too young—so they pleased to think—to fight at -Culloden Moor, and my father has just tided over a long sickness. But -for these things we had both been there—and dead, by now, 'tis very -likely."</p> - -<p>The stranger fairly leaped from his resting-place. "Your hand, your -hand, young sir!" he demanded, his face suffused with color. "Rash as -you are loyal, let me press it! I, too, love the Prince, our master; -and I, too, hope yet to see him make a footstool of his enemies. -My name is Geoffry Armitage—Lord Armitage I am oftenest called. -Windlestrae, said you? Then I speak to one of those to whom I am sent -on an errand from which yonder villainous tree did its best to let me. -Are you Peter—no, Andrew Boyd, the son of Gilbert Boyd, who owns the -manor of Windlestrae?"</p> - -<p>"I am, sir," replied Andrew, in deepening surprise: "this very nook of -the woodland we stand in belongs to my father and is within our farm. -The manor house and fields are but half-an-hour from this spot; below -the hill-foot yonder."</p> - -<p>"Fortune favors me at last!" cried Lord Geoffry, seating himself again -on the trunk. "I bring a long message from the minister of Sheilar -Kirk, that I have to give to your father. I am a fugitive, as you may -have already guessed from the disparity between a title and my dress. -A fugitive? Yes, and one who has often thought that his life might -better have been left where the cause for which he would have laid it -down was lost—on Culloden Moor."</p> - -<p>"Culloden!" exclaimed Andrew, "Oh! sir, were you truly in the fight? -Tell me more of it, I beseech you."</p> - -<p>"Ay—for whatever in my own history is worth telling you or your -father begins with it!" the ruined nobleman replied in a melancholy -tone. He paused. Andrew heard him murmur, "Can I speak of <em>that</em> day -so soon?" But he composed his utterance, and after a quick glance -about them looked up at Andrew, to begin his brief account of himself.</p> - -<h2 id="c2">CHAPTER II.<br /> - -<span class="small">A STORY AND A SHELTER.</span></h2> - -<p>"You would hear more of—Culloden?" began the fugitive. "Not from me! -I headed a charge of foot under Lord George Murray on that fatal -day. My men were cut to pieces before my eyes. I, after what last, -desperate stand for liberty one arm could make against a score of the -enemy, was taken prisoner in a ditch—in a ditch, like a fox or a -badger!——"</p> - -<p>"But you escaped?" Andrew interrupted.</p> - -<p>"Ay, I escaped, after three days of starvation and brutality. The hand -of God seemed to deliver me—I know not what else to call that series -of events that saw me free and able to fly for my life. Favored again -by a dozen happy occurrences I reached these mountains. They are -swarming with gallant fellows as unlucky as myself. Now some brave -Highlander sheltered me in his cottage; now I lay, night after night, -in holes and caves, when the English troops who scout the hillsides -for refugees came too close to my retreat. Some weeks ago I ventured -to come westward, and Solomon McMucklestane, the old minister at -Sheilar Kirk, received me into his manse. He hid me there, he, at the -risk of his all. I have had a brief respite for rest and the regaining -of my strength."</p> - -<p>"Have you been forced to turn from Sheilar also?" said Andrew, who -listened with the deepest interest to the Jacobite's tale.</p> - -<p>"Yes. You have heard that Colonel Danforth has lately begun his -searches in the neighborhood of Sheilar? It seems that he has lately -got wind of the fact that the neighborhood hides one or two lurking -Jacobites. My reverend host was warned upon Monday that he and his -manse were suspected. I was obliged to be off again. On Tuesday night -I quitted him, directed by him to your father, and expecting to reach -your farm yesterday. I saw soldiery and abandoned the highway. My -path of uncertainty over these wild slopes I quickly lost. With only -glimpses of the pallid Loch yonder to guide me, I have wandered in -desperation. I slept last night airily—in a stout yew. This evening -the sound of your axe all at once caught my ear. I followed it. -You can understand that I should think it best to study your face -and appearance from the shelter of the thicket before advancing to -a stranger. My excitement and fear of your observing me made me -careless, I presume, for I did not notice how nearly your wooden King -George was done for until too late to escape his clutches. (I hope it -is not an omen.) Down came the oak, and I under it.</p> - -<p>"Such is my story, friend Andrew. I am glad to have found one from -your household at last. You see before you," and Lord Geoffry again -smiled bitterly, "no English spy—only a hunted, hiding follower of -the Prince, come to beg for your father's and your pity, and to pray -for shelter until escape from this dangerous region is possible. It -has never seemed less so than now."</p> - -<p>Andrew could contain himself no longer.</p> - -<p>"What a blessed chance was it which led me to stay here a couple of -hours later than I purposed; simply to finish bringing down that oak! -Ah, my lord! You do not know my father! I do. You will be welcome a -hundred times to our house, and all that we have. It will go hard if -you quit Windlestrae, except in safety. Let us lose no more time in -getting down to the Manor, and my father's presence. To him must you -tell over your story and at once receive the earnest of his help."</p> - -<p>"God bless you both! and after a night's rest I shall be better able -to hear and discuss new plans for my welfare," said Lord Geoffry. "A -little food might not be amiss either," he added carelessly. There was -a peculiar sweetness in his smile and an air of dignity which had -already made its fascination felt upon young Andrew Boyd.</p> - -<p>"Ay, this <em>is</em> a soldier indeed," the lad thought, "able to endure -peril, and hunger, and thirst, and fatigue, and laugh over them!"</p> - -<p>The boy caught up his bonnet and plaid and thrust the axe under the -oak's trunk. "Take my arm, my lord," he urged courteously. The wearied -man accepted it, and they set out.</p> - -<p>"There are some questions I ought to ask, friend Andrew, while we go," -said the young nobleman, as they entered a narrow, stony path leading -upward from the glade. The sunless sky was still bright overhead. -"First of all, have the soldiery been prowling around your Manor or -its neighborhood?"</p> - -<p>"Until lately they have scarcely shown themselves near us. Colonel -Danforth and his dragoons are stationed at Neith—as you too well -know—with orders from the Duke of Cumberland to arrest any suspected -Jacobites. But we have seen nothing of Danforth or his band."</p> - -<p>"And what of the Duke himself and the garrison to the northeast, at -Fort Augustus?"</p> - -<p>"They have been equally quiet. The Manor lies midway between both -garrisons; the troopers have harried the settlements closer to their -hand. But—but—there is a better reason, my lord, for Windlestrae's -being let alone."</p> - -<p>"And what is that? Your father's friend, at Sheilar, I think hinted at -some special one. I did not pay the heed which I should to his words."</p> - -<p>"Why, my lord, my grandfather was an Englishman like yourself; and my -father lived thirty years upon English ground, and spoke the English -tongue before he came hither to live. Our Scottish neighbors have -always counted us Whigs! They have never ceased to suspect my father -of favoring the cause of King George—though he has said many a bold -word for the Lost Cause. Worse still, my father was too ill to enlist -under the Prince, as he would gladly have done; and this has set our -neighbors yet more bitterly against him. We have no character as -patriots, sir."</p> - -<p>"You think that the English troops in the town and at the Fort hold -your father a good partisan of their own king?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly, my lord; and hence is it, I am sure, that our Manor has -been so let alone by the enemy during these past weeks of spying and -searching. The ill-color of my father's name shall stand you in good -stead. There is no house in Scotland where a Jacobite would less be -thought a-lurking or protected. But my father has felt the unkind -opinions of his Scotch neighbors very deeply."</p> - -<p>"Strange!" said Lord Geoffry, as if to himself, "the hand of heaven -seems to lead me still. To find, in the heart of Scotland, Englishmen -who are loyal to the Stewarts!"</p> - -<p>While they spoke the lad guided Lord Geoffry rapidly along the flinty, -steep path, which did not admit of their now walking side by side. It -so continually twisted and turned and the trees shut it in so closely -that Lord Armitage presently confessed that he could not imagine which -point of the compass lay before him.</p> - -<p>"We cross directly over the top of this mountain, my lord," explained -Andrew. "Windlestrae Manor lies in the valley. We shall presently go -down by a steep mountain-road which our wood-cutters use, after we -reach a clearing on the summit of the hill, whence you might be able -to trace all your late wanderings from Balloch and get a glimpse of -the chimneys of the Manor also."</p> - -<p>Sure enough, our two quick walkers presently attained exactly this -spot—the crown of the ridge. A remarkable prospect was to be viewed -from it. The loch lay behind them; on the left, a wooded, rugged -extent of country, stretching toward Neith; and descending from their -feet, the mountain waving with foliage. In the valley below Sir -Geoffry could distinctly see some substantial buildings and tall -chimney-pots.</p> - -<p>"The Manor," said Andrew, pointing at these last. To the north -continued the plain, with wild hills on the west closing the -scene—altogether a savage Inverness landscape, not less romantic in -the evening light.</p> - -<p>But neither wished now to tarry for gazing. They left the cleared -space behind. At once began the descent of the hill. Their course -was almost a series of plunges. They darted between bowlders, they -overleaped trees fallen across the scarcely traceable path; they -sprang over tiny cascades pouring down the slope. The excitement of -such a rapid journey made Armitage forget well-nigh everything except -keeping breath and footing. Andrew noticed that he was not much the -better mountaineer of the two.</p> - -<p>They landed in a glen at the foot of the mountain. "We cross this," -explained Andrew. They did so, and as well two tracts of boggy land. -Grain-fields and hay-ricks succeeded, and then the barns and Manor -House of Windlestrae were suddenly looming before them. Lord Geoffry -perceived that Andrew's father must be a man of wealth. Just as he was -about to ask the boy whether it would be well for them to enter the -house together, Andrew exclaimed, "Huzzah! There is my father this -minute!"</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked Lord Armitage, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"He comes yonder, through the gate, talking with two of the farm-hands. -He usually walks here after his supper."</p> - -<p>From the southwest corner of the field approached Gilbert Boyd. He was -a tall, gray-haired man, decidedly English in style and feature, but -dressed in the usual attire of a Highland landholder of the best -rank. He appeared engaged in an excited discussion with two stalwart -servants accompanying him. Andrew and his companion could catch the -sound of the uplifted voices. Andrew put his fingers to his lips and -whistled shrill. The elder Boyd, startled by the sound, stopped short -in a sentence and looked up. He perceived Andrew and the stranger -advancing.</p> - -<p>"Stay you where you are," Lord Geoffry heard him say quickly to the -tall servants. Gilbert then came on alone. The fugitive began to -wonder what sort of a reception awaited him.</p> - -<h2 id="c3">CHAPTER III.<br /> - -<span class="small">"IN THE KING'S NAME."</span></h2> - -<p>He need not have had any misgivings. The rugged face of the Master of -Windlestrae underwent rapid changes as he listened to his young son's -breathless story. Then he came striding across to the fugitive -nobleman with outstretched palm. Andrew looked delighted enough at -this quick show of cordiality to a man by whom he already was not a -little fascinated.</p> - -<p>As the elder Boyd halted in front of Lord Geoffry the latter instantly -decided that he had seldom seen a more naturally commanding figure and -a face fuller of resolution than this transplanted Englishman's—his -tall, sturdy form, iron-grizzled hair, and keen gray eyes.</p> - -<p>"Welcome, welcome, my lord!" he exclaimed; "welcome to the board and -hearth of Windlestrae! My son has bidden you be so, and I echo his -greeting. Surely all Scotland is at the service of those who have -drawn blade for—its rightful sovereign."</p> - -<p>The two men shook hands, and Boyd's mighty grip thrilled Lord -Armitage's heart. He tried to falter out something about being "an -ill-omened bird to flutter to so peaceful a roost."</p> - -<p>"Peaceful? Tut, tut, my lord, no roost is peaceful when there be so -many hawks in the air. Andrew, lad, run—hasten to the Manor before -us. Bid Girzie and Mistress Annan prepare supper and all things -suitable for our guest. I must trouble Lord Geoffry with questionings -and doubtless make him many answers, while we shall come after you."</p> - -<p>Andrew sped away toward the house, which ended the lane. The two older -men came on more slowly.</p> - -<p>"First, my lord," began Gilbert Boyd, "as my son has surely told you, -you have come to the house in this neighborhood where you will be -safest from pursuit. My good friends hereabouts have never forgot that -my father was Southern-born and that I speak Scotch only when I must. -Hence it follows that I am worthy to be hanged as a traitor. For -once, though, I am glad that I stand in such sorely false light. The -soldiers have troubled themselves little about Windlestrae, and have -ransacked many of the loud-mouthed patriots instead."</p> - -<p>"And you have had no raidings from Colonel Danforth's troop?" asked -Lord Geoffry.</p> - -<p>Boyd laughed disdainfully. "His soldiery have occasionally moved -toward the Manor, my lord, but even that seldom. I confess, I have -been surprised at my good fortune. One afternoon Danforth and his -company galloped past the crossroads, a couple of miles down yonder, -and asked one of my neighbors, 'Who lives up yonder?' 'Boyd of -Windlestrae,' says the lad. 'Well, then, we'll go no further up that -way to-day!' cries Danforth; 'that man Boyd is as sound a Whig as -ourselves and his wine is most properly bad.' So away they rode, good -riddance to them."</p> - -<p>"Safe for long or not, I can at least be sure of a supper and a -bedchamber less airy than a tree," Lord Armitage responded cheerily; -"and both I will enjoy, although Danforth suddenly alter his mind and -come to open every closet in your Manor House."</p> - -<p>"Hm!" grunted Boyd, with a peculiar expression. "He will hardly do -<em>that</em>."</p> - -<p>They passed thatched barns and low stables. It was now growing murky -and dark. The Manor House was next reached, a rambling but dignified -structure, built of gray stone and apparently remarkably roomy and -comfortable. Gilbert pushed open the thick oaken door and motioned his -guest to enter. One or two servants were hurrying along the wainscoted -hall, running in and out of a dining-parlor. Andrew appeared from -this, and with him an elderly woman, Mistress Janet Annan, the -housekeeper, who courtesied to the master and the unexpected guest. -Andrew's mother had died in giving birth to her only child.</p> - -<p>The hall and aforesaid dining-parlor were brightly lighted. The -excellent supper—to which Lord Armitage did ravenous justice, -seconded by Andrew—was hurried through in silence; Boyd absorbed in -ministering to the wants of his guest. In the Manor it was already -rumored that the master had suddenly met an old friend; and this -explanation satisfied the present curiosity of the servants' hall.</p> - -<p>"To-morrow morning they shall be told the truth," Boyd said reflectively. -"They must not be permitted to gossip. They are all loyal-hearted men -and women. And now, my lord," he continued, as Lord Geoffry pushed -back his chair from the table and exclaimed, "I am quite another -man already!" in his refreshment—"now you must to your rest without -a moment's loss. To-morrow we can discuss together the means of -forwarding you to the sea-coast. Candles, son Andrew! To the Purple -Chamber."</p> - -<p>Andrew led the way up a staircase of very respectable breadth and -ease. The room designated as "the Purple Chamber"—from sundry faded -hangings—proved a fair-sized apartment with three casements and a -low-studded ceiling. A formidable four-posted bed and accompanying -furniture graced it, and a trifle of fire flickered on the hearth. -Gilbert locked the door, as Andrew set down the candlesticks on a tall -chest of drawers. "Nay, wait my lad," he said, as he turned toward the -door, "I have something to impart to both our guests and you."</p> - -<p>In some surprise, Andrew returned and leaned against one of the heavy -chairs in silence.</p> - -<p>"My lord," began Boyd, turning to Armitage, "you spoke a while ago of -Danforth searching the very closets—was it?—of Windlestrae Manor, if -once his suspicions that it sheltered such refugees as yourself should -be stirred. I care not if he do—provided no earthquake and no traitor -disclose to him one of them, built in this old rookery long before my -father bought it and added to it. Until this day have I preserved one -secret of it from you, son, with the rest. There opens from the wall -yonder as snug a hiding-hole as any in Scotland."</p> - -<p>"A secret chamber!" ejaculated both Boyd's auditors, following the -pointing of his hand.</p> - -<p>"Ay," replied he, approaching Andrew, with a smile upon his grim -features. "The Mouse's Nest—so my father heard it called. I doubt not -that it hid many a Jacobite in the first uprising. Andrew, is yonder -door locked? Good. Now mark!"</p> - -<p>Boyd pushed back the hangings and pressed his hand steadily on the -joining of the wainscot at some spot which he identified after an -instant's quick scrutiny. To Andrew's intense astonishment, part of -the jamb of the chimney-piece slid back into the thickness of the -wall. A narrow door-way was revealed leading into darkness.</p> - -<p>Andrew was more surprised at the existence of this unsuspected -mystery than Lord Armitage. The latter had been shown many similar -hiding-places in old French and English mansions, he declared.</p> - -<p>"Let us within," Gilbert Boyd said; and they passed into a long and -narrow sort of closet, not more than five feet wide, but of six -or seven times that length. Gray stone, above, below—everywhere; -rough-hewn and clammy; no plastering. The place would have been -scarcely at all lighted, and that only at its upper end, without the -candles carried by Boyd. An opening a few inches square, that Andrew -discovered, some ten feet above their heads, seemed constructed only -to admit air, although a faint light also found entrance thereby.</p> - -<p>On the floor lay two or three stag-skins, and a couple of small -stools, a taper, and flint and steel; and a pallet in the farther -corner completed the furnishings.</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage and Andrew surveyed the place curiously, and Gilbert -explained the means of opening it and securing the panel from within.</p> - -<p>"It has not been used in my recollection, my lord," he said, laughing, -as the jamb reclosed. "I trust it may not be; yet if Danforth come too -close, your retreat is secure; and I warrant you one he will not -fathom! Knowing that I have such a guest-room for such a guest is a -rare satisfaction to me to-night."</p> - -<p>Father and son then bade the young refugee good-night and left him to -get to bed; he declining all valeting from Andrew. Lord Geoffry was -indeed so exhausted, and the homespun sheets of Mistress Annan's -purveyance seemed so cool, that he fell back into them, asleep, almost -as he touched them.</p> - -<p>That sound repose lasted far into the afternoon of the next day. -The Manor House was kept quiet by the master's order, lest word or -foot-fall should waken the young knight out of season. He left his -chamber, on Andrew's arm, as the tall clock on the landing of the -staircase struck four.</p> - -<p>"Ha! you look like a new man!" exclaimed Gilbert; "your color has come -back; your eye sparkles like a live coal!"</p> - -<p>Seated at the table in the dining-room, the master showed that, while -his guest had slept, he had not been careless for his welfare. In the -first place, the trustworthy servants of the Manor had been solemnly -informed of the situation at morning prayers, and each one pledged to -secrecy and assistance.</p> - -<p>"And when do you think that I can proceed eastward to the sea-coast?" -asked Lord Geoffry, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Within three weeks, I trust," replied the master—"not before. -Inside of that time I shall have marked out your route for you, and -started you in loyal hands upon it from one shelter to the other. In -the meantime, you must abide here with us plain folk of Windlestrae. -I am glad to say that we have heard no more of Danforth to-day."</p> - -<p>Nor came there any such unwelcome tidings. The day passed quietly, -each hour benefiting Lord Armitage in body and spirit. The second -night that he slept under the Manor's roof was spent as tranquilly as -the first. His strength and vivacity were doubled by it. The next few -days he did nothing but eat and sleep, or, shut up for the most part -within the comfortable Purple Chamber, talk with Andrew and Boyd or -Mistress Annan of his travels and hardships. The rest and a sense of -security did him worlds of good, and he grew more entertaining and -full of merriment each hour of it.</p> - -<p>"I never saw such a fellow!" Gilbert remarked once to Mistress Annan. -"One would think that he were at ease and freedom in some court, -instead of in daily danger of a hanging! What a careless, happy -temper! Hearken to him, laughing this minute with my lad, as though he -had never a trouble in the world!"</p> - -<p>"And I am na sorry for it, sir," Mistress Annan stoutly responded; -"'tis o' God's favor that his heart is sae licht! Wad ye hae the -puir man gae roun' wi' the shadow o' the gibbet in front o' his twa -bonny eyes?" Mistress Annan, in truth, was quite bewitched with Lord -Geoffry's engaging glances and his gay tongue.</p> - -<p>Both Andrew and his father observed one thing--how little the young -exile spoke of England; of his home there, or of the Lowland life and -cities. But he explained this one morning by confessing that he had -lived most of his life in Paris, his only brother, Guy, looking after -the family estate.</p> - -<p>"I am more a Frenchman than an Englishman, I fear," he admitted, -smiling; and often, as if unconsciously, he would begin a sentence in -the French, that seemed to come upon his lips spontaneously; and the -light songs he hummed were echoes of the gay days of Fontainebleau -and the court of Louis XV. But, French or English, all the little -household agreed that a more gallant, a jollier spirit had never sat -at their table, or whiled away long evenings with reminiscences of -famous men, fair women, and strange adventures.</p> - -<p>It was not until the third day, by the way, that they discovered him -to be a Roman Catholic; but then so great a proportion of the Stewart -adherents were of the older faith that Gilbert was not displeased. -Besides, the refugee was quite as devout at the morning and evening -prayers and accompanying Bible-reading of the Manor family as Mistress -Annan herself. That good woman was so edified by Lord Geoffry's -respect to religion and solemn recognition of Providence in his -escapes that she confessed to Girzie Inglis, her head hand-maiden: -"Aiblins thae Papists are nae all sic children o' the Deil, as I hae -been tauld! Yon's a gude young man—a gude young man! The Lord bring -him to mair pairfect licht!"</p> - -<p>So passed four days. At noon of the fourth the sky was overcast. In -less than an hour thick mist and rain shut out almost all the light, -and it grew so dark that the Manor had to be illumined by candles. At -supper everybody was in the best of moods; Gilbert at the head of the -table, the red firelight showing his grim face relaxed as he listened -to Lord Geoffry's keen speeches; Andrew next the knight; and Mistress -Annan forgetting to put her cup to her lips or adjust her cap more -trimly, in her reluctant enjoyment of such unaccustomed fun. "I fear -me 'tis no Christian behavior in me to be sae frivolous!" her -Presbyterian conscience whispered; but she laughed all the more in -spite of the Presbyterian conscience. Neil Auchcross, Boyd's main -manager of the farm, was the only other person for whom a cover was -laid. The table was bountifully spread, and Mistress Annan had set it -with their store of silver, in honor of Lord Geoffry. In the kitchen -the more menial servants were also supping.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, in a brief silence throughout the dining-parlor, there came -a sound to the ears of each one present. It struck them all alike with -alarm. Lusty voices, not far off, were singing together.</p> - -<p>"Hark!" exclaimed Boyd, "what do you think that sound can be?"</p> - -<p>Auchcross leaped up and threw open the heavy window.</p> - -<p>Through the mist and darkness rang into the cheerful old room the -notes of a familiar drinking-song:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">. . . "King George, God bless him forever!</div> -<div class="verse indent3">And down with the <em>White Cockades!</em>" . . .</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The trampling of hoofs, the dull clank of steel, accompanied this -chorus, borne on the murky breeze of the night.</p> - -<p>"Danforth's cavalry!" cried Boyd and Auchcross.</p> - -<p>"What! coming up toward Windlestrae?" exclaimed Lord Geoffry, -springing from his seat.</p> - -<p>"I fear it—I fear it!" muttered Boyd, leaning out of the casement -into the driving mist. The rest hearkened at his back, breathless.</p> - -<p>The roystering voices, the thud of hoofs and a single whinny, sounded -nearer than before.</p> - -<p>Gilbert drew himself quickly inside the room again and pulled Neil and -the shutters with him.</p> - -<p>"It is! It is Danforth!" he cried. "This misty night, of all others! -We have not a moment to waste! They may have set out directly for the -Manor to see what discoveries can be made here. Very good! Andrew, ask -no questions, but assemble all the household in the hall! Neil, go you -to find Hugh and Malcolm. My lord, with me to the Purple Chamber—and -the Mouse's Nest!"</p> - -<p>The singers in their saddles were not fifty yards off by the time -Andrew, Neil, and Mistress Annan had executed Boyd's orders, in -ignorance of what was to be gained by them; and seen the four or -five women and as many men-servants, constituting the Windlestrae -household, seated on the benches and stools in the hall. Each one knew -what was the imminent danger which had stolen a march on them and -their guest. Each was prepared to do all possible to avert it. -Mistress Annan and the maids were so white and trembling that Andrew -feared discovery through their very looks. But Armitage was his next -thought. Turning his back on the confused and whispering group in the -hall, he dashed up-stairs.</p> - -<p>"Back, son!" Gilbert Boyd exclaimed, sternly, catching the lad in his -arms on the landing-place. "Back, I say! He is safe!"</p> - -<p>"Safe? Lord Geoffry? Is he in the Mouse's Nest? Oh, father, tell me!"</p> - -<p>The sound of the singing, mingled with calls and something like -argument, as if the intruders were discussing the direction of the -Manor House in the fog, now were clearly audible. Boyd sprang -down-stairs into the hall, drawing Andrew with him.</p> - -<p>"Girzie!" cried he—"Mistress Annan! They have turned up from the -gate! Bring candles—candles—from the table."</p> - -<p>They were back with them at once, the grease dripping to the floor -through the trembling of their hands. Gilbert motioned them all not to -move from the settles along the wainscot. "Sit ye still there," he -whispered, hoarsely. He dropped into an arm-chair beside the candles, -flapped open some book which he carried, and exclaimed, in a firm -voice, "Let us sing the praise—of God—in the Thirtieth Psalm."—and -thereupon led off the verse!</p> - -<p>Andrew caught the idea that lay behind this extraordinary conduct. But -could Windlestrae seem to Colonel Danforth a quiet Scotch household, -engaged in the usual family prayers, untroubled by trembling hearts or -the care of a Jacobite refugee?</p> - -<p>Somehow or other he and the rest found voice to unite in the psalm -with the master. Those approaching outside heard the melody. Then came -a louder trampling, the thud of dismounting riders, loud, coarse -accents, and spurs jingling on the very porch.</p> - -<p>A thundering knock broke off the Thirtieth Psalm in its second verse. -Mistress Annan gasped audibly in terror.</p> - -<p>"Halloo there! Open, in the King's name!" rang out a stern voice.</p> - -<p>"Andrew, open the door!" commanded Gilbert.</p> - -<p>Andrew obeyed.</p> - -<h2 id="c4">CHAPTER IV.<br /> - -<span class="small">"PUSS IN THE CORNER."</span></h2> - -<p>In the fog outside flared a torch or two. The candle-lit hall -sent forth a pale stream. Five horsemen in their saddles could be -discerned—but not Danforth. Nor was Danforth the trooper who had -alighted to knock—a short, young fellow with a swarthy skin, a -magnificent mustache, and eyes as black as the long, damp cloak -tossed back over his shoulder. It swayed as he bowed with unexpected -ceremony.</p> - -<p>"Is this the Manor House of Windlestrae?—and do I address its -master?" he asked, in a commanding but civil tone, peering past Andrew -into the hall.</p> - -<p>Gilbert Boyd laid aside the psalm-book with studied calmness, coming -forward to the doorway.</p> - -<p>"It is. I am Gilbert Boyd, the Master of Windlestrae, sir," he -responded, courteously. "What is your pleasure?"</p> - -<p>Both his own and Andrew's minds were fully prepared for the answer: "I -am in the service of the King and have reason to believe that there is -now hidden in this dwelling a Jacobite rebel and refugee, Lord Geoffry -Armitage."</p> - -<p>But, oh, unexpected occurrence! not such was the response. In an -accent yet more courteous, the unknown cavalier returned. "Pardon the -rudeness of our summons, Mr. Boyd. I fear—I see, that we disturb your -evening devotions. The house was so dark as we rode hither that we -could scarce tell whether it was really tenanted or not. My name is -Jermain—Captain Jermain. I was ordered this morning to convey a -message to Colonel Danforth at Neith, and I set out from Fort Augustus -with a few of our troop. Unluckily this fog came up apace. Our escort -speedily became dispersed. They are now somewhere in the hills, -behind. We lost our own road; and, encumbered by a rebel prisoner that -we were fortunate enough to capture on the way, we found ourselves -almost at your doors before we knew our bearings."</p> - -<p>Andrew's heart gave a leap, as he realized that these were not -the expected and dreaded guests; but others who came by accident! -Evidently they knew nothing of the man hidden within his father's -walls. It was an unspeakable relief!</p> - -<p>Gilbert Boyd was not a whit behind him in apprehension and gratefulness: -"You have, indeed, fared poorly, sir," he said, motioning the young -officer to step within his threshold. "What with by-paths and -cross-roads the track is difficult in fair weather. I presume that my -sending one of my household with you, until you need his guidance no -longer, will be a welcome offer."</p> - -<p>"For which I thank you," laughed the young trooper; "but, begging -your pardon, I don't intend to ask that favor until to-morrow. It is -no evening for travelling, Mr. Boyd—and my faith! nothing but a -bayonet's point, I fear, will turn me out of your hospitable doors -to-night. You must find quarters, no matter how poor, for us few weary -men, until daylight. I have learned too much of Highland kindness to -fear that you will not—eh? House, barn or shed—it is all one to me -and my little troop."</p> - -<p>In spite of the ingratiating tone, a command of a sort common -enough to all the region at the time, lurked unmistakably in the -dragoon-captain's smooth words. Gilbert recognized this. At the -precise hour when he was sheltering a proscribed and hunted Jacobite, -he must entertain, as best he could, a handful of the very men who, -did they suspect the other's nearness, would delight to drag him forth -to his death, as, very possibly, they were preparing to do with their -prisoner out yonder!</p> - -<p>But it was no moment to allow more than a bewildered thought of the -untoward complication and how it must be met.</p> - -<p>"Gude sauf us!" ejaculated poor Mistress Annan in her heart, "what an -awfu' kind o' game o' puss in the corner we're a' like to be playin' -this night!"</p> - -<p>For she heard Gilbert, with well-simulated cordiality say, -"Neil—Morgan—Mistress Annan! Girzie Inglis! You hear? Pray request -your companions to dismount, sir. We will offer you and them any such -poor entertainment as my house affords. Step within, gentlemen!"</p> - -<p>One grateful thought of the infinitely less trying situation that now -seemed ahead of him and his family, and another of gratitude at what -appeared an uncommon refinement on the part of this young soldier -crossed him, as Captain Jermain bowed and prepared to follow. The -other dragoons threw themselves from their saddles with exclamations -of satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Captain, Captain? How about this Highland wild-cat that we've got on -our hands," called one of the party to Jermain, who stood on the porch -giving some directions.</p> - -<p>"Oh, bring him along with you," returned he. "We can keep him in -the kitchen for the present, and find a hole to stow him safely in -over-night. Meanwhile, see that no one speaks with him."</p> - -<p>Captain Jermain preceded his escort into the hall. They who tramped -along at his back were of quite inferior social stamp and address. Two -of the party led between them the captured Highlander.</p> - -<p>Andrew started back and stared half in pity, half curiosity. The -troopers had tied their prize's hands at his back, and he limped, as -if in the contest he had hurt his foot. There were stains of blood and -soil on his rough garments, and a ragged bandage was tied across his -forehead. A thick shock of black hair effectually disguised his -sunburnt and unshaven face from close recognition. A more wretched -figure it would have been hard to draw. He gave a piercing look at the -group in the hall as he passed, as if seeking compassion; but there -was too much else to engross the attention of the Master and Andrew -for them now to proffer it. Even the women shrunk back as he was -forced along. Gilbert directed Angus to show two of the four guards to -a small outer room adjoining the rear passage, where Captain Jermain -suggested that supper be served them speedily, and thus their charge -remain directly under their eyes and ears.</p> - -<p>"Sit down, Captain," Gilbert said, as Andrew once more closed the -door. "We shall have some refreshment at your service in a few -moments. We finished our own evening meal just before you arrived. Be -seated, gentlemen."</p> - -<p>"I must again regret that we disturbed your family-prayers, Mr. Boyd," -apologized the young soldier, dropping into a seat: "I have too much -respect for your kindness and for religion, soldier that I am, to -willingly disarrange you. Ah, this is a fine old house! It is like a -bit of home for a Southerner to slip into such a spot for a night."</p> - -<p>"You have not been long in the army?" Gilbert inquired.</p> - -<p>"Oh, dear, no," returned the young captain, stretching out his long -legs luxuriously—"only a couple of months, and all of those loitering -about the Fort. I haven't gained much military experience, I dare -swear, by all this famous Rebellion! Have I, Mr. Dawkin? Have I, -Roxley?"</p> - -<p>Two of the other men laughed; and confirmed Boyd in his idea that this -was a very simple-hearted young soldier, a good theorist likely, but -not much experienced in anything except fox-hunting, or slaying soft -hearts at Lowland balls. Very boyish and frank did he look, sitting -there, in spite of his dignity and manliness; and also very much like -a boy was his evident enjoyment in finding himself so comfortably -situated. In spite of his apprehensions, Gilbert could not help -fancying this Achilles the pride of some Surrey household, the darling -of some mother whose breeding of him all the rough life of a barracks -had not effaced. How much worse the peril would have been if such a -guest, forcing himself on the household, were a rude, wary old officer -full of strange oaths, exactions and suspicions of everybody and -everything about him! "Praise be to God!" Gilbert exclaimed, in his -soul, "for we may tide over the danger yet!"</p> - -<p>He led the conversation with increased self-control into such topics -as could be discussed in common. Each sentence went further in -convincing Captain Jermain, as well as his two companions, that they -were meeting quite the most frank and friendly of hosts.</p> - -<p>Girzie appeared and announced the supper, hastily got together by -Mistress Annan's trembling but energetic hands.</p> - -<p>"Walk into the next room, captain. This way, gentlemen," said Boyd, -rising. Then, turning to Andrew, he added, with a meaning look, but no -accent in his voice that might awaken any interest in his remark among -the enemy. "My son, step upstairs and see if you can be of use. The -East Room will be wanted—tell Mistress Annan so."</p> - -<p>The three troopers, headed by Gilbert, passed into the dining-parlor.</p> - -<p>Andrew stood bewildered. His father had surely intended some special -reference to Lord Geoffry Armitage! Was Lord Geoffry waiting all this -time within ear-shot? Andrew could hardly force himself into walking -toward the stair with assumed indifference—to mount step after step -leisurely, as if reluctant to quit the sudden stir going on below and -the company of the soldiers.</p> - -<p>All was dark as he turned toward the landing. The boy's nerves were by -this time strained intensely. He nearly uttered a cry as he ran into a -figure kneeling at the top of the staircase. Lord Geoffry's strong -clasp about him and exclamation of caution saved him.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my lord, my lord! Have you heard? Do you know it all? It is not -Danforth!" Andrew whispered, still clasped in the imperiled young -nobleman's arms.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, dear lad! I have been listening. I stole out from the -Mouse's Nest and the Purple Chamber—I can retreat to it again at an -instant's warning, you see! Be calm, dear Andrew. Do not tremble so. I -am yet safe."</p> - -<p>"But, my lord, they may discover that you are here!"</p> - -<p>"I do not know how," whispered the fugitive. "We have no traitors, and -walls have not tongues." He pressed the Highland boy yet more warmly -to his breast, as if in that hour of ill-fortune, standing there -within ear-shot of his foes, he was glad to feel a human heart so near -him, however young, that he knew already loved him too well to betray -him, even at the point of the bayonet.</p> - -<p>The boy murmured passionately in his ear: "If you—are taken—I shall -die!" all of a tremor, that came from dread and love.</p> - -<p>"Pshaw! Keep up heart!" hoarsely replied the young nobleman, with -something like tears in his voice at the gallant lad's devotion; "you -must not die, nor must I, either. We shall all come out right and -safe, I am sure. Quick—back to that handful of knaves below! I can -see already that they have a bigger child than you for their leader. -Find out for me, if possible, who is their prisoner. Contrive to let -your father know that I am in spirits—that is why he sent you. Go, -play your part well. My life is in your hands too, remember."</p> - -<p>"I shall, I shall! But oh, my lord—go back to the Mouse's Nest. -Promise me that you will."</p> - -<p>"So be it!" And Andrew thought he heard the intrepid young man laugh -shame-facedly at yielding to his terrified importunity, "I promise!" -Then they pressed hands and parted in the gloom.</p> - -<h2 id="c5">CHAPTER V.<br /> - -<span class="small">IN WHICH CAPTAIN JERMAIN'S MEMORY IS USEFUL.</span></h2> - -<p>Andrew entered the dining-parlor timorously. He made his way thither -by the little passage into which opened the outer kitchen containing -the Highland prisoner and his guards. It was shut. The servants, who -questioned him eagerly as to Lord Armitage's security, told him that -to knock at the door was only to have one of the guards come to it and -slam it in his face. They would allow nobody within but themselves.</p> - -<p>His father sat at the head of the long table, only half of which was -laid. The three cavaliers had begun hungrily on meats, bread, and -potables.</p> - -<p>"Come and sit down here, my lad," called out Captain Jermain kindly, -well-disposed to pay some attention to his host's attractive son; "you -are a fine, tall fellow. I dare say you will be carrying the king's -colors yourself one of these days—eh?"</p> - -<p>Andrew seated himself between the captain and Gilbert. A glance -passed between father and boy as he did so. Boyd read in it a quick -reassurance upon the state of mind of Lord Armitage above-stairs.</p> - -<p>A man who better liked plain-dealing than Gilbert Boyd of Windlestrae -it would be hard to light upon. To seem to be what he was not stifled -him. Nevertheless, his feeling of sacred duty to the fugitive, to whom -he had sworn protection by every lawful means, induced him to waive -scruples and to preside at this supper with a remarkable simulation of -calmness and of desire to make the three soldiers at ease in the -Manor. As far as possible, he diverted the talk from politics, where -he must and would betray himself rather than lie! "I have been rumored -a Whig so long to no good," he thought, resignedly, "that I may as -well let the error keep alive on such a night as this, when it can -save a life. Humph."</p> - -<p>Presently he said aloud: "Help yourselves freely, gentlemen. I am -sorry, by the way, that the Manor can offer you no better liquors than -our own ales and usquebaugh."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no apologies, no apologies," replied Captain Jermain. "This is -the very lap of luxury for us. I trust that when these troubled times -end—and his ragged Princeship with his bare-legged support are -hanged—many a hospitable Whig like yourself will call upon us in -London, or anywhere else, and be repaid for your trouble in kind. To -your health, Mr. Boyd!"</p> - -<p>"Be entirely at ease, sir, as to trouble," Gilbert answered, raising -his ale-glass; "there is always room and to spare in this old nook."</p> - -<p>Andrew nerved himself in the instant of silence ensuing: "Was the -prisoner that you captured—was he—a person of consequence, sir?" he -faltered.</p> - -<p>Roxley, the elder of the two other troopers (and who, Gilbert soon -decided, was a special favorite with the young captain and a man of -some petty rank), exclaimed, with a sneering oath: "Consequence? I -should scarce think so!" Jermain, however, bent his eyes pleasantly on -the embarrassed boy, and replied: "Faith, no, my young warrior! A -tattered and villainous hind, lurking about, whom we sighted slipping -into a copse two or three miles above the crossroads."</p> - -<p>Our hero longed to put the captive upstairs in possession of even this -slight portion of what he desired to know. But Boyd took up the cue -intuitively.</p> - -<p>"Did you run him down?"</p> - -<p>"Ay. By some awkwardness the villain tripped; and though he wrestled -with Roxley like a tiger, and won sundry thumps and cuts for his -pains, we managed to master him. He is all bone and muscle, I verily -believe."</p> - -<p>"Simply a wandering spy, Captain, depend upon it!" affirmed Dawkin. -"Whatever he was busy about," he continued, to Andrew's father, -"he refused to speak a syllable of, in spite of all our little -measures—ha, ha, Captain! But we will see what the guard-room at -Neith can do for him to-morrow. Here's to his obstinacy after Danforth -gets hold of him!"</p> - -<p>"His straps must be looked to sharply before we go to bed," suggested -Roxley.</p> - -<p>"Yes," added the captain, drinking; "'tis a pity that Tracey and -Saville must lose their sleep to-night on his account."</p> - -<p>Boyd shuddered at the mention of those "little measures," and -the persuasions of the Neith guard-room. The Spanish boots, the -whip-corded eyeballs, the thumb-screw, and brimstone-sliver were -meant. God help the poor wretch who became Danforth's victim! Clearly -nothing more was to be discovered as to the prisoner from his captors. -Andrew determined to slip back to the outer kitchen, and thence up to -Lord Armitage with just so much intelligence as he had come by. But he -would do well to wait until the exactly right excuse should offer for -his leaving the room. The troopers pushed back their chairs and -refilled their glasses of whiskey-and-water. Good cheer began to tell -on their tongues. Jermain rose, stretched himself, and stared about the -room in great good-humor. He noticed a small hanging-shelf with half a -dozen books on it, and thereupon turned amiably to Andrew.</p> - -<p>"So you go to school up in this forsaken region of the kingdom, do -you, Andrew? You remind me not a little of a fair young cousin of -mine, Eustace Jermain, down in Warwickshire. He is now a scholar, too, -prosing away at some Oxford college."</p> - -<p>"I have always been at school when there was any school to go to, sir. -But my father has taught me for the most part, and once or twice I had -a tutor, by good luck."</p> - -<p>"And I, too, by ill-luck!" The young man laughed, sauntering up to the -shelf and glancing over the titles. "What a life I led them! Ah! 'The -Pilgrim's Progress,' 'The Call to Truth,' 'Common Prayer,' 'An History -of Rome,' 'Virgil's Æneid—' So you know Latin here, friend Boyd? I -used to know it myself. How begins old Virgil?—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">"'Ar—arma v<em>o</em>rumque can<em>i</em>,'</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="noindent">it goes, don't it?" He opened the volume idly. In so doing his eye -fell upon the title-page.</p> - -<p>He read the name written there with an exclamation of surprise. Then -holding the Virgil he came back to his chair, puzzling over the -fly-leaf. Next he smote his hand upon the board with an impetuous, "By -the sword of Claver'se! 'Jonas Lockett, His Book.' Can it be the man? -What Jonas, except our long-legged Jonas, wrote that cramped fist? -Tell me, friend Boyd, was Jonas Lockett, an Edinboro' pedagogue, ever -in <em>your</em> house, here, a certain winter?"</p> - -<p>"One of my son's instructors, years ago, was so named," replied Boyd, -cautiously. He did not like to give these interlopers the least -significant bit of information upon his family or its history.</p> - -<p>"Was he from Edinboro'? Tell me of him. Well, well, well—Jonas -Lockett! Ha!"</p> - -<p>"There is little to tell, sir. I understood that he was from -Edinboro'. His health suffered there and he travelled into -Perthshire and Inverness to recruit it. He was poor and somehow came -to me for help. Andrew's ignorance enabled me to give it him. But he -only stayed with us a season. I have scarce thought of him since. Did -you know him also?"</p> - -<p>"Know him! Truly I did. I recollect that he came from Scotland -directly before he entered my father's employ. A tall, lean, -quick-spoken fellow, with a sly eye and many odd stories at his -tongue's end."</p> - -<p>"The same, I dare say," Boyd assented, indifferently; "an odd -coincidence. But the world is a narrow place, Captain."</p> - -<p>Andrew glanced uneasily from one face to the other. Was even this -trivial discovery likely to breed the seed of any fresh danger? Danger -lurked in every turn of thought or speech.</p> - -<p>Jermain continued turning over the leaves of the Virgil absently.</p> - -<p>"Upon my honor!" he suddenly cried, throwing down the book; "of what -have I been thinking? This, too, must be the very old Scotch house -that Lockett told me all about one evening at the Parsonage! I -declare—I have heard of you and it before this night, friend Boyd. I -remembered it not until now."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" came Gilbert's dry monosyllable. Boyd's whole being was at once -wholly on the alert. Andrew thought it best not to make for that outer -door quite yet.</p> - -<p>"Nor is that all," continued the young officer, draining his glass. "I -dare wager that through Lockett's describing his life here that -winter, besides his being a famous hand to poke and pry about and -meddle with other people's concerns, I know a rare little secret of -you and your Manor House, friend Boyd."</p> - -<p>"Captain Jermain! How—what?—I do not understand you, sir!" exclaimed -Gilbert, growing pale and turning sharply upon the young soldier. -Andrew grasped the arm of his chair so tightly that his knuckles -were white. Peril, relentless peril—could it be possible?—and from -so remote a chance! Dawkin and Roxley looked around from their -discussion, surprised at the excited turn the talk behind them had -taken.</p> - -<p>"What's all this in the wind now?" asked Dawkin.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, except that I am in possession of a family mystery of friend -Boyd's here," returned Jermain gayly, "or I think I am. Forgive me, -Boyd, but the jest is too good! Let me explain. You must know that -Lockett slept sometimes in a room in your old house called—what the -mischief was it called?—the Green—the Red—no, the Purple Chamber! -That's it, the Purple Chamber; and opening out of this Purple Chamber -is a secret room, to be got at by a spring-panel in the wall; a most -curious old place altogether—and, by the by, perhaps just the sort of -strong room that Tracey and Saville have been wishing for to shut that -slippery rascal into to-night. Ha! ha! ha! Boyd, I'm sorry for you, -for you see that I did know this little family secret after all, did -I not? Oh, man, don't look so tragic over it. See his face, Roxley! -By all that is hospitable to mad wags like ourselves here, you shall -make amends for your soberness by taking us all upstairs and helping -us to find out this wonderful hole. Up, Roxley! Up, Dawkin!" continued -the domineering young trooper, already excited by the usquebaugh and -full of a boyish delight at having someone to tease who was quite in his -power; "you, too, my blue-eyed Andrew! Your father must pilot us -upstairs at once, or he is no honest host. Huzzah!"</p> - -<p>"Huzzah! huzzah!" chimed in Roxley and Dawkin. Jermain seized the -candles, and, laughing boisterously, forced one of them into the -terrified Boyd's hand. Roxley caught hold of the master's arm. Boyd -stood between them, the color of the wall, rigid, his eyes conveying -to Andrew a despairing signal. Through the crack of the door were -peering Mistress Annan and some women-servants, with blanched cheeks.</p> - -<p>Ruin had stalked in a few seconds into their midst.</p> - -<p>Terrible was the temptation to Gilbert Boyd as he was held there in -the half-sportive, half-brutal grasp of the dragoons. Yet might one -bold falsehood save everything! How easy to cry out, "That wing of my -house was burnt to the ground years ago!" or to declare that the -Mouse's Nest itself had been opened up and its secrecy destroyed—one -of a half-dozen other excuses, proffered with the dignity of a man in -his own house might avert the calamity precipitating. Hospitality—the -saving of a guest's life—did not these cry out for a lie?</p> - -<p>But he did not utter it. Not he, Gilbert Boyd, of Windlestrae. It was -not because with the thought of falsehood he remembered that those -beside him would probably exact proof. It was because too keenly upon -his conscience pressed the acted-out departures from strict truth of -which this bitter evening had already made him guilty. These must be -none worse henceforth. He would obey his God; and God would sustain -him and his. Nevertheless he was mortal man enough to protest, as he -wrested his wrist from the familiar grasp of the leering Dawkin and -stood commandingly before the trio: "Gentlemen—Captain Jermain—you -have forgotten yourselves! It—it is impossible! The room—the room is -all in unreadiness. Mistress Annan hath charge of it—I cannot take -you into it to-night. Let me go, I beg, Captain! You carry your wild -humors too far."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, Boyd, not a step too far," retorted Roxley, "provided you -carry us upstairs with you."</p> - -<p>"But—but—I assure you, gentlemen, the—the Nest is wholly unfit for -the purposes of a prison. Listen to me, Captain Jermain, I pray. Only -be reasonable, Mr. Roxley! It is not in repair; and we have under -our roof another, a much securer place of the sort, if you insist on -one——"</p> - -<p>"Hardly, Mr. Boyd, I dare wager," interrupted Captain Jermain, -laughing afresh at what he counted Gilbert's absurd annoyance over -the "family secret."</p> - -<p>"A strong, well-barred room in the East Wing, overhead, that was -fitted up for a gaol, and hath been so employed before now. I will -send and have it made ready to show you, gentlemen. Release my arm, -Captain, I insist! I will <em>not</em> consent."</p> - -<p>Jermain, Dawkin, and Roxley seemed the more amused at his annoyance. -It was plain that only forcible resistance would check their folly, -and forcible resistance was not to be, for an instant, considered.</p> - -<p>Had Lord Armitage been listening? Ought not he to be within the -Mouse's Nest—out of earshot? He must be warned and extricated. Andrew -responded to that intense look from his father's eyes by a quick step -toward the hall-door, frantic to dash headlong up the dark stairs and -transmit an alarm through the panel in the Purple Chamber. Ah, by his -own pledge he had made more certain the doom of his friend! By his own -pledge!</p> - -<p>But the captain interrupted him by a single stride. "Hold there, -friend Andrew, my bonny Highland chiel! No dodging upward to warn any -pretty faces that have shut themselves into this same old room. They -shall be gallantly surprised by a serenade before their portal. -Here!" continued Jermain, snatching a candle from the elder Boyd, -and bestowing it in Andrew's unwilling grasp; "you shall head the -exploring party! Huzzah!"</p> - -<p>With one arm about Boyd's neck, and holding Andrew between Roxley and -himself, Jermain set the unsteady procession on the march from the -dining-parlor and out into the hall, the three shouting boisterously: -"Above-stairs, all of us! Huzzah!" and singing, like the caricature -of a death-hymn, as they approached the first step, that roystering -refrain:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">"King George, God bless him forever!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And down with the <em>White Cockades!</em>"</div> -</div> -</div> - -<h2 id="c6">CHAPTER VI.<br /> - -<span class="small">A DESPERATE SHIFT.</span></h2> - -<p>In the meantime Lord Armitage had been sitting on one of the two -stools in the Mouse's Nest. That retreat was quite too dark for him -to see his hand before his face, except precisely in the corner where -he was resting. Into this the high opening in the wall, alluded to, -seemed to filter a gray gleam.</p> - -<p>The young refugee realized that his present insecurity was great; but -he had been in deeper danger before it, and that self-control which -had rather disconcerted Andrew during that moment they had been -standing at the stair-top was not much assumed.</p> - -<p>"Bless the boy!" he muttered; "it is something to have won such a -stout young heart! Ah, if ever I get away from this accursed land, -where death dogs my footsteps to trip me up, Andrew, you shall not be -forgotten, depend upon it. But, gadzooks! it looks now very little -like my conferring care or honor upon any man, young or old!"</p> - -<p>He rose and peered curiously up at the aperture in the blank, black -wall, with his hands clasped behind his back.</p> - -<p>"A strong draught from that, I note. I wonder with what it communicates? -Some sort of an air shaft probably. Faugh, what a den is this! A -day or so within it would go far to bring a gay fellow like me to -suicide—provided he could lay hand on aught here to take himself away -with. When can Andrew get back here to bring me word of the prisoner -below? Would to God I knew! My mind misgives me. If it be from them, -after all—! Still, still, there are so many of our gallant fellows -hiding in thickets and caves. If it <em>were</em> Cameron or Lochiel it would -break my heart. That peasant-woman last week told me that she had -given shelter to a gentleman of the Prince's army only the day before! -Oh, Andrew, Andrew, my lad! make haste, for I am in worse dread for -others than for myself until you ease me."</p> - -<p>He went softly—though there was no need, for the floor was stone and -only the under-arching thickness of the partition was below—down the -length of the Nest in the darkness, feeling his way along the wall -until he perceived that he stood alongside the sliding panel. A -narrow, almost undistinguishable crevice marked it out. He put his -ear to this, as he had done a score of times since his entrance; but -he could not catch the slightest sound, so impervious and exactly -adjusted was the barrier.</p> - -<p>"I cannot stand it!" he ejaculated, feeling for the iron lever, a -simple turn of which, followed by a prolonged and equable pressure, -would slide back the panel. "It is a risk. Andrew is right. Any one of -those miscreants may take it into his head to go prowling about the -halls or chambers while the rest are at supper. But I <em>must</em> get some -inkling of what is going on in that dining-parlor! Andrew may be on -his way to me, too."</p> - -<p>He moved the lever. A slight tremor—a widening of the crevice—in an -instant he perceived that the massive jamb had retreated.</p> - -<p>All was dark. He thrust forth his arm and touched the under-side of -the thick hangings along the wall of the Purple Chamber. Then he -slipped out beneath their folds, like a cat, and stood again in the -great room itself—alone. Apparently no one, friendly or hostile, was -on that second story as yet. Tiptoe he ventured toward the closed -door, the outline of which he could trace.</p> - -<p>But he caught his breath as he came to it and set it ajar with -trembling caution. He had stolen forth from the Nest exactly as the -bustle below, the voices, laughter, and singing culminated in the -audacious demand by Captain Jermain that the mysterious secret-chamber -be laid open for the diversion of himself and his companions. Boyd's -protests he could not hear—nor see the scene at the table—nor guess -how it had come about. He heard only the pushing aside of the chairs, -the drunken march into the broad hall, the hoarse—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">"King George, God bless him forever!</div> -<div class="verse indent2">And down with the <em>White Cockades!</em>"</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="noindent">the reiterated cry: "Above-stairs, all of us! huzzah!"</p> - -<p>The tone in which that drinking song was sung, those words uttered, -assured him that it was not betrayal, but some new train of concurrent -circumstances, that was bringing about a startling move. He dared -not lock the door. He leaped back, stumbled headlong toward the -chimney-piece, tossed aside the arras and threw himself within the -Mouse's Nest, with the pant of a hunted stag. To seize the lever -was the gesture of a half-second. He could bolt the panel to all -outsiders as soon as it shut. Excitement guided his hand truly in the -dark. He pushed and pressed. The panel slid obediently back toward its -deceptive resting-place. In doing so it creaked slightly—an ominous -occurrence that had not accompanied its previous passage. He tugged -harder at the lever as, with the creak, something seemed to resist his -hand.</p> - -<p>Up the stairway was coming the tramp of the soldiers and the two -Boyds. He could overhear more merriment. He pushed with all his might. -It was useless labor. Within some three inches of closure, for its -bolting, the mechanism operating from the within-side of the panel -suddenly had refused to act. Everything stood still—perfectly, -terribly still. A wide black crack must inevitably be visible to any -person who should draw aside the arras of the chamber wall!</p> - -<p>"I am lost if the villains have lighted on the secret of the Nest!" -the endangered nobleman exclaimed, in sudden realization and despair. -"Oh why, why did I not bethink me that I might not be able to close -it—through some weakness of the old apparatus? The chase is up!"</p> - -<p>The next moment the shine of candles below the folds of the arras—the -loud banter and laughter of Jermain—broken sentences from Boyd—came -all within a few yards' length, as the quintet stood within the Purple -Chamber.</p> - -<p>The young man crouched down. His teeth were set to meet the extreme of -his peril. The perspiration oozed from his forehead.</p> - -<p>"Once for all, gentlemen," came the angry tones of Gilbert Boyd, amid -the scuffling of feet, "I swear to you that no hand but mine shall -ever, with my consent, disclose this secret place, however near it may -lie to us—and, as I live, it shall not be so disclosed this night!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, but it must be, and shall be!" retorted Jermain, more delighted -than ever at prolonging and enjoying the old Master's concern; "away -with your silly family pride, Boyd! You have too much sense for it."</p> - -<p>"We'll never tell, Boyd," said Dawkin; "will we, Roxley? Oh, 'tis rare -sport!"</p> - -<p>"Never," assented Roxley; "hold up the candles, Andrew, that we may -all guess at the very spot."</p> - -<p>"Beware, gentlemen, how you tempt my patience further! Surely, you -see that I am past the humor for such folly! Leave the room with me, -Captain Jermain! I command it—I adjure you all, by the laws of -hospitality and courtesy——"</p> - -<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed the three tormentors. Had they been less -influenced by the excellent cheer at the table just quitted, one or -all of them must have by this suspected a deeper motive for Boyd's -recusancy. But, as it was, it all was taken with the other details of -the scene—an obstinate and proud Scotch householder, unwilling to -share a petty secret with some gay guests.</p> - -<p>"And I—I adjure you," mimicked Jermain, "by the laws of hospitality -and courtesy, not to cross my pleasure so peevishly. Ay, there is the -chimney! Lockett particularized the chimney. Behind the corner of the -arras, just about where that figure of the Prodigal Son is worked, -must lie the plate set in the angle of the stone——"</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage stiffened his muscles. "If I had only caught up one of -those stools yonder, the battle should begin from <em>my</em> side!" he -grimly reflected. "Stay—I must not give them one extra inch of -vantage. I will creep into yonder farthest corner—lay hand on a -stool, crouch—and wait for them!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, merciful God!" thought, or rather prayed Andrew, on the other -side, clutching the candles and white as one who swoons. "Does he -hear? What can he do? Save him, save him, O Lord—for only thou canst -preserve him or us now."</p> - -<p>Dawkin made for the chimney-jamb, exclaiming: "Come, I'll draw back -the Prodigal from his husks!"</p> - -<p>Before he could reach it, Gilbert, desperate, careless of any further -pacific measures, seeing in mind nothing but imminent bloodshed, -leaped between him and the chimney. Indignation had altered the very -fashion of his countenance.</p> - -<p>"Hear me, sirs, for the last time!" he cried; "by the God of my -fathers, who hath preserved me and mine within this house until -these hairs are white, not one step further into its secrets or -secret chambers shall you take, nor dare any longer to indulge this -unsoldierly curiosity and insolence! I mean what I say. No, I will -give no reasons except what I have given, what common decency might -prompt to you. This impudent business stops at once. Take away your -hand, sir! Put down your arm, fellow! Call it over-respect to my -family and its trusts, or call it what you may, I swear that I will -strike down the man who sets a finger upon this arras! Must I call up -my servants to protect us from you?" [Four or five of these last were -already waiting wherever a man could lurk in the hall or adjoining -rooms, trembling for their master's safety, and only restrained by -Neil from running into the Purple Chamber to chastise the insolent -troopers.]</p> - -<p>Half-intoxicated though he was, this vehement speech and the gestures -accompanying it were enough to change the mood of Captain Jermain to -irritation. He turned red, gave a short, hard laugh of contempt, and -uttered an oath—with which he darted forward to seize the arras. He -slipped, laughing triumphantly, beneath Boyd's extended arm. He -clutched the tapestry with a violent pull. The rusty nails above -yielded. Down fell the Prodigal and his Swine, partly overturning both -disputants. A cloud of dust rose; and, as it cleared away, a cry of -surprise broke from the lips of all the group. There, exposed to full -sight, rose the broad crack! The panel was unmistakable, because -partially open! "O Almighty Protector!" thought Gilbert, a thrill of -hope entering his heart, "he overheard—he had time to escape from -it."</p> - -<p>"Yes, he has escaped—he has escaped!" ejaculated Andrew to himself; -"not yet in their power, not yet!"</p> - -<p>"Open?" cried Jermain. "Yes, by the sword of Claverhouse, it is open! -The easier for us to take our look at it, but a bad sign for its -safety as a prison to-night. Let's see—will the doorway widen if we -push at the old panel."</p> - -<p>There was no sound from the cell. Captain Jermain approached the -opening. Boyd could make no further resistance—he wondered whether -he might not have undone the success of some defence on his guest's -part, as it was; for as Roxley and Dawkin stepped toward the wall -Gilbert gave a sigh of exhaustion, and then sank back upon an -arm-chair in a half-faint.</p> - -<p>Mistress Annan darted into the room unobtrusively, but looking like -an elderly Scotch ghost in cap and spectacles, and began chafing her -master's cold hands. Andrew would see it out to the end. "If he be -there, and if they seize him, I will strike one of them down for him," -thought the lad. The end, the end was at hand—life or death in it!</p> - -<p>"Works like a charm!" cried Jermain, now quite forgetting his fit of -passion in the indulgence of curiosity. "There, we can pass! Ugh! -What a stinking hole!" The lever, to outside persuasion, offered no -reluctance to move. The door, truly, was wide open. Blackness of -darkness—a rush of chill, malodorous wind. But no outrushing or -defiant figure!</p> - -<p>"Give me one candle, boy," said Jermain—"hold the other before us. -So. Watch well your feet, lads. These odd nooks often have holes and -traps in their floors." With these words he stepped inside the Nest.</p> - -<p>Face the worst, within that pit of gloom, Andrew must. But he -contrived, in obeying the command to accompany the three, audaciously -to stumble against the captain on the very sill. The latter's taper -was thereby cleverly dashed from the candlestick. It rolled to some -dusty nook quite beyond their feet.</p> - -<p>"Awkward lout!" exclaimed Jermain; "but never mind; one candle shall -serve."</p> - -<p>Making even it waver as much as he could (a process very easy in the -state of his nerves) they advanced well within the Nest, Jermain and -the others more awed each step by the dismalness of the retreat, but -all talking loudly. No Lord Armitage at bay, desperate, yet faced -them. And they moved on—on—now to the very end of the narrow -apartment, where were placed the mothy stag-skins and the two stools. -Everything seemed undisturbed, as if during the lapse of decades.</p> - -<p>"Well, 'tis a dull discovery after all, so far, I admit," said -Jermain, peering now to the right, now to the left, or glancing -toward the cornice, all a black void some twenty-five feet overhead, -in such wretched illumination. "Not worth while to have so hot a -question with—ha, ha—friend Boyd, over it! Yes, here we are at its -end, I declare. Nothing beyond this dead wall, of course. Look, -Roxley, how rough the courses are—how strong."</p> - -<p>"There seems to be a glim of light somewhere there," Dawkin remarked, -pointing up to the square aperture previously mentioned. "But 'tis a -vile den for any poor wretch to be shut into. Plenty snug enough for -that Highland dog, though."</p> - -<p>"Ay," replied Jermain, frowning, "provided it be secure. Let's back to -look. Steady—beware of this uncertain floor. Dawkin, thou wilt need -all Andrew's candle-light for thine own share, thanks to the last two -glasses I filled thee."</p> - -<p>Could it be possible? Andrew was dumb with gratitude. For he realized -that, tired of their own rudeness and curiosity, Jermain, Roxley, and -Dawkin were retracing their steps to the open panel, and that for all -the harm that had been done him by Jermain's acquaintance with the -place of his concealment and this visit to it, Lord Geoffry Armitage -might as well have been a thousand miles away!</p> - -<p>But far more inexplicable was the mystery than he divined; until, on -the heels of Dawkin and the other two, he was crossing the threshold. -He saw his father standing a few paces outside, himself unable to -solve the riddle, but full of thankfulness for that which he felt was -the veritable overruling of God's power. He saw Captain Jermain offer -his hand with a stammered apology. He heard Roxley call to him, "Come -forth, youngster, we must shut up this panel and try what kind of a -lock it hath upon it, and then back to the merry board, my friends. -Halloa, look, look you at this, Captain. Here, Boyd, don't bear -malice, man, but give us your counsel a moment."</p> - -<p>And then—and then—just as Andrew hastened to obey Roxley, a -voice spoke his name: "Andrew—Andrew." That was all; uttered in a -startling, almost magical, whisper. It came from somewhere over his -head, like speech evoked from the dense shadow itself.</p> - -<p>He had presence of mind not to exclaim or start. He dared not stand -still there. With difficulty Roxley and the young captain closed -the panel once more. Like one in a dream he heard them exclaim in -disappointment and surprise on discovering that there was absolutely -no way of securing the door on the outside, and thus rendering it fit -for the special use desired. Still like one in a dream the boy watched -them, already wearied of their whim, force the panel back and forth in -its grooves, and with more boisterous raillery declare the place no -more a prison than a parlor. He heard Roxley ask his father to exhibit -to them the strong room in the East Wing, of which he had spoken, and -Captain Jermain interpose, laughing, "Oh, later, later, Roxley. One -dungeon is surely enough until we have forgot our quarrel over it in -a fresh glass together! Let the strong-room in the East Wing wait -an hour." And next he and they were all descending the staircase -together, the ordeal over, and he on fire to be rushing back to the -Purple Chamber! For he understood it all now.</p> - -<hr class="textbreak" /> - -<p>At the moment in which Lord Armitage partially rose to make his way -toward the sole weapon of defence at hand—one of the three-legged -stools—an inspiration came to him. He recollected the void above him; -the uncertainty of candle-light—the inaccuracy of eyes dulled with -wine. He drew off, in the twinkling of an eye, the brogues Gilbert -Boyd had loaned him. Holding these between his teeth, he stepped a -yard or so beyond the panel, so dangerously ajar for the success of -the daring plan he had suddenly devised. He thrust his feet into the -crevices of the rude masonry, searching noiselessly with fingers and -toes for the numberless rough projections. In a few seconds he had -readily gained a height of eight or ten feet. Clinging to the stones, -he raised his hand to feel for some further coign of vantage. His hand -struck an object that he had little suspected, but instantly bethought -him was almost certain to be there, discoverable in any room so -constructed in such a house—a strong iron brace traversing the Nest -at a height considerably above the low entrance and running from wall -to wall. He laid hold of it. Would it break? He had no time to test -it. He took his fate in his hands.</p> - -<p>With rigid muscles, and jaws aching from the strain of holding the -shoes, he drew himself up, got astride of it, and at last stood with -both feet upon it!</p> - -<p>It was rusted, but it did not even bend. He balanced himself. Before -climbing he had knotted the latchets of the brogues together; he now -hung them across the bar, close to the black wall. So far so good!</p> - -<p>Again must he attempt the dangerous, but far from impracticable, feat, -that he began to feel convinced was his succor. Could those outside -hear him as he climbed? No—it would seem not. He could have cried -aloud for joy as he felt, at arm's length above his head, a second -iron brace, evidently another essential in the support of the wall, to -which he clove like a human fly. To this second aid he pulled himself -up, and stood upright on it, with palms pressing the stones. At that -height, perhaps twenty feet from the floor he could, he dared hope, -defy the candle-light the intruders might introduce. It proved that he -could. Motionless, afraid to breathe, he presently saw their entrance, -and blessed Andrew for the additional security the fallen candle -brought about; and it was from up there, exhausted but safe from -capture, if not death, that he marked the troopers' departure from -beneath his very feet. Then was it that, wishing to enlighten Andrew -as to his resource and its merciful success, he ventured to send down -to the boy's quick ears that repeated name—"Andrew—Andrew."<a href="#escape" name="escapeback" rel="nofollow>" id="escapeback"><sup>*</sup></a></p> - -<hr class="decorative" /> - -<p class="small"><a name="escape" rel="nofollow" id="escape">*</a>The escape of Lord Geoffry Armitage has its foundation in the -experience of a Jacobite refugee, of inferior extraction, who -participated in the Insurrection of 1715. <a href="#escapeback" rel="nofollow">Back</a></p> - -<h2 id="c7">CHAPTER VII.<br /> - -<span class="small">PRISONER AND SENTRY.</span></h2> - -<p>"It was a miracle—a miracle!" repeated Gilbert Boyd, lost in wonder -and gratitude, some twenty minutes after the return of Captain Jermain -and his friends to their glasses down in the dining-parlor, whither -Boyd, in a state of utter bewilderment, had escorted them. The -sound of their laughter and raillery penetrated to the place where -the fugitive with Andrew and Gilbert now sat—a small lumber-room, -windowless and unceiled, in the attic of the rambling Manor, -partitioned off in one of its gables. Lord Armitage's self-extrication -from the Nest had been dangerously prompt. Andrew hurried up the -staircase and came upon Lord Geoffry creeping about in the dark hall; -through the boy's suggestion this uppermost retreat had been gained, -and hither, too, hastened Gilbert from the festivities recommenced in -the dining-parlor.</p> - -<p>"Miracle? Ay—it seems a trifle like one," responded Lord Armitage, -laughing already; "what's the verse of Holy Writ about they who shall -bear up the righteous in their arms? Surely, I may count myself a -better man than I dared, and take courage forever."</p> - -<p>"Blessed be the hasty fingers that left those walls so rude within!" -ejaculated Gilbert. "And a second brace above the first! I shall go -and see it for myself when those villains have spurred away to-morrow. -But I dare leave them no longer to themselves, my lord. I must below. -Andrew shall be our messenger—the comings and goings of the boy will -not be noticed. I will return at the next possible chance—say within -half an hour. But such a place for you! Mistress Annan shall see that -it is made as comfortable for you until morning as it can be. Little -dreamed I you were safer here than in <em>that</em> most hidden corner of my -house. Come, Andrew; this greatest of perils is over; go you and see -if you can learn more of this prisoner or how we can help him. -Farewell, my lord, you are not likely to be endangered again. I must -keep my noisy guests in good humor till they be ready for bed."</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage bolted the door behind them. He sank upon a pile of -dried hides, in the middle of his musty sanctuary, feeling completely -exhausted. He closed his eyes. Perhaps the reaction from such present -peril was all at once something like a swoon. In any case he lay -motionless and with eyelids closed for quite an indefinite time, until -he was startled by Andrew's knock, and his whisper from without.</p> - -<p>"You are soon back," he said, collecting his faculties.</p> - -<p>"Soon? Yes, yes—I have had an adventure myself, and I bring you -tidings thereby," began the lad, quickly. "Oh, I thought I was never -coming up."</p> - -<p>He drew Lord Geoffry to the improvised seat. "All is well below. They -are drinking—laughing. But I have spoken with the prisoner! My lord, -despite his tattered clothes and sorry look, I truly believe him, like -yourself, a gentleman, a——"</p> - -<p>The boy was startled at the effect of these few words. Lord Armitage -uttered a low cry, as of assurance made sure. His eyes flashed, and he -caught at Andrew's arm: "I feared it! I hoped it! Tell me what you -did, what happened! Tell me all, at once!"</p> - -<p>In a few words Andrew related his slipping into the improvised -guard-room under pretence of offering to the willing Tracey and -Saville another flagon. Thereupon he boldly asked leave to give the -prisoner a glass of water, for which the man suddenly began faintly -moaning. What with their refreshments and the absence of anyone to -remind them of discipline, both dragoons were in a vastly better humor -than before their meal.</p> - -<p>"So I leaned over him," Andrew continued, excitedly, "and I raised his -head and held him the cup. The man they call Saville had his back to -me. 'You are with friends, but we cannot help you,' said I, in his -ear. I could scarcely catch what he dared whisper as I laid down his -head, but I surely heard him say in English: 'Your father—warn -him—Danforth.'"</p> - -<p>"Your father? Danforth?" interrupted Lord Armitage. "Good heavens! -What can he desire to say? Danforth? Oh, my God!"</p> - -<p>"I know not," pursued Andrew, "for just as I bent to listen again -the two soldiers turned around. 'Are you not through yet with your -fetching a drink, boy?' called out Saville to me; 'come, come, enough -of such folly! He is not worth it. Out with you. This is not your -place.' So I had to hasten forth trembling. I dare not try again yet -awhile. They have set a chair against the door."</p> - -<p>"Danforth? He spoke of him—and of your father, and of a warning?" -repeated Lord Geoffry, with clenched fist and a knit forehead. "Oh, -Andrew, what may those words mean? Why, why could you not gather more? -More <em>must</em> be gained in some way. There has been, is, fresh danger -brewing, I fear, and before we are out of the shadow of this. But -stay here no longer. Hasten, tell your father what has chanced, that -he, too, may ponder over it. Return when you may—be cautious—but -especially come to me if you discover anything, ay, anything more -about this mysterious prisoner or from him." The knight hesitated an -instant, and then added:</p> - -<p>"I will confess to you, dear lad, that for weeks before I came -to Windlestrae I lived in daily hope of hearing certain special -intelligence that very possibly can be trusted only to me. Moreover, -it will come to me from—I know not whom! It concerns a friend—the -nearest friend I have, and one pursued and miserable as I am. I wait -for it, I hope for it, without the least knowledge of who shall bring -it me. Alas, look not so surprised and perplexed! I cannot tell thee -more, my boy. But so it is—and in every stranger I may pass by my -messenger unless I am ever-watchful. On such a hard riddle hangs -perhaps all my future. Leave me; while you are gone I must plan how it -may be possible for me, in spite of Jermain or Tracey or Saville, to -speak with this man myself."</p> - -<p>These last declarations left Andrew aghast; but he quitted the attic -and sped down-stairs, just as Mistress Annan and a maid-servant were -seeking the gable-room with a mattress, a pitcher of water, and some -other articles. He once more attempted the outer kitchen; but it was -hopeless, Neil informing him that the door had again been denied all -comers by the two on its inside. Andrew listened, and heard enough to -convince him that Tracey and Saville, well supplied with liquor at -their own angry demands, were setting in for private saturnalia of -their own; a course, which, however loathed by the temperate Manor -House family, the Master saw might be of great help, if the prisoner -they guarded was really to be addressed.</p> - -<p>The little dining-parlor was still bright with a dozen of Mistress -Annan's best candles; and the liquors that Boyd dared not withhold, -when fresh supplies were called for, seemed in active circulation.</p> - -<p>"Come in, Andrew," called Jermain, as Andrew slipped back to a seat, -"you are too young to be gay, but you can sit down and let your bonny -face smile on us. May you never grow up as wild a fellow as I! Here's -to your health, Boyd, prince of solemn-faced Highland hosts! Now, -gentlemen, I'm going to sing you all a capital song." Which he -proceeded to do.</p> - -<p>Andrew, during it, whispered over his father's shoulder. Gilbert's -heart sank like lead again. Yes, there must be a communication with -the prisoner, whoever he really was, as soon as possible. A prospect -of Danforth! That meant fresh peril. Had there not been enough? He -sat and affected to listen to Jermain's frivolous chat until he could -remain no longer. He rose as if to get something.</p> - -<p>"No, friend Boyd, no more budging," protested Jermain, "you can sit -as long as we, and sit you must. You have been an uneasy host all the -evening, ever since the secret-chamber affair was broached, and now -you shall make amends. Fill up your glass."</p> - -<p>Boyd dared not persist. Twice after this did he attempt to get away, -that he might try to hold a conversation with the captive in the -outer apartment, or compare his alarmed surmises with Lord Geoffry. -But the captain seemed good-humoredly wary. By this time, however, -the hilarity of the two other soldiers had passed into, first, a -disputatious, then a maudlin, mood. The familiarity between Roxley -and the captain was decidedly more apparent, Jermain laughing -immoderately at all his stories, and applying himself quite as -liberally to the cup, though with what seemed a stronger head for it. -Andrew disappeared a little earlier, which the lateness of the hour -entirely warranted the boy's doing.</p> - -<p>"I must speak with my son before he sleeps," Gilbert said abruptly. He -left the table, this time without exciting comment.</p> - -<p>When he reached the kitchen he was not a little disturbed to find -Mistress Annan, the two maid-servants, Angus and Neil, and two -others of the household, all sitting in partial darkness and silence, -evidently each too apprehensive of further trouble to be willing to go -to sleep. "Nay, to your beds, all of you!" he ordered quickly. "I hope -that the night will pass without new disquiet. You can do no good by -watchfulness here—rather harm. Stay! Neil and Angus, you two had best -sit awhile until I speak with you again. The rest of you go cautiously -hence at once."</p> - -<p>Gilbert passed swiftly on and listened at the outer kitchen. He could -hear Saville humming a tune and Tracey talking. "Do you lack anything, -gentlemen?" he inquired, pushing against the barrier on its inner side -and opening the door, "or are you disposed to seek your rest?"</p> - -<p>"No," growled Tracey; "we'll go to bed when we please, and not before. -Shut the door!" Boyd obeyed; but the glance he had cast within the -place showed that the prisoner lay wide awake in his corner, and that -his two guards seemed further advanced in drunkenness than their -superiors at the other end of the house. For once the upright master -of Windlestrae thanked God that beings made in his own image could so -readily turn themselves into beasts. He hastened to the attic. Andrew -was there also, as he had fancied.</p> - -<p>"Ah, you are come!" exclaimed Lord Armitage, as he entered; "you are -just in time, for I was about bidding Andrew go down to you and tell -you what I have decided must be done as to this prisoner and his -message to you or me. First of all, are Tracey and Saville yet enough -off their guard to allow you speech with him? No? Very well, then, my -chance is desperate. I shall speak with him myself."</p> - -<p>"You?" ejaculated Boyd, in consternation.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I! Listen. I more safely than anyone else. These villains -propose to shut the poor man into the Nest, do they not?"</p> - -<p>"Not so, my lord. They have given that over."</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"The panel cannot be fastened on the outside. It was never intended to -be made a bridewell. There is no lock, and besides that the mechanism -of the door is rusted and uncertain; you found that out to your cost."</p> - -<p>"Where, then, will they stow the unfortunate fellow?"</p> - -<p>"In the East Wing. There is a strong room there which I have offered -them."</p> - -<p>"Has it a window?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but a window useless to you if you attempt parley from without -the house. It is the oldest part of the Manor; a dead-wall has been -built up flat in front of the window-bars."</p> - -<p>"Is the cell upon a passage, then?"</p> - -<p>"No; it opens from a larger chamber, my lord—the East Room we call -it—and that East Room is the only access to it; and the captain has -already said that one or two of his party must sleep in the East Room, -if only for the sake of form——"</p> - -<p>Lord Geoffry interrupted Gilbert decisively. "I want, then, a suit of -Neil's or Angus' clothes—their worst. When you return below offer -Jermain a servant to relieve his men of this same formal guard-duty. -'Tis ten to one that this thoughtless, half-drunken young soldier -jumps at your proposal. If I am once stationed before the door of that -strong-room, depend upon it I can find a way to learn all that its -inmate has to tell. Those brutes will not waken, once sound asleep, -though I blew a trumpet over them."</p> - -<p>Boyd stared, bewildered, at this audacious scheme. "He will lock the -cell's door, my lord; keep the key himself or give it to one of his -men. Such a plan is folly."</p> - -<p>"He must <em>not</em> keep the key; or, if he do, it must be got again. It -can be, if you do not spare your whiskey."</p> - -<p>"And do you, then, suppose," asked Gilbert impatiently, and staggered -by such persistency, "do you suppose that Jermain will say 'yes' to -this offer? He is innocent of suspicions, my lord. But he is not a -fool."</p> - -<p>"If he say 'no,' well and good. Then will I go down to the room as I -am dressed this minute, and while they sleep; or we will devise other -means to do what must be done. Bring first the suit—the clothes—I -beg. Boyd, be not so fearful."</p> - -<p>In spite of his determination not to assist his guest in such an -extraordinary attempt, the arguments of Sir Geoffry faced the -bewildered Master quite down. Particularly was Boyd impressed with Sir -Geoffry's strange insistence that "the prisoner might have that to -utter which could be said best or only to him."</p> - -<p>"So be it, my lord," he said; "your blood be upon your own head; and -yet, good sooth, I know not what else to attempt. Danforth! Danforth! -The name makes me tremble for you. I will go and await the fittest -moment to proffer your services to Jermain, and, if he accept it, I -will do my best to apprise the prisoner that something is in store for -him. Andrew, my son, this is no hour for you to be awake. You aid us -at your own cost. Go you to your bed when you have helped my lord into -yonder frieze-coat and leather breeches."</p> - -<p>"If I do go I shall not shut my eyes; I shall but lie there and suffer -death each moment," cried the boy pleadingly. "No, let me stay near my -lord until all these new dangers are over. Ah, how can I sleep until -he and you sleep?"</p> - -<p>Gilbert had not the heart to command.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, be it as you will; but keep above-stairs," returned his -father. "God knows the end of this night's business. Pray each moment -for us all. Hark! I hear Roxley singing and the rest shouting. How -vile, how vile a crew to be harbored in this honest abode! What goodly -lessons for thy youth to be taught!"</p> - -<p>Gilbert had been absent quite a considerable period this time, -although the fact aroused no interest in the dissolute trio he would -willingly have driven from his threshold. He saw at once, as he -entered the dining-parlor, that a change had taken place. Good Scotch -whiskey had done disgusting work. Roxley had ceased singing and -telling anecdotes and lounged with one arm on the table, supporting -his drowsy head, which lolled back stupidly. Dawkin was sprawled -half-across the board, his hand clutching an empty bottle. Jermain -was arguing some point of military etiquette in an aimless fashion -and without waiting for replies from Roxley. The young captain's -gallant bearing was gone: his eyes were dull and bloodshot, his -dignity and vigilance vanished, and his whole appearance that of a -half-intoxicated and quite commonplace young soldier.</p> - -<p>"At this rate," thought Boyd, "your fine Surrey friends will not know -you when you go back southward. The king's army is an ill school -indeed, for you young men!"</p> - -<p>"Well, Boyd—do your clocks—sing bedtime for all honest people," he -inquired, sluggishly; "your face betokens your thinking that it is an -hour when all men and most brutes should be asleep—and under either -name I am ready enough to stretch myself. Halloa there, Dawkin! wake -up, man, and go out to the kitchen and tell Saville and Tracey to -fetch that rascal hither. I must see him securely bound before we -fasten him into that strong-room upstairs, that Boyd talks about. Pity -the secret chamber is of no use. Boyd, I'll go up with you now and -inspect this other place at once."</p> - -<p>Dawkin stirred, looked vacantly at his superior, and burlesqued a -salute with his hand and the bottle. He rose staggeringly, but fell -back in his chair, apologetically murmuring something.</p> - -<p>"The man is drunk!" commented Jermain, angrily, relinquishing his -grasp of him. "Roxley—no, wait here until I come back."</p> - -<p>He took Gilbert's arm. The latter led him up through the second-story -hall again.</p> - -<p>"Down this way," said Boyd, descending abruptly a couple of steps into -a side passage, very low-ceiled and evidently little used. He opened -the door of a large chamber tolerably furnished, and put in order for -the night by Mistress Annan, but plainly seldom tenanted. Directly -opposite them Jermain saw a solid oak-door studded with nails—a -grim-looking little portal that admitted them into a stone-floored and -certainly dismal enough apartment, with a grated window.</p> - -<p>"Fetters even, I declare!" exclaimed Jermain, stooping to examine some -rusted chains, which proved past service. "Come along, Boyd; this is -just the place. That's the key? So. Tight as Newgate! We'll get our -fellow here in a trice and Tracey and Saville shall lie in the outside -chamber."</p> - -<p>But when they and Roxley presently stood before the door of the -outer kitchen, it resisted Roxley's efforts, until his violent push -overturned the chair-barricade within—and with no audible protest -from the prudent architects thereof.</p> - -<p>"Well, well—this is a pretty sight!" ejaculated the captain.</p> - -<p>It was, indeed. A candle was guttering on the table amid empty flagons -and spilled wine. Motionless in a corner lay the prisoner, just where -Gilbert last saw him, apparently asleep now, in spite of his pain and -the stifling air. At full length, opposite, stretched Saville, a -brawny Irishman of middle years, sound asleep. Tracey, similarly -oblivious to all responsibilities, snored beside Saville.</p> - -<p>"More brutishness!" thought Boyd, in disgust at such a spectacle; "and -yet I would they had but dropped off an hour earlier!"</p> - -<p>Jermain and Roxley began trying to rouse the derelict pair. It was no -use. Each relapsed into a stupidity more hopelessly complete at each -attempt.</p> - -<p>The captain suddenly gave up the task with a spasm of profanity that -horrified Boyd, and drew from him a stern rebuke.</p> - -<p>"They both deserve to be court-martialled and shot," declared -Jermain. "Wait until we get to Neith! No, I don't care how informal -their service is, Roxley. They shall be hung up by the thumbs for -this—Dawkin, too."</p> - -<p>"What—what's to be done, captain?" demanded Roxley, in a sudden -attempt to hide his own dubious condition that was ludicrous to -behold.</p> - -<p>"To be done? Why, those fellows must be let lie where they are—no use -trying to stir them. We must get him above-stairs ourselves. By Jove, -Boyd, I'm glad of your strong-room, with a vengeance! Look at those -two; look at Roxley—and," he added, with a laugh, "look at me! -Strong-room be praised! I am too tired to play watchman, and I seem to -be the only one fit—were it my place—which it certainly is not! -But—by the sword of Claverhouse!—somebody ought to have an open ear -to what goes on inside or outside this house, between now and morning. -A surprise might be undertaken by the Jacobite farmers hereabouts. -What's that? You can ask one of your hinds to mount guard upstairs -with Roxley?"</p> - -<p>Boyd reiterated his proposal. "H'm—I don't know. Yet why not? Yes, -let it be so. If I should have to report such a thing, I would have -to be mum about Roxley's status. Here, pray lend a hand. Be lively, -Roxley. Up, you varlet!"</p> - -<p>The prisoner struggled sullenly to his feet. Boyd dared not yet speak -to him. Roxley was close on the other side. But his eyes met the -captive's with a meaning look. Just as they came to the stairs Roxley -stumbled. Jermain leaned to his aid. It was Boyd's opportunity, albeit -one of seconds only.</p> - -<p>"<i>The sentinel is a friend,</i>" he whispered—"<i>he will speak with you. -Expect him.</i>"</p> - -<p>There was time for no more; but he felt the man's hobbled foot pressed -upon his own. He had been understood, at least in part. They reached -the East Room.</p> - -<p>"In with you, sirrah!" said Roxley, urging on their charge with a -thrust past the iron-studded door of the cell. He made no resistance -while they bound his legs more tightly.</p> - -<p>Then came a crucial moment. Jermain pulled the key from the lock. Boyd -held in his hand another key of Andrew's searching out, one closely -like it. Only a sober and sharp eye would detect imposture. To make -the change was a matter of adroitness, but its success involved the -discovery of the trick before morning, unless cunning could accomplish -a second change. Luckily, Boyd did not have to effect the first one.</p> - -<p>"Take the key, Roxley," said Jermain, yawning, "put it in your pocket, -and don't open the door, no matter what you hear, without calling me. -Boyd has stowed me not far off—I'll show you."</p> - -<p>In his heart the derelict young captain was glad to throw any -responsibilities of the night upon his favorite's shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Dawkin and I lie here?" inquired Roxley, disposing of the key.</p> - -<p>"Ay. Keep on your clothes, of course—I shall. There's a bed, and that -great sofa—you can give Dawkin that. You'd best go and help him up -now." Roxley departed with an uncertain step.</p> - -<p>"Fetch your trusty henchman now, if you will, Boyd," assented Jermain, -wearily. "I—I'll pay him for it to-morrow. I ought to have looked -sharper after these soldiers of mine."</p> - -<p>The die was cast. If he still were resolved Lord Armitage might come. -And Roxley held the key.</p> - -<p>Boyd vanished. Jermain gaped tremendously, sank into a seat, and -leaned his spinning head upon his palm. Roxley came in with Dawkin and -succeeded in getting him, still somnolent, upon the sofa, Jermain -dozing in his chair while this performance was got through with. "Push -up his long legs, Roxley," he advised—"that's it! I shall be glad to -push up mine, I'm sure. My report must be—a—well, a loose affair, if -I have to draw out one. Whe-e-w!" and the captain groaned. "How fagged -I am! Here's Boyd, at last."</p> - -<p>Behind Gilbert slouched an ill-kempt peasant, whose age was -undistinguishable, armed with a pair of pistols and a cutlass. His -hair hung low over his forehead.</p> - -<p>"Found somebody, did you?" inquired Jermain, rousing himself and -bestowing a single glance on Sir Geoffry. "Well, my man, we rely upon -your eyes and ears for at least the forepart of the night; until Mr. -Roxley relieves you—if he does. Call him, call me, if you hear or see -aught amiss, within or without. Do you understand?"</p> - -<p>A clumsy nod was the supposed servant's reply. Boyd, unwilling to open -his lips in this danger-fraught moment, lighted Captain Jermain away, -and beneath his grim brows looked at the three thus face to face. It -seemed incredible that the men whose meeting, an hour or so earlier, -seemed such an accident of dread, could, in this moment, be contrived -with but a fraction of risk to one of them!</p> - -<p>"Good-night, Roxley!" said the Captain. "Lock the door after us." -But he drew the soldier aside. "Look here, Roxley, we start early; -sleep soundly, but not too soundly. We ain't setting an example of -discipline to the service to-night! Boyd's hand might be tempted to -do—one knows not exactly what. Another time, when we have prisoners, -we had best rest earlier—and drink less. Mum's the word, though, -Roxley."</p> - -<p>With a parting glance at the supposed Highlander, who sat on a stool -by the chimney-piece, the very model of a steadfast, awkward Scotch -farm-servant, expecting to be well-feed for an irksome duty, the -Captain allowed Boyd to conduct him from the East Room.</p> - -<p>Roxley made a remark or two to his mute aid, while pulling off his -boots. "Rouse me, if aught goes amiss," he said, with a hiccough, "but -not unless—and I don't promise this—you can wake me any easier than -Dawkin over there. You and I'll call it our night off duty—eh?—now -that Captain's gone." Whereupon Roxley sighed and hiccoughed again, -and laid himself at full length across one of Mistress Annan's best -coverlets; and, in a trice, could not have been roused by the incoming -of his own horse at a trot.</p> - -<p>So it is. Stillness, stillness, all through the Manor House. Dull -comes the sound of one o'clock. Jermain sleeps; Roxley and Dawkin -sleep; Saville and Tracey sleep. Boyd and Andrew are hidden in the -garret until an appointed signal; the lad's eyes shut involuntarily -from pure fatigue. Geoffry, Lord Armitage, in what of peril thou must -yet meet before this wonderful night shall give place to dawn, may the -Lord of the defenceless be thy helper!</p> - -<h2 id="c8">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> - -<span class="small">MEETING—FLIGHT.</span></h2> - -<p>Again came the muffled chime of the antique clock down-stairs; the -quarter-hour.</p> - -<p>Strange sight—the sentinel in the East Room moves. He cautiously lays -aside his cutlass; his brogans he had taken off, as if to ease his -feet, when he sat down.</p> - -<p>Like a thief, he walks from his stool to the bed, then to the sofa. -The sleepers are as those dead. He goes to the old door of the -strong-room and lays his ear to each crevice.</p> - -<p>"Too well-joinered yet," he says to himself, "for me to try opening my -lips from here, were he close beside it. Will he hear this, I wonder!"</p> - -<p>Gradually augmenting the sound, he imitates with his nails the scratch -of a rat in the wall. But no responsive signal traverses the barrier. -Nevertheless, when he repeats it he fancies that there filters to his -ear, from the stillness within, a faint, prolonged whistle.</p> - -<p>"It is the only way," he decides, raising himself from the floor.</p> - -<p>The bolt is on the hall-door, as Captain Jermain directed. Our -disguised knight need dread no interruption thence. He advances again, -on tiptoe, to the motionless figure on the bed.</p> - -<p>Drunken Roxley! Shake off your stupor, for one instant! Turn over, -man! Murmur; do something that will startle this robber who is picking -your pocket with the caution and address of one who realizes that -his life is between his thumb and finger. But no; you merely snore, -Roxley, and you do not start at the hand that by quarters of inches -draws the key from its hiding-place. It is too late now; for he has -glided from your side with it.</p> - -<p>"Harmless sot!" thought Lord Geoffry, contemptuously. "Had my Lady -Macbeth drugged his posset he could not be safer! Now, pray Heaven, -Andrew left the lock as well-oiled as Boyd thought!"</p> - -<p>The candle stood so that it had lighted him in his attempt, though -screened from the eyelids of Roxley and Dawkin.</p> - -<p>Once more he made his former signal. Then he inserted the key. It -moved readily in the wards. He softly pushed open the door. There was -no sound yet from the occupant. He stole back to the candle, returned -with it, sheltering the flame with his palm, and, after a parting -glance backward around the shadowy East Room, entered the cell, -tiptoe.</p> - -<p>The object of his scrutiny lay in a corner, where he had been secured -to a staple, by a rope, in addition to his pinioned legs and arms. He -had started into a semi-upright attitude and was maintaining it, -despite his cords, leaning forward with a most miserably eager and -despairing expression upon his wild countenance.</p> - -<p>Lord Geoffry partially closed the door as he came in. He advanced with -one hand raised, to remind the other of those so near them.</p> - -<p>The prisoner showed that he appreciated the perilous situation by a -nod. Another step or two brought the knight to his side.</p> - -<p>"Do they sleep, out there?" whispered the captive, hoarsely.</p> - -<p>"As if they were dead. Two in that room; the rest elsewhere. Did you -hear my scratching? You expected me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I could make no louder answer. I caught Boyd's warning. -Where is he?"</p> - -<p>"Waiting until the half-hour strikes; with that he comes to the door -of that outer room, and I can tell him whatsoever be these tidings you -bring. What are you—a refugee? Ah, so I supposed. Trust me, then, -with what you have to say. In a moment I will tell you why you may. We -are all friends here."</p> - -<p>"Great God!" interrupted the prisoner, in a bewilderment increasing -each instant, despite the many emotions of the situation. "You are no -servant of Boyd's! Are you his kinsman? I have heard your voice, seen -you before! For the love of Heaven lean forward where I can see your -countenance clearly. I am called Hugh Chisholm."</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage complied. He must have expected, indeed, some special -recognition; for at the sound of that low-spoken name, "Hugh Chisholm," -he bent toward the other man, and in a distinct tone and with a -piercingly anxious glance he repeated it—"Hugh Chisholm? Can it be -the same Chisholm? And if you be from the Braes of Glenmoriston, and -are sent to find in high-road or hedge one Lord Geoffry Armitage, and -answer to his challenge of the Lost Cause"—and he whispered it—"I am -he whom you seek, he who has despaired of meeting you or your fellows -since he left Sheilar."</p> - -<p>The self-control of the other seemed for an instant nearly overthrown. -He murmured some words in a foreign tongue, with so passionate an -inflection that Lord Armitage checked him.</p> - -<p>"'Tis as I scarcely dared hope!" said the latter, continuing in the -fluent French which his overjoyed interlocutor seemed entirely to -understand. "Yes, you find me here. And that it should be you, and I, -I not recognize you at sight! Did Patrick Grant send to Sheilar? I -see; I had left the house before the message could get thither. Here, -let me cut those thongs—the hounds, to so tighten them!"</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage severed them; and he who had endured them was with -difficulty prevented from kneeling at his feet, in what may have been -a thrill of delight and gratitude—or another feeling. But there was -only too much employment for the few moments, any one of which was -liable to fatal interruption. As it was, some outside sound made their -hearts stop beating; but all remained calm again, and they spoke on in -lower and quicker voices.</p> - -<p>"I would have been here early this afternoon but for this luckless -meeting with Jermain and his men on the road, and their capture of me. -I had a companion with me, Rab Kaims, but he escaped in the forest. I -was in despair when they bound me; but scarcely could I believe my -senses when I found that they had turned to Windlestrae, the very -place where Grant expected us to find you! I was able to breathe part -of my tidings in the ear of that lad—Boyd's son, I fancy—awhile -since. He told you? So! My security rested in my feigning to be more -wretched and wounded than I am. But, oh, Heaven! your daring, my -gracious lord, bewilders me. Suppose that——"</p> - -<p>"Suppose nothing, Chisholm! Long ago in Paris I used to tell you that -destiny would support me through any peril. But what brings Danforth -here so unlooked for?"</p> - -<p>"In Neith, the garrison and he have suddenly suspected Boyd's politics -to be quite mistaken hereabouts. Danforth gathered that a refugee had -taken flight from Sheilar Manse in this direction. Yesterday Patrick -Grant had word from Neith that Danforth was for riding over here after -sunrise, examining Boyd and formally searching this manor. He comes; -and you must be far away!"</p> - -<p>"I far away, Chisholm? Truly. But where? Surely you cannot convey me -to—to the place of which you and I know, in the short time between -now and day-break?"</p> - -<p>"I can! Why not? Morning must find us both there, in safety and among -loyal hearts. Naught prevents. It is more than likely that Grant has -provided for our being met on the way. The man Kaims is fleet. They -will all rely on my escaping, be sure."</p> - -<p>"Hark! No; that was not the half-hour. Concerning Boyd, one word." And -Lord Geoffry spoke a sentence that made Chisholm open his wild eyes -still wider and exclaim, "Impossible! But, for the love of Heaven, -why?"</p> - -<p>"Because I so chose—I scarce know why myself," answered Sir Geoffry. -"And I <em>still choose;</em> it must not be otherwise yet. But come; be it -as you say! We will get away from this den of peril. God help Boyd -and his household, when Jermain awakes and Danforth rides up to join -him; for it will be found that two birds instead of one have flown."</p> - -<p>"Aha!" returned the other, with a diabolic glitter flashing in his -eyes that at once revealed the savage nature below, "but why must they -wake, my liege? Are not these in our hand? One knife does their -business before we quit this roof—saves Boyd—eh?"</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage recoiled at the bloody suggestion.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Mort de Dieu!</i> Would you slay the sleeping?" he cried. "Never—never. -It were as foul murder as a Virginian savage could bring himself to -do. Speak of it again, and I will cry out and we both shall perish! -You chill the blood in my veins."</p> - -<p>Chisholm looked at him curiously. But he recognized the determination -in Lord Geoffry's attitude and accent and yielded, murmuring, "So be -it. But because it is thy will. They would serve us thus, be sure."</p> - -<p>"Chisholm, what will become of Boyd and his people when we are sought -for? Oh, the thought is intolerable to me. Go you alone. I cannot -leave them."</p> - -<p>"If we stayed, it were no aid to Boyd," responded Chisholm, rising -after him and taking his shoes in his hand; "and think of what your -death"—the rest of the sentence he finished in Lord Armitage's ear, -plucking the young nobleman imperatively onward. The outlaw locked the -low door behind them with a cool and cautious hand and put the key -into his own pocket, with a scornful smile.</p> - -<p>Cautious of the candle's flickering light in the sleepers' eyelids, -they emerged into the East Room. Boyd came in view as Sir Geoffry -permitted his companion to pass through into the hall, where a lantern -swung. The startled Master clasped his strong hands in consternation -at beholding, not only the expected knight, but with him the prisoner, -released from his fetters and walking upright, with so altered a mien. -Evidently some new move had been found necessary. Boyd's cheek paled -as he realized what would occur if Roxley should spring from his bed -and cry out. He beckoned the fugitives away.</p> - -<p>In a few low-uttered sentences Armitage described his successful -attempt; and in the same breath disclosed the necessity for his -instant flight from the Manor, along with the mysterious messenger. -But more than that he had a private knowledge of Chisholm, and was -positive that he could rely upon his efficient help, the fugitive -seemed not to think it proper to disclose. However, Boyd had heard -often enough of that singular brotherhood of loyalty and marauding, -whose names and exploits have since become part of the history of the -troubled time, and whose cruelty and courage in skirmish and raid -terrified even the Tory troopers in relating—the Seven Men of Glen -Moriston! Who, in turning over the pages of the chronicle of the -"Forty-five," has not paused to admire the daring with which a handful -of desperate spirits maintained themselves in a mountain fastness, -defied pursuit, and, at last, their country restored to peace, died -in their beds?<a href="#jesse" name="jesseback" rel="nofollow>" id="jesseback"><sup>*</sup></a></p> - -<p>With the Men of Glen Moriston, two of them acquaintances, Boyd had -already had dealings; and he needed not now to be informed as to their -fidelity and strength.</p> - -<p>"There is but one course! You must be off without delay!" he exclaimed -to Lord Geoffry. "The great God holds thee in his hand, that he -suffers this warning to reach thee and still leaves open the way of -escape. There must be no stopping for food or better clothing, or what -not—though all that I have, my lord, you know, were at your service. -Those to whom you go will supply you. Downstairs at once! I know the -door best for your passage out. Come!"</p> - -<p>Bewildered still, by want of preparation for this flight, which it was -more than probable he would never retrace, Sir Geoffry obeyed. Boyd, -who was barefooted, went stealthily to the lantern and took it from -its hook. Step by step they descended the staircase after him, the -lantern flashing fitfully upon the wall. Opposite the lowest step -there chanced to be driven a row of wooden pegs for the hanging up of -outside garments.</p> - -<p>"It is chilly. We had best not go without better protection," -suggested Chisholm, in French; and his eye falling on the pile of damp -wraps that Captain Jermain and his men had cast there, the outlaw -detained Boyd until he had coolly laid hands upon a couple of fine -military cloaks, belonging to the dragoons, and, in spite of Boyd's -dumb-show protest, also helped himself to a small leathern pouch which -his deft examination showed him contained a purse and sundry trifling -matters.</p> - -<p>"It makes your false servant who releases me a genuine varlet," the -outlaw argued. "Let us spoil the Egyptians."</p> - -<p>But Boyd only thought, indignantly: "There shines the real thief-spirit, -with a vengeance!" Gilbert gave them his own and Andrew's hats, -and, turning through a short passage, led them into a kind of -"lean-to" opening into the garden. A rude door, fastened with a stout -timber-bar, was all that now interposed between the fugitives and the -outside world of liberty.</p> - -<p>The solemnity and regret of the instant entered deeply into the -spirits of both the young and the elderly man, in spite of the awful -possibility of an alarm ringing through the silent house, now, before -the confident hands of the outlaw, already on the bolt, should lift -it. The generous and grateful soul of the refugee was distressed with -the reflection of the tempest sure to descend upon his protector and -his household; if not from the negligent Jermain, who for his own sake -would hardly dare to make too great a matter of Chisholm's escape, yet -from the untimely visitation of the suspicious Danforth.</p> - -<p>"We must not be shod until we reach the very end of the garden," -cautioned Hugh Chisholm.</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage scarcely heard the words. "Would to Heaven I did not -thus leave you, Boyd!" said he to Gilbert. "Had I believed that such -was to be our parting, I doubt if I had suffered our meeting. After -all that you have done, all that I owe to you—Boyd, forgive me!"</p> - -<p>"I have nothing to forgive, my lord. You came welcomed; whatever -service I have offered has been welcomely tendered—you go to save -your life when I cannot. Farewell!"</p> - -<p>"But how shall I learn of your fortune after this morning's alarm and -search? I cannot turn my back now, thinking that days may pass ere I -do."</p> - -<p>"Those who receive you will bear us tidings; you from me, I from -you, if I live. Fear not for me and mine. The Lord is the Keeper of -Windlestrae; we will not fear what man can do unto us. There will -hardly be more than rough words and impudent questions."</p> - -<p>Ah, self-sacrificing Master of Windlestrae! Even your guest feels that -you are generously glozing over other pictures seen in your mind, as -you thus encourage him.</p> - -<p>"But when shall I see you? Cannot you assure me of that?" implored -Lord Geoffry.</p> - -<p>"I cannot, in truth. In better times, we must both pray; and better -times are not likely soon to break. Come, no more of this! Farewell, -my lord—each second is precious." He held the door open. "Go, go!"</p> - -<p>The outlaw, indeed, beckoned in impatience. A puff of the chill -morning air fluttered out the lantern. In the distance a cock crew -shrilly. Lord Geoffry grasped Boyd's hand, and turned away.</p> - -<p>"God protect you both!" murmured Gilbert, shivering in the wind. It -was clear and cold; the fog in which Jermain had arrived had blown -away, stars glittering overhead, and the bright dawn glimmering -already in the East, in that region so early aglow. But as Armitage -stepped from the stone threshold a sudden, last remembrance rushed -over him. How could it have come so tardily?</p> - -<p>"Boyd, Boyd!" he exclaimed, softly, in a tone that expressed the pang -of remorse and regret assailing him. "Andrew! Where is Andrew? Good -God! can I have so nearly forgotten him?"</p> - -<p>The idea of departing thus, without a syllable to the lad who had -devoted himself to him and exhibited such courage in his protection -amid the environment of danger, was unendurable.</p> - -<p>"He sleeps," replied Gilbert, chafing at further delay; "sheer -weariness all at once overcame him. When I came down he lay on the -floor of the attic chamber."</p> - -<p>Lord Armitage pulled a ring from his finger. "It is better so. That to -him, I beg; that, with my last adieux and my love. Say to him that it -must remind him of the hour when we met, of that hour when we shall -meet again. Heaven bless your boy! I hold him very dear."</p> - -<p>Boyd took the ring. Lord Geoffry vanished after Chisholm in the cold -and darkness.</p> - -<hr class="decorative" /> - -<p class="small"><a name="jesse" rel="nofollow" id="jesse">*</a>See Jesse's Lives of the Pretenders, vol. ii., pp. 136-142. <a href="#jesseback" rel="nofollow">Back</a></p> - -<h2 id="c9">CHAPTER IX.<br /> - -<span class="small">COLONEL DANFORTH.</span></h2> - -<p>Streaked east became flaring light. Deep silence brooded yet over -Windlestrae Farm, broken by no more unaccustomed sound than the notes -of wakened birds, a cock's crow, or the low of kine.</p> - -<p>But when the eastern side of the Manor House was showing a yellowish -tint, with the faint rays of the sun through the morning mist, a -hand was laid upon Roxley's shoulder and that heavy-lidded dragoon -unwillingly opened his eyes, to find Captain Jermain shaking him -gently.</p> - -<p>"Come, Roxley, up with you! We must be on the road without asking for -breakfast. I woke, myself, just now, by good-luck. Hasten!"</p> - -<p>Roxley rubbed his organs of vision. Jermain stumbled, in the dark -room, toward a window, administering a jolting to Dawkin on the way. -He pushed open the thick shutters, so that a gray light filled the -East Room; then he turned abruptly toward the corner, on the farther -side of the bed, saying to what he thought was sentry but was only -shadow:</p> - -<p>"Halloa, there, my man! Go downstairs and see if you can fetch some -water. For the——" Jermain's sentence broke in a profane ejaculation. -"Boyd's knave has bolted! A fine sense of responsibility, truly; and I -dare swear, Roxley, that you cannot tell me when."</p> - -<p>"Captain! Captain Jermain!" spoke Roxley, in an agitated tone. The -trooper was rummaging his clothes excitedly. "I can't find that key. -Did you give it to me?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I did," said Jermain, with a laugh. "I remember well -enough. You pocketed it somewhere. We <em>were</em> all in a bad way, weren't -we?"</p> - -<p>"H'm—where is it? Where is it?" muttered Roxley. The last pocket went -inside out; and just then Roxley started, for at his feet he saw lying -two pieces of leathern thong.</p> - -<p>He uttered a cry of consternation, as things all at once suggested -themselves in their true light.</p> - -<p>"Save us, captain! I fear there has been treachery—an escape!" he -called, hoarsely, running to the oak-door.</p> - -<p>"Escaped! what? who?" cried the confused Dawkin, staggering to his -feet. "Was the prisoner shut up yonder? Where am I? I remember -nothing—what has happened?"</p> - -<p>"Happened? Sots and dullards that you are!" cried Jermain, at once -putting two and two together. "Alarm the place with me, ye sluggards! -Bid them bring an axe and a crow. Where, where be Boyd's ears—or his -people's? Halloa again! The house! The house!"</p> - -<p>Not long after, the morning sunshine lighted up a scene of mortal -confusion in the East Room, the halls, and gardens of the old Manor -House. Jermain, in his first surprise and bitter anger, was not able -to make an intelligible inquiry of anyone—either of his following -or the household. It was Chaos come again. He questioned without -listening to replies, swore furiously at his men, and seemed disposed -to think only of the superficial details of affairs. This was not for -long. When into the upset room, streaked with sunshine, came Gilbert -Boyd, firm of step and hollow-eyed from his long vigil, in which he -had wrestled with his God for guidance and support in the desperate -crisis now involving him and his house—then was it that Jermain -turned upon him like a baited bull.</p> - -<p>For, Boyd's reputation at Fort Augustus, or elsewhere, might be as -Tory as tongues had made it. Possibly a wary Highland prisoner had -cunningly corrupted his guard, and the two vanished together, leaving -no soul under the Manor's roof responsible for the trick. One chain of -thought forbade Jermain to go deeper than this theory, or consider his -host as in collusion. But another one instantly asserted it, link by -link, and turned the accepted partisanship of Gilbert Boyd, Master of -Windlestrae, into a ridiculous error; and, instead of having divined -that error, he, Captain Lionel Jermain, stood there, hoodwinked, -entrapped, a laughing-stock to the regiments! Oh, his puerile taking -all for granted last night—his unsoldierly debauch, that lay also at -the bottom of his predicament! The grosser wits and tastes of Roxley -and the rest might seem pardonable; his behavior, never!</p> - -<p>"You have heard of this miserable business, Mr. Boyd?" he demanded, -breathlessly, of Gilbert.</p> - -<p>"I have," was Gilbert's monosyllabic answer. He looked the captain -straight in the eye.</p> - -<p>"It is inexplicable, outrageous! What business had you, Mr. Boyd, to -press upon me a servant of whom, by all that I gather, you knew far -less than you gave me to understand—a fellow who has played the -traitor, disgraced me, and criminated you!"</p> - -<p>"I am sorry that any gentleman of the service should suffer by the -misconduct of one of my household," replied Gilbert, sharply, "but I -deny that it criminates anyone of my household, except I shall have -proof of it."</p> - -<p>Jermain stared angrily at Boyd for a couple of seconds. Then, with an -oath, he burst into a peal of coarse laughter, ending it with:</p> - -<p>"Your impudence is a marvel, Mr. Boyd."</p> - -<p>"And your conduct, at this moment, Captain Jermain, very unlike your -behavior last night upon entering my house."</p> - -<p>"I fancy that I know now a different host," sneered the captain. -"Idiot that I have been!" he muttered. "Hark ye, Boyd, I tie, hand and -foot, a wounded prisoner. I cast him into yonder strong-room, through -whose door he cannot be heard, unless he call—a door that I lock with -my own hands——"</p> - -<p>Boyd interrupted—"The key of which you gave to one of your own troop, -who hides it about his person."</p> - -<p>"Ay, but—when the soldier he commits it to is in no case to resist -its theft. Be silent, I command you, Roxley! You knew this, Mr. -Boyd; so did your sentry, after or before your return with him well -instructed in how he was to act."</p> - -<p>"Was it your duty to accept such aid, Captain Jermain? Was it—no -matter if you knew the outsider as well as I?"</p> - -<p>"I—I—there are circumstances, Mr. Boyd, in which—in which an -officer acts—according to circumstances; especially with an honest -representation in his ear. Mr. Boyd, Mr. Boyd, I know not yet what -to think of you, sir, however much you may have trusted your false -varlet!"</p> - -<p>"Determine for yourself, Captain Jermain. But let me ask if I am not -to be deceived in a man, like the rest of the world?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't plead that!" retorted Jermain. "Had you less knowledge of -him than selecting him meant? Or is he, too, a part of the riddle? -For, by the sword of Claver'se! I can find but little account of him -from his fellows whom I have catechized here. What have you to say for -yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Captain Jermain, you shall use no such tone to me! I deny the need of -my replying to you, sir. Remember that, soldier or not, you have been -and you are my guest!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, you do well to remind me of that! It is no moment for me to be -overawed by trumpery Highland dignity, sir. If I am forced to violate -the code of hospitality, it is because I have reason to believe that I -have been tricked and deluded—with many other people. I propose to -sift this occurrence at once, Mr. Boyd."</p> - -<p>"Sift it how and when you choose, young sir! You will find only -honesty where Windlestrae is concerned. I defy you!"</p> - -<p>"Ha! you defy me?" iterated Jermain, sarcastically. "Mark that, -Roxley!" The other two dragoons would have spoken, but he silenced -them with an angry gesture. "<em>That</em> commonly means a plot that is -deep-laid, Mr. Boyd."</p> - -<p>"Deep-laid?" returned Gilbert, in a sterner accent and with curling -lips—"find it out, then, Captain Jermain! Or, rather, create it to -suit yourself and to best screen yourself. You would visit your spleen -upon Windlestrae? You would fasten the fault of your prisoner's escape -on my family? Suppose I cast in your teeth the abuse of my kindness -that made you and your four companions incapable of thinking of your -common duty, unable to perform it. Can you deny that——"</p> - -<p>"No more, Mr. Gilbert Boyd!" exclaimed Jermain, scarlet with anger and -the sting of Boyd's bold reminders. But he thought best to stomach the -rest of Gilbert's courageous accusation.</p> - -<p>"——That on yonder bed lay Roxley—and Dawkin there? Why suffered -they this jail-breaking to go on, not two paces from their ears? -Down-stairs at this moment are stretched Tracey and Saville, sunk in a -drunken stupor yet too deep for their stirring, for all your cries -and tramplings over this discovery. And you, Captain, where and how -employed were you? You, their head, and responsible for their conduct -on the march?"</p> - -<p>Jermain was silent. The course of the Master of Windlestrae grew with -each sentence, to him and the rest, more astonishing. But the secret -of it was not Boyd's hope to avert by bandying of words or by his -dignity the storm now let loose. In the dark attic the Master had -risen from his knees believing, as if from an assurance of the Lord, -that the time for blunt truth, right against might, was set straight -before him. "God help me!" he cried, "not another twist, not another -half-lie nor Devil's gloze of fact shall they have from lips of me or -mine. Only a long and black list of them could serve us now; and that -for how little space! Reveal thine arm to me this day, O Thou of the -Covenant!" It was with the iron composure of some martyrs who have -gone to their stakes that Gilbert Boyd had entered the East Room.</p> - -<p>"Look here, Mr. Boyd," said Jermain, now striving to maintain a -certain politic decorum, "I will have no such insinuations. It is true -that I—or some—all—of my attendance became, last evening, owing to -the fatigues of the day's riding, less—less abstemious at table than -we might properly have been. I apologize for it. I apologize for the -way in which we conducted ourselves during the inspection of your -famous Mouse's Nest——"</p> - -<p>"You do well, sir," said Boyd, coldly.</p> - -<p>"Do well?" repeated Jermain, angrily. "By Mars! but I dare swear that -your Scotch revenge for my acquaintance with the secret chamber was -thus taken. 'Tis like a Scotchman."</p> - -<p>"That is false. I bore no malice for your knowledge, nor for your -violence. You were in no state to conduct yourself like a gentleman."</p> - -<p>Alack! Discretion ought ever to elbow Valor, but so seldom does. Old -Gilbert Boyd was bringing to bear in this interview many heroic -qualities—his love for the truth, his trust in Heaven, and the simple -power of a bold soul. Jermain inwardly weakened before them; and -whatever he attempted to seem, he was beginning to wonder whether he -were behaving wisely. He did not wish, he dared not just now, to press -the affair. To do so he must be re-enforced from somewhere. His -reputation as a soldier Boyd plainly held in his hands. He feared him. -He was already thinking it would be better to swallow his pride, hurry -off from the Manor with as much dignity as he could collect, and then -descend again upon it from Neith, some fine morning, like a whirlwind. -Yes, that would make brave amends! Such were Jermain's reflections -when Boyd said that indignant something he needed not—that luckless, -"You were in no state to conduct yourself like a gentleman."</p> - -<p>"You lie, Mr. Boyd!" cried the young captain. He threw himself at -Gilbert's throat, forgetting the disparity in their years, forgetting -policy, everything.</p> - -<p>"Back with you, baby in your gold-laced cap!" quoth Boyd, dashing him -to the floor with one stroke of his muscular arm, all his fiery temper -and outraged respect showing themselves in his defiant attitude.</p> - -<p>Jermain struck out both hands in falling. He dragged Boyd nearly -prostrate. Gilbert resisted furiously. This violent turn of affairs -consumed so little time that the crestfallen Roxley and Dawkin were -taken by surprise. But Dawkin and one of the men-servants sprang -forward and caught hold of the Captain. Roxley grasped Boyd. The two -were forced apart. With Boyd panting and Jermain cursing, each was -made to right himself.</p> - -<p>But, just as the on-lookers restrained them, Andrew Boyd hurriedly -crossed the threshold of the room. He uttered a cry of terror. In the -confusion of struggling figures, the clamor of eavesdropping women, -and exclamations of the rest, it seemed to him immediately that Roxley -was throttling Gilbert.</p> - -<p>"Unhand my father, villain!" the intrepid boy called out, springing -like a tiger-cat on the uncouth dragoon. With a blow from his doubled -fist he struck stout Roxley much more effectively than the rules of -his Lordship of Queensberry now sanction—aiming at, in a gastronomic -as well as a pugilistic sense, Roxley's most attackable spot—and at -the same time seized him by the windpipe. Roxley, roaring and gasping, -released Gilbert; then strove to clutch this puissant enemy. The -<i class="loanword">mêlée</i> might have become general, for the room rang with exclamations -and threats and the scuffle of feet. But Boyd snatched Andrew to his -side, waved away the servants, and cried, "Peace! peace, I say! This -is no time for a brawl over a boy. Captain Jermain, command yonder -fellow to keep his hands for men, not children. Andrew, leave the -room."</p> - -<p>Scarcely had Gilbert uttered such words when hasty steps came along -the corridor. A cry of surprise echoed from the hall. The angry group -turned. They beheld in the door-way a new participant—a short, spare -little officer, of perhaps forty-five years, with grizzled hair, a -thin face, set lips, and a pallid color. He stretched out his hand at -the astonished disputants.</p> - -<p>"No! Neither Andrew nor any other person must leave the room. Mr. -Boyd, you and these comrades here seem not to have expected visitors -so early."</p> - -<p>It was Colonel Danforth. At his back appeared half a dozen other -soldiers. Without the house were reined six times as many. The -confusion within enabled the Colonel to make one of those quiet -advents so dear to his cunning heart; and he had hastened up from the -nearly deserted lower story to share in the extraordinary fracas, -visible as well as audible through the open windows of the East Room, -as he and his men had trotted up below.</p> - -<p>With grim pleasure, he stood there. He observed the consternation -his presence brought. This small, invalid-looking man! Was he the -soldier never accused by his comrades of humor except to wound; -devoid of enthusiasm except in cruelty, of clemency save to the -dead, or, indeed, of any emotions but those allied to a ferocity and -vindictiveness from which a Malaccan pirate might have borrowed?</p> - -<p>"Captain Lionel Jermain, I believe," he said, advancing carelessly -through the roomful, and still extending his hand. "This is an -unexpected meeting, Mr. Boyd. I give myself the honor of this very -early visit—that is, to you, not your guests—upon a matter of some -import; but I am glad to find acquaintance already before me. You seem -agitated here. May I take the liberty of asking you, Captain, from -what has arisen this altercation? Or you, Mr. Boyd? I may be able to -adjust it."</p> - -<p>The quick, decisive voice ceased. The speaker fixed his eyes on -Gilbert, though he addressed Jermain. The Captain, seeing his way very -clear to violent methods of uncovering the whole puzzle and revenging -himself upon fate and Windlestrae for it, saluted, assumed a more -soldier like attitude and demeanor, and said, with an angry glance at -Gilbert: "Colonel, you know me. I am not one to groundlessly accuse. I -have lodged with Mr. Boyd overnight. I charge him with promoting the -escape of a Jacobite prisoner whom I bestowed in yonder strong-room -under his direction."</p> - -<p>"And I charge that young soldier with behavior unworthy a gentleman -and an officer—drunkenness, abuse, and assault, and I throw his -accusation back into his face," returned Boyd, speaking clearly and -decidedly. But he drew Andrew closer as he uttered his brave defiance. -The worst had come to the worst; and it was now simply a question of -manly behavior and the end appointed by Providence.</p> - -<p>"Ha!" spat out Danforth, with a flash darting from his small eyes -that betokened instant thunder, "is this the trouble? Ah, I am not -surprised, Captain. Mr. Boyd seems to be a man concerning whom most of -us have oddly been at fault. Mr. Boyd, I have heard both sides, I -presume? In turn, I must inform you that I have come to you this -morning to determine whether or not you have in hiding at present in -your house, or have been so secreting for certain days, a Jacobite -refugee—another one, I take it—named Lord Geoffry Armitage. Will you -be good enough to answer whether you have known aught of the movements -of such a person?"</p> - -<p>Boyd stared back in rigid silence. Whatever he might have said—always -within the truth—he had no chance to prove. For, at the mention of -his gallant friend's name, Andrew, in horror and utter despair, sank -gasping in a half-faint. Boyd caught him or he would have fallen at -his feet, and kneeling, with his son upon his arm, looked silently up -at Danforth, like an old lion beside its tormented whelp.</p> - -<p>"Ha!" exclaimed Danforth, with a sudden change from dignity to -ferocity, "I need no other answer than that cry at present. Mr. Boyd, -consider yourself under arrest." He struck his palms together. The -soldiers manacled Boyd.</p> - -<p>"The cockerel with the cock!" added Danforth. They gyved the -semiconscious Andrew also. Angus and Neil and their fellows suffered -a similar indignity in a twinkling.</p> - -<p>"Now, gentlemen, all down below!" ejaculated Danforth, looking like -some venomous snake, exultant in the power of the poison he can -infuse. "Bring them! Captain Jermain, you can tell me more of your -story outside." With an oath, he added: "I'll hold high court on the -lawn; and I rather think that there won't be much left to find out -when it's over. Be quick, you lazy varlets!"</p> - -<h2 id="c10">CHAPTER X.<br /> - -<span class="small">ALL FOR HIM.</span></h2> - -<p>In the middle of the little lawn Danforth stopped. A portion of the -dismounted guard, on seeing their leader and Captain Jermain come from -the Manor House door followed by their companions and the prisoners, -gathered about him. The eight or ten who remained on horseback drew as -close to the centre of investigation as was practicable. It was a -spirited picture—the frowning gray house, all thrown open; the -sunshiny grass-plot, covered with horses and men; the group of -prisoners, at whom, from time to time, Danforth looked maliciously -while Captain Jermain poured his angry tale in his ear.</p> - -<p>"That will do, Captain!" the Colonel presently interrupted; "I think I -understand the course of matters sufficiently to get to the bottom of -them." He leaned against a tree. "Hark ye, Mr. Boyd," and he surveyed -Gilbert amid his guards. "That you are responsible for both these acts -I clearly see. You are an old traitor, an old traitor, sir! You merit -the fullest punishment that you have too long escaped. But I am just, -sir, I am perfectly just—I do not wish to visit more than he deserves -upon even the worst Jacobite rascal that draws breath. Tell me, -therefore, instantly, the whole of your share, first, in this shameful -treachery to Captain Jermain, and, second, everything concerning this -equally treasonable Armitage business."</p> - -<p>With as calm deliberateness as if he had been announcing the fact -to Lord George Murray or Lochiel, Gilbert responded: "The Highland -prisoner, brought by Captain Jermain, I ordered set at liberty this -morning by his sentry. At this hour they are both beyond your -pursuit."</p> - -<p>A general cry of wrath put a period to Boyd's response. Danforth -smiled—smiled in his most sinister fashion. He muttered something to -Jermain. Andrew did not take his eyes from his father's set face.</p> - -<p>"Very well, Mr. Boyd," resumed Colonel Danforth; "so much for that! -Now for the next. Have you entertained this Lord Armitage under your -roof?"</p> - -<p>"That question I decline to answer, Colonel Danforth," said Gilbert.</p> - -<p>"Which is a silly way of saying 'yes.' How long since, Mr. Boyd?"</p> - -<p>No reply. Other interests than his own were blended in a response to -this. Unforced, Gilbert would not yield an inch here.</p> - -<p>"How long since, I say, Mr. Boyd? So reluctant? Very good. Bring that -lad here!"</p> - -<p>Gilbert could not suppress a tremor and a stifled protest as he heard -this sudden order and saw Andrew pushed forward. But a hand struck the -Master of Windlestrae sharply across his mouth, he was seized on -either side, made to stand turned about, with his back to his son and -this English inquisitor, and so held fast.</p> - -<p>"You heard what I last asked your father, boy? Now I'll try you—and -mind you speak the truth. Has this Armitage been in Windlestrae Manor -within one week?"</p> - -<p>White and defiant, Andrew looked Danforth in the face; and, remembering -Gilbert's behavior, was also mute. He glanced, too, at a sapphire ring -upon his finger.</p> - -<p>Cunning Danforth! He well guessed how speediest to reach his end. He -made a sign. Boyd heard a certain confusion, but was held as if in a -vice. In a twinkling Andrew's clothes were, not so much pulled, as -torn from his back. Three burly dragoons forced the lad into a -partially stooping position. A fourth raised a leathern whip with four -or five lashes.</p> - -<p>"Speak, insolent young dog!" cried Danforth; "answer my question!"</p> - -<p>"I will not!" retorted Andrew, suddenly struggling.</p> - -<p>"Give it to him, Foote!" shouted the Colonel.</p> - -<p>A whish in the air—the blows of the thongs, and a boyish shriek!</p> - -<p>"Again!" spoke Danforth; and again the hideous instrument descended, -cutting into the bared white flesh and wringing confession of the -agony it inflicted—no other confession.</p> - -<p>But before the whip could again do its fearful office Boyd wrenched -himself loose. He ran to his son's side with a cry of passion and -horror and sacrifice. He threw his arms about Andrew, fettered as he -was, fairly dashing the monsters off by his impetuous interposition.</p> - -<p>"Stop, stop, for the love of God!" he exclaimed. "Colonel -Danforth—Captain Jermain—spare the innocent! On me, on me, do what -you will! I <em>have</em> sheltered Lord Geoffry Armitage. He was the sentry -who fled with the prisoner this morning. They are safe! Do your worst, -but only to me; I am responsible for everything—everything! God send -all such hunted men deliverance; and God send confusion on you and -your king!"</p> - -<p>A shout from the dragoons, a confused clamor from the helpless -servants, and half a dozen quick sentences from the two officers -followed.</p> - -<p>Under such a revelation, Captain Jermain was with difficulty kept from -a second personal assault on his late host. Without blenching, Gilbert -stood firm until all the ebullition should subside. "Courage, my brave -lad!" he said to Andrew; "we could only bring worse trouble on others -by longer silence. We are in the hands of the Lord of Hosts—if the -worst be death, He shall sustain us in that, too!"</p> - -<p>Danforth turned upon Boyd, with a smile which was more ominous than a -whole torrent of threats.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Boyd. I see you have prudence in emergencies as well -as adroitness. I am satisfied with your admissions for this moment. -The details I shall take opportunity of hearing in the guard-house at -Neith. Ah, Barkalow, you have finished your search through the house? -Did you get into that secret chamber with Captain Jermain's man? Very -good. Holloa, there! Into the saddle, everybody! Captain Jermain, -please order your men to mount! Croft, see that Boyd and his son have -horses—it will save time. Release the servants! By Jove! we have made -quick work this morning. Back to Neith, instantly!"</p> - -<p>In five minutes Andrew and Gilbert found themselves the centre of a -cordon moving slowly over the Manor lawn. Protest from the servants -was useless; the weeping of the faithful women was rudely silenced. In -front rode Colonel Danforth and his younger colleague, who was still -tracing out, angrily, the night's work, with Roxley and Dawkin, and an -occasional comment from gruff Lieutenant Barkalow. But just as they -gained a slight eminence, close beside the rude gate-way of the Manor -that opened into the Neith Road, the Colonel reined his horse and said -to the Master:</p> - -<p>"Boyd, what shall be done to you for this traitorous business I know -not; nor shall I know until I draw out of you at Neith an accounting, -down to the least detail. And I will draw it—expect that! But, for -your insolence and stubbornness thus far, I can show you your reward, -already."</p> - -<p>He pointed back to the Manor House through the oaks. Four belated -dragoons dashed up at the same moment. What had detained them -explained itself at once. Faint cries from the terrified group -left masterless about the open door; a column of smoke suddenly -rising against the sky—the defenceless old house was fired! Two of -Danforth's cruel emissaries had slipped around to the rear and set -brands to the thatch of an odd wing. In a moment the flames leaped -high in air, roaring and crackling, before the eyes of its owner and -his heir.</p> - -<p>Boyd groaned. But he said no word. He watched the destroyer blaze from -casement to casement, seethe against the old stone walls and surge -upward in rolling masses of smoke, consuming all that was perishable -before it. He had to stand there and hear his live-stock career in a -panic down distant lanes as the great barn caught in turn and swelled -the conflagration. Andrew covered his face. He could not bear the -spectacle.</p> - -<p>Once, however, he looked across at his father, and observed him still -determined not to give his tormentors the satisfaction of a word of -protest or despair over what was leaving him a ruined man; but the -strong old face was working convulsively, and the overarched eyes were -filled with tears.</p> - -<p>Long afterward, Andrew used to say that it was the only time that he -remembered seeing his father shed them.</p> - -<p>"On!" commanded Danforth, abruptly, "the show is over!"</p> - -<p>The father and son were separated; neither could they converse. They -rode along, now too miserable over the past to be concerned for the -future. The laughing and talking of the dragoons they heeded no -longer. Once Boyd was heard to say, in a suffocated voice, "The Lord -gave and the Lord hath taken away!" He knew what that meant now.</p> - -<p>After about an hour's slow progress, they entered a little defile -between two low hills covered with pine-trees. As the middle of it was -attained, Colonel Danforth, from the van of the column, raised his -eyes to a covert, and then exclaimed, "Captain Jermain! Mr. Barkalow! -Look up there—beside the white bowlder. Isn't that a man skulking?"</p> - -<p>Before the other two could answer, a shot rang out on the breeze. -A dragoon cried out in anguish and fell from his horse, dead. -Another shot followed—another. The figures of several men were now -discernible above, leaping between the trees.</p> - -<p>"A surprise! a surprise! At them, every man of you! 'Tis a rescue!" -called out Danforth and the other officers.</p> - -<p>But the volley that hailed on them with this order was so full and -galling that it struck the troop with panic. Men were calling out in -pain, or falling, right and left. A wild slogan echoed above and -around from the dense shrubbery. The horses plunged, their riders -rolling in the dust under their hoofs. Encumbered with their steeds, -the soldiers were utterly unprepared for such an ambush. Each second -came the bullets from the ensconced sharp-shooters.</p> - -<p>"Villains! cowards!" shouted Colonel Danforth; "will you fly from a -pack of Highland wolves?" But as he lashed his horse up the bluff, -what seemed to be the first of a horde of gigantic, half-crazed -desperadoes rushed from the thicket upon the troopers, yelling again -an undistinguishable cry, and brandishing naked weapons.</p> - -<p>This was too much even for Danforth. Over the bodies of a dozen dead -or dying men of his escort, and a struggling horse or two, he fled -amain, with all his cohort, regardless of aid to comrades or securing -the two prisoners. But as the dragoon conducting Andrew pushed away -the boy, he fired his pistol full at him. Gilbert struck his arm -aside. He diverted the bullet from his son's brain to his own -shoulder. And then, in a flash, the defile was abandoned to these -uncouth and unknown friends, so disguised that they could not be -distinguished one from the other.</p> - -<p>Amid a rush and sundry very disconnected reassurances, Gilbert and -Andrew found themselves surrounded by their panting but victorious -deliverers, and urged furiously up the almost inaccessible mountain-path.</p> - -<p>"Ask no questions now! You shall hear all soon," said one of their -flying escort; "you must first be safe." Gilbert was soon discovered -to be in no condition to ask questions, or, indeed, more than endure -so rough a journey. The wound, which in the excitement of their rescue -he had thought little of, was bleeding profusely, and he turned -presently very faint from pain and weakness. In astonishment at his -fortitude, so far, the riders halted behind a pile of crags, and the -hurt was looked to hastily by two young men. The bullet had entered -the breast, glancing from the shoulder, and its dislodgement must be a -work of better opportunity. They supported Gilbert on his horse for -the rest of the way, he enduring the increasing torment and weakness -manfully. But Andrew was not a little alarmed to see how much his -father suffered and how haggard grew his face. They had, however, -chance for but a few words now; Gilbert's resolution keeping up the -speed of the party at a high rate, and mounted or unmounted members of -it hurrying along with an astonishingly equal rapidity.</p> - -<p>After half an hour's ride they galloped through a ravine where it was -a miracle to find a track, so savage and sombre were the surroundings. -Next, a deep glen began opening below them. From those beside them -neither father nor son could yet gain a syllable of explanation as to -how they had come to them in their extreme need nor whither they sped; -indeed, all of them spoke a particularly guttural Gaelic. But with the -certainty that he and his father were delivered, there came a new hope -into Andrew's heart.</p> - -<p>Nor was that hope checked. For, presently, flushed and breathless -from their downward career, he and Gilbert suddenly passed through a -vast cleft, some rods wide, between two cliffs at the foot of the last -mountain-spur. A rude camp lay before them. Men and women, and even -children, were moving about in it, and spoil of all sorts seemed to be -piled up under the shelter of booths and trees.</p> - -<p>"Huzzah!" rang a welcome to their guards.</p> - -<p>"Huzzah!" replied the latter's shout, the horsemen throwing themselves -to the turf; some of the band talking boisterously in Gaelic, others -assisting the two Boyds to dismount and paying solicitous heed to -Gilbert's suffering state.</p> - -<p>Andrew set his feet on the earth. And then out from a hut hurried a -dozen men, whose bearing at once asserted high rank and broken -fortunes. But the foremost figure outsped them and ran forward, and -caught Andrew in an embrace, amid an acclaim, "God save the Prince!" -and all about Andrew and his father men and women were kneeling upon -the green sod.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my lord, my lord!" cried Andrew, looking up into Sir Geoffry's -face; "are you here? God be praised!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Andrew," replied the knight, with one hand upon the boy's -shoulder, but extending the other to Gilbert, who knelt, despite his -exhaustion, before his late guest, in a sudden awe and amazement -that even the morning's terrible experiences could not check. "Yes, -Andrew, I am here, dearest lad—I, your friend; and, some day, please -Heaven!—your King!"</p> - -<h2 id="c11">CHAPTER XI.<br /> - -<span class="small">UNDER THE OAK.</span></h2> - -<p>Yes, so it was! The pursued refugee, for whose sake Windlestrae lay a -ruin, for whose sake its owner and his son were sheltered with him in -the hidden stronghold of the Seven Men of Glenmoriston, might be no -better able to make amends for such calamities, nor defend himself -and them from further mischiefs. But under the veil of Lord Geoffry -Armitage, Charles Stewart, the adored Prince of Scotland, had seen fit -to hide himself in Windlestrae; and if it was the man that Andrew and -his father had learned to love, it was also their sovereign whom they -had entertained unawares.</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, Boyd," cried the Pretender, raising Gilbert tenderly and -insisting that, because of his extreme faintness, he should recline on -a pallet already improvised; "forgive me! It was not that I feared to -trust you or Andrew with your king's identity. I deferred doing so -from an idle freak, when we met, until I was ashamed—and then -came the hope of better days, when I might enjoy your surprise at -recognizing me in gayer surroundings. Alas, alas! I looked not for -such a meeting as this. Tell me at once, Andrew, for the love of -Heaven, the worst those miscreants have done to you."</p> - -<p>"Danforth arrived, my lord—I mean, Your Majesty," Andrew began, -falteringly.</p> - -<p>"Nay, I like the old title best. By the ring that I gave thee, call me -by it," interrupted Prince Charles, smiling. He was in haste to hear -the outlines of the story, for he was secretly shocked at Boyd's -appearance. A refugee surgeon, who was addressed by the sympathizing -group as MacCullom, was dressing the pistol-wound, with a solicitous -face, and administering spirits. Extracting the ball he found was -impossible.</p> - -<p>"The escape had just been discovered. They sought to know more. -Danforth was there, too. My father and I kept back what we could, -until they wrung from us your being at Windlestrae and flying with the -outlaw. They fettered my father—beat me—have burnt Windlestrae. We -were being borne to Neith by them."</p> - -<p>"O God!" cried Prince Charles, raising his eyes to the blue sky above, -and then casting them in grief and pity on the father and son; "what -misery do I bring upon men wherever I set my foot! Reward such -faithful hearts, O Lord, for all the sorrow I breed among them! Hear -ye that, Patrick Grant—hear ye that, John Macdonnell? If ever we -again can lift hand against them, woe be to them and their children!"</p> - -<p>"It shall—it shall! Woe be to them!" rose the hoarse reply from those -standing by.</p> - -<p>"Your Majesty, the wounded gentleman would fain speak with you," said -the surgeon MacCollum. He added, in a whisper, something else, as -Charles turned apologetically to Boyd's resting-place, that made the -Prince exclaim, in a shocked tone, "What? No, no! It cannot be, -MacCollum, it must not be."</p> - -<p>But the other answered, "I am as astonished as you; but it is too -late, Your Majesty."</p> - -<p>Boyd was stretched out at the foot of an oak, carefully tended. "What -is it, true friend?" asked Charles, bending over him and clasping his -sinewy hand. "God do more to me for ill than he hath, if I do not -revenge you upon those who have so wronged you for my sake! Are you in -great pain?"</p> - -<p>"Not so great but that I would fain hear of your adventures after you -left my poor house," began Boyd, gasping, despite his fortitude. -"Alas! my house had done them no wrong! Why should they destroy it -with its Master?"</p> - -<p>"With its Master?" remonstrated Charles; "nay, Boyd, you are -over-fearful. Chisholm and I—see, there he is—oh, we found the path -that he well knew how to trace, and were here hours ago. A number of -brave men, believing, from Rab Kaims' tale, that mischief was in the -air, were dashing away toward the Neith Road to fall upon Danforth -when he should set out for the town. They were your rescuers, and had -gone when Chisholm and I got hither."</p> - -<p>"God be blessed for them!" replied Boyd, feebly. "I thank Him that I, -too, have been counted worthy to suffer for my king! What a joy, what -an honor forever, in my family, unto Andrew's children's children, -shall this week remain!" The thought seemed to possess him wholly.</p> - -<p>"And what keen remorse and regret to me, noble Master of Windlestrae!" -exclaimed Charles. He drew Andrew closer as they knelt there together. -The lad had grown more alarmed than ever at his father's appearance, -but was far from suspecting that MacCollum's whisper pronounced the -wound mortal, and Gilbert's life a question of brief time. The -infuriated trooper had not thrown away his shot.</p> - -<p>"Nay, my lord—be it not so," replied Boyd, "not so! What hath chanced -is of God and for my sovereign. Aha!" added he with a scornful curl of -his lips, now white and compressed in pain, "what will my Windlestrae -neighbors say when they learn it? Andrew, boy, the honor of my house, -of thy house is won for thee, when Scotland shall see peace beneath -her rightful king. Would I might not die here! If I could but live to -welcome such a day, too! Not so is it set for me!"</p> - -<p>"Father, father!" ejaculated Andrew, dropping his royal protector's -hand as the bitter truth broke upon him. "Why speak you thus? Do you -suffer so? Oh, tell me not, tell me not that he is—is dying! Look at -him, gentlemen, look at him!"</p> - -<p>"My poor fellow," responded MacCollum, gently, as he felt the -patient's pulse—for Boyd had closed his eyes an instant, from agony -and exhaustion—"I should wrong you by feigning. I fear that he cannot -hold out long."</p> - -<p>Boyd looked up again. A great change had suddenly come over his face. -Andrew was terrified at it. His father not only was intensely pale -and weak, but the lines of age had somehow stolen into his rugged -countenance, the shadows of eld into his sunken eyes.</p> - -<p>"My lord," he said to the Pretender, after a long look at Andrew, "I -am dying. I pass away, here, in this green-wood, stretched at your -feet, not making obeisance before you when you shall be seated on the -throne of your fathers. Will you grant me a last request? By one -promise you can repay all this debt which, while it lies lightly, ay, -joyfully, on my heart, you say is a burden to yours."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Boyd, Boyd—anything—everything!" exclaimed Charles, the tears -filling his blue eyes.</p> - -<p>"Unto you, then, do I commit my son. Defend him, care for him, so far -as Heaven shall permit. He is as a wild partridge upon the mountains -now; as art thou. But I see it, I feel it, the God of Strength shall -lead thee and him hence; yea, shall deliver thee in safety from this -land, and grant to thee long life and a death upon a peaceful pillow. -Henceforth, remember my lad. Swear to me that thou wilt, so far as -shall be in thy power, be his guardian, his protector forevermore."</p> - -<p>"I swear it," replied Prince Charles, solemnly, taking the sobbing -Andrew's hand again in his own. "I call these about us to my witness. -Whither I go, shall he go; and where I lodge, shall he lodge."</p> - -<p>"You mark?" asked Boyd, with painful eagerness, turning his eyes -to those on the right and left of his couch. "So may it be! Andrew, -to thy king do I commit thee. Live thou for him—die thou for him -as do I, if need be. Lean over—kiss my forehead. Ah, thy face -looks like thy mother's, boy, when I wedded her under the green -holms at Dunmorar. So!—my lord, with this Mouse's Nest we defy -Danforth——Quick, Mistress Janet, bring the candles!—we must not -lose a moment! It is life and death! Captain Jermain, Captain Jermain, -you can <em>not</em> lodge in the Purple Chamber!"——And then, with a few -more muttered incoherencies in his delirium, the heroic soul of the -Master of Windlestrae fled.</p> - -<p>One by one the circle drew back or slipped away, leaving only the -Prince and Andrew gazing through their tears on the face upturned to -the waving oak. Presently Surgeon MacCollum came and gently laid a -cloak over the still form. The sobbing Andrew was drawn away. But -Charles remained on his knees, praying inaudibly, beside the dead -Master's body.</p> - -<h2 id="c12">CHAPTER XII.<br /> - -<span class="small">L'ENVOI.</span></h2> - -<p>Perhaps history can best remind the reader of what followed. How, -after some further but slighter peril, Charles Stewart was guided, by -other devoted friends, by way of Bowalder and Auchnagarry, to the -Castle of Lochiel and the longed-for sea-coast—one can read this -for himself. There rode at anchor—oh, sight of inexpressible -comfort!—the two French vessels <i class="name">L'Heureux</i> and <i class="name">La Princesse de -Conti,</i> sent by the exiled Chevalier from Morlaix Harbor, France, and -waiting until the fugitive's approach, so frequently despaired of. -In <i class="name">L'Heureux,</i> on the night of September 20, 1746, Charles Stewart -embarked for France, with one hundred and thirty other exiled -and beggared followers. From its deck, nine days later, did the -unfortunate heir to the throne of the Stewarts step to the beach at -Roscoff, near Morlaix—able, for the first time in weary months, to -draw a free breath and look about him in perfect safety; his hopes of -a kingdom broken at his back like egg-shells.</p> - -<p>But history, which seldom has space for such trifles, does not state -that ever at the Prince's side, upon sea or land, from the hour of his -departure from Glenmoriston and its outlaws, there was a Highland lad, -toward whom the exile showed a quiet care and affection, never for -an instant relaxed, and of a sort that won the notice of all who -encountered them. Little was said of his antecedents or his story. The -Prince desired no questions upon the matter; but he and his gallant -looking <i class="loanword">protégé</i> seemed inseparable even in private.</p> - -<p>And when the fugitive made that almost royal entrance to Fontainebleau -to meet Louis XV., in a carriage following his own, clad in -deep mourning, rode Andrew Boyd, usually spoken of as "that young -Scotchman—the special confidential secretary of the Prince."</p> - -<p>With Charles, Andrew led a busy and somewhat varied life for the next -few years, while his noble protector flitted, now to one European -city, now another; until Charles succeeded, through the agency of some -Scotch acquaintances, in providing substantially for Andrew and, at -the same time, in having restored to him the lands of Windlestrae. -Thereupon, grown to man's estate, Andrew built again a Manor House, -and even collected about him some of the old servants. Thither, too, -did he bring home, not long after, a fair French bride. Never was a -cheerfuller wedding, or one that prophesied more truly of the calm -and happy years to follow it, for the bride and groom. But on the -marriage-day, as he stood proudly admiring his young wife's rich -costume, Andrew was heard to sigh; and when she demanded the reason, -he replied, gently, "Alas! dear heart, thy knots of white ribbon -mind me of so many White Cockades! Thou hast many fair white roses, -yonder—hide thy love-knots with them!"</p> - -<h2>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</h2> - -<p class="noindent">Obvious printing errors have been silently corrected throughout. -Otherwise, inconsistencies and possible errors have been preserved.</p> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHITE COCKADES ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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