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diff --git a/7318-h/7318-h.htm b/7318-h/7318-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bad5595 --- /dev/null +++ b/7318-h/7318-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10449 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Bravest of the Brave, by G. A. Henty. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bravest of the Brave, by G. A. Henty + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Bravest of the Brave + or, with Peterborough in Spain + +Author: G. A. Henty + +Release Date: July 30, 2009 [EBook #7318] +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE + </h1> + <h2> + OR, WITH PETERBOROUGH IN SPAIN + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By G. A. Henty. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> <br /><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> THE WAR OF THE + SUCCESSION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> IMPRESSED + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> A + DOMESTIC STORM <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + SERGEANT'S YARN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + PIRATE HOLD <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> A + COMMISSION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> BARCELONA + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> A + TUMULT IN THE CITY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE + ADVANCE INTO VALENCIA <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. + </a> AN ADVENTURE IN THE MOUNTAINS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> VALENCIA <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> IRREGULAR WARFARE + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> THE + FRENCH CONVOY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> A + PRISONER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> THE + RELIEF OF BARCELONA <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. + </a> INGRATITUDE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER + XVII. </a> HOME <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + My Dear Lads: + </p> + <p> + There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so completely + fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. His career as a + general was a brief one, extending only over little more than a year, and + yet in that time he showed a genius for warfare which has never been + surpassed, and performed feats of daring worthy of taking their place + among those of the leaders of chivalry. + </p> + <p> + The fact that they have made so slight a mark upon history is due to + several reasons. In the first place, they were overshadowed by the glory + and successes of Marlborough; they were performed in a cause which could + scarcely be said to be that of England, and in which the public had a + comparatively feeble interest; the object, too, for which he fought was + frustrated, and the war was an unsuccessful one, although from no fault on + his part. + </p> + <p> + But most of all, Lord Peterborough failed to attain that place in the list + of British worthies to which his genius and his bravery should have raised + him, because that genius was directed by no steady aim or purpose. Lord + Peterborough is, indeed, one of the most striking instances in history of + genius and talent wasted, and a life thrown away by want of fixed + principle and by an inability or unwillingness to work with other men. He + quarreled in turn with every party and with almost every individual with + whom he came in contact; and while he himself was constantly changing his + opinions, he was intolerant of all opinions differing from those which he + at the moment held, and was always ready to express in the most open and + offensive manner his contempt and dislike for those who differed from him. + His eccentricities were great; he was haughty and arrogant, hasty and + passionate; he denied his God, quarreled with his king, and rendered + himself utterly obnoxious to every party in the state. + </p> + <p> + And yet there was a vast amount of good in this strange man. He was + generous and warm hearted to a fault, kind to those in station beneath + him, thoughtful and considerate for his troops, who adored him, cool in + danger, sagacious in difficulties, and capable at need of evincing a + patience and calmness wholly at variance with his ordinary impetuous + character. Although he did not scruple to carry deception, in order to + mislead an enemy, to a point vastly beyond what is generally considered + admissible in war, he was true to his word and punctiliously honorable in + the ordinary affairs of life. + </p> + <p> + For the historical events I have described, and for the details of + Peterborough's conduct and character, I have relied chiefly upon the + memoir of the earl written by Mr. C. Warburton, and published some thirty + years ago. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I: THE WAR OF THE SUCCESSION + </h2> + <p> + “He is an idle vagabond!” the mayor of the good town of Southampton said, + in high wrath—“a ne'er do well, and an insolent puppy; and as to + you, Mistress Alice, if I catch you exchanging words with him again, ay, + or nodding to him, or looking as if in any way you were conscious of his + presence, I will put you on bread and water, and will send you away for + six months to the care of my sister Deborah, who will, I warrant me, bring + you to your senses.” + </p> + <p> + The Mayor of Southampton must have been very angry indeed when he spoke in + this way to his daughter Alice, who in most matters had her own way. + Especially did it show that he was angry, since he so spoke in the + presence of Mistress Anthony, his wife, who was accustomed to have a by no + means unimportant share in any decision arrived at respecting family + matters. + </p> + <p> + She was too wise a woman, however, to attempt to arrest the torrent in + full flood, especially as it was a matter on which her husband had already + shown a very unusual determination to have his own way. She therefore + continued to work in silence, and paid no attention to the appealing + glance which her daughter, a girl of fourteen, cast toward her. But + although she said nothing, her husband understood in her silence an + unuttered protest. + </p> + <p> + “It is no use your taking that scamp's part, Mary, in this matter. I am + determined to have my own way, and the townspeople know well that when + Richard Anthony makes up his mind, nothing will move him.” + </p> + <p> + “I have had no opportunity to take his part, Richard,” his wife said + quietly; “you have been storming without interruption since you came in + five minutes ago, and I have not uttered a single word.” + </p> + <p> + “But you agree with me, Mary—you cannot but agree with me—that + it is nothing short of a scandal for the daughter of the Mayor of + Southampton to be talking to a penniless young rogue like that at the + garden gate.” + </p> + <p> + “Alice should not have met him there,” Mistress Anthony said; “but seeing + that she is only fourteen years old, and the boy only sixteen, and he her + second cousin, I do not see that the matter is so very shocking.” + </p> + <p> + “In four more years, Mistress Anthony,” the mayor said profoundly, “he + will be twenty, and she will be eighteen.” + </p> + <p> + “So I suppose, Richard; I am no great head at a figures, but even I can + reckon that. But as at present they are only fourteen and sixteen, I + repeat that I do not see that it matters—at least not so very much. + Alice, do you go to your room, and remain there till I send for you.” + </p> + <p> + The girl without a word rose and retired. In the reign of King William the + Third implicit obedience was expected of children. + </p> + <p> + “I think, Richard,” Mrs. Anthony went on when the door closed behind her + daughter, “you are not acting quite with your usual wisdom in treating + this matter in so serious a light, and in putting ideas into the girl's + head which would probably never have entered there otherwise. Of course + Alice is fond of Jack. It is only natural that she should be, seeing that + he is her second cousin, and that for two years they have lived together + under this roof.” + </p> + <p> + “I was a fool, Mistress Anthony,” the mayor said angrily, “ever to yield + to your persuasions in that matter. It was unfortunate, of course, that + the boy's father, the husband of your Cousin Margaret, should have been + turned out of his living by the Sectarians, as befell thousands of other + clergymen besides him. It was still more unfortunate that when King + Charles returned he did not get reinstated; but, after all, that was + Margaret's business and not mine; and if she was fool enough to marry a + pauper, and he well nigh old enough to be her father—well, as I say, + it was no business of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “He was not a pauper, Richard, and you know it; and he made enough by + teaching to keep him and Margaret comfortably till he broke down and died + three years ago, and poor Margaret followed him to the grave a year later. + He was a good man—in every way a good man.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut! I am not saying he wasn't a good man. I am only saying that, + good or bad, it was no business of mine; and then nothing will do but I + must send for the boy and put him in my business. And a nice mess he made + of it—an idler, more careless apprentice, no cloth merchant, + especially one who stood well with his fellow citizens, and who was on the + highway to becoming mayor of his native city, was ever crossed with.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he was hardly as bad as that, Richard. I don't think you were + ever quite fair to the boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Not fair, Mary! I am surprised at you. In what way was I not quite fair?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you meant to be unfair, Richard; but you see you were a + little—just a little—prejudiced against him from the first; + because, instead of jumping at your offer to apprentice him to your trade, + he said he should like to be a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite enough to prejudice me, too, madam. Why, there are scores of sons + of respectable burgesses of this town who would jump at such an offer; and + here this penniless boy turns up his nose at it.” + </p> + <p> + “It was foolish, no doubt, Richard; but you see the boy had been reading + the lives of admirals and navigators—he was full of life and spirit—and + I believe his father had consented to his going to sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Full of life and spirit, madam!” the mayor repeated more angrily than + before; “let me tell you it is these fellows who are full of life and + adventure who come to the gallows. Naturally I was offended; but as I had + given you my word I kept to it. Every man in Southampton knows that the + word of Richard Anthony is as good as his bond. I bound him apprentice, + and what comes of it? My foreman, Andrew Carson, is knocked flat on his + back in the middle of the shop.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Anthony bit her lips to prevent herself from smiling. + </p> + <p> + “We will not speak any more about that, Richard,” she said; “because, if + we did, we should begin to argue. You know it is my opinion, and always + has been, that Carson deliberately set you against the boy; that he was + always telling you tales to his disadvantage; and although I admit that + the lad was very wrong to knock him down when he struck him, I think, my + dear, I should have done the same had I been in his place.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, madam,” Mr. Anthony said solemnly, “you would have deserved what + happened to him—that you should be turned neck and crop into the + street.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Anthony gave a determined nod of her head—a nod which signified + that she should have a voice on that point. However, seeing that in her + husband's present mood it was better to say no more, she resumed her work. + </p> + <p> + While this conversation had been proceeding, Jack Stilwell, who had fled + hastily when surprised by the mayor as he was talking to his daughter at + the back gate of the garden, had made his way down to the wharves, and + there, seating himself upon a pile of wood, had stared moodily at the + tract of mud extending from his feet to the strip of water far away. His + position was indeed an unenviable one. As Mrs. Anthony had said, his + father was a clergyman of the Church of England, the vicar of a snug + living in Lincolnshire, but he had been cast out when the Parliamentarians + gained the upper hand, and his living was handed over to a Sectarian + preacher. When, after years of poverty, King Charles came to the throne, + the dispossessed minister thought that as a matter of course he should be + restored to his living; but it was not so. As in hundreds of other cases + the new occupant conformed at once to the new laws, and the Rev. Thomas + Stilwell, having no friends or interest, was, like many another clergyman, + left out in the cold. + </p> + <p> + But by this time he had settled at Oxford—at which university he had + been educated—and was gaining a not uncomfortable livelihood by + teaching the sons of citizens. Late in life he married Margaret + Ullathorpe, who, still a young woman, had, during a visit to some friends + at Oxford, made his acquaintance. In spite of the disparity of years the + union was a happy one. One son was born to them, and all had gone well + until a sudden chill had been the cause of Mr. Stilwell's death, his wife + surviving him only one year. Her death took place at Southampton, where + she had moved after the loss of her husband, having no further tie at + Oxford, and a week later Jack Stilwell found himself domiciled at the + house of Mr. Anthony. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that he represented to the cloth merchant that his wishes + lay toward a seafaring life, and that although his father had wished him + to go into the ministry, he had given way to his entreaties. Mr. Anthony + sharply pooh poohed the idea, and insisted that it was nothing short of + madness to dream of such a thing when so excellent an opportunity of + learning a respectable business was open to him. + </p> + <p> + At any other time Jack would have resisted stoutly, and would have run + away and taken his chance rather than agree to the proposition; but he was + broken down by grief at his mother's death. Incapable of making a struggle + against the obstinacy of Mr. Anthony, and scarce caring what became of + himself, he signed the deed of apprenticeship which made him for five + years the slave of the cloth merchant. Not that the latter intended to be + anything but kind, and he sincerely believed that he was acting for the + good of the boy in taking him as his apprentice; but as Jack recovered his + spirits and energy, he absolutely loathed the trade to which he was bound. + Had it not been for Mistress Anthony and Alice he would have braved the + heavy pains and penalties which in those days befell disobedient + apprentices, and would have run away to sea; but their constant kindness, + and the fact that his mother with her dying breath had charged him to + regard her cousin as standing in her place, prevented him from carrying + the idea which he often formed into effect. + </p> + <p> + In the shop his life was wretched. He was not stupid, as his master + asserted; for indeed in other matters he was bright and clever, and his + father had been well pleased with the progress he made with his studies; + but, in the first place; he hated his work, and, in the second, every + shortcoming and mistake was magnified and made the most of by the foreman, + Andrew Carson. This man had long looked to be taken into partnership, and + finally to succeed his master, seeing that the latter had no sons, and he + conceived a violent jealousy of Jack Stilwell, in whose presence, as a + prime favorite of Mistress Anthony and of her daughter, he thought he + foresaw an overthrow of his plans. + </p> + <p> + He was not long in effecting a breach between the boy and his master—for + Jack's carelessness and inattention gave him plenty of opportunities—and + Mr. Anthony ere long viewed the boy's errors as acts of willful + disobedience. This state of things lasted for two years until the climax + came, when, as Mr. Anthony had said to his wife, Jack, upon the foreman + attempting to strike him, had knocked the latter down in the shop. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Anthony's first impulse was to take his apprentice before the justices + and to demand condign punishment for such an act of flagrant rebellion; + but a moment's reflection told him that Jack, at the end of his + punishment, would return to his house, where his wife would take his part + as usual, and the quarrels which had frequently arisen on his account + would be more bitter than before. + </p> + <p> + It was far better to get rid of him at once, and he accordingly ordered + him from the shop, tore up his indenture before his eyes, and bade him + never let him see his face again. For the first few hours Jack was + delighted at his freedom. He spent the day down on the wharves talking to + the fishermen and sailors. There were no foreign bound ships in the port, + and he had no wish to ship on board a coaster; he therefore resolved to + wait until a vessel sailing for foreign ports should leave. + </p> + <p> + He had no money; but a few hours after he left the shop Mrs. Anthony's + maid found him on the wharf, and gave him a letter from her mistress. In + this was inclosed a sum of money sufficient to last him for some time, and + an assurance that she did not share her husband's anger against him. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt, my dear Jack,” she said, “that in time I could heal the + breach and could arrange for you to come back again, but I think perhaps + it is better as it is. You would never make a clothier, and I don't think + you would ever become Mayor of Southampton. I know what your wishes are, + and I think that you had better follow them out. Alice is heartbroken over + the affair, but I assure her that it will all turn out for the best. I + cannot ask you to come up to the house; but whenever you have settled on + anything leave a note with Dorothy for me, and I will come down with Alice + to see you and say goodby to you. I will see that you do not go without a + proper outfit.” + </p> + <p> + It was to deliver this letter that Jack had gone up to the back gate; and + seeing Alice in the garden they had naturally fallen into conversation at + the gate, when the mayor, looking out from the window of his warehouse, + happened to see them, and went out in the greatest wrath to put a stop to + the conversation. + </p> + <p> + Jack had indeed found a ship; she had come in from Holland with cloth and + other merchandise, and was after she was discharged to sail for the + colonies with English goods. She would not leave the port for some weeks; + but he had seen the captain, who had agreed to take him as ship's boy. Had + the mayor been aware that his late apprentice was on the point of leaving + he would not have interfered with his intention; but as he had + peremptorily ordered that his name was not to be mentioned before him, and + as Mrs. Anthony had no motive in approaching the forbidden subject, the + mayor remained in ignorance that Jack was about to depart on a distant + voyage. + </p> + <p> + One day, on going down to the town hail, he found an official letter + waiting him; it was an order from government empowering justices of the + peace to impress such men as they thought fit, with the only restriction + that men entitled to vote for members of parliament were exempted. This + tremendous power had just been legalized by an act of parliament. A more + iniquitous act never disgraced our statutes, for it enabled justices of + the peace to spite any of their poorer neighbors against whom they had a + grudge, and to ship them off to share in the hardships of Marlborough's + campaign in Germany and the Low Countries, or in the expedition now + preparing for Spain. + </p> + <p> + At that time the army was held in the greatest dislike by the English + people. The nation had always been opposed to a standing force, and it was + only now that the necessities of the country induced them to tolerate it. + It was, however, recruited almost entirely from reckless and desperate + men. Criminals were allowed to commute sentences of imprisonment for + service in the army, and the gates of the prisons were also opened to + insolvent debtors consenting to enlist. But all the efforts of the + recruiting sergeants, aided by such measures as these, proved insufficient + to attract a sufficient number of men to keep up the armies at the + required strength. + </p> + <p> + Pressing had always existed to a certain extent; but it had been carried + on secretly, and was regarded as illegal. Therefore, as men must be had, + the law giving justices the authority and power to impress any men they + might select, with the exception of those who possessed a vote for members + of parliament, was passed with the approval of parties on both sides of + the House of Commons. + </p> + <p> + There was indeed great need for men. England had allied herself with + Austria and Holland in opposition to France, the subject of dispute being + the succession to the crown of Spain, England's feelings in the matter + being further imbittered by the recognition by Louis XIV of the Pretender + as King of England. Therefore, although her interests were not so deeply + engaged in the question as to the succession to the throne of Spain as + were those of the continental powers, she threw herself into the struggle + with ardor. + </p> + <p> + The two claimants to the throne of Spain were the Archduke Charles, second + son of Leopold, Emperor of Austria, and Philip, Duke of Anjou, a younger + grandson of Louis. On the marriage of the French king with Maria Theresa, + the sister of Charles II of Spain, she had formally renounced all claims + to the succession, but the French king had nevertheless continued from + time to time to bring them forward. Had these rights not been renounced + Philip would have had the best claim to the Spanish throne, the next of + kin after him being Charles of Austria. + </p> + <p> + During the later days of the King of Spain all Europe had looked on with + the most intense interest at the efforts which the respective parties made + for their candidates. Whichever might succeed to the throne the balance of + power would be destroyed; for either Austria and Spain united, or France + and Spain united, would be sufficient to overawe the rest of the + Continent. Louis XIV lulled the fears of the Austrian party by suggesting + a treaty of partition to the Dutch states and William the Third of + England. + </p> + <p> + By this treaty it was agreed that the Archduke Charles was to be + acknowledged successor to the crowns of Spain, the Indies, and the + Netherlands; while the dauphin, as the eldest son of Maria Theresa, should + receive the kingdom of Naples and Sicily, with the Spanish province of + Guipuscoa and the duchy of Milan, in compensation of his abandonment of + other claims. When the conditions of this treaty became known they + inspired natural indignation in the minds of the people of the country + which had thus been arbitrarily allotted, and the dying Charles of Spain + was infuriated by this conspiracy to break up and divide his dominion. His + jealousy of France would have led him to select the Austrian claimant; but + the emperor's undisguised greed for a portion of the Spanish empire, and + the overbearing and unpleasant manner of the Austrian ambassador in the + Spanish court, drove him to listen to the overtures of Louis, who had a + powerful ally in Cardinal Portocarrero, Archbishop of Toledo, whose + influence was all powerful with the king. The cardinal argued that the + grandson of Maria Theresa could not be bound by her renunciation, and also + that it had only been made with a view to keep separate the French and + Spanish monarchies, and that if a descendant of hers, other than the heir + to the throne of France, were chosen, this condition would be carried out. + </p> + <p> + Finally, he persuaded Charles, a month before his death, to sign a will + declaring Philip, Duke of Anjou, grandson of his brother in law Louis XIV, + sole heir of the Spanish empire. The will was kept secret till the death + of the king, and was then publicly proclaimed. Louis accepted the bequest + in favor of his grandson, and Philip was declared king in Spain and her + dependencies. + </p> + <p> + The greatest indignation was caused in England, Holland, and the empire at + this breach by the King of France of the treaty of partition, of which he + himself had been the author. England and Holland were unprepared for war, + and therefore bided their time, but Austria at once commenced hostilities + by directing large bodies of troops, under Prince Eugene, into the duchy + of Milan, and by inciting the Neapolitans to revolt. The young king was at + first popular in Spain, but Cardinal Portocarrero, who exercised the real + power of the state, by his overbearing temper, his avarice, and his + shameless corruption, speedily alienated the people from their monarch. + Above all, the cardinal was supposed to be the tool of the French king, + and to represent the policy which had for its object the dismemberment of + the Spanish monarchy and the aggrandizement of France. + </p> + <p> + That Louis had such designs was undoubted, and, if properly managed and + bribed, Portocarrero would have been a pliant instrument in his hands; but + the cardinal was soon estranged by the constant interference by the French + agents in his own measures of government, and therefore turned against + France that power of intrigue which he had recently used in her favor. He + pretended to be devoted to France, and referred even the most minute + details of government to Paris for approbation, with the double view of + disgusting Louis with the government of Spain and of enraging the Spanish + people at the constant interference of Louis. + </p> + <p> + Philip, however, found a new and powerful ally in the hearts of the people + by his marriage with Maria Louisa, daughter of the Duke of Savoy—a + beautiful girl of fourteen years old, who rapidly developed into a + graceful and gifted woman, and became the darling of the Spanish people, + and whose intellect, firmness, and courage guided and strengthened her + weak but amiable husband. For a time the power of Spain and France united + overshadowed Europe, the trading interests of England and Holland were + assailed, and a French army assembled close to the Flemish frontier. + </p> + <p> + The indignation of the Dutch overcame their fears, and they yielded to the + quiet efforts which King William was making, and combined with England and + Austria in a grand alliance against France, the object of the combination + being to exclude Louis from the Netherlands and West Indies, and to + prevent the union of the crowns of France and Spain upon the same head. + King William might not have obtained from the English parliament a + ratification of the alliance had not Louis just at this moment + acknowledged the son of the ex-king James as king of England. This insult + roused the spirit of the English people, the House of Commons approved the + triple alliance, and voted large supplies. King William died just after + seeing his favorite project successful, and was succeeded by Queen Anne, + who continued his policy. The Austrian Archduke Charles was recognized by + the allies as King of Spain, and preparation made for war. + </p> + <p> + An English army was landed near Cadiz; but the Spaniards showed no signs + of rising in favor of Charles, and, after bringing great discredit on + themselves and exciting the animosity of the Spaniards by gross + misconduct, the English army embarked again. Some treasure ships were + captured, and others sunk in the harbor of Vigo, but the fleet was no more + effective than the army. Admiral Sir John Munden was cashiered for + treachery or cowardice on the coast of Spain, and four captains of vessels + in the gallant Benbow's West India fleet were either dismissed or shot for + refusing to meet the enemy and for abandoning their chief. + </p> + <p> + In 1703 little was done in the way of fighting, but the allies received an + important addition of strength by the accession of Portugal to their + ranks. In 1704 the allies made an attempt upon the important city of + Barcelona. It was believed that the Catalans would have declared for + Charles; but the plot by which the town was to be given up to him was + discovered on the eve of execution, and the English force re-embarked on + their ships. Their success was still less on the side of Portugal, where + the Duke of Berwick, who was in command of the forces of King Philip, + defeated the English and Dutch under the Duke of Schomberg and captured + many towns. + </p> + <p> + The Portuguese rendered the allies but slight assistance. These reverses + were, however, balanced by the capture of Gibraltar on the 21st of June by + the fleet under Sir George Rooke, and a small land force under Prince + George of Hesse. Schomberg was recalled and Lord Galway took the command; + but he succeeded no better than his predecessor, and affairs looked but + badly for the allies, when the Duke of Marlborough, with the English and + allied troops in Germany, inflicted the first great check upon the power + and ambition of Louis XIV by the splendid victory of Blenheim. + </p> + <p> + This defeat of the French had a disastrous effect upon the fortunes of + Philip. He could no longer hope for help from his grandfather, for Louis + was now called upon to muster his whole strength on his eastern frontier + for the defense of his own dominion, and Philip was forced to depend upon + his partisans in Spain only. The partisans of Charles at once took heart. + The Catalans had never been warm in the cause of Philip; the crowns of + Castile, Arragon, and Catalonia had only recently been united, and + dangerous jealousy existed between these provinces. The Castilians were + devoted adherents of Philip, and this in itself was sufficient to set + Catalonia and Arragon against him. + </p> + <p> + The English government had been informed of this growing discontent in the + north of Spain, and sent out an emissary to inquire into the truth of the + statement. As his report confirmed all that they had heard, it was decided + in the spring of 1705 to send out an expedition which was to effect a + landing in Catalonia, and would, it was hoped, be joined by all the people + of that province and Arragon. By the efforts and patronage of the Duchess + of Marlborough, who was all powerful with Queen Anne, the Earl of + Peterborough was named to the command of the expedition. + </p> + <p> + The choice certainly appeared a singular one, for hitherto the earl had + done nothing which would entitle him to so distinguished a position. + Charles Mordaunt was the eldest son of John Lord Mordaunt, Viscount + Avalon, a brave and daring cavalier, who had fought heart and soul for + Charles, and had been tried by Cromwell for treason, and narrowly escaped + execution. On the restoration, as a reward for his risk of life and + fortune, and for his loyalty and ability, he was raised to the peerage. + </p> + <p> + His son Charles inherited none of his father's steadfastness. Brought up + in the profligate court of Charles the Second he became an atheist, a + scoffer at morality, and a republican. At the same time he had many + redeeming points. He was brilliant, witty, energetic, and brave. He was + generous and strictly honorable to his word. He was filled with a burning + desire for adventure, and, at the close of 1674, when in his seventeenth + year, he embarked in Admiral Torrington's ship, and proceeded to join as a + volunteer Sir John Narborough's fleet in the Mediterranean, in order to + take part in the expedition to restrain and revenge the piratical + depredations of the barbarous states of Tripoli and Algiers. + </p> + <p> + He distinguished himself on the 14th of January, 1675, in an attack by the + boats of the fleet upon four corsair men o' war moored under the very guns + of the castle and fort of Tripoli. The exploit was a successful one, the + ships were all burned, and most of their crews slain. Another encounter + with the fleet of Tripoli took place in February, when the pirates were + again defeated, and the bey forced to grant all the English demands. + </p> + <p> + In 1677 the fleet returned to England, and with it Mordaunt, who had + during his absence succeeded to his father's title and estates, John Lord + Mordaunt having died on the 5th of June, 1675. Shortly after his return to + England Lord Mordaunt, though still but twenty years old, married a + daughter of Sir Alexander Fraser. But his spirit was altogether unsuited + to the quiet enjoyment of domestic life, and at the end of September, + 1678, he went out as a volunteer in his majesty's ship Bristol, which was + on the point of sailing for the Mediterranean to take part in an + expedition fitting out for the relief of Tangier, then besieged by the + Moors. Nothing, however, came of the expedition, and Mordaunt returned to + England in the autumn of 1679. + </p> + <p> + In June, 1680, he again sailed for Tangier with a small expedition + commanded by the Earl of Plymouth. The expedition succeeded in throwing + themselves into the besieged town, and continued the defense with vigor, + and Mordaunt again distinguished himself; but he soon wearied of the + monotony of a long siege, and before the end of the year found opportunity + to return to England, where he plunged into politics and became one of the + leaders of the party formed to exclude the Duke of York from the throne. + </p> + <p> + Although a close friend of Lord Russell and Algernon Sidney he had + fortunately for himself not been admitted to the fatal privilege of their + private councils, and therefore escaped the fate which befell them. He + continued his friendship with them to the last, and accompanied Algernon + Sidney to the scaffold. But even while throwing himself heart and soul + into politics he was continually indulging in wild freaks which rendered + him the talk of the town. + </p> + <p> + On the accession of King James he made his first speech in the House of + Peers against a standing army, and distinguished himself alike by the + eloquence and violence of his language. He was now under the displeasure + of the court, and his profuse generosity had brought him into pecuniary + trouble. In 1686, therefore, he quitted England with the professed + intention of accepting a command in the Dutch fleet then about to sail for + the West Indies, When he arrived in Holland, however, he presented himself + immediately to the Prince of Orange, and first among the British nobility + boldly proposed to William an immediate invasion of England. He pushed his + arguments with fiery zeal, urged the disaffection of all classes, the + hatred of the Commons, the defection of the Lords, the alarm of the + Church, and the wavering loyalty of the army. + </p> + <p> + William, however, was already informed of these facts, and was not to be + hurried. Mordaunt remained with him till, on the 20th of October, 1688, he + sailed for England. The first commission that King William signed in + England was the appointment of Lord Mordaunt as lieutenant colonel of + horse, and raising a regiment he rendered good service at Exeter. As soon + as the revolution was completed, and William and Mary ascended the throne, + Mordaunt was made a privy councilor and one of the lords of the + bedchamber, and in April, 1689, he was made first commissioner of the + treasury, and advanced to the dignity of Earl of Monmouth. In addition to + the other offices to which he was appointed he was given the colonelcy of + the regiment of horse guards. + </p> + <p> + His conduct in office showed in brilliant contrast to that of the men with + whom he was placed. He alone was free from the slightest suspicion of + corruption and venality, and he speedily made enemies among his colleagues + by the open contempt which he manifested for their gross corruption. + </p> + <p> + Although he had taken so prominent a part in bringing King William to + England, Monmouth soon became mixed up in all sorts of intrigues and + plots. He was already tired of the reign of the Dutch king, and longed for + a commonwealth. He was constantly quarreling with his colleagues, and + whenever there was a debate in the House of Lords Monmouth took a + prominent part on the side of the minority. In 1692 he went out with his + regiment of horse guards to Holland, and fought bravely at the battle of + Steenkirk. The campaign was a failure, and in October he returned to + England with the king. + </p> + <p> + For two years after this he lived quietly, devoting his principal + attention to his garden and the society of wits and men of letters. Then + he again appeared in parliament, and took a leading part in the movement + in opposition to the crown, and inveighed in bitter terms against the + bribery of persons in power by the East India Company, and the venality of + many members of parliament and even the ministry. His relations with the + king were now of the coldest kind, and he became mixed up in a Jacobite + plot. How far he was guilty in the matter was never proved. Public opinion + certainly condemned him, and by a vote of the peers he was deprived of all + his employments and sent to the Tower. The king, however, stood his + friend, and released him at the end of the session. + </p> + <p> + In 1697, by the death of his uncle, Charles became Earl of Peterborough, + and passed the next four years in private life, emerging only occasionally + to go down to the House of Peers and make fiery onslaughts upon abuses and + corruption. In the course of these years, both in parliament and at court, + he had been sometimes the friend, sometimes the opponent of Marlborough; + but he had the good fortune to be a favorite of the duchess, and when the + time came that a leader was required for the proposed expedition to Spain, + she exerted herself so effectually that she procured his nomination. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto his life had been a strange one. Indolent and energetic by turns, + restless and intriguing, quarreling with all with whom he came in contact, + burning with righteous indignation against corruption and misdoing, + generous to a point which crippled his finances seriously, he was a puzzle + to all who knew him, and had he died at this time he would only have left + behind him the reputation of being one of the most brilliant, gifted, and + honest, but at the same time one of the most unstable, eccentric, and ill + regulated spirits of his time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II: IMPRESSED + </h2> + <p> + When the Mayor of Southampton opened the official document empowering and + requesting him to obtain recruits for the queen's service he was not + greatly pleased. This sort of thing would give a good deal of trouble, and + would assuredly not add to his popularity. He saw at once that he would be + able to oblige many of his friends by getting rid of people troublesome to + them, but with this exception where was he to find the recruits the queen + required? There were, of course, a few never do wells in the town who + could be packed off, to the general satisfaction of the inhabitants, but + beyond this every one taken would have friends and relations who would cry + out and protest. + </p> + <p> + It was likely to be a troublesome business, and the mayor threw down the + paper on the table before him. Then suddenly his expression changed. He + had been thinking of obliging his friends by sending off persons + troublesome to them, but he had not thought of his own case. Here was the + very thing; he would send off this troublesome lad to fight for the queen; + and whether he went to the Low Countries under Marlborough, or to Spain + with this new expedition which was being prepared, it was very unlikely + that he would ever return to trouble him. + </p> + <p> + He was only sixteen, indeed, but he was strong and well grown, and much + fitter for service than many of those who would be sent. If the young + fellow stopped here he would always be a trouble, and a bone of contention + between himself and his wife. Besides, for Alice's sake, it was clearly + his duty to get the fellow out of the way. Girls, Mr. Anthony considered, + were always falling in love with the very last people in the world with + whom they should do so, and out of sheer contrariety it was more than + possible that Alice might take a fancy for this penniless vagabond, and if + she did Mrs. Anthony was fool enough to support her in her folly. + </p> + <p> + Of course there would be trouble with his wife when she found what had + happened to the lad—for the mayor did not deceive himself for a + moment by the thought that he would be able to conceal from his wife the + cause of Jack's absence; he was too well aware of Mrs. Anthony's power of + investigation. Still, after it was done it could not be undone, and it was + better to have one domestic storm than a continuation of foul weather. + </p> + <p> + Calling in his clerk the mayor read over to him the order he had received, + and bade him turn to the court book and make out a list of the names of + forty young men who had been charged before him with offenses of + drunkenness, assault, battery and rioting. + </p> + <p> + “When you have made up the list, Johnson, you will go round to the + aldermen and inform them of the order that I have received from the + government, and you can tell them that if there are any persons they know + of whom they consider that Southampton would be well rid, if they will + send the names to me I will add them to the list. Bid them not to choose + married men, if it can be avoided, for the town would be burdened with the + support of their wives and families. Another ten names will do. The letter + which accompanies the order says that from my well known zeal and loyalty + it is doubted not that Southampton will furnish a hundred men, but if I + begin with fifty that will be well enough, and we can pick out the others + at our leisure.” + </p> + <p> + By the afternoon the list was filled up. One of the aldermen had inserted + the name of a troublesome nephew, another that of a foreman with whom he + had had a dispute about wages, and who had threatened to proceed against + him in the court. Some of the names were inserted from mere petty spite; + but with scarce an exception the aldermen responded to the invitation of + the mayor, and placed on the list the name of some one whom they, or + Southampton, would be the better without. + </p> + <p> + When the list was completed the mayor struck out one of the first names + inserted by his clerk and inserted that of John Stilwell in its place. His + instructions were that he was to notify to an officer, who would arrive + with a company of soldiers on the following day, the names of those whom + he deemed suitable for the queen's service. The officer after taking them + was to embark them on board one of the queen's cutters, which would come + round from Portsmouth for the purpose, and would convey them to Dover, + where a camp was being formed and the troops assembling. + </p> + <p> + Upon the following day the company marched into the town, and the officer + in command, having seen his men billeted among the citizens, called upon + the mayor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Mayor,” he said, “I hope you have a good list of recruits for + me. I don't want to be waiting here, for I have to go on a similar errand + to other towns. It is not a job I like, I can tell you, but it is not for + me to question orders.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a list of fifty men, all active and hearty fellows, who will make + good soldiers,” the mayor said. + </p> + <p> + “And of whom, no doubt, Southampton will be well rid,” the officer said + with a laugh. “Truly, I pity the Earl of Peterborough, for he will have as + rough a body of soldiers as ever marched to war. However, it is usually + the case that the sort of men who give trouble at home are just those who, + when the time comes, make the best fighters. I would rather have half a + dozen of your reckless blades, when the pinch comes, than a score of + honest plowboys. How do you propose that I shall take them?” + </p> + <p> + “That I will leave entirely to you,” the mayor said; “here is a list of + the houses where they lodge. I will place the town watch at your disposal + to show you the way and to point out the men to you.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be all I shall require,” the officer said; “but you can give me + a list of those who are most likely to give trouble. These I will pounce + upon and get on board ship first of all. When they are secured I will tell + my men off in parties, each with one of your constables to point out the + men, and we will pick them up so many every evening. It is better not to + break into houses and seize them; for, although we are acting legally and + under the authority of act of parliament, it is always as well to avoid + giving cause of complaint, which might tend to excite a feeling against + the war and make the government unpopular, and which, moreover, might do + you harm with the good citizens, and do me harm with those above me. I am + sure you agree with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, quite so,” the mayor said hastily; “you speak very prudently + and well, sir. I hope you will honor me by taking up your abode in my + house during your stay here; but may I ask you not to allow my wife, who + is inquisitive by nature, to see the list with which I furnish you? Women + are ever meddling in matters which concern them not.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” the officer said with a wink, “there are names on the list + of which your wife would not approve. I have known the same thing happen + before. But never fear, the list shall be kept safe; and, indeed, it were + better that nothing were said of my business in the town, for if this get + abroad, some of those whose conscience may tell them that they will be + likely to be chosen for service might very well slip off and be out of the + way until they hear that I and my men have left.” + </p> + <p> + Two days later, when, as the evening was falling, Jack Stilwell was + walking up from the wharf, where he had been watching the unlading of the + vessel in which he was to sail, he came upon a group of four or five + soldiers standing at a corner. Then a voice, which he recognized as that + of the foreman, Richard Carson, said: + </p> + <p> + “That is your man, officer;” and the soldiers made a sudden rush upon him. + </p> + <p> + Taken by surprise he nevertheless struggled desperately, but a heavy blow + with a staff fell on the back of his head, and for a time he knew nothing + more. When he recovered his consciousness he was lying almost in complete + darkness, but by the faint gleam of the lantern he discovered that he was + in the hold of a ship. Several other men were sitting or laying near him. + Some of them were cursing and swearing, others were stanching the blood + which flowed from various cuts and gashes. + </p> + <p> + “What does all this mean?” he asked as he somewhat recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + “It means,” said one, “that we are pressed to serve as soldiers. I made a + fight for it, and just as they had got the handcuffs on some citizens came + up and asked what was doing, and the sergeant said, 'It is quite legal. We + hold the mayor's warrant to impress this man for service in the army; + there is a constable here who will tell you we are acting on authority, + and if any interfere it will be worse for them.'” + </p> + <p> + Jack heard the news in silence. So, he had been pressed by a warrant of + the mayor, he was the victim of the spite of his late employer. But his + thoughts soon turned from this by the consciousness that his shirt and + clothes were soaked with blood, and putting his hand to the back of his + head he found a great lump from which the blood was still slowly flowing. + Taking off his neck handkerchief he bound it round his head and then lay + down again. He tried to think, but his brain was weak and confused, and he + presently fell into a sound sleep, from which he was not aroused by the + arrival of another batch of prisoners. + </p> + <p> + It was morning when he awoke, and he found that he had now nearly twenty + companions in captivity. Some were walking up and down like caged animals, + others were loudly bewailing their fate, some sat moody and silent, while + some bawled out threats of vengeance against those they considered + responsible for their captivity. A sentry with a shouldered musket was + standing at the foot of the steps, and from time to time some sailors + passed up and down. Jack went up to one of these. + </p> + <p> + “Mate,” he said, “could you let us have a few buckets of water down here? + In the first place we are parched with thirst, and in the second we may as + well try to get off some of the blood which, from a good many of us, has + been let out pretty freely.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you seem a reasonable sort of chap,” the sailor said, “and to take + things coolly. That's the way, my lad; when the king, or the queen now—it's + all the same thing—has once got his hand on you it's of no use + kicking against it. I have been pressed twice myself, so I know how you + feel. Here, mates,” he said to two of the other sailors, “lend a hand and + get a bucket of fresh water and a pannikin, and half a dozen buckets of + salt water, and let these lads have a drink and a wash.” + </p> + <p> + It was soon done. The prisoners were all glad of the drink, but few cared + to trouble about washing. Jack, however, took possession of a bucket, + stripped to the waist, and had a good wash. The salt water made his wound + smart, but he continued for half an hour bathing it, and at the end of + that time felt vastly fresher and better. Then he soaked his shirt in the + water, and as far as possible removed the broad stains of blood which + stiffened it. Then he wrung it out and hung it up to dry, and, putting on + his coat, sat down and thought matters over. + </p> + <p> + He had never had the idea of entering the army, for the measures taken to + fill the ranks rendered the military service distasteful in the extreme to + the English people. Since the days of Agincourt the English army had never + gained any brilliant successes abroad, and there was consequently none of + that national pride which now exists in its bravery and glorious history. + </p> + <p> + Still, Jack reflected, it did not make much difference to him whether he + became a soldier or a sailor. He had longed to see the world, to share in + deeds of adventure, and, above all, to escape from the dreary drudgery of + the clothier's shop. These objects would be attained as well in the army + as in the navy; and, indeed, now that he thought of it, he preferred the + active service which he would see under Marlborough or Peterborough to the + monotony of a long sea voyage. At any rate, it was clear that remonstrance + or resistance were vain. He as well as others were aware of the law which + had just been passed, giving magistrates the power of impressing soldiers + for the service, and he felt, therefore, that although his impressment had + no doubt been dictated by the private desire of the mayor to get him out + of the way, it was yet strictly legal, and that it would be useless his + making any protest against it. He resolved, therefore, to make the best of + things, and to endeavor to win the goodwill of his officers by prompt and + cheerful acquiescence in the inevitable. + </p> + <p> + Presently some sailors brought down a tray with a number of hunks of black + bread, a large pot filled with a sort of broth, and a score of earthenware + mugs. Jack at once dipped one of the mugs into the pot, and, taking a hunk + of bread, sat down to his breakfast. A few others followed his example, + but most of them were too angry or too dispirited to care about eating; + and, indeed, it seemed to them that their refusal to partake of the meal + was a sort of protest against their captivity. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour afterward the sailors removed the food; and many of those who + had refused to touch it soon regretted bitterly that they had not done so, + for as the time went on hunger began to make itself felt. It was evening + before the next meal, consisting of black bread and a great piece of salt + beef, was brought down. This time there were no abstentions. As the + evening wore on fresh batches of prisoners were brought in, until, by + midnight, the number was raised to fifty. Many of them had been seriously + knocked about in their capture, and Jack, who had persuaded his friend the + sailor to bring down three or four more buckets of salt water, did his + best, by bathing and bandaging their wounds, to put them at their ease. + </p> + <p> + In the morning he could see who were his companions in misfortune. Many of + them he knew by sight as loafers on the wharves and as troublesome or + riotous characters. Three or four were men of different type. There were + two or three respectable mechanics—men who had had, at various + times, drawn upon them the dislikes of the great men of the town by + insisting on their rights; and there were two idle young fellows of a + higher class, who had vexed their friends beyond endurance. + </p> + <p> + Presently the officer in charge of the recruiting party, who had now come + on board, came down into the hold. He was at once assailed with a storm of + curses and angry remonstrances. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, my lads,” he said, raising his hand for silence, “it is of no + use your going on like this, and I warn you that the sooner you make up + your minds that you have got to serve her majesty the better for you, + because that you have got to do it is certain. You have all been impressed + according to act of parliament, and there is no getting out of it. It's + your own fault that you got those hard knocks that I see the marks of, and + you will get more if you give any more trouble. Now, those who choose to + agree at once to serve her majesty can come on deck.” + </p> + <p> + Jack at once stepped forward. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to serve, sir,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “That's right,” the officer replied heartily; “you are a lad of spirit, I + can see, and will make a good soldier. You look young yet, but that's all + in your favor; you will be a sergeant at an age when others are learning + their recruit drill. Now, who's the next?” + </p> + <p> + Some half dozen of the others followed Jack's example, but the rest were + still too sore and angry to be willing to do anything voluntarily. + </p> + <p> + Jack leaped lightly up on deck and looked round; the cutter was already + under weigh, and with a gentle breeze was running along the smooth surface + of Southampton waters; the ivy covered ruins of Netley Abbey were abreast + of them, and behind was the shipping of the port. + </p> + <p> + “Well, young un,” an old sergeant said, “so I suppose you have agreed to + serve the queen?” + </p> + <p> + “As her majesty was so pressing,” Jack replied with a smile, “you see I + had no choice in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right,” the sergeant said kindly; “always keep up your spirits, + lad. Care killed a cat, you know. You are one of the right sort, I can + see, but you are young to be pressed. How old are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Sixteen,” Jack replied. + </p> + <p> + “Then they had no right to take you,” the sergeant said; “seventeen's the + earliest age, and as a rule soldiers ain't much good till they are past + twenty. You would have a right to get off if you could prove your age; but + of course you could not do that without witnesses or papers, and it's an + old game for recruits who look young to try to pass as under age.” + </p> + <p> + “I shan't try,” Jack answered; “I have made up my mind to it now, and + there's an end to it. But why ain't soldiers any good till they are past + twenty, sergeant? As far as I can see, boys are just as brave as men.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as brave, my lad, and when it comes to fighting the young soldier is + very often every bit as good as the old one; but they can't stand fatigue + and hardship like old soldiers. A boy will start out on as long a walk as + a man can take, but he can't keep it up day after day. When it comes to + long marches, to sleeping on the ground in the wet, bad food, and fever + from the marshes, the young soldier breaks down, the hospital gets full of + boys, and they just die off like flies, while the older men pull through.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a Job's comforter, I must say,” Jack said with a laugh; “but I + must hope that I shan't have long marches, and bad food, and damp weather, + and marsh fever till I get a bit older.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to discourage you,” the sergeant remarked, “and you know + there are young soldiers and young soldiers. There are the weedy, narrow + chested chaps as seems to be made special for filling a grave; and there + is the sturdy, hardy young chap, whose good health and good spirits + carries him through. That's your sort, I reckon. Good spirits is the best + medicine in the world; it's worth all the doctors and apothecaries in the + army. But how did you come to be pressed? it's generally the ne'er do well + and idle who get picked out as food for powder. That doesn't look your + sort, or I'm mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not,” Jack said. “I am here because I am a sort of cousin of the + Mayor of Southampton. He wanted me to serve in his shop. I stood it for a + time, but I hated it, and at last I had a row with his foreman and knocked + him down, so I was kicked out into the streets; and I suppose he didn't + like seeing me about, and so took this means of getting rid of me. He + needn't have been in such a hurry, for if he had waited a few days I + should have gone, for I had shipped as a boy on board of a ship about to + sail for the colonies.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, my lad, you have no reason for ill will against this + precious relation of yours, for he has done you a good turn while meaning + to do you a bad un. The life of a boy on board a ship isn't one to be + envied, I can tell you; he is at every one's beck and call, and gets more + kicks than halfpence. Besides, what comes of it? You get to be a sailor, + and, as far as I can see, the life of a sailor is the life of a dog. Look + at the place where he sleeps—why, it ain't as good as a decent + kennel. Look at his food—salt meat as hard as a stone, and rotten + biscuit that a decent dog would turn up his nose at; his time is never his + own—wet or dry, storm or calm, he's got to work when he's told. And + what's he got to look forward to? A spree on shore when his voyage is + done, and then to work again. Why, my lad, a soldier's life is a + gentleman's life in comparison. Once you have learned your drill and know + your duty you have an easy time of it. Most of your time's your own. When + you are on a campaign you eat, drink, and are jolly at other folks' + expense; and if you do get wet when you are on duty, you can generally + manage to turn in dry when you are relieved. It's not a bad life, my boy, + I can tell you; and if you do your duty well, and you are steady, and + civil, and smart, you are sure to get your stripes, especially if you can + read and write, as I suppose you can.” + </p> + <p> + Jack nodded with a half smile. + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” the sergeant said, “you may even in time get to be an + officer. I can't read nor write—not one in twenty can—but + those as can, of course, has a better chance of promotion if they + distinguish themselves. I should have got it last year in the Low Country, + and Marlborough himself said, 'Well done!' when I, with ten rank and file, + held a bridge across a canal for half an hour against a company of French. + He sent for me after it was over, but when he found I couldn't read or + write he couldn't promote me; but he gave me a purse of twenty guineas, + and I don't know but what that suited me better, for I am a deal more + comfortable as a sergeant than I should have been as an officer; but you + see, if you had been in my place up you would have gone.” + </p> + <p> + The wind fell in the afternoon, and the cutter dropped her anchor as the + tide was running against her. At night Jack Stilwell and the others who + had accepted their fate slept with the troops on board instead of + returning to rejoin their companions in the hold. Jack was extremely glad + of the change, as there was air and ventilation, whereas in the hold the + atmosphere had been close and oppressive. He was the more glad next + morning when he found that the wind, which had sprung up soon after + midnight, was freshening fast, and was, as one of the sailors said, likely + to blow hard before long. The cutter was already beginning to feel the + effect of the rising sea, and toward the afternoon was pitching in a + lively way and taking the sea over her bows. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to enjoy it, young un,” the sergeant said as Jack, holding on by + a shroud, was facing the wind regardless of the showers of spray which + flew over him. “Half our company are down with seasickness, and as for + those chaps down in the fore hold they must be having a bad time of it, + for I can hear them groaning and cursing through the bulkhead. The + hatchway has been battened down for the last three hours.” + </p> + <p> + “I enjoy it,” Jack said; “whenever I got a holiday at Southampton I used + to go out sailing. I knew most of the fishermen there; they were always + ready to take me with them as an extra hand. When do you think we shall + get to Dover?” + </p> + <p> + “She is walking along fast,” the sergeant said; “we shall be there + tomorrow morning. We might be there before, but the sailors say that the + skipper is not likely to run in before daylight, and before it gets dark + he will shorten sail so as not to get there before.” + </p> + <p> + The wind increased until it was blowing a gale; but the cutter was a good + sea boat, and being in light trim made good weather of it. However, even + Jack was pleased when he felt a sudden change in the motion of the vessel, + and knew that she was running into Dover harbor. + </p> + <p> + Morning was just breaking, and the hatchways being removed the sergeant + shouted down to the pressed men that they could come on deck. It was a + miserable body of men who crawled up in answer to the summons, utterly + worn out and exhausted with the seasickness, the closeness of the air, and + the tossing and buffeting of the last eighteen hours; many had scarce + strength to climb the ladder. + </p> + <p> + All the spirit and indignation had been knocked out of them—they + were too miserable and dejected to utter a complaint. The sergeant ordered + his men to draw up some buckets of water, and told the recruits to wash + themselves and make themselves as decent as they could, and the order was + sharply enforced by the captain when he came on deck. + </p> + <p> + “I would not march through the streets of Dover with such a filthy, hang + dog crew,” he said; “why, the very boys would throw mud at you. Come, do + what you can to make yourselves clean, or I will have buckets of water + thrown over you. I would rather take you on shore drenched to the skin + than in that state. You have brought it entirely on yourselves by your + obstinacy. Had you enlisted at once without further trouble you would not + have suffered as you have.” + </p> + <p> + The fresh air and cold water soon revived even the most exhausted of the + new recruits, and as soon as all had been made as presentable as + circumstances would admit of, the order was given to land. The party were + formed on the quay, four abreast, the soldiers forming the outside line, + and so they marched through Dover, where but yet a few people were up and + stirring, to the camp formed just outside the walls of the castle. The + colonel of the regiment met them as they marched in. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Captain Lowther, you have had a rough time of it, I reckon. I + thought the whole camp was going to be blown away last night. These are + the recruits from Southampton, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, colonel, what there is left of them; they certainly had a baddish + twelve hours of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Form them in line,” the colonel said, “and let me have a look at them. + They are all ready and willing to serve her majesty, I hope,” he added + with a grim smile. + </p> + <p> + “They are all ready, no doubt,” Captain Lowther replied; “as to their + willingness I can't say so much. Some half dozen or so agreed at once to + join without giving any trouble, foremost among them that lad at the end + of the line, who, Sergeant Edwards tells me, is a fine young fellow and + likely to do credit to the regiment; the rest chose to be sulky, and have + suffered for it by being kept below during the voyage. However, I think + all their nonsense is knocked out of them now.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel walked along the line and examined the men. + </p> + <p> + “A sturdy set of fellows,” he said to the captain, “when they have got + over their buffeting. Now, my lads,” he went on, addressing the men, “you + have all been pressed to serve her majesty in accordance with act of + parliament, and though some of you may not like it just at present, you + will soon get over that and take to it kindly enough. I warn you that the + discipline will be strict. In a newly raised regiment like this it is + necessary to keep a tight hand, but if you behave yourselves and do your + duty you will not find the life a hard one. + </p> + <p> + “Remember, it's no use any of you thinking of deserting; we have got your + names and addresses, so you couldn't go home if you did; and you would + soon be brought back wherever you went, and you know pretty well what's + the punishment for desertion without my telling you. That will do.” + </p> + <p> + No one raised a voice in reply—each man felt that his position was + hopeless, for, as the colonel said, they had been legally impressed. They + were first taken before the adjutant, who rapidly swore them in, and they + were then set to work, assisted by some more soldiers, in pitching tents. + Clothes were soon served out to them and the work of drill commenced at + once. + </p> + <p> + Each day brought fresh additions to the force, and in a fortnight its + strength was complete. Jack did not object to the hard drill which they + had to go through, and which occupied them from morning till night, for + the colonel knew that on any day the regiment might receive orders to + embark, and he wanted to get it in something like shape before setting + sail. Jack did, however, shrink from the company in which he found + himself. With a few exceptions the regiment was made up of wild and + worthless fellows, of whom the various magistrates had been only too glad + to clear their towns, and mingled with these were the sweepings of the + jails, rogues and ruffians of every description. The regiment might + eventually be welded into a body of good soldiers, but at present + discipline had not done its work, and it was simply a collection of + reckless men, thieves, and vagabonds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III: A DOMESTIC STORM + </h2> + <p> + Great was the surprise of Dame Anthony when, on sending down her servant + with a letter to Jack Stilwell, the woman returned, saying that he had + left his lodging two days before and had not returned. All his things had + been left behind, and it was evident that when he went out he had no + intention of leaving. The woman of the house said that Master Stilwell was + a steady and regular lodger, and that she could not but think something + had happened to him. Of course she didn't know, but all the town were + talking of the men who had been taken away by the press gang, and she + thought they must have clapped hands on her lodger. + </p> + <p> + Dame Anthony at once jumped at that conclusion. The pressing of fifty men + had indeed made a great stir in the town during the last two days. The + mayor's office had been thronged by angry women complaining of their + husbands or sons being dragged away; and the mayor had been the object of + many threats and much indignation, and had the evening before returned + home bespattered with mud, having been pelted on his way from the town + hall by the women, and having only been saved from more serious assaults + by the exertions of the constables. + </p> + <p> + Dame Anthony had been surprised that her husband had taken these things so + quietly. Some of the women had indeed been seized and set in the stocks, + but the mayor had made light of the affair, and had altogether seemed in + an unusually good state of temper. Dame Anthony at once connected this + with Jack's disappearance. She knew that the list had been made out by the + mayor, and the idea that her husband had taken this means of getting rid + of Jack, and that he was exulting over the success of his scheme, flashed + across her. As the mayor was away at the town hall she was forced to wait + till his return to dinner; but no sooner had the meal been concluded and + Andrew Carson and the two assistants had left the table than she began: + </p> + <p> + “Richard, I want to look at the list of the men who were pressed.” + </p> + <p> + The request scarcely came as a surprise upon the clothier. He had made up + his mind that his wife would be sure sooner or later to discover that Jack + was missing, and would connect his disappearance with the operations of + the press gang. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want to see that for?” he asked shortly. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see who have been taken,” his wife said. “There is no secret + about it, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, there is no secret,” the mayor replied. “According to the act of + parliament and the request of her majesty's minister I drew up a list of + fifty of the most useless and disreputable of the inhabitants of this + town, and I rejoice to say that the place is rid of them all. The + respectable citizens are all grateful to me for the manner in which I have + fulfilled the task laid upon me, and as to the clamor of a few angry + women, it causes me not a moment's annoyance.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know why you are telling me all this, Richard,” his wife said + calmly. “I did not cast any reflections as to the manner in which you made + your choice. I only said I wished to see the list.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not see that the list concerns you,” the mayor said. “Why do you + wish to see it?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to see it, Richard, because I suspect that the name of my Cousin + Jack Stilwell is upon it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother!” cried Alice, who had been listening in surprise to the + conversation, suddenly starting to her feet; “you don't mean that they + have pressed Jack to be a soldier.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave the room, Alice,” her father said angrily. “This is no concern of a + child like you.” When the door closed behind the girl he said to his wife: + </p> + <p> + “Naturally his name is in the list. I selected fifty of the most worthless + fellows in Southampton, and his name was the first which occurred to me. + What then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I tell you, Richard,” Dame Anthony said, rising, “that you are a + wretch, a mean, cowardly, cruel wretch. You have vented your spite upon + Jack, whom I love as if he were my own son, because he would not put up + with the tyranny of your foreman and yourself. You may be Mayor of + Southampton, you may be a great man in your own way, but I call you a + mean, pitiful fellow. I won't stay in the house with you an hour longer. + The wagon for Basingstoke comes past at three o'clock, and I shall go and + stay with my father and mother there, and take Alice with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I forbid you to do anything of the sort,” the mayor said pompously. + </p> + <p> + “You forbid!” Dame Anthony cried. “What do I care for your forbidding? If + you say a word I will go down the town and join those who pelted you with + mud last night. A nice spectacle it would be for the worthy Mayor of + Southampton to be pelted in the street by a lot of women led by his own + wife. You know me, Richard. You know when I say I will do a thing I will + do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will lock you up in your own room, woman.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't,” Dame Anthony said scornfully. “I would scream out of the + window till I brought the whole town round. No, Mr. Mayor. You have had + your own way, and I am going to have mine. Go and tell the town if you + like that your wife has left you because you kidnapped her cousin, the boy + she loved. You tell your story and I will tell mine. Why, the women in the + town would hoot you, and you wouldn't dare show your face in the streets. + You insist, indeed! Why, you miserable little man, my fingers are tingling + now. Say another word to me and I will box your ears till you won't know + whether you are standing on your head or your heels.” + </p> + <p> + The mayor was a small man, while Dame Anthony, although not above the + usual height, was plump and strong; and her crestfallen spouse felt that + she was capable of carrying her threat into execution. He therefore + thought it prudent to make no reply, and his angry wife swept from the + room. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before the mayor descended to his shop. In the interval + he had thought the matter over, and had concluded that it would be best + for him to let his wife have her way. Indeed, he did not see how he could + do otherwise. + </p> + <p> + He had expected a storm, but not such a storm as this. Never before in his + fifteen years of married life had he seen his wife in such a passion, and + there was no saying whether she would not carry all her threats into + execution if he interfered with her now. No. It would be better to let her + go. The storm would blow over in time. It was natural enough for her to go + over and stay a few weeks with her people, and in time, of course, she + would come back again. After all, he had got rid of Jack, and this being + so, he could afford for awhile to put up with the absence of his wife. It + was unpleasant, of course, very unpleasant, to be called such names, but + as no one had heard them but himself it did not so much matter. Perhaps, + after all, it was the best thing that could happen that she should take it + into her head to go away for a time. In her present mood she would not + make things comfortable at home, and, of course, his daughter would side + with her mother. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, when the carrier's wagon stopped at the door the mayor went + out with a pleasant countenance, and saw that the boxes were safely placed + in it, and that his wife was comfortably seated on some shawls spread over + a heap of straw. His attention, however, received neither thanks nor + recognition from Dame Anthony, while Alice, whose face was swollen with + crying, did not speak a word. However, they were seated well under the + cover of the wagon, and could not be seen by the few people standing near; + and as the mayor continued till the wagon started speaking cheerfully, and + giving them all sorts of injunctions as to taking care of themselves on + the way, he flattered himself that no one would have an idea that the + departure was anything but an amicable one. + </p> + <p> + A week later a letter arrived for Dame Anthony and the mayor at once + recognized the handwriting of Jack Stilwell. He took it up to his room, + and had a considerable debate with himself as to whether he would open it + or not. The question was, What did the boy say? If he wrote full of bitter + complaints as to his treatment, the receipt of the letter by his wife + would only make matters worse, and in that case it would be better to + destroy the letter as well as any others which might follow it, and so put + an end to all communication, for it was unlikely that the boy would ever + return to England. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he opened the letter, and after reading it through, laid it + down with a feeling of something like relief. It was written in a cheerful + spirit. Jack began by saying that he feared Dame Anthony and Alice would + have been anxious when they heard that he was missing from his lodgings. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt, my dear cousin, you will have guessed what has befallen + me, seeing that so many have been taken away in the same way. I don't + think that my late master acted handsomely in thus getting rid of me; for, + as the list was made up by him, it was of course his doing. But you will + please tell him from me that I feel no grudge against him. In the first + place, he did not know I was going away to sea, and it must naturally have + angered him to see one known to be connected with him hanging about + Southampton doing nothing. Besides, I know that he always meant kindly by + me. He took me in when I had nowhere to go, he gave me my apprenticeship + without fee, and, had it not been that my roving spirit rendered me + disinclined for so quiet a life, he would doubtless have done much for me + hereafter. Thus thinking it over, it seems to me but reasonable that he + should have been angered at my rejection of the benefits he intended for + me. + </p> + <p> + “In the next place, it may be that his action in shipping me off as a + soldier may in the end prove to be for my welfare. Had I carried out my + intention and gone as a sailor, a sailor I might have remained all my + life. It seems to me that as a soldier my chances are larger. Not only + shall I see plenty of fighting and adventure, which accords well with my + spirit, but it seems to me—and a sergeant who has shown me much + kindness says that it is so—that there are fair chances of + advancement. The soldiers are for the great part disorderly and ignorant + men; and, as I mean to be steady and obedient so as to gain the goodwill + of the officers, and as I have received a good education from my dear + father, I hope in time to come to be regarded as one somewhat different + from the common herd; and if I get an opportunity of distinguishing + myself, and do not get killed by a Spanish bullet or pike thrust, or by + the fevers which they say are not uncommon, then it is possible I may come + back at the end of the war with some honor and credit, and, the sergeant + said, may even obtain advancement to the rank of an officer. Therefore my + late master, having done me many good turns, may perhaps find that this + last one—even though he intended it not—is the best of all. + Will you make my respects to him, dear cousin, and tell him that I feel no + grudge or ill will against him? Will you give my love to my Cousin Alice? + Tell her that I will bring her home some rare keepsakes from Spain should + they fall in my way; and you know I will do the same for yourself, who + have always been so good and kind to me.” + </p> + <p> + “The boy is not a bad boy,” the mayor said, well pleased as he laid down + the letter. “It may be that I have judged him too harshly, seeing that he + set himself against what was best for his welfare. Still, one cannot + expect men's heads on boys' shoulders, and he writes dutifully and + properly. I believe it is the fault of Andrew Carson, who was forever + edging me on by reports of the boy's laziness and carelessness. He + certainly has a grudge against him, and he assuredly exceeded his place + and authority when he lifted his hand against my wife's cousin. It seems + to me truly that I have acted somewhat hastily and wrong headedly in the + matter. I shall give Master Carson notice that at the end of a month I + shall require his services no longer—the fellow puts himself too + forward. That will please Mary; she never liked him, and women in these + matters of likes and dislikes are shrewder than we are. Perhaps when she + hears that he is going, and reads this letter, which I will forward to her + by the carrier, she may come back to me. I certainly miss her sorely, and + the household matters go all wrong now that she is away. She ought not to + have said things to me; but no wise man thinks anything of what a woman + says when she's angry; and now that I think things over, it certainly + seems to me that she had some sort of warrant for her words. Yes, I + certainly don't know what can have come over me, unless it was that + fellow, Andrew Carson. Richard Anthony has not been considered a bad + fellow else he would never have become the Mayor of Southampton; and for + fifteen years Mary and I have got on very well together, save for the + little disputes which have arisen from her over masterful disposition. But + she is a good wife—none could wish for better—though she is + given to flame out at what she considers unrighteous dealings; but every + woman has her faults, and every man too as far as that goes, and upon the + whole few of them have less than Mary. I will write to her at once.” + </p> + <p> + The mayor was not a man to delay when his mind was once made up, and + sitting down at a writing desk he wrote as follows: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR WIFE: I inclose a letter which has come for you from your Cousin + Jack. I opened it, and you will think poorly of me when I tell you that + had it been filled with complaints of me, as I expected, it would not have + come to your hands; for your anger against me is fierce enough without the + adding of fresh fuel thereto. But the lad, as you will see, writes in + quite another strain, and remembers former kindnesses rather than late + injuries. His letter has put it into my head to think matters over, and in + a different spirit from that in which I had previously regarded it, and I + have come to the conclusion that I have acted wrongly; first, that I did + not make allowances enough for the boy; second, that I insisted on keeping + him to a trade he disliked; third, that I have given too willing an ear to + what Andrew Carson has said against the boy; lastly, that I took such + means of freeing myself from him. I today give Andrew Carson notice to + quit my service—a matter in which I have hitherto withstood you. I + am willing to forget the words which you spoke to me in anger, seeing that + there was some foundation for them, and that when a woman is in a passion + her tongue goes further than she means. + </p> + <p> + “Now, as I am ready to put this on one side, I trust that you also will + put aside your anger at my having obtained the pressing for a soldier of + your cousin. You can see for yourself by his writing that he does not + desire that any enmity shall arise out of the manner of his going. For + fifteen years we have lived in amity, and I see not why, after this cloud + passes away, we should not do so again. + </p> + <p> + “I miss you sorely. Things go badly with us since you have gone. The food + is badly cooked, and the serving indifferent. If you will write to tell me + that you are willing to come back, and to be a loving and dutiful wife + again, I will make me a holiday and come over to Basingstoke to fetch you + and Alice home again. I am writing to Jack and sending him five guineas, + for which he will no doubt find a use in getting things suitable for the + adventure upon which he is embarked, for the payment of her majesty to her + soldiers does not permit of the purchase of many luxuries. On second + thoughts I have resolved to pay Andrew Carson his month's wages, and to + let him go at once. So that if you return you will not find one here + against whom you have always been set, and who is indeed in no small way + the author of the matters which have come between us, save only as + touching the impressment, of which I own that I must take the blame solely + upon myself. Give my love to Alice, and say that she must keep up her + spirits, and look forward to the time when her Cousin Jack shall come back + to her after the killing of many Spaniards.” + </p> + <p> + Having signed and carefully sealed this letter, with that from Jack + inclosed within it, the mayor then proceeded to write the following to the + young soldier: + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR COUSIN JACK: I have read the letter which you sent to my wife, + and it is written in a very proper and dutiful strain. Your departure has + caused trouble between my wife and me; but this I hope will pass away + after she has read and considered your letter. She carried matters so far + that she is at present with your Cousin Alice at the house of her parents + at Basingstoke. Having read your letter, I write to tell you that I feel + that I am not without blame toward you. I did not see it myself until the + manner of your letter opened my eyes to the fact. I have misunderstood + you, and, being bent on carrying out my own inclinations, made not enough + allowance for yours. Were you here now I doubt not that in future we + should get on better together; but as that cannot be, I can only say that + I recognize the kind spirit in which you wrote, and that I trust that in + future we shall be good friends. I inclose you an order for five guineas + on a tradesman in Dover with whom I have dealings. There are many little + things that you may want to buy for your voyage to supplement the pay + which you receive. Andrew Carson is leaving my service. I think that it is + he greatly who came between us, and has brought things to the pass which I + cannot but regret.” + </p> + <p> + A week later the cloth merchant's shop in the High Street was shut up, and + the mayor, having appointed a deputy for the week he purposed to be + absent, took his place in the stage for Basingstoke, when a complete + reconciliation was effected between him and his wife. + </p> + <p> + The starting of the expedition was delayed beyond the intended time, for + the government either could not or would not furnish the required funds, + and the Earl of Peterborough was obliged to borrow considerable sums of + money, and to involve himself in serious pecuniary embarrassments to + remedy the defects, and to supply as far as possible the munition and + stores necessary for the efficiency of the little force he had been + appointed to command. It consisted of some three thousand English troops, + who were nearly all raw and undisciplined, and a brigade, two thousand + strong, of Dutch soldiers. + </p> + <p> + Early in May the regiment to which Jack Stilwell belonged marched for + Portsmouth, where the rest of the expedition were assembled, and embarked + on board the transports lying at Spithead, and on the 22d of the month set + sail for St. Helens, where they were joined on the following day by their + general, who embarked with his suit on board the admiral's ship. On the + 24th the fleet sailed for Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + Fond as Jack was of the sea, he did not find the change an agreeable one. + On shore the constant drill and steady work had fully occupied the men, + and had left them but little time for grumbling. On board ship things were + different. In those days there was but little of the strict discipline + which is now maintained on board a troop ship. It was true that the + vessels in which the expedition was being carried belonged to the royal + navy; but even here the discipline was but lax. There were many good + sailors on board; but the bulk of the crew had been pressed into the + service as harshly and tyrannically as were the soldiers themselves, and + the grumblers of one class found ready sympathizers among the others. + </p> + <p> + The captain was a young man of good family who had obtained his + appointment solely by interest, and who, although he would have fought his + ship bravely in an action with the enemy, took but little interest in the + regular work, leaving such matters entirely in the hands of his first + lieutenant. The military officers were all new to their work. On shore + they had had the support which the presence of a considerable number of + veteran troops in garrison in the castle gave them; but they now ceased to + struggle against the difficulty of keeping up discipline among a large + number of raw and insubordinate recruits, relying upon bringing them into + order and discipline when they got them ashore in a foreign country. + Beyond, therefore, a daily parade, and half an hour's drill in the + handling of their firelocks, they interfered but little with the men. + </p> + <p> + Sergeant Edwards with twenty of his men had at the last minute, to Jack's + great satisfaction, been drafted into the regiment, and accompanied them + on their voyage. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, they are a rough lot,” the sergeant said in answer to an observation + of Jack as to the grumbling of the men after they had been at sea a few + days; “but what can you expect when you take men from their homes against + their will, pick out the worst characters in each town, make up their + number with jail birds, and then pack them off to sea before they have got + into shape? There's nothing tries men more than a sea voyage. Here they + are packed up as close as herrings, with scarcely room to move about, with + nothing to do, and with food which a dog would turn up his nose to eat. + Naturally they get talking together, and grumbling over their wrongs till + they work themselves up. + </p> + <p> + “I wish the voyage was over. It wouldn't matter if we had a good steady + old crew, but more than half of them have been pressed; many of them are + landsmen who have been carried off just as you were. No doubt they would + all fight toughly enough if a Frenchman hove in view, but the captain + couldn't rely on them in a row on board. As long as the fleet keeps + together it's all right enough. Here are nine vessels, and no one on board + one knows what's going on in the others, but if the captain of any one of + them were to hoist a signal that a mutiny had broken out on board, the + others would be round her with their portholes opened ready to give her a + dose of round shot in no time.” + </p> + <p> + “But you don't think that it is really likely that we shall have any + trouble, sergeant?” + </p> + <p> + “There won't be any trouble if, as I am telling you, the weather holds + fine and the fleet keeps together; but if there's a gale and the ships get + scattered, no one can't say what might come of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't think how they could be so mad as to get up a mutiny,” Jack said; + “why, even supposing they did take the ship, what would they do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Them's questions as has been asked before, my lad, and there's sense and + reason in them, but you knows as well as I that there's many a craft + sailing the seas under the black flag. There isn't a ship as puts to sea + but what has half a dozen hands on board who have been in slavers, and who + are full of tales of islands where everything grows without the trouble of + putting a spade in the ground, where all sorts of strange fruit can be had + for the picking, and where the natives are glad enough to be servants or + wives, as the case may be, to whites. It's just such tales as these as + leads men away, and I will warrant there's a score at least among the crew + of the Caesar who are telling such tales to any who will listen to them. + Well, you see, it's a tempting story enough to one as knows no better. On + the one side there is a hard life, with bad food and the chance of being + shot at, and the sartainty of being ordered about and not being able to + call your life your own. On the other side is a life of idleness and + pleasure, of being your own master, and, if you want something which the + islands can't afford you, why, there's just a short cruise and then back + you come with your ship filled up with plunder. I don't say as it's not + tempting; but there's one thing agin it, and the chaps as tells these + yarns don't say much about that.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, sergeant?” + </p> + <p> + “It's just the certainty of a halter or a bloody grave sooner or later. + The thing goes on for some time, and then, when merchant ship after + merchant ship is missing, there are complaints at home, and out comes a + ship or two with the queen's pennant at the head, and then either the + pirate ship gets caught at sea and sunk or captured, or there's a visit to + the little island, and a short shrift for those found there. + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't think it can pay, my lad, even at its best. It's jolly enough + for awhile, maybe, for those whose hearts are so hard that they think + nothing of scuttling a ship with all on board, or of making the crew and + passengers walk the plank in cold blood. Still even they must know that it + can't last, and that there's a gallows somewhere waiting for them. Still, + you see, they don't think of all that when a chap is atelling them of + these islands, and how pleasant the life is there, and how easy it would + be to do for the officers, and take the command of the ship and sail away. + Two or three chaps as makes up their mind for it will poison a whole crew + in no time.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak as if you knew all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know a good deal about it,” the sergeant replied gravely. “It's a tale + as there ain't many as knows; but you are a sort of lad as one can trust, + and so I don't mind if I tell it you. Though you wouldn't think it, I have + sailed under the black flag myself.” + </p> + <p> + “You, sergeant!” Jack exclaimed incredulously; “do you mean to say you + have been a pirate?” + </p> + <p> + “Just that, my boy. I don't look like it, do I? There ain't nothing + buccaneering about my cut. I looks just what I am, a tough old sergeant in + a queen's regiment; but for all that I have been a pirate. The yarn is a + long one, and I can't tell it you now, because just at present, you see, I + have got to go below to look after the dinners of the company, but the + first time as we can get an opportunity for a quiet talk I will tell it + you. But don't you go away and think till then as I was a pirate from + choice. I shouldn't like you to think that of me; there ain't never no + saying at sea what may happen. I might tumble overboard tonight and get + drowned, or one of the convoy might run foul of us and sink us, and + tomorrow you might be alive and I might be dead, and I shouldn't like you + to go on thinking all your life as that Sergeant Edwards had been a bloody + pirate of his own free will. So you just bear in mind, till I tells you + the whole story, as how it was forced upon me. Mind, I don't say as how I + hadn't the choice of death or that, and maybe had you been in my place you + would have chosen death; but, you see, I had never been brought up as you + were. I had had no chances to speak of, and being only just about your + age, I didn't like the thought of dying, so you see I took to it, making + up my mind secret at the same time that the first chance I had I would + slip away from them. I won't tell you more now, I hain't time; but just + you bear that in mind, in case of anything happening, that if Sergeant + Edwards once sailed under the black flag, he didn't do it willing.” + </p> + <p> + The sergeant now hurried below, leaving Jack wondering over what he had + heard. Some days elapsed before the story was told, for a few hours later + the sky clouded over and the wind rose, and before next morning the vessel + was laboring heavily under double reefed topsails. The soldiers were all + kept below, and there was no possibility of anything like a quiet talk. + The weather had hitherto been so fine and the wind so light that the + vessels had glided over the sea almost without motion, and very few indeed + of those on board had experienced anything of the usual seasickness; but + now, in the stifling atmosphere between decks, with the vessel rolling and + plunging heavily, the greater part were soon prostrate with seasickness, + and even Jack, accustomed to the sea as he was, succumbed to the + unpleasantness of the surroundings. + </p> + <p> + On the second day of the storm Sergeant Edwards, who had been on deck to + make a report to the captain of the company, was eagerly questioned on his + return below on the condition of the weather. + </p> + <p> + “It's blowing about as hard as it can be,” he said, “and she rolls fit to + take the masts out of her. There don't seem no chance of the gale + breaking, and none of the other ships of the fleet are in sight. That's + about all I have to tell you, except that I told the captain that if he + didn't get the hatches lifted a little we should be all stifled down here. + He says if there's a bit of a lull he will ask them to give us a little + fresh air, and in the mean time he says that any who are good sailors may + go up on deck, but it will be at their own risk, for some of the seas go + pretty nearly clean over her.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV: THE SERGEANT'S YARN + </h2> + <p> + Jack Stilwell and a few of the other men availed themselves of the + permission to escape for a time from the stifling atmosphere below, and + made their way on deck. For a time the rush of the wind and the wild + confusion of the sea almost bewildered them. Masses of water were rushing + along the deck, and each time she rolled the waves seemed as if they would + topple over the bulwarks. Several of the party turned and went below again + at once, but Jack, with a few others, waited their opportunity and, making + a rush across the deck, grasped the shrouds and there hung on. Jack soon + recovered from his first confusion and was able to enjoy the grandeur of + the scene. + </p> + <p> + Small as was the canvas she was showing, the vessel was traveling fast + through the waves, sometimes completely burying her head under a sea; then + as she rose again the water rushed aft knee deep, and Jack had as much as + he could do to prevent himself being carried off his feet. Fortunately all + loose articles had long since been swept overboard, otherwise the risk of + a broken limb from their contact would have been serious. + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour even Jack had had enough of it and went below, + and, having changed his drenched clothes, slung his hammock and turned in. + The next day the gale began to abate, and by evening the wind had nearly + died away, although the vessel was rolling as heavily as before among the + great masses of water which rolled in from the Atlantic. + </p> + <p> + The hatchways, however, were now removed, and all below ordered on deck, + and after awhile a party was told off to sluice down their quarters below. + The men were all weakened by their confinement, but their spirits soon + rose, and there was ere long plenty of laughter at the misfortunes which + befell those who tried to cross the deck, for the ship was rolling so + heavily that it was impossible for a landsman to keep his feet without + holding on. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, although a heavy swell was still rolling, the ship + assumed her normal aspect. The sailors had removed all trace of disorder + above, clothes were hung out to dry, and, as the ship was still far too + unsteady to allow of walking exercise, the soldiers sat in groups on the + deck, laughing and chatting and enjoying the warm sun whose rays streamed + down upon them. Seeing Sergeant Edwards standing alone looking over the + bulwark, Jack made his way up to him. + </p> + <p> + “It has been a sharp blow,” the sergeant said, “and I am glad it's over; + the last four days have been enough to sicken one of the sea for life. I + suppose you think this is a good opportunity for my yarn.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just what I was thinking, sergeant.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then, my lad, here goes. I was born at Poole. My people were + all in the seafaring line, and it was only natural that, as soon as I got + old enough to stand kicking, I was put on board a coaster plying between + Poole and London. It was pretty rough, but the skipper wasn't a bad kind + of fellow when he was sober. I stuck to that for three years, and then the + old craft was wrecked on Shoreham beach. Fortunately she was driven up so + far that we were able to drop over the bowsprit pretty well beyond the + reach of the waves, but there was no getting the Eliza off. It was no + great loss, for she would have had to be broken up as firewood in another + year or two. About six hours out of every twenty-four I was taking my turn + at spells at the pump. + </p> + <p> + “Now the Eliza was cast away, I had to look out for another ship. I had + had enough of coasters, so instead of going home I tramped it up to + London. Having got a berth on board a foreign bound vessel I made two + voyages out to Brazil and back. A fine country is the Brazils, but the + Portuguese ain't the fellows to make much out of it. Little undersized + chaps, they are all chatter and jabber, and when they used to come + alongside to unload, it were jest for all the world like so many boatfuls + of monkeys. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I starts for my third voyage, being by this time about sixteen or + seventeen. We got out to Rio right enough; but we couldn't get a full + cargo back, and the captain determined to cruise among the West Indy + Islands and fill up his ship. We were pretty nigh full when one morning + the lookout hailed that there were two vessels just coming out of an inlet + in an island we were passing some three miles on the weather bow. + </p> + <p> + “The captain was soon on deck with his glass, and no sooner did he make + them out than he gave orders to clap every sail on her. We hadn't a very + smart crew, but there are not many British ships ever made sail faster + than we did then. The men just flew about, for it needed no glass to show + that the two vessels which came creeping out from among trees weren't + customers as one wanted to talk to on the high seas. The one was a brig, + the other a schooner. They carried lofty spars ever so much higher than an + honest trader could want; and quick as we had got up our sails, they had + got their canvas spread as soon as we had. + </p> + <p> + “The ship was a fast sailer, but it didn't need half an hour to show that + they had the legs of us. So the skipper called the crew aft. 'Now, my + lads,' he said, 'you see those two vessels astern. I don't think it needs + any telling from me as to what they are. They might be Spaniards or they + might be French, or they might be native traders, but we are pretty well + sure they ain't anything of the kind. They are pirates—I guess the + same two vessels I heard them talking about down at Rio. They have been + doing no end of damage there. There were pretty nigh a dozen ships + missing, and they put them all down to them. However, a couple of English + frigates had come into Rio, and hearing what had happened had gone out to + chase them. They hadn't caught them, and the Brazilians thought that they + had shifted their quarters and gone for a cruise in other latitudes. + </p> + <p> + “'The description they gave of them answered to these two—a brig and + a schooner, with low hulls and tall spars. One of them carries ten guns, + the other two on each side, and a heavy piece mounted on a swivel + amidship. It was said that before they went down to Brazil they had been + carrying on their games among the West India Islands, and had made it so + hot for themselves that they had been obliged to move off from there. It + was like enough that, now the hue and cry after them had abated, they + would return to their old quarters. + </p> + <p> + “'Well, my lads, I needn't tell you what we have to expect if they take + us. Every man Jack will either get his throat cut or be forced to walk the + plank. So we will fight her to the last; for if the worst comes to the + worst, it's better to be killed fighting like men than to be murdered in + cold blood. However, I hope it won't come to that. We carry twelve guns, + and they are heavier metal than most merchantmen have on board. We are + more than a match for either of them alone; and if we can manage to + cripple one, we can beat the other off. + </p> + <p> + “'At any rate we will try our best. Thank God we have no women on board, + and only ourselves to think of! Now, my lads, cast the guns loose and get + the ammunition on deck; run two of the guns aft and train them over the + stern. As soon as they come within range we will try and knock some spars + out of them. Now, boys, give three cheers for the old flag, and we will + swear together it shall never come down while there's one of us to fight + the ship.' + </p> + <p> + “The men gave three cheers and then went off to their quarters at the + guns. They were quiet and grave, and it was easy enough to see that they + did not like the prospect. An Englishman always goes into action, as far + as I have seen, with a light heart and a joke on his lips when he's + fighting against Frenchmen or Spaniards or any other foe, but it's a + different thing when it's a pirate he has to deal with. Every man knows + then that it's a case of life or death, and that he's got to win or die. + The enemy made no secret of what they were, for when they got within a + mile of us two black flags ran up to their mastheads. + </p> + <p> + “The captain he trained one of the stern chasers hisself, and the first + mate took the other. They fired at the same moment, both aiming at the + schooner, which was getting the nearest to us. They were good shots both + of them. The mate's ball struck the water some twenty yards in front of + her forefoot, and smashed her bow planking some three feet above the + waterline; while the captain's struck her bulwark, tore along her deck, + and went out astern, doing some damage by the way, I reckon. + </p> + <p> + “We could see there was some confusion on board. They hadn't reckoned that + we carried such heavy metal, and our luck in getting both shots on board + must have surprised them. Then her bow paid off, there was a puff of smoke + amidship, and a ball from the long swivel gun buzzed overhead, passing + through our mainsail without touching mast or stay. + </p> + <p> + “So far we had the best of it, and the men looked more cheerful than they + had done from the first moment when the pirates showed from among the + trees. After that we kept up a fire from the stern guns as fast as we + could load. I could not see myself what damage we were doing, for I was + kept hard at work carrying ammunition. Presently the broadside guns began + to fire too, and taking the chance for a look round I saw that the pirates + had separated, and were coming up one on each side of us. + </p> + <p> + “So far they had not fired a shot after the first. I suppose they didn't + want to lose ground by yawing, but as they came abreast of us they both + opened fire. Our chaps fought their guns well, and I expect the pirates + found they were not getting much the best of it; for one of them made a + signal, and they both closed in to board. We hadn't had much luck after + our first shot. We had hulled them over and over again and spotted their + sails with shot. Many of their ropes were hanging loose, but we hadn't + succeeded in crippling them, although almost every shot had been aimed at + the masts; for every man knew that our only chance was to bring them down. + </p> + <p> + “As they came up close to us they poured in a volley of grape, and a + minute later they grated alongside and a crowd of men swarmed on board + over the bulwarks. Our fellows fought to the last, but the odds were five + to one against them. The skipper had been killed by a grapeshot, but the + mate he led the men; and if fighting could have saved us the ship would + not have been captured. But it was no use. In two minutes every man had + been cut down or disarmed. I had laid about me with a cutlass till I got a + lick over my head with a boarding pike which knocked my senses out of me. + </p> + <p> + “When I opened my eyes I was hauled up to my feet and put alongside the + mate and six others, all of whom was bleeding more or less. The rest had + all been chucked overboard at once. In a minute or two the captain of one + of the pirates, a little dapper Frenchman, came up to us. 'You have fought + your ship well,' he said to the mate, 'and have killed several of my + officers and men; but I bear you no malice, and if you are ready to ship + with me I will spare your life.' 'I would rather die a hundred times!' the + mate said. The pirate said nothing, but just nodded, and four of his men + seized the mate and flung him over the bulwarks. The same question was + asked of each of the men; but each in turn refused, and an end was made of + them. I was the last. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, my boy,' the captain said, 'I hope you won't be stupid like those + pig headed fellows. What do you say—good treatment and a free life + on the sea, or the sharks?' + </p> + <p> + “Well, lad, if my turn hadn't been last I would have said 'no' like the + others. I wouldn't have shown the white feather before any of my + shipmates; but they had gone—there wasn't one to cast a reproachful + look at me or to taunt me with cowardice. I just stood alone; there + weren't no one to back me up in choosing to die rather than to serve, and + so I says, 'I will join you, captain.' I don't say I was right, lad; I + don't say I didn't act as a coward; but I think most young chaps with my + bringing up, and placed as I was, would have done the same. There's many + as would have said 'no' if they had had comrades and friends looking on, + but I don't think there's many as would have said 'no' if they had stood + all alone as I did. + </p> + <p> + “I can't say as I blame myself much about that business, though I have + thought it over many a score of times; but anyhow, from the first I made + up my mind that at the very first chance I would get away from them. I + knew the chance wasn't likely to come for some time—still there it + was; and during all the black scenes I took part in on board that ship I + was always telling myself that I was there against my will. + </p> + <p> + “It was the brig as I was to go in. And as soon as that little matter of + the crew was settled all hands set to work to shift the cargo from the + ship aboard the pirates. Wonderful quick they did it too; and when I + thought how long that cargo had taken to get on board, it was wonderful + how soon they whipped it out of her. When they had stripped her of all + they thought worth taking, they ran one of the cannon to the open hatch, + loaded it and crammed it full of balls to the muzzle; then they pointed it + down the hold and fired it, and were soon on board their own craft. + </p> + <p> + “The charge must have torn a great hole in the ship's bottom, for I could + see she was settling down in the water before we had left her five + minutes, and in a quarter of an hour she gave a sudden lurch and sank. As + I was in for it now, I knew the best thing was to put a good face on it, + so I lent a hand at shifting the cargo and did my best to seem contented. + We sailed off in company, and in the morning when I came on deck I found + the two craft riding side by side in a land locked harbor. + </p> + <p> + “A few minutes later the boats were lowered and the work of getting the + cargo on shore began. It was clear enough that this was the pirates' + headquarters; for there were lots of huts built on the sloping sides of + the inlet, and a number of men and women stood gathered on the shore to + receive us as we landed. The women were of all countries, English and + French, Dutch, Spaniards, and Portuguese, with a good sprinkling of dark + skinned natives. All the white women had been taken prisoners at some time + or other from vessels which had fallen into the pirates' hands, and though + most of them must have been miserable enough at heart, poor creatures, + they all made a show of being glad to see the men back again. It was but a + week, I learned, since the pirates had sailed, and it was considered a + great stroke of luck that they should so soon have effected a capture. + </p> + <p> + “No one attended to me, but I worked hard all day with the others rowing + backward and forward between the shore and the ship. When it became dusk + they knocked off work, and the men went off to their huts, for it seemed + that each of them had a wife, brown skinned or white. Seeing that nobody + paid any attention to me, I went off to the little captain, who was making + his way up to a hut of a better class than the others. + </p> + <p> + “'What is to become of me, captain?' I asked. 'Ah! I had not thought of + you,' he said; 'well, you can go up with me and get some supper, and you + can have a blanket and sleep on my veranda for tonight; we will see where + you can be lodged in the morning.' I followed him into his house, and was + astonished as I entered at the luxury of the apartment, which far exceeded + anything I had ever seen before. The plank walls were concealed by + hangings of light green silk, a rich carpet covered the floor, the + furniture was most handsome and massive, and had no doubt been intended + for the palace of the Spanish governor of some of the islands. A pair of + candelabra of solid silver stood on the table, and the white candles in + them, which had just been lighted, threw a soft glow of light over the + room and lighted up the table, on which was a service, also of solid + silver, with vases and, lovely flowers. A young woman rose from a couch as + he entered: 'I have been expecting you for the last half hour, Eugene. You + have worked longer than usual this evening; if the fish are spoiled you + must not blame Zoe.' + </p> + <p> + “The speaker was a tall and very handsome woman, and I now understood how + it was that my captor spoke such excellent English. There was a deep + expression of melancholy on her face, but she smiled when speaking to the + pirate, and her tone was one of affection. + </p> + <p> + “'I have brought home a countryman of yours, Ellen. I forgot to allot him + quarters until it was too late, so please give him over to the care of Zoe + and ask her to give him some supper and a blanket; he will sleep in the + veranda.' + </p> + <p> + “The first look which the woman gave me as the captain spoke made me wish + that instead of speaking to the captain I had lain down fasting under a + tree, there was so much contempt and horror in it; then, as I suppose she + saw I was but a boy, it changed, and it seemed to me that she pitied me + from her heart; however, she clapped her hands and a negress entered. She + said something to her in Spanish, and the old woman beckoned me to follow + her, and I was soon sitting in front of a better meal than I had tasted + for many a month, perhaps the best meal I had tasted in my life. + </p> + <p> + “As she couldn't speak English there was no talking with the old woman. + She gave me a tumbler of stiff rum and water to drink with my supper, and + after I had done she handed me a blanket, took me out into the veranda, + pointed to the side where I should get the sea breeze, and left me. I + smoked a pipe or two and then went to sleep. I was awakened in the morning + by some one coming along the veranda, and, sitting up, saw the lady I had + seen the night before. 'So you are English?' she said. 'Yes, ma'am,' says + I, touching my hat sailor fashion. 'Are you lately from home?' she asked. + 'Not very late, ma'am,' says I; 'we went to Rio first, and not filling up + there were cruising about picking up a cargo when—' and I stopped, + not knowing, you see, how I should put it. 'Are there any more of you?' + she asked after awhile in a low sort of voice. 'No, ma'am,' says I; 'I am + the only one.' 'I did not ask,' she said almost in a whisper, and I could + see her face was 'most as white as a sheet, 'I never ask. And so you have + joined them?' 'Yes,' says I, 'I couldn't help it, ma'am. I was the last, + you see; if there had been any one else to have encouraged me I should + have said no, but being alone—' 'Don't excuse yourself, poor boy,' + she said; 'don't think I blame you. Who am I that I should blame any one? + It is little I can do for you, but if you should want anything I will do + my best to befriend you.' I heard the captain's voice calling. Suddenly + she put her finger to her lips, as a hint to me to hold my tongue, and off + she went. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether the captain's wife spoke to him about me or not, but + at any rate he didn't tell me off to any of the huts, but kept me at the + house. I used to go down in the day to work with the other men unloading + the ship and stowing away the stores, but they only worked for a few hours + morning and evening, lying in hammocks slung under the trees during the + heat of the day. I made myself useful about the house, helped the old + woman to chop wood, drew water for her, attended to the plants in the + little garden round the house, trained the creepers up the veranda, and + lent a hand at all sorts of odd jobs, just as a sailor will do. + </p> + <p> + “When, ten days after we arrived, the ships got ready for another cruise, + I was afraid they would take me with them, and I lay awake at nights + sweating as I thought over the fearful deeds I should have to take part + in; but the captain gave me no orders, and to my delight the men embarked + and the ships sailed away without me. I found there were some forty men + left behind, whose duty it was to keep a sharp lookout and man the + batteries they had got at the entrance to the cove in case any of our + cruisers came in sight. + </p> + <p> + “The man who was in command was a Spaniard, a sulky, cruel looking + scoundrel. However, he didn't have much to do with me; I took my turn at + the lookout with the rest of them, and besides that there was nothing to + do. The men on shore had all been in one or other of the ships when I was + taken; for I found there were about a hundred and sixty of them, and a + quarter stayed at home by turns, changing after each cruise, whether it + was a long or short one. + </p> + <p> + “The captain's wife often spoke to me now; she would come out and sit in + the veranda while I was at work. She asked me what part I came from, and + where I had sailed, and what friends I had at home. But she never said a + word to me about the capture of the ship. She always looked sad now, while + she had been cheerful and bright while the captain was on shore. In time + she got quite friendly with me, and one day she said, 'Peter, you will + have to go to sea next time, what will you do?' + </p> + <p> + “'I must do as the others do, God forgive me,' says I; 'but don't think, + ma'am, as ever I shall do it willing. It may be years before I gets a + chance, but if ever I does I shall make a run for it, whatever the risk + may be. I speaks free to you, ma'am, for I feel sure as you won't say a + word to no man, for it would cost me my life if they thought that I wasn't + with them willing.' + </p> + <p> + “'I will not tell any one, Peter, you may be sure,' she said; 'but I do + not think you will ever have a chance of getting away—no one ever + does who once comes here.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, in time, lad, she lets out bit by bit a little about herself. She + had been on her way out to join her father, who was an officer of the East + Indy Company, when the ship was taken by the pirates. The men was all + killed, but she and some other women was taken on board the pirate and at + last brought there. The French captain took a fancy to her from the first, + and after she had been there a year brought a Spanish priest they captured + on board a ship and he married them. The pirates seemed to think it was a + joke, and lots of them followed the captain's example and got married to + the women there. What they did with the priest afterward, whether they cut + his throat or landed him in some place thousands of miles away, or entered + him on board ship, is more nor I know. + </p> + <p> + “There's no doubt the captain's wife was fond of her husband; pirate as he + was, he had not behaved so bad to her—but except when he was with + her she was always sad. + </p> + <p> + “She had an awful horror of the life he led, and with this was a terror + lest he should fall into the hands of a cruiser, for she knew that if he + hadn't the good luck to be killed in the fight, he would be tried and hung + at the nearest port. It was a kind of mixed feeling, you see; she would + have given everything to be free from the life she was leading, and yet + even had she had the chance she would not have left her husband. I believe + he had promised her to give it up, but she must have knowed that he never + would do it; besides, if he had slipped away from the ship at any place + where they touched he could not have got her away, and her life would have + paid for his desertion. + </p> + <p> + “But I don't think he would have gone if he could, for, quiet and nice as + he was when at home, he was a demon at sea. Ruffians and scoundrels as + were his crew, the boldest of them were afraid of him. It was not a word + and a blow, but a word and a pistol shot with him; and if it hadn't been + that he was a first rate seaman, that he fought his ships splendidly, and + that there was no one who could have kept any show of order or discipline + had he not been there, I don't believe they would have put up with him for + a day. + </p> + <p> + “Well, lad, I sailed with them for three voyages. I won't tell you what I + saw and heard, but it was years before I could sleep 'well at night, but + would start up in a cold sweat with those scenes before my eyes and those + screams ringing in my ears. I can say that I never took the life of a man + or woman. Of course I had to help to load the cannon, and when the time + for boarding came would wave my cutlass and fire my pistols with the best + of them; but I took good care never to be in the front line, and the + others were too busy with their bloody doings to notice what share I took + in them. + </p> + <p> + “We had been out about a fortnight on my third voyage, and the schooner + and brig were lying in a little bay when we saw what we took to be a large + merchant ship coming along. She was all painted black, her rigging was + badly set up, her sails were dirty and some of them patched, she was + steering east, and seemed as if she was homeward bound after a long + voyage. Off we went in pursuit, thinking we had got a prize. She clapped + on more sail, but we came up to her hand over hand. She opened fire with + two eight pounders over her stern. We didn't waste a shot in reply, but + ranged up alongside, one on each beam. Then suddenly her sides seemed to + open, fifteen ports on each side went up, and her deck swarmed with men. + </p> + <p> + “A yell of dismay went up from the schooner which I was on. In a moment a + flash of fire ran along the frigate's broadside; there was a crash of + timber, and the schooner shook as if she had struck on a rock. There was a + cry, 'We are sinking!' Some made a wild rush for the boats, others in + their despair jumped overboard, some cursed and swore like madmen and + shook their fists at the frigate. It seemed no time when another broadside + came. + </p> + <p> + “Down came the foremast, crushing half a dozen men as she fell. Her deck + was nearly level with the water now. I climbed over the wreck of the + foremast, and run out along the bowsprit. I looked round just as I leaped. + The pirate captain was standing at the wheel. He had a pistol to his head, + and I saw the flash, and he fell. Then I dived off and swam under water as + hard as I could to get away from the sinking ship. When I came up I looked + round. I just saw the flutter of a black flag above the water and she was + gone. I was a good swimmer, and got rid of my shoes and jacket, and made + up my mind for a long swim, for the frigate was too busy with the brig for + any one to pay attention to us, but it did not take long to finish it. + </p> + <p> + “In five minutes it was over. The brig lay dismasted, and scarce a dozen + men out of the forty she carried were alive to throw down their arms on + deck and cry that they surrendered. Then the frigate's boats were lowered; + two rowed in our direction, while two put off to the brig. There were only + nine of us picked up, for from the first broadside till we sank a heavy + musketry fire had been poured down upon the deck, and as we were not more + than fifty yards away from the frigate, the men had been just mowed down. + We were all ironed as soon as we were brought on board. After that we were + brought up one by one and questioned. + </p> + <p> + “'You are young to be engaged in such work as this,' the captain said when + my turn came. + </p> + <p> + “'I was forced into it against my will, sir,' I said. + </p> + <p> + “'Yes,' the captain said, 'I suppose so; that's the story each of the + prisoners tells. How long have you been with them?' + </p> + <p> + “'Less than six months, sir.' + </p> + <p> + “'How old are you?' + </p> + <p> + “'I am not seventeen yet. I was boy on board the Jane and William. We were + taken by the pirates on our way back from Rio, and all except me killed or + thrown overboard.' + </p> + <p> + “'And you bought your life by agreeing to sail with them, I suppose?' the + captain said contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “'I did, sir,' I said; 'but I was the last they asked; all the others had + gone, and there warn't no one to back me up.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, boy, you know what your fate will be,' the captain said; 'there's + no mercy for pirates.' + </p> + <p> + “The next day the captain sent for me again, and I took heart a little, + for I thought if they had made up their minds to hang me they wouldn't + have questioned me. + </p> + <p> + “'Look here, lad,' the captain said; 'you are the youngest of the + prisoners, and less steeped in crime than any here, therefore I will at + once make you an offer. If you will direct us to the lair of the pirates, + I promise your life shall be spared.' + </p> + <p> + “'I don't know the latitude and longitudes sir,' I said, 'and I doubt if + any besides the captain and one or two others do, but I know pretty well + whereabout it is. We always set sail at night and came in at night, and + none was allowed on deck except the helmsman and two or three old hands + till morning; but when I was ashore and on duty at the lookout I noticed + three trees growing together just at the edge of the cliff at the point + where it was highest, two miles away from the entrance to the cove. They + were a big un and two little uns, and I feel sure if I were to see them + again I should know them.' + </p> + <p> + “'Very well,' the captain said, 'I shall make for port at once, and hand + over the prisoners to the Spanish authorities, then I will start on a + cruise with you, and see if we can find your trees.' + </p> + <p> + “From the description I could give him of the islands we passed after we + had been at sea a few hours, and the time it took us to sail from them to + some known points, the captain was able to form a sort of idea as to which + group of islands it belonged to, and when he had reached port and got rid + of his prisoners, all of whom were garroted—that's a sort of + strangling, you know—by the Spaniards, a week afterward, we set out + again on our search for the island.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V: THE PIRATE HOLD + </h2> + <p> + “The frigate was again disguised as a merchantman, as, if she had passed + within sight of the island looking like a ship of war, it would have put + the pirates on their guard, and I had told the captain there were guns + enough at the mouth of the cove to blow the ship's boats out of the water. + As to the frigate getting in, I knew she couldn't, for there was only just + enough water at the entrance for the pirate vessels to enter in. I was not + in irons now, but spent my time on deck; and a wretched time it was, I can + tell you, for not a sailor on board would speak to me. + </p> + <p> + “For three weeks we cruised about, sailing round island after island, but + at last as we were approaching one of them I saw the three trees. + </p> + <p> + “'That's the place,' I said to the boatswain, who was standing near me, + and he carried the news to the quarterdeck, and brought back word I was to + go to the captain. + </p> + <p> + “You are sure those are the trees?' + </p> + <p> + “'Quite sure, sir.' + </p> + <p> + “'They answer to your description certainly,' the captain said. 'Keep her + away, master, I don't want them to think we are steering for the island.' + </p> + <p> + “The ship's course was altered, and she sailed along parallel with the + coast. + </p> + <p> + “'I beg your pardon, sir,' I said, touching my hat, 'but they have got + some wonderful good glasses up at the lookout, and if I might make so bold + I should say that they will make out that we have got a lot more men on + deck than a merchant ship would carry.' + </p> + <p> + “'You are right, lad,' the captain said, and he at once gave orders that + all hands with the exception of half a dozen should sit down under the + bulwarks or go below. The captain and first lieutenant kept a sharp + lookout through their glasses until we had passed the end of the island. I + pointed out to them the exact position of the cove, but it was so shut in + that even when I showed where it was, it was as much as they could do to + make it out. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, lad, do you know of any other landing places on the other side of + the island?' + </p> + <p> + “'No, sir, and I don't believe there is any,' says I. I know the captain + said to me the first day I was on shore, 'It's no use your thinking of + making a bolt, for there ain't no other place but this where you could get + to sea—not though you had twenty boats waiting to take you off.' I + expect that's why they chose it. Anyhow, there never was any watch kept up + on shore, though. I have no doubt there was many a one who had been + pressed into pirating just as I was, to save their lives, would have made + off had they seen ever such a little chance of getting away. + </p> + <p> + “'Just come into the cabin with me,' says he; 'I want you to show me + exactly where are these batteries, and the position of the village on + shore.' + </p> + <p> + “The first lieutenant came too, and I drew them out a chart as well as I + could, showing them the position of things, and told them that every + evening a boom was floated across the entrance. + </p> + <p> + “'What sentries are there on at night?' + </p> + <p> + “'Four, sir; two close down to the water, one each side of the cove, and + two in the batteries at the top. That's the watch, but besides there are + six men sleep in each of the other batteries, and six in each of the + batteries inside.' + </p> + <p> + “'Tell me more about the place and the life you led there,' the captain + said, 'and then I shall understand the position of things better.' + </p> + <p> + “So I spun him a regular yarn about the place and the people. I told him + about the captain's wife, and she being an English woman, and how she was + taken, which indeed was the way of most of the women there. + </p> + <p> + “'I suppose that a good many of the men were pressed too,' the captain + said. + </p> + <p> + “'I expects so, sir; but when we were together on guard or on board a ship + I noticed we never talked of such things. It seemed to me as if every one + was trying to forget the past, and I think that made them more brutal and + bloody minded than they would have been. Every one was afraid of every one + else guessing as he wasn't contented, and was wanting to get away, and so + each carried on as bad as he could.' + </p> + <p> + “'I dare say you are right, lad; it must be a terrible position for a man + to be in; but you see the law can make no distinctions. If it wasn't + thoroughly understood that if a man took up the life of a pirate, whether + willingly or unwillingly, he would assuredly be executed if he was caught, + we should have the sea swarming with pirates. Now, lad, you know how this + boom was fastened; can you suggest any way that we could get over it or + loosen it without giving the alarm?' + </p> + <p> + “'There is no way, sir. One end is fastened by a big chain which is fixed + to a great shackle which is let into a hole in the rock and fastened in + there with lead; that's the fixed end of the boom. The other end, which is + swung backward and forward when the ships go in port, has got a big chain + too. It goes under an iron bar which is bent, and the two ends fastened in + a rock. When they want to fix the boom the end of the chain is passed + under this iron loop and then fastened to some blocks and ropes worked + from the battery above, and the end of the chain is drawn up tight there, + so that there is no loosing the chain till that battery is taken.' + </p> + <p> + “'And you say the guns of the lower batteries at the inner point sweep the + entrance?' + </p> + <p> + “'They do, sir. There are ten of them on each side, twelve pounder + carronades, which are always charged, and crammed up to the muzzle with + bullets and nails and bits of iron. The batteries on the top of the cliff + at the entrance are the heaviest metal. They have got twenty guns in each + of them. They are loaded with round shot to keep a vessel from + approaching, though of course they could fire grape into any boats they + saw coming in.' + </p> + <p> + “'This does not seem an easy business by any means, Mr. Earnshaw,' the + captain said. + </p> + <p> + “'It does not, sir,' the lieutenant agreed in a dubisome sort of way; 'but + no doubt it can be done, sir—no doubt it can be done.' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, but how?' the captain asked. 'You will be in command of the boats, + Mr. Earnshaw, and it will never do to attack such a place as that without + some sort of plan.' + </p> + <p> + “'What is the boom like, my lad?' the lieutenant asked; 'is it lashed + together?' + </p> + <p> + “'No, it is a solid spar,' I said. 'The entrance is not more than forty + feet wide, and the boom is part of the mainmast of a big ship.' + </p> + <p> + “'It seems to me,' said the lieutenant, 'that the only way to get at it + would be to go straight at the boom, the two lightest boats to go first. + The men must get on the spar and pull the boats over, and then make a dash + for the batteries; the heavy boats can follow them.' + </p> + <p> + “'It would never do, Mr. Earnshaw,' the captain said. 'You forget there + are twelve guns loaded to the muzzle with grape and musketballs all + trained upon a point only forty feet across. Would it be possible to land + just outside the boom, lad, on one or both sides, and to keep along the + edge, or wade in the water to the batteries?' + </p> + <p> + “'No, sir, the rock goes straight up from the water both sides.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, the two sentries, how do they get down to the water's edge?' + </p> + <p> + “'They are let down by rope from above, sir, and the rope is hauled up as + soon as they are down.' + </p> + <p> + “'This is a deuce of a place, Mr. Earnshaw,' the captain said. 'We must do + nothing hastily in this matter, or we shall only be throwing away the + lives of a lot of men, and failing in our object. I was intending to sail + on and not return for a week, for no doubt they will be specially vigilant + for a time after seeing a large ship pass them. As it is, I will return + tonight to the back of the island, and will there leave the cutter and my + gig. You will be in charge of the cutter, and Mr. Escombe will take the + gig. I shall then sail away again before daylight; for although from what + the lad said there is no watch kept on that side of the island, it cannot + be more than three miles across, and any of the men or women might stroll + across or might from any high point in the island obtain a view that way. + You will make a thorough survey of all that side. The cliffs certainly + seem, so far as we could see them as we left the island, as perpendicular + as they are on the side we passed; but there may be some place easier than + another—some place where, by setting our wits to work, we may make a + shift to climb up. Get into the island I will, if I have to blast a flight + of steps up the cliff.' + </p> + <p> + “'I will do my best to find a place, sir,' the lieutenant said; 'and, if + there isn't one, I will make one.' + </p> + <p> + “The lieutenant told me that I was to accompany him in the cutter, and all + was got ready for the trip. Water and a week's rations of food were placed + on board the boats; for in that climate there was no saying when a gale + might spring up, or how long the vessel might be before she got back to + pick up the boats. + </p> + <p> + “When we were fairly out of sight of the island we lay to till it got + dusk, and then her head was pointed back again. There was scarce a breath + of wind stirring, and the vessel went through the water so slowly that a + couple of hours later the captain ordered the boats to be lowered, for he + saw that if the wind didn't freshen the ship could not get to the island, + much less get away again, before daylight. The oars were got out and off + we started, and after four hours' steady rowing, the lieutenant, who was + steering by compass, made out the land looming high above us. Another + quarter of an hour's row and we dropped our grapnels close to the foot of + the cliffs, and the men were told to get a sleep as well as they could + till morning. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as it was daylight we were off again and rowed to the end of the + island; for, as Mr. Earnshaw said to the third lieutenant, we had best + begin at the end and do the work thoroughly. When we got to the point we + turned and rowed back, keeping about two hundred yards from the cliff, so + that we could see well up. They were about a hundred feet high—sometimes + a little less, sometimes a good bit more, and they went as straight up + from the water's edge as the cliffs at Dover, only there weren't no beach. + It was deep water right up to the foot. + </p> + <p> + “We went along very slowly, the men only just dipping their oars into the + water, and all of us watching every foot of the cliffs. Sometimes we would + stop altogether while the officers talked over the possibility of any one + climbing up at some place where the water trickling down from the top had + eaten away the face a little; but not a goat in the world could have + climbed up them, not to say men. So we kept on till we got to the other + end of the island, which must have been five miles long. Not a place could + we see. + </p> + <p> + “'Unless we are going to do as the captain said—blast steps up the + face of that rock—I don't believe it's to be done,' Lieutenant + Earnshaw said to Mr. Escombe. 'Well, there's nothing to do, lads, but to + row in and drop your grapnels again and wait till we see the ship's lights + tonight.' + </p> + <p> + “Although we rowed in to within an oar's length of the cliff, there was + eight fathoms of water when we dropped the grapnels. We had been lying + there an hour when the third lieutenant said: + </p> + <p> + “'I should think, Mr. Earnshaw, that if we were to bring the pinnace with + that four pounder gun in the bow and up end it, and with a small charge + fire a ball with a rope fastened to it up into that clump of trees we saw + just about the middle of the island, it might get caught.' + </p> + <p> + “'So it might, Escombe, and the idea is a good one; but I doubt whether + there's a man on board ship could climb a rope swinging like that against + the face of those cliffs.' + </p> + <p> + “'He might if we used a knotted rope,' Mr. Escombe said. + </p> + <p> + “'I wouldn't mind making a try, yer honor,' one of the sailors said, and + half a dozen others volunteered their readiness to make the attempt. + </p> + <p> + “'I will put it to the captain,' Mr. Earnshaw said; 'if he agrees, as you + were the first to volunteer, Jones, you shall have the chance.' + </p> + <p> + “The day was dead calm, so was the night that followed it; and although we + rowed back to the end of the island from which we had come, no lights were + to be seen that night. + </p> + <p> + “The next day passed slowly. The sun was hot; but toward evening the + lieutenant gave permission for the men to bathe; but warned us that no man + must go far from the boats, because there might be sharks about. However, + we didn't see none, and we enjoyed the dip, and were in better humor still + when we found that a light breeze was springing up. It might have been + about midnight when the men on watch made out a light to seaward, and we + weren't long in getting up our grapnels and sitting our oars. In half an + hour we were on board, and were soon sailing away from the island again. + </p> + <p> + “The next night in we came again, and I saw that the third lieutenant's + plan was going to be adopted; in fact, I guessed so before; for the sail + makers had been at work with two light ropes making a rope ladder, and the + ship's smith had got some empty shells on deck, and had made a shift to + screw some iron eyes into them for fixing ropes to. The gun was taken out + of the pinnace and a little mortar fixed in her, and half a dozen ropes, + each a hundred fathoms long, had knots put in them every two feet. + </p> + <p> + “The launch and the two cutters were lowered as well as the pinnace this + time, and the crews were armed with cutlass and pistol. I went with them + as before, as I should be wanted to guide them when they got near the + village. It was a bright starlight night without haze, so that when we got + close we could make out the outline of the cliffs, and could see the thick + wood growing on the top. When we got within about a hundred yards of the + cliffs the boat stopped rowing. + </p> + <p> + “'Don't use more powder than you can help, gunner,' Mr. Earnshaw said. 'In + the first place, we don't want to do more than carry out the rope to its + full length; in the next place, we don't want to make more noise than we + can help. What wind there is is fortunately blowing seaward, and being so + close under the cliff the sound will be echoed back. At the same time the + less noise the better.' + </p> + <p> + “'I will begin with very little, sir. If the ball don't go to the top of + the cliff I shall put a trifle more into the gun next time; it's better to + make a mistake on the right side.' + </p> + <p> + “A small quantity of powder was put in the mortar, which was only a four + inch one. Then a wad was put in, and a shell with one of the knotted ropes + fastened to it dropped in the top. The rope had been coiled in a tub so as + to run out easily. The gunner applied the match. There was a dull report, + and every man held his breath to listen. There was a thud high up on the + cliff and then a splash. + </p> + <p> + “'A few feet short of the top, I should say, gunner. You must put in more + next time, for the shell must go well up over the trees and drop among + them; otherwise it won't catch.' + </p> + <p> + “The gunner by the light of the lantern measured out half as much powder + again as he had used before, and then fired. This time we heard no sound + till there was a faint splash in the water. + </p> + <p> + “'The rope's gone, sir,' the gunner said, looking into the tub. 'There was + a little too much this time.' + </p> + <p> + “'I don't think so,' Mr. Escombe said. 'I think that splash was the end of + the rope touching the water. In that case it will be just right, a hundred + feet up the cliffs, and five hundred feet among the trees. No fear of the + rope coming back to us.' + </p> + <p> + “It took us a quarter of an hour's search in the dark to find the rope; + but at last we came upon it, and sure enough there was only four or five + fathoms in the water. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, Jones,' Mr. Earnshaw said, 'it's your turn. Put that light line + over your shoulders, and when you get to the top haul on it till you get + up the rope ladder, and fasten that to a stout trunk and give a low hail. + We will hold the rope as steady as we can below while you mount.' + </p> + <p> + “'Ay, ay, sir,' said the man, who was an active young chap; 'I will be up + there in a jiffy.' + </p> + <p> + “We fastened the lower end round one of the thwarts of the boat, and then + he began to climb. It was near five minutes before he got to the top, for + there were some nasty places where the cliff jutted out, and the rope was + hard against it; but presently the shaking ceased, and a minute later the + light line was hauled tight. There was a low cheer in the boats, and then + up went the rope ladder. A minute or two later there was a hail from the + top. + </p> + <p> + “'All taut, sir.' + </p> + <p> + “'I will go first,' Mr. Earnshaw said. + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly up he went, and one by one we followed, each waiting for the + signal that the one before him had got up, till all had gone except the + two told off as boat watch. Then the men of the launch and cutters + followed, and in about two hours they were all at the top, and a lantern + was shown to tell the ship we were there. + </p> + <p> + “We started at once across the island, Mr. Earnshaw keeping the line by a + pocket compass. It was rough work, though, and at last the lieutenant + said: + </p> + <p> + “'We make such a noise going through the bushes that we had better wait + till daylight, so just halt where you are, lads.' + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the first ray of light showed we were off again, and an hour + later reached the edge of the slope down to the cove. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, remember,' the lieutenant said, 'that no woman is to be hurt. All + the men who resist are to be shot or cut down; but you are to take + prisoners all who throw down their arms. Some of them may be able to prove + themselves less guilty than the rest. At any rate, there is no fear of the + Spanish authorities being too merciful. These pirates have been the + scourge of these seas for the last six years.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, lad, there ain't much more to tell you. We took them completely by + surprise, and the men in the village were all knocked down and bound, + without firing a shot. The men in the batteries tried to slew their guns + round, but we didn't give 'em time. They fought desperately, for they knew + what their doom was, and there weren't any prisoners taken there. As soon + as the village was taken I went straight with Mr. Escombe to the captain's + house. His wife was standing at the door, and she gave a little cry as she + saw the British uniforms, and ran a step or two to meet us, then she + stopped, and her arms dropped by her side. + </p> + <p> + “'What! you, Peter!' she said as we came up. 'Is it you who led them + here?' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, ma'am, it was me,' says I, 'and the best thing I could do for you, + for you could not wish to stay here all your life with just the people + that are here.' + </p> + <p> + “'But what has happened?' she said. 'How is it you are here? What has + become of the schooner?' + </p> + <p> + “'The schooner is sunk, ma'am, and the brig is captured.' + </p> + <p> + “'And my husband?' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, ma'am, don't you take on, but your husband went down with the + schooner.' + </p> + <p> + “She tottered, and I thought she would have fallen, but Mr. Escombe put + his arm round her and led her to the house and left her there, putting two + sailors on guard to see as she wasn't disturbed. An hour or two later the + frigate was off the cove, and the captain landed. We stopped a week there, + and carried off all there was worth taking; and I tell you there was + enough to give every man Jack on board a handsome share of prize money + when the things came to be sold afterward. + </p> + <p> + “Money, there was lots of it, all stored away in what they called the + treasure house, for money was no good there. Jewels and ornaments, + watches, and the things which they uses in them Catholic churches, and all + kinds of valuable things, and stores of silks and velvets and all kinds of + materials; and as to wine and such like, there was enough to have lasted + them for years, for from first to last it was shown afterward that those + fellows must have captured more nor fifty vessels. Why they shouldn't have + stopped ashore and enjoyed what they got was a mystery to me. But I + suppose they couldn't do without excitement, and though every man talked + of the time when the treasure would be divided and they were to scatter, I + don't suppose as one ever expected as the time would really come. + </p> + <p> + “Well, arter everything was on board, and the women and children, the + place was burned, and we sailed for the nearest Spanish port. We had had a + sort of court martial on board the frigate, and two or three young chaps + like myself, and two men as was proved to have been captured in the + pirates' last cruise, and who hadn't been to sea with them or taken part + in any of their bloody doings, was kept on board ship, and the rest was + handed over to the Spanish authorities. Most of them was garroted, and a + few was condemned to work on the roads for life. I and the others was + taken back to England in the frigate, whose foreign time was up, and when + we got to Portsmouth we was drafted into a regiment there, and lucky we + thought ourselves to get off so easy. The captain's wife and some of the + other white women came home to England on board the frigate. She was very + low at first, but she brightened up a good deal toward the end of the + voyage, which lasted two months. She grieved over her husband, you see, + but she couldn't but have felt that it was all for the best. I heard + afterward as how two years after she married Mr. Earnshaw, who by that + time had got to be a captain. So that, you see, my lad, is how I came to + fight under the black flag first and then to be a soldier of the queen. I + didn't mean it to be sich a long yarn, but when I once began it all came + back to me, and you see, I haven't spoken of it for years. You don't think + altogether as I was very wrong, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you very much for your story, sergeant,” Jack replied. “I only + wish it had been longer; and although it's very easy to say that a man + ought to die rather than consent to be a pirate, I don't think there are + many lads who would choose death if they were placed as you were.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you think that, young un; it's always been a sore point with + me, I have done my duty since, and no one can say as he's ever seen + Sergeant Edwards show the white feather. But the thought that that once I + did not act as a brave man would have done has always troubled me.” + </p> + <p> + The next day, as the sea went down, and the recruits recovered from the + effects of the confinement and sickness, they again began to talk among + themselves. The fact that all the other vessels of the fleet were out of + sight naturally encouraged them. Jack observed, however, that the call to + parade on deck was answered with more quickness than before, and the + exercises were gone through with a painstaking steadiness greater than had + been shown since the embarkation. When the men were dismissed from parade + Jack remarked this to the sergeant. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, lad, I noticed it too,” the sergeant said, shaking his head, “and + in my opinion it's a bad sign. They want to throw the officers off their + guard. It's a pity you have been seen talking so much to me, because, of + course, they won't say anything when you are listening; but one or two of + the men who came into the regiment with me have dropped a word as they + happened to pass this morning that they wanted to have a word if they + could get one without being noticed, so I hope to hear a little more + tonight.” + </p> + <p> + That evening, before going below, Jack had an hour's talk with Sergeant + Edwards. + </p> + <p> + “It's just as I thought,” the latter said, “they've got an idea of seizing + the ship. The men I spoke of managed to get a few words with me this + evening. They don't know anything about piracy. All they have heard is + that there is a proposal to seize the ship and to carry her into one of + the northern ports of Spain, where the men will land and give up their + arms to the Spanish authorities, and then either disperse and make their + way home by twos and threes as best they can, or they will take service + with the King of Spain, who, they think, will pay them a deal better than + the English government. + </p> + <p> + “A part of the crew are in the scheme. These, the men tell me, do not + intend to land, but only tell the others that they shall sail away. That's + about what I thought would be. The greater part of these fellows only + wants to get quickly home again, while the sailors, who may want to go + abuccaneering, would not care about having the soldiers with them. I shall + give a hint to the captain of my company tonight as to what is going on, + but I don't much expect he will pay any attention to it. Officers never + believe these things till it is too late, and you see I can't give them + any names yet or prove what I say; besides, likely enough, any inquiry set + on foot would only bring the matter to a head. We must wait till we know + something sure. + </p> + <p> + “You keep your ears open, my boy, and your eyes too, and I will do the + same. If it comes, and you see a chance of warning the captain of the ship + or the first lieutenant in time, you do it; but don't you do it if you + don't think there's time enough, or if you can't do it without being seen. + If it's too late, and you are found out, they would just chuck you + overboard or knock you on the head, and you will have done no good after + all, and perhaps only caused bloodshed. Like enough, if matters go + quietly, there won't be no bloodshed, and the officers and those who stick + to them will just be turned adrift in the boats, or maybe handed over to + the Spanish at the port they go into as prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + Jack promised to follow the sergeant's instructions, and went below. He + thought that the men were unusually quiet, and taking his blanket—for + although some of the soldiers slept in hammocks, the majority lay on the + deck wrapped in their blankets—he lay down by the side of a gun + whose port had been opened to admit air between decks. After thinking the + matter over for some time, and wondering what would be the end of it, he + dropped off into a light sleep. + </p> + <p> + Presently he was aroused by a confused sound. Looking round cautiously, he + saw by the dim light of the lantern that most of the men were on their + feet. Some of them were taking down their firearms from the arm racks; + small groups were stooping over some of the sleeping figures; and to the + mast, close to which one of the lanterns hung, two or three men were + bound, and two soldiers with pikes were standing by them. The crisis, + then, had come, and Jack at once proceeded to carry out the plan he had + thought out after he lay down. + </p> + <p> + Very quietly he crawled out through the porthole, and then raised himself + and stood on the muzzle of the gun. There he could reach the foot of the + shrouds of the foremast, which happened to be immediately above the port. + He swung himself up, and, placing his hands on the edge of the bulwark, + cautiously looked over. + </p> + <p> + At present all was quiet there; the signal from below had not been given, + and the troops on deck—for, owing to the numbers on board, one + fourth were always on deck in fine weather—were standing about or + sitting in groups. Keeping his feet on the ledge which ran round level + with the deck, and his fingers on the top of the bulwark, Jack managed to + edge his way aft until he reached the line of the quarterdeck. Here the + line of the bulwark ceased, the cabins of the officers rising, as was + usual in those days, in a double tier high about the waist. + </p> + <p> + The nearest porthole, which was open, was but three feet long, and Jack, + reaching forward, put one hand in it and continued his way. The porthole + was but just large enough for him to squeeze through. Looking in before he + attempted it he saw an officer asleep immediately below him. It was the + ensign of his own company. Leaning in he touched him gently. After one or + two attempts, the young officer opened his eyes, saying, “What is it? It's + not morning yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, sir,” Jack said earnestly; “I am Jack Stilwell of your company. + There is a mutiny, sir, forward. Please help me in, I want to warn the + captain of the ship, and he will know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + The young officer leaped from his bunk and assisted Jack to enter. + </p> + <p> + “I will come with you,” he said, hastily dragging on his trousers and + coat. “Are you sure of what you say?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite sure, sir; the noncommissioned officers are bound; it may begin at + any moment.” + </p> + <p> + The ensign led the way to the captain's cabin, which he opened and entered + without ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” the captain exclaimed. The ensign said who he was, and Jack + repeated his story. + </p> + <p> + “The dogs!” the captain said, “we will teach them a lesson. Let me see, + the second lieutenant is on duty; rouse all the other officers;” and he + himself assisted them to do so. In a minute or two they were gathered + hastily attired, with sword and pistol, in the captain's cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Do you, Mr. Hartwell,” the captain said, addressing the first lieutenant, + “go below and rouse the boatswain and petty officers, and bid them get + together all the men they can depend upon, arm them quietly, and be ready + to rush on deck the instant a stir is heard forward among the soldiers. + Any man who disobeys orders, shoot him instantly. Do you, sir,” he said to + the second officer, “go to the magazine with four of the midshipmen, open + it and bring up charges of grape for the guns on the quarterdeck. Be as + quick as you can. Now, gentlemen, the rest of us will make our way up + quietly, one by one, to the quarterdeck. Go well aft, so that the men in + the waist will not notice you. Directly the cartridges come up we will + load the guns, and be in readiness to slew them across the deck; and in + the mean time, if they should attack before we are ready, we must hold the + ladders to the last.” + </p> + <p> + One by one the officers stole out from the cabin with bare feet, and made + their way up to the quarterdeck, until some thirty of them were gathered + there, being all the officers of the regiment, the naval officers, and + midshipmen. The night was a dark one, and this was accomplished without + the movement being noticed by any of those in the waist of the ship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI: A COMMISSION + </h2> + <p> + The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour + up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the + petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was + improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush + of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike. + </p> + <p> + The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, + were quietly carrying out their intentions. The noncommissioned officers + had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to + pike them if they uttered a word. A strong guard had been placed at the + foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the + plan from going on deck and giving the alarm. The muskets were not loaded, + as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in + the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the + first rush. The ringleaders proceeded to form the men in fours, so that + they could pour on to the deck in military order. The men of each company + were told off to separate work. Two companies were to clear the decks, + where, on their appearance, they would be joined by their comrades there, + and to overpower any sailors who might offer resistance. + </p> + <p> + Another company was to run down and secure the magazine, and, breaking it + open, to serve out cartridges to all. Two other companies were to rush aft + and overpower the officers; the sixth and seventh were to form round the + head of the hatchway leading to the decks where the sailors slept, and to + allow only those to come on deck who had entered into the plot. The other + three companies were already on deck. The arrangements were excellent, but + the care taken in preparing for them, and the necessity for doing this in + silence lest the stir should be heard and an alarm be given on deck, + occupied time which the officers were turning to advantage. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the captain and naval men had gained the quarterdeck they threw + off the lashings of the guns, and had all in readiness for running them in + and taking them aft to the edge of the quarterdeck. There was a deep + sensation of relief as one after another the midshipmen joined them, each + carrying three cartridges of grape, and followed by the gunner with four + more. The lieutenant was to stay below to lead the sailors on to the deck. + </p> + <p> + The gunner brought a message saying that all was well. Many of the sailors + were found to have turned into their hammocks without undressing, and to + have hand pikes or cutlasses concealed beneath the clothes. These, + however, had been surprised and taken without the slightest noise; as, on + finding a lantern on one side of their heads and a pistol on the other, + each had submitted without the slightest resistance. All these had been + sent down to the hold below, and a guard placed over them. The guns were + loaded and the whole of the officers divided among them in readiness to + run them forward. Four or five minutes passed, then a shout was heard + forward and a low rush of many feet. + </p> + <p> + In an instant the four guns on the quarterdeck were run across. While this + was being done there was a clashing of swords, shouts, and a noise of + conflict heard forward, and at the same time a loud cheer arose, while + from the after hatchway a dark body of men rushed up on to the deck and + formed across it. Some midshipmen, who had been told off for the duty, ran + up from the officers' cabin with lighted lanterns, which were ranged along + at the edge of the quarterdeck. + </p> + <p> + There was a rush aft of the mutineers, but these recoiled astonished at + the sight of the pikes which confronted them, and the line of sailors four + deep across the deck, while at the same moment the light of the lanterns + showed them the officers on the quarterdeck, and the four guns pointed + threateningly toward them. For a moment a silence of astonishment and + dismay succeeded the uproar which had preceded it, then the captain's + voice was heard: + </p> + <p> + “Down with your arms, you mutinous dogs, or I will blow you into the air. + It is useless to resist. We are prepared for you, and you are without + ammunition. Throw down the arms on the decks, every man of you, before I + count three, or I fire. One—two—” + </p> + <p> + There was a loud clattering of arms, mingled with shouts of—“We + surrender; don't fire, sir, don't fire.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all over,” the captain said grimly. “Mr. Hartwell, march your men + forward, shoot any scoundrel instantly whom you find with arms in his + hands, collect all the weapons and bring them aft. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Colonel Clifford,” he said, turning to the officer in command of the + regiment, “if you go below with the officers, you can unloose the + noncommissioned officers; they will be able to point out to you the + ringleaders in this business. They had better be ironed at once and put + into the hold. You will have no more trouble now, I fancy.” + </p> + <p> + In ten minutes the whole of the arms had been collected and stored up, the + noncommissioned officers had pointed out some twenty of the ringleaders, + and these were safely in irons below, while a strong guard of armed + sailors was placed between decks to see that there was no renewal of + insubordinate conduct. There was, however, no fear of this; the men were + thoroughly cowed and humiliated by the failure of their plan, and each was + occupied only in hoping that he had not been sufficiently conspicuous to + be handed over in the morning to join the prisoners below. + </p> + <p> + There was no more sleep that night on board the ship. After breakfast two + courts martial were held, the one by the naval, the other by the military + officers. The latter sentenced two men, who were convicted on the + testimony of the noncommissioned officers as having been the leaders, to + be hung, and the sentence was at once carried out. The regiment was formed + in close order on deck unarmed and witnessed the execution of their + comrades, who were hung up to the extremities of the main yard. The other + prisoners were sentenced to two hundred lashes apiece—a punishment + which was, according to the ideas of the time, very lenient, such a + punishment being frequently administered for comparatively trifling + offenses, and the prisoners considered themselves fortunate in escaping + hanging, for which, indeed, they had prepared themselves. + </p> + <p> + Previous to the administration of their punishment the colonel addressed + the men, and told them that all the ringleaders had been found guilty and + sentenced to death, but that the members of the court martial had agreed + with him that, considering the youth and inexperience of the offenders and + the whole circumstances of the case, it would be possible to remit the + death sentence, confident that the prisoners and the whole of the regiment + would recognize the leniency with which they had been treated, and would + return to their duty with a firm and hearty determination to do all in + their power to atone for their misconduct, and to show themselves true and + worthy soldiers of the queen. If this was the case, no further notice + would be taken of the error; but at the same time he warned them that he + had by him a long list of men who had taken a prominent part in the + affair, and that the first time any of these misconducted themselves they + might be well assured that no mercy would be shown to them. + </p> + <p> + The naval court martial showed no greater severity than that administered + by the military officers. The vessel was short handed, and moreover the + officers did not wish the stigma to attach to the ship of a serious mutiny + among the crew. Had any of these been hung, the matter must have been + reported; but as none of the crew had absolutely taken part in the rising, + however evident it was that they intended to do so, no sentences of death + were passed. But a number of the men were sentenced to be flogged more or + less severely, those who had but lately been pressed getting off with + comparatively light punishments, while the heaviest sentences were passed + on the older hands concerned in the affair. + </p> + <p> + The arms of the troops continued to be kept under a strong guard until, + ten days later, the rest of the fleet were seen, just as the northern + point of Portugal was made out. A few hours later the fleet was united; + and the next day, the wind dying entirely away, Colonel Clifford proceeded + in a boat to the flagship to report to the Earl of Peterborough the mutiny + which had taken place in his regiment, and its successful suppression. + </p> + <p> + Immediately the mutiny had been put down Jack Stilwell had stolen away and + rejoined the soldiers forward; and although there was much wonder among + the men as to how the affair had been discovered, none suspected him of + having betrayed them, and believed that the officers must have been warned + by some word incautiously let drop in their hearing. Only to Sergeant + Edwards did Jack reveal what had taken place. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, lad, I guessed as you had had a hand in the business + somehow. When I was standing tied up against the mast I had to keep my + mouth shut; but I had the use of my eyes, and I could not make you out + among them. I might have missed you, of course; but your company was + formed up close to where I was standing, and I thought I should have seen + you if you had been there. I could not think what had become of you; but + when the men came pouring down again without their arms, and I heard them + cursing and swearing because the sailors and the officers and all was + found in readiness to receive them, it somehow came to my mind as that you + was at the bottom of it—though how, I could not for the life of me + make out, for I knew you had gone below when I did.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish, sergeant, that when you are examined, as you will be about this + affair, you will ask Captain Curtis to ask the colonel not to let it be + known publicly that it was I who warned him, for my life would be + unbearable among the men if they knew it. And if it didn't happen before, + it would be certain that the first time we went into action I should get a + bullet in my back.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right there, my lad. I will tell the captain. You may be sure + your conduct won't be overlooked; but at present, as you say, the less + said about it the better.” + </p> + <p> + An hour after Colonel Clifford had gone on board the flagship the boat + returned with orders that Private Stilwell, of D Company, was to go back + with them. The order was given to Captain Curtis, who sent first for + Sergeant Edwards. + </p> + <p> + “Go forward, sergeant, and tell Stilwell that he is to go on board the + flagship. No doubt the colonel has spoken to the general. Tell the lad + apart, and let him make his way aft here to the gangway quietly, so that + he won't be noticed. If any of the men happen to see him going off in the + boat, they may suppose that the colonel has only sent for some man who can + write; and naturally if the captain had ordered me to choose a man, I + should have picked him out.” + </p> + <p> + On reaching the deck of the flagship Jack was conducted to the admiral's + cabin. At the head of the table was seated a man whom Jack recognized at + once, from the description he had heard of him, as the Earl of + Peterborough. He was small and very spare in person, his features were + pleasant, his nose somewhat prominent, his eye lively and penetrating. He + had laid aside the immense wig which, in accordance with the custom, he + wore when abroad or at court in England; and Jack saw his hair, which was + light brown and somewhat scanty. The admiral of the fleet sat next to him; + for although Peterborough had the command of the expedition both at land + and sea, an admiral was in command of the fleet under him. Colonel + Clifford was seated on the earl's left, and several other naval and + military officers were at the table. + </p> + <p> + “Well, young man,” Peterborough said, “Colonel Clifford has been telling + us that it is due to you that I have not a regiment the less under my + orders, and that her majesty has not lost a ship from the list of her + navy. He says that the whole thing was so quickly done that he has not + been able to learn the full particulars from you, and that he has + abstained from questioning you because you did not wish any suspicion to + be excited among the men of the part you played in it. Now, please to tell + me the whole history of the affair.” + </p> + <p> + Jack thereupon related how his suspicions had been aroused by Sergeant + Edwards, who was only waiting for sufficient opportunity and a certainty + of information to divulge the plot to the officers. He then related his + awaking as the mutiny began, and the steps he had taken to warn the + officers. When he had done, the earl said: + </p> + <p> + “You have acted smartly and well, young man; you have shown promptness, + courage, and fidelity. You speak above your rank. What is your parentage?” + </p> + <p> + “My father was a clergyman, sir,” Jack said, “but being dispossessed of + his living in the troubles, could not make his case known on the return of + King Charles; but he supported himself by teaching, and gave me such + education as he could, in hope that I too should enter the ministry. But + my thoughts did not incline that way; and when he died, and also my + mother, I thought of going to sea, when it happened that I was pressed for + a soldier. And seeing that it was so, I made up my mind to make the best + of things.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have done so, young man; and right glad am I that your education + and parentage are such that I can reward you as I should wish. I give you + a discharge now from your regiment and appoint you ensign. You will at + present form one of my staff; and glad am I to have so dashing and able a + young officer ready to hand for any perilous service I may require.” + </p> + <p> + On the 20th of June the fleet sailed up the Tagus. + </p> + <p> + Jack had not returned on board his ship. + </p> + <p> + “Better stop here,” the earl said. “If you went back, and they heard you + were promoted, likely enough some of them might toss you overboard on a + dark night. We will set the tailors at once to work to rig you up an + undress uniform. You can get a full dress made at Lisbon. Not that you + will be wanting to wear that much, for we have come out for rough work; + still, when we ride triumphantly into any town we have taken, it is as + well to make a good impression upon the Spanish donnas. And, say what they + will, fine feathers go a long way toward making fine birds. Do you write a + good hand?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I write a pretty fair one, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “That is good. I write a crabbed stick myself, and there's nothing I hate + more than writing; and as for these young gentlemen, I don't think they + will be of much use for that sort of thing. However, I shan't have a great + deal of it. But you shall act as my secretary when necessary.” + </p> + <p> + The earl's orders to the tailors were peremptory to lose no time in + fitting Jack with an undress suit, and in twenty-four hours he was able to + join the mess of the young officers and volunteers who accompanied the + general. These were all young men of good family; and having heard how + Jack had saved the ship from mutiny, they received him among them with + great heartiness, which was increased when they found that he was well + educated and the son of a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + It was a great satisfaction to Jack, that owing to the kindness and + generosity of the earl, he was able to pay his expenses at mess and to + live on equal terms with them; for the general had dropped a purse with a + hundred guineas into his hand, saying: + </p> + <p> + “This will be useful to you, lad, for you must live like the other + officers. I owe it to you many times over for having saved me that + regiment, upon whose equipment and fitting out I had spent well nigh a + hundred times that sum.” + </p> + <p> + Some of the officers were but little older than Jack, and by the time the + ship dropped anchor in the Tagus he was quite at home with them. + </p> + <p> + “What a lovely city!” he said as he leaned over the bulwark and looked at + the town standing on the steep hills sloping down to the river. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed,” Graham, one of the young officers, agreed. “But I fancy the + Portuguese are but poor creatures. The Earl of Galway writes in his + dispatches that they are great at promises, but he finds he can expect + little assistance from them.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any idea whether we are going to land here?” + </p> + <p> + “No; wherever we land, you may be sure it won't be here. The Earl of + Galway has been here two or three months, and he has some good regiments + with him. Our chief would be losing his position did we land here, as he + has a separate command, and would of course be under Galway if the forces + were joined. The Dutch fleet is to be here in a day or two, and the + Archduke Charles sailed a fortnight before we did; and as we have made a + very slow voyage of it, he ought to have been here long ago. What a talk + there will be! What with the archduke, and the Portuguese, and the Dutch, + and the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt, and the Earls of Galway and + Peterborough, and probably every one of them with his own ideas and + opinions, it will be hard to come to any arrangement. Besides there will + be dispatches from the British court, and the court of the Netherlands, + and the Austrian emperor, all of whom will probably differ as to what is + the best thing to be done. There will be a nice to do altogether. There's + one thing to be said, our chief can out talk them all; and he can say such + disagreeable things when he likes that he will be likely to get his own + way, if it's only to get rid of him. There goes his boat into the water. + What an impatient fellow he is, to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Peterborough landed than he turned all his energies to + obtain the supplies which had been denied to him at home, and after much + difficulty he succeeded in borrowing a hundred thousand pounds from a Jew + named Curtisos on treasury bills on Lord Godolphin, with the condition + that the lender should be given the contract for the supply of provisions + and other requisites for the army. The day that the earl had carried out + this arrangement he returned on board radiant. Hitherto he had been + terribly out of temper, and Jack, who had become his amanuensis, had + written at his dictation many very sharp notes to every one with whom he + had come in contact. As soon as he came on board he sent for Jack to his + cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Mr. Stilwell. I have a dispatch for you to write to the lord + treasurer. I have got my money, so that difficulty is at an end. It is + glorious! I couldn't get a penny out of them before I sailed, now I have + got as much as I want. I would give a thousand guineas out of my own + pocket to see Godolphin's face when he reads my dispatch, and finds that + he's got to honor bills for a hundred thousand pounds; it will be better + than any comedy that ever was acted. How the pompous old owl will fret and + fume! But he will have to find the money for all that. He can't begin the + campaign by dishonoring bills of her majesty's general, or no one would + trust us hereafter. You haven't seen my lord treasurer, Mr. Stilwell?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I have not been at court at all.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a pity,” the earl said; “for you lose the cream of the joke. Now, + I shall go on shore tomorrow and get everything that is wanted, and then + the sooner we are off the better; we have been here a fortnight, and I am + sick of the place.” + </p> + <p> + Jack was by no means sick of Lisbon, for he enjoyed himself vastly. The + town was full of troops—English, Dutch, and Portuguese. Of an + evening there were fetes and galas of all kinds, and as the earl always + attended these, Jack and the other young officers were permitted to go + ashore either in full uniform to take part in the fetes, or to enjoy + themselves according to their fancies. + </p> + <p> + As Graham had predicted, it was some time before any conclusion was + arrived at as to the destination of the fleet. Several councils were held, + but no decision was come to. Peterborough's orders were so vague that he + could use his own discretion. He had, indeed, been recommended to prevail + upon the Archduke Charles to accompany him and to proceed to Italy, where + he was to form a junction with Victor Amadeus, Duke of Savoy, who was + sorely pressed by the armies of France. + </p> + <p> + A messenger, however, arrived by sea with an order from the queen that the + fleet should proceed to the coast of Catalonia, in consequence of + information which had been sent to the British court of the favorable + disposition of the Catalans toward the Archduke Charles. This was in + accordance with the counsel which the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt had been + strenuously urging, and his recent success in the capture and subsequent + defense of Gibraltar gave weight to his words and effaced the recollection + of his failure before Barcelona in the previous year. + </p> + <p> + The final decision rested in a great measure with the Archduke Charles, + who at last decided to proceed with Lord Peterborough and land upon the + coast of Spain and test the disposition of his Valencian and Catalan + subjects. The reasons for Peterborough's falling in with the decision to + move on Barcelona are explained in a dispatch which he dictated to Sir + George Rooke on the 20th of July. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the letter of my Lord Godolphin and the secretary of state, the King + of Spain, his ministers, and my Lord Galway and myself have concluded + there was no other attempt to be made but upon Catalonia, where all + advices agree that six thousand men and twelve hundred horse are ready + expecting our arrival with a general goodwill of all the people. The + Portuguese have entirely refused to join in any design against Cadiz, and + by a copy of my Lord Galway's letter you will find he is in an utter + despair of their attempting anything this year, and that by our + instructions it will appear that there is no other enterprise left for our + choice.” + </p> + <p> + Peterborough's military force was, however, wholly insufficient for such + an enterprise. He prevailed upon Lord Galway to give him a part of Lord + Raby's and General Cunningham's regiments of English dragoons, although + the Portuguese strenuously opposed this being done. Their conduct, indeed, + at this time was very similar to that which they adopted a hundred years + later toward the Duke of Wellington, throwing every conceivable obstacle + in the English commander's way, and opposing every plan of action which he + suggested. Many of the dragoons were without horses, but Lord Peterborough + mounted them on animals which he bought with some of the money he had + procured from Curtisos. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Hesse Darmstadt went on ahead to Gibraltar to arrange for a + portion of the garrison to accompany the expedition. On the 28th of July + the Archduke Charles embarked with Lord Peterborough on board the + Ranelagh, and an hour later the fleet put to sea. Off Tangiers they were + joined by the squadron under Sir Cloudesley Shovel, and a few days later + they reached the Bay of Gibraltar. + </p> + <p> + Here they found that the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt had arranged that the + battalion of the guards, with three other veteran regiments that had borne + part in the gallant defense of the fortress, were to be embarked, and two + of the newly raised corps Lord Peterborough had brought out from England + were to take their place in the garrison. The regiment to which Jack had + belonged was one of these. As soon as he heard the news he took the first + opportunity of speaking to the earl. + </p> + <p> + “I have a favor to ask, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that, lad?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, sir, that Sergeant Edwards, who, if you remember, advised me about + warning the officers of the mutiny, should be transferred to one of the + regiments coming on board.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my lad; I had not forgotten him. I truly wish that he had + sufficient education to give him a commission. I sent to inquire of his + colonel, but finding that he could not read or write, and that he would be + out of place among the officers, I could not do it; but I will gladly take + him with us on active service. It would be hard on a good soldier to be + left behind with that mutinous set of rascals.” + </p> + <p> + Jack had already heard from Sergeant Edwards, whom he had met several + times on shore at Lisbon, and who had rejoiced most heartily at his + promotion, that Lord Peterborough had sent him, through the colonel, a + purse of fifty guineas as a reward for his conduct. + </p> + <p> + Jack immediately proceeded in a boat to his old vessel, with an order from + the earl that the sergeant should be at once transferred into one of the + regiments coming on board. The sergeant was delighted, for orders had + already been received for the regiment to disembark and form part of the + garrison. + </p> + <p> + An hour later the Archduke Charles landed, amid the thunder of the guns of + the fleet and fortress, for here for the first time he was acknowledged as + and received the honor due to the King of Spain. There was but little + delay—Lord Peterborough's energy hurried every one else forward, and + on the 5th of August the fleet again put to sea, the king and the Prince + of Hesse Darmstadt accompanying it. + </p> + <p> + The winds were contrary, and it was not till the 11th that they anchored + in Altea Bay, at the mouth of the Guadalaviar, on the Valencian coast. On + the other side of the roadstead stood the castle and village of Denia. The + expedition was received with good will by the people, who hated the + ascendency of France at Madrid and were bitterly jealous of Castile. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the fleet anchored Peterborough caused a manifesto to be + distributed among the people disclaiming any idea of aggrandizement on the + part of Great Britain or her allies, or any intention of injuring the + persons or property of Spaniards who were the lawful subjects of King + Charles III. + </p> + <p> + “We come,” said he, “to free you from the insupportable yoke of the + government of foreigners, and from the slavery to which you have been + reduced and sold to France by ill designing persons.” + </p> + <p> + Several of the Spanish followers of the king landed to encourage the + people, among them General Basset y Ramos, an active officer who was a + Valencian by birth. The people rapidly assembled from the surrounding + country and lined the shore shouting “Long live King Charles III!” + </p> + <p> + Abundant supplies of provisions were sent off to the fleet, for which, + however, Peterborough insisted upon liberal payment being made. + </p> + <p> + A detachment of British infantry was landed to cover the operation of + watering the fleet. The insurrection spread rapidly, and a thousand of the + peasants seized the town of Denia for the king. A frigate and two bomb + vessels crossed the bay and threatened the castle. This, although a + magnificent pile of building, was but weakly fortified, and after a few + shots had been fired it surrendered, and General Ramos with four hundred + regular troops from the fleet landed and took possession, and amid the + enthusiasm of the population Charles III was for the first time on Spanish + ground proclaimed King of Spain and of the Indies. + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Peterborough now proposed a plan of the most brilliant and + daring kind, and had his advice been taken the war would probably have + terminated in a very short time, by securely seating Charles III upon the + Spanish throne. Madrid was distant but fifty leagues from Altea Bay. + Requena was the only town of strength that lay in the way; the rich + country would have afforded ample provision and means of transport, and + these the friendly portion of the people would have placed at the disposal + of the army. + </p> + <p> + In the whole of Central Spain there was no force which could oppose him. + All the troops of Philip were either on the frontier of Portugal or + occupying the disaffected cities of the north. At Madrid there were but a + few troops of horse; in a week then, and possibly without shedding a drop + of blood, Charles might have been proclaimed king in the capital of Spain. + The plan was, of course, not without danger. Marshal Tesse, with an + overwhelming force, would threaten the left of the advancing army, and the + garrisons of the northern cities, if united, could march with equal + superiority of force upon its right; but Tesse would be followed by Lord + Galway and the allied and Portuguese army, while Barcelona and the other + strongholds of Catalonia would rise if their garrisons were withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + Even in the case of failure Peterborough could have retired safely through + Valencia and have re-embarked on board the fleet, or could have marched to + Gibraltar. The scheme was at once daring and judicious, but the Archduke + Charles was slow and timid, and was controlled by the advice of his even + slower and more cautious German advisers, and neither argument nor + entreaty on the part of Peterborough could suffice to move him. The earl + was in despair at so brilliant an opportunity being thrown away, and + expressed himself with the greatest of bitterness in his letters home as + to the impossibility of carrying out movements when embarrassed by the + presence of the king and by the incapacity of the king's advisers. + </p> + <p> + However, finding that nothing could be done he re-embarked his troops, and + the fleet sailed for Barcelona. It was not however, thought probable that + a successful attempt could be made upon so strongly fortified a city, and + it was determined that if upon inspection the chances of success should + appear slight, the fleet and army should at once proceed, as originally + intended, to the assistance of the Duke of Savoy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII: BARCELONA + </h2> + <p> + The city of Barcelona, one of the most populous and important in Spain, is + not naturally a place of great strength. It is situated on a plain close + to the sea, and its defenses, although extensive, were not very formidable + against a strong army provided with a siege train. To hold them fully + required a much larger force than was disposable for the defense. The + garrison was, however, fully equal in strength to the force of + Peterborough, and should have been able to defend the city against an army + vastly exceeding their own numbers. Ten bastions and some old towers + protected the town toward the north and east; between the city and the sea + was a long rampart with an unfinished ditch and covered way; while to the + west, standing on a lofty elevation, the castle of Montjuich overlooked + and guarded the walls of the city. + </p> + <p> + From the center of the sea face a mole projected into the water, guarding + a small harbor. The country round the town was fertile and beautiful, + carefully cultivated and watered by streams flowing from the neighboring + mountains. At the distance of about a league from the shore the land rises + into an amphitheater of hills thickly dotted with small towns, villages, + and country seats. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the allied fleet had anchored the garrison commenced a + cannonade from the mole and from a battery close to the sea upon some of + the transports nearest to the shore; but their shot did not reach the + vessels, and the fire soon ceased. The east wind, however, proved more + troublesome than the enemy's fire, and the ships rolled heavily from the + sea which came in from the east. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Hesse Darmstadt with two frigates put into the harbor of + Mataro for the purpose of obtaining intelligence. He found that in the + neighboring town of Vich the people had risen for King Charles, and + putting himself in communication with their leaders he advised them to + march upon the coast and cooperate with the forces about to land. On his + way to rejoin the fleet the prince chased two Neapolitan galleys, which + managed to get safely into Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + They had on board the Duke and Duchess of Popoli, M. d'Abary, a French + officer of distinction, and forty other young gentlemen, partisans of the + Duke d'Anjou, and destined for employment in different parts of Spain. + They were now, however, detained in the city by the governor to assist in + its defense. + </p> + <p> + The first glance into the state of affairs gave the Earl of Peterborough + such an unfavorable impression that he at once objected to the proposed + attack. + </p> + <p> + The governor, Don Francisco Velasco, was a brave and distinguished + officer, the garrison equaled his own force in numbers, the town was well + supplied with provisions and stores, and, in order to add to the + difficulties of the besiegers, orders had been given to destroy all the + forage in the surrounding country which could not be conveyed within the + walls. Any Austrian sympathies the inhabitants might possess were + effectually suppressed by the power and vigilance of the governor. The + besieging army was far too small to attempt a blockade, while the chances + of an assault upon an equal force behind well armed defenses seemed almost + desperate. + </p> + <p> + The engineers declared that the difficulties of a regular siege were + enormous, if not insurmountable, and that the only vulnerable point was + covered by a bog, where the transport of cannon or the formation of works + would be impossible. Above all, the principal hope of the expedition had + failed. The adherents of Charles had assured him that the whole country + would rise in his favor on the arrival of the fleet, and that the town + itself would probably open its gates to receive him. These promises had, + like all others he had received from his Spanish friends, proved delusive. + Few of the peasantry appeared to receive them on the coast, and these were + unarmed and without officers. + </p> + <p> + The earl's instructions, although generally quite indefinite, were + stringent upon one point. He was on no account to make the slightest + alteration in the plans of the expedition, or to take any decisive step + for their accomplishment, without the advice of the council of war. This + would have been in any case embarrassing for a general; in the present + instance it was calculated altogether to cripple him. There was but little + harmony among the chief officers. The English military officers were by no + means on good terms with each other, while the naval officers regarded + almost as an insult Lord Peterborough's being placed in command of them. + The English hated the German officers and despised the Dutch. Lord + Peterborough himself disliked almost all his associates, and entertained a + profound contempt for any one whose opinion might differ from that which + he at the moment might happen to hold. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible that good could come from a council of war composed of + such jarring elements as these. However, Lord Peterborough's instructions + were positive, and on the 16th of August, 1705, he convened a council of + war on board the Britannia, consisting of nine generals and a brigadier, + with two colonels on the staff. The king and the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt + were present, but took no part in the deliberations. Singularly enough the + council proved unanimous in their opinion that Barcelona should not be + attacked. The reasons for the decision were drawn up and put on record. + The council pointed out all the difficulties which existed, and declared + the strength of the allied army to be only nineteen battalions of foot and + two cavalry regiments, of whom no more than seven thousand men were fit + for action, and only one hundred and twenty dragoon horses had survived + the voyage in serviceable condition. + </p> + <p> + The decision of the council was most opposed to the hopes and wishes of + Charles and the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt, and they addressed letters of + strong remonstrance to Lord Peterborough, urging that to abandon the + expedition at this juncture would be alike fatal to the common cause and + discreditable to the British arms. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, however, the greater part of the troops had landed without + opposition; but the sea broke with such force on the beach that much + difficulty had been experienced in getting ashore. The landing place had + been well chosen by Lord Peterborough and Sir Cloudesley Shovel. It was + about two miles east of the city, near a place called Badalona, and close + to the mouth of the little river Basoz. The transports were moored in as + close as possible, and the boats of the fleet carried three thousand men + ashore each trip. + </p> + <p> + In five hours fifteen battalions were landed without the loss of a man. A + strong natural position about a mile from the city was chosen for the + encampment; its left rested on the sea, its right was covered by several + abrupt hills and defiles through which the river Basoz flowed. The front + was, however, much extended, but this mattered the less, as the people + from the neighboring villages began to assemble when the landing took + place, and welcomed the allies of King Charles with joy. A number of these + were employed by Lord Peterborough in guarding the advanced posts and + covering the numerous roads leading from the city toward the camp. + </p> + <p> + On the 22d another council of war was held at the Dutch General + Schratenbach's quarters in the camp to consider two letters of the king, + in which he again urged the allied generals to attack the city. He + proposed that a battery of fifty guns should be erected to breach the wall + between two of the bastions, and that the whole strength of the army + should be thrown upon an assault. He acknowledged the force of the several + objections to the attack, but urged that in such a case vigorous action + was the safest. He dwelt upon the ruin that must fall upon such of his + subjects as had declared for him if abandoned to their fate, and concluded + by declaring that he at least would not desert them. + </p> + <p> + The appeal failed to move any of the council with the exception of + Peterborough himself, and he alone voted, although in opposition to his + own judgment, in compliance with the king's plan. Notwithstanding the + adverse decision of the council the horses and dragoons were landed on the + 24th. + </p> + <p> + On the 25th, the 26th, and the 28th the council again assembled to + deliberate upon an earnest request of the king that they should attempt + the siege for a period of eighteen days. The first decision was adverse, + two only voting with Lord Peterborough for the siege. At the second + council, his influence succeeded in obtaining a majority; but at the + third, they agreed to abandon the attempt, even the commander in chief + concurring. + </p> + <p> + The cause of this sudden reversal of their opinion was that none of the + workmen whom they had demanded from the leaders of the Catalan peasantry + had appeared, and they felt it impossible to carry on the works and erect + the siege batteries without such assistance. Nevertheless the peasantry + gave effectual aid in landing the artillery, tents, ammunition, and + stores. On the 28th the king landed amid a great concourse of people, who + received him with every demonstration of enthusiasm, and he could with + difficulty make his way through them to the camp prepared for him near San + Martino. + </p> + <p> + The presence of the king on shore added to the difficulties of the + situation. He and his following of German courtiers complained bitterly of + the disinclination of the allies to undertake the siege, while the allies + were incensed against those who reproached them for not undertaking + impossibilities. Dissension spread between the allies themselves, and the + Dutch general declared that he would disobey the orders of the commander + in chief rather than vainly sacrifice his men. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough was driven nearly out of his mind by the reproaches and + recrimination to which he was exposed, and the quarrels which took place + around him. He was most anxious to carry out his instructions, and as far + as possible to defer to the opinion of Charles, but he was also bound by + the decisions of the councils of war, which were exactly opposite to the + wishes of the king. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Hesse Darmstadt enraged him by insisting that fifteen + hundred disorderly peasants whom he had raised were an army, and should be + paid as regular soldiers from the military chest, while they would submit + to no discipline and refused to labor in the trenches, and an open rupture + took place, when the prince, in his vexation at the results of the + councils of war, even went so far as to accuse the earl of having used + secret influence to thwart the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + To add to the difficulties of the commander in chief the English troops + were loud in their complaints against him for having landed and committed + them to this apparently hopeless enterprise; but they nevertheless + clamored to be led against the town, that they might not be said to have + “come like fools and gone like cowards.” + </p> + <p> + Lord Peterborough confided his trouble and vexation freely to his young + secretary. Jack was sincerely attached to his generous and eccentric + chief, and the general was gratified by the young officer's readiness at + all times and hours to come to him and write from his dictation the long + letters and dispatches which he sent home. He saw, too, that he was + thoroughly trustworthy, and could be relied upon to keep absolute silence + as to the confidences which he made him. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of all these quarrels and disputes the siege was carried on + in a languid manner. A battery of fifty heavy guns, supplied by the ships + and manned by seamen, was placed upon a rising ground flanked by two deep + ravines, and on several of the adjacent hills batteries of light field + guns had been raised. Three weeks were consumed in these comparatively + unimportant operations, and no real advance toward the capture of the + place had been effected. Something like a blockade, however, had been + established, for the Catalan peasants guarded vigilantly every approach to + the town. + </p> + <p> + The officers of the fleet were no less discontented than their brethren on + shore at the feeble conduct of the siege, and had they been consulted they + would have been in favor of a direct attack upon the city with scaling + ladders, as if they had been about to board a hostile ship. But + Peterborough and his officers were well aware that such an attack against + a city defended by a superior force would be simple madness, and even an + attack by regular approaches, with the means and labor at their disposal, + would have had no chance of success. But while all on shore and in the + fleet were chafing at the slowness and hopelessness of the siege, Jack + Stilwell was alone aware that the commander in chief did not share in the + general despair of any good arising from the operations. + </p> + <p> + Lord Peterborough had little communication with the other generals; but, + alone in his tent with Jack and an interpreter, he occupied himself from + morning till night in examining peasants and spies as to every particular + of the fortifications of the city, of the ground near to the walls, and of + the habits and proceedings of the garrison. At last he resolved upon an + attempt which, in its daring and enterprise, is almost without parallel. + Indeed its only hope of success lay in its boldness, for neither friend + nor foe could anticipate that it would be attempted. It was no less than + the surprise of the citadel of Montjuich. + </p> + <p> + This formidable stronghold covered the weakest part of the defenses, that + toward the southwest, and far exceeded in strength any other part of the + lines. It had been most skillfully designed. The ditches were deep, and + the walls firm; the outworks skillfully planned; the batteries well armed, + and the inner defenses formidable in themselves. It was, in fact, by far + the strongest point in the position of the besieged. Standing on a + commanding height, it was abundantly capable of defense even against a + regular siege, and its reduction was always regarded as a most formidable + enterprise, to be undertaken at leisure after the capture of the town. Its + only weakness lay in the fact that surrounding it on every side were + numerous ravines and hollows, which would afford concealment to an + assailant, and that trusting to the extraordinary strength of their + position the garrison of Montjuich might neglect proper precautions. + </p> + <p> + One morning before daybreak the earl, accompanied only by Jack and a + native guide, left the camp on foot, having laid aside their uniforms and + put on the attire of peasants, so that the glitter of their accouterments + might not attract the attention of the enemy's outposts. Making a long + detour they approached the castle, and ascending one of the ravines gained + a point where, themselves unseen, they could mark all particulars of the + fortifications. Having carried out his purpose the earl returned to camp + with his companion without his absence having been observed. The + observations which Peterborough had made confirmed the reports of the + peasants, that the garrison kept but a negligent watch, and he at once + resolved upon making the attempt; but to none of his most intimate friends + did he give the slightest hint of his intentions. + </p> + <p> + To disguise his views he called councils of war both in the camp and + fleet, wherein it was resolved, with his full consent, that the siege of + Barcelona should be abandoned, and that the army should be immediately + re-embarked and conveyed to Italy. Accordingly the heavy artillery was + conveyed on board ship, the warlike stores collected, and the troops + warned to be ready for embarkation. A storm of reproaches was poured upon + the earl by Charles and his courtiers. The officers of the fleet protested + openly, declaring that an assault ought to be attempted, and that it was + too late in the season to attempt operations elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + To Jack's surprise his commander, usually so hasty, irritable, and + passionate, bore with the greatest calmness and patience the reproaches + and accusations to which he was exposed. No one dreamed that behind these + preparations for embarkation any plan of attack was hidden. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of September the army received orders to embark on the morrow, + while within the town the garrison and the inhabitants, who were, or + pretended to be, well affected to the Bourbons held high rejoicing at the + approaching departure. + </p> + <p> + On the afternoon of that day a detachment of English and Dutch troops + twelve hundred strong was ordered to assemble in the allied camp for the + purpose, as was supposed, of covering the embarkation. Scaling ladders and + everything necessary for an assault had already been privately prepared by + the Catalan peasants under Peterborough's instructions. + </p> + <p> + About six o'clock in the evening four hundred grenadiers of the party + assembled under the command of Hon. Colonel Southwell, and were ordered to + march by the Serria road, as if en route to Taragona to meet the fleet and + embark in that harbor. The remainder of the detachment followed in support + at some little distance. At nightfall the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt was + surprised by Lord Peterborough's entrance into his quarters. Since their + rupture all intercourse had ceased between them. + </p> + <p> + “I have determined,” the earl said, “to make this night an attack upon the + enemy. You may now, if you please, be a judge of our behavior, and see + whether my officers and soldiers really deserve the bad character which + you of late have so readily imputed to them.” He then explained that the + troops were already on their march to Montjuich. + </p> + <p> + The prince immediately ordered his horse, and the two gallant but + impulsive and singular men rode off, followed only by Jack Stillwell and + the prince's aide de camp. At ten o'clock they overtook the troops, and + Peterborough ordered a total change of route, he himself leading. + </p> + <p> + The roads were winding, narrow, and difficult. For a great part of the way + there was only room for the men to march in single file. The night was + very dark, and the detachment many hours on the march, so that daylight + was just breaking when they reached the foot of the hill on which the fort + of Montjuich stood. + </p> + <p> + The troops under Peterborough's command now perceived the object of their + march, and imagined that they would be led to the attack before the day + had fairly broke; but the general had well considered the subject, and had + determined to avoid the risk and confusion of a night assault. He called + his officers together and explained to them why he did not mean to attack + till broad daylight. + </p> + <p> + His examination of the place had shown him that the ditches could be + crossed, no palisades or barriers having been erected. He had noticed, + too, that the inner works were not sufficiently high to enable their guns + properly to command the outer works should these be carried by an enemy. + He had therefore determined to carry the outworks by assault, judging that + if he captured them the inner works could not long resist. In case of a + reverse, or to enable him to take advantage of success, he told them that + he had ordered Brigadier General Stanhope to march during the night with a + thousand infantry and the handful of cavalry to a convent lying halfway + between the camp and the city, and there to hold himself in reserve. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough now silently and coolly completed his arrangements for the + assault. He divided the body of troops into three parties; the first of + these, two hundred and eighty strong, were to attack the bastion facing + the town, which was the strongest part of the defense. He himself and the + Prince of Hesse accompanied this party. A lieutenant and thirty men formed + the advance, a captain and fifty more were the support, and the remaining + two hundred men were to form in the rear. + </p> + <p> + The orders were that they should push forward in spite of the enemy's + fire, leap into the ditch, drive the garrison before them, and if possible + enter the works with them; but, if not, to obtain at least a firm footing + on the outer defenses. The second party, similar in strength and + formation, under the command of the Hon. Colonel Southwell, were to attack + an unfinished demibastion on the extreme western point of the fort and + furthermost from the town. The remainder of the little force, under a + Dutch colonel, were to be held in reserve, and to assist wherever they + might be most useful. They occupied a position somewhat in rear of and + halfway between the two parties who were to make the assault. + </p> + <p> + Soon after daylight Peterborough gave the order to advance, and in the + highest spirits, and in excellent order, the soldiers pushed up the hill + toward the fort. Some irregular Spanish troops were the first to perceive + them. These fired a hasty volley at the British troops as they ascended + the crest and then retreated into the fort. Seizing their arms the + garrison rushed to the ramparts and manned them in time to receive the + assailants with a sharp fire. The grenadiers who formed the leading party + did not hesitate for a moment, but leaped into the unfinished ditch, + clambered up the outer rampart, and with pike and bayonet attacked the + defenders. + </p> + <p> + The captain's detachment speedily joined them. The defenders gave way, + broke, and fled, and in wild confusion both parties rushed into the + bastion. Peterborough and the prince with their two hundred men followed + them quickly and in perfect order, and were soon masters of the bastion. + The earl at once set his men to work to throw up a breastwork to cover + them from the guns of the inner works; and as there was plenty of + materials collected just at this spot for the carrying out of some + extensive repairs, they were able to put themselves under cover before the + enemy opened fire upon them. + </p> + <p> + The attention of the garrison was wholly occupied by this sudden and + unexpected attack, and the Prince della Torrella, a Neapolitan officer in + temporary command of the fort, ordered all his force to oppose the + assailants. This was what Peterborough had expected. He at once sent + orders to Colonel Southwell to commence his attack upon the now almost + undefended west bastion. The order was promptly obeyed. At the first rush + the ditch was passed, the rampart gained, the outer walls scaled, and + three guns taken without the loss of a man. + </p> + <p> + The defenders hastened at once to meet this new danger. They opened a + heavy fire upon the British, and sallying out, endeavored to retake the + outer rampart with the bayonet. A desperate contest ensued; but though + many of the English officers and soldiers fell, they would not yield a + foot of the position they had captured. Colonel Southwell, a man of great + personal strength and daring, was in the struggle three times surrounded + by the enemy; but each time he cut his way out in safety. + </p> + <p> + The sally was at last repulsed, and the English intrenched their position + and turned their captured guns against the fort. While both the assaulting + columns were occupied in intrenching themselves there was a lull in the + battle. The besieged could not venture to advance against either, as they + would have been exposed to the fire of the other, and to the risk of a + flank attack. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough exerted himself to the utmost. He ordered up the thousand men + under General Stanhope and made prodigious exertions to get some guns and + mortars into position upon the newly won ramparts. + </p> + <p> + Great was the consternation and astonishment in Barcelona when a loud roar + of musketry broke out round the citadel, and Velasco, the governor, was + thunderstruck to find himself threatened in this vital point by an enemy + whose departure he had, the evening before, been celebrating. The assembly + was sounded, and the church bells pealed out the alarm. + </p> + <p> + The troops ran to their places of assembly, the fortifications round the + town were manned, and a body of four hundred mounted grenadiers under the + Marquis de Risbourg hurried off to the succor of Montjuich. The earl had + been sure that such a movement would be made. He could not spare men from + his own scanty force to guard the roads between the city and the castle, + but he had posted a number of the armed Spanish peasants who were in the + pay of the army in a narrow gorge, where, with hardly any risk to + themselves, they might easily have prevented the horsemen from passing. + The peasants, however, fired a hurried volley and then fled in all + directions. + </p> + <p> + Lord Peterborough learned a lesson here which he never forgot, namely, + that these Spanish irregulars, useful as they might be in harassing an + enemy or pursuing a beaten foe, were utterly untrustworthy in any plan of + combined action. The succor, therefore, reached Montjuich in safety; two + hundred of the men dismounted and entered the fort; the remainder, leading + their horses, returned to Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis de Risbourg had no sooner entered the fort and taken the + command than he adopted a stratagem which nearly proved fatal to the + English hopes of success. He ordered his men to shout “Long live Charles + the Third!” and threw open the gates of the fort as if to surrender. The + Prince of Hesse Darmstadt, who commanded at this point, was completely + deceived, and he ordered Colonel Allen to advance with two hundred and + fifty men, while he himself followed with a company in reserve, believing + that the Spanish garrison had declared for King Charles. + </p> + <p> + The British advanced eagerly and in some disorder into the ditch, when a + terrible fire of musketry was suddenly opened upon them from the front and + flank. In vain they tried to defend themselves; the brave prince was + struck down by a mortal wound while endeavoring to encourage them, and was + carried to the rear, and Allen and two hundred men were taken prisoners. + The prince expired a few minutes later before there was time for a doctor + to examine his wound. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough, who had come up just at the end of the struggle, remained + with him till he died, and then hurried off to retrieve the fortune of the + day, which, during these few minutes, had greatly changed. Velasco had + dispatched three thousand men, as fast as they could be got together, to + follow Risbourg's dragoons to the succor of the fort, and these were + already in sight. But this was not all. One of the strange panics which + occasionally attack even the best troops had seized the British in the + bastion. + </p> + <p> + Without any apparent cause, without a shot being fired at them from the + fort, they fell into confusion. Their commander, Lord Charlemont, shared + the panic, and gave orders for a retreat. The march soon became a rout, + and the men fled in confusion from the position which they had just before + so bravely won. + </p> + <p> + Captain Carleton, a staff officer, disengaged himself from the throng of + fugitives and rode off to inform the earl, who was reconnoitering the + approaching Spaniards, of what had taken place. Peterborough at once + turned his horse, and, followed by Carleton and Jack Stilwell, galloped up + the hill. He drew his sword and threw away the scabbard as he met the + troops, already halfway down the hill, and, dismounting, shouted to them: + </p> + <p> + “I am sure all brave men will follow me. Will you bear the infamy of + having deserted your post and forsaken your general?” + </p> + <p> + The appeal was not in vain. Ashamed of their late panic the fugitives + halted, faced about, and pressed after him up the hill, and, on reaching + the top, found that, strangely enough, the garrison had not discovered + that the bastion had been abandoned, for in their retreat the English were + hidden from the sight of those in the inner works. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis de Risbourg, instead of following up his advantage, had at + once left Montjuich at the side near the city, taking Colonel Allen and + the prisoners with him, and pushed on toward Barcelona. Halfway down he + met the reinforcement of three thousand men. The prisoners, on being + questioned, informed the Spanish commander that Lord Peterborough and the + Prince of Hesse led the attack in person. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the officer commanding the reinforcements concluded that the + whole of the allied army was round the castle, and that he would be + risking destruction if he pushed on. He therefore turned and marched back + to the city. Had he continued his way Peterborough's force must have been + destroyed, as Stanhope had not yet come up, and he had with him only the + little force with which he had marched out from camp, of whom more than a + fourth were already captured or slain. Such are the circumstances upon + which the fate of battles and campaigns depend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII: A TUMULT IN THE CITY + </h2> + <p> + As the Spanish column retired to Barcelona under the idea that the whole + English army was on the hill, the Miquelets, as the armed bands of + peasants were called, swarmed down from the hills. Incapable of + withstanding an attack by even a small force, they were in their element + in harassing a large one in retreat. Halfway between Montjuich and the + town was the small fort of San Bertram. The garrison, seeing the column in + retreat toward the town, pursued by the insurgent peasantry, feared that + they themselves would be cut off, and so abandoned their post and joined + the retreat. + </p> + <p> + The peasants at once took possession of San Bertram, where there were five + light guns. As soon as the news reached Peterborough he called together + two hundred men and led them down to the little fort. Ropes were fastened + to the guns, and with forty men to each gun these were quickly run up the + hill and placed in position in the captured bastions. So quickly was this + done that in less than an hour from the abandonment of San Bertram by the + Spanish the guns had opened fire upon Montjuich. + </p> + <p> + While the troops worked these five guns and the three captured in + Southwell's first attack Jack Stilwell was sent off on horseback at full + speed with an order for the landing of the heavy guns and mortars from the + fleet. The news of the attack on Montjuich and the retreat of the Spanish + column spread with rapidity through the country, and swarms of armed + peasants flocked in. These the earl dispersed among the ravines and groves + round the city, so as to prevent any parties from coining out to ascertain + what was going on round Montjuich, and to mask the movements of the + besiegers. + </p> + <p> + Velasco appeared paralyzed by the energy and daring of his opponent, and + although he had in hand a force equal if not superior to that which + Peterborough could dispose of, he allowed two days to pass without + attempting to relieve Montjuich. In those two days wonders had been + performed by the soldiers and sailors, who toiled unweariedly in dragging + the heavy guns from the landing place to the hill of Montjuich. The light + cannon of the besiegers had had but little effect upon the massive walls + of the fortress, and the Prince Caraccioli held out for two days even + against the heavier metal of the mortars and siege guns that were quickly + brought to bear upon him. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th, however, Colonel Southwell by a well aimed shot brought the + siege to a close. He noticed that a small chapel within the fort appeared + to be specially guarded by the besieged, and ordered a Dutch sergeant of + artillery, who was working a heavy mortar, to try to drop a shell upon it. + The artilleryman made several attempts, but each time missed the mark. + Colonel Southwell undertook the management of the mortar himself, and soon + succeeded in dropping a shell upon the roof of the building, which proved, + as he had suspected, to be in use as a magazine. There was a tremendous + explosion, the chapel was shattered into fragments, Caraccioli and three + other officers were killed, and a great breach was blown in the main + rampart. + </p> + <p> + A loud cheer broke from the besiegers, and Colonel Southwell at once put + himself at the head of the men in the trenches and advanced to storm the + breach before the enemy could recover from their confusion. The disastrous + effects of the explosion had, however, scared all idea of further + resistance out of the minds of the defenders, who at once rushed out of + the works and called out that they surrendered, the senior surviving + officer and his companions delivering up their swords to Colonel + Southwell, and begging that protection might at once be given to their + soldiers from the Miquelets, whose ferocity was as notorious then as it + was a hundred years afterward. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough appointed Colonel Southwell governor of Montjuich, and at + once turned his attention to the city. The brilliant result of the attack + on the citadel had silenced all murmurs and completely restored Lord + Peterborough's authority. Soldiers and sailors vied with each other in + their exertions to get the guns into position, and the Miquelets, largely + increased in number, became for once orderly and active, and labored + steadily in the trenches. + </p> + <p> + The main army conducted the attack from the side at which it had been + originally commenced, while General Stanhope, his force considerably + increased by troops from the main body, conducted the attack from the side + of Montjuich. Four batteries of heavy guns and two of mortars soon opened + fire upon the city, while the smaller vessels of the fleet moved close in + to the shore and threw shot and shell into the town. + </p> + <p> + A breach was soon effected in the rampart, and Velasco was summoned to + surrender; but he refused to do so, although his position had become + almost desperate. The disaffection of the inhabitants was now openly + shown. The soldiers had lost confidence and heart, and the loyalty of many + of them was more than doubtful. The governor arrested many of the mutinous + soldiers and hostile citizens, and turned numbers of them out of the city. + </p> + <p> + On the 3d of October the English engineers declared the breach on the side + of Montjuich to be practicable, and Peterborough himself wrote to the + governor offering honorable terms of capitulation, but declaring that if + these were rejected he would not renew his offer. + </p> + <p> + Velasco again refused. He had erected a formidable intrenchment within the + breach, and had sunk two mines beneath the ruins in readiness to blow the + assailing columns into the air. + </p> + <p> + The guns again opened fire, and in a very short time a Dutch artillery + officer threw two shells upon the intrenchment and almost destroyed it, + while a third fell on the breach itself, and crashing through the rubbish + fired Velasco's two mines and greatly enlarged the breach. The earl could + now have carried the town by storm had he chosen, but with his usual + magnanimity to the vanquished he again wrote to Velasco and summoned him + to surrender. + </p> + <p> + The governor had now no hope of a successful resistance, and he therefore + agreed to surrender in four days should no relief arrive. The terms agreed + upon were that the garrison should march out with all the honors of war, + and should be transported by sea to San Felix, and escorted thence to + Gerona; but as a few hours later the news arrived that Gerona had declared + for King Charles, Velasco requested to be conveyed to Rosas instead. The + capitulation was signed on the 9th of October, and the garrison were + preparing to march out on the 14th, when, in the English camp, the sound + of a tumult in the city was heard. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, Stilwell!” the earl cried, running out of his tent, “to horse! The + rascals inside are breaking out into a riot, and there will be a massacre + unless I can put a stop to it.” + </p> + <p> + The earl leaped on to his horse, called to a few orderly dragoons who were + at hand to accompany him, and ordered that four companies of grenadiers + should follow as quickly as possible. + </p> + <p> + Galloping at full speed Peterborough soon arrived at the gate of San + Angelo, and ordered the Spanish guard to open it. This they did without + hesitation, and followed by his little party he rode into the city. All + was uproar and confusion. The repressive measures which the governor had + been obliged to take against the disaffected had added to the Catalan + hatred of the French, and the Austrian party determined to have vengeance + upon the governor. A report was circulated that he intended to carry away + with him a number of the principal inhabitants in spite of the articles of + capitulation. This at once stirred up the people to fury, and they + assailed and plundered the houses of the French and of the known partisans + of the Duke d'Anjou. + </p> + <p> + They then turned upon the governor and garrison. The latter dispersed + through the city, and, unprepared for attack, would speedily have been + massacred had not their late enemy been at hand to save them. + Peterborough, with his little party of dragoons, rode through the streets + exhorting, entreating, and commanding the rioters to abstain. When, as in + some cases, the mob refused to listen to him, and continued their work, + the dragoons belabored them heartily with the flats of their swords; and + the surprise caused by seeing the British uniforms in their midst, and + their ignorance of how many of the British had entered, did more even than + the efforts of the dragoons to allay the tumult. Many ladies of quality + had taken refuge in the convent, and Peterborough at once placed a guard + over this. + </p> + <p> + Dashing from street to street, unattended even by his dragoons, + Peterborough came upon a lady and gentleman struggling with the mob, who + were about to ill treat them. He charged into the thick of the tumult. + </p> + <p> + His hat had been lost in the fray, and the mob, not recognizing the + strange figure as the redoubted English general, resisted, and one + discharged a musket at him at a distance of a few feet, but the ball + passed through his periwig without touching the head under it. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately two or three of his dragoons now rode up, and he was able to + carry the lady and gentleman to their house hard by, when, to his + satisfaction, he found that the gentleman he had saved was the Duke of + Popoli, and the lady his wife, celebrated as one of the most beautiful + women in Europe. + </p> + <p> + Jack Stilwell had soon after they entered the town become separated from + his general. Seeing a mob gathered before a house in a side street, and + hearing screams, he turned off and rode into the middle of the crowd. + Spurring his horse and making him rear, he made his way through them to + the door, and then leaping off, drawing as he did so a pistol from his + holster, he ran upstairs. + </p> + <p> + It was a large and handsomely furnished house. On the first floor was a + great corridor. A number of men were gathered round a doorway. Within he + heard the clashing of steel and the shouts of men in conflict. Bursting + his way in through the doorway he entered the room. + </p> + <p> + In a corner, at the furthest end, crouched a lady holding a little boy in + her arms. Before her stood a Spanish gentleman, sword in hand. A servant, + also armed, stood by him. They were hard pressed, for six or eight men + with swords and pikes were cutting and thrusting at them. Three servants + lay dead upon the ground, and seven or eight of the townspeople were also + lying dead or wounded. Jack rushed forward, and with his pistol shot the + man who appeared to be the leader of the assailants, and then, drawing his + sword, placed himself before the gentleman and shouted to the men to lay + down their arms. The latter, astounded at the appearance of an English + officer, drew back. Seeing he was alone, they would, however, have renewed + the attack, but Jack ran to the window and opened it, and shouted as if to + some soldiers below. + </p> + <p> + The effect was instantaneous. The men dropped upon their knees, and + throwing down their arms begged for mercy. Jack signified that he granted + it, and motioned to them to carry off their dead and wounded comrades. + Some of the men in the corridor came in to aid them in so doing. Jack, + sword in hand, accompanied them to the door, and saw them out of the + house. Then he told a boy to hold his horse, and closing the door returned + upstairs. He found the gentleman sitting on a chair exhausted, while his + wife, crying partly from relief, partly from anxiety, was endeavoring to + stanch the blood which flowed from several wounds. + </p> + <p> + Jack at once aided her in the task, and signed to the servant to bring + something to drink. The man ran to a buffet and produced some cordials. + Jack filled a glass and placed it at the lips of the wounded man, who, + after drinking it, gradually recovered his strength. + </p> + <p> + “My name, sir,” he said, “is Count Julian de Minas, and I owe you my life + and that of my wife and child. To whom am I indebted so much?” + </p> + <p> + Jack did not, of course, understand his words, but the title caught his + ear, and he guessed that the Spaniard was introducing himself. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Stilwell,” Jack said; “I am one of General Peterborough's + aides de camp. I am very glad to be of assistance; and now, seeing you are + so far recovered, I must leave you, for there is much to do in the town, + and the general has entered with only a few troops. I think you need not + fear any return on the part of these ruffians. The English troops will + enter the town in the coarse of a few hours.” + </p> + <p> + So saying Jack immediately hurried away, and mounting his horse rode off + to find the general. + </p> + <p> + The news that Lord Peterborough and the English had entered spread rapidly + through the city, and the rioters, fearing to excite the wrath of the man + who in a few hours would be master of the town, scattered to their homes, + and when all was quiet Peterborough again rode off to the camp with his + troops and there waited quietly until the hour appointed for the + capitulation. The Spanish then marched out, and the earl entered with a + portion of his troops. + </p> + <p> + He at once issued a proclamation that if any person had any lawful + grievances against the late governor they should go to the town house and + lay them in proper form, and that he would see that justice was done. An + hour later some of the principal inhabitants waited upon him, and asked + which churches he desired to have for the exercise of his religion. He + replied: + </p> + <p> + “Wherever I have my quarters I shall have conveniency enough to worship + God, and as for the army they will strictly follow the rules of war, and + perform divine service among themselves without giving any offense to any + one.” + </p> + <p> + This answer gave great satisfaction to the people, as the French had + spread a report among them that the Protestants, if they captured the + town, would take their churches from them. + </p> + <p> + In the evening the earl gave a great banquet, at which he entertained all + the people of distinction of both parties, and his courtesy and affability + at once won for him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. + The next day the shops were all opened, the markets filled, and there were + no signs that the tranquillity of Barcelona had ever been disturbed. Soon + after breakfast Jack, who was quartered in the governor's palace with the + general, was informed that a gentleman wished to speak to him, and the + Count de Minas was shown in. He took Jack's hand and bowed profoundly. As + conversation was impossible Jack told his orderly to fetch one of the + interpreters attached to the general. + </p> + <p> + “I tried to come last night,” the count said, “but I found that I was too + weak to venture out. I could not understand what you said when you went + away so suddenly, but I guessed that it was the call of duty. I did not + know your name, but inquiring this morning who were the officers that + entered with the general yesterday, I was told that his aide de camp, + Lieutenant Stilwell, was alone with him. That is how I found you. And now, + let me again thank you for the immense service you have rendered me and my + wife and child. Remember, henceforth the life of the Count de Minas and + all that he possesses is at your service.” + </p> + <p> + When the interpreter had translated this, Jack said in some confusion, “I + am very glad, count, to have been of service to you. It was a piece of + good fortune, indeed, on my part that I happened so providentially to ride + along at the right moment. I was about this morning to do myself the honor + of calling to inquire how the countess and yourself were after the + terrible scene of yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “The countess prayed me to bring you round to her,” the count said. “Will + you do me the honor of accompanying me now?” + </p> + <p> + Jack at once assented, and, followed by the interpreter, proceeded with + the count to his house. The room into which the count led him was not that + in which the fray had taken place the day before. The countess rose as + they entered, and Jack saw that, though still pale and shaken by the + events of the previous day, she was a singularly beautiful woman. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, senor,” she said, advancing to meet him, and taking his hand and + laying it against her heart, “how can I thank you for the lives of my + husband and my boy! One more minute and you would have arrived too late. + It seemed to me as if heaven had opened and an angel had come to our aid + when you entered.” + </p> + <p> + Jack colored up hotly as the interpreter translated the words. If he had + expressed his thoughts he would have said, “Please don't make any more + fuss about it;” but he found that Spanish courtesy required much more than + this, so he answered: + </p> + <p> + “Countess, the moment was equally fortunate to me, and I shall ever feel + grateful that I have been permitted to be of service to so beautiful a + lady.” + </p> + <p> + The countess smiled as Jack's words were translated. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know that you English were flatterers,” she said. “They told us + that you were uncouth islanders, but I see that they have calumniated + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope some day,” Jack said, “that I shall be able to talk to you without + the aid of an interpreter. It is very difficult to speak when every word + has to be translated.” + </p> + <p> + For a quarter of an hour the conversation was continued, the count and + countess asking questions about England. At the end of that time Jack + thought he might venture to take his leave. The count accompanied him to + the door, and begged him to consider his house as his own, and then with + many bows on each side Jack made his way into the street. + </p> + <p> + “Confound all this Spanish politeness!” he muttered to himself; “it's very + grand and stately, I have no doubt, but it's a horrible nuisance; and as + to talking through an interpreter, it's like repeating lessons, only + worse. I should like to see a man making a joke through an interpreter, + and waiting to see how it told. I must get up a little Spanish as soon as + possible. The earl has picked up a lot already, and there will be no fun + to be had here in Spain unless one can make one's self understood.” + </p> + <p> + The next day there were rumors current that the population were determined + to take vengeance upon Velasco. The earl marched eight hundred men into + the town, placed the governor in their center and escorted him to the + shore, and so took him safely on board a ship. He was conveyed, by his own + desire, to Alicante, as the revolt had spread so rapidly through Catalonia + that Rosas was now the only town which favored the cause of the Duke + d'Anjou. + </p> + <p> + The capture of Barcelona takes its place as one of the most brilliant + feats in military history, and reflects extraordinary credit upon its + general, who exhibited at once profound prudence, faithful adherence to + his sovereign's orders, patience and self command under the ill concealed + hatred of many of those with whom he had to cooperate—the wrong + headedness of the king, the insolence of the German courtiers, the + supineness of the Dutch, the jealousy of his own officers, and the open + discontent of the army and navy—and a secrecy marvelously kept up + for many weary and apparently hopeless days. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of October King Charles made his public entry into Barcelona, + and for some days the city was the scene of continual fetes. The whole + province rose in his favor, and the gentlemen of the district poured into + the town to offer their homage to the king. Only about one thousand men of + the Spanish garrison had to be conveyed to Rosas in accordance with the + terms of capitulation, the rest of the troops taking the oath of + allegiance to King Charles and being incorporated with the allied army. + </p> + <p> + Jack Stilwell entered into the festivities with the enjoyment of youth. + The officers of the allied army were made much of by the inhabitants, and + Jack, as one of the general's aides de camp, was invited to every fete and + festivity. The Count de Minas introduced him to many of the leading nobles + of the city as the preserver of his life; but his inability to speak the + language deprived him of much of the pleasure which he would otherwise + have obtained, and, like many of the other officers, he set to work in + earnest to acquire some knowledge of it. In one of the convents were some + Scottish monks, and for three or four hours every morning Jack worked + regularly with one of them. + </p> + <p> + Although Lord Peterborough threw himself heart and soul into the + festivities, he worked with equal ardor at the military preparations. But + here, as before, his plans for energetic action were thwarted by the + Germans and Dutch. At last, however, his energy, aided by the active + spirit of the king, prevailed, and preparations were made for the + continuance of the campaign. The season was so late that no further + operations could be undertaken by sea, and the allied fleet therefore + sailed for England and Holland, leaving four English and two Dutch + frigates in support of the land forces at Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + Garrisons of regular troops were dispatched to the various towns which had + either declared for the king or had been captured by the Miquelets headed + by the Marquis of Cifuentes, engineer officers being also sent to put them + in a state of defense. Of these Tortosa was, from its position, the most + important, as it commanded the bridge of boats on the Ebro, the main + communication between Aragon and Valencia. To this town two hundred + dragoons and one thousand foot were sent under Colonel Hans Hamilton. The + king turned his attention to the organization of the Spanish army. He + formed a regiment of five hundred dragoons for his bodyguard, mounting + them upon the horses of the former garrison, while from these troops, + swelled by levies from the province, he raised six powerful battalions of + infantry. He excited, however, a very unfavorable feeling among the + Spaniards by bestowing all the chief commands in these corps upon his + German followers. + </p> + <p> + But while the conquest of Barcelona had brought the whole of Catalonia to + his side, the cause of King Charles was in other parts of Spain less + flourishing. Lord Galway and General Fagel had been beaten by Marshal + Tesse before Badajos, and the allied army had retreated into Portugal, + leaving the French and Spanish adherents of Philip free to turn their + whole attention against the allies in Catalonia. + </p> + <p> + Weary weeks passed on before Lord Peterborough could overcome the apathy + and obstinacy of the Germans and Dutch. At a council of war held on the + 30th of December Peterborough proposed to divide the army, that he in + person would lead half of it to aid the insurrection which had broken out + in Valencia, and that the other half should march into Aragon; but + Brigadier General Conyngham and the Dutch General Schratenbach strongly + opposed this bold counsel, urging that the troops required repose after + their labors, and that their numbers were hardly sufficient to guard the + province they had won. Such arguments drove Peterborough almost to + madness; the troops had, in fact, gone through no hard work during the + siege of Barcelona, and two months and a half had elapsed since that city + surrendered. Moreover, far from being reinvigorated from rest, they were + suffering from illness caused by inactivity in an unhealthy country. + </p> + <p> + Already all the benefits derivable from the gallant capture of Barcelona + had been lost. The enemy had recovered from the surprise and dismay + excited by that event. The friendly and wavering, who would at once have + risen had the king boldly advanced after his striking success, had already + lost heart and become dispirited by the want of energy displayed in his + after proceedings, and from all parts of Spain masses of troops were + moving to crush the allies and stamp out the insurrection. + </p> + <p> + In Valencia only had the partisans of Charles gained considerable + advantages. In the beginning of December Colonel Nebot, commanding a + regiment of Philip's dragoons, declared for Charles, and, accompanied by + four hundred of his men, entered the town of Denia, where the people and + Basset, the governor, at once declared for Charles. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th Nebot and Basset attacked the little town of Xabea, garrisoned + by five hundred Biscayans, and carried it, and the same night took Oliva + and Gandia. The next day they pushed on through Alzira, where they were + joined by many of the principal inhabitants, and a detachment of the + dragoons under Nebot's brother, Alexander, surprised and routed three + troops of the enemy's horse, captured their convoy of ammunition, and + pursued them to the very gates of Valencia. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the 15th the main body marched from Alzira, and appeared + next morning before Valencia and summoned the town to surrender. The + Marquis de Villa Garcia refused, but Alexander Nebot put himself at the + head of his dragoons and galloped up to the gates shouting “Long live the + king!” The inhabitants overpowered the guard at the gate and threw it open + and Valencia was taken. When the news of these reverses reached Madrid the + Conde de las Torres, a veteran officer who had seen much service in the + wars of Italy, marched from Madrid in all haste to prevent if possible the + junction of the forces of Catalonia with the Valencians. + </p> + <p> + He at once marched upon San Matteo, which lay on the main line of + communication, and commenced a vigorous siege of that city. The king + received the news on the 18th of January, 1706, and wrote at once to + Peterborough, urging him to go to the relief of San Matteo, but giving him + no troops whatever to assist him in his enterprise; and Peterborough's + difficulties were increased by General Conyngham, who commanded a brigade + at Fraga, hastily falling back upon Lerida upon hearing exaggerated rumors + of the strength of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough, however, did not hesitate a moment, but mounting his horse, + and accompanied only by his aides de camp, Jack Stilwell and Lieutenant + Graham, rode for Tortosa. Changing his horse at the various towns through + which he passed, and riding almost night and day, he reached Tortosa on + the 4th, and at once summoned the magnates of the town to give information + as to the real state of things. He then found, to his astonishment, that + the details which the king had sent him respecting the force of the enemy + were entirely incorrect. Charles had written that they were two thousand + strong, and that sixteen thousand peasants were in arms against them, + whereas Las Torres had with him seven thousand good troops, and not a + single peasant had taken up arms. + </p> + <p> + General Killigrew, who now commanded the two hundred dragoons and the + thousand British infantry at Tortosa, together with his officers, + considered that under such circumstances it was absolutely hopeless to + attempt any movement for the relief of San Matteo; but Peterborough did + not hesitate a moment, and only said to his officers: + </p> + <p> + “Unless I can raise that siege our affairs are desperate, and therefore + capable only of desperate remedies. Be content; let me try my fortune, + whether I cannot by diligence and surprise effect that which by downright + force is apparently impracticable.” + </p> + <p> + The officers had unbounded confidence in their general, and although the + enterprise appeared absolutely hopeless, they at once agreed to undertake + it. Accordingly the three weak English regiments marched from Tortosa + under Killigrew, and the next day the earl followed with the dragoons and + a party of Miquelets, and overtook the infantry that night. The next + morning he broke up his little army into small detachments in order that + they might march more rapidly, and, dividing the Miquelets among them as + guides, ordered them to assemble at Fraiguesa, two leagues from San + Matteo. + </p> + <p> + The advance was admirably managed. Small parties of dragoons and Miquelets + went on ahead along each of the roads to occupy the passes among the + hills. When arrived at these points they had strict orders to let no one + pass them until the troops appeared in sight, when the advance again + pushed forward and secured another position for the same purpose. + </p> + <p> + Thus no indication of his coming preceded him; and the troops arriving + together with admirable punctuality before Fraiguesa, the place was taken + by surprise, and guards were at once mounted on its gates, with orders to + prevent any one from leaving the town on any excuse whatever. Thus while + the English force were within two leagues of San Matteo, Las Torres + remained in absolute ignorance that any hostile force was advancing + against him. Graham and Jack were nearly worn out by the exertions which + they had undergone with their indefatigable general. They had ridden for + three days and nights almost without sleep, and on their arrival at + Tortosa were engaged unceasingly in carrying out their chief's + instructions, in making preparations for the advance, and in obtaining + every possible information as to the country to be traversed. + </p> + <p> + Both the young officers had now begun to speak Spanish. A residence of + four months in the country, constant communication with the natives, and + two months and a half steady work with an instructor had enabled them to + make great progress, and they were now able to communicate without + difficulty with the Spaniards with whom they came in contact. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX: THE ADVANCE INTO VALENCIA + </h2> + <p> + The Earl of Peterborough had not satisfied himself with depriving the + enemy of all information as to his advance. He took steps to confuse and + alarm them by false news. By means of large bribes he prevailed upon two + peasants to carry each a copy of the same letter to Colonel Jones, who + commanded in San Matteo. He took the further step of insuring their + loyalty by arresting their families as hostages, and, moreover, took care + that they should know nothing as to the real state of things that they + could report if treacherously inclined. + </p> + <p> + He arranged that one of them should go in first and, passing through the + besiegers' lines, should arouse their suspicions, and should then, when + arrested, give up the letter concealed upon him, and should also betray + the route by which his companion was endeavoring to reach the city, so + that the second messenger would also be captured and his letter be taken. + The letters were as follows: + </p> + <p> + “To COLONEL JONES: You will hardly believe yourself what this letter + informs you of, if it come safe to you; and though I have taken the best + precaution, it will do little prejudice if it falls into the enemy's + hands, since they shall see and feel my troops almost as soon as they can + receive intelligence, should it be betrayed to them. The end for which I + venture it to you is that you may prepare to open the furthest gate toward + Valencia, and have four thousand Miquelets ready, who will have the + employment they love and are fit for, the pursuing and pillaging a flying + enemy. The country is as one can wish for their entire destruction. Be + sure, upon the first appearance of our troops and the first discharge of + our artillery, you answer with an English halloo, and take to the + mountains on the heights with all your men. The Conde de las Torres must + take the plains, the hills on the left being almost impassable, and + secured by five or six thousand of the country people. But what will gall + him most will be the whole regiment of Nebot, which revolted to us near + Valencia, is likewise among us. + </p> + <p> + “I was eight days ago myself in Barcelona, and I believe the Conde de las + Torres must have so good intelligence from thence that he cannot be + ignorant of it. What belongs to my own troops and my own resolutions I can + easily keep from them, though nothing else. You know the force I have, and + the multitudes that are gathering from all parts against us, so I am + forced to put the whole into this action, which must be decided to give + any hopes to our desperate game. By nine or ten, within an hour after you + can receive this, you will discover us on the tops of the hills, not two + cannon shot from their camp. + </p> + <p> + “The advantages of the sea are inconceivable, and have contributed to + bring about what you could never expect to see, a force almost equal to + the enemy in number, and you know that less would do our business. + Besides, never men were so transported as to be brought in such secrecy so + near an enemy. I have near six thousand men locked up this night within + the walls of Traguera. I do not expect you will believe it till you see + them. + </p> + <p> + “You know we had a thousand foot and two hundred dragoons in Tortosa. + Wills and a thousand foot English and Dutch came down the Ebro in boats, + and I embarked a thousand more at Tarragona when I landed at Vinaroz, and + the artillery from thence I brought in country carts. It was easy to + assemble the horse. Zinzendorf and Moras are as good as our own, and with + our English dragoons make up in all near two thousand. But the whole + depends upon leaving them a retreat without interruption. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Jones, prove a good dragoon, be diligent and alert, and preach the + welcome doctrine to your Miquelets, plunder without danger. + </p> + <p> + “Your friend, PETERBOROUGH.” + </p> + <p> + The two letters fell into the hands of Las Torres, and so artfully had the + capture been contrived, that it never occurred to him to doubt the truth + of these mendacious documents. Orders were instantly given to prepare for + a march, and almost at the same time two events occurred in the siege + works which caused confusion of the troops. Several mines had been + unskillfully sunk and charged; one of these prematurely exploded and + destroyed forty of the workmen. The remaining mines Colonel Jones + contrived to swamp by turning the course of a brook into them, thus + rendering them harmless. While the troops were confused with these + disasters, the news of the contents of the intercepted letters spread + through the camp, causing a general panic; and almost immediately + afterward the advance guard of Peterborough's force were seen, according + to the promise contained in the letters, on the crests of the hills. + </p> + <p> + By able management the twelve hundred men were made to appear vastly more + numerous than they were. The dragoons showed in various parties at + different points of the hilltops, and, after pausing as if to reconnoiter + the camp, galloped back as if to carry information to a main body behind; + while the infantry availed themselves of the wooded and uneven ground to + conceal their weakness. It seemed, indeed, to the enemy that the tops of + all the hills and the avenues of approach were covered by advancing + columns. Las Torres, unsuspicious of stratagem, was now convinced that his + position was one of extreme danger, while confusion reigned in the camp. + The tents were hastily struck, the guns spiked, and in a few minutes the + Spanish army started along the Valencia road in a retreat which might + almost be called a flight. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Jones, seeing the confusion that reigned, instantly sallied from + the town with his whole force in pursuit, and followed Las Torres for + nearly two leagues to Penasol, inflicting a loss of nearly three hundred + men upon the Spaniards; while Peterborough on the other side marched his + force through the abandoned intrenchments and into the town. Scarcely + halting, however, he made a show of pursuit as far as Albocazer, but + always keeping to the hills with such caution that in case the enemy + should learn his weakness, his retreat would still be secured. While on + the march a courier overtook him with two dispatches—the one from + King Charles, the other from the English resident with the court at + Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + The king told him that he would be obliged to countermand the + reinforcements he had promised him for the relief of San Matteo, in + consequence of the unfavorable state of affairs elsewhere. It, however, + conveyed to Peterborough something which he valued more than + reinforcements, namely, full power to act in accordance with his own + discretion. The dispatch from the British resident told him that news had + come that the Duke of Berwick, with the main army of France, freed by the + retreat of Lord Galway from all trouble on the western side of Spain, was + in full march for Catalonia. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Serclaes, with four thousand men, watched the small garrison + at Lerida; the Duke of Noailles, with eight thousand French troops from + Roussillon, threatened Catalonia on a third side; while Philip and Marshal + Tesse had collected ten thousand men at Madrid. The letter concluded with + the words: “There is nothing here but distrust, discontent, and despair.” + </p> + <p> + The responsibility left by the king's letter upon Peterborough was great + indeed. On the one hand, if he did not return to the defense of Catalonia, + the king might be exposed to imminent danger; and, on the other, if he + repassed the Ebro he might be accused of having left Valencia and its + loyal inhabitants to their fate, and would have forfeited all the + advantages that his audacity and skill had already gained. + </p> + <p> + His difficulties in any case were enormous. His infantry were marching + almost barefooted; they were clothed in rags. The season was inclement, + the country mountainous and rough, and the horses of the dragoons so + exhausted that they could scarcely carry their riders. In obedience to his + instructions, here, as at Tortosa, he assembled his officers in a council + of war and asked their opinion. They were unanimous in saying that, with + the small and exhausted force under his orders, no further operation could + be undertaken for the conquest of Valencia, but that the little army + should post itself in such a position as might afford the greatest + facility for protecting the king. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough had thus on one side not only the difficulty of the position, + but the opinion of the council of war against a further advance; but on + the other hand he knew the anxiety of the king that help should be given + to the Valencians. He therefore announced to his officers a resolution as + desperate as that ever formed by a sane man. He had listened gravely and + in silence while the officers gave their opinion, and then ordered that + the footsore infantry, with a few of the horse, should march back to + Vinaroz, a little town on the seaside a day's journey from Tortosa, where + in case of necessity they might embark in boats and be taken off to the + ships. Then, to the stupefaction of his officers, he announced his + intention of himself proceeding with the remaining dragoons, about a + hundred and fifty in number, to conquer the province of Valencia! + </p> + <p> + In vain the officers remonstrated, the earl was firm. The council then + broke up, and the troops prepared for their march in opposite directions. + </p> + <p> + The parting of Peterborough and his officers was very sad, for they + doubted not it was a final one. + </p> + <p> + “I will yet endeavor,” he said, “however our circumstances seem desperate, + to secure the kingdom of Valencia; and since the king has thought conquest + possible in this present case, he cannot complain of my motions, however + rash they might appear. I am resolved, therefore, never to repass the Ebro + without positive orders from him.” + </p> + <p> + Before starting the earl wrote to Charles and explained fully his + intentions. It is evident from the tone of his letter that Peterborough + did not expect to survive this extraordinary expedition. The language is + grave and firm, and, though respectful, full of stronger remonstrance and + more homely advice than often reaches kings. It concluded: + </p> + <p> + “I have had but little share in your councils. If our advance had been + approved, if your majesty had trusted us... if your majesty had permitted + me to march into the kingdom of Valencia, when I so earnestly desired it, + without making me stay under pretense of the march of imaginary troops; if + your majesty would have believed me on that occasion, your majesty would + have had this time not only a viceroy of Valencia but the kingdom. With + what force I have I am going to march straight to Valencia. I can take no + other measures, leaving the rest to Providence. The time lost (so much + against my inclination) exposes me to a sacrifice, at least I will perish + with honor, and as a man deserving a better fate.” + </p> + <p> + The earl now again sent orders to one thousand Spanish foot and three + hundred horse, which had before been nominally placed at his disposal, but + had never moved from the town in which they were garrisoned, to follow him + into Valencia; and at the same time he wrote to Colonel Wills to march + immediately with a like number of English horse and foot to his + assistance. + </p> + <p> + The king, on the receipt of Peterborough's letter, issued positive and + peremptory orders that the Spanish troops were at once to be set in + motion. Colonel Wills wrote in reply that an important action had taken + place at San Esteban de Litera on the 26th and 27th of January, between + General Conyngham with his brigade and the Chevalier d'Asfeldt, in which, + after a bloody contest, the French were driven from the field with a heavy + loss of killed, wounded, and prisoners, the allies had also suffered + serious loss, and General Conyngham had received a mortal wound. The + command, therefore, had devolved upon himself. + </p> + <p> + Having seen the infantry march off, Peterborough, attended only by his two + aides de camp, took his place at the head of his handful of cavalry and + proceeded on his desperate enterprise—an enterprise the most + extraordinary that has ever taken place between enemies of an equal degree + of civilization. It was a war of a general with a small escort, but + literally without an army, against able officers with thousands of + disciplined troops and numerous defensible towns and positions, against + enormous difficulties of country, against want and fatigue in every shape, + and above all, against hope itself. + </p> + <p> + And yet no one who had witnessed that little body march off would have + supposed that they were entering upon what seemed an impossible expedition—an + expedition from which none could come back alive. Worn out and sorry as + was the appearance of the horses, ragged and dirty that of their riders, + the latter were in high spirits. The contagion of the extraordinary energy + and audacity of their chief had spread among them; they had an absolute + confidence in his genius, and they entered upon the romantic enterprise + with the ardor of schoolboys. + </p> + <p> + Not less was the spirit of the two young aides de camp. Before starting + the earl had offered them the option of marching away with the infantry. + </p> + <p> + “It is not that I doubt your courage, lads, for I marked you both under + fire at Montjuich, but the fatigues will be terrible. You have already + supported, in a manner which has surprised me, the work which you have + undergone. You have already borne far more than your full share of the + hardships of the campaign, and I have, in my dispatches, expressed a very + strong opinion to the government as to the value of the services you have + rendered. You are both very young, and I should be sorry to see your lives + sacrificed in such an enterprise as that I am undertaking, and shall think + no less of you if you elect now to have a period of rest.” + </p> + <p> + The young men had, however, so firmly and emphatically declined to leave + him that the earl had accepted their continued service. + </p> + <p> + The cavalry, instead of keeping in a compact body, were broken up into + parties of ten, all of whom followed different roads, spreading, through + every hamlet they passed, the news that a great army, of which they were + the forerunners, was following hotly behind. So that should any peasants + favorable to Philip's cause carry the news to Las Torres, that general + would be forced to believe that he was being pursued by a veritable army. + Many stragglers of the retreating force were picked up and handed over to + the peasantry to be sent as prisoners into Catalonia. + </p> + <p> + For the most part the little parties of cavalry were well received by the + populace; the majority of Valencians were in favor of King Charles, and + that night, when they halted, the weary horses obtained ample supplies of + grain and forage, and the troopers were made welcome to the best the + villages afforded. + </p> + <p> + A few extra horses were purchased by Peterborough during the day, and it + was well for his aides de camp that it was so, for scarcely had they + finished their meal than Peterborough ordered them again into the saddle. + They were to ride by crossroads right and left to the villages where the + different detachments had been ordered to halt, and to tell them the + routes marked out for them by which they would again concentrate at + midday, so as to ride in comparatively strong force through a small town + on the main road, whence news might, not improbably, be sent on to Las + Torres. After that they were again to disperse and pervade the country. + </p> + <p> + Jack and Graham carried out these orders, taking guides from each village + through which they passed to the next, and it was near midnight before + they had finished their work. At four in the morning every detachment was + in motion, and at noon the troop was again concentrated. Here the earl + learned that a detachment of the enemy had remained behind at Alcala, and, + instead of carrying out his previous plan, he rode straight with the whole + of his dragoons to that town. When he approached it he divided his force + into three bodies, which entered the place simultaneously by different + gates, and the Spanish detachment, two hundred strong, at once laid down + their arms. + </p> + <p> + Evening was now approaching, and as the horses and dragoons were utterly + worn out, Peterborough halted for the night. He at once called together + the principal inhabitants, and informed them that he required all the + horses in the town, with such saddlery as they could obtain, to be + collected and forwarded for his use to a point he named. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the march was continued. Las Torres had continued his + flight, and this was hastened when he heard of the capture of Alcala. He + pushed through the town of Borriol and hastened on to Villa Real, a town + strongly favorable to King Charles. It opened its gates, however, on the + solemn promise of Las Torres to respect the life and property of the + inhabitants; but no sooner had his troops entered than he gave the order + for a general massacre and the sack of the town. This ferocious order was + executed, and very few of the inhabitants escaped with their lives. + </p> + <p> + The following day, on the news coming in from various points in his rear + that the enemy were pressing after him, he marched his dispirited army to + Nules, where the inhabitants were well affected. In answer to his appeal a + thousand of the citizens enrolled themselves and undertook to defend the + town till the last against the English. Having assured himself of their + earnestness Las Torres inspected the muster, and, having viewed all the + dispositions for defense, continued his flight. Nules was fortified by + strong walls flanked with towers, the fortifications were in an excellent + state of defense, and the town could have resisted a siege by a + considerable army. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Villa Real the British were horrified at the hideous + massacre which had taken place. They went from house to house and found + everywhere the bodies of the slaughtered inhabitants, and the ardor of the + dragoons was, if possible, heightened by the sight. They made but a short + stay here and then galloped on to Nules. As they neared the town a fire of + musketry was opened from the walls, but, wholly disregarding this, the + earl at the head of his men dashed up to the gates and demanded, in an + imperious tone, that the principal inhabitants should assemble and hold + parley with him. + </p> + <p> + The boldness of the earl's manner and the imperative tone in which he + spoke so astonished the citizens on the walls that they ceased firing, and + sent for their magistrates and priests. When these assembled on the wall + Peterborough told them in an angry tone that he gave them only six minutes + for deliberation, and that if they offered the slightest resistance he + would repeat at Nules the massacre which Las Torres had carried out at + Villa Real. He added that, unless they instantly surrendered, he would + blow down their walls the moment his artillery and engineers arrived. The + terror stricken magistrates at once summoned the town council, and, upon + their repeating Peterborough's terrible threats, it was resolved at once + to surrender, and the six minutes had scarcely elapsed when the gates fell + back on their hinges, and Peterborough and his dragoons entered the town + in triumph. + </p> + <p> + Here the wearied band enjoyed a rest for some days, Peterborough spreading + the alarm, which his presence excited, by giving orders that great + quantities of provisions and forage should be brought in from all + directions for the supply of the large army which he stated to be + following at his heels. As it never occurred to any one that he could be + pursuing an army of seven thousand men through a hostile country with only + a handful of dragoons, his statements were not doubted. The requisitions + were complied with, and provisions and stores poured into the town. + </p> + <p> + Las Torres at Almenara, where he had again perpetrated a horrible + massacre, heard the news of great preparations that Peterborough was + making for the supply of his army, and considering his position to be + unsafe again retreated hastily. + </p> + <p> + At Nules two hundred horses were found and at once appropriated for the + use of the army. With a portion of his force Peterborough rode out to + Castillon de la Plana, an open town of some size, where the people were + well affected to the Austrian cause. Here he secured four hundred more + horses, at the same time assuring both friends and foes that his army was + driving the enemy out of the kingdom. On entering Nules, Peterborough had + sent orders for Lord Barrymore's regiment of British infantry, at that + time under the command of Colonel Pierce, to march from Vinaroz, where + they had been sent with the rest of the infantry from San Matteo to + Oropesa, a town about nine miles from Castillon, where he had collected + all the horses he had obtained during his march. + </p> + <p> + When the news reached Nules of the arrival of this regiment at Oropesa, + Lord Peterborough at once rode over. The regiment was formed up for his + inspection; it had marched with the greatest speed, and the men were worn + out and footsore with their long tramp over the stony hills. After + inspecting them the earl paid them a high compliment upon their past + achievements, and concluded by expressing his wish that they had but + horses and accouterments to try whether a corps of so high a character + would maintain their reputation in the novelty of mounted service. + </p> + <p> + The joke of their eccentric general seemed but a poor one to the footsore + and almost shoeless men, but they were astonished when Jack rode forward + and presented to each of the officers a commission, which he had drawn out + in the earl's name, as cavalry officers. Their astonishment was changed to + delight when Peterborough marched them to the brow of the hill where they + stood, and they saw eight bodies of horses drawn up in order ready for + their eight companies. Among these were set apart three good chargers for + each captain, two for lieutenants, and one for cornets. He ordered the + regiment to mount, and, immensely amused at their sudden elevation to the + cavalry service, the troops rode back to the town. + </p> + <p> + From the moment when he started from San Matteo Peterborough had, in spite + of his incessant exertions and multifarious cares, been quietly making + preparations for this event. He had sent to Barcelona for the necessary + accouterments for these men and for the dismounted British dragoons. The + accouterments had been sent from Barcelona to the nearest port on the + seacoast, and by continually urging on the local carriers the earl had, in + nine days after leaving San Matteo, collected them in readiness at his + depot at Castillon, and thus raised his little band of horse to nearly a + thousand men. These he dispersed at once among the well affected towns of + the neighborhood, whose walls would render them safe from the attack of an + enemy unsupported by artillery, moving them constantly from place to + place, partly to accustom them to their new duties, partly to confuse the + enemy as to their numbers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X: AN ADVENTURE IN THE MOUNTAINS + </h2> + <p> + “Mr. Stillwell,” the earl said, a few days after his arrival at Castillon, + “will you take twenty dragoons and ride out to the village of Estrella? + The district round it is extremely hostile, and they prevent supplies + being brought in from that direction. Get hold of the principal men in the + place, and tell them that if I hear any more complaints of hostility in + that neighborhood I will send out a regiment of horse, burn their village, + and ravage all the country. I don't think you need apprehend any + opposition; but of course you will keep a good lookout.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to return tonight, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Let that depend upon your reception. If the inhabitants show a fairly + good disposition, or if you see that at any rate there is a considerable + section of the population well disposed to the cause, stay there for the + night, and in the morning make a wide circuit through the district before + returning. If you perceive a strong hostile feeling it were best not to + sleep there; with so small a force you would be liable to a night attack.” + </p> + <p> + Twenty minutes later Jack rode off with his party, having first obtained + directions from the natives as to the best road to Estrella. The village + was but some fifteen miles off, and lay in the center of a fertile + district on the other side of a range of lofty hills. The road they were + traversing ran through the hills by a narrow and very steep valley. + </p> + <p> + “This would be a nasty place to be attacked,” Jack said to the sergeant, + who was riding just behind him. + </p> + <p> + “It would, indeed, sir; and if they were to set some of those stones + arolling they would soon knock our horses off their legs.” + </p> + <p> + A mile or two further on the road again descended and the valley opened to + a fertile country. Another half hour's sharp riding brought them into + Estrella. Their coming had probably been signaled, for the inhabitants + evinced no sudden alarm as the little troop rode along the principal + street. The women stood at the doors of the houses to look at them, the + men were gathered in little knots at the corners; but all were unarmed, + and Jack saw at once that there was no intention of offering resistance. + He alighted at the door of the village inn, and in a few minutes two or + three of the chief men in the village presented themselves. + </p> + <p> + “The English general,” Jack said, “has heard that the people of your + neighborhood are hostile, and that those who would pass through with + animals and stores for the army are prevented from doing so. He bids me + say that he does not wish to war with the people of this country so long + as they are peaceful. Those who take up arms he will meet with arms; but + so long as they interfere not with him he makes no inquiry as to whether + their wishes are for King Charles or Philip of Anjou; but if they evince + an active hostility he will be forced to punish them. You know how Marshal + Tesse has massacred unarmed citizens whom he deemed hostile, and none + could blame the English general did he carry out reprisals; but it will + grieve him to have to do so. He has therefore sent me with this small + troop to warn you that if the people of this village and district + interfere in any way with his friends, or evince signs of active + hostility, he will send a regiment of horse with orders to burn the + village to the ground, and to lay all the district bare.” + </p> + <p> + “Your general has been misinformed,” the principal man in the place said. + “There are, it is true, some in the district who hold for Philip of Anjou; + but the population are well disposed to King Charles, and this village is + ready to furnish any supplies that the English may require. If your honor + will give me a list of these I will do my best to have them in readiness + by tomorrow morning, and I trust that you will honor us by stopping here + till then.” + </p> + <p> + Jack hesitated; he did not much like the appearance of the man or the tone + of humility in which he spoke; still, as he offered to furnish supplies, + he thought it well to accept the same. + </p> + <p> + “What horses could you let us have?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “We could supply ten horses,” the man said, “fit for cavalry, four wagons + of grain, and twenty barrels of wine.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” Jack said; “if these are ready by tomorrow morning I will + accept them as an earnest of your goodwill, and now I require food for my + men.” + </p> + <p> + “That shall be ready for them in an hour,” the man replied. + </p> + <p> + Jack now gave orders to the sergeant that the girths to the saddles should + be loosened, and the horses fastened in readiness for service in the + street close to the inn. Four men were then posted as pickets at the + distance of a quarter of a mile on each side of the village. Corn was + brought for the horses. The women and children gathered round to gaze at + the foreign soldiers, and Jack was convinced that there was at any rate no + intention to effect a surprise while he remained in the village. In an + hour the dinner was served, and there was no reason to complain of the + quantity or quality of the provisions. + </p> + <p> + An hour after dinner the troop again mounted and took a detour of some + miles through the district, passing through several other villages, in + none of which were the slightest signs of hostility met with. + </p> + <p> + “Sergeant,” Jack said, after they had returned to Estrella, “everything + looks very quiet and peaceful; but, considering what we have heard of the + feeling in this district, it seems to me that it is almost too peaceful. I + can't help feeling somewhat uneasy. When it gets dark divide the troop + into two parties; keep one constantly under arms; place sentries in pairs + at each end of the village, and keep a most vigilant watch. Do not let the + others scatter to the quarters the mayor has provided; but let all lie + down here in the inn ready to turn out at a moment's notice. They are a + treacherous lot, these Spaniards, and we cannot be too strictly on our + guard.” + </p> + <p> + The night passed, however, without an incident, and in the morning, the + five wagons with grain and wine, and eight horses, were brought in. + </p> + <p> + Jack, rather ashamed of his suspicions on the previous night, thanked the + mayor warmly. Eight of the troopers took each a led horse. The four + countrymen in charge of the wagons shouted to their oxen, and the party + moved out from Estrella. + </p> + <p> + “There are very few men about the village, Mr. Stilwell,” the sergeant + said, as Jack reined back his horse to speak to him. “Did you notice that, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Jack said; “I did notice it; for except a few old men and boys, + there were none but women and children gathered round or standing at their + door. There were plenty of men about yesterday; but perhaps they have all + gone up to work in the fields; however, we will keep our eyes open. You + had best ride forward, sergeant, to the two men in front and tell them to + keep a sharp lookout.” + </p> + <p> + They were proceeding only at a slow walk in order to keep pace with the + wagons, and it was an hour and a half after leaving Estrella before they + entered the hills. + </p> + <p> + Jack noticed that although many women and girls could be seen working in + the fields, not a man was in sight. + </p> + <p> + “It is curious, sergeant, that there are no men about, and I can't help + thinking that all is not right. Do you take four men with you and ride + straight on through that nasty narrow valley we noticed as we came. Keep a + sharp lookout on both sides, for there are rocks enough on those hills to + hide an army.” + </p> + <p> + Jack halted the detachment when the scouting party went forward. In three + quarters of an hour the sergeant returned with his men, saying that he had + ridden right through the valley and could see no signs of life whatever. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sergeant, then we will proceed. But we will do so in groups. + If we are to be attacked in that valley, we could make no fight of it were + we ten times as many as we are; and if we must be caught, they shall have + as few of us as possible; therefore, let a corporal with four men go on a + good quarter of a mile ahead, so that he will be past the worst part + before the next body enter. Then do you take ten men and go next. I will + follow you at the same distance with the other five men and the wagons. + Order the corporal if attacked to ride through if possible; if not, to + fall back to you. Do you do the same. If you are nearly through the valley + when you are attacked, dash straight forward. I shall see what is going + on, and will turn and ride back with my party, and making a sweep round + through the flat country find my way back by some other road. In that case + by no possibility can they get more than a few of us.” + </p> + <p> + These orders, which were well calculated to puzzle a concealed enemy, were + carried out. The corporal's party were just disappearing round a turn at + the upper end of the valley when the main body under the sergeant entered + it. Jack was not quite so far behind, and halted as he entered the valley + to allow those who preceded him to get through before he proceeded. They + were still some two hundred yards from the further end when a shot was + heard, and in an instant men appeared from behind every rock, and the + hillside was obscured with smoke as upward of two hundred guns were fired + almost simultaneously. Then there was a deep rumbling noise, and the rocks + came bounding down from above. + </p> + <p> + The sergeant carried out Jack's orders. At the flash of the first gun he + set off with his men at a gallop; and so quick and sudden was the movement + that but few of the bullets touched them, and the rocks for the most part + thundered down in their rear. Two or three horses and men were, however, + struck down and crushed by the massive rocks; but the rest of the party + got through the pass in safety and joined their comrades who had preceded + them. They rode on for a short distance further, and then there was a + halt, and wounds were examined and bandaged. + </p> + <p> + “It is well that we came as we did,” the sergeant said to his corporal; + “if we had been all together, with the wagons blocking up the road, not a + man Jack of us would have escaped alive. What an escape it has been! the + whole hillside seemed coming down on us.” + </p> + <p> + “What will Mr. Stilwell do, sergeant?” + </p> + <p> + “He said he should ride back into the plain and take some other way + round,” the sergeant replied; “but I fear he won't find it so easy. + Fellows who would lay such an ambush as that are pretty sure to have taken + steps to cut off the retreat of any who might escape and ride back. I am + sure I hope he will get out of it, for he is a good officer, and as + pleasant a young fellow as one can want to serve under; besides, there are + five of our chaps with him.” + </p> + <p> + Jack had halted his men the instant the first shot was fired. “Shall I + shoot these fellows, sir?” one of the troopers asked, drawing his pistol + and pointing it at the head of one of the peasants leading a yoke of oxen. + </p> + <p> + “No,” Jack said; “they are unarmed; besides, they are plucky fellows for + risking their lives on such a venture. There! the sergeant's troop have + got through; but there are two or three of them down. Come along, lads, we + must ride back, and there is no time to lose. Keep well together, and in + readiness to charge if I give the word. It is likely enough our turn may + come next.” + </p> + <p> + They rode on without interruption at full gallop till they neared the + lower end of the valley. Then Jack drew up his horse. Across the road and + the ground on each side extended a dozen carts, the oxen being taken out, + and the carts placed end to end so as to form a barricade. A number of men + were standing behind them. + </p> + <p> + “I expected something of this sort,” muttered Jack. He looked at the hills + on either side, but they were too steep to ride up on horseback; and as to + abandoning the animals and taking to the hills on foot, it was not to be + thought of, for the active peasants would easily overtake them. + </p> + <p> + “We must ride straight forward,” he said; “there is no other way out of + it. There is level ground enough for a horse to pass round the left of the + wagons. Ride for that point as hard as you can, and when you are through + keep straight forward for a quarter of a mile till we are together again. + Now!” + </p> + <p> + Giving his horse the spur, Jack dashed off at full speed, followed closely + by the troopers. As they approached the line guns flashed out from the + wagons, and the bullets sang thickly round them; but they were going too + fast to be an easy mark, and the peasants, after firing their guns, seeing + the point for which they were making, ran in a body to oppose them, armed + with pitch forks and ox goads; few of them had, however, reached the spot + when Jack and his troopers dashed up. There was a short sharp struggle, + and then, leaving five or six of the peasants dead on the ground, the + troopers burst through and rode forward. One man only had been lost in the + passage, shot through the head as he approached the gap. + </p> + <p> + “So far we are safe,” Jack said, “and as I expect every man in the country + round was engaged in that ambush, we need not hurry for the present. The + question is, Which way to go?” + </p> + <p> + This was indeed a difficult point to settle, for Jack was wholly ignorant + of the country. He had made inquiries as to the way to Estrella, but knew + nothing of any other roads leading from that village, and indeed, for + aught he knew, the road by which he had come might be the only one leading + to the south through the range of hills. + </p> + <p> + “We will turn west,” he said, after a moment's thought, “and keep along + near the foot of the hills till we come to another road crossing them.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he set forward at an easy trot across the fields of maize and + wheat stubble, vineyards, and occasionally orchards. For upward of two + hours Jack led the way, but they saw no signs of a road, and he observed + with uneasiness that the plain was narrowing fast and the hills on the + left trending to meet those on the right and form an apparently unbroken + line ahead. + </p> + <p> + The horses were showing signs of fatigue, and Jack drew rein on somewhat + rising ground and looked anxiously round. If, as it seemed, there was no + break in the bills ahead, it would be necessary to retrace their steps, + and long ere this the defenders of the ravine would have returned to their + homes, and learned from the men at the carts that a small party had + escaped. As the women in the fields would be able to point out the way + they had taken, the whole population would be out in pursuit of them. + Looking round Jack saw among some trees to his right what appeared to be a + large mansion, and resolved at once to go there. + </p> + <p> + “The horses must have food and a rest,” he said, “before we set out again; + and though it's hardly probable, as the peasants are so hostile, that the + owner of this place is friendly, I would even at the worst rather fall + into the hands of a gentleman than into those of these peasants, who would + certainly murder us in cold blood.” + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he rode toward the mansion, whose owner must, he thought as + he approached it, be a man of importance, for it was one of the finest + country residences he had seen in Spain. He rode up to the front door and + dismounted and rang at the bell. A man opened the door, and looked with + surprise and alarm at the English uniforms. He would have shut the door + again, but Jack put his shoulder to it and pushed it open. + </p> + <p> + “What means this insolence?” he said sternly, drawing his pistol. “Is your + master in?” + </p> + <p> + “No, senor,” the man stammered, “the count is from home.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your mistress in?” + </p> + <p> + The man hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “I will see,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, sir,” Jack said. “Your mistress is in, and unless you lead me + straight to her I will put a bullet through your head.” + </p> + <p> + Several other men servants had now come up, but the four troopers had also + entered. The Spaniards looked at each other irresolutely. + </p> + <p> + “Now, sirrah,” Jack said, raising his pistol, “are you going to obey me?” + </p> + <p> + The Spaniard, seeing Jack would execute his threat unless obeyed, turned + sullenly and led the way to a door. He opened it and entered. + </p> + <p> + “Madam the countess,” he said, “an English officer insists on seeing you.” + </p> + <p> + Jack followed him in. A lady had just risen from her seat. + </p> + <p> + “I must apologize, madam,” he began, and then stopped in surprise, while + at the same moment a cry of astonishment broke from the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Senor Stilwell!” she cried. “Oh! how glad I am to see you! but—but—” + And she stopped. + </p> + <p> + “But how do I come here, countess, you would ask? I come here by accident, + and had certainly no idea that I should find you, or that this mansion + belonged to your husband. You told me when I saw you last, a fortnight + before I left Barcelona, that you were going away to your seat in the + country. You told me its name, too, and were good enough to say that you + hoped when this war was over that I would come and visit you; but, in + truth, as this is not a time for visiting, I had put the matter out of my + mind.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you belong, then,” the countess asked, “to the party who we heard + yesterday had arrived at Estrella? If so—” And she stopped again. + </p> + <p> + “If so, how have I escaped, you would ask? By good fortune and the speed + of my horse.” + </p> + <p> + “What will the count say?” the countess exclaimed. “How will he ever + forgive himself? Had he known that our preserver was with that party he + would have cut off his right hand before he would have—” + </p> + <p> + “Led his tenants to attack us. He could not tell, countess, and now I hope + that you will give your retainers orders to treat my men with hospitality. + At present my four troopers and your men are glowering at each other in + the hall like wolves and dogs ready to spring at each other's throats.” + </p> + <p> + The countess at once went out into the hall. The servants had now armed + themselves, and, led by the majordomo, were standing in readiness to + attack the dragoons on the termination of the colloquy between the officer + and their mistress. + </p> + <p> + “Lay aside your arms, men,” the countess said imperiously. “These men are + the count's guests. Enrico, do you not recognize this gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + The majordomo turned, and, at once dropping his musket, ran across, and, + falling on his knees, pressed Jack's hand to his lips. The servants, who + had at first stood in irresolute astonishment at their mistress' order, no + longer hesitated, but placed their arms against the wall. + </p> + <p> + “This,” the majordomo said to them, rising to his feet, “is the noble + English lord who saved the lives of the count and countess and my young + master from the mob at Barcelona, as I have often told you.” + </p> + <p> + This explained the mystery. The servants saluted Jack with profound + respect, for all were deeply attached to the count and countess, and had + often thrilled with fury and excitement over the majordomo's relation of + that terrible scene at Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + Jack in a few words explained to the troopers the reason of the change in + their position. The dragoons put up their swords, and were soon on the + best terms with the retainers in the great kitchen, while Jack and the + countess chatted over the events which had happened since they last + parted. + </p> + <p> + “I shall always tremble when I think of today,” the countess said. “What a + feeling mine would have been all my life had our preserver been killed by + my servants! I should never have recovered it. It is true it would have + been an accident, and yet the possibility should have been foreseen. The + count knew you were with the Earl of Peterborough, and the whole English + army should have been sacred in his eyes for your sake; but I suppose he + never thought of it any more than I did. Of course every one knows that we + belong to Philip's party. It was for that, that the mob at Barcelona would + have killed us; but my husband does not talk much, and when he left + Barcelona no objection was raised. He did not intend to take part in the + war, and he little thought at that time that an enemy would ever come so + far from Barcelona; but yesterday, when a message came that a small party + of the enemy had entered the valley, and that the peasants had prepared an + ambuscade for them on their return, and that they hoped that the count + their master would himself come and lead them to annihilate the heretics, + the simple man agreed, never thinking that you might be among them. What + will his feelings be when, he learns it!” + </p> + <p> + Late in the afternoon the count arrived. One of the servants who had been + on the lookout informed the countess of his approach. + </p> + <p> + “I will go myself to meet him,” she said. “Do you stay here, senor, where + you can hear.” + </p> + <p> + The count rode up at full speed, and as the door opened ran hastily in. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened, Nina?” he exclaimed anxiously. “I have had a great + fright. We have been following a small party of the enemy who escaped us + from Estrella, and just now a woman returning from work in the fields told + us she had seen five strange soldiers ride up here and enter.” + </p> + <p> + “They are here,” the countess answered complacently. “They are at present + our guests.” + </p> + <p> + “Our guests!” the count exclaimed, astonished “What are you saying, Nina? + The enemies of our country our guests! In what a position have you placed + me! I have two hundred armed men just behind. I left them to ride on when + I heard the news, being too anxious to go at their pace, and now you tell + me that these men of whom they are in search are our guests! What am I to + say or do? You amaze me altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you have me do?” the countess said. “Could I refuse + hospitality to wearied men who asked it, Juan?” she continued, changing + her tone. “You have to thank Providence indeed that those men came to our + door instead of falling into the hands of your peasants.” + </p> + <p> + “To thank Providence!” the count repeated, astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Come with me and you will see why.” + </p> + <p> + She led the way into the room, her husband following her. The count gave a + cry as his eye fell upon Jack, and every vestige of color left his face. + </p> + <p> + “Mary, mother of heaven!” he said in a broken voice, “I thank thee that I + have been saved from a crime which would have imbittered all my life. Oh, + senor, is it thus we meet, thus, when I have been hunting blindly for the + blood of the man to whom I owe so much?” + </p> + <p> + “Happily there is no harm done, count,” Jack said, advancing with + outstretched hand; “you were doing what you believed to be your duty, + attacking the enemy of your country. Had you killed me you would have been + no more to blame than I should, did a chance shot of mine slay you when + fighting in the ranks of the soldiers of Philip.” + </p> + <p> + The count was some time before he could respond to Jack's greeting, so + great was his emotion at the thought of the escape he had had from slaying + the preserver of his wife and child. As soon as he recovered himself he + hurried out to meet the peasants, whose shouts could be heard as they + approached the castle. He soon returned and bade his servants take a cask + of wine into the courtyard behind the house, with what bread and meat + there might be in the larder. + </p> + <p> + “You had no trouble with them, I hope?” Jack asked. + </p> + <p> + “None whatever,” the count said. “As soon as I told them the circumstances + under which you saved the life of the countess, my boy, and myself, their + only wish was to see you and express their gratitude; they are simple + fellows, these peasants, and if fairly treated greatly attached to their + lords.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a pity their treatment of the prisoners is so savage,” Jack said + dryly. + </p> + <p> + “They are savage,” the count said, “but you must remember that the history + of Spain is one long story of war and bloodshed. They draw knives on each + other on the slightest provocation, and in their amusements, as you know, + there is nothing that in their eyes can rival a bullfight; it is little + wonder, then, that in war they are savage and, as you would say, even + bloodthirsty. This is not so in regular warfare. Whatever may have been + the conduct of some of our irregulars, none have ever alleged that Spanish + troops are less inclined to give quarter to conquered foes than others; + but in this rough irregular warfare each peasant fights on his own account + as against a personal enemy, and as he would expect and would meet with + little mercy if he fell into the enemy's hands, so he grants no mercy to + those who fall into his. Indeed, after the brutal treatment which Marshal + Tesse has, I am ashamed to say, dealt out to those who opposed him, you + can scarcely blame peasants for acting as they see civilized soldiers do.” + </p> + <p> + A short time afterward Jack went out with the count into the courtyard, + and was received with the most hearty and cordial greeting by the men who + were an hour before thirsting for his blood. Among them was the village + mayor. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir,” he said, “why did you not tell us that you had saved the life + of our lord and lady? You should have had all the horses in the district, + and as many wagons of wine and grain as we could collect. We are all in + despair that we should have attacked our lord's preserver.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not tell you,” Jack said, “because I was in ignorance that the + Count de Minas was your lord; had I known it I should have assuredly gone + straight to him.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall never forgive ourselves,” the man said, “for having killed four + of your honor's soldiers.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry that it was so,” Jack said, “but I cannot blame you; and I am + sorry that we on our part must have killed as many of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Six,” the mayor replied. “Yes, poor fellows, but the count will see to + their widows and orphans, he has promised us as much. I drink to your + health, senor,” and all present joined in the shout, “Long live the + preserver of the count and countess!” + </p> + <p> + Jack and the count now returned to the house, and the next morning, after + a cordial adieu to the host and hostess, he rode back with his men to + Castillon. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome back, Mr. Stilwell,” the general said as he entered; “I have been + very uneasy about you. Your men returned at noon yesterday and told me of + the ambush in which they had been beset. Your arrangements were excellent + except for your own safety. How did you manage to get out? By the way, I + was astonished by the arrival here an hour since of the horses and wagons. + The men who brought them could give me no account of it, except that the + Mayor of Estrella returned late yesterday evening and ordered them to set + out before daybreak. It seemed to me a perfect mystery. I suspected at + first that the wine was poisoned, and ordered the men who brought it to + drink some at once, but as they did so without hesitation or sign of fear, + I concluded that I was mistaken. However, I have kept them captive pending + news from you to enlighten me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not surprised you were astonished, sir, but the matter was simple + enough;” and then Jack related the circumstances which had befallen them. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo!” the earl said; “for once, Mr. Stilwell, a good action has had its + reward, which, so far as my experience goes, is an exception.” + </p> + <p> + The earl at once called in a sergeant and ordered the release of the men + who had brought the horses and wagons, and gave ten gold pieces to be + distributed among them. Jack also went out and begged them to give his + compliments and thanks to the mayor. + </p> + <p> + “I am heartily glad the adventure ended as it did,” the earl said when he + returned, “for, putting aside the regret I should have felt at your loss, + it would have been a difficult business for me to undertake, with my + present force, to chastise the men who attacked you, who must be bold and + determined fellows, and capable of realizing the advantages of this + mountainous country. If all Spaniards would do as much it would tax the + power of the greatest military nation to subdue them; and yet I could + hardly have suffered such a check without endeavoring to avenge it; so + altogether, Mr. Stilwell, we must congratulate ourselves that the affair + ended as it did. In any case you would have been in no way to blame, for + your dispositions throughout appear to have been excellent, and marked + alike with prudence and boldness.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI: VALENCIA + </h2> + <p> + While occupied in preparing for his advance, the general sent letter after + letter to Valencia, bidding the citizens to keep up their courage, and + promising to hasten to the relief of that city. Ordering Jack to continue + the correspondence in his name, so as to delude both friends and foes that + he was still at Castillon, he took post secretly and hurried away back to + Tortosa to see after reinforcements. He still doubted whether the Spanish + troops, which the king had promised should be at his disposal for the + campaign in Valencia, had got into motion, and in case they had not done + so he determined to post to Colonel Wills and bring up that officer with + his brigade. + </p> + <p> + At Vinaroz he found that the Spanish troops had already entered Valencia, + and that some of the militia of that province and of Catalonia were also + in motion to join him. He therefore concentrated his little force at + Castillon, to which place he returned as rapidly as he had left it. When + it was assembled it consisted of a thousand horse and two thousand + infantry, being one English and three Spanish battalions of regulars. + Besides these were about three hundred armed peasants, whom the earl + thought it better not to join with his army, and therefore quartered them + at Almenara. + </p> + <p> + Although he had accomplished marvels, there was yet much to do. The Duke + of Arcos had succeeded the Conde de las Torres in the chief command, the + latter having been superseded after his signal failures. The duke had ten + thousand men placed under his orders, of whom some thirty-five hundred + were in possession of the strong town of Murviedro, which covered the + approach to Valencia, while with the main body he marched upon Valencia + and commenced the siege of that city. The magistrates, knowing that they + could expect but little mercy should the town be taken, made vigorous + preparations for defense, and dispatched some messengers to Peterborough + imploring him to come to their assistance. He was now in readiness to do + so, and on the 1st of February marched from Castillon with his army. + </p> + <p> + Having unlimited powers, the earl, before starting, presented to his two + aides de camp commissions as captains, as a reward for the services they + had rendered. + </p> + <p> + Although so inferior in numbers the little army advanced toward Valencia + with an absolute confidence of victory. The successes gained by their + leader with a handful of cavalry over an army of seven thousand men had + been so astounding that his troops believed him capable of effecting + anything that he undertook. They had seen him ride off from San Matteo + with his little body of horse upon what seemed an impossible enterprise; + they had met him again after having conquered half a province; and if he + had accomplished this with such scanty means, what was not possible now + when he had three thousand men at his disposal? + </p> + <p> + But the earl trusted fully as much to his talents in the way of deceiving + the enemy as to his power of defeating them by open force in the field. + His eccentric genius appeared to revel in the mendacious statements by + which he deceived and puzzled both friend and foe; and although the + spreading of a certain amount of false news for the purpose of deceiving + an enemy has always been considered as a legitimate means of warfare, + Peterborough altogether exceeded the usual limits, and appeared to delight + in inventing the most complicated falsehoods from the mere love of + mischief. At times Jack was completely bewildered by his general, so rapid + were the changes of plans, so changeable his purposes, so fantastic and + eccentric his bearing and utterances. That his military genius was + astonishing no one can for a moment question, but it was the genius rather + of a knight errant than of the commander of great armies. + </p> + <p> + As a partisan leader Peterborough is without a rival in history. Whether + he would have succeeded equally well as the commander of great armies he + had never an opportunity of proving, but it is more than doubtful. Rapid + changes of plan, shifting and uncertain movements, may lead to wonderful + successes when but a small body of troops have to be set in motion, but + would cause endless confusion and embarrassment with a large army, which + can only move in accordance with settled plans and deliberate purpose. + </p> + <p> + It must be said, however, that this most eccentric of generals proved upon + many occasions, as at the siege of Barcelona, that he was capable of + adapting himself to circumstances, and it is possible that had he ever + been placed in command of a great army he would have laid aside his + flightiness and eccentricity, his love for theatrical strokes and hair + breadth adventures, and would have exhibited a steadfast military genius + which would have placed his name in the annals of British history on a par + with those of Wellington and Marlborough. Never did he exhibit his faculty + for ingenious falsehood more remarkably than at Murviedro, where, indeed, + a great proportion of his inventions appear to have been prompted rather + by a spirit of malice than by any military necessity. + </p> + <p> + Murviedro was the Saguntum of the Romans, one of the strongest cities in + Spain. The force there was commanded by Brigadier General Mahony, an + officer of Irish descent. He had under him five hundred regular cavalry + and a battalion of eight hundred trained infantry; the rest of his force + consisted of Spanish militia. The town itself was fairly strong and + contained a large population. It was separated from a wide plain by a + river, on the banks of which redoubts mounted with artillery had been + thrown up. + </p> + <p> + Here the Valencian road wound through a pass, above which, on the crest of + a lofty overhanging hill, were the ruins of ancient Saguntum. Peterborough + had no artillery save a few Spanish field guns; the enemy's position was + formidable both by formation and art, and his force was altogether + inadequate for an attack upon it. So hopeless did the attempt appear to be + that Peterborough's officers were unanimous in the opinion that it would + be better to make a wide circuit and avoid the place, and to march + directly upon Valencia and give battle to the Duke of Arcos under its + walls. Peterborough, however, simply told them to wait and see what would + come of it, and in the mean time he continued to bewilder his foes by the + most surprising romances. + </p> + <p> + His agents were for the most part a few sharp witted dragoons, and some + peasants whose fidelity was secured by their families being held as + hostages. He had already contrived to bewilder the division of Las Torres + before it reached the main body under the Duke of Arcos. A spy in his pay + had informed the Spanish general that the British were close upon him, and + he had accordingly at once broken up his camp and marched all night. + </p> + <p> + In the morning the spy again presented himself and stated that the British + were pushing on over the mountains to his left to occupy an important + point and to cut off his retreat to the Valencian plains. As it seemed + absolutely impossible that they could have pressed forward so quickly, Las + Torres refused to credit the story. The spy, as if indignant at his truth + being doubted, pledged himself at the hazard of his life to give proof of + the assertion to any officer who might be sent to ascertain it. + </p> + <p> + Two officers in plain clothes were accordingly sent with him in the + direction where he stated the English to be; but when they stopped for + refreshment at a village on the way they were suddenly pounced upon by a + picket of English dragoons, who had been sent there for the purpose. After + a time the spy pretended to the two officers that he had made the guard + drunk and that they could now make their escape, and leading them + stealthily to the stable showed them two of the dragoons lying in an + apparently drunken sleep. Three horses were quietly led out of the stable, + and the three men rode off, some of the dragoons making a show of pursuit. + </p> + <p> + This incident, of course, established the credit of the spy. Las Torres + was convinced that his retreat was really threatened, and hurried on again + with all speed, while all this time the English army was really many miles + away near Murviedro. Other dragoons were induced to feign desertion, while + some permitted themselves to be taken prisoners, and as each vied with the + others in the extravagance of his false information, the Spanish generals + were utterly bewildered by the contradictory nature of the lies that + reached them. + </p> + <p> + While Las Torres was hastening away at full speed to join the Duke of + Arcos, Peterborough was occupied in fooling Mahony. That officer was a + distant relation of Lady Peterborough, and the earl sent to demand an + interview with him, naming a small hill near the town for the purpose. + When the time for the interview approached the earl disposed his army so + as to magnify their numbers as much as possible. Some were posted as near + the town as they could venture along the pass; others were kept marching + on the lower slopes of the hills, their numbers increased in appearance by + masses of the armed peasantry being mingled with them. + </p> + <p> + Mahony having received the earl's word for his safety rode out to the + appointed place to meet him, accompanied by several of the principal + Spanish officers. Peterborough first used every persuasion to induce + Mahony to enter the service of King Charles, but the Irish officer refused + to entertain the tempting offers which he made. Peterborough then changed + his tone, and said with an air of kindly frankness: + </p> + <p> + “The Spaniards have used such severities and cruelties at Villa Real as to + oblige me to retaliate. I am willing to spare a town if under your + protection. I know that you cannot pretend to defend it with the horse you + have, which will be so much more useful in another place if joined with + the troops of Arcos to obstruct my passing the plains of Valencia. I am + confident that you will soon quit Murviedro, which I can as little prevent + as you can hinder me from taking the town. The inhabitants there must be + exposed to the most abject miseries, and I can in no way preserve it but + by being bound in a capitulation, which I am willing to give you if I have + the assurance of the immediate surrender of the place this very night. + Some cases are so apparent that I need not dissemble. I know you will + immediately send to the Duke of Arcos to march to the Carthusian convent + and meet him there with the body of horse under your command.” + </p> + <p> + The earl further offered, in the same apparent spirit of frankness, to + show Mahony all his troops and artillery, as well as the large resources + he had upon the sea, which was only six miles off. Mahony was entirely + deceived by the manner of the man he regarded as a relative, and + laughingly acknowledged that he had, in case of necessity, intended to + fall back with his cavalry upon the Duke of Arcos. The interview ended by + Mahony retiring to the town, agreeing to send back an answer in half an + hour. At the end of that time he sent out a capitulation by a Spanish + officer. + </p> + <p> + Had Peterborough's scheme ended here he would not have exceeded the bounds + of what is regarded as a fair method of deceiving an enemy, but his + subsequent proceedings were absolutely indefensible, and are, indeed, + almost incredible on the part of the man who in some respects carried the + point of honor almost to an extreme. His notion, no doubt, was to paralyze + the action of the enemy by exciting suspicions of treachery among their + leaders, but the means which he took to do so were base and unworthy in + the extreme. + </p> + <p> + He began with the Spanish officer who had brought the capitulation, giving + him a garbled account of his interview with Mahony, and then endeavoring + to bribe him to desert to the Austrian cause, insinuating that he had + succeeded by this means with Mahony. As the earl expected, he failed to + induce the Spaniard to desert, but he succeeded in his purpose of filling + his mind with suspicions of treachery on the part of Mahony. + </p> + <p> + Mahony had conducted the negotiations in a manner worthy of a loyal and + skillful officer; he had stipulated not to leave the town till one o'clock + in the morning, and that Peterborough should not pass the river until that + hour. + </p> + <p> + This he had arranged in order to allow the Duke of Arcos time to reach the + plains, where he was to be joined by the horse from Murviedro. But + Peterborough's machinations had been effectual; the Spanish officer, on + his return, informed his countrymen that Mahony had betrayed them, and the + troops and populace became enraged against the unfortunate Irishman and + threatened his life. Peterborough, who, in spite of his perverted notions + of honor, would not on any account have passed the river before the time + stipulated, heard the neighing of horses in the town and supposed that + some of the troops were leaving it. In order, therefore, to create + suspicion and confusion among the enemy, he ordered a body of men near the + river to fire straggling shots as if small parties were engaged at the + outposts. + </p> + <p> + Mahony hearing these sounds sent word that whatever collision might have + occurred it was the result of no breach of the terms of capitulation on + his part, and that, depending implicitly on the honor of an English + general, he could not believe that any foul play could take place. + Peterborough sent back his compliments by the officer who brought the + message, with expressions of gratification at the good understanding which + prevailed between them, and at the same time he proposed that Mahony, for + the security of the inhabitants of Murviedro, and to prevent his troops + being molested as they retired from the town, should permit a regiment of + English dragoons to cross the river and to form a guard at the gates, + offering at the same time to deliver up a number of his officers as + hostages to the Spanish for the loyal fulfillment of the terms. + </p> + <p> + In an evil hour for himself Mahony consented to the proposal. When the + Spaniards saw Peterborough's dragoons advancing without opposition through + the difficult pass, and up to the very gates of the town, their suspicions + of the treachery of their leader became a certainty. The Spanish officers + each got his company or troop together as quickly as possible and hurried + across the plain to the camp of the duke, where they spread a vague but + general panic. The officers accused Mahony of treachery to the Spanish + general, and the national jealousy of foreigners made their tale easily + believed; but Peterborough had taken another step to secure the success of + his diabolical plan against the honor of his wife's relative. + </p> + <p> + He made choice of two Irish dragoons, and persuaded them by bribes and + promises of promotion to undertake the dangerous part of false deserters, + and to tell the tale with which he furnished them. They accordingly set + out and rode straight to the camp of the Duke of Arcos and gave themselves + up to the outposts, by whom they were led before the Spanish general. + Questioned by him, they repeated the story they had been taught. + </p> + <p> + The statement was that they had been sitting drinking wine together under + some rocks on the hillside, close to where the conference was held, and + that Peterborough and Mahony, walking apart from the others, came near to + where they were sitting, but did not notice them, and that they saw the + earl deliver five thousand pistoles to Mahony, and heard him promise to + make him a major general in the English army, and to give him the command + of ten thousand Irish Catholics which were being raised for the service of + King Charles. They said that they were content to receive no reward, but + to be shot as spies if Mahony himself did not give proof of treachery by + carrying out his arrangements with the earl, by sending a messenger + requesting the duke to march that night across the plain toward Murviedro + to the Carthusian convent, where everything would be arranged for their + destruction by a strong ambush of British troops. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had the men finished their story when an aide de camp galloped in + from Mahony with the very proposition which they had reported that he + would make. Arcos had now no doubt whatever of Mahony's treason, and + instead of complying with his request, which was obviously the best course + to have been pursued, as the junction of the two armies would thereby have + been completed, the duke broke up his camp without delay and fell back in + exactly the opposite direction. + </p> + <p> + This was exactly what Peterborough had been scheming to bring about. + Mahony, with his cavalry, having delivered over the town, marched to the + Carthusian convent, and there, finding themselves unsupported, rode on to + the spot where the duke had been encamped, and finding that his army was + gone, followed it. On overtaking it Mahony was instantly arrested and sent + a prisoner to Madrid. + </p> + <p> + It is satisfactory to know that he succeeded in clearing himself from the + charge of treachery, was promoted to the rank of major general, and was + sent back with Las Torres, who was ordered to supersede the Duke of Arcos. + </p> + <p> + The success of the earl's stratagem had been complete. Without the loss of + a single man he had obtained possession of Murviedro, and had spread such + confusion and doubt into the enemy's army that, although more than three + times his own force, it was marching away in all haste, having abandoned + the siege of Valencia, which city he could now enter with his troops. The + success was a wonderful one; but it is sad to think that it was gained by + such a treacherous and dastardly maneuver, which might have cost a gallant + officer—who was, moreover, a countryman and distant connection of + the earl—his honor and his life. + </p> + <p> + The next day the earl entered the city of Valencia in triumph. The whole + population crowded into the streets. The houses were decorated with flags + and hangings. The church bells pealed out their welcome, and amid the + shouts of the people below and the waving of handkerchiefs from the ladies + at the balconies, he rode through the streets to the town hall, where all + the principal personages were assembled, followed by the little army with + which he had performed what appeared to have been an impossible + undertaking. + </p> + <p> + After their incessant labors during the past two months, the rest at + Valencia was most grateful to the troops. The city is celebrated as being + one of the gayest and most delightful in all Spain. Its situation is + lovely, standing within a mile and a half of the sea, in a rich plain + covered with vines, olives, and other fruit trees, while beyond the plains + rise the mountains, range after range, with the higher summits covered + with snow. The people, at all times pleasure loving, gave themselves up to + fetes and rejoicings for some time after the entrance of the army that had + saved them from such imminent danger, and all vied in hospitality to the + earl and his officers. + </p> + <p> + King Charles, astonished and delighted at Peterborough's success, + appointed him captain general of all his forces, and gave him the power of + appointing and removing all governors and other public servants, as he + might consider necessary for the good of the cause, while from London the + earl received a dispatch appointing him plenipotentiary at the court of + King Charles. + </p> + <p> + Here as at Barcelona the earl entered with almost boyish animation into + the gayety of which he was the center. With the priests and ladies he was + an especial favorite, having won the former by the outward respect which + he paid to their religion, and by the deference he exhibited toward + themselves. + </p> + <p> + Valencia prided itself on being one of the holiest cities in Spain, and no + other town could boast of the connection of so many saints or the + possession of so many relics. The priesthood were numerous and + influential. Religious processions were constantly passing through the + streets, and in the churches the services were conducted with the greatest + pomp and magnificence. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough, knowing the value of the alliance and assistance of the + priests, spared no pains to stand well with the Church, revenging himself + for the outward deference he paid to it by the bitterest sarcasm and jeers + in his letters to his friends at home. Believing nothing himself, the + gross superstition which he saw prevailing round him was an argument in + favor of his own disbelief in holy things, and he did not fail to turn it + to advantage. + </p> + <p> + With the ladies his romantic adventures, his extraordinary bravery, his + energy and endurance, his brilliant wit, his polished manner, his courtesy + and devotion, rendered him an almost mythical hero; and the fair + Valencians were to a woman his devoted admirers and adherents. + </p> + <p> + But, while apparently absorbed in pleasure, Peterborough's energy never + slumbered for a moment. His position was still one of extreme danger. The + force of Las Torres, seven thousand strong, recovering from their panic, + had, a day or two after he entered the town, returned and taken post on + some hills near it, preparatory to recommencing the siege. Four thousand + Castilians were marching to their support by the road leading through + Fuente de la Higuera, while at Madrid, within an easy distance, lay the + overwhelming forces of the main army under Marshal Tesse.. To cope with + these forces he had but his little army in the town, amounting to but + three thousand men, deficient in artillery, ammunition, and stores of all + kinds. + </p> + <p> + Had Marshal Tesse marched at once to join Las Torres Peterborough's little + force must have been crushed; but the court of King Philip decided to + dispatch the marshal against Barcelona. Fortunately Peterborough was well + informed by the country people of everything that was passing, for in + every town and village there were men or women who sent him news of all + that was going on in their neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + It was but a week after they entered Valencia that the earl, happening to + pass close by Jack Stilwell at a brilliant ball, paused for a moment and + said: + </p> + <p> + “Get away from this in half an hour, find Graham, and bring him with you + to my quarters. Before you go find Colonel Zinzendorf and tell him to have + two hundred men ready to mount at half past one. He is here somewhere. If + you find he has left you must go round to the barracks. Tell him the + matter is to be kept an absolute secret. I know,” the earl said gallantly + to the lady on his arm and to Jack's partner, “we can trust you two ladies + to say nothing of what you have heard. It is indeed grief and pain to + myself and Captain Stilwell to tear ourselves away from such society, and + you may be sure that none but the most pressing necessity could induce me + to do it.” + </p> + <p> + Jack at once led his partner to a seat and set out on the search for + Graham and the colonel of dragoons. He was some time finding them both, + and it was already past one when the three issued together from the palace + where the fete was held, and hurried off, the two young officers to + Peterborough's quarters, the colonel to his barracks. + </p> + <p> + The earl was already in his chamber. He had slipped away unobserved from + the ball, and had climbed the wall of the garden, to avoid being noticed + passing out of the entrance. His great wig and court uniform were thrown + aside, and he was putting on the plain uniform which he used on service + when his aides de camp entered. + </p> + <p> + “Get rid of that finery and gold lace,” he said as they entered. “You have + to do a forty mile ride before morning. I have received glorious news. One + of my partners told me that she had, just as she was starting for the + ball, received a message from a cousin saying that a vessel had come into + port from Genoa with sixteen brass twenty-four pounder guns, and a + quantity of ammunition and stores, to enable Las Torres to commence the + siege. The stores were landed yesterday, and carts were collected from the + country round in readiness for a start at daybreak this morning. As these + things will be even more useful to us than to the Spaniards, I mean to + have them now. Be as quick as you can. I have already ordered your horses + to be brought round with mine.” + </p> + <p> + In five minutes they were in the saddle and rode quickly to the cavalry + barracks. The streets were still full of people; but the earl in his + simple uniform passed unnoticed through them. The dragoons were already + mounted when they reached the barracks. + </p> + <p> + “We will go out at the back gate, colonel,” the earl said. “Take the most + quiet streets by the way, and make for the west gate. Break your troop up + into four parties, and let them go by different routes, so that any they + meet will suppose they are merely small bodies going out to relieve the + outposts. If it was suspected that I was with you, and that an expedition + was on foot, the Spaniards would hear it in an hour. Loyal as the + population are here, there must be many adherents of Philip among them, + and Las Torres no doubt has his spies as well as we have.” + </p> + <p> + The earl's orders were carried out, and half an hour later the four + parties again assembled at a short distance outside the city gates. + Peterborough placed himself at their head and rode directly for the sea. + </p> + <p> + “The Spaniards are sure to have outposts placed on all the roads leading + inland,” he said to Colonel Zinzendorf, “and the Spanish irregulars will + be scattered all over the country; but I do not suppose they will have any + down as far as the seashore.” + </p> + <p> + When they reached the coast they followed a small road running along its + margin. Two or three miles further they turned off and rode inland till + they struck a main road, so as to avoid following all the windings of the + coast. They now pushed on at a sharp trot, and just at four o'clock came + down upon the little port. + </p> + <p> + Its streets were cumbered with country carts, and as the dragoons dashed + into the place a few shots were fired by some Spanish soldiers belonging + to a small detachment which had been sent by Las Torres to act as a convoy + for the guns and stores, and who were sleeping on the pavement or + scattered among the houses in readiness for a start at daybreak. The + resistance soon ceased. Before entering the place Peterborough had placed + a cordon of dragoons in a semicircle round it to prevent any one passing + out. + </p> + <p> + No time was lost; the carts were already loaded, and a troop of cavalry + horses stood picketed by the guns. These were soon harnessed up, and the + few other horses in the place were seized to prevent any one riding off + with the news. The order was given to the peasants to start their carts, + and in ten minutes after their entering the place the convoy was on its + way with its long row of carts laden with ammunition and its sixteen guns. + </p> + <p> + The cordon of dragoons was still left round the town, the officer in + command being ordered to allow no one to pass for an hour and a half, + after which time he was to gallop on with his men to overtake the convoy, + as by that time it would be no longer possible for any one to carry the + news to Las Torres in time for him to put his troops into motion to cut + off the convoy from Valencia. The journey back took much longer than the + advance, for the carts, drawn for the most part by bullocks, made but slow + progress. Three hours after the convoy started the dragoons left behind + overtook them. When within three miles of the town, they were met by a + small party of the enemy's Spanish militia; but these were at once + scattered by a charge of the dragoons, and the convoy proceeded without + further molestation until just at noon it entered the gates of Valencia, + where the astonishment and delight of the inhabitants at its appearance + were unbounded. + </p> + <p> + In a few hours the cannon were all mounted in position on the ramparts, + adding very much to the defensive power of the town, which was now safe + for a time from any attempt at a siege by Las Torres, whose plans would be + entirely frustrated by the capture of the artillery intended for the + siege. + </p> + <p> + But Peterborough was not yet contented. The junction of the four thousand + Castilians, of whose approach he had heard, with Las Torres would raise + the force under that general to a point which would enable him to blockade + the town pending the arrival of artillery for siege works; and no sooner + had the earl returned to his quarters, after seeing the cannon placed upon + the walls, than he began his preparations for another expedition. He + ordered Colonel Zinzendorf to march quietly out of the city at eight + o'clock with four hundred of his dragoons, and four hundred British and as + many Spanish infantry were to join him outside the walls. The colonels of + these three bodies were ordered to say nothing of their intended movement, + and to issue no orders until within half an hour of the time named. At the + same hour the rest of the troops were to march to the walls and form a + close cordon round them, so as to prevent any one from letting himself + down by a rope and taking the news that an expedition was afoot to Las + Torres. + </p> + <p> + At a few minutes past eight, eight hundred foot and four hundred horse + assembled outside the gates, and Peterborough took the command. His object + was to crush the Castilians before they could effect a junction with Las + Torres. In order to do this it would be necessary to pass close by the + Spanish camp, which covered the road by which the reinforcements were + advancing to join them. + </p> + <p> + In perfect silence the party moved forward and marched to a ford across + the river Xucar, a short distance only below the Spanish camp. + Peterborough rode at their head, having by his side a Spanish gentleman + acquainted with every foot of the country. They forded the river without + being observed, and then, making as wide a circuit as possible round the + camp, came down upon the road without the alarm being given; then they + pushed forward, and after three hours' march came upon the Castilians at + Fuente de la Higuera. The surprise was complete. The Spaniards, knowing + that the Spanish army lay between them and the town, had taken no + precautions, and the British were in possession of the place before they + were aware of their danger. + </p> + <p> + There was no attempt at resistance beyond a few hasty shots. The + Castilians were sleeping wrapped up in their cloaks around the place, and + on the alarm they leaped up and fled wildly in all directions. In the + darkness great numbers got away, but six hundred were taken prisoners. An + hour was spent in collecting and breaking the arms left behind by the + fugitives, and the force, with their prisoners in their midst, then + started back on their return march. The circuit of the Spanish camp was + made, and the ford passed as successfully as before, and just as daylight + was breaking the little army marched into Valencia. + </p> + <p> + The news rapidly spread, and the inhabitants hurried into the streets, + unable at first to credit the news that the Castilian army, whose approach + menaced the safety of the town, was destroyed. The movement of the troops + on the previous night to the ramparts and the absence of the greater part + of the officers from the festivities had occasioned some comment; but as + none knew that an expedition had set out, it was supposed that the earl + had received news from his spies that Las Torres intended to attempt a + sudden night attack, and the people would have doubted the astonishing + news they now received had it not been for the presence of the six hundred + Castilian prisoners. + </p> + <p> + These two serious misadventures caused Las Torres to despair of success + against a town defended by so energetic and enterprising a commander as + Peterborough, and he now turned his thoughts toward the small towns of + Sueca and Alcira. Below these towns and commanded by their guns was the + important bridge of Cullera, by which by far the greater portion of the + supplies for the town was brought in from the country. Las Torres + therefore determined to seize these places, which were distant about + fifteen miles from his camp, and so to straiten the town for provisions. + </p> + <p> + As usual, Peterborough's spies brought him early intelligence of the + intended movement, and the orders issued by Las Torres were known to the + earl a few hours later. It needed all his activity to be in time. Five + hundred English and six hundred Spanish infantry, and four hundred horse, + were ordered to march with all speed to the threatened towns; and, pushing + on without a halt, the troops reached them half an hour before the Spanish + force appeared on the spot. On finding the two towns strongly occupied by + the British, Las Torres abandoned his intention and drew off his troops. + </p> + <p> + A portion of the Spanish army were cantoned in a village only some two + miles from Alcira, and a few days later Peterborough determined to + surprise it, and for that purpose marched out at night from Valencia with + an English force of a thousand men, and reached the spot intended at + daybreak as he had arranged. The Spanish garrison of Alcira, also about a + thousand strong, had orders to sally out and attack the village at the + same hour. The Spaniards also arrived punctually, but just as they were + preparing to burst upon the unconscious enemy, who were four thousand + strong, they happened to come upon a picket of twenty horse. An + unaccountable panic seized them; they broke their ranks and fled in such + utter confusion that many of the terror stricken soldiers killed each + other. The picket aroused the enemy, who quickly fell into their ranks, + and Peterborough, seeing that it would be madness to attack them with his + wearied and unsupported force, reluctantly ordered a retreat, which he + conducted in perfect order and without the loss of a man. + </p> + <p> + This was Peterborough's only failure; with this exception every one of his + plans had proved successful, and he only failed here from trusting for + once to the cooperation of his wholly unreliable Spanish allies. After + this nothing was done on either side for several weeks. + </p> + <p> + The campaign had been one of the most extraordinary ever accomplished, and + its success was due in no degree to chance, but solely to the ability of + Peterborough himself. Wild as many of his schemes appeared, they were + always planned with the greatest care. He calculated upon almost every + possible contingency, and prepared for it. He never intrusted to others + that which he could do himself, and he personally commanded every + expedition even of the most petty kind. + </p> + <p> + His extraordinary physical powers of endurance enabled him to support + fatigue and to carry out adventure, which would have prostrated most other + men. The highest praise, too, is due to the troops, who proved themselves + worthy of such a leader. Their confidence in their chief inspired them + with a valor equal to his own. They bore uncomplainingly the greatest + hardships and fatigues, and engaged unquestioningly in adventures and + exploits against odds which made success appear absolutely hopeless. The + hundred and fifty dragoons who followed the Earl of Peterborough to the + conquest of Valencia deserve a place side by side with the greatest heroes + of antiquity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII: IRREGULAR WARFARE + </h2> + <p> + From the moment that the news of the loss of Barcelona had reached Madrid, + Philip of Anjou had labored strenuously to collect a force sufficient to + overwhelm his enemies. He had, moreover, written urgently to Louis XIV for + assistance, and although France was at the moment obliged to make + strenuous efforts to show a front to Marlborough and his allies, who had + already at Blenheim inflicted a disastrous defeat upon her, Louis + responded to the appeal. Formidable French armies were assembled at + Saragossa and Roussillon, while a fleet of twelve ships of the line, under + the command of the Count of Toulouse, sailed to blockade Barcelona, and + the Duke of Berwick, one of the ablest generals of the day, was sent to + head the southern army. + </p> + <p> + In January the French army of Catalonia, under Marshal Tesse, reached + Saragossa, where the arrogance and brutality of the marshal soon excited a + storm of hatred among the Aragonese. The towns resisted desperately the + entry of the French troops; assassinations of officers and men were + matters of daily occurrence, and the savage reprisals adopted by the + marshal, instead of subduing, excited the Spaniards to still fiercer + resistance. But savage and cruel as was the marshal, he was in no haste to + meet the enemy in the field, and Philip, who was with him, had the + greatest difficulty in getting him to move forward. + </p> + <p> + It was in the last week of February that the news reached the Earl of + Peterborough that Marshal Tesse had left Saragossa, and was marching + toward Lerida. This was two days after the unsuccessful attempt to + surprise the enemy's camp near Alcira; and, menaced as Valencia was by a + force greatly superior to his own, he could not leave the city, which in + his absence would speedily have succumbed to the attack of Las Torres. He + walked quickly up and down his room for some minutes and then said: + </p> + <p> + “Captain Stilwell, I cannot leave here myself, but I will send you to the + Marquis of Cifuentes. You have shown the greatest activity and energy with + me, and I do not doubt that you will do equally well when acting + independently. I will give you a letter to the marquis, saying that you + are one of my most trusted and valued officers, and begging him to avail + himself to the fullest of your energy and skill. I shall tell him that at + present I am tied here, but that when the enemy reach Barcelona, I shall + at all hazards march hence and take post in their rear and do what I can + to prevent their carrying on the siege. In the mean time I beg him to + throw every obstacle in the way of their advance, to hold every pass to + the last, to hang on their rear, attack baggage trains, and cut off + stragglers. He cannot hope to defeat Tesse, but he may wear out and + dispirit his men by constant attacks. You speak Spanish fluently enough + now, and will be able to advise and suggest. Remember, every day that + Tesse is delayed gives so much time to the king to put Barcelona in a + state of defense. With my little force I cannot do much even when I come. + The sole hope of Barcelona is to hold out until a fleet arrives from + England. If the king would take my advice I will guarantee that he shall + be crowned in Madrid in two months; but those pig headed Germans who + surround him set him against every proposition I make. You had better + start tonight as soon as it gets dark, and take a mounted guide with you + who knows the country thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a change for you, from the pleasures of Valencia to a + guerrilla warfare in the mountains in this inclement season, Stilwell,” + Graham said as they left the general. “I don't think I should care about + your mission. I own I have enjoyed myself in Valencia, and I have lost my + heart a dozen times since we arrived.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not lost mine at all,” Jack said laughing, “and I am sick of all + these balls and festivities. I was not brought up to it, you know, and + rough as the work may be I shall prefer it to a long stay here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Graham agreed, “I should not care for a long stay, but you may be + quite certain the earl will not remain inactive here many weeks. He is + waiting to see how things go, and the moment the game is fairly opened you + may be sure he will be on the move.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I don't suppose you will be very long after me,” Jack said; “still, + I am not sorry to go.” + </p> + <p> + At seven o'clock in the evening Jack set out, taking with him two dragoons + as orderlies, the earl having suggested that he should do so. + </p> + <p> + “Always do a thing yourself if it is possible, Captain Stilwell; but there + are times when you must be doing something else, and it is as well to have + some one that you can rely upon; besides, the orderlies will give you + additional importance in the eyes of the peasants. Most of the men have + picked up some Spanish, but you had better pick out two of my orderlies + who are best up in it.” + </p> + <p> + Jack had spent the afternoon in making a round of calls at the houses + where he had been entertained, and after the exchange of adieus, + ceremonial speeches, and compliments, he was heartily glad when the gates + closed behind him and he set out on his journey. As the road did not pass + anywhere near the Spanish camp there was little fear of interruption in + the way. The guide led them by little frequented tracks across the hills, + and by morning they were far on their road. + </p> + <p> + They were frequently obliged to make detours to avoid towns and villages + favorable to King Philip. Why one town or village should take one side, + and the next the other, was inexplicable to Jack, but it was so, and + throughout the country this singular anomaly existed. It could be + accounted for by a variety of causes. A popular mayor or a powerful landed + proprietor, whose sympathies were strong with one side or the other, would + probably be followed by the townspeople or peasants. The influence of the + priests, too, was great, and this also was divided. However it was, the + fact remained that, as with Villa Real and Nules, neighboring towns were + frequently enthusiastically in favor of opposite parties. As Jack had seen + all the dispatches and letters which poured in to the earl, he knew what + were the circumstances which prevailed in every town and village. He knew + to what residences of large proprietors he could ride up with an assurance + of welcome, and those which must be carefully avoided. + </p> + <p> + In some parts of the journey, where the general feeling was hostile, Jack + adopted the tactics of his general, riding boldly into the village with + his two dragoons clattering behind him, summoning the head men before him, + and peremptorily ordering that provisions and forage should be got + together for the five hundred horsemen who might be expected to come in + half an hour. The terror caused by Peterborough's raids was so great that + the mere sight of the English uniform was sufficient to insure obedience, + and without any adventure of importance Jack and his companions rode on, + until, on the third day after leaving Valencia, they approached Lerida. + Groups of armed peasants hurrying in the same direction were now + overtaken. These saluted Jack with shouts of welcome, and he learned that, + on the previous day, Marshal Tesse with his army had crossed from Arragon + into Catalonia, and that the alarm bells had been rung throughout the + district. + </p> + <p> + From the peasants Jack learned where the Count of Cifuentes would be + found. It was in a village among the hills, to the left of the line by + which the enemy were advancing. It was toward this place that the peasants + were hastening. Jack had frequently met the count at the siege of + Barcelona, and had taken a strong liking for the gallant and dashing + Spanish nobleman. The village was crowded with peasants armed with all + sorts of weapons—rough, hardy, resolute men, determined to defend + their country to the last against the invaders. A shout of satisfaction + arose as Jack and his two troopers rode in, and at the sound the count + himself appeared at the door of the principal house in the village. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Senor Stilwell,” he said, “this in an unexpected pleasure. I thought + that you were with the earl in Valencia.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have been, count, but he has sent me hither with a dispatch for you, + and, as you will see by its contents, places me for awhile at your + disposal.” + </p> + <p> + “I am pleased indeed to hear it,” the count said; “but pray, senor—” + </p> + <p> + “Captain, count,” Jack said with a smile, “for to such rank the earl has + been pleased to promote me as a recognition for such services as I was + able to perform in his campaign against Valencia.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” the count said, “you earned it well. Every man in that wonderful + force deserved promotion. It was an almost miraculous adventure, and + recalled the feats of the Cid. Truly the days of chivalry are not passed; + your great earl has proved the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + They had now entered the house, and, after pouring out a cup of wine for + Jack after the fatigue of his ride, the count opened the dispatch of which + Jack was the bearer. + </p> + <p> + “It is well.” he said when he had read it. “As you see for yourself I am + already preparing to carry out the first part, for the alarm bells have + been ringing out from every church tower in this part of Catalonia, and in + another twenty-four hours I expect six thousand peasants will be out. But, + as the earl says, I have no hope with such levies as these of offering any + effectual opposition to the advance of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “The Miquelets cannot stand against disciplined troops. They have no + confidence in themselves, and a thousand Frenchmen could rout six thousand + of them; but as irregulars they can be trusted to fight. You shall give me + the advantage of your experience and wide knowledge, and we will dispute + every pass, cut off their convoys, and harass them. I warrant that they + will have to move as a body, for it will go hard with any party who may be + detached from the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear, count, you must not rely in any way upon my knowledge,” Jack + said. “I am a very young officer, though I have had the good fortune to be + promoted to the rank of captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Age goes for nothing in this warfare,” the count said. “The man of + seventy and the boy of fifteen who can aim straight from behind a rock are + equally welcome. It is not a deep knowledge of military science that will + be of any use to us here. What is wanted is a quick eye, a keen spirit, + and courage. These I know that you have, or you would never have won the + approbation of the Earl of Peterborough, who is, of all men, the best + judge on such matters. Now I will order supper to be got ready soon, as it + must, I am sure, be long since you had food. While it is being prepared I + will, with your permission, go out and inspect the new arrivals. + Fortunately, ten days ago, foreseeing that Tesse would probably advance by + this line, I sent several wagon loads of provisions to this village, and a + store of ammunition.” + </p> + <p> + Jack accompanied the count into the street of the village. The latter went + about among the peasants with a kindly word of welcome to each, giving + them the cheering news that though the great English general was occupied + in Valencia, he had promised that, when the time came, he would come with + all haste to the defense of Barcelona, and in the mean time he had sent an + officer of his own staff to assist him to lead the noble Catalans in the + defense of their country. On the steps of the church the priest, with half + a dozen willing assistants, was distributing food from the wagons to the + peasants. + </p> + <p> + “Don't open the ammunition wagon tonight,” the count said. “The men must + not take as much as they like, but the ammunition must be served out + regularly, for a Catalan will never believe that he has too much powder, + and if left alone the first comers would load themselves with it, and the + supply would run short before all are provided.” + </p> + <p> + The count then entered the church, where a party of men were occupied in + putting down a thick layer of straw. Here as many as could find room were + to sleep, the others sheltering in the houses and barns, for the nights + were still very cold among the hills. Having seen that all was going on + well, the count returned to his quarters, where a room had been assigned + to Jack's two dragoons, and the sound of loud laughter from within showed + that they were making themselves at home with the inmates. + </p> + <p> + A well cooked repast was soon on the table, and to this Jack and his host + did full justice. + </p> + <p> + “This wine is excellent; surely it does not grow on these hills!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” the count said, laughing. “I am ready to run the risk of being + killed, but I do not want to be poisoned, so I sent up a score or two of + flasks from my own cellars. The vineyards of Cifuentes are reckoned among + the first in this part of Spain. And now,” he said, when they had finished + and the table had been cleared, “we will take a look at the map and talk + over our plans. The enemy leave Lerida tomorrow. I have already ordered + that the whole country along their line of march shall be wasted, that all + stores of corn, wine, and forage which cannot be carried off shall be + destroyed, and that every horse and every head of cattle shall be driven + away. I have also ordered the wells to be poisoned.” + </p> + <p> + Jack looked grave. “I own that I don't like that,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I do not like it myself,” the count replied; “but if an enemy invades + your country you must oppose him by all means. Water is one of the + necessaries of life, and as one can't carry off the wells one must render + them useless; but I don't wish to kill in this way, and have given strict + orders that in every case where poison is used, a placard, with a notice + that it has been done, shall be affixed to the wells.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” Jack said, “I quite approve of what you have done, count; + the wells then simply cease to exist as sources of supply.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could poison all the running streams too,” the count said; “but + unfortunately they are beyond us, and there are so many little streams + caused by the melting snow on the hills that I fear we shall not be able + greatly to straiten the enemy. At daybreak tomorrow I will mount with you, + and we will ride some twenty miles along the road and select the spots + where a sturdy resistance can best be made. By the time we get back here + most of the peasants who are coming will have assembled. These we will + form into bands, some to hold the passes and to dispute the advance, + others to hang upon the skirts and annoy them incessantly, some to close + in behind, cut off wagons that break down or lag by the way, and to + prevent, if possible, any convoys from the rear from joining them.” + </p> + <p> + This programme was carried out. Several spots were settled on where an + irregular force could oppose a stout resistance to trained troops, and + points were fixed upon where breastworks should be thrown up, walls + utilized, and houses loopholed and placed in a state of defense. + </p> + <p> + It was late in the afternoon before they rode again into the village. The + gathering of peasants was now very largely increased, and extended over + the fields for some distance round the place. The count at once gave + orders that all should form up in regular order according to the villages + from which they came. When this was done he divided them into four groups. + </p> + <p> + The first, two thousand strong, was intended to hold the passes; two + others, each one thousand strong, were to operate upon the flanks of the + enemy; and a fourth, of the same strength, to act in its rear. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Captain Stilwell,” he said, “will you take the command of whichever + of these bodies you choose?” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, count, for the offer,” Jack said, “but I will take no + command whatever. In the first place, your Catalans would very strongly + object to being led by a foreigner, especially by one so young and unknown + as myself. In the second place, I would rather, with your permission, + remain by your side. You will naturally command the force that opposes the + direct attack, and, as the bulk of the fighting will fall on them, I + should prefer being there. I will act as your lieutenant.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, since you choose it, perhaps it is best so,” the count said. “These + peasants fight best their own way. They are given to sudden retreats, but + they rally quickly and return again to the fight, and they will probably + fight better under their own local leaders than under a stranger. You will + see they have no idea of fighting in a body; the men of each village will + fight together and act independently of the rest. Many of them, you see, + are headed by priests, not a few of whom have brought rifles with them. + These will generally lead their own villagers, and their authority is far + greater than that which any layman could obtain over them. I must appoint + a leader to each body to direct their general movements; the village + chiefs will do the rest.” + </p> + <p> + While the count had been absent several other gentlemen of good family had + arrived in the village, some marching in with the peasants on their + estates. Three of these were appointed to lead the three bands destined + for the flank and rear attacks. The next three hours were devoted to the + distribution of provisions and ammunition, each man taking four days' + supply of the former, and receiving sufficient powder and bullets for + forty rounds of the latter. All were ordered to be in readiness to march + two hours before daybreak. + </p> + <p> + The count then retired to his quarters, and there pointed out on the map + to the three divisional leaders the spots where he intended to make a + stand, and gave them instructions as to their respective shares of the + operations. Their orders were very general. They were to post their men on + the side hills, and as much behind cover as possible, to keep up a galling + fire at the column, occasionally to show in threatening masses as if about + to charge down, so as to cause as much alarm and confusion as possible, + and, should at any point the nature of the ground favor it, they were to + dash down upon the baggage train and to hamstring the horses, smash the + wheels, and create as much damage as they could, and to fall back upon the + approach of a strong body of the enemy. Those in the rear were to press + closely up so as to necessitate a strong force being kept there to oppose + them. But their principal duties were to hold the passes, and to prevent + any convoys, unless very strongly guarded, from reaching the enemy from + his base at Saragossa. + </p> + <p> + After these instructions had been given supper was spread, and some + fifteen or twenty of the principal persons who had joined were invited by + the count, and a pleasant evening was spent. + </p> + <p> + It was interesting to Jack to observe the difference between this + gathering and that which had taken place in the Earl of Peterborough's + quarters on the evening before the attack on San Matteo. There, although + many considered that the prospects of success on the following day were + slight indeed, all was merriment and mirth. The whole party were in the + highest spirits, and the brilliant wit of the earl, and his reckless + spirit of fun, had kept the party in continual laughter. + </p> + <p> + The tone on the contrary at the present gathering was quiet and almost + stiff. These grave Catalan nobles, fresh from their country estates, + contrasted strongly with the more lively and joyous inhabitants of + Valencia. Each addressed the other with ceremony, and listened with grave + attention to the remarks of each speaker in turn. + </p> + <p> + During the whole evening nothing approaching to a joke was made, there was + scarcely a smile upon the countenance of any present; and yet the tone of + courtliness and deference to the opinions of each other, the grave + politeness, the pride with which each spoke of his country, their + enthusiasm in the cause, and the hatred with which they spoke of the + enemy, impressed Jack very favorably; and though, as he said to himself + when thinking it over, the evening had certainly not been a lively one, it + had by no means been unpleasant. + </p> + <p> + Two hours before daybreak the bell of the church gave the signal. As the + men had only to rise to their feet, shake themselves, take up their arms, + and sling their bags of provisions round their necks, it was but a few + minutes before they were formed up in order. The count saw the three + divisions file off silently in the darkness, and then, placing himself at + the head of the main body, led the way toward the spot which he and Jack + had selected for opposing the march of Tesse's invading column. + </p> + <p> + Daylight was just breaking when they reached it, and the count ordered the + men to pile their arms and at once to set to work. The road, which had + been winding along in a valley, here mounted a sharp rise, on the very + brow of which stood a hamlet of some twenty houses. It had already been + deserted by the inhabitants, and the houses were taken possession of by + the workers. Those facing the brow of the hill were loopholed, as were the + walls along the same line. Men were set to work to build a great barricade + across the road, and to run breastworks of stones right and left from the + points where the walls ended along the brow. Other parties loopholed the + houses and walls of the village, and formed another barricade across the + road at the other end. With two thousand men at work these tasks were soon + carried out; and the count then led the men down the hill, whose face was + covered with loose stones, and set them to work piling these in lines one + above another. + </p> + <p> + At ten o'clock in the morning the work was complete. The count told the + men off by parties, each of which were to hold one of the lines of stones; + each party was, as the French charged, to retire up the hill and join that + at the line above, so that their resistance would become more and more + obstinate till the village itself was reached. Here a stand was to be made + as long as possible. If the column advanced only by the road, every house + was to be held; if they spread out in line so as to overlap the village on + both sides, a rapid retreat was to be made when the bugler by the count's + side gave the signal. + </p> + <p> + The men sat down to breakfast in their allotted places, quiet, grave, and + stern; and again the contrast with the laughter and high spirits which + prevail among English soldiers, when fighting is expected, struck Jack + very forcibly. + </p> + <p> + “They would make grand soldiers if properly trained, these grave, earnest + looking men,” he said to himself. “They look as if they could endure any + amount of fatigue and hardship; and although they don't take things in the + same cheerful light our men do, no one can doubt their courage. I can + quite understand now the fact that the Spanish infantry was once + considered the finest in Europe. If they only had leaders and discipline + Spain would not want any foreign aid; her own people would be more than a + match for any army the French could send across the northern frontier.” + </p> + <p> + The meal was scarcely finished when, at the end of the valley, some three + miles away, a cloud of dust was seen to rise with the sparkle of the sun + on arms and accouterments. + </p> + <p> + “There are Tesse's cavalry!” the count exclaimed. “Another half hour will + cause a transformation in this quiet valley.” + </p> + <p> + The head of the column came on but slowly, the cavalry regiment forming it + accommodating their pace to that of the infantry and baggage wagons in the + rear. Slowly they moved on, until the bottom of the valley appeared + covered with a moving mass extending from the end, three miles away, to + within half a mile of the foot of the hill on which the Spaniards were + posted. Suddenly from the hillsides on the left puffs of smoke darted out, + and instantly a similar fire was opened on the right. + </p> + <p> + “They are at work at last,” Jack exclaimed as the rattle of musketry + sounded loud and continuous. “I wondered when they were going to begin.” + </p> + <p> + “I told them to let the column pass nearly to the head of the valley + before they opened fire,” the count said. “Had they begun soon after the + enemy entered the valley, they would have left all their baggage behind + under a guard, and the infantry would have been free to attack the hills + at once. Now they are all crowded up in the valley—horse, foot, and + baggage. The wounded horses will become unmanageable, and there is sure to + be confusion, though perhaps not panic. See, they are answering our fire! + They might as well save their powder, for they are only throwing away + ammunition by firing away at the hillside.” + </p> + <p> + This indeed was the case; for Jack, although in the course of the morning + he had frequently watched the hillside for signs of the other parties, had + not made out the slightest movement, so completely were the men hidden + behind rocks and bushes. + </p> + <p> + Strong bodies of infantry were thrown out by Tesse on both flanks, and + these began to climb the hills, keeping up a heavy fire at their concealed + foe, while the main column continued its way. + </p> + <p> + Not a shot was fired by the Spanish until the head of the column was + within a hundred yards of the foot of the rise, and then from the whole + face of the hill a heavy fire was opened. The enemy recoiled, and for a + time there was great confusion near the head of the column; an officer of + high rank dashed up, and the troops formed out into a line across the + whole width of the valley and then moved forward steadily; so heavy were + their losses, however, that they presently came to a standstill. But + reinforcements coming up, they again pressed forward, firing as they went. + </p> + <p> + Not until they were within twenty yards did the Miquelets lining the lower + wall of rocks leave their post, and, covered by the smoke, gain with + little loss the line next above them. Slowly the enemy won their way + uphill, suffering heavily as they did so, and continually being reinforced + from the rear. At the last wall the peasants, gathered now together, + maintained a long resistance; and it was not until fully four thousand of + the enemy were brought up that the position was seriously threatened. Then + their leader, seeing that they would sustain very heavy loss if the enemy + carried the wall by assault, ordered his trumpeter to sound the retreat. + It was at once obeyed, and by the time the French had crossed the wall the + peasants had already passed out at the other end of the village. + </p> + <p> + As the French cavalry had not been able to pass the lower walls there was + no pursuit. The peasants rallied after a rapid flight of a mile. Their + loss had been small, while that of the French had been very considerable; + and the marshal halted his troops round the village for the day. + </p> + <p> + The result of the fighting added to the resolution of the peasants, and as + soon as the French continued their route the next morning the fighting + began again. It was a repetition of that of the preceding day. The enemy + had to contest every foot of the ground, and were exposed to a galling + fire along the whole line of their march. Many times they made desperate + efforts to drive the peasants from the hillsides; sometimes they were + beaten back with heavy loss, and when they succeeded it was only to find + the positions they attacked deserted and their active defenders already + beyond musket fire. At night they had no respite; the enemy swarmed round + their camp, shot down the sentries, and attacked with such boldness that + the marshal was obliged to keep a large number of his men constantly under + arms. + </p> + <p> + At last, worn out by fatigue and fighting, the weary army emerged from the + hills into the wide valleys, where their cavalry were able to act, and the + ground no longer offered favorable positions of defense to the peasantry. + Seeing the uselessness of further attacks, the Count of Cifuentes drew off + his peasants; and Tesse marched on to Barcelona and effected a junction + with the troops from Roussillon under the Duke de Noailles, who had come + down by the way of Gerona. The town was at once invested on the land side; + while the Count of Toulouse, with thirty French ships, blockaded it from + the sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII: THE FRENCH CONVOY + </h2> + <p> + A report having arrived at the camp of the Count of Cifuentes that the + peasants around Saragossa had risen in insurrection, Jack thought that he + should be doing more good by discovering the truth of the rumor, and by + keeping the earl informed of the state of things in the enemy's rear, than + by remaining with the count. He hesitated whether he should take his two + orderlies with him, but as they were well mounted he decided that they + should accompany him, as they would add to his authority, and would, in + case of need, enable him the better to assume the position of an officer + riding in advance of a considerable force. + </p> + <p> + After a hearty adieu from the Count of Cifuentes, he started soon after + daybreak. After riding for some hours, just as he reached the top of a + rise, up which he had walked his horse, one of the orderlies, who were + riding a few paces behind him, rode up. + </p> + <p> + “I think, Captain Stilwell,” he said, “I hear the sound of firing. Brown + thinks he hears it too.” + </p> + <p> + Jack reined in his horse. + </p> + <p> + “I hear nothing,” he said, after a pause of a minute. + </p> + <p> + “I don't hear it now, sir,” the man said. “I think it came down on a puff + of wind.. If you wait a minute or two I think you will hear it.” + </p> + <p> + Jack waited another two minutes, and then was about to resume his journey, + when suddenly a faint sound came upon the wind. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Thompson,” he exclaimed, “that's firing, sure enough. It + must be a convoy attacked by peasants.” + </p> + <p> + He touched his horse with the spur and galloped forward. Two miles further + on, crossing the brow, they saw, half a mile ahead of them in the dip of + the valley, a number of wagons huddled together. On either side of the + road men were lying, and the spurts of smoke that rose from these, as well + as from the wagons, proved that they were still stoutly defending + themselves. A light smoke rose from every bush and rock on the hillsides + around, showing how numerous were the assailants. Leaving the road, Jack + galloped toward the hill. Presently several balls came singing round them. + </p> + <p> + “They think we are French, sir,” one of the troopers said. “I guess they + don't know much about uniforms.” + </p> + <p> + Jack drew out a white handkerchief and waved it as he rode forward, + shouting as he did, “English, English.” The fire ceased, and the little + party soon reached the spot where the peasants were lying thickly in their + ambushes. + </p> + <p> + “I am an English officer,” Jack said as he leaped from his horse. “Where + is your leader?” + </p> + <p> + “There is one of them,” a peasant said, pointing to a priest, who, with a + long musket in his hand, rose from behind a log. + </p> + <p> + “Reverend father,” Jack said, “I have come from the Earl of Peterborough + with a mission to understand how matters go in Arragon, and to ascertain + what force would be likely to join him in this province against the + invader.” + </p> + <p> + “You see for yourself how things go,” the priest said. “I am glad to see + an officer of the great Earl of Peterborough, whose exploits have excited + the admiration of all Spain. To whom have I the honor of speaking?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Captain Stilwell, one of the earl's aides de camp; and you, father?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Ignacio Bravos, the humble padre of the village of San Aldephonso. + And now, Captain Stilwell, if you will excuse me till we make an end of + these accursed Frenchmen, afterward I will be at your service.” + </p> + <p> + For another two hour's the conflict continued. Jack saw that the fire of + the defenders of the wagons was decreasing, and he was not surprised when + a white handkerchief was raised on the top of a bayonet and waved in the + air in token of desire to parley. A shout of exultation rose from the + Spaniards. The priest showed himself on the hillside. + </p> + <p> + “Do you surrender?” he shouted. + </p> + <p> + “We surrender the wagons,” an officer called back, “on condition that we + are allowed to march off with our arms without molestation.” + </p> + <p> + A shout of refusal rose from the peasants, and the firing was instantly + renewed. Jack went and sat down by the side of the priest. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” he said, “it were best to give these men the terms they ask. War + is not massacre.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, my son,” the priest replied coolly. “That is what you should + have told Marshal Tesse. It is he who has chosen to make it massacre. Why, + man, he has shot and hung hundreds in cold blood in and around Saragossa, + has burned numerous villages in the neighborhood, and put man, woman, and + child to the sword.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, if this be so, father, I should say, by all means hang Marshal + Tesse when you catch him, but do not punish the innocent for the guilty. + You must remember that these men have been taken away from their homes in + France, and forced to fight in quarrels in which they have no concern. + Like yourself, they are Catholics. Above all, remember how many scores of + villages are at present at the mercy of the French. If the news comes to + the marshal that you have refused quarter to his soldiers, he will have a + fair excuse for taking vengeance on such of your countrymen as may be in + his power.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something in that,” the priest said. “For myself I have no pity, + not a scrap of it, for these Frenchmen, nor would you have, had you seen + as much of their doings as I have, nor do I think that any retribution + that we might deal out to the men could increase Tesse's hatred and + ferocity toward us.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, it might serve as an excuse,” Jack urged. “Remember the eyes of + Europe are upon this struggle, and that the report of wholesale slaughter + of your enemies will not influence public opinion in your favor.” + </p> + <p> + “Public opinion goes for nothing,” the priest said shortly. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, father,” Jack replied. “The English and Dutch and the Duke of + Savoy are all fighting in your favor, and we may even boast that had it + not been for the Earl of Peterborough and the allies the chains of France + would be riveted firmly round your necks. You will tell me, no doubt, that + they are fighting for their own political ends, and from no true love for + the Spanish people. That may be so, but you must remember that although + governments begin wars it is the people who carry them on. Let the people + of England and Holland hear, as they will hear, of the brutal ferocity of + the French marshal on a defenseless people, and their sympathies will be + strongly with you. They will urge their governments to action, and vote + willingly the necessary sums for carrying on the war. Let them hear that + with you too war is massacre, that you take no prisoners, and kill all + that fall into your hands, and, believe me, the public will soon grow sick + of the war carried on with such cruelty on both sides.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, my son,” the priest said frankly. “Young as you are, you + have seen more of the world than I, who, since I left the University of + Salamanca, have never been ten miles from my native village. I will do + what I can to put a stop to this matter. But I am not solely in command + here. I lead my own village, but there are the men of a score of villages + lying on these hills. But I will summon all the chiefs to a council now.” + </p> + <p> + The priest called half a dozen of the peasants to him, and dispatched them + with orders to bring all the other leaders to take part in a council with + an English officer who had arrived from the great Earl of Peterborough. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour some twenty men were assembled in a little hollow on the + hillside, where they were sheltered from the fire of the French. Four or + five of these were priests. There were two or three innkeepers. The + remainder were small landed proprietors. Father Ignacio first addressed + them. He stated that the English officer had come on a mission from the + earl, and had arrived accidentally while the fight was going on, and that + he was of opinion that the French offer of surrender should be accepted. A + murmur of dissent went round the circle. + </p> + <p> + “I was at first of your opinion,” the priest said, “but the reasons which + this English officer has given me in support of his advice have brought me + round to his way of thinking. I will leave him to state them to you.” + </p> + <p> + Jack now rose to his feet, and repeated the arguments which he had used to + the priest. He gathered from the faces of his hearers that, although some + were convinced that mercy would be the best policy, others were still bent + upon revenge. Father Ignacio then, in language which he thought best + suited to touch his hearers, repeated Jack's arguments, urging very + strongly the vengeance which the French marshal would be sure to take upon + the Spanish population of the country through which he was passing when he + heard the news. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” Jack said, when he had finished, “you must remember you have + not conquered the enemy yet. I see the officer has withdrawn all his men + among the wagons, where their shelter will be nearly as good as yours. + They have, doubtless, abundant stores of ammunition in those wagons, + together with food and wine, and if you force them to fight to the last + man they can hold out for a very long time, and will inflict a heavy loss + upon your men before they are overcome.” + </p> + <p> + “But why should they take their weapons with them?” one of the men said; + “they will be useful to us. Why should we let them carry them away to kill + more Spaniards?” + </p> + <p> + “The reason why I would let them take their arms is this,” Jack said. + “Unless they march away armed you will not be able to restrain your + followers, who will be likely to break any convention you may make and to + massacre them without mercy. As to the arms being used again against you, + I will put the officers under their parole that they and their men shall + not take any further part in the war until they are exchanged for an equal + number of prisoners taken by the French.” + </p> + <p> + “Who would trust to a Frenchman's word?” a man asked scoffingly. + </p> + <p> + “I would trust to a French officer's word as much as to that of an English + officer,” Jack replied. “You would expect them to trust to your word that + they should be safe if they laid down their arms; and yet, as you know, + you might not be able to keep it. Better a thousand times that a handful + of French officers and men should be allowed to join the enemy's ranks + than that the national honor of Spain should be soiled by a massacre + perpetrated just after a surrender.” + </p> + <p> + “The Englishman is right,” Father Ignacio said positively. “Let us waste + no further words on it. Besides, I have a reason of my own. I started + before daybreak without breakfast and have got nothing but a piece of dry + bread with me. If we don't accept these fellows' surrender we may be on + the hillside all night, and I told my servant that I should have a larded + capon and a flask of my best wine for dinner. That is an argument, my + sons, which I am sure comes home to you all; and remember, if we accept + the surrender we shall soon quench our thirst on the good wine which, I + doubt not, is contained in some of the barrels I see down yonder.” + </p> + <p> + There was a hearty laugh and the question was settled; and it was arranged + at once that Father Ignacio, one of the other leaders, and Jack should + treat with the enemy. The other leaders hurried away to their respective + sections to order them to cease firing when a white flag was raised; and, + having given them twenty minutes to get to their several posts, a white + handkerchief was waved in the air. The Spanish fire ceased at once, and as + soon as the French perceived the flag they also stopped firing. + </p> + <p> + “We are coming down, three of us, to discuss matters with you,” Father + Ignacio shouted out. + </p> + <p> + The three accordingly descended the hill, and when within a short distance + of the wagons were met by the officer in command of the convoy and two + others. + </p> + <p> + “We have come to discuss the terms of your surrender,” Jack said. “I am + Captain Stilwell, one of Lord Peterborough's aides de camp. You see your + position is desperate.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite desperate,” the French officer replied; “we have plenty of + ammunition and abundance of provisions, and can hold out for a long time, + till rescue comes.” + </p> + <p> + “There is little chance of rescue,” Jack said. “Your marshal has his hands + full where he is; and even did he hear of your situation and detach a + force back to your rescue, neither of which he is likely to do, that force + would have to fight every foot of its way, and assuredly not arrive in + time. Nor is there any more chance of your receiving succor from the rear. + You have made a gallant defense, sir, and might perhaps hold out for many + hours yet; but of what use is it sacrificing the lives of your men in a + vain resistance?” + </p> + <p> + “What is your proposal?” the officer asked. + </p> + <p> + “We propose,” Jack said, “to allow you to march out with your arms and + five rounds of ammunition to each man, on you and your officers giving me + your parole to consider yourselves and your men as prisoners of war, and + not to serve again until exchanged.” + </p> + <p> + The terms were far better than the French officer had looked for. + </p> + <p> + “I may tell you,” Father Ignacio said, “that for these terms you are + indebted solely to this English officer. Had it depended upon us only, + rest assured that no one of you would have gone away alive.” + </p> + <p> + “You will understand,” Jack said, “that you will be allowed to take your + arms solely as a protection against the peasants, who have been justly + enraged by the brutal atrocities of your general. You know well that even + could their leaders here obtain from their followers a respect for the + terms of surrender, your men would be massacred in the first village + through which they passed were they deprived of their arms. My friends + here are desirous that no stigma of massacre shall rest upon the Spanish + honor, and they have therefore agreed to allow your men to keep their arms + for purposes of defense on their return march.” + </p> + <p> + After a few words with his fellow officers the commander of the convoy + agreed to the terms. “You will, however,” he said, “permit me to take with + me one or more wagons, as may be required, to carry off my wounded?” + </p> + <p> + This was at once agreed to, and in ten minutes the two companies of French + infantry were in readiness to march. There were forty wounded in the + wagons, and twenty-seven dead were left behind them. The French officer in + command, before marching off, thanked Jack very heartily for his + interference on their behalf. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you frankly, Captain Stilwell,” he said, “that I had no hopes + whatever that I or any of my men would leave the ground alive, for these + Spaniards invariably massacre prisoners who fall into their hands. I could + not have left my wounded behind me; and even if I had resolved to do so, + the chances of our fighting our way back in safety would have been small + indeed. We owe you our lives, sir; and should it ever be in the power of + Major Ferre to repay the debt, you may rely upon me.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust that the fortune of war may never place me in a position when I + may need to recall your promise,” Jack said, smiling; “but should it do + so, I will not fail to remind you if I get a chance.” + </p> + <p> + All was now ready for the march. Two wagons which had been hastily emptied + were, with the wounded men, placed in the center, and the French, + numbering now less than a hundred, started on their march. The Spanish + peasants remained in their places on the hillside till they had departed, + as the leaders had agreed that it was better they should be kept away from + the vicinity of the French, as a quarrel would be certain to take place + did they come to close quarters. The peasants were indignant at what they + deemed the escape of their enemies; but the desire of plunder soon + overcame other considerations, and as soon as the French had marched off + they poured down from the hills. Their leaders, however, restrained them + from indiscriminate plundering. There were in all eighty-seven wagons + loaded with wine, corn, flour, and provisions for the use of the army. + </p> + <p> + An equal division was made of these among the various bands of peasants in + proportion to their strength. A few casks of wine were broached. The + peasants then buried their own dead—who were very few in number, so + securely had they been sheltered in their hiding places—and then the + force broke up, each party marching with its proportion of wagons back to + its village. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Signor Capitano,” Father Ignacio said, “I trust that you will come + home with me. My village is six miles away, and I will do my best to make + you comfortable. Hitherto you have seen me only as a man of war. I can + assure you that I am much more estimable in my proper character as a man + of peace. And let me tell you, my cook is excellent; the wine of the + village is famous in the province, and I have some in my cellars ten years + old.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot resist such a number of good arguments,” Jack said, smiling, + “and till tomorrow morning I am at your service; but I warn you that my + appetite just at present is ravenous, and that my two dragoons are likely + to make a serious inroad upon the larders of your village, however well + supplied.” + </p> + <p> + “They will be welcome,” the priest said, “and I guarantee the larders will + prove sufficiently well stocked. Fortunately, although nearly every + village in the neighborhood has been raided by the French, owing to our + good fortune and the interposition of the blessed San Aldephonso our + village has escaped a visit.” + </p> + <p> + The party under Father Ignacio soon turned off from the main road, and, + with the six wagons which fell to their share, journeyed along a. rough + country road until they reached the village. Father Ignacio sat on the + leading wagon, and Jack rode alongside chatting with him. The priest was a + stout built man, with a good humored countenance and merry twinkle of the + eye, and Jack wondered what could have been the special wrong that induced + him to take up a musket and lead his flock to the attack of a French + convoy. + </p> + <p> + “Katherine!” he shouted as the wagon stopped in front of his house and a + buxom serving woman appeared at the door, “dinner as quickly as possible, + for we are starving; and let it be not only quick, but plentiful. Lay a + cover for this gentleman, who will dine with me; and prepare an ample + supply of food in the kitchen for these two English soldiers, who have + come across the sea to fight for the good cause. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” he said to Jack, “while dinner is preparing I must distribute + the spoil.” + </p> + <p> + The wagons were unloaded and their contents divided among the men who had + take a part in the expedition, his flock insisting upon the padre taking a + bountiful share. + </p> + <p> + The mules and bullocks in the wagons were similarly divided, in this case + one being given to each family; for there were but thirty animals, while + the fighting contingent from the village had numbered nearly eighty men. + There were five or six animals over when the division had been made, and + these were given, in addition to their proper share, to the families of + three men who had been killed in the fight. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my sons,” the padre said when all was done, “take your axes and fall + upon the wagons. A wagon is a thing to swear by. Every man knows his own + goods; and should the French ever visit our village again these wagons + might cost us dear. Therefore let them be made into firewood as quickly as + possible, and let them all be consumed before other fuel is touched. And + now, capitano, I think that Katherine will be ready for us.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he led the way back into his house. A capital meal was provided, + and Jack found that the priest had by no means over praised either his + cook or his cellar. After the meal was over and the two had drawn their + chairs up to the hearth, on which was blazing brightly some wood which + Jack recognized as forming part of one of the wagons, and the priest had + placed on a small table close at hand a large flask which he had himself + gone into the cellar to fetch, Jack said: + </p> + <p> + “How is it, father, that, as you told me, you have seen such acts of + brutality on the part of the French as to cause you to wage a war without + mercy against them, when, as you say, they have never penetrated to your + village? Your reasons must be strong, for your profession is a peaceful + one. You do not look like a man who would rush into deeds of violence for + their own sake, and your cook and your cellar offer you strong inducements + to remain at home.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so, my son,” the priest said with a laugh. “I am, as you may see, + an easygoing man, well contented with my lot, and envy not the Bishop of + Toledo; but you know it is said that even a worm will turn, and so you + have seen the peaceful priest enacting the part of the bloodthirsty + captain. But, my son,”—and his face grew grave now—“you can + little imagine the deeds which the ferocious Tesse has enacted here in + Arragon. When warring with you English the French behave like a civilized + nation; when warring with us Spanish peasants, who have no means of making + our wrongs known to the world, they behave worse than a horde of brutal + savages. But I will tell you the circumstances which have driven me to + place myself at the head of my parishioners, to wage a war of + extermination with the French, and to deny mercy to every one of that + accursed nation who may fall into my hands. I have a brother—or + rather I should say I had one—a well to do farmer who lived at a + village some six miles from Saragossa. He had an only daughter, who was to + be married to the son of a neighboring proprietor. A handsome, high + spirited lad he was, and devoted to Nina. They were to have been married + some three months ago, and they wrote to me to go over to perform the + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “I went; the wedding day arrived, and all was ready. It was a holiday in + the village, for both were favorites. The bride was dressed; the village + maidens and men were all in their best; the procession was about to set + out, when a troop of dragoons rode suddenly in from Saragossa. A shot or + two had been fired at them as they rode through a wood. When they arrived + they dismounted, and the commander ordered the principal men of the + village to be brought to him. My brother and the father of the bridegroom + were among them. + </p> + <p> + “'My troops have been fired at,' the Frenchman said, 'and I hold you + responsible.' + </p> + <p> + “'It was no one from this village,' my brother said; 'we have a wedding + here, and not a soul is absent.' + </p> + <p> + “'I care not,' the officer said; 'we have been fired at, and we shall give + the people of this district a lesson.' + </p> + <p> + “So without another word he turned to his soldiers and ordered them to + fire the village from end to end. + </p> + <p> + “'It is outrageous,' my brother said, and the others joined him in the + cry. I, too, implored him to pause before having such an order carried + into execution. His only reply was to give the order to his men. + </p> + <p> + “The six principal men were seized at once, were set with their backs + against the wall of a house, and shot.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot mean it!” Jack exclaimed indignantly. “Surely such an outrage + could never be perpetrated by civilized soldiers?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw it done,” the priest said bitterly. “I tried to throw myself + between the victims and their murderers, but I was held back by force by + the soldiers. Imagine the scene if you can—the screaming women, the + outburst of vain fury among the men, The bridegroom, in his despair at + seeing his father murdered, seized a stick and rushed at the French + officer; but he, drawing a pistol, shot him dead, and the soldiers poured + a volley into his companions, killing some eight or ten others. Resistance + was hopeless. Those who were unwounded fled; those who fell were bayoneted + on the spot. I took my niece's arm and led her quietly away. Even the + French soldiers drew back before us. You should have seen her face. Madre + de Dios! I see it now—I see it always. She died that night. Not one + word passed her lips from the moment when her father and her affianced + husband fell dead before her eyes. An hour later the troop rode off, and + the people stole back to bury their dead among the ashes of what had been + their homes. I went to Saragossa after reading the funeral service over + them. I saw Tesse and told him of the scene I had witnessed, and demanded + vengeance. He laughed in my face. Senor, I persisted, and he got angry and + told me that, were it not for my cloth, he would hang me from the steeple. + I called down Heaven's curse upon him, and left him and came home. Do you + wonder, senor, that I found it hard to spare those Frenchmen for whom you + pleaded? Do you wonder that I, a man of peace, lead out my villagers to + slaughter our enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not, indeed!” Jack exclaimed warmly. “Such acts as these would stir + the blood of the coldest into fire; and, priest or no priest, a man would + be less than a man who did not try to take vengeance for so foul a deed. + Have many massacres of this sort been perpetrated?” + </p> + <p> + “Many,” the priest replied, “and in no case has any redress been obtained + by the relatives of the victims.” + </p> + <p> + “And throughout all Arragon, does the same hatred of the French prevail?” + </p> + <p> + “Everywhere,” the priest said. + </p> + <p> + “Then King Charles would meet with an enthusiastic welcome here!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not say that,” the priest answered. “He would be well received, + doubtless, simply because he is the enemy of the French; but for himself, + no. We Arragonese cannot for the life of us see why we should be ruled + over by a foreigner; and in some respects a German king is even less to be + desired than a French one. The connection between the two Latin nations is + naturally closer than between us and the Germans, and a French king would + more readily adapt himself to our ways than would a stiff and thick headed + German. + </p> + <p> + “Apart from the recent doings of the French army Arragon would have + preferred Philip to Charles. Moreover, Charles is looked upon as the + choice of the Catalans and Valencians, and why should the men of Arragon + take the king others have chosen? No, King Charles will doubtless be + received well because he appears as the enemy of the French; but you will + not find that the people of Arragon will make any great sacrifices in his + behalf. Let a French army enter our province again, every man will rise in + arms against it; but there will be little disposition to raise troops to + follow King Charles beyond the limits of the province. Castile is strong + for Philip; the jealousy there of the Catalans is even greater than here, + and the fact that Arragon will go with Catalonia and Valencia will only + render the Castilians more earnest in the cause of Philip. There have been + several skirmishes already between bands of our Miquelets and those of + Castile, and the whole country along the border is greatly disturbed.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity that Spaniards cannot agree among themselves as to who shall + be king.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my son, but it will be very long yet before. Spaniards agree upon any + point. It is a mistake to think of us as one nation. We are half a dozen + nations under one king. If you are asked your nationality, you reply an + Englishman. If you ask a Spaniard, he will reply, I am a Castilian or a + Catalan, an Arragonese or Biscayan—never I am a Spaniard. We hate + each other as you Scotchmen and Englishmen hated each other a hundred + years back, and even now regard yourselves as different peoples. What + connection is there between the hardy mountaineer of the northern + provinces and the easygoing peasant of Valencia or Andalusia? Nothing. + Consequently, if one part of Spain declares for one man as a king, you may + be sure that the other will declare against him. + </p> + <p> + “As long as we had great men, Spaniards, for our kings—and the + descent went in the regular way from father to son—things went + smoothly, because no pretender could have a shadow of claim. As between + two foreign princes, each man has a right to choose for himself. Were + there any Spaniard with a shadow of claim, all parties would rally round + him; but, unfortunately, this is not so; and I foresee an epoch of war and + trouble before the matter is settled. For myself, I tell you I would not + give that flask of wine were I able to put the crown upon the head of one + or other of these foreigners. Let whoever gets the crown govern well and + strongly, tax my villagers lightly, and interfere in no way with our + privileges, and I shall be well content, and such you will find is the + opinion of most men in Spain. And now, tell me if there is aught that I + can do for you. You say you must be on your way by daybreak. Tell me in + which direction you journey, and it will be hard if I cannot find a friend + there with whom my introduction will insure you a hearty welcome.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can tell me where are the largest gatherings of Miquelets, I can + tell you which way I shall ride,” Jack replied. “My mission is to + ascertain what aid the king can rely upon in this province.” + </p> + <p> + “Three days ago there were many thousands of men under arms,” the priest + replied; “by tonight there will be less than as many hundreds. The day + Tesse crossed the frontier with his army the greater portion of the bands + went to their homes, and their arms will be laid aside until the news + comes that the French army is on its return from Barcelona. I fancy there + is but little chance of our seeing King Charles among us. In another day + or two Tesse will be before Barcelona; and joined, as he will be there, by + the French army marching down from Roussillon, he will make quick work of + that town, and King Charles will have the choice of going to Valencia to + be hunted shortly thence, or of sailing away again from the country in + your ships.” + </p> + <p> + “It would seem like it,” Jack agreed; “but you are reckoning without the + Earl of Peterborough.” + </p> + <p> + “Your English general must be a wonder,” the priest said, “a marvel; but + he cannot accomplish impossibilities. What can he do with two or three + thousand trained troops against twenty thousand veteran French soldiers?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell what he will do,” Jack laughed; “but you may rely upon it + that he will do something, and I would take fair odds that he will somehow + or other save Barcelona and rid Catalonia of its invaders.” + </p> + <p> + “That I judge to be altogether impossible,” the priest replied. “Anything + that man could do I am ready to admit that your general is capable of; but + I do not judge this to be within the range of possibilities. If you will + take my advice, my son, you will not linger here, but will ride for + Valencia and embark on board your ships with him when the time comes.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see,” Jack said, laughing. “I have faith in the improbable. It + may not be so very long before I drop in again to drink another flask of + your wine on my way through Arragon with King Charles on his march toward + Madrid.” + </p> + <p> + “If you do, my son, I will produce a bottle of wine to which this is but + ditch water. I have three or four stored away in my cellar which I + preserve for great occasions. They are the remains of the cellar of my + predecessor, as good a judge of wine as ever lived. It is forty years + since he laid them by, and they were, he said, the best vintage he had + ever come across. Had the good old man died ten years earlier, what a + heritage would have been mine! but in his later years he was not so saving + as it behooves a good man to be, and indulged in them on minor occasions; + consequently, but two dozen remained when I succeeded to the charge twenty + years ago. I, too, was not sufficiently chary of them to begin with, and + all but six bottles were drunk in the first ten years. Since then I have + been as stingy as a miser, and but two bottles have been opened.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, father, that you have laid in a similar supply for whomsoever may + come after you.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely I have, my son. Fifteen years ago I had a hogshead of the finest + vintage in the neighborhood bricked up in my cellar. I had an inscription + placed on the wall by which, should I be taken suddenly, my successor may + know of the store that awaits him. At present you would not find the + inscription did you search for it; for when those troubles began I filled + up the letters in the stone with mortar, and gave the wall two or three + coats of whitewash. I did not choose to run any risk of my grand wine + going down the throats of thirsty French soldiers. It would be an act of + sacrilege. When matters are settled, and we are at peace again, I will + pick out the mortar from the letters; but not till then. I have often + reflected since how short sighted it was not to have stowed away another + hogshead for my own consumption. It would have been something to have + looked forward to in my declining years.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, father, who knows what may happen before that? The wall may fall + down, and then naturally you would wish to see whether the wine is in as + good a condition as it should be. Besides, you will say to yourself, why, + when my successor left me but a miserable two dozen of that grand wine of + his, should I bequeath a whole hogshead to him who may come after me, and + who, moreover, may be so bad a judge of wine that he will value my + treasure no more than an equal quantity of the rough country vintage?” + </p> + <p> + “Avaunt, tempter!” the priest said, laughing. “But,” he added more + seriously, “you have frightened me. I never thought of that. I have always + pictured my successor as a man who would appreciate good wine as I do + myself. Truly, it would be a terrible misfortune did he not do so—a + veritable throwing of pearls before swine. Now that you have presented + this dreadful idea it will be ever in my mind. I shall no longer think of + my hogshead with unmixed satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “The idea is a terrible one, truly,” Jack said gravely, “and to prevent it + I would advise you when the time of peace arrives to open your cave, to + bottle off your wine, and to secure its being appreciated by indulging in + it yourself on special occasions and holidays, taking care always to leave + a store equal to, or even superior to, that which you yourself inherited.” + </p> + <p> + “I will think it over, my son, and it may be that I shall take your + advice. Such a misfortune as that which you have suggested is too terrible + to think of.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so, father, terrible indeed; and I feel confident that you will do + the best in your power to prevent the possibility of its occurrence. + Besides, you know, wine may be kept even too long. I judge you not to be + more than forty-five now; with so good a cook and so good a cellar you may + reasonably expect to live to the age of eighty; there is, therefore, + plenty of time for you to lay in another hogshead to mature for your + successor.” + </p> + <p> + The priest burst into a roar of laughter, in which Jack joined him. + </p> + <p> + “Your reasoning powers are admirable,” he said when he recovered his + gravity, “and you have completely convinced me. An hour ago if it had been + suggested to me that I should open that cellar I should have viewed the + proposal with horror; now it seems to me that it is the very best thing + that could be done for all parties, including the wine itself.” + </p> + <p> + There was some further chat as to the course which Jack would follow in + the morning, and he decided finally to ride to the borders of Castile in + order that he might learn as much as possible as to the feeling of people + in that province. Father Ignacio gave him a letter of introduction to the + priest in charge of a village a mile or two within the border of Arragon, + and the next morning Jack started at daybreak, after a hearty adieu from + his host, who insisted on rising to see him off. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV: A PRISONER + </h2> + <p> + Jack, with his two troopers, rode away from the hospitable cottage of the + priest in high spirits. He determined to avoid Saragossa, as he was not + charged with any direct mission from the earl, and wished, therefore, to + avoid any official intercourse with the leaders of the province. As soon + as the marshal had marched, the people there had risen, had driven out the + small French garrison left, and had resumed the management of their own + affairs. Jack learned, however, that the city had not formally declared + for King Charles. As the priest had told him would be the case, Jack + encountered no bodies of armed men during the day; the country had a + peaceful aspect, the peasants were working in the fields, and at the + villages through which he passed the English uniforms excited a feeling of + curiosity rather than of interest. He stopped at several of these and + entered into conversation with the inhabitants. He found everywhere an + intense hatred of the French prevailing, while but little interest was + evinced in the respective claims of Charles and Philip. + </p> + <p> + After a very long ride he arrived, at nightfall, near the spot to which he + was bound. In this neighborhood he observed a greater amount of + watchfulness and preparation than had prevailed elsewhere. The men, for + the most part, remained in their villages, and went about armed. Jack + learned that an inroad by the Miquelets of Castile was deemed probable, + and that it was thought possible that another French force might follow + Tesse from Madrid to Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + It was late in the evening before Jack reached his destination, where, on + his presenting his letter of introduction, he was most heartily received + by the priest. + </p> + <p> + “Father Ignacio tells me,” he said when he had read it, “that you are not + only to be welcomed as an officer of the great English general, but that + you are in every way deserving of friendship; he adds, too, that you are a + first rate judge of wine, and that you can be trusted as an adviser upon + knotty and difficult matters.” + </p> + <p> + Jack laughed. “I only gave the good father my advice upon two points,” he + said; “the first was the admitting to terms of surrender of a body of + French troops with whom he was engaged in battle when I arrived; the + second was upon the important question of broaching or not broaching a + hogshead of particularly good wine.” + </p> + <p> + “If you advised that the hogshead should be broached,” the priest said, + smiling, “I can warrant that my good brother Ignacio followed your advice, + and can well understand the respect in which he seems to hold your + judgment. But do not let us stand talking here. + </p> + <p> + “Your men will find a stable behind the house where they can stand the + horses. Alas! it is uninhabited at present, for my mule, the gentlest and + best in the province, was requisitioned—which is another word for + stolen—by the French as they passed through. My faithful beast! I + miss her every hour of the day, and I doubt not that she misses me still + more sorely. Tell me, senor, my brother Ignacio writes me that he has + captured many animals from the French—was Margaretta among them? She + was a large mule, and in good condition; indeed, there was some flesh on + her bones. She was a dark chestnut with a white star on the forehead, a + little white on her fore feet, and white below the hocks on the hind legs; + she had a soft eye, and a peculiar twist in jerking her tail.” + </p> + <p> + The manner of the priest was so earnest that Jack repressed a smile with + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “I did notice among the mules in one of the wagons one marked somewhat + similarly to your description, and, if I mistake not, it, with another, + fell to the share of the good priest; but I cannot say that it had much + flesh upon its bones; indeed, it was in very poor case. Nor did I notice + that its eyes were particularly soft, or that there was any peculiarity in + the twitching of its tail.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be Margaretta,” the priest said with some excitement; “the poor + beast would naturally lose flesh in the hands of the French, while as to + the switch in the tail, it was a sign of welcome which she gave me when I + took an apple or a piece of bread into her stable, and she would not be + likely so to greet strangers. I will lose no time in writing to Ignacio to + inquire further into the matter. Verily, it seems to me as if the saint + had sent you specially here as a bearer of this good news.” + </p> + <p> + Jack spent a pleasant evening with the priest, and learned much as to the + state of things upon the frontier. The priest represented the Castilians + as bitterly opposed to the claims of Charles; they had no grievances + against the French, who had behaved with strict discipline in that + province, and had only commenced their excesses upon crossing the frontier + into Arragon. This they regarded, though wrongfully, as a hostile country; + for, previous to their arrival, the people there had taken no part either + way in the struggle, but the overbearing manner of Tesse, and the lax + discipline of his troops, had speedily caused an intense feeling of + irritation. Resistance had been offered to foraging parties of the French + army, and the terrible vengeance which had been taken by Tesse for these + acts had roused the whole province in a flame of insurrection. + </p> + <p> + “There are several bodies of French cavalry across the frontier,” the + priest said; “occasionally they make flying raids into Arragon, but, as + you see, the people are armed, and prepared, and ready to give them a hot + reception. The Castilians are like ourselves; if at any time an army + should march in this direction against Madrid, the Miquelets will oppose + them just as we should oppose the French, but they will not leave their + homes to interfere with us, for they know well enough that did they do so + we also should cross the line, and fire and destruction would be carried + through all the villages on both sides of the border. So at present there + is nothing to fear from Castile, but if your English general were to drive + the French out of the country, he would have hard work ere he overcame the + resistance of that province.” + </p> + <p> + Just as day was breaking the next morning Jack was aroused by shouts in + the streets, followed by the heavy trampling of horse. He sprang from the + bed and threw on his cloak; as he was buckling on his sword one of the + dragoons rushed into his room. + </p> + <p> + “We are surrounded, sir! I have just looked out, and there are French + cavalry all round the house.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke there was a tremendous knocking at the door. The priest ran + into the room. “We are betrayed,” he said; “some one must have carried + away the news last night of your arrival here, and it has come to the ears + of the French cavalry on the other side. I ordered some men out last night + to watch the road across the border, but the enemy must have ridden too + fast for them to get here first.” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be helped,” Jack said; “you had best open the door, or they + will break it in in another minute. Make no resistance, lads,” he said to + the dragoons, for the second orderly had now joined them; “lay your swords + down on the bed; we are caught this time, and must make our escape when we + can. It is better, anyhow, to have fallen into the hands of the French + than of the Spanish.” + </p> + <p> + The sound of the knocking had ceased now, and there was a trampling and + clamor of voices as the French soldiers poured into the house. Steps were + heard ascending the stairs, the door opened, and the priest, accompanied + by a French officer and followed by a number of soldiers, entered the + room. + </p> + <p> + “You are my prisoner, sir,” the French officer said. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid there is no doubt of that,” Jack said, speaking in Spanish; + “here is my sword, sir. These two men are my orderlies, and, of course, + also surrender. You will observe that we are all in uniform, that we are + taken on the soil of Arragon, and that I am here in pursuance of my duty + as an officer of the English army.” + </p> + <p> + “You are alone?” the officer asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Jack said; “there are, so far as I know, no other British but + ourselves in Arragon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we were misinformed,” the officer said; “the news was received last + night that the Earl of Peterborough was himself here; and although it was + but in the afternoon that we had heard that your general was at Valencia, + his movements are so swift and erratic that, if we heard of him in + Portugal one hour we should not be surprised to find him here the next.” + He stopped as shots were heard fired in the streets. + </p> + <p> + “You must excuse ceremony, sir,” he said, “and mount at once with your men + and accompany me. In ten minutes we shall have the whole country buzzing + round us like wasps; and now that the object of my ride is accomplished, I + don't wish to throw away my men's lives.” + </p> + <p> + The horses were saddled without loss of time, and in two or three minutes + Jack was trotting down the village in the midst of the French cavalry amid + a scathing fire from behind the houses and walls. + </p> + <p> + The French officer rode at the head of his troop till well beyond the + village, then reining in his horse, joined his prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” he asked, “whom have I the honor of capturing?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Captain Stilwell,” Jack replied, “one of the Earl of Peterborough's + aides de camp.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Captain de Courcy,” the French officer said; “happily, although the + French and English have taken opposite sides on this question, we can + esteem and honor each other as brave and civilized adversaries. As for + these Spanish scoundrels, they are no better than banditti; they murder us + in our beds, they poison our wine, they as often as not burn us alive if + we fall into their hands; they are savages, neither more nor less; and why + Philip of Anjou, who could have had all the pleasures of life as a prince + of the blood at Versailles, should covet the kingship of this country, + passes my understanding. And now tell me about that paladin, your general. + Peste, what a man! And you are one of his aides de camp? Why, if he drags + you about everywhere with him, you must lead the life of a dog.” + </p> + <p> + “When I last heard of the general he was at Valencia,” Jack said. “But + that was ten days since.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten days!” the Frenchman said; “then by now he may be in London, or in + Rome, or at Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “With the wind favoring him he might be at Rome, but he could scarcely + have arrived at either London or Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no saying,” the French officer laughed. “Has he not three + leagued boots, and can he not step from mountain to mountain? Does he not + fly through a storm on a broomstick? Can he not put on a cap and make + himself invisible? For I can tell you that our soldiers credit him with + all these powers. Can he not, by waving his hand, multiply three hundred + men into an army, spread them over a wide extent of country, and then + cause them to sink into the ground and disappear? Our soldiers are + convinced that he is in league with the evil one, even if he be not the + gentlemen in black himself.” + </p> + <p> + Jack joined in the laugh. “He is a wonderful man,” he said, “though he + cannot do all you credit him with. But he is absolutely tireless, and can + do without sleep for any time; and yet to look at him no one would think + that he was in any way a strong man. He is small, thin, and worn looking—in + fact, almost insignificant in appearance, were it not for his keen eye and + a certain lofty expression of face. My post is no sinecure, I can assure + you, for the general expects all to be able to do as well as himself. But + with a chief who never spares himself all are willing to do their best. + Extreme as has been the labor of the troops, severe as have been their + hardships, you will never hear a grumble; the men have most implicit + confidence in him, and are ready to go anywhere and do anything he orders + them.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a marvel,” the French officer said. “The way he took Barcelona, and + then, with a handful of men, hunted our armies out of Catalonia and + Valencia, was wonderful; and though it was at our cost, and not a little + to our discredit, there is not an officer in the army but admires your + general. Fortunately I was not in Barcelona when you laid siege to it, but + I was with Las Torres afterward when you were driving us about like sheep. + I shall never forget that time. We never knew when to expect an attack, + what force was opposed to us, or from what direction you would come. I + laugh now, but it was no joke then.” + </p> + <p> + Three hours' riding took them into the little town from which the French + cavalry had started in the middle of the night. On arriving there the + French officer at once sent off a trooper to Madrid, reporting the + prisoners he had taken, and forty-eight hours later he received orders to + himself conduct his prisoners to Madrid. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving there Jack was at once taken before the Duke of Berwick, who + received him courteously, and asked him many questions concerning the + force under the earl, the intentions of Barcelona to resist the two French + armies now hurrying before it. To these questions Jack gave cautious + answers. As to matters concerning which he was sure that the French must + have accurate information, he replied frankly. Fortunately he was, as he + truly said, in entire ignorance as to the plans of the earl, and as to + Barcelona, he knew nothing whatever of what had taken place there from the + day when he suddenly left with Peterborough. + </p> + <p> + “I would place you on your parole with pleasure,” the duke said, “but I + tell you frankly that in the present excited state of public feeling I do + not think it will be safe for you to move through the streets unprotected. + So many of our officers have been murdered in Saragossa and other places + that the lower class of Spaniards would think it a meritorious action to + take vengeance on an English officer. Of course I am well aware that the + English have nothing to do with these atrocities, but the people in + general are not able to draw nice distinctions. I shall send you to France + on the first opportunity, to remain there till exchanged.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” Jack said; “I should prefer not being put on my parole, + for I shall certainly escape if I have the opportunity. I should tell you, + sir, that I have ridden through Arragon, and though I do not wish to + excuse the murders perpetrated by the Spaniards, I must tell you that I + cannot blame them; for, horrible as are their deeds, they are simply acts + of retaliation for the abominable atrocities which Marshal Tesse allows + and encourages his troops to perpetrate upon the population. I have the + highest respect, sir, for the French nation, but if I were the Earl of + Peterborough, and Marshal Tesse fell into my hands, I would hand him over + to the Spaniards to be torn in pieces as he deserves.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak boldly, sir,” the duke said sternly. + </p> + <p> + “I feel what I say, sir,” Jack replied. “I think it well that you, a + general high in command under the French king, should know the atrocities + perpetrated in his name by this man upon defenseless people. I could tell + you, sir, a score of stories which I heard in Arragon, although I was but + two days there, of massacre and murder which would make your blood run + cold. I confess that personally I have no greater interest in King Charles + than in King Philip. I have seen so much of the Austrian and his advisers + that I believe that if the Earl of Peterborough were to seat him on his + throne here tomorrow, he would be driven from the country a fugitive + before many weeks were over; but in the same way I am convinced that + Philip of Anjou will never be accepted by the Spanish as their king if his + cause be stained by such atrocities as those carried out by Marshal Tesse + in his name.” + </p> + <p> + The duke then asked Jack if he had any objections to state the particular + object for which he was sent into Arragon by his general; and Jack was + glad to be able to say truthfully that the earl knew nothing of his being + there, he having sent him simply to assist the Count of Cifuentes in + barring the advance of the French army into Catalonia, and that when he + had carried out that order he had ridden into Arragon on his own account, + in order that he might, on his return to the earl, be able to give him an + accurate description of the state of affairs in that province. + </p> + <p> + “Then so far as you know, Captain Stilwell, the Earl of Peterborough is + still at Valencia, and has no intention of leaving that province at + present.” + </p> + <p> + “I can say truly, sir, that so far as I know the general had no intention + of leaving Valencia; but as his decisions are generally taken + instantaneously, and are a surprise to all about him, I should be sorry to + assert that the earl remained in Valencia a quarter of an hour after I + quitted the city.” + </p> + <p> + “It matters little,” the duke said, “the affair is rapidly approaching an + end. Barcelona must surrender as soon as Tesse and the Duke de Noailles + appear before it; the breaches are open, and there are not a thousand men + in garrison. Barcelona once fallen, the cause of the Austrian is lost. + Your general is already watched by an army four times as strong as his + own, and the twenty thousand men under the marshal will compel him to take + to his ships, and will stamp out the last embers of the insurrection. You + agree with me, do you not?” he asked as Jack remained silent. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, it seems that it must be as you say, and I have only to reply + that you have not reckoned upon the Earl of Peterborough. What he will do + I do not pretend to say, but knowing him as I do, I can say that he will + give you trouble. I don't think that anything can be considered as a + certainty in which you have the Earl of Peterborough to reckon with.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a great man,” the duke said—“a great man, and has performed + marvels; but there is a limit to the possibilities which one man can + perform, and here that limit is passed. I shall give orders, Captain + Stilwell, that your imprisonment is made as little disagreeable as + possible, and that you have everything you require.” + </p> + <p> + Jack expressed his thanks and retired. On leaving the room he was again + taken charge of by Captain do Courcy and four of his troopers, and was + conducted by him to the citadel. + </p> + <p> + The quarters assigned to Jack were by no means uncomfortable. A good meal + was placed before him, and after he had finished it the governor of the + citadel called upon him and told him that he was at liberty to go where he + would within the walls, and that any wishes he might express he would do + his best to comply with. Jack at once availed himself of his liberty by + going out into the courtyard and thence on to the walls of the citadel. It + was a strongly fortified and gloomy building, which has now ceased to + exist. It covered a considerable portion of ground, and had at one time + been a royal residence; the walls were strong and high, and sentries were + placed on them at short intervals. + </p> + <p> + Jack saw at once there was little possibility of escape thence, and + decided that he might as well abandon any idea of evasion for the present, + and would trust to luck in escaping from his escort on the road to the + frontier, or, if no opportunity then presented itself, from his prison in + France. A week after his arrival he was surprised by being told that an + officer wished to see him, and a minute later Major Ferre entered the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + “I only arrived an hour ago,” he said, “and learned that you were prisoner + here. Who would have thought when we parted last, and you gave me my + liberty, that on my arrival here I should find that you had already been a + week a prisoner? Horses' legs move faster than men's, you see.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the fortune of war,” Jack said, smiling. “I am glad to see that you + got out of Arragon safely.” + </p> + <p> + “It was thanks to your seeing that we were provided with ammunition,” the + major said. “The peasants swarmed round us hotly more than once, and it + was the fact that we had our arms and were ready to use them, quite as + much as my assurances that we were prisoners on parole, and had promised + not to serve in Spain until exchanged, that kept them from making an + attack upon us; as it was we nearly came to blows several times. I marched + that day till the men were ready to drop, and camped at a distance from a + road in a lonely place. I dared not scatter my men in a village. The next + day we kept steadily on and crossed the frontier into Castile, pretty well + worn out, just at nightfall. I had to give my men two days' halt before we + could go further, and we have since come by easy stages, which accounts + for your being here so long before us. And now, is there anything that I + can do for you? If there is, command my service to the utmost. I shall see + the duke this afternoon, and shall tell him that I and my party are + indebted to you for our lives. It is well for me that he is in command + here instead of the marshal; he is a gentleman, and will respect the + parole I gave for myself and my men; if it had been Tesse I might have had + trouble, for as likely as not he would have scoffed at my promise, and + ordered me and my men back to the front again, and then I should have been + placed in a nice fix.” + </p> + <p> + “The best thing you could do for me,” Jack said, “would be to suggest to + the marshal that he should exchange me against you. If he will let me take + my two troopers I would throw in all your men. There will be no occasion + to arrange it with our general; you gave your word to me, and I can give + it you back again. As I am of no use to him, and you are, I should think + he would consent.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so too,” Major Ferre said, “and should be delighted, on + both our accounts, if it could be managed.” + </p> + <p> + Three hours later the major returned in high spirits. + </p> + <p> + “I have arranged the matter,” he said, “and we are both free men. You + can't stir out of here at present, because it would not be safe for you to + go about Madrid; but I have orders to march tomorrow morning, in command + of a convoy, to join Las Torres outside Valencia, so you can ride with me + till we get near the town, and then join your people.” + </p> + <p> + Jack was delighted, and the next morning set out with the convoy. His + appearance, as he rode by the side of Major Ferre with his two orderlies + behind him, excited the greatest surprise and curiosity in the various + towns and villages through which they passed. The journey was a pleasant + one, Major Ferre exerting himself in every way to make it as pleasant as + possible. After four days' journey the convoy arrived within sight of + Valencia. When they came to a place where the roads forked the major said: + </p> + <p> + “That is your way, my dear Stilwell. I hope that some day the fortunes of + war will throw us together again, in some pleasant position where we can + renew our friendship. Two miles on is a ford across the river, where, as + the peasants tell me, two of your vedettes are posted; another hour's ride + will take you to Valencia.” + </p> + <p> + With a hearty goodby on both sides, Jack and his two dragoons rode off, + and soon astonished the English vedettes by their appearance on the + opposite bank of the river. A few words in English convinced the soldiers + that it was no trick that was being played with them, and Jack rode across + the ford and then galloped on to Valencia. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Captain Stilwell,” the earl said as Jack entered his apartment, + “what news do you bring me from Barcelona? I hear that Tesse has invested + the town.” + </p> + <p> + “My last news is from Madrid, general,” Jack said; “I have had to stay a + week in that city.” + </p> + <p> + And he then proceeded to relate the series of events which had happened + from the time he joined the Count of Cifuentes. + </p> + <p> + “I know I exceeded my duty, general,” he said when he finished, “in going + up into Arragon without orders; but I felt that I was of little use with + the count, who handles the Miquelets well, and I thought that you would be + glad of trustworthy information of the state of feeling in Arragon, and + perhaps of Castile.” + </p> + <p> + “You were quite right,” the earl said, “and have done exceedingly well. + Yours has been an adventure after my own heart, and you have just arrived + here in time, for I am on the point of starting to do what I can to harass + the besiegers of Barcelona.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV: THE RELIEF OF BARCELONA + </h2> + <p> + Although for months it was evident that the French were preparing to make + a great effort to recapture Barcelona, Charles and his German advisers had + done nothing whatever to place the city in the position to resist a siege. + The fortifications remained just as they had been when Peterborough had + captured the city. The breaches which had been made by the English cannon + were still open, and even that in the all important citadel of Montjuich + remained as it had been left by the explosion of the magazine. + </p> + <p> + Not until Tesse was pressing down from Lerida and de Noailles from + Roussillon did the king awake to his danger. Orders were sent out to + recall all the troops who were within reach, the country people were set + to work collecting provisions, and the king made an urgent appeal to the + citizens to aid in repairing the fortifications. The appeal was responded + to; the whole male population took up arms, even priests and friars + enrolling themselves in the ranks. The women and children were formed into + companies, and all Barcelona labored in carrying materials and in + repairing the breaches. The king had received a letter from Peterborough + proposing the plan of which he had spoken to his aides de camp, and which, + had it been carried out, would have changed the fate of Spain. His + suggestion was that Charles should at once make his way by sea to + Portugal, which, as the blockade had not then commenced, he could have + easily done, there to put himself at the head of the allied army, + twenty-six thousand strong, and march straight upon Madrid. This could + have been done with a certainty of success, for the west of Spain and the + capital had been denuded of troops for the invasion of Catalonia and + Valencia, and no more than two thousand men could have been collected to + oppose the invaders. + </p> + <p> + “If your majesty will undertake to do this,” wrote the earl, “I will + undertake to maintain the province here, and perhaps to open a way to + Madrid.” + </p> + <p> + But now, as before, this bold but really safe counsel was overruled by + Charles' German courtiers and he resolved to remain in Barcelona and wait + a siege. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Peterborough received the answer, he left a small garrison in + Valencia, and marched away with all the force he could collect, which, + however, numbered only two thousand foot and six hundred horse, while de + Noailles had no less than twenty thousand gathered round Barcelona. + Peterborough moved rapidly across the country, pushing forward at the + utmost speed of the troops till he arrived within two leagues of + Barcelona, and took up a strong position among the mountains, where he was + at once joined by the Count of Cifuentes and his peasant army. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, count,” the earl said as he rode into his camp, “I am glad to see you + again. You did not succeed in stopping Tesse, but by all accounts you + mauled him handsomely. And now, what are our prospects?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir, they are not over bright, and I do not see that we can + effect much to aid the king. My men will fight well enough, as Captain + Stilwell has witnessed, when they choose their position and shoot behind + shelter, but they would be of no use whatever in a regular action; and as + to advancing into the plain to give battle with you against twenty + thousand regular troops, they would not attempt it, even if you were to + join your orders to mine.” + </p> + <p> + “We will not ask them, count,” Peterborough said. “I know the Miquelets by + this time. They are admirable for irregular war, but worse than useless + for anything else. All we will ask of them, count, is to scatter in strong + bodies over the hills, to guard every road, and cut off any parties of the + enemy who may venture to go out to gather provisions or forage. If they + can manage occasionally to threaten an attack upon the French camp, so + much the better.” + </p> + <p> + The next morning a strong body of the French took post round Montjuich, + and at nine o'clock a force of infantry, supported by two squadrons of + horse, attempted to carry the western outworks by storm. This was the + weakest part of the citadel, and was manned by only a hundred men of + Colonel Hamilton's regiment, who had arrived the night before, having in + two days ridden seventy miles on mules. + </p> + <p> + As the French advanced they received them with great determination, and + poured in so sharp a fire that the assailants speedily retired with + considerable loss. As they fell back the English threw up their caps and + raised loud shouts, which so exasperated the enemy that they reformed and + returned several times to the assault, but only to be repulsed as on their + first attempt. This was a sharp check to the French, who had expected to + find the place guarded only by the usual garrison of forty Spaniards. + </p> + <p> + When the sound of firing was heard in the town the whole garrison turned + out and marched to support Montjuich, only twelve men being left behind + for a guard to the king. This repulse of the first attempt of the enemy + raised the spirits of the townsmen, and bands of them ventured beyond the + walls, and, sheltering in the gardens and groves, maintained a strong fire + upon the French. + </p> + <p> + Finding that Barcelona was not to be taken as easily as they had expected, + the French generals extended their camp so as to completely surround the + town. On their side the citizens were not inactive, and, sallying out, + managed to cut off and drive in a flock of seven hundred of the enemy's + sheep and twelve of their mules. + </p> + <p> + The following night the besieged sustained a severe loss by the + treacherous surrender, by its commander, of Fort Redonda, which stood on + the seashore and commanded the landing. The enemy at once profited by this + advantage and began landing their provisions, guns, and ammunition. This + misfortune was, however, balanced by the enterprise of Brigadier Generals + Lord Donegal and Sentiman, with two English and two newly raised Catalan + battalions. They received the king's orders to return to Barcelona too + late to reach the town before its investment, but now managed, under cover + of night, to elude the enemy and enter the city in safety. + </p> + <p> + When the enemy received news of the success of this attempt they closed in + their left wing to the eastward, in hopes of preventing further + reinforcements from entering the town. But they had not reckoned upon the + Earl of Peterborough, who had received news that the garrison of Gerona, + after evacuating that town on the approach of the army of the Duke de + Noailles, had embarked in small boats and were about to attempt a landing + near Barcelona, on the north side. On the receipt of the news he started + as night fell with his whole force from his camp in the mountains, and + having, after a march of nearly twenty miles, arrived at the spot named + for the debarkation just as the boats were nearing the shore, and having + escorted the Gerona men past the enemy's outpost and into the town, + without the loss of a man, he again retired to the mountains. These + accessions of strength raised the force of troops in the besieged town to + upward of three thousand. + </p> + <p> + The next day a case of treason was discovered among the Spaniards in the + garrison of Montjuich. A boy confessed that he had been hired by one of + these men to put out all the gun matches, and to throw the priming powder + out of the matchlocks that night. He was told to do this on the weakest + side of the works, where the attack would probably be made. + </p> + <p> + The discovery of this intended treason, following so closely on that at + Fort Redonda, excited suspicions of the loyalty of the Spanish Governor of + Montjuich, and he was superseded and the Earl of Donegal appointed to the + command. For the next six days the French continued to raise battery after + battery around Montjuich. Lord Donegal made some gallant sallies and + several times drove the besiegers from their works, but in each case they + returned in such overwhelming force that he was obliged to abandon the + positions he had won and to fall back into the citadel. + </p> + <p> + The Miquelets, of whom there were many in the town, aided the besieged by + harassing the French. Every night they stole into their camp, murdered + officers in their tents, carried off horses, slew sentries, and kept the + enemy in a perpetual state of watchfulness. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock on the morning of the 15th of April the besiegers made a + furious attack on the western outwork of Montjuich, having ascertained + that it was defended only by a party of one of the newly raised Spanish + regiments. They captured the post without difficulty, the Spaniards flying + at the first assault, but on the inner ramparts they were met by Donegal + and his grenadiers, and a desperate struggle took place which lasted for + two hours. + </p> + <p> + The English fought with the greatest obstinacy, and frequently flung back + among their assailants the grenades which the latter showered among them, + before they had time to explode, Lord Donegal himself setting the men the + example. But though able to prevent the French from advancing further, the + English could not recover the outpost which the Spaniards had abandoned, + and the French formed intrenchments and mounted a battery upon it. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the continued fire which the besiegers now poured in upon it + from all sides, Lord Donegal held out bravely. The little force under his + command was much reduced in numbers, and so worn out by constant exertion + and loss of sleep that men frequently fell asleep while under arms under + the heaviest fire. The besiegers were not idle in other directions. + Several mortar vessels moved close in shore and threw shells into the + town, while the batteries poured in red hot shot. This spread great alarm + throughout the town. The people could be hardly induced to continue + working on the defenses, and many took refuge in cellars or in the + churches. Ammunition began to fail, and despair was taking possession of + the defenders, when, at two o'clock in the morning of the 21st, a galley + ran safely into the harbor bearing a supply of powder and encouraging + messages from Lord Peterborough. + </p> + <p> + Three days later he managed to throw a body of Neapolitan troops into the + town, embarking them in boats at Matero, a small port a few miles to the + northeast of the town. He sent them close along the shore in order to pass + the enemy's fleet, if possible, unobserved. They found, however, that a + line of boats had been drawn across the harbor to blockade the entrance. + They attacked the boats, and after a sharp fight, which lasted over an + hour, four hundred men succeeded in forcing their way through, and the + rest returned to Matero in safety. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough now determined to endeavor to relieve the town by the + desperate expedient of attacking the enemy's camp with his little force. + In order to do this with any prospect of success it was necessary to warn + the king of his intentions, so that the garrison of the town could issue + out and attack the enemy at the same moment from their side. He committed + the dispatch to Captain Graham, who succeeded in making his way through + the enemy's lines to the city. The king agreed to join in a combined + attack, and, having arranged all his plans, gave the dispatch to Graham to + carry back to the earl. + </p> + <p> + On the way out he was less successful than he had been in entering. He was + seized upon by a body of French before he could destroy the paper. Tesse + was accordingly warned of the earl's plans, and at the hour appointed for + the attack drew up his army in order of battle. Peterborough was ready to + advance, and the besieged were all in arms on the ramparts, but seeing + that the enemy were fully prepared the project was abandoned, and the + troops returned to their quarters. + </p> + <p> + But the fall of Montjuich was at hand. The besiegers secretly massed a + large force in the trenches. At midday on the 22d a salvo of four mortars + gave the signal. The French rushed in with loud shouts and effected a + complete surprise. Before the troops could get under arms two bastions + were captured. + </p> + <p> + So sudden was the affair that many of the English officers, hearing the + firing, ran out from the keep, and seeing some foreign troops drawn up in + the works joined them, concluding that they were Dutch, and were only + undeceived by finding themselves taken prisoners. The men were so confused + by the loss of many of the officers that, had the French pushed in at + once, they would have been able to carry the main body of the works with + but little resistance. They halted, however, in the bastions they had won. + The next morning the people of Barcelona, headed by their priests, sallied + out to effect the relief of Montjuich, but were easily driven back by the + besiegers. The little garrison of the castle sallied out to meet their + friends, but when these retreated to the town they had to fight their way + back to the castle, which they regained with great difficulty, the gallant + Earl of Donegal and many of his officers being killed. + </p> + <p> + Finding that their position was now desperate, the remnant of the British + troops abandoned the castle they had so stoutly defended, and succeeded in + making their way safely into the city. Tesse now pushed on the siege of + the town with vigor. Batteries of heavy guns were raised opposite the + newly mended breaches, and so close did he plant his guns to the walls + that the artillery of the besieged could not be depressed sufficiently to + play upon them, while so heavy a fire of infantry was kept up upon the + walls that their defenders were unable to reply effectively with their + musketry. + </p> + <p> + The walls crumbled rapidly, and the defenders busied themselves in raising + inner defenses behind the breaches. Had the French been commanded by an + enterprising general there is little doubt that they could have carried + the town by assault, but Tesse, in his over caution, waited until success + was a certainty. The alarm in Barcelona was great, and the king sent + messenger after messenger to Peterborough to urge him to come to his + relief; but, daring as was the earl when he considered success to be + possible, he would not venture his little force upon an enterprise which + was, he felt, hopeless, and he knew that the only possible relief for the + city was the arrival of the English fleet. + </p> + <p> + Early in March Admiral Sir John Leake and Baron Wassenaer had sailed from + Lisbon with the combined fleet in accordance with Peterborough's orders; + but the wind was contrary, and it was fully six weeks after starting that + they reached the Straits, where they were joined by Captain Price with a + small squadron, on board of which were two English regiments. It was not + until the 24th of April that they sailed from Gibraltar. + </p> + <p> + On reaching Altea they received news that another squadron had sailed from + Lisbon to join them, and in spite of the warm remonstrances of General + Stanhope, who commanded the troops on board, the Dutch and English + admirals determined to await the arrival of the reinforcements before + sailing to give battle to the fleet of the Count of Toulouse before + Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + On the 3d of April Sir George Byng arrived at Altea with some ships from + Ireland, and the next day Commodore Walker, with the squadron from Lisbon, + also arrived; but the wind was now contrary, and although the fleet set + sail, for three days they made no progress whatever, and each hour so + wasted rendered the position of the besieged at Barcelona more and more + desperate. While lying at Altea General Stanhope had sent a message to + Lord Peterborough telling him that he would use every means in his power + to hasten Sir John Leake's movements, and that he would give him timely + notice of the approach of the fleet. + </p> + <p> + He said that as it was of the utmost importance that the enemy should + remain in ignorance of the approaching succors, his messenger should carry + only a half sheet of blank paper, so that if he were taken by the enemy + they would learn nothing from his dispatch. When the fleet sailed he sent + off a second messenger, who got safely to the earl, and delivered his + blank dispatch. With the exception of his aide de camp, who was always in + his confidence, he told no one the meaning of this blank dispatch, and his + officers were surprised when orders were issued for the little army at + once to prepare for a night march. Officers and men had, however, most + implicit confidence in their general, and, doubting not that some daring + enterprise was at hand, they started in high spirits. + </p> + <p> + All through the night they marched in a southwesterly direction over the + hills, and at daybreak reached the little seaport of Sitjes, some seven + leagues from Barcelona. Ordering the wearied soldiers to encamp behind + some low hills, the indefatigable general rode with Jack Stilwell into the + little port, and at once, by offering large rewards, set the sailors and + fishermen at work to collect the boats, barges, and fishing smacks along + the neighboring coast, and to bring them to Sitjes. + </p> + <p> + In two days he had succeeded in collecting a sufficient number to carry + the whole force. The news of the work upon which the general was engaged + soon spread among the force and caused the greatest astonishment. Jack + Stilwell was overwhelmed with questions as to the intentions of the + general. + </p> + <p> + “What on earth are we going to do next, Stilwell?” one of the colonels + said to him. “We are all ready, you know, to do anything that the chief + bids us, but for the life of us no one can make this business out. The + only possible thing seems to be that the chief intends to attack the + French fleet, and desperate as many of his exploits have been, they would + be as nothing to that. Even the earl could surely not expect that fifteen + hundred men in fishing boats and barges could attack a fleet of some + thirty men of war. The idea seems preposterous, and yet one does not see + what else he can have got in his head.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, colonel,” Jack said, laughing, “you do not expect me to tell + you what are the general's plans. You may be quite sure that, whatever + they are, there is nothing absolutely impossible about them, for you know + that although the general may undertake desperate things, he never + attempts anything that has not at least a possibility of success; in fact, + as you know, he has never yet failed in any enterprise that he has + undertaken.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true enough,” the colonel said; “and yet for the life of me I + cannot make out what else he can be thinking of. Certainly to attack + Toulouse would be madness, and yet there is no one else to attack.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, colonel, I can only say that time will show, and I don't think you + will have to wait very long before you know as much about it as I do.” + </p> + <p> + Jack was right in this, for on the night of the second day the earl called + his officers together, and informed them that he was waiting to join the + English fleet, which might at any moment come in sight. As hitherto + nothing had been known about the arrival of reinforcements, the news + excited the greatest joy. The earl had hoped that at daybreak the fleet + would be in sight, and as soon as it was light he mounted a hill which + gave him a wide view over the sea, but to his deep disappointment not a + sail appeared above the horizon. Knowing the desperate state of the + garrison at Barcelona, and that at any hour he might receive news that an + assault had been delivered and the city captured, his disappointment at + the delay in the appearance of the fleet was unbounded. + </p> + <p> + The roar of the distant guns around Barcelona came distinctly to his ears, + and he was almost wild with impatience and anxiety. On reaching the shore + again he found that a fast sailing felucca had just come in from + Barcelona. She had managed to evade the blockading fleet, and bore an + urgent letter from the king, praying Peterborough to come to his + assistance. The earl did not hesitate a moment, but determined to set sail + at once to find the fleet, and to bring it on to Barcelona with all speed. + </p> + <p> + The astonishment and dismay of his officers at the news that their general + was about to leave them and embark on such an enterprise were very great, + but the earl explained to the leaders the reasons for his anxiety to gain + the fleet. His commission appointed him to the command at sea as well as + on land, and on joining the fleet he would be its admiral in chief. He + feared that at the sight of so powerful an armament the Count of Toulouse + would at once decline battle and make for France. He determined, + therefore, to advance only with a force considerably inferior to that of + the French, in which case Toulouse, rather than abandon the siege of + Barcelona just when success seemed assured, would sail out and give + battle. + </p> + <p> + Should he do so the earl, however inferior his force, had no doubts as to + obtaining victory. Accompanied only by Jack Stillwell and by Captain + Humphrey, who had taken the place of Graham, he embarked on board the + little felucca and put to sea. The weather was cold and stormy, and the + master of the boat did not like putting out far from shore; but the earl + was peremptory, and the felucca stood well out to sea. Night came on + without any signs of the fleet being discovered. The hours of darkness + passed slowly, for the boat was undecked and afforded no shelter, and the + heavy seas which broke over her kept all on board wetted to the skin. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak, to their great joy, they perceived a British man of war + approaching. They at once made for her, and found she was the Leopard, + commanded by Captain Price. The astonishment of that officer, and of all + on board, was unbounded at being boarded at break of day almost out of + sight of land from an open boat by the admiral of all the fleets. The + earl's stay on board was but a short one. As soon as he had learned the + whereabout of the rest of the fleet, and given instructions to Captain + Price, he again embarked in the felucca, and sailed for Sitjes. + </p> + <p> + The joy of the troops was great at the return of their general, for the + night had been so stormy that there were great fears for his safety; but + he was not to remain with them long, for, having given orders that the + whole disposable force, about fourteen hundred men, should embark in the + boats before daybreak next morning, and follow the fleet to Barcelona, he + again with his aides de camp took his place in the felucca and sailed for + the fleet. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the night he came across them, and boarding the Prince + George, hoisted his flag as admiral of the fleet on the maintop, and took + the command. He then sent a boat to Sir John Leake to acquaint him with + his orders and intentions, and another boat to advise General Stanhope of + his arrival; but the darkness delayed the delivery of these messages till + nearly morning, and when day appeared the whole fleet was amazed at seeing + the flag of the admiral in chief flying on the Prince George. The wind was + strong and favorable, and the fleet crowded on all sail; but when within + about eighteen miles of Barcelona one of the French lookout ships sighted + them, and made a signal to a consort further along. She in turn passed on + the news until it reached the Count of Toulouse, who, without waiting to + ascertain the strength of the approaching squadron, at once signaled to + his fleet to weigh anchor, and, putting to sea, sailed for France. + </p> + <p> + The disappointment of the earl was great, as he had fully calculated upon + gaining a great naval battle in sight of the city he had come to relieve. + On the afternoon of the 8th of May the leading vessels anchored off + Barcelona, and preparations were at once made for the landing of the + troops. The first to set foot on shore were the earl's veteran troops, who + had according to his orders accompanied the fleet from Sitjes. The succor + was welcome, indeed; the breaches were no longer defensible, and an + assault was hourly expected. The king himself came down to receive the + earl and his army; the city went wild with joy. + </p> + <p> + For a few days the French made a show of carrying on the siege. They were + still enormously superior in force; but the energy and skill of + Peterborough counterbalanced the inequality. He worked day and night in + superintending the works of defense, and in placing the troops in + readiness for the expected assault. Philip and many of his officers were + still in favor of an attack upon the city; but Tesse as usual was opposed + to anything like vigorous measures, and his views were adopted by a + council of war. + </p> + <p> + At one o'clock on the morning of the 11th of May the besiegers broke up + their camp, and in great confusion made their way toward the French + frontier, for Tesse preferred even the ignominy of falling back into + France with his unsuccessful and dispirited army to retracing his steps + toward Saragossa, where his devastations and cruelty had caused the whole + population to rise in insurrection as soon as his army had passed into + Catalonia. Besides which, he had received news that Peterborough had + caused every pass and town on his way to the west to be fortified and held + by the Miquelets. Philip accompanied the retreating army to Roussillon. + The downfall of his hopes had been utter and complete. But a few weeks + before it had seemed that Spain was his, and that the forces at his + disposal were ample to crush out the insurrection in Barcelona, and to + sweep into the sea the handful of the invaders. But all his plans had been + baffled, all his hopes brought to naught by the genius and energy of one + man, in spite of that man being thwarted at every turn by the imbecile + German coterie who surrounded the king, and by the jealousy and ill will + of his fellow generals. + </p> + <p> + Bad news met the fugitive at Roussillon. There he heard that his + countrymen had suffered a disastrous defeat at Ramillies; that nearly all + the Netherlands had been wrested from France; that a heavy defeat had been + inflicted upon her at Turin, and that Italy was well nigh lost. It needed, + indeed, but the smallest amount of unanimity, enterprise, and confidence + on the part of the advisers and generals of King Charles to have placed + him securely and permanently upon the throne of Spain. + </p> + <p> + When the flight of the besieging army was discovered after daybreak by the + besieged, they poured out from Barcelona into the deserted camp. All the + ordnance and stores of the French had been abandoned. Two hundred heavy + brass guns, thirty mortars, and a vast quantity of shot, shells, and + intrenching tools, three thousand barrels of powder, ten thousand sacks of + corn, and a vast quantity of provisions and stores were found left behind + in the camp. Tesse had left, too, all his sick and wounded with a letter + to the Earl of Peterborough begging him to see that they were well cared + for. + </p> + <p> + The news of the hasty retreat of Marshal Tesse from before Barcelona + caused a shock of surprise throughout Europe. In France it had never been + doubted that Barcelona would fall, and as to the insurrection, it was + believed that it could be trampled out without difficulty by the + twenty-five thousand French veterans whom the marshal had at his disposal. + As to the handful of British troops whose exploits had occasioned such + astonishment, none had supposed for a moment that they would be able to + effect anything when opposed to so overwhelming a force of the disciplined + troops of France. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough himself had hardly hoped to save Barcelona, but, unlike his + enemies, he had not considered that the fall of that city would + necessarily entail the final defeat of the cause for which he fought. + While busying himself with the marches and achievements of the troops + under his command, he had never ceased to take measures to provide for the + future. His marches and counter marches had made him thoroughly acquainted + with the country, and he had won the entire confidence of the people. + </p> + <p> + He had, therefore, taken measures that even if Barcelona fell Philip + should not march back again to his capital. From the day Tesse advanced he + had had thousands of the country people at work, under the direction of a + few of his own officers, rendering each of the three roads by which the + French army could march from Barcelona to Madrid impracticable. Gorges + were blocked with vast masses of rock rolled down from the mountain side + at spots where the road wound along on the face of precipices; and where + it had only been made by blasting, it was by similar means entirely + destroyed. Bridges were broken down, every castle and town on the lines of + retreat placed in a state of defense, and the cattle and provisions driven + off to places of safety. + </p> + <p> + Thus while the earl was himself engaged in the most perilous adventures, + he neglected nothing that the most prudent and cautious general could have + suggested to insure the success of his plans. Even when affairs looked + most unpromising in Barcelona the earl wrote cheerfully to the Duke of + Savoy, saying that the circumstances were much better than were generally + supposed; and that the French officers, ignorant of the situation of the + country, would be astonished at the difficulties that would be opposed to + them on advancing even after success; and that if the siege were raised + they would be forced to abandon Spain, while all the western frontier + would be clear for the progress of Lord Galway and Das Minas to Madrid. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the retreat of Marshal Tesse, to Jack's great pleasure + Graham came into Barcelona. He had, in the confusion of the retreat, had + little difficulty in slipping away from his captors. His only danger had + been from the peasantry, at whose hands he had narrowly escaped death, as + they took him for a French officer; but, upon being convinced by his + assurances that he was an Englishman and an aide de camp of the Earl of + Peterborough, they had provided him with a horse to make his way back to + Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI: INGRATITUDE + </h2> + <p> + Barcelona rescued, Peterborough at once urged the king to march upon + Madrid and have himself proclaimed king in his capital. There was no force + which could oppose his advance, and Lord Galway and the Portuguese could + move unresisted from the west and meet him there. But it was a long time + before Charles and his counselors would listen to his advice; and although + at last they agreed to follow it, their resolution was short. In the first + place, they determined to leave so large a force to garrison Catalonia + that the army available for the advance on Madrid would be very seriously + weakened—fifteen hundred English and eleven hundred Spaniards were + to be left at Barcelona, sixteen hundred English and Dutch and fifteen + hundred Spanish at Gerona, eight hundred and fifty Spanish and Dutch at + Lerida, and five hundred Spanish at Tortosa. + </p> + <p> + This left but sixty-five hundred men available for service in the field, + and even this number was subsequently diminished by the vacillating + Charles to forty-five hundred. + </p> + <p> + As Peterborough wrote to Lord Halifax: “We have saved kingdoms in spite of + the king, who would abandon them, and we have waged more dangerous war + with ministers than with enemies. Lord Galway and the Portuguese generals + pass all understanding.” + </p> + <p> + No wonder the earl was astounded by the incompetence of Lord Galway and + the Portuguese generals. They had twenty thousand men, while to oppose + them there were but five thousand under the Duke of Berwick; and yet after + entering Spain they fell back, without doing anything, into Portugal—their + retreat beginning on the 11th of May, the day on which Philip retreated + from Barcelona. So that on the opposite side of Spain two large armies + simultaneously retired before others vastly weaker than themselves. When + the news of Tesse's retreat to France reached Portugal they again + advanced. Berwick was too weak to oppose them, and on the 25th of June the + advance guard of the allies occupied Madrid, and there proclaimed Charles + as king. + </p> + <p> + Had Galway and his colleagues now shown the slightest energy, and moved + against Berwick's little force, with which was Philip himself, they could + have driven them across the frontier without striking a blow, and the + French cause would have been lost in Spain; but, having reached Madrid, + they remained there doing absolutely nothing—leaving ample time to + Philip to repair his misfortunes, receive aid from France, and recommence + the campaign with vigor. As Peterborough wrote indignantly to General + Stanhope: “Their halt is as fatal as was Hannibal's at Capua.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the movement upon Madrid had been decided upon, Peterborough + sailed with the English and Dutch infantry to Valencia, where he was + received with enthusiasm by the inhabitants. He at once set to work to + raise a regiment of dragoons, and organized them in three weeks. The very + day they were mounted he marched them upon Castile. During this time not + only had Lord Galway made no movement, but he had joined in the German + intrigue by which Charles was induced to abandon the plan of marching to + his capital under the escort of Peterborough. + </p> + <p> + The allied generals at Madrid were indeed basely jealous of the brilliant + conqueror of Catalonia and Valencia. His deeds had thrown theirs entirely + into the shade. With utterly insufficient means he had done everything; + with ample means they had effected nothing, and had only been enabled to + enter Madrid by the fact that he had drawn off the army which had + successfully opposed them. + </p> + <p> + After incessant labor in organizing his force, the earl sent two thousand + men, under the command of Lieutenant General Wyndham, to besiege the towns + of Requena and Cuenca—two places of some strength which blocked the + road between Valencia and Madrid. + </p> + <p> + Wyndham easily accomplished the task; and the road being thus secured, + Peterborough wrote to Charles that “nothing remained to hinder him from + entering Madrid with even a small escort of horse.” The earl had + everything prepared along the road for the passage of the king; but + although he wrote over and over again urging him not to delay, Charles + refused to stir, and told General Stanhope (who backed Peterborough's + entreaties) that he had “no becoming equipment with which to enter his + capital.” + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” the English general exclaimed in indignant astonishment, “our + William the Third entered London in a hackney, with a cloak bag behind it, + and was made king not many weeks after.” + </p> + <p> + A month after the date originally settled Charles set out and proceeded to + Taragona, but then, to the astonishment of the English general and envoy, + they learned he had altered his mind and taken the route to Saragossa. + When he heard the news, Peterborough sent couriers day after day with + urgent letters to the king. He prevailed upon a deputation of the + Valencian nobility to follow with the same purpose, and transmitted the + opinion of a council of war, which was unanimous in entreating the king to + stay his steps. The king again hesitated, and was about to follow + Peterborough's advice, when a French officer in the Portuguese service + arrived from Galway and Das Minas, again urging him to move by the route + which they had suggested. + </p> + <p> + Charles again hesitated, the Count of Cifuentes (who was with him) gave + his advice in favor of the Saragossa route, and the king decided on that + line. + </p> + <p> + On the 26th of July the earl summoned a council of war, including the + Governor of Valencia, two Spanish generals, and his own officers. They + agreed unanimously that Peterborough should march his army to Madrid or + join the army in Portugal, as circumstances might require. Just before + they started letters came in from the king desiring that Peterborough + should send the forces under his command either to relieve the Duke of + Savoy or to capture the Balearic Isles. + </p> + <p> + The earl declined to follow this ungrateful suggestion, which was + manifestly intended by Charles and his advisers, English, Portuguese, and + German, to send away from his kingdom the man who had won it for him. + Being fortunately independent of orders, Peterborough marched for Castile, + as he and the council of war had previously determined. + </p> + <p> + Charles was not long in regretting that he had not followed Lord + Peterborough's advice. Instead of the triumphant procession from Saragossa + to Madrid, which he had been promised, he was met with the most determined + opposition. + </p> + <p> + Every town and village in the center and south of Spain rose against him; + Salamanca and Toledo declared for Philip, and Andalusia raised eighteen + thousand men. The troops of Las Torres from Valencia, and those who had + retreated under Tesse to Roussillon, had joined Berwick at Xadraque, and + Philip had placed himself at the head of this formidable army. Charles was + obliged to send in the utmost haste to ask the Earl of Peterborough to + extricate him from the position in which he had placed himself by + neglecting his advice. + </p> + <p> + The earl instantly complied with the request, and marching with all speed + overtook the king on the 4th of August at Pastrina, and thence on the + following day escorted him in safety to the army of Portugal at + Guadalaxara. + </p> + <p> + The total strength of the united allied army was eighteen thousand men—a + force inferior, indeed, to that with which Berwick confronted them; and + that portion brought by Lord Galway and the Portuguese General Das Minas + was not to be relied upon, having fallen into a state of great + indiscipline owing to the tedious delays, the frequent retreats, and the + long inactivity to which it had been subjected by the incompetence of its + leaders. That this was so was evident by the fact that the day after the + king's arrival the French made a partial attack, and many of the allied + battalions at once fell into complete confusion. But this was not the + greatest drawback to the efficiency of the allied army; they were + paralyzed by the dissensions of their commanders—Galway, Das Minas, + and the Dutch Count de Noyelles. Each and all declined to acknowledge + Peterborough as commander in chief. The earl then offered to waive his own + rights entirely and to fight as a simple volunteer, and that Das Minas, + Lord Galway, and the Dutch general should each command their own forces, + receiving their orders from the king. + </p> + <p> + This offer was, however, refused by the three generals. The partisans of + the various leaders shared their animosity. The English troops of + Peterborough claiming, and justly, that Catalonia and Valencia had been + gained and won by him, and that to him alone the king owed his crown, were + furious that those who had shown naught but incapacity from the + commencement of the campaign should now refuse to recognize his authority. + While the disputes continued Berwick had nearly succeeded in surprising + Galway, and a disastrous defeat had only been prevented by the gallant + defense made by Lord Tyrawley of an outpost which he commanded, and which + he held for two hours against all the efforts of the French, and so gave + time for the army to make a hasty retreat. + </p> + <p> + The army was, moreover, straitened by want of provisions; Lord Galway and + his colleagues had made no arrangements whatever for its supply. Day and + night the German favorites of the king, who had ruined their master's + cause by dissuading him from following the advice of Lord Peterborough, + now labored with the king still further to destroy his confidence in + Peterborough; and finding himself treated coldly by the ungrateful + monarch, who owed everything to him, opposed at every turn by the other + generals, and seeing that his presence was worse than useless, + Peterborough announced his intention of obeying the orders from Queen + Anne, dated the 12th of June, and repeated on the 17th, to proceed to the + assistance of the Duke of Savoy. + </p> + <p> + On the same evening a council of war was held. The king formally laid + Peterborough's announcement before the generals, who, delighted to get rid + of their rival, unanimously recommended that he should depart. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of August, full of mortification and disgust at the treatment + that he had experienced and the base ingratitude of the king, Peterborough + rode from the camp at Guadalaxara. As if to humiliate him as far as + possible, he was given only an escort of eighty dragoons, although there + were serious difficulties to be encountered on the road to Valencia. His + two favorite aides de camp, Stilwell and Graham, were the only officers + who accompanied him. It is satisfactory to know that from the moment of + the earl's departure misfortune and disaster fell upon the fortunes of + King Charles, and that the crown which he had received from the English + earl was wrested from his unworthy grasp. Peterborough had gone but a + short distance when he heard that all his baggage, consisting of eight + wagon loads and of the value of eight thousand pounds sterling, had fallen + into the hands of the enemy. When he left Valencia to extricate the king + from his difficulties he had ordered it to be sent after him to + Guadalaxara. When it arrived at Cuenca, General Wyndham, who commanded + there, forwarded it with a small escort; but it was attacked while passing + through the town of Huete by a party of the Duke of Berwick's troopers. + </p> + <p> + The earl was furious at the news. Not only were all his personal effects, + jewels, and uniforms lost, but his spare horses, carriages, and mules. + Upon making inquiry he found that the troopers of Berwick had been aided + by the inhabitants of Huete, who had given information to the troopers and + shared in the plunder. His first impulse was to burn the town to the + ground, and as when he arrived there he was joined by Wyndham's force, he + had ample power to do so. + </p> + <p> + He immediately summoned the magistrates and clergy to meet him, and told + them in decided terms that they must find his baggage and the rogues that + had stolen it. After making a search in the town they were able to find + but a small portion of it. They then offered to pay him ten thousand + pistoles for his loss, or any other sum which he might choose to name; but + the earl, with that singular generosity which formed so marked a part of + his character, declined the offer, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I see you are honest gentlemen; for my part I will sit content with my + loss if you will bring all the corn of the district to the army.” + </p> + <p> + The townspeople were delighted at this clemency, as corn was much more + easy to procure than money, and it was accordingly sent to Lord Galway's + camp, where it sufficed to supply the whole army for six weeks. + </p> + <p> + This was an act of almost unparalleled magnanimity and generosity to the + generals whose jealousy and machinations had driven him from the army; but + the earl was so satisfied at thus heaping coals of fire upon the heads of + his rivals that he continued his journey in the highest state of good + humor in spite of the loss which he had suffered, and which, as he was by + no means rich, was a very considerable one. He took with him Killigrew's + dragoons and sent on Wyndham's brigade to join Lord Galway. On the way he + encountered several adventures. + </p> + <p> + One night when he arrived at the little town of Campillo, he heard of a + barbarous massacre that had that day been perpetrated in a neighboring + village upon a small detachment of English soldiers, who had just been + discharged from the hospital at Cuenca, and were proceeding under the + command of an officer to join Wyndham's battalion of the guards, to which + they belonged. They had slept at the village, and were marching out + unconscious of danger, when a shot in the back killed their officer, and + the peasants at once rushed in upon the men and killed several of them, + together with their wives who had accompanied them. The rest were dragged + up a hill near the village, and then one by one thrown down a deep pit. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the earl hear of the outrage than he ordered the trumpets to + sound to horse. The dragoons, who, weary with their long march, had just + unsaddled, turned out wondering at the order; but when they heard what had + happened, they mounted with an impatience for vengeance equal to that of + their general. Arriving at the village they found, to their great + disappointment, that the murderers had fled, and that hardly any of the + inhabitants remained. They found, however, hidden in the church, the + clothes of some of the murdered guardsmen. The sacristan of the church was + alleged by the inhabitants, who were narrowly examined, to have taken an + active part in the slaughter, and the earl ordered him to be hung up at + once to the knocker of his own door. The troops then rode up to the top of + the hill, and the earl and his aides de camp dismounted at the edge of the + pit. They had procured a rope at the village, although the inhabitants + insisted that no one could be found alive, as the pit, which was a disused + one, was of vast depth. + </p> + <p> + “Is any one alive down there?” the earl shouted. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” a voice cried a short distance below them. “Thank God friends + have come; but help me quickly, for I cannot hold on much longer.” + </p> + <p> + Jack seized the rope and twisted one end round his body. Several of the + soldiers lowered him down, and some twenty feet below the edge he came + upon the man who had spoken. As he fell he had caught some bushes which + grew in the side of the old pit, and having managed to find a ledge on + which to place his feet, had maintained his grasp in this perilous + position the whole day. As the rope was amply strong enough to hold two, + Jack clasped his arms around the man's body and called to those above to + haul up. They were soon at the surface. + </p> + <p> + The soldier, who had fainted when he found himself in safety, was laid + down and brandy poured down his throat, and Jack, to his astonishment and + satisfaction, recognized in him his old friend Sergeant Edwards. He did + not wait, however, for him to recover sensibility, but at once told the + troopers to lower him again to the end of the rope. This they did, and + Jack then shouted several times, but received no answer. He then dropped a + small stone he had brought down with him, but no sound came back in + return, and, satisfied that none of the soldiers could have survived the + fall, for he was already more than sixty feet below the surface, he + shouted to those above to draw him up. He found that Edwards had now + recovered his senses, and was giving to the earl a detailed account of the + massacre, which so exasperated him that he gave orders that the village + should be burned to the ground, a command which was willingly carried out + by the troopers. Edwards was delighted at recognizing Jack, and when, + after the destruction of the village, the party rode back to Campillo for + the night, the two old friends had a long chat as to the events which had + happened since they last parted at Barcelona. + </p> + <p> + “Is it true, sir, that the general has resigned his command?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true, Edwards.” + </p> + <p> + “And is he going home, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he will sail to aid the Duke of Savoy; at least that is the present + intention; but I should not be surprised if he is in England ere many + months are over.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I should like to get my discharge and go home too; being + chucked down that pit has given me a regular sickness of campaigning among + these savages. Talk about pirates, Captain Stilwell, why, I had rather + fall among pirates any day than among these bloodthirsty wretches. Calls + themselves Christians too! The pirates wasn't hypocrites, in that way, + anyhow; they didn't bow down on their knees before every little trumpery + doll stuck up by the wayside, and then go and cut a man's throat afterward—it + was all fair and square with them. Anyways, it don't matter to me, as I + see, whether they has King Charles or King Philip to rule over them; I + wishes him joy of the job, whichever it may be; but I don't see no call to + be risking my life in being shot, or chucked down pits, or stabbed in my + bed, for such a lot of varmint any longer. I have served my full time, and + can take my pension; besides, I have got something like a thousand pounds + stowed away in a snug hiding place near Barcelona.” + </p> + <p> + “You have, Edwards? I am glad to hear it; I had no idea you were such a + rich man.” + </p> + <p> + “It's prize money, sir, lawful earned prize money, though I don't know + between ourselves as the colonel would have approved of it; so I stowed it + away and says nothing till I gets a chance to lift it before I set sail. + It's been rather worrying me in case we should be ordered to take ship at + some other port.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but how did you get it, Edwards?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I know that I can tell you, 'cause I am sure it won't go no + further. Just afore the French came down to besiege Barcelona I was up + with the brigade at Lerida. The people were pretty much divided up there, + but the news as the French was coming to drive us into the sea made the + folks as was against us very bold. The sentries had to be doubled at + night, for lots of our men were found stabbed, and it was dangerous to go + about outside the town except in parties. Well, sir, Sergeant Adams of + ours, as smart a soldier as ever wore pigtail, had fallen in love with the + daughter of an innkeeper at a place four miles from Lerida. + </p> + <p> + “It wasn't much of a village, but there was a big convent close by, one of + the richest in Spain, they said. The girl was fond of Adams, and had + agreed, so he told me, to cut and run when the regiment marched away, and + to be spliced to him. I rather tried to dissuade him from the affair, for, + as I pointed out, how would a Spanish woman get on in barracks with the + other sergeants' wives, specially if she was as pretty as the whole lot + put together? However, of course, he wouldn't listen to that—no chap + ever does when he's downright in love; so he asked me one afternoon if I + would go out with him and Sergeant Saunders to the village, so that while + we were having our glass he could manage to get a few words with the girl + to arrange about her joining him, for the French were only two or three + marches away, and we might have to fall back any day. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't much like the job, for it was a risky business three of us going + so far; but he pointed out that we needn't start till it got dark, so + nobody would see us till we got to the village, and we needn't stay there + above a quarter of an hour, and could be off before any one who meant + mischief could find out that we were alone; besides, hitherto the people + there had always been friendly, for, being just the right distance for a + walk, and the wine there being good, our fellows went over there a good + deal: so the long and short of it was we went. + </p> + <p> + “We got there all right, and walked into the wine shop as usual and sat + down and called for wine. There were half a dozen fellows sitting there + drinking. They were talking aloud when we entered, but stopped at once as + we came in, and looked as men do when you come across them just as they + are saying something as is no good about you. We passed the word as usual, + and were soon chatting with them. They didn't seem very free and friendly, + and asked several questions about the French army, and whether we had any + troops coming up to help us hold Lerida. I said we expected five or six + thousand in a day or two, which seemed rather to take them by surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Well, presently Adams got up quietly and went out of the door, and I knew + he was going round to the back to meet his girl. I had seen a look pass + atween them when she brought in our wine. We went on talking quiet for + some time; four or five other men dropped in, and some of them got talking + together in low tones, and I began to wish we were well out of it, and to + wonder how much longer Adams was going to be before he came back. Suddenly + we heard a loud scream, and Manola—that was the girl's name—came + rushing in from behind. 'He's killed him,' she screamed, and she fell down + as if she had been killed too. As I heard afterward, her old rascal of a + father had for some time suspected something was up between her and Adams, + and when he missed him had stolen out behind and came upon them just as he + was kissing her and saying goodby. Then he whipped his knife out, and + before Adams had time to turn round, stabbed him in the back, and the + sergeant fell dead without a word. + </p> + <p> + “Close behind the girl rushed in the innkeeper, swearing and cursing and + calling us heretics, and dogs, and robbers, and every other bad kind of + name. The men got up and began to stamp and shout, and seeing that it was + no time for argument I said to Saunders, 'We had best make a bolt of it, + Bill.' So we out swords and made a dash for the inner door, for they had + closed in at the other with their knives out. We got safely through the + house. Just outside the back door we came upon the body of Adams. We + stopped a moment and turned him over to see if he was dead, but it was all + up with him. + </p> + <p> + “It didn't take a moment to look; but, before it was done, they were upon + us, both from behind and running round from the front of the house. We cut + and slashed for a moment and then bolted with them at our heels. We got + separated in a minute. I turned in among some bushes and lost Saunders. I + heard afterward he was killed before he had run fifty yards. Luckily they + missed me for the moment, and I lay down among the bushes and thought it + over. The whole village was up by this time, as I could hear by the + shouts; and after thinking it over I concluded that there was no chance of + my making my way back to Lerida, and that my best plan would be to go up + to the convent and ask for shelter there. I knew well enough that once + inside I should be safe from the peasants. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I crawled along for some distance. Half a dozen times they was nigh + stumbling over me as they searched about in the gardens and vineyards; but + at last I made my way safe up to the convent and rang at the bell. + Presently the little window in the door opened, and a monk said, 'Who is + there?' I kept out of his sight and said in Spanish: 'A fugitive who seeks + sanctuary.' Thinking I was only somebody who had stabbed three or four men + in a row, the monk opened the door. He gave an exclamation when he saw my + uniform when I entered, and would have slammed the door in my face; but I + pushed in. Then he gave a shout, and five or six other monks came running + up and set up a jabbering, and stood staring at me as if I had been a wild + beast. Then they wanted to turn me out; but I wouldn't budge, and as I had + my sword still in my hand they didn't know what to do. + </p> + <p> + “At last some chap in authority came down. He talked to me and tried to + persuade me to leave; but I said, 'No, I claim sanctuary;' and as they + were ready to give sanctuary to the worst of murderers, I didn't see as + they could deny it to me who had committed no crime whatever. He went away + and came back again after some time, and then told me to sheath my sword + and follow him. This I did, and he led the way to a sort of cell where + there were some rushes laid on a stone bed, and told me that I could + remain there. + </p> + <p> + “Thinking it was all right I lay down and went to sleep, but was presently + woke by half a dozen monks, who were tying my hands and feet with cords. + It was no use struggling, so I lay quiet; and when they had done, they + carried me away, took me some distance, and went down a flight of stairs; + a door was unlocked, and then I was pitched down on the ground as if I had + been a log of wood. I didn't move much that night. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning there was just enough light came through a little slit + high up in the wall to show me that I was in a place about six feet + square. It was perfectly bare, without as much as a bit of straw to lie + on. Presently two monks came in. One of them untied the cords which + fastened my hands. They placed some black bread and a jug of water by me, + and then went out again. There they kept me for six days. At the end of + that time they told me to come along with them. I had, of course, taken + the cords off my legs when I had got my hands free, and I followed them, + wondering what was to come next. I was taken to the door of the convent, + and there I saw a party of French troopers, to whom the monks handed me + over. I mounted behind one of them, and was taken to Marshal Tesse's camp + near Lerida, and a couple of days afterward sent back to Saragossa. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't stop long in the prison there, for the next day the people rose, + turned the French from the citadel, and opened the prison doors and let + out all the prisoners. They made a good deal of me, as I was the only + Englishman there, supplied me with money and clean clothes, and provided + me with a guide and a mule to take me by round about byroads so that I + should avoid the French army. I put my regimentals in a bag, which I + carried behind me, and at last got down to Barcelona the very day before + the French arrived there. + </p> + <p> + “I found my regiment already there. I got a rare blowing up from the + colonel for having gone out from Lerida without leave; but as he said he + thought I had been punished enough already, and bore a good character, he + overlooked it, of which I was glad enough, I can tell you, for I expected + nothing less than reduction to the ranks. + </p> + <p> + “Well, after Lord Peterborough arrived with the fleet, and the French + bolted as hard as they could to France, Wyndham's brigade went up again to + Lerida. I got chatting the affair over with Jack Thompson, who was General + Wyndham's servant, and we agreed between us that we would give those monks + a fright, and perhaps get some compensation out of them. So we got hold of + four of Killigrew's dragoons, who, when they heard what was wanted, was + ready enough for the spree. So one day when General Wyndham had gone off + with a party for the day, Thompson borrowed his hat and plumes and his + cloak, and hiding them up, went out of camp with me to a place a quarter + of a mile away, where the four troopers with two spare horses were waiting + for us. Thompson put on the general's hat and cloak, and mounted one + horse, while I got on the other, and away we rode out to the village. + </p> + <p> + “First of all we went to the inn and seized the innkeeper. Manola wasn't + there, and I never heard what became of her—whether her father had + sent her to a convent or killed her, I don't know. However, we held a + court regular. Thompson he was the judge, and I gave evidence as to the + innkeeper having murdered poor Adams, and Thompson sentenced him to death, + and we hung him up over his door. When we had set that job right we went + to the convent and rang the bell. They opened quick enough this time. + </p> + <p> + “'Tell the prior,' Thompson said, 'that the Earl of Peterborough is here, + and desires to see him instantly.' + </p> + <p> + “Mighty frightened the monk looked, I can tell you, as he went off to give + the message, and came back in a minute, asking Thompson to follow him. We + all dismounted. Two of the troopers stopped to look after the horses, and + the others with drawn swords followed Thompson and me. We were shown into + the prior's room, which was fit for a prince. The prior looked mighty + pale, and so did two or three other chaps who were with him. + </p> + <p> + “'Look here,' Thompson said in an angry tone of voice, 'I am the Earl of + Peterborough, and I hear from this man, Sergeant Edwards, of the king's + regiment of grenadiers, that he was basely and treacherously made a + prisoner by you; that he was confined in an underground cell and fed with + bread and water for a week, and then handed over to the French. Now, sir, + I give you an hour to clear out with all your gang from this convent, + which I intend to destroy. You will remain in the courtyard as prisoners. + You will then be tried for this treacherous act against one of the King of + England's guards, and all found to have had a hand in the proceeding will + be hung.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, you may just guess the fright they were in. They knew that the + earl was just the sort of man to carry his threat into execution, and they + thought their last day was come. You never saw such a set of cowardly + wretches in your life. I am blessed if they didn't go down on their knees + and howl. At last Thompson began to think he had worked them up enough, + and he said stern: + </p> + <p> + “'Well, I am disposed to have mercy, and if in half an hour you pay down + the sum of five thousand pounds as a ransom for the convent and your + wretched lives I will be merciful.' + </p> + <p> + “Then there was a fresh howling. They swore by all the saints that such a + sum as five thousand pounds was never heard of. Thompson gradually dropped + his demands to three thousand; still they swore they hadn't got it, and he + said sternly to one of the troopers: + </p> + <p> + “'Ride back and fetch up the regiment which is a mile outside the + village.' + </p> + <p> + “Then there was more howling, and at last they offered to give seven + hundred pounds, which was all the money which they had in the treasury, + and to make it up in precious stones. After a deal of haggling Thompson + consented, and I believe if he had stood out for three times as much he + would have got it, for the convent was rich in relics, and no end of + precious offerings were stored away in their chests; however, he didn't + wish to push matters too far, and in half an hour they brought the money, + and a handful of diamonds and rubies, and things they had picked out of + their settings in the vases and crucifixes and vestments, and what not. + </p> + <p> + “We didn't know if they were real or not; but Thompson told them he should + give them to a jeweler to value, and if he found they had cheated him by + giving him false stones he would come back and hang the lot of them. So + off we rode again. + </p> + <p> + “When we got back to Lerida we took two or three of the stones to a + jeweler and found that they were all right. Then we divided the swag into + three parts as we had agreed. Thompson took one, I took another, and the + other was divided among the four troopers, who were not running such a + risk as we were. I never heard anything more about the matter, as far as I + was concerned, though there was a row. The prior heard that Peterborough + had never been near Lerida, and came over and saw General Wyndham. + </p> + <p> + “Killigrew's dragoons were paraded, but the prior couldn't spot any of + them. We had chosen four fair fellows, and they had all darkened + themselves a bit before they went. Luckily the prior did not say anything + about me. I expect he was afraid that when Wyndham heard how I had been + treated there he might have inflicted a fresh fine on the convent; + however, I was not there at the time, for I had a touch of fever the day + after the affair, and made myself out a bit worse than I was, and so got + sent down to Barcelona, where I buried my share of the plunder four or + five inches deep in a corner of the hospital yard. As to Thompson, there + wasn't any reason why suspicion should fall upon him. Soon after I got + back to my regiment I got ill again and was left in a hospital at Cuenca, + and had a narrow escape of it this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a risky business,” Jack said, “and it would have gone very hard + with you and Thompson if you had been found out.” + </p> + <p> + “So it would, sir. I knew that; but you see, it was only right and just + those fellows should pay for their treatment of me. If I had laid the case + before General Wyndham, no doubt he would have punished them just as + severe as I did, only the fine would have gone into the army treasury, + instead of going to the right person.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid, Edwards, that you have not got rid of those loose notions of + morality you picked up among the pirates,” Jack said, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not, Captain Stilwell. You see, bad habits stick to a man; but I + have done with them now. When I get back to England I shall buy a snug + public house at Dover, and with that and my pension I shall be in clover + for the rest of my life.” + </p> + <p> + It was not until the voyage home that Jack, after obtaining a promise of + secrecy, related to the earl the liberty which had been taken with his + name. It was just a freak after Peterborough's heart, and he was immensely + amused. + </p> + <p> + “The rascals!” he said, “they deserved hanging, every one of them; but the + story is a capital one, and I should like to have been there myself to + have seen the fright of the prior and his assistants. They richly deserved + what befell them and more for betraying sanctuary. If it had been a + scoundrel who had cut his wife's throat, and stabbed half a dozen men, + they would have refused to give him up to the civil power, and would have + stood on the rights of sanctuary of the Church. I think they were let off + very easily. Let me see, is not that the same fellow that I exchanged into + the grenadiers at Gibraltar at your request, for his conduct in that + business of the mutiny on board your ship?” + </p> + <p> + “The same man, sir. He has led a queer life. He was a sailor originally, + and was taken by pirates and forced to join them, and had a narrow escape + of being hung when the vessel he sailed in was captured by an English + cruiser; but his life was spared, and he was drafted into the army, and he + is a willing and faithful soldier of the queen, and really a worthy + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “He is evidently an arrant old scamp, Stilwell. Still, as long as we + recruit our army as we do, we cannot look for morality as well as bravery, + and I dare say your fellow is no worse than the rest. If you ever run + against him in London you must bring him to me, and I will hear his story + from his own lips.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII: HOME + </h2> + <p> + Upon the arrival of the Earl of Peterborough at Valencia he was received + with the profoundest sympathy and respect by the people, who were filled + with indignation at the treatment which the man whose daring and genius + had freed Catalonia and Valencia of the French had received at the hands + of their ungrateful monarch. Finding that a portion of the fleet had been + ordered to the West Indies, the earl was obliged to abandon his project of + capturing Minorca and then carrying substantial aid to the Duke of Savoy. + He, however, went to Genoa, and there borrowed a hundred thousand pounds, + which he brought back to Valencia and sent to the king for the use of the + army. + </p> + <p> + The cause of Charles was already well nigh desperate. Castile was lost, + and the enemy were pressing forward to recover Catalonia and Valencia. + Affairs were in the utmost state of confusion. Peterborough's rivals + having got rid of him now quarreled among themselves, or their only bond + of union was their mutual hatred of the earl. + </p> + <p> + The king himself, while he pretended to flatter him, wrote letters behind + his back to England bringing all sorts of accusations against him, and + succeeded in obtaining an order for his return. Before leaving he implored + the king and his generals to avoid a battle, which would probably be + disastrous, and to content themselves with a defensive war until Eugene of + Savoy and the Duke of Marlborough broke the power of France elsewhere. His + opinion was overruled, and the result was the disastrous battle of + Almanza, in which the hopes of Charles of Austria of obtaining the crown + of Spain were finally crushed. + </p> + <p> + Peterborough embarked on the 14th of May on board the Resolution, man of + war, commanded by his second son Henry. + </p> + <p> + The Resolution was accompanied by two frigates, the Enterprise and the + Milford Haven. The King of Spain's envoy to the court of Savoy also sailed + in the Resolution. The earl took with him his two aides de camp, who were + both too indignant at the treatment which their chief had received to + desire to remain with the army in Spain. The little squadron sailed first + for Barcelona, where it only remained a few hours, and then set sail for + Italy. + </p> + <p> + On the fifth day at sea they fell in with a French fleet of six men of + war. Two carried eighty guns, two seventy, one sixty-eight, and the other + fifty-eight. The Resolution was a slow sailer, and the French, who at once + gave chase, gained rapidly upon her. As resistance against such + overwhelming odds seemed hopeless, Peterborough determined to go with the + Spanish envoy and the state papers on board the Enterprise. There was + little time for reflection. A small boat was lowered, and the earl, with a + hasty adieu to his son, Jack, and Graham, descended the ship's side with + the Spanish envoy and rowed away to the Enterprise. + </p> + <p> + “We are fated to see the inside of a French prison, after all,” Jack said + to Graham. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, Stilwell. We have both been in their hands once, and did + not stay there long. I can hardly believe that our luck's going to desert + us at last.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see much chance of our escape this time, Graham. Six ships + against one are too great odds even for English sailors. The smallest of + them carries as many guns as we do, and once a prisoner on board a ship + there is no slipping away.” + </p> + <p> + “We are not prisoners yet, Jack, and I don't think that Mordaunt will + strike his flag without a struggle, though they are six to one. He is just + his father over again as far as courage goes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope, anyhow, the earl will get away,” Jack said. “If it hadn't + been for all those state papers he is burdened with I am sure he would + have stuck to the Resolution and fought it out. It would be just the kind + of desperate adventure to suit him. See, he has reached the Enterprise, + and she and the Milford Haven are spreading every sail; but although they + will leave us behind I question whether they will outsail the French. They + are coming up fast.” + </p> + <p> + “It will soon be dark,” Graham said, “and they may be able to slip away. + You may be sure the French will attend to us first, as being the most + valuable prize.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen,” Captain Mordaunt said, coming up to them, “you are + going to have a piece of new experience. I know you have been through some + apparently hopeless conflicts on land with my father, but I don't think + you have ever seen a sea fight.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to fight them all, sir?” Jack asked. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to try,” the captain said. “My orders were to go to Leghorn, + and to Leghorn I mean to go if the ship floats; but I tell you honestly I + do not think there is much chance of our getting there. Still, as long as + the ship floats, the British flag will float over her.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything we can do, sir?” Jack asked. “We shall be happy to + serve as volunteers in any capacity in which you think we may be useful.” + </p> + <p> + “Until it comes to boarding I fear that you cannot help,” the captain + said, “except by walking about between decks and cheering and inspiriting + the men. The presence of officers looking cool and confident among them + always does good. If the enemy try to board us you shall fight by my + side.” + </p> + <p> + The two fastest sailing French vessels were so close when night fell that + it was hopeless to try to evade them either by changing the ship's course + or by lowering the sails. At ten o'clock they were less than a mile + astern, one on either quarter. The ship had long since been ready for + action, and the men were now called to the guns; but the enemy did not + open fire, but could, by the night glasses, be seen somewhat to shorten + sail so as to keep about the same distance behind the Resolution. + </p> + <p> + “Cowardly dogs,” the young captain said, “they do not mean to fight until + the whole of their consorts come up. However, we ought not to grumble, as + every hour takes us so much nearer port.” + </p> + <p> + He then ordered the men to lie down by the guns and get what sleep they + could until the enemy opened fire. Jack and Graham, finding that there was + nothing to be done, threw themselves into their hammocks, and slept till + five o'clock in the morning. They were then aroused, and went on deck. The + six French ships had now all come up, and were coming on in a body. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, gentlemen,” the young captain said gayly. “We have a fine + morning for our amusement. I wish the wind would freshen a little more so + as to take this lubberly old ship faster through the water.” + </p> + <p> + At six o'clock the leading vessel of the French squadron opened fire, and + at the signal her consorts all followed her example. Some of them were now + almost abreast of the Resolution, and the iron shower tore through her + sails and cut her rigging. She answered with a broadside from both sides, + and the battle commenced in earnest. + </p> + <p> + In all the annals of British seamanship there is no more heroic story than + that of the fight between the Resolution and the six French men of war. + From six in the morning until half past three in the afternoon she + maintained the unequal contest, still keeping on under full sail toward + her port, only yawing occasionally to pour a broadside into one or other + of her foes. They were now running along the coast, and the peasants on + the distant hills must have watched with astonishment the unequal fight as + the vessels pressed on past them. By half past three the Resolution was + little more than a wreck. Her sails were riddled with holes, many of her + spars shot away, her sides ragged and torn, and many of her crew killed, + but the remainder of the crew still fought their guns unflinchingly. + </p> + <p> + “We can do no more,” Captain Mordaunt said to Jack. “The carpenter has + just reported that the mainmast is so seriously injured that at any moment + it may go over the side. It is impossible to hope any longer to reach + Leghorn, but my ship I am determined they shall not have.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he gave orders to the first lieutenant, and the vessel's head + was suddenly turned straight toward the shore. The French, astonished at + so desperate a course, did not venture to follow her, and the Resolution + threaded her way through the dangerous reefs till at last she brought up + with a sudden crash which sent her tottering mainmast over the side. + </p> + <p> + The French advanced cautiously until nearing the reefs, and then opened a + distant fire, which the Resolution did not return. The captain ordered the + exhausted crew from their guns, a strong allowance of grog was served out, + and after a meal the men felt again ready for work. Jack and his companion + were at dinner with the captain, when the officer in charge of the deck + reported that the French ships were lowering their boats. + </p> + <p> + “Let the men rest as long as possible, Mr. Darwin, but when you see the + boats fairly on their way toward us beat to quarters.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later the roll of the drums was heard. “Now, gentlemen, we + will go on deck,” the captain said, “since they will not let us alone. But + if their ships could not take us I do not think that their boats will have + much chance.” + </p> + <p> + Dusk was closing in when they went on deck and saw all the boats of the + six French men of war, crowded with men, rowing in a line toward them. The + captain gave the order for the men to load with grape. As soon as the + French flotilla came well within range the word was given, and a storm of + balls swept their line. + </p> + <p> + Several of the boats were sunk at once, the others paused to pick up their + comrades from the water, and then again dashed forward; but by this time + the guns were again loaded, and the hail of iron again crashed into them. + With splendid bravery the French still advanced until close to the ship. + Then Captain Mordaunt ordered all the lower deck guns to be run in and the + ports closed, and the crew to come on deck. While some worked the upper + guns, others kept up a heavy fire of musketry upon the boats, which + swarmed round the ship. + </p> + <p> + Again and again the French made determined efforts to board, but they were + unable to climb the lofty sides of the ship. At length, after suffering + terrible loss, the French sailors gave up the attempt and rowed sullenly + off to their ships, covered by the darkness from the English fire. Captain + Mordaunt took off his cap and gave the signal, and a hearty cheer arose + from the crew. The night passed quietly, the terribly diminished crew lay + down as they stood by the guns, in readiness to repel another attack, + should it be attempted. The next morning one of the French eighty gun + ships got under way, and, with merely a rag of canvas shown, and her boats + rowing ahead and sounding to find a channel through the reefs, gradually + made her way toward the Resolution. + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen,” the captain said, “I think you will agree with me that + nothing further can be done. The ship is already half full of water, the + magazine is flooded, and the whole of the powder wetted. The ship is a + wreck, and I should be only throwing away the men's lives uselessly by + attempting further resistance.” + </p> + <p> + The officers thoroughly agreed, and with the greatest coolness the captain + gave his orders for the abandonment of the vessel. Although the French man + of war had now opened fire, all the wounded, the whole of the crew, the + flags, papers, and everything of value were placed in the boats, and the + vessel was then set on fire in a dozen places. + </p> + <p> + After superintending everything personally, and making sure that the fire + had obtained such a hold that it could not be extinguished, Captain + Mordaunt ordered the officers to descend into the boats. Just as he was + about to leave the deck himself, the last man on board the ship, a cannon + shot from the French man of war struck him in the leg. The officers ran + back and raised him from the deck. + </p> + <p> + “It might have been worse,” he said cheerfully. “Now, gentlemen, will you + carry me down and place me in my gig, and then take your boats as + arranged? Be careful, as you row toward shore, to keep the Resolution + between you and the Frenchman's guns.” + </p> + <p> + Everything was done steadily and in order, and the survivors of the crew + of the Resolution reached the shore without further loss. The Resolution + was now in a blaze from end to end, and by eleven o'clock she was burned + to the water's edge. Mordaunt and his crew were kindly received by the + people of the country. As the captain himself would not be able to move + for some time, Jack and Graham said adieu to him and posted to Turin, + where the earl had told them that he should go direct from Leghorn. + </p> + <p> + They arrived before him, but twenty-four hours after they had reached the + capital of Savoy the earl arrived. He had already heard rumors of the + desperate fight between the Resolution and the enemy, and that his son had + been wounded. His aides de camp were now able to assure him that, although + serious, Captain Mordaunt's wounds were not likely to be fatal, and + Peterborough was delighted with the narrative of the gallant achievement + of his son. Shortly afterward an imperative order for his return reaching + the earl, he set out for England through Germany with his two aides de + camp. Peterborough was suffering from illness caused by the immense + exertions he had made through the campaign, and traveled but slowly. He + visited many of the German courts, and went for a few days to the camp of + Charles of Sweden in Saxony. + </p> + <p> + After this, by special invitation, he journeyed to the camp of the Duke of + Marlborough at Genappes, where he was received with much honor by the + great commander. He presented to him his two aides de camp. + </p> + <p> + “They have, my lord duke,” he said, “been my faithful friends throughout + the whole campaign in Spain, they have shared all my dangers, and any + credit I may have gained is due in no small degree to their zeal and + activity. It is unlikely that I shall again command an army in the field, + and therefore I would recommend them to you. They will accompany me to + England, for they, too, need a rest, after their exertions; after that I + trust that they may be sent out to fight under your orders, and I trust + that you will keep them in your eye, and will give them the advantage of + your protection and favor.” + </p> + <p> + The duke promised to do so, and, after a few days' stay in the camp, the + earl with his two followers started for England, where he arrived on the + 20th of August, 1707, nearly two years to a day from the date when he had + appeared, with a force under his command, before Barcelona. But the + campaign itself, so far as he was concerned, had lasted less than a year, + as it was in August, 1706, that he rode into Valencia, after having been + deprived of his command. + </p> + <p> + In that year he exhibited military qualities which have never been + surpassed. Daring to the point of extreme rashness where there was a + possibility of success, he was prudent and cautious in the extreme when + prudence was more necessary than daring. With absurdly insufficient means + he all but conquered Spain for Charles of Austria, and would have + succeeded in doing so altogether had he not, from first to last, been + thwarted and hampered by jealousy, malignity, stupidity, and irresolution + on the part of the king, his courtiers, and the generals who should have + been the earl's assistants, but who were his rivals, detractors, and + enemies. + </p> + <p> + It must be owned that Peterborough owed this opposition in some degree to + himself. He was impatient of fools, and took no pains to conceal his + contempt and dislike for those whose intellects were inferior to his own. + His independence of spirit and eccentricity of manner set the formal + German and Spanish advisers of the king against him, and although adored + by the officers and men who served under him, he made almost every man of + rank approaching his own who came in contact with him his personal enemy. + Among the bulk of the Spanish people of the provinces in which he warred + he was beloved as well as admired, and even to this day legends of the + brilliant and indefatigable English general are still current among the + people of Catalonia and Valencia. No man ever served the cause to which he + devoted himself with greater zeal and sincerity. He was lavish of his own + private means in its interest, and, even when his advice and opinion were + most slighted, he was ready to sacrifice himself, his rank, and dignity to + the good of the cause. Had he had the good fortune to command an army of + his own countrymen unfettered by others, it is probable that he would have + gained a renown equal to that of the greatest commanders the world has + known. + </p> + <p> + The great services which he had rendered were warmly felt and acknowledged + by the people of England on his return, and the attempts of his enemies to + undermine his reputation were confuted by the papers which he brought back + with him. For a time Peterborough took a considerable part in politics, + and his acrimony in debate so enraged his enemies that his conduct during + the war in Spain was called into question. A debate on the subject took + place. In this he successfully defended himself from the attacks made + against him, and a formal vote of thanks to him was passed. + </p> + <p> + Some years afterward he retired altogether from public life, and privately + married Miss Anastasia Robinson, his first wife having died many years + before. Miss Robinson was a singer of the highest repute, of the most + amiable character, and kindest disposition. There was no reason why the + match should not have been publicly acknowledged, as the lady was held in + universal esteem; but, with his usual eccentricity, the earl insisted on + the marriage being kept a secret, and did not announce it until on his + death bed in the year 1735. Lady Peterborough lived in profound + retirement, universally beloved and honored, to the age of eighty-eight. + </p> + <p> + Upon arriving in London Jack stayed for a few days with his friend Graham, + whose family lived there. The earl had told the young officer that he + would introduce them to the queen, but, on their calling by appointment on + him at his hotel on the third day after their arrival in town, + Peterborough said: + </p> + <p> + “You had best go about your own business for a time; the queen is out of + temper. The ears of ministers have been poisoned by lying letters from my + enemies in Spain, but it will all come right in time. As you know, I have + papers which will clear me of every charge that their malignity may + invent. When I am in favor again I will let you know, and will present you + to the queen and minister of war; at any rate, you will like a rest at + home before you set out for the Netherlands, so there will be plenty of + time.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Jack took his place on the coach for Southampton. He arrived + there after fourteen hours' journey, and put up at a hotel for the night. + The next morning he dressed himself with greater care than usual, and + started for the well remembered shop in the High Street. He knocked at the + private door, and inquired if Mistress Anthony were in. + </p> + <p> + “Will you say that a gentleman whom she knows wishes to speak to her?” + </p> + <p> + Jack was shown into the parlor, and in a minute or two Mrs. Anthony + appeared, looking a little flustered at hearing that a grand looking + officer wished to see her. Jack advanced toward her with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jack!” she exclaimed with a scream of delight, “is it you?” and the + good woman threw her arms round his neck and kissed him as if he had been + her own son. + </p> + <p> + “Of course we got your letters,” she said, “telling us how you had been + made an officer and then a captain. The last letter we had from you was + from Italy; telling us about that great sea fight, and that you were + coming home, but that's eight months ago. We knew you were with my Lord + Peterborough, and we saw in the Intelligencer about his being in Germany, + and last week they said he had come home. We were talking about you only + yesterday, and wondering whether you would come down to see us, and + whether you would know us now you had grown such a fine gentleman, and + being written about in Lord Peterborough's dispatches, and accustomed to + all sorts of grand society.” + </p> + <p> + “You knew I would,” Jack said; “why, where should I go if not here? And + Alice is quite well, I hope, and grown quite a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite a woman yet, Jack, but getting on.” She opened the door and + called Alice, and in a minute the girl ran down. Her mother saw that she + had guessed who the caller was, for she had smoothed her hair and put on a + bright ribbon which her mother had not seen for three years, and which + Jack himself had given her. She paused a moment shyly at the door, for + this young officer, in all the glories of the staff uniform, was a very + grand figure in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Cousin Jack?” she said, coming forward, with a bright + color and outstretched hand. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Cousin Alice?” Jack said, mimicking her tone; “why, you + little goose,” he exclaimed, catching her in his arms and kissing her, + “you don't suppose I am going to be satisfied with shaking your hand after + being nearly three years away.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but you are so big, Jack, and so grand, it seems different + altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “You are bigger than you were, Alice, but it does not seem in the least + different to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I thought you would be quite changed, Jack, and quite different, + now you are a captain, and famous, and all that, and you have seen so many + grand ladies in all the countries you have traveled that—that—” + And she hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on,” Jack said gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, that you would have forgotten all about me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are a very bad little girl, Alice, and not half so good as I + thought you were, for you must have a very bad opinion of me, indeed, if + you thought all that of me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I quite thought so, Jack. Well, I told myself it was only + natural it should be so.” + </p> + <p> + “We will argue that out presently,” Jack said; “and now, where is Mr. + Anthony?” + </p> + <p> + “I will call him, Jack,” Mrs. Anthony said. “You have no ill feeling, I + hope, toward him, for you know he really has been very sorry about the + part he took in getting you away, and has blamed himself over and over + again.” + </p> + <p> + “I never have had,” Jack said; “it has been the best thing that ever + happened to me. If I had had my own way I should still be working before + the mast instead of being a captain in the army.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Anthony was soon called in from the store. At first he was a little + awkward and shy, but Jack's heartiness soon put him at his ease. + </p> + <p> + Jack stayed a fortnight at Southampton, and then, on the receipt of a + letter from the Earl of Peterborough, went up to town, where he was + presented to the queen and afterward to the minister of war by the earl. + </p> + <p> + A week later he and Graham sailed for the Netherlands and joined the army + of the Duke of Marlborough, and served under that great commander until, + three years later, the war was brought to a conclusion. They were attached + to the staff of one of the generals of division. + </p> + <p> + The duke kept his promise to the Earl of Peterborough, and kept his eye on + the young officers. Both distinguished themselves in the hard fought + battles in Belgium, and the end of the war found them both colonels. There + being no prospect of further wars the army was greatly reduced, and Jack + was retired on half pay, and as soon as matters were arranged in London he + again made his way down to Southampton, and at once asked Mr. Anthony's + permission to pay his addresses to his daughter. + </p> + <p> + The ex mayor consented with delight, and, as Alice herself offered no + objection, matters were speedily arranged. Jack's half pay was sufficient + for them to live on comfortably, and Mr. Anthony, in his gratification at + a marriage which he considered did him great honor, presented her with a + handsome sum at her wedding, and the young couple settled down in a pretty + house a short distance out of Southampton. + </p> + <p> + Jack was never called out again for active service, and lived in the + neighborhood of Southampton until the end of his long life, buying a small + estate there, when, at the death of Mr. Anthony, the handsome fortune + which the cloth merchant had made came to his daughter, subject to an + annuity to Mrs. Anthony, who took up her abode for the rest of her life + with her son-in-law, her daughter, and their children. For many years + Colonel Stilwell sat in parliament as member for Southampton, and + maintained a warm friendship with his ancient commander until the death of + the latter, in 1735. + </p> + <p> + THE END. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bravest of the Brave, by G. A. 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