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Title: Hearts and the highway
A romance of the road
Author: Cyrus Townsend Brady
Illustrator: F. C. Yohn
Release date: April 19, 2026 [eBook #78498]
Language: English
Original publication: New York: A. L. Burt Company, 1909
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78498
Credits: Al Haines
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HEARTS AND THE HIGHWAY ***
[Frontispiece: As he opened the door...]
_As he opened the door, he
started back in surprise.
"Fore God" he said "did I
not know, I should think it
Lord Carthew in
life again"_
HEARTS AND
THE HIGHWAY
A ROMANCE OF THE ROAD
_First set forth by Lady Katharine Clanranald and Sir
Hugh Richmond and now transcribed by
Cyrus Townsend Brady_
Author of "The Island of Regeneration," "The
Better Man," etc.
WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS
By F. C. YOHN
A. L. BURT COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
COPYRIGHT, 1909, BY
THE CROWELL PUBLISHING COMPANY
COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY
DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY
_Published, March_ 1911
Dedicated to
MRS. HARRIETTE ROSCOE ELLARD
AND HER DEVOTED ASSOCIATES
IN THE LIVELIEST AND MOST ENTHUSIASTIC
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY SOCIETY THAT I KNOW
PREFACE
This story is exactly what it purports to be, a romance, as the
reader who cares to follow the Highway with the Hero and Heroine
whose adventures thereon are hereafter set forth will see. It makes
no pretence at being an historical novel, and yet, perhaps, it is
only fair to the Manes of Lady Grizel Ogilby to point out that she
herself once played a dashing rôle, somewhat like that attributed to
Lady Katharine Clanranald, in a similar emergency in Scottish history
and at a similar crisis in the family fortunes. I am just a little
tired, for the nonce, of the problem story, and I have turned to this
with a keen relish in which I humbly trust the reader will share.
Variety is the life of literature: if I confined myself to one kind
of books, or to one kind of sermons, I should be a dead author and a
dead preacher as well.
The relaxations of life are not to be found in idleness, but in doing
things that are different. It is a far cry from _The Island of
Regeneration_ to _The Better Man_ and from _The Better Man_ to
_Hearts and the Highway_. And it will be a farther cry, perhaps, to
the next story! Here's hoping that each may find a place and welcome
in some gracious reader's heart.
CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY.
ST. GEORGE'S RECTORY, KANSAS CITY, Mo.,
New Year's Day, 1911.
CONTENTS
BOOK I
THE WINNING OF A HUSBAND
_As Set Forth by the Lady of the Quest,
with a Necessary Interlude by the
Gentleman in Person_
CHAPTER I
_In Which I, Lady Katharine Clanranald, Come to a Desperate but Manly
Resolution_
CHAPTER II
_Wherein Worthy Master Dunner Finds My Lord Carthew's Clothes Vastly
Becoming to Me as I Ride Away_
CHAPTER III
_How I Ate, Drank, and Gamed with Sir Hugh Richmond, Under Whom I
Would Fain See Service_
CHAPTER IV
_Wherein I Played the Highwayman and What Befell Me on the Road_
CHAPTER V
_In Which I Ride Away with My Captor, Who Threatens Me with Death for
High Treason_
CHAPTER VI
_In Which, by the Favour of the King's Messenger, I am Permitted to
Ride South Again on My Quest_
CHAPTER VII
_Wherein, at the Request of Lady Katharine Clanranald, Whom He Loved,
Sir Hugh Richmond Takes up the Tale, Relating What Happened to Him in
the Tolbooth Prison_
CHAPTER VIII
_How I Got the News of a Noble Self-Sacrifice, How It Affected Me,
and What I Resolved to Do for Sir Hugh Richmond_
CHAPTER IX
_My Interview with the King of England and the Good and Bad Angels
That Attended Him_
CHAPTER X
_In Which I Bargain Successfully for That Which Is as Dear to Me as
the Life of My Father_
CHAPTER XI
_Wherein Sir Hugh Richmond Finds Me, Not Unwilling, Thrust upon Him_
BOOK II
THE KEEPING OF A WIFE
_As Described by the Gentleman Who Did It,
with an Incidental Digression by
the Lady Herself_
CHAPTER XII
_In Which I, Sir Hugh Richmond, Who Tell This Tale, Find That It Is
Easier to Marry Lady Katharine Clanranald than to Keep Her for My Own_
CHAPTER XIII
_Wherein I Set Down in Due Course the Resolution to Which I Came,
Which Boded Ill to the King, as I Rode Southward_
CHAPTER XIV
_Wherein, by the Grace of God, Our Own Determination, and the Speed
of Our Good Horses, We Reach Monkwearmouth in Time_
CHAPTER XV
_Shows How the Lord Chief Justice of England Kept a Love Tryst and
What Befell Him at the Boar's Head Inn_
CHAPTER XVI
_How My Lord Stenwold Settled His Account and Paid His Debt in Full_
CHAPTER XVII
_In Which Lady Katharine Richmond, at the Request of Her Husband,
Tells How She and Lord Stenwold Came to Stenwold House_
CHAPTER XVIII
_Wherein Lady Katharine Describes What Took Place in the Antechamber
Where the King Made Love to Her_
CHAPTER XIX
_Wherein Sir Hugh Richmond Interrupts a Tête-à-Tête Between His Wife
and one James Stewart_
CHAPTER XX
_How Sir Hugh and Lady Katharine, with Some Assistance from General
Feversham, at Last and Finally Overcame the Majesty of England_
BOOK I
THE WINNING OF A HUSBAND
_As set forth by the Lady of the Quest,
with a necessary Interlude by the
Gentleman in Person_
_Chapter_
I
_In which I, Lady Katharine Clanranald, come to
a desperate but manly Resolution_
"Time," said the councillor gravely, "is all that we lack."
"And money, sir," I added most disconsolately.
"True," was the somewhat amused answer of the grim old attorney.
"The King hath very pressing need of money ever, and with the Stuart
disposition there goeth always the itching palm of Cassius."
"That last need," I commented thoughtfully, "might be supplied in
some measure. There are the jewels of the Countess, my lady mother,
and my own as well."
"And though the estates be confiscate," returned Master Dunner,
"there are certain moneys in my charge which the justiciaries wot not
of, and which are available for any purpose that will serve my lord."
"Nay, sir, I would not have you jeopard your own savings," I burst
out hurriedly, but he straightway checked me.
"Your ladyship," he said softly, "I am not only an attorney, but in a
remote degree I am kin to your family and of your blood. My
ancestors followed Clanranald in peace and war. They served him with
the sword, I with the pen, 'tis true, but natheless..."
"Master Dunner," said I, vastly touched, "you say true, and for the
Earl I accept your proffer. Think ye that together we could raise
two thousand pounds?"
"With your ladyship's jewels and those of the family which you took
precaution to remove before the troopers seized the house, I think
with my own poor savings added thereto we might even compass three
thousand."
"Scots?" quoth I.
"English, madam."
"'Tis a goodly sum."
"Ay, indeed, but as I had the honour to tell you a moment since, 'tis
not money we lack but time."
"Will you explain that to me again, Master Attorney?"
Indeed, I had become quite bewildered by the sudden changes of
fortune which had plunged us into this dire misery.
"'Tis true undoubtedly, madam, that your honoured father did conspire
with the Duke of Monmouth or his partisans in Scotland to raise the
country in revolt against King Jamie of England, his brother, but
there were extenuating circumstances. He was in a manner forced into
the enterprise, although his influence and voice were ever raised in
restraint. I have prepared a brief here, well attested. Indeed,
those of the meaner sort lately executed for treason have cheerfully
borne testimony to the Earl's unwillingness, and I have here their
depositions. Then, too, there is a recommendation from the Lord
Chief Justice, together with a petition signed by various gentlemen
praying the King to exercise his royal clemency. If we could get
that into his hands backed by that sum of money of which we have
spoke, I think there would be no doubt that His Majesty would be
pleased to commute the sentence."
He smiled confidently as he concluded.
"Why not send it to him at once then?" I asked rather sharply. "Why
delay and waste hours in idle talking?"
"But, your ladyship, I have told you there is no time."
"What mean you?"
"The proceedings in the trial, which was most unduly hurried despite
our earnest protests and in which no proper opportunity was given to
establish these facts, have been sent to His Majesty in London. On
account of the Earl's rank and importance, a royal warrant is
required for his execution."
I shuddered at that word, but Master Dunner ran on inflexibly,
knowing that I was privy to the worst already.
"The findings of the court were approved with most unseemly haste,
and a royal warrant issued which is even now on the way. I have had
private advices from a correspondent in London, who hath interest at
the Court, that the warrant is being despatched to Edinburgh in the
personal custody of Sir Hugh Richmond, an officer of the Royal Army.
My messenger coming post-haste hath outstripped him, in part because
he hath been obliged to deliver other similar warrants, which hath
made his progress slower than one who comes direct."
"But have you not appealed to the Lord Chief Justice to delay the
execution of the warrant until we can communicate with the King?" I
asked earnestly.
"Madam, I have, but he is inflexible. He says he hath no power,
though with the best will in the world, to stay the execution of a
royal warrant."
"But if I should appeal to him?"
"You might as well appeal to the Tolbooth itself."
"Then the case is hopeless?"
"Ay," said the old man gently enough, but with such decision as
carried conviction to my sinking heart, "unless by some means the
delivery of the warrant can be estopped until we have access to the
King."
"Could the messenger be bribed?"
"I fear not. Sir Hugh Richmond is, I am told, a man of independent
fortune, a proved soldier, a loyal gentleman."
"I meant not with money, old friend," I replied, smiling at him.
"By Heaven!" answered the advocate, looking me full in the eyes, "if
any power could do it, it would be your fair face, my lady, and,
given you time and opportunity, I believe you might win any man to
your thinking, but here again 'tis impossible."
"But if some one took the warrant from him by force?"
"That would answer," said the advocate, "but who is to do it, madam?
It would be high treason in the first place and certain death in the
second, and in the present unsettled state of affairs, or rather
settled in His Majesty's interest, you could not get a man to lift a
hand."
He shook his head gloomily as he finished.
"Could I not?" I replied reflectively. "There are..."
And then I stopped.
I had plenty of friends to be sure, and I did not doubt that among
them I might find some of sufficient devotion and daring to risk life
and fortune to do me this service. Whoever did it, however, would
want a reward commensurate with the risk incurred, and with the
service rendered. I knew full well what that reward would be. It
would be myself, and there was not one among the gay gallants who had
paid me court--and who, I doubt not, even now would be at my side, or
at my feet, were I not in close hiding, thinking to serve my father
better at large than if I were with him in the prison--that I would
marry. I was as heart-whole and fancy-free as any maid in Scotland,
and would fain remain so; though, if it came to a pinch, I would of
course sacrifice my own freedom to any gallant gentleman who would
save my good old father's life.
He and I were the last of the Clanranalds. Brother I had had, but he
had died two years before, and my mother had long since preceded him.
My father and I had been much together at Clanranald House, and I
loved him with a devotion, I think, which passed that entertained by
most Scottish maids for their fathers. I did not desire to marry
anybody. I wanted my father's life saved. I wished to be back again
at Clanranald House, the old, sweet, free life flowing on as it did
before this bastard Monmouth and his futile ambitions came athwart
our path. But that was not to be. Surely some other way might be
found to stop the messenger. I strained my wits hard to devise one.
"Madam," said Master Dunner, who had been scrutinising me searchingly
as these thoughts ran through my troubled brain, "you know how gladly
I would assume the adventure myself, were it not..."
He looked down very sadly at his poor clubbed foot and shrunken limb,
which had made him an attorney instead of a soldier. He was older
than my father, too, and could with difficulty sit a horse.
"I know your will, sir," I interrupted quickly, catching him by the
hand, "but that is not to be thought of."
"What, then?"
That he, with all his shrewdness and resource, should ask the
question of me, a woman, proved as nothing else the hopelessness of
the situation. Yet the question was a sharp spur to my imagination.
It seemed to force choice among the men who had paid court to me at
Clanranald House in happier days.
"Let me think," replied I, as I passed in rapid review the various
young gentlemen of my acquaintance. There was not one of them who
was acceptable as a husband in the least degree to me. There must be
some other way, and yet... I came to a sudden decision.
"I will do it myself," I said boldly with a flash of inspiration.
"You, my lady?" exclaimed the attorney in great amaze.
"Why not I? I can use a small sword with most men of my
acquaintance. My father hath given me much of his own skill, and I
have never hesitated to cross blades in friendly bout with any of our
guests at home. As for other weapons, I have often ranged moor and
glen with the Earl; I have brought down a stag and know the use of
small arms."
"But you are a woman."
"Can I not for the nonce be a man?" I asked. "What's to hinder,
indeed?"
"And do you imagine that, even if you were to attempt to carry out
this mad scheme, you could get the better of a tried soldier, an
experienced man of the world as rumour accrediteth Sir Hugh Richmond
to be?" asked the old man with a slightly ironic touch.
"Since time and the world began, Master Dunner, weak woman, backed by
her wit and finesse, hath got the better of strong man," I replied
with spirit.
"But you are proposing to approach him as a man."
"I shall be not less a woman for all that," I retorted triumphantly,
veering to the other side of the argument, "and being all a woman and
half a man..."
"Which half, madam?"
"The outward and visible shape thereof," I answered, blushing.
The little attorney laughed grimly.
"'Fore God," he said, "forgive me, madam, but the thought of you
as..."
"Master Dunner," said I imperiously, "I am a tall woman as women
go"--and I fervently thanked God for the first time in my heart for
that fact, heretofore something of a grief to me, since your small
women were the fashion then and thereafter--"and I doubt not I will
make a braw man enough."
"But your face, madam ... your hair ... your voice?"
"I will cut my hair."
"Would you sacrifice...?"
"Peace, man! What is the loss of a few locks, that will grow again,
beside my father's head. I will darken my face a bit--indeed, had it
been summer instead of spring I should have been brown enough to pass
muster--I will wear a wig, and my voice," it was a deep contralto,
"will serve. You must get me a suit of clothes, boots, coat, and ...
the other things; a sword, let it be a good one; pistols ... and,
behold! I am transformed."
"And suppose that I fall in with this mad plan of yours, may I ask
what further do you intend to assay?"
"Which way rides the messenger?"
"Madam, he comes through Berwick and the road along the shore."
"Will he go to Dalkeith?"
"I think not. Rather by way of Dunbar and Prestonpans."
"When do you expect him?"
"He should be here to-morrow."
"Good!" said I decisively. "'Tis yet early morning and there is
time. Where will he lie to-night?"
"I should think perhaps at Cockenzie. There is an inn there, The
Black Douglas, of much repute for travellers, and 'tis an easy
journey thence to Edinburgh. He was to stop a night at Berwick,
another at Dunbar."
He had the route pat enough, to be sure!
"Think you that your information is to be depended upon?"
"Madam, I believe so."
"I will meet him, then, at Cockenzie. What say you is the name of
this famous hostelry?"
"The Black Douglas. But what are your plans then?"
"To act as circumstances may dictate."
"My dear lady," said the old man, coming nearer to me, "forgive my
presumption. I have served your race long and well. You have no one
left to advise you but me, humble though I am. I must ask to know
more of your plans before I consent to aid you."
"And I cannot tell you just exactly what I hope to do."
"But in a general way?"
"In some way or other I shall take from him his despatch-bag,
abstract therefrom the warrant for my father. You shall describe it
to me so I may identify it easily."
"But..."
"Ask me no more!" I cried. "I am resolved upon it. If you will not
help met I shall go myself without your aid."
"Misfortune may befall you."
"What of that? If I am to lose my father, I care not what becomes of
me."
"But others care."
"Nay, for no others do I care."
"Madam," he said gravely, "I do think that a bit unkind."
"But for thee," I answered quickly, discerning the trend of his
thought. "But because I hold you in honour and you are my last, my
only friend, the one being to whom I can appeal, I beg of you
question me no further, but give me your aid. The risk is for my
father's life and his peril justifieth anything."
"You have won me, madam," said the old man, deeply touched I could
see. "Tell me what you wish me to do."
"Procure me clothes suited to my new emprise, a horse--and see that
he be a speedy and spirited one, no ambling woman's pad for me, but
the best that can be got; money sufficient for any possible wayside
need, say a hundred pounds; a sword, an Andrew Ferrara if you can
come at one in a hurry; pistols for the holsters; a saddlebag
containing toilet necessaries; a horseman's cloak."
"They shall be here in an hour," said the old man. "I have a suit of
your brother's, a riding-suit, which he left at my house when last he
visited Edinburgh before his death. 'Tis complete in all points and
will fit you, I doubt not, to perfection."
He was a year older than I, but he had been dead two years and I had
had time to catch up with him.
"There is a sword that belonged to my father as well. 'Tis a tried
blade," said the old man. "I could not give it into worthier hands,
and 'tis well adapted to your size, for my father was a man of slight
build and did not swing the ponderous claymores of your ancestors."
"I am greatly pleased by your willingness to entrust it to me, Master
Dunner. I hope I may use it as worthily as your father did or any of
our house."
"Madam, you do me proud," said the old gentleman, bowing like a
courtier. "As for the rest, I will make shift somehow. Would that I
could go with you myself!"
"Would that you could," replied I, "but 'tis not to be thought of,
and there is work for you to do as well."
"What is that?"
"The ransom money," said I. "It must be raised and put in bills of
exchange upon London. The papers must be prepared."
"Ay," was the answer, "and if God grant you be successful, they must
be despatched to London at once."
"If I am successful, and I must be, I shall take them myself."
"You are your father's daughter!" cried the attorney.
"If you have these things here within the hour, I can reach Cockenzie
by nightfall. You should see me back to-morrow. Where shall I meet
you?"
"Here," said the advocate. "The woman who keeps the house is devoted
to me. No one suspects what this mean dwelling harbours, and 'tis
the safest appointment I can give you."
"All's arranged then," said I, giving him my hand.
He bent low over it, and I felt that it had never been pressed by
worthier lips than those of the honest advocate.
_Chapter_
II
_Wherein worthy Master Dunner finds My Lord Carthew's Clothes vastly
becoming to me as I ride away_
Master Dunner was as good as his word. In half an hour there was a
huge package, carefully tied up, delivered at the door by one of his
clerks. I took it to my own chamber and eagerly cut the lashings.
It was a complete suit, of blue and silver. In my distraction,
anxiety, and apprehension I had time to think how vastly it became my
fair skin and blue eyes and bright hair. I had a wealth of the
latter, and I confess, in spite of my brave words, that it was with a
considerable pang that I had the woman who kept the house come into
the room and, with clumsy, unskilful fingers, crop my long locks with
her scissors. Fortunately my hair was curly, and, had it not been
that the styles were otherwise, methought as I looked in the glass
that the short ringlets were not unbecoming. With the suit were wig
to go on one end of me and boots for the other. I was of my
brother's height, but my feet were smaller than his; nevertheless, to
my great satisfaction, the boots served well.
In my petticoats I was a tall woman; dressed as I found myself
presently, I was rather an undersized man, yet not altogether
insignificant. My face did look painfully fair: my cheeks pink and
white, my upper lip innocent of the faintest suggestion of a
moustache; yet, out of some paste from my toilet-table, I did
contrive to dull the colour in my cheeks and to impart a brownish
cast to my complexion that robbed it of a little of its femininity.
My voice, which luckily happened to be a deep contralto, I could
manage well enough.
With the suit was a riding-cloak, which I draped about me, and
fancied that thus equipped no one could penetrate my disguise. I
bore a striking likeness to my brother, too, thus apparelled. It
went to my heart, when I looked at myself, to think of my father
under sentence of death; alone, childless, save for one poor girl.
I had scarce finished adjusting my wig, clapping my hat upon it,
walking up and down the room to accustom myself to the strange garb,
when Master Dunner was announced. As he opened the door, he started
back in great surprise at what he saw of me.
"'Fore God," he said, "did I not know, I should think it Lord
Carthew"--my brother's courtesy title--"in life again."
His eyes travelled upward and rested upon my face. He shook his head.
"Save for that burning blush, the imitation is perfect."
"I think," said I, "that I shall not fly my colours in that way
again. You see"--I sat down as I spoke and gathered my cloak about
my legs, of which for the first time in my life I became acutely
conscious--"you see, I expect that all others who look upon me will
regard me as a man, while you know that I am but a woman, and..."
"I see," said the advocate, gravely smiling at my logic.
"It was foolish of me to blush," said I contritely, "seeing that you
are older than my father."
"I held you in my arms when you were christened, my lady," remarked
the old man simply, but with feeling.
"I know," I answered.
I rose to my feet and threw back my cloak. I must get accustomed, I
thought, to these strange clothes and the world's scrutiny. No
better opportunity presented itself for beginning than then and there.
"Hast brought the sword?" I asked, struggling to forget my garb.
For answer he handed it to me, belt and all. The hilt was richly
chased and jewelled, but I had seen swords whose whole value
consisted in that which rose above the scabbard. I drew it forth
instantly and examined it critically. It was indeed a rare and
beautiful blade, such as would have delighted the eye of a practised
swordsman. I balanced the trustworthy weapon easily in my hand. It
fitted my arm as if it had grown to my palm.
"'Tis a rare and beautiful weapon, if I am a judge."
"I think, from the way you handle it, that you are."
I shot it back into its sheath, clasped the belt about my waist, and
instantly felt a thousand times more manly than before. The steel
dangling against my legs seemed to add the finishing touch of
completeness to my disguise. I was now a man indeed.
"Here," said the advocate, extending his hand with a purse, "is the
money."
I sought to thrust it, womanlike, into the bosom of my shirt beneath
the ruffles.
Master Dunner laughed.
"You have a pocket, sir, where such things are kept by men."
Once more I blushed.
"Your reminder is a good one," said I in some confusion, searching in
the breast of my coat until I found the receptacle. "I may appear
manly enough, but I lack practice in the niceties of the masquerade."
"That will come in time, madam," said the old man.
"Ah, yes," was my smiling answer, "but, as you noted before, time is
what we lack. Yet I must e'en do my best with what I have. Where is
the horse, and the mails?"
He pointed toward the door.
"In the alley at the back of the house. The mails are strapped to
the saddle. They contain a change of linen and various other
articles. I saw to their bestowing."
"Men's clothing or women's?"
"Men's, of course. From Lord Carthew's wardrobe. What should a
young gallant like you be doing with women's gear?"
"True," said I. "You are right. May not the horse be brought around
to the front of the house?"
"I think it safer and more secluded in the alley. Suspicion is
easily excited in Edinburgh now, and to see so splendid a cavalier as
yourself issuing from so mean an abode as this might give rise to
curious question. This is our only haven. I would hold it inviolate
for your return until to-morrow night."
"You are right, Master Dunner," said I. "And now I must go. I can
think of nothing more. What's o'clock?"
"'Twas on the stroke of nine as I entered the house."
"If I ride carefully, I should be at Cockenzie before five. That
will give me ample time. If our calculations fail not, I will meet
Sir Hugh there."
I paused.
"And may God aid you and defend the right!" said the old man solemnly.
"Amen," said I. "And now good-bye."
I extended my hand once more. Mine ancient friend bowed over it, but
I prevented him. I stepped toward him. Indeed, I overtowered him
quite on account of his diminutive stature and his lameness, so that
I bent my head and kissed him on the forehead without ceremony or
hesitation.
"Good-bye, true friend," I said.
He was mightily touched by this mark of condescension. His thin face
flushed.
"I would to God," he cried, "that I were young and strong and whole
that I might ride for you or with you. 'Tis I who play the woman's
part."
"Nay," said I, touched in turn by his generous words. "Without you
this could not be. Will you have access to my father?"
"Yes, by the favour of the Lord Chief Justice, who is well affected
toward me. What shall I tell him?"
"Tell him everything. Tell him, on the faith of the last Clanranald,
I will have the warrant, or..."
I paused.
"Or what, your ladyship?"
"Or I will await him on the other side," I answered, looking away.
"God forbid!" earnestly protested the old man, sinking down and
burying his head in his hands by the table.
"Look for me with the warrant to-morrow night," said I, forcing a
smile lest I should break down, with my hand on the door.
"Wait!" he cried. "Don't think of bringing me the warrant. Destroy
it instantly, tear it up when you get your hands upon it, or, better
still, burn it. Here!"
He drew from his pocket a flint and steel in a little case. He was
one of the few who practised the new-fangled habit of smoking the
Virginia weed. I never could see what pleasure he got from it.
"Take these. You can kindle fire with them. Burn the warrant,
should you be fortunate enough to lay hands upon it. Scraps may be
pieced; ashes tell no tales. You understand the use of these things?"
I had often seen him light his pipe.
"Entirely," said I. "You shall see me, then, to-morrow night, with
the statement that the warrant is destroyed."
"I pray so, I pray so!" cried the old man as I passed out of the room.
Now, I had--I suppose I should say it to my shame--often ridden
astride at home. While I ordinarily rode as was the habit of my sex,
sometimes, in wild mountain excursions through the forest glens or on
hunting trips and adventurous journeys in the Highlands with my
father and some faithful servitors, I had perforce and of necessity
been compelled to ride astride. Therefore, it was no novelty for me
to have between my legs a good horse.
Advocate learned in the law though he might be, Master Dunner was a
rare judge of horse-flesh, I thought, or else he had wit enough to
employ unquestioned talent for that purpose, for I never saw a
sweeter, better-bred steed than that led by a horse-boy in the alley.
He was perhaps a trifle undersized for a full-grown man's charger,
but for my weight and build he was admirable: a deep French bay in
exquisite condition. The saddle and mails behind were new, and the
horse was equipped _point device_.
You see from this that I had studied French. Indeed, I was much
better educated than the majority of my sex, to whom all learning
save the simplest was a sealed book. My father had taken interest in
me to teach me things, and I even knew where that quotation from
Master Shakespeare came which my advocate had used, for my Lord and I
had read the plays together and liked them well.
Slipping a coin into the horse-boy's hand, I stepped by the side of
my horse, patted him a few moments, fondled him to make his
acquaintance, wished that I had brought a bit of sugar for him, but
made up for that default by my tender usage of him. Then I sprang
lightly to the saddle and cantered slowly down the alley.
I was entirely familiar with Edinburgh and I easily avoided the main
highways, taking alleys and by-streets, until I came to the gate in
the city wall which gave out to the east, or Dunbar Road. Doubtless
I made a fine sight with my handsome clothes, my easy bearing, my
youthful face and my gallant steed. The soldiers at the gate,
thinking they had to do with a wealthy gentleman, saluted as I
passed, and I took some comfort in acknowledging, with a careless
wave of my gauntleted hand, their respective duties.
By rights I should have been accompanied by a servant on another
horse, but I did not stay long enough to let any question me for that
lack, for so soon as I was clear of the town, and a turn of the road
hid me from possible observation and scrutiny by the soldiers, I put
spurs to my horse. Indeed a word would have been sufficient, but the
spurs were upon my boots and I touched him with one. His bound
nearly unseated me, by the way.
I was minded to distance possible pursuit by putting a long space
between me and the town as soon as possible. There were two roads
before me that led westerly; one crookedly along the shore, and the
other inland a mile or so. The shore road was the more frequented,
the broader and better highway; it was also somewhat longer, since it
followed the windings of the coast, while that inland, through wooded
and farming country and over the hills, was straighter, shorter, and
more direct. It was also much less travelled, and therefore I was
less apt to meet with question and more apt to avoid pursuit, should
any be made. Accordingly, I chose the inland way. The two roads met
at a place called Musselburgh, and from thence the way ran directly
along the shore to the tavern where I confidently expected to meet my
friend.
I was an astonishingly good horseman--how I dropped into the
masculine in talking of myself, I thought!--and I knew that, if I
pushed my horse too hard at the first, he would be spent for the rest
of the day. Therefore, after going perhaps five or six miles at a
rapid pace, I checked him, and thereafter proceeded in a more
reasonable way.
I met no one of any importance, save yokels driving hay-wains and
wagons of produce to the city, travelling pedlars, a little company
of merchants, a stray soldier, to all of whom I gave good-day and
passed on, none offering to molest me. My heart, which had beat high
at the sight of the first-comer with all sorts of vague anticipation
of disaster, at last became quite indifferent to any approaching
traveller, and I flattered myself that I need be under no
apprehension whatever of any one penetrating my disguise or seeking
to harm me.
Nevertheless, I was careful to see that my pistols were loose in the
holsters; that the priming made them fit for instant discharge, and
that my sword-hilt was pulled a little forward ready to hand, should
anybody attempt to stop me. I was determined to show my mettle and
not to yield until the last extremity. There were, of course,
highwaymen abroad, but they rarely molested people in open daylight.
By nightfall, please God, I would be safely sheltered in The Black
Douglas at Cockenzie.
It was noon when I cantered gallantly down the streets of
Musselburgh. I had determined to rest there an hour to bait my
horse, to get my dinner, and to consider further what my plans and
future work should be. I drew up before the door of a
comfortable-looking hostelry. Stable-boys came running; the landlord
himself appeared in the doorway of his inn. I descended, called for
a meal which I demanded should be of roast beef and other
substantiate accompanied by a bottle of wine, thus doing violence to
my natural dainty appetite, which would have preferred a fowl and
cold water. I also engaged a private parlour and was accordingly
served in private. I spent an hour thus very quietly and pleasantly
without disturbance.
Now, I had been brought up very unconventionally in a way that would
have scandalised my female relatives, had I enjoyed any, and which
doubtless did scandalise certain neighbouring dames whose seats
adjoined our own, but, nevertheless, I was a woman and I had never
been absolutely free, independent, and unrestrained before.
I confess to a delightful sensation of excitement at my present
situation. I think I must have had all the daring and adventurous
spirit of the famous Clanranalds, and to be thus mounted on a good
horse with money in my purse, a good sword by my side, a great
adventure before me, filled me with joy. I had all the confidence of
youth and inexperience, and all the hopefulness of woman, that
somehow I should be able to bring about my desire, and that my
romantic action in attempting this wild masquerade would result in
the saving of the life of my noble father.
I thought with considerable complacency that this exploit of mine
would entitle me to something more than a mention of my name in the
family chronicles, and that perhaps I might be counted as worthy the
best traditions of our ancient house. In anticipation, I could feel
my Lord clasp me in his arms when I had saved his life and bless me
for my daring, although I well knew that he would have died rather
than give his consent to such an amazing undertaking.
The good meal, the wine, of which I drank but sparingly, pouring the
rest out of the window when no one was looking, refreshed me greatly.
With a new zeal, therefore, I mounted my horse, flung the landlord a
guinea, at which he bowed himself nearly to the floor, and cantered
down the street through the town and out upon the broad ocean highway.
The sea breeze, with all its splendid freshness, lifted the close
curls of my full wig, fanned my brow, and cooled my cheeks in the
most exhilarating way. I rode rapidly enough, observing my horse
possessed of all the qualities of speed and stamina that his
appearance had indicated, and, without anything untoward or exciting
happening, about five o'clock in the evening I drew up at the Black
Douglas Inn, at Cockenzie.
Cockenzie was merely a huddle of little houses, with nothing on earth
to recommend it except the old inn pleasantly placed on a bluff
headland overlooking the sea. It was the only house of any pretence
whatever in the little fishing village, and before it I drew rein.
Judicious inquiries elicited the fact that at the moment I was the
only guest of the inn. I bespake the best chamber, ordered myself
substantial supper, saw personally to the quartering and care of my
horse, washed my own face and hands, went out of the rear door of the
inn, walked to the edge of the high bluff, and sat down on a rude
bench overlooking the sea, while waiting for my supper, and pondered
carefully on my next step.
I had address enough to find out from the inn-maid who saw me to my
apartment that no such traveller as I suspected Sir Hugh Richmond to
be had passed by within that day or the day before. Therefore, I was
in time. I had no doubt that this very night he would appear on the
scene. Master Dunner's information was such as to carry assurance to
him, and I depended upon its accuracy. Sitting and watching the
ocean, I tried to decide upon my best course when I should at last be
confronted by mine enemy.
_Chapter_
III
_How I ate, drank, and gamed with Sir Hugh Richmond, under whom I
would fain see Service_
For all my cogitations, I had settled upon nothing, and I was not
only surprised but confused when there stepped out on the porch and
made toward me--the clatter of his boots upon the pavement caused me
to turn my head--a cavalier, whom I instantly divined to be the
bearer of our evil tidings. Abstractly, I had a welcome in my heart
for him such as Pharaoh of old entertained for similar messengers,
and I purposed to meet him in much the same way, too; concretely, my
first thought was one of pleased surprise at his appearance.
He was tall, well-knit, well-bronzed, of darker skin and eyes than
mine. His face was handsome in a stern and somewhat martial way.
His bearing was that of a soldier and accorded well with the rich
uniform he wore. I observed that he made directly to me, and,
therefore, I inferred that he had come to seek me. I was annoyed at
myself that I had enjoyed no more time for preparation for the
meeting. I must have been deeply absorbed in my thoughts, I decided,
not to have heard the clatter he made riding up to the door of the
inn on the other side.
I had taken off my hat--heavy, clumsy felt thing that it was!--but,
as the new-comer approached, I clapped it firmly on my head and rose,
resisting with difficulty a wild inclination to wrap my riding-coat
about my legs like the skirt of a dress.
My officer stopped a few paces from me, clapped his heels together,
removed his hat with a sharp military gesture, and bowed quite
gracefully before me.
"Sir," said he in a firm, authoritative voice, due perhaps to his
habit of command, "may I introduce myself? I am Sir Hugh Richmond,
captain in the King's Guards."
"My name is..." replied I, bowing in my turn, "is..."
What was my name? In my hurry it had not occurred to me to fix upon
any. I paused stupidly enough while the gallant captain fixed his
dark eyes upon me in surprised inquiry. I blurted out the first that
came into my mind.
"Henry Carthew," I said.
"I am glad to have the honour of your acquaintance, Mr. Carthew,"
continued the soldier agreeably.
As he spoke, he smiled slightly. His face changed at once, and I
thought, when he smiled, I had never seen a pleasanter-looking man.
It was as if the real man had given a glimpse of himself behind the
cloud with which habit and military discipline had shrouded him. Oh,
but he was good to look on then!
"The pleasure, sir, is mine. I am honoured in the acquaintance of so
distinguished a soldier as Sir Hugh Richmond."
Another look of surprise came to the face of the officer.
"You have heard of me, sir?" he asked, not without a certain pride.
"Your charge at Sedgemoor hath been told of even in Scotland."
"'Twas naught," he said carelessly. "I take it, sir, that you are
not a soldier?"
"Only by inclination," replied I bravely. "I am contemplating
service, however, and indeed, sir, 'twas for that I came hither in
the hope of meeting you."
"Of meeting me?"
"Even so," I answered boldly, feeling that by happy chance I had
stumbled upon an excellent excuse for my presence and interest. "We
have heard in Edinburgh that you were on your way hither with
warrants for the execution of the Earl of Clanranald and other rebels
against His Majesty."
"Faith, sir," was the reply, "my name, my history, and business seem
well enough known in these parts. And how, may I ask, was this news
bruited abroad?"
"Express riders from the south have stated that you were charged with
the delivery of the King's warrants for those high enough for His
Majesty to take personal interest in," I answered promptly.
"'Fore God, sir," exclaimed Sir Hugh, laughing lightly, "with that
rumour running ahead of me, I wonder some one did not endeavour to
despoil me of my warrants in the interest of the condemned!"
"Sir," said I, "we are all loyal men in these parts."
I smiled as I spoke.
"Since Sedgemoor," returned the captain, sharing in my amusement.
"Ay, since Sedgemoor, and I believe there is no man in Scotland would
molest you."
"But the adherents of Clanranald? I mention him since he is of the
greater rank," he asked curiously.
I shrugged my shoulders. 'Twas excellent well done i' faith. I
doubt if Mistress Nell Gwynn herself could have acted better.
Although my heart was beating like to choke me, I gave no outward
sign.
"He hath made his bed," I said, with what affectation of indifference
I could muster, "let him lie upon it."
"'Tis like to be a long sleep then," returned my captain grimly, "for
the warrant spells his death."
"So we have heard," said I.
I had to bite my lip and turn away for the moment, but I put such
iron constraint upon myself as enabled me to awaken no suspicion in
the captain's mind.
"Poor gentleman!" he said, after a little pause. "I never had errand
that I liked less to discharge. But this work does not interest you,
young sir."
Oh, did it not? I never was so interested in all my life.
"Nor did I break upon your solitude to discuss the King's business or
my own. I learned from the landlord that a guest had preceded me,
and that a gentleman had ordered supper who sat in loneliness out
here, whence I made bold to interrupt your reverie and propose that
we should share the table. I have had so little society since
entering Scotland that I pine for a little free intercourse with my
equals. Most gentlemen have avoided me, due perhaps to the rumour of
which you speak."
"You are very welcome to such poor companionship as I can give you,"
said I. "And indeed, as I told you, I had come here to seek you with
view to entering the King's service. I'm a gentleman of some small
fortune. They call me the Laird of Lochnaven."
"Your age, young sir?" said the captain, surveying me thoughtfully.
"My age!" I exclaimed, with a woman's natural reluctance to declare
it. "Is it necessary that I...?"
The captain threw back his head and laughed boisterously.
"You are as timorous about giving it as if you were a girl."
"Twenty!" exclaimed I in my deepest voice and most imperious manner.
"And, sir, I would thank you to modify your allusion to any timidity
you may falsely suspect me of."
I laid my hand on my sword and was glad to feel the touch of the
hilt. It gave me something to still my agitation.
"Thou art a good lad," said the captain genially, clapping me heavily
upon the shoulder, "if but a slight one. I like your pluck, Master
Carthew, and I have no doubt we will turn you into a brave soldier
yet."
"I have, I trust, interest enough to procure me a cornetcy."
"Interest is well enough, but, hark ye, a word in your ear. What you
Scots call siller is about the most interesting appeal any one can
make to King James."
"I will e'en have a supply of that."
"Well, then," returned the captain, "the matter can be easily
arranged, I make no doubt. We shall take further counsel on 't
to-morrow. If agreeable to you, I should like to have you in my own
company of guards. There's a vacancy or two since Sedgemoor, and
I'll own my heart warms to you, lad."
"Nothing would please me better," said I, delighted at the success of
my ruse, "than the prospect of service under so distinguished a
master of the art as yourself."
"You talk like a book, boy," said the captain, not ill-pleased,
however, at the compliment. "I foresee we shall get along vastly
well. I had been pining for the sight of a woman in all these lonely
rides, but you will take the place of one as well as any man on earth
could."
Could he suspect me?
"Sir, sir!" I cried, "do I infer that you think me womanish?"
"What a tinder-box it is!" laughed the captain. "I only meant your
wit and your spirit would go far to render other company unnecessary.
Come," he resumed, "loose your hold upon your sword. I am too old to
fight with you, and in too peaceful a mood for quarrel to-night,
especially about nothing."
"Gentlemen," said the landlord, coming out of the door and
approaching us, "your supper is served. Not hearing to the contrary
and seeing you together, sirs, I have ventured to set it at one
table."
"You have done well," I replied.
"Excellent i' faith," commented my companion genially.
And together we turned toward the house. It was, indeed, a noble
supper that was set before us. My fellow-traveller insisted that, as
I was the first-comer and had done the ordering, to me appertained
the head of the table. He proved a good trencherman likewise, and
made much mock of my small appetite, alleging that all good soldiers
were of necessity good feeders. I did my best to follow his generous
example, but I am afraid I minced more as a woman than ate vigorously
as a man.
It had been dusk outside when Sir Hugh had approached me. The dim
light of the candles in the big parlour in which we supped was not
more favourable to a disclosure of my secret than the twilight
outside. I felt confident that no suspicions had been awakened in
the soldier's mind, although how I could have borne his keen scrutiny
in the full blaze of day was a doubtful question. I did not mean to
bear it, so far as I was concerned, under those conditions if it
could in any wise be helped.
"If I be not indiscreet, Sir Hugh," said I, during a pause in the
meal, "I take it that you are an unmarried man?"
"You take it right, Master Carthew. A soldier loves all ladies; he
marries none."
"A poor lookout for womankind if the best men are in the army," said
I, bridling.
"'Tis the stern necessity of the trade," he returned coolly.
"Wedlock and the sword go not well together. Have you a sweetheart,
young sir?" he asked in his turn.
"I?" I exclaimed indignantly. "Certainly not. No. Yes.... That
is..."
"Keep thy secret, lad. Do you come soldiering with me, you will have
one in every town where you are stationed longer than a fortnight."
"Are soldiers, then, so fickle?"
"They are truth itself," he paused, "to the nearest fair," he added.
He lifted his glass and surveyed it a moment with half-shut eyes.
"I give you a toast. To the nearest fair!"
He drank his. I sipped mine. He noticed my abstemiousness.
"When you love harder, you drink deeper and fight better," he said
sagely.
"Doubtless," said I. "And yet," I ran on, "the romances tell us of
the constant devotion of the knight to his lady. Of how the soldier
adventures far and wide and yet remains true to his one ideal at
home."
"Such hath not been my experience. War and soldiering you will find
are not as they are writ of in books."
"You have questioned me; I have no doubt that you will permit me to
question you," I said in my turn.
"You are not under my command yet," said the captain, smiling at my
presumption. "Ask what you will."
"Then there is no especial lady to whom your thoughts revert?"
"None, or rather there are a dozen," was the prompt reply.
I do not know why I should have felt glad at this, or what particular
interest I had in Sir Hugh Richmond's love affairs, but he had rather
flouted the idea of my sex, and, although I wore the trews for the
time being, I could not forget that I was yet a woman. I should have
liked to teach this red-coated Sassenach a thing or two, and I really
longed for an opportunity to show him that we girls of Scotland were
not to be so lightly dismissed as all that.
"You see, lad, I have campaigned in many countries, and have seen
many women. God bless them all! I have liked an eye here, a cheek
there, a foot and ankle yonder, a fine figure in this place, a merry
laugh in another, spirit in a third, meekness in a fourth, but I have
never seen one, that had all these traits and characteristics
blended, that measured up to my own ideal."
"And what is your ideal, may I ask? You will forgive my curiosity.
I am less a man than I seem." It was verging on the truth with a
vengeance. "I have lived sequestered most of my life, and you cannot
think how it interests me to have the views of so experienced a man
of the world and so veteran a soldier as yourself upon this subject."
He looked sharply at me as I sat at the head of the table toying with
my glass, as if he suspected some hidden meaning in my words, but I
never appeared more innocent and guileless in my life than at that
moment.
"Well," said he, "'tis a strange turn the conversation hath taken,
but I know not why I should not humour you. My ideal maid, then,
will be a woman who is first of all tall, about your own size. She
shall have hair of sunshine colour and eyes of blue, and her cheek
shall be fair to contrast with my own dark visage. In shape she
shall be plump, not slender. Her hands shapely and white, but
strong. I want none of your puling, lackadaisical, sentimental
misses. She shall be a woman of spirit, one with courage enough not
to run a-squeak at the sight of a mouse, one that can handle a sword
or press the trigger of a weapon and discharge it without shutting
her eyes at the report, one who can ride by my side if need be. As
for learning, I want none of your dull and stupid minxes. Let her be
read so that she can talk about something beside fallals, furbelows,
children, and housewifery; one who could meet me on some terms of
equality, who can preside gracefully over my establishment and mother
my many children."
I thanked God that the candle-light did not disclose the furious
colour in my cheek.
"Think you," said I, "that such a woman would be a good mother?"
"She would bring forth a race of soldiers," was the answer, "which is
what I should like best to father."
"And what have you," I asked, forgetting that I was not a man in my
indignation at his unbounded and condescending assurance, "to offer
in exchange for this female paragon you have described?"
"What have I to offer?" He started to his feet violently and leaned
over the table. "This is past endurance, sir," he said in sudden
temper, striking the board hotly with his fist. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing, nothing offensive," I returned quickly, endeavouring to
keep my temper and be calm as his anger rose. "'Tis but a jest. I
meant no offence."
His temper subsided as suddenly as it had arisen.
"As you say," he answered, after a moment's reflection; "'tis idle
talk. You ask what I have to offer? Truth to tell, I never thought
of it in that way."
"But would it not be fair," I asked, "to take stock of the qualities
to be exchanged for those you have demanded?"
"Fair, yes; but a man hardly likes to appraise himself; in fact, I
doubt that he can do it truthfully. Yet I'll try. I am thirty-two,
heart-whole and fancy-free, the possessor of a rentroll of five or
six thousand a year, hold a commission in the King's Guards, am sound
in wind and limb, good in temper, possess some small learning which I
got at Oxford, and--faith, that's all."
I laughed. I could not help it.
"That's the assurance of mankind," I said at last. "Do you give me
leave to speak frankly about you?"
"I invite you to do so," returned the captain complacently.
"Here you are, just an ordinary, commonplace soldier approaching
middle life, of good birth and reasonable fortune, declaring that
nothing can suit you but the never-to-be-realised ideal you have
described."
"You are, indeed, frank," returned Sir Hugh resentfully.
"I am," I answered, "and I will be more so. If you wish, I will give
you my own ideal of womankind."
"I should like to hear what your vast experience has evolved,"
returned the other, somewhat sarcastically.
"She shall be small, tender, meek, adoring, dark of hair and eye,
dainty and nice of taste and appearance. She shall hang upon my
words, attempt no equality with me, come to my hand, and..."
"You want a dog, not a woman," said the captain, laughing. "When you
have seen more, your views will differ."
"It may be."
"And what, pray, is your ideal man?" he asked lightly.
"He shall be tall and strong and brave and true, with bright hair and
blue eyes, a soldier by profession, and fierce to all the world but
reserving his tender side for me.... I mean for the woman that he
loves," I added hastily to cover my slip. "He shall worship her and
think her as far above him as the stars."
"You ought to marry your ideal man to your ideal woman," interposed
the captain jocosely, "and see what the result would be. 'Fore God,
sir, I'd like to observe such a union. Meanwhile, give me leave as
an older man. We have talked enough sentiment for a boxful of French
romances. It hath made me thirsty. Another bottle of wine, pray."
He rapped on the table as he spoke, and bade it brought. "And then,
when the remains of our supper shall be cleared away, I propose that
we pass an hour in play before we retire for the night. I at least
must make an early start to-morrow."
"I am agreeable," said I. "We have exchanged views upon our ladies
and their cavaliers, and I am willing to back my luck against your
own."
"With what shall we play?"
"With dice," I answered. "At any game of skill with such a veteran
as you I would be at too great a disadvantage."
"True," said the captain, looking me over carefully. "Thou art a
queer lad, but I like thee."
"The regard is mutual," said I. "What shall the stakes be?"
"Let us play for shillings," he said after a thoughtful moment.
His intent was so obvious that I could not bear the imputation.
"Nay, for guineas!" I cried.
"Done," said the captain. "Here's rare sporting blood, I see."
When we parted for the night an hour later, Captain Richmond was near
a hundred pounds richer than when he sat down. It was purely a game
of chance, this throwing of the dice, and yet, I know not how it was,
luck was steadily against me. I had sense enough to reserve a few
guineas for my roadway needs, but with the rest I had played
desperately till all were gone.
It was the first time that I had ever tempted fortune with the ivory.
My father had never allowed me so to do. The fascination of it was
great, but hardly enough to compensate for the repentance I felt for
even this modest depletion of the totally inadequate store that
Master Dunner would be able to gather for our great purpose.
Too late. I was horror-struck at my folly and my imprudence.
Something of my feelings must have appeared in my face, for, on a
sudden, Captain Richmond pushed the heap of guineas across the table
toward me.
"There, lad," he said most courteously, "I did but jest with you.
Take thy guineas back. We have had a pleasant evening together, and
I shall be happier if your gold is in your own purse rather than in
mine."
But this I could not brook.
"Sir," said I, "I may appear a poor loser, but 'tis in appearance
only. You have fairly won the stakes and they are yours. Nay," I
cried as I saw him about to speak again, "to protest further would be
to insult me!"
"As you will," said the captain coolly, "and, if I may say so, I
congratulate you upon being a good loser. You shall have your
revenge another time, with Fortune, I trust, in a more complacent
mood. Which way do you ride to-morrow?"
"To Edinburgh," I answered.
"Do you make an early start?"
"At daybreak," I replied.
"We shall ride together then and discourse further."
"Upon our ladies?" I asked impudently to cover my dismay.
"Nay, upon your commission in my company," he answered.
"With all my heart," said I.
"Here's to our further acquaintance," he continued, pouring himself
another glass of wine. "And so, good-night."
_Chapter_
IV
_Wherein I played the Highwayman and what
befell me on the Road_
I retired to my chamber in a great state of perturbation. I had made
the captain's acquaintance; I had some idea of his temperament and
quality; I had gained, to a certain degree his confidence and won, in
some measure, his regard, it appeared. There was no doubt about his
liking for me. Yet I was no nearer the accomplishment of my purpose
than before, and the sight of the captain had not reassured me as to
its entire practicability. He could jest and discourse idly with me,
and play and eat and drink like any other man and soldier, but I
instinctively realised that in an emergency it would be a bold, a
ready, and a resourceful person who could get the better of such as
he.
In the parlour of the inn he was one man; on the road to-morrow he
would be another. I could match him at repartee easily enough, but
when it came to a quick eye, a steady hand, a daring heart, I would
be sadly lacking. There was no comparison between us on the score of
efficiency. In so much as I fancied that I surpassed other women in
physical ability, so I was sure that in the same degree he surpassed
other men. Only the desperation lent to me by my father's grave
peril would tend to equalise conditions between us.
I said that he liked me. I liked him. He differed from the
gentlemen with whom I had been acquainted. He was more a man of the
world than any. His coolness, his personal distinction, even his
age, attracted me. I wished that he had been on my side. I could
have trusted him with the wild undertaking I was now endeavouring to
bring about, and I could have rested quite confident that he would
succeed in it.
Yes, marvellous as it may seem, I could have viewed his claiming the
inevitable reward with a certain degree of equanimity, if equanimity
be the word to describe a wildly fluttering, beating heart such as my
own. He inspired my confidence and something more.
My mind swiftly reverted to his ideal woman. I was not vain and
foolish, I trust, and yet was I not tall and fair? Was there not
sunshine, or had there not been sunshine in my long locks before I
cut them off? Were my eyes not the blue of which he spoke? Was not
my figure plump? I examined what was visible of it with another
burning blush, wondering if he had marked it. Could I not ride and
hold a sword and fire a weapon without shutting my eyes? Did I not
have learning enough to match me with this...
Pshaw, the man was nothing, could be nothing, to me except my enemy.
And all such speculations were indeed idle. If I had time and could
appear before him in my proper person, I might win his devotion did I
desire it, I made no doubt.
But I had no time. I had to get from him to-morrow, in some way, by
some means, the fatal warrant. How? His chamber was across the hall
from mine. Could I effect entrance therein in the middle of the
night, and, unobserved, steal the despatch-case in which, doubtless,
he would carry it? It might be done, but suppose he awoke and seized
me there and found me a woman?
I shivered at the thought. What would he think of me in such a case?
On the other hand, what did I care what he thought of me so long as I
got the warrant?
But if I were caught, would I not have to pay the price, lose all,
and get nothing? It could not be.
Was there any way in which I could win it from him by finesse? None.
By cajolery? Men do not cajole men. And if I said, or he
discovered, that I was a woman, I would be helpless.
There was but one way: I should have to take it from him by force.
I, a woman, to all intents a slender stripling, would have to
overmaster this veteran soldier! Well, I swore that I would do it.
I would stop him in the highway, be the risk what it might.
A long time I made plans, only to dismiss one after another until, at
last, I hit upon something that seemed to give at least faint promise
of success. I would stake all upon that. I could do nothing else.
Slipping off my boots and coat and loosening my clothes slightly, I
threw myself down upon the bed, having left directions that I should
be called by four of the clock, and fell into a troubled sleep, full
of anxious dreams born of my strange plight.
I was up betimes, hastily dressed myself, and descended to the
taproom. It was still dark. I knew that Sir Hugh would not be
called until daybreak, that he would order breakfast ere he started,
and that I should have probably an hour for my purposes. Bidding the
sleepy maid to get me some kind of a meal, I went out to the stables
to look to my horse.
There were only two strange horses in the stalls, mine and this
soldier's. Our saddles hung side by side on pegs. Awakening the
ill-tempered hostler, I despatched him to the taproom to bring my
saddle-bags and to draw a bucket of water for my horse. The instant
he left the stable, I ran to Sir Hugh's saddle and drew the pistols
from the holsters. They were a pair of heavy, serviceable,
soldier-like weapons. I had a fit of trembling at the idea that they
might be pointed at me.
To unscrew the ramrods and draw the charges was the work of a few
moments. I was in a desperate hurry and, fortunately, got the
pistols, still primed, back in the holsters before the stable-boy
came in. I tossed him a crown to relieve his spleen, and bade him
get my horse ready quietly and bring him to the door of the inn
within ten minutes.
Then I went back, hastily partook of such breakfast as was set before
me and paid my reckoning to the landlord, who had by this time come
sleepily down the stairs. I left a message for Sir Hugh Richmond
that, being nervous and having passed a sleepless night, I had risen
early, breakfasted and had ridden on ahead, and would progress slowly
that he might overtake me on the road at his convenience. Then I
clambered to the saddle and rode away in a rare state of perturbation
indeed.
Coming to Cockenzie the day before, I had marked a place where the
road bent sharply away from the shore, on account of the broken
nature of the cliffs, and plunged for the space of a mile through a
stretch of woodland. Such a place, if fortune gave me the least
favour, would be most advantageous for my purposes. There I had
determined to play the part of highwayman.
When I reached the spot, I drew away from the road beneath the trees
and made a careful survey of the situation. I found that I could sit
my horse under the shelter of the trees, myself unseen, although with
a clear glimpse of the open road leading to the forest, and could
easily burst out upon a traveller coming around the bend without
giving him the least previous warning.
It was still early in the morning--in fact, it was not yet full
dawn--when I reached this point, some miles from the inn, and I hoped
that no other traveller on the road would inconveniently appear to
balk me in my desire. Fortunately no one was abroad then. The place
and road were lonely and deserted.
I had plenty of time to make all my preparations. I carefully
examined my pistols and saw that my sword was ready at hand. If Sir
Hugh had examined his own weapons critically and had recharged them,
if I did not kill him first I should probably be shot dead.
The alternatives before me were simple, I reflected with a faint
heart. Before an hour, I should possibly be murdered or be a
murderess myself. I liked neither the one possibility nor the other.
If Sir Hugh had not recharged his pistols, it was likely that I could
get his despatch-bag, but probably only after I had shot him, for I
realised that a man such as he would never give up a charge upon a
mere demand or threat such as I had at first hoped might suffice.
Well, I knew all this before. There was no use repining at it now.
I played for a great stake--my father's life. That stood higher with
me than the life of any other man or woman, including my own. I
would carry out the enterprise with determination to the end as I had
planned, whatever the consequences to myself. But I would that the
necessity had never been laid upon me, a helpless maiden.
It is simple enough and easy enough to say all this, but it was by no
means easy or pleasant to think on at the time, and I own that no
hour I ever spent dragged as that one. Indeed, if the undertaking
had been put off another hour, I believe I could scarce have mustered
courage enough to carry the affair through even for my dear Lord's
life.
It seemed such a pity that no other way presented itself. Certainly,
I did not want to shoot this unsuspecting officer. I had almost
rather he shot me. Instantly my imagination ran away with me, and I
pictured him lying lifeless and bloody at my feet, or myself in like
case. And in these speculations I own I quite lost sight of the
heads-man's axe and the block awaiting my father in Edinburgh with
only me to stay them.
I was becoming quite unmanned when I caught the sound of a horse's
footfalls on the road. I rose to my feet from the grassy bank where
I had been resting, ran back under the trees, mounted my own horse,
rode to the bend of the road, and stationed myself out of sight
behind a thick growth of underbrush. I peered cautiously down the
road before I took this position and discovered that the oncoming
horseman was the red-coated Sir Hugh.
The sun had just risen, and the open road was full of light, although
the place where I stood was still in quite deep shadow. My
nervousness, I am thankful to say, largely left me in the moment of
emergency, and I observed with satisfaction that the hand which held
the pistol resting lightly across the pommel of the saddle was quite
steady.
Sir Hugh was pushing his horse at a smart pace. Fortunately for me,
however, he reined in just as he approached the wood and scanned it
curiously, like the careful soldier that he was. There was nothing
suspicious, however, and he rode on rather carelessly. As he came
around the bend, I was instantly disclosed. I endeavoured to sit and
to look as negligently as was possible. I don't think anything in my
appearance awakened his suspicion, for he checked his horse, and
turned slowly toward me with an air in which were mingled surprise
and satisfaction.
"Good-morrow, Master Carthew!" he cried, with a wave of his hand and
quite buoyantly. "I thought I had lost you. What strange freak made
you get up and ride ahead?"
The moment had arrived. It was now or never. If I waited, I could
not do it. He looked so handsome in the full light. He bore himself
so bravely and seemed so glad to chance upon me again. Quick as a
flash, I lifted my right arm and pointed the pistol fair at his
heart, although I prayed that I might not have to press the trigger.
"Stop where you are!" I cried peremptorily. "If you move a hand,
I'll put a bullet through your heart, sir."
I never saw such blank astonishment in any human face. At other
times I might have laughed at it.
"Why, good God!" he exclaimed when he could master his amazement a
little.
"Silence!" I cried. And my voice, I am sorry to say, lost the deep
pitch to which I had striven to subdue it and rang highly feminine.
"I mean what I say," I continued. "If you do not obey my commands, I
shall be under the painful necessity of killing you."
Instinctively confronted by such a weapon,--and my hand, I thrilled
to see, did not even yet tremble, though my heart beat so it was like
to choke me,--he had remained absolutely motionless.
"Is this a jest, young sir?" he at last inquired, frowning.
"No jest as you will see, but I have no time for talk. I want..."
"Your hundred guineas, I suppose," he sneered. "Why, I offered you
them last night. You could have taken them like a gentleman instead
of filching them like a thief."
"I want no guineas!" I protested.
But he was too quick for me. With a movement of lightning-like
rapidity, the which I had not imagined him or any man capable of, he
bent forward, whipped a pistol out of his holster, pointed it at me,
and pulled the trigger. For one brief second my eyes did close.
There was a flash in the pan--thank God, nothing more. I had not, in
spite of my fright, lowered my weapon.
"Curses on the pistol!" he cried.
I laughed.
"If you do not instantly drop it in the road, I will pull the
trigger."
I think he realised now that I was in earnest, for he unclosed his
fingers and the pistol fell to the ground.
"Now," said I, "you need not look at the other weapon, for I myself
drew the charges this morning."
I was sure of my man now and I could afford to temporise.
"You can examine it yourself," I continued confidently, "to make sure
that further resistance on your part is futile. Only I warn you
that, if you turn it never so little toward me, I will let you have
this pistol, and I assure you it is thoroughly charged."
With this permission he at once drew the other pistol from the
holster, examined it, and, by command, dropped it in the road beside
its useless fellow.
"You have me at a disadvantage, Master Carthew. I am soldier enough
to know when I am beaten. What do you wish of me?" he asked me
quietly enough; too quietly, had I but known it.
"Your despatches," I said.
"My despatches?"
"You can understand the English language," I continued, "even when
spoken by a Scot. Hand them over, or I swear to you..."
"This is foolish preparation for a commission in the King's service,
boy."
"I desire no service with that false King," I answered recklessly.
"Are you for Monmouth, then?"
"I am."
"Why, Lord love ye, boy, the Duke hath been executed long since on
Tower Hill, and..."
"I'm for myself, then!" I cried. "We waste words. Your despatches!"
"I have liked you," said the man gently, looking at me quite
pleasantly, with a little smile upon his lips. "There is the making
in you of a rare soldier, for all your slender, almost feminine
appearance."
At that my pistol did waver for a second,--it was terribly heavy, I
found, extended out before me,--but only for a second.
"Be advised. This is high treason. You will die for it surely."
"On my own head be the consequences. I appreciate the kindness of
your warning. Once and for all, will you give over the packet."
"Needs must with such a persuader," he said, smiling.
He reached his left hand into his breast pocket and drew forth a
heavy leather wallet. He extended his hand toward me. I was new at
the business; I should have had him drop it in the road and ride on,
but such was my eagerness for it that I spoke to my horse and
advanced a pace to meet him.
I nearly had cause to rue forever that miscalculation, for while
still extending the packet with one hand, with the other he reached
down with astonishing quickness, drew my other pistol from the
holster, and pulled the trigger. Our horses were both in motion at
the time. My only salvation was to fire upon him, and, even as the
weapon which he had seized spoke, so did mine. I felt a sharp,
agonising pain in my left shoulder. I knew that I had been hit; how
seriously I could not tell, nor could I give much thought to my
condition, for my interest was in him.
Fortune had favoured me, for as I stared, my left arm dangling, Sir
Hugh threw up his hands, his face went white; I could see a red
smudge on his forehead. He reeled in his saddle, fell back, slipped
sideways, and slid down to the road. Both horses were in a great
state of excitement. Sir Hugh's foot was still in the stirrup. I
had managed to control mine by a word; his own horse started off.
Sir Hugh would have been dragged and battered to pieces in a few
bounds. I barred the way and, with my right hand, I caught his
horse's bridle and brought the well-trained animal instantly to a
stop. I found that, although my coat-sleeve was stained with blood,
I could still move my arm, which rather convinced me that my wound
was a flesh wound of the shoulder and nor serious.
Therefore I dismounted, stepped over to Sir Hugh, disengaged his foot
from the stirrup, and tore the packet from his hand. His forehead
and the side of his face were covered with blood. He was still
breathing. Recklessly, I tore off a ruffle from my sleeve and strove
to stanch the blood. I expected to see a round hole in the skull.
There was nothing there, however, but a deep gash that extended
sideways along the temple. I was not skilled in gunshot wounds, but
I realised instantly that he was not mortally hurt, and I was never
more fervently thankful in all my life than for that.
As soon as I saw what had happened, I took my lace and linen tie and
rapidly bandaged the soldier's head. Then, as I knew I must get away
for my life, I mounted my horse again, and, having first taken the
precaution to detach from its straps a little despatch-bag that hung
from the pommel of the saddle, I turned his horse's head back toward
the inn and gave it a hearty stroke or two with my hand to set it
galloping away. Thereupon, with a final and reluctant glance at the
poor prostrate soldier, I put spurs to my own horse and galloped
madly down the road, feverishly anxious to get away.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Illustration: As soon as I saw what...]
_As soon as I saw what
had happened, I took my
lace and linen tie and rapidly
bandaged the soldier's head.
Then I knew I
must get away
for my life_
---------------------------------------------------------------------
When I had got out of sight of any possible observation from Sir
Hugh, even if he had recovered sufficiently to observe me, I turned
my horse into the wood by the side of a little brook that crossed the
road. I urged him through the trees until he was completely out of
sight of any passerby. Then I swung myself from the saddle, tore
open the package that Sir Hugh had handed me, hastily glanced over
the papers, and discovered that the precious warrant was not among
them!
Sick at heart, I hammered at the lock of the despatch-bag, which I
thanked God I had had the wit to bring with me, until I got it open.
It contained various official documents, and among them was one I
recognised, to my great relief and happiness. Ruthlessly, I broke
the royal seal. The name of my father swam before my eyes. It was
the warrant for his execution.
With hands that trembled now as they had not trembled before during
the adventure, I dragged from my pocket the flint and steel. Heaping
together some leaves, touchwood, and dried brush, I soon kindled a
blaze. I held the warrant therein with my hand and watched it burn.
The wax melted at last and left a red spot in the middle of the
ashes. I had succeeded, and by my own wit and address. My father's
life was saved.
I had kept myself up till then by sheer strength of will. The wound
in my shoulder had bled unheeded. I was greatly weakened. A sudden
reaction came. I felt frightfully faint and ill.
I rose to my feet and managed in some way to divest myself of my coat
and waistcoat, fumbling with my one hand amid the unfamiliar buttons.
Then I tore open the breast of my shirt, dragged it off my shoulder,
and discovered a long, jagged wound across the top. The sight of the
red blood upon my white flesh made me nervous and sick.
I fell to my knees and started to crawl toward the brook. I did not
know whether I should reach it or not. The world was growing darker
and blacker about me every minute. I set my teeth together and
crawled mechanically on. I had almost arrived at the brink when a
voice I knew broke upon my ear, recalling me at once to full
consciousness.
"Well, Master Carthew,"--the words came to me as if from a great
distance,--"I have you now."
I looked up. There stood Sir Hugh, hatless, his head still bound,
his cheek still bloody. He had a drawn sword in his hand. Amazing
as it may seem, I was almost glad to see him: I felt so sick, and
weak, and helpless. Yet I did not give up. With a flash of my old
spirit, I strove desperately to rise to my feet. I got as far as my
knees and, forgetful of my naked shoulder, I stared up at him boldly.
"Too late," I said.
"Good God!" I heard him exclaim. "'Tis a woman."
And then I knew nothing more.
_Chapter_
V
_In which I ride away with my Captor, who
threatens me with Death for High Treason_
When I came to my senses, I found myself lying in the arms of the
soldier: that is, he was kneeling by me, with my head pillowed on his
arm. It was a comfortable position, but I could not retain it a
moment longer than was necessary. My wig had been pulled off; my
face was wet with water from the brook, which he had dashed in it
energetically; my throat was burning from some kind of liquor which
he had poured down it.
After the first emotion of comfort from being thus supported, my
immediate feeling was one of fierce indignation that he had so
mishandled me. I opened my eyes and my mouth at the same time,
furiously determined to protest. One does not come out of such a
swoon, however, in full possession of one's powers, and in that
particular Sir Hugh had the advantage of me, for, so soon as I
unclosed my eyes and before I had a chance to say a word, he spoke.
"My dear young lady," he began, with an air of masculine superiority
which made me detest him.
That he should speak so to me was not to be borne. My weakness and
faintness had passed. I resolutely drew myself away from him, and
sat up. I maintained my position, too, although my head swam and
things looked hazy and vague for a few moments.
"I am glad," said he with a gleam of triumph in his eye, "to see that
you are better. Another swallow from this flask will probably put
you to rights again."
He proffered me as he spoke a little silver-mounted bottle, which
looked as if it might have been made to carry in the pocket. I shook
my head positively.
"I want no more of it," I said. "I shall do very well as I am."
Then my eye fell upon my half-naked shoulder. With a convulsive
movement, I swept my shirt across my breast, and held it there, and I
know that my face was scarcely less crimson than the wound itself.
Sir Hugh Richmond, of course, saw my gesture. He paused, bit his
lips to repress a smile, and then began resolutely.
"Madam," he said, as cold as you please, "I know not who you are, or
why you have indulged yourself in this mad prank. You seem to be a
gentlewoman...."
Seem! Great Heavens!--and yet I was thankful for the acknowledgment
after all, for goodness knows, there was nothing in my conduct which
would indicate that I belonged to that degree.
"And, therefore, I beg to assure you that, until matters are
explained to me and arranged between us, I regard you simply as a
woman in distress, entitled to my respectful duty and protection."
"You are very kind," I said, seeing that he paused once again.
"It is difficult to say this," he resumed, with some little
embarrassment, "but you have a raw and open flesh-wound in your
shoulder. It is necessary that it be bound up. In the nature of
things you cannot do it yourself. There is no succour or help within
miles. You must allow me to act as your surgeon."
"Never!" said I.
"But the bleeding must be stopped," he continued imperatively. "You
must be got away from here."
"I don't care, even if I bleed to death," I protested vehemently but
most miserably.
"Madam, you must," was the stern answer. "In the first place,
although I am loath to allude to it in your present condition, really
you are now a prisoner in my custody. You have halted the King's
messenger, robbed the King's post on the King's Highway. The act is
felony; nay, more, 'tis treason. The punishment I pointed out to you
a few moments since. I must convey you hence, and I cannot march you
away with that open wound."
"Let me die here then!" I wailed, not realising that death was not
imminent from that cause at any rate.
"'Tis impossible," he said briefly, but with a firmness I could not
stay. "And, in short, we have wasted too many words already."
He stepped toward me and bent over me. In my desperation I struck
feebly at him with my unwounded arm.
"Madam," he said gently, catching me by the arm, "surely you see how
futile is your resistance to me."
"But you are wounded yourself."
"A mere scratch," he replied. "Now, permit me."
There was no help for it. I sank back on the grass and hid my face
with my right hand. Never in all my life had I been so humiliated
and ashamed. The tears welled through my fingers. I hated myself
for weeping, but I had no power to check their flow.
He whipped out a knife from some place, and, with skilful hands, slit
the shirt across my shoulder, laying it bare. For all my blinding my
eyes, I was acutely conscious of everything he did, and a little
thrill of admiration at his delicacy pervaded me. A ruder man might
have opened the shirt, but he took every care to conserve, so far as
was possible, my outraged feelings by exposing me as little as
possible.
"Have you anything," he said at last, after he laid bare the wound
and washed it with water, which he brought from the brook in his
hands; "have you any bit of linen on your person with which to bind
it up?"
"Naught," said I.
"If you only had a linen petticoat," he blurted out.
"Ay," was my answer. "If I had that I should not now be here
wounded, helpless, and at your mercy."
He looked me over critically from head to foot. I could see betwixt
my fingers. His glance, which was careless and indifferent enough,
made my flesh fairly creep. Then he did a strange thing. He tore
off his coat, and applied the knife to the sleeve of his own shirt.
He cut it clear close to the shoulder, slit it in lengths, used the
ruffles as a cloth to cleanse the wound, the edges of which he drew
together, applied some plaster which he procured from a little box in
his waistcoat, and then, with amazing skill and deftness, used the
strips of his sleeve to bandage it all firmly and well. It is
impossible to describe the relief afforded me by the process. When
it was completed, I drew down my hand from my face and looked
gratefully at him.
"Now, madam," said he, "'tis but a rough soldier's dressing, but the
bleeding is checked, and 'twill serve until we can have it properly
bandaged and attended to by a more skilful chirurgeon or apothecary."
There were a few small pieces of his sleeve lying by my side. I sat
up and used them to wipe my tear-stained face and heavy eyes. Sir
Hugh surveyed me thoughtfully yet most kindly while I did so.
"I believe," said he, "that, with my assistance, we can manage to get
your waistcoat and coat on you. The wound is fortunately high up on
the shoulder, and you can bend your arm with but little pain. I take
it that you do not wish to be recognised as a woman, at least by
chance wayfarers, and it will be necessary for you to make this
effort."
"With your assistance, I am sure I can manage it," I said, rising to
my feet.
He extended me a friendly hand during the endeavour, and I was very
glad to take it. I was shaky still in my knees, but I had no doubt I
could manage all that was necessary. It was an operation of some
difficulty to get the coat and waistcoat on without hurting me too
greatly, and indeed, although the pain was severe, I set my teeth
together and it was presently managed. Next he mixed me a draught of
spirit, well diluted with cool water, in the little cup around the
bottom of the flask. After I had partaken of this, I felt ready for
whatever fortune had in store for me.
"You will be quite yourself in a few moments, I think. Meanwhile, I
will allow you to rest at your ease while I inquire into this strange
proceeding."
He indicated a fallen tree. I threw myself down on the grass and
rested my head and unwounded arm upon it. Sir Hugh stood with folded
arms by my side, quite in the attitude of a judge.
"Now," said he with ceremonious politeness, "that you are quite
comfortable, will you kindly relieve my natural curiosity as to your
extraordinary procedure?"
I hesitated as to how to begin the answer to this entirely natural
request. Sir Hugh prompted me.
"First," he said, "it would be well for you to tell me your name and
condition."
I could see no reason for concealing it. He had but to produce me in
Edinburgh as his prisoner and a thousand people would tell him who I
was.
"My name," said I, "is Katharine Clanranald."
The soldier started.
"What!" he exclaimed. "Are you the daughter of the Earl of
Clanranald?"
"His only daughter," I returned.
"Lady Katharine Clanranald?"
"The same, sir."
"Is he your father whose warrant I was fetching from the King?"
"You speak truly, sir."
"The warrant; where is it?"
This was my one moment of triumph in all the interview now
proceeding. I pointed to the remains of the fire off to one side.
"You will find what remains of the seal in that heap of ashes
yonder," I said, smiling triumphantly.
Sir Hugh deliberately stepped over to it, carefully examined the heap
of ashes, stirred it up with his foot, lifted the shapeless mass of
wax in his hand.
"Your despatch-bag and the wallet you were good enough to hand me lie
yonder," I said, "their contents otherwise intact."
He turned to them, picked them up, examined them carefully, thrust
the wallet into the breast pocket of his coat, and turned to me,
holding the despatch-bag in his hand.
"I see," said he, "that you have burned your father's warrant. Why
did you do this, may I ask?"
"You were an enemy..." I began.
"Certainly not your enemy, madam," he interrupted quickly. "I simply
serve my King and obey his orders. I have no personal feeling
against you or against the Earl. That should be obvious."
"'Tis a matter of indifference, your feeling toward me or mine," I
replied coolly, at which he flushed darkly.
"May I ask what you expect to gain beyond delay by this most
extraordinary action, which is fraught with consequences to yourself
infinitely more serious than you can imagine?"
"I know to the full, sir, what are the consequences to myself, and,
knowing them, I took the risk to save my father's life."
"But you cannot save his life by this means. It will be not
difficult to procure another warrant, and your action has removed the
last vestige of possibility of royal clemency. You have gained
nothing but a brief delay for your father, while for yourself..."
"And that, sir," I returned, "is all that I desire. New evidence
hath been disclosed which will be laid before the King, with
application for pardon signed by most of the great and loyal
gentlemen of Scotland. I played for time. They cannot execute my
father without the warrant, and, while one is being sent there, I
shall be on my way south to London, to plead with His Majesty the
Earl's cause."
"Humph!" said Sir Hugh, "you have forgotten one thing."
"And what is that, pray?"
"That you are now a prisoner attainted of treason; that to-night I
turn you over to the commandant at Edinburgh, and your place will be
a cell beside your father's. Two heads, one of them a fair one, may
go to the block instead of one."
He spoke slowly and with cool deliberation, which lent tremendous
emphasis to every word he said. I stared at him, bewildered, the
truth of what he said coming over me like a wave. Was it indeed
possible that I had risked everything and to no avail?
"Sir, sir," I began, and then I hid my face in my hands once more.
The pause was broken by the soldier.
"I never could abide to see a woman weep. The thought that many a
hard adventure and many a bold attempt ends in a woman's tears has
oft taken the joy out of some gallant undertaking," he said
uncomfortably. "I pray your ladyship control your grief."
"Control my grief!" I flashed out. "Put yourself in my place. I
have staked everything, full of hope that I might thus insure my
father's life, and you tell me that I have but made his death more
certain."
"And have only involved yourself in his evil fortune."
"For that I care not."
"And there is no one for whom you care enough to regret this life?"
"None, save Master Dunner."
"Ah!" exclaimed Sir Hugh, "and who is Master Dunner, pray?"
"An aged retainer of our house, the attorney and councillor who hath
aided me in this juncture."
"Was this wild plan his?"
"My own," I answered.
"And had you no man of your house to whom to turn?"
"We are alone, my father and I."
"And was there no gallant among your acquaintance who could relieve
you of this desperate endeavour?"
"Not without a price greater than I could pay."
"And that price?"
I do not know why I answered these questions, but he stood before me
so dominant and so masterful; I felt so miserable and weak and
helpless; the enterprise which I had carried through so gallantly,
and from which I had hoped so much, was apparently fruitless. I was
as a child before him for the time being.
"The price, I ask," he repeated.
"Myself."
A slow smile swept across Sir Hugh's face.
"Have you never found that tall, strong, brave, true man, with bright
hair and blue eyes; that brave, fierce soldier to all the world who
reserves his tender side for you, who will worship you and think you
as far above him as the stars, Master Carthew?"
"Not yet," I answered, bitterly ashamed of myself as he quoted my
foolish remarks of the night before.
I looked pointedly at him as I spoke.
"My own hair is brown, my eyes and skin are dark." He shook his head
sadly and then, with a swift change of manner, he continued, "But, do
you know, I think I have found the woman of whom I dreamed, and of
whom I told you over the cups last night."
There was a direct, not to say a burning, intensity about his gaze,
as he fixed it on me, that fairly shocked me.
"I pray you, sir, do not mock me," I began in my confusion.
In spite of my words, there was something that thrilled my heart not
only in what he said, but in the way he said it.
"I was never farther from mockery in my life," said Sir Hugh gravely.
"These," said I, "are the manners of the army, doubtless, which finds
a sweetheart in every post."
"How admirable is your memory," returned the soldier.
"And 'tis most ungenerous to entreat me thus, being a woman, wounded,
helpless, beaten, and your prisoner."
"It is so," said Sir Hugh contritely. "Madam, you have rebuked me
well. Now, what is to be done?"
It was obviously not for me to answer that question, so I remained
discreetly silent while Sir Hugh pondered the situation, thinking
deeply on his course.
"Do you know how far it is to the next town, Musselburgh I believe
they call it?" he asked me at last.
I was tempted not to answer him. I would fain give no advice or
counsel. I was not bound to give aid and comfort to the enemy. But
lingering remains of discretion prompted me to placate my fierce
conqueror by submissiveness, if possible.
"It is perhaps five or six miles by the road, I think."
"I could walk that distance easily. But you ... We must get there
some way. Once there, it will be easy to secure a conveyance to
enable us to reach Edinburgh in safety. I see naught for it but to
go to the highroad and wait the chance of a passing coach or wagon,
which we will impress."
"My horse should be yonder," I said.
"I frightened him away when I came up."
"Your own horse?"
"You drove him off evidently, for when I came to my senses he was
gone."
"We will go, then, to the roadway. How did you find me here, sir?" I
asked, rising slowly to my feet.
"You left a trail that a baby could have followed." He smiled.
"And, before we start, there is another matter that must be adjusted
between us." He hauled out of his pocket as he spoke a netted purse
containing the money he had won from me the night before. "This," he
said, "is yours. I don't play at dice with women."
He extended his hand with the purse in it, and bowed low before me.
I took the money--oh, I did not intend to keep it! I was never so
angered and humiliated in all my life.
"Surely, sir," said I, "I have some claims to be considered as having
played the manly part in that, in broad daylight on the King's
Highway, I have despoiled a royal messenger, a tried and proved
soldier, of his charge, and, in an encounter at arms, have left him
senseless in the roadway while I made off scot-free."
"You have described the situation and your action excellent well,
madam, but this exhibition of manly courage, address, and daring does
not make you less a woman. I may fight with you on necessity, but I
cannot game with you. The gold is yours and you will have need of
it," remonstrated the soldier.
For answer, I hastily flung the purse and its contents into the brook.
"Let it lie there," I said.
Sir Hugh laughed uproariously. Then he deliberately waded into the
brook, fished up the purse from the shallow pool in which it lay, and
put it in his pocket.
"Your true woman," he said, "flings away treasure; your true soldier
gathers it up, that, at some future day, he may place it in her hand
again."
"Lead on to the roadway," said I, as imperiously as you please.
"Had best cover your curls with the sunshine in them, madam, with
your wig before we go," said Sir Hugh, lifting up wig and hat and
presenting them to me with a graceful but most ironical bow.
I clapped them on my head in some fashion. I was so angry that I
neither knew nor cared whether they were rightly placed or not; and
then, meekly to all appearances but with a heart filled with inward
rage, I plodded through the forest to the side of the road.
_Chapter_
VI
_In which, by the Favour of the King's Messenger, I am permitted to
ride south again on my Quest_
Fortune favoured us, for what should come along but an empty coach
and four that had taken one of the minor gentry out to his country
seat and was returning to the city. The coachman was sufficiently
astonished at the sight of a King's officer, his head bound up in a
bloody rag, and a pale slip of a boy in disordered guise by his side.
He halted instantly on being hailed, and when Sir Hugh disclosed his
name and rank, and required the use of a coach to take us to
Musselburgh in the name of the King, he made no demur, especially as
his conscience was quieted and any resentment mitigated by a guinea
which the soldier flung to him with a prodigal hand.
At his gesture, I preceded my captor into the coach, and sank back in
the thick cushions of the seat with a great feeling of relief. Sir
Hugh clambered in after me, shut the door, and sat down by my side.
"I should relieve you of the annoyance of my presence," he said, "by
riding on the box were it not for this unseemly appearance."
He pointed to his head, and my heart really smote me. I would have
killed him I suppose to secure the warrant, if it were necessary, but
I had no wish to see him suffer, thereafter. I was ever an impetuous
woman, and at once I spoke my thought.
"Sir, you must be holding me strangely indifferent to one who hath so
delicately entreated me, but I am ashamed to say that I quite forgot
your wound."
"I forgot it, too," said Sir Hugh, "and, indeed, 'tis nothing to
worry about. Had I water and a towel, save for a raw scar for a few
days, there would be no evidence of it. I have had bullets into me
and through me seriously and often enough to make nothing whatever of
a trifling scratch like this."
"I thank God," I said fervently, "that it was only a scratch."
"Madam," he rejoined promptly, "you cannot be more grateful to
Providence for that than I am that my inadvertent bullet merely
grazed your shoulder."
"Yet, sir, had you stricken me down, I had been saved from a worse
fate."
Sir Hugh said nothing. The pause was almost unbearable. I broke it.
He seemed to be waiting for me to do so.
"What ... what is the punishment for treason?" I asked.
"The block, madam," was the sepulchral answer.
Now I was willing to die. Indeed, if my father had to die, I was
more than willing. At least I had been until now. But there was
something so sinister and horrible in the prospect my imagination
conjured before me at his word that I went white and shuddered.
"'Tis a hard fate," said Sir Hugh swiftly, "hard fate for a brave man
and harder for a sweet woman. There must be some way of avoiding it."
There was nothing that I could think of to say, no way that I could
see for avoiding it, so I perforce kept silence, biting my lip,
clenching my hands, and fighting back the tears that brimmed in my
eyes in spite of myself.
"Madam," asked Sir Hugh, at last looking at me very hard, "have I not
used you gently since the affair of this morning?"
"That you have!" I cried. "I shall not forget your kindness, your
delicacy about ... about my shoulder. A helpless maid could have
fallen in no gentler hands. I shall thank you for your treatment
during the rest of my short and unhappy life."
"Soldiers," said Sir Hugh, "are not always so black as they are
painted. I am glad to hear you say that. I tried to treat you as I
would a sister or a wife, had I been blessed with either. Now, will
you allow me to question you on one or two points?"
"You may ask me anything, and anything that a woman may properly
reveal I shall not keep back. I am glad to requite your services by
entire confidence."
"You say that your father is not guilty of high treason?"
"No," said I, "I cannot say that, but I do say he went with
Monmouth's adherents against his will; that he was in a measure
compelled to, and that there are many circumstances which mitigate
his offence against the King, so much so that, with the petition for
pardon, we are persuaded that His Majesty will commute the sentence
perhaps to exile or confinement."
"I am a soldier of the King, and, therefore, what I say may appear
strange, but you interest me, madam. You interested me last night,
you interested me more this morning, and you interest me even more at
this moment."
If interest in his language did not spell some other word, then I
fear I was no judge of hidden meanings.
"There is one argument to which the King is rarely insensible," he
resumed rather guardedly.
"And what is that?"
"'Tis heard in the ring of the guinea upon his fellow."
"We are not without some argument of that sort," I replied.
"And how much, pray, do your resources amount to?"
"About three thousand pounds, I think," was my answer.
"Including the hundred I won from you last night?"
He took the wet purse from his pocket and balanced it lightly in his
hand.
"Including that," I said, humbly enough now in all conscience.
"Now, madam," he said, extending it to me once more, "I pray you as
the good comrade of a poor soldier, who, although he hath been
cozened by a woman, is not yet without some reputation, to accept
this trifle as part of your father's ransom."
I hesitated. It was hard for me to put my pride in my pocket, but he
had spoke me so fair and had treated me so well; his manner was so
winning--and we needed the money so much--I actually took it.
"That's well done," he said, clapping me lightly on the shoulder,
"and like a lad of spirit," he laughed.
I was unreasonably glad of his praise, I know not why; but honestly I
set down my feelings as they came to me. I did not resent the
friendly touch on my shoulder, either; its kindly animus was so
apparent.
"You have been very good to me," I said, extending my hand.
He took it in his own firm, brown one, and held it strongly, yet
without hurt.
"'Tis the first lad's hand I ever kissed," he laughed again, bending
over it and pressing his lips upon it.
How different that from the pressure of Master Dunner's lips, or of
any other that had touched my hand!
"I have put my pride in my pocket with my guineas," I said, "but what
avail either now? I have simply succeeded in getting myself in
prison with my father."
"There is many a thing happens between the arrest of a criminal and
his being clapped into a cell," interrupted Sir Hugh, with a
profoundly philosophic air. "But I have not yet finished my
catechism, my lady. I asked you last night had you a sweetheart, and
your confusion led me to believe that you... What am I to think now?"
"Sir," said I, "you have no right to question me as to my private
affairs."
"No right certainly, but as a friend, as a possible ally, I still
press for an answer."
"I have none."
"Answer or sweetheart?"
"Neither."
"And there is no gallant gentleman of Scotland to whom you are
pledged?"
"Would I be here if there were?" I answered sharply.
"True," said Sir Hugh.
"Now it is my turn to question. Why do you ask?"
"Not idly, your ladyship, I protest. I have a good reason."
"What is that?"
"Your true soldier never gives his reason until he has to."
"Oh!" I remarked, indignant at being thus flouted.
"Nevertheless," said he, "I shall give you mine. I am willing to
save you for yourself, not however for another man."
To save me! What could he mean? I stared at him, bewildered.
"I don't understand," I began.
"You will presently. Now, let me tell you something about myself. I
haven't a relative in the world, save a distant cousin, who would
succeed to the title and estates should anything happen to me. As I
hinted, I have admired and played with many women; I have loved none.
I have never seen my ideal, whose qualities I prated of to you so
volubly last night, until"--he paused significantly--"this morning."
"Oh, Sir Hugh!" I cried, "how can you thus make sport of my
misfortunes?"
"I was never more serious in my life, madam, and I tell you this in
order that you may understand my action and that consideration for no
other person than yourself need obtrude itself upon my course. I
intend, when we reach Edinburgh, to deliver you to..."
He stopped and looked hard at me, the conclusion hidden.
"The Lord Chief Justice," said I, completing his sentence. "It is
just."
"To worthy Master Dunner, your attorney. I intend to place in his
hands bills of exchange on my London bankers for the sum of seven
thousand pounds, which, with your own three thousand, will better
serve to move the King to grant your petition when you present it to
him. His Majesty will be at Durham within a week. You can reach him
there and save yourself the long journey to London."
I stared at the man in bewildered amaze, scarce at first
comprehending the meaning of his easy sentences.
"But I am a prisoner," I faltered.
"My lady," was the answer, "you are as free as air. You can leave
the carriage this moment, at your will, though I trust you will do
nothing so precipitate and foolish as that departure would be."
"Then you don't mean to lodge information against me, and have me
charged with treason, and imprisoned, and..."
"I mean to say..."
"But your failure to deliver the warrant? How can you..."
"That's easily explained. I was robbed by highwaymen, and..."
"But your honour, your reputation?"
"I think they will survive even such a strain," he continued easily.
"The seven thousand pounds?"
"I devote it to the service of your ladyship and your cause. The
Earl, your father, can repay it at his convenience."
"And what," I asked, in my confusion, "hath brought me this noble,
this most generous treatment from an enemy?"
"May you never have a worse enemy in all your life, Lady Katharine,
than the one who now sits by your side."
The revulsion from despair to hope again was too great to be borne.
When I realised the full purport of his words, I could scarce contain
myself. I could find no words adequate to the situation. My usually
ready tongue was paralysed. I knew not with what speech to break the
silence.
"What hath so greatly changed you?" I inquired at last.
"You have," said the man bluntly.
I confess I liked the direct simplicity of the answer. Without
giving me time for comment, he ran on:
"As I told you, I never saw a lad whom I liked better on short
acquaintance than I did you last night. That you have turned out to
be a woman in the morning, has only strengthened my"--he
hesitated--"my regard," he added.
And, if that word did not spell what he had called interest had
spelled to me before, again I was ignorant of the finer shades of
meaning in the language.
"Never," said he, "in all my goings out and comings in through this
little world, have I met a woman like you. I owe you a score which,
I fear me, I shall never pay: that you, a mere girl, should have got
the better of me, a tried soldier, fills me with shame and with
admiration at the same time. I like your spirit. Should we have met
under happier circumstances, it would have been my chief ambition
to..."
He stopped suddenly. It was most annoying. I was burning to hear
the completion of the sentence.
"To what, sir?" I asked. "Why don't you finish?"
"Madam," said he meaningly, "as a soldier and a gentleman, I put no
price upon my services to a woman;" whereat I was discreetly and
deliciously silent.
It was noon when we rode into Musselburgh. Sir Hugh, making such
excuse as would serve to justify our condition, ushered me into a
private room of the inn with all the care and tenderness that my sex
and helplessness merited. He left me to my own devices for a little
space, and returned presently with a physician, the chief
practitioner of the town. The doctor much marvelled, I doubt not,
but questioned me not at all, because, as I afterward learned, Sir
Hugh had warned him to make no inquiry as to what he saw. He sewed
up the wound, re-bandaged it, complimenting the skilfulness with
which it had been treated by the way, declared that I would suffer no
great inconvenience from it, that it would be well in a short time,
and left me.
After his departure, there was set before me the daintiest and most
delicate meal, which I partook of alone, although, to be honest, I
would have greatly enjoyed the company of my captor. I took occasion
to freshen my face and hands, and lie down for a half-hour's quiet
rest before Sir Hugh tapped on the door.
"How fare you, madam?" he asked, after I had arisen and bade him
enter.
"Excellently well," was my answer. "I am greatly refreshed by the
surgeon's visit, my meal, and this hour of quiet."
"Canst sit a horse, think you?"
"As well as ever in my life," I replied.
"Well, then, I have two here, and, if you are ready, we will ride."
Sir Hugh had bought himself a hat; the surgeon had attended to his
wound--the white bandage about his forehead was not unbecoming to one
of his soldierly appearance and bearing. He had made such
explanations as were necessary, and, although there was quite a crowd
about the door of the hostelry as we came forth and mounted our
horses and rode away side by side, there was no demonstration.
We passed the time before we reached Edinburgh, riding slowly and
being passed by several horsemen, in much pleasant converse, tacitly
avoiding the subject uppermost in our hearts. Sir Hugh gave me much
sage information about the King and how to approach him, for which I
was deeply grateful.
His uniform and imperious presence procured us free entry through the
gates, although it was well toward evening when we reached the town.
Nothing would do thereafter but that he must escort me to my
hiding-place. It was perhaps reckless and imprudent of me to allow
him to have knowledge of it, but such had been his kindness to me
that I could deny him nothing. I piloted him, therefore, by the back
streets to the rear of our lodging. We tethered the horses to the
fence and entered the house by the back way. Master Dunner, who had
heard the clatter in the alley, met me at the kitchen door.
"Have you succeeded?"
"Beyond our wildest dreams," I said.
"Who is this?" asked the old man, peering back of me at the towering
form of the soldier.
"This," said I, "is Sir Hugh Richmond."
"Good God!" exclaimed the attorney, "have you taken him, my lady, as
well as the warrant?"
"Indeed," said Sir Hugh, laughing, "I think in truth she hath."
_Chapter_
VII
_Wherein, at the Request of Lady Katharine Clanranald, whom he loved,
Sir Hugh Richmond takes up the Tale, relating what happened to him in
the Tolbooth Prison_
Lady Katharine Clanranald has asked me to make this personal
contribution to her veracious narrative.
I shall not soon forget the mystification and surprise of worthy
Master Dunner, counsellor-at-law. I could well understand his
amazement. That the emissary of the King, presumably bearing the
royal warrant for his patron's execution, should appear at his
carefully selected hiding-place in the company of her ladyship was
surely inexplicable.
His wonderment and admiration grew after we had entered the
dining-room and were seated about the table partaking of the
excellent repast his worthy factotum had provided when, with some
promptings from me when she would fain have minimised her own heroic
part, the adventures of Lady Katharine were related to him. His
legal mind was quick to grasp the salient fact that the warrant had
been destroyed and that no execution could take place, therefore,
until it had been supplied by a new one. When this fact had been
thoroughly apprehended to his satisfaction, he had time to give
thought to other matters, and he proceeded to cross-question us both
with a searching power by which he learned everything that had
occurred.
"Why," he asked me, "did you determine upon this quixotic action
which would result in such serious consequences to yourself, sir,
were it disclosed to the King?"
"Master Dunner," said I meaningly, "if the good reason for my action
be not apparent to you, then all I can say, sir, is that you are a
very blind man."
At which her ladyship blushed divinely. She looked charming as a
boy, so winning, indeed, that I could scarce imagine her fascination
enhanced by any change of apparel whatsoever, and I should have kept
her a boy forever were it not that I could not see how in that
capacity I could change her name from Clanranald to Richmond, which I
was firmly purposed to do at the first convenient opportunity,
provided her consent could be obtained, and of that I was bold enough
to feel hopeful.
"Sir Hugh," she said, almost in answer to my unspoken thought, "I
have to thank you for kindness so great that I know not how I shall
ever repay you."
"I have rendered you some slight service, madam, a tribute to your
gallantry and devotion, as one soldier might to another, and there is
no word of repayment ever to be mentioned betwixt us," I said. "But
now it grows late. I am expected at the castle to-night, I infer
from what Master Dunner hath said, and it will be necessary for me to
take my departure without further delay."
I drew forth from my pocket, as I spoke, the wallet of which my lady
had despoiled me and which she had returned to me, and, asking for
pen and ink, I gave to Master Dunner such writings as, in his
judgment and mine, would enable him to command the sum of seven
thousand pounds, which, with what he had, would complete the sum of
ten thousand with which to approach the King. Master Dunner was very
careful to give me such security as he could, acting as the Earl's
agent and jealous for his patron's honour, and promised speedy
repayment of the loan. Lady Katharine made some demur, but between
us we easily overruled her: I, because I was determined that my
quixotic impulse should be carried out; and Master Dunner, because he
would have taken anything from anybody to save his patron. The
transaction was soon over, and I arose to take my departure.
"I have a word of advice to give," I remarked, ere I said good-bye.
"Whatever you do, do quickly. It is quite late. I may have
difficulty in getting access to the Lord Chief Justice or the
military commandant. Possibly I shall not see them until the
morning. No messenger, it is likely, will be despatched to the King
until late to-morrow."
"I will ride to the King myself early in the morning," said Lady
Katharine immediately. "You told me that he would be at Durham by
the time I could get there."
"Ay," replied I, "but it will be a hard ride for a woman."
"I will go just as I am," returned her ladyship.
"Your wounded shoulder?"
"A night's rest will put that to rights."
"Have you none other who can go?"
"I have only two friends," returned her ladyship--and her
appreciation really thrilled me--"Master Dunner"--she hesitated--"and
yourself, Sir Hugh," she continued, extending her hand.
I do not know what made me do it. I had kissed it in the carriage
like a courtier. Now I took her fine hand in my own and shook it
well.
"As one soldier to another, lad," I said, clapping her lightly upon
the shoulder for the third time. "'Fore God, I like you well, and,
when the time comes, I should be glad to have you in my company," I
said, with double meaning, "forever."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Illustration: "I like you well, and...]
"I like you well, and
when the time comes I
should be glad to have
you in my
company--forever"
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"Should I enlist as a soldier, Captain Richmond," returned my lady,
saluting gallantly with her disengaged hand, "I should like no better
fortune than to follow your flag."
I dared not trust myself to continue the conversation in this vein.
There was no doubt about it, although I be writ down here as a fool,
I was head over heels in love with this beautiful and daring woman.
She had captured my heart as completely as she had captured my person
back on the highroad. I was helpless before her. And only the fact
that she was in some small measure in my debt prevented me from
carrying her heart by escalade. I would have taken it by storm like
a soldier had it not been that gratitude might have inclined a
capitulation, which I would not accept unless it came from an
interest and affection that equalled my own.
I answered her salute in kind, therefore, and, not trusting myself to
say another word, turned on my heel and went out, accompanied by
Master Dunner, who desired to walk a space with me and talk further
about these various matters. He begged Lady Katharine to retire at
once and get such rest as she could, if she persisted in her
determination to ride south in the morning, and he promised to be
with her betimes.
"Sir Hugh," he began, as we walked along the almost deserted
street,--the house being in one of the meaner quarters of the city
for safety,--"it is idle to attempt to disguise from me that you have
placed yourself in a position of considerable danger."
"I did not choose," said I, "to dwell upon that in the presence of
her ladyship, for obvious reasons."
"I understand," said the old lawyer gravely, and yet with a little
twinkle in his eye. "Your interest in her ladyship can only arise
from one cause."
"You are not so blind as I fancied, Master Dunner," I returned,
smiling. "I confess to you, I have never met a woman of her spirit,
her wit, her resource, and, if I may judge from what I see, of her
beauty, of..."
"You may spare me the catalogue of her ladyship's attractions," said
the old man drily, "not because I am not fain to hear you dilate upon
them, but there are other matters more pressing which must be
considered between us, and more interesting as well."
"There is nothing more interesting," said I--and if I had been a
young cornet instead of a veteran captain of horse well on his way to
majority, who indeed might have commanded a regiment had he chosen to
give up his place in the King's bodyguard, I could not have been more
reckless in my speech--"than discussing Lady Katharine, but what you
say is true. I cannot and need not disguise from you that my
position is somewhat perilous."
"Exactly," returned the lawyer. "You have been robbed of the King's
warrant here in Scotland. The act is more than highway robbery; it
is treason. The fact that the only warrant that is taken is
Clanranald's points to some adherent of that house. It is possible
there are those who will say that the resistance you offered was not
so vigorous as you might have made, despite that bandage upon your
forehead. You may have been observed. Indeed, I am sure you must
have been, for you have admitted to me that you gave your full name
and rank most imprudently at the city gate and at Musselburgh as
well. Perhaps some one may have heard your conversation with Lady
Katharine in the wood. In short, sir, I need not refrain from
telling a soldier that you are in grave peril of being attainted for
treason yourself as an accomplice--and, forgive me, that you
certainly are--to a treasonable attack upon the King his privilege."
"Even so," I replied. "But I can honestly give my word that the
warrant was taken from me by force, and back it with my oath were
that necessary; that I did not surrender it willingly; that I did
everything that I could to retain and defend it, and that it was not
until I was senseless from a bullet wound that I lost it. I have not
failed in my duty."
"Except," said Master Dunner, "you have not given up to justice the
assailant whom you captured after the assault."
"Lady Katherine?" said I.
"Exactly," was the answer.
"Well, my only defence for that is Lady Katharine herself."
"And how far think you would that go in a court of justice?"
"Before a jury of soldiers, a long distance," I laughingly replied.
"But, jesting aside, I realise all that you say, and, were any harm
to come to the King from my action, I should feel differently, and I
should have acted differently. Lady Katharine Clanranald made a
brave play for a few days' delay, and all I have done is to assure
her that she shall have the time for which she struggled. If the
King persists in his determination that the Earl shall pay the
extreme penalty, why, no great harm will have been done by the few
days' respite which he will enjoy. And if, on the contrary, his
daughter's enterprise meet with its proper reward, a great harm will
have been avoided. Therefore, I justify myself for what I have done,
and hold it not inconsistent with my honour as a man, my obligation
as a subject, or with my duty as an officer."
The reasoning was specious, but, specious or not, it had to serve.
"I am glad to see you in so reasonable a frame of mind," continued
the advocate. "We are now upon the High Street. If you will refresh
yourself in the inn yonder, I will have your horse brought to you and
you can then ride to the castle and report to the Governor and the
Lord Chief Justice while I turn these bills of exchange into drafts
upon London. It would not advantage your cause, should you fall into
difficulties, if I should be seen in conversation with you. But
should you need an advocate, I recommend to you Master William
Abadie, a skilled and learned counsellor-at-law, and my very good
friend, through whom my own poor talent will also be at your service
freely."
"I thank you," said I, "and I will await my horse here."
We parted with mutual expressions of esteem, and, though I have
little affection for lawyers, I own I never met one that I liked
better than Master Dunner. If I got in trouble and Master Abadie
proved as agreeable, I should be in fortune. I ventured to charge
Master Dunner, ere he left me, with a message of reassurance to her
ladyship, which he promised faithfully to deliver, and I engaged his
good offices as well to represent my conduct to her in the proper
light should occasion serve.
My horse was soon brought to me, and I made my way without difficulty
to the gates of the castle, announced my name and rank, and demanded
to see the commandant without delay. I was ushered into the presence
of General Ramesay. He was seated at a table in his office, and by
him in another chair was another man of imposing, if somewhat legal,
aspect. General Ramesay received me with a certain abruptness, which
was somewhat disconcerting. However, I was not called to be a censor
to his manners, and, so long as he was decently civil to me, I had no
reason to make any complaint.
I reported briefly that I had been stopped on the road from Cockenzie
to Musselburgh that morning by a highwayman, with whom I had had an
encounter; that, although I had wounded him in the shoulder, he had
been fortunate enough in an exchange of shots to strike me in the
head; that his bullet had laid me senseless in the road, whereupon he
had taken my despatch-bag, broken it open, extracted therefrom the
warrant for the execution of the Earl of Clanranald, and made off
with it; that I had come to my senses, and, without a horse, had
availed myself of such means as presented to reach Musselburgh, where
I had bought the animal I had left outside, and I now delivered my
other despatches and reported myself subject to his orders.
General Ramesay heard me without interruption. When I finished my
brief recital, in which I told nothing that was not absolutely true,
although I was very careful not to tell everything that happened, it
was the man on the other side of the table who spoke. His accent was
decidedly Scottish. His manner was harsh, imperious, and severe. I
felt instinctively that trouble was to be looked for from him. He
had some notes scribbled upon a sheet of paper before him, which he
drew closer and examined carefully through a pair of great horn
spectacles before he spoke.
"You lay last night at Cockenzie you said, Captain Richmond?"
I turned to General Ramesay.
"Sir," said I, "I am quite willing, in the exercise of my duty, to
answer any question, to obey any order from you, my superior officer,
but before I reply to this gentleman, will you kindly advise me as
to..."
"This is Sir Alexander Forfair, Sir Hugh," said the General. "The
Lord Chief Justice of Scotland. 'Tis he to whom the warrant was to
have been delivered."
"I beg your pardon, your lordship," said I, bowing to the old man.
He wasted no time in ceremony.
"Your answer to my question, please."
Although I did not at all fancy his manner, and saw indication of
trouble for me therein, I promptly replied in the affirmative with
the best grace possible.
"You had as a companion at table a young"--he paused--"gentleman?"
"I had, sir."
"What was his name?"
"He told me that it was Carthew."
"Have you any reason for believing that that name was assumed for the
occasion?"
I was silent.
The Lord Chief Justice was skilled in reading men, and he saw at once
that he need press that question no further.
"He answers not, mark you, Ramesay," he said, turning to the General.
"Sir Hugh," said the old soldier, with whom I had some acquaintance,
having served under him previously, "as a brother officer, and I may
say as a friend, I advise you to be entirely frank with his lordship.
You stand in a position of some peril."
"Pardon me, General Ramesay," interposed the other man. "We need not
dwell upon that at present. Sir Hugh doubtless understands his
position. He is experienced enough to know how grave it is and what
the consequences of his refusal to answer would be."
I knew well how serious the position might be if these men knew all
that I had done, but that they could know it was beyond belief. I
determined, whatever might betide, not to betray Lady Katharine. I
was in for it, I supposed, and I did not disguise to myself the
gravity of the situation in which I had become involved.
"We know more," resumed Sir Alexander Forfair, "of your movements
than you imagine, sir. We know that you and this young man were
extremely friendly on last night; that you parted after an evening
spent together on the most amicable terms; that the young man left
before you did; that some sort of an encounter, as you allege, took
place in the wood a few miles this side of Cockenzie. We know
further that you and the young man rode together in Lord Leven's
coach to Musselburgh; that you and he came a-horseback to Edinburgh,
and that you are now here alone."
It was not difficult for me to see whence this information had come.
My horse had gone back to the inn at Cockenzie. The landlord had
sent a messenger immediately, who had observed the blood and evidence
of struggle in the wood. He had galloped on to report the adventure
to the authorities at Edinburgh. They had been looking for me. They
had learned in some way of our ride to Musselburgh, probably from the
coachman, who would be apt to talk about it, and our entrance through
the city gates an hour since had been doubtless reported.
What a fool I had been! I had permitted myself to be robbed by a
woman and had become so infatuated with her that the simplest
precautions had escaped me. I stood absolutely convicted. There was
no defence I could make; no explanation in the least degree plausible
that I could urge. In one moment the peril of the situation burst
upon me. Lady Katharine's act had undoubtedly been treason. I stood
as an abettor and participant therein. My only salvation would be to
tell the whole truth and throw myself upon the mercy of the Justice
and the King. If I did that, I had no doubt that I might escape with
no more severe punishment than a reprimand. But that was the one
thing I could not do. I had put my head in a noose, or under the axe
rather, having previously fettered myself, hand and foot. I was
helpless. What I should have been glad to have done for love of her
ladyship, I had now the added incentive to do for my honour's sake.
No gentleman, under such circumstances, could have betrayed a woman.
"Now, sir," continued the Chief Justice, as these thoughts ran
lightning-like through my head, "what have you done with the royal
warrant for Clanranald's execution?"
"It was burned," I answered.
"Who burned it?"
"The highwayman."
"And you permitted it?"
"I had naught to do with it, lying senseless in the road."
"Do you deny that the young man with whom you supped at Cockenzie and
with whom, doubtless, you arranged this pretty little play was the
highwayman?"
"I deny nothing, sir, neither do I affirm anything, save that there
was no arrangement between us; that I was assaulted upon the highway;
that I made the best defence I could, and that I was wounded."
"Do you deny that you were thereafter this day in company with this
young man?"
A thought came to me.
"I will take oath, sir; I will pledge my word as an officer and a
gentleman that I was not in company with any young man during the
whole day, save such chance companionship as was thrust upon me by
the inn-keeper at Musselburgh, the men from whom I bought horses, and
so on," I protested warmly.
General Ramesay of his kindness here did me a good turn.
"I have known Sir Hugh Richmond these many years, my lord," he said
to the Chief Justice; "we have served together and I would stake my
life upon his honour."
"I have heard the testimony of many men," said Sir Alexander. "I
think I am as able to tell when a man is speaking the truth as any
judge in all Scotland. I beg to assure you, General Ramesay, and
you, Sir Hugh Richmond, that I not only believe but know that you are
speaking truthfully, for the man who held you up on the highway, with
whom you rode to Musselburgh, with whom you entered the city, was a
woman. What is her name?"
If a bombshell had exploded at my feet, I could not have been more
amazed.
"That," I said at last, with such firmness as I could muster, "I
decline to state."
"Sir Hugh Richmond," continued the old man, pointing his finger at
me, "I rather like your bearing and appearance. I have no doubt what
you say is, in the main, true; that you were robbed on the highway by
a woman."
He laughed grimly, and, while I was willing to be robbed by her
ladyship, I could have killed him for the mocking sneer in his voice.
It is one thing to be robbed by the woman you love; it is another
thing to be twitted about it and have the world throw the fact in
your face.
But I could do nothing. It was part of the price that I would have
to pay for the winning of her ladyship, which had become the chief
object of my life, from the moment I held her wounded and senseless
in my arms by the brook-side in the wood.
"But, sir," continued the Chief Justice, "while I, for one, am rather
glad that the warrant hath not reached my hand, for I understand that
a petition for pardon, with a full statement of certain circumstances
which render it reasonable, is to be presented to the King, yet all
this has nothing to do with your conduct. You are constructively
guilty of the gravest dereliction of duty and of high treason, and it
becomes my duty, sir, to see that you are arrested and tried
forthwith. The fact that you have done this halfway under
compulsion, and halfway out of foolish regard for a petticoat, or
that which should have worn one I would better say, may mitigate your
offence in the eyes of frail mankind, but the law takes no cognisance
of that. I think, however, that I may promise you clemency and my
interest with His Majesty, which is not small, as well, if you will
disclose to me the name of your accomplice, the woman in question."
"That, sir," said I, bowing to the old man, "is the one thing which
as a gentleman, if not as a justice, you will perceive that I can by
no means declare."
"As a gentleman, sir, I am not discussing this matter, but as a
justice."
"Then, sir," said I, "we have no common ground on which to meet."
"You may pay," said Sir Alexander, smiling grimly at my repartee,
"for your silence with your head."
"At least, sir," I answered, "'tis better to pay with my head than
with my honour."
"There is not a woman in Edinburgh," said my lord reflectively, "or
in Scotland, that I know of, who could do this thing, unless it were
Clanranald's daughter."
I was a veteran; I am glad to say I did not change colour or manifest
the slightest emotion, although this arrow drawn at a venture had hit
the mark.
It was General Ramesay who interposed at this juncture to relieve
what might otherwise have been an embarrassing pause.
"She hath been searched for throughout Scotland. She hath vanished
completely since her father's apprehension, and it is believed she is
now in England," he said.
Would God she were, thought I.
"Well," said Sir Alexander, "whoever it was, she must be found. 'Tis
not safe that such a woman should be at large."
He rose to his feet as he spoke and bowed grimly but not ungracefully
toward me. Indeed I rather liked this stern old Justiciary.
"Sir Hugh Richmond," he said, "speaking as a man, and not as a
justice, I will admit that there is some reason for admiration and
protection and alliance with a woman of that stamp, if her person
accord with her courage."
"Sir," said I, bowing in my turn, "her spirit is above all praise,
and her wit and her beauty are beyond even her enterprise."
"I take it," continued Sir Alexander, "that if you escape the block,
Sir Hugh, you will be a lucky man in more ways than one."
"Even should I not escape, sir," said I, "I shall count myself
fortunate in what I have been able to do."
"As a man," continued Sir Alexander, stepping closer to me, "I offer
you my hand."
I shook it heartily as he continued, turning to withdraw:
"And as a justice, if I have to sentence you, it will be with a very
grave regret. General Ramesay, with this information laid before
you, attested by the landlord of the inn, the physician at
Musselburgh, the soldiers on watch at the gate, Lord Leven's
coachman,--you see we have agents everywhere and spies as well in
these troublous times, Sir Hugh,--you will, of course, put this
gentleman under immediate arrest, and keep him in close confinement,
pending the formal presentation of the charges, the trial, and the
King's pleasure."
After having thus boldly laid his cards upon the table and revealed
the course by which our movements had been traced, and how he got
knowledge that my companion was a woman, the Lord Chief Justice bowed
to us both and left the apartment. General Ramesay summoned his
guard, demanded my sword, placed me in ward for the night, allowing
me to use one of the rooms of the castle upon my parole. At my
urgent request, he forthwith sent a messenger for Master Abadie,
urging him to come to me without delay. I was then left to my own
reflections.
Well, I had done that which had brought my fortunes to a pretty pass,
but, when I thought of Lady Katharine, I could not bring myself to
regret it as I should. I had somehow a confident hope that Fortune,
which had thus favoured me in permitting me to make her acquaintance,
would be of service to her and see me through this coil of difficulty.
My head ached furiously, as it had off and on, from the wound, but I
welcomed every pang with pleasure, for was I not suffering for her,
and did I not know by intuition that she would be acutely conscious
of every pang that I felt? Indeed, I think I was inclined to
luxuriate a little in my martyrdom, and, although I was not base
enough to declare the situation to Lady Katharine, yet I knew that
she would hear of it sooner or later, e'en though I used every
precaution to keep it from her.
Indeed, I realised that I must get word to her in some way of the
fact that her venture was known; that my companion was discovered to
be a woman, and that, if she wanted to get out of Edinburgh, she must
do it that very night. Well it was for me that Master Dunner had
given me the name of Master Abadie. It was through him that I must
communicate with Lady Katharine at once.
_Chapter_
VIII
_How I got the News of a noble Self-Sacrifice, how it affected me,
and what I resolved to do for Sir Hugh Richmond_
I now take up the telling of my own story once more.
Of all that happened as Sir Hugh has related it, I was, of course, in
entire ignorance until some time after. He left me with a growing
amazement and a growing admiration for his generosity. He had borne
the humiliation of being overmastered by a woman with such
good-humour and such gallantry that the shame an ordinary man would
have felt in such circumstances was mine.
By not resenting it, he had laid me under a tremendous obligation,
which he had increased until it was almost unbearable, by his after
treatment: his refusal to take me prisoner, his risking his
reputation and name as a soldier to shield me, his bestowal upon
Master Dunner of the moneys which he had so generously offered to
lend to my father in his strait, his advice and counsel as to what
was to be done. Indeed, I could not with my life repay what he had
done for us, or to be honest, not for us but for me, I thought. Yet
I knew instinctively that I had it in my power to bestow upon him a
reward which, unless I were greatly mistaken, would go far to
compensate him for all.
Under other circumstances, I would have considered his evident
predilection for me, his admiration so boldly and yet so tactfully
expressed, as the mere casual compliment of a gallant soldier; but
his words were backed by deeds, and, strange as it might be, I could
not disguise the fact from myself that the man's profession had been
just short of ardent devotion to me and my fortunes, of passionate
desire to have me for his own.
Was I willing or unwilling? I had blushed many times before during
this adventure, but all the colour rolled into one wave would not
have equalled the rush of emotion that came over me when I put that
question to myself and found but one answer in my heart.
What a fool I was, to stand many a stubborn siege and fall at the
lifted hand of the first wayside comer! And yet, how nobly he had
behaved, how gallantly he had treated me, with what self-abnegation,
with what generosity, with what infinite delicacy. He had shaken me
by the hand like a man and called me his little comrade and clapped
me on the shoulder and wished that I might be in his company. I
admitted to myself that I could think of no sweeter command. If I
were a fool, I even luxuriated and rejoiced in this my folly.
Although I was intensely weary from my two days of hard journeying,
the emotions through which I had gone, and the strain through which I
had passed, it was a long time before I fell into the sound and
dreamless sleep in which I sought recuperation from all the fatigues
and excitements of the days before.
I was awakened by the tapping of the serving-woman upon my door.
When I made sleepy answer to her repeated summons, she said that
Master Dunner was below and insisted upon seeing me at once, upon
matters of the gravest import. I must hasten for life and death.
I thrust my bare feet into a pair of slippers, threw over my
night-dress a robe which lay at hand, and descended the stairs to the
dining-room. With Master Dunner was another elderly gentleman, at
the sight of whom I started back in great dismay, for I would not
thus be seen by any other than he who was as a foster-father to me.
But the attorney stayed my intended retreat.
"This," said he, "is the learned Counsellor Abadie. You must waive
ceremony and hear what is to be said."
Counsellor Abadie was a friend of our own advocate. I had often
heard of him as one of the most eminent and upright attorneys of
Edinburgh.
"This," said Master Dunner, "is Lady Katharine Clanranald, the
heroine of the adventure of which I have told you."
"Madam," said the other attorney, bowing low, "I am vastly honoured
to have the privilege of your acquaintance. As a friend and admirer
of the Earl of Clanranald, your noble father, I want to thank you and
congratulate you, in the name of Scotland, for your filial devotion
and splendid courage."
"Sir," said I, "'tis but what any daughter might have done."
"But what few would have ventured upon," he answered.
"We are not here to exchange compliments--forgive me, Abadie," said
Master Dunner impatiently. "Will you explain the situation to Lady
Katharine?"
"Madam," said the other advocate, "I am charged with the delivery of
an important message to you."
"From my father?"
"From Sir Hugh Richmond."
"No harm hath happened to him?" I cried in great alarm.
"None yet," was the answer, "but he hath been--er"--the advocate
paused--"apprehended. He hath summoned me as his counsel, and he now
desires me to say to you that it is known that he was in company with
a woman disguised as a man; that the hue and cry is to be raised for
you in the morning; that strict search is to be made, and that, if
you have business which calls you from Edinburgh, you must get away
to-night."
"What hath happened to Sir Hugh Richmond?" I asked.
"Why, nothing," began Master Abadie speciously.
"Sir," persisted I, now thoroughly alarmed, "I am my father's
daughter. I am much beholden to the gallant gentleman you represent.
I must know the whole truth."
"Tell her what she wants to know, Abadie," said my old friend
sharply. "She is of the stuff that must know and that can bear."
I thanked him with a look.
"He hath been arrested, charged with dereliction of duty, giving aid
and comfort to the King's enemies, high treason, in short," was the
answer.
"My God!" I exclaimed.
"His whole course is known. It is believed, since he entered the
city in friendship with you, that the robbery was arranged between
you; that he was privy to it before and accessory to it afterward."
"But could he not say that it was I, and, by delivering me up, have
saved himself?"
"Madam, he could not."
"Why not?"
"Can you, a soldier's daughter, ask that question?" returned Master
Abadie. "His honour as a gentleman..."
"Oh!" I gasped. "Is that all?"
"All and enough, your ladyship."
"Is it known who...?"
"Not yet. They seek a woman, not you especially."
"I will go at once and deliver myself up to Sir Alexander Forfair and
declare the whole story."
"But your father!" said Master Dunner. "The information must be
spread before the King. We dare not trust the papers and the money
to another hand."
"Was ever woman so torn," cried I, "between her father and her...!"
I stopped. What was I about to say?
"Sir Hugh Richmond," interposed Master Abadie, "hath said that you
are to give yourself no concern as to his fortune, but you are to go
at once to the King. Some means must be found to get you safely out
of Edinburgh before the morning. He bids you think not of him, but
of your father."
"What is the punishment should Sir Hugh be found guilty, Master
Abadie?"
"As he is a soldier," said the advocate, "he may have choice of being
shot rather than be beheaded."
"I cannot sacrifice his life to save my father's," I continued, sick
at heart and, I make no doubt, white to the lips at the dreadful
alternative Fate had propounded to me. "I have no right to do so."
"Sir Hugh is an officer of the King's Guards," broke in Master
Dunner. "They will not execute him without royal approval."
"Ay," assented the other advocate. "General Ramesay is his friend.
They will not hasten the procedure. I have his word on 't."
"But, if I surrender myself, they will let him go free at once,
and..."
"And your father, the Earl!" cried Master Dunner.
"God help me!" I moaned.
"Ay, so may He do!" was the answer. "But be advised by me, madam,"
continued my old friend. "My brother advocate and I here have talked
the matter over carefully. The appeal for your father must go to the
King. The one chance of clemency for Sir Hugh Richmond is there as
well. I tell you plainly that, even though you were to give yourself
up, which no gentleman could suffer under any circumstances, his
guilt in the eyes of the law would be none the less plain. It is not
only your father's life, but Sir Hugh's as well and your own liberty,
that depend upon the King's action; and the sooner you appeal to him,
the better it will be for you all."
There was sound sense in this certainly.
"Can I not see my father or Sir Hugh before I go?"
"It would be impossible," cried both gentlemen in a breath, "and
fatal even if it could be brought about!"
"Can you get me out of Edinburgh at this hour of the night?"
"Ay," was the immediate answer. "Five hundred pounds hath bribed a
soldier at the Dumfries gate. But it must be done within the hour or
not at all."
"I have my clothes, but I shall need another horse?"
"It shall be here, it should be here now, for we have already taken
order for it, anticipating your consent," answered Master Dunner.
"How doth your wound?"
"I suffer nothing from it, the pain in my heart is so great," I said.
"'Tis a hard fortune that drives you on."
"Hard indeed," said I, "but we cannot repine over that. The King
fortunately is at Durham according to Sir Hugh's word. I should be
there within the week."
"I would you had some one to ride with you!" cried Master Dunner.
"I had best go alone," I answered.
"But if you should be stopped in the way, Lady Katharine?"
"Think you," I cried, "that I have gone through all these perils and
dangers to be stopped in the way?"
"Go and dress, then, and make you ready at once. I have here the
petition, and something over ten thousand pounds in two equal bills
of London exchange, easily carried and negotiable. You must do the
rest," said Master Dunner.
"But hasten, I pray you, madam," added Master Abadie.
I nodded, turned, and ran from the room. I was soon dressed. Save
that I donned a fresh shirt in exchange for that which I had worn, I
wore the same attire as I had put on when I first set forth on the
adventure. I do not suppose ever maid got into men's clothes quicker
or more eagerly than I.
But for Sir Hugh, I thought as I fumbled nervously among the
unfamiliar buttons, I would fain have been born a man myself. But
now, in spite of my father's peril, in spite of Sir Hugh's danger, in
spite of my own position, and the trying journey that lay before me,
I could not but exult in this further and final evidence of my
soldier's devotion to me, evidently as deep as it was sudden. I
could no longer disguise, had I wished to, his feelings or my own.
When I descended to the hall, I found the two advocates waiting for
me. Master Abadie, being able to ride a horse, was to accompany me
as far as the gate. I bade farewell to Master Dunner, implored his
prayers for my safe journey and success, and Master Abadie and I
mounted our horses and rode quietly away through the deserted streets
of the town. I heard the clock in the old church tower toll two
strokes in the morning. There was no moon and it was very dark.
None accosted or molested us. We were shrouded in horsemen's cloaks
and went silently along, saying nothing.
The sentry at the gate was ready for us, and, faithful to his
agreement, he slipped open the postern. I shook hands with Master
Abadie, and then, upon the impulse of the moment, whispered a message
to him for my soldier.
"Tell him," said I, "that I ride to the King to tell him all, to beg
his clemency, and should I fail--he called me his comrade, we struck
hands on it--I shall come back as a soldier to die by his side."
_Chapter_
IX
_My Interview with the King of England and the good and bad Angels
that attended him_
I pass over the adventures of my journey albeit they were
sufficiently thrilling to furnish pages for a romance. On second
thoughts I went via Galashiels, Hawick, Norham, Warwick, and Shields
to Durham. The distance as the crow flies was not much more than a
hundred miles; by the road it was perhaps half again as long. I
accomplished it in four days and a half at the expense of a foundered
horse which I left at Norham. A man as hard pressed as I could have
done it in less time, I know, but for a woman it was a fine ride, I
have been told by those whose judgment I value, and certainly it was
hard upon me.
Early in the afternoon of the fifth day my horse and I staggered into
Durham. Which was the more tired I cannot say. For myself I was
utterly weary. What little good looks I might have boasted in the
beginning had been entirely worn away.
Had my errand been completed, I doubt not I should have collapsed
utterly, but the hardest part was yet to come. I ascertained from
the landlord of the hotel where I drew rein that His Majesty was
still in Durham, or rather he was at Bishop-Auckland, the residence
of the Lord Bishop of Durham. Rumour had it that His Majesty was to
move on the morrow. I had no time to lose, therefore, and it was
well that by hard riding, without sparing myself, I had arrived as
soon as I had.
I was shown to a private chamber and there summoned the landlady and
took her into my confidence. She was an honest, motherly sort of a
woman. There was no reason for concealment. I told her who I was,
and for what I had come, and asked her aid. She was blithe to assist
me. I was well provided with ready money, not merely the bills of
exchange for the greater sum, but sufficient for all the expenses of
my journey, and it was an easy matter, therefore, for the worthy
woman to procure me dress suited to my sex and station.
I lacked the freedom of my man's attire when I was again stayed
within my woman's garments, and yet there was a certain satisfaction
in being once more a girl as Nature had designed me. I forced myself
to partake of food and wine. The landlady and her daughter acted as
my tire-women. Somewhat refreshed by my meal and a bath, I called a
carriage, and accompanied by the young girl, set out in more comfort
than at any other period in my journey for Bishop-Auckland.
I went just as I was, pale, haggard, drawn, and worn. With my short
crop of curly hair I must have looked strangely out of mode. The
landlady was for touching my cheeks with rouge and for supplementing
my lack of long locks with false ones which she declared could easily
be procured at the nearest wig-maker's, but I would have none of it.
It was quite late when we reached the castle, and some demur was made
as to my admittance. It was not until I had declared my name and
rank to the gentleman-in-waiting that I effected entrance. When I
told him that I was my father's daughter, he looked at me curiously,
but after a momentary hesitation bowed before me and led me into the
palace, leaving the maid without.
I had never seen King James. The mean and treacherous qualities he
afterward showed, indeed, which were first displayed in his conduct
after Monmouth's rebellion, had not yet become widely known, but we
in Scotland had our suspicions of his character. I looked for no
royal magnanimity or generosity from His Majesty.
It was with a dubious and a sinking heart, therefore, that I followed
my guide. We presently stopped before a great door. The officer
knocked thereon, and after a moment was bidden to enter. Directing
me to remain where I was until further notice, he at once opened the
door, and passed within, leaving it slightly ajar.
I had so much at stake that I did that from which under other
circumstances I would have recoiled. I stepped closer to the door
where I could hear what transpired, if I could neither see nor be
seen.
"Well, sir," I heard a voice from within saying, high, thin,
imperious notes, "what means this interruption?"
"May it please Your Majesty," was the reply, "there is a young woman
without who seeks audience."
"Woman! What woman?" the first voice ran on.
"She says that her name is Clanranald, Your Majesty."
"What!" came in violent suddenness from the one whom I judged to be
the King.
"Yes, Your Majesty. She professes to be Lady Katharine Clanranald,
daughter of the earl of that ilk."
"What would she with us? We will not see her."
"A woman," broke in a third voice, harsh, cold, infinitely brutal and
cruel, "Your Majesty, should ever be welcome to a king, especially if
she have no natural protector."
How I loathed and hated that voice with its frightful insinuation! I
wondered whose it might be? But I had no time to indulge my
emotions, for the King spoke again.
"True," he laughed, "Clanranald must ere this have left his head by
the block. Sir Hugh Richmond hath had time to go and come."
"Those," said a fourth voice, "who are fatherless should have a
father in the King, Your Majesty."
It was in substance just what the other man had said, but how
different was its tone and meaning? There were sweetness,
gentleness, as well as force in the new voice that moved my heart.
There was some kindness in that room then after all, I thought.
"Well put, my lord," said the King. "Captain Culver, you may admit
the lady."
"How," said the third voice, which had made the ineffably brutal
suggestion a moment before, "if she be armed and hath come to revenge
her father's death?"
"Well thought on, my lord," said the King.
"I will take it upon myself to see that Your Majesty comes to no
harm," broke in a fifth voice at this juncture, speaking our language
brokenly with a slight French accent, by the way, which I shall not
attempt to reproduce.
"'Tis well, my friend. Stand you there on guard with your sword
drawn and keep the girl at a distance."
"I want no sword, Your Majesty," was the reply, "to master a woman."
"I hold you responsible for her, Louis. Now, Captain Culver."
In another moment my messenger and guide came out to the anteroom,
threw open the door, and motioned me to proceed. Summoning my
courage, I stepped through the doorway. The door was closed behind
me immediately, and I found myself in a vast vaulted room, a library
apparently. On a high chair at the head of a large table sat the
King. I knew him at once. To his left there was a man in the robes
of a Bishop of the Church, a man of kindly, benignant, gentle,
merciful face, so different in his aspect from the man who sat on the
other side of the King that his good heart, which would have been
evident anywhere, was the more marked by contrast. The other man
wore the dress of a cavalier, but he had thrown over it the robe of a
justice. His face was handsome but marred by the most brutal, cruel,
and licentious expression. His eyes stared at me and his look was an
insult. On the hither side of the table an elderly but gallant
soldier of foreign aspect in the rich uniform of a general officer
waited. Next to the Bishop's his was the pleasantest countenance
that I fronted. Pride, haughtiness, cruelty, covetousness were
evidenced in the King's face, but by the side of the man next to him,
he almost looked like an angel of light.
I surveyed the four with lightning-like rapidity. I was fighting for
life, my father's life, Sir Hugh Richmond's life, and I almost felt
in that baleful royal presence for my own honour as well, and I must
take stock of my enemies or friends.
"The King, madam!" cried the soldier, inclining his head toward His
Majesty as I advanced.
I sank to my knees instantly and stretched out my hands.
"Your Majesty," I pleaded, "mercy!"
"Rise, madam," said the King. "Nay, stand you there," he added
quickly as I rose and made a sudden movement toward him, "by the Earl
of Feversham."
I glanced rapidly at the soldier. So this was Louis de Duras, the
French soldier of fortune, the favourite of the King, the commander
of his armies, the hero of Sedgemoor. This was the commander who had
dashed all of Monmouth's hopes. It was the Bishop who spoke.
"Your Majesty, the young woman looks weary. Will not your grace
permit her the privilege of a chair?"
"Ay," said the King indifferently, "she may be seated, if she will."
"I would make the rebel stand," growled the man upon the other side
under his breath while the Earl of Feversham courteously handed me a
chair.
"I' faith you have made many of them stand upon nothing, Jeffreys,"
laughed the King uproariously.
So that was Jeffreys, he of the Bloody Assize, the greatest disgrace
to justice that ever had been seen in all England. He had hanged and
burned and beaten and scourged and robbed and murdered without let or
hindrance after Sedgemoor, and writ his name in such gory letters
upon the pages of history that not all the waters of all the oceans
could ever wash him clean, or wash out his damnable record. I looked
upon him and I hated him.
The fierce soldier, the unjust judge, the mean king--into what den of
wild animals had I thrust myself? Well, I had played gallantly
heretofore, and I would bear myself in the same way to the end.
"I thank Your Majesty," I said, declining the proffered seat. "I
come as a suppliant from my father."
"From your father?" inquired the King in great wonderment.
He looked at Jeffreys and laughed.
"You must have come from hell then," roared the Justice, emboldened
by the King's look, "for the vile traitor's head hath rolled from the
block four or five days since."
"Shame!" murmured the Bishop, not so low but that all could hear.
I despised Jeffreys; I loathed him; I answered him back not as a
woman, I am glad to say, but as a man.
"That's a lie!" I cried impetuously. "My father lives."
"The falsehood can easily be made truth then, woman!" cried the King,
leaning forward with an angry frown.
"At Your Majesty's pleasure," said I boldly. "God hath put the lives
of your poor subjects into your hand, but it is to stay that royal
hand that I am come."
"What mean you?"
"Give me leave, Your Majesty," interposed Jeffreys. "A royal warrant
for the execution of the Earl of Clanranald was made out; I wrote it
myself. It was sent to Sir Alexander Forfair, my brother of
Scotland. Hath he dared to delay its execution, hussy?"
He rose as he spoke, leaned over the table and shook his fist in my
face. I cannot describe the insolence, the overbearing brutality of
his manner. I looked him straight in the face, and answered nothing.
"Well, madam?" cried the King.
"Your Majesty," I answered, "I will hold no converse with this man.
My errand is with yourself."
"Give her to me, Your Majesty," roared Jeffreys. "I will have her
stripped and whip her naked at the cart's tail like Anne Lisle and
the rest of the cursed brood of rebels."
"Sire," interposed the Bishop quickly, "Your Majesty will not do this
thing. The meanest subject hath the right to appeal to the Crown,
and here is a defenceless woman who begs only for her father's life."
"Peace, Jeffreys!" said the King. "As for you, my lord of Bath and
Wells"--so this was good Bishop Ken of whom I had heard!--"your
advice for once is good. I will hear the lady. Madam, your story."
"I thank Your Majesty," I said quickly. "Sir Hugh Richmond was set
on by a highwayman near Edinburgh, shot, left senseless in the road,
despoiled of the royal warrant, which was burned. Therefore, there
hath as yet been no execution, fortunately for my plea."
"The matter then is but postponed," said the King indifferently.
"For the present, yes, Your Majesty, but meanwhile if Your Majesty
will permit me"--I took from a little bag which hung at my waist a
parcel of papers--"here is an appeal for clemency. 'Tis signed by
the Lord Chief Justice and the Justices of your High Court. 'Tis
countersigned by many great and loyal gentlemen to Your Majesty.
'Tis attested by depositions to show my father's unwillingness to
follow the Duke of Monmouth, his efforts at restraint. Upon it I
base an appeal for mercy."
The King looked hard upon me, frowning as before.
"Fetch hither the paper, Feversham," he said at last.
When it was placed in his hands--it was a brief paper for all its
weighty import--he glanced at it curiously and balanced it a moment,
his eye turning to Jeffreys and then to Ken. What was passing
through his mind? I divined instantly. He would give it to one or
the other of these men for examination, and as he gave it, he would
determine the fate of us all, for I do believe no human soul ever
looked to Jeffreys for mercy and received it.
My hand caught my throat. I bent forward, such pleading in my looks
as for the moment seemed to move even the hard heart of the King. To
my relief, he turned to the left and handed the note to the Bishop.
"Do you examine this, my lord," he said, "with all speed, and let me
have your best opinion of its contents."
Ken instantly opened the paper.
"Now," said the King, turning his face toward me, "while my lord of
Bath and Wells reads your humble petition for mercy, I would fain
question you further, madam."
"I have naught to conceal from Your Majesty," replied I.
"You say that Sir Hugh Richmond was stopped and robbed in the
highway?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Was he seriously wounded?"
"No, Your Majesty."
"Why hath he not returned at once then to report the failure of his
errand?"
I hesitated.
"Sire," said I at last, "rumour hath it that he is under close
arrest."
"Arrest!"
"It is suspected that he connived with the highwayman."
"That's treason!" roared Jeffreys.
"But, Your Majesty...." I faltered, and then I stopped.
How could I say that it was not true, for it was. The King looked
puzzled.
"Hath search been made for this highwayman?"
"I suppose so," was my answer.
"Your Majesty," interposed Feversham, "I know General Ramesay well.
He would leave no stone unturned to apprehend the villain who
affected this bold despoilment."
"Evidently," said the King to me, "it was some one interested in the
welfare of your house who thus robbed my messenger on the highway.
Do you know his name?"
What I did from one point of view was wild, foolish, reckless, and
yet I believe that my action was the result of one of those sudden
inspirations which sometimes govern people to their weal or woe in
critical moments.
"Your Majesty," said I boldly, "I myself despoiled your messenger."
"Good God!" exclaimed the King, "you, a woman, to overmaster a tried
soldier like Sir Hugh Richmond?"
"It was not as a woman that I did it."
"What mean you?"
"In man's attire I won his friendship, Sire, and then unsuspecting
shot him. My bullet fortunately, however, glanced across his
forehead and merely stunned him. His bullet tore its way through my
shoulder."
"Here is no collusion between ye then," said the King.
"Nay, Your Majesty. But afterward when I had burned the warrant, Sir
Hugh overtook me, discovered me to be a woman, had compassion on me,
failed to report my assault, did not deliver me to the authorities,
and now languishes in the Tolbooth in my place."
"That accounts for your short hair," said the King irrelevantly. "I
had wondered why you came thus out of the mode. You cut it off to
pass for boy?"
"Your Majesty's penetration does you high honour," said I, passing
him the sweet compliment deftly.
"I should like to see thee as lad," laughed the King. "What think
ye, Jeffreys?"
"Saving your grace," cried the Justice, "I think her an impudent,
traitorous wench who deserveth nothing whatever from Your Majesty's
hands but a place on the block beside her father and her paramour."
"You coward!" I cried. "You low, base, ineffable cur!"
"Did ye not pay a price to Sir Hugh for his complacence, answer me
that, you little baggage?" he roared.
"Your Majesty," cried I, flaming, "I appeal to you as the first
gentleman of your kingdom to protect me from the insults of this man.
Naught, I declare upon my word of honour as my father's daughter,
hath passed between Sir Hugh Richmond and myself that the whole world
might not know."
"You go too far, Jeffreys," said the King, turning upon the Chief
Justice. "This passeth even my easy permission."
"I shall be pleased, madam, with the King's gracious permission,"
said Feversham with the chivalric gallantry of his race and ancestry,
"to make your cause my own."
He touched his sword and looked threateningly at Jeffreys. There was
kindly blood in this courteous soldier. I thanked him by a grateful
look. It was the good Bishop who interposed in the angry scene.
"Your Majesty," he said, "I have read here the papers. 'Tis as the
maiden declares. The petition is signed by the most noble and most
loyal gentlemen of Scotland. The affidavits indicate the Earl of
Clanranald's reluctance, his endeavour to restrain his
fellow-conspirators. Here is surely a case for clemency."
"Did you ever see a case that was not for clemency?" roared Jeffreys.
"Few indeed, sir," said the Bishop, confronting him without blenching.
The King took the papers and stood looking at me thoughtfully. He
was hesitating. With a prayer I played my last card.
"Your Majesty," I said, "out of the wreck of my father's fortune I
have here some five thousand pounds, which should Your Majesty
incline to mercy, I will gladly place in Your Majesty's hands."
"Bribery, woman!" cried the King.
But I had wit enough to see the answer.
"God forbid, Your Majesty, but there must be some worthy friend, some
needy charity which Your Majesty would be glad to relieve with this
benefaction and evidence of our gratitude."
"What would you do, Jeffreys? The maid speaks fair."
"Were I the King," growled the Justice, "I would have the head of the
Earl, the five thousand pounds, and the woman as well."
"And your advice, Lord Bishop?"
"I would give the maid her father's life, her own liberty, and return
her the five thousand pounds."
The King paused.
"I choose the middle course. She shall have her liberty and her
father's life, and we will keep the five thousand pounds ... for
charity, my lords."
_Chapter_
X
_In which I bargain successfully for that which is
as dear to me as the Life of my Father_
I had succeeded in saving my father's life. It was incredible, but
none the less true. Yet my task was but half achieved. All my joy
would be turned into bitterness, if, through my action my good
friend, Sir Hugh Richmond, were to suffer.
"Make out a pardon," continued the King, "for the traitorous Earl of
Clanranald. Let it be conditioned upon his instant departure from
our realm of Scotland. If he be found alive therein four days after
he hath been enlarged from prison, his head shall be forfeit. Make
out also a safe-conduct for this brave young lady back to Scotland."
The King spoke directly neither to the Bishop nor to the Justice. It
was Jeffreys who broke the silence.
"Do it thou, Lord Bishop," he said roughly. "Thy hand is more used
than mine to the writing of pardons."
"Thank God for that!" said the good Bishop, drawing writing materials
toward him and at once beginning.
"Art satisfied with our royal clemency, madam?" said the King,
smiling.
"Sire," I replied, "it fills me with joy, but 'tis only what I might
have expected from your royal mercy."
May God forgive me for that atrocious lie! I whispered the instant I
had uttered it, as I continued:
"I have yet another petition to lay before Your Majesty."
"What's that, girl?" said the King. "Hast another father?"
"Not a father this time. A lover, as I live!" roared Jeffreys
triumphantly. "Said I not so, Your Majesty?"
"Not a lover," said I to the King, "but Sir Hugh Richmond lieth
charged with treason under close arrest. I would also have a full
pardon for him."
"Pardon for a traitor?"
"He is not so guilty as he seems, Your Majesty. I robbed him of the
warrant fairly and burned it. It was not until after it had gone
that he retook me, and then his treason consisted in letting me go
free that I might appeal with confidence to Your Majesty's tender
heart."
The King swelled visibly.
"Ay," he said, "tenderhearted should be the King. My lord Jeffreys,
did any one ever attribute tender heart to you?"
"Not in the service of Your Majesty," bellowed the Justice. "I have
no heart to pity treason to Your Majesty."
"'Blessed are the merciful,' interposed Ken softly, "'for they shall
obtain mercy.'"
"Mercy," said the King, who was in a tender mood apparently, "'tis a
pleasant word."
Indeed he might well think it so, since by common report it was one
he was but little accustomed to use.
"Out upon both word and thing!" cried Jeffreys. "I plead for justice
on the traitorous soldier. Your Majesty's power hath been limited
already by the mercy you have shown the false Clanranald."
"'And earthly power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons
justice,'" quoted the Bishop still softly, looking kindly at me.
I recognised Master William Shakespeare's words as I had recognised
them before on Master Dunner's lips.
The King hesitated as before between these two differing counsellors.
And once more I threw the golden weights in the balance, hoping to
incline it my way.
"If it please you, Sire, I have yet another five thousand pounds...."
The King started.
"For charity, Your Majesty," I added quickly, "if Sir Hugh Richmond
be enlarged."
"By the Mass," said the King, betraying himself, at which Ken
started, "methinks the lady rains gold pieces."
"Sir Hugh Richmond's whole estate will be confiscate, Your Majesty,"
said Jeffreys. "'Tis worth much more."
"Why, so it will," replied the King, "yet five thousand pounds more
for charity, 'tis a goodly sum, hey, my Lord Bishop?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty, well expended it will relieve the suffering of
many of God's poor," returned the Bishop.
"Quite so," said the King.
He stopped again. I had played my last card. I could do no more if
it failed. Jeffreys opened his mouth to speak. As he did so, my
heart sank, but the King stopped him.
"My Lord Chief Justice," he said, "we will decide this matter
ourselves. Madam," he said at last, "your plea for mercy hath been
heard again. Sir Hugh Richmond's life shall be spared. His estates
shall be confiscate. He is broke from his rank, dismissed from our
guards, and must leave our realm at once. My Lord Bishop, since you
have already tried your hand, will you draw up the writing for that?"
"With alacrity, Your Majesty," said the Bishop, busying himself
writing once more.
"Now, madam, I believe that all is completed except..."
The King paused.
I thrust my hand into the bosom of my dress and drew forth the bills
of exchange. I very well knew what he wanted; the mean King, not
content with confiscating my friend's estate, would have the bribe as
well. He was more avaricious even than the base and contemptible
Jeffreys if it were possible for any one to go lower than this unjust
judge.
"They are here, Your Majesty, ten thousand pounds in bills of
exchange upon London," I said, lifting them up.
"You may present them yourself, madam," said the King with a manner
he meant to be gracious, as I made as if to hand them to General
Feversham.
Thereupon, I approached the King, taking care that my access to him
should be on the side of Bishop Ken, who drew back courteously as I
came near. I knelt before the King and extended the papers. His
Majesty took them, examined them cannily, laid them on the table
before him, and extended his hand. I had just bought his favour in
the most barefaced and open way, yet such as it was I had received
mercy, although I knew that without the money, all my pleas would
have been of no avail. There was no help for it; although I could
rather have bitten it, I had to kiss the royal hand.
"Here are the writings, Your Majesty," said Bishop Ken.
The King signed them; they were sealed with the royal seal which lay
upon the table, folded, tied, waxed by the Bishop's own hand, and
then were handed to me. I had triumphed in all points. I could not
resist a look at Jeffreys as I took them. And if looks could kill,
he had been a dead man. Indeed, for that matter, my lord repaid my
envenomed glance with interest. I little knew what was brewing
behind his malevolent aspect.
"Here, too," said the King, "is your safe-conduct."
"I thank Your Majesty once more," said I, "with all the gratitude in
a daughter's heart, and now I crave leave to withdraw."
"Wait!" cried Jeffreys hatefully. "Your Majesty, you have pardoned
two notorious criminals, one an atrocious rebel, the other a traitor
against your person. You have not, however, disposed of this woman."
"What mean ye, Jeffreys?"
"By her own confession she, too, is a traitor to Your Majesty. She
robbed Sir Hugh Richmond on the King's Highway. She burned the
warrant for her father."
"Shame!" protested the Bishop, rising. "This passeth all bounds,
Your Majesty. I have kept silent while this bloodthirsty Man of
Belial hath raved and blasphemed. Were I not a man of peace..."
"I wear a sword as I have said, Your Majesty," interposed Feversham,
"and I will most gladly make this lady's cause my own if you will but
give permission."
"Peace, gentlemen all! No brawling in our presence. My Lord Chief
Justice hath spoken true. This woman is a traitor, and we have not
yet disposed of her personal affairs."
I would have given the world at that moment for another five thousand
pounds.
"Perchance," sneered Jeffreys, almost, as it were, reading my
thoughts, "she hath come prepared with another offer to Your
Majesty's needy charities. Is it so, madam?"
"Alas, sir," said I, lifting my hands, "you have my all. My only
hope is in your clemency."
"You shall not hope in vain," said the King promptly and to the great
surprise of everybody, I am sure.
"Thank God that I hear Your Majesty speak those words," cried the
Bishop.
There was a muffled roar from Jeffreys.
"Is she to go scot-free, Your Majesty?"
"No," said the King. "Her punishment shall be suited to her crime."
What could that be, I thought, but death? Well, if I had saved my
father and Sir Hugh, I could well die.
"I will confer," said the King, "with the Bishop here upon it."
At that my hopes took an upward bound.
"But first," he turned to me again, "I would have you return to your
abiding place and after supper present yourself to me as the
highwayman you have declared yourself to be. Meanwhile leave here
the papers."
"Sire!" cried I imploringly.
"Enough," said the King. "My mind is made up as to that. Feversham,
do you escort this lady. I hold you responsible for her custody.
She must be produced here after supper, and mark ye that she come in
manly fashion else she shall feel the weight of our displeasure."
"May I not have my father's and the soldier's pardons to take with
me?"
"They shall be delivered to you to-night," was the unsatisfactory
reply.
My heart sank. Perhaps some of my disappointment appeared in my face.
"On the word," said His Majesty, "of a king." He paused as if there
were some doubt as to the value of that attestation, as indeed there
was. "On the word of a gentleman, I promise you shall have them," he
added.
He bowed not ungracefully. He had some of the Stewart charm, for all
his meanness, when he chose to display it. He picked the pardons up
and handed them to the Bishop.
"Here, my lord, do you be the custodian of them until the lady
returns."
"I would Your Majesty had given them to me!" cried Jeffreys.
"I know you too well for that," laughed the King.
"You have played at mercy, Sire," said the Justice, frowning.
"It was my fancy," said the King haughtily, "for the first time; it
may be for the last time, but whatever it be, I will not have it
questioned. Go, Feversham. Until to-night, madam. And you, my
lords, attend me."
The Earl of Feversham, who had evidently been deeply moved by my
story, was kindness itself to me. His own carriage, a much more
luxurious equipage with much better horses than the public conveyance
I had hired, which he dismissed forthwith, was placed at my disposal.
Together we rode back to the inn, and taking my word of honour that I
would present myself in the parlour thereof in due time to enable us
to keep the appointment with the King, he most obligingly left me to
my own devices.
Bidding the inn maid who had accompanied me to call me without fail
in time for me to make ready, I slipped off my dress, threw myself
upon the bed, and fell instantly to sleep. The greater anxiety had
been removed from my heart. Although I do not pretend to disdain
life, yet since I had secured the freedom and immunity from further
punishment of my father and my soldier, naught else very greatly
mattered. I did not really think that anything very serious was
toward, so far as I was concerned, and whatever may be the
explanation, I fell fast asleep. The short period of rest greatly
refreshed me and presently I felt another woman.
When the maid summoned me, I arose, bathed and put on my faded,
tarnished suit of blue and silver. Round my waist I belted my sword,
freshening the clothes where I could, and then booted, spurred,
wigged, hatted, coated, armed, I descended to the parlour where the
Earl of Feversham awaited me. He was evidently much struck by my
appearance, but had the delicacy to say nothing.
We returned to the palace a-horseback, it being quicker and suited to
the changed conditions. Promptly at the appointed time we were
ushered into the presence of the King in the same room in which the
interview of the afternoon had taken place. Now, I had worn this
suit of blue and silver after the first compunction of conscience
with absolute indifference. I had become entirely accustomed to it,
and my modesty took no affront because I was seen abroad in it. I
had passed muster easily enough for a stripling and I had never
thought of what the clothes concealed or revealed until that moment
when I stood in the presence of the King.
The same gentlemen who had been with him before were with him now,
Jeffreys on his right, Ken on his left. Naturally I suppose I made a
striking figure. Their curiosity was, without doubt, much excited,
and they were all anxious to see me. The look that the Bishop bent
upon me was full of interest, but it was full of a gentle
consideration, almost of pity. He might have looked at his own
daughter that way, deprecating the fact while he acknowledged the
necessity for her unmaidenly appearance. But the glances of the King
and his minion were so brutal, so suggestive, so degrading that
unconsciously, as my face flamed and my body tingled, I clapped my
hand to the hilt of my sword.
"By the Mass," laughed the King, although there was a quaver of
uncertainty in his cowardly voice, "never lay your hand on your sword
in the royal presence in that manner. Stay, madam," he cried hastily
as I made a bold step forward. "Feversham!"
The officer quietly laid a restraining hand upon my arm.
"Bethink you where you are, madam," he whispered, "and how much
depends on your conduct."
"Your Majesty," said I quickly, "I did but lay my hand upon my sword
to proffer it in your service,"--which was another falsehood, for I
would have been glad to have driven it into Jeffreys' black heart in
his very presence; ay, even into the King's heart also.
"You come of a stock, madam," said the King, "which makes us doubt
such protestations of true service. Yet she can be a bold enough
enemy; hey, my lord?"
He turned to the Bishop.
"She hath shown here, Your Majesty," returned the prelate, "how
deeply devoted she is to the noble earl, her father."
"She shows more than that," roared Jeffreys, leering lustfully, "she
shows a pretty figure, a well turned leg...."
My hand went to my sword again. Had I been a man, I could not have
more fiercely resented his disgracefully insulting words and looks.
Again Feversham laid his hand upon my arm.
"Sire," he burst out, "this is unendurable. Your Majesty hath made
me the protector and guardian of this lady. As a man of the sword I
usually have little to do with those of the robe, but on my word..."
"I shall myself protect this lady's honour," interposed the King
loftily.
It seemed to me that the protection was like to be that afforded by
the wolf to the lamb. Still, however, bad as he might be, he did not
equal Jeffreys in baseness. There was something apparently in being
a king.
"And I think you go too far, Jeffreys," His Majesty ran on.
"Why, you wanted to see for yourself," the other muttered.
"Will you be silent, sir?" cried the King, now thoroughly aroused and
indignant at being thus shamed before the rest, at which Jeffreys
slunk back, abashed.
"Your story, madam," continued the monarch, addressing me, "seemed so
incredible to me that I wished to see for my own eyes what appearance
you made, and by our Lady, what hath been disclosed of your temper
makes me the more inclined to credit it. We have deliberated
carefully with the Lord Bishop as to your future punishment, and..."
He stopped.
"Wouldst like to stay at our court and win our royal favour?" he
asked, with a certain eager solicitation in his bearing.
At this Jeffreys' lip curled, and the Bishop looked gravely anxious.
They both knew very well what he meant and so, in sooth, did I.
"Your Majesty," said I, "I must share the fortunes of my father, and
I take it that his presence will not be acceptable at your court."
"Very well then," said the King, looking very much disappointed at my
refusal to his sudden proposition, "we will say no more on't, save to
add this, should your inclinations ever change, you will find a warm
welcome here ... I mean at court."
"I thank Your Majesty," said I.
The King turned to the Bishop, who arose, bowed, and presented three
sealed documents. The King took them in his hand and then extended
them to me.
"Here," said he, "is the pardon of your father, that of Sir Hugh
Richmond, and..." he paused as he lifted the third paper, "and your
own sentence."
"And may I ask what that is, Sire?"
"You may ask," was the answer, "but you are not to be told what it is
until you reach Edinburgh."
"Whatever it may be," said I, "I shall submit to it gladly in view of
Your Majesty's clemency to those I came hither to save."
The King laughed uproariously.
"Don't be too sure of that," he said. "Now, Feversham, will you have
this lady and these documents delivered to General Ramesay and Sir
Alexander Forfair at Edinburgh on pain of our displeasure and without
delay?"
"Your Majesty," I cried, "let me take the pardons there alone. I
give you my word of honour, Sire, that I will not break the seal or
look within that which concerns me personally, but I will deliver it
as it stands, and the others also, to the Lord Chief Justice."
"Your word of honour as a man?"
"As a woman, Sire."
"And why do you wish to go alone?"
"Because I can make the greater speed if I be not hampered by an
escort of soldiery."
"Would you take a woman's word, Your Majesty?" growled Jeffreys.
"Not that of the women with whom you consort, my lord," said the King
caustically, "but of this one, yes. How if you should be stopped,
madam?"
"I can defend myself," I answered, "and these papers would be of no
value to any one but myself. There is not a highwayman in Scotland
who would despoil me of them, or who, knowing my story, would not aid
my progress."
"You shall go as you came, alone," said the King. "Feversham, take
orders for the lady's departure on the morrow, escort her safely
beyond the limits of the town."
"It shall be done, Your Majesty," returned the soldier.
"And now, Sire," I asked, "have I leave to retire?"
"You may go," said the King magniloquently, "and hereafter, when men
speak ill of me as they often do of kings, remember that in your case
at least I used you well."
"I shall not forget, Your Majesty," said I, bowing low, "your royal
kindness, nor the reasons therefor," I could not help adding in spite
of the danger, as I thought how I had bribed him.
The King looked at me suspiciously at this equivocal compliment,
which was a great act of folly on my part, for I had not yet got away
with my precious documents, but by great good-fortune for me he said
nothing.
"Have I Your Majesty's leave to speak a word of farewell and
acknowledgment to Your Majesty's friends?" I asked further.
The King nodded gravely.
"As for you, sir," then said I, turning to the Bishop, "you have been
a father in God indeed to the afflicted and the troubled, the cast
down and the weak. I shall remember it in far Scotland, and before I
go, may I ask your prayers and your blessing?"
I humbly knelt before him as I had not knelt since I had knelt to the
King himself when I first entered the room.
The old man, his homely face lighted with divine and tender
compassion, laid his hands upon my head and prayed for my defence.
"You have said well," commented the King, somewhat touched by this
tender action, "for you owe more to the cleric than you dream of.
Now, 'tis your turn, Jeffreys."
He laughed viciously.
"As for you, sir," said I, rising and turning toward him,--I stood
this time with my head up and my hand upon my sword,--"I would to God
I were in truth instead of seeming a man, for, saving the royal
presence, I would drive this weapon through your black heart, and
were there any men of my race alive, they would never rest until they
had struck you down."
"Treason, treason!" bellowed Jeffreys. "She would raise a weapon
against the King, his Justice, Your Majesty!"
"You brought it on yourself," said the King coolly. "Faith, I like
the woman's spirit. Look to it, Jeffreys! Look to it! Hast any
word for me, madam?"
"No more than I have said, Sire, save to wish that I had another five
thousand pounds."
The King started.
"For Your Majesty's charities."
"You have said words enough," returned James, who evidently liked ill
the turn of the conversation. "Had best withdraw from our presence
now."
I went out of the chamber with my colours flying, General Feversham
in attendance upon me. The gallant soldier chuckled mightily when we
were safely out of earshot of the King.
"Faith, madam," he said, "you made a fine end. Ride you to-morrow
morning?"
"Sir," said I, "a word in your ear. You will not betray me?"
"On the faith of a soldier, no."
"I fear the King, I fear Lord Jeffreys more. He is capable of
apprehending me and destroying the pardons. Therefore, I ride
to-night."
"But you are road-weary."
"What of that? I will take an unfrequented road, and lie to-morrow
in some quiet spot until I be recovered."
"You shall not go alone," said Feversham. "The peril that you
mention is not imaginary. I myself will ride the night through with
you. Nay, I have a wife and daughters older than yourself. You may
trust me without fear."
"Indeed, I do," I cried, gladly extending my hand, which the brave
soldier took and shook vigorously.
"I will see you safely over the frontiers. Damn that Jeffreys for a
black-hearted villain. He is a man of peace, but he hath slain and
tortured more in his Bloody Assize than even that most ruthless
soldier Kirke himself."
Which was putting it pretty strongly, indeed, I thought!
_Chapter_
XI
_Wherein Sir Hugh Richmond finds me, not
unwilling, thrust upon him_
Six days after, my return progress being slower than my dash
southward, I rode through the gates of Edinburgh.
The Earl of Feversham had been as good as his word. He had convoyed
me by retired roads until all possibility of interference had been
avoided. At the first convenient opportunity I had lain down and
slept a day and a night straight through. Had I not enjoyed this
chance for rest, I should have died of sheer fatigue and nervous
strain. As it was, I was still a wreck of a woman when I was halted
by the soldiers of the guard at the familiar city gate.
"Is your name Carthew?" cried the officer, who had been summoned by
the sentry as I approached.
"Well, sir, I have sometimes been so called," I answered.
"Humph!"
He read from a lengthy written description in his hand:
"'Young, slight, fair of face, a woman in man's attire, a riding suit
of blue and silver, sometimes known as Carthew.'"
The description certainly fitted me.
"Madam, or sir, whatever you be, you are under arrest," he said. "We
have been searching for you for ten days. I have orders to convey
you instantly you are apprehended to the castle and turn you over to
the Commandant or the Lord Chief Justice."
"I would fain make some change in my apparel, sir. You have guessed
right; I am a woman. I should like to resume the garments of my sex,
but after that, I shall be at your service. Indeed, you could do me
no greater kindness than to take me speedily where you mention."
"I should like to oblige you, madam," said the officer, "but my
orders admit of no discretion. As you are, you must be delivered to
the Commandant at once."
"Very well, then. I will give you my word," said I, "if you will
allow me to ride quietly by your side, to make no effort to escape
your custody."
"Your word!" said the officer. "The word of one Carthew, a traitor?"
"The word of Lady Katharine Clanranald, daughter of the Earl of
Clanranald, carrying messages from His Majesty, the King, to Governor
Ramesay and Lord Chief Justice Forfair," I answered quite calmly.
The officer stared.
"So that's the solution of the mystery," he exclaimed. "Very well,
madam, I accept your word. If you will wait here a moment until my
horse is saddled, we will proceed."
His trust in my honour touched me. In a short time, his horse was
brought around. He spoke to a squad of cavalry, and I riding by his
side, we cantered through the streets and up toward the castle.
General Ramesay and Sir Alexander Forfair were closeted together. So
soon as the officer declared who was the prisoner he brought, I was
instantly admitted. It was the same chamber, I afterwards learned,
in which Sir Hugh had submitted to the questioning. The two
gentlemen were alone. The officer was dismissed. I was courteously
invited to a seat and the questioning began.
"You are, I take it," said Sir Alexander, "Lady Katharine Clanranald?"
"I am, sir."
"You stopped the King's messenger on the King's Highway a fortnight
ago?"
"I did, sir."
"You robbed him of the royal warrant for the execution of your
father. This warrant was destroyed."
"I cannot deny it."
"Afterward by cajolery, or bribery, or whatever female arts or
influence you possess, you suborned an honest soldier, you won him
away from his duty, you made him a traitor to his King, and faithless
to his cause."
"Sir," said I, "if to be touched by the misfortunes of a daughter who
risked life and reputation to save her father, especially when the
warrant had been destroyed before he reached me; and if to extend
compassion to a woman wounded, helpless, and at his mercy be to fail
in his duty, to betray his trust, to be a traitor to his King, then I
suppose that I cannot deny the charge against Sir Hugh."
"Do you deny, madam," asked the Chief Justice sternly, "that it was
all arranged between you; that the scheme was concocted in the inn,
that you and he connived together by superficial wounds, perhaps
self-inflicted, to give your own interpretation to the facts?"
Oh, how fierce was his look at poor me!
"On my solemn word, sir, as my father's daughter, I do deny that. I
did deliberately rob Sir Hugh Richmond, but without his knowledge
beforehand. We had met in friendly converse the night before and had
conceived a mutual regard for each other."
General Ramesay smiled, and even a flicker of humour appeared on the
face of Sir Alexander. I resented it hotly.
"As one man and another," I cried, "for Sir Hugh knew not that I was
a woman until later. I will admit that he was unsuspicious of me,
and that gave me the only advantage by which I could have hoped to
overcome so tried a soldier. As for the rest, sirs, it happened as I
have said. It was pure kindness of heart toward me. And what would
have been gained by handing poor me over to punishment since the
warrant had been destroyed, sirs?"
"That was not a matter about which a soldier need have inquired,"
said General Ramesay. "He had a certain duty to do. He failed to do
it. He has been arrested, tried, condemned."
"But not executed!" I cried, laying my hand upon my heart and turning
very white.
"Not yet, madam," said the General, looking very stern.
"How could he be tried without me as the principal witness?"
"He hath admitted everything, except to disclose your name, rank, and
whereabouts."
"Indeed, madam, you yourself are a prisoner and must submit to the
same trial," interrupted the Justice.
"Nay, not so, your lordship," I answered triumphantly.
I drew from the pocket of my coat the three papers.
"Here," said I, extending one, "is His Majesty's free pardon for the
Earl, my father. This," I continued, laying the other upon the
table, "is a document of similar purport for Sir Hugh Richmond."
I held back the third, while Sir Alexander Forfair eagerly picked up
the other two. He broke the seals, scanned them hastily, passed them
to General Ramesay, and then addressed me.
"Madam, it is as you say. Never did I receive orders with a better
grace, never shall I carry out royal mandates with a lighter heart.
Hey, Ramesay?"
"As for the Earl," said the General, "he is a political prisoner with
whom I am not greatly concerned, but I am rejoiced indeed that my old
friend and comrade, Sir Hugh Richmond, is to go free. He hath failed
in his duty, 'tis true, but, by Heaven, madam, when I look at you, I
find excuse for him."
"But yourself, Lady Katharine," said the Justice gravely, "you at
least are not relieved by these documents."
"Sir," said I, "I have here still a third paper of importance."
"What saith it?"
"With its contents I am not acquainted, but His Majesty did declare
that it prescribed my punishment. I gave my word to him that I would
deliver it to your lordship unopened, and you can testify that I do
so."
"Hast not thy share of the curiosity of woman, madam?" queried the
Justice.
"Not in this case, my lord," said I boldly. "I left it with my
petticoats."
"Wouldst know thy fate, girl?" he continued, breaking the seal and
looking at me before he examined the contents.
"So long as my father and ... friend are free, what happens to me is
of little consequence," was my answer.
The Lord Chief Justice looked at the paper. His lips twitched. He
passed it over to General Ramesay. Less controlled than the other,
the soldier burst into a loud laugh.
"A sentence, indeed!" he cried. "How think you it will be liked?"
"Prisoners, I believe," returned the Justice, "are not consulted as
to their likes and dislikes when sentence is passed upon them."
This was all very mystifying to me, but at least it was evident that
my punishment was not very terrible. Sir Alexander and the General
consulted together in whispers for a few moments, and then the
soldier spoke to me.
"Madam, your sentence contemplates a life imprisonment, but under
conditions which perhaps may make it bearable. I regret extremely to
be compelled to communicate such unpleasant tidings to you, but I
have no option, and as the sentence is to commence immediately on
your arrival here, I shall have to order you into close confinement
at once."
"May I not see my father?" said I, bravely striving to keep up heart
under this tremendous and surprising prospect. Indeed, I could see
nothing in it to cause such laughter on the part of the two old men
before me.
"Presently, madam, but not now."
"And if I might see Sir Hugh Richmond for a moment, I should like to
tell him," I faltered, "that I have succeeded in securing his
freedom, as I am responsible for his detention."
"Presently, presently," said the Justice. "Meanwhile, I will prepare
orders for your father's freedom and for Sir Hugh's as well, but you
will have to obey General Ramesay's orders. There is no choice."
"Let me see my father, then, as soon as possible, and Sir Hugh
Richmond, if he care to visit me and it is permitted," said I, rising
and preparing to follow the Governor.
He escorted me gravely along several corridors and down several
flights of stairs until we came to the strong rooms of the castle.
Summoning a turnkey, we paused before a locked and grated door.
"Your present place of detention will be here, madam," he said as the
door was unlocked.
I entered the room. It was bare and simply furnished, empty of other
person than myself. Some grated windows admitted light, but were so
high placed that I could not see anything but sky out of them. It
was indeed a prison. There was an opening in the wall beyond, closed
with a door.
"Should you care to do so," said the commandant very softly, "you may
open the door and enter the other room. Is there anything I can do
for you before I go?"
"Send me some clothes suitable to my sex and station, if you will.
Master Dunner, the advocate, will procure them, I am sure. And that
is all, sir."
"They shall be sent for immediately," said the General, bowing
himself out.
I heard the door close; I heard the key turn in the lock. I was
alone. My great adventure was over; my punishment had begun. Well,
I had saved my father's life and Sir Hugh Richmond's life. I was
willing to pay the price by the long confinement to which I must
perforce look forward. This was the mercy of the King! I tried to
keep up a brave heart, and yet after a while I failed. I sank down
on a rude chair by a ruder table, and laid my head on my arms, and
cried just like any other woman.
A noise called me to myself. Fearful, I raised my head. The door to
the right into the other room was open. A man stood in fair view
under the arch of it. It was Sir Hugh Richmond.
"My God!" he exclaimed. "Lady Katharine, is it you? What do you
here?"
"I am a prisoner," I faltered, "a prisoner for life." He came closer
to me. "But you are free, sir."
"What mean you?"
"I rode south to King James. His Majesty hath been graciously
pleased to pardon you,"--was there indication of my feelings in the
fact that I put Sir Hugh first?--"you and my father," I said. "But
me he hath condemned to imprisonment for life."
"The dog!" cried the soldier. "I renounce his allegiance. The
cruel, brutal tyrant! And I have fought for him. Madam, I will not
have it so. I will go to him myself and wrest from him your pardon."
"You cannot," I cried; "by the terms of your release, if you are
found in Scotland within four days thereafter, you are to be killed
as an outlaw without recourse."
"And if I were to be shot the next moment, I would still force my way
into his presence if for naught but to tell him what I thought of
him. What is life, what is freedom for me without you? I might not
tell you before when I had rendered you some slight service, but now
when there is much to do for you, I can declare that I love you, and
you only, and that without you life, liberty are nothing."
"Is this," said I, "one of those protestations which spring
fortnightly from your lips?"
"Madam, it springs eternally from my heart. I am ashamed of my
foolish words."
"And your ideal woman?" I persisted.
"Lady Katharine," said the man, "I never thought to see her, to look
upon her as I do now. I never thought..."
He came closer to me; he caught me in his arms. Was I too tired or
disinclined to struggle, I wonder? At any rate, he was not to be
denied in his purpose.
"I never thought," he went on, "thus to hold her in my arms. I never
expected thus to kiss her lips."
He suited his action to his words. And I--what was the matter with
me?--I resisted not; I lay there trembling, thrilling--his own!
"I am a prisoner," I said at last when he gave me breath and space to
talk, although still he held me close, and still my arms clung about
his neck. "I can be nothing to you except...."
"I would tear down the castle stone by stone, hurl the King from his
throne itself, but I would have you now," said my soldier.
Neither of us had noticed that the door at the back of the room had
opened. It was Sir Alexander Forfair's dry and caustic voice which
broke upon our passion.
"Still talking treason, Sir Hugh?" he said, shaking his finger. "But
we will overlook it this time. We have not heard a word. Hey,
General Ramesay?"
"I am as deaf as the walls, your lordship," replied the soldier.
Sir Hugh and I parted in great confusion. At that moment my eye fell
upon the tall figure of my father, white-haired, bent and broken from
his long confinement. In a moment I was in his arms, the others
standing aside respectfully to let us come together. As I hung upon
my father, as he kissed me, fondled me, and blessed me, it was Sir
Hugh's voice which interrupted us.
"Sir," said he to General Ramesay, "is that the Earl of Clanranald?"
"The same," said the General.
"By your leave, sir," continued the young soldier stepping forward,
"I am Sir Hugh Richmond of Surrey, until recently an officer in the
King's Guards, now a disgraced soldier, and if I understand your
daughter aright, sentenced to exile like yourself. I am not without
friends upon the continent, especially in Holland whither I propose
to retire, and whither I should be glad, if your plans permit, to
have you accompany me. Nor am I absolutely penniless, for I have
certain moneys at interest in that country which are at your service.
For the rest, I love your daughter; I would fain make her my wife.
May I have your consent to our union, my lord?"
At this Sir Alexander and the General looked at each other and smiled
again.
"I know naught of you, sir," replied the old Earl courteously. "You
seem a gallant gentleman." He hesitated. "I am old, friendless,
alone. This is the last of my ancient race. What saith my daughter?"
Thus adjured I spoke up bravely.
"If it pleases you, sir, to give your consent, I shall be very
happy," I answered. "Had it not been for Sir Hugh's kindness to me,
I had not succeeded in procuring your freedom. You know the story?"
"Master Dunner hath told me. And you wish to marry this gentleman?"
"'Tis the dearest wish of my heart," I said with growing courage and
resolution.
"It is also evidently," interposed Sir Alexander Forfair, "the
dearest wish of His Majesty the King's heart as well."
He lifted a paper as he spoke, which I immediately recognised.
"My punishment!" I exclaimed in amazement.
"'Tis indeed a heavy one."
"Imprisonment for life," I broke out.
"Even so, madam, but in the custody of Sir Hugh Richmond, who will
give bond, a marriage bond, forthwith to safeguard the prisoner."
"With all I have, or hope to have," answered the delighted soldier.
And this time before them all once more he took me in his arms.
Outside in the corridor, a priest, the chaplain of the garrison,
waited, and there before them all, clad as I was, I placed my hand in
that of my soldier, and we were made man and wife.
The brief ceremony was soon over. There was little time for delay;
we had but four days in which to leave Scotland, yet the others
considerately withdrew, leaving me alone with my husband for a
moment. The door was open and there was none to bar our going when
we chose. The footfalls of my father, who was the last to go, had
scarce died away in the passage when my husband took me once more in
his arms.
"I feel," said I, "as if I had won you at the pistol's point."
"My lad," said he, laughing, "as I told thee before, I am glad to
have thee in my company and under my command."
"You shall find me," said I, "a faithful comrade, a dutiful and
obedient..." I paused ... "soldier," I managed to say before he
clasped me close again.
BOOK II
THE KEEPING OF A WIFE
_As described by the Gentleman who did it,
with an incidental Digression by
the Lady herself_
_Chapter_
XII
_In which I, Sir Hugh Richmond, who tell this Tale, find that it is
easier to marry Lady Katharine Clanranald than to keep her for my own_
Being a soldier and a veteran of many an out-fall and on-fall, of
frequent battle and stubborn leaguer, I know that to get and to keep
are two entirely different operations. To have and to hold, which go
together in the phrase, are not always associated in life, especially
in a soldier's life.
Through a series of the most romantic adventures and perils, which
she herself most gallantly, with some slight assistance from me, had
overcome, I had got myself a wife; but as I stood on the low bluff
near Cockenzie that afternoon and watched her being borne away,
swiftly away from me, by a small boat to a smart brigantine hove to
in the offing, it seemed to me that I had won her but to lose her.
Enlarged from prison by her woman's wit and married that very
morning, I had counted myself the happiest of men; now I was the most
miserable. Exiled by the King, my estates confiscate, broke in
rank--these I could have borne. But to find my wife torn from me by
force of arms, myself regarded with sudden hatred and suspicion by
those by whom I was surrounded, surely I might have been forgiven if
I had fallen into utter despair.
But I was a soldier, I had bided the shock in many a stricken field,
and I knew that the battle was not lost or won whiles I, or the
enemy, could keep that field. Therefore I did not despair; on the
contrary, I was white hot with growing rage.
The Majesty of England was a large thing. I was but a poor soldier,
an outlaw and an exile, a proscribed man, a death sentence hanging
over my head if I were found within the confines of the three
kingdoms within four days. So far so good, no worse sentence could
be passed upon me. If I failed, I would liefer die than not without
Lady Katharine Clanranald--this morning by the grace of God become
Lady Katharine Richmond, and my wife. Losing her, I did not care
what happened to me.
I was a tried and veteran soldier, a seasoned man of the world, yet
the passion that I had so suddenly developed for this splendid woman
might have amazed even me, had I been capable of considering it from
any point of detachment. I had met with many women in my life, some
good and some bad,--the latter, I am afraid, predominating; and I had
been drawn in touch with all classes from the peasant to the great
dame of the court, but I had never seen anybody who united in her own
proper person so many, or I believe I may say all, of the qualities I
loved in woman as Katharine Clanranald. Not only her beauty, which
was incomparable and unsurpassable, but her wit, her bravery, her
address, her--but the reader who has read her story, even though she
so modestly told it herself, knoweth all this as well as I. Do you
wonder that I felt reckless, friend, who read this rougher and
blunter chronicle of mine, or that I came to instant and desperate
resolution there on the shore?
The King basely, treacherously, but perhaps as monarchs went in those
days, not unroyally, had taken my wife; I would take her back, I
swore. I would pluck that coward fox from his very throne and, if I
found a hair of her head had been injured, his life should pay for
it, if I were to be hung, drawn, and quartered the next moment. I
took a solemn oath to it by the Living God, as I stood there on the
bluff.
It all happened this way. We were married in the morning, there was
naught to keep us in Scotland, where Master Dunner--a gentleman,
truly, even if an advocate--with Master Abadie's assistance, to whom
I was much indebted, foreseeing the turn of affairs, had everything
in readiness, every resource that the Earl could reasonably come at
instantly available.
The quicker we escaped from the reach of so uncertain a monarch as
James II., the better. All men knew him well enough, but I knew him
best of all, for I had served long in his Guards, so we planned
instant departure.
By good fortune we found a stout ship was sailing from Cockenzie for
the Low Countries that very night. It was necessary to ride thither
to take passage upon her. Master Dunner cast his fortunes in with
those of his patron and kinsman, the Earl, and had elected to go with
us. As we were proscribed people and found not many clamouring for
service with us, we chose to go as we were, without servants or
further tendance than what we ourselves could easily furnish each to
the other.
My wife laughingly pointed out that I could appropriately play
lady's-maid to her since she had played soldier laddie to me, and
though my blunt fingers were better fitted to pistol butt and sword
grip, I had no doubt that I could pass a lashing for her stays or
join together a hook and eye, if main strength and determination and
good will were necessary qualifications.
You have seen my lady dressed as a boy before, and you might have
seen her wearing her brother's clothes again that day for better
convenience in riding and travelling. I do not know whether I like
her better in her proper woman's gear or in men's--to tell the truth
she is adorable in either--but I had such sweet associations with the
latter, she was more comrade and not less wife as she bestrode her
horse gallantly booted and spurred and cantered by my side, that I
was more than satisfied with her election. Never hoped I to find
both comrade and wife in one woman.
I doubt not I behaved like a foolish boy. Anon I trolled out a stave
of soldier song. In the lonesomer parts of the road I clapped her on
the shoulder when I had a chance, as if she had been a boy; yet I
recognised such colour as no boy ever sported come and go in her
cheek under my touch as I drew her to me and kissed her as no boy was
ever kissed.
I vow, if it had given her pleasure, I would have got down in the
road and let her ride over me. She bewitched me, she possessed me,
she does still for that matter, I am more fond and foolish now than
ever. I can master with ease my turbulent regiment of soldiers of
fortune with which we were getting ready for a great adventure toward
England under Dutch William, but in truth she wound me around her
finger then and ever.
Did the men of my command but know it I should have been disgraced
forever, and it is only of her charity that she confines her sweet
dominance over me to our lodgings, in the quiet of our chamber rather
than in camp and court and field. I grow garrulous as an old woman
when I think of her.
Now I know full well that a soldier should ever be on the alert, but
I was as unsuspicious on that mid-day as any man that lived.
Monmouth's rebellion had been stamped out with such thorough-going
ferocity by that brute Jeffreys, that there was not even a whisper of
disappointment heard; not one, not even among Scotsmen. Nor were
there any gentlemen of the highway to be feared, and if there were we
were all armed, and Katharine was as good as a fourth man.
We rode carelessly therefore, she and I in the advance, sometimes
galloping ahead until screened behind a turn of the road or a clump
of trees for an exchange of kisses unseen by the Earl and Master
Dunner who jogged on behind sedately. We were approaching the
outskirts of Cockenzie village when the road suddenly swerved around
a thick woodland toward the bluff overlooking the sea, where I marked
a small brigantine in the offing and pointed it out idly enough to my
Lady Katharine.
"Will that be our ship, Hugh?" asked my wife, following my hand with
her eyes.
"No, Kate, I think not," I replied after a careless glance. "'Tis
too small a boat for such happiness as is ours, Sweet."
I had scarcely said the word when from out the wood which we were
nearly approaching--the road running along the very verge of the low
bluff that lifted it above the high tide--burst a score or more of
men on foot. They were led by a person richly dressed whose features
were covered with a black visard.
I had barely time to whisk out my sword and they were on us. One
fellow bolder than the rest I had spitted with the blade, but it was
jerked out of my hands. The next moment I was confronted by half a
dozen heavy pistols, and the leader, he of the mask, cried:
"Yield you, Sir Hugh. A motion and we blow you from the saddle."
I might not have hesitated to take the risk, although it would have
probably ended in my sudden death, had I not observed that the others
of my party were alike menaced. I had fronted cold steel and had
looked into the open mouth of musket and pistol, ay and of cannon,
too, many times, but it gave me a thrill of horror to see my wife so
threatened. I did not realise that she stood in no danger, or I
might have acted differently. I made up my mind quickly, as a
soldier needs must, and I said with a coolness I did not feel--on
account of my dear wife:
"Your arguments are too strong for me, gentlemen. I suppose you have
come for plunder; my purse is in my pocket, you'll find there is
little enough in it, we are exiles proscribed by King James, and..."
"I don't want your purse, Sir Hugh Richmond," interposed the
spokesman, drawing nearer to me. He stopped close by my side, and by
a sudden impulse, for which I have ever been glad, before he could
prevent it I reached over and twitched from his face with one quick
movement of my hand the black mask that hid it. I recognised the man
instantly.
"Stenwold!" I cried. "What does this mean?"
He was furiously angry at being discovered and showed it now.
"By Heaven!" he roared, "I could have you shot for that."
"And since when," I sneered, "has Lord Stenwold addressed himself to
the cut-purse trade upon the King's Highway?":
Now I knew in an instant that my aggravating accusation was a false
one; as in a flash I had divined the whole situation. Lord Stenwold
was King James' most intimate friend, a man who would stop at
nothing, honourable or dishonourable, to further His Majesty's
desires. And I knew that King James, probably aided and abetted
thereto by that arch-devil Jeffreys' counsel, had repented him of his
clemency and that he wanted to gain possession of my wife, for what
purpose I could well imagine.
I went white hot with wrath as these thoughts rushed over me. For a
moment I had the baresark impulse to throw myself upon Stenwold and
his gang and die fighting, and it was hard for me to restrain that
impulse; yet it would have been madness, suicide, and it would have
served no purpose, for it would have thrown Lady Katharine
defenceless and without resource into the hands of the enemy. So,
although my blood boiled in my veins, I retained an impassive front.
Stenwold laughed mockingly.
"You play the game well," he said meaningly, "I didn't know you were
so good an actor. I was charged to keep our agreement a secret from
the lady here, but I see no need of it now. The King loyally and
royally does as he said, here is your thousand pounds in gold." He
laid a bulky purse across my saddle bow. "We take the lady, you the
money, the King's pardon covers you for three days more, but if you
be found in his realm thereafter God help you."
"Hugh," cried my wife, "what does this mean?"
"Hoity-toity," ran on that devil Stenwold, "my lady, you know very
well what it means: it was all arranged between King James and
yourself before you left Durham; I had His Majesty's word for it."
"Liar!" cried Lady Katharine viciously.
She was free enough of speech when the situation warranted it.
"You dog!" cried the Earl of Clanranald, leaning forward. "Do you
mean to imply that my daughter----"
"The King's word----"
"Out upon the King's word. I wish to God, Monmouth----"
"Have a care, Lord Clanranald," interposed Stenwold darkly. "Your
pardon I take it covers acts of the past, there is nothing to prevent
me from re-arresting you and laying charges of high treason against
you once more for abusing His Majesty's clemency."
"Damn his clemency and His Majesty too," roared the Earl, struggling
to force his horse nearer the other. "If you are a gentleman, draw
sword. I am old but I will prove you lie in your own heart's blood."
"I am not here to fight duels with men old enough to be my
grandfather," answered Stenwold, coolly enough.
"With me then," I burst out.
The rogue answered me jeeringly again. He had the whip hand and he
knew it.
"What benefit would it be if I spitted you or you spitted me on the
road here? Besides it is all part of the game, as you know."
"You lie, in your soul," I cried, for the moment wrath getting the
better of me, but Stenwold only laughed again that irritating,
maddening laugh. God, how I itched to get my hand on his lying
throat and shake the wretched pander to death.
"We have had enough of this," he said, turning away from me
indifferently. "My lady, will you come peaceably or----"
"Hugh," cried Lady Katharine, bending toward me in wild terror, "you
won't let them take me away from you?"
"Why, he hath sold you," said Stenwold. "The price hangs on his
saddle bow. Come, I have no time for further parley."
Now what was I to do? Before God if I had let go of myself for a
single moment I would have thrown myself upon him, yet I could have
effected nothing; there were only four of us and one of us a woman,
and they were a score and a half. If I had killed one or a dozen of
them, what remained would have sufficed to carry out their purpose,
and then what would be done with my wife?
In all that broad realm there was only one man who could succour
her--myself! Was I to throw myself away uselessly and force her to
shift for herself? Nay, I must bide my time; I must contain myself
for her sake. Therefore, although to see her manhandled and
ruthlessly dragged from her horse, torn from her saddle, almost
killed me, I sat immobile on my own steed.
"Don't hurt her," said Stenwold, never looking my way, as if I was
not worth further consideration. "We must deliver her in good
condition to the King."
Katharine made a hard struggle, she was a strong, brave woman, but
what chance had she? She looked at me appealingly, she called my
name again and again, but I made no response. Presently realising
the absolute futility of it, she stopped and stood shuddering on the
road. Stenwold's bullies closed about her and forced her to where a
small boat lay concealed beneath the bluff. Ere she descended she
turned and gave me one look in which love and contempt struggled for
the predominance. I dare say that I made a sorry figure, sitting my
horse there on the strand with King James' guineas hanging across my
saddle bow, unable to hold the wife who had risked so much for me.
"Good-by, Richmond," Stenwold called out quite airily as the boat, a
large one capable of taking them all in, shoved off. "Any message
for the King?"
"Thank his gracious Majesty," cried I bitterly, "for his royal
conduct toward me and mine, and say to him that I hope to requite him
to the full for all that he hath done."
_Chapter_
XIII
_Wherein I set down in due Course the Resolution to which I came,
which boded ill to the King, as I rode southward_
My poor wife did not look at me as the boat rapidly drew away from
the shore; she sat helpless in the stern sheets, her face buried in
her hands. I shuddered to think of the light in which she and the
rest must have regarded me then. I had personal and unequivocal
evidence of it immediately, for I found myself tapped on the
shoulder. The old Earl of Clanranald had advanced threateningly
toward me.
"You English coward!" he cried. "Was it for this you married my
daughter, who risked her life and honour for you and me? We should
have known better than to have trusted any one who had ever been for
a moment associated with James Stewart."
"And do you believe this monstrous lie, Lord Clanranald?"
"Believe it? Can I not see and hear? Draw, sir, if you have a spark
of courage left, or I shall run you through where you stand!"
"I cannot fight with you," I said; "you are her father."
"The more reason."
Indeed, I felt the prick of his sword at my throat. I found I had to
do something or be cut down.
"Draw quickly or I will shoot you from your saddle, you villain!"
cried Master Dunner, at that time interposing and presenting a huge
old horse-pistol.
There was nothing left for me. In a twinkling, my blade was in my
hand. It had been restored to me by one of Stenwold's men ere they
departed. As it gritted against my lord's steel, something of my
self-control came back to me. He had been no mean fencer in his
younger days, he could have matched any man in the three kingdoms
doubtless, but now he was old, he had been some time in prison and
was certainly out of practice. His force and fire were soon spent, I
was his master, yet he never blenched, although he knew it as soon
and as well as I.
"I tremble," he said grimly, "from physical weakness, not from fear."
"That I know," I answered.
"Finish then; you have sold the daughter; spare not the father!"
"My lord," said I, as by a sudden trick of fence I twisted his sword
from his hands and flung it to the ground, "you wrong me. I neither
connived at the abduction of my wife, nor will I requite your quite
natural suspicion with what it merits."
"Now is it in my mind," cried Master Dunner, seeing his patron's
discomfiture and peril, "to pull the trigger of my pistol."
"Do it and kill me if you will, but know that to do so is to destroy
the only possible hope of rescue for the woman we all love," I
returned quietly, determined to have this all over without more delay
and put our affairs on a proper basis immediately.
"What do you mean?" asked Master Dunner, pistol-muzzle wavering
downward.
"Think for a moment. I love your daughter, Lord Clanranald; I
perilled my life and honour for her. I was attainted of treason and
death had been my portion for her. I have had no communication with
King James, save through your daughter. Could I, could any one, have
foreseen the course of events that brought me to the Tolbooth and
what hath happened since? It is absurd, sir, on its face. I wonder
that you do not see it."
"But Lord Stenwold?" asked Master Dunner, somewhat shaken by my
reasoning.
"Stenwold is a devil," I persisted. "Did not you see that he tried
to convince me that Lady Katharine had made an agreement with the
King?"
"My life on her truth and honour!" cried the Earl.
"Mine, too," said I quickly. "I would believe her innocent in the
face of twenty kings, backed by as many Stenwolds."
"But why did you sit so calmly by?" faltered the bewildered old man.
"What could I have done? The four of us together might have cut down
or disposed of a dozen men out of the thirty; the rest would have
worked their will; there would have been no one left to save her." I
gritted my teeth as I spoke: "I will rescue her, or avenge her. We
alone in the three kingdoms are able to help her. Do you think that
I intend to sit calmly by and let her fall into the arms of the King?
It was a part of the plan to discredit me in the mind of my wife, to
make it easier for him to overcome her resistance."
"But you took the money."
"Certainly; why not? We shall have need of all of it and more
mayhap. We'll fight the King with his own coin."
"What mean you to do?"
"When my wife is brought before the King, I mean to be there."
"But how?"
"I don't know; I shall accomplish it in some way; I saved my own life
but to lay it down again for her. God help the King when he comes
under my hand!"
"My lad," said the Earl, at last convinced, "I did, indeed, misjudge
you. Forgive me. My hand."
"And mine too, sir," said Master Dunner, "if in truth you will honour
me."
I grasped them both eagerly, saying:
"We waste time, gentlemen; we must be doing."
"What plans have you?"
"I ride south to-night; the King was at Durham; its nearest port is
Sunderland. That ship will take her there; at least, I think so. If
I could only have some assurance..."
At that juncture I caught sight of a figure moving in the trees;
instantly my pistol was out of its holster and levelled in that
direction.
"Hands up," I cried, "or you shall be shot down!"
"I have no fear of your weapon, sir soldier," came from the coppice,
"but, because I can render you service, I..."
"Come forth," said I, as a sturdy Scotsman stepped out upon the road
and saluted me.
"Those men raided my little farm, yonder, before you came; they
rudely kissed my wife by force; they killed my chickens, milked my
cows, and destroyed my garden. Afterwards they talked freely enough.
I know the whole plan, and would have got to you and warned you of it
had they not kept me in close ward. They are to take the lady to
King James at Sunderland, or Monkwearmouth."
"You hear, my lord!" I cried to the Earl triumphantly.
I opened the King's purse, got out some of the King's guineas, and
passed them over to the faithful man.
"Here's for you," said I.
"That will pay for the chickens and the milk and the other things,
except the kiss and the insults to my wife."
"And who took them?" I asked.
"The man in the lead."
"I shall add your score to mine, my friend, and, rest assured, he
shall pay high for both. Tell your woman so."
"I'd rather assist in the paying myself, your honour," said the
Scotsman. "You see, sir, I am an old soldier and have been to the
wars; I can wield a heavy claymore still; my ancestors have fought
alongside Lord Clanranald's; if you wish me, I will go with you."
I looked at the man thoughtfully. He was a stoutly-built knave, of
medium age, with a dependable honest look out of his eyes that
promised well.
"Have you a weapon?"
"I have at the farm."
"Get it, then."
"But my wife?"
"Have you any children?" I asked.
"None; we were married a few weeks since," he answered, smiling.
"Bring her along if she will come," I answered, "and make haste."
He saluted, turned, and ran back through the trees.
"Surely you are not going to encumber yourself with a woman in this
desperate venture?" protested Lord Clanranald.
"First hear my plan. With some of this money you, sir, are to get a
ship; buy it, charter it, steal it if necessary. You will find what
you want in Leith, doubtless. You can also enlist a half-dozen
sturdy Scotsmen who can be depended upon, and you will make the best
speed you can to Sunderland Harbour and wait there for me. If I do
not bring Lady Katharine off to you, it will be because I am a dead
man."
"We shall do as you say without fail," said the Earl. "Ours is the
easier part, but how will you recognise us?"
"We must arrange upon some signal," I answered, reflecting.
"I have it," said the Earl. "We'll paint upon the mainsail my
device,--a bleeding heart pierced by a long sword."
"Excellent; but if it should be night?" I queried.
"Three lanterns set as a triangle--a red one at the top, the others
white."
"Admirably devised."
"But the woman, gentlemen?" said Master Dunner.
"Lady Katharine might need the assistance and companionship of a
female in a ship full of men; she shall go with you, and the man I
will take with me.
"Would that I could go with you instead," said Lord Clanranald.
"Nay, my lord, you have not the physical strength to ride as fast or
as far as I."
"My wife, your honour!" cried the man who had given us such valuable
information, now coming back to the road, while following close
behind him tramped a young and pretty country wench, tearful and
excited.
"I am Sir Hugh Richmond," I began, inclining my head politely toward
her as I spoke. I have ever believed in treating women with
courtesy, whatever their rank. "My wife hath been abducted by King
James; the man who insulted you has taken her to him, and I ride
forward to take her from his hands and to avenge the insult that hath
been put upon us. The Earl of Clanranald here is to take ship at
Leith and meet us at Sunderland, where King James awaits my wife.
You, dame, will go with him. What is your name, friend?"
"Macleod, sir," he answered, "and this is Alison, my wife."
"Lady Katharine's horse is yonder; he is something light for you, but
he will carry you well, I have no doubt. Now let us be about our
business quickly."
"I shall be off Sunderland before you come," said the Earl. "I'll
follow hard on the heels of yonder vessel."
"And I shall board you with your daughter and my wife, or you will
know that I am a dead man and she is past saving."
"In that event, King James shall still reckon with me," said the Earl
resolutely. "Good-bye, lad, and God bless you. Mistress Alison,
Master Dunner will take you up behind him. I will gallop on ahead."
"Good-bye, good friends all," I answered, saluting them.
"May God give us success!" responded the gallant old nobleman,
lifting his plaided bonnet in return.
He turned away, followed presently by Master Dunner, with Mrs. Alison
riding on the croup. I sat my horse a moment and stared out to sea
at the little boat bearing my wife away; then I turned, clapped my
hat more firmly on my head, gathered the reins more tightly, and
looked at my new friend with his long sword.
"Come," said I.
"And God help that man if he falls in my hands," he said.
"And God help the King if he falls in mine," I replied, cantering off
to the south.
_Chapter_
XIV
_Wherein, by the Grace of God, our own Determination, and the Speed
of our good Horses, we reach Monkwearmouth in Time_
I do not believe that any two men ever pushed horse-flesh to a
greater extremity than did Macleod and I on that journey south. I am
reputed to be a cool man, and it would be idle to deny that, having
been rather severely tested a great many times in the course of my
life, I had earned the reputation, especially as more than once that
life had depended on my skill with my sword or my quickness with my
pistol. Accordingly, I fancied myself as well able to preserve my
equanimity in times of stress and strain as any man in England, but I
declare that I never was so thoroughly aroused and excited in my
life. Our horses were in a constant lather of sweat and foam, but
the journey was just as hard on the riders as upon the ridden.
Macleod was a grim old soldier, and he seemed to catch some of my
determination. Lady Katharine's horse had been a good one, else he
would have foundered long since, and he kept pace with my spirited
bay, which had carried me often in the wars and whose mettle and
endurance I knew by heart. It hurt me somewhat to push the horses
the way we did, but I was playing for greater stakes than were to be
measured by one horse's life, or many for that matter. I had to get
to Sunderland before, or at least by the time, my wife arrived there
by sea.
Going by land, naturally I should have outspeeded the ship easily had
luck not been so cursedly against me. In the first place, it had
rained, some of the roads were almost impassable, and some of the
bridges were washed out. We pushed on frantically, scarcely allowing
ourselves time to eat, snatching a few moments' rest here and there,
more to breathe the horses than to sleep.
It was, therefore, three days and a half after our departure that we
staggered into Monkwearmouth, and drew rein before the Boar's Head
Inn, hard by old Saint Peter's Church. I was familiar with the
village and the town of Sunderland across the river, where in all
probability we should find the King. Before I was promoted to the
Royal Guards, I had been in garrison at Sunderland Castle. This
knowledge would stand me in good stead. I am a man who remembers
those things, and I was glad that King James had elected to meet his
pander at Sunderland. Of course I run some risk of being recognised
there, but it had been half a score of years since I had visited the
town and I had little to fear from that chance; little or much,
however, that risk of such recognition had to be run.
It was close on to noon when we reached the Inn. Requesting food and
a good rub-down for our tired horses, which Macleod was to look to,
and ordering dinner to be served in a private room and to be ready
within an hour, I made my way to the waterside. I had carefully
fixed in my mind the lines of the brigantine which had carried away
my wife, and I was concerned with anxiety to see if she were in the
river yet.
There were a number of ships on both sides of the river: some tied up
at the wharves and quays, others anchored in mid-stream. Not one of
them was the vessel for which I looked. I was most careful in my
scrutiny, and I could swear that I was right. This gave me great
relief and satisfaction; I was in time.
Indeed, in spite of our delay, we had pressed on so furiously that it
was most probable that we had arrived a little ahead of them, for out
at sea I discerned several specks that might be ships, one of them
possibly the brigantine carrying my wife. The tide, however, was
beginning to ebb, and it would be five or six o'clock at least before
they could beat up against the off-shore breeze and anchor abreast
the town.
Mightily comforted by my observations, I suddenly bethought me to
make my assurance double sure--as Master Shakespeare saith--for I
repaired to the office of the harbour-master and demanded speech with
that functionary. I was still wearing my guardsman's uniform. I
intended to change it for a more sober and less distinctive garment
at the first opportunity, but I was glad now that I had not yet done
so, for it won me instant respect and prompt answer from the old
sea-dog who had charge of the water-front and the shipping. I threw
prudence to the wind and questioned him freely.
"Hath Lord Stenwold and a party from Scotland arrived with a prisoner
for the King? 'Tis an affair of State which, of course, you will not
mention."
"Not yet, your honour," answered the man, "but I expect them in with
every tide; their vessel is in the offing now, I believe."
"And how long do you think it will be before they make a landing?"
"With wind and tide against them, sir," he answered, squinting
seaward down the river, "'twill be close on to seven o'clock before
they are abreast the castle."
I threw him a coin--one of King James'!--for his civility, whereat he
thanked me profusely, and, bidding him not to mention it to any one,
I wrapped my cloak around me and walked off again. Whatever I was to
do, must be done under cover of the night. I was quite capable of
confronting the King in broad day, to kill him if he had wronged a
hair of my wife's head, but I was there to save her rather than to
avenge her, and I did not propose to run any unnecessary or foolish
risks, not because of fear for my person, but because I was bent on
carrying out my plan for her dear sake.
Therefore, I went calmly back to the Inn and partook heartily of a
most noble repast. The landlord himself waited upon me, and when I
whispered that I was on the King's business, but the matter was to be
kept secret, seeing my uniform as confirmation, he was vastly
flattered and promised ready compliance with any duty I might lay
upon him. I assured his silence and good faith by a covert threat
that His Majesty himself would resent any discussion of my presence
among the gossips in the village.
In the course of conversation, I learned, to my great satisfaction,
that His Majesty had that day chosen to lie at Stenwold House instead
of Sunderland Castle.
This was an ancient seat belonging to my lord of that name, which had
been graciously put to the disposal of this Royal Majesty, while its
owner did the King's evil errand. I learned more, too: namely, that
Jeffreys, he of the Bloody Assize, was also in Sunderland, where he
had been holding his outrageous court. The landlord characterised
him as:
"A royal good gentleman, your honour, fond of wine and woman and
gaming; hath been here in this very hostelry of mine three nights
a-running."
I knew something of the loose habits of the bloody villain, which,
indeed, were no secret to any one well informed as to the doings of
the court, and so far as I had formulated any plan I had counted upon
this knowledge. For once Fortune was playing in my hands.
"Think you he will be here to-night?" I asked, disguising my
eagerness by assumption of indifference.
"Ay, 'tis more than likely he will be, your honour."
"Very good," said I. "When he comes, apprise me of the fact without
mentioning it to him; I would fain surprise my lord--by the King's
command! His Majesty loveth a jest and we have set a pretty trap for
the Lord Chief Justice. 'Tis a wager, understand?"
"Certainly, your worship," answered the landlord, rising to the
question like a gudgeon to the baited hook as I slid a coin--another
of the King's hoard!--carelessly over the table to him. Like all
Englishmen, he was full of sporting blood and dearly loved a bet. "I
understand, your excellency," he said as he pouched the guinea, which
also he dearly loved. "Trust me, sir."
"Now, another favour," I continued. "My man, here, is from the north
and is unfamiliar with the shops of Sunderland; would you execute a
small commission for me?"
"With pleasure, your excellency."
"We have ridden hard on the King's service and have left our mails
behind,"--which was true enough, by the way,--"I want a suit of
apparel. Canst get it for me among the shops of thy friends in
Sunderland?"
"I have a brother in the trade and all the gentry of the county
buy..."
"Say no more," said I. "There are ten guineas,"--again more of King
James'!--"get me the best you can, something quiet and unobtrusive,
rather suited for out-door use than for the court, yet rich and
elegant, such as a gentleman should wear. You are about of my own
build, although somewhat stouter; what fits you will doubtless
suffice for me."
"The amount is ample for the purpose, your excellency," said the
landlord, taking the money; "indeed, much more than..."
"Whatever is unexpended you may keep for your trouble."
"Your excellency overwhelms me," returned the delighted man. "They
shall be here within the hour. I am proud to be much of a size with
your honour."
"Very good," said I, "and, mind, no talking--by order of the King."
"I shall be silence itself," returned he, turning to do my errand.
The rain of golden guineas which I had produced so generously on
every occasion was having tremendous effect upon him. Only the very
great or the very noble could, in his mind, thus indifferently
dispose of precious treasure. It was money well spent, however,
since it made him entirely submissive to my will.
"Go now, then," said I, "for I am in something of a hurry."
The landlord instantly bowed himself out, and I could hear him
bustling about in the public room, bawling for his coat and hat with
vast importance, while making ready to execute my commission.
"What think you, Macleod?" said I, rising from the table and bidding
him take my place and fall to on the ample remains of the meal; "is
the man true?"
He was a shrewd observer, this Scotsman, I had found, and I wanted
his judgment on this important point.
"A good deal depends upon this landlord," I added.
"So long as you rain guineas upon him, you've got him body and soul,
your honour," he answered drily.
"Thanks to the King," laughed I, lifting the still rather full purse,
"the fountain has not yet run dry."
We had divided it equally between Lord Clanranald and myself ere we
parted at Cockenzie, and, though I had spent of my share freely, much
still remained.
"But it likes me ill," said Macleod covetously, "to see such good
gold lavished on such a wastrel."
"There will be plenty for us all," said I, "can I once win away with
my wife."
"I care not how plenty they be, sir," was his courteous answer, "a
guinea's a guinea, whether there be one or a thousand."
"Here's one for you then," said I, "since you like them so well."
"I no meant my words for that," answered the worthy Scotsman, "but I
will e'en take the guinea just the same."
"I am going to lie down now and get some sleep, and I recommend you
to do the same when you have finished your meal. Leave word that I
am not to be disturbed, and, if I do not happen to be awake at five
of the clock, you are to come and rouse me."
"Very good, sir," replied my good attendant, whom I had learned to
trust; "I'll first take a look at our horses and then I'll be blithe
to follow your honour's advice."
I left him finishing the remains of the meal and withdrew to an inner
chamber. Taking off my coat, and kicking off my riding-boots, I
threw myself on the bed, and for three hours I slept as sound as ever
I slept in my life. When I opened my eyes my watch told me that it
was now five o'clock. I had taught myself the valuable habit of
awakening whenever I wanted to when on service or in the field, and I
had the practice down to a nicety. I was very much refreshed from my
eating and sleeping, and, after I had given myself a fine wash in a
tub that I caused to be brought to me, I felt fit for anything, even
to the bearding of a king!
When I was ready for them, Macleod, who had also been asleep, brought
me the clothes the landlord had procured. It was a rich suit of dark
blue laced with silver, which fitted me well and seemed not
unbecoming, though I do look my best in the noble scarlet of the
Royal Guards, according to Kate, my wife. I put it on at once and,
finding it so satisfactory, I sent out another guinea to the worthy
Boniface, bidding him prepare supper for us. We sat down to it at
six o'clock. I waived ceremony on this occasion, and Macleod, who
modestly placed himself at the far end of the table, ate with me. We
both proved good trenchermen.
I suppose it was near on to seven o'clock when we finished. I had no
idea where we might get our next meal, and we were both of us old
enough soldiers to appreciate the prime importance of attending well
to the commissariat while we had opportunity.
It was perhaps half-past seven when we trotted away from the Inn
yard, both of us wrapped in long cloaks, with our hats pulled well
down over our faces and with our pistols carefully loaded and primed
in our belts. I did not intend to be caught napping by the King at
this time with empty weapons, as I had been by my wife before. We
made our way to the river-bank, and followed the road to the landing
in the direction of Stenwold House.
It was still light, and I observed a brigantine slowly beating up the
river. My heart leaped at the sight of her. I would know that ship
in a thousand. It was she. I raised my hand and shook it toward her
as she came slowly on. Stenwold and my wife would be aboard. I was
in good time, thank God!
For a moment I considered whether it would be possible to ambush the
party who would bring Lady Katharine to the shore and sweep her away
from them as soon as they landed. But I reluctantly abandoned that
idea. We two could do little with so many as they would be. We must
try strategy instead of force. I had devised a better plan.
I could not wait until the brigantine anchored, not even to catch a
glimpse of my Lady Katharine as they landed. We trotted at a sharp
pace back to the Inn, where the landlord gave me further interesting
news: he advised me privately that Lord Jeffreys had sent a messenger
there to say that he expected to pass the evening and the night at
the Inn,--I had intended to summon him myself otherwise,--he was
coming incognito, and a certain dame was to be notified to meet him.
I laughed.
"By the King's command, I'll be the only lady that he'll see."
"It will be a royal jest," said the landlord, also greatly amused.
"His Majesty will be much pleased when he hears of it," said I.
"I hope, sir, that the King may be pleasured, indeed," said he.
"No doubt of it," I returned.
"And you will tell him, please your honour, that I did my small part
to your entire satisfaction, sir?"
"I will see that your zeal is properly rewarded."
"What must I do further?" asked the delighted landlord.
"This," said I: "since his lordship is coming on an errand of
love,"--I paused; the landlord nodded,--"he will require a private
room in which to receive the person whom he expects to meet. Do you
contrive that I shall be there in her place."
"And what then, sir?"
"Nothing then," said I, laying my finger by the side of my nose. "I
shall do all the rest. My lord will require the room for the whole
night and must on no account be disturbed. The lady must not be
notified."
"You mean no harm to the King's Justice? Forgive the question, your
excellency," said the landlord, rather anxiously.
"'Twould be a hanging matter to meddle with him, my good friend.
Rest easy; his Majesty loves his Chief Justice and would not have a
hair of his head harmed. Know you my Lord Jeffreys' seal?"
"I happen to know it, for he hath despatched letters by me. I have
seen it on all papers I take from him, and his signet ring as well."
"Good! This is a most secret business," said I, "and, while you
would doubtless be well rewarded for your assistance, I would not
answer for your head should you betray me." I softened this threat
with another guinea--King James' again! "The King is a royal
paymaster," I added knowingly.
"Everything, your excellency," said the landlord, now completely at
my disposal, "shall be exactly as you wish it."
"And I myself," I continued, "am not without interest at the court.
This night the King will deny me nothing. I am sure you seem a man
to be trusted; there is a lady in the case, you comprehend?"
Of course he comprehended!
Presently I found myself in a very lofty and spacious chamber, the
best in the Inn. Adjoining it was a smaller bedroom, whose one
window looked upon the deep and silent close of the Cathedral, now
deserted. The chamber was admirable for my purpose. In the bedroom
I stationed Macleod. I had directed him to procure a quantity of
light yet strong rope, and by some means, like the faithful fellow
that he was, he had managed to obey my rather difficult order: he had
the most of it wound about his person. There were a number of
candles burning in the great apartment. I extinguished them all but
one, and, drawing back so as partly to be concealed by the window, I
loosened my sword in its sheath and waited for the coming of Lord
Jeffreys with what patience I could muster--but little, I will admit.
_Chapter_
XV
_Shows how the Lord Chief Justice of England kept a Love Tryst and
what befell him at the Boar's Head Inn_
It seemed hours, although really but a few minutes, before there came
a discreet tap upon the door. Before I had time to say a word, it
opened cautiously and the burly figure of a man muffled in a long
cloak entered the room. The door was closed behind him. He took off
his hat, unbuttoned his coat, and dropped it carelessly in a chair.
"'Tis so dark in here, Doll," he began, in a rough, hoarse voice,
"that I couldn't see a blush on your face, even if you could conjure
up one." He peered about him in the half-light uncertainly. "Why so
sparing of the candles?" he asked with a coarse laugh. "Come, no
tricks, you baggage; where are ye?"
He looked about him a moment more, fortunately not seeing me behind
the hangings, and then strode boldly across the room and laid his
hand on the bed-chamber door.
"Art couched already, wench?" he chuckled out.
As noiselessly as a cat, and with more swiftness than he had
exhibited, I had followed him and, as his hand touched the door
handle, I pricked him on the shoulder with the point of my sword. He
wheeled around with a marvellous swiftness for a man of his bulk and
confronted me. He did not yet recognise me in the dim light, but he
saw enough to know that it was the tall form of a man in the room he
expected to be welcomed to by a woman. He opened his mouth, but,
before he could make a sound, I said:
"Unless you want me to run you through with this blade, you will be
absolutely silent, sir."
I never saw a more ridiculous spectacle than he presented--his mouth
open, his fat face violently flushed. Like most bullies--not
all--this bloodthirsty jurist--God save the mark--was an arrant
coward. He shrank back against the wall and only stopped retreating
when further escape was impossible.
"Do you know what 'tis you are doing?" he growled. "You are raising
sword against the Lord Chief Justice of England; your life will be
forfeited, 'tis treason. I will have you hung, drawn, quartered.
Drop your blade instantly, knave," he went on, gaining courage as he
heard his own voice.
"I would not hesitate to raise this blade against the King himself,"
answered I coolly.
"What, sirrah..." he began.
He was so accustomed to browbeat helpless victims who came before his
court that his course was as natural as breathing, but I was not a
victim and this was not a court, as he should very soon find out.
"And I am quite aware," I interrupted, "of all that I risk. It
disturbs me not a whit. In faith, were I you, my lord, I would not
dwell too much on what may happen to me in future; your present
predicament is your chief concern. I advise you to give heed to it."
"Is it my money you want?" he asked, growing more and more alarmed.
"Nay," said I, "keep your hands by your side."
My sword made little circles about his throat. It was a trick of
fence I had learned and it added greatly to his discomfiture.
"Take away that blade," he pleaded.
"When it suits me," I replied.
I edged around him until I could reach the bedroom door. I knocked
upon it, and instantly Macleod presented himself. It pleased me to
see that he had his old and terrible Scottish claymore bared and
ready.
"Who is this?" asked Jeffreys, with a new accession of alarm.
"You will learn presently, my lord, that it is now not for you to ask
questions, but to answer them."
"What would you, sir?" asked Macleod of me.
"Lights," said I. "I have no doubt that Lord Jeffreys would fain
know whom he entertains; but first bolt the door into the hall."
"One shout," growled the Lord Chief Justice, "and I could arouse the
Inn."
"But you would be so sound asleep, my lord, on the next second, that
no shouting that I have heard would suffice to awaken you. Dost take
my meaning?"
"Curse you, yes!"
"Remember, then, to speak softly till I give you leave to call."
While I had spoken, Macleod had barred the heavy door precluding any
chance interruption; although I trusted to the landlord's zeal and
devotion to prevent that, it was well not to neglect any precaution.
Then, from the solitary candle, he lighted a number of others. My
back was to the light, but presently I moved to let it shine upon my
face.
"Richmond!" gasped Jeffreys, turning a shade paler under his red.
"The same, sir."
"What do you here?" queried the Lord Chief Justice. "You are a
proscribed outlaw; I can order you seized and executed without
formality of a trial; you have no standing in the court."
"I know that full well," said I. "I knew it before I heard it from
your lips, worthy master of the law, and therefore your repetition of
it affects me not at all."
"What do you want?" asked the frightened blackguard blusteringly.
"A small thing, an it please you--my wife."
"You fool," he muttered under his breath, "I haven't got her. Go to
the King."
"That I shall, sir."
The incautious admission of the Lord Chief Justice that I should seek
the King apprised me of what I had more than suspected, that he was
in the base plot.
"I mean I know nothing of her," he began, seeking to cover his
blunder.
"I am glad to find out from you where she hath been taken."
Jeffreys laughed. He saw that I knew, and that I was not to be put
off. Besides, his natural viciousness would not let him lose so good
an opportunity to taunt me, even at so great a risk to himself.
"The King hath some spirit, after all," he said meaningly.
"Now, by the God above us," I hissed, "I could kill you for those
words."
And, but I needed him, I would have done it then and there. The
world would have been well rid of so low and base a villain that
disgraced the judicial ermine that he wore.
"I did but jest," he said, in cowardly confusion. "It was the King's
will. I had naught to do with it."
"Don't jest that way again or I might indulge my own humour, which, I
assure you, hath a more biting point than yours;" and, as that point
was plainly visible to him, he could not have missed my meaning. "I
know perfectly well that you and that pander Stenwold are as much
responsible as the cowardly King, whom I have served long enough to
estimate at his true worth, or worthlessness. He hath exiled me, he
hath stolen my wife; I am no longer his man, but Prince William's,
across the water, and, when we come back, God help King James and
you!"
"I am sure," protested Jeffreys, "that I wish you well and..."
"No more of that," I said curtly.
"I'll e'en help you to get your wife," he ran on, "if..."
"I intend that you shall do so without conditions."
"But I am helpless here," continued my lord. "Release me and I will
go to the King..."
"I know a better way than that," I said.
"What way?"
"I will bring my wife from his Majesty's hand with an order from you,
my lord."
"From me? I don't understand you. I cannot issue orders to the
King, sir. You rave."
"Nay, I was never soberer. I shall tell the King that I have you in
safe ward; it will be her life or your life. If a hair of her head
is harmed, you shall pay."
"My God, man!"
"The King loves you, you say."
"Yes, but..."
"Have you no confidence in the reality of his affection?"
"Ay, surely, but..." he began, more feverishly.
"Enough," said I. "I have decided, and from my decision there is no
appeal to any court. On yonder table are writing materials; go to
it; write as I dictate."
"Nay, good Sir Hugh, I..."
"Hesitate but a moment and I will make your life pay before I have
ascertained that she has suffered. You know, Lord Jeffreys, that I
have nothing to lose."
"I'll write, I'll write, but be not so hasty with thy point,
Richmond."
"No more," said I. "Take the quill."
"What shall I write?" he asked, seizing the pen.
And thus I dictated to him:
"For God's love, Your Most Gracious and Royal Majesty, I am held
prisoner by Sir Hugh Richmond, who threatens me with instant death
should his wife suffer any mistreatment at Your Majesty's hands. I
have served you well, Sire; leave me not now defenceless in mine
enemy's hand. Sir Hugh is desperate; he will kill me. I fear me for
my life. Your most faithful humble servant."
He wrote it all down at my dictation.
"Hast finished?" I asked.
He nodded his head.
"Sign it."
He scrawled beneath it, "Jeffreys, Lord Chief Justice of England."
"Seal it," said I.
His hands trembled so he could scarcely drop the wax, his mouth was
so dry it was difficult to moisten the seal, but he managed somehow
or other.
"You never wrote truer words in your life," I said, taking the paper,
and the seal as well, and examining both of them carefully, keeping
him well covered the while, to see that he had played me no tricks in
his writing.
"What next?" he asked.
"Go into yonder room." I pointed to the bedchamber.
"I have done what you asked, you would not murder me now? The laws
of war require that a hostage be kindly entreated and..."
"I intend to lock you there until I have seen the King. Go!"
Seeing no help for it, he rose to his feet and entered the room,
followed by me and Macleod. Jeffreys continued to protest, but I
silenced him with that wonderfully bright persuader in my hand.
"Now that I have the letter," said I, "I care little whether you are
alive or dead, and, for the toss of a coin, I would rid the world of
you. But I am not a judge; being only a poor soldier, I'll keep
faith with you. Your life depends entirely upon your absolute
obedience; I must bind you securely."
He said no more, but suffered himself to be bound without resistance.
Macleod had brought plenty of rope; we lashed him until he was as
immobile as an iron bar; then we picked him up and laid him on the
bed and, with what remained of the rope, secured him so that he could
not move about or roll off to the floor.
"You will be enlarged, doubtless, in the morning," said I. "I wish
some of Monmouth's friends and followers whom you hounded to death
could see you now."
"For God's sake," he gasped, "if you must leave me this way, give me
a draught of wine!"
"Nay," I replied smilingly. "Here is something that will suit your
thirst and dry humour much better."
I crammed into his huge mouth, which he had opened gaspingly to
protest, a soiled towel which I took from the wash-stand. I rammed
it in hard and, with a piece torn from the sheet, I bound it down
around his head and neck. I thought my lord's veins would burst in
his forehead, he grew so purple.
"A pleasant night to you," said I. "And may the love of your King
secure your release in the morning."
We extinguished the candles, went out into the large room, and closed
the door. In a voice that Jeffreys within could easily hear, I said
to my man:
"You will stay here on this side of the door until I send for you in
the morning. If the prisoner by chance should get free of his bonds,
or should fall from his bed, or should make any outcry, go in and
kill him without further delay. You understand?"
"I do, sir, and it shall be as you wish," he answered loudly.
Macleod ostentatiously drew a chair up in front of the door and then,
as I had need of him and could not leave him there, he rose from the
chair and noiselessly followed me down the room. We extinguished the
lights in the outer chamber, and, having locked all doors, took the
keys with us. We had but little fear, unless some alarm was given,
but that the Lord Chief Justice would be quite safe for the night,
and that he was going to pass such night as he had never passed
before. We waited to see the landlord, and I bestowed upon him some
more of King James' his guineas. I showed him the letter sealed with
Lord Jeffreys' seal. He could not read it, but he recognised the
signet.
"I know that seal full well," he said, entirely satisfied by it.
"My Lord Jeffreys hath retired for the night, and upon no chance is
he to be disturbed until morning, unless I should come back or send.
He doth not wish the lady you know to be sent for."
"I understand," he said knowingly. He was a wise and understanding
landlord indeed!
"The door is locked behind us," I added, "and, if you value your
life, keep away from it and keep others away as well."
"Your excellency shall be obeyed."
By this time Macleod and the hostler of the Inn had brought around
the horses again. We mounted them once more and cantered down the
street until we struck the river road. So far everything had gone
without a hitch. The King lay at Stenwold House; my wife had been
recently brought there. Access to him would be difficult, doubtless,
but I now had means to open the gate and pass the guard. Once inside
it would go hard if I did not effect Katharine's release.
If Clanranald had succeeded in his part of the plan all would be
well. He ought not to be more than five hours behind the brigantine,
I thought. As we got away from the houses, we eagerly searched the
sea, and sure enough, between the far-away lighthouses on either side
of the river-mouth, there was a vessel. It was so dark we could not
have seen her had she not carried three lights set in a triangle, a
red one at the top! Clanranald was on time. The tide now
approaching full flood, he ought to be abreast Stenwold House in a
few hours. We set spurs to our horses and dashed on rapidly.
_Chapter_
XVI
_How My Lord Stenwold settled his Account and
paid his Debt in full_
Stenwold House stood on the bank of the river, about half-way between
Monkwearmouth town and the lighthouse on the point that jutted out
seaward far beyond. It was some distance from the outskirts of the
village, and I noted, as we galloped along, that the surrounding
country was lonesome and desolate.
I had at first intended to take Macleod into the castle with me, but
a better thought came to me as we rode. Long before we reached the
house I drew rein and, to Macleod's great and overwhelming
disappointment, I outlined exactly what I wished him to do.
"Upon second thoughts," I said, "I will not take you with me further.
Do you go back to the village and get a boat, a wherry that two of us
can row and yet one that you can manage yourself on a pinch, and
bring it to the river-bank under the walls of the castle yonder."
"But Lord Stenwold, sir," protested the worthy Scotsman, who
evidently would fain play a bolder part.
"I'll take care of him," I replied.
"I would like it well," persisted my attendant stoutly, "if I could
take the payment for that kiss myself."
"Do not fear, man," said I, "I'll take payment for us both, and,
unless I blunder strangely, he will never live to kiss another woman
after this night. You could not do any special good with me in the
castle. The two of us could not take the place by force, and, for
strategy, one is as good as two or a thousand--ay, better. You can
serve us all, and your revenge, best by providing the means of
escape. I am like to need it both sorely and quickly to-night."
"Yonder's our ship, sir," he said, silenced by my emphasis.
"Yes, I have marked her."
We both stared seaward at the lights. I was sorry that I had not
arranged some method of signalling the Earl, but none that I could
have thought of would have been practicable and, indeed, any attempt
at it would infallibly have betrayed us.
"Am I to rent, borrow, or steal a boat, your honour?" asked Macleod,
appreciating the fact that my decision, which was only common-sense,
was unalterable.
"You are to be here within the hour with the boat. I care not how
you get it. That's your own lookout, but get it. Don't fail me;
remember your wife is on that ship; and it might be convenient for
you to bear in mind that Lord Jeffreys has had ample opportunity to
familiarise himself with your face and figure as well as with mine,
and I would not give a penny for your life if you are in England when
he gets loose."
"I shall be there within an hour," answered the Scotsman stoutly.
"This horse, sir?"
"You can't take him aboard ship," I replied; "you must leave him
behind."
"Very good, sir." He half-wheeled his horse and then stopped. "You
are going on a desperate venture for your wife," said he; "if a poor
man might be so bold..."
His hand went out toward me rather tentatively in the darkness. I
waived the difference in rank at once--for that matter, I have ever
been willing to shake hands with honest men, even those of low degree.
"Good luck and God bless you, sir," he said earnestly.
"Thank you," said I. "Don't fail me," I repeated again.
"I will meet your honour in an hour, yonder," he replied.
With that he put spurs to his horse and galloped away. Now what was
I to do? It was evident that it might be difficult to get entrance
to Stenwold House, and more difficult to get access to the King. I
did not want to play my trump card, Lord Jeffreys' note, until the
last moment. Yet, what could I do without it?
If I had time, I might perhaps have managed to scale the walls in
some way and effect an entrance by stealth, but I had no time. Too
much had been wasted as it was. I judged it to be about eight
o'clock. I was morally certain that I would be in good time, but I
did not dare to tempt Fortune too long and too much.
I knew that King James would at first try cajolery and
persuasion--that was his usual method; not until they failed would he
try bribery, being a niggardly monarch, and only in the last instance
would he resort to force. I could picture accurately what was about
to happen, the course of affairs was clear to me, but to effect
anything I must get in the castle, and boldness was my only resource.
It was fortunate for me that the King had chosen to lie at Stenwold
House instead of the Castle at Sunderland, across the river. It
would have been difficult, if not impossible, to have effected my
purpose had he been there. Here it was easier. At most he would be
surrounded by but few of his guards; perhaps he would be depending
entirely upon Stenwold's retainers for protection. The King was not
more bold in his debaucheries and abductions than he was on the field
of battle or anywhere else, and it may be that some lingering sense
of shame might cause him to conduct his disgraceful amour in secret
when he could do it.
I did not stand still in the road making these reflections; on the
contrary, they came to me as I galloped swiftly toward the house.
The castle was an old one, built God knows how many centuries before
and added to from time to time. The rambling walls were surrounded
by a moat now gone dry, which was crossed by a drawbridge never
raised. I thundered up to the gate at full speed, flung myself from
my horse, knowing full well he was tired and would stand until
doomsday, unless driven away, in case I needed him again. And, with
the hilt of my sword, I knocked heavily upon the panel of the great
door.
A wicket-gate at the side was instantly opened and a man in the
uniform of the King's Guards peered through. Light was shed upon us
from a flaming cresset hanging over the arch of the main door; by it
I saw him plainly and recognised him, too. His name was Harkins; he
was a sergeant, an old comrade and friend who had been in my own
company of the Royal Guards. The recognition was mutual, but, before
he could speak, I interrupted him.
"Sergeant," said I, "you don't know me, you have never seen me
before, understand?"
"N-n-no, sir," was the astonished answer.
"Well, these are facts; get them in your mind," I insisted sharply.
"Very good, sir," he answered slowly, beginning to comprehend, "I
don't know your honour, I have never seen you before."
"That's it; you will be glad you did not recognise me to-morrow."
The sergeant nodded, he was not a stupid man. and he began to see
the reason for my strange course.
"And now," said I, "I am a messenger from my Lord Chief Justice, a
private messenger, who must see the King instantly. Lord Jeffreys is
now at the point of death, his life's in the greatest danger."
"But, your honour," stammered the sergeant, "it will be impossible to
see the King to-night. He's got a woman with him, and Lord Stenwold
himself keeps everybody from him."
"That woman is my wife," said I grimly,
"Good God, sir!" exclaimed the sergeant. "What do you want me to do?"
"First of all, admit me; then take me to the Officer of the
Guard--who is he? Do I know him?"
"No, sir, it is Leftenant Brayford; he's a new officer, your honour,
and he is at play with Ensign Scarlett in his quarters off the
guard-room. They are drinking too, sir."
"Good," said I. "That leaves you in virtual command of the guard?"
"It does."
"Go to Mr. Brayford, and tell him that an urgent messenger from Lord
Chief Justice Jeffreys desires to see Lord Stenwold on a most serious
business, and contrive that you shall be the one to conduct me to
him."
"I think that will be easy, sir," said the sergeant, closing the
wicket and marching off.
It was fortunate that I had found old Harkins at the gate; the man
had been devoted to me and was as faithful as the day was long.
Whether his devotion to me would overcome his duty to the King was a
thing I could not decide, and I stood there, leaning against the
rough stones of the wall, a prey to the intensest agonies of
apprehension I had ever experienced, lest I should be denied entrance
and stopped helplessly at the very beginning of the undertaking on
which so much depended. My relief was correspondingly great when the
door opened and honest old Harkins appeared again.
"I am to conduct you to Lord Stenwold, by orders from Leftenant
Brayford, who, with Mr. Scarlett, is well in liquor now, sir," said
the old soldier.
"This will cost young Brayford his commission, mayhap his head, I
fear me," said I under my breath.
"And me mine, as well it may be, Sir Hugh," answered Harkins simply,
but making no pause on that account.
"Man," said I earnestly, "I am off for the Low Countries to-night
with my wife, if all goes well. There is plenty of soldiering and
good pay there. We have served together for many years; come with
me."
"That will I gladly if you will take me, Sir Hugh," answered Harkins
earnestly, and evidently pleased.
"Good; if you serve me well in my great need this night, I promise
you shall never have cause to regret it."
"What do you propose to do, sir, if I may make bold to ask?"
"To take my wife from the King, even if I have to kill him."
"Good God, sir, I hope it won't need to come to that!"
"It is not likely," said I contemptuously. "The King will give way
before he dies."
"Yes, sir," answered the old man thoughtfully. "He ain't the bravest
King on earth."
"No, but we waste time."
"Very good; come this way, sir."
I muffled my face in my cloak and disguised my walk so that none of
the men on guard or lounging in the courtyard, waiting for their tour
of duty to begin, would by any chance recognise me. The sergeant
made his way quickly across the courtyard and entered the main
building, with me hard at his heels. We proceeded down a large hall,
up a long flight of steps, and into a vast apartment, at the further
end of which and before a door a soldier stood guard. We marched
straight up to him.
"Is Lord Stenwold within?" asked the sergeant in a low voice as the
man saluted him.
"Yes, sir," was the whispered reply, "and he hath left strict order
that no one is to disturb him on any account."
"There is a messenger here from the Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys,"
returned Harkins quickly, "who must see the King on a matter of life
and death. He must have access to Lord Stenwold; when I have turned
him over to my lord my responsibility ceases."
"But, sergeant..." began the man, unwilling either to disobey Lord
Stenwold's order or too obstinately to resist his sergeant.
"Enough," said old Harkins peremptorily. "You will take your orders
from me; I will relieve you at this door and guard it myself; you go
to the further end of the hall, station yourself outside yonder door,
and keep out anybody and everybody at every hazard till you are
relieved."
"Orders are orders," said the soldier resignedly, "but the
responsibility will be yours."
"It is mine," assented Harkins.
The man shouldered his halbert and marched down to take the post
designated--outside the entrance door, through which we had come, at
the far end of the hall. It had all been cleverly thought out by the
sergeant. I had not given him credit for such shrewdness. Whatever
happened behind that closed door that gave entrance to my Lord
Stenwold's retreat would have few auditors and all but one as far
away as possible. I thanked him with word and look.
"Now, your honour," said he, "it rests with you. I will keep this
door as long as I can; I will give it up to no one, unless the
Leftenant or the Ensign should make their rounds. I don't think that
likely, but the guards will be relieved at ten and you have but a
short time at your disposal."
"I do not want much time," I replied. "No matter what you hear, keep
fast by the door, unless I call you. I'll soon be back, successful,
or I'll be dead, in which case remember you do not know me."
"Very good, sir, and God help us all."
"Amen," said I.
The hurried conversation had been carried on in low whispers, so as
to give no possible alarm. I laid my hand upon the door.
Fortunately it was unlocked, and gave under my gentle pressure. What
had Stenwold to fear, and why should he lock himself in? All the
doors in Stenwold House were secret and noiseless, especially those
in my lord's private apartments. This one opened without a sound,
and, with a stealthy motion that would not attract attention, I
stepped noiselessly into the room.
This apartment was smaller than the other, which had been possibly
designed for a refectory in days gone by, and was evidently a
library. It looked toward the sea. Heavy hangings draped the
windows, a thick carpet lay on the floor. The place was richly
furnished and brightly lighted from many candles in sconces and
hanging lustres of candelabra. In the centre of the room, by the
side of a small table, reclined Lord Stenwold, in somewhat negligent
disarray, in a large and comfortable chair. On the table were
bottles and glasses and the remains of a meal. Lord Stenwold had
evidently just finished his repast. He was engaged in the pleasant
act of leaning back in his chair and yawning, stretching out his
hands the while. His back was toward the door and nothing had as yet
apprised him of my presence. I slipped my sword out of the scabbard
as gently as possible. I thought I made no sound, but evidently I
did, for he was on his feet in a minute and facing me.
"Richmond!" he gasped, in a low, strained voice, evidently not caring
or daring to arouse the King or the house. "Good God!"
His hand reached for his own sword, lying on a stool by his chair. I
could have spitted him then and there without risk or trouble, but it
was ever against my principles to attack an unarmed man, and I let
him seize his weapon. I said in a voice low to match his own, but
full of vengeance and hate:
"You vile pander, you have come to the end of your tether now."
Stenwold menaced me with his point and then sneered.
"Why, you fool," he exclaimed, "this is my house! I have but to call
out and the King's Guard will be on you in a moment. To-night His
Majesty would be private yonder with a lady. I would not have him
disturbed. Yield you at once. If the lady be in a melting mood, as
I doubt not, sweet remembrances of their pleasant love passages may
incline the King to clemency in the morning when you sue."
I needed nothing more, but, if I had, that last mordant insinuation
would have been enough. I advanced on him with such fury, forgetful
of everything, that he opened his mouth to cry out in his alarm; ere
he could do it, I whipped out a small pistol of French make, which I
carried ever in my pocket, and held it toward him in my left hand.
"You know," said I, "that I am a dead shot with either hand, and I
swear to God that I will put a bullet through your black heart if you
make a sound, if I am to be torn to pieces the next second."
"You have an advantage over me," said Stenwold coolly. He had
recovered himself and seemed a little ashamed of his lapse. "I have
naught but my sword."
To do him justice, the villain was brave enough, I knew; yet, as he
said, he was armed only with his sword.
"I don't intend to use the advantage," I replied, "unless you force
me to it. If you will agree to stand up and fight like a man and in
silence, you shall have your chance."
"Done!" said the man quickly. "My word of honour against yours, that
whichever of us dies does it silently."
I laid the pistol on the table on the instant.
"There's my answer. Now, on guard!"
It was no light task I had before me. Stenwold was one of the best
fencers in the King's realm; he and I had enjoyed friendly bouts many
times, although I never liked him, and more often than not he had
bested me, although I was counted something of a master of the white
weapon myself. In a scientific engagement he was pretty certain to
get the better of me, but this was _guerre à outrance_, and at that
sort of a game I felt I would be his master. Neither did I intend to
delay matters, nor did I desire to fill the room with noise of
ringing steel.
We fell easily into position; he made the first lunge at me, as I
knew he would. Contrary to the rules of fencing, I parried it with
my left arm, his point grazing through the flesh between my elbow and
shoulder, as I expected. Heedless of the pain, with that I closed
with him to his great surprise, and, before he could disengage or
divine what I would be at, I shortened my sword and drove it home,
through his heart.
It was quickly done and soon over. He reeled and threw up his hands;
I dropped my own blade to the carpet, which luckily prevented noise;
caught him in my arms and eased him down. He was stone dead by the
time I laid him on the floor.
I will admit that I felt no remorse whatever. The last taunt about
my lady had maddened me. I had killed him with as little compunction
as if he had been a rat, which indeed he was. Drawing his blade from
my sleeve, I laid it across his breast. Resuming my own sword, I
stepped to the piece of tapestry over the door which he had pointed
out to me, behind which I knew I should find the King and my wife.
_Chapter_
XVII
_In which Lady Katharine Richmond, at the Request of her Husband,
tells how she and Lord Stenwold came to Stenwold House_
At the request of my dear husband, Sir Hugh Richmond, I take up the
telling of this strange, yet true, tale for a little space. He did
the same for me when the narration of events was in my hand, and I
can do no less for him; besides, he is my true and lawful lord, and I
owe him duty and I pay him love unbounded, the more especially the
latter, because I so basely requited his affections by doubting him.
'Tis true it came from the suggestions of that devil Stenwold, and I
can scarce bring myself to believe that I would have entertained a
doubt of my lord and master if his, to me, inexplicable conduct, when
I was rushed away from him on the bluffs above Cockenzie, had not
somehow given colour to the suspicion. He sat his horse so quietly,
outwardly so indifferent to my appeals; with King James' his purse
hanging on the saddle bow, the price of my dishonour apparently; not
even lifting voice, much less drawing blade or striking blow for me.
What could I think?
Sir Hugh hath often assured me since that he quite forgives me the
suspicion, that he pardons the anger and resentment I harboured
against him, that it was thoroughly warranted. Being a woman, albeit
according to him a wonder among women and the best wife a soldier
ever had--such is his fond flattery!--he saith I could not be
expected to know what idea was in a mere stupid man's mind.
And I could not be blamed for not seeing that a husband at large and
free to effect my rescue was worth a thousand dead ones who had been
cut to pieces by a band of murderous villains before my very eyes.
By which he says he would have effected nothing and perhaps have
plunged me into deeper grief than was mine when I was dragged away
from him.
Besides all this kindness from my lord, I take some little comfort in
the knowledge that my father and Master Dunner also were deceived.
Still they did not love him as I, and I should have known.
Especially as, if I had thought, I would have known that in no way
could my lord have had any communication with the King since our
meeting. But who that is mad with jealousy and fear can think
clearly?
I could with more equanimity bear to see him dead rather than
dishonoured, as he seemed to me that afternoon when I was ravished
away. My fault, my grievous fault, lay in my failure to realise that
no power on earth could dishonour my lord. The mere fact that he
suffered himself in some degree to be put in this false position, and
to answer nothing, ought not at all to have worried me, who, though I
knew him but shortly, yet loved him and his greatness of heart so
well.
Sir Hugh says, it is nonsense for me to reproach myself for an
entirely natural and justifiable thought, but I do; and we
Clanranalds--and, although I am only a woman, I have all the pride of
race of the stoutest and best of them--have ever loved honour more
than life; and my husband's rank, if less exalted than ours, he being
but a simple Baronet while we are Belted Earls, is as old and
honourable as any one's. After all, I am sure it was that dastardly
Stenwold's persistent insinuations--if I may characterise his broad
and open remarks about my husband as insinuations--that made all the
trouble.
I was so torn between shame and terror and humiliation and fearful
anticipation, as I sat in the boat, that I was not mistress of my
mind. I was completely in the power of this creature of King James,
and my interview with the King at Durham had shown me that
defenceless, penniless, helpless, I had nothing good to expect from
His Majesty.
I heard the sailors speak of Sunderland, and I knew, therefore, that
the King had moved from Durham, perhaps to get out from under the
influence of the good Bishop, who had been my champion and advocate,
and, in all probability, his chief adviser now would be Lord
Jeffreys. God help the man or woman or child subject to his caprice.
I knew very well what the King designed for me, but I was quite
resolved what to do on that score. I would die without the least
hesitation before the King, or any one else, should possess me.
My husband might have been false to me, he might have taken the
King's purse, and perhaps be expecting future pay from the King in
exchange for me, but I was his wife still and I was a Clanranald, my
noble father's daughter,--we were not of the class from whom were
chosen mistresses for kings.
I was that desperate and reckless that, if I had or could come at a
weapon in my hand when the time came, I was resolved that I would
even kill the King myself. I had heard whispers of his courage, or
his lack of it rather, and I would gladly kill him rather than submit
to his desire, if there was no other way.
It was these desperate resolutions which enabled me to sustain, with
some degree of fortitude, my terrible situation. Indeed, my grief
was not so much on the score of the future as it was because of the
past. The doubt of my husband's love and honour bade fair to kill
me. I could take care of myself, and could throw away my life rather
than be clasped in any one's arms that had not the right.
Yet I blame myself, with abiding shame; and I still think had I been
given opportunity, had Stenwold kept silent, had I been left alone, I
might have recovered my faith and trust in my lord, but my captor was
constantly at my elbow with his infamous suggestions. Indeed, he
played his part well; I knew what he would be at--he wanted to make
it easy for the King--but in that effort he failed absolutely. Not
even the King himself could do that.
My resentment grew and developed to such an extent that I thought
grimly enough that Stenwold might as well introduce a wild animal
into the King's closet as to thrust me in there. But I dissembled my
feelings to some extent and took care to give my gaoler no faintest
hint of my determination.
I was treated civilly enough on the voyage, although Stenwold's every
look was an insult, and I felt my heart grow cold under his evil and
suggestive scrutiny; yet I knew that I had naught to fear from him.
In his mind I was meat for his betters. I was, therefore, under
little or no apprehension while on the sea. It was a small ship and
wretchedly uncomfortable, but I was a good sailor and, even if I had
been a bad one, I should have had too much in mind to have spared
thought to anything else, no matter what I might have suffered.
We made rather a quick passage to Sunderland. Indeed, the time
seemed frightfully short to me. Anticipating I knew not what,
maturing plans involving all sorts of desperate actions in my hard
situation, and trying to explain to myself my husband's lack of
conduct, I came at last to doubt, and I almost convinced myself that
he had not been a party to the outrage. But that conclusion involved
me in worse difficulty than before, for it almost forced me to think
of him as a coward, afraid to risk his life for my honour, unwilling
to die in my defence--God forgive me, my dear husband, that I so
wronged you, for cowardice in any man, and especially in the man I
honoured with my affection, seemed to me to be the unpardonable sin.
Oh, I was torn, maddened, during that voyage! Married in the
morning, separated at noon-day--what was in store for me?
It was dusk when we dropped anchor off Sunderland, and my Lord
Stenwold had the boat got ready. I followed him into it submissively
enough; it was either that or be carried; there was no use in my
making a profitless struggle then; I would save my energy and
strength for the crucial moment. A leaf out of my husband's book
that, had I but known it, which now makes my failure to understand
him the more blameworthy in my eyes. I shall never forgive myself
for it, although he hath assured me many times that he forgot it, as
he forgot everything else that had gone before, in the first kiss he
pressed upon my lips in Stenwold House that very night after such
exciting hours as I never look for nor want to pass again.
We soon traversed the short distance from the anchorage to the
castle. I marked, as we clambered up the bank and took the long walk
along the moat edge to bring us to the entrance to the house, which
fronted away from the water, that the brigantine got under way and
moved over to the Sunderland shore, as soon as the boat rejoined her.
Stenwold House lay on the north, or Monkwearmouth side, of the river.
I surmised that the King had accepted my Lord Stenwold's proffer of
his seat near the village so as to be the more private and secluded
in his villainy than in the more spacious castle and fort of
Sunderland, across the stream.
They had taken my sword from me; my pistols, of course, had been left
behind in the holsters attached to my saddle. I was absolutely
unarmed and defenceless; I had not even been allowed the privilege of
knife and fork on the voyage, my food having been so prepared for me
that I could eat it with a spoon.
I had no money; all we possessed, which was but little, being in my
husband's keeping, and I had few jewels--a wedding ring and one
other. I did not wish to give up my solitaire diamond, saving it for
a last resort, therefore I was without means to bribe; and indeed, in
the confines of the small ship, Stenwold kept such close watch upon
me that I had no opportunity for speech, even with any one else.
Never did I utter such fervent prayers as I did all through that
cruise, that God in some way would raise up help for me and enable me
to defend that which was dearer to me than life itself--and yet I was
young, too, and passionately attached to my husband, and life was
sweet.
God was answering my prayers in His own way. Now I thank Him daily
for what He did for me and that I enjoy my husband's entire
forgiveness and continued love. He blesses me while I write now, who
am Sir Hugh's wife, which I find to be so different from what I
dreamed it before my marriage. These things do indeed change us more
than we wot of, when we give our heart and hand and person into the
keeping of some one else. I can scarcely stir without Sir Hugh at my
side now; I look to him for everything; his guidance is half my life,
his inspiration the rest of it; and I was once the most independent
maid in Scotland!
I run on incessantly; there shall be no more in this strain. Suffice
it to say that I mounted the great stairs of the castle with a steady
step. I was shown through a long hall, then through a smaller room,
and then into another, still small but spacious and elegant enough.
This room overlooked the water.
Stenwold House was perched on the brow of the cliff, or steep bank,
of the Wear. The apartment in which so much took place was in the
second story, and perhaps seventy feet from the high-tide line of the
river. There was, so far as I could see, but one entrance to the
apartment, and that was by the door through which we had come. The
room was handsomely furnished, and off to the left through another
door, half-opened, I discerned a bed-chamber, at the sight of which I
grew cold with fear and shame.
"Will it please you," began my Lord Stenwold, after we two entered
the room, and my heart leaped to see that it was empty, "to refresh
yourself after your journey?"
"Nothing that you can do or say, or any one else here, will please me
in the least degree," I retorted, with what carelessness and firmness
I could muster.
"Your ladyship grieves me beyond expression," was his sneering
answer. "However, I shall leave the task of pleasing you to an abler
and nobler being than my poor self."
"Meaner and baser would be better words, if that were possible," said
I.
His face flushed, he glowered at me darkly, he even instinctively
touched his sword-hilt.
"Madam, you will live to bless me for this adventure," he said.
"If I live at all, sir," I returned, "I shall curse you to the last
day of my life or yours."
"If you would take a fool's advice, madam..."
"A knave's rather," I interposed.
"'Tis much the same thing. We are all of us fools or knaves--some of
us both; and the only wise man is he who recognises and admits his
knavery or his foolery," he ran on cynically, striving to recover his
equanimity.
"You speak capably from your own experience," said I. "I doubt you
have met many gentlemen and gentlewomen in your evil life and
service, but, if you have, I am sure you have no personal knowledge
or experience that would enable you to recognise either."
"Madam, do you know how defenceless you are?" he cried, apparently
provoked beyond control by my flings at him. "Do you not know that
the King will tire of you as quickly as he fancied you? Do you
realise what it would mean to you then, to have a friend in me?"
He approached me threateningly as he spoke.
"I am not so defenceless as you think, Lord Stenwold, and, weak as I
am, I have a Friend still who..."
"Your husband?" he interposed sneeringly.
"Almighty God," said I.
"God!"
His jaw dropped; I never met such a look of astonishment as I saw in
his face, and then he laughed sardonically.
"God may be all right in His heaven, doubtless," he continued, "but
we are on earth, and here the King's word rules."
"'Tis more like hell," I returned.
"And I am devil-in-chief, madam," he said, bowing. "Saving, of
course, the King's royal grace and precedence," he added. "But
enough of this; His Majesty, I am informed, desires to consult your
pleasure in every way. He is kindness itself toward the fair."
"Let him release me then, and restore me to my father."
"In every way but that."
"I have no other pleasure, no other wish, no other will."
"What! not a thought for thy cowardly, treacherous, money-loving
husband?"
There he wounded me. I am ashamed to say it, but I thrust my face
into my hands and turned away, to hear again that mocking laugh. May
God and my husband forgive me, I never can. It was Stenwold who
broke the silence that fell between us.
"I shall have something to eat and drink brought to you here. After
that, my charge of you is over; I shall deliver you to my royal
master."
"May I eat alone?"
"Madam, you may; the taste of your sharp tongue that I have just had
hath somewhat impaired my own appetite, I confess. When you are
somewhat tamer, I shall visit you again; meanwhile, I wish you joy of
your evening, and His Majesty likewise."
There was something ironic in that wish for the King that did give me
a certain satisfaction. I would not give much for any pleasure His
Majesty was to get out of me. I thought I was quite capable, in
default of other means, of choking the King to death with my own
hands, if I could muster the strength, and I believed that in the
last extremity I could. I was desperate, you see.
_Chapter_
XVIII
_Wherein Lady Katharine describes what took place in the Antechamber
where the King made Love to her_
While Stenwold was away, I swiftly examined both rooms--the
antechamber and the bedroom: they had no entrance and no exit, save
by that one door, which was now locked against me. I had only one
resource--I could throw myself from one of the windows to the rocks
below as a last resort.
The room was full of light from many candles, the windows were
heavily draped; I opened the sash of one of them and fastened it
back. Then I drew a chair in front of the open window and covered it
with the heavy hangings. The night was fair, there was little or no
breeze fortunately. Not enough wind came through the open casement
to stir the candles even, or, if there did, the draperies were
sufficiently close and heavy to contain it. Without examination, it
could not have been known in the room that the window was open or
that the chair was so placed that I could by means of it leap to the
sill.
Fortunately, it was a large window, and I could throw myself through
it in a moment. I did not want to go to my death yet--I was young,
and loved life, even under the circumstances--and I kept on hoping
against hope. I tried to persuade myself that there was some
explanation of my husband's conduct that would let me love him and
let me show him that love--I vow before God that I had not ceased to
care for him, in spite of all--provided I could win away from the
dangers I was in. I would not make the wild plunge until the last
moment.
These hurried inspections and preparations were scarcely completed
when the door was opened, and Lord Stenwold entered; he was followed
by two lackeys, who brought me a royal repast. It was set upon a
table conveniently placed by direction of the master of the house,
and, when all was in readiness, he turned to me with a bow and asked
me if there was anything else I wanted. A thought came to me as I
watched them arrange the meal, and I answered thus:
"Will not my Lord Stenwold, after the watchful care with which he
hath looked to me during our journey, do me the honour to take a
glass of wine with me, and drink a toast of my making?"
"My lady, I have never refused to drink, to game, to fight, or to
love with anybody on earth," said Stenwold, bowing gallantly, "and I
shall not begin now."
"Allow me then."
I stepped to the table, poured out two glasses of wine, proffered him
one, and took the other myself. He bowed low as he lifted it up,
looking at me inquiringly.
"Your toast, madam?"
"God save the King," said I, with sinister mockery.
I think he must have felt what was in my mind, for that toast was
plainly threat, not prayer, and for a moment he hesitated.
"Surely," said I, "no loyal servant of so noble a master can balk at
that sentiment."
"So long as you believe in God, madam," he said at last, "you might
better have phrased it, 'God save yourself,' but have it your own
way; I drink."
I sipped mine; he drained his glass, to my great relief. Then he set
the glass down, shrugged his shoulders, turned, and left me. The
wine, at least, was not drugged or poisoned. I was not hungry, but I
ate heartily for strength and I drank a little of the King's rare
vintage, for the same reason.
Again the table provided me with no weapon, yet as I surveyed it
disconsolately a thought came to me. I took one of the tall Venetian
glasses, went over to the hearth, and deliberately broke it;
fortunately, it shattered in such a way as to leave me a smooth space
by which to grip it and a sharp edge below to cut or thrust with. It
was a poor weapon, but it was the best I could do. I still held it
in my hand when again the door was opened; the lackeys removed the
table, and as they did so, Stenwold, who had entered again with them,
drew aside the heavy curtain veiling the door and said:
"His Majesty the King."
It had come at last, the hour that was to decide my fate, or
perchance the King's. Oh, how my heart beat then!
King James entered the room immediately he was announced. Lord
Stenwold closed the door, remaining on the outside of it, and I was
alone with the King. I had time to mark that the key was not turned
and no bolt was shot. That did me little good, after all, for I
realised at once that Stenwold would keep watch on the other side and
that the whole castle, in fact, would be well guarded, yet I was glad
not to be locked in with my persecutor.
King James was royally attired, stars and orders like suns blazed on
the breast of his coat, he had all the outward and visible signs of
Majesty, but in his clothing alone; for the rest, his face was
flushed, evidently he had been drinking and was now perceptibly in
his cups, his wig was slightly awry, his dress disordered--a royal
spectacle, indeed! He bowed low before me, where I stood as cold as
the winter's ice, as rigid as one of our mountains in bonny Scotland,
and as disdainful as if he had been the cur that in truth he was.
"Madam," he said, a little thickly, but with an evident attempt at
amiability, "you are very welcome to our presence. 'Fore God, having
seen you once in that boy's suit, I could not rest until I had you
back again at court."
As he spoke, he looked at me, and the blood stirred in me from head
to foot, following his evil glances. I could wear that boy's attire
before the world without a thought, but before that King, not for a
second without shame. I had hated him before--I loathed him then.
"I trust," he went on, "that your voyage hither hath been a pleasant
one, that your reception hath been commensurate with your beauty, and
that your present entertainment is to your liking."
"Your Majesty," said I, "as I told you before in the presence of the
good Bishop Ken, who was your good angel on that day..."
"Name him not," said the King resentfully; "we are well rid of the
pestilent Churchman and his pious advices."
"Not so," I persisted.
"Madam, I will not have him mentioned," growled His Majesty.
"You are, or should be, the font of honour and dignity for these
three kingdoms; the oppressed, the weak, the persecuted, the tempted,
have only you to whom to appeal, as I, a woman, friendless, alone,
bereft of all her protectors, appeal to you now."
"Appeal rather to my love for you, Lady Katharine, and I could deny
you nothing," he made answer, smirking odiously at me.
"Rather do I appeal to the King's mercy, the King's honour, the
King's justice...!" I cried.
"Mean you Lord Jeffreys?" he asked.
"God forbid!"
"'Twas upon his advice I brought you hither," laughed the Monarch.
"So I might have surmised."
"He told me, in his blunt, rough way, that I was more than a fool to
let escape such a delicious little..."
"Spare me his vulgar words!" I exclaimed contemptuously.
"I will spare you anything, if you will just love me a little, you
little vixen. Come, we have talked enough."
He moved toward me a step. Instantly--God forgive me, it is a
fearful thing for a subject to do, but my blood was hot, and I was so
enraged--I lifted my hand.
"Come nearer," said I, "and I strike you with this."
The King stared hard at me, and then burst into laughter as he
recognised how little formidable a thing it was that I held in my
hand.
"What is 't?" he asked. "A bit of broken glass? A woman's weapon."
I was quicker than he thought, for, though he was on me as he spoke
and his hand caught at my wrist, I struggled viciously and managed to
scratch his face; indeed, I cut it deep enough for blood to come.
"You little spit-fire!" he cried angrily, wresting the broken goblet
from me. "What's the matter with you? There is scarce a woman in
the realm that would not be honoured by my affection."
"Here is one," answered I, "that finds it only dishonour."
I wrenched myself free from him as he spoke and stepped back from
him. He was sober enough now, and in an ugly mood, yet strove to
control himself and win me if he could.
"Madam," he pleaded, "be reasonable; you are at my mercy."
"The King's mercy," I mocked. "What mean those words?"
"You don't seem to understand that I love you, Lady Katharine," he
went on, "that I can do anything for you, and I will; I will give you
riches, I will create you a duchess, I..."
"I have already a higher position than any you can give me," I
interposed triumphantly.
"And what's that?"
"I am a true and lawful wife."
"Wife to a man who sold you unto me?"
Glad am I--I thank God for it daily; I shall continue so to do so
long as I live--that I answered thus:
"That is a lie."
"It is the truth!" cried the King.
"It will take more than the word of James Stewart to make me believe
it."
The King laughed.
"You called me James Stewart, Katharine Clanranald."
"Katharine Richmond," I protested.
"Katharine anything you will; I drop my royalty, I cast it aside, I
am a man who loves you, who will have you; nay, shrink not back, you
are helpless, your reputation is gone already, you might as well have
the sweet with the bitter, the reward with the service, and there is
no shame in it after all as the world sees it, kings are exalted
above other men. Faith, I know not why I plead a moment with you,
when I might take you out of hand, but that I..."
He stepped toward me; I sprang from him and, being fleeter of foot
than he, gained the window before he divined my purpose. I tore away
the hangings, I leaped upon the sill, and leaned far out, my right
knee upon the sill, my left foot on the chair.
"If you come one step nearer," I cried, looking back at him, "I shall
hurl myself upon the rocks below!"
"You wouldn't do that," protested the open-mouthed, astonished King,
rooted to the spot where he stood.
"Would I not? If you have the least doubt of my purpose, put me to
the test; approach me and I die."
"But I offer you riches, rank, power, my love, everything."
"These things spell but two words for me, James Stewart."
I was resolved that I would no longer call him King or Majesty, who
was so unworthy of either title or attributes.
"And what do they spell?"
"Shame--dishonour."
"Hey, woman, would you prefer death to our affection?"
"I would prefer death to your crown, if you went with it!" I cried.
The King's back was toward the door, which was in full view from
where I crouched upon the broad window-sill. As he stared at me in
bafflement, and as I looked at him in triumph, the door softly
opened. I did not care much who came into the room. While I
maintained my position, I had my own fate in my own hands if a dozen
were beside the King; therefore, I looked with little curiosity and
was totally unprepared for what I saw.
Silently a splendid figure came through the slowly opened door, which
he quietly closed behind him; in his hand he bore a bloodstained
sword. It was my husband! He was true--that was my first thought, I
swear.
My heart stopped its beating; unconsciously, I looked away from the
King. He had no thought evidently but for me, for, taking advantage
of my momentary inattention, in two bounds he was upon me. He laid
hold of my ankle, my foot being on the chair, and laughed
triumphantly.
But I did not care. I made no effort to throw myself over now, not
even did I struggle to release myself; my protector was here. In one
second all my trust and confidence came back, so far as he was
concerned. I knew he could deal with all the kings and crowns on
earth to save me. I waited, almost with a sense of amusement at what
I knew would be the instant and appalling discomfiture of the King,
who, as he seized me, exclaimed:
"I have you now, madam, and who shall deliver you from my hand?"
"I," said my husband, smiling at me.
_Chapter_
XIX
_Wherein Sir Hugh Richmond interrupts a Tête-á-tête
between his Wife and one James Stewart_
And now I resume the telling of my own story. I cannot describe the
feeling of thankfulness that filled my heart when I opened the door
and saw my wife crouching on the window-seat, and the King standing
angry and helpless in the centre of the room. I knew exactly what
had been in Lady Katharine's mind: that, rather than submit to the
King, she would throw herself from the tower to the rocks below--my
brave, beautiful, splendid Kate! I shuddered to think of that
catastrophe, and yet I rejoiced that she had found the courage to
plan it and that I had come in the nick of time to render it
unnecessary.
She saw me so soon as I opened the door. The King's back was toward
me, and he was not aware of my presence--he was so intent upon her as
to be oblivious to everything else. He observed her gaze, which had
been concentrated upon him, I imagined--and she hath since told me it
was so--wander my way for a moment and, with a quickness for which I
should not have given him credit, he realised his opportunity and
seized it; for, in two steps he was by her side, he caught her ankle
in a firm grasp, her foot being on the chair and her knee upon the
window.
Whether he could have effected that or not if I had not been there,
even if her gaze had wandered, I cannot say. His touch was
profanation, but his present actions were of little importance in my
wife's mind or in my own. Since I was there I had but one course to
follow, as ever the bold one! But, then, I had followed that same
course all along and with success. I had bested Jeffreys, entered
the castle and killed Stenwold, and I felt no doubt but that I should
triumph over the wretched Monarch, a weaker man than either of them.
There was, too, a certain grim satisfaction in my heart in the
situation. It is not every day that a simple soldier and gentleman
has the chance to measure himself against a man who, while he was not
a great King, was, nevertheless, the appointed ruler over a great
realm for the time being.
I had served King James long and well and he had requited me, after
having banished me for a venial offence that any other monarch had
freely pardoned, by endeavouring to take from me all that life held
of sweetness and light for me--my bonny Kate, my wife. Had he not
laid his hand upon her person, I think I could have waited a little
while behind the tapestry enjoying the situation. My wife had ever a
witty and a cutting tongue, although she uses it not now upon
me--thank God!--and I doubt not that there would have been rare
baiting of the King; but the clasp on her dainty ankle and his
insulting laugh, his boastful statement, moved me, and I spoke as she
hath written.
"Your Majesty," I added quietly, "hath it not been one of the lessons
of your kingship that he laughs best who laughs last?"
At the first sound of my voice the King had released Lady Katharine
and wheeled to face me. His red face went suddenly white as he saw
me standing there, grim, forbidding, with a naked and bloody sword in
my hand. I could not have been a very pleasant spectacle, although
Lady Katharine, with a woman's fond exaggeration, has since assured
me that I was the fairest thing she ever looked upon--for the nonce.
I am glad I so appeared to her.
"Holy Virgin!" exclaimed the King, as soon as he could get breath.
"Richmond!"
"I am glad to see that Your Majesty recognises me."
"Hugh!" cried my wife, finding voice at last. "Thank God, you have
come in time."
"And did you ever doubt that I should be here, sweetheart?" I asked,
in turn.
I never took my eyes off the King, though I spoke to her. I stood
between him and the door, and, at a move, I could have spitted him
like a fowl, and I would, too; I cared not a snap of my finger for
his Majesty or his Kingship. By means of the chair, my wife sprang
down from the high window and came close to my side, and, before I
knew what she would be at, she seized my left hand and kissed it.
That sight aroused the King; he opened his mouth to cry for
assistance, but, before he could utter a sound, I was upon him
fiercely.
"Be silent," I hissed at him, "or I will run you through."
It was impossible for him to turn any whiter, he was so pale already,
but he shrank away from the menacing point of the red weapon in
terrific agitation.
"You draw your sword against your King?" he exclaimed.
"You raise your hand against my wife?" I retorted.
"Down on your knees, sir," said the King, striving to recover his
dominance, "and beg for your life. Because of your wife, I may give
it to you."
"Now," mocked I, "that is a most royal clemency on the part of Your
Majesty, but, if any knees press the floor in this room, they will
not be mine."
"I am the King of England..."
"No one would ever imagine it from your actions."
"And you are my subject."
"Nay," said I; "here we be two men--James Stewart and Hugh
Richmond--and of the two I am the master."
It was about as insulting a thing as I could say, and the King's
position was about as degrading a one as he could well occupy. A
moment's reflection upon it goaded the unhappy man to madness.
"Stenwold!" he cried out suddenly in a high-pitched voice.
What more he would have added I do not know, for my sword was at his
throat. I even pricked him a little, for I saw a spot of blood stain
the lace of his tie. I pressed him hard, too, until he shrank
against the wall, helpless.
"Now I am in mind," said I fiercely, "in that you have disobeyed me
in calling out, to pin you to the wainscoting and leave you there."
"Would you kill your King?" gasped out James, alarmed beyond measure.
"You are no King of mine," I answered roughly. "For one thing, you
have banished me, proscribed me, I am an outlaw, and I would kill you
as I would any other rat that came beneath my notice."
"But Stenwold?"
"Would it not otherwise alarm the castle, you might call on Lord
Stenwold forever."
"Is he dead?"
"Ay!"
"Did you kill him?"
"Yonder, in the antechamber," I said.
"And you would murder..."
"Stop," I interposed. "I killed Lord Stenwold in fair fight."
"But I have no weapon, or..." said the King, eagerly grasping at
straws to save the rags and tatters of his self-respect.
And here my wife interposed--she lifted from the chair the jewelled
sword which the King had laid aside for his love-making and handed it
to him.
"Now you have the means of defence!" I exclaimed, throwing her an
approving look for her splendid action and the evidence of her
confidence in me.
"I stand here to see fair play," said Lady Katharine fiercely.
I drew back from him a little space to give him room, and fell on
guard, but the King's sword hung listlessly from his hand.
"I cannot fight with a subject; 'tis beneath me," he muttered.
"You would fight with a woman, though; you did not find that beneath
you," said my wife quickly. "You would contrive to spoil her of that
which is infinitely dearer than life. You hesitated not to attempt
that."
"But he did not succeed, Kate!" I cried.
"I should be deader than Stenwold then," said my wife.
"If he had, his own life would not be worth a moment's purchase,"
said I grimly. "Your conduct passes belief, sir."
"Let us end this comedy," said the King desperately.
"'Tis not yet decided, sir," I said ironically, "from the first act
of the play, whether it shall turn out a comedy or a tragedy."
"You have me in your power," returned James. "What is it you wish?"
"Freedom to depart instantly from this castle with my wife without
let or hindrance by you or any one."
"Needs must," said the King. "My hour will come, but this is yours.
Go! You are free, but, if you are found within my domains within the
hour, God help you."
"Threats," said I mockingly, "ill become the powerless."
"Death and fury!" exclaimed the King, in futile rage.
"And this man presumed to love me," laughed Lady Katharine, "and to
think that I could mate with such a coward."
I suppose that was the last straw; the King could stand no more; he
tore nervously at the lace of his collar.
"Go!" he cried. "You have my word that you shall not be stopped."
"Your word," I sneered.
"My royal word."
"Your Majesty, it's not worth the breath that utters it. We will
have a safe-conduct from Your Majesty in Your Majesty's own hand; we
will have Your Majesty's seal to attest the writing lest any question
it."
"Anything," said the unhappy King, mad to get us away.
There was a handsome writing-cabinet against the wall.
"Will it please Your Majesty to sit there," said I, pointing with my
sword toward the chair before it.
The King actually reeled to the place and fell, rather than sat down,
in the seat. He was so agitated he could scarcely hold the pen. I
bade him calm himself and take plenty of time, as we were not likely
to be interrupted, but my friendly words did not seem to have great
effect. He made several ineffectual attempts to write, and finally
threw the quill upon the desk.
"Write it yourself," he said, "and I will sign it."
"Nay," replied I, "that can hardly be, for I must keep good watch
over you."
"Give me the charge of him, Hugh!" cried my brave Kate eagerly. "You
know that I can wield the sword and I have a score of my own to pay
back to this man."
"Good," said I.
I passed her my sword, and it pleased my heart to see how firmly she
grasped it in her sweet hand, and how like a master she handled it.
At the same time I slipped her that little pocket-pistol, of French
make, that I carried ever about me in times of hazard.
"Stand up!" she cried abruptly, pointing her blade to the King.
It cut him to the heart to be thus mastered by a woman. He looked at
me as if in appeal. I shrugged my shoulders.
"The lady is in command," I said. "I know her well, she's my wife;
you had best do as she says, and quickly, or I'll not answer for the
consequences."
There was nothing for him but obedience. The unhappy man rose slowly
to his feet and stared at us, his eyes distilling hatred.
"Face the wall!" cried Lady Katharine, and perforce he had to obey
again. She rested the sword-point between his shoulder-blades and
tapped him lightly therewith.
"Turn but your head, move at all," she said, "and I will run you
through." She looked at me for a moment and laughed. "Is it well
done, my lord?" she asked.
"Excellent well."
"Behold the Royal Majesty of England!" she laughed. "Flattened
against the wall of his own palace and held there at her pleasure and
by a woman's hand."
Where have I heard the saying, "Hell hath no fury like a woman
scorned"? Well, there was no time for moralising. I sat down, and
wrote an order without duress, granting free exit from the castle,
without let or hindrance, for Sir Hugh Richmond and Lady Katharine,
his wife, with whatsoever jewels and property either bore upon his or
her person, and affording them immunity from capture for a space of
two hours thereafter. After I had finished it, I sanded it
carefully, left it upon the desk and once again resumed my weapons.
"The prisoner, sir," said my wife, with marked gravity, "hath
comported himself admirably under our gentle persuasion. He hath not
stirred; yea, he hath scarcely even breathed."
Then laughter overcame her.
"Your Majesty," said I, "you can sign the order now."
The King fell away from the wall and into the chair, almost like a
dead man. He seized the pen and scrawled his name beneath it with a
shaking hand.
"Now the Royal signet."
His hand trembled so he could scarcely drop the wax, but at last he
managed to affix his seal to it.
"Leave the seal on the table," I added.
"There it is," he replied, slamming it down furiously.
"I want to play fair with you," I said. "I am not a King; you had
better read over the paper you have signed."
The King glanced hastily over it and shoved it toward me.
"Take it, damn you," he said. "If I but get my hands upon you..."
"I know perfectly well what you would fain do with me," I replied
coolly. "And if you catch me, you have leave, so far as I am
concerned, to wreak whatever majestic vengeance you are inclined to."
"Have you finished this baiting of me now?" he choked out.
"Not yet. You have confiscated my own estates, also the property of
the Earl of Clanranald, the father of my wife; we paid you ten
thousand pounds for his liberty and for my wife's freedom; I will
take that money, if you please."
"Do you think I carry that much upon my person?"
"Not in gold or silver perhaps," said I, "but in the stars and jewels
that you wear."
"Wouldst thou rob as well as murder me?"
"I take but my own," returned I. "Off with them."
The King tore the jewels from his breast, the rings from his fingers,
the pins from his tie, and heaped them down upon the desk. I
gathered them together and dropped them into my pocket.
"Now," said I, "we have done with you. I served you long and served
you well. My own offence was such as any noble gentleman might have
forgiven; you repaid me by banishment, and then, ignobly, you tried
to steal my wife. True it is that in old days you did heap benefits
upon me; I requite them by sparing you now; and, with my wife, I go.
Understanding that neither your spoken word nor your written pledge
is worth much to me, who know you of old, I have here something I
fancy which will cause you to respect what you have said and what you
have written."
"What is that?"
"Your Chief Devil is locked up and under guard, his life is forfeit
for mine."
"Jeffreys!" cried the King.
"Your Majesty hath wit enough to identify him from my meagre
description evidently," said I.
"And what of him?"
"He is my prisoner."
"It is a lie."
"I have not rank enough to lie. Here is the evidence."
I forced into his hands Jeffreys' letter.
"'Tis forged," he protested.
"And is this, too, forged?" I asked, as I showed him my lord's signet
ring.
"Does the fool believe," said the King bitterly, "that I would allow
his life or anybody's to stand between me and my will?"
As for that, I could quite believe that in his present mood the King
would have sacrificed Jeffreys, or anybody, or anything but his life
for revenge upon me and mine, and power to work his will upon both of
us.
"To tell you the truth, sir," I answered smoothly, "even he does not
think that highly of you, but even Your Majesty could scarcely afford
to have it known that he wilfully sacrificed his Lord Chief Justice
for a woman."
"Enough," said the King; "you have what you came for; now, go!"
"But one thing more remains to be said," I began. "For the sake of
the honourable gentlemen, the honest and gallant men over whom for
yet a little space you are permitted to rule, and not to bring shame
to them by showing them what a coward their monarch is, my wife and I
will keep silent concerning the events of this night, and, if they be
mooted abroad, the news will come from you, not from us. I wish Your
Majesty a good-night."
"Go, go!" cried the King.
"Come, Kate," I said.
I sheathed my sword and then I kissed her before him. I confess I
wanted him to see it, that kiss which he had been denied. Then I
took her hand and we turned happily away. The King sank down into a
chair and lay sprawled there, trembling and shaking as if in an ague,
while we made toward the door. The desperate game had been played
out, and I had won. I was happy, exultant, triumphant. Ten minutes
would see us on the water and away, if Macleod had been faithful
which I did not doubt.
_Chapter_
XX
_How Sir Hugh and Lady Katharine, with some Assistance from General
Feversham, at last and finally overcame the Majesty of England_
There was a sudden clamour in the great hall outside. My heart
stopped beating. I halted with my left hand on the closed door. I
released my wife and drew my sword again.
"If anything happens," I whispered to her, "do you go to the window,
dearest Kate! I'll hold them in play until you leap, and if I can
I'll follow you."
"I understand," she answered, her eyes shining with love for me and
brave determination to die rather than yield to the King.
A gruff soldier's voice that I recognised said something I could not
make out. The farther door at which Harkins had kept watch was
suddenly thrown open. Through the closed door between the King's
chamber and the anteroom where dead Stenwold lay I could hear
confused noises, clashing of arms, many people entering hurriedly,
then that deeper foreign voice, that I knew but could not place,
commanded silence. The King had heard as well as I.
"'Tis Feversham," he exclaimed, leaping to his feet, his face
changing. "We shall see now who wins."
As he spoke another harsher, rougher voice came through the door.
"And Jeffreys!" cried the delighted King. "Down on your knees, you
dog," he roared. "He doth laugh best who laughs last. Madam, you
did ill to trust yourself to this man."
I stood appalled for the moment at this sudden check to our plans.
"Gentlemen, to me," roared the King. There was a surge toward the
door, which had been thrown open at the King's first shout for
assistance, and in the instant the room was filled with men. But I
was quicker than any. I stepped to the side of the King and dragged
him back to the wall near the window before he himself or any one
else could prevent. My wife followed me.
"Your Majesty," I said quickly, while the newcomers stood surprised
beyond measure, "I have you covered, have a care what you do. My
life is forfeit, but if I die, you die before me, dost understand?"
At that second Feversham and Jeffreys in the lead, the officers of
the guard following, with the King's gentlemen and Stenwold's
lackeys, all stepped toward me. The King and I stood together near
the middle of the wall of the farther room, Lady Katharine alone near
the window adjoining us.
"Back," cried the wretched King, desperately urged thereto by the
pressure of that small pistol against his back.
"Your Majesty..." began Feversham, stopping short, and then he
recognised me. "Richmond!" he exclaimed; "Lady Katharine Clanranald!"
"Katharine Richmond, sir," protested she, proud of her new name.
"You came in the very nick of time, Lord Feversham," said the King.
"Sir Hugh Richmond is a traitor and an exile, he is an outlaw, he
hath raised his hand against his King, as you see. Take him: We will
decide upon his punishment later."
"Ay, Your Majesty, and if that be not enough, he tied me up, like a
trussed fowl, threatened me with death, and left me two hours since
with a dirty rag in my mouth. But for the chance arrival at the inn
of Lord Feversham, who insisted upon seeing me when he heard I was
there, I might have died of thirst or suffocation," roared out
Jeffreys.
"He hath killed my Lord Stenwold," cried another.
"'Fore God, let's burn the dog, and----"
"Lord Feversham," cried my wife in swift interruption. "You served
me well once in my need, hear me now. In violation of his honour,
the King employed Lord Stenwold to bring me here against my will, to
my shame, for His Majesty's foul purpose."
"Silence, wench," roared the King.
But I shoved my pistol harder into his side.
"Give the lady free speech," I said grimly, "and do not use that word
again to my wife if you love life."
"And my husband came here in the nick of time to rescue me from His
Majesty----"
"And to avenge you had I been too late," I added.
"What man of you would not do the same, for one he loved?" she cried,
appealing to the rest. "You, Lord Feversham, are a French gentleman,
one of the _haute noblesse_ of your gallant land, an honourable
soldier; what say you? Is my husband to be blamed for that? Is his
life to be forfeit because he sought to protect me from this
dishonoured King?"
Never had she been so royally beautiful herself as in that hour. I
knew not till then how fortunate I had been in winning her to wife.
I almost forgot our lives hung upon her word in admiration for her,
but nevertheless I kept tight hold of the King.
Louis de Duras looked greatly troubled.
"Your Majesty," he said at last, "deny this for God's love, and for
the sake of your kingly fame!"
"Why should I deny it?" snarled the King. "The woman is my subject,
the daughter of one traitor, the wife of another--she ought to be
honoured."
"It is ill done, Sire," said the soldier, shaking his head.
"The King can do no wrong," roared Judge Jeffreys.
"I should have left you where I found you by chance," said Feversham,
looking contemptuously at the red-faced travesty of justice, "the
soiled rag thrust within your lips consorts well with what falls from
them now and ever."
"Lord Feversham," cried the King, as Jeffreys shrank away from the
fierce gaze of the proud, brave soldier, "on your allegiance I
command you to obey my order."
"One step nearer, General Feversham," cried I, tapping the King on
the shoulder--he was as a child in my hands!--"and I blow His
Majesty's brains out before you all."
"Would you murder your King?" cried Jeffreys.
"Ay, and die regretting that I had not a second shot for you."
Feversham stood uncertain. Jeffreys gnashed his teeth in baffled
rage and terror.
"Good God, gentlemen!" protested the Lord Chief Justice, "is all the
power of England in this vagabond's hands?"
How the situation might have terminated I cannot say. We had reached
a position in which advance or retreat were alike impossible on
either side. It was my bonny Kate who intervened again. God bless
her woman's wit. It saved us both. She suddenly stepped past the
Earl of Feversham toward me. The soldier bowed, but made as if he
would interrupt her progress.
"Madam," he said, "I respect you, but I must guard as I may the
person of the King; your husband alone sufficiently menaces him.
What want you now?"
"Sir," said my wife, looking him full in the face, "I give you my
word of honour, as the daughter of the Earl of Clanranald, as the
wife of Sir Hugh Richmond, for we were married three days ago in
Scotland, that I mean no harm to the King, although he hath
threatened me with much. I only wish to take from the person of my
husband, he being otherwise occupied and so unable to hand it to me,
a paper and a seal for your inspection."
"Keep the woman back, Louis," began the King imploringly, but I
thrust him savagely with the muzzle of my pistol and his voice died
away.
"Madam, I take your word," said Feversham, bowing gallantly. "Pass
on."
"By God!" exclaimed Jeffreys, "if you would let me deal with the
woman, we'd have His Majesty freed from that knave in a moment. We
could have held her as hostage, man."
The King looked gratefully, the General scornfully at Jeffreys, who
certainly had spoken shrewdly if too late.
At that moment it repented me that I had not killed him when I had
the chance. It was however now impossible to carry out his
suggestion, even if Feversham had been so minded. My wife stood
close to me and reached her hand into my breast pocket where I had
thrust them, and drew forth the King's letter and the King's seal; in
three steps she was by Feversham's side, showing by her approach a
confidence in him that touched him evidently, and laid the paper in
his open hand.
"What's this?" asked the General.
"Read, sir," answered Lady Katharine.
He stepped nearer the light and opened the document.
"'Tis a free passage and immunity for Sir Hugh Richmond and his wife,
given without duress and signed by the King," he said.
"This ring, you know it?" continued my wife.
"The King's seal," answered Feversham.
"Your Majesty, did you issue this pass?"
"Yes," said the King, "but----"
"Pardon me, Your Majesty," said I, pressing him a little harder in
the back, "you gave me the document of your own free will, did you
not?"
"Yes, that is----" stammered the poor King, his face sweat-covered.
"There hath been no one here could put any compulsion upon Your
Majesty, hath there?" I asked, ruthlessly pressing my advantage.
"No," he stammered out at last, "but I will revoke the pass."
"'Tis too late," said Feversham bluntly, "unless by a written order."
"And at this moment," said I grimly, "the King cannot write."
"Good God, Feversham!" began the King, but he got no further.
"This is monstrous!" cried my Lord Chief Justice.
Feversham fiercely turned on him as a dog upon a rat.
"This is a military matter," he roared. "Will you be silent? Sir
Hugh Richmond, you and your wife by the King's written order are
entitled to free passage; as loyal subjects of His Majesty, we
respect his name and seal. Back, gentlemen. Way for Sir Hugh and
Lady Richmond."
"Gentlemen," said I, "a word before we go. Lord Stenwold lies dead
in yonder chamber, 'tis true, but it was in fair fight. I am this
night for the Low Countries; if any friend of his wishes satisfaction
and fancies himself aggrieved, I shall hold myself at his disposal in
Holland, upon whatever terms he will."
"I shall see," said Feversham gravely, "that your courteous offer be
communicated to whomsoever may desire to take up the late Lord
Stenwold's quarrel."
"Thank you," said I. "We are indebted to you for much."
"A word before you go," said Feversham. "You know that I had no hand
in bringing your wife back here."
"I never for a moment dreamed of it," I replied with a black glance
at Jeffreys, who shrank away. "I know well whence the King's evil
inspiration came."
"It grieves me," continued Feversham, "to call attention to the fact
that if within two hours you are apprehended on English ground, your
life, and I doubt not," he added significantly, "your wife's honour
will be forfeited."
"I understand," said I. "Your Majesty," I turned and faced the King.
I took off my hat and bowed low to him with ironic courtesy--indeed
had he not sought to use me and mine so foully, I could have pitied
him in his degradation and despair--"Good-night, again; you should
sleep sweeter for the failure of your designs upon this lady. I
trust that I may meet you upon some wider field than this narrow
room, where the prize to be struggled for may not be a woman's
honour, but a kingdom's rule."
I clapped my hat on my head, drew my wife's hand through my left arm
and, with my bare blade in my right hand, I walked proudly through
the door. The gentlemen and soldiers assembled silently gave back
and opened way by General Feversham's directions as we passed through
them. The King and Jeffreys both opened their mouths in wild
clamour, but Feversham was equal to the emergency, he roared out like
a stentor:
"The King and his Chief Justice would fain be alone, gentlemen. Let
us leave the room immediately. Stand not upon the order of your
going, sirs----"
And so bellowing orders and commands drowning out the sharp words of
the King, he hustled all of them out into the anteroom, closed the
door and himself stood guard before it. No one could pass then.
"For God's sake, make haste, Richmond!" he cried, as I looked back to
catch one last glimpse of him splendidly barring the King's exit.
For the second time that night King James was a prisoner. I had no
fear for Feversham, the best, the only commander worthy the name in
the kingdom; he was a soldier; the King might hate him but he could
do nothing, especially as any indignity to the Earl would probably
cost him the favour of and might involve him in a war with France,
which at that unsettled time would have been fatal to his kingship.
He needed him.
At the door old Harkins waited; he had posted himself there, and
there he intended to wait whatever came. His face was white enough
under its tan. As I passed by he presented arms and looked intently
at me.
"You are to come with me," I said, assuming an authority I did not
have.
He followed me without a question. We marched rapidly down the long
hall, only to be halted at the further end by the officer of the
guard; but here another officer overtook us, having been despatched
by Feversham, and ordered that we be given free passage.
The officer looked sharply at the sergeant but said nothing;
fortunately he was but a young soldier, and I suppose he thought that
Harkins was only discharging his duty by escorting me on my way. So
the four of us marched down the stair, through the hall, across the
courtyard and outside the gates. Here the officer halted.
"I would best see them safe across the drawbridge and down the road,
sir," said Harkins gruffly.
"Very good; go on," said the officer indifferently, turning back.
In half a dozen steps we were over the drawbridge, and in another
moment the three of us were running madly toward the river bank.
Harkins' presence was invaluable now, for he knew a path to the
water's edge. We fell rather than climbed down it in the darkness
and stood knee-deep in the river.
"Macleod!" I cried anxiously.
"Here, your honour, and thank God," came to us out of the darkness,
and presently guided by our voices, the prow of a comfortable wherry
ran against the bank of the river.
I lifted Lady Katharine into the boat, clambered into the stern
sheets myself and seized the tiller, while Harkins sat down forward
of Macleod and finding another pair of oars broke them out, and the
two men rowed us away from the castle toward the mouth of the river.
Evidently Clanranald's impatience had become so great that he could
not remain at sea, for the vessel, with the three lights still
twinkling like stars of hope in the blackness, had ventured into the
river and was near at hand. I sat in the stern-sheets of the boat,
Katharine was next to me, my arm about her, her head upon my shoulder.
The men rowed lustily and in half an hour we were at the ship's side,
in five minutes more Katharine was clasped in Clanranald's arms, the
wherry was turned adrift, the ship's head was cast off shore, the
sails were sheeted home, and we bore away for Holland and Prince
William's court--for happiness, for love, for freedom.
Ere we went below into the comfortable cabin to tell the Earl our
story, I was stopped by dame Alison and Macleod.
"Lord Stenwold, sir?" asked the former.
"Dame Alison," said I, "he will kiss no more women this side of hell,
for he lies dead in his own castle by my own hand."
"That is well done, sir," said Macleod heartily. "Thank you and
good-night."
He touched his bonnet, turned and, followed by his wife, disappeared.
Lady Katharine was standing in the light that broke from the cabin
door looking toward me. I was very happy, very thankful. I took off
my own hat in turn, looked up to the stars, and made a brief
soldier's prayer before I followed her into the cabin.
"I thank Thee too, O Lord, and good-night!"
THE END
Transcriber's note: The title page says the book had four
illustrations, but the source book had only three, and since
the book had no list of illustrations, it's unknown which
one was missing.
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