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her duty at the most critical moment of trial she aware that he was in the camp of the enemy that this enemy was likely to be overtaken and brought to combat and it was with a terror that she summoned up to her imagination the possible which might arthur butler in the of some summary act of vengeance provoked by the of conflict i have tempted the dangers of flood and storm for of forest and field noon day battle and midnight assault she said with an earnestness that showed she had shaken all doubts from her mind i have taken my vow of devotion to his safety to be performed with such fidelity as the sacred bond between us i will not now in the last struggle though perils around me i m prepared for the worst robinson and henry this resolve with joint urging upon the propriety of her in the village at least until the active operations of the army were terminated an event that might be expected in a few days but it was not until himself remonstrated with her against the of her purpose and promised to afford her the means of to the scene of action at any moment she might think her presence there useful that she her determination to accompany the army on its present expedition it was in consequence ultimately arranged that she should remain in the quarters provided for her in town attended by the miller and his daughter whilst a few soldiers were to be detailed as a guard lor her person with this train of attendants she was to be left at liberty to draw as near to the centre of events as her considerate and faithful might deem safe another source of uneasiness to her arose out of the separation which she was about to endure from the and her brother henry horse shoe swayed by an irresistible and affectionate longing to be present at the expected passage of arms which might so materially affect the fortunes of his captive fellow soldier butler had represented to the value of the services he might be able to render and as the friendly solicitude of the miller and his daughter left nothing within their power to be supplied towards the comfort and protection of the lady she did not refuse her con house robinson seat to this temporary desertion although it naturally awakened some painful sense of at a moment when her excited feelings most required the consolation of friend henry with the prospect of military adventure and in his own esteem by the importance which foster and the assigned to his position in the ranks had so far lost sight of the special duty he had assumed as his sister s companion that he now resolutely against all attempts to persuade him to remain in the village and at last upon the pledge of the to keep the under his own eye reluctantly yielded to a demand which she found it almost impossible to resist these matters being settled it was not long before and mary seated at the window of the house which had been selected as their present abode saw the long array of the army glide by at a brisk pace and watched the careless and laughing faces of the soldiers as they filed off through the only street in the village and took the high road leading south the troops had been gone for several hours and and the few soldiers who had been left behind had scattered themselves over the village to get rid of the of idleness in the gossip of the scant population the place afforded had retired to a chamber and mary from place to place like one disturbed with care all the party felt that deep sense of loneliness which is so perceptible to those who suddenly change a life of toil and incident for one of rest while events of busy interest are in expectation they are gone ma am said mary as she now crept into s presence after having travelled over nearly the whole in the state of i have described they are gone at least twenty miles i should think by this time and x never would have believed that i could have cared so much about people i never saw before but we are so ma am and young henry i should say must be getting tired by this time of day as for the matter of that people may get by standing still than by going on how do they march to day inquired have yon heard your father say mary h r e robinson i heard him and the who ate here allow replied the maiden that colonel wouldn t reach colonel before to morrow afternoon they said it was good fifty miles travel they look like brave men them that marched this morning ma am for they went out with good heart the lord send that through him they may be the means of to major butler at the mention of this name covered her face with her hands and the tears through her fingers u the lord send it t she repeated after a moment s pause may he in his mercy come to our aid then her face and dropping on her knees beside her chair she whispered a prayer for the success of those who had lately marched forth against the enemy when she arose from this posture she went to the window and there stood gazing out upon the quiet and street running over in her mind the perils to which her brother as well as butler might be exposed and to her imagination the thousand subjects of solicitude which her present state of painful expectation might be supposed to create or recall we will set forth early to morrow she said addressing herself to her companion so tell your | 29 |
go i promise you henry delighted at the notice he had received rode off with alacrity to spread the news the council broke up and the earliest arrangements were set on foot to make the draught required by the general orders before the day had departed nine hundred picked men well mounted and equipped were seen forward from the line and taking a position in the column of march which was now prepared to move all the principal officers of the army accompanied this in which were to be seen the with their henry and the it rained during the night a circumstance that however it increased the toils of the soldiers but little their speed and an hour before daybreak they had reached the destined point on broad river but the game had disappeared as we have seen had pushed his march on the preceding evening beyond this spot and had taken the road as it was reported towards king s mountain which was not above twelve miles distant a few hours were given by to the refreshment of his troops who halted upon the bank of the river where having kindled their fires and opened their they soon found themselves in a condition that pleasantly contrasted with the of their ride during the night the enemy consisted principally of and having gained so closely upon their footsteps felt no doubt of them in the course of the day he therefore determined to allow his men full time to their strength for the approaching conflict the rain had ceased before the dawn the clouds had fled from the before a brisk and breeze and the sun rose with unusual splendor it was one of those days which belong to october clear cool and when all animal nature seems to be by breathing an atmosphere of health for more than an hour after the sun had cast his broad beams over the landscape the wearied was horse robinson seen stretched in slumber the camp guards only and some occasional parties on fatigue service were to be observed in motion by degrees the drowsy soldiers woke up refreshed by the change of weather no less than by the repose which they had snatched in the short moments of the halt a general summons at last brought every one into motion by nine o clock of the morning the army were in condition to their march as little wanting in alacrity or vigor as when they first commenced their labors and at the hour they were seen to forth upon their way with an elastic movement that had in it the vivacity of a holiday sport even our young henry had become so to the toils of the road that now with the aid of a sleep which horse shoe had affectionately guarded until the last moment to say nothing of a good luncheon of which the boy discussed after he had mounted into his saddle he might be considered the most light hearted of the host towards noon the army reached the neighborhood of king s mountain the and parties of the advance had brought information that had turned aside from his direct road and taken post upon this eminence where it was evident he meant to await the attack of his enemy therefore lost no time in pushing forward and was soon rewarded with a view of the object of his pursuit some two or three miles distant where an opening through the forest first gave him a sight of the mass of he could discern the array of the adverse army perched on the very summit of the hill the mountain consists of an ridge rising out of the bosom of an country to the height of perhaps five hundred feet and presenting a level line of summit or crest from which the earth slopes down at its southward termination and on each side by an easy descent whilst northward it is detached from of inferior elevation by a rugged valley thus giving it the character of an not exceeding half a mile in length at the period to which our story it was covered except in a few patches of barren field or broken ground with a growth of heavy timber which was so far free from as in no great degree to the passage of and through this growth the eye might distinguish at a considerable t k distance the occasional masses of grey rock that were scattered ia huge over its summit and sides the adjacent region lying south from the mountain was partially cleared and in cultivation presenting a limited range of open ground over which the march of might bare been revealed in frequent glimpses to the british for some three or four miles we may suppose therefore that the two watched each other during the advance of the approaching army across this district with emotions of various and deep interest drew at length into a which bounded by low and short hills and shaded by detached portions of the forest partly concealed his troops from the view of the enemy who was now not more than half a mile distant the of this or narrow valley opened immediately towards the southern termination of the mountain and the column halted a short distance within where a bare or round low hill crowned with rock abruptly over the road and constituted the only that prevented each party from the array of his opponent it was an hour after noon and the present halt was improved by the men in making ready for battle meanwhile the chief officers met together in front and employed their time in surveying the of the ground upon which they were soon to be brought to action the i have described furnished a favorable position for this observation and thither they had already repaired i turn from the graver and more important | 29 |
matters which may be supposed to have occupied the thoughts of the leaders as they were together on the broad rock to a subject which was at this moment brought to their notice by the unexpected appearance of two females on horseback on the road a full half mile in the rear of the army and who were now approaching at a steady pace they were attended by a man who even thus far off showed the of age and a short space behind them rode a few of in military array it was with mingled feelings of surprise and admiration at the courage which could have prompted her at such a time to visit the army that the party recognised and be i shoe s attendants in the approaching these emotions were expressed by them in the rough and hearty phrase of their habitual and familiar intercourse let me beg gentlemen said interrupting them that yon speak kindly and of yonder lady by my honor i hare never seen man or woman with a more devoted or heart poor girl she has nobly followed butler through his and taken her share of suffering with a spirit thai should bring us all to shame horse shoe robinson who has her to our camp even from her father s house speaks of a secret between her and our captive friend that tells plainly enough to my mind of sworn faith and long tried love as men and soldiers we should reverence it look carefully to her comfort and safety go man at once and meet her on the road god grant that this day may bring an end to her grief j departed on his mission and when he met the lady her brother and the were already in her train explained the cause of this for the party in obedience to s urgent wish and scarcely less to the content of all the others had quitted their secluded position at town on the preceding morning and learning in the course of the day from persons on the road that had moved the miller had taken a direction across the country which enabled him to the army at its present post with little more than half the travel which the route of the march had required they had passed the night under a friendly roof some ten or twelve miles distant and had overtaken their companions at the critical moment at which they have been introduced to view at s request she was conducted into the presence of who still retained his station on the a thoughtful and amiable deference was manifested towards her by the assembled soldiers who received her with many kind and encouraging greetings that air of and timidity which in spite of all efforts at self control the novelty of her position and the consciousness of the dreadful scene at hand had thrown over her gradually began to give way before the assurances and sympathy of her friends and at length she became self possessed to look around her and mark tlie events that were in progress the important moment of battle drew nigh and the several leaders took their leave of her with an to be of good cheer and to remain at her present post under the charge of her companion the miller who was fully instructed by as to the course he should take for the lady s safety in whatever emergency might arise here we leave her for a moment whilst we cast a glance at the preparations for battle it was three o clock before these arrangements were completed i have informed my reader that the mountain terminated immediately in front of the outlet from the narrow in which s army had halted its breast into the plain only some few hundred paces from the head of the column whilst the valley that forced both right and left afforded an easy passage along the base on either side occupied the very summit and now frowned upon his foe from the midst of a host confident in the strength of their position and exasperated by the pursuit which had driven them into this resolved to this post by a spirited attack at the same moment in front and on the two with this intent his army was divided into three equal parts the centre was reserved to himself and the right was assigned to and m the left to and these two latter parties were to repair to their respective sides of the mountain and the whole were to make the by the heights as nearly as possible at the same instant the men before they marched out of the had dismounted and their horses under the winding shelter of the hills and being now separated into detached columns formed in solid order they were put in motion to reach their allotted posts the were retained on horseback for such duty as might require speed and were stationed close in the rear of s own division which now merely marched from behind the shelter of the and halted in the view of the until sufficient delay should be afforded to the divisions to attain their ground attended by and his daughter still maintained her position on the and from this height surveyed the preparations for combat with a beating heart the scene within her view was one of intense occupation the air of stern resolve that sat upon every brow the silent but onward movement of the masses of men advancing to conflict the few brief and quick words of command that fell from the distance upon her ear the sullen beat of the upon the sod as an occasional sped to and fro between the more remote bodies and the centre division which yet stood in compact immediately below her at the foot of the hill then the breathless anxiety of her companions near at hand and the short note | 29 |
of dread and almost terror that now and then escaped from the lips of mary as the maiden looked eagerly and fearfully abroad over the plain all these incidents wrought upon her feelings and caused her to tremble yet amidst these novel emotions she was not insensible to a certain lively and even pleasant interest arising out of the picturesque character of the spectacle the gay sunshine striking these moving lighting up their fringed and hunting shirts and casting a golden hue upon their brown and weather beaten faces brought out into warm relief the characteristics of this peculiar army and sometimes forgot her fears in the fleeting inspiration of the sight as she watched the progress of an advancing column at one time moving in close ranks with the thicket of above their heads and at another into to pass some narrow path along which with arms and bodies bent they sped with the pace of hunters beating the hill side for game the tattered and service stricken banner that shook its folds in the wind above these detached bodies likewise lent its charm of association to the field the silence and of the array in which it was borne and its constant onward motion showing it to be encircled by strong arms and stout hearts turning from these the lady s eye was raised with a less joyous glance towards the position of the enemy on the most prominent point of the mountain s crest she could the standard of england fluttering above a concentrated body whose scarlet as the sun glanced upon them through the forest showed that here horse h d posted his corps of and held them ready to meet the attack of the centre division of the whilst the glittering of amidst the dark foliage at intervals along the line of the summit indicated that heavy were stationed in this quarter to guard the the marching and of the frequent corps from various positions on the summit the of officers on horseback and the occasional movement of small of who were at one moment seen struggling along the sides of the mountain and at another descending towards the base or returning to the summit disclosed the earnestness and activity of the preparation with which a courageous soldier may be supposed to make ready for his foe it was with a look of sorrowful concern which brought tears into her eyes that gazed upon this host and strained her vision in the vain endeavor to catch some evidences of the presence of arthur butler we both look perchance she said to herself at this very instant upon yon hateful banner and with the same aversion but oh with what more painful apprehension it is my fortune to behold it little does he think that s eyes are turned upon it tis well he does not his noble heart would itself with ten fold anguish at the cruel that us yes tis well he does not dream that his is here to witness this dreadful struggle she continued musing over the subject of her grief it might tempt him to some rash endeavor to break his bondage it is better as it is the misery of the thought of our should be mine only the brave patience of a manly soldier is his and should not be with sorrows that belong not to the perils of war sister said henry who had stolen up the hill unobserved and now stood beside take courage and keep a good heart the very day i often prayed to see has r and it come sooner than you promised it should here i am in the field amongst men and no play game is it either to keep us busy but downright earnest battle and then dear sister yon are here to look on isn t that a piece of good luck u ah brother i could talk to you with a tongue when b robinson all around us was peace and security i cannot you now if i dare i would beg you to stay by my side i have need of your comfort and shudder with a chilly fear henry that small hand of yours can do no service to day and in truth i cannot bear to see you exposed to danger in tears sister come now this is not like you hasn t arthur fought many a day and often and didn t you set him on with good brave words for it i was not there to see him interrupted well sister i must get to my post said henry i serve as de camp and horse shoe is to help me by the by the is uncommonly silent and busy to day he smells this battle like an old soldier and i heard him give a few hints to concerning the marching up yonder hill he told him the column should not display until they got near the top as has no cannon and the colonel took it very gladly horse shoe moreover thinks we will beat them and the men have great dependence on what he says i shall not lose sight of him to day for heaven s sake henry exclaimed my dear brother do not think of following the i cannot part with you she added great earnestness it is an awful time for brother and sister to separate stay with me the turned a look upon his sister of surprise at the new light in which her present fears represented her i thought he said you were brave we come all this way from home to assist butler and are you now for the first time just when we are going to pluck him from the midst of the wolves upon that mountain are you now to weep and play the coward sister go go i said as | 29 |
ct horse robinson these incidents scarcely occupied more time in their performance than i have taken in the narrative and ail reflection upon them for the present was lost in the uproar and commotion of the bloody scene that succeeded meanwhile and each at the head of his men in the centre division of the army steadily commenced the ascent of the mountain a long interval ensued in which nothing was heard but the tramp of the soldiers and a few words of almost whispered command as they the height and it was not until they had nearly reached the summit that the first peal of battle broke upon the sleeping echoes of the mountain here into line and his men strode briskly upwards until they had come within shot of the british whose sharp and prolonged at this instant suddenly burst forth from the crest of the hill peal after peal rattled along the mountain side and volumes of smoke by the light of the sun rolled over and enveloped the when the breeze had partially swept away this cloud and opened glimpses of the battle behind it the troops of were seen before an impetuous charge of the in which himself led the way a sudden halt by the retreating and a stern front opposed to the foe checked the of his pursuit at an early moment and in turn he was discovered retiring towards his original ground hotly followed by the again the same vigorous from the was repeated and again the shaken bands of rallied and turned back the rush of battle towards the summit at last panting and spent with the severe encounter both parties stood for a space each other with deadly rage and waiting only to gather breath for the renewal of the strife at this juncture the distant firing heard from either flank furnished evidence that and had both come in contact with the enemy the of smoke above the trees showed the seat of the combat to be below the summit on the mountain sides and that the enemy had there half way met his foe whilst the shouts of the soldiers between the parties of either army no less distinctly proclaimed the fact that e shoe robinson at these remote points the field was disputed with bloody resolution and various success it would my poor faculty of description to give my reader even a faint picture of this rugged battle field during the pause of the of the centre and were seen riding along the line and by speech and gesture encouraging their soldiers to still more determined efforts little need was there for rage seemed to have refreshed the strength of the men who with loud and fierce rushed again to the encounter they were met with a defiance not less eager than their own and for a time the battle was again obscured under the thick haze by the incessant of fire arms from this gloom a yell of triumph was sometimes heard as momentary success inspired those who struggled within and the frequent twinkle of polished steel glimmering through the atmosphere and the occasional apparition of a seen for an instant as he came into the clear light told of the dreadful earnestness and zeal with which the unseen hosts had now joined in conflict the impression of this contact was various parts of each force broke before their and in those spots where the array of the fight might be discerned through the shade of the forest or the smoke of battle both and were found at the same instant to have driven back detached fragments of their were mingled hand to hand through and among their adverse ranks and for a time no conjecture might be indulged as to the side to which victory would turn the seemed to have fallen into the same confusion and might have been seen retreating and advancing upon the rough slopes of the mountain in bodies separated from their lines thus giving to the scene an air of bloody riot more resembling the sudden of from the same ranks than the orderly war of trained soldiers through the din and disorder of this fight it is fit i should take time to mark the wanderings of robinson whose exploits this day would not ill deserve the pen of the had for a time retained his post in the ranks of the and with them had travelled towards the i horse shoe robinson mountain top close in the rear of s line but when the troops had before the frequent charges of the finding his station at best but that of an spectator he made no scruple of his companions and trying his fortune on the field in such form of adventure as best suited his temper with no other weapon than his customary rifle he stood his ground when others retreated and saw the ebb and flow of flight and chase swell round him according to the varying destiny of the day in these difficulties it was his good fortune to escape a piece of luck that may perhaps be attributed to the coolness with which he either galloped over an adversary or around him as the emergency rendered most advisable in the midst of this busy occupation at a moment when one of the of battle brought him almost to the summit he a small party of british stationed some distance in the rear of s line whose detached position seemed to infer some duty with the general fight in the midst of these he thought he recognised the figure and dress of one familiar to his eye the person thus out by the s glance stood bare headed upon a projecting mass of rock apparently looking with an eager gaze towards the distant combat no sooner did the conjecture that this might be arthur butler flash across his thought than he turned his back upon | 29 |
had looked upon the struggle with an interest corresponding to the stake he had in the event up man here spring across the now boys down the mountain for your lives we have won him back he exclaimed as seizing butler s arm he lifted him upon the neck of captain peter and bounded away at full speed towards the base of the mountain followed by foster and his party the reader may imagine the of s emotions as she sat beside and his daughter on the and watched the busy and stirring ie before her the centre division of the army was immediately in her view on the opposite face of the mountain and no incident of the battle in this quarter escaped her notice she could distinctly perceive the motions of the to whom she turned her eyes with a frequent and eager glance as the corps with which her brother henry was associated and when the various fortune of the fight disclosed to her the occasional retreat of her friends before the vigorous of the enemy or brought to her ear the renewed and angry of she clenched mary s arm with a nervous grasp and uttered short and anxious that showed the terror of her mind i see henry yet said mary as s troops rallied from the last shock and again moved towards the summit i see him plainly ma am for i know his green dress and caught the glitter of his brass in the sun and there now all is smoke again mercy how stubborn are these men and there is henry once more near the top he is safe ma am how earnestly said unconsciously speaking aloud as she surveyed the scene oh how earnestly do i wish this battle was done i would rather mr be in the midst of yonder crowd of angry men could i but have their than here in safety to be tortured with my present feelings in god is our trust madam replied the miller his arm is abroad over the dangerous paths for a shield and to them h o e robinson that put their trust in him ha there is s white horse rushing with a dangling rein and empty saddle down the mountain through s ranks the rider has fallen and there madam there look on it is a white flag waving in the hands of a british officer the fight is done hark our friends are cheering with a loud voice thank heaven thank heaven exclaimed as she sprang upon her feet it is even so the loud of the troops rose upon the air the firing ceased the flag of fluttered in the breeze and the bands of the from every quarter of the late battle were seen hurrying towards the crest of the mountain and mingling amongst the ranks of the conquered foe again and again the cheering of the broke forth from the mountain top and echoed along the neighboring valleys during this wild and busy movement a party of were seen through the occasional intervals of the low wood that skirted the valley on the right hastening from the field with an eager swiftness towards the spot where and her companions were stationed as they swept along the base of the mountain and approached the they were lost to view behind the projecting angles of the low hills that formed the through which my reader is aware the road held its course when they re appeared it was in ascending the abrupt of the and within fifty paces of the party on the top of it it was now apparent that the approaching party consisted of foster and three or four of the led by horse shoe robinson with butler still seated before him as when the first caught him up in the fight these were at the same moment overtaken by henry who had turned back from the mountain at the first announcement of victory to bring the tidings to his sister s cheek grew deadly pale and her frame shook as the rushed into her presence there take him cried horse shoe with an effort to laugh but which seemed to be half converted into a by the agitation of his feelings as springing to the ground he swung butler from i shoe the with scarce more effort thin he would hare used in handling a child take him ma am i promised myself today that i d him to you and now you ve got him that s a good reward for all your troubles god bless ns bat fm happy to day t u my mt dear p were the only articulate words that escaped s as she fell senseless into the arms of arthur butler i chapter ths conclusion the victory was won in the last assault had reached the crest of the mountain and the had given ground with decisive indications of defeat in the hopeless effort to rally his soldiers had flung himself into their van but a bullet at this instant reached his heart lie fell from his seat and his white horse which had been conspicuous in the crowd of battle bounded wildly through the ranks of the and made his way down the mountain side passed onward driving the before him for a moment the bands hoped to join their comrades in the rear and by a united effort to effect a retreat but the parties led by and cheered by the shouts of their victorious companions urged their attacks with new vigor and won the hill in time to the all hopes of escape being thus at an end a white flag was displayed in token of submission and the remnant of s late proud and army now to between eight and nine hundred men surrendered to the it has scarcely ever happened that a battle has | 29 |
been fought in which the met with individual than in this the mortal hatred which the feelings of and tory along this border here itself in the eagerness of conflict and gave the impulse to every blow that was struck rendering the fight from beginning to end and bloody the remembrance of the thousand practised by the during the brief tory dominion to which my native has been confined was fresh in the minds of the stern and hardy men of the mountains who had pursued their foe with mob robinson to this his last stage every one had some wrong to tell and burned with an rage of revenge it was therefore with a yell of triumph that they saw the symbol submission raised aloft by the enemy and for a space the forest rang with their loud and many brave men fell on either side upon the slopes of the mountain and on its summit the bodies of the dead and dying lay scattered amongst the rocks and the feeble groans of the wounded mingled with the fierce tones of exultation from the living the sustained a grievous loss in colonel who had been struck down in the moment of victory he was young ardent and brave and his many soldier like virtues combined with a generous and amiable temper had rendered him a cherished favorite with the army his death served still more to increase the of the against the conquered the sun was yet an hour high when the battle was done the were formed in two lines on the ridge of the mountain and the prisoners more numerous than their having laid down their arms were drawn up in detached columns on the intervening ground there were many sullen and angry glances exchanged during this period of suspense between and and it was with a fearful of inward wrath that many of the detected in the columns of the prisoners some of their bitterest this spirit was partially suppressed in the busy occupation that followed preparations were directed to be made for the night quarters of the army and the whole host was accordingly ordered to march to the valley the of each party were already folly employed in their the bodies of the wounded were around and for the protection of such as were not in a condition to be moved were made of the boughs of trees and fires kindled to guard them from the early frost of the season all the rest retired slowly to the appointed whilst was intent upon these cares a messenger came to summon him to a scene of unexpected interest he was informed that a gentleman not attached to the army had been wounded in the fight and now lay at the further extremity of the mountain ridge it was added that he horse shoe robinson desired an interview with the commanding officer lost no time in attending to the request upon to the spot his attention was drawn to a stranger who lay upon the ground his wan and haggard cheek and restless eye showed that he suffered acute pain and the blood upon his cloak which had been spread beneath him indicated the wound to have been received in the side a private soldier of the british army was his only attendant to s and kind inquiry he announced himself in a voice that was almost over mastered by his bodily anguish to be philip of virginia you behold he said an unhappy father in pursuit of his children then after a pause he continued my daughter i have been told is near me i would see her and quickly god have mercy on us exclaimed is this the father of the lady who has sought my protection wounded too and badly i fear where is major butler who was lately prisoner with he said addressing the attendant go go sir he added speaking to the same person bring me the first surgeon you can find and direct some three or four men from the ranks to come to your aid lose no time the soldier went instantly upon the errand and soon returned with the desired assistance s wound had been already v and all that remained to be done was to put him in some place of shelter and comfort a cottage at the foot of the mountain was pointed out by a litter was constructed and the sick man was borne upon the shoulders of four attendants to the spot meantime rode off to communicate the discovery he had made to and her brother s story since we last parted from him may be briefly told he and had into the low country of virginia to meet the friends of the royal government these had wavered and were not to be brought together a delay ensued during which had prevailed upon to extend his journey into north whence after an ineffectual effort to bring the tory party to some decisive step they both returned to the dove having been nearly three weeks absent upon their arrival the intelligence met of tho horse departure of and her brother for the seat of war s letter was delivered to him and its contents almost him dumb it related the story of arthur butler s misfortunes and announced that for nearly a year past had been the wedded wife of the captive officer the marriage had been in the preceding autumn in a hasty moment as butler travelled south to join the army the only witnesses were mistress under whose roof it had occurred henry and the clergyman the motives that induced this marriage were explained both and arthur hoped by this step to reconcile to the event and to turn his mind from its unhappy the increased of his feelings during the succeeding period prevented the disclosure which had again and again to make the recent dangers which had beset arthur | 29 |
the moment that the long light first glanced upon them to some of those which have been saved from this wreck the author is indebted for no small portion of the materials of his story in his endeavor to illustrate these passages in the annals of the state it is proper for him to by ic preface say that he has aimed to perform his task with historical fidelity if he has set in lights than may be deemed charitable some of the actors in these scenes or in of or beyond their deserts the on either side in that war of which the epoch of this tale it was apart fi om his purpose as a native of the state he feels a prompt sensibility to the fame of her catholic and though from them in his faith the remembrance of their noble to establish religious freedom with the affection due to what he believes the most wisely planned and honestly scheme of society which at that era at least was to be found in the annals of mankind in the temper inspired by this sentiment these volumes have been given to the public and are now respectfully inscribed to the state op by one who takes the deepest interest in whatever concerns her present happiness or ancient renown the author l by ic chapter t ko more thy brook the day but choked with works its way along thy a solitary the its nest amidst thy desert walks the flies and their echoes with cries sank are thy in ruin all and the long grass o the ths it is now more than one hundred and forty four years since the ancient capital of was of its honors by the removal of the public offices and along with them the public to the date of this removal i think is recorded as of the year of grace sixteen hundred and the port of st mary s up to that epoch from the first settlement of the province rather more than three score years had been the seat of the lord s government this little city had grown up in hard favored tunes which had their due effect in leaving upon it the visible tokens of a vegetation it and crooked as it itself upward through the troubles of its existence and might be to the black jack which yet a in this region a tough and hardy of the forest whose elder day of affords a sour comment upon the of its youth are aware that the city of st mary s stood on by ic rob of the bowl the left bank of the river which now bears the same name though of old it was called st george s and which flows into the at the extremity of the state of on the western side of the bay at a short distance westward from point but the very spot where the old city stood is known only to a few for the traces of the early residence of the government have nearly faded away from the knowledge of this generation an eye however may define the site of the town by the few scattered bricks which the has mingled with the ordinary of the fields it may be determined still more visibly by the and ruin of the ancient state house whose venerable remains i relate it with a blush have been to furnish building materials for an church which now presents its mortar stained and shabby front to the view of the visitor immediately beside the wreck of this early monument of the of over these a and magnificent and with the settlement of the province yet its shattered and trunk and daily upon the sacred relics at its foot the of heaven an august and brave old to the departed companions of its prime there is yet another memorial in the family tomb of the whose long respected and holy repose beneath the scant shade of the has within twenty years past been by a worse than outrage and whose may now with difficulty be followed amidst the rubbish produced by this these faded tell their story like honest and a brave story it is of hardy adventure and manly love of freedom the scattered bricks all in the mother land remind us of the of the bark the struggle with the by ic bob of the bowl v wave the array of the wonder stricken savage and the rude fellowship of the first meeting they recall the hearth whose early fires gleamed upon the of the bold while the deep faith of religion and the impassioned instincts of the saxon devotion to liberty were breathed by household groups in customary household terms they speak of sudden and quick for battle of stout resolve and still achievement they tell of the won and quiet gradually confirmed and of the ing rapture as day by day the s hopes were converted into realities when he saw the wilderness put forth the blossoms of security and comfort the river from the some twelve miles inland where it in little which wash the base of the hills st george s island stretches half across its mouth forming a screen by which the course of the is partly concealed from view from this island looking northward up st mary s river the eye rests upon a glittering sheet of water about a league in breadth bounded on either shore by low meadow grounds and cultivated fields with borders of forest whilst in the distance some two upward h with in their rear and crowned cliffs and abrupt which shut in the channel give to the river the features of a lake st s creek flowing into the river upon the right hand along the base of these forms by its southern shore a flat narrow and grass clad point upon which | 29 |
the ancient house of the patron saint whose name dis the creek throws up in sharp relief its like together with its its old trees and cottages the whole suggesting a resemblance to a strip of scenery on a prolonged and slender base line of green when the from the island has trimmed his and by ic rob of the bowl reached the which formed his perspective the river now reduced to a gun shot in width again opens to his view a succession of little by more frequent and off into that lose themselves in the hills here and there amongst these a slender beach of white sand from its parent flood a pool which like a mirror in the deep forest and all around high hills sweep down upon these placid lakes and disclose half cottages whose roofs and antique forms turn the of the spectator to the days of the lord a more landscape than st mary s river a assemblage of grassy bank and grove slope cliff cot and strand of tangled and narrow bay broad and air suspended cape may not be found beneath the yearly travel of the sun the ancient city was situated nearly two miles beyond the of st s creek upon a spacious level plain which maintained an elevation of some fifty feet above the river the low double and of the were scattered at random over this plain forming snug and pleasant groups for a painter s eye and an air of and comfort from the gardens and in which they were sheltered the state house stood at the upper extremity of the town upon a clad which by an abrupt descent terminated in a g flat sandy point that reached almost half across the river in regard to this building tradition which i find to be somewhat inclined to of its glory it to have been constructed in the shape of a cross looking towards the river with walls thick enough to resist cannon and perilous steep roofs from the top of the chief of which shot up a spire whereon was a with a crooked tail a wooden and on the point showed this to be the by ic bob of the bowl seat of trade and a shaped bay or between this and a similar at the lower extremity of the town constituted the or harbor for the scant shipping of the port the state looked over the town common a large space of open ground at the farther end of which upon the border of a covered with and cat tails stood a sturdy and tight little jail supported to use the military phrase on one flank by a and stocks and on the other by an of which has gone out of fashion in our day but which found favor with our ancestors as an improved to the of an unnecessary or too in their a stool that hung suspended over a pool of sufficient depth for the most obstinate case that might occur without my reader with too much description i shall content myself with referring to but two or three additional particulars as necessary to my future purpose a catholic chapel devoted to st the patron of the province in humble and guise occupied with its a few acres in the centre of the plain a short distance from that confine of the city which lay nearest to st s and in the quarter not far from the state house a building of much more though by no means so neat had been erected for the service of the church of england which was then fast growing into the on one of the streets leading to the beach was the market house surrounded by its and ale houses and lastly in the year to which this description a little of famous report known by the sign of the crow and and kept by master garret stood on the water s edge at the foot of the bank below the state house on a piece of level ground looking out upon tiie harbor where the traveller by ic rob op the bowl may still find a of trees the of a notable which tradition says the garret planted with his own hand the country around st mary s bore at the period i have the same broad traces of settlement and cultivation which belong to it at the present day for many miles the scene was one of field and forest studded over with dwellings and farm the settlement had extended across t e neck of land to the and along both shores st mary s river to the this open country was by and everywhere by the expanse of water which reflected sun and sky grove and field and lowly in a thousand beautiful lights indeed all the border of the st mary s and charles as well as the on the oi shore of the might be said at this date to be in a condition of secure and prosperous habitation the great ocean forest had some hundred miles westward from st mary s the r on of country the present county of anne as well as and the isle of was a frontier already settled with numerous tenants of the lord all westward from this was the of the stem the fierce and their kindred men of the woods they are gone i like shadows h ve these men of might sunk on the earth they their game their their monuments their forests yea even l graves have flitted away in this flight saxon and bluff and heavy inherit the land and in its turn well day our little city hath departed not all its infant glory nor its manhood s bustle its walls gardens and ts warm housekeeping its it by ic rob of the bowl politics and its | 29 |
not even its and could keep it in the upper air until this our day alas for the pride of the village the vain glory of the city and the boast st mary s hath sunk to the level of and and she hath become i have wandered over the blank field where she sank down to rest it was a book whose characters i could scarce i asked for relics of the departed the winter evening tale told by father to son and the written legend more than monument of marble have survived to answer my question when brick and tile hearth and tomb have all from the quest of the traveller what i haye gathered from these will occupy my reader through the following pages by ic chapter il a train band captain was he john at the extremity of the cape or which formed the lower or more point of the shaped harbor was erected the fort of st mary s where it threatened defiance to such as might by sea or by land a few hundred paces in the rear of the fort stood the ample dwelling house of the lord with its roofs chimneys and sharply defined against the es stem sky a massive building of dark brick two stories in height and penetrated by narrow windows looking forth beyond the fort upon the river constituted the chief member or main body of the mansion this was by a wooden at each extremity in a and in the middle an that rose to a summit on which was mounted a from this central structure right and left a series of and served to bring into line a range of subordinate buildings of grotesque shapes of which several were like the array on one flank in a private chapel surmounted by a cross and on the other in a building of similar size but of different figure which was designed and sometimes used for a room the impression produced on the observer by this orderly though not uniform mass of building with its various offices for house by ic rob op the bowl hold comfort was not to his sense of rural beauty nor from its ample range and accommodation did it fail to his opinion of the and importance as well as of the hospitality of the lord the bearings of the family on a shield of were built into the of an arched brick porch which shaded the great hall door in the rear of the buildings a circular sweep of wall and reached as far as a group of stables and sheds the same kind of more in their fashion shut in a grassy court to which admission was gained through a heavy iron gate swung between square pillars each of which was surmounted by a lion carved in stone ancient trees shaded the whole mass of dwelling house court and stable and gave to the place both a and comfortable aspect it was a pleasant group of roof and bower of spire and tree to look upon from the city towards sunset when every window pane flung back the lustre of a and did it strike upon the eye of the as they sat at their doors at that hour gazing upon the glorious river and its tranquil banks nor less pleasant was it to the tes of the mansion to look back upon the fair village city the level plain with its scattered dwellings which seemed to sleep upon the grassy and shaded a garden occupied the space between the residence and the fort and through it a pathway led to a dry moat which formed one of the of the into which admission was obtained from this quarter by a narrow bridge and gate a of sharp fringed the outer and inner slopes of the ditch or to speak more guarded the and the fort itself sat like a square bonnet on the brow of the its of earth were by ic rob of the faced outwardly by heavy of logs which on the side looking towards the town were penetrated by an arched and secured by heavy doors studded thick with nails this opened upon a road which lay along the beach beneath the all the the upper extremity of the town several low buildings within appropriated to and magazines just peered above the a few pieces of brass cannon showed like watch dogs against the horizon and high above all fluttered the provincial banner bearing the cross of england and holding the relation of a feather to the bonnet which the outline of the work might suggest to one curious to trace the province it may be was at this day for although the lords of absolute of and would fain have encouraged a pacific temper and ever to treat with the indians upon terms of friendly bargain and sale and in all points of policy manifested an disposition towards the native men of the forest the province nevertheless had its full share of hard blows there was seldom a period in this early time when some indian quarrel was not coming to a head and young as the province was it had already tasted of rebellion at the hands of and to say nothing of that who was fain to play in the plantation by turning the out of their hall and whose hath still something to do with my story however therefore the lord pro might incline to be he could not but choose stand by his weapons in the view of these and kindred troubles the of the province had no light service in their obligations of military duty one of the forms in which this service was in addition to the occasional on emergency of the whole by rob of the bowl it tion fit to bear arms and in addition also to a force of mounted who were constantly | 29 |
engaged in the frontier was in the maintenance of a regularly paid and trained body of who supplied the necessary for the principal that of st mary s which was the oldest and most in the province was furnished with a company of forty men of this class who were at the date of this under the command of a personage of some note captain to whom i propose to introduce my reader with something more than the slight of a casual acquaintance this worthy had been bred up to the science of arms from early youth and had seen many varieties of service first in the civil wars in which he took the field with the royal army a and afterwards with a more doubtful complexion of loyalty when he with in scotland and followed his banner to london in the notable of the restoration yielding to the bent of that humor which the times and in imitation of many a hungry and gallant of his day he repaired to the continent where after various fortunes he found himself in the train of and hard at with the prince of orange in which passage of his life he enjoyed the gratification of a hand to the famous of the some few years before i have presented him in these pages he had come over to with a party of to gather his old age that harvest of wealth and ease which the common report promised to all who set foot upon the golden shores of the indies in vulgar belief being a part of this land of wonders the captain neither stumbled upon a gold mine nor picked up an indian princess with a of diamonds but he scarce worse in his own estimation when he found by ic rob op the bowl in a pleasant invested with the rank of captain of with a shelter in the fort a reason fair and allowance of pay much better than had been his lot under former masters and a frank welcome at all times the mansion of the lord add to these the delights more congenial to the training of his past life a few wet companions namely to help him through an evening and no choice of and other comforts at the crow and where the captain became a and privileged guest and it may still better be comprehended how little he was likely to at his fortune his figure had in youth been evidently remarked for strength and but age and varied service combined with habits of irregular indulgence had communicated to it a bluff and his port nevertheless was erect and his step as firm as in his days of his eye still sparkled with rays but little by time although rendered it a thick neck and rosy complexion a hale constitution and the ripple of a deep and constantly humor that played upon his strongly marked features expressed in characters that could not be that love of companionship which had been perhaps the most frequent upon which his hopes in life had been his crown was bald and encircled by a fair supply of crisp curly and silvery hair whilst a thick gray moustache gave a martial and air to his his dress served to set off his figure to the best advantage it consisted of the and short cloak and trunk the party colored and boot proper to the old english costume which about the period of the restoration began to give way to the of the last century this costume was still retained by many in the province and by ic bob of the bowl belonged to the military of the garrison of st mary s where it was fashioned of light green cloth with yellow lace arrayed in this guise captain had some excuse for a small share of vanity on the score of having worn well to a green old age and it was manifest that he sought to improve this impression by the freedom with which he wore a with its broad up on one side leaving his ample brow to wind and weather this combination of the and free companion exhibited in the dress of the captain was a pretty intelligible index to his character which disclosed a compound not in the civil wars of that period of the and the and in the affairs of life a phrase which in regard to him meant such matters principally and before all others as related to his own comfort he was worldly wise as an old soldier of whatever advantages bis condition might casually supply in words he was indifferently according to the occasion a or hot sometimes affecting the along with the and mixing up the of peaceful with the of the as the occasions of my story may enable me to illustrate some of these points in the character of the worthy captain i will not the opinion of my readers regarding him by further remark preferring that he should speak for himself rather than leave his merits to be by so an as i confess myself to be in the secret properties of a person so deserving to be known by ic chapter in creed i b on all agreed and plainly when the hot that we stick to the pot and drink of the best old of ail seasons of the year autumn is the mo t and october the loveliest of months then may a man sit at his door in the sun if he choose for he will not find it too hot or in the shade if it him for neither will he find this too cool and there hold converse with his own meditations or he may ride or walk dance or sing for in this october time a man hath heart for any so rich is the air and | 29 |
such pleasant doth it and if he be poetical therein will he be greatly for surely never nature puts on such gaudy attire on earth or sky as she wears in our october the morning haze which the frost up to meet the sun hangs across the landscape as if made on purpose to the painter and the evening sunset lights up the heavens with a glory that shall put that ven or to shame at the of his art and then the woods i what hath colors for the forest of all the months of the year commend me to october l some such as this was running through the thoughts and breaking forth in slight from the lips of the by ic rob of the bowl h of on an afternoon in this much landed month of october in the year i have to ia a former chapter as he sat in front of his quarters in the fort a small table was displayed on the pavement supplied with a pipes and drinking cups the captain s solid bulk was deposited in a broad arm chair close by the his sword and cloak lay upon a bench at the door and a light breeze amongst his short and locks where they escaped from the cover of a cloth bonnet which he had now for his a stood on post at the gate towards which the captain as he slowly a cup ever and anon turned an expectant eye once or twice he rose from his seat and strode backward and forward across the parade then visited the which afforded him a view of the road leading from the town and resumed his seat and renewed his solitary and slow when the sun had sunk down the flag staff the captain s wishes were crowned by the arrival of a brace of visitors the first of these was garret the a thin small man in a suit of gray of a timid carriage and slender voice he might have been observed for a restless eye which seemed to possess the habitual of a to see the need of a customer and this expression was sustained by a rabbit like of motion which raised the opinion of his timidity there was an air of and reverence in his which perhaps grow out of the domestic discipline of his a dame with th of a she had trained master garret to her hand he might have worn out his days in obedience had it not luckily fallen out for him that captain had settled himself down in this corner of the new world the captain by ic bob of the bowl being a regular in the of the crow and and no whit oyer awed by the of mine hostess soon set himself about her worse half from his so far as was necessary at least to satisfy his own for company at the fort he therefore freely made himself the of garret s confiding in the power of his tongue to the dame with all the s humility and he still followed the captain through his with the and submission of a dog on occasion like a man of mould and the tone of bis companion witb an ambitious not always successful zeal he did not naturally lack merriment but it was not of the boisterous stamp there was at his worst outbreak a glimmering of deference and respect up to a laugh and a song sometimes yet without violent and the salt tears were often wrung from his eyes by the pent up laughter which bis and his subordinate temper had taught it was to discharge in a his companion was a tall and grave person in the guise of a a cap namely of deer skin a guarded by a broad belt and at the waist and of brown leather this was a named de la who belonged to the corps of wood in the service of the lord he had arrived in the province in the time of lord many years before and had shared much of the toil of the early settlement his and gaunt form cheek and hair a to the hard service of a frontier life whilst his erect port and firm step evinced that natural which belongs to men trained to the self dependence necessary to breast the ever surrounding perils of such a service he was a man of few words and these were delivered in a low dutch accent by ic rob of the bowl his long intercourse with the english had failed to correct when his service on his range was found quarters amongst the of the mansion and the himself manifested towards the that degree of trust and even affection which resulted from a high sense of his fidelity and conduct and which gave him a position of more privilege than was enjoyed by the other of the establishment being at these intervals an he was looked upon with favor by the captain of the fort who was not slow to profit by the society of such a in the long watches of a dull afternoon by a customary consequence was no less esteemed by the a bluff greeting and ceremony place the visitors at the table and each upon a signal from the host appropriated his cup an pipe you are never a true man garret said the captain to so long behind your appointment and such an appointment too i the round dozen which you lost to me on dame s head gear a blessing on it i you did yourself so order it was to be at three o clock and now it is something past four there is in it idleness is the of the but occupation is the of the body as i may affirm in my own person mistress i suspect has this coming to answer for i | 29 |
doubt the brow of our brave dame has been cloudy this afternoon how is it bachelor and to boot you will speak without fear the woman replied in a broken english accent which i do not attempt to convey in had her hold captain eagerly interrupted the drawing up his chair to the table for he had seated himself by ic m rob of the bowl a full arm s length off in awkward deference to his host and master i my wife rules not me as some evil minded report no in faith i we were much beset to day i could not come sooner customers you know captain better than most men customers must be answered and will be answered when we poor servants go we were thronged to day was it not so that is true replied the the wife had her hands full as well as garret himself there were in the port to day from the bay shore and the isle of and some m the country back to hear whether the had arrived they had got some story that should be here i see it said that fellow a trick of warning his friends he never comes into port but there be strange of him ahead it seems to be told by the of mary s is not the first harbor where he drops his anchor nor the first to his cargo you understand me you have a bold mind captain said the you men of the wars speak your thoughts you are none the by master interposed my wife pays honestly for the said as his eye glanced from one to the other of his comrades i take no heed of the accounts but the head gear garret rejoined laughing you pay for that though the saw my coin for it twelve bottles of were a good return on that venture the sits lightly on the head of the dame and it is but fair that the should rise as lightly into ours but for we should lack these means to be merry the customs are at a on a dark night well be it so what point by ic rob of the bowl of calls on us to the in his trade we are of the land not of the water on the of the account not of the gathering in the has its own friends and we should neither nor make worthy garret good report in the province for the of his and long may he deserve that t i thank heaven that i strive to merit the good will of the interrupted the and he is something given to of his faith and with reason spain and the and the are his garret we know the of your el nay nay master captain your worship is merry i you never mind your my modest mend you scarce justice you have his s license paid for in good round and that s the fee of a clear conscience so let the trade i the is not a baby to be in bands unable to feed itself no it has the eagle s and wants no help from thee thou forlorn i make thine honest penny garret all thirsty fellows will stand by you i would be thought orderly master you are so to a fault you would have been so reckoned in lord s time and matters are less now a days lord charles gives more play to good living than his father allowed of you remember his s father set his face against and strong waters he did gentlemen said himself in his seat with animation heaven forbid i should speak but as becomes me of the honorable lord s memory or of his by ic bob of the bowl honorable son but to my cost i know that his s father was no friend to evil or behavior or drinking unless it was in moderation mark you but with humility i protest the law is something hard on us poor ordinary for you shall understand that at a sale by if there should lack to pay the debts of the the and are shut out seeing that the score for and strong waters is the last to be paid and good law it is let me tell you garret good and wholesome wisely laid down by the and wisely maintained by his you rail without cause sober habits must be your health comrades i then it you to be nice in your custom we will none of your that cannot pay and lot your that fall under the of let them drink of the clear brook i there is wisdom and virtue in the law is it not so t it well replied the as he sent forth a volume of smoke from his lips another and we will drink to his said who now left the table and returned with the fourth bottle fill up friends the evening wears here s to his and his s ancestors of ever noble and happy memory as his lips upon his cup he flung himself back in his chair and in a thoughtful tone ejaculated the good lord charles has had a heavy time of it since his return from england these church would lay under our hearth stones and then the death of young lord whilst his father was abroad too it was a heavy blow my lady has never held up her head since a pause succeeded to this grave reflection during which the by ic rob of the bowl t smoked in silence which was at length broken by an sigh from the as he exclaimed well i the great have troubles as well as the rest of us it is my opinion that heaven will have its will captain that s my poor judgment and having thus himself of | 29 |
this sentiment the of it increased perhaps by the pressure of his previous he the heel tap which stood in his glass and half whispered when he had done that s as good a drop of as ever grew within the horizon of the peak of through the good will of friend interrupted suddenly his former gaiety pray you captain said the with a hurried concern think what hurt your jest may bring upon me knows not your merry humor and may believe from your speech that i am not man bridle your foolish tongue i did i not see the very on t at rob s did i not mark how your sallow cheek took on an complexion when his s secretary a fortnight since suddenly showed himself the upon the bank that your door when your ill luck would have you to be rolling the in open day into the cellar the secretary was in a mood and did not see you or was kind and would not heed to this direct testimony could only reply by a and involuntary smile which surrendered the point and left him in a state of silly never in courage worthy exclaimed the captain you are as honest as your and to my mind the wine has a better from its journey from st s when there was no sun to heat it the secretary said the anxious to give the con by ic i rob of the bowl another direction is a youth and a modest and grows in favor with the ay and is much beloved by his added the captain and comes i warrant of gentle kind though i have not heard aught of his country or friends my wife says that the women almost swear by him for his quiet behavior and pretty words and they have eyes for excellence which we have not there is a cloud upon his birth said and a sorrowful tale touching his i had it from the master of the ship who brought him with my lord to the province indeed captain i you were ever quick to pick up knowledge you have a full ear and a good memory drink drink comrades said the captain we should not go dry because the secretary has had if it please you i will tell the story though i will not for the truth of what i have only at second hand after the listeners had adjusted themselves in their chairs proceeded there was in a major william who fought against the parliament i did not know him for i was but a at the time who when king charles was went over and took service with the states general and at married a lady of the name of getting tired of the wars he came back to england with his wife where they lived together five or six years without children the story goes that he was a man of fierce and crooked temper and unreasonable in his quarrel and for jealousy no devil ever equalled him in that amiable virtue it was said too that his living was and which is in part the customary of i am frank with you masters by ic rob of the bowl you are a good judge captain you have had experience said the there was a man of some mark in the country where this lived a sir george who taking pity on the unhappy lady did her sundry acts of kindness harmless acts people say such as you or i neighbors would be moved to do for a distressed female but the lady was of rare beauty and the husband full of foul fancies about this tune it was unlucky that nature wrought a change and the lady grew for the first time in six years marriage to make the story short was free with his dagger and in the street at in the midst of a public show he to the heart the wood silently shook his head and the opened his watery eyes in astonishment by the of a fleet horse and private enemies of the murdered man escaped out of the kingdom and was never afterwards heard of and died like a dog i s pose said de la likely enough replied the poor lady was struck down with the horror of the deed and had nearly gone to her grave but heaven was kind and she survived it and was relieved of her burden in the birth of a son for some years afterwards by the of friends but with many a struggle for her means were scanty she made shift to dwell in england at last she returned to holland where she found a resting place in her native earth having lived long enough to see her son a well grown lad safely taken in charge by her brother a merchant of the parents were both attached to our church of rome and the son was sent by his uncle to the school of his own city misfortune overtook the merchant and he died before the nephew had reached his year by ic bob of the bowl bat the good priests of tended the lad with the care of and would have reared him as a servant of the altar when onr lord was in the three years ago he found the youth has ever borne his mother s name in the his took a liking to him and brought him into his own service master was then but eighteen there is the whole story it is as dry as a it sticks in the throat masters so it is a marvellous touching story said the as he swallowed at a draught a full the hot hand and the cold steel said thoughtfully hold too much acquaintance in these times master is an honest youth and a good | 29 |
youth and a brave too of hawk or hound captain then there is good reason for a cup to the secretary said the captain filling again the world hath many arguments for a thirsty man the of the year fall upon this sadness i let us change our discourse i would a little friends it is to laugh thanks to my patron i am a bachelor so drink master as we used to say on the was the reply of the as he answered the challenge with a sparkling eye and a face lit up with smiles a good lad an excellent lad though he come of a hot father the wine began to show itself upon the for by this time they had nearly got through half of the of the the effect of this upon the captain was to give him a more flushed brow and a eye and to administer somewhat to the of his tongue it had wrought no further harm for was bottle proof upon the by ic rob of the bowl it was harmless rather than his of lie was perchance somewhat more precise and thoughtful garret of the three was the only weak vessel with every cup of the last half hour he grew more i he exclaimed but this does captain i here is a fig for my wife i come and go as you list none of your fetch and carry i that s what the world is coming to amongst us married cattle i thou art a said the captain i am the man to stand by his friend captain and i am your friend captain or roman though they call you a man for need garret i said him on the head a dozen or so when a friend wants them come without the asking and i pay my i warrant captain like a true comrade like a prince garret who does not stop to count the score but makes sure of the total by throwing in a handful over i am no master you have the port of a good you would have done deadly amongst the round heads if they but took you in the fact of a but you were scarce in debt after this fashion at my drawer an evil destiny kept you empty on that day ha ha ha i a shrewd memory for a stale jest captain the world is though i care little for it you said you would be merry shall we not have a song i am in that humor old and will wag it with you bravely replied as he struck up a brisk drinking glee of that day in which he was followed by the voice of the who at the same time rose from his seat and by ic rob of the bowl the music with some unsteady in the manner of a dance ni on the grave too much keeping an evil decorum from the manifold treason from whilst and his were thus occupied in their they were interrupted by the unexpected arrival of two well known persons who had approached by the path of the gate the elder of the two was a youth just on the verge of man hood his person was slender well and over the common height his face distinguished by a decided outline of beauty wore a thoughtful expression which was scarcely overcome by the flash of a black and brilliant eye a complexion pale and even feminine habits his dress remarkable for its neatness a becoming pride of appearance in the it told of the low countries a well fitted and of a grave color were partially concealed by a short cloak of brown a black cap and feather a profusion of dark hair hanging in curls towards the shoulders and a falling band or collar of lace left it that the individual i have was of gentle and associated with persons of rank this was further manifested in the gay and somewhat gaudy apparel of his companion a lad of fourteen who walked beside him in the decorated costume of a young noble of that ambitious era when the thoughtless and merry monarch of england instead of giving himself to the cares of government was busy to invent of dress the lad was handsome though his features wore the impress of feeble health he now bore in his hand a bow and of arrows by ic rob of the bowl the visitors had taken our at unawares and had advanced within a few feet before they were observed the back of the was turned to them and he was now in mid career of his dance throwing up his elbows tossing his head and treading upon the earth as he sang the burden ra you give care a holiday captain said the elder youth with a slightly perceptible foreign accent started abruptly from his seat at this smiled with a brow and made a low the of the song left garret what a would term high and dry for like a bark floated upon a beach and suddenly of its element he remained fixed iu the attitude at which the music deserted him one foot raised an arm and his face turned over his shoulder his upon discovering the cause of this interruption brought about a sudden and ludicrous affectation of ty in an instant his port waa changed into one of deference although somewhat awkwardly with what waa intended to represent gravity and decorum de la rose from his chair and stood erect firm and silent hail master and master god save you both i said i say amen to and god save his besides t ejaculated the with a drunken formality of utterance i would not disturb your merriment friends said the secretary but his bade me summon to the ball you de la will be pleased to the captain | 29 |
bowed his head and the visitors retired by the great by ic m rob of the bowl gate of the fort in a moment young came running back and addressed the master i would have a new bow string this ia worn and my bird want shall i leave them with you good and without waiting an answer he thrust the bow and arrows into the smiling wood s hand and bounded away again through the gate flung his sword belt across his shoulder put on his cloak delayed a moment to secure the remaining of wine and then beckoned to the to follow him stop cried with an zeal to make himself useful your belt is it is not comely to be seen by his in this array the belt was set right and the two directed their steps towards the and thence to the mansion the only until his companions were out of sight when curious io know the object of the errand and careful to avoid the appearance of intrusion he followed upon the path at a respectful distance stepping wisely as a drunken man is wont and full of the opinion that his was above all suspicion by ic chapter iv oft as the peasant impelled to these paths had been as oft he horror struck beheld things of shape and mien b the day was drawing near to a close and the thoughtfully paced the hall the walls around him were hung with costly paintings mingled not with indian war clubs bows and arrows and other won from the savage there were also the ponderous of the and the horns of the buck of the skins of beasts of prey and were bestowed on ready for use in case of sudden invasion from that race of wild men whose stealthy in times past had taught this policy of preparation the level rays of the sun striking through the broad open door flung a mellow radiance over the hall giving a rich picture like tone to its furniture lord at the period when i have introduced him might have been upon fifty he was of a delicate and slender stature with a grave and dignified countenance his manners were and graceful and distinguished by that gentleness which is characteristic of an educated mind when by affliction he had been to this gentleness both by domestic and public the loss of a favorite son about by ic rob of the bowl two years before had thrown a shadow upon his spirit and a succession of political in the province served to prevent the return of that of heart which is indifferently slow to come back at middle age even when by health fortune friends and all the other which in younger men are wont to lift up a wounded spirit out of the depths of a casual sorrow charles had come to the province in and from that date until the death of his father thirteen years afterwards administered the government in the capacity of lieutenant general upon his accession to the rights he found himself compelled by the of a to visit london where he was detained nearly four years having left lady with a young family of children behind him under the care of his uncle philip the of the province he had now within little more than a returned to his domestic roof to mingle his sorrows with those of his wife for the death of his eldest son who had sunk into the tomb during his absence the public cares of his government left him scant leisure to dwell upon his personal the province was surrounded by powerful tribes of indians who watched the white with an eager hostility and seized every occasion to them by secret and often by open assault a perpetual war of petty prevailed upon the frontier and even sometimes invaded the heart of the province a still more annoyance existed in the party divisions of the inhabitants divisions resting on religious the most fierce of all ever since the restoration the jealousy of the subjects of the crown against the of the church of rome had been growing into a sentiment that finally broke forth into the most by ic rob of the bowl t in the province the during the last twenty years had greatly increased in number and at the date of this narrative constituted already the larger mass of the population they murmured against the dominion of the as one adverse to the welfare of the english church and were set on foot to obtain the establishment of that church in the province through the interest of the in england letters were written by some of the more ambitious clergy of to the of to his aid in the enterprise the government of lord was in these representations and every disorder attributed to the of the it was even affirmed that the and his uncle the had the indians to the of the and to murder their families chiefly to these lord had visited the court at london the founder of the province with a liberality as wise as it was had erected his government upon a basis of perfect religious freedom he did this at a time when he might have his own faith with the political character of the colony and maintained it by a course of which would perhaps even up to the present day have rendered the chosen abode of those who now acknowledge the founder s creed his views however were more it was his design to furnish in a refuge not only to the weary and persecuted of his own but an asylum to all who might wish for shelter in a land where opinion should be free and conscience undisturbed whilst this plant of was yet young it grew with a but the popular leaders who are not always as truly and attached | 29 |
to enlightened freedom as we might be led to believe from their and who incessantly to obtain power and make it felt had no sooner acquired strength to battle with by ic rob of the bowl the than they rooted up the beautiful and gave it to the winds amongst the in this cause was a man of some note in the former history of the the famous the governor in the time of the now in a green old age whose turbulent temper and to mischief had lost none of their edge with the approach of gray hairs this individual had stimulated some of the hot spirits of the province into open rebellion against the life of the and his uncle his chief associate was john a coarse but shrewd leader of a who with the worst inclinations against the had the wit to avoid the of the law and to maintain himself in a popular position as a member of the house of a few months before this era had been arrested with several followers upon strong proofs of conspiracy and was now a close prisoner in the jail such is a brief but necessary view of the state of affairs ou the date at which i have presented the lord to my reader the matter now in hand with the captain of the fort had reference to troubles of inferior note to those which i have just when lord captain and the approaching the mansion from the direction of the fort he advanced beyond the threshold to meet them in a moment they stood before him god save you good friends i was his salutation captain and worthy welcome i cover he added in a tone of familiar kindness put on your hats these evening airs sometimes an upon a bare head a rugged smile played upon the features of the old as he resumed his shaggy cap and said lord charles is good but he does not remember that the head of an old gets his by ic rob of the bowl blossoms like the dog wood in the wind and the rain the dew upon it the same as upon a stone old friend replied the that head has taken many a in the service of my father and myself it is worthy of a better bonnet and thou shalt have one the best we can find in the town choose for yourself and master shall look to the cost of it the modestly bowed as he replied with that peculiar foreign gesture and accent neither of which may be described lord charles is good he is the son of his father lord heaven bless his memory i master bade me attend your said trees and to bring de la with me i have matter for your vigilance captain replied the walk with me in the garden we will talk over our business in the open air when they had strolled some distance lord proceeded there are strange tales afloat touching certain mysterious doings in a house at st s the old wives will have it that it is inhabited by and mischievous spirits and in truth wiser people than old women are foolish enough to hold it in dread father tells me he can scarcely check this terror your means the s house on the beach at st s said the captain the country is full of stories concerning it and it has long had an ill fame i know the house the call it the s chapel it stands hard by the hut of the truly my lord he who there at nightfall has need of a clear you give to these idle tales no idle tales an please your some of these have i witnessed with my own there is a curse of blood upon that roof by ic rob of the bowl i pray you speak on said the earnestly there is more in this than i dreamed of paul the continued it was before my coming into the province but the story goes it was in the lord time i the interrupted he was a man said the captain who as your may have heard had a name which caused him to be in his time and they are alive now who can tell enough of his wickedness to make one s hair rise on end he dwelt in this house at bt s in s day and took part with that went with him as i have heard to the island and was ay and returning met the death he deserved i remember the story said the he was in his attempt to get out of the province and barred himself up in his own house and there he fought like a tiger or more like a devil as he was added the they were more than two days before they could get into his house when his door was forced at last continued the captain they found him his wife and child lying in their own blood upon the hearth stone they were all murdered people say by his own hand and that was true added i remember how he was buried at the cross road below the fort with a stake drove through his body ever since that time continued they say the house has been without of flesh and blood i mean my lord for it has become a den and a busy one what hast thou seen captain you speak as a witness it is not yet six months gone by my lord when i was re by ic of the bowl with the master of the s from the isle of we stood in after night towards the of st s bay it was very dark and the four | 29 |
plain it is a matter a very matter an it like your s honor muttered forth the slim voice of garret who had himself by slow approach into the rear of the company near enough to hear a part of this conversation and who now fancied that his interest in the subject would him an access to the and your hath a worthy care for the fears of the poor people touching the of the s chapel what brought thee here garret inquired the as he turned suddenly upon the and looked him in the face what wonder hast thou to tell to excuse thy lurking at our heels much and manifold our most noble lord touching the replied the confused with a thick utterance and it is the most notable thing about it that robert rob o the as he is commonly called your i mean the that rob lives so near the s chapel there s matter of consideration in that if your will weigh it pie master garret on thee thou art in by ic rob of the bowl thy cups i grieve to see thee making a beast of you had a name for look that you lose it not again if the has been your guest this evening you are scarce free of blame for this he has a shallow head my lord and it is more easily sounded than i guessed paid apart persuade the home the took garret s arm and with him as he led him away dismissed him at the gate with an to bear himself in the presence of his wife a hint which seemed to have a effect as the landlord was seen his course with an improved carriage towards the town have you reason to believe captain said the after had departed that the gives credit to these tales he lives near this troubled house not above a off my lord he cannot but be witness to these but he is a man of harsh words and lives to himself there is matter in his own life i should guess which leaves but little will to censure these doings to a certainty he has no fear of what may dwell in the black building i have seldom spoken with him your report and s said the confirm the common i have heard to day that two nights past some such as you speak of have been seen and deemed it at first a mere gossip s wonder but what you tell gives a graver complexion of truth to these be there or amongst us and i have reason to suspect both this matter must be i would have the inquiry made by men who are not moved by the vulgar love of marvel this duty shall be yours friends make suitable preparation captain to discharge it at your earliest leisure i would have you and with such discreet friends as you may select by ic rob of the bowl visit this spot at night and observe the doings there look that vou keep your own counsel we have enemies of flesh and blood that may be more dreaded than these so god speed you friends the man who the black house of the so please you my lord said should possess more of than i doubt will be found under our soldier s i shall nevertheless execute your s orders to the letter hark you captain said the as his visitors were about to take their leave if you have a scruple in this matter and are so inclined i would have you confer with father whether this adventure require prayer or weapon of steel you shall judge for yourself i shall take it my lord as a point of said to be dealt with in fashion that is with round blows if occasion serves i ask no aid from our good priest he has a trick if i may be so bold as to speak it before your which does not so well sort with my age and bodily health a trick my lord of putting one to a penance by way of our purpose of visiting the black house would be delayed by such a as you will i said the laughing father would have but an idle if he had no other calling but to bring you to your good even friends may the kind saints be with you i the captain and his comrade now turned their steps toward the fort and the retired into the mansion here he found the secretary and waiting his arrival they had just returned from the town whither they had gone after doing their errand to the fort bore a by ic rob of the bowl packet secured with silken strings and sealed which he delivered to the dick pagan the he said has just come in from james town in virginia whence he set forth but four days ago he has had a hard of it and brought this packet to the for my lord the reports that a ship had just arrived from england and that sir henry the governor gave him this for your to be delivered without delay the took the packet he said as he was about to withdraw i have promised the old de la a new cap look to it get him the best that you may find in the town or perhaps it would better content him to have one made express by the let it be as it may best please the himself good with this considerate remembrance of the lord withdrew into his study by ic chapter v deep on his front sat and public care milton lend me thy marry i ll see a small fire blazed on the hearth of the and mingled its light | 29 |
with that of a silver which hung from the ceiling above a table furnished with writing materials and over with papers here the sat intent upon the perusal of the packet its contents him and with increasing solicitude he again and again read over the letters at length the secretary was summoned into his presence he said the council must be called together tomorrow at noon the messengers should be despatched to night they a dark road and far to ride let them be ready with the least delay the secretary bowed and went forth to execute his order the letters brought to the a fresh of troubles that which most disturbed him was from the board of trade and and spoke of the growing displeasure of the at the as it was termed of the s in the administration of his government to the catholic inhabitants of the province it hinted at the popular and probably well founded discontent to by ic bob of the bowl use its own of his majesty s subjects ike too liberal shown to tiie repeated stale charges and exploded against the with an earnestness that showed how his enemies had taken advantage of the into which the of borne and its had fallen since the and concluded with a intimation of the royal pleasure that all the offices the province should be immediately into the hands of the church of england party this was a blow at lord which scarcely took him by surprise his late visit to england had convinced that not all the personal partiality of the monarch for his family and this was rendered conspicuous in more than one act of favor at a time when the catholic lords were brought under the ban of popular would be able finally to shelter the province from that religious which already was in the mother land he was not therefore altogether unprepared to expect this assault the was especially harsh in reference to the first because it was that he had ever recognized the difference of religious opinion in his i but on the contrary had conferred office in strict and accordance with the principle of upon which his government was founded and because it would bear with pointed injustice upon of his nearest and most devoted friends his uncle the the whole of his and above all others in whose welfare be took an interest upon the of the port of st mary s an old of the province to the and indeed to all his fellow by l friendship and tried fidelity what rendered it more grating to the feelings of the in this instance was that the had already been out as a prize to be played by ic bob of the bowl for by that which had created the late in the province it was known that had set his eyes upon this and npon it with the gaze of a serpent the of the post were something considerable and its importance was increased by the influence it was supposed to confer on the incumbent as a person of weight and consequence in the town the first expression of irritation which the perusal of the packet brought to the lips of the had a reference to the they would have me he said as he rose and strode through the apartment from my service the very approved friends with whom in my toils in this wilderness i have for so many years side by side and to whom i am most indebted for support and encouragement amidst the thousand of my enterprise they would have me turn adrift without a moment s warning and even with circumstances of disgrace that tried pattern of honesty old virtue in her best estate has but a step daughter s portion in the division of this world s goods and often goes begging when carries a high head and proud heart and lords it like a very king by the blessed light old shall not on my motion am i to be in my duty by and to be driven to put away my friends to make room for such thirsty and coarse as john the argument is that here in what my father would have made a peaceful contented land planted by him and the brothers of his faith with the kindest best and most of that faith by my side worthy men earnest and zealous to do their duty they and their children true to every christian men who have won a home by and patient wise endurance they must all be as not even for the meanest office and give their places to by ic bob of the bowl and up of discord and that too in the name of religion i oh this of how has it crept in and the garden i one would have thought this world were wide enough to give the passions elbow room without rendering our little secluded nook a theatre for the struggle come what may shall not lack the whilst a of my remains i in this strain of feeling the continued to his spirit until the necessity of preparing the letters which were to urge the attendance of his council drew hun from his reverie into a calmer tone of mind in the servant s hall there was an unusual stir occasioned by the preparations which were in train for the of the messengers whom the secretary had put in for the service of the night the first of these was brown a man of stout mould though somewhat advanced in years he hold in the establishment what might be termed the double post of master of the and keeper of the fox hounds being principal and of the household the second was a short plump little fellow bearing the name of john who was one of the | 29 |
of the stable these two now ready and were seated on a bench discussing a luncheon with the of a large jack or of brown several of the other in the hall throwing in occasionally a word of advice to the or giving them aid in the occupation of bodily to which they were themselves with the vigor of practised leaning against the of the ample fireplace immediately below a lamp which tipped the prominent points of his grave with a sharp light stood an old indian of massive figure and hue named or as he was called in by ic bob of the bowl the english translation of the indian word the knife this personage had been for some years past at a privileged of the s family and was now though consigned to a portion of the duties of the evening apparently an spectator of the scene around him he smoked his pipe in silence or if he spoke it was seldom more than in the short characteristic of the habits of liis tribe when i saw dick pagan the james town coming into town this evening with his leather across his shoulder said the elder of the i guessed as much as thai there would be matter for the council news from that quarter now a days is apt to bring business for their i warrant the brother of master has been an in virginia i heard john the miller of st say last sunday afternoon that samuel had forty mounted men ready in the forest to do his bidding with and and he would have done it too if my lord had not laid him by the heels at unawares he has a savage spite against my lord and the both but knew you ever the like before said john that his should be in such haste to see their he must needs have us over the country at midnight there must be a hot flavor in the news it was a post haste letter i what have you to do with the flavor of the news you have little to complain of john for a midnight tramp it is but twelve miles from this to and your errand is done you may be on a good of hay in master stable before midnight if you make speed think of my ride all the way to hall and round about by the head of the river too for i doubt if i have any by ic rob op the bowl to get a cast over tbe to night tom the boat keeper is not often sober at this hour and if he was a the devil warm his pillow i doesn t live this and the old world he gets out of his sleep for no man but it is a dark road mine replied the groom a plague upon it i have no stomach for this bush and work when a man can see the limb of a tree no more than a a dark road exclaimed the master of the ing a dark road john i it is a long time since there has been a dark road for your night rides with that nose shining like a lighted link a half score paces ahead it was somewhat last september i allow when you had the marsh and the doctor fed you for a week on but it ha lately as bright as ever i wish i could it to my head until to morrow morning a burst of laughter at this sally which rang through the hall the of the s wit and brought the groom to his feet s blood you grinning fools he ejaculated haven t you heard s joke a thousand times before that you must toss up your ha at it as if it was new i he stole it as the whole hundred knows from the fat captain old in the fort there who would have got it back upon hue and cry if it had been his own but the truth is the captain it from a play book as the told him in my hearing at garret s where the captain must needs have it for a laugh ing matter it is a joke that burns fresh every night replied a thing to make light of so up with the bottom of the pot boy and feed it with mother s milk it will stand you in stead tonight well done john i i can commend you for taking a jest as well as another by ic bob of thb bowl master said the other this is not the way to do his s bidding if we must go we should be now i would i had your ride to take instead of my own short as you think it ha say you that you shall have it an it please master secretary i but upon one condition upon what condition that you tell me honestly why you would choose to ride twenty miles to rather than twelve to good answered the groom it is but as a matter of you have a broader road and mine is a path much beset with i like not the peril of being there is a lie in your face john the road is the and best of the two is it not so fame sack i it is the first that was opened by the white man replied the indian and more people pass upon it than the other john said the you are a coward i will not put you to the another lie but will i can tell you at one guess why you would change with me out with it master exclaimed the oh out with it repeated john i heed not your yon fear the cross road said the you will not the s | 29 |
grave in masters i must needs own replied the groom that i have i never was ashamed to tell the truth and confess that i am so much of a sinner as to feel an honest fear of the devil and his doings i have known a horse to start and a rider to be flung at the cross road before now there are times in the night when both horse and rider may see what it turns by ic bob of thb bowl one s blood into ice to look at nay i am in earnest masters i jest not you have honestly confessed like a brave man that you are a coward john and so it shall be a bargain between ns i will take your message i fear i ot paul he has been down with that stake through his body ever too fast to walk abroad there s my hand to it said the groom and thanks to boot i am no coward but have an infirmity which will not endure to look by night in the woods upon a a spirit which walks with a great shaft through it of the saw it in that fashion as he went home from the s feast on the eve of st had seen too much of the s that night said and they are spirits worth a dozen paul even if the whole dozen were upon the same stake like hung up to smoke in spite of the and his bolt i warrant you i pass this and the secretary soon after this entered the hall and confirmed the arrangements which had just been made he accordingly delivered the letters intended for colonel and to the and that for mr the late lieutenant general of the province to john to the indian was committed the duty of bearing the to such members of the council as resided either in the town or within a few miles of it holding it matter of indifference whether he despatched this duty by night or by day the knife took it in hand at once and set forth on foot with a letter for colonel who lived about five miles off at the same time that the other two mounted their horses for their journeys through the forest by ic chapter vl d w wait till yon in solemn with due had th out of four and i we should wait long and with it the than after what may ok the following day the council consisting of some four or five gentlemen were assembled at the mansion about noon their number was rendered complete by the of colonel george who on a spirited milk white that smoked with the hot of his motion dashed through the gate and alighted at the door a pair of pistols across his saddle bow and a partially disclosed under his the precautions of the possessor to defend himself against sudden assault and no less the aspect of the times his frame was tall and graceful his eye and his features prominent and handsome at the same time of quick temper and rash resolve there was in his dress a of the consciousness of a good figure it was the costume of a gallant of the times and his bearing was characteristic of a person accustomed to bold action and gay companionship was a near of the family and being a member of the s council he held the by ic rob of the bowl t post of general and commanded also the provincial on the northern frontier the on the river where he owned a large upon which he resided at the present time he was in the temporary occupation of a favorite seat of the at on the whither the late summons had been despatched to call him to the council this gentleman was a catholic and an ardent per friend of his the whose cause he with that and most usually determination which his imperious nature prompted and which served to draw upon him the peculiar hatred of and and their he was thus although a sincere it may be imagined an adviser in state affairs little qualified to subdue or that jealous spirit of which from the epoch of the down to this date had been growing more in the province such was the individual who now with the firm stride and carriage of a and knight of y to which his picturesque costume heightened the resemblance entered the apartment where his were already well met i he exclaimed as he flung his hat and gloves upon a table and extended his hand to those who were nearest him how it gentlemen what devil of is abroad now has that fellow of that of the of a tap room the king of the master jack got drunk again and begun to bully in his cups the who at my door last night as if he would have beaten your s house about my ears could tell me nothing of the cause of this sudden save that driving dick had come in hot haste from james town by ic rob of the bowl with letters that had set the mansion here all from s closet down to the with proper for the s love of gossip said the he told you true the letters are there on the table when you have read them you will see that with good reason i might make some commotion in my house ran his eye over the papers well and well an old story i he said as he threw one letter aside and took up another the red lady of the r and the devil we have had it so often that the lecture is somewhat stale the are the authors of all evil we had the band in fashion for a time but that wore | 29 |
out with old and then comes another flight of and we must have the thirty nine articles served up for a daily dish that spider master has grown to be a of his grace the of and is busy to knit his web around every poor catholic fly of the province this must be managed without temper said the oldest member present except the our will find their advantage in our if ma e in the heat of passion you say true replied i am a fool in my humor but it moves me to the last extremity of endurance to be ever with this shallow and pretence of they of the wickedness of the province i our evil and loose living and notorious scandal i all will be cured in the opinion of these solemn by turning that good man lord charles and his friends out of his own province and by setting up parson in a fat under the wing of an established church read on said lord and you shall see the sum of all in the argument that it is not fit should bear rule by ic rob of the bowl over the free born subjects of the english crown and as a conclusion to that a summary order to discharge every mend of our church from my employ read the letter to the end so be it i he ejaculated as he threw the letter from him and flung himself back into his chair you will obey this high with all we will thank these for their many and their good your uncle the here our old comrade is the first that your will give bare headed to the sky as for myself i have been an devil in a half dozen and so shall be the i hope your will remember that i have a military command a sturdy in the fort of and some stout fellows with me on the border it might be hard to persuade them to part company with me peace i pray you peace i interrupted the you are and that is not the mood for counsel these pious cut throats here said who talk of our us to the whole world and faith i am not of the mind to bear it i i speak plainly what i have thought long since and would rather do than speak i would arrest the upon a smaller scruple of proof than i would set a in the stocks you have now my lord i would have his fellows before long and the space between and trying should not add much to the length of their between trying and hanging still less as to that said the every day brings us fresh testimony of the and we shall not be slow to do justice on the parties we have good information of the extent of the plot against us and but wait until an open act shall make their guilt master is now by ic rob of thb only because we were somewhat too m his arrest there are associates of at work who little dream of acquaintance with their designs when does your hold its v the in less than a month it should make work and master should find himself at the end of his at the first ay and too said one of the council that the have stepped forward to protect him the guessed well of the temper against your m ei land when they stood up so last month in favor of captain after your had commanded his it was an insolent in truth we have never had peace in the province said another since was allowed to return from his that man hath set on but not spirits than his own he has a quiet which never sleeps nor loses sight of his purpose of disturbance alas said the he has not lacked material to work with the have been ever since my father s death i know not in what point of kindness i have towards them knows i would cherish affection not ill will my aim has ever been to do justice to all men justice is not their aim my lord exclaimed oh this zeal for church is a pretty weapon i and honest a dainty champion to handle it i i would cut the spurs from that fowl if i did it with a i he is but the fool in the hands of his interposed this discontent has a broad there are many tiie who if they will not take au open part against by ic rob of the bowl s will be slow to rebuke an outbreak many who will counsel a secret who dare not show their faces to the sun these men have to do us much harm said lord and i would entreat you gentlemen consider how by concession to a moderate which may with our honor we may these leaving that question for your future i ask your attention to the letters the king has commanded for it is scarce less than a royal said has fallen under his majesty s you have doubtless failed somewhat in your to or the gay or have been wanting in some of respect to old tom the king s fool his majesty is not wont to look so narrowly into state affairs hold i interrupted the i would not hear you speak of the king he has been friendly to me and i will not forget it though this come in his name king charles i apprehend knows but little of the matter he ha an easy conscience for an oh it me to the heart after all my father s care for the province and surely mine has been no less it me to see this fortune coming over our hopes like a chill winter | 29 |
some fifty or sixty feet above the tide of singular richness as a landscape and no less agreeable to be looked upon for its associations with the idea of comfortable independence in the proprietor this had obtained the local of the rose a name in some degree descriptive of the of spot in his attire master the tor to give him his usual style of address in the province by ic bob of the bowl some tendency towards the of bis day it was marked by that of the of rank and age which the costume of the time no little of the flavor of the official authority amongst our ancestors was wont to borrow consequence from show the broad line which separated gentle from simple was recognized in those days not less strongly in the of the person than in his and manners the divisions between the classes of society were not more distinguished in any outward sign than in the embroidered velvet or cloth of the man of wealth and the plain or leather of the the of st mary s on occasions went forth arrayed much after the manner in which has represented sir de in his admirable painting of that knight and although he was too vain of his natural locks i o adopt the of that period yet he had trained his luxuriant into a studied imitation of this artificial his embroidered coat of velvet with skirts and huge open his lace his ample and white lamb s wool rolled above his knees his shoe and three hat all adjusted with a that would put our modern to shame gave to the worthy of st mary sa substantial and an regard that rendered him next to the the most personage in the province this of costume and the carriage which it were pleasantly contrasted with the flowing vivacity of the by an amusing compound which i might call a and alacrity of the rigid of exterior seeming rather to as a half bursting the wings of a gay nature mr was to be stubborn in opinion the by ic bob of the bowl good people of the town aware of his in this had no mind to make points with him but on the contrary rather him in his by an amiable so that it is said he grew daily more this had become so much his that the lord himself gave way to it with as good a grace as the rest of the inhabitants it may be imagined that so general a submission to this temper would have the tendency to render him a little passionate they say it was a rich sight to see him in one of his flashes which always took the by surprise like thunder in the midst of sunshine but these were always short lived and rather left a more wholesome and genial clearness in the atmosphere of his affections the household at the rose i have hinted was regulated by mistress who had some time before our acquaintance with her reached that period of life at which the female ambition for display is prone to into a love of domestic pursuits it was now her chief worldly care and delight to promote the fort of those who around the family hearth in the administration of this office it may be told to her praise that she manifested that good sense which is a much more rare and quality than many others of better with the world as was natural to her tranquil position and kindly temper her had taken a towards devotion which father did not omit to encourage and confirm by all the by the discipline of the church the gentle solicitude with which the ministers of that ancient faith watch and assist the growing zeal of its the of its venerable ceremonies and the familiar and tone in which i addresses itself to the regard of its children sufficiently account for its sway over so large a portion of man by ic bob or the kind and for its hold upon the affections of the female breast upon the thoughtful character of this influence shed a mellow and attractive light and gave to the performance of her duties that orderly and cheerfulness which showed the content of her spirit she found an labor of love in the education of her sister had now arrived within a of her year had guarded her path from infancy with a mother s tenderness to her and into her mind all that her own it is true within a narrow circle enabled her to teach the young favorite had grown up under this domestic aided by the valuable instructions of father who had the guidance of her studies a warm hearted accomplished much beyond the scant ordinarily at that day the reach of women and distinguished for that gentleness of heart and purity of thought and word which the caresses of friends the perception of the domestic affections and seclusion from the busy world are likely to in an ardent and nature of the beauty of the rose of st mary s for so were wont to her tradition speaks with a poetical i have heard it said that far for lovely women hath not since had a fairer daughter the beauty which lives in expression was eminently hers that beauty which is scarcely to be caught by the painter which as the surface of the fountain where all the fresh images of nature are for ever shifting and sparkling with the glories of the mirror the s skill in stature she was neither short nor tall but distinguished by a form of admirable both for grace and activity her features it is scarce necessary to say were regular but not absolutely so for i know not why perfect by ic of the bowl is a to expression eyes of dark with long | 29 |
of fancy he was thus far a and dreamed of gorgeous scenes and bold exploits and rare fortune he had the poet s instinct to by ic rob op the bowl perceive the and his fancy it with richer and charmed him into a a he was of the rose of st mary s from the first moment that he gazed npon her that outward form of and the motion and impulses of that spirit might not often haunt the secretary s dream without leaving behind an image that should live for ever in his heart to him the thought was enchantment that in this remote wild far away from the world s knowledge a flower of such surpassing loveliness should drink the glorious light in for so he in cities deemed of this province and with this thought came of poetry which wrought a of the young and lifted him out of the sphere of this working day world day after day week after week and month after month the secretary watched the footsteps of the beautiful girl but still it was silent adoration it entered not into his mind to call it love it was the very of devotion meantime the maiden unconscious of her own rare and innocent of all thought of this secret homage found master much the most accomplished and gentle youth she had ever seen he had without her observing how it became so grown to be in some relation or other part and parcel of her most familiar meditations his occasions of business with the brought hun so often to the rose that if they happened not every day they were at least incidents of such common occurrence as to be noted by no ceremony indeed rather to be counted on in the domestic routine the was apt to grow restless if by any chance they were suspended as it was through the secretary s mission he received the tidings of the time as well as the official commands of the whilst s manners his soft step by ic rob of the bowl and familiarity with the household put no one out of the way to him welcome his early in summer sometimes brought him at beneath the bank of the rose where he looked with the admiration of an artist upon the calm waters of st s creek and upon the forest that flung its shades over its farther shores not the fresh and blooming maiden had left her couch as early as himself and tended her plants before the dew had left the leaves and thus it chanced that she found him in his and like him she took pleasure in gazing on that bright scene when it was the delight of both to tell each other how beautiful it was and when in winter the rain from the and the skies were dark the secretary muffled in his cloak took his way to the s mansion and helped the maiden to the tedious time even when lay the snow upon a level with the hedge the two long miles of track did not stop his visit for the secretary loved the adventure of such a journey and often smiled to see how he endured it and how light he made of the snow drift which the wind had sometimes heaped up into behind which the feather of his bonnet might not be discovered while he sat upon his horse in this course of and grew into a near intimacy and the maiden became dependent upon the secretary for some share of her happiness without being aware of it master had an exquisite touch of the and a rich voice to grace it and found many occasions to tax his skill he had a gallant carriage on horseback and she needed the service of a he was expert in the provincial sport of and had made such acquaintance with s that scarce any one else could assist the maiden in casting off to a flight in short followed the bent of her by ic rob of the bowl and nature and did full justice to the secretary s various capacity to please her by his talents in with an freedom and without once pausing to explore the cause why master always came to her thoughts doubtless if she had had the wit to make this inquiry the charm of her liberty would have been broken and a would ever after have checked the wandering of her free footstep the in regard to this intercourse was sound asleep his wise head was taken up with the concerns of the province his estate and the discussion of opinions that had little to the topics likely to interest the meditations of a young maiden he was not apt to see a love affair even if it lay like a fallen tree across his path much less to hunt it out when it like a bird amongst the flowers that grew in the shady by the the of the lady maria however was not so much at fault and she soon discovered what neither nor had sufficiently studied to make them aware of their own but the secretary was in favor with the lady maria and she kept her own counsel as well as a good natured watch upon the progress of events by ic chapter ix towards noon of the day on which council hem their a troop of maidens were seen issuing from the chapel their number might have been eight or ten the orderly step with which they departed from the door was exchanged for a playful haste in together when they got beyond the immediate of the place of worship their carriage and lively the of health which was still more shown in then ruddy and well rounded forms their path lay across the grassy plain towards the town and passed immediately within the space by an ancient spreading | 29 |
good nature and ready answer to all calls of business as for master never did pleasure loving monarch more cheerfully surrender his kingdom to the rule of his minister than he to whatever power for the time was uppermost whether the dame herself or her occasional of the s rule however was now terminated by the arrival of mistress herself it is fit i should give my reader some perception of the exterior of the hostess as a woman of impression and consideration with the being now in her best attire which was evidently put on with a careful eye to effect i may take occasion to say that one might suspect her of a consciousness of some deficiency of height as well as of an undue breadth of figure both which she had studied to conceal she wore a high hat of green silk with a band of pink ribbon which was set on by or and gathered in front into a spirited cluster of knots her jacket with long tight sleeves was also of green silk adapted closely to her shape now brought into its smallest compass by the aid of stays and was trimmed in the same manner as the hat a full scarlet reached within a span of her ankles and disclosed a well formed leg in brown with of thickly crimson and a foot of which the owner had reason to be proud neatly pinched into a green shoe with a tottering high heel her black hair hung in down her back and her countenance distinguished by a dark eye a clear complexion and a turned up nose to which might be added a neck both fat and fair half concealed by a loose with an ex by ic partly wicked and partly charitable but in every determination and constancy of purpose this air of careless boldness was not a little heightened by the absence of all defence to her brow from the narrow rim of the hat and the height at which it was elevated above her features the din of the tap room was hushed into momentary silence as soon as this notable figure appeared on the threshold heaven help these thirsty men she exclaimed as she paused an instant at the door and surveyed the group within they are still at it as as if they had just come out of a dry lent from sunrise till noon and from noon till night it is all the same drink drink drink have ye news of master i would that the olive branch were come and gone that i might sit under a quiet roof again i there is nothing but riot and from the time the is expected in the port until he leaves it true enough jolly queen said a young inland taking the hand of the merry landlady as she struggled by him on her way to the bar what in good earnest has become of this is the second day we waited for him i half suspect you mistress of a trick to gather good fellows about you by setting up a false report of the olive branch thou art a lying quickly responded the dame you yourself came hither with the story that was seen two days ago beating off the i play a trick on you truly you must think i have need of custom to bring in a troop of from the country who would eat and drink out the character of any house in the hundred without so much as one of profit you have my free leave to tramp it back again to providence whenever you have a mind by ic rob of the bowl nay now you quarrel with an old friend mistress take your hand off my shoulder you villain i ha ha i warrant you get naught but from me for your but you are a good child and shall have of the best in this house i would only warn you to call for it master our dame is a woman of said another of the company as the landlady escaped from the and took her station behind the bar what has become of that man she inquired somewhat the man i am sure has been abroad ever since i left the house i he is of no more value than a cracked pot he would see me work myself as thin as a handle before he would think of turning himself round garret is now upon the replied one of the customers i saw him but a moment since with the with some idle you may be sure of that i interrupted the hostess never at his place if tjie whole house should go dry as s spring at call him to me if you please master michael that has something to do besides listen to your to the kitchen these country cattle will want their presently oh o the for the sake of one s ears in mercy stop that everlasting of your old fiddle i it would disgrace th patience of any christian woman in the world to abide in the midst of all this uproar nay then come forward old i would not offend you she said in a tone to the here is a cup of ale and will give you your supper to night i have danced too often to your music to deny by ic rob of the bowl you a comfort so drink as you will but pray you rest your elbow for a while and there is a shilling down on the nail said driving dick as he and the came together to the bar at the summons of the landlady when that is drunk out dame give me a space of warning that i may resolve whether we | 29 |
shall go another shot master told me you had need of me said garret as he now entered the door what with me wife get you gone replied the wife you are in the way your head is always thrust in place when it is not wanted i if you had been at your duty an hour ago your service might have been useful i can but return to the said garret at the same time beginning to his steps bide you exclaimed the dame in a shrill voice i have occasion for you go to the cellar and bring up another stoop of these salt water fish have no relish for ale they must deal in the strong nothing but or brandy for them the obedient husband took the key of the cellar and went on the duty assigned him at this moment a door communicating with an adjoining apartment was thrown and the head of captain into the tap room mistress he said at your leisure pray step this way the dame no longer than was necessary to complete a measure she was filling for a customer and then went into the room to which she had been summoned this was a little where the captain of had been himself for the last hour over a of ale in solitary an by ic rob of the bowl open window gave to his view the expanse of the river now glowing with the rich of sunset and a october breeze played through the apartment and refreshed without the frame of the comfortable captain he was seated near the in a large easy chair when the hostess entered welcome dame he said without rising from his seat at the same time offering his hand which was readily accepted by the landlady by st and st michael both a more and tidy piece of flesh and blood hath never sailed between the two of than thou art you are for a mistress you are out like a queen this evening i have never seen you in your new suit before you are as gay as a and i wear your colors thou laughing mother of mischief green is the livery of your true knight has your good man honest garret come home yet dame what would you with my husband master there is no good in the wind when you throw yourself into the big chair of this parlor in truth dame i only came to make a short night of it with you and your worthy do not show your white teeth at me you are too old to bite tell to spread supper for me in this parlor and will partake with me and if the veritable and most head of this house i mean yourself mistress have no need of garret would entreat to have him in company by the hand of thy soldier mistress i i am glad to see you so in your calling you will spare me garret dame come i know you have not learnt how to refuse me a boon you are a jack master captain replied the dame i know you of old you would have a rouse with that babe my husband you sent him home only last night by ic rob op the bowl how can you look me in the face knowing him as you do for a most shallow vessel captain f on thee dame i you disgrace your own flesh and blood by such a speech did you not choose him for his qualities ay and with all as a woman of experience you had two husbands before garret and when you took him for a third it was not in ignorance of the sex look thee in the face i i dare yea and at thy whole faith you wear most bravely mistress i stand apart and let me survey turn your shoulders round he added as by a he the dame upon her heel so as to bring her back to his view there is a woman of ten thousand i envy garret such store of womanly wealth if garret were the man i took him for master captain said the dame with a smile you would have borne a broken head long since but he has his virtues such as they are though they may lie in an egg shell and garret has his too like other men there is no denying it i which of us has not dame garret is an honest man somewhat old a shade or so yet it is but a shade for my sake pretty hostess you will allow him to sup with us speak it kindly sweetheart good old garret s jolly young wife thou devil said the landlady garret is no older than you are but truly i may say he is of little account in the tap room so he shall come to you captain but look you he is weak and must not be over charged he shall not mistress you have a soldier s word for that could have sworn you would not deny me hark you dame bring your ear to my lips a word in secret the hostess bent her head down as the captain desired when he said in a half whisper send me a of the best by ic rob of the bowl and there s for pains he added as he saluted her cheek with a kiss and there s for thy impudence captain retorted the spirited landlady as she bestowed the palm of her hand on the side of his head and fled out of the apartment sprang from his chair and chased the retreating dame into the midst of the crowd of the tap room by whose aid she was enabled to make her escape | 29 |
are dispersed your in their own clouds your upon the benches and nothing more left for you to do in the tap room we would have your and witty company here in the parlor so come in my princess of pleasant thoughts and make us merry there is nothing but of and speeches where you are captain said the hostess an honest woman had best be little seen in your company it is a wonder you ever got out of the low countries where what with drinking with and with your three years service was enough to put an end to a thousand fellows of your humor there s destiny in it dame i was born to be the delight of your eyes it was found in my when my was cast that a certain jolly mistress of a most especially to inn upon a point of land in the new world was to be greatly indebted to me first for the by ic rob of the bowl good fame of her amongst people and secondly for the sufficient and decent praise of her so was it read to my mother by the wise and then dame you the virtue of the low countries look at there is there a more temperate orderly well behaved in the world than the and did he not bring his with him from the very bosom of the land you rail against p if de la is not all that you say of him replied the hostess it is because he has lost some share of his good quality by with you captain besides has never been in the wars a dutch head said laughing is not easily made to spin in the old world men can drink more than in the new a fog is an excellent horn mistress i heaven help the men of the old world if they drink more than they do in our province exclaimed mistress look in the tap room and you may see the end of a day s work in at least ten great one half are sound asleep and the other of so dim sight that neither can see his neighbor the better reason then mistress replied why you a woman should leave such and keep company with sober waking discreet friends that cap becomes you mistress i never saw you in so dainty a i honor it as a covering altogether worthy of your faith it has been a rich piece of to me i upon an of fourteen shillings which i paid for it as a present to my excellent hostess i have got in return by way of profit full thirteen bottles of garret s on my garret was obstinate and would face me out with it that you wore it to church last sunday when i knew that you went only in your hood that day he has by ic rob of the bowl t never an eye to look on you dame as he so he must needs put it to a well as this is the first day you have ever gone abroad in it here i drink to thee and thy cap upon my knees success to its travels and joy to the merry eye that below it i come drink to that and get pa another glass of top off to the hostess comrades i the toast was drank and at this moment garret returned to the room a sign from him informed the captain that the preparation he had been despatched to make was accomplished how looks the night garret inquired when have we the moon it is a clear and calm replied the the moon will not show herself till near morning have you heard the news mistress inquired the captain with an expression of some eagerness there is pleasant matter current concerning the s wife at the blue but you must have heard it before this no truly not i replied the hostess indeed said then there s a month s amusement for you you owe the sly a grudge mistress in faith i do said the dame smiling and would gladly pay it you may pay it off with now added the captain with no more trouble than telling the story it is a rare jest and will not die quickly i pray you to tell it me good captain give me all of it the dame eagerly the you know said the captain but it is a long story and will take time to it garret how comes it that you did not tell this matter to your by ic rob of the bowl wife as i charged you to do v he inquired with a at the i resolved to tell it to her said but i know not how it ran out of my mind the day being a busy one a busy day to thee exclaimed the thou who hast no more to do than a stray in the pound what are you fit for if it be not to do as you are commanded but go on captain the story would only be by garret s telling go on yourself i am impatient to hear it i pray you what o clock is it mistress asked the captain it is only near nine it matters not for the go on nine i exclaimed truly dame i must leave the story for master garret nine said you by my sword i have my time i have business with the lord before he goes to his bed there are papers at the fort which should have been delivered to his before this nay captain said the hostess if it be but the delivery of a packet it may be done by some other hand there is driving dick in the tap room he shall do your bidding in the matter do | 29 |
not let so light a business as that take you away to morrow dame and i will tell you the tale to night captain to night truly i must go the papers should be delivered by a hand i may not leave it to an ordinary messenger now if garret but i will ask no such service from the good man at this time of night it is a long way no no i must do my own errand there is no reason upon earth said the landlady why garret should not do it it is but a step to the fort and back i can take my and ride there in twenty minutes said by ic rob of the bowl t garret i warrant his will think the message to me then get you gone without the dame the key of the stable wife said garret if you will go master garret said and it is very obliging of do it quickly tell to look in my he will find the packet addressed to his take it and see it safely put into his s hands say to moreover that i will be at the fort before ten to night you comprehend i comprehend replied garret as his wife gate him the key of the stable and he departed from the room now captain well mistress you must know that the who in the main is a discreet man yes a discreet man i mean some follies which of for this trading and naturally f a man has so much to do with the world in that and the world mistress is inclined by temper to be somewhat so that they who have much to do with it learn which other folks do not now in our of caution is a virtue which we soon send to the no matter where and thereby you may see how it is that we are more honest than other people caution and honesty do not much together but of the s wife captain ay the s wife i shall come to her presently well as you have often seen is a shade or so jealous of that his wife who looks when she is out in her new cloak more like a brown in motion than a living woman by ic rob of the bowl yes interrupted the dame laughing and with a sun burnt top her red on her shoulders is no better i her husband who at best is but a one of those fellows who has a fear of his wife which you know mistress truly makes both man and wife to be laughed at a husband should have his own way and follow his humor no matter whether the dame rails or not you agree with me in this mistress in part captain i am not for a husband in hi lawful walks but the wife should have an eye to his ways she may counsel him oh in reason i grant but she should not him i mean nor look too narrowly into his hours that s all now s dame has a free foot and the himself somewhat of a sulky brow well the who is a mad wag for mischief and who is withal a sure customer of the s in small wares comes to s house bringing with him master hay the at this moment the sound of horse s feet from the court yard showed that garret had set forth on his ride i am keeping you waiting said fill up another cup for yourself and and go your ways stay not for me friends or if it pleases you wait for me in the tap room i will be ready in a brief space the and the indian after another glass withdrew the continued is a handsome man and a merry man on occasion too i had heard it whispered before but not liking to raise a scandal upon a neighbor i kept my thoughts to that the s wife had rather a warm side for the but be that as it may there was by ic rob of the bowl the most played on the by and the together last night that ever was heard of it was thus they had a game at blind and when it fell to to be the somehow the fat was caught in his arms and so the hood next came to her well she was and there was an agreement all round that no one should speak a word ay i understand i see it said the hostess eagerly drawing her chair nearer to the captain no you would never guess replied if you your brains from now till christmas but i can show you mistress better by the acting of the scene here get down on your knees and let me put your over your eyes what can that signify inquired the dame do it mistress you will laugh at the explosion give me the handkerchief down dame upon your bones it is an excellent jest and worth the learning the landlady dropped upon her knees and the captain secured the round her eyes how many fingers dame he asked holding his hand before her face never a finger can i see captain it is well now stand up forth and away i that was the word given by the turn mistress and through the room oh you shall laugh at this dame the obedient and landlady began to through the apartment and quietly opening the door stole to the tap room where being joined by his comrades they with all speed towards the fort leaving the dame after a jest at least until they got beyond the hail of her voice by ic chapter xi pale lights on w r and midnight heard to moan even said the | 29 |
oak heaved a groan and to this day the peasant still with fear the ground in each wild branch a sees and at each rising ground s after his escape from the landlady hastened with his two companions at a swinging gait along the beach to the where they found waiting for them in a state of e expectation is the dame likely to be an ry captain were the s first words does she suspect ns for a to night it is a perilous adventure for the morrow you shall bear the burden of that reckoning master captain i left mistress groping for a secret at replied the laughing she has found it before now and by my is in the prettiest that ever brought a frown upon a woman s brow she would bless the four quarters of you garret if you should return home to night with a blessing that would leave a mark on you for the rest of your days i shouldn t wonder presently to hear her feet on the gravel of the beach in full pursuit of us dark as it is i have left her in a mood to tempt any by ic bob of thb of danger for revenge so let us be away upon our errand yon have the safe and the wine sound worthy he said speaking to the lieutenant are our horses v they are at the post on the other side of the parade replied the lieutenant i exclaimed for these here will be a week s repentance but a fig for conclusions i in for a penny in for a pound masters i have the basket well stored and in good keeping it will be discreet to mount quickly i will not answer against the dame s at the gate tonight she is a woman of spirit and in her anger then let us be up and away said the captain who was busily a pair of pistols in his belt and his sword across his body a and pistols for me said the as he selected his weapons from several at hand and were each provided with a when throwing his cloak across his shoulders led the way to the horses where the party having mounted through the gate of the fort at a gallop their road lay around the head of st s creek and soon became entangled in dark and steep which presented at this hour no small interruption to their progress on a pony his legs dangling within a foot of the ground led the way with an almost instinctive knowledge of his intricate path which might have defied a darker night the shining through a crisp and atmosphere enabled the party to discern the of the tree tops and disclosed to them at intervals the track of this solitary road with sufficient distinctness to prevent their entirely losing it they had for more than two hours in the depths of by ic rob of the bowl the forest before they approached the of st s had the time by tales of former adventures and now and then by of humor provoked by the of the for although to the vanity of exhibiting himself in the light of a cut and thrust comrade in an of peril was nevertheless unable this night to suppress the involuntary confession of a lurking faint at the result of the present venture this showed itself in his increased and in the exaggerated tone of his of what he had done in sundry of hazard as well as of what he had made up his mind to do on the present occasion if they should be so fortunate as to encounter any peculiarly severe stress of fortune upon such topics the party grew jovial and laughed at the top of his voice the s old courses would make us lose our road in downright blindness from laughing he said as checking himself in one of these he up his horse where are we i surely hear the stroke of the tide upon the beach are we so near st s or have we missed the track and struck the bay shore short of our aim the she fox does not run to her den where she has left her young by a track more sure than mine to night replied the guide it is the wave striking upon the sand at the head of the you may see the stars on the water through yonder wood says true added he has found his way better than a hound a piece of cleared land or old field a few acres in width lay between the travellers and the water which began now to on their sight through a fringe of wood that grew upon the margin of the creek or and the fresh breeze showed that the broad expanse of the was at no great distance by ic rob of the bowl the s chapel said by my reckoning then should be within a mile of this spot it were a good point of to push forward a that duty garret will best with your humor there may be in it so onward man until you are by some out post of the foul one we will here for your report in the mean tune leave us your of come man of cold iron be alert your stomach is growing for a deed of yon are a man trained to and replied the and have the skill to set a company as men commonly fight with men but i humbly captain that our venture to night stands in no need of or we have things to with and do not strive according to the of the wars i would not be slow to do your bidding but that i know good may not come of it in | 29 |
my poor judgment we should creep towards the chapel together not parting company i will stand by thee captain with a sharp eye and ready hand your teeth will betray us master even at a score rods from the enemy said they chatter so rudely that your jaw is in danger if you are cold man button up your coat of a it is a cold night and my coat is none of the replied with an increasing shudder i understand you garret responded the captain with a laugh we must drink so friends to the green grass and fasten your horses to the trees whilst we warm up the liver of our forlorn with a cup we can all take that this command was obeyed by the immediate of the party and their attack upon one of the in the basket it has a rare for a frosty night said aa by ic rob op the bowl lie a third and fourth when i was in i the abbey of and there drank a veritable from the huge which the blessed st martin himself filled by a single cluster of grapes it has the of being the wine in all for the of those who are called to do battle with the devil the of the abbey have ever found it a most deadly weapon against satan and truly master if i did not know that tliis wine was of the breed of the islands i should take it to be a dripping from the holy i spoke of it hath the like virtue of defiance of so drink drink again worthy and what is that exclaimed taking the cup from his lips before he had finished the contents there is something far off like the howl of a dog and yet more devilish i should say did ye not hear it masters i pray heaven there be no evil warning in this i am cold still cold captain it is the ringing of your own ears garret or it may be like enough some devil s cur that our footsteps make yourself a fire and whilst you grow warm we will take a range for a brief space round the chapel you shall guard the till we return that is well thought of replied the quickly light and heat will both be useful in our while you three advance towards the shore i will keep a look out here for there is no knowing what devices the enemy may have a foot to take us by surprise some little time was spent in a fire which had no sooner begun to blaze than with the and the indian set forth on their of the chapel leaving assured that he was rendering important service in by ic rob of the bowl guarding the and comforting himself by the ng they walked briskly across the open ground towards the water and as they now approached the spot which common had invested with so many terrors even these bold themselves were not without some the universal belief in supernatural in the concerns of mankind which distinguished the era of this narrative was to a certain share of apprehension into the minds of the men and it was reckoned to firom the courage of a tried soldier that he should in spirit before the dreadful presence of the powers of darkness had an faith in the malignant influences which were said to about the s chapel and nothing but the pride and of his profession could have impelled him to visit this spot at an hour when its mysterious and mischievous inhabitants were supposed to be with their fullest power to harm the was not less keenly impressed with the same feelings whilst and superstitious as all of his tribe was like them endowed with that deeply which taught him to suppress his emotions and which rendered him seemingly indifferent to whatever issue awaited his enterprise by my said as they strode forward although we jest at yonder white this matter we have in hand might excuse an in a man i care not to confess that the love i bear his together with some of duty is the only argument that might bring me here to night i would rather stand a score in an with my single hand where the business is with flesh and blood than with a single of the i have beard of over bold men being smote by the evil eye of a by ic rob of the bowl bag and i once knew a man of gaiety suddenly made mute and melancholy by the weight of a blow dealt by a which was not to be seen the remainder of his life was spent in sorrowful penance they say these spirits are quick to punish as lord charles commands we must do his bidding replied the when the business in hand must be done i never stop to think of the danger of it if we should not get back lord charles has as good men to fill our places i have been scared more than once by these night devils till my hair lifted my cap with the fright but i never lost my wits so far as not to strike or to run at the good season die as we used to say in holland returned the captain i am an old and have had my share of and never to or whether projected by the breath of a devil or a i am not to be scared now from my duty by any of paul s brood though i say i like not this strife with shadows his shall not say we failed in our outlook i did purpose before we set out to talk with father concerning this matter but garret s wine and his wife together put it out of my head the holy | 29 |
father would only have told you replied to keep a latin prayer in your head and master s wine and wife both out of it so he would and it would have gone more against the grain than a hair shirt penance i have scarce a of a prayer in my memory not even a line of the and i have moreover a most special need for a of that of on a chilly night and then as you yourself was a witness i had most pressing occasion to practice a deceit upon mistress the priest s counsel would have been wasted by ic rob of the bowl lot words that s true so we were fain to do our errand to night without the aid of the church why do you halt i hear the tread of a foot replied the indian a deer on the shore of the creek said more like the foot of a man returned in a lowered voice we should talk less to make our way safe there is the growl of a dog now called the attention of his companions to the outlines of a low hut which was barely through the wood where an open space brought the angle of the roof into relief against the water of the creek and as they approached near enough to examine the little structure more they were saluted by the surly bark of a deep dog fiercely at the same tune the sound of receding footsteps was distinctly audible who dwells here inquired striking the door with the of his sword there was no answer and the door gave way to the thrust and flew wide upon the apartment was a few coals of fire gleaming from the embers and a low bench furnished with a blanket rendered it obvious that this solitary abode had been but recently deserted by its possessor a hasty survey of the hut which was at first fiercely disputed by the dog a cross gained and sturdy until a sharp blow from a staff which the bestowed sent him growling from the premises satisfied the that so far at least they had encountered nothing supernatural and without further delay or comment upon this incident they took their course along the margin of st s creek after a short interval the of the waves upon the beach informed them that they were not far fr m the beach of the here a halt and an attentive ex df the locality made them aware that they stood upon by ic t rob of the bowl a bank which descended somewhat abruptly to the level of the beach that lay some fifty yards or more beyond them in the dim they were able to trace the of a low but which stood almost on the tide mark it is the chapel said in an involuntary whisper as he touched the s arm it is paul s house all the same as i have known it these twenty years a silent and wicked house whispered in reply and a pretty spot for the devil to in said his ordinary tone hold captain interrupted the no foul words so near the haunted house the good saints be above us he added crossing himself and muttering a short prayer follow me down the bank said in a low but resolute voice but first look to your that they be charged and i will break in the door of this den and its comers before i leave it holy st michael the is in the chapel and us away he exclaimed as suddenly a flash of crimson light illuminated every window of the building it is the same warning given to and myself once before stand your ground comrades we shall be beset by these ministers of sin i as the flashes of this lurid light were thrice repeated was seen on the edge of the bank fixed like a statue with foot and arm extended looking with a stern gaze towards this appalling spectacle and brought his band across his eyes and was revealed in this posture as he exclaimed in his marked dutch accent the s blood is turned to fire we had best go n further masters had advanced half way down the bank and the glare disclosed him as suddenly arrested in his career his sword gleamed by ic rob of the bowl head whilst his short cloak was drawn by the motion of his left arm under his chin and his broad belt and wide boots now tinged with the light gave to his figure that rich effect which are pleased to copy i saw satan s within the chamber exclaimed the captain i saw the very of the i they are many and mischievous and shall be defied though we battle with the prince of the air what ho of i defy thee in the name of our patron the holy and blessed st i defy thee there was a deeper darkness as rushed almost to the door of the house with his sword in his hand again the same de flashes of fire the windows and two or three strange figures of men in were seen for the within retreated a few steps nearer to his companions and drawing a pistol held it ready for instant use it was discharged at the windows with the next flash of the light and the report was followed by a hoarse and laugh from the tenants of the once more i defy thee i shouted the captain with a loud voice and in the name of our holy church and by the order of the lord i demand what do you here with these rites the answer was returned in a still louder laugh and in a shot fired at the the momentary ht of the explosion re as imagined a figure presenting a through the | 29 |
window protect yourselves friends he exclaimed with such shelter as you may find at the same time retreating to the cover of an oak which stood upon the bank these show weapons like our own i will e en the trade with i he added as he ed a second pistol by ic rob of the bowl the and had taken shelter and their were also and fired some two or three shots were returned from the accompanied with the same laugh which attended the first and the scene for a moment would have been thought rather to resemble the assault and defence of mortal foes than the strife of men with but that th e were mixed with it other altogether unlike the circumstance of mortal battle a heavy sound as of rolling thunder echoed from the interior of the chapel and in the glimpses of light figures within were discerned dancing with strange and preposterous motions it us not to contend against these said thej are enough to maintain their post against us even if they fought with human implements our task is accomplished by gaining sight of the chapel and its inmates we may what we have seen to his so masters move and quickly ay laugh again you of the devil he said as a hoarse shout of exultation from the house when the commenced their retreat come into the field as veritable men and we may deal with you i forward if we our retreat may be vexed with dangers against which we are not provided i hope this is the last time we shall visit this devil s den said as he obeyed the captain s and moved as rapidly as his long stride would enable him to walk from the scene of their late assault whilst these events were passing i turn back to the who was left a full mile in the rear to guard the baggage and keep up the fire a post as he described it of no small it was with a conscience as to the propriety of by ic bob op the bowl ill bis separation from his companions that garret when he had for reflection set himself to his at this juncture his chief scruple had reference to the point of view in which and de la would hereafter represent this incident would they set it down as hoped they might to the account of a proper and soldier like disposition of the forces which required a to defend a weak point or would they not attribute his hanging back to a want of courage which his conscience whispered was not altogether so wide of truth there are many brave men he reflected who have a constitutional objection to fighting in the dark and he was rather inclined to rank himself in that class in the dark said he as he sat down by the fire with his hands locked across his knees which were drawn up before him in angles and looked steadily at the blazing in the dark a man cannot see that stands to reason and it makes a great difference let me tell yon masters when you can t see your enemy a brave man by nature requires light and besides what sort of an enemy do we fight not mortal man for i would stand up to any mortal man in ay and with odds against me i have done it before now but these and ghosts and their that fly about one s ears like cats and and like what am i saying no fly like and like cats one may cut and at them with his blade with no more wound than a boy s wooden makes upon the wind besides the captain who is all in all in his command hath set me here to watch which as it were was a forbidding of me to go onward he must be obeyed a good soldier no order although it go against his stomach it was tlie captain s wish that i should keep strict watch and ward here on the skirt of the wood otherwise i should have followed i by ic bob of the bowl and with heart and step warrant yon bat the captain hath a sagacity in his holding this spot as he wisely hath done to be an open point of danger an as it were to his march and therefore to be looked to well let the world wag and the be what it may here are comforts at hand and i will not to them saying this the self satisfied opened the basket and his i with a of and a draught of wine i will now perform a turn of duty he continued after his refreshment and accordingly drawing his he set forth to make a short circuit into the open field he proceeded with becoming caution on this perilous adventure looking at every weed or bush that lay in his route with a chilly fear at the sound of his own footsteps and especially with a disturbed glance the of his long and lean shadow which was sharply cast by the fire across the level ground he had wandered some fifty paces into the field on this outlook when he him that he had ventured far enough and might now return it more safe to be near the fire and the horses than out upon a plain which he believed to be by and their kindred he had scarcely set his face towards his original post when an apparition came upon his sight that filled him with horror and caused his hair to rise like this was the real bodily form and proportions of such a as might be supposed to prefer such a spot an old woman in a loose and ragged robe who was seen gliding up to the with a of | 29 |
pine in her hand which she lighted at the fire and then waved above her head as she advanced into the field towards the tongue to the roof of his mouth and his teeth audibly against by ic rob op the bowl other his knees smote together and his glanced upon the phantom for a moment he lost the power of utterance or motion and when these to return as the drew nearer his impulse was to fly but his bewildered reflection came to his aid and suggested greater perils in advance he therefore stood stock still heaven have mercy upon me the lord have mercy upon me a sinner i he ejaculated i am alone and the enemy has come upon me of the night said a voice in a shrill note draw nigh what do you seek on the v in the name of the holy spare me i muttered the his memory for some charm against and out an spare me excellent and worthy dame t i seek no hurt to thee i am old mother too old and with too many sins of my own to account for to wish harm to any one much less to the good woman of this o lord o lord i why was i upon this errand nigh old man when i speak to you why do you there shouted the witch as she stood erect some twenty paces in front of the and beckoned him with her blazing what dost thou i but with my shadow mother replied with a tremendous attempt at a laugh as he approached the in an ill assumed effort at composure and cheerfulness i was fain to divert myself with an till some friends of who left me but a moment since returned how goes the night with you dame merrily replied the as she set up a shrill laugh wliich more resembled a scream merrily i cannot but laugh to find of st mary s at this time of night within the by ic rob of ths bowl of the tide at the black chapel i know your errand old of cheap and why yon have brought dies yon pretend to be a of his and yon travel all night to cheat him of five shillings yon will lie on the morrow with as sad a face as there is in the i know yon yon know all things worthy dame and i were a fool to keep a secret from yon what new honest mistress shall i find with rob the port is alive with a of the olive branch i be early with the ha ha he added with a i am stirring in my trade garret said the yon may take it for a favor past that rob will see yon alone at his even in day time bnt it is as as life is worth to bring to st s at midnight it is not ground for yon much less for the hot fools who bear you company who showed them the path to my cabin that i must be driven out at this hour worthy mistress indeed i know not i am of what yon say they will call themselves friends to the chapel bnt we have no friends to the chapel amongst living men the chapel belongs to the dead and the the dead so follow and command them back i warn you to follow and bring them back as yon would save them from harm ha look yon it is come already she exclaimed raising her torch in the air as the flashes from the haunted house the horizon the have aroused our and there shall be angry to the back of it at this moment the first shot was heard friends she shouted at the top of her voice friends are ye there is the token that yon are known by ic rob of the bowl to be false wo to the fool that plants his foot before the stand there garret i must away follow me but a raise thy head to look after my path and i will strike thee blind and turn thee into a idiot for the rest of thy days remember in uttering this threat the figure disappeared garret knew not how as he strictly obeyed the parting and his horrors were greatly increased by the report of the several shots which now reached his ear from the direction of the black house he had hardly recovered himself sufficiently to wander back to the fire before and arrived evidently by the scene through which they had passed as well as by the rapidity of their retreat some wine garret i some wine old master of the tap i was salutation and whilst we as briefly as we may have our horses loose from the trees we must mount and away to the horses garret i we will help ourselves i pray you master captain inquired the having now regained his self possession what speed at the chapel oh an we have all had a night of it i sharp all round masters i can tell you a tale i stop not to now interrupted in a voice choked by the huge of the he was devouring we shall discourse as we ride that i must have another draught e er we mount and then friends to horse as quickly as you may we may be followed we may have ghost devil and man of flesh all three at our heels i have had store of them i can tell you ghosts and devils without number said as he brought the horses forward you shall be tried by an of both for your life if by ic rob of the bowl you another instant interposed the captain as he sprang into his saddle what i are we set upon comrades cried out the as he | 29 |
rose to his horse s back and pricked ard until he got between and are we set upon let us halt and give them an we are for them i warrant you oh but it had well nigh been a bloody night i he continued as the whole party trotted briskly from the ground we had work to do masters and may tell of it to morrow good take this basket from me it my motion in these bushes master as we must ride here in single let me get before i would speak with the captain who should i see captain continued the after these arrangements were made and he had thrust himself into the middle of the line of march and all now proceeded at a pace but that most notorious and abominable the woman of who lives as every body knows on the cliffs she must needs come down before me a with a black cat upon her shoulder and sail up to the fire which i had left for a space to make a round on my watch for you may be sworn a strict watch i made of it going even out of my way to explore the more hidden and perilous lurking places where one might suspect an enemy to lie so whilst i was gone on this quest she in and seats herself by the fire with a whole score of devils at their around her then up i come naturally surprised at this audacity and question them partly in soldier wise showing my sword ready to make good my speech and partly by which soon puts the whole to flight leaving of at mercy and there i constrained her to the secrets of the chapel she said there had been devilish work under that roof and would be by ic bob of the bowl lit again when pop and bang and and crash i heard the outbreak and saw the lights that were flashed i hold no longer with the but was moving off at foil speed to your relief determined in this need to desert my which in my impatience to lend you a hand i could not help when i heard your coming back and so i was fain to bide your coming a well conceived sally of said and spoken with a spirit master garret it has truth upon the face of it i believe every word it shall serve you a good turn with his what does of in this neighborhood she travels far on her unless indeed what seems likely she has taken her quarters in the cabin we disturbed to night these will be near their by degrees the party as they pursued their homeward journey grew drowsy the had lost his and nodded upon his horse and rode in silence until as if waking up from a reverie said well friends we return from no barren mission to night his may have some satisfaction in our story particularly in the s we shall be ready to report to his by noon and after that we shall hasten to quiet our dame the night is far spent i should take it to be past three o clock by the rising of the moon at peep of day we shall be sung upon our with no loss of relish for a sleep which will have been well earned as the captain continued to urge his journey which he did with the glee that waits upon a safe from an of hazard he turned his face upwards to the bright which threw a light over the scenery of the road side and in the distance flung a reflection as of silver over the by ic bob of the bowl broad surface of st mary s river as seen from the height which the travellers were now descending not more than two miles of their route remained to be achieved when the captain broke forth with an old song of that day in a voice which would not have a professor the moon the moon the jolly moon and ft old is she i she stroll d o nights this year with ever the best of sing hie and for the jolly old moon p why garret asleep man inquired the captain why do you not join in the burden to your hand captain exclaimed rousing himself and forth a chorus and for the jolly old moon r which he did not fail to repeat at the top of his at each return proceeded she a royal following and a merry mad court doth keep with her boys that walk i the shade and wake when the asleep sing hie and for the jolly old moon i master owl he is her and the bat is his serving man they tell no tales of what tliey see bat wink when we turn up the can sing hie and for the jolly old moon i her is with a glow worm for his link and all who make to her are fain good faith to drink sing hie and for the jolly old moon p by ic rob of the bowl this was scarcely concluded for it was spun out with several noisy of the chorus before the troop up at the gate of the fort the drowsy the bolt at the s summons and in a very short space the wearied were stretched in the enjoyment of that most satisfactory of physical comforts the deep sleep of tired men by ic chapter m there remains a and waiting the bursting of the final bolt to it to doom or the of the between cape st as the northern at the mouth of the was by the early and the is generally flat and by a clear beach or strand the shore about twenty miles is by a single creek that | 29 |
of st which enters the bay some five or six miles north of the the line of beach which i have referred to is here and there relieved by small which in any other region would scarce deserve the name but which are sufficiently prominent in this locality to attract remark from the general level of the country they rise high enough to afford a clear prospect over the wide waters and no less to the perspective to the whose eye eagerly seeks the varieties of landscape as he holds his course up the bay at a few points these small hills immediately upon the tide in the abrupt form of a and at others take the shape of a sinking away by a rapid but grass covered to the strand this latter feature is in the vicinity of st s where the slope falls somewhat abruptly to the level of the tide leaving something above fifty paces in width of low by ic bob of the bowl between its base and the ordinary water mark it was upon this flat that in ancient times stood the dwelling house of paul the a long low building of deal boards constructed somewhat in the shape of a or magazine some quarter of a mile farther up the beach so sheltered under the brow of the slope as scarcely to be seen amongst the natural that shaded it stood a cottage or hut of very humble pretensions it was so low that a man of ordinary height while standing at the door might lay his hand upon the of the roof and correspondent to its elevation it was so scanty in space as to afford but two apartments of which the largest was not above ten feet square it was strongly built of logs and the door strengthened by nails thickly studded over its surface was further fortified by a heavy which rendered it sufficiently against a assault than might be counted on from such as ordinarily should find motive to the proprietor of such a dwelling a small surrounded the hut and furnished ground for some common garden plants which were not neglected in their culture a few acres on the higher plain above the bank ex signs of and the small and other fishing tackle disposed about the together with a drawn up on the sand gave evidence of the by which the of the hut obtained a to this spot i propose to introduce my reader the day j that at which my story has been opened it was about an hour before sunset and a light rain with a steady wind from the north east a chilly gloom into the air and heightened the tone of solitude which prevailed over the scene a thin curl of smoke which rose from the clumsy chimney of the hut gave a sign of habitation to the premises and this was further confirmed by the presence of a large and cross by ic rob of the bowl whose heavy head might be discerned forth from beneath the sill of the a of this sullen place of strength the waves now upon a flood tide rolled in upon the shore and broke almost at the door of the but with a hoarse and harsh and ceaseless far out over the bay the white caps of the wind driven floated like changing snow the surface of the waters the water fowl rose in above this waste and struggled to in a flight so low as frequently to shield them from the sight in the spray an old bald eagle perched on the branch of a lightning tree immediately upon the bank above the hut kept anxious watch upon her nest which built in the highest fork rocked to and fro in the breeze whilst her screams of warning to her young seemed to answer to the din of the waters in the larger apartment of the hut a few blazed upon the hearth heat to a pot that above them the care of which together with other operations engaged the attention of a brown haggard and weather beaten woman who plied this household duty with a silent and mechanical she was not the only tenant of the dwelling remote from the hearth and immediately below a small window sat apparently upon the floor a figure eminently calculated to challenge observation his features were those of a man of seventy shrewd and with a deep trace of care his frame indicated the possession at an earlier period of his life of the highest degree of strength it was broad in the shoulders ample in chest and still muscular although deprived of its by age his dress of coarse green made into a with skirts that fell both front and rear secured by a belt was so contrived as to conceal in his present posture his lower a broad re his locks by ic rob of the bowl of iron gray which fell over his back in crisp y curls a thick beard of the same hue gave an to his countenance which imparted to the observer the unpleasant of a head large for the body at least as seen in its present aspect his eyes dark and unusually clear were sunk deep in their whilst a shaggy and brow overhanging them like a porch gave sometimes an almost natural brilliancy to their quick and glances like the sparkling of water when agitated in a well it was from the dropping in of the upper jaw that he had lost his teeth and this had given a tendency of the strong lines and with which his features were marked to towards the mouth his sustained a long knife or dagger which apparently constituted a part of his ordinary and the flash of his eye and tremulous motion of his thin lip betrayed a temperament from which one might infer that this weapon of offence | 29 |
was not worn merely as an ornament of the person the individual described in this summary was familiar to report throughout the province as the his true name was supposed to be robert but this was almost lost in the popular of rob of the bowl or rob an which he had borne ever since hia arrival in the province now some fifteen years gone by of his history but little was known and that little was duly in the public by the common tendency in the vulgar mind to make the most of any circumstance of suspicion the story went that he had been on a winter voyage upon this coast and after suffering incredible hardships had saved hia life only at the expense of the loss of both legs by frost in this condition he had reached the shore of the province and some time afterwards built the hut in which he now dwelt by ic rob of the bowl the mouth of st s here he had passed years without other notice than such as the charity of the world affords when it is exercised upon tiie te or fortunes of an obscure this observation began to find a broader scope as soon as it became obvious that the was not altogether an object for and the little world of this part of the province discovering in process of lime that he was not absolutely were fain to take offence at the mystery of his means of earning his before many years some few of the and country people round had found out that bob was occasionally possessed of good much in request by the inhabitants of the port and dark whispers were sometimes touching the manner in which he came by them these were not made topics of public discussion for two reasons first because it was not inconvenient or to the in the secret to deal with rob and secondly rob was not a man to allow this indulgence of idle speculation he was of an temper free to strike when crossed and what was still more to be feared had friends who were not unwilling to take up his quarrel the loss of his legs was supplied by a wooden bowl or of an shape to which his were attached by a and this rude contrivance was swayed forward when the owner chose by the aid of two short which enabled him to lift himself from the ground and assume a motion it was to the exercise which this mode of imposed upon his upper limbs that the breadth and of his figure about the shoulders as well as the visible of strength of arm for which he was remarkable were in part perhaps to be attributed use had made him expert in the management of his bowl and he could ke p pace pretty fairly with an ordinary the was a man x f by ic rob of the bowl habits and life although there were times in which his severe temper relaxed into an approach to enjoyment and then his intercourse with the few who had access to him was marked by a sarcastic humor and keen ridicule of action which showed some grudge against the world and at the same time with mankind and by no means a deficiency of education but in general his vein was and apt to vent itself in or stem reproof a small painting of st at his by the hand of himself hung over a dressing table in the back room of the hut in which the bed of the was and this exquisite of art which the possessor seemed duly to appreciate was surmounted by a indicating the religious faith in which he worshipped this might be gathered from a curious antique of heavy gilded metal a ponderous with silver a few old volumes of the lives of the saints and other furniture of the like nature all of which that the of a religious formed an element in his singular compound of character the superiority of his mind and over those of the mass of the inhabitants of the province had contributed to render the an object of some interest as well as of distrust amongst them and this sentiment was heightened into one approaching to vulgar awe by the reputation of the person who had always been somewhat in his confidence and now attended him as his and only domestic this person was the and repulsive whom i have already noticed as in the household concerns of the hut she was a woman who had long a most fame as the woman of in the small hamlet of that name on the of from whence she had been recently to perform the by ic rob of the bowl domestic in which we have found her her habitation was a rude some few hundred paces distant from the hut of the on the margin of st s creek and within of the rear of the black chapel to this after her daily work was done she retired to pass the night leaving her master or patron to that solitude which he seemed to prefer to any society the surly we have noticed alternately kept guard at the hut of the master and domestic between the two in nightly with a and fidelity no go between to so strange a pair it will not be wondered at that in a superstitious age such an association as this of the and the in the vicinity of such a spot as the s lodge had been by the acting of a horrible tragedy should excite far and wide amongst the pie a of terror sufficiently potent to turn the steps of the as the shades of evening fell around him from the path that led to st s the at the time when i have chosen to present him | 29 |
boy he wore m his embroidered belt a pair of pistols richly mounted with chased silver and costly jewels and his person was somewhat and in his present occupation ornamented with gems and chains of gold his hair in almost feminine descended in upon his neck a large hat made of the palm leaf broad enough to shade his face and shoulders but ill with the rest of his apparel and was still less adapted to the season and the latitude he was in though it threw into the general expression of his figure that trait of the companion which was in fact somewhat prominent in his character how dost friend rob was his salutation in crossing the threshold how dost rob o the bowl or rob o the bowl or either likes me i am sworn friend by ic rob op the l to both he continued as he stooped and took the s hand ay thy conscience has never stayed thee was the s reply as he received the s grasp when thou put thy hand in another man s bowl or and especially if they were made of gold thou hast an appetite for such dishes how now where do you come from that shall be answered friend of the wooden ter if you speak to me as von i am from master of the olive branch with a comfortable cargo of and and old and some solid articles of dutch bulk but if it be to the don le i i am from and the keys there is much virtue in a painted cloth with a choice of which shall set every in the province i have rare of piled and cut in the fashions i have and and with a whole of woman the very pick of a spanish bark bound from to the islands which was so foolish as to read my flag by its seeming and just to drop into the dish when he thought he was getting a to help him out of the way of the too pressing and inquisitive of certain lurking friends of ours in the keys i have besides some which are none the worse for having been blessed by the church you shall have a choice rob to deck out your with some gems ha i guessed thy said rob with a laugh which as always when much moved brought tears down his cheeks i guessed it when i saw you step across the door sill with that large and suspicious on your head it never came from holland though you would fain persuade the province folks that you trade no where else it is of the by ic bob of the bowl of the and smells of id da it is a tell tale replied and have been thrown overboard before this old of hand and here is a hand for yon i how does the world use you fairly i hope as you deserve you shall have the you can it np into a new fashion for a bonnet and i have store of to give you to set it off my share of this s favor said the in acknowledgment of the s has never been more than the cast off bravery of such as hold a high head over a wicked heart i have ever served at the mess of the devil s but as the custom is i must be civil and thankful for these blessings and so master i give you thanks she added with a courtesy as she placed the hat upon her head and in the room for your dainty head gear that you are unwilling to wear and not master before the port of st mary s how exclaimed the you have lost no whit of that railing tongue i left with you at my last venture i marvel that the devil has not it out of pure envy but i know you can do justice to the good will of a friend after all i would have you to know that you have not been good mother of a thousand i have brought you stuff for a new gown rich and and becoming your grave and years and sundry for it by way of and reverend dam of night monsters i have in store for you some most of the west indies both plain and ton do not the strong waters of nor the of them this is a make peace fashion of yours said the into a smile you thought not of the woman of war by ic rob op the bowl no not so as a dog s dream of her until it chanced to come into your head that the foolish had a will which it might not be for your good to set against you i knew your richard before it was thought of in the and i know when your will be you come with a surly sky and a gay brow you shall trip it hence with a bright heaven above you and boy but with a heavy heart and a new crime upon your soul peace woman i i will hear none of your it is an old trick the device is too stale said half and half vexed you are no as you would make the world believe by these owl if you had but a needle of the true witch in you you would have foretold what my luck has brought you rob we have to land to night is the chapel ready for our service how should it be other than ready doth not the devil keep his quarters there said rob with a low toned chuckle that shook his figure for some moments and almost closed his eyes hath he not his court in the chapel go ask the | 29 |
whole country side they will swear to it on their bible oaths have seen the hoofs and horns and heard the ay and smelt the ha ha ha they ll swear to it is the chapel ready in it is a precious chapel paul thou an honest cut throat to so good a house we turn it to account ha ha it needs but to take the key i warrant you ne er a man in the province or gentle or simple near enough to you the surf runs high said and may give us trouble in the landing to night and as daylight must not find me in this latitude i shall put what i may ashore before the dawn and then take a flight to the opposite side of the bay to mo by ic rob of the bowl row night i shall finish mj work and yon shall soon after hear at st mary s that the good and peaceful the olive branch has arrived from holland meantime i will yoa a half dozen men to garrison the chapel rob it is so w ell with my merry already said rob that it but a light watch the fires alone would frighten hi s whole array of that was a pretty device of mine blue green and red excellent devil all i then i have faith most special the very noses of them would frighten the short of the port into and the chapel had an ill name when the shed blood on the floor but since we blackened it richard oh that was a subtle thought i it is past all power of there is an in the very name of the black chapel and here the gave way to a burst of laughter which had been struggling for vent during all this reference to the arts by which he had contrived to maintain the popular dread of the s lodge whilst this conference was held the had prepared their evening meal which being now ready rob was lifted upon a low platform that brought him to the proper level with the table where he was able to help himself partook with him and might almost have envied the keen gust and appetite with which his host despatched the coarse but fare of the board for the s power of stomach seemed to be no whit by age he continued to talk during his meal in the same strain which we have described now indulging a self communion now bursting forth with some sarcastic of the world and again breaking a jest with his visitor when the under the of the aged domestic had got their supper took his departure by ic r op the bowl all night long lights were gleaming in the chapel the rain continued in a steady misty and not a star was seen to tempt a wanderer abroad the morning which broke upon an atmosphere of its rs showed no trace of the in the vicinity of st s far down the bay the eastern shore might have been discerned what a practised ner would affirm to be a sail but whether ship or whether outward or homeward bound might not be without the aid of a glass by ic chapter up rose and forth she goes ru speed adam bell bell my wife she not strife yet she will lead me if she can and oft to live a quiet life i m forced to yield though vm it s not for a man a woman to unless he first o plea as we began we now will leave and ril take my old cloak about me old it was nine o clock of the morning before and bis companions garret and rose from their beds whose was not greater than his indifference to fatigue had at an earlier hour gone his way a breakfast was provided in the captain s quarters and the three heroes of the past night sat down to it with a relish which showed that however unfit they might be to contend against spiritual foes their talents for this encounter of material were highly respectable you have had a busy time of it in dreams master said since you laid yourself down on your bed this morning you have been re acting your exploits at the chapel i heard you at daylight crying aloud for sword and dagger by ic rob of the bowl ah captain replied the my head has been full of since i laid me down to rest for i was exceeding weary and weariness doth set the brain to in sleep there was good argument too in our deeds at st s for a world of dreaming last night has made a man of you my gallant you should bless your stars that you fell into such worthy company you knew not heretofore even with your experience at what elements of it pleased heaven to mix up in the mould whereof you were made a man never sufficiently himself until he has had some such passage as this ay and look you captain said garret his eye flashing with self you will reflect that i had the of it alone whilst you three were together for common defence and support there i was by my single self in the very centre of them a man needs more comfort and companionship in a matter with and devils than he does against your sword and fellows tut i i wouldn t have cared a fig for a foe that could be struck at but these things of the dark on and flying as big as a man great sword fishes walking on legs with their and and how it tries the reins of a solitary man i but you had flashing and firing and charging captain | 29 |
which is more in the way of what one expects in a fight and one is prepared for it has life in it that is most true garret a is but the of an pipe compared with a upon her you were ever the man to encounter these women it needs your to face them now there is your wife master oh but that is a peril in store for you i you shall go to her and have it over whilst i my report to his by ic rob of the bowl when that is done i will straight for the grow and to help in the which bj that time doubtless find you sore at need i must go to his with you replied garret in a lowered key i must have my hand in the report after that we win set out together for the inn why man i exclaimed with affected astonishment would you to do your duty to mistress do you not know that she has suffered agony of mind the five long night in your behalf and that she is now in the very tempest of her affection for you v i know it i know it worthy captain but it does not become my respect for lord charles s service to his business for mine own you shall not an inch said on any other path than that which takes you quickly to your loving wife truly captain replied in a tone i would have you go with me i you heartily allow me to bear you company to his his will think it strange i did not come and it will take more than me to the dame well friend in consideration that you single handed last night with a whole score of devils and bore yourself and moreover as it is such heavy odds against you in this matter of dame for of a i know she is in a devil of a passion at your and not less at mine m be sworn why we will make a muster of it and breathe our defence in solid column will go with us and mark me at the fitting time we shall on the best m cellar or at the crow and replied you have the word of a man and a soldier for it by ic s bob or bowl i of a woman and no soldier whose word would go farther to that bargain than yours make friends we must move now set over his brow and his short cloak across his arm marched the of the fort followed by his to the mansion of the lord lord received them in his library and there from the captain a of the events of the preceding it is a strange tale he said and may well the faith of the simple of the province that over that blood stained house from your testimony oi may no longer be denied friends yon all saw these things all said garret with emphatic solemnity as he his body even beyond the perpendicular line and stood by the captain and can for him i maintained a post of danger an please you alone what i saw neither the certain nor saw it was a fearful sight what was it inquired the with some earnestness a woman replied garret a woman an your but in truth a witch as we all do know of of whom your has heard she it was who came suddenly down upon the how she came here garret shook his head and what came with her it was a sight to look upon i the to sundry fantastic shapes of and in company with the woman of said trees we saw nothing of the having left master by ic bob of the bowl distance in our rear when we visited the chapel he was cold and required comfort what he my lord you have his own for and what say you inquired his smiling these ghosts and keep a hot house and the less we have to do with them the better replied the gravely they fired upon you captain said the with what weapons they had the sharp crack of the and pistol replied or what seemed to be such yet i would not swear that i saw weapons in the strife though in the flash i thought i noted fire arms this may tell better than guess of mine my lord he added as he held up his cloak and pointed to a rent in one of its folds this hole was made by some from the house whether it be a bullet mark or an shot i will not say body o me i exclaimed garret as the pointed to the damage he had sustained i knew not this before there was hot work i warrant there is in alliance with this said the pro as he the cloak these wicked spirits ever find kindred amongst men they have companions of flesh to profit by their devilish arts i thank you friends kindly for this and will turn it to wholesome account hereafter fare you well the party left the room and now their course towards the crow and soon descended below the bank and took the road along the beach whilst they through the sand and gravel between the fort and the town looking behind saw a figure descending on horseback from the main gate of the fort down to the road upon which they now travelled it was by ic rob of the bowl of a woman whose gestures at the distance of half a mile were sufficiently to show that she urged her horse forward with impatient earnestness as soon as she arrived at the level of the beach her speed was increased nearly to the utmost of the faculty of the animal which bore her and | 29 |
of assembled on the gazing with a busy speculation towards the mouth of the river by degrees the crowd increased and the soon spread about that the olive branch was in sight a vessel was indeed across the long flat of st s just entering the river and those who professed a knowledge of had no scruple in announcing her as the of she was apparently an active craft belonging to the smaller class of sea vessels and a faster than was ordinarily to be seen at that period a fair and fresh breeze impelled her steadily towards her haven and as she bounded over the glittering waters the good folks of the little city were seen in knots on every prominent cliff along the high bank and counting the minutes which brought this messenger from the old world nearer to their salutation meantime the olive branch began to show the sparkling foam which broke upon her bow then to give forth voices from her deck audible to the crowd presently to lower sail and at last being stripped to her bare poles and naked she glided with speed slower and slower until her extended cable showed that her anchor was dropped and her voyage at an end it was past noon when the came to her opposite by ic rob of the bowl the town house wharf and after a brief interval arrayed as we have before seen him except that he had changed his for a cap of cloth landed on the and soon became the lion of the crow and by ic chapter xiv white will have its and sweet its old ballad the birth day festival at the rose might be said to belong to the eminent dominion of the lady maria it therefore lacked nothing of her zealous with the aid of father and some female she had persuaded the a task of no great to sanction the proceeding and she was now intent upon the due ordering and setting out of the preparations the day was a week off when early after breakfast on a pleasant morning the business lady was seen in the hall arrayed in riding hood and mantle ready to mount a quiet black and white pony that io the charge of a groom awaited her pleasure at the door the little indian girl stood by with the care of a or apparently well stuffed with the materials for future occupation the parcel fragments which and idleness down to this day are accustomed to carry with them for the sake of the appearance at least of industry just at this moment the came into the hall and seeing that his worthy sister was bound on some enterprise of more than usual earnestness he added to hia customary morning salutation a playful inquiry into the purport of her excursion t by ic rob of the bowl ah charles she replied there are doings iu the province which are above the rule of your and i hold a at the rose to day touching matters more earnest than your state affairs we have a merry making in the wind and i am looked to both for countenance and advice it is my brother to be mistress of all god bless thine age maria was the affectionate reply of the it wears a pleasant and a life of innocent thoughts and kind actions may the saints bear thee gently onward to thy rest i come i will serve as your and help you to your horse sister see now my arm has in it hither there is the on the who could serve thee with a better grace than that v thanks thanks good brother ejaculated the lady as the lifted her to her seat and then swung the indian girl upon the behind her your arm is a arm and is blessed by more than one in this province it has ever been stretched forth in acts of charity and protection nay maria you are too old to flatter t i have no advancement to offer you in truth you are sovereign here though you go through your realm with but scant attendance for one so why is not in your train i may well spare him as he has a liking for such service brother i would not tax the secretary he has a free foot for his own pleasure and he finds his way to the rose easily enough without my teaching it is an ancient caution of mine in such affairs neither to mar nor make heaven help thee for a considerate said the with a smile as he raised his hands and shook them towards his sister go your ways with your and your scruples and a blessing on i wish yours were our only cares but go your ways girl i he by ic rob of the bowl t added as the lady set forth on her and he withdrew from the door at the rose the approaching merry making had all other family topics both in parlor and kitchen the was already beginning to exhibit the plentiful which in a place of strength might a siege the stable boys were on the alert with their cavalry to do rapid errands to the town and michael the gardener was seen in frequent and earnest consultation with john a river side touching supplies of fish and wild fowl whilst the elder sister despatched the graver duties of the housekeeping she had consigned to the not less important care of the guests and the maiden was now seated at the table with pen in hand the names of those who had been or were to be invited to the feast or in other words making a of pretty nearly the whole population of st mary s and its a plague upon it for a weary labor she | 29 |
exclaimed as she threw down the pen and rested her chin upon the palm of her hand i know i shall forget somebody i ought not to forget and shall be well for it and then again i shall be for being too free with my fellowship what a world of names is here t i did not think the whole province had so many there is hay the s sister the r have tales about ner which if they be true it is not fit she should be a of mine and yet i don t believe them though many do truly the will be in a grand passion if i slight her sister me your advice bid her to the feast we should be slow to believe to the injury of a neighbor hay is not over discreet and gives more semblance to an evil opinion in truth her faults deserve but the are scarce by ic h rob of the bowl better in this quickness to censure such as look to the tobacco hay s place has something to do with that scandal i am glad sister you give me an argument to indulge my own secret wish replied for i like not to believe harsh reports against any of our province and so that is at an end i here is another matter for counsel grace says is too young to be at my gathering she has two years before her yet at school and has only begun oh but i would as soon do a penance for a month as disappoint her i she is the wildest of all for a dance and looks for it i know though she says never a word and has her eyes on the ground when we talk about it ha let grace as she will shall be here fairly my gossip i will be mistress in my own house i promise you i there is room for all your friends young and old said and you should not to ask them for the difference of a span or so in height you are not quite a woman yourself no nor grace neither although you yourselves up so would you have the s wife sister inquired with a face of renewed perplexity i think my dear lady maria would be pleased if i bid the dame for the is a good friend of his hot headed they say but that does not make him the worse and his dame takes it d y to be noticed even as you will it is a mark of gentle not to be too scrupulous with your questions of quality a kind neighbor will never disgrace your courtesy but one thing child your father will look to see that you avoid these and and even the there is a between them and the and my lord s friends are warm in the matter your father amongst the rest by ic rob of the bowl i protest they get no bid from me sa i as the color her cheek i hate them stock and branch yes as my good lady hates them had scarcely uttered these words l the good lady herself rode past the window the maiden bounded forth to receive her and with less followed i come with pony and said the visitor as she was assisted to the ground and into the parlor i could not rest until i saw to know if all her were abroad my pretty bird pray look you to your task you have no time to lose there are the families beyond and our friends across the bay besides many at home that i know have not heard from you yet and here sweet i have brought you some which you shall wear at the feast a part is for grace and a part for you you shall have the choice but i not a word of it to grace because i think she has a conceit to be jealous of your favor whilst the two sisters welcomed the lady and responded to her communications in a tone of affectionate intimacy the contents df the work bag were thrown open to view and gave rise to sundry relating not only to the objects presented but also to the thousand matters of detail connected with the festival thus the first hour of their interview until the subject was changed by an exclamation from as she looked through the window upon the river oh but here is a gallant sight i see yonder hawk following a he will strike presently the cannot get away poor how he and drops in his flight to escape the swift hawk but it is of no avail i should almost say it was if it was not approved and followed by those i love best i should hold it sinful to frighten and torture a harmless by ic rob of the bowl by such pursuit there the hawk has struck and down comes hawk and to the water it is his s hawk said the lady maria as she looked out upon the river the must be abroad to day with his birds and now whilst i speak there he is walking along the beach and he is not alone neither by that short mantle and that feather you may know a friend the color rose on the maiden s cheek as she said it is his s secretary his eyes are turned this way said the sister of the a he comes to the house in the next ten minutes he would fain find some business with the i know master s occasions nay do not my sweet i wish the secretary would | 29 |
and somewhat step such as a man who in the endeavor to appear at his ease in society carries his acting by ic rob of the bowl t to the point of familiarity still his freedom was not without grace and his very soon after the slight of his first became natural and appropriate to his character save you madam he said addressing the sister of the and bowing low and you mistress and you my young lady of the rose it is a since i left the port and i am glad to meet the ladies of the province once again and to see that good friends the salt water a sailor s eye for friendly faces mistress i would take upon me to say without being thought too free that you have grown some trifle taller than before i sailed i did not then think you could be in figure the maiden bowed without answering the s compliment richard said the i know not if you ever saw had he come hither before you sailed his s secretary i was not so lucky as to fall into his company replied turning towards the secretary and him from head to foot i think i heard that his brought new comers with him we shall not lack acquaintance your hand master i think so you said he added as he looked at the the again pronounced the name of the secretary with more precision nearly the same thing continued the master your hand mine is something but it shall be the hand of a comrade if you be in the service of master the good of st mary s i know how to value a friend master secretary and a friend s friend you have a rare voice for a i pretend to have by ic rob of the bowl an opinion in such matters an excellent voice and a free finger for the i am flattered by your sir returned coldly as he retired towards a window somewhat by the too freely proffered acquaintance of the and the rather loud voice and manner with which he addressed those around him oh this craft of singing is the of now a days said his velvet bonnet by the gold to the crown a man is accounted who has no skill in that joyous art sea bred as i am master yon would scarce believe me but i have touched and myself and well i learned this trick in whither i have twice gone in my voyages and dwelt there with these some good summer months that is your climate for dark eyes and bright nights and behind the listening to and singers upon the below and upon occasion we wear the short cloak and dagger i have worn cloak and in my travels master and a catch in the true tongue of when and rung in the burden the hot blood there is a which the breeze from the has no virtue to cool as it does in we will try your singing craft ere it be long replied the we will put you to catch and glee with a to tho heel of it richard you must know is eighteen on the festival of st and we have a forward which has set the whole province you shall take part in the sport with the master and i warrant you find no rest of limb until you show us some new of the fashion which you have picked up abroad you by ic rob op the bowl dance and sing with witnesses or a good leg and a voice shall have no virtue i pray you do not forget to make one of our company on the festival of st your richard and woman s gear could not be more in season every in the port is like to be your thanks master i have a foot and voice ay and hand ever at the service of your good company i will be first to come and last to depart i have been of the rose of st mary s in my he said in a respectful and lowered tone as he approached the maiden mistress is never far out of my thoughts that i might come back to the port without some token for her i would your acceptance of a pretty mantle of crimson silk lined with i found it in and being taken with its beauty and thinking how well it would become the gay figure of my pretty mistress of the rose i brought it away and now make bold to ask that is if it be agreeable to mistress and if i do not venture too far that i may be allowed to bring it hither you may find a hand for such a favor said with a tone and look that somewhat eagerly the proffered gift and manifested dislike at the liberty which the had taken a liberty which was in no degree lessened to her apprehension by the gentleness of his voice and the humble and faltering manner in which he had asked her consent to the present i am unused to such gaudy and should not be content to wear the cloak then perceiving some reproof as she fancied in the countenance of her sister and the lady maria she added in a voice i dare not accept it at your hand master nay replied upon the of the maiden s last speech and pressing the matter with that which marked his character and i shall by ic rob of t ie bowl not take it kindly if you do not and as a flush his cheek he added i counted to a certainty that you would do me this courtesy men sometimes count master interposed the lady maria who presume upon a maiden s to such debts save you madam | 29 |
replied the i should be sorry mistress should deem it to be a debt i have not been trained said with perfect and firmness of manner which she intended should put an end to the s to receive such from the hand of a stranger you will perchance think better of it when you see the mantle replied the carelessly and then added with a smile women are master i will bring the for mistress s inspection a may have that privilege you may spare yourself the trouble said the maiden nay mistress think it not a trouble i you i count nothing a trouble which shall allow me to please your fancy as the uttered this he came still nearer to the chair on which was seated and almost in a whisper said i pray you mistress think not so lightly of my wish to serve you i have set my heart upon your taking the mantle master a word with you interrupted the secretary who had watched the whole scene and aware of the annoyance which s inflicted upon the maiden had quietly approached him and now beckoned him to a recess of the window where they might converse without being heard by toe company it is not civil to the lady in this fashion you must be satisfied with her answer as she has given by ic rob of the bowl it to you it the daughter of master to be thus i pray you sir no more of it eyed the secretary for a moment with a glance of scornful resentment and then replied in a voice to all but the person to whom it was right i perhaps you are right sir but when i would be for my behavior he shall be a man who takes that duty on him and shall wear a beard and sword both i needed not thy master i then leaving the secretary he strode towards the maiden and assuming a laughing face which but awkwardly concealed his vexation he said well mistress since you are resolved that you will not take my mantle off my hands i must give it over as a venture lost and so an end of it i were a fool to be vexed because i could not read the riddle of a maiden s fancy how should such fish of the sea be learned in so gentle a study so it shall break no leg of mine i will dance none the less merrily for it at the feast and as for the mantle why it may find other shoulders in the port though it shall never find them so fit to wear it withal as the pretty shoulders of mistress master i must take my leave my people wait me at the fair weather for the feast and a merry time of it ladies a master i the gaiety of his leave taking was dashed with a of manner which all the s acting could not conceal and as he walked towards the door he paused a moment to touch den s cloak and whispered in his ear we shall be better acquainted sir then the house he rapidly shaped his course towards the town he had scarcely got out of sight before sprang from her chair and ran towards her father pouring out upon him a of reproof for hip and especially invitation of the to the festival the maiden was joined by ic rob of the bowl in this assault by her the s sister and mistress who in reading the simple minded and offending old gentleman a lecture upon his interference in this delicate matter they insisted that s associations in the port gave him no claim to a favor and that at all events it was s to be consulted in regard to the admission of the younger and portions of her company have you not had your will my dear father was the up of s playful attack to your full content in all the old folks of the province even to the and his wife who have never been known to go a merry making anywhere and who are both so deaf that they have not heard each other speak this many a day and now you must needs be bringing the hither i what have i done to thy brow interrupted mr with a face of perplexed good humor unable longer to bear the storm of rebuke or to the arguments which were so eagerly thrust at him i have made mischief without knowing how the is a free blade of good metal and of a figure too which might please a in a dance and spare us all this his leg has not its fellow in the province you take me to task when all the while i was so foolish as to believe i was doing you service he has a wicked look father was s reply and a freedom which i like not he is ever too bold in his greeting and gentle breeding he must come to me with his mantle as an especial token and set upon mc with so much constancy to take it take a mantle from him i i have never even seen him but twice before and then it was in church where he claimed to speak to me as if he were an old by ic rob of the bowl acquaintance i i will none of him nor his mantle if he were fifty times a man than he is be it so my daughter replied the but we must bear this cheerily i will not offend again yon women he said as he walked to and fro through the parlor with his hands behind his back and a good natured smile playing over his features you women are more shrewd to read the qualities of men especially in matters of behavior than such | 29 |
evidently stood well with the lady of his love taken to task and in the very presence of his mistress by ic rob of e bowl was an offence tbat called immediately to his manhood and de was more to his hand than tho of weighing the maiden s and he tamed to it with a alacrity as to a comfort in his i the instinct of a rude nature to refer all cases rf wounded to the relief of battle a rejected lover like a child who has lost a toy finds consolation in his distress by fighting any one that he can persuade himself has stood in his way and he is made happy when there chances to be some plausible ground for such a proceeding the thought the subject over in which his offended pride could fancy at one moment the idea of quarrel with the secretary pleased him and almost reconciled him to the maiden s coldness at the next he doubted whether after all she had in fact designed to his friendship between these considerations for a space in silence his pride the expression of his anger but by degrees his quickened pace and step and now and then that slight shake of the head by which men sometimes express determination made it plain that the fiery element in his bosom was rising in tumult at length unable to suppress his feeling the inward commotion found utterance in words who and what is this master secretary that has set the maiden of the rose to look upon me with an evil spirit i would fain know if he think himself a man than i does he stand upon hi of a and his skill to dance why even in this chamber craft i will put it to a he is no master of mine is he more in shape or figure goes he in better apparel or is that broken english of his more natural to the province than my plain speech that he should claim the right to me for my behavior is it that he has a place in the train of his have not i served as near to a knight lord of a thousand stout hearts and master of n by ic ob of the of sail y and in straits yoa should as expect to meet a hare as that a with no manly calling t should sou bis in the space of a moon i by st but i will put him to his books to how he shall heal the stroke of a hand when the time shall serve to him the taste of it mistress would not be indeed i and he must be my to teach me what mistress he the maiden did not my question she but hung her head to have it so openly q i know she does not set at naught my but as from custom do a too public tender of a token old an counts his friends by their manhood and he shown me grace his daughter in the end will f his and as the father s choice so will hers incline am i less worthy in old master s eyes than yonder bearer that pen and ink slave of his s occasions he that not raise his eye above his s shoe iu r speak out of a whisper when his are in presence what is he to put me from the following of my own will when it pleases me to speak to any maiden of this province i am of the sea the broad deep sea i she hath nursed me ui her bosom and hath given me my birth right to be as proudly borne as the honors of any lord of the land i have a brave deck for my foot a good blade for my belt the ocean before me and a score of merry men at my back are these conditions so mean that i must brook the secretary s displeasure or fashion my speech to suit his liking we shall understand each other better in good time or i shall lack opportunity to speak my mind i shall good master you have the word of a brother of the bloody coast for that i before the had ceased this and self he found himself in the neighborhood of the catholic by ic bob of the bowl nearly in front of the dwelling of father when the good priest who was at this moment returning from noon day took him at unawares with the salutation peace be with you son you reckon up the sum of your with a careful brow and speak loud enough to make the town acquainted with your gains if perchance some of the men with whom you have should be in your path flow it with you master ha mi exclaimed instantly throwing aside his graver thoughts and assuming a tone well met i was on my way o visit you that would i have done yesterday upon my arrival but that the press of my business would not allow it you grow old father so that although i see you but after long i can count no fresh touch of time upon your head men of your calling should not flatter said the priest smiling what news do you bring us from the old world oh much and merry father the old world her old trade and by it has got somewhat of the upper hand since they have quit crossing swords in this new peace of the are looking a little surly at the frenchman for his so bravely and our english now that they can find no more reason to each other have gone back to their old sport of the side of our poor | 29 |
church you shall find as many plots in london made out of hand and ready for use in one month as would all the stage plays of the kingdom for the next hundred years and every plot shall have a vile at the bottom of it if you may believe gates and i was there when my lord was made a head shorter on tower hill you heard of this father i in sorrow we heard of this violence replied the by ic rob of the priest and deeply did it grieve my lord to lose so good a friend even as you have it in england so is it here the against the holy are by many who seek thereby to command the province we have here who do not scruple to contrive against the life of his and his s brother the besides the government at home is to us you have late news from england inquired the we have and which but that you are true in your creed i might scarce mention to your ear the royal order has come to my lord to dismiss his catholic servants from office every one his scruples to obey this master i confide to you in private as not to be told again to remove all i said why it will sweep off his nearest friends and all even so there is fighting matter in that upon the spot exclaimed the i hope it may come up while i am in port i the old as he is will on his in that quarrel he has for it and i could wish no better play than to stand by his side who is this secretary of my lord s private chamber i met him at the s to day master replied the priest i know his name they told it to me there bat his quality and condition father you may be proud of his fellowship said father he was once a scholar of the school at of the class inscribed and thence by my lord a youth master of promise and discretion a model to such as would learn good manners and cherish inclinations you may scarcely fail to see him at th by ic of bowl the do say he has eye somewhat there pardon for my freedom i say father a fig s end for a model i exclaimed the r yon hare such by the score lazy men eat their bread i like him not with his band and feather his book and and are the tools for these days i hear the have been at we i au come to and before long secretary will do in these straits father son yon are somewhat in said the priest mildly the secretary does not deserve l is by the holy father i speak of the secretary bat as i think he does not awe me with his greatness i no to him i give you my word it the saints preserve ns from harm said the we know not what may befall ns from the might of onr enemies when this hot blood shall onr in sober counsel son and not in rash divisions shall we find our safety it does not become you master to let rouse you against the secretary it might warrant my displeasure holy father i do confess my fault said the seaman in a tone of assumed self i will not again offend and for my present will offer a of pure silver which in my travels i picked up and in truth did then design to give to he chapel oi st mary s i will bring it to the chapel father aa soon as my vessel is you should offer up your anger too to make this gift table returned the priest let thy be a heart by ic rob or t b bowl its ha father said the my does easily cast off a burden so it shall be as you command i did not tell you that whilst my lay in the i made a land flight to where a certain of a pious somewhat aged and thanks to a wholesome a good jolly priest hearing i came from the province must needs send for me to ask if i knew father de la and upon my answer that i did right well he me to bring his remembrance back to you i knew father replied the priest with a countenance full of some forty years ago when he was a reader in the chair of st at rome he remembers me a blessing on his head i and he wears well master quite as well as yourself replied father a cup of your cool water and i will depart he said as he helped himself to the draught i will take heed to what you have said touching the royal order and by st i will be a mend in need to the master shall not be a better one now fare you well father shall have order to cut you off a from the best cloth i have brought him and little the tailor shall put it in fashion for you you are lavish of your son replied the priest taking by both hands as he was now about to withdraw you have a poor s thanks it gives me comfort to be so considered and i prize your kindness more than the a blessing on thy ways master the once more set forth on his way towards the port and with a temper somewhat by the acting of the scene i have just described though with no of the resentment by ic t rob of the bowl which at the bottom of his heart even under the smiling face and gay which he could assume | 29 |
with the skill of a he soon reached the crow and from thence he meditated as soon as his occasions would permit a to the of st s by ic chapter who be these fir fellows to mount a bank did in the dear tongues never discourse to you of the italian v tc sir why here you shall see one they are that live by and the council had been to meet on the morning follow ing that of the incidents related in the last chapter and the members were now accordingly at the mansion the arrival of one or two gentlemen on horseback with their servants added somewhat to the bustle of the stable yard which was already the scene of that kind of busy idleness and lounging occupation so agreeable to the of a large establishment here in one quarter a few noisy were collected around the watering the discipline of the or the wash bucket to some half score of horses in a corner of the yard dick pagan the and o the with the zeal of amateur were striving to each other out of their at the old game of cross and pile whilst in an opposite direction was exhibiting to a group of spectators whom the young heir apparent was a prominent personage a new set of hawk bells just brought by the olive branch from and with a learned gravity by ic t rob op the bowl upon their qualities to the infinite and delight of his youthful pupil fox hounds and mingled amongst these groups as if confident of that which is the universal privilege of the race amongst good tempered persons and contented all the world over whilst the inhabitants of the yard were engrossed with these occupations a trumpet was heard at a distance in the direction of the town the blast came so feebly upon the ear as at first to pass but being repeated at short intervals and at every repetition growing louder it soon arrested the general attention and caused an inquiry from all quarters into the meaning of so unusual an incident i think that there be an alarm of indians in the town i exclaimed the as he spread his hand behind his ear and listened for some moments with a solemn and look to it lads there may be harm put up your dick pagan and run forward to seek out the cause of this i will it means mischief masters indians said s five wits have gone on a fool s errand ever since the murder of that family at the fort by the if the indians were coming you should hear three guns from master s look out on the road it is more likely there may be trouble at the with the for there was a whisper afloat yesterday concerning a rescue of the prisoners truth the fellow has a breath who blows that trumpet ay and the trumpet said is not made to dance with masters there is war and throat cutting in it or i am no true man during this short exchange of conjectures dick pagan had hastened to the gate which opened towards the town and mounting the post for the sake of a more extensive view soon discerned by ic rob or thb bowl the object of when towards bis companions he shouted wounds but here s a sight i and belt and saddle boys i to it quickly you shall have rare work anon wake up the ban dogs of fort and get into your harness here comes the dutch doctor with his as fierce as the of to and stand your ground ho ho i roared the with an impudent laugh here is a pretty to your much cry and little wool like the devil s at christmas you couldn t i have told you it was the dutch doctor if your fright had left you but a handful of sense to ask a question didn t i see both him and his last night at the crow and with all their in a pair of oh but he is a rare doctor and makes such i warrant you as have never been seen known or heard of since the days of st who built up his own serving man again sound as a after the wild beasts had him for supper the trumpet now sent forth a blast which terminated in a long flourish indicating the approach of the party to the verge which it might not be to continue such a and in a few moments afterwards the doctor with his attendant entered the stable yard he was a little sharp man of a brown dry complexion in white cream colored coat and scarlet small clothes of a brisk gait and air which was heightened by the gesture with which he swayed a gold mounted cane full as tall as himself his attendant a bluff red eyed man with a singularly stolid countenance out in a grotesque costume of which a short cloak crowned hat and feather and enormous garments all of striking colors were the most notable bore a brass trumpet suspended on one side and a box of no by ic rob of the bowl dimensions in front of his person and followed close at the heels of the important whose coming had been so announced no sooner had the doctor got fairly within the gate than he was met by brown who being the most personage in the yard took upon himself the ofl ce of the stranger welcome how do you do was the doctor s in a strong low dutch method of english i dis is not de gate i should have entered to see his de lord he added looking about him with some surprise to find where he was if it was my you came to see said the | 29 |
you should have turned to your right and gone by th road which leads to the front of the house but the way you have come is no whit the longer we can take you through master doctor by the back door yell veil is lost by acquainted at once de people of de house replied the man of medicine is luck to make your first entrance by de pack door as de old saying is i vas summoned dis morning to appear before de council my lord s order and so i thought i might a little at de same time de family i told you all said with an air of self importance at his own penetration that this was a rare doctor the council hath sent for him i my lord bath made it a state matter to see him it isn t every doctor that comes before the council i give him welcome boys your at this command several of the touched their hats with a gesture partly in earnest and partly in sport as if expecting some diversion to follow no to me my i exclaimed the doctor with by ic rob of the bowl a bow greatly pleased at these tokens of respect no to me i is and ven i come to sell you shall do you i you for your custom and money asking you to your cap there is sense in that said john and since you come to trade in the yard doctor you can show us your wares there is a penny to be picked up here open your box doctor bring out your how us the inside i demanded several voices at once ha ha exclaimed the of you are wise you know somewhat you would have a peep at my in little my in yes you shall see and you shall hear what you have never seen and shall not in your long lives again have you e er a good for a hawk inquired brown whilst the doctor was the box or a that shall be sure work on a horse with a asked one of the have you an that shall a demanded john all three speaking at the same instant the cook said a fourth had been so sore beset with that only this morning she was saying in her heart she believed she would not stop to give the that tom gave her for a token at for a cordial that would touch a cold stomach j will persuade her into a trade with the doctor oh as for the women replied a fifth there isn t a in my lord s service that has n t a bad tooth or a cold stomach or a in the ears or some such it is their nature they would swallow the doctor s pack in a week if they had license the man of was too much employed in opening out by ic b bob of the bowl to heed the of questions which were poured him all round but having now put himself in position for action he addressed himself to his i answer all your questions in time but i your leave to p in in de order of my he said turning to his attendant who stood some paces in the rear come forward and the at this command stepped into the middle of the ring and after making several strange of which at first view his countenance would have been deemed altogether incapable and bowing in three distinct quarters to the company the following speech i this was accompanied with a comic that set the whole yard in a roar dish de und doctor another and another of laughter what de grand of de of new york und lives in in de s own allowed him de und a to und a body cart to go him in de ven he to take de ah all to de und his de in else on this was said with great emphasis the speaker laying his hand on his heart and making a bow accompanied with a still more ludicrous than any he had yet exhibited which brought forth a still louder peal from his he was about to proceed with his when he was interrupted by it seems that upon the first announcement by the doctor of the purport of his visit the youth fearful lest his mother who was subject to alarm might have been disturbed by the trumpet ran off to her of what he had just witnessed and giving her by ic rob of the bowl s tlie fall advantage of s exaggerated estimate of the ling of disease by the lady s command to this worthy into her presence he accordingly now delivered his message and forthwith master and man moved towards the mansion with the whole troop of the stable yard at their heels the was introduced into lady s presence in a small parlor where she was attended by two little girls her only children beside the boy we have noticed and the sister of tiie her pale and frame and care worn disclosed to the practised glance of the visitor a subject for his art a ready of that which has filled the world with victims to medical in the professor of medicine s reverence to the persons before him there was an but at the same time an expression of confidence fully according with the which marked his amongst the of the household notwithstanding his broad accent he spoke with a ready that showed him well skilled in that art by which at that day the workers of wonderful and the of advertised the astonishing virtues of their com pounds an art which has in our time only changed its manner of utterance and now its ridiculous pretensions in every newspaper of every | 29 |
part of our land in whole columns of lies and this is the great doctor said young who was eager to introduce him and he has come i can t tell how far to see who was in our parts i just whispered to him dear mother what a famous good friend you were to all sorts of new and oh it would do you good to see what a box of he has in the hall yes and a man to carry ity by ic rob of the bowl with a trumpet blowing and a plenty now to them that like it how the man bears a load i can t guess has a strong back and a steady mule for his my pretty said the doctor patting the heir apparent on the head with a fondness of manner that sensibly flattered the mother when we would do master we must not heed de trouble to seek stand in need of our over de world the lady s feeble countenance lit up with a sickly smile aa she remonstrated with the boy bridle thy tongue nor suffer it to run so we have heard doctor something of your fame and gladly give you welcome noble lady replied the i am but a sim pie and poor doctor such little fame as it has pleased got to for mine to de and and which de fall of man in de days of adam de august of de human races has upon all his children and de great happiness i have had to make many most wonderful in de provinces of america made me more to hope i might some and relief to your who i have told has tormented and a very common affection honorable ladies doctor my affections come from causes which are beyond the reach of your art said the lady with a sigh still it would please me to hear the you speak of you have doubtless had great experience you shall hear my lady i am not one of of what travel de world to cry up and own praises de is heaven is my and your s far renowned excellent wisdom you should be imposed upon by and by ic bob op the bowl and most justly on my and de veritable merit in dis world is humble my lady i creep in de dust dan in de it is in my nature shall speak for me not myself but you have seen de world doctor and studied and served in good families your has great penetration i have always lived in friendship de honorable captain general de of de great province of new york was could please him but doctor night and day my lady for two years have i his and all his family de governor is subject to de malady of a and which gives him troublesome dreams i have studied in de school of courses until i could find no more to learn and den i have travelled in france germany and italy where i took a seat in de great university of for de of de lectures of very famous doctor de your shall understand and professor of a most rare and also i much increased and enriched my learning under de wing of astonishing man de grave and profound doctor de of de great secrets of de veins and nerves you shall honorable ladies what was my merit when i tell you de university would make me only i refused so great honor i would not make de envy of my did i not say true when i tell you it is not my nature to in de truly the doctor has greatly his fame said the lady maria apart to her i would like to know what you have in your pack madam you shall soon see replied the doctor who now ordered his man into the room here h by ic rob of the bowl aid as lie pointed to the are and dis is a most noted against composed of many roots and dis i call de an astonishing and of de of de mind and most valuable for de rare gift of clear sight to de old many virtues i will not stop to mention de are and for de skin for de stomach for de and wounds for de and every ting ah here my lady is de great of my life de and royal reward as i may of all my studies it is de most renowned and admired and never to be estimated which has done more dan all de and in de whole of medicine your shall take but one half of dis little when you will say more for its praise dan i could speak accounted a most windy and monstrous ha i will speak noting wise and sagacious and man de great governor and captain has given me in my hand so much bs five yes my lady five for little glass two hours after a dinner of cold ik a i speak you truly my lady and now i give it away for de of de world and mine own glory at no more dan one dollar five shillings i do not in de can you describe its virtues doctor inquired the lady mine honored madam are and i shall not lie if i say countless and number first it is a great enemy to and to all de affections of de giving sweet sleep to de eyelids have kept open de cares and sufferings and anxieties of de world it will de charms of magic and and turn away de stroke of de evil by ic rob of the bo im ye it de stomach driving off de sour of de and de from de which fill np and de pipes of de | 29 |
nerves and your shall observe as nature has and adapted par plants and to de of de several parts of de animal as not to be tedious and de head and de lungs for de heart for de and so on de whole dis wonderful contains and possesses in itself of all de great remedy and of all diseases such as falling sickness and come of de head de heart de liver de de or de making no difference if be hot or dry or moist or proceeding from or influences evil or vicious aspects of de stars it is no matter all vanish de great you must know my lady dis precious mixture was de great secret de of wonderful physician which went mad his to find out and and and and all down in search to discover de meaning of de learned in which wrote de de great s what would he not give doctor for secret i got it my lady from a learned egyptian doctor who took it from an of it was not my merit so much as my fortune i am humble my lady and do not but speak op t van een man he beyond our d th said lady greatly puzzled to keep pace with the learned pretensions of the and yet i dare say there is virtue in these by ic a bob of the bowl what call yoa your great compound doctor i have its name de replied the owner of this wonderful treasure pleased with the interest taken in his your will comprehend from your reading learned was a great god what stole de fire from heaven whereby he was able to and de decayed and worn out of de human families and in a manner even to give life to de images of clay which is as your good a or fable as de scholars and moreover de poets and say same god was very learned in de knowledge of de virtues of plants and which your will remark is de very and of d noble art of well den dis my lady ha ha i was some little bit of a and was very fond of playing his de gods till one day de great angry his and his tricks caused him to be chained to a rock a hungry always his liver and he was in dis great misery till his away so small his chain would not hold him and den i he showed a pair of heels like an honest fellow and set to find de what should and patch up his liver which you may be sure he did my lady in a very little while dis again is fable to signify he was troubled a great sickness in part of his now my lady see how well de name de great virtues of my which in de first place is a miraculous of health and vigor and life to de feeble spirits of de s de fire second it is composed of more dan one hundred plants roots and seeds most delicately and in a of pure virgin silver and according to de most by ic rob of the bowl l subtle of and shall see de knowledge of de virtues of plants and de most art of de and now for de last significance of de fable dis is a specific of de highest exaltation for de cure which fails of all of de not to say it is less potent to overcome and destroy all de diseases i have mentioned and many more you see de whole which i sell to for one dollar de is it not well named my lady and cheap i give it away de alone costs me more dan i ask for de compound the name is curiously made out said the lady and if the virtue of the compound answer the description but your you have not yet touched upon them i long to hear what notable you have accomplished in that sort my man shall speak replied the professor de great heaven i should pe a to de ears of such honorable ladies i de great of de upon de excellent and discreet and virtuous of governor op i ben ik answered to his summons stepping at the same time into the middle of the room and his person as stiffly as a on parade dish de renowned und doctor stop stop halt exclaimed the doctor at the nature of the his stupid had commenced and which for a moment threatened to continue in spite of the violent remonstrance of the master like a thing spoken from rather than a thing that i fool jack i you yourself on a bank up on a stage before de you would disgrace me before honorable and noble ladies your tavern and by ic l rob of the and your i oat of de door i the and stolid having thus incurred his patron s ire from the parlor utterly at a loss to comprehend wherein he had tended the doctor in the meanwhile overwhelmed with confusion and towards the door and there continued to vent upon the unconscious which as they were uttered in low dutch were altogether incomprehensible to the company but at the same time were sufficiently ludicrous to pro a hearty laugh th lady maria and even to excite partial show of merriment in her companion fortunately for the doctor in the midst of his embarrassment a messenger arrived to inform him that his presence was required before the council in another part of the house which order although it deprived the ladies of the present of learning the great of the in the case of the wife of governor gave the doctor a chance of his self possession by a retreat from the apartment so i ter an | 29 |
earnest entreaty to be forgiven for the address of his man and a promise to resume his discourse on a future occasion he himself under the guidance of the messenger to the chamber in which the council were here sat the and philip the who were now with five or six other gentlemen engaged in the transaction of business of grave import some had been recently committed upon the english by the indians the upper regions of the especially by the who in an against the a friendly tribe in the vicinity of st mary s had advanced into the low country where they had the dwellings of the and even murdered two or three families the victims of these ned to be by ic rob of the bowl ui and party availed themselves of the to excite the jealousy against by the report that these were committed by in disguise what was therefore but an ordinary though frightful incident of indian hostility was thus into a crime of deep peculiarly calculated still more to the party of the day this consideration rendered it a subject of eager anxiety on the part of the council to procure the fullest evidence of the hostile designs of the indians and thus not only to enable the province to adopt the proper measure for its own safety but also the false report which had to the so absurd and a design a traveller by the name of happened but two or three days before the present meeting of the council to arrive at the port where he put afloat the story of an intended invasion of the province by certain indians of new york belonging to the tribes of the five nations and gave as his authority for this piece of news a dutch doctor whom he had fallen in with on the where he left him selling and who he affirmed was in a short space to appear at st mary s story with many particulars was communicated to the which induced the order to summon the doctor to attend the council as soon after his arrival as possible in obedience to this summons our worthy was now in the presence of the high powers of the province not a little elated with the personal consequence attached to his coming as well as the very favorable reception he had obtained from the ladies of the household this consequence was even by the of inquisitive who followed at a respectful distance his movements towards the council chamber and who even there though not venturing to enter were gathered into a group which from the by ic i rob of the bowl outside of the door commanded a view of the party within in the midst of these of the was by no means an personage lord received the physician with that bland and which was habitual to him and proceeded with brief ceremony to him as to the purport of his visit the answers were given with a solemn self complacency not with that which was an essential attribute to the success of the ancient he described himself as doctor a native of holland a man of travel enjoying no mean renown in new york and for two years past a resident of his chief design in his present journey he to be to the blessings of his whereupon he was about to in o an tone of and had in fact already produced a smile at the council board by some high wrought phrases expressive of his incredible labor in the quest of his great secret when the checked his career by a ay we do not seek to know thy merits as a physician nor doubt the great virtue of thy worthy doctor but in regard give you free permission to make what profit of them you reasonably may in the province still touching this license i must entreat you in consideration that my lady has weak nerves and cannot endure rude noises to refrain from blowing your trumpet within hearing of this mansion besides our people he added looking towards the group of some of whom had now edged into the apartment are somewhat faint hearted at such martial sounds by my hand said in a half whisper to his companions in the entry my lord has put it to him for want of manners i i thought as much would come from his by ic rob op the bowl listen you shall hear more anon the doctor on a face and will have his say in yery and admirable de significance of my said the doctor in his phrase for although i most heartily your s for de permission to sell my and which got i do hope shall much advantage my lady her weak and her still i come to your most honorable s summons which i make to is concerned state matters de high and noble council well and bravely spoken said and with a good face the doctor holds his own masters we would hear what you can tell touching a brought to us by one master whom you saw at christian port said the there is the point of the matter whispered all in an egg shell is news my lord replied the doctor i have reason to de indians of new york are meditating and mischief against your s province have a care to the truth of your report said colonel rising from his seat it may be worse for you if you be found to trifle with us by passing current a story into in your own brain out of the of idle way side we have a against the of false news i listen to that said one of the crowd over whose shoulders he was peering into the room there s an with a witness there s a that i all | 29 |
make the doctor flutter i if i am replied the doctor is if i am by ic of the bowl of mine respect for honorable shall me as a lying and your shall hear it is pat a fortnight ago when i was making ready for dis journey in i chanced to see in de town so many as two score perhaps fifty indians who were trading skins for powder and shot reported to be and said came to talk de tribes back to get their help to fight against de indeed there is probability in that report said the well and how had they sped what was their success some of de five nations i forget de name of de tribe my lord it might pe de told us promised to march early de next season in own when de sap to rise in what force did they say in large force my lord de said were to my lord and de english and so should make work red and white what more signified should have great help from de and who as i could make it out wanted to go to war your s at once true and they have done so the of these tribes are already as much as we can endure bid they find it easy to purchase their powder and lead in i should hope that traffic would not be allowed my lord de do not much stop when would turn a penny to reckon who shall get de loss so get de profit same indians i saw afterwards in de town of new york trading in de same way master a merchant by ic rob of the bowl mischief will come of this said the unless it be speedily taken in hand what reason was given by the northern indians for joining in this scheme i it was said replied the doctor your had not made your nor sent presents two years past true interposed the w e hai e failed in that although i have more than once reminded your of its necessity it shall not be longer delayed replied the you are sure doctor these were you saw i only know by own report i never heard de name my man heard as well as me your s permission i shall ask him said the doctor as he went to the door and du some of the to call the man it happened that after his disgrace had kept apart from the servants of the household and was now his misfortune in a voluntary exile on the green at the front door where of the having hastened to seek him gave him the order to appear before the council you are a made man he said by way of encouragement your master wants you to speak to their honors and the honorable council want to hear you and so does his hold up your head and speak for your manhood boldly and out like a man replied whose in the english tongue were limited to his professional advertisement of doctor s fame and a few slender fragments of phrases in common use thus by he proceeded to the council chamber where as soon as he entered the made a motion to him with his hand to approach the table by ic rob of the bowl into an order to deliver bis sentiments he forthwith began in a voice dish is de renowned doctor before he had uttered the name the doctor s hand was thrust across mouth and a of dutch oaths into his ears at a rate which utterly confounded the poor who was forcibly from the room almost by a general order when quiet was restored for it may be imagined the scene was not barren of laughter the doctor made a thousand apologies for the stupidity of his servant and in due time received permission to retire having delivered all that he was able to say touching the matter in agitation before the the council were for some time after this incident engaged in the consideration of the conspiracy against the of which new evidences were every day coming to light and it was now resolved that the matter should be brought unto the notice of the authority at an early day the only circumstance which i have further occasion to notice related to a diversion which was not unusual at that day amongst the inhabitants of the province and which required the permission of the council it was brought into debate by colonel the he said has to play a prize at such weapons as they may select and the the challenge provided it meet the pleasure of his and the council i promised to be a patron to the play it shall be as you choose said the this martial sport has won favor with our people let it be so ordered that it shall not tend to the breach of the peace we commit it to your hands colonel the council assented and the necessary order was recorded on the journal by ic chapter some do call me jack sweetheart and some do call me bat when i come to the king s thej can me ain s thi s necessary affairs in the engaged him all th day succeeding that of his interview with father therefore prevented him from making his intended visit to the of st s when the next morning broke npon him the early bell of st mary s chapel informed him of the sabbath a day seldom in his from the rest of the week it was however not now as it the thought that an opportunity might be afforded him to gain a sight of and even perchance an interview at the service of the chapel in this hope he at once | 29 |
his design of to st s at least until after the morning offices of the church were performed accordingly at an hour somewhat in advance of the general attendance of the congregation the was seen in the of the chapel where he marked with an inquisitive but cautious the various groups that were coming to their when at length his strained vision was al e to a approaching from the direction of st s and he discerned the figures of and rob of the bowl far in the rear of the and his daughter their horses almost at a walk and themselves engrossed in an earnest conference he turned hastily towards the church and with a compressed lip and brow ascended the stair and threw himself into an obscure corner of the little gallery which looked upon the altar here he remained a sullen and concealed observer of the rites of the temple his bosom with thoughts and his countenance clouded with feelings the most to the lowly and of heart which breathed in every word of the solemn that addressed his ear the s family entered the place of worship the secretary still accompanied knelt beside her in prayer opened her to the various services of the day and the customary offices of familiar gallantry common to such an occasion with an freedom all this in the view of the whose eye flashed with a fire as he gazed upon the man to whom he attributed the wrong he deemed himself to have in his recent interview with the maiden the service ended and the throng was retiring when planted himself on the outside of the door his purpose was to exchange even but a word with the daughter of the at least to win a recognition of his presence by a smile a nod the smallest courtesy so dear to the heart of a lover she came at last with father and perhaps she did not see in the shade of the big elm even although her father s weaker sight had recognized him and the old man had stepped aside to shake his hand she passed on to her horse without once turning her head towards him the abruptly sprang from the to help her into her saddle but had s hand and in a moment was in her seat s proffered service was by ic rob of the bowl t ed by a bow and only a casual word the secretary in an mounted his and with the maiden set forth on their ride at a brisk gallop the brother of the coast forgetful of his usual stood with folded arms and moody looking darkly upon them as they disappeared and muttering half audible of wrath he was after an interval roused from his abstraction by the hand of father gently laid upon his shoulder you have forgotten the of virgin silver you promised to offer at this shrine said the priest in a grave voice it was to be an offering for the sin of a spirit of anger beware son that thou dost no wrong to a brother i have not forgotten the holy father returned the with an ineffectual effort to assume his usual i have only deferred the offering until i may give it he added in a stem voice with an honest conscience ton shall have it anon i have business now that stands in the way good morning to you father and with these words he walked rapidly away in the afternoon was seen his way from the in a small boat attended by two who rowed him to a point some five or six miles below the town where he landed and set out on foot for st s on the following morning whilst the dawn yet cast its gray hue over the face of the two men in shaggy dresses arrived at the hut of the they rode on rough little beach each provided with a sack the eyed the visitors with a aspect from her station beneath the door sill and by her low warned them against a too near approach they accordingly stood at bay curse on the said one she has the eye of a very devil it might not be safe to defy her not a mouse is stir by ic rob of thk bowl ring the old is as still as his bowl were it think you to wake him t why not demanded the other he will be in a passion and threaten at first with his weapon bnt when he knows we come to trade with him i will warrant he his wrinkles as smoothly with a smile as you could desire strike your against the door the fetch me if i venture so near as to strike with that at the step try it yourself nay and it comes to that i will rouse him in another fashion said the other master master robert rob man awake turn out for friends exclaimed the first the growl of the was now changed into a hoarse bark some stir was heard from the inside of the hut and in a moment afterwards the door was and brought sufficiently open to allow the uncouth head and half dressed figure of the to be seen a short was directly in the face of the visitors whilst an was screamed out in a voice with rage you thieves what makes you here do you think i am an ale to take in every strolling of the night or you with a of lead i you robert exclaimed the first speaker turn your weapon you may do a deed of mischief upon your friends we are and friends rob friends who have come to drive to your profit open your eyes master put on your glasses we have gold in | 29 |
pocket man ha ha ha chuckled the tenant of the hut thou art ha ha i took ye for land by ic bob of the bowl by the five wounds i knew ye not have patience a space id i will open when the had dressed himself he came swinging forth in his bowl and beyond the of his dwelling went to the beach whither he was followed by his two visitors who had now dismounted from their here he halted and taking off his cap exposed his bare head and loose white to the morning breeze which came somewhat sharply from the water he exclaimed there is refreshment in that it is my custom to these night cap with the good salt water breeze that is a that may reach the province without paying duty to his t a cheap masters now what scent are you upon man of and i s your errand in truth robert said no nor master robert inter the owner of the cabin none of your phrase for me t you are but a shallow to affect this reverence rob of the bowl is the best i get from you when your are satisfied ay and it is said with a curl of your lip and you make merry over my with your pot fellows so be honest and give me plain rob i seek no flattery you do us wrong good master rob interposed to your needs said rob sternly speak in the way of your trade i you have no voice nor i ear for aught else then in brief said i would know if you could supply me with to day or i care not which if such a thing might be where would you take it inquired rob by ic i rob of the bowl to on the cliffs ay to on the cliffs good and to be borne no hawk s eye upon your path it shall be by night if you like it said the dealer well well replied the i can give you a little of both master a or so some three or four my hut is small and has a scant cellar but the money in hand good gold full weight and a fair price too mark you i i must have a trifle above my last market ten shillings the on the brandy and two more for the leave your and see me again at sunset the money in hand i the money in hand i there is no trust in my it shall be so said and now master what wilt you have a scheme to dame and with i see it in your eye and you will swear upon book and cross if need be they have stood you a wondrous hard purchase even at the full three hundred per cent excess you purpose to exact above the cost and all the while it has come out of rob s as cheap as beggars ha ha ha i this world on honesty i it grows fat on virtue i only your rogue in rags what has he but his deserts let him repent and turn virtuous like you and me and his torn cloak and shall be and lined to defy all hark you master i have and and lawn choice all you shall see them in the hut how came you by so rich an rob the turned a fierce eye upon the and with one glance conveyed his meaning as he touched the handle of his dagger and said in a low tone do you forget the between us you know i brook no such question by ic rob of the bowl the stood for a moment abashed and then replied an idle word master rob which meant no harm as say honesty will only you shall find never a that is not some part fool i will into the to look at the wares do so said the you will find them in the box behind the door there is need that you leave me so follow him i have sudden business masters which it does not concern you to witness when you have seen what you desire depart quickly leave your and come back at sunset i charge you have a care that your eyes do not wander towards my motions you know me and know that i have upon your steps who have power to your eye balls if you but steal one glance away the withdrew into the hut wondering at the abrupt termination of their interview and confiding in the power of the to make good his threat the lord have mercy upon us i said the in a smothered voice after they had entered the door the has matters on hand which it were not for our good to into pray you let us make our survey and do his bidding by setting forth at once i am not the man to give him offence the cause of this unexpected dismissal of the visitors was the apparition of whose figure in the doubtful light of the morning was seen by at a distance on the of the bank in the neighborhood of the s chapel he had halted upon observing the in company with strangers and had made a signal which was sufficiently intelligible to the person to whom it was addressed to explain his wish to meet him rob having thus promptly rid himself of his company now swung on his short almost as rapidly as a good by ic ft rob of thk could have got over the ground towards the spot where the had halted steer your there to the right old worm said the as rob came opposite to the bank on which he stood you shall find it easier to come up by the hollow the plague of a foul conscience | 29 |
light on you replied the from further motion and wiping the from his brow is it more i should waste my on the fruitless labor to up that rough slope or you come down to me you mock me i he added with an expression of sudden anger you know i cannot mount the bank you know i can drag you up reverend fragment of a sinful man i returned yes and with all your pack of evil passions at your bade besides would you hold our meeting in sight from the window of the hut where you have just lodged a pair of your busy your in the way of trade it was such as these that but a few nights ago set his s hounds upon our tracks come up man without further the s fleeting anger changed as usual to that bitter smile and chuckle with which he was wont to return into a mood as he said a rogue i a shrewd he has his instinct of mischief so keen that his never sleeps the devil has made him a perfect scholar there give me your hand he added when he came to the steep ascent which his machine of was utterly inadequate to give me your hand good cut throat help me to the top the muscular seaman instead of extending his hand to his companion descended the bank and taking the bowl and its oc upon his shoulder strode upward to the even ground and by ic rob of the bowl deposited his load with as little apparent effort as if be been dealing with a of hay bravely i ejaculated when be was set down i scarce could have done better in my best day now what set you to so early where do you come from the chapel replied the other i came there from the port last night express to see you and having no special fa for the bed i slept on i left it at the first streak of light to go and rouse you from your dreams and lo i there you are t one of your dog and wolf with the discreet who have come to ease us of somewhat of our charge of stout stout well lined of substance the ordinary keeper of and the of st mary s seeing you here i dismissed them until sunset that is somewhat as a gossip and might tell tales if he were aware that i with you i see them taking the road on their said we may venture to the hut i am sharp set for breakfast and when i have a contented stomach i will hold discourse with you rob touching matters of some concern to us both the and his guest upon this hint repaired to the hut and in due time the morning meal was supplied and despatched then opened the purport of his visit has it ever come into your wise brain master rob he asked that you are getting somewhat old and that it might you to make a at the by way of settling your account i take it it will not be a very clean reckoning without a good penance how now thou malignant i exclaimed the e j what s in the wind simply rob that the time has come when by ic rob of the bowl we part i am tired of this wicked life i shall and i come to yon to the like i will be married robert man of the bowl i you will be married you i spit upon you for a fool what is this i will be married as i say neither more nor less now to what ask you why to the very fairest and flower of this province the rose of st mary s the s own daughter i mark that sneer of of yours old man truer word was never spoke by son of the sea or land than i speak now to the s daughter ejaculated the in a tone of derision your carriage is bold in the port but no measure of audacity will ever bring you to that favor would you play at your old game and sack the town and take the in it for you know no other trick of by my hand rob i am specially by the to make one at a choice merry making which his daughter has on foot for next thursday ay and i am going on his set command to dance a with mistress oh she shall be the very bird of the sea the girl of the rob she shall be of the green wave that nursed me and the blue sky and the wide waste her throne shall be on the deck of nay gay hark and my merry men shall spring at her as as at the s pipe you shall sooner meet your said rob on the of the with a string than find grace with the s child your whole life has been adversary to the good will of the father i know it replied i was bom in natural warfare with the customs and all who gather them the more by ic rob of the bowl t praise for my i shall change my ways and evil company i shall be a man of worship we shall shut up the chapel rob oar devils pack off our to and establish an honest therefore rob go to father repent of your and live upon your past gains ton are rich and may afford to entertain henceforth a conscience do not with me but tell me what this then truly rob i am much disturbed in my fancies i love the and mean to have her fairly if i can but after the fashion of the coast if i must she does not consent as | 29 |
yet mainly because she has a toy of delight in that silken secretary of my lord a pale sickly of instruments one master i think they call him ha i exclaimed the as a frown gathered on his brow what is he whence comes he his s chamber secretary replied brought hither i know not when nor whence a silent paced pattern of modesty who on the favor of his as a lady s dog that being allowed to the hand of his mistress takes the privilege to on all who approach her i shall make light work with him by him out of my way why are you angry that you so master rob i needs must be angry to see thee make a fool of replied the master of the hut his s secretary he muttered to himself no no it would be a folly to think it as you will rob said by st i will try conclusions with the secretary folly or no folly he has taught the maiden he added with a bitter emphasis to affect a scorn for me and he shall smart for it by ic rob of the bowl ha thy spirit is ever for i exclaimed rob changing his mood and forcing a harsh of derision is proper element your food your repose your luxury well if you must take on a new life and strive to be i would counsel you to begin it with some deed of charity not strife i had as well make my lecture to a young wolf i ha you will be a pupil to the master that teaches you the virtue of charity i such will be welcome to you as water to your shoes i have you in all your i upon your advice and will not be scorned old man said angrily the maiden shall be mine though i pluck her from beneath her father s blazing roof tree and then farewell to the province and to you i mark you that i come not to be with your ill favored speech my men shall be withdrawn from the chapel i will put on service than to minister to your hot silly idiot thou fool i shouted rob do you not know that i can put you in the dust and on you as a that i can drive you from the province as a vile are you such a as to tempt my anger if you would even in your have a care not to provoke my displeasure i one word from me and not a man paces your deck you go abroad a fugitive with hue and cry at your heels how st thou lie boy v your hand rob said you say no more than my folly i am a wanton fool your pardon let there be peace between us art reasonable again bravely confessed i forgive your rash speech now go your ways and the foul one speed thee i have naught to counsel either for strife or by ic rob of thb bowl you have neither wit wisdom nor patience for sober against the current of your will it will not be long before this trunk shall sink into its natural resting place and it matters not to me how my remnant of time be spent whether in or keeping the world will find me an heir to what little store it hath pleased my fortune to gather so go your ways i will see you again friend rob said the i have matter to look after at the chapel and then shall get back to the port to drive my suit to a speedy issue i came here but in honest dealing with you to give you notice of my design and perchance to get your aid you have no counsel for me it is well my own head and arm shall me they have stood me instead in straits more doubtful than this farewell farewell i as the stepped along the beach rob planted himself in the door of the hut and looked after him for some moments nodding bis head significantly towards him and muttering in a cynical go thy ways snake of the sea of a water devil you married i ha ha i your lady gay shall have a cup in you and your shall be tender and gentle yea as the appetite of the sword fish it shall be festival all in the light in the light of the bride s own blazing roof a dainty wolf a most i oh i cannot choose but laugh i by ic chapter xviii some with the ladies in their bounding of heel as they trip it the merry of the entangled you wear a sword sir and so do well sir r yon know the use sir of a sword f to whip a sir thb ok the festival of st s birth day so anxiously looked for by the younger inhabitants of st mary s and scarcely less heartily welcomed by the elder at length came round towards sunset of an evening mild in temperature and with the glorious golden tipped clouds of the october sky the air with that joyful freshness which this season in groups of gay clad persons were seen passing on the high road that led from the town to the rose the greater number according to the usage of that day rode on horseback the women seated on behind their male escort some of the younger men on foot and amongst these was even seen here and there a cheerily making her way in this primitive mode of travel and showing by her merry laugh and elastic step how little she felt the inconvenience of her walk it must not be supposed from this account that the luxury of by | 29 |
ic rob of the bowl the coach was altogether unknown to the good people of the province two of these were already within the of the lord one belonging to his himself and the other to master thomas of hall member of the council and sometime daring the s late visit to london the g of the province they were both of the same fashion stiff square old machines which had been imported some twenty years past and were often in the street of st mary s with their and to the no in the eyes of the of the dignity and state of their the foresight and supreme authority it may be said of the lady maria had procured the aid of both of these for the service of the evening and they were accordingly now backward and forward between the port and the s for the especial ease and of sundry whose rather inclined them to avoid the saddle and also for the gratification of such of the good lady amongst the younger members of the population as she vouchsafed to honor by this token of her regard by the help of these a considerable number of guests had been set down at the scene of a full hour before sunset this early being in with the social by which our ancestors were accustomed on occasions of to take time by the the fame of the preparations at the rose had attracted in addition to the invited guests all such mere as the ranks of the supplied these were chiefly about the principal drawn thither by desire to witness the of the visitors and to feast their eyes with the display of holiday finery which so large a fund of interest to persons of this class the crowd was composed of by ic rob or the bowl men and maids idle and of both sexes with a of ragged bare who drove a of some little gain by taking charge of the horses of as dismounted at the verge of the that surrounded the dwelling of the ordinarily but a comrade of these groups was now elevated into a character of some importance on a theatre of higher honor and having become a personage in their estimation of no mean mark did not fail to let his consequence be seen and felt by his old his rough shoes were to give them a more exterior his linen new washed was displayed upon his breast and his garments put in the best condition their weather stricken service would allow were up with knots of party colored ribbons which especially upon his in and audibly fluttered in the that played across his brow his fiddle which was soon to be called into active employment was as yet to the wall in its green bag and he in vacant leisure across the lawn in the presence of his at the with a vain glorious and self step that showed at least how complacently he viewed his own exaltation even if he did not win as much worship from the spectators michael he said with a significant twinkle of the eye we will make dainty work of it to night our shall be spoken of on both sides of the bay this many a long year the quality themselves do not often see the like and the simple folks that have had the luck to be let in will not forget it or i am mistaken till the young down turns into old it is like to be a most and i may say melodious you had no light hand michael in the ordering of it yon may make bible oath to that replied the gardener by ic rob of the bowl and you would never be order it i did the work the kitchen work and the hall work here was the of hedges to make all smooth at the bank side and the setting out of the lawn not a straggling leaf shall jou see upon it then the for the kitchen and the flowers for the hall i faith it was a handful of work for a week past if it had not been for michael there would have been but tame sport to night oh but you have a great head for such monstrous michael you are a gardener of adam was of the trade before you but he had no muster to set out in his time his could never have it or his five wits would have till he grew blind and then all his children would have given up the trade forever after oh was it not lucky for us that father adam was not put to the ordering of a muster out you face exclaimed the gardener half angrily go put your upon them that have an ear for such cracks i why do you stand grinning there with your when there is work for you elsewhere look to yon gaping beggars at the gate they will presently so crowd the way that no one may enter look to it until you are wanted in the hall and you shall earn your penny fee and broken the better for it out upon michael yourself for a a weed eat no broken at your hands he would have small fare who waited on your charity a has as much worship as a any day in the so cock your nose at some one below you i a jest for a returned the gardener a jest for a play turkey cock and swell to your heart s content i and when yon have let off your spite go to the gate where you are wanted by ic rob of the bowl the after this short and encounter regained his and not displeased at the chance of showing his to the about the gate went to | 29 |
the post assigned to him where with a self complacent tone of he addressed the assemblage consisting of dozen with a discourse upon the behavior expected of them on this interesting occasion both by himself and the master of the feast prominent amongst those upon whom this instruction was bestowed was one who regarded with singular deference this was a lean and lad just on the verge of manhood whose eye relaxed fibre and ever present smile a intellect whilst his gained him admission to the skirts of all whether or sad his restless foot and characteristic thirst for knowledge habitually impelled him to seek the most conspicuous post of observation and he was now accordingly in the foremost rank of s hearers wise for by this name he was familiarly greeted by young and old notwithstanding the with which nature had out to him the gift of wit was remarkable for his acquaintance with all classes of persons and for a certain share of cunning in picking up the of whatever might chance for the time to the gossip of the town he was still more remarkable for his admiration of the had just concluded his lecture at the gate when his attention was arrested by the of wheels heard at a distance and by a cloud of dust which was seen rising in the wood through which the road lay from the town neighbors his s coach he cried out we shall have it here presently with people of worship take ranks on each side of the road quickly i you by ic rob of the bowl l now remember at my signal thus hands to your caps lads and sink do it comely and ther ranks ranks exclaimed wise who with alacrity began to push the crowd into the array indicated by the heed and do as he bids he knows what will please the gentle folks hands to your caps i the ranks being formed according to the s direction awaited the arrival of those for whom this formal salutation was designed instead of the s coach a few moments disclosed a cart with a little thick set shaggy pony attached to it coming at high gallop upon the road on the bench above the shafts was the jolly figure of the landlady of the crow and in the suit of green and scarlet in which we have heretofore noticed her playing the part of beside her sat the terrified garret who of too light bulk to maintain a solid seat fearfully to and fro at every spring of the vehicle the pony had taken the speed of his journey into his own discretion and with the of the bit between his teeth and head curved set his course for the gate in obstinate resistance of the dame who with both arms at stretch brow and clenched teeth at the reins to turn him a road that led by a circuit towards the rear of the dwelling whither she was now conveying sundry articles of provision which she had undertaken to supply for the feast friends stop the beast shouted the voice of the as soon as he perceived s corps stop us for the love of mercy as the crowd gathered to arrest the a wave of the hand from the dame suspended their purpose her was roused by the of the pony whereupon in disdain by ic bob of the bowl of the proffered aid she gave loose rein to her beast and at the same time her whip across his whilst her forlorn with starting from their for help flew threw the with increased a broad smile playing upon the face of the dame as she cried ont to the on never heed the babe a gay ride will mend his health the address of the landlady in safely passing through the narrow way a general burst of applause which rang in shoots until she had fairly got the better of the self will of her footed and had halted hun panting at the back of the house by my head exclaimed it was no such great mistake to set down dame s for my lord s coach i if it had been a coach and six it could not have made more dust or better speed by my head it could not shouted wise in a shrill response to s laugh there s a to the ribs i that should take dame s cart and bow for my lord s coach and with this reflection he joined in the chorus which echoed the general merriment meantime the company continued to arrive the came with new and fresh parties on horseback alighted at the gate the more than usually precise in apparel stood at the door receiving the frequent comers with that of which so strongly marked the manners of the past century and group after group was ushered into the hall here mistress in sad colored silken attire plain and becoming in its fashion gave welcome to her visitors whilst the lady maria in character of what might be termed the of the took post by her side the neat uttle figure of the s sister received a surprising accession of bulk from by ic rob of the bowl the style of her dress which was according to a mode yet new in the her hair laid flat and smooth npon the crown of the head was tortured into a sea of that fell over either ear to the of the and to the same depth npon the back her brow with light and the whole powdered to a and with bands her gown both body and skirt was of rich whose with dignity as the lady moved slowly from place to place this derived still greater of from a and huge or made after a fashion which the | 29 |
and heard with glee almost equal to their own the wild laughter that echoed through the hall they will presently begin to think master to set himself up for a philosopher he said as the secretary encountered him on the skirts of the dancers the eye of the priest beaming with a good natured it is not usual for a squire of to be so my son have you given over the company of to with an old priest in so gay a scene as this v father i would dance if there were need but there is not often an empty space upon the floor nor want of those who seek to fill it it pleases me as well to discourse with you ah i my son it is not at your time of life that you may be believed for such self denial more than one of the maidens has put the question to me to night how this should come to pass by ic rob of the bowl reverend father though i will not deny i love the dance jet my long made me a stranger to it and now since my fortune has brought me into the world i can scarcely conquer the i feel to exhibit myself in such exercise it is an innocent pleasure son and a graceful there is virtue in these laughing faces and active limbs st forbid that i should commend an sport i but it has ever been my belief that the young men can find no better in the gentle of charity and good will than in their sport mates amongst the maidens and so i preach in my office nor truly may the maidens better learn how to temper their behavior with the grace of pleasing which has in it a summary of many master than in the fellowship of our sons now away with you f there is who has sent her eye hither a dozen times since we have been speaking to ask the question why i detain you from your duty ah blessed i daughter does not suspect i am you for that very fault go my son it is a shame to see you so little dainty in your company as to prefer the to the go go the lively gesture of the priest and his laughing face as he dismissed the secretary from his side attracted the notice of who as approached her saluted him with i am glad master that father has seen fit to bestow upon you such as i would have given you myself i looked to you to help me through my ball to night and made sure of it that you would lead out some of the maidens to dance for there are many here that have not yet had their turn there s mistress hay the s sister she has sat there all night by mortal man ah you are no true friend to desert me in my need by ic rob of the bowl fair mistress replied the secretary with a cast look i stand under your displeasure and acknowledge my fault indeed my dull brain did not perceive your straits i waited for your bidding you will pardon me that waiting for your command i did not now presume to move without it i will go and lead forth the s sister on the instant nay stay now i have saved you that errand captain upon my request has proffered bis hand and you may see they are now standing on the floor ready to begin you shall find other duty to dance with you gentle mistress if it like you how can it but like me master oh but i love this dancing and yet i much better like it as we have danced many a time at the rose on a winter s night with our household friends and sister to touch the to a gay tune and you to teach us these new over sea dances these were pleasant hours and worth a world of these birth day was it not so i love not the crowd returned the secretary with a lively emotion but these fireside i you may praise them with your most prodigal speech and still fall short we had no holiday finery there to make proud the eye nor speech to set up which we did not own nor studied behavior to win opinion by but what we were we seemed and what we felt we said there is more virtue in these than you may find in a of shows ah master yon have seen the gaudy world on the other side of the sea and can speak of it with assurance our little province has but small pleasures for you it is a make believe to praise our homely i speak mistress the very of my secret heart and tell yon though little i can boast of acquaintance with by ic bob of the bowl that gaudy world nothing have i seen dreamed or tasted of worldly pleasure nor ever fancied of human happiness might exceed the rich delight of those household scenes you speak of were they not happy exclaimed a rapture excited by the of the secretary s earnest and eloquent manner we owe so much of it to you master until you came into the province we sometimes had a weary hour at the rose now my father finds it weary when you are away i do not because i may surely count that it shall never be long until you are here again mercy i did we not stand here to dance and see our turn has past all we will to the foot again and take another turn it was as the maiden had said in the of their conversation they had been passed by in the country dance as they now went to | 29 |
the foot to bring themselves into place whispered i rejoice the is not come to night his has taught him notwithstanding my father s good will that there is but little relish for his company at the rose you reckon without your host mistress replied the secretary there is the outside of the window and not well pleased with his own if i may judge by his folded arms and earnest eye had been in the porch looking in upon the scene some moments before he was observed a crowd of having so pre occupied the same as almost to shield him from the notice of those within whilst and now danced he had planted himself in the door his countenance was grave his attitude statue like and his eye sharply followed the motions of the maiden his dress somewhat but still within the license of that period was of a by ic bob of the bowl spanish fashion decorated with and set off by jewels of exceeding richness it was too of ornament to be with good taste and manifested that love of finery which is the index of a and the of his countenance an of which he was not conscious at the moment for he no sooner caught the glance of than his whole bearing a sudden change his eye sparkled his lip assumed a smile and he became at once in aj the gay and careless ood save the rose of st mary s the beautiful flower of our new world he said as he approached the maiden with what she could not fail to note as an over acted effort to assume the la the of will teach you the meaning of that speech i mistress you have a gallant company to night he added as he cast his eyes around in doing which he recognized with a scarcely perceptible nod of the head and then turned his back upon him by your leave mistress i would dance with you at your first leisure the next dance or the next i am your humble servant for as long as you will shall it not be the next dance v i will tell you presently i know not whether i may dance again to night master replied the maiden coldly there spoke the same tongue that refused my mantle your cruelty mistress that beauty which all men so boast of in this province i wish i could bring you to look upon me with compassion not even a dance with the queen of our feast a poor rough spoken sailor meets but little grace in a lady s favor when white handed players and ballad singing pages stand ready at her call it is even as you will i by ic rob of the bowl have the privilege of denial all the world over and i am too of a gallant to trouble you with an unwelcome suit i will dance with you master said anxiously as she saw the spirit of the working in his face notwithstanding his effort to di it whilst at tho same time she feared that his allusion to the secretary might have been overheard call on me for the next set and i will dance with you i thought your goodness would tis not in your nature to be unkind i am at your feet i shall be on the watch scotch or country dance they all come pat to me i can dance the or the or you shall find me at home mistress in every meanwhile i will seek our host the i have not seen him yet this familiarity in the address of the and the and even offensive freedom of his manner were the result of an endeavor to conceal a discontented temper under the mask of gaiety he had over the incidents connected with his late visit to the rose until he had wrought himself into a tone of feeling that might any extravagance of behavior the coldness of the maiden we have seen he to causes altogether independent of her good will or aversion and he was therefore determined to in his aim to win her favor an enterprise which in his harsh and rude estimate of the of conduct he did not deem in any respect hopeless he made sure in his reckoning of the friendship of the from whom he had experienced those of good feeling which a hospitable and kind hearted man around him almost at random but which s self flattering temper into indications of special regard the agitation of these topics had thrown him into a perplexed by ic rob of the bowl which alone was the cause of his appearance at the ball and now that he had arrived the same kept him in a moody abstraction between total silence at one period and an unnatural exhibition of mirth at the next giving to the latter that of manner which was so to the maiden the cordial and frank civility with which the recognized the amongst the guests unfortunately contributed to confirm him in the opinion of master s favor why richard said the host upon looking up from the cards which had been absorbing his attention and discovering the are you here among the gray why should you flock to the old fowl when the young are gathered in the hall there is no in your toe get thee back man we will have no here i you promised to bring a foot for a master are you tired of the sport already in truth master replied the i have but within this half hour arrived at the house tis not long since i left my where matters on board detained me ha and you have not danced to night then you owe a turn of duty go quickly back richard and foot it with my girl i have praised your | 29 |
leg man and said enough to put you on your back to the hall master and say to i sent you for a straight backed comrade to hold her to the pledge of a f i am already bound to that pledge and the time is at hand to make it good i but stole away for an instant to pay my duty here replied the and taking heart from the familiar greeting of his host returned to the dancing apartment with lighter step and more cheerful face by ic rob op the bowl took the earliest moment to perform her engagement hoping by this alacrity to herself of her obligation in a manner least calculated to occasion remark and to herself of her partner s the dance on her part was a reluctant courtesy and was accordingly so manifested in her in spite of her resolution to the contrary was too much elated to perceive how ill he stood in the maiden s grace scant encouragement will suffice to feed the of a lover still more scant in a lover of such a temperament as that of the seaman his vanity was quick to interpret every word of civility that fell from s lips and the little that escaped her during the dance seemed anew to his hopes and inspire the zeal of his pursuit when the engagement was accomplished the maiden quickly escaped from her distasteful by retiring from the hall and mingling with other companions the guests were now summoned to supper in a wing of the dwelling house the tables were loaded with dainty cheer more to be remarked for its capacity to please the than for the which modem has invented to gratify the eye an orderly division of escorted by the and the elders of the province moved forward at a measured pace to make the first these were followed after an interval by active of youthful who thronged in array to the scene of assault in the housekeeper s apartment which looked into the sundry women intent upon supplying the tables were seen their office with scarcely less than that which echoed from the of the feast here in a post of control over the busy in glasses ai d was the merry landlady of the crow and whose by ic rob of the bowl and not face grew with th delight afforded by her occupation as she was of the appropriate of her station she still had time to watch the banquet and make her comments upon the incidents whidi there ho this way look you she exclaimed as with in hand and eye glistening with delight she beckoned to the thin and busy housekeeper if you would and laugh pray come this way and take a peep at the table who should we have here as and proud as if she was the lady of my lord but our gossip think of it the dame herself in her own true flesh and blood amongst all these marry master was in to choose comers when he went to the s shop to find them what a precious figure the sea makes with her yellow blue and green satin and that lace stuck upon her head with great down like hound s ears i i cannot but laugh my sides into a it is such a dainty tire for a s wife it all comes you may swear new out of the s pack for the poor man had never the soul to deny her there will be a s on the top of this good lack i yonder is like an humble bee beside the s sister i the old pot is never a man to from his master i know the measure of your stomach of old i have warmed your for you for the blessing of charity and the love of good works dame some drink cried the who had just stolen from his post and his way into the housekeeper s room some drink beautiful mistress my throat is as dry as a chimney are building nests in it my lips are dusty from long and my elbow is not able t by ic rob of the bowl wag for want of oil quick good dame or i shall crisp i ha that is smooth and to the purpose he exclaimed after tossing oflf a glass which the dame presented him now worthy hostess a bone to for i am fearfully empty and like to cave in i speed dame the dancers will be calling before i am filled so set you down and comfort your stomach at your leisure there will be no haste to leave the supper table this half hour replied the landlady as she laid a plate before the furnished with good store of take your time and make a belly full of it child you have earned your i warrant you never had a pair of legs to hunt the than our old captain gave you to night i shouted captain is a king of captains dame he has put a new spring in master s old floor i would have given a piece of eight out of my own pocket mistress that is if i had so much to have seen you on the plank to night footing it to hunt the with the captain or to or some such other merry as i could have made for you it would have been as good as a month s to some of our me on the floor indeed i ejaculated the dame with an affected laugh faith i might be there as well as some that crow under a hood and the ball suffer no shame neither but master does not drop his favor so low as a s wife he stops short with the did you think before that the was of less worship than | 29 |
the has dame better reason to hold up her head than dame speak the truth man honestly master has done with more than a year past replied he is now a with in the town and trade in the common and they do say mistress that he makes money over hand he will be by ic rob op the bowl anon money makes worship dame all the world over maybe it does but i would like to know has not as goodly a in the town as old a trade in the common and as full a as better older and fuller on my word now where is that same mortal my husband inquired the dame looking around her as i live there he is at the chimney cheek fast asleep in the midst of all this uproar i the is of too dull a spirit for such a place as this wake him up i garret man screamed in a tone which instantly brought him to his feet if you are weary put in the cart and get you home to bed will bring the cart back and wait for me i sleepy i returned the husband in a voice and with a bewildered drowsy eye which he endeavored to light up with a laugh good woman if you wait here until i grow you will be a weary that s all i have to say sleepy dame if a man but wink his eye in the light you would swear to a i i have been in many a rouse wife as you well know day dawn is my twelve o clock has himself hoarse many a time before he could get me to bed fu see you out oh i here s an honest night s work for you i out wise who had ever since dark occupied a station at a window as a spectator of the dancing and now had thrust his head into the housekeeper s apartment here are and wet and dry to set any stomach a laughing i why how now he ejaculated with a chuckle as he discovered the himself in the room and advanced towards him with the step of a dog that is doubtful of his reception you know where the fat and the sweet are oh master you are a wise i their do well by ic rob op the bowl to make much of you have you never a crust for out you i shouted mistress in a key that thrilled through the frame of the and turned him towards the door t we enough in our way without you here take this and she continued as she gave the intruder a plate of provisions and as for you the young folks are gathering again in the hall there will be a message for you presently i stay for no message replied the as he rose and shook the from him and with jaws still occupied withdrew from the apartment followed by the admiring upon the lawn in front of the house had erected a bower which sheltered a rustic altar to st over which the name of had been wrought in large letters formed by a number of suspended lamps which threw a softened light for a considerable space around hither after supper mr with a small party of his guests had strolled in the interval before the sports of the evening were resumed had watched the opportunity and now somewhat elated with wine as well as up with hope had the s footsteps until he found him separated some little space from his company well met master i was the s so familiarly whispered in the ear of his host as to produce a slight movement of surprise well met i i have a word for your private ear this way if you please it is somewhat cool so i will to my purpose in seaman s fashion speak but quickly master and in plain phrase i shall like it the better master then without the matter i would have your leave to our beautiful maiden your daughter by ic rob of the bowl who what how t the in a that spoke hi astonishment your daughter mistress ay and have your good word to the suit i her like a true son of the sea heartily and in that sort would her what is it you ask i again spoke the host increased surprise i have gear enough master no man may turn his heel on me for lack of gold how now interrupted the as in this brief space the storm had gathered to the bursting point yon would my daughter her my richard have you lost your wits turned fool idiot or is your brain with drink you make suit to my daughter i you win and wear a of her i hear me your craft is a good craft i do not deny it an honest calling when followed i a brave calling i but you sail on a false reckoning when you hope to find favor with my girl your rough sea jacket and your license on the salt sea m tes not with daughter of mine the rose leaf and the sea you venture too largely on your welcome he said as his anger began to show itself in his quickened speech above his to restrain it master there is insolence in this hark you sir if you would not have me your acquaintance and forbid you my house you will never speak again of my daughter with this brief rebuke of the s aspirations the host retreated hastily and much out of humor into the house leaving his guest in a state of bewilderment at the sudden and unexpected issue of the interview for a moment the seaman stood fixed on the spot his lips compressed his hands clenched | 29 |
and his eye directed to the retiring figure of the at length begin by ic rob op the bowl to find breath and motion he muttered so it has come to this i he has been playing the it was bnt a holiday welcome after all i shall note it for future remembrance a sea i by saint he shall find me one i and that license he spoke of he shall taste its flavor this girl has been trained in her oh it is his sport to see me i i am brought here express to the ball by his persuasion nay command i am with and even to with the maiden by his own lips who so free in his admission here as i richard i one would have thought we had been fellow thieves in our time there was such in his and then at last when frankly i tell him my purpose i am to be and off the ground with speeches i he must me as if i were a cowardly boy oh wind and wave and broad sea sky it was not in your nursing i learned the patience to bear this wrong you are not too old yet to be taught the hazard of rousing a bloody brother i and as for you gay maiden dream on of your ballad singer master i i have a reckoning to settle with him it will be a dainty to send him feet foremost into the chapel for a blessing luckily sir secretary you owe me the worth of an grudge softly master himself i we meet at a fortunate hour the of the was interrupted by the approach of the secretary who entered alone into the bower and paused a moment before the little altar a light tap on the shoulder made aware of the presence of and turning round to the person who gave it he was immediately greeted with the i have a word for your ear sir if you be a man you will follow me out of this broad light what i have to say is better told where no one may observe us follow me sir you are somewhat too replied the secretary by ic bob of the bowl as he stepped after the toward the cliff i follow i think more courtesy would station i have once before marked and your i have no to waste on you said sharply my business is with your manhood you have the maiden to thank that i did not bring you to instant account for that insolent reproof you speak of i come to deal with you upon it now are you a man dare you meet me to morrow at noon at s cross i dare meet you and any or all who have right to claim it of me replied promptly in the way of honorable quarrel if such be the meaning of your challenge and although i am ignorant of your degree and may question your right to defy me to equal contest yet honored as you have been under this roof i shall rest content with that as sufficient pledge of your claim to my attention you shall find me sir punctual to your summons i scorn the shallow claim returned the to such honor as they who here may confer the master of the olive branch need not his top to a of even though the s writing stool be found in my lord s own chamber i shall see you to morrow at noon at the cross to morrow at noon replied the secretary you shall not complain of my absence sir it is well i so good night master secretary rejoined the scornfully as he bowed to his and set forth to seek his boat which lay in beneath the bank the secretary turned towards the dwelling somewhat disturbed by the novel situation into which he had been so unexpectedly thrown but resolved to conceal the of his mind and preserve the same outward composure which had marked hia during the previous portion of the evening by ic rob of the bowl who there he demanded in a stern voice as he the figure of a man stealing off from his path immediately in the vicinity of the spot where the interview with had terminated who is it he added checking himself and speaking in a tone that plays hide and seek here on the lawn nobody returned a voice from the shelter of the nobody but me honorable master me continued the half lad as he came visibly into the presence of the secretary haven t we had a famous oh what i have eaten and drunk this blessed night and what dancing master i was there ever such is a treasure to the quality i warrant you where have you such another v you should be looking on at the dancing said anxious to ascertain from the lad if he had heard any thing of what had just passed between himself and how comes it that you are away from your post oh bless you master i have more on my hands than you would guess in a week s striving now what should mistress say to me when i had up my supper but take this and this pot down to the bank side and there feed the of master s boat which you shall find at the landing below the garden and so truly there i found the hungry and they did eat master like fishes and drink like wolves it is mistress s birth day says i so we will have no hungry here comrades and they laughed and i came up the bank as i went running almost out of breath to see strike up again and that s the way i fell pop upon you master secretary it was a lucky speed now get | 29 |
gone i said by ic rob of the bowl as he slowly bent his steps towards the hall and mingled again in the bustle of the scene as midnight drew near the elder had all retired and at last even the most began to yield to that weariness of limb by which nature has set her limit to the of social pleasure no less to those in the prime of youth than to such as in their days of decline by ic chapter xix these of be as doctors do physical not to be bat swallowed time spent in the considering the appetite early in the morning after the ball of the who spent the night amongst the servants at the rose strayed forth from his bed and himself to the margin of st s creek where he sat down to look abroad over the waters at the rising sun and to profit by the breeze as it cooled his brow still aching with the effects of the late he had not been long in this position before wise fresh from a of hay in the barn him and now hastened to take a seat at his side well lad of the clear head and mother wit what has brought you to the water side so early was s question as the came into the presence of his patron as i lay in the barn replied with a world of gravity in his looks i heard first a hem and then a cough and says i that s of the by the sound of his throat and so i gets up and looks out through the and sure enough there was you walking with your hands in your pockets and your hat set a one side like a gentleman and then says i if s stirring now so early honest folks ought by ic rob of th bowl to be abroad too and with that out i walked he he he i and here i am sitting beside yoa like another gentleman then wise since we are so tell me what you think of our ball last night oh grand i grand grand master oh you have in the ribs master i you have done it as it was never done before people will talk of of the after this mistress will talk of you master will talk of you i shouldn t wonder if his should send you a purse of gold i m sure it s no more than folks look to see done and mistress did not to give you plenty to stay your stomach plenty and to spare mistress is a mother of open hands i could live under mistress all my born days and never grudge what i did for her mistress will give us our this morning said the patting the on the head and then we must away it will not be well taken if we too long after the feast there is more sport on hand to day we must not go till that be over there is to be a set to at s cross to day a set to i know all about it master i heard them it heard who what do you mean wise listen it was as i shall tell you when i carried to the boat last night as mistress ordered i call a fall of meat master i comes back by the way of the over the hedge when what should i see but two in a discourse and what should i hear but meet you and you will meet me to morrow morning at by ic rob of the at s cross oh it is a made np business who are you speaking of you slippery fool demanded the nay if you tax me so keenly i will not answer i could haye told you what master said to me afterwards when master went over the bank and into his boat but i will not for your now wise lad are you not a fool to take in the freedom of an old friend come there s a hand and in token of good will you will tell what all this story comes to as true as i am an honest man i heard it master comes first to the hedge and master following oh ho says i here s a state matter and so i my head under the hedge then master says to our honorable secretary t ou will meet me if you are a man and the secretary says i am a man and i will meet you at the cross s cross when says at noon tomorrow morning says the secretary i ll go and get ready says and with that off he there will be a pretty match for you master i and i shouldn t wonder if they should get to a pitch of the bar before they part master has a great arm for heaving a bar you and me will be there to see it oh i made up my mind last night that the first thing i did this day was to tell you that you might see it i know you love a this is a matter to be looked to i will cast it over in my mind and tell you whether we shall go to it or not well continued the secretary turns himself about to go to the house and suddenly out of the back of his head he me and so takes me to account to say what i there for oh bless you i didn t tell him i by ic rob of the bowl lam no fool if i had let on about the i should never have had the luck to get sight of it | 29 |
to appear as the champion of in the first hostile passage that took place between the and a not less from the alacrity with which he ever rendered service to the maiden bat also from the instinct of a romantic nature that delighted in the thought of its manhood with a formidable adversary he had never however as yet contemplated the reality of an appeal to arms and although in his course of accomplishment as was the fashion of that day after he had his purpose of serving the church he had practised the use of his weapon and even attained to considerable skill in it yet he had not brought himself to look upon it as other than a light exercise which like dancing was intended to fit him for the graceful service of the station he was to fill his was not yet so forgotten as to leave him at perfect ease with himself in his present straits it was not therefore with apprehension so much as with that he found himself now engaged in the appointment of the he awoke at the dawn of day full of the thoughts connected with the affair in hand and in casting about for a fit and friend in this emergency he fixed his attention upon captain as a man who would only do him a friendly turn but as one well qualified to advise him how to himself through the ordeal of the meeting having resolved instantly to see the captain he arose and before the were stirring about the mansion threw his cloak over his shoulder concealing under its folds his and himself to the fort being admitted by the he hastened to the little parlor of the captain s quarters where he arrived that worthy was still in his bed the master of the garrison however was soon awakened from hia by a servant with the announcement of his visitor and by ic rob of the bowl immediately afterwards threw open his chamber door which communicated with the parlor and disclosed to the secretary his figure half attired whilst he was yet busy in throwing on his garments good morrow master he said with a scarcely half awake i take shame to myself for a to have so honorable a guest my teacher of good habits in early rising but the s wine was last night and had a virtue of in it which hath touched me in the brain pan it is not more than once in a man s lifetime master secretary that so choice a maiden as our mistress comes to rich an age as eighteen you may search the two for another like her and still make a errand of it it was an occasion for a cup and a most reasonable excuse for a late nap in the morning the sun is just peering above the water captain replied the secretary and he who sleeps no later than sunrise even without the excuse of a night may scarcely be for i have broken in thus early upon you that i might speak with you on a matter of moment to myself i want your counsel and friendship in an affair touching mine honor captain ah is it there the wind sits master but a moment whilst i get my serving man to my points i shall be with you anon an affair of the sword truly i it is well to be early in the consideration of such matters hark ye i come hither quickly he shouted from his door to his come gather these points and set me abroad there there now leave us and busy about breakfast we shall have a relish for the best in the away good fellow as soon as the servant in obedience to this order had left the apartment the captain inquired who have we opposed to us master do we take him with long by ic bob of the bowl sword or where do we meet but first begin the story at the beginning that i propose to do captain said the secretary smiling this the master of the olive branch has chosen to conceive himself offended by a rebuke i found it necessary to give him for some of our maiden of the rose it is almost a se past and he must needs tax me with it last night and challenge me to a trial of manhood his challenge grows out of some sudden by that vexed him at the dance now though i hold the as scarce privileged to exact of me the of his weapon being of a base condition so far as he is known in the province yet captain i did not choose to be defied by him and therefore without or asking time for deliberation accepted his challenge wherein it was appointed to hold the meeting this day at noon at s cross i would entreat your friendship to stand by me in this appointment and as i am in the usage of the your better experience may instruct me it was well done on your part master exceeding well done replied the captain i you for a gentleman of prompt spirit and careful consideration of his honor this same master needs such discipline as you may teach him he the feather of his bonnet somewhat more over his shoulder than he has warrant to do and he has a trick of turning the of his belt behind more frequently than well disposed persons may choose to bear i have noted him with greater than others in the port and have from the first written him down a dog of rough breed notwithstanding his velvet and golden i have seen too many of that litter master not to know them when i meet them you did well to receive his challenge although one would hardly have thought you had learned as | 29 |
by ic rob of the bowl in the at at noon is it we have some hours before us master secretary and may employ the time in practice for the encounter i will give you some that shall stand you in stead to day by ic chapter xx he that fights a like a blind man that falls but cares to keep his staff with art to save his honor but his to chance tis an ill fashion whilst the secretary was the captain s preparatory training in the fort the was no less busy in making provision for the meeting having secured the services of a second he himself on board of his vessel which he caused to be from her and then dropped down the river opposite the creek of st s where he his purpose being to take a position convenient to the spot chosen for the encounter and to which he might proceed without suspicion from the s cross was situated near the most inland extremity of a deep and narrow known by the name of st s creek a branch of st s on a piece of meadow surrounded by woods immediately at the foot of a range of hills not more than four miles by land from the port of st mary s and about half that distance by water from the of the olive branch this spot was notorious to the inhabitants of the town as the scene of a melancholy event that had happened nearly fifty years to the date of this story in which a gentleman of in the early history of the province captain had the misfortune on a hunting excursion accident by ic rob of the bowl ally and witb fatal effect to lodge the contents of his in the bosom of his friend the bitterness of this unhappy gentleman s grief by active and service in the early wars of the colony induced him in the decline of his life to erect a on the spot whither he retired in obedience to a vow and the remnant of his days to austere self denial and religious devotion a cross of now swayed from its perpendicular by age still reared its shattered frame above the ruins of the ancient of which there yet a few logs mingled with the fragments of the crushed roof and the hearth stone showing the of long fires in the light of which the soldier had undergone his painful of prayer a certain superstitious was thus conferred upon the place and by some strange association peculiar to the habits of those times in which the sword and cross still held a relation in the popular belief it had grown to be the customary appointed ground for those personal which constituted at that era almost a lawful and approved of society in the vicinity of this spot about half an before noon occasional glimpses through the foliage might have been had of captain and followed by the captain s man all mounted as they descended the hill in the rear of st s by a winding road partially overgrown with bay tree and laurel the murmur of cheerful conversation and now and then an of audible mirth in the voice of the captain for some moments before they arrived at their point would have puzzled a casual to guess the nature of their errand and when they reached the level ground and finally up their horses hard by the old wind shaken cross was still engaged in to the secretary some story of pleasant interest which had evidently by rob of the bowl for the time drawn off at least the s thoughts from the main purpose of the day by our patron i master said the commander of the fort as he carefully down from his saddle and drew forth his watch we have here reached our ground before i was aware of it a cheerful companion has a marvellous faculty in a long road the adventures of this de la would wear out a winter night in the telling and never a drowsy ear in the company i purpose on a fit occasion master to to you more of that worthy soldier s exploits he served under six kings and fought fifteen the last at three score and ten i have seen his chapel and tomb with my own eyes at and his true cut in stone i have been but a listener captain said the secretary with a smile and would willingly hear more of that gentleman when we have brought our own adventures to an end now we may find other occupation in the matter we have in hand why as to that master replied the captain as we have very diligently all matters relating to this meeting before we quitted the fort and have now nothing left to do but to wait for the the less thought we give it the better we should go to this and scratching as a old priest goes to mass even as a thing of custom wherein there is but little and yet by my gossip not exactly as a priest goes to mass for he goes hungry and dry i would by no means have it so here that from thy i i have ever found that when an affair of business or sport be on hand it is good grace to begin it first by devoutly drawing your sleeves like a dutch across your mouth and then to take such reasonable and refreshment as shall by ic rob of the bowl give a to the spirit without the brain and so by way of example as your senior master he added taking the bottle from the servant s hand and applying it to his mouth here i drink good fortune to our venture true eye steady hand home thrust and keen brand | 29 |
day that i would gladly encounter for mistress our maiden of the rose a war and more perilous hazard than this single combat with a rude and boisterous seaman and now with right good will i seek to do her honor against the body of this say so to her i pray you good captain man you heed not my preaching when you go to dying speeches it is up of the reckoning a fig s end for the message you shall bear it to the maiden yourself blame you master secretary who would blame i would fain know a brave man who does battle for so a maiden by my manhood i i think that nothing short of the maiden herself will be fit for this he was a wise and a courteous king as the ballad him that gave his daughter to the brave knight who his adversary in combat now i will take on me to say that no king of the ballad ever had more need to be rid of a to his daughter than our friend old has to be free of this sea dog you shall fairly win a most fair and here once more i do you honor in a sup with this pledge may st wear the st so i by ic rob of the bowl there s verse for it halting ha ha master but of an honest it comes from thine and the maiden s well and with this flash of merriment the captain again plied the and spent some moments laughing at his jest when he suddenly ceased with the remark i hear the stroke of oars this master is at hand he is punctual for it is just noon we shall see him anon it was as the captain said for at that moment attended by two followers was seen coming up from the margin of st s across the meadow to the place appointed for the s bearing was stern his brow high charged with passion and a keen resentment flashed from his eye as he ad into the presence of his adversary a slight salute passed between the and for some moments each party drew aside in the presence of his s whole was changed he had heretofore as we have seen assumed a cheerful vein of intercourse with his principal adapted with a view to amuse his mind and give him the necessary assurance which the successful conduct of the enterprise required a labor however which was in no degree rendered necessary by the circumstances of the case as it was very apparent that the secretary although a in the practice of the quarrel was altogether self possessed and even eager for the issue the captain however was not slow to perceive that there was still in his carriage that hurried motion and too anxious restlessness which the novelty of the situation in which he found himself and the earnestness of his desire to himself to the satisfaction of his own feelings through all this cheerful of the captain s manner was grave and scarce responded to his companion s merriment but now that the by ic rob op the bowl moment of action arrived he grew apparently more light hearted whilst on the other hand became serious and addressed himself to the business in hand like a careful and man the is surly said as he stood apart with the secretary wiping the sword that was to be used by his friend i am glad to see it it passion receive the assault from him stand on your defence giving ground slightly to his advance then suddenly when you have whipped him to a rage as you will surely do give back the attack hotly follow it up as you did this morning in practice with me and you will hardly fail to find him at disadvantage then thrust home for the shorter you make this quarrel the better for your strength i am more at my ease in this play than you think me replied smiling you shall find it so pray let us go to our business the captain with two in his hand advanced to the ground occupied by and his friends i would be acquainted with your second master he said here are our swords shall we measure master replied the as he presented a seaman the mate of the olive branch this other companion is but a on i would you had matched me replied hastily and with some show of displeasure with an of better degree master than this mate of yours he was but a within the year past our quality deserved that you should sort us with gentlemen at least gentlemen i exclaimed the in a passion st i are we not gentlemen enough for you we belong to the coast peace hastily interrupted by ic rob of the bowl not here leave me to speak i master mj not my second farther than as bearing master may render one to me i came hither to make my own battle i came to this field replied prepared with my sword to make good the quarrel of my friend against any you might match me with so second or bully or at your heels master i will fight with thia master that is but a boy s play and i will none of it captain si id angrily this custom of parties brings the quarrel to an end at the first drawing of blood i wish no upon a scratch my demand stops not short of a mortal strife my sword sir said hastily up to the captain and seizing his sword this is my quarrel alone captain you strike no blow in it upon guard sir i he added whilst his eye flashed fire and his whole figure was lighted up with the animation of his anger | 29 |
to your guard i i will have no i are you exclaimed with bis sword between the parties and looking the secretary in the face back master this quarrel must proceed orderly then conducting his principal some paces off the other yielding to his guidance he again him against losing bis self command by such bursts of passion the secretary promised obedience and begged him to proceed go to it in strip to your shirt master said the captain when the secretary had in obedience to this order thrown aside his cloak and and come to tho spot by his second as his position in the fight by ic rob of the bowl trees once more approached the opposite party went through the formal ceremony of measuring swords and then and placed the weapon in s hand at the same time draw ing his own and planting himself within a few paces of his friend we are ready sir i he said bowing to the s attendant lost no time in taking his ground master carefully keeping out of the way of harm from any party the was made by the with an energy that amounted to rage and it was with a most lively interest not with pleasure that watched the eye of and saw it playing with an expression of confidence and self command whilst with admirable dexterity he his s assault i exclaimed more than once during this anxious moment to it master i hotly master i he cried aloud at the same time flourishing his own blade above his head when he saw return the attack with great animation upon his adversary who was thus compelled to give ground this rapid exchange of thrust and was suddenly arrested by the sword of the being struck from his hand the secretary had him and instead of following up his advantage generously halted and brought the point of his own sword to the ground the fight is done we hold you sir at mercy i said promptly and placing his foot upon the s master has come hither upon your challenge you will acknowledge that your life is in his hands you have had your satisfaction sir as the captain said this he stepped one pace aside and by ic bob of the bowl k at the same instant picked up the from the and madly called oat for a renewal of the fight as with extended arm he presented himself again npon his guard instead of the favor that has been shown yon in your worthless life you deserve to be to the for this i exclaimed as his spirit kindled into wrath notwithstanding the advice he had given the secretary to keep his t out upon thee for a disgrace to thy calling he added in a tone of angry as advancing nearer to the he struck the extended with a and made it spin in the air above his head i could almost find it in my conscience to spit thee upon my sword by the virgin i will not see my captain put upon said as he now advanced towards the though still keeping a respectable space between himself and the captain whose skill of fence he had no mind to try nor exclaimed the other attendant at the same time drawing his and shouting master a la for the brothers of the coast let them have it in the fashion of the i i as he and now sprang forward to engage with the attendants back to your boat you i is it thus you serve me interposed thrusting his followers aside and then whispering to the mate there is an end of it i by my sword but here is a crossing of our plot i exclaimed on looking towards the range of over which the road towards the town lay and discovering no less a personage than the and father approaching them on horseback we have been informed on and by ic rob of the bowl thanks to our luck i hie may do better than rail against ns as is his wont he has ever had a quick nose to scent out a ay and a tongue master to one this is not my first experience of his we shall have it without presently to the boat quickly and put off said with a sullen angry tone to his companions i may find another day to right myself he muttered as he gathered up his sword cloak and hat and with a moody hurriedly strode towards his boat which lay in a direction opposite to that from which the was hastening towards the scene in a few moments he had embarked and was seen shooting along the surface of st s until he was speedily lost to view by one of the turns of the creek in the mean time lord and the priest arrived on the ground of the combat before the secretary had yet resumed his ah my son my son i exclaimed the good father as he pricked his forward in advance of the and made haste to alight and throw his arms around s neck kissing his cheeks whilst the tears flowed down his own my son how could you be so of poor father to give him all this pain we saw swords flashing in the sun and heard the of steel are you hurt my son you look pale i am not hurt father more than that i am pained to see you here replied the secretary as he affectionately placed his arm across the old man s shoulders our quarrel has ended without the shedding of blood said the gravely up beside the young man i take it much amiss that one of my household should dare to the laws of this province b t coming forth to such a as i find you concerned in by | 29 |
ic rob of the bowl i had reason to hope for the setting of good example from him whom i chose for my secretary but i find you an evil usage which is worthy no better countenance than such as it hath gained from hot and pie on thee is it for thee who hast but lately changed thy square bonnet for the of a page is it for thee to play at and like a common have we no shallow with the privilege of wearing a sword who for lack of other quality to be noted by hath learned a trick to and and swear filthy oaths and break god s and men s peace with his bloody but that a scholar and gentleman nursed in all kindly studies ay and who hath been reared master within the pale of the altar must needs turn man with a rude sea and quarrel and strike as in an ale house oh it doth grieve me to find you thus my honored lord replied not venturing to raise his eyes from the ground i do confess my fault which with and weighing of all consequence except my lord s displeasure i did commit i was called hither by such defiance as it would not have consisted with my manhood to refuse i have sought no companionship with the nor knew that such man was till within a week and even now was prone to slight him off as one not worthy of my resentment but my good lord venturing to presume upon my and my with my sword he must with a question of my courage and defy me hither and if a fellow who lives upon the element of his own must take a conceit to his base condition by having a contest with his shall he compass it by words and questions does it mend his manners or your to a pass with him on the green by ic rob of the bowl would it comfort you to away from this field a hand red with his blood captain how comes it to pass that i see you here your age should have given you the privilege to be a peace maker not the of a quarrel my lord said the captain folding his arms across his breast and advancing one foot to give a more sturdy to his attitude whilst an expression half comic in his eye i am an old ban dog that has been too often for barking to heed reproof in my old age your hath the credit of a spirit to the within the province i you will even give over before your work is done it were but lost pains if i might be so bold as to say so at least until your shall find a more brood of by the mass i we shall win for our patience if in these times we may reach such perfection of humility as to brook the of some of your s hopeful children of the province the was rude to our mistress and the secretary like a such as becomes your s household him for it and thereupon grew a considered challenge which master accepting as in my poor judgment he could not otherwise do i came r with him to see fair play it is well i did for to my thinking this seaman would not have stopped at any measure of treachery he has a deep hate against the secretary and the lesson master has taught him will not much his humor thy profession captain gives thee a license which makes it but lost breath to thee said the calmly offended with the soldier s familiar and rebellious good nature and to say the truth there is much rude speech and provoking action to tempt even a more governed man into quarrel yet i would not have you believe that i take thia so lightly you will my by ic rob of the bowl deepest displeasure if under any pretext or advice yon farther this captain i command yon to look to it and charge you to arrest the first who seeks to revive the quarrel on the faith of my love to your replied i promise that i will not again offend my dear son interposed the priest still holding the secretary s hand my experience has long me that to preach restraint upon the desires of the young is but struggling up the channel of a torrent it is hard to teach patience under wrong to those whose blood is hot with the fever of still mon though i may not e to persuade you for verily i know the censure of the world leaves to a temper such as thine no choice but obedience to the law of custom still my dear son you will sometimes perhaps take old father s words to heart he would entreat you to reflect that although offence may abound and the fashion of men s opinions may set disgrace upon the refusal to right a contrived wrong and though the pride of manhood may take pleasure in strife yea even though thy conscience shall tell thee of a just cause and worthy of by the sword yet the heroism of suffering hath better with heaven than all the heroism of action do not forget neither my dear master that you are linked in this world with others whose right to you and to your affections you dare not but at the hazard of the displeasure of the god who placed you here and gave you to your kind how should father have borne the of his son if your adversary had chanced to be too skilful for your defence there is yet another said the good priest drawing nigh to the secretary s ear and speaking almost in a whisper who takes | 29 |
this peril even more to heart than father ah master you did not think of them that loved you by ic rob of the bowl the secretary blushed at the last allusion of the priest as he hurriedly replied father it is over no let us say no more about it there the is made i said the old man whilst he grasped by the hand and shook it a smile playing amongst the tears that stood in his eyes we have made a i we shall be as happy and as gay as ever i mon put on your cloak and get you to your horse my lord we shall reserve our scolding for another time get back to my house master said the in a quiet tone not the appeal to him but with a thoughtful and serious manner which stood in marked opposition to the light and laughing air of the priest captain do not on this field but follow us back to the port come on father the day is wasting in a moment the captain and secretary were left to themselves nay never take on master nor fall into said observing that his companion felt the silent displeasure of the it is ever thus with his who from his cradle i believe has set his heart to the of our noble art of self defence a conceit of his which does no harm his face will be sunny again to morrow never heed it i cannot see that i have done wrong replied with a sigh i would not offend his tut man if you watched his eye you would have seen in a corner of it that he likes you all the better for this day s now to horse the mounted and rode at a moderate pace to the town by ic chapter i read a by born and by your good i read you for a sworn to keep the ting s with brand and so gallantly you come i read you for a bold that lists the of drum the returned to his vessel in no gentle mood for in the language of the ballad an angry man was he springing from the small boat to the deck of the he flung down his weapon and cloak and paced to and fro with a hurried step for some moments in silence give me drink some wine he exclaimed at length and a boy in obedience to this order brought him what he had called for and he had put the liquid to his lips he shouted in a tone that made the lad tremble as he threw the glass upon the deck and shivered it into fragments i why dost thou bring me this weak stuff i would have fool the stronger being supplied he eagerly swallowed a draught and threw himself upon the seat at the stern of the vessel where for a considerable space he sat with his eyes fixed upon the broad field of water around him by degrees the fever of his passion subsided into a sullen and he began to with a more self possessed of view over the condition by ic rob of the bowl of his affairs he to the slight pat upon him by the maiden the secretary s reproof the contemptuous and insulting of his suit by the and bitterest of all these topics of his defeat in the by an whose he had persuaded himself to hold in derision s triumph over him as he was obliged to confess it struck like an arrow into his heart that so light and dainty a as he deemed the secretary might win such a victory and then boast of it to the maiden this reflection wrought up to fire the of his hatred and brought his meditation to one stern conclusion that of revenge i them their tribe and generation i he said from this day forth i them and all they with and his associates yes his and the rest i all fellowship with them but such fellowship as my sword may maintain the maiden i not so fast master he continued with a smile that betrayed the true devil of his nature scornful mistress it would be over charitable to give thee up thou shalt dance a yet to my bidding and on the deck of my merry but it shall be beneath a warmer sun than thy pride has been nursed in by my hand you shall if there be virtue in these honest cut throats of mine and master shall be cared for i thank thee father for thy thou not let me into a secret touching the royal order faith did you holy father and i will make profit of it oh this excellent church quarrel too i will join master and and teach them devilish inventions i ha i that s a thought worth the nursing and the i we shall have blows struck we shall have good store of and work pistol play and dagger i there will be for a hungry man to it by ic rob of the bowl like gentlemen of the coast sink born blow op and hack and run st but there is a merry for you why need the brotherhood over the of when we have such dainty in the temperate i will straight about this plot of mischief whilst my blood is warm enough to it ho i order me two men into the i would visit the port whilst the in this amiable temper was making his way towards the town i may take the opportunity to give my reader a brief history of certain persons and events with which our tale is now connected when bad seized upon the s rights in had the address to obtain the appointment of lieutenant | 29 |
general of the province which he held under this authority until by an act of treachery to those who had procured his he was able to secure to himself the same post by the commission of who in the decline of s power found the government restored to its owner having in turn attempted to betray the and to an independent control in the province he was from office in consequence of which he was engaged in a rebellion which after a troublesome contest ended in his the of the eventually restored him to his home where before the lapse of many months he fell into his old and again himself with the authorities he was a man of an eager temper a skilful in conduct bold in action and in manners although sufficiently to conceal his from public observation he was now in his old age the of the present troubles and some months to the opening of this narrative his threats of violence against the as well as certain well founded suspicions of a design to by ic rob of the bowl overthrow the provincial government by force had led to his arrest for treason he was consequently as we have hinted in a former chapter at this moment a close prisoner in the jail his brother samuel upon this event took upon himself to stir up his friends to the enterprise of a rescue but this had produced no better result than to lodge samuel in the same prison with his the party i mean that portion of them who had been active in the violent measures set on foot by the headed by john and some others hotly resented this persecution as they deemed the imprisonment of their friends they had into their association george a weak minded yet daring man who held the post of lieutenant of the in the service of the and who in this station found many secret opportunities to promote the purposes of the party john himself was at this epoch under the of a personal which he had recently received from the in an arrest from which he was released upon for coarse and insulting conduct to the he had hitherto avoided or successfully concealed all open in the plot which was against the present of the province although he had not as we have heretofore seen escaped the suspicion of foul designs he was a member of the house of and in the which had just terminated rendered himself conspicuous for a keen and as he was sustained by the popular party successful war of against lord and his council about four o clock in the afternoon this captain john according to a custom which he was prone to indulge was found seated on a bench that stood at the door of the crow and ar her his outward man with the solace of a by ic rob of the bowl of ale and a pipe whilst his inward self was absorbed with a that spread its bland repose over every of his and somewhat a who took pleasure in the study of the of character would have halted with satisfaction before this notable personage he might have been at this epoch about forty five his figure was sturdy broad in the chest and supported by short and bowed legs his face had that of aspect which comes from an commerce with the wine cup and his eye though somewhat clouded and sensitive to the light with a sharp expression of cunning and malice his dress was of sober brown retaining a general resemblance to the fashion of s day which had not yet fallen into entire it was composed of a coat the skirts of which decorated with black depended both in front and rear to the knee ample breeches and wide boots broad hat and a double hanging from a at the moment i have introduced him to the view of my reader his meditation was interrupted by the arrival of a a tall person in the prime of manhood equipped partly in the of a wood as was indicated by the and knife in his belt and the across his shoulder and partly in that of a by his s sword and the pistols at his saddle bow master your servant was the greeting of the rider whilst he dismounted and flung the rein carelessly upon the neck of his whose head drooped and sides panted with the toil of his recent journey your ale is like to grow flat from a lack of thirst i can supply that he said as he took up the and deliberately drained it to the bottom by q lieutenant you had as well help yourself without by ic rob of the my leave exclaimed with a laugh where in the d i are you from now from and the parts above replied for it was no other than the lieutenant of the that painted devil and his wild cats have been around the upper there have been throat cutting and again red haired tom was on his road to fort and the savages stole into his plantation and have murdered his wife and children nothing but speed and bottom saved me to day a party with that son of s robin hood they call him at least i suspect him for it from a limp which i saw in the fellow s walk lay in cover and fired at me just over at the head of s bay they must have been in liquor for they their pieces so much at random as to strike wide both of me and my horse i gave them a parting as far as pistols and served and then bade them good bye i dare be sworn they were stirred up to these attacks replied these bloody have set a | 29 |
mark upon us all and not only rouse the savages against us but disguise themselves and murder and burn with as hot a hand as the worst red devil of them all whilst charles is allowed to it over the good people of the province we may hope for nothing better did you see will i did and have news from him that the and with twenty more on the side are ready to cross the river at the first signal have a care lieutenant whispered as he cast his eye towards the here comes a boat with that fellow one of his s it would do you no good to be seen in with me we meet to night at by ic rob op the bowl s let me see you there and now to your own concerns i will not to go to s worthy master replied the lieutenant whilst he now turned aside to look after his beast what ho garret send me some one to horse i he cried out as he thrust his head into the door of the inn instead of the the summons was answered by who with a courtesy announced that both master and the landlady were abroad and upon being made with the lieutenant s wish took upon herself the business of and led off the to the stable whilst entered the at the same instant arrived at the door perhaps you could tell me master he inquired whether is likely to be at home faith most unlikely as i should guess replied the with a at the whilst his allows the savages to shoot down and the honest people of the province here under his very nose a wise man will learn who his visitor may be before he will allow himself to be seen master has nothing to fear from me said i would i might see him he added with an earnestness that forcibly attracted s attention why what in the devil s name have you to do with more than you suspect sir i would speak with him on affairs of importance it perhaps may concern you to hear what i have to say wounds man i speak out if thou hast aught to say against me or my friends this shall be a free land for speech by ic rob of the bowl master free to all men it is so already let me tell you to us who wear our swords however his and his s church would fain force it down our throats to be silent with what you call your is but spent breath master if you will allow me an instant s private speech with you i will open myself in somewhat that may be for your interest to hear the bench of a public tavern does not well become the matter of my speaking ha a private conference and on matter of moment i ejaculated then follow me master by the town house path amongst the on yon bank now sir you may speak your mind though it were enough to hang a said as he strode slowly in advance of the until they found themselves enveloped by the thicket of i have heard it whispered the since my arrival in the port that you and others have been mischief and are like to come to with his s men of the and dost thou come to me with this fool s errand master interrupted the are you sent hither to drain me of a secret which you may commend to the notice of the for your own advancement in his good favor by my i have a mind to rap thee about the with my cool thy courage captain or spend it where it may give thee more profit i come to thy hell with new of my own not to it i say again i have heard it whispered that you have bloody fancies in the wind i care not to inquire what they are but knowing you have no good will towards the council and their friends i by ic t rob of the bowl have a hand to help in any devil s your plot may give life to besides the olive branch is a more than she looks to be and you may perchance stand in need hereafter of a salt water i can commend her to liking captain gazed with a steadfast and eye for some moments in the face of the at last he asked art thou in earnest master f by q if thou here to me i will have thee so bestowed that the shall feed upon thy before the breath be out of thy body and so they may if i deceive you replied the coolly put me to the proof captain put me to the proof and if i fail you may all the of st mary s with my body are you to say this before witnesses inquired a if they hate the friends of the council as i hate them then come to night to master s you shall find me and others there then it may be wise that we hold no more discourse together and so now we part promised to keep the appointment and took his leave of the who walked onward to the town house here found of the busy in setting up against the trunk of the a sheet of paper designed according to the custom of the town to some matter of interest to the inhabitants to the question what have you in the wind the s reply was an invitation to the captain to inform by a perusal of the paper he accordingly read as follows by ic rob op the bowl order or license to and ta play a prize at the several weapons belonging to tbe science such aa | 29 |
eh all be agreed on bj them at sat ti place ie or near st s city as they shall for day provided that no play be used nor any or to the breach of his s peace be by them or any of their associates thereupon offered dated at s mansion in the city of st s th day of october j clerk on the behind the town in st s city by permission of an order of council as above a trial of skill shall be l and two of the noble science of defence at of the clock in the afternoon of thursday the twenty third of october instant i of the town of england who have thirty one times at in the hole at and in parts of west indies and never left a stage to any man do invite to meet and exercise at the several weapons following back sword sword and sword and dagger case of single i of who formerly served in the guard of his the prince of orange aud bath held the degree of master of the noble science of defence in forty seven besides that i by ic rob of the bowl fought as a before i took said degree will not in regard to the fame of fail to meet this brave at the time and place appointed desiring a clear stage and from him no favor this promises well for a fair sport said they are both pretty fellows with the sword who has set this matter a foot i heard an it please your worship replied the it is near a fortnight since that and the being together at an ale drinking on an afternoon at master ordinary and having got into a merry pin must needs fall into an argument and thereupon into a debate as men commonly do now a days upon church matters whereupon you know master said touching the on the with his and speaking in a confidential tone with a short dry laugh is a born devil on our side of the question whereupon he raises his voice against the of masses as he calls it and the pictures and images and the rest of the while the sticks up like a true soldier for the army of and the and what not besides so when words got high and began to be puzzled by some of s which he learned from the priests he off from the church and turns the discourse upon sword craft and thereupon after some by takes him short with a challenge to play a prize which the accepted out of hand then it was left to colonel to bring it to the council and the next thing i hear of it is that colonel sends me here to set this writing concerning the whole matter against the before the town house door by ic rob of the bowl before had got through this account of the origin of s challenge had come to the spot we may find an occasion in this prize fight that shall jump with our plot lieutenant said what you richard had to tell me i cannot guess why that these who so much in the affairs of the province and rule the council are downright that his is no better than a the council themselves but white of the litter of and that the whole brood of in master and serving man all round are but thieves who deserve each and all to be set in the stocks now there is a wise a clear sighted conscientious who has seen his errors and them honestly this master has promised me to meet us at s to night which i put it to him to do by way of test to his honesty if he come not there i shall hold that he has me with a base lie and in that case george i desire you to set thy mark upon him dost hear so until we meet again at master s good even lieutenant the residence of stood upon the river a short distance beyond the upper limits of the town from which it was separated by the small creek which i have heretofore described as bounding the common this creek at its where it crossed the river beach was reduced into a narrow strait scarcely in the ordinary state of the tides beyond the compass of an active man s leap here a small bridge gave to the access at all tunes to the dwelling house of master when the twilight had subsided some three or four visitors were found assembled under this roof and their number in the by ic bob of the bowl coarse of an was increased to as many more amongst these and were the first to arrive they were soon followed by a person of no small in the of that time the reverend master an active and subtle of the english church whose figure meek countenance and simplicity of costume contrasted with a restless and passion caught eye presented an of a busy political the host master though a young man had arrived at some authority in the house of by his and zealous hostility to the and had through the popularity which generally follows resistance to the established order of things obtained such a control over the course of that unhappy which agitated the peace of the as entitled him to be considered in modern phrase one of the leaders of the movement he now appeared in this in that mixed character of and soldier partially armed though the pursuits of a man of peace which the of the period had rendered common amongst the inhabitants conspicuous at least for his estimate of himself in this assemblage whither the love of having something to do and | 29 |
save you my masters for a set of merry of mischief by st but you make a snug house of it here together master captain would have me come here to night to speak before witnesses change i is the word i have done with the and the and by ic rob of the bowl with all who bow to the honorable council i have done with my lord s gentlemen of and yea and have a reckoning to make which shall be remembered in i but i will make it he added as he spoke through his clenched teeth when the foremost man amongst you all shall cry shame for pity we shall comrades i have it to day for an hour past i have fed upon the milk of most wholesome without taint of in it i fetched it myself from holland to the crow and ha i it has me in the faith of our new quarrel i will swear by it as your only holy water master i would you had brought us a cooler head though you are not the less welcome said think you sir you can strike if there be need for it at those you have lately with strike i exclaimed ay by saint can i strike i on the broad sea or green land in or orderly fight amongst and or and i can strike with sword or dagger at waking man or sleeping babe gray head or green strike master to drum and trumpet or to the music of shrieking wives and sobbing maidens i have been nursed to the craft what else should have brought me here to night a most monstrous and horrid the wolf has had ejaculated master in the ear of a neighbor this fellow would have been a in time we must use him nevertheless reverend master said we shall teach him gentleness when we have got over the rough work of our plot the parson assented by a nod of the head and then approaching the inquired what argument worthy by ic rob of the bowl master hath persuaded you to your old there may be much in the experience of a man so thoroughly converted that concerns no man here replied the seaman enough for you sir that i have changed my colors i come to you not alone neither i have men to back me and follow where i lead and a trim bark which may serve a turn when you are put in straits if you will have service out of me i ask no return for it but that you set quickly about the work do you want motive for present quarrel i can give it to you i know it for a truth that the king hath sent orders hither to every from his office in this province and i know further that the council do upon deliberation to obey the king s bidding there is a handle for rebellion which may serve you for a throat cutting but what is a royal order to charles if the wind of his humor set contrary against it a feather who are they that counsel my lord the men that feed their own idleness on the substance of the honest folk who toil the men who flatter his with first amongst them is that old i would have you note him masters for a chief a most blood to whom should the offices of this province belong to such as the good pleasure of the may surely to such as the king would have without question breathed the reverend parson then there are reasons for rebellion as thick as you could wish masters continued by way of close to an which showed him qualified to take a rank amongst the of the time not inferior to that of the most successful masters of the art of agitation at the present day by ic s rob of the bowl so fall to and make yourselves men of consideration amongst your neighbors i am here to help bravely spoken i shouted as the concluded this successful essay in political whilst several voices the that is the true aspect of our plot and master shows himself a worthy and apt scholar the sooner we come to the better we have force enough to match the and of his and make ourselves masters of the fort by a set against the at the town house this afternoon it seems we are to have a prize play between and next wednesday week this will not fail to bring our friends of the country to the sport and the occasion will be apt for us to manage the of a general revolt this suggestion receiving the countenance of the was adopted and the execution of the particulars committed to himself for the present it was thought advisable that no immediate step be taken in reference to the rescue of the as it was very obvious from various intelligence which had been brought to the that a crisis was near at hand which must be decisive of the question of strength between the two parties after this the company gradually dispersed by ic chapter mt hie on the tap tower waiting may was there she d the her breast the her hair she wiped the tear her ee an looked and thb of it is proper before we move onward with our tale to give some account of affairs at the rose towards which the interest of our lady readers e is very naturally directed after of the had departed with the that was designed to the there was for a considerable time a general restlessness manifested by the household extending from and downward through the entire roll of for had not omitted to avail himself of the occasion to give mistress a history of | 29 |
the whole affair of the quarrel between the and the secretary in the presence of michael as well as of the the cook and the all of whom were assembled in the kitchen at work amongst the litter and wreck of the last night s feast and were of course thrown by the recital into a condition of most extraordinary doubt and curiosity as to the of the adventure the restlessness to which i have referred seemed equally to defy the of philosophy and the power of remaining stationary in any one place by any one body for two minutes the corn by ic rob of the bowl mon topic of apprehension was that might not reach father in season or if he did that father might not find aid at hand to the two very reasonable grounds of distrust which brought about that nervous agitation which is not uncommon in female in the present case after much and perplexity in the two sisters it was thought expedient to call mistress to the consultation regarding what was proper to be done in the emergency and the matter was now entertained in an debate in the parlor and moving into the hall thence upstairs to a chamber window down again to the front door and finally to the verge of the at the extremity of the lawn overlooking the river at this last spot mistress cast her eyes over the water and there discovered the s which as my reader is aware had been dropped down to this early in the morning this phenomenon straightway suggested a most ingenious expedient which from the vivacity of its it was obvious the housekeeper considered as decisive of the question under deliberation good luck the while she exclaimed if there is not master s own vessel the olive branch lying fast and firm in the very mouth of the creek how lucky for us the mistress as we are women is on board and to go thence to s cross now as he must come within hail of our landing we have only to station michael here with the long spanish piece and cause him to warn in the name of master to forbear coming up the creek on peril of his life your father did so in first rebellion when and his men frightened the priests of st s yonder out of their wits by sailing into the creek why shouldn t we try it with the michael shall fire upon him if he dare to make light of the by ic rob of the bowl warning and lest might come of it the gardener may take his aim somewhat and overhead i will promise you no sailor another stroke of an oar forward after that on us mistress ejaculated would you involve us in a war with the and his surly comrades at least tiu master your father comes home and takes the matter into his own hands i would make war as we may against or any one else that should come into our waters to harm master would i r i am sure i do not know what to do said not the device of the housekeeper and looking through a tear over the waste of waters i am sure i do not know what to do unless it be to send for our dear lady maria as this last seemed to be the most practicable hint which had yet been suggested it was seized upon and adopted with entire and the consultation was immediately to carry it into operation mistress and the housekeeper hurried to speed measures to that end and remained i upon the bank in a mute study apparently watching the people upon the deck of the luckily before michael could make ready a horse to do the errand which mistress had confided to him the lady maria was approaching the house mounted on her pony and followed by a body guard in the shape of an old serving man of the lord in brief space she alighted at the door the good lady had heard nothing of the tidings which had diffused such sadness over the household at the rose and it may be imagined now received them with a of by ic rob of the bowl concern not only with her regard for the secretary but also with the peculiar solicitude which she was accustomed to extend over all matters relating to the affairs of the young people within her brother s oh the bloody minded and oh rash master she exclaimed after the narrative was concluded i foresaw it i dreamed of it i almost knew some mischief was ever since that wicked look which i marked the give to master when the secretary him for being too free in his regarding the mantle as you may ber i wish the fingers of the over sea had been ere they that foul mantle said and the in the bottom of the red sea who brought it here i would rather wish that master should find no at s cross to day returned the lady not knowing exactly what to wish or that no such place as s cross was to be found in the province find no there exclaimed if a poor wish of mine might bring it to pass master s sword should so sharply with him that he should never again set foot in the port it all comes of that foolish birth day ball which i must needs be persuaded by grace to give i would i were not eighteen for five years to come if harm should befall master interposed the housekeeper who felt herself privileged in this time of general to give her opinion it would be for our comfort that you never saw nor would see eighteen if i were mistress i know i should never find my natural rest again to lose | 29 |
so sweet a gentleman as the secretary but the crosses of this life come not by desert nor spare the best as the proverb by ic bob of the bowl says i fear the is an for master surely mistress said at the housekeeper s freedom as well as at her the secretary s thou hast no warrant for such speech master hath a heart and a hand to defend himself and may match with the in any quarrel and if he were not his match she added with an ill concealed to appear indifferent to the result he is no of mine i that i should wish myself dead and thus given vent to an emotion suggested by that reserve which a maiden feels who first begins to be conscious of a secret affection for a lover a sentiment that until this day had at her heart she covered her face with her hands and left the room to weep in private at the top of the s dwelling was a small balcony or platform that had been constructed for an from which vessels approaching the port might be described with a perspective glass at the most remote point from this elevation looking inland the road leading from the town around the head of st s might be discerned for some extent along the plain and at intervals through the forest where it became tangled amongst the hills to this balcony in the of her mind had gone secretly to look out upon the road and note those who travelled upon it hoping by this means to satisfy herself on that anxious question whether any persons were abroad to prevent the she gazed there with her brow shaded by her hand and when within an hour of noon she discerned two figures on horseback moving upon th hill side almost at a walk it was with an emotion that produced a shudder through her frame that she recognised at that distance the short dark cloak and the low cap and feather of the secretary by ic rob of bowl oh blessed mother i she exclaimed t is master our care has been but lost so leisurely he moves along his path has not been followed nor ig it like to be for noon has almost come and i see no father behind although the road is open to my sight full two good miles and he hath master with him as i take that companion to be and master would not guide him so much at ease if there were followers maria i hither comes the s boat the water with such speed as makes it sure he shall reach the cross in tune she continued as she turned her eye from the land to the river and saw the the surface of st s creek abreast the rose under the stroke of two and bearing and his comrades so near to her that she was able to distinguish upon the bench of the boat the swords which were to be used in the combat well a day i it is a trial which may not be averted by any caution of mine the holy guard our good master and turn danger from his path as for his gentleness and bravery he doth deserve the maiden muttered these short and almost aspirations half in self communion half in prayer during which a melancholy expression of distress rested upon her countenance and often like the forsaken lady of the ballad she d the tear lier ee an looked and whilst she thus indulged her secret grief voices were heard below in the court yard it is the s boat michael said the voice of and the in it with his at his side tiie piece michael i the long spanish gun you shoot ducks with in the winter i haste ye man and fetch by ic rob of the it or they will be oat of y reach was ever such a a old i have the heart to load and fire with my own hand these men p go to your kitchen craft you ally woman p returned the voice of the gardener with a hoarse laugh thou rt a fool with thy of the piece i take a of hot water and fling it in the it will yon sailors perchance tis but a cast the creek is but a half mile wide it was not so wide you but that his ip from this bank could turn that savage and his back as they came dame go and your what do you known of and his were there not fifty of us with and to boot let these women and the world will be so thick set with lies that they will the light of the sun a man would lose his way in unless he bore a lantern this last hit of the gardener s seemed to be for the voice of mistress was immediately afterwards heard in the house showing that she had evidently retreated ah i cried the maiden who still retained her position in the balcony as she now unexpectedly discerned the figures of the and father riding at a pretty brisk gait along the plain from the direction of the town a blessing on him i father has got our message and is on his way with his good the saints lend them speed i though i fear they go too late the s boat has turned into st s and will be at the cross ere his reach the hills though when he reaches the hills his journey is but half performed it was not long after this that she heard the bell of st s across the creek its customary announcement of by m bob op the bowl and the and the priest had not | 29 |
reference to the rose of st mary s he sprang from his couch with the of unusual health and whilst he made his toilet his mind ran with an impatient resolve upon an early visit to the rose accordingly as soon in the day as he might with propriety visit at the s dwelling for all at once he grew scrupulous as to these which until now had never entered into his he was mounted on his and forth and away a gallant seeking the bower of his when he arrived at the rose and her father were just prepared to set out on a morning s walk and were upon the lawn around the rustic temple which contained the altar of st welcome master said the with a brisk and cordial greeting heartily welcome i man you had brought us into a fine yesterday my women here and yea and mistress and and sue the whole of them were as much as if the had made an upon us you have been playing the man since we saw you last you must try your hand at ge and point master marry after this thou by ic s bob of thk bowl wear thy with an air cock thy and draw at a word like a pretty fellow of the give ns a band good i thank thee for the service thou hast done in lowering the of that sea why not ran him through the body the secretary was not prepared for this bluff questioning and as he took the s hand his cheek and he replied with a modest mien i sought no quarrel with the and am that we parted with so little hurt notwithstanding the complacency with which regarded his recent conduct and the gaiety of heart with which he now visited the rose and despite his resolution to assume bolder carriage in the presence of his bearing at this moment was by more than ordinary and show of respect it was even with some confusion that he now approached the maiden and offered her his hand and what equally to be remarked on her part seemed to have lost that confiding and tone of intimacy with which she was ever in the habit of receiving the secretary still joy sparkled in her eye and warmed her features with a genial flush as she noted s in her presence and read in it his more profound sense of the value of her favor our h day feast he said after the maiden will be well remembered in the province for the general content it has given all voices are mistress and she has won many sincere wishes from the for long and happy life alas replied the maiden whatever others may think i have wept sorely for that unlucky feast i did not wish it at first and in the end had better reason to grieve that i had persuaded to make it master interposed the thou by ic rob of thb t come most hither this girl most have me consent to trail mj old limbs after her like a young gallant this in a to enjoy the air as she calls it simply she has happened to leave her nest with the merry of a spring lark yoa shall take my place as a man for service there is the secretary for thee a better squire than thy old rusty father i i have a more profitable calling on hand to visit my fields ha master you wear a love token on your breast i added the old gentleman with a playful mile as he took in his hand a small miniature set in gold which hung by a chain from the secretary s neck and had accidentally escaped unobserved f m his in the action of from his horse some lady of the other side of the water eh and on the here letters which my eyes are too old to make out without my glasses a no doubt let fools great s yoke disdain thou know st the song master tis the way of all living my poor mother s likeness said gravely at the same time restoring the miniature to his bosom she put it round my neck with her own hands whilst she lay upon her death bed and i have worn it ever since tis the only remembrance i have of her i was a child when she died but not too young to feel the loss of one who loved me so well the tear started into the secretary s eye as he spoke and when mr saw it a tear also came into his which he brushed away with his hand saying with an assumed vivacity pardon good lad a thousand times i ask your forgiveness for my rude speech i did not think of what i said and i but love thee the more for thy kind memory of thy mother hang up care by his wing i the world is with it you will y dinner with us good master i go forth to look after necessary affairs and will be back before this girl has led by ic of thb bowl you her dance at dinner i will have much to say to you con that bully a plague on the wool cap i i could have found it in my heart to fight with him myself my gray hairs against his locks i do you know master he was so as to ask my leave to our girl here this of mine see how the child her red on the cheek at the thought of it ay and pressed it on me so rudely and with such clap me on the back familiarity as he would have used to mistress of the crow and out of a jack of ale | 29 |
the province a platform or stage of deal by ic rob of the bowl boards twenty feet square and three feet above the ground had been constructed near the centre of the common in the rear of the town house a few paces from the platform stood a flag staff from which floated a bearing the device of the provincial arms executed in oil by master the artist of the city on a skirt of the common some six or eight tents marked the position of the court of guard formed by the garrison of the fort under the command of the lieutenant opposite to this a range of had been erected by the where was displayed every variety of refreshment which the housekeeping t re of the might afford these were dish by various devices in the way of signs one present ing a banner hung out on a pole with a rude representation of a cock in jack boots and with his neck stretched as in the act of and a from his bill having written on it for ever whilst another manifested its for the adverse champion by the device of a bull in reared on his hind legs with the inscription the old sword against the new others were simply by a green bush the old sign of good wine within amongst these temporary sheds was especially to be noted one which was surmounted by a towering staff bearing a flag with the cross of st whose was sufficiently indicated by a sign painted on though not very to represent a of the crow and from the of master sundry legends in over the front of by ic rob of the bowl the expressed the utmost between the combat and their several friends as might be read in as honor to the brave a fair field and no and others of similar equally against the accident of the party of the host within the shed the face of our jolly dame might have been seen long before the appointed hour of the combat as she busied herself in matters to meet the expected pressure of the day such was the picture presented on the town common about noon already a large number of the inland inhabitants had arrived and troops of new comers were every moment seen halting their horses in the vicinity of the common others were discerned as far off as the of the country allowed down from the distant or moving forward in irregular across tha plain by every road which led to the town the river presented a scene not less animated boats of various sizes from a down to a were sprinkled over the whole expanse of water across the inhabitants who resided beyond the st mary s river as well as many from the opposite shore of the the of master was thronged with guests and every ale house and ordinary of inferior note bore testimony to the attraction which the projected prize play presented to the country people both far and near meantime the were not yet accessible to the sight of the inquisitive crowd they were each in charge of their respective friends had selected captain as his patron and was now lodged in the house of the where he was attended by a troop of those professional who are ever at hand on occasions of sport with their advice men who whether with skill or not are still prone to take the credit of being well in the mysteries of the game by ic bob of the bowl these were now or affected to be so in their champion for his all that show of science in the of the craft which belongs to class under their direction the had been for several days put a diet which was alleged to be regulated to produce the of strength without an increase of bulk he had been breathed a certain number of hours each day in the exercise of his weapon and now that the moment of trial i at hand great and care were displayed in his limbs with bear s to them their requisite the same precautions with the same were bestowed upon who still shut up in the fort was the discipline of captain and de la both of these claiming to be in this important matter of training for a prize play about an half hour before four o clock the common was filled with the groups of spectators leaving the town almost emptied of its inhabitants these thronged around the or strolled across the plain or took their places at the platform at this moment wheeled off his company from the court of guard and marching to the scene of the expected fight formed them in two ranks immediately behind the which might be said to represent the head of the lists from this position he detached armed with who were posted at intervals in military fashion around the platform at the distance of some ten paces from it beyond which limit the on were compelled to retire leaving the intervening space entirely clear the crowd which was thus thrust back consisted indifferently of both sexes the women as is always the case in public shows wherever they may gain admission forming no portion of the mass and they were now seen ell their way to the front of the throng and by ic rob of the their positions there with as stout resolve as the of their carts and sundry for the occasion and laden to their utmost capacity with females formed a kind of rear division surrounding the stage several gentlemen among whom was the accompanied by his uncle philip the nearly all the members of the council master and others were seen together on horseback with had come in the train of this party but were now observed in various quarters of the field as | 29 |
they rode around to amuse themselves with the spectacle the reverend master and some others conspicuous in the ranks of opposition to the and his party were seen frequently up their horses together in small and as often as if under some occasional suggestion against the propriety of their too much together in public with and three or four men in sailors dress the and his mate being both armed rather beyond what was usual strolled about the field without in the affairs of either party the scene presented a lively and striking spectacle the in their green livery drawn up beneath the that fluttered above the stage the crowd of persons of both sexes that surrounded the all the vigilance of the to prevent them from pressing beyond their allotted boundary the scarlet and glittering head gear caps and bright colored mingled in the mass with the and round hat of the rustic and with the holiday attire of and arrayed in swords short and the troops of spectators that moved over the field on horseback some with by ic rob or the bowl the sober of age aud others with the to display their in tbe the the and the other points of skill to which the of that day names the of strolling that hovered about the where the of a fiddle in one quarter and the rattle of in another rose in a din upon the ear mingled with the oaths of and the and shrill tones of the dame of the crow and as she or promoted the her all these images together on the beautiful plain of st mary s with that transparent blue heaven above and the foliage of the fall giving to the forest the hues of the dying and the mild coolness of that season which in the gradual march of winter health and into every frame afforded a picture which was calculated to inspire a high sense of enjoyment in those who witnessed it and which would scarcely fail to produce something of the same impression if on the at a signal from colonel a bearing an instrument which like himself was decorated with ribbons mounted upon the stage and blew forth a when this was repeated thrice two small parties were seen entering on the common from different quarters that which came from the direction of the centre of the town was immediately as and his party consisting of captain with three or four attendants the champion was wrapped in a s that concealed his figure from observation whilst beside him walked his second a fierce little man with a huge red nose a in one eye a across his brow and a large broad with a black feather hich hung backward a by ic rob p the span below his shoulder this worthy enjoyed the of being a decayed officer of lord s time and still retaining his title though to a in a civil station he was like his principal in a cloak in one hand he bore a pair of swords and in the other a small or basket containing a bottle of and dry used for the speedy of a wound furniture familiar to the of heroes in such circumstances as those of his principal at the present moment the other group came from the quarter of the town house by the road that led up from the crow and where they had them selves to await the summons it was composed of attended by captain and his second the major of the bearing the name of master one or two of the same corps and a of and bare legged boys that stepped forth at the full compass of their stride to keep pace with the rapid movement of the of the party as soon as these adverse bands came within the range of the crowd lanes were opened for their admission and the two advancing to an open ce before the guard of soldiers there threw aside their and sprang upon the stage they were instantly followed by their seconds whilst a flourish of the trumpet and a long from the drums and of the announced that the ceremonies of the fight were about to commence the were both men of fine shape and nearly equal in height and bulk and both came to their engagement with apparently composed and cheerful countenances the only face of wrath and fire correspondent to the which had impelled this warlike meeting was that of he alone seemed to be duly impressed with the resent by ic bob of the bowl ment which a should in a strife major retained a practised that was altogether professional and performed his on the stage with gravity the were dressed in military in that of his corps in the scarlet coat of the english uniform both wore the heavy boot which immediately after mounting the stage they exchanged for shoes as soon as this was done they were of their coats and thus presented for the combat in their shirt sleeves a of red ribbon was tied around the right arm of the above the elbow whilst one of green was adjusted on the arm of during the arranging of these and had ascended the platform that th y might as of the parties bear testimony to the due of the established laws of the play when all was done and the were announced to be for the encounter retired from the stage and took a post at the end of the platform most remote from the flag staff whilst marched with military precision to a post in front of his company where taking a from a who held it ready for him he planted himself erect and stately immediately at the head of his men the seconds now advanced each bearing in his hand a pair of back swords of moderate and each | 29 |
selecting one for his principal these were measured in public to show what had indeed been previously adjusted by private that no advantage was possessed by either side in the length of weapon and after this ceremony they were placed in the hands of those who were to use them the seconds then retired to opposite points on the platform whilst the t s with a courtesy and some expression of good will shook hands after which with a flourish of swords and a gay alacrity of manner they by ic rob of the bowl wheeled round and took the stations allotted to them by their seconds all this time the utmost silence pervaded the crowd of spectators every one had pressed towards the stage at the summons of the trumpet the were deserted or left with bnt a solitary a here and there in the verge of the little on the skirt of the common was the only moving thing that was not crowded up to the scene of con the and his friends had a post of honor assigned to them in the rear of s soldiers whence they might observe all that was going on and his party occupied a post at the opposite end of the stage the same as that of the bnt as no space was kept dear for their accommodation they were forced somewhat in the rear of the crowd of spectators on foot and a close observer might have seen in their thoughtful countenances that other subjects besides the trivial amusements of the hour occupied their minds the now took their attitudes of attack and defence and forthwith engaged with great vigor blows were made and with address a quick the pressing his across the full length of the stage wa returned with an assault not less prompt and the weapons were with a dexterity and that almost defied the eye to follow the several strokes and their counter nothing was heard but the of steel and the sullen stamp of the on the boards of the platform as they gave and re blows but as yet neither party had gained advantage and the seconds that the first bout was played long enough interposed to give their time to breathe whilst the in this interval were refreshing themselves under the care of their seconds the busy murmur of conversation amongst the crowd announced the interest which by ic rob of the bowl the play inspired many tokens of be to manifest themselves and it was obvious from the emphasis with which the were bestowed npon the new champion that he was a decided favorite of at least one party on the field a party composed exclusively of whilst those of the catholic faith were no less energetic in of it had already grown to be a division of feeling founded on the well known religious professions of the two and as the were the most numerous on the ground it may be affirmed that the larger share of popular admiration john was not backward to the party it which bad thus unfortunately begun to be developed by such as he well knew how to practise battles with the as old with the devil he said to a group of inland who were casually discussing the expected issue of the fight we shall see this of with a wholesome presently the din of voices was suddenly by the notes of the trumpet announcing the renewal of the fight the parties again took their posts and again the clash of swords was heard falling thickly upon the ear all was suspense and silence except that now as a casual advantage was gained by one or other of the notes of applause and rose in half stifled tones from the friends of either side or of fear from their these proceeding most frequently from the females this passage however suddenly terminated by a stroke from s sword the point of which just severed the skin upon brow the appearance of blood was a signal to drop their points and thus the were afforded a second breathing spell the wound of was no sooner by ic rob of the f perceived than the whole party who had taken such interest in his s success raised a of exaltation that rent the air this of triumph rousing the of the opposite champion into a tone of that partook of defiance they returned the with no less vehemence taking the word from as he galloped round the of the crowd success to a tried master of the noble science i in this temper of the the third passage was announced again the engaged with more than their former vehemence for taking the hue of their respective they were wrought up into a state of ardent hostility which showed itself in the and vigor of their blows the spectators were sensibly impelled as the struggle into more intense and angry maintenance of their and all other thoughts seemed now to be absorbed in the desire of victory unlike the former passages this was accompanied with all the of at no instant were the voices of into silence good well played excellent i nobly and similar expressions of encouragement burst forth from the lips of the excited groups as they involuntarily laid their hands upon their swords and breaking through all passed up to the frame of the platform in the height of this impulse threw aside a blow which had been directed with great energy at his breast and the vigor with which he it swayed the sword of his adversary bo out of his sphere of defence as to leave his body open to the return stroke which was plied with such effect as to make a deep down s and thence across the knee laying open the flesh through that whole track to the bone and covering the | 29 |
wounded man with his blood it was observed by ic bob of the bowl tbat s stroke had been thrown with such violence as to hun to from his footing when the force of the blow was dashed aside into the air and many were of opinion that this slip of the foot was an accident which should hare saved him from the return cut that was made with effect it was instantly that this hit decided the fight and gave the victory to the of a for an i exclaimed with wild exultation admirable well done i you have the spur of that cock for a while at least for i over the field from the voices of the large party of his friends whilst on the other side with equal vehemence was foul play shame shame i a cowardly trick i i ll meet thee for a cried an who sprang upon the platform and shook his sword in face meet thee master iron when you dare give thee a lesson for striking a man below the knee push it at him now master exclaimed a second following in the steps of the new he deserves no better than to be put on his defence where he stands for a filthy roman as be is a foul cut below the knee and at a man who had lost his footing that is the of his i these of the platform were instantly confronted by two or three of the opposite party who ascended the stage to drag them off and in turn some of either complexion in the quarrel sprang to the aid of their respective friends thus presenting on both sides a compact body of excited fiercely bent on mischief was instantly off his horse and sword in hand rushed to the scene of calling upon to advance his men and make a clear stage swords w e drawn in i by ic rob of the bowl and tbe first person with whom came in conflict was john who with his naked weapon in his hand was his to commence an assault seized him by the front of his coat and presenting the point of his sword to his breast cried out of a tap room i by my if thou thy rotten throat with but a cough i will thrust my ell deep into thy body hound i and with this word he pushed the violently over the edge of the j on the k of which he stood in a moment the were marched by in solid mass upon the stage and the threatened were thus from the seat of contest holding this position the troops had the command of the field and by threatening to fire which with the trained coolness of an old soldier announced a voice he would certainly do if further violence were and their companions amongst whom was parson interfered to quiet the tumult and draw their during all this commotion was seen on the outer skirt of the crowd his weapon and hurrying to and fro with a which had wrath enough in it to the whole church of rome yet mixed up with a discretion which would have left a casual spectator at a loss to determine exactly on what side he was arrayed i he ejaculated let me into that i i will teach them orderly behavior the shall we have put upon us shall we cold iron against our will no by my belt not whilst my name is the fight will be this way presently and i warrant you my hand is in it put up your sword you fool exclaimed who in hurrying round the of tbe crowd with a small party of the encountered the man of war in the height of his ire put up your sword nor stand here by ic bob of the bowl like a grain i which the ao with a slight blow across the s shoulders laid on with the flat of his sword ha ha i yon may find me truly master bnt as yon say it is a good e to np our weapons when men might be led off by evil examples with which sage reflection the wrath of the suddenly and his weapon was immediately consigned to its whence it was not abstracted for full fire seconds after the lieutenant had disappeared had at the first symptom of confusion retired from the field and with his stood by an spectator of the whole scene nor passed a word with any one except that at one moment when around the platform the oi accidentally and without the observation of the captain was across his path the to walk out of the way of this nt drew his sword and struck it down saying fiercely as he did it find other service for your than to stop my wandering by my master replied but i will f find service for my that shall teach thee more civil behavior but pass on sir you have a license in the port to go free of all notice except such as give thee accommodation in the stocks lord with the graver gentlemen of his rode around the scene of disorder the utmost and all whom he might address with any hope of persuasion to retire quietly from the field the old however was not the most of his for the s blood had risen to fever heat and he repeated by ic rob of the bowl charged the cane in hand with reproof of their expressed in no yery dainty terms by degrees the authors of these began to withdraw from the scene of action and to form themselves into detached bodies far apart where their rage was allowed to spend itself in and rebuke of their and finally to at least into | 29 |
a degree of resentment by ic chapter xxiv nor less upon the town the evening sunk in sorrow down the spoke of civil jar of and mountain war iv this state of excitement and the early found the greater number of the spectators of the recent show and crowds still lingered in detached and angry parties about the even until the new moon began to shed a pale light over the field the council whose suspicions of the had for some time past put them on the observation of and his friends had now seen enough in the conduct of that party to convince them that the spirit of rebellion was sufficiently bold to manifest itself on the first occasion in some decided and dangerous attempt upon the peace of the province they therefore determined to lose no time in the of such proceedings as should enable them to act most effectually against the with this view colonel was directed by the to take measures to obtain accurate information of the movements of and his party he accordingly repaired to the fort to who after duly weighing the delicate nature of the commission determined to take the matter in his own hand and promised to report to the council before midnight this being approved by the captain after he had taken his supper threw aside his military dress and by ic rob of the bowl equipped himself in that of a or private citizen of the port and himself in a cloak set forward about nine o clock on his adventures his first attention was given to john and he consequently bent his steps towards the dwelling of the the house stood retired from a street or shaded lane in a position somewhat remote from immediate neighbors whilst a thick bower of foliage threw the mass of building at this hour of midnight into deep obscurity the captain approached as near to the premises as he might do with safety and under the shelter of found himself in a post where he might observe without much risk of detection at least such persons as approached or left the house he had no difficulty very soon to convince himself that the dwelling was crowded with visitors this was manifest not only from the figures that were seen passing and the few dim lights that from the but from the constant and of persons by the outer gate the path to which lay immediately past the captain s place of concealment many of the he could observe to be persons from the inland after a brief lapse of time came parson moving from the house to the gate and at intervals following him and several individuals known to be prominent in the late quarrel between the and the the few words that dropped from the visitors of the dwelling house as they moved within the range of the captain s hearing related to the and he more than once heard lieutenant s name connected with them in a manner that it greatly puzzled him to comprehend for as yet had altogether escaped the suspicion of the s friends when these had gone by the was the next that traversed the pathway he was alone and coming from within the house walked with a brisk pace through the by ic rob of the bowl gate after which he into the street in a direction opposite to that which the greater of those who preceded him had taken the captain now boldly left his hiding place and with a free step followed the lonely professor of war and the gentle craft and upon was enabled to discern that the troubles of the day had led to some excess in the little by which his walk was rendered slightly unsteady the captain confiding in his disguise and the probable bewilderment of the tailor s him boldly as a fellow con neighbor i you are in haste to get cover to night i have like a horse to come up to yon all the way from the door of master s wherefore so it isn t wise to be seen so near master s the hath already an evil eye upon him and notes his associates truly then it is discreet to make speed away from the dwelling though it be after all but a thing to fear the we are enough to master his to my thinking enough i are we there is lieutenant as you might have heard him say has sixty men a score of them to come across the ready to ride into the town any night he may wink his eye besides the friends we have in as thick as pigeon flights this and enough truly enough and to spare master your pardon i have forgot your name replied oh surely how is my i master we shall do it said the with an utterance that might just be discerned to trip a little on the tongue for his by ic bob of the bowl had not so disturbed as his speech and left him more than in his present circumstances was altogether safe we shall do it master on the night of the fifth of november as the reverend master has appointed s night said but the the lord love you master i thou not have rightly apprehended captain lieutenant is to his i am one of them and counted on i wear his s colors and take his pay though i be not of his cause mark lieutenant is to fetch his on wednesday come next and make an upon the prison we begin with that ay so i take it master captain laid it down faith did he and he looks to see it done to the last scruple which i promise you it shall be if there be virtue in steel but he did not explain how these from should reach | 29 |
the point of a dagger on the s door an unusual stir and of murmured wonder prevailed through the little city and every body was on foot to learn the of these phenomena by some it was said that the had gone on a trading excursion up the bay to island as it was his custom to do those in the secret of the last night s conspiracy had no in his departure to movements con by ic rob op the bowl with the plot the broad arrow on the s door was easily accounted for by such as were aware of g midnight ride on s horse and on all sides expectation was raised into silent dread of some that was to break forth in a moment when none might be aware of it and from a quarter to which few might look the council was at the mansion and there the emergency was gravely and the most energetic measures of precaution and defence adopted the escape of connected with his recent quarrel with the secretary and the disclosure made by of his in the plot of the left no doubt of his treachery the outbreak was rendered more formidable by its coincidence in point of time with the contemplated of the northern indians as related by the tn doctor a circumstance that seemed to infer correspondence between the leaders of the conspiracy and the savages and to give the plot a well calculated to excite alarm to these topics of apprehension on the part of the council was added a certain and anxious that the stories of the s chapel as reported by and de la and now repeated by the with all the testimony he had obtained to support them might have some connection with this long rebellion and that there were secret of the plot that had never yet been suspected the of and in the designs of of which none of the s friends had entertained a until the previous night was a fact adapted to confirm their fears of the wide of where it had not been looked for the result of this deliberation was a resolve to pursue matters to a speedy conclusion by a decisive and bold action the were to be brought instantly to trial the military force by ic rob of the bowl was to be increased their ranks of all who were suspected to want in the cause and every precaution was to be taken to provide against assault from all quarters by night or day captain was commanded to look to the safety of the town and to endeavor to ascertain what had become of in this state of preparation and suspense twenty four hours past over without tidings of the or any new of the designs of the the vigorous measures taken by the seemed to have struck terror into his and at least driven them into the shelter of silence and concealment at the end of this period of the who was one of those expert who make it a point to manifest their patriotism by the most eager zeal in favor of the side that is uppermost having overthrow of been strongly inclined to take part with the now made his way about ten o clock at night into the fort and thence to the presence of captain approaching the captain with an air of constrained self importance he said in a half whisper news master captain grave news sir state matters i i have come post haste to tell you that twenty minutes ago no that i may not lie i will say twenty five minutes just so long as with good speed a dog trot we will say it might suffice for me to come hither from master s tap room who think you i saw and what did he do speak without this windy there comes in master and straight orders a of brandy whereof it down with a most haste he wiped his lips and asked for lieutenant and when he heard that the lieutenant was in prison he bit his lip and gave a kind of ha or i might say and walked very suspiciously away by ic rob of the bowl and you had the wit to follow him follow him captain i did as far as the of the town house where the moon being down i lost him he might have been on his way to the jail but i stayed not to seek that out for turning round now said i make for the fort as fast as you can and tell the captain the whole matter thanks at least for that diligence of yours you shall have your supper and a stoop of liquor for this blessings on your worship for thinking of the need of an empty man i said as with his hat tucked under his arm he went towards the ci tain s kitchen to with his master s hint touching the re lost no time in an inferior officer with two or three in quest of the these returned after midnight with a tale s narrative but with the further intelligence that no traces could be obtained of beyond his appearance at the crow and the next day the superior of the house of st s visited the to inform him that at the dawn the servants of his establishment had found their hauled up on the beach some fifty or a hundred yards remote from the wharf where on the preceding night it had been carefully locked by a chain which it appeared had been broken showing that the boat had been used by some person of whom no knowledge could yet be obtained he further stated that the who lived some distance below st s on the river bank had that morning reported that | 29 |
before daylight his dogs had him with loud barking and that he had heard the footsteps of a man upon the beach that the had the stranger from his window but had got no reply and was fain to let him pass on without owing to the darkness of the hour by ic of the this intelligence combined with that brought to the fort by the strongly pointed to the visit an retreat of the and seemed to indicate that he was lurking somewhere near the mouth of the river and had in the night crossed st s creek immediately from the wharf of the house to that of the rose by which road he had visited the town and returned again before daylight upon receiving this information lost no time in visiting the house of st s to inquire into the particulars after which he went to see the the result of this journey was to confirm him in the impression of the secret correspondence of the with the town and to engage in the service of watching the future motions of the same lived some two or three miles below st s near the mouth of the river where a small cabin gave shelter to his wife and a troop of children an brood of who seemed to be at home either on land or water and whose rude habits of life had them to the scant accommodation and precarious protection of the hut into which they were all huddled this man earned a hard by supplying his neighbors of st s and the with fish and it was greatly to his content that be now found himself engaged in the service of the with the promise of a handsome reward if his good fortune should enable him to aid effectually in securing the person of the it was a few days after his employment in this service that the sun was seen to set amongst thickly clouds and of wind such as with the near approach of november are apt suddenly to break in upon the serene autumn giving rude of winter the horizon was dark and the sun hopelessly struggled to fling a parting beam upon the ruffled waters by ic rob of the bowl the had hauled his boat upon the sand bestowed his and other tackle in safety for the night and taken his seat at his fireside with a lighted pipe where he the white haired boy that across the room the youngest of his troop to a game of or more of household cares with his meagre and sad dame the door of his hut standing wide open and looking showed him the even across to that remote cape called by the early after st but now known as smith s point look out wife said the as he cast his eye over this extensive sheet of water yet with the light of parting day and you shall see a strange craft beating up from the virginia shore she is almost too light a for such a sea as that now running in have you seen it go down the river where can it belong v it is a new sight to me replied the wife i saw nothing like it go down from st mary s to day he does not shape his course either up the river so much as he makes for this shore added the he comes from some harbor on the other side short of st his business must drive him hard to bring him out at this hour in the teeth of such a wind i will keep an eye on that fellow wife there is enough in his venturing to raise a suspicion the homely supper of the family soon after this called off the from his watch which indeed the shades of night soon rendered useless and the only vigilance which the master of the hut could now exercise was shown in an occasional walk to the beach in the hope that the nearer approach of the boat might inform him with more certainty whether her course lay towards the town nothing however was gained by these visits no boat came in view and the gloom forbade further by ic rob op the bowl observation the craft was some seven or eight miles at least from shore when she was last seen and the giving op all hope of learning more that night threw his weary frame upon his tattered couch and sunk shortly into a profound sleep during the night a growl of the house dog and the tread of a foot upon the gravel woke the uneasy dame but the sound had died away amidst the of waves upon the strand before she could rouse the heavy and frame of her lord when at last he woke it was only to utter a drowsy and bewildered reproof for the annoyance he had suffered and to fall back again into his former deep at early dawn however he was abroad breathing the sharp cold breeze of the clear morning below his hut he could upon the beach some miles short of point look out the small craft which on the previous evening he had noted standing across the river it was a suspicious sight to see a boat at such a time in such a place and connecting it with the circumstances his wife had remarked in the night found reason enough to put himself on the watch for the person who controlled its motions he accordingly went into his hut and sticking under his a s pistol which he kept for domestic defence and taking a stout white oak staff in his hand he forth along the margin of the river resolved to plant himself in some advantageous position whence he might any one who should approach the boat by land he had not left his door above half | 29 |
an hour before his wife observed a traveller in a seaman s dress partially concealed by a gray cloak on foot along the field to the beach in the same direction that her husband had just taken the of the household was th first to challenge the stranger by springing almost to his heel a that was instantly re by ic rob of the bowl by a sturdy blow from a walking stick that sent the dog back to the hut st i will kill the dog i exclaimed the woman he added as soon as he became aware that the dame had her eye upon him why do you not chain up the beast by my hand i will make short work with him if he interrupt me again and without waiting to hear the dame s half half encouraging address to the dog get thee in for a old honest i or her defence of him he will not hurt you sir his growl is worse than his bite he strode so rapidly as soon to be out of view in less than an hour after sunrise the little was seen laying her course gallantly before the wind with her tiny sail filled almost to bursting as she bore for the opposite side of the the dame busied herself in preparing her morning meal to be in readiness for her husband s return and in checking the impatient of her brood who hung around to beg for a morsel of fish from the pan or a of corn bread to stay their fresh until the coming of the father should be a signal for a more orderly assault ever and anon she went to the door to cast an eye along the river bank and to watch the little craft the subject of so much curiosity as it measured its rapid towards the shore i believe in the heart of me she said after having gone a dozen times to the door thinks no more of his breakfast than if it were wet sea weed just out of the river the fish with one turn more will not be fit for a christian to eat and here are these children ready to their own fingers for food i wish to the saints the man could learn some thought of his meals when they are ready for him i but i might as well talk to a as to by ic chapter xxvi it the train the is on the distant bell of st s was heard the priests of the house to the chapel service of the of all souls the season had now advanced as far as high noon on the last day of october when the in front of the crow and was by the faces of a group of who had assembled there in the warm sunshine to discuss a most melancholy piece of intelligence which had just come to town and which was with that characteristic respect for truth and decent spirit of with which horrible accidents and distressing are generally there s of hue and cry out said of the speaking as one who had obtained possession of a state secret i heard it myself but now at the mansion from master l who was sent for on purpose by his to make by hue and cry as fast as it can be writ down good reason i replied the warrant you s men have slipped across the bay with or r bin hood at their lead to their knives on christian flesh y and if they are to be caught we must do it quick i can tell you neighbors will the body be brought to town f that shall be as the shall order said garret by ic rob of the bowl with the air of a man who felt himself entitled to instruct the company in matters of law no one touch the body till the has dealt with it must have a fancy to summon me on his jury but i him on privilege d ye see masters for the hath set me down on the for the provincial court next week so no two for me master says i lord lord i i could no more face s family to say nothing of the dead man himself in their distress than i could look upon my own dame in her winding sheet i you shall never look at me in that dress exclaimed the laughing landlady who stood on the skirt of the crowd hitherto unseen by her husband i have out two as pretty men in as yourself garret before i had the good luck to clap eyes on you and faith i mean to put you to bed with the ere i go myself what are the good for that they are not up and abroad to find out the who murdered the v they talk of a following with hot hand said brown in reply to the question of the hostess as soon as the comes back the indians are lurking somewhere upon the border of the take my word it will be proved so if we were sure of that said garret i should be for boot and spur and up and away lads but we must move with caution in the matter till we get lawful ground for an out riding give us the hue and cry before we start some do say interposed master a of who had left his work so hastily that he had not thrown aside his leather apron that the murder was done by in the of indians by ic rob of the bowl warrant yon as many lies will be pinned upon the back of this murder as it will hold said a tall sallow spare built man who was known as the head of the riding | 29 |
of st george s it is the fashion now when a piece of mischief has been practised for one side or the other to turn it into a church matter every body knows that was as good a roman as there was in the riding why do you about the tom who told you that monstrous lie by the faith of my body i i did hear it whispered replied the though as i am an honest man i did not believe it whilst this little knot of continued upon the discussing the of the day and now and then their drooping spirits with a resort to the red of the grow and behind which and dame by turns administered the refreshment of a cup of ale or some stronger two boats were discovered approaching the harbor from a point below st s and making as much speed as their of oars would allow as they the it became apparent that the first contained a coffin attended by the s family and two priests the second was with the jury under the charge of master the whilst the boats are approaching we to our narrative where we left it at the conclusion of the last chapter it necessary to say that the anxious wife after some and affectionate expressions of impatience at her husband s delay in returning to his breakfast sat down to her meal unconscious of the cause that detained her mate and his absence to that carelessness of hours which grew out of the nature of his calling noon came and the board was again spread for dinner but to it came no father of the wonder by ic rob of the bowl ing household still the seat was not so a spectacle as to excite alarm bat when the began to dip npon the verge of the western horizon and no trace could be discerned of the homeward step of the fears arose in the bosom of his wife and long and earnestly she paced the beach and strained her sight to catch his expected form at length heading her little household troop she forth with steps along the sands for more than a mile and finding no of him returned sorrowfully to her humble roof and gave up the night to that of all the trials by which grief may the human breast the half half fearing silent doubting for the approach of evil tidings which the heart by a strange sometimes truly at daylight her eldest boy was despatched to the house of st s for aid and very soon some four or five persons were on foot to the country in quest of the lost man a short search disclosed the dreadful truth the body was found in a thicket of with the marks of a bullet through the brain the spot within a hundred paces of the shore of a small at this day known as smith s creek that flowed from the a few miles westward of point there were the of men upon the beach and marks of the of a boat which had been drawn up on the sand the wretched wife could only tell of her husband s departure in the morning all other recollections in the depth of her sorrow were swept from her mind and the persons who were busy in seeking out the facts of the murder were obliged to leave the spot with nothing better than vague conjectures as to the agency by which it was the tidings were quickly brought to the town and the instantly proceeded with a jury to the spot to perform the duties required by the law his office was soon discharged by ic rob of the bowl and a we have seen he was now early in the afternoon on his return with the body of the deceased attended by the wailing family and the jury who had pronounced their verdict of by persons unknown in the excited state of parties at this crisis the did not choose to risk a tumult already as was usual at that day regardless of any ascertained fact relating to the murder common opinion ascribed it to the indians whilst the more violent of the it abroad as a contrivance of the catholic party to directly charging the murder upon the friends rf the who it was alleged had accomplished it in the garb of indians the with which this and in this case absurd report for the deceased was known by many to be the same faith with his was induced in the mind of lord an apprehension of some disturbance and he had accordingly directed captain to keep his force in readiness to suppress any attempt at disorder which might arise the boats therefore were no sooner discovered approaching the than the garrison of the fort were drawn out by captain and marched to the foot of the at the town house where they awaited the funeral procession which it was designed they should accompany to the grave curiosity that eager impulse to feast on popular horrors had brought a considerable crowd of the to the landing place community of faith with the deceased had brought many and the angry and disturbed temper of the times still more the whole together formed a mass of persons by various passions the idle stare of that vacant portion of the spectators who came merely to at the spectacle was contrasted with the serene of those who made it their duty from by ic bob of he bowl with the deceased to attend the remains to the tomb and still more did it strike the when it was compared with the stem hatred and ill concealed scorn of that class of on who belonging to the lately baffled party of the stood by with brows whispering contemptuous against their as these latter busied themselves in ordering the | 29 |
hasty procession which was formed from the up the bank towards the town house the two priests who attended the body clad in their robes took the lead of the funeral train the body borne by four men comrades of the deceased followed and immediately behind it along with step the s wife in rude and neglected attire sobbing her apron thrown over her head and her walk guided by a friendly matron whose frequent but efforts at consolation seemed only to produce fresh bursts of sorrow after these came the unconscious children dressed in their homely holiday suits looking around them with faces of constrained seriousness which scarcely repressed the broad expression of the gratified interest they took in the novel scene around them many of the of both sexes formed in the procession which was brought up in the rear by the company of who wheeled into the line of march as the last of the followers of the body passed from beneath the shade of the the bell of the chapel of st mary s whilst the train moved at a measured pace towards the church door where being met by father the corpse was deposited in the aisle and the good priest with such despatch as might with the solemnity of his duty performed the appointed service of the dead in the presence of the large body of spectators who had pressed into the building whilst the crowd was still engaged as witnesses of this scene a was whispered around that the of hue and by ic rob of the bowl cry had just been put forth by the council a messenger came for captain who was observed immediately afterward silently to steal forth from the church and to take his way with hasty strides towards the mansion by degrees one after another the spectators followed and were soon discovered in groups scattered about the town until at last the corpse was left with but few more attendants than were necessary to perform the proper duties of half an hour had scarcely elapsed before mounted men were seen through the avenues of the little city the silence which attended the funeral procession was exchanged for busy and conversation the bell had ceased to toll and in its place the notes of a trumpet were heard at several points as a paced from place to place and read the calling on the to follow with hue and cry the of the vile murder of honest in process of time this bustle subsided into a more orderly and gossip the had spent his last breath in forth the official summons to pursue the murderer and had gladly put away his noisy instrument the had ceased to throw up the dust of the the inquisitive of the town and its maidens had no more news to seek in the open air and had withdrawn beneath the shelter of their respective roofs the churchyard was deserted by all but the and his comrade of the who now were the sides of the new made grave and the tap room of the crow and was once more by the pot and pipe companions who were wont to render its evening atmosphere and political in short the murder of had in the marvellous brief period of a few hours ceased to be the wonder of the day and the city of st mary s was partially restored to its usual routine of ale drinking and news telling making proper allow by ic a rob of the bowl ance for tbe fact that a dozen men had ridden forth to the country in quest of the who on their part had only been allowed a day and a half to make their escape and that the good people who staid at home were holding themselves in readiness to be as much excited as ever with any tidings that might tending towards the probable of the of the crime by ic chapter whilst the burial of the and the topics to which it gave rise engrossed the attention of young and old in the town dressed in a riding suit with a winter or s loosely thrown around his person made his appearance on horseback at the he had engaged to ride towards the with colonel and a of followers to explore the country as far down as point where had already affirmed certain indians of suspicious bearing to have recently landed from the opposite shore of the himself had projected this expedition mainly with a view to out and expose the which the recent murder to the friends of the and he was the more in his purpose by a secret expectation that a vigorous endeavor would enable him not only to the but to furnish evidence of the agency of the opposite party in the of the crime it is one of the base arts of he argued ever to be among the first in charging upon the innocent the wicked devices by which they accomplish their own designs he had resolved therefore to take the matter in hand himself and at the head of a party of the the country around the scene of the murder for every item of proof which might bring to light its authors there was in addition to this motive an and misty connection in his mind of the murder with the stories told by ic bob of the bowl of the of the haunted chapel a conviction of some wicked active he did not exactly know how in the crime he was no in and and a thought hovered over his meditation that the s death might be traced to persons holding relations with the spirits of the chapel he set forth therefore on his adventure with a that some startling disclosure would soon be made which should still more awaken the thoughts of the government to the mischievous character | 29 |
of the beings who the region on the bay his purpose being made known in the family of the it was with a modest yet eager petition that asked leave to accompany him on the expedition a request which was granted with even more alacrity than that with which it was made the hour appointed for setting out was delayed only until a sufficient party sl ould be collected and this was by the ceremony of the funeral and the common anxiety to await the tidings expected by the and his attendants in the mean time the secretary feeling more con in the affairs at the rose than in the gossip of the town repaired thither to await the moment of departure having the young to ride as far as the s and give him warning when the troop should take the road a service which the heir apparent promised to per form with the greater satisfaction as it assigned him some how of duty in the general of the household and therefore conferred upon him an importance interesting to his vanity the secretary had been seated for some time in the parlor with where he related to her the story of the s murder and when he told her of his adventure it was with a tone than he had ever assumed before there was by ic rob of the bowl even perceptible in it a trace of self exaltation altogether unusual in his speech he was now a bolder and more assured man and his character began to assume a more confident development listened with reserve as if she was almost ashamed to confess the interest she took in master s communication she was for his health and comfort in the dreary ride through the woods he was about to undertake and which might be prolonged until late at night and she was fain almost to advise him against such an exposure but she feared to tell him so much lest it might be thought taking too great a freedom thus engrossed the hours flew by and in truth forgotten until the afternoon had reached nearly four o clock when suddenly without announcement or even rap at the door entered the parlor goodness master i he exclaimed think of me such a crack i you will never trust me again i may make sure of that would you believe it i rode full two miles past the rose here with my uncle and john and all the people on their way to hunt the without so much as ever once thinking of you i said when we started i would ride as far as st s mill and then come back and i as clear you till i stopped at the mill as if there was no such person as you or in the wide world and i might have thought of mistress too because my aunt maria gave me a message for her now what is it oh it is gone it is gone i a plague on it that s got out of my head too no matter master my uncle told me to say when we parted that he would be on the path which leads down to point and that you must follow as fast as you can it is late in the evening for so long a ride master said as with a look of alarm she involuntarily laid her by ic rob of the bowl hand upon his shoulder you will not venture alone so near nightfall v i should be accounted a most if i stayed behind now replied the secretary there is a broad road for some four miles and i will go at speed till i overtake the at the greatest he added smiling whilst he his overcoat closely across his breast tis but a night in the woods i will keep this of mass like a or rather like a squire of chivalry the of by watching over his sword the saints be with you mistress i must set good store by the day light and turn it to account farewell till we meet again farewell i faintly echoed the maiden master let us see you to morrow if i was master said to when the secretary left the room i would court favor with mistress to get a of something from the oh this riding gives an appetite i warrant you that a man will eat his sleeve for want of better there master is gone added the youth as the secretary was seen to pass the window and i must back to the mansion before sunset my mother will be making me a pretty discourse about and and all her other if i be caught abroad after candle light this time o year especially too as it looks like rain so good even mistress i and with this speech the heir apparent took his leave the maiden to her meditations when turned out upon the high road he put spurs to his horse and raised his speed to a gallop until he found himself in the hills and which lay about the head of st s one or two whom he had chanced to meet had answered his inquiry after his companions by ic rob of the bowl by informing him that a troop of consisting of some eight or ten had passed along the road at a pretty brisk motion not less than three or four miles ahead of him the broken country into which he had plunged the road winding through narrow and short and steep the that tangled his path and the occasional of the low grounds forced him to his pace and proceed with greater caution on his route the prints of horses hoofs upon the damp in places were fresh and showed him that he was not only on the right track but | 29 |
also that he was at no great distance behind his company the sky was and the clouds as the sun came nearer to the horizon assumed by degrees still more and more of that misty colored hue which indicated the approach of rain a sombre dark gray tint by light and shade fell ov r the whole landscape and gave a cheerless and sullen aspect to the woods once or twice the secretary up his horse and directed his eyes towards the heavens as he meditated an of his expedition and a return home before nightfall but as often his pride forbade a retreat whilst his comrades were and he resumed his journey he was in momentary expectation of the party in advance and made sure of doing so when he should reach the s hut upon the river beach towards which it was his purpose to direct his way occasionally a farm house opened upon his view across a distant field but he was unwilling to lose the time which a from his road to visit it would have required only for the sake of assuring himself of his road with which he believed himself to be sufficiently acquainted at length night began to fall around him and his path to become sadly perplexed at times he could scarce make out its traces in the obscurity of the wood at times it broke upon his view with fresh distinctness as it traversed a region of white sand by ic rob of the bowl and thus served only to him forward with more alacrity it the hope of soon reaching the margin of the river from whence even in the dark he knew he could find his way back at least as far as the house of st s where he could get shelter for the night now and then his hopes were dashed by finding himself involved in those of and bay which tne presence of a marsh and he was obliged to thread his difficult track around the head of some from the river it grew at last to be dark night and to add to his discomfort the rain began to fall the secretary dismounted from his horse and stood with suppressed breath to catch the sound of distant waves hoping to find himself near enough to the river to obtain this guide to his footstep but all was silent except the of rain upon the dry leaves of the forest and the impatient of his horse upon the sod he shouted aloud for his lost companions but his voice echoed without a response through the wood i with thee he muttered to himself in a tone referring to the maiden who was ever uppermost in his thoughts i with thee but a few hours ago upon my keeping a of mass in the woods dear i thought nothing farther away than that jest should be true but here my evil destiny hath brought me for a punishment to make it real well i can endure heart of grace i will it i i would i could but raise a fire i can fast upon my and think nothing of it if it were not that my limbs are chilled and my joints growing stiff with cold he now around to gather some dry wood hoping by the aid of his pistol to a blaze by which he might warm himself and prepare to spend the night in more comfort than on his horse he labored in vain for every thing he could lay his hand on was with moisture at length he mounted by ic rob of the bowl again his saddle determined to ride onward until he should to find some place of shelter he had now not only path but also all perception of his course the darkness confused him and he therefore on at a slow pace unconscious to what quarter of the compass his footsteps tended and discouraged with the thought that every moment perhaps carried him still further from the home he was anxious to seek for a while his spirits sustained him without drooping a man in such a situation sometimes finds motives of cheerfulness in the very desperation of his circumstances under some such impulse our wanderer its he plied his uneasy journey through the dark broke forth in song and in succession poured out nearly the full treasures of his musical memory but of this at last his note changed to whispered sighs of self reproof for the folly of venturing alone into such a wilderness at such an hour hia mind then ran upon the images which the creed of that day sup plied to the imagination of our the fairy blue meagre the spirit of the wood the and the then came dreams of and savages and thoughts of some accidental coming alone upon the den of the whose recent doings had occasioned his present ride with these fancies swaying his mind he grew apprehensive and at every step there are moments when the heart will before the of the imagination and it is no of the bravery of the secretary to say that on this night he sometimes felt a shudder creeping over him at the of his own excited fancy the rustle of leaves or the short snap of a rotten bough as the fox along his stealthy path more than once caused him to put his hand upon his sword and to ride cautiously forward as if in certain expectation of a foe and not until he had thrice the imaginary comer did he his grasp of his weapon by ic s i bob of the id this state of for full four after dark did he wander of his way through wood and over plain mid l rash and and field at length his ear distinguish the beat of waves upon a strand and it was with a | 29 |
joyful change of feeling that he believed himself after so weary a circuit approaching the margin of the river along which he was aware he should have a ride with the certainty in the coarse of a mile or two oi finding some human habitation as the sound of the waters grew stronger whilst he advanced to the beach his eye was all at once with the welcome sight of a glimmering through the and by its steady light assuring him that no will o the as he had risen to his journey with new and strength he shaped his course towards the ray on which we must cow leave him to attend to other personages in oar story by ic chapter hare not we a amongst ye a a kingdom i and i am the prince of sovereign and yon are all my subjects when asked for s horse on the night that succeeded the prize play the reader will remember that as cap tain overheard the conversation it was accompanied with an of a purpose to warn an enemy whose name was not disclosed of some harm which the speaker designed to inflict the broad arrow scratched on the door of the s dwelling when discovered on the morning plainly enough referred to the fearful menace of the seaman and sufficiently indicated how bitter was his change of feeling against the peaceful inmates of the rose mr attached but little consequence to the implied threat nor troubled with measures to guard against the intended mischief believing it to be but an of that spirit of which the prompt measures of the council had already so far as to leave but little to apprehend immediately after returning to the town from his midnight ride went on board of his and quietly weighing anchor sail down the river and thence across the by ic rob of the bowl here some eight miles wide and finally before daylight made his way into a small creek on the virginia shore a few miles above smith s point or cape st here his vessel lay sheltered from the observation of the few boats which passed up and down the thus affording him probable security against pursuit whilst at the same time the inhabitants of this region were generally to be friends to the cause of the and enemies of long standing to the he had therefore only to make known the colours under which he had lately taken service and he might assure himself of stout in his defence on the second night after his arrival at this retreat up to which period he had remained ignorant of all that had in the town in regard to the arrest of his comrades he threw a cloak over his shoulders and taking a common sailor cap got into his which was now with a mast and sail and for a point on the shore but a short distance below the hut of the his motive for this caution in not approaching nearer to the town arose from an apprehension that he might be watched by the garrison of the fort and perhaps pursued to his lurking place an apprehension suggested by that sense of guilt which over every other feeling since his desertion of his late friends and what weighed with heavier terror upon his mind his of his church to avoid this notice he landed near the mouth of st mary s river and proceeded from that point on foot to the town a distance of some five or six miles in his journey along the beach he had passed by the hut of the and had crossed the creek of st s immediately from the house over to the s landing place being enabled to make this passage in the manner detailed by the superior to the lord upon his arrival at the crow and after night he became ac r by ic bob of the bowl for the first time with the af rest of the this intelligence hastened him away to hold a short interview with bj whom he was to as short a time as possible in the port as orders were already abroad for his apprehension the advice offered enabled him to effect a speedy retreat to his boat by the same route that he had taken in coming to the town and he was thus saved from the fate that have overtaken him if he bad remained a half hour longer than the moment of the s visit to captain tired of lying so long on the virginia shore he to proceed with his first to st s where he proposed to wait two or three days to observe the course of events and then either to sail abroad or take his course up the where if pursued he was willing to trust to the speed of his vessel to all towards his arrest upon the deck of the olive branch or as she has now lai j aside her peaceful character we may call her the he felt himself secure against annoyance from any naval force at the disposal of the and thia circumstance a strong confidence in the number of the with whom he was associated inspired him with an that almost defied the public authorities even in their own with a view to communicate his intended change of position to his he made his second visit to the town pretty nearly in the same manner that he had accomplished the first his stay in the port however was longer than on the former night and it was consequently after break of day that he passed the hut of on his near to the spot where his awaited him he encountered the who was lurking upon his path and who at the moment they within speaking distance was ta conceal himself jn a by ic rob | 29 |
of the thicket of was not a man to hesitate in the commission of a crime and any circumstances nd least of it concerned his safety on the he did top to with the person who his footsteps obeying the of his habitual sense of hostility to his kind und the ferocity of his he drew a pistol from his and discharged the with certain effect that th fell dead fit his feet without a groan he not io look npon the murdered man nor to take any even for the disposal of the body but leaving it a prey to the wild birds that hovered near he stepped into his boat with as little r as if he had despatched some beast n t caring to inquire who or what he that invaded his path on the that followed this adventure the olive quitted her temporary harbor and the next morning found her secretly behind a in a nook of s creek about two miles its mouth where she lay from the view of all who the began already to feel that he had joined his new associates in an hour not the most to his fortunes the arrest of the leaders and the quiet seemed to prevail throughout the land created a doubt in his mind whether any thing was likely to be achieved in the way that he desired an more than once he a retreat from the province yet t before he did so to the event by some act of vengeance upon his enemies this thought seemed tp him and he spent the day in over schemes of against these who had of late treated him with such in his of hatred was the name of and a demon smile curled upon hi j when he muttered it provision as might be made for a short voyage by ic rob of the s t now engrossed the of his crew his was put in order water taken in and every thing done except the on board of as he designed to take away c other to prepare him for sailing within the twenty four hours if occasion should require when night came on and the rain fell and the moon was and the cheerless atmosphere so congenial with the complexion of his designs him how little likely it was that feet or watchful eyes should be abroad a was held in the s chapel amidst the lumber that lay piled in confusion over the floor of the rude but spacious building room was found for a rough table around which empty broken boxes and other appropriate furniture of a s den supplied seats sufficient for the of twelve or fifteen persons here were assembled the crew of the with an abundant supply of strong and tobacco a fire blazed on the ample hearth furnishing to such as desired it the means of cooking in a simple fashion some substantial elements of the evening meal an opportunity which was not neglected as was apparent from the bones and scraps of broken which lay scattered about the fire place and from the strong of meat which sent their into every corner of the apartment the men who constituted this company without their leader full sixteen were robust the greater portion of them distinguished by the dark olive and curling black hair which their origin ia or other parts of the south of europe several wore rings in the ears and on the fingers and were with strange and the thick moustache and shaggy brow gave a peculiar ferocity to more than one of the company whilst the close and seaman s jacket gaudy caps by ic s rob of the bowl and white breeches the common costume of the crew imparted a foreign air to the whole some wore rich with ornamented pistols and and the amongst them a knife secured a belt their only at was of who answered the frequent call for fresh as the washed down their coarse mirth with draughts of brandy and sat somewhat elevated the rest at the of the board where without as deeply as his sailors he stimulated their noisy by applause a witness rather than a of this uncouth was the who having matters of account to settle with several of the crew before they took their departure had now swung himself into a corner where with a lighted stuck in a of the wall he alternately gave his attention to a containing his papers of business and to the of the moment the prodigal laughter of the crew one moment with reproof and the next with a it lads i exclaimed as he a cup in his hand drain dry to the i our merry little shall dance to morrow on the green wave so do honor to the last night we spend ashore remember we have a reckoning to settle before we depart with the good folks of st mary s are you all ready to follow me in an of rare speak boys i ay ready master captain was the response in a general shout this outburst roused the who lifting his h ad from the paper which at that moment he was and looking from under his spectacles upon the crew was heard to when the shout subsided as ready as wolves to the blood of how can they be else under thy v r by ic rob of the bowl s ha old dry bones art thou awake by st i thought that thy leaden eyelids rob had been sealed before this ho lads bring master robert forward we shall treat him as becomes a man of worship upon the table with him boys the face of the grew instantly red as a sudden flash of passion broke across it he dropped the paper from his | 29 |
hand and drew his dagger then with a compressed lip and eye spoke out by st i the man that dares to lay hand on me to move me where it is not my pleasure to go shall leave as deep a blood stain on this floor as flowed from the veins of paul who are you that you venture to bait me with your how now master rob exclaimed the as he rose from his seat and approached the would st quarrel with friends twas but in honest reverence and not as against your will that i would have had thee brought to the table come old comrade we will not be when we are to part so soon what would you have good rob these bills shall be first paid by your drinking before they go to sea replied the somewhat appeased by the s manner here are of sundry comforts supplied meat and ik and lodging and here are services of mistress both in making and mending here for down my corn and for killing a fig s end for your and and all this of washing and mending interrupted i would be sworn your conscience has your so there is enough to content you for the whole with good to the back of it he said putting a well stored purse of gold into rob s hand you have ever been too modest in your dealings friend robert of the by ic b op the bowl i hen you get older you will know how to increase your gear by lawful gain a hang dog a grace a kill cow a devil s babe in bands of art child said laughing with that bitter salt laugh that gave to his countenance the expression of extreme old age thou dost not lack with all thy wickedness an open i have ever found thee ready with thy gold it comes over the devil s back ha ha over the back and it goes you know the proverb this accounts so now for your humor lads i will pledge you in a cup to the table with him boys said ft nodding hia head to those who sat near him and in a moment the was lifted up in his bowl and set like a huge dish in the middle of the board a ghastly grin of acquiescence playing au th time upon his sallow features fill me a glass of that wine of said rob as soon as he found himself in the centre of the company here boys he added when the wine was put in his hand here is success to your next venture and a merry meeting to count your gains amen to that shouted our next venture will be a stoop upon the of st mary s and a merry meeting will it be when you count your gains interposed the harsh voice of of robert will keep the reckoning of it peace old woman said sharply your accursed is ever when least welcome fill for me cried out in his accent i will pledge the captain and our company with hia s secretary we owe him a debt which shall be in the coin of the by ic rob of the bowl a la i boys shout to that at the top of his voice drink deep to it in token of a deep vengeance i thank master for this remembrance now comrades you have but half an hour left before you must depart to bring down the to the month of the creek a pipe and a glass more and then away so to it and make profit of your time tobacco mistress master s pipe first and then mine make the bottle stir my merry men all having thus given a new spur to the of the board the broke forth with a smoking song familiar to the tavern of that era s a and in a pipe it in a close through the organ of the nose with a relish that this me sing so ho hot so ho ho ho boys i earth did breed such a jovial weed whereof to boast so the of a wild goose the of a in foul weather hath more music in it than this thou call st singing said i would counsel th to thy thy master of drinking and throat cutting and leave this gentle craft of music making to such as have no heart to admire thy virtues ha ha i he paused a moment to indulge his laugh when a of your dashed with such poisonous as went into the milk that fed you has a conceit to be merry the fire crack ling of roof trees and the of steel are the melody for bis mirth try no more thou wilt never make a living by the art by ic rob of the bowl by st james i i have sung at more honorable than it ever fell to your lot to partake of ay and lady songs too and been applauded for my voice old of the bowl have i not song at the back of sir harry s chair in the great hall of the governor of in the castle st when we made feast there after the sack of the place truly replied the whilst the hall streamed with blood and the dead corpse of the governor was flung like rubbish into a corner to give more zest to your ban and the women you have a license rob of the interrupted to at those you cannot so e en your own sweep i when you can better sing a better song then i will to you on my conscience can i now at this very | 29 |
speaking said the a better song than ever through thy pipes all dainty i do defy di feed men fat as swine he sung by way of proof of his skill with a tremulous and melancholy as he flourished his pipe in a line with his eyes and nodded his head to mark the time the man has gone clean mad ejaculated of who had for some time past been quietly seated on a stool near the fire and who now arose and stepped up to the table to satisfy herself that it was actually th whose voice had aroused her you had better be telling your beads and of your sins upon your than your cracked and worn out voice at midnight to be laughed at by fools at by sea dogs i it is time robert your old bones were stretched on your bed by ic rob op the bowl faith thou st true mistress replied rob thou speak st most truly i am over easy to be persuaded into merriment it has been the sin of my life so put me on the floor and now my my sticks there thy lantern away lads to the said rising from his seat when you get her at anchor off the chapel come ashore and pipe me up with the s whistle we have some boxes here to put on board and then good fellows we will make a flight into the city and the sleep of some of the by way of a farewell rob i will go with you to your cabin i shall catch an hour s sleep in my cloak as thou wilt as thou wilt returned the as he set forth with a brisk fling on his journey lighted by the lantern of the leave the lamp burning said to the last of the crew as the man was about to follow his companions who had already left the room it will serve to steer by when the comes out of the creek in the next moment the s chapel was deserted by all its late noisy tenants and the was on his way in the track of the towards the hut by ic chapter cold the wind sang to the night with dreary din a wanderer came bat did not and a heart or hand to let him in s as approached nearer to the light that had broken his view and cheered his footstep he was able to discern the dim outline of a building of ample dimensions traced on the eastern horizon now relieved of that back ground of forest which had hitherto his vision the rain still continued to fall in a soft and steady through which a feeble diffused light barely to show that the moon now entering on her second quarter struggled to assert her dominion over the night the wave rolling in upon the sand with a ceaseless and sharp monotony him of the of a broad expanse of water and he had accordingly little doubt that he had now reached the shore of the somewhere as he in the neighborhood of the cabin of whither he supposed his steps had tended through the long and perplexed circuit of his bewildered journey when within an hundred paces of the light he found his further progress on horseback embarrassed by a somewhat bank which induced him to alight and make the rest of his way on foot leaving his horse attached to the drooping by ic rob of the bowl t limb of the tree under which he had dismounted with eager step he advanced to the house and on reaching the door knocked loudly for admission good people he exclaimed as he repeated his arouse for the sake of a wanderer who has lost his way in the wood pray you give me there was no answer and finding that upon touching the latch the door yielded to his thrust he entered without farther ceremony the embers of a large fire glowed on the hearth a solitary iron lamp supplied with the fat of some animal instead of oil burned with a flame upon the middle of a coarse table over which cups and glasses and bottles were in disorder pipes lay scattered around and the coarse covers of and of broken up the corners of the room as the secretary up the glowing coals and warmed himself before the welcome fire it was with an air of not with apprehension that he cast his eyes around this strange and uncouth place and lost himself in the attempt to conjecture whither his fortune had conducted him here have been he said and recently but whither have they fled can i have so far lost my way as to have to the instead of the faith i believe it for i have heard my lord has a store house there where he his customs and this by what i see around me must be some such place well or i care not which most heartily is the roof welcome for beyond this i venture not again to night i would i might see the here surely they are not far off since their are left behind and not drained neither for here i find good drinking ware which to my poor spent frame is no boon to be despised t greet you honest he said as he poured out by ic ft bob of the bowl some wine and drank it off ome at a good time and with a that your dainty wine not of i was ever man so weary shall stretch me down on these coarse and there good yon have done me service to night before the fire i spread you out to dry and in this comer make my bed as these muttered escaped the secretary s lips he | 29 |
collected the of bags and the rough that had formerly served to of into a heap on one side of the fire place near the wall and spreading his wet in front of the live embers which he had now with some of wood that lay at hand he flung his exhausted frame upon his hastily gathered bed and in a few moments was locked in a sleep that might have defied the of a marching host here we leave him whilst we turn to the hut of the the intending to meet his men as soon as they should despatch the business upon which they were sent and desirous to snatch a short repose in the interval of their absence had thrown himself immediately after entering rob s cabin upon a couch of the skins of wild animals which the woman of had spread for him rob had withdrawn into his own apartment and the having now discharged her household cares hastened over the bank to her solitary lodge for some time the remained in an abstracted self communion whispering to himself bitter upon his own folly in with the of the chapel and occasionally with his customary sneer at the arts by which they collected their wealth and the liberality with which it was after this according to a usage which was observed with singular for one of his habits of life he addressed himself to his with the apparent of a sincere penitent and by ic rob of thb bowl performed the offices of prayer and meditation ap pointed by the of the to which he belonged when at length he was about to retire to rest he was not able to do so until with that characteristic solicitude which belonged equally to his temper and the period of his life he gave a few parting moments to the of the gains of the day he exclaimed as he began to cast up this account i have left my in yonder chapel with all my papers oh these cup these made for hot fools and prodigal i what fellowship should my white hairs and hollow wrinkles find with them that i must needs turn to these bears folly armed with a and on good faith i how have i been whipped by that most wise fool in my time well for a penance get thee back thou and sinner get thee back the weary way to the chapel ha i should these make prize of my written hasten hasten thee rob the lantern the lantern i and then away the lantern was lighted and swung by a small chain across his shoulder and taking his he was soon beyond his threshold making good speed to the s chapel this sudden motion had so far roused his spirit and altered his mood which was ever fitful and subject to rapid change that as he swung briskly onward he found himself humming a tune and when he had reached the door of the black house he was engaged in audibly singing the words of the song which had been so suspended by the in of of he needs no for bis hands his finger ends to wipe that keeps bis kitchen in a box and roast meat in a pipe by ic rob of the bowl i can it with the best of them jet i he said proud of his performance as he the door open and entered the apartment his first movement was towards the comer where he had been sitting before he was lifted to the table here he discovered the leather as he had left it his eagerness to find what he sought in this spot rendered him for the moment of everything else but now on casting his eyes around him he perceived the coat of the secretary hanging in front of the fire and in the next instant the figure of himself prostrate on his rude breathing the long and audible of profound sleep it was apparent to the at a glance that the person who lay stretched before him was not of the crew of the with an instinctive motion he drew his long knife or dagger from its and swayed himself forward to the very side ot the sleeping man the dagger was uplifted and about to descend with the impulse of a muscle that would have pinned the victim to the floor when the suspended the blow only to make more sure by the flash of the light of his lantern across the s face that the person he was about to was one who had no claim from acquaintance or to the privilege of entering under this forbidden roof when the secret of the black house was by the rash curiosity of eyes or even by the involuntary knowledge of the casual wanderer no scruple of conscience nor shrinking reluctance to do a deed of murder might withhold the arm of the who ruled over this fearful domain a savage lowered upon his sallow front as he stretched forth his long arm and passed the lantern across the quiet of his unconscious victim whilst his right hand still held the dagger in act to strike the suddenly changed as he stooped forward more narrowly to the countenance of by ic rob of the bowl the sleeping man and a strange expression of instant terror took its place for some seconds his gaze was upon s beautiful features as heaving his head upward in a casual motion of his slumber the secretary threw the whole of his face into the full blaze of the light and disclosed his glossy and almost which now over his ear and upon his cheek blessed st shield me from this sight murmured with a slow utterance and whispered voice whilst with still fixed eyes and a frame trembling in every fibre he stared upon the image | 29 |
before him it is a hither from the grave or the cheat of a that reads to me in that face the warning of a life of sin oh god i i cannot strike thee er thou art i so in very truth she looked whilst on her pillow i that same fair forehead that silken eye lash that curling lip who art thou and whence what hath thrown thee into this foul abode sure i am awake i i have not closed mine eye to night there stand the tokens of this night s these cups these and this familiar den of all bear testimony that i do not wander in my sleep these limbs are flesh and blood he added as he raised s yielding hand from his bosom and that brow is warm with the heat of action holy saints of heaven i can it be what is here he suddenly demanded as his eye caught a glimpse of a which as the lay was disclosed in the inner folds of his and which the drew forth by the chain to which it was attached to i he exclaimed when his eyes fell upon the simple inscription on the back of the richly mounted miniature god of heaven by what miracle am i haunted with this sight i poor i that little of i gave thee with mine own hand tis now two and twenty by ic s bob of the bowl it a effort of the painter s skill and an of that shed a radiance upon my path and is it then that this may be his s secretary upon whose head i have heard heaped and pledged in by devils at their is thy i would fain c after a long and life of passionate denial and hate oh he groaned aloud as tears down his withered cheek whilst he bent over the secretary and parted the hair from the forehead npon h he a kiss was thy fate but doubly wretched mine thou hast been the fool and of that h disease of thy blood which bath brought curses upon thee and thine i sleep on the bosom of thy mother of an destiny t he said as he quietly replaced the is no place thee boy i i must rouse him ere these blood hounds fall his track a night by st i ejaculated the of the who at this instant thrust open the door and with four or five of the came towards the fire push us yon bottle and let us see if there be any of the stuff and let us have fire master i am chilled to the pipe thy best whistle for the captain be thee to pipe it as soon as the was out of the creek i warrant you i will wake him replied the as he went to the door and blew his shrill note ho old boy of the bowl what i the devil makes thee here demanded one of the crew when his eye fell upon rob who had at the entrance of the men extinguished his light returned the de who gave thee license to and under this roof where is by ic rob of the bowl s aboard the with five of our they have her at hand ready to take in the the captain spoke of we heard as we came across the field said the the of a which this fool francis must take to be a devil in earnest and he falls to crossing himself like an old in a battle with we have a traveller here said rob whose restless eye and motion had evinced the of his mind ever since the sailors had burst into the room and who had now placed himself in such a position as to screen the secretary from their observation a traveller who has doubtless lost his way and wandered into the chapel why dost not give him the knife interrupted the in a whisper tis the old law of the black house cut throat i ejaculated rob am i to be by thee in the law of the black house the stranger hath come at unawares and is now asleep he hath seen nothing heard nothing and can report against no one put a across his eyes before he and let two of the men bear him in silence on their shoulders free of the chapel and set him down in the woods thou hast enough john of in thy proper calling without doing murder in sport ha ha thou by saint i thou rt growing tender hearted father robert said the laughing wolf i i thou of the bloody mouth exclaimed the in a voice suppressed by the fear of waking the whilst his face grew crimson with rage but that i have no limb to reach thee that should be thy last here francis i thou and this traveller in his and take him hence when thou hast borne him a quarter by ic bob of the bowl of a mile in the woods set him down to make his own way before the sailors could obey this order and whilst they hesitated to perform what seemed to them a useless of entered the apartment at the same moment whose slumber had been disturbed by the of conversation now awoke and startled by the first impression which the inmates of the place made upon him sprang to his feet retreated to the wall and drew his sword where am i and who are ye v he with a confused perception of the persons around him and of the spot he inhabited your pardon friends he added as gaining more self possession he turned the point of his weapon to the ground and smiled i had an evil dream that awoke me will your goodness | 29 |
let me know for i am a traveller what place this is and to whom i am indebted for this shelter ha by st you are most welcome master p said the as he recognized his enemy in the person who had made this appeal to the good will of the company tis my house make free of it master i i did not hope for the honor of this courtesy thrice welcome i you have been abroad to day to seek the man who made bold to lodge a bullet in the brain of yon of below st s do i not guess well you have had most marvellous good luck for first before all the world you his s secretary have chanced upon the very murderer what will you do with him master v a has thrown me into the power of replied the secretary with quiet resignation i have naught to say i know you daring to do the purpose of a wicked will and can hope for no mercy you guess me right replied sternly i dare do what i will to do you and yours especially i hate and by ic rob of the bowl have sworn against your life no to morrow s son rises on my lord s dainty and darling by the law of our brotherhood thou this night john of take him forth and by the discharge a brace of pistols into his heart his heart be sure of it i i would strike his heart it shall kill more than one he muttered as he turned fiercely away said rob with a gathering anger that was ill concealed under the show of calmness which he now assumed have i lost my authority under this roof mine own roof let me tell thee that thou to my right to the fate of the rash fool who our secret at peril of your future peace and fortune john of dare to do the bidding of your captain i would st have the evidences of his death rising up in judgment against us in the blood thou thou art but an to thy craft and a will yet reward thee for thy folly i will pronounce the doom of this spy drown him i let the wide waters wash away all trace of the deed let the him ha ha i ejaculated with a sneer you have a conceit in your humanity rob i do it do it in your own way but in the devil s name be quick about it i have a merry sport for these lads to night and little time to lose so despatch give me francis and said rob and i will order the matter myself away then about it i said we lose time in like women at this baby play you have to go aboard to night look to it john give a signal to the to send the ashore briskly boys we must work so to it by ic i rob op thb bowl and in this strain of ordinary business occupation the from the horrible fate of his with a careless almost forgetting in the concern of shipping some the of his last voyage the tragedy which at his instance was now in a course of acting calm and silent like the victim of a pagan sacrifice neither gave vent to the agony of his feelings in sighs or offered resistance to the savage hands that his arms under the direction of the the two sailors their cap towards the rob himself following with the coat of the secretary thrown over his own the rain still poured steadily down and the faint light of moon had disappeared leaving the scene in almost perfect his arms bound with moved at the bidding of his at a brisk and firm pace along the beach until the party arrived opposite the hut of the they approached the door which being thrown open gave to their view the fire that still threw forth a glimmering ray from the hearth a pine soon kindled up a blaze and cast a broad lurid light over the apartment at rob s command the prisoner was brought in and stripped of his his boots and his weapon all whidi were taken in charge by the master of the hut a deadly was spread over the secretary s face whilst these preparations were making but his lip did not quiver nor did his eye lose its lustre why not take my life at once why mock my spirit with this horrible delay he asked in a tone that partook as much of anger as of grief i appeal to stones to brutes more sense less than stones i holy aid me in my extremity i be added with a subdued and resigned temper will this wrong why dost exclaimed rob when he saw the by ic rod of the bowl s t rd a pace and matter to other ha thou must be wrought by thine accustomed devil to this work there go to it there are strong waters to aid thy drink your fill i i will help thee bob now gave to the a bottle which they put alternately to their lips it not i not tis an ugly job at best and needs the countenance of a man s draught drink again ay will i like a bloody brother replied making good bis word by a second ap of the bottle i have been on the master with before i saw ha said francis in a french accent and wasn t le at the taking of and in the fight with the three spanish i give me the bottle brave lads both i shouted rob with an attempt to laugh brave lad and worthy we shall be late with our work | 29 |
haste thee the i i had forgot the i said with a somewhat thick utterance and leaving the room for a moment he returned with a large round stone which was enveloped in and fastened around the secretary s neck now to the lads get it ready upon the beach see that thou hast the oars at this command the sailors went forth to make their preparations in god s name boy p eagerly demanded the the moment the had left the room swim answer quickly i would save thy life lean thanks for that word t thou wilt sit beside me in the by ic rob of the bowl boat i will cut these when i my light spring into the wave make to this shore you will find your weapons and your garments under the door sill these drunken i will detain from pursuit make your way northward along the beach four miles from here you will reach the dwelling of one you will find him friendly all ready master i shouted one of the as he thrust his head within the door take more drink tis a wet night said rob whilst the sailor obeyed this command the took up a of pine which he lighted at the fire and under the guidance of this flaming torch was led to the boat the two took their places at the oars the captive was seated alongside of the who assumed the and all things made ready for their voyage the surf ran high under the pressure of an wind which blew in upon this shore and nothing was heard but the sound of the whose foam sparkled as it broke on the beach from the dark waste of waters of the bay the torch streamed aloft in the wind flinging its light full upon the faces of the sturdy and plainly enough disclosed to rob the effect of their late at the chapel as it was in the recent which had been supplied at the hut unable to account for the sudden interest which the had so hurriedly expressed in his fate scarcely could per himself to believe in its sincerity but still like one in a dreadful hazard resolved to avail himself of every chance he inclined his body towards his companion anxiously waiting to find himself relieved of the that bound his limbs from suspense doubt and almost despair he was suddenly elevated to the most hope when he found the knife of the applied to the cord that suspended the weight to by ic rob of the bowl his neck and in almost the same instant to set his arms free the were struggling to push the boat over the sand in which she was partially and having got afloat waited the moment to go out upon the surf steady i strike together and briskly i said rob you will bring home a lighter load than you take there as we the wave i ha the on that white cap i this salt sea is an monster it has my light pull away we have a of i a plague on thee for handling an oar thou hast left me never a dry thread to my back mine eyes flash fire with this dripping sea in the name of the are we not too light in our craft for such a heavy sea all free i said a little salt water will do no harm we have good space before us keep her head to it master rob you may throw the over now if the tide should wash him ashore there s a berth to be found for him in the sand over with him said francis i would not row a cable s length in so dark a night to drown a king ha i by my body i that wave hath rid us of the spy before we were willing to part with him i said rob he is not in the boat i can feel nothing of him around me thou hast better eyes than i francis look under the seat thou the prisoner i see nothing here replied the seaman i added his comrade these have never a liking to a long voyage ha ha i well he sleeps where no one will call to wake him in the morning put about master rob i i know not right hand from left north from south in this darkness returned the man of the bowl a he still kept the boat heading on her outward course by ic rob of the bowl down to cried dost not know when the wind is in your teeth t ay responded rob rt a wise teacher master jacket i so now for the again another i am a mad cap fool to be playing the boy in my old days with these storm chickens but to your oars lads i we most back to shore some time was taken op in the boat so as to bring her bow towards the shore and a full half hour elapsed before the had again reached the hut as rob made haste towards his dwelling lie heard footsteps approaching from the direction of the chapel and to relieve his mind on the instant from the doubt whether the sec had been fortunate in his endeavor to reach the shore he swung himself the more rapidly forward and before he entered his door thrust his arm beneath the sill to ascertain if the clothes to which he had s attention were removed holy st my blessed patron i thank thee he ejaculated upon assuring himself that the articles deposited had been taken oflf and here on this threshold in the sincerity of a vow i the remnant of a sinful life to and prayer i is it you master he demanded as the | 29 |
crew to twelve men were armed with and pistols and under the immediate command of took possession of the in brief space the captain himself by ic t rob of the bowl bt e ed on board with the turn of the night the rain began to the wind westward and aj se to indicate a of weather before morning the word being the boat was off from the strand and the regular sturdy and rapid stroke of the oar was heard long after she was lost to view as she laid her course towards cape look out soon after this francis and knocked at the door of rob s cabin we are ready to put you on board of the master said the first just thrusting his bead and clad shoulders into the hut i am with you honest gentlemen returned the le as he came forth and followed them to the boat up with your anchor cried out rob when he found himself on the deck of the make what sail thou think st best and stand out into the bay in less than half an hour the sail waited on his new captain for orders we have a fair berth up and down master whither do we steer to the replied rob ay ay our course is northward and the was soon under easy sail with the wind as it blew from the west with here and there a star twinkling through the breaking clouds as she made her way towards the of the by ic chapter xxx both and nurse ai e t and closed is ever flower and faintly peep hi from m j s bower bewildered with ken shrink on way up ye then my merry men it is oar opening day had not communicated to his men the exact nature of the expedition in which they had embarked they were only aware that their leader had conceived a deep and mortal hatred to certain in the port that he had fled from it as an and that their services were required in some daring enterprise which was designed to inflict upon his enemies they cared to know no more bred to and knowing no law but the law of their own and in their violence the greater portion of them strangers to the port for had more than half of his band amongst the islands of the gulf on his last voyage these desperate men were ready to do the of their chief in any act of outrage to which he might command them in an they had doubled cape look out and were making speed up the the refreshing breeze gradually swept away the clouds and whistled as it came directly by ic rob of the bowl ahead upon the course of the the moon was just sinking below the horizon and the stars shone forth through a crisp and frosty atmosphere the waving forest murmured with a rushing sound from the land the of the wide of the river under the impulse of the suddenly changed wind came in conflict with a sharp that sometimes gave forth a note resembling the scream of the human voice no friendly light was seen glimmering from the shore nor from wandering craft upon the river the were alone upon the water the stroke to give a more fatal speed to their purpose of crime and the hour was with and with wild and drunken laughter and the meditation of horrid outrage himself was moody and silent his thoughts dwelt upon the past scenes of the night and upon his present long purpose which during the last twenty four hours scarce left him leisure to think of other matters even the accidental capture of his enemy at the chapel and the escape of that enemy from the fate allotted to him lost their power to move him whilst he upon the cherished design of this night in another hour the boat had the at the mouth of st mary s river as the entered the river the first of the islands lay upon his left and he anxiously surveyed the to the course of his retreat to his which by his order was to be in waiting for him abreast the outer shore the blessed sun he muttered to himself shall light me with his first rays to morrow on my track with my vengeance satisfied to the last scruple ay by st he added as he shook his clenched hand and his teeth with the energy of his resolve to the last of the debt p by ic rob op the bowl another interval of silent labor at the oar and the dim light in the windows of the chapel attached to the house of st s yet far off upon the narrow strip of land which entirely across the direct line of the boat s course as she the shore showed the that some one of the officials of the house was at the service of early on the of the feast of ah souls and their familiarity with the watches of the night them that the hour approached four of the morning and now the creek of st s is opened upon their view and on the further bank the house of the rose with its trees is distinctly traced against the clear sky a solitary glimmering through an upper window a lady s bower where the protection of the friendly ray perchance in innocent slumber her fancy sporting in dreams of him who day and night lives in her thoughts this reflection flashed across the brain of as he directed the head of the boat into the creek pull with a long sweep and a quick he said in a low but stem voice these watch dogs of the fort may catch a glimpse of us then having advanced far enough to the bluff | 29 |
bank of the rose between him and the fort he commanded the men to cease whilst they muffled their oars not a word above your breath he now added in giving the orders which were to guide his followers through the enterprise for which they had been brought hither listen to me we land under yonder creep in silence to the dwelling you see above and pluck from her bed the fairest of this western world mark me comrades you have towns and spoiled many an humble roof yon have torn children from the breasts of their mothers and wives from the arms of their husbands by ic st rob of ths bowl yoa hate dragged maidens from the inmost chambers of their and laughed at their for safety and y m have over all with the free license of the bloody brothers bnt take it to souls this night that if in the of yonder house one unnecessary blow be struck a war cry be raised or deed of done the man who dies by my hand and further when the maiden is into your presence let no rode q her ear i go to seek a bride not to plunder and i command you all on the duty you owe your leader as brethren of the coast that you do her all honor as mistress of the my sweetest he muttered without to be heard by the crew is to marry the s daughter without his or her own by st i the rose shall with the sea though it be not to your liking do ye heed me to you i look to see this order enforced if it be but the taking of a single murmured it was hardly worth leaving the warm fire and the bottle of the chapel ha i it will be a story to tell in the keys that our last in st mary s was at the captain s wedding dost thou demanded by my sword i am in earnest in what i say i will shoot down the man that my order i will answer for the crew said de the lady shall be handled as gently as a child in the arms of its nurse ay responded several of the sailors the captain shall not complain of us the oars were muffled and the boat was once more in progress towards her destination a few minutes to by ic rob of the bowl bring the to the small wharf beneath the cliff of the rose and in a moment all were ashore except a single who was left to the boat peace whispered peace with that rattling of form under the bank and remain quiet until i ascend and examine the place the leader now crept with noiseless footstep up the pathway which terminated upon the plain in front of the dwelling he walked across the lawn by the very spot where scarce a fortnight gone by he had had his hostile interview with the little rustic temple of st yet stood with its faded foliage upon the grass plot the flower stands were still there although the plants were removed to their shelter from the frost nothing met the eye of the but the images of content and innocence which marked the abode of a happy family even the house dog who at first growled as with show of battle changed his threat into greeting as the proffered his hand and claimed acquaintance the tokens of confiding security were all around him and as he recalled the last time he had visited this place and remembered the incidents of the festival of st the maiden s coldness her father s disdain and the secretary s favor he laughed with the thought of the mastery he now held over the fate of the household he could scarcely withdraw himself from the luxury of his present but wandered to and fro in front of the dwelling then made a circuit around it and returning again to the front stood beneath the window through which the feeble shone with that steady but subdued ray which of itself was a symbol of the deep repose of the tenant of the chamber i could wake thee lady gay he said with as a as ever thy dream to pleasant measures but by ic rob of the bowl that i lack the instrument and though i be not the of thy fancy pretty rose of st mary s yet by my soul i love thee well enough to put myself to some pains to teach thee how thou shalt love me we dance together on the green wave to morrow i little as you dream of such merriment now and as i would not have thy seen i must e en lead thee forth before the day with this sally he returned to his comrades and commanded them to ascend the bank three men were detached around the house to keep a look out and the other eight following himself approached the hall door what ho fire thieves robbers i shouted aided in raising a by his men at the same time striking loudly with the butt of a against the door rouse ye rouse ye or you will have a house about you ears fire master thieves and savages i a scream was first heard in the chamber from the window of which the light had been seen and putting his hand to his ear laughed as he recognized the voice of the maiden by our lady he said our gentle mistress sings well i in the next instant a window was thrown open on the opposite side of the house and the figure of in his night gown with a candle in his hand was partially thrust out whilst he exclaimed what is this who comes at | 29 |
clear of the creek and then up with your sail i we hare by ic bob of the bowl a mr wind and a merry before ns speed thee i scent the coming dawn almost in as brief space as we haye taken to relate it the boat had shot forth into the middle of the creek and now glided oyer the waters like an of darkness flying homeward to his ocean with the spoils of some errand by ic chapter and hurry forth they go wet or dry and horse and rider and blow and sparkling pebbles fly at the appointed signal from the had sprang into the surf at the moment when it broke with its greatest violence against the bow of the boat and almost an e was swept in npon the hard beach his first motion on gaining his breath was to hasten to the hat seize the clothes that had been stripped from him as well as his weapons and to speed at the fall of his strength now by his and almost along the margin of the bay keeping remote from it however to screen himself by the which grew a short distance from the water s edge from detection by those who might perchance be on the watch to observe his coarse his limbs were chilled bat by degrees exercise threw a glow over his frame and he soon himself recovering his and power to the walk by which he labored to reach the friendly shelter indicated by rob s in the hat after what seemed a progress of at least twice the space in which he was told he find the dwelling of he was at length greeted with the cheerful sight of an humble home it by ic rob of the bowl stead seated upon the plain within a hundred paces of the tide mark he walked at once to the door and loudly as a distressed man is apt to feel it his right to do in a christian land i pray you good people open your door to me he said rise master and admit a friend in the name of charity i entreat the shelter of your roof in a moment the door was and a sleepy voice heard from within the comer who are you that so late and loud at this door a friend good master is it the master of the house as he opened the door and admitted the wanderer stand a moment until i get a light are you alone before an answer could be given to these the had departed and in a few moments returned with a candle whose ray disclosed to the secretary a comfortable family room furnished according to the primitive fashion of a substantial of the soil of that era it took but little time for to the story of the night and his narrative was answered with a kindness that gave him assurance of being now under the protection of a friend the good man of the house detained him no longer than was requisite to enable his dame to prepare a couch to which the secretary upon the s summons eagerly repaired and soon turned his sufferings to a happy account as in self at his escape and in rendering thanks to god for the mercy that had raised him up a friend in his extreme need he sank into sweet oblivion of his troubles at the dawn of day he rose refreshed and and being provided with a horse by the hospitable farmer staid only to express his gratitude to his host for the he had received and then with as much expedition as he could command pricked onward to the town by ic rob of the bowl t the rising sun gilded the chimney tops of the dwelling of the rose as the secretary descended from the distant hill which gave him a glimpse of what he deemed that happy through the trees the atmosphere was instinct with a keen and which imparted a cheerful tone to the aspect of the scene and as he stood in his and looked around him it was with a gladness he bad never known before in his life that he contemplated his near approach to his home thither he resolved to go only to his disordered dress and then to hie with speed to the mistress of his heart to whom with an impassioned delight natural to the romance of his mind he hoped to tell his perilous and startling adventure the roofs and of the rose sank from his view as he hastened onward and he at length found himself on the ts of the little city there were ominous of the in the street i and the shook their heads and seemed to the secretary to converse with a mysterious gravity they have heard he said to of my in losing my way and are that i have encountered the indians no they see me riding here yet no one comes to greet me there are other tidings in the wind and with this conclusion anxious to know what had occasioned this early commotion in the little of news he pressed forward to the mansion an hour before the arrival of the secretary rob of the bowl mounted on a sober paced horse his grasping the saddle with more security than one might expect from his diminished quantity of limb his hanging by a like a huge shield at his back entered the town he had run the into the little of just inside the where he left her under the guns of the fort which the by ic rob of the bowl maintained at this post and going immediately on shore he communicated to the commander of the garrison the circumstances which induced his that the should be detained at her present until his s pleasure | 29 |
might be known then having procured a horse he set forth long before daylight threw its flush upon the eastern sky upon his journey to st mary s not doubting to hear upon his arrival there a story of outrage though against whom or how he could not guess done by the band of the s chapel without stopping to notice the wandering gaze of the at the strange and spectacle he exhibited to them he made his way directly to the dwelling of father by the aid of the good father himself he was dismounted from his horse and straightway conducted into the study of the you have reason to be amazed at this early visit reverend father he said but my errand will allow no ceremony you come to tell somewhat of the hastily answered father with a look and tone of sorrow which informed the at the outset that some deed of horror had already been done who last night the of the worthy s roof and stole away his daughter exclaimed rob with sudden wonder was that the drift of s last night he has stolen the i hell hound i heard it not holy father but i guessed some such outrage i have hastened hither faster than these crippled limbs are wont to travel to tell thee where the robber may be found i knew his purpose of mischief though not against whom it tended ha ha ha i i have him i have him speak old man more we are lost in doubt and overcome with grief say has the fled by ic rob of the bowl to the islands at the mouth of the river there ha hopes to find his but i have cheated him father i lose no time but set pursuit on foot the town is wild with conjecture returned the priest master s servants have told the dreadful tale but whither to search no one yet has told come instantly with me to the s he who can point out the path of rescue will be more than a welcome guest the priest lost no time in causing rob to be again set in his saddle and walking beside the horse across the plain which separated the dwelling of the from the city father soon halted with his companion at the door previous to the arrival of the and afterwards during the conference between him and the in which measures were for the pursuit of the the excitement of the inhabitants of st mary s was aroused to the most intense agitation the tidings brought from the rose had awakened the town at the dawn of day and told in every dwelling the sad history of the s the fate of was by all with bitter old and young grew frantic at the thought of a delicate and maiden torn from her parent bower in the dead of the night and abandoned to the of in whose not one sentiment of pity or remorse the fury of their brutal passions and they uttered deep as they dwelt upon the dreadful fate which had befallen their cherished rose of st mary s all were to do something for her rescue yet none seemed to know what was proper to be done the women wrung their hands and wept running wildly from place to place the elder conversed in doubting and and the young men of the port their anger in loud cries for vengeance against the by ic of the bowl of the outrage suggesting as many plans of pursuit as were of the retreat of the and calling loudly to be led into immediate action the olive branch did not slip ff so quietly on a harmless flight said the lieutenant of the fort as he stood in the midst of some eight or ten on a bank which near the middle of the town gave a view of the whole extent of the river i thought that there was something too both in the craft and in her to have either of them accounted honest in the port honest i exclaimed master one of the five who were elected every two years to preserve the of the city and who contrived to make up for the want of official duty by a of official importance honest that fellow has ever been under the suspicion of the board we have noted him masters but what could we do when his has always been personally present in the city and has i may say encouraged the fellow as a because his custom helped to fill the of the province morals before money has always been my song but it is preaching to a age what have we to expect and the women added the women ran away with the man s wits why mark you what man i would ask but would grow bold and ay and wicked who has wife maid and widow ever at his heels singing and saying all manner of till at last one would think they had no other note oh but it was horrible most and miserable this taking off i groaned the proudly and gladly would i have felt to be taken in her stead i i would suffer every misfortune by ic rob of he bowl and the worst of it is master interrupted wise they have taken mistress that s a to the province i should not lie if i said to the whole town why stand and like at a funeral said john the smith whilst all the time the rascal thieves are putting more land and water between them and us i think their of the council are somewhat tedious over the matter they talk longer than is necessary or else that old crop face rob of the bowl hath | 29 |
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