BENET KILLIGREW AS A WRESTLER.
On entering my prison, he closed the door and locked it. Then, putting
the key in his pocket, he placed the candle he had brought on a shelf,
and faced me.
"I like you, Roger Trevanion," he said. "You are a man after my own
heart."
I shrugged my shoulders, showing no surprise at his presence, but
wondering what was in his mind. "Why?" I asked.
"Because you are a man. It did my soul good to see you beard Otho, and
struggle with those fellows. By my faith, I fair itched to help you!"
I could see he had something in his mind. If I kept my head cool, and my
ears open, I might discover something of importance. I remembered, too,
the look he had given his brother as he spoke of his feelings towards
Mistress Nancy Molesworth, and drew my conclusions accordingly.
"But you struck no blow," I said.
"That would have been fool's work. I dared not go against my own brother
before the servants. Indeed, ill as I would have liked it, had you
proved too much for them, I should have lent them a helping hand."
I was silent, wondering what he was driving at.
"I had this meeting in my mind," he continued. "I determined to come and
see you when Otho was safe asleep."
"You are afraid of Otho," I said, drawing a bow at a venture.
"Who would not be?" he cried savagely. "Otho is as cunning as the devil.
He should have been a priest. He hath all the learning of the family,
and can wriggle his way like an adder. Oh, I speak plainly now! I
gloried to hear you give him word for word. Even I dare not do so."
I had been summing up the nature of the man as he spoke, and thought I
saw whereby I could make him unloose his tongue more freely still.
"I can see he is master here," I said. "All you have to obey every
movement of his finger. You seem like children in his hands, or like
dogs who have to fetch and carry at his bidding."
"He hath won the confidence of my father," he cried harshly, "and so it
is 'Otho this,' and 'Otho that.'"
"While Benet, who is twice as big a man, and twice as handsome, is
nobody," I said. "It is Otho who will get Endellion, Otho who will marry
Mistress Nancy Molesworth and get Restormel,"--and I laughed in a
sneering kind of way.
"No,--by the mass, no, if you will help me!"
"I help you!"--this I said in a tone of surprise. All the same, I
expected something of this sort.
"I could see you pitied the maid," he went on. "I could see that a man
of inches like you thought it was a shame for a maid such as she to be
wedded to such a shambling creature as he."
"She should have a man like you," I suggested.
"Ah, you see it!" he cried. "I thought so last night. I said, Here is a
man who knows a man!"--and he drew himself up with a sort of mountebank
bravado.
"But I am kept out of it," he continued. "She is not allowed to think of
me. She is not allowed even to see me. I must not speak to her. It's all
Otho, Otho. He must have Endellion, he must have Restormel, and he must
have the maid, too."
"And he seems to love her."
"Love her! With the cunning love of a priest. But it is not the love of
a man such as I. If she could see me, talk with me, all would be
different!"
"You think she would love you?"
"Maidens have not been wont to say me nay," he said, strutting around as
vainly as a peacock.
"But what hath all this to do with me?"
"Ah, yes!" he cried; "I had forgotten. Otho hath embittered my father
against you. He hath warned all the servants against you. You are to be
kept here until Otho is wedded to Nancy."
"And then?"
"I cannot say yet. But if Otho hath his will it will go ill with you.
But I have brains and power as well as Otho. I marked you last night,
and I know that you, too, love the sight of a man."
I could not help smiling at the fellow's vanity. But I said nothing.
"You refused Otho's conditions last night, and you are here because of
it. Look you, I will get you out of this if you like."
"How?"
"Oh, Otho hath not everything his own way. I have friends as well as he.
If you will help me, you shall be free. Is it to be a bargain?"
"How help you?"
"Otho hath ceased to suspect me. He thinks I have given up all thoughts
of wedding Nancy, seeing that my father hath willed that he shall wed
her."
I waited in silence.
"A priest is coming here from Padstow shortly," he went on. "It is
intended that Otho and Nancy shall be wedded before he leaves. If you
will help me, we will baulk him. I will take her away. I know a parson
near Bodmin, and he will wed her to me."
"Whether the maid wills or no?"
"She will be glad enough to wed me, I'll lay to that,"--and again he
strutted around the room.
"And how will you do this?" I asked.
"Nay, I will not tell you until I get your promise. Give me your word,
Roger Trevanion, and I will tell you how you shall get out of this hole;
also my plans for taking away the maid Nancy from the marriage altar."
In truth, I felt less inclined to give my promise to Benet than to Otho;
but I had become more cautious.
"But why need you my help?" I asked.
"Because,"--he unlocked the door and listened carefully before replying;
then, after locking it again, came back to me, and continued: "Because
Otho hath bewitched almost everybody, and because I need such a man as
you to carry out my plans."
"But at least you can tell me what you wish me to do?"
"I want you to help me to take her from here, and carry her to Bodmin.
After that, I care not."
"But there will be danger," I said. "I must know something more about
the matter before I give you my word."
"Nay, I will tell you no more!" he cried angrily.
"And if I refuse?"
He gave no answer, but looked black. Whereupon I bethought me of the
usual plan of those who are undecided.
"I must have time to think," I said; "this request of yours hath come
upon me suddenly. Come to me to-morrow night at this time and I will
give you my answer."
"And in the mean time you are a gentleman?" he queried.
"I am a prisoner."
"But you will not speak to the serving-men about what hath been spoken
in confidence?"
"There is surely no need to ask me such a question," I said.
He looked at me keenly.
"It is well, Roger Trevanion," he said. "I shall look on you as my ally
and prepare accordingly. I can trust you, for you are a man, and love
men. By the mass, they shall all know that Benet is more than a match
for Otho! Good-night, Trevanion. I am ill pleased that you should have
to spend another night in this hole, but it may not be helped. I will
have my plans ready by to-morrow night,--and then----"
He strutted towards the door as he spoke, taking the key from his pocket
meanwhile.
My heart gave a great leap, for a daring plan came into my mind. I had
no time to consider its value, for it required instant action. I
determined to put it to the test without delay.
"Wait a moment, Killigrew," I said. "There is just another matter before
you go."
He turned around willingly. I could see he was in no haste to depart.
"You are sure our conversation hath not been heard?" I said, looking at
him steadily.
"Do you think I am a fool?" he said vainly. "I went to the door to see
that Otho had not ferreted us out. As for the guard, I told him to keep
away until I came back."
My heart seemed to be in my mouth, for this fell in exactly with the
plan that had been so suddenly born in my mind.
"It is well," I replied. Then I waited a second, measuring Benet with my
eye. "You have told me that I am a man after your own heart," I
continued presently. "You said you could trust me because I could fight.
But it seems I must take you on trust. It is ill undertaking a difficult
and dangerous piece of work with a man who may be able to do nothing but
talk."
His eyes burnt red, a fierce expression flashed across his face.
"Do you say that to me--Benet Killigrew?" he said in tones of angry
wonder.
"Yes, to you," I replied, still keeping my eyes steadily upon him. I saw
the vexation pass away, and in its place came a look of wild joy.
"You want to know if I can fight--whether I have courage?" he cried
eagerly.
"Ah!" I cried in the same tone.
"There is one way you can know," he continued. "Try now, will you?"
He had swallowed my bait without a doubt. He had not even guessed the
thought in my mind. In his joy at the thought of battle he had snatched
as eagerly at my suggestion as a hungry dog snatches at a bone.
"Yes, it will be well," I replied. "You want me to help you in a
dangerous business. You may fail me at a dangerous pinch, for aught I
know. You might show the white feather."
"Benet Killigrew fail to fight!" he cried in wonder. "Why, let me fetch
swords, man. By the mass, I have been longing for months to find a man
worthy of being called a man!"
"We cannot fight with swords," I said. "Even here we should arouse the
house. The sound of steel reacheth far."
"With fists, then!" he cried.
"Let's try a hitch first; after that we can use fists!"
He grasped my hand with a cry of joy. "I said you were a man after my
own heart," he said eagerly. "I love a fight beyond all things. I have
been longing for one,--ay, longing! But there hath been no man who would
dare stand before me. I am afraid it will go hard with you, for I can
barely govern myself when my blood is up. But I will not hurt you too
much, for I love you, Trevanion. I love any man who will dare fight with
Benet Killigrew!"
So far I had got my way. In spite of his boasting, I did not wonder at
his brother being able to manage him easily. In the business of scheming
he would be but a child to Otho. And still I was doubtful. He was as
big, if not a bigger, man than myself. Doubtless he knew every trick of
a wrestler and a fighter. I took note of his great thews and sinews. He
carried himself with ease, and his step was springy. Still, I did not
see any other means of carrying out my purposes; for although I had
determined to try and escape through the window, I had very little hopes
of succeeding. I therefore took off my shoes, and threw them into the
corner of the room; then I divested myself of my coat. Benet growled
like a dog enjoying a bone as he followed my example.
"I wish we had wrestling shirts," he said with a laugh, and his eyes
gleamed with fierce joy. "Had I known, I would have prepared for this."
I did not speak, but held out my hand for him to shake. He gripped me
hard, and gave a grunt of satisfaction.
"A man's hand!" he said.
I placed my right hand across his shoulders, and caught him firmly; and
when I had done this I felt more doubtful than ever as to the result.
Benet Killigrew had not boasted of his strength in vain. The fellow was
a giant. I felt his great chest heave. If ever a man felt the joy of
battle, it was he. I am sure he forgot everything of his plans, and of
our relations to each other, in the gladness of the moment. I knew, too,
the moment he placed his hands upon me that he was a wrestler. He heeded
not the fact that the floor on which we stood was of stone, barely
covered with a thin layer of barley straw.
He felt my body carefully, but giving away no chance thereby. He seemed
to gloat over the opportunity of testing his own muscles.
"A man's chest!" he grunted. "By heaven, I love you, Trevanion!"
Then I saw that he was trying for the "loin throw," and prepared myself
for his advances. Thus it was when he thought to accomplish his purpose
I was ready for him, and for a moment held him at advantage.
"Ah!" he cried, "better and better!"
But I knew that every power I possessed would have to be used, for by
this time the fierce longing for mastery had come over him. Never did I
feel so glad as at that moment that I had been true to the traditions of
my race and county. For the Trevanions, although the sport had during
the last few years been kept alive by the common people, had always been
noted as wrestlers, and that in the county which, man to man, could
challenge Europe.
While I had the advantage, therefore, I gripped him for a hug. Had he
been a weaker man his ribs would have cracked like matches, indeed, had
he been able to hold me so, I doubt whether the struggle would have
continued a minute longer. But he had caught a deep breath, and I might
as well have sought to crush a tree as Benet Killigrew. So I gave up the
hug and he laughed like a boy.
"A good try!" he grunted, and then he tested me sorely. My sinews seemed
likely to crack, so great was the strain that he put upon them, while
the sweat came out over my forehead, and rolled down my face. However I
held my ground, and when at length he failed in the cross hitch, I began
to have more confidence. Especially did I hope for victory as I heard
him mutter savagely, "By Cormoran, he's my match!"
So then I determined to be careful. I hoped that he had lessened his
power of endurance by the wine-drinking, wild life he had lived. I
therefore acted on the defensive until I should be able to try the throw
I had often practised. Presently I thought his grip less mighty, but I
was not sure, for never in my life had I been held by such a man. Had he
been less confident of victory, he would perchance have been a better
wrestler, but he did not seem to think that even his muscles must
presently give way. So it came about that while he tried a dozen tricks,
and put forth much strength in so doing, I used what power I had more
warily. At length I thought I saw my chance, and so I prepared for what
wrestlers call "the flying mare." In getting the grip necessary for this
throw, I had to face the danger of placing myself in his power.
However, I ventured to do this, for by no other way could I throw him.
He saw my move immediately, and took advantage of it, and for a minute I
was afraid that all was over with me. Never in my life had I struggled
so hard. I saw balls of fire flash before my eyes, while my sinews
seemed likely to snap at any moment. His grip grew weaker, however, in
spite of his frantic struggles. I heard him panting like a mad dog, for
I believe he then realised for the first time that I should master him.
Then with all the strength of shoulders, back, and loins I used the
trick I had intended, and Benet Killigrew, giant though he was, went
flying across the room, his head striking the floor with a terrible
thud.
For a moment I was afraid I had killed him, but only for a moment; I had
seen such throws before, and knew the result. He would lie stunned for a
few minutes, and then when he came to consciousness he would be dazed
for the next half-hour. This was what I hoped for, and for which I had
been struggling.
After wiping the sweat from my brow, I seized Benet's jacket and put it
on. As luck would have it, the garment fitted me well. Then I took my
money from my pockets. Otho had left me this, for which, as you may be
sure, I felt thankful.
After this I cast my eyes around me again, for I remembered that Benet
had worn his hat when he came to see me. This I put on; so being about
his height, and wearing his hat and coat, I fancied I should be able,
except in bright light, to pass myself for him. My sword I gave up hope
of getting; but my pistols were in my saddle-bags.
Giving Killigrew a last look, and noting that he was still breathing, I
unlocked the door, and in a few seconds later was in the passage
outside. The candle which I took with me, although it burnt low, showed
me where to go. I therefore groped along the dark pathway, and climbed
the steps which led to the entrance hall. Here I saw a man leaning
against the wall. I had extinguished my light, and as the hall was dimly
lighted the fellow could not see me plainly.
"All right, Maester Benet?" asked the man sleepily.
"Yes," I answered in a whisper, motioning him to be silent. Evidently
Benet's actions were not of an orderly nature, for he seemed to take but
little notice when I made my way towards the side door, out of which I
had gone when I followed Amelia Lanteglos.
Arrived there, however, I was likely to be found out, for the man came
after me.
"The kay, Maaster Benet; I shall want the kay if you be goin' out!"
I flung it to him, therefore, and before the fellow came near me was
outside the walls of the house. Overjoyed at my success, I drew a deep
breath, but I dared not linger. In a few minutes Benet would probably
return to consciousness, and would hammer at the prison door which I had
locked. I therefore found my way to the courtyard, hoping to reach the
stables without accident, for I determined not to leave Chestnut behind
me. I had barely crossed the yard when I saw a man. Evidently old Colman
Killigrew was afraid of his neighbours, else he would not have his house
guarded so carefully.
"Who's that?" asked the man. "Es et Maaster Benet?"
Mimicking Benet's voice as well as I was able, I bade him saddle the
stranger's horse.
"What stranger?" asked the man.
"He who came two nights ago," I replied, "I want to ride the beggar."
The man gave a laugh, and went to the stables without a word.
"Put on his own saddle," I said, blessing Benet for having led his
serving-men to obey his strange whims without questioning.
The man put a lighted candle in a lanthorn, and began to saddle
Chestnut, but in this he found a difficulty. The horse had not been in
the habit of obeying any other voice than mine. He snapped at the fellow
so viciously, that he left the stall.
"He's a oogly beggar, Maaster. I can't saddle un. He's a booty to look
top, but I wudden ride un ef I wos you. I spoase you've locked up the
gen'l'man, ain't ee?"
"Stand still, Chestnut," I said in my own voice. The horse recognized
me, and gave a joyful whinney.
Instantly the fellow suspected me. He saw that I was not his master, and
moved towards the door. I was sorry to do it, but it could not be
helped. I struck him a heavy blow and he fell heavily on the ground.
"If you move or make a noise you are a dead man," I said.
"My Gor!" muttered the fellow, "tes the gen'leman hisself."
In a few seconds I saddled Chestnut; then I determined to use him
further.
"Come with me," I said.
"Where, sur?" he asked tremblingly.
"Show me the nearest way to the high-road," I said. "If you deceive me,
I'll kill you. I want to avoid the lodge gates too."
He obeyed me without a word. A few minutes later I was on a cart-track
which led in the direction of Endellion village.
"Laive me go back, sur," pleaded the man. "I waan't tell nothin', and
they may vind out that I've left the courtyard. Hark, they have vound
out!"
I heard men shouting as he spoke.
"Laive me go back, sur," he continued to plead; "this trail do laid to
the high-road, you caan't go wrong."
I let him go, for he could be of no further use to me; then I gave
Chestnut rein, and a few minutes later was safe on the high-road.