THE HOUSE WITH THE FLAG
We had no difficulty in passing through the city's gates. I merely
called out in commanding tone:--"On the King's most urgent business,"
and the great gates swung back upon their mighty hinges as though there
had been magic in my speech. Mayhap 'twas fortunate that the King had
many messengers passing in and out of the city that night, or our exit
had not been so easily accomplished. As we dashed through beneath the
arch the keeper called out:--
"Is it true that Richmond hath landed?"
"Ay, ay, 'tis true indeed," I cried over my shoulder in reply, and on
we went as though the fiends pursued us. Our horses were urged to
their utmost, that we might leave the Sanctuary ere the day did dawn.
Already was the East casting off her dark robe of night and decking
herself in brighter colours.
When we entered Westminster and drew up before the Sanctuary the door
flew open and there, standing by Harleston, by whom she was restrained
from rushing from the house, was my own fair darling; her body leaning
forward, and her hand held above her eyes, as she peered into the
darkness with a world of expectancy in her pose, as shown up right
nobly by the lamp's bright light behind her.
Mary stood at Frederick's other side; her hand upon his arm, and also
gazing forth.
Springing from my horse and handing the reins to Michael, I hastened
towards them; taking care, however, to speak ere I did step into the
rays of light, that the girls might not be startled by mine unannounced
approach.
"Fear not, it is I--Walter."
"Oh, my dear, noble Walter!"
Harleston's arm no longer restrained, and we were locked in each
other's arms in a shorter space of time than takes a thought to travel
unto Heaven.
"Have a care, my darling, lest thou dost destroy that same handsome
habit; for I am nothing if not thoroughly saturated."
Then I kissed the fair Mary as she still stood by Frederick's side,
laughing and weeping both at once.
"My dear friend," said Harleston, "much am I joyed to see thee thus
free from that bloody Tower. And now--though ere this I did fear to
say so--I tell thee truly, I never thought to see thee here this night."
"But why?" I asked. "'Twas thou which sent the letter that did give
unto me--with the noble assistance of this brave friend here--my
liberty," and I slapped Michael--who had tied the horses beneath the
trees by the corner of the building, and now stood near me--on his huge
arm.
"Do but come in and close the door, and I will tell thee all, in as few
words as possible; for the time we have is short."
"Art not afraid to flee with me, my fair one?" I asked; and I drew
Hazel closer to my side, as we were passing down the hall.
"Nay, nay, Walter dear; to the end of the world would I go with thee.
When love, such as is mine, is in the heart it leaveth no room for
fear. Mine only desire now is that we may, with all expediency, avoid
our enemies; and when the Earl of Richmond doth conquer the bloody
Richard, then may we return to happiness and have our dreams of other
days fulfilled."
"Mine own dear, trusting love," I murmured, as I stooped and kissed her
forehead.
The ex-Queen had waited up the whole long night that she might see if I
did succeed in escaping from the Tower. How worn and sorrow-stricken
she did look as I knelt and kissed her hand.
"I thank God, Sir Walter, that thou hast escaped the murderous boar,"
she said, in her kind and motherly way.
"So do I too, madam; for besides mine own wrongs I have yet to make a
great effort and redeem mine oath made to the good King Edward, your
noble husband. When my good friend here and I rode from Berwick unto
the Castle at Windsor his Majesty did give unto us each a present
worthy of the giver. At that time, madam, we both did swear to avenge
any wrong that ever did transgress upon your royal son, our late
lamented little King. Much time hath passed and still he's unavenged;
but if the life within me be spared I'll yet strike a hard blow against
his cruel and bloody murderer."
"Ay, ay, we will," assented Frederick.
"He'll doie fer the murtherin' o' the little darlin'," growled Michael
from behind my back, where he towered like some grim monument.
I shamed to confess that I had forgot my faithful squire, until his
voice recalled him to my mind.
"Madam, I beg that thou wilt permit me to make known unto thee the
truest heart, as well as the strongest arm, in all England. Courage,
loyalty, generosity and strength are all that do unite in this, your
faithful servant." And I led Michael, who blushed like a maiden,
before Elizabeth.
She spoke some kindly words unto him, and gave him her hand to kiss.
On his knee his head was still as high as hers.
Gently he kissed the dainty fingers lying in his mighty palm, and then
he arose without a word.
Why, oh why, are not the kings and rulers of men born with hearts like
Michael's? Thy praises, oh my faithful squire, should be sung by
masters skilled in the art of playing upon the sympathetic strings of
the living harp, in place of the task, so full of possibilities, being
left to the feeble hand of such an one as I. But then, who knows as
well as thine old master the workings of that great heart whose every
throb is one of loyalty?
But come, Sir Walter, hasten along in the path where lies thy story,
and tarry not, like some gossiping old wife, at every house along the
way, telling some news that helps thee not unto thy destination.
"I have more ill news for thee, Sir Walter," said Elizabeth, when
Michael had arisen and resumed his former place, glad to be no longer
the object on which we all did gaze.
"Heaven forbid!" I exclaimed devoutly.
"Nay, Heaven doth forbid no woe to fall upon mine untimely silvering
head; and it is but just that I should have my punishment."
"But what new calamity may this be, madam?"
"Word reached me a week ago that my little Richard hath disappeared
from the Sanctuary in France, where my son, the Marquis of Dorset, left
him.
"But comes the news from a trusty source?"
"Yes, from Dorset himself. It happened thus, he says:--
"Near-by where stands the Sanctuary there a great mount doth lift its
rugged brow far above the natural level of the earth. Here did my
little Prince delight to stroll and watch the sparkling waters far, far
beneath his feet, rush in their tumbling haste from rock to rock along
their never-ceasing course. Here last was he seen sitting, as was
sometimes his wont, upon a boulder beneath a scraggling bush that there
doth grow. At set of sun he came not to the house; so the good folk
there went out to bring him in. Nowhere could they find him; and now
'tis thought he fell by accident, or intent, down, down into the cruel
waters at his feet. From that day since he hath not been found; but
his hat was by a traveller picked up and brought into the Sanctuary.
"Now my little Princes both have gone to join their father, and
I--though God knows why--remain upon the earth.
"If little Richard be dead--the which must be only too true--we will
make the Earl of Richmond King. Then shall my daughter, Elizabeth, be
his Queen. This is all I can now hope for; but it shall be the means
of ridding England of blood-supping tyrants, and shall give unto me my
long-desired revenge.
"Lord Stanley is now at the head of a strong force, and is marching
from the North, apparently to meet the tyrant near by Leicester.
"Richmond is now well on his way to London; and as he comes great
numbers flock unto his standard.
"Stanley will, at the last moment, leave the Usurper to his fate and
side with the Earl.
"Sir Frederick, here, leaves this morning to join Lord Stanley.
"This evening, when thou dost return with our dear Hazel here, I can
give thee a letter to the Earl. I would send it by Sir Frederick, but
I do desire to give Earl Henry full particulars of the force that
Richard doth take with him along. The powers of the Usurper's friends
Richmond already knoweth. Mine agents shall bring in the desired
information concerning the forces of the Usurper as soon as Richard
doth leave the city."
"Then everything goeth well, so far as preparations are concerned,
madam.
"About what time doth Richard march?"
"Soon after sun-up he did intend to go; at least so said the order
given to me," replied Harleston.
"Then we will return before the set of sun.
"But what, madam, is your opinion of this same strange letter?"
"Truly, Sir Walter, I knew not of it until Sir Frederick told me its
strange contents."
I then showed it to her in the hope that she might recognize the hand.
With great care did she observe the writing; then she raised her head
and said:--"It looketh not unlike the hand of my Lord Stanley; though
there is a tremble here not his. Mayhap he did disguise his hand to
guard him from the danger of its falling into other hands than Sir
Frederick's."
"And, Frederick, what dost thou think?" I asked.
"Verily, Walter, I was about to tell thee at the door--and since it had
escaped my mind--of how I did mistrust that same packet until I saw ye
both arrive safe and free." Then it was that he told me of his meeting
Catesby as he left the Palace.
"And dost thou think it safe to go unto this house mentioned in the
writing?"
"Well, since the rest of the directions have been so trustworthy I can
see no danger in following the remainder. Besides," he continued,
"there seemeth to be no other way so secure."
"Well, as no more time may be spared, methinks we had better start. I
shame to doubt the writer's good intent, after the great favour he hath
done me.
"Say farewell, for the present, my dear. We shall be back this
evening."
Tenderly the ex-Queen embraced Hazel; and as I knelt she laid her
gentle hand upon my head and said:--
"God protect thee, Sir Walter, and send thee back to me, with yon fair
child, which loveth thee so dearly, safe to her widowed foster mother."
"Amen," said I softly, from the bottom of my heart.
"Farewell, dearest Hazel, and may the angels guard thee from, and
strike dead those which could so much as harm thee with a thought,"
sobbed loving little Mary, as the two dear girls embraced and kissed
each other.
"Farewell, Frederick," said Hazel--for now she looked on him as her big
brother, and spoke unto him as such--"I may not again see thee until
the fate of us all hath been decided. May Heaven bless thee and bring
thee back to this dear girl, safe and victorious. And then may our old
happy days that passed like sunbeams in the park at Windsor be repeated
without disturbing interruption."
This was a confirmation of my suspicion that Harleston had asked Mary
that question which is the London-stone in the lives of us all, and she
had made the promise that I could, long months since, have told she
would.
"Farewell, dear lady," returned Frederick, whilst Mary took advantage
of his speech in trying to regain her wonted complexion; "I hope to see
thee again ere a fortnight be past. One great battle shall decide our
fate; and what that will be I am assured of."
Then turning to me he said:--"We shall meet, no doubt, in the ranks of
the conquering Richmond. Till then farewell, my dear friend."
"Farewell, Frederick, we shall meet near Leicester; that is if Richard
there awaits the Earl."
I kissed Mary, and she and Harleston did bid farewell to big Michael.
Then we proceeded to where our horses waited, Michael bearing upon his
arm a basket, in which was our food for the day.
The morning was now well dawned, and the red bars from the fiery sun
were glancing along the floor of Heaven in beauteous ribbons, like the
gay trappings of a May-pole.
Hazel's palfrey was now brought up; and as we mounted and rode off, the
little group at the door still stood and waved a silent, fluttering
farewell.
We rode on in silence until we came to the turning that we should take,
were we to be guided by the letter.
"This is the cross road mentioned in the packet. What think ye now of
the writer? Dost trust him?" I asked.
"I trust him, and yet I feel some fear. I know not why; but a nameless
something doth stir up in my mind a dread of some calamity."
"Shall we then go search for some place for ourselves?"
"Oh, no! It must be but foolish maiden timidity. Let us proceed and
trust the letter, after the way that it hath rescued thee."
So we turned unto our right and, as the letter had said, we came, after
travelling some three miles, upon a large house set back some distance
from the road. From a window in the upper story a small flag of
England did hang lazily. The house looked as it had been
described--unoccupied; so feeling re-assured we rode into the grounds.
I then held Michael's steed whilst he went forward and tried the door.
It was unlocked; so he entered. He then returned, at my call, and
reported everything as well, so far as he could see, though he desired
to inspect it further ere we entered. This I did consider to be
unnecessary. We then tied our horses to some trees near the door, and
walked in.
The room was large and square, and in the centre a round pillar arose
from floor to ceiling. The furniture consisted of a long and broad,
heavy oaken table and some three or four chairs, scattered carelessly
around the room. Several closed and heavy doors, leading to where we
knew not, were set into the walls at irregular intervals. The general
appearance of the interior gave one the impression of recent
occupation; though now it did seem undoubtedly to be vacant.
Michael placed the basket upon the table, and we at once proceeded to
make ourselves comfortable.
"Ah! my dear, we shall have a pleasant holiday, and in the evening
return. Our dear friend, Master Catesby, shall arrive at Westminster
to find that the bird hath flown. Then he may curse his misfortune and
proceed to join his murderous master. Pray God I do but meet him in
the field. Then shall there be no truncheon to be flung down to stop
our fight, as was done at the tournament."
"Yes, Walter dear, methought that thou hadst killed him when, with your
great sword, you drove him senseless from his horse."
"But how didst thou see the tournament?" I asked in wonderment.
Her cheeks then flushed, and she became as confused as a child caught
fairly in a trap. She glanced imploringly at Michael; but he seemed
greatly occupied with the buckle of his sword belt.
"What! is it possible that thou wert one of the old ladies to whom
Michael did show such attention?"
"In faith, Walter, thou hast guessed it; though I did not intend to
tell thee yet."
"And was Mary the other?"
"Yes."
"Oh, ye are sly ones. And here is Michael also in the plot."
"Beg pardon, sor, but Oi tould ye the truth."
"Yea, that thou didst; but in your own peculiar way," I laughingly
replied.
"Yes, Walter, Michael but did what we did ask of him, and therefore the
whole blame belongs to Mary and me," said Hazel, as she came and patted
me on the cheek. "Art not cross now?" she asked.
"Nay, but Frederick and I will bring ye to account when next we all do
meet."
Soon we sat us down to the pleasantest meal that, methinks, ever had I
partaken of. Clear of the gloomy Tower, and free, and there by my side
the truest and most trusting maid upon the earth's broad face. And
there was our huge Michael at the other side, eating and watching us
with admiring eyes. Verily, my dears, no happier trio ever sat
together, chatting like children at an outing. Hazel's dainty fingers
had put each morsel in most tempting shape, and to add aught to her
arrangement had been as difficult as to improve on the delicacy of soft
moonlight, strained through the misty alabaster curtains of the Heavens.
"Now if Mary and Frederick were but here would it not be like our old
happy days at the Palace at Windsor?" asked Hazel.
"Yea, indeed it should, but even more happy; for our troubles that are
now past make us to appreciate happiness the more."
And so we talked on and were happy in our assurance that all should now
be well and smooth, and after the battle we would go to mine old house
that had stood waiting for its young master for many a day.
Then suddenly I heard a sound that startled me, and caused grave doubts
as to our safety. It sounded not unlike a low whistle, and coming from
some room within the house.
Michael's quick ear had heard it also; for he glanced anxiously first
to me and then to Hazel. She too had heard it, and her face changed
from its merry smile to a startled look of fear.
"Didst thou not hear that whistle, Walter dear?" she asked in alarm.
"What whistle, dearest?" I asked, that I might allay her fears. "'Twas
but thine imagination playing upon thine ears; 'twas nothing."
"Nay, 'twas no imagination; 'twas real,--and hark!--there again it is."
This time there could be no mistaking the sound. Methought it came
from one of the three rooms that did adjoin the large one in which we
were.
"Do thou go, Michael, and with great care open yon door and see if that
room be occupied," I said in a whisper to my squire.
Drawing his heavy sword he advanced cautiously, and, turning the knob,
he thrust the door wide open, whilst he remained at the threshold.
This room was empty; but on the opposite side from where stood Michael
was another door, and to the right of this, in the other wall, was yet
another.
Then I heard a slight click at the lock of the door by which we had
entered the house. I drew my sword and walked to this door and tried
to open it. It was locked.
Then the whole plot flashed upon my mind. This then was Catesby's plan
for getting both Hazel and me within his power. No wonder that he did
laugh as Harleston left the courtyard. Well might he laugh; for never
did a trap work with more success than did this clever one, laid by
this most ingenious scoundrel.
I went to the window and tried to loosen some of the bars that ran
across the square. Even the great Michael's strength should here be of
no avail. The bars were very heavy, and firmly imbedded in the
masonry, of which the lower part of the house was made.
I watched the doors leading from the room in the expectancy that they
were about to fly open and a band of men rush in to do their work.
Still they did remain closed. Michael still stood before the open
door, awaiting mine instructions.
After waiting for a few moments with the painful feeling that one has
when convinced that the eyes of a concealed foe are on him, watching
his every move, I walked to the great table and, placing my sword upon
it, I moved it back across one of the corners of the room; thus forming
a frail barricade to protect my dear Hazel.
I then placed my dagger in her hand and said:--"Be brave my dearest,
and if thou seest that thou canst not escape with honour, thou knowest
the use of this little weapon. However, so long as thou seest hope,
refrain from its use; for even in our position no one can tell what the
result may be."
"Fear not, Walter dear, unless I may be thy spotless bride my husband
shall be death."
"Mine own dear, brave, little maiden," I murmured, and placed her, with
a loving kiss upon her brow, behind the--in some measure--protecting
table.
I then took up my good sword and, holding it at arm's length to test
its reach, I said to Michael:--
"Do thou go, good Michael, to yon door, and see if there be any one
within the room behind it."
"Oi will, sor." And he crossed the inner room in three good lengthy
strides.
This door was unfastened, so he opened it as he had done the other,
except that this one opened towards him, and still stood he upon the
threshold.
"Sure, yer honour, thare's anither door here, sor."
"Open it also, Michael;" though the next moment I had rather have cut
the tongue from my throat than have uttered those words.
Michael had just disappeared into this second unexplored room when,
with a crash, the door that had remained closed in the room adjoining
where Hazel and I waited flew open, and several armed men rushed in.
"Beware Michael! come back! come back!" I cried in warning.
Ere he could obey, however, the door was closed and securely locked and
barred behind him. At the same instant the room in which I stood was
filled with soldiers, which entered by the other doors.
"Come on, ye pack of cowards! Why do ye hesitate? Do ye fear the
single sword of one good knight? Come on, I say, ye pack of sneaking
wolves that fear to attack, and yet stand in a circle round and growl!"
I cried in defiance at them.
[Illustration: "Come on, ye pack of cowards."]
There must have been well nigh a score; something more than half in my
room, and the others in the room betwixt Michael and us.
The giant now thundered at the separating door, and swore an unceasing
stream of oaths of vengeance.
This door, however, was a heavy oaken one, and withstood even Michael's
mighty assault with great endurance.
Still the soldiers stood waiting, swords in hands.
Presently, with leisurely, swinging stride and clanking armour, a smile
of triumph on his sneering face, entered my dearest foe, Catesby. With
a courtly bow, accompanied by a graceful wave of the hand, he saluted
Hazel, who, with great calmness, stood with clenched hands and
firm-pressed lips behind her barricade.
"Welcome, my dear lady, to this house that taketh in poor troubled
refugees. Methinks the directions in my poor note must have been
clear; for my guests have arrived even earlier than I had expected,"
said he, as he folded his arms and regarded us with a smile of
satisfaction.
"Cease thine insolence, thou false and degraded knight, and draw thy
sword and fight me like a man, and do not further stain thy name by
setting upon a gentleman a band of coward ruffians!"
"Nay, nay, Sir Walter, we have twice crossed swords ere this, and on
both occasions thou didst have the better of me. Verily, thou must be
selfish to ever desire to play the victor's part. Oh, no!" he added
with a laugh, "I now do hold the stronger hand, and it should be
casting an insult upon the Goddess of Fortune to thus throw aside her
bounteous gift of advantage.
"Do thou close yon door and lock it, Peter," said he, turning to a
fellow which stood behind him and which carried his arm in a sling;
"that loud disturbing Irishman doth interrupt my speech. And besides,"
he continued, with some uneasiness, as I thought, "that door doth seem
not strong enough for his beastlike strength. This other here is
stouter."
The fellow with the disabled arm--no doubt 'twas he which did attempt
to murder me in my tent--then closed and locked the door, whilst three
of the soldiers remained in the inner room, that they might check the
gallant Michael, should he succeed in breaking down the door. And
indeed it now sounded as though the oak must give way; for the giant
had ceased his oaths, and all his breath was now being used to support
his great strength, that was being exerted on the creaking opposition.
I almost smiled as I thought of the fate of the three men when the
great man should rush in upon them.
"And now, Master Catesby," said I, "wilt thou enlighten me as to thine
object, in as few words as possible? for mine ears have no desire to
listen to thee at length, nor have mine eyes the wish to gaze upon thy
recreant body.
"Then hear my purpose in thus luring ye both into this place. I do
desire to have yon same lady, which in her fear is even more beautiful
than when she smileth, delivered up into my hands. Her safety and
tender treatment thou mayest be well assured of; for I do love her to
distraction.
"As for thyself, if thou dost offer no resistance, then shalt thou be
permitted to go forth from this place a free man, even though I do hate
thee as I do a viper."
I bowed, and smiled grimly, and he continued. "If thou dost resist;
well, thou knowest that thou needst not to expect mercy."
"Is that all?"
"That is all."
"Then know, thou slave of degradation and all that is most abominable,
that I, as would any man, reject thy base proposal, with words too poor
and weak to express, in any good measure, my contempt for the proposer."
At this moment the inner door fell from its hinges with a crash; and
then the adjoining room was filled with oaths and the ring of fearful
blows.
"Come then, make haste!" cried Catesby to his followers, "yon Herculean
savage hath burst through the inner door. Next will he break down
this; unless those knaves do stop him."
Then the whole pack of varlets rushed upon me from all points but my
back, where the table did prevent them from surrounding me.
"Ha! thou caitiff! ha! thou slave!" cried I, as I struck down the two
foremost of the assassins.
"What! do ye hesitate, and shrink from a single sword? Strike him
down, ye varlets, or at your peril stay a hand until we have him!" and
the chiefest of mine attackers drew forth his sword and, stepping o'er
the body of one of his fallen band, he did engage with me so hotly as
to cause me to use all of my defence in guarding me from his fierce
cuts and thrusts.
In then there rushed the others; but so many were there that they did
interfere with each other; thus enabling me to still guard off their
blows with my good armoured left arm.
Michael had now overcome his three antagonists, and thundered with his
mighty shoulders against the remaining door. I knew that this would be
more difficult to break down; for, besides being more heavy, as Catesby
had said, it opened towards Michael, and this did add greatly unto its
powers of resistance. I dared not turn mine eyes towards the door,
lest on mine head a stunning blow should fall.
My left arm now had lost its wonted strength, with guarding of the many
blows that fell so hard and thick upon it.
"Now we have him! Press him both close and hard!" cried Catesby, as he
renewed, with all his activity, his lightning-like attack.
Never in my life have I, before that day nor since, fought with such
quickness or strength. I was as a madman for the nonce, and fought
with the delight of intoxicated recklessness. My sword seemed
everywhere at once, and even the shifty Catesby was pressed back. I
stepped forward in the delirium of feverish thirst for slaughter.
"Walter, beware! beware!" cried Hazel.
But it was too late. I had stepped too far forward, and thus permitted
one of the pack to get behind me. A crushing, ringing blow upon my
helm,--a shrill and piercing shriek from Hazel, that lived in mine
ears, and died out at last as though by distance,--and I clattered to
the floor, unconscious.
Mine oblivion could not have lasted for more time than whilst one might
tell a score; for when I regained consciousness Michael still crashed
against the separating oak, and there was Hazel standing behind her
feeble barricade and holding in her small white hand the dagger that I
had placed there.
"Stand back, thou traitorous, deceiving hypocrite! Advance towards me
but one short step more and this dagger's bright blade shall be dyed
red with mine own heart's blood!"
Ah! my children, had ye but seen her then, as she stood there, as pale
as a marble statue; yet with flashing eyes and heaving breast, her
dainty tapering fingers of the right hand grasping, with all her little
flower-like strength, brittle yet easily snapped, the little weapon, ye
would have cheered in unrestrained admiration of the dear, brave,
little maid.
Catesby stood back in awe of this goodly sight, which even his
villainous heart could not help but admire.
"Well, and right nobly done!" he cried. "Thy courage in thus resisting
doth but arouse within my love-sick heart a new and fiercer, and e'en
more consuming passion for thee. Like a boy, I ever love the apple
that doth hang from the limb most difficult to reach. The more the
rich, ripe fruit doth avoid my grasping hand the more determined am I
to have it."
"Cease thine insulting speech, false knight, cowardly assassin, 'tis I
that commandeth thee! I, thine ancient foe, that even now defies
thee!" and I struggled, tottering to my knees, and shook my clenched
fist in defiance at him.
"Come on, Michael! break down the door, and we yet can drive this
murdering pack before us, as doth the wind dry leaves!"
"Oi'm comin', yer honour; do but hould out a little," and the fury of
his attack upon the door was redoubled.
Catesby made a sign with his hand, and instantly four men left the room
in haste.
"Beware, Michael! they may attack thee from the rear!" I cried, as I
staggered to my feet and tried to rush upon mine enemy. I was securely
held back, however, by two of the pack, who forced me to my knees and
held me there.
Catesby merely smiled his hellish smile, and said:--"Bind him hard and
fast to yon pillar, and strip him of his helm. We shall now try
another plan to capture yon same tempting apple," and he nodded in
Hazel's direction.
With cords they bound me until I could not move a muscle. Helmless and
helpless I then stood before my fiendish foe, which drew his dagger and
advanced upon me.
"Stop! stop, thou wretch!" shrieked Hazel. "For the welfare of your
soul slay not a helpless man. Nay, nay, do but wait, I pray thee! I
will do that which thou dost ask! I will go with thee! anything thou
wilt, if thou wilt but spare him!"
"Hazel, in God's name hold thy peace! If thou dost love me do as I
have said! I fear him not; let him do his worst; but use thy dagger
ere thou dost permit this villain to lay on thee a hand!"
"Oh, yes, yes, Walter; but I cannot bear to see thee die before my very
eyes! Oh, merciful Mary, it is too awful!" she cried, as Catesby
seized mine ear and with his dagger clipped off a small part of the
lobe.
The tough oaken door did still resist the efforts of the giant; but it
was plain that it could not long endure.
"Be brave, mine own true little love, Michael shall soon be here!" I
called out above the din.
"So, madam, will I cut him into small pieces here before thee, unless
thou dost surrender. Thou canst save him by coming from behind that
table. Bethink thee of his fate in case thou art obdurate," said the
accursed knave, as he seized mine other car and raised the dagger.
The door was now cracked almost from top to bottom, and Michael still
stormed his blows upon it.
"Uh! ye cursed cowards! Oi'll crack yer damned skulls fer ye in a
minute! Uh! ye blood-suckin' divils, Oi'll rip ye all to paces and
cram ye down yer own bloody throats!"
Louder cracked the door.
"Come, lady, your answer; make haste e'er the door giveth way."
"Hold out, my brave girl! we yet shall conquer!" I cried in
encouragement.
Hazel leaned forward, with her left hand leaning upon the table, her
body stretched forward, her lips compressed until no colour did remain
in them. With her right hand she struck, quickly, the dagger into the
table's top, then drew it out and struck again. Still was she
silent,--and a small piece came off mine other ear.
"Oh, God! God! God! it is too much! too much!" shrieked the poor
maiden; and, throwing her hands above her head, she fell forward upon
the table as though she were dead.
Catesby and one of his men then rushed to where she lay, and seized her
in their arms and started for the door.
"Touch her not with your contaminating hands! Oh! false knight, I will
have the last drop in thy heart for this! Oh, thou accursed slave of
Hell! unbind me, and I will tear out thy throat with my bare fingers!
"Michael! for God's sake come! they are carrying her off with them!"
and I cursed, and shrieked, and struggled with my bonds until they cut
deep into my wrists.
"All Hill take this accursed door! It'll go now, or Oi'll brake moy
damned back!"
There was a tremendous crash; the whole house did seem to shake; and
Michael burst through the door with parts of it still clinging to his
armour, which was battered from head to foot; and his great hands were
red with blood.
"At last Oi'm here, yer honour; but, Oi fear, too late," gasped he, as
he tried the outer door, and found it locked.
He then cut with his dagger the cords that bound me. Too late, too
late we were indeed. Another door had to be battered down ere we were
able to gain the outside. This occupied some time, and when at last we
did rush tottering forth we found no sight of our enemies, or our dear,
brave, little maiden.
Our horses' reins had been cut, and the beasts themselves were
wandering far from the house.
How Michael did swear, as tenderly he bound up mine ears with pieces of
the cloth that had served to cover the basket we had brought.
"Oh, sure sor, Oi did moy viry bist; but Oi couldn't git through in
toime, yer honour. Forgive me, Sor Walter; but Oi'll nivir rist till
Oi have the varmint, and the dear swate Lady Hazel is safe returned to
thee, sor," sobbed the poor fellow, like a child, as he knelt at my
feet, praying pardon for not having accomplished more, in but a few
short moments, than three ordinary men might do in one whole day, and
then feel proud of their work.
"Rise, my brave Michael, and never again ask of me pardon; for thy
mighty work this day hath saved my life, and, had it been within the
power of man, it would have saved the Lady Hazel."
Michael brought out my helm and put it on me. The wounds in mine ears
were mere trifles; so I suffered no inconvenience from my headpiece.
We caught our horses and, after mending their harness, we mounted and
set out for Leicester, by roads not travelled by the army.
Now was I determined to join Lord Stanley's force in time to take part
in the great battle. There would I meet Catesby, and kill him; and
somewhere near would I find Hazel.
I did neither storm nor gnash my teeth, as is my wont when my temper
doth control my reason; but with quiet bearing, and lips drawn tightly
in, I rode straight forward under the bright sun that glistened so on
Michael's battered armour. Thus steadily could I have ridden unto the
end of the earth, and never would I rest in peace until I found the man
which so had wronged me.
Michael did seem to share my mood; for no word did he speak; but sat
his steed with his head thrust slightly forward and a fearful look of
unrelenting vengeance stamped on his firm-cut features.
There could be no escape for Catesby. He might cross the world; but
still his grim fate would follow and o'er take him.
"He can never escape me," I kept repeating in my mind. Hell's fire
seemed burning in my heart; but outward I was cold, deliberate and as
unchangeable of feature as is the London-stone.