I CAUSE MYSELF TO BE DISMISSED FROM MY OWNER'S SERVICE--AM ARRESTED--
CONVEYED TO LONDON, AND CONFINED IN THE TOWER--AM VISITED BY A ROMISH
PRIEST, AND THROUGH HIS INTERFERENCE OBTAIN MY LIBERATION--SET OFF TO
LIVERPOOL, AND FIND MY OWNER AND CAPTAIN LEVEE--THEIR SURPRISE--MISS
TREVANNION.
When I called upon our owner, which I did as soon as I had dropped my
anchor and furled sails, he embraced me, and then led me into the back
room next to his counting-house.
"My dear Elrington," said he, "well as you managed to get off the
Jacobite gentlemen, there is a strong suspicion on the part of the
government that they were on board of your vessel, and that I was a
party to their escape. Whether they will take any measures now that you
have returned I know not; they may have gained some intelligence, or
they may worm out something, by their emissaries, from those who compose
your crew, and if so we must expect their vengeance. Now tell me where
you landed them, and all the events of your cruise, for I have heard but
little from those who brought in the prizes taken by the Arrow. Captain
Levee is too busy with his own vessel and the prize to come on shore for
these two hours, and I wish to talk with you alone upon this affair."
After I had narrated all that had passed, and the manner in which the
French privateer had been captured, the owner said--
"If the government spies, and there are plenty of them about, find out
from your crew that you landed passengers at Bordeaux, depend upon it
you will be arrested and examined, without you get out of the way till
the affair has blown over. Now the men will narrate in the taverns the
curious history of this French privateer, and in so doing cannot fail to
state that you were on shore in France. Now, Elrington, you have run
the risk to oblige me, and I must keep you out of difficulty; and, if
you feel inclined to hide yourself for a time, I will of course pay all
your expenses."
"No," I replied; "if they find out what has taken place, and wish to get
hold of me in consequence, I think it will be better to brave it out.
If I hide away, it will make them more anxious to have me, and will
confirm their suspicions that I am what they are pleased to call a
traitor; a reward will be offered for my apprehension, and at any time
that I do appear the reward will cause me to be taken up. If, on the
contrary, I brave it out, and, if I am asked, say at once that I did
land passengers, at all events they will not make it high treason; so,
with your leave, I will stay. I hardly need say that I shall take the
whole responsibility on myself, and declare that I took them on board
without your knowledge; that you may rest assured of."
"On consideration, I think that your plan is the best," replied my
owner. "I am grateful for your offer of screening me, which I would not
permit, were it not that I shall be useful to you if any mischance takes
place, and, if in prison, could be of no service."
"Then, Sir," I replied, "the wisest course will be for you at once to
dismiss me from the command of the privateer, in consequence of your
having been informed that I carried passengers and landed them in
France. That step will prove you a friend to the government, and will
enable you, after a time, to get me out of my scrape more effectually."
"You are sacrificing yourself; Elrington, and all for me."
"Not so, Sir. I am only securing a friend in case of need."
"That you certainly are," replied my owner, squeezing my hand. "Well,
it will be the best plan even for you, and so let it be."
"Then I will now return on board, and tell the officers that I am
dismissed. There is no time to be lost; and here comes Captain Levee;
so for the present, Sir, farewell."
On my return on board, I called up the officers and men, and told them
that I had offended the owner, and that he had dismissed me from the
command of the privateer. One of the officers inquired what I had done:
and I said, before the men, that it was for landing the passengers in
France. They all condoled with me, and expressed their sorrow at my
leaving them, and I believe they were sincere. It was fortunate that I
did as I had done, for I found that the government emissaries were on
board at the time that I made the communication, and had already gained
the information from some of my crew. I ordered my chest and bedding to
be put into the boat, and, as soon as they were ready, I gave up the
command to the first officer, and bidding them all farewell went down
the side, and pulled on shore, repairing to my former lodgings.
I had not been there two hours before I was arrested and taken to
prison. I was, however, very comfortably lodged, because I was a
state-prisoner, and I presume that more respect is paid to a man when he
is to be drawn and quartered, and his head set above the Tower gates,
than a petty malefactor. The next day I was summoned before what was
called the Commission, and asked whether I had not landed some people in
France? I replied immediately that I had done so.
"Who were they?" was the next inquiry.
"They stated themselves to be Roman Catholic priests," replied I, "and
such I believed them to be."
"Why did I do so?"
"Because, in the first place, they paid me one hundred guineas each;
and, in the second, because I considered them mischievous, dangerous
men, conspiring against the government, and that the sooner they were
out of the country the better."
"How did I know that they were traitors?"
"All Roman priests were traitors in my opinion, and I hated them as bad
as I did the French; but it is difficult to deal with a priest, and I
thought that I was performing a good service in ridding the country of
them."
"Who else was privy to the affair?"
"No one; I had made the arrangement with them myself; and not an officer
or man on board knew anything about it."
"But my owner, Mr Trevannion, was he a party to it?"
"No, he was not; and on my return he dismissed me from the command of
the privateer, as soon as he found out that I had landed the priests in
France."
A great many more questions were put to me, all of which I answered very
cautiously, yet without apparent hesitation; and, after an examination
of four hours, the president of the Commission told me that I had been,
by my own acknowledgment, aiding and abetting the escape of malignant
traitors, and prevented them meeting their just fate on the scaffold.
That, in so doing, I had been guilty of treason, and must abide the
sentence of the supreme Commission in London, whither I should be sent
the following day. I replied that I was a loyal subject; that I hated
the French and Romish plotters, and that I had done what I considered
was best; that if I had done wrong, it was only an error in judgment;
and any one that said I was a traitor lied in his throat.
My reply was taken down, and I was sent back to prison.
The following afternoon the gaoler came into my room, accompanied by two
persons, one of whom informed me that I was delivered over to their
custody to be taken to London. I was led out, and at the door I found
three horses, upon one of which I was desired to mount. As soon as I
was in the saddle, a rope was passed from one leg to the other under the
horse's belly, so as to prevent my escape; and my horse was led between
the other two, upon which my keepers rode, each having a hand-rein made
fast from my horse's bridle to his own. A crowd was assembled round the
entrance of the gaol, and among the lookers-on I perceived Captain Levee
and my owner; but of course I thought it imprudent to take any notice of
them, and they did not make any recognition of me.
I hardly need say, my dear Madam, how very revolting it was to my
feelings to be thus led away like a felon; but at the same time I must
acknowledge the courtesy of my conductors, who apologised for being
compelled to take such measures of security, and on the way showed great
kindness and good-feeling.
Everything being arranged, we proceeded on our journey: but it was late
when we set off, owing to one of my conductors being sent for by the
commissioner, and having to wait for letters for nearly three hours. As
it may be supposed, we could not travel at speed, and we seldom went
faster than a walk, which I was sorry for, as I was anxious that the
journey should be over and my fate decided as soon as possible.
Almost an hour after dark, a party of men rushed from the side of the
road, and some seizing the bridles of the horses the others threw the
two conductors off their saddles by taking them by the leg and heaving
them over on the other side. This was done so quickly, that the two
men, who were well armed, had not time to draw out a pistol or any other
weapon of defence; and as soon as they were on the ground they were
immediately seized and overpowered. The faces of the men who had thus
assailed the king's officers were blackened so as to disguise them, but
from their voices I knew them to be the men and officers of the
privateer. "Now then, Captain Elrington," said one of them, "be off
with you as fast as possible, and we will take care of these fellows."
I still remained in my saddle, and, although somewhat flurried with the
surprise of the attack, I had had time to recover myself; and had
decided upon my mode of behaviour. I felt, as I had said to the owner
when we consulted together, that an escape now would be only putting off
the evil day, and that it was better to meet the case boldly at once; so
I rose in my stirrups, and said to the men in a loud voice, "My good
fellows, I am much obliged to you for your exertions in my behalf; as it
proves your good-will, but I cannot and will not take advantage of them.
By some mistake I am accused of being a traitor, when I feel that I am
a true and loyal subject, which I have no doubt will be fully
established upon my arrival in London. I cannot, therefore, take
advantage of this opportunity to escape. I respect the laws of my
country, and I beg you to do the same. Oblige me by releasing the two
gentlemen whom you have made your prisoners, and assist them to remount
their horses, for I am resolved that I will go to London and be
honourably acquitted. Once more, my lads, many thanks for your kind
intentions; and now I wish you farewell; and if you would do me a great
favour, you will disperse peaceably, and leave us to proceed on our
journey."
The men perceived that I was in earnest, and therefore did as I
requested, and in another minute I was again alone with my two keepers.
"You have behaved honourably, Sir, and perhaps wisely," observed one of
my conductors, as he was about to remount his horse. "I will not ask
you who those people were, although I have no doubt but you recognised
them yourself."
"No," I replied, "I did not. I guessed from whence they came, but I did
not recognise any one individual."
I gave this cautious answer, although I had recognised Captain Levee and
one of my own officers.
"Well, Captain Elrington, you have proved to us that you may be trusted,
and therefore, on your pledging your word that you will not escape, we
shall have a great pleasure in removing all unpleasant precautions."
"I certainly have proved that I would not escape, and will readily give
you my assurance that I will not alter my mind."
"That is sufficient, Sir," replied the officer; and he then cut away the
rope which bound my legs, and also took off the two leading reins
attached to the other horses. "We shall now," he said, "proceed not
only more pleasantly, but more rapidly."
My conductors then mounted their horses, and we set off at a good trot,
and in an hour arrived at the place where we were to put up for the
night. We found supper prepared for us, and good beds. My conductors
now left me free of all restraint, and we retired to our beds. The next
day we continued our journey in the same manner. My companions were
pleasant and gentlemanlike men, and we discoursed freely upon every
topic; no one could have imagined that I was a state-prisoner.
We arrived, at London on the fifth day, and I was then delivered over to
the keeper of the Tower, according to the instructions that my
conductors had received. They bade me farewell, and promised that they
would not fail to represent my conduct to the authorities, and gave me
hopes of a speedy release. I had the same idea, and took possession of
the apartments prepared for me (which were airy and well ventilated)
with almost cheerfulness.
On the third day of my arrival a Commission was sent to the Tower to
examine me, and I gave the same replies as before. They were very
particular in obtaining the descriptions of the persons of those whom I
had landed in France, and I answered without disguise. I afterwards
found out that I had done a very foolish thing. Had I misrepresented
their persons, it would have been supposed that they really were four
Catholic priests, but from my exact description they discovered that I
had rescued the four traitors (as they termed them) that they were the
most anxious to secure and make an example of; and their annoyance at
this discovery had so angered them against me that my subsequent conduct
could not create any feeling favourable towards me.
Three weeks elapsed, and I was wearied of confinement. My gaoler told
me that he feared my case was a bad one; and, after another week had
passed, he said that I was condemned as aiding and abetting treason. I
must say that I little expected this result, and it quite overthrew me.
I asked my gaoler what was his authority. He said that so many people
had assisted and effected the escape of the rebels without one having
been convicted of having so done except myself on my own avowal, that
they deemed it absolutely necessary that an example should be made to
deter others from aiding those who were still secreted in the country;
and that in consequence it had been decided by the Privy Council that I
should be made an example of. He told me much more which I need not
repeat, except that it proved the malignant feeling that was indulged by
the powers in authority against those who had assisted their defeated
opponents, and I felt that I had no chance, and prepared my mind to meet
my fate.
Alas, my dear Madam, I was but ill prepared to die,--not that I feared
death, but I feared what must be my condition after death. I had lived
a reckless, lawless life, without fear of God or man; all the religious
feelings which had been instilled into me by my good tutor (you know my
family history, and I need say no more) during my youth had been
gradually sapped away by the loose companionship which I had held since
the time that I quitted my father's house; and when I heard that I was
to die my mind was in a state of great disquiet and uncomfortable
feeling. I wished to review my life, and examine myself; but I hardly
knew where to begin.
All was chaos and confusion. I could remember many bad actions, but few
good ones. I felt that I was like a vessel without a rudder, and
without a pilot; and after hours and hours of deep thought I would give
up the task of examination in stern despair, saying to myself, "Well, if
it must be so, it must." I felt an inclination to defy that Heaven
which I felt would never be opened to me. This was the case for more
than a week after I heard of my condemnation, until I began to reflect
upon the nature of our creed, and the terms of salvation which were
offered; and as I thought over them I felt a dawn of hope, and I
requested the gaoler to furnish me with a Bible. I read it day and
night, for I expected every morning to be summoned to execution. I felt
almost agony at times lest such should be the case; but time passed on,
and another fortnight elapsed, during which I had profited by my
reading, and felt some contrition for my many offences and my life of
guilt, and I also felt that I could be saved through the merits of Him
who died for the whole world. Day after day my faith became more
lively, and my mind more at ease. One morning the gaoler came to me,
and said that there was a priest who wished to see me. As I understood
he was a Roman, I was about to refuse; but on consideration I thought
otherwise, and he was admitted. He was a tall, spare man, with a dark
Spanish countenance.
"You are, I believe," said he, "Captain Elrington, who effected the
escape of some of our poor friends, and who are now condemned for your
kind act?"
"I am, Sir," replied I.
"I am aware," said he, "that your profession of faith is not mine, and
do not, therefore, come to talk with you on serious points, without you
should wish it yourself; my object is, being indebted as we are to you
for saving our friends, to offer to be of any use that I can to you, in
executing any wishes, or delivering any messages, which you may wish to
give, should you suffer for your generous conduct, and you may trust
anything to me with safety, that I swear to you;" and he took a crucifix
from the folds of his garment, and kissed it, as he said so.
"I thank you for your kind offer, Sir," replied I, "but I have nothing
to trouble you with. I have long quitted my family, who know not
whether I am alive or dead, for reasons that I need not explain. I am
under an assumed name, and it is my intention to suffer under that name,
that my family may not be disgraced by my ignominious death, or be aware
that I have perished on the scaffold."
"Perhaps you are right," replied the priest; "but let us talk upon
another point; have you no friends that could exert themselves in your
favour so as to procure your pardon and release?"
"None," replied I, "except those who, I am sure, are exerting themselves
to the utmost of their power, and to whom no message from me is
necessary."
"Do you know nobody at court," said the priest, "no person of rank in
the government--or I may say opposed to the government--for people
now-a-days are not what they seem or pretend to be?"
"I have no knowledge of any titled person," replied I; "when I parted
with one of the gentlemen whom I landed at Bordeaux he gave me the name
of a lady of quality at Paris, desiring me, if in difficulty, to apply
to him through her; but that was if in difficulty in France; of course
she could do nothing for me in this country."
"Have you the name of the lady?"
"Yes," replied I; "it is on the first leaf of my pocket-book. Here it
is."