|If any confirmation were wanted of the suspicions now generally
entertained by Mr. Newbiggin and the rest of the servants that a rising
was imminent, it was afforded by the earl, who took his guest, as soon
as luncheon was over, to see the arms stored in the old tower.
The inspection occupied some time, for three or four chambers had to
be visited, each full of muskets, calivers, pistols, cartouche-boxes,
powder-horns, shot-bags, belts, swords of various sizes and make,
hatchets, pikes, halberts, black leather caps, drums, kettle-drums,
trumpets, fifes, and other martial instruments. In a vault beneath the
basement floor were bestowed several barrels of gunpowder.
When the examination was finished, the prince expressed himself
delighted with the preparations made.
“You told me you could arm and equip two or three hundred men, cousin,”
he said. “And I now perceive you did not exaggerate. But where are the
men?”
“I have but to ride to Alston Moor, my liege, to find them, and bring
them back with me,” said Charles Rad-clyffe.
“Men and arms are ready,” said the earl. “Shall we raise the standard?”
he added, lifting up the flag.
At this moment, as if in response to the appeal, shouts were heard
outside, and several voices exclaimed:
“Long live King James the Third!”
“Is this premeditated, cousin?” said the prince.
“No, by my faith,” replied the earl. “But it seems your majesty's
presence has been discovered--how I know not. Shall I send away the
troublesome varlets?”
“'Twere needless, since the discovery has been made,” said the prince,
who did not seem much displeased.
“Your majesty need feel no uneasiness,” observed Father Norham, who
formed one of the party. “There are no traitors at Dilston. All here are
loyal, and would die rather than betray you.”
“On that assurance I shall not hesitate to show myself to them,” said
the prince. “Attend me, I pray you, cousin.”
The massive door being thrown open, a singular spectacle was seen.
In front of the tower was collected a large number of the household,
with several out-door servants--grooms, gamekeepers, huntsmen,
gardeners, and their assistants--most of them young and active-looking,
though the coachman was old and stout, and there were three or four
others, who must have lived in the family for half a century. But these
were just as enthusiastic as their comrades.
When the prince appeared another loud shout arose, and would have been
renewed had not the earl commanded silence.
“I thank you heartily, my good friends, for this manifestation of your
zeal,” said the prince. “Do not imagine, because I have come hither
in disguise, that I am afraid to trust myself with you, or, in the
slightest degree, doubt your fidelity. The Earl of Derwentwater, your
master, is my best friend, and dear to me as a brother. No one can live
with him without sharing his sentiments. I could not, therefore, have
any distrust. But I feared that in the excess of your zeal you might not
keep guard upon your tongues, and I am very desirous that my landing in
England, and arrival at Dilston, should not be known for the present.
Secrecy, as you will easily understand, is essential to the success of
my projects.”
A murmur of delight arose from the assemblage, but further shouting was
checked by Newbiggin, who, stepping forward, made a profound obeisance
to the prince, and said:
“Your majesty need fear no indiscretion on our part. I will answer for
my fellow-servants. We know the importance of our trust.”
“Ay, that we do,” cried several voices.
“I am perfectly satisfied,” said the prince; “and I shall feel easier
now that this explanation has taken place. Again accept my thanks for
your manifestation of sympathy and attachment to me. I cannot speak to
you all, but there is one among you to whom I would fain say a word.”
And he designated a tall, fine old man, standing at the back of the
assemblage.
“That is Nicholas Ribbleton, my liege,” said Newbiggin. “He lived with
his lordship's grandfather.”
“And was much liked by him, and by my father,” added the earl. “Nicholas
Ribbleton will always have a home at Dilston.”
“Bring him to me,” said the prince.
Summoned by the butler, old Ribbleton would have thrown himself at the
prince's feet, but the latter prevented him, and gave him his hand,
which the old man pressed devotedly to his heart.
“I never expected such an honour as this,” he said. “Your majesty is
too gracious to me. I have always been devoted to your royal house, and
shall continue so to the last. It may sound boastful when I say that
both King Charles the Second, and your august father, King James,
deigned to notice me. Long have I desired to behold your majesty, and
now the wish is gratified.” Here emotion choked his utterance for a
moment but he added, “If I live to see your majesty on the throne I
shall die content Long have we looked for your coming, but now you _are_
come, don't turn back till you have won the victory. You have right on
your side. The crown belongs to your majesty and not to Queen Anne. If
she won't surrender it, take it! Such is the advice that an old man, who
has spoken to the king, your father, and your royal uncle, dares to give
you. Pardon my freedom, sire!”
“I not only pardon it, but am obliged to you for speaking so freely,”
replied the prince, in a gracious and encouraging tone. “What will you
say if Queen Anne should surrender the crown to me?”
“I shall say that a miracle has been worked,” said Ribbleton. “But
judging by her conduct, it seems very unlikely that she will act justly.
Were I your majesty, I wouldn't trust her promises, however fair they
may be.”
“Thou art too bold, Ribbleton,” interposed Lord Derwentwater.
“Nay, I am not offended,” said the prince. “There is wisdom in the
old man's words. I will have some further talk with you anon, my good
friend,” he added to Ribbleton, who made an obeisance, and retired
highly pleased.
At the same time Newbiggin gave a sign to the rest of the household, and
the place was quickly cleared.