HOW URSO GIVES WAS ARRESTED.
About the same time that the interview took place in the stable at
Spetchley between Cromwell and Urso Gives, Major Careless, who had
been upon the eastern walls to satisfy himself that the fires in the
suburbs were completely extinguished, descended from the ramparts
at Friars'-gate. This was one of the smaller gates, and derived its
appellation from a convent of Franciscan friars that stood hard by--the
old religious house having been subsequently converted into a prison.
On quitting the ramparts, as just stated, Careless proceeded to the
old hostelry of the Grey Friars, where he knew that several officers
about to take part in the camisade would be assembled. The old inn--an
ancient timber-built house, with quaint gables, and a projecting upper
story--is still standing in Friars'-street.
In the principal room of the old hostel he found, as he expected, a
party of Cavaliers smoking, singing, and quaffing sack and claret, as
if they had no serious business in hand. They were thus making merry
to the last, since among them were Major Knox and some others, who,
two hours later, were killed in the attack on the outpost. They were
all fully armed with steel caps, gorgets, cuirasses, pauldrons, and
taches, but had divested themselves of their swords and pistols. Beside
each sword lay a small roll of linen. This was the shirt which its
owner meant to wear over his armour, and which, in some cases, proved a
winding-sheet.
All the Cavaliers rose on Careless's appearance, and gave him a
hearty welcome. He could not help being struck by the enthusiasm they
displayed. Not one of them but seemed proud of being included in the
dangerous enterprise. Not one but was ready to lay down his life for
the king. Careless never afterwards recalled that meeting without
heaving a sigh for the brave men who perished in the camisade. However,
at the moment, he thought little of the hazard of the attack, and would
gladly have joined in it if the king would have allowed him. Sitting
down, he emptied the flagon of claret filled for him by Major Knox.
Shortly afterwards Colonel Legge entered the room, but left again
almost immediately, saying, as he departed, to Major Knox:
"Half an hour hence you must all be at the place of rendezvous."
Shortly afterwards Careless took leave of the company, and was
proceeding along Friars'-street in the direction of the Sidbury-gate,
when he heard his name pronounced in a familiar voice, that instantly
awakened tender recollections, and turning, he perceived that he had
been followed from the hostel by a young woman whose features were
muffled in a hood.
Not doubting who it was, he exclaimed:
"Ah! is it you, Mary? I never expected to see you again."
"And you would not see me now, I can assure you, if I had not something
of importance to say," she rejoined, partially removing her hood.
"Whatever has procured me the happiness of beholding you once more,
sweet Mary, I feel grateful for it," he rejoined.
"Speak not thus lightly," she said. "'Tis a grave matter."
"Before you mention it, then, let me ask now you came to throw yourself
away upon that detestable Roundhead? You must be heartily sick of him
already."
"If you persist in talking thus you will frighten me away, and I shall
leave unsaid what I have to tell you--and it is very important."
"Nay, by all that is bewitching, I swear you shall not go," he cried,
catching her hand.
"Be serious, if you can, for a single instant, and listen to me."
"Tell me you are resolved to abandon Urso, and I will be as serious as
you please."
"You put everything out of my head by your trifling talk. How very
different you are from Urso, to be sure! He is always grave."
"Yes, I warrant me you rarely catch a smile on his sour visage. But I
hope there are few points of resemblance between him and me. Again I
ask, how could you marry such a man?"
"'Twas all my grandam's doing," she sighed.
"And you have bitterly repented of the foolish step ever since, I'll be
sworn. Confess, and I'll forgive you, though, I own, the effort will be
difficult."
"Then pray don't make it. Unless you listen to my warning, you will
fall into a snare that has been privily laid for you."
"Privily laid for me by Urso, eh? The Roundhead rogue had better take
care of himself, or you will speedily become a widow."
"It is not of Urso I would warn you. Do not take part in the camisade
to-night."
"The camisade!" he exclaimed, in surprise. "How do you know there is to
be a camisade? Who has told you of it? Answer me that."
All his levity had vanished. As she did not answer, he repeated the
question still more peremptorily.
"No matter who told me," she rejoined. "If you value your life you will
not go. I have warned you. Do as you please. Farewell!"
"Stay! we must not part thus. You spoke of a snare being privily laid
for me. What was your meaning?"
"I will tell you nothing more," she rejoined.
And breaking from him, she flew towards the inn.
Just as she reached the door the Cavaliers came forth in a body. Some
of them tried to stop her, but she pushed them aside and got into the
house.
Careless thought of following her and insisting on an explanation, but
after a moment's reflection he concluded that, since she was lodging
at the inn, she must have overheard the loud and indiscreet talk of
the Cavaliers, and so have ascertained the nature of the enterprise
on which they were engaged. As to the "privily-laid snare" of which he
had been warned, the expression savoured strongly of Urso, and probably
meant nothing in particular.
Having arrived at this conclusion he marched off, with the fixed
determination of paying another visit to the old hostel on the morrow.
But before the morrow came he was undeceived, and he then bitterly
regretted that he had neglected the warning given him.
So well was the secret kept, that only the troops actually engaged in
the camisade were aware of its object. Many heard of the enterprise and
of its failure at the same time. When the attacking party was driven
back, a call to arms was instantly made by the Duke of Hamilton and all
the commanders stationed on the south and south-east, lest Cromwell
should follow up his success by an immediate assault on the city. But
it soon became apparent that he had no such design, and though the
Royalists remained on the alert, they were not disturbed during the
remainder of the night.
To Charles, who had made certain of success, the failure of the
enterprise was a terrible disappointment. But he bore it manfully, as
he bore all his reverses. He had remained at the Commandery in order
that he might receive the earliest intelligence of the victory he
so confidently anticipated, and was seated in the refectory, trying
to while away the time in light chat with Careless, when General
Middleton, followed by Sir William Keith and Colonel Legge entered the
hall. Charles read what had happened in their downcast looks, and for a
moment forbore to question them.
"Fortune has played me another sorry trick, I perceive," he exclaimed,
at length. "I thought the fickle goddess would this time have
befriended me."
"All would have gone well, sire, if our plan had not been betrayed,"
replied Middleton. "The enemy was prepared. We found the whole of
Colonel Lilburn's force under arms, and were surrounded, but succeeded
in cutting our way through them."
"I have a further proof of treachery, sire," said Colonel Legge.
"Cromwell himself, with his body-guard of Ironsides, was with the
outpost when I attacked it."
Charles could not repress an exclamation of rage.
"That we have been bought and sold is certain," he exclaimed. "But who
can have betrayed us?"
"I think I can give a shrewd guess as to the villain who has thus
traitorously discovered the design," said Careless, "and if I am right
he shall not escape chastisement."
"Whoever the traitor may be," observed the king, "he must have
obtained early information, and have acted with the greatest
promptitude, or the enemy could not have been prepared at all points
for the attack. Cromwell must have clever and active spies in the city."
"True, sire," replied Middleton. "And I now recollect that, during our
conference in the adjoining chamber, a man in the garden approached
somewhat near to the open window. At the time I did not suspect his
motive, but I now believe he was a spy."
"It may be so," observed Charles.
"Whether General Middleton is right or wrong in his suspicion, I am
certain I can discover the traitor, sire," said Careless. "I have a
clue to his hiding-place, and before many hours I engage to produce
him."
"It will be some satisfaction to hang the villain," observed Charles.
"Your majesty may rely upon having that gratification," replied
Careless. "With your permission, I will set about his capture at once.
Nor will I rest till I have effected it."
And bowing to the king he quitted the hall.
In the court-yard of the Commandery was the king's ordinary guard.
Taking two of the men with him, Careless proceeded to the Sidbury-gate,
passed through the wicket with his attendants, and in another minute
was in Friars'-street.
So dark was the narrow street, owing to the projecting stories of the
ancient timber houses lining it on either side, that Careless was
unable to discern any object unless close at hand. A heavy, measured
tread, however, informed him of the approach of the rounds, and the
next moment the patrol came up.
Captain Woolfe, who was with the guard, immediately recognised his
superior officer, and on learning Careless's business, proffered his
aid. They proceeded together to the old inn, followed by the whole
party.
It would seem that all the inmates had retired to rest, but the
knocking of a halbert staff against the door soon caused it to be
opened by Master Kilvert, the host, who had hastily huddled on his
apparel, and in a trembling voice inquired the meaning of this
nocturnal visitation.
No explanation was vouchsafed him. Ordering the guard to post
themselves secretly on the other side of the street and be ready to
answer any summons, Careless and Captain Woolfe entered the house,
shutting the street door after them.
The terrified host conducted them to the principal room, and setting
down the light with which he was provided, humbly waited their pleasure
to address him.
"Answer truly the questions I shall put, and you have nought to fear,"
said Careless. "You have a lodger named Urso Gives?"
"Your honour has been rightly informed," replied Kilvert. "Master
Gives, the tailor, with his wife and his wife's grandmother, are
lodging in my house. Master Gives is a worthy and God-fearing man, or I
would not have him as a guest."
"Your description of him is altogether inaccurate. He is a traitor and
a spy. Lead us to his chamber instantly, and call him forth," said
Careless, drawing his sword.
"I will lead your honour to his chamber," replied Kilvert, now still
more alarmed. "But it will be useless to call him, seeing he is not
there."
"I must be assured of this," said Careless. "Lead us to the room."
"I shall not need to do so, for here comes his wife, who will confirm
what I have just declared to your honour."
And as he spoke Dame Gives entered, bearing a light. It was evident
from her attire that she had not been in bed. Careless sheathed his
sword on her appearance.
"Why have you come here at this hour? What do you want with Urso?" she
cried, rushing up to him.
Careless, however, turned away, and said, in a low voice, to Captain
Woolfe:
"Explain our errand to her."
"We have come to arrest your husband," said Woolfe.
"Arrest him! What crime has he committed?"
"The highest crime a man can commit," rejoined Woolfe. "He has betrayed
the king to his enemies."
"I hope he can disprove the charge--but you will not find him here,"
she exclaimed. "Master Kilvert will satisfy you that he is not in the
house."
"I have striven to do so, but ineffectually," said the host.
"Since it appears that your husband has not returned from his secret
visit to the enemy's camp, we must wait for him," said Careless. "Have
him we will."
"The house must be searched. He may be concealed within it," said
Captain Woolfe. "Show me to the upper rooms," he added to the host.
"Readily," replied Kilvert. "And should you discover him, I will be
content to take his place, and that I would not do for a thousand
pound. This way, captain! this way!"
As soon as they were gone, Dame Gives exclaimed, distractedly:
"Cruel and ungrateful man! Is this the way you reward me? In my desire
to serve you, I have destroyed poor Urso."
"You ought to thank me for ridding you of such a miscreant," rejoined
Careless. "You do not seem to comprehend the magnitude of his offence."
"Yes, I do comprehend it," she rejoined. "I regard the crime with
horror. But I am his wife. Save him! save him!"
"Impossible!" exclaimed Careless. "I would not save him if I could. I
am sorry for you, Mary, but I cannot feel the slightest compassion for
the villain you have married. It pains me that his arrest cannot be
accomplished without your taking part in it."
"Oh! that I could warn him of his danger," she exclaimed. "If I could
only give him a signal!"
"The signal would be useless," said Careless. "A guard is posted
outside."
"But he will not enter from the street!" she cried. "The door at the
back is left open. I must fasten it."
And she would have rushed forth to execute her design if Careless had
not prevented her.
"I cannot allow you to stir, Mary," he said, detaining her.
She besought him to let her go, but he refused. Just then, footsteps
were heard in the passage.
"Ah, he is here!" she exclaimed.
Next moment Urso Gives entered the room, and started on beholding his
wife and Careless together. By an instant and rapid retreat he might,
perhaps, have escaped, for the way was then clear, but yielding to a
sudden impulse of jealous fury, he drew a pistol and fired.
His aim was Careless, but the shot took effect on his wife, who was
slightly wounded in the arm. Uttering a scream, she would have fallen
if Careless had not caught her and placed her in a chair.
The report of the pistol brought Captain Woolfe and Kilvert into the
room, and in another moment the guard rushed in from the street. Urso,
who attempted no resistance, was seized and secured.
"Is this the man you seek, Major Careless?" asked Captain Woolfe.
"Ay, this is the accursed traitor," was the reply. "And now he would
have added murder to his other crimes."
"I should be satisfied if I had slain thee," rejoined Urso, fiercely.
"I have wrongs enough to avenge."
"Search him to see that he hath no concealed weapons," said Careless.
"He shall then be taken to the Commandery, in order that his majesty
may interrogate him."
"I know well what my doom will be, and am prepared for it," said Urso.
"Before I am taken hence let me look for the last time upon my wife."
Careless signed to the guard to bring him forward.
Poor Mary was still lying in the chair in which she had been placed,
and was tended by the hostess and a female servant, who had come into
the room. A handkerchief had been bound round her arm by Careless to
stanch the blood.
The prisoner gazed at her for some moments with a look of unutterable
affection.
"She will live," he murmured. "Heaven be thanked I have not killed her!"
"No, thou art spared that crime," said Careless. "She is not much hurt."
Bending down, Urso kissed her pallid brow. The contact of his lips
caused her to open her eyes, but on beholding him she shuddered, and
immediately closed them.
With a sharp pang Urso turned away.
Attended by the guard, the prisoner was taken at once to the Commandery.
Though it was now close upon daybreak, Charles had not retired to
rest. He was so much disturbed by the result of the night attack that,
feeling he could not sleep, he remained in converse with Middleton and
the two other unsuccessful commanders.
The king and his companions were in the refectory, when Careless
entered and informed his majesty that he had captured the spy.
He then explained how the arrest had been accomplished, and after
giving the king all needful particulars, the prisoner was introduced.
Urso Gives did not seem at all intimidated by the presence in which he
stood, but maintained a resolute demeanour. General Middleton at once
recognised him as the eavesdropper he had noticed in the garden.
When interrogated by Charles, the prisoner refused to answer any
questions, and though threatened by Middleton with the thumbscrew,
declared, with a firmness that carried conviction with it, that no
torture should force him to make a confession.
After hearing Careless's relation, confirmed as it was by various
circumstances, and, above all, by the discovery on the person of the
prisoner of an order in Cromwell's handwriting, Charles could entertain
no doubt of Urso's guilt. He ordered him to be hanged at mid-day on the
Sidbury-gate, so that the spectacle of his ignominious death might be
witnessed by the rebel army.
The prisoner, who heard his sentence without betraying the slightest
emotion, was then removed, and taken by the guard to Edgar's Tower,
where the king had ordered him to be kept till the hour appointed for
his execution.