CHAPTER SIXTY TWO.
THEIR DEAR ONES IN DANGER.
As the sergeant conjectured, Colonel Walwyn was in his quarters; EustaceTrevor, his almost constant companion, along with him. The ever-activeGovernor of Gloucester was absent on another of his many expeditions,and had left Colonel Broughton in chief command of the garrison, SirRichard commanding its cavalry force, with a separate jurisdiction.
The duties of the day over, with all guards stationed for the night, he,with his young troop captain, having just completed the "Grand Rounds,"had returned to quarters, and taken seat by a brisk wood fire; thenight, as already said, being chill.
Hubert was bustling about in attendance upon them; for, though a gaudytrumpeter, he took delight in serving his revered colonel in everypossible capacity. There was nothing menial in waiting upon such amaster--so thought the faithful henchman.
He had uncorked a bottle of claret, and placed it on the table betweenthem, which they proceeded to discuss as they reviewed the events of theday. The knight was no anchorite, neither the _ci-devant_gentleman-usher; both accustomed to take their wine in a moderate way.And both habitually cheerful, save when some reverse of arms gave reasonfor their being otherwise.
Such there was now, or lately had been--that of Monmouth still in theirminds. Sir Richard regretted not having been himself charged to keepthe place he had been chiefly instrumental in capturing. Had it beenso, the enemy would not so easily have retaken it. That he might wellthink or say, without any self-conceit. For in the most blunderingmanner had Major Throgmorton, left in temporary command, managed itsdefence; in truth, making no defence at all, but allowing the Royaliststo re-enter almost without striking blow.
The affair was truly farcical, however serious for the Parliament. ItsCounty Committee was at the time in session; decreeing fines andsequestrations against the Monmouthshire "malignants"; when all at onceconfronted by the very men with whose estates and chattels theywere playing at confiscation; these armed, and angrilyvociferating--"Surrender! you are our prisoners!"
Never were judicial deliberations brought to a more abrupt ending; nevertransfer of authority more ludicrously sudden. Though it was aught buta jesting matter to the dispossessed ones, who from a comfortablecouncil-chamber were instantly hurried off to the cells of a dismaljail.
Of course the Cavaliers made much fun over the affair; while reverselytheir adversaries were chagrined and humiliated by it.
Few grieved over the event in a greater degree than Colonel Walwyn andCaptain Eustace Trevor; for they had special reasons.
"I only wish I'd known of that danger when we got Massey's order tomarch hither," observed the former, as they sat sipping their wine.
"What would you have done, Sir Richard?"
"Disobeyed it; and marched our men in opposite direction--to Monmouth."
"Ah, true! A pity you didn't. It might have been the saving of theplace."
"No use lamenting the disaster now it's done. Would that the taking ofthe town were all you and I, Trevor, have concern about! Unfortunatelyit isn't. What madness leaving the girls at Hollymead--absoluteinsanity?"
"It was. I thought so at the time, as did Vaga."
"Sabrina too; everybody but Powell himself. He couldn't be convincedthere was any danger; and I still hope there may not be. But who knowswhat the upshot now? I tremble to think of it."
"It's to be regretted, we didn't more press him to come away with us."
"Oh! that would have been of no use. I did urge it on him--far as Icould becomingly. But he had one of his obstinate, pig-headed fits uponhim that day, and would listen to no reason. It's not pleasant havingto speak so of him, whom we both look forward to as our futurefather-in-law; but when he's in that frame of mind Heaven and earthwouldn't move him. Nor the devil frighten him either. You remember howhe braved Lunsford, and that precious cousin of yours, when they came tocollect the King's loan. True, he had us, and something besides, at hisback. But without that he'd have defied them all the same; ay, had thewhole Royalist army been there threatening him with instant death."
"That I fully believe. Yet one cannot help admiring his independence ofspirit--so much of manhood in it, and so rare!"
"Ay, true. But in that case too much recklessness. It has begotdanger, and may bring disaster upon all of us--if it hasn't already."
The last words, spoken in a grave, almost despondent tone, fellunpleasantly on the ear of Eustace Trevor, already sufficientlyapprehensive of the thing hinted at.
"In what way, colonel?" he queried anxiously. "Are you thinking of anyspecial danger?"
"I am, indeed; and to our dear ones."
"But how? From what--whom?"
"Rather ask `from where?' and I'll answer `Monmouth.' Now that theRoyalists are masters there, almost for certain they'll be raiding upinto the Forest; and likely, too likely, a party pay visit to Hollymead.That, as you know, Trevor, were danger enough to those we have fearsfor?"
"But now that their father has gone to fetch them away? He should bethere long before this."
"And long before this may be too late. Just what I'm most anxiousabout--the time of his arrival at Hollymead; for I know he won't staythere an instant. Poor man! he's sadly repentant of his imprudent act,and will make all haste to bring them back with him. The fear is of theflood having delayed him too long at starting--my fear."
"Good Heavens?" exclaimed the young officer; "let us hope not."
"If Massey were here," continued the other, a thought striking him, "I'dask leave to go after him. Indeed, I feel half-inclined to take it,without asking."
"And why not, Colonel? We could be at Ruardean and back beforemorning--riding at a pace."
Sir Richard was silent, seeming to ponder. Only for a few seconds;when, as if resolved, he sprang to his feet, saying,--
"I'll risk it, whatever the result. And we shall start at once, takingour own fellows along with us. Hubert!"
Quick as the call came the trumpeter from aft ante-room, where he hadstayed in waiting. To receive the order,--
"To the men's quarters, and sound the `Assembly'! Lose not a moment!"
And not a moment lost the trumpeter, knowing that when Colonel Walwyngave an order in such excited strain it meant promptest obedience.Snatching up his trumpet, as he hurried out through the ante-room, hewas in the street in an instant hurrying towards the cavalry quarters.