CHAPTER X.
A RAPIER AND A RIDING WHIP.
It was late in the afternoon when Timothy returned to Modbury, and whenhe had taken some food he made his way up the stairs to his youngmaster's room. Gilbert was reading when he entered, but, at sight ofTimothy, threw aside his book.
"Ah, thou'rt back!" cried Gilbert. "Well, what of the cut-purse gypsies,Tim? Didst see them?"
"Ay, full well did I see them," answered Timothy. "And Justice Oldfieldhath dealt with them according to their deserts. They are men wellbeknown in the neighbourhood, Master Gilbert, and you must even yourselfhave ofttimes seen or heard of them. The elder of them, who is known asRed Bob, hath been in the lock-up once before for a like offence. Hiscompanion is a young seaman named Tom Lane. They both were armed withdaggers. The third man who was with them in the stealing of the farmpoultry, and who is supposed by many to have been the man whom youcrossed swords with, is not yet arrested. Justice Oldfield tried toprove them guilty of the robbery of Jacob Hartop's wallet, but neitherJacob nor I could swear to their identity. There was naught to provethat they were the same men that we encountered, so they were chargedwith the poaching alone and escaped a hanging on the accusation ofhighway robbery, and they have been thrown into prison, where they areto remain for the space of six months."
"But surely there could be no possible mistake in supposing that theywere the same men," remarked Gilbert. "I can well believe that it wasnot easy for you to recognize them, but the empty wallet was found nearto the place where these fellows were caught, and there is certainlyenough evidence in that fact alone to prove that the two crimes werecommitted by these same men!"
"So it might seem," returned Timothy; "but Hartop declared mostpositively that the men who attacked and robbed him in nowise resembledthese poachers, and for my own part I was well-nigh as positive as he."
"And, prithee, by what token art thou so sure?" inquired Gilbert.Timothy did not answer immediately. He was considering within his ownmind whether he should give expression to his suspicions against Jasperand Philip Oglander. These suspicions had grown even stronger since hehad learned more of Jasper's evil character, but he still had no otherfoundation for them than Jacob Hartop's assertion regarding thefootmarks in Beddington Lane, and he felt the injustice of making anyaccusation of a definite sort. At last he replied somewhat falteringly:
"It seemeth to me, in so far as I can recollect, that the men weencountered in the dingle wore large wide hats such as seamen wear,whereas Red Bob and Tom Lane had small, close-fitting caps. Furthermore,as thou'rt aware, Master Gilbert, the man who crossed rapiers with theeand wounded thee was a skilful swordsman--a more skilful than any rogueand vagabond about these parts is likely to be."
Gilbert shook his head doubtingly.
"There is no knowing," he said; "these rascals are acquainted with allmanner of tricks and subterfuges. It doth not seem to me that 'tis inanywise likely that there were two separate and distinct companies ofthieves at work in the one neighbourhood and at the same hour. Well do Ibelieve that these rascals, Red Bob and Tom Lane, as you name them, wereguilty of both the theft from the farmyard and the stealing of old JacobHartop's wallet, and that Justice Oldfield hath been over lenient." Hepaused a few minutes to take up some food from his plate that was nearhim. Then continuing, he said: "Hark you, Timothy. My grandfather hathbeen speaking with me touching this same Jacob Hartop, and it seemeththat the old mariner was the bearer of a most precious letter for SirWalter Raleigh, containing news of the King of Spain's treasure-ships.The letter hath been carried off by these thieves, and 'tis necessary,nay, 'tis even of vital importance to England, that it should berecovered, lest it fall into the hands of any friend of Spain. Were Iable to go about I should make it my business to search for it, but I amtold that I must rest my sore foot for a day or two longer, and it wereas well that thou shouldst undertake the matter in my stead."
Timothy had looked up sharply at mention of the missing letter. So thiswas the thing of value concerning which Jacob Hartop had said thatrather than lose it he would willingly have sacrificed his own life! Theinformation had given Tim an important clue. It had given him the newsuggestion that the robbery had been arranged beforehand, and was nomere highwayman's attack upon a chance traveller, for it was now clearthat the person who had stolen the letter from the old man must haveknown full well of its existence, and committed the robbery with theexpress purpose of gaining possession of it and thus intercepting itsdelivery into Sir Walter Raleigh's hands. Timothy arrived at thisconclusion even before his young master had ceased speaking, and, takinginto consideration Hartop's hint that Jasper was secretly a friend ofSpain, he regarded it as well-nigh certain that Jasper was himself thethief, and was in all probability in present possession of the missingdocument. He did not dare as yet to reveal his suspicions to Gilbert,but he resolved to seek for still further evidence in support of them.When he should have gathered full and undeniable proof against Jasper itwould then be time enough to expose his villainy. And with this resolvein his mind he silently quitted the room.
It chanced that as he passed down the wide staircase and into the backhall he caught sight of Philip Oglander's rapier hanging from a rack. Hewent to it, and after taking it down he drew it from its scabbard,finding that it was, as Jacob Hartop had said, of more than the ordinarylength of blade. He was examining its sharp, slender point when he wasstartled by hearing a voice behind him.
"It seemeth that you discover something of interest about my rapier,"said Philip Oglander.
Timothy turned round and said with confident coolness:
"I was but observing its great length, Master Philip. 'Tis a handsomeweapon; but perchance you are not aware, sir, that in England 'tisunlawful to carry a rapier so long in the blade as this is."
Philip Oglander smiled, showing his beautiful white teeth.
"The same remark was made to me yesternight by one of my grandfather'sguests," said he. "Sir Richard Grenville, I think it was. He, too,cautioned me against wearing it. I would have the blade shortened,therefore, if there be any man about the household who can do it. I wille'en leave the matter in your hands."
"Of a surety," agreed Timothy, wondering at the youth's courtesy towardshim, "our blacksmith will clip it down to the lawful measurement. Iwill, if you so please, take it down to him in the early morning."
Now, Timothy Trollope had examined the rapier less with the intention ofconsidering the length of the blade than with the object of discoveringif by any chance there remained upon it any evidence of the weaponhaving been used in a recent encounter. If, as Jacob Hartop hadconfidently averred, it was Philip who had fought with and woundedMaster Gilbert on the previous evening, then there was certainly a vaguepossibility of the weapon still bearing some slight trace of blood. Butif Tim had expected to find any such stain he was disappointed, for hediscovered the steel to be bright and clean from hilt to point.
Nevertheless, he continued for many days thereafter to keep a closewatch upon the doings of both Jasper and Philip, in the expectation thatby some carelessly-spoken word or unconsidered act either of them mightbetray himself, and reveal not only a knowledge of the missing letterbut also perhaps his sympathy with the King of Spain. Timothy felt thatin thus spying upon his master's relatives he was to some extentdisloyal and dishonourable; but Hartop had awakened in his mind strangemisgivings regarding them, and his only aim was to arrive at the truth.He had wished for help from Jacob Hartop in the matter, but the old manhad shown a dread of remaining in a neighbourhood in which there was adanger of his encountering Jasper Oglander, and on the third day afterhis arrival in England he had set off on foot to the village ofPolperro, where, as he had heard, a niece of his was at that timeliving, so that Timothy could not now consult with him.
On a certain afternoon some time thereafter Timothy and Gilbert, who hadnow recovered from his hurts, were crossing the market-place ofPlymouth towards one of the side streets, when Timot
hy observed SirFrancis Drake standing at the doorway of a mercer's shop. Sir Francis,in spite of his long friendship with Lord Champernoun, had avoidedModbury Manor ever since the arrival there of Jasper Oglander, giving ashis reason the excuse that he was extremely busy in the work of makingnew fortifications on St. Nicholas Island. His gaze now rested upon thefigures of three men who stood at some thirty yards away from him. Oneof them was Jasper Oglander. His companions were Don Miguel Fernandes,the chief of the Spanish prisoners of war, and young Andrea de Ortega.
Timothy touched Gilbert's elbow.
"There stands your uncle, Master Gilbert," said he, "holding speech withour enemies of Spain."
"Ay," returned Gilbert, showing no surprise. "Haply he is giving thepoor fellows some consolation in their affliction."
"'Tis such consolation as Sir Francis Drake doth not wholly approve of,"said Timothy, "for look you, there he goes towards them to interrupttheir conspiracies!"
Gilbert gave a light laugh.
"Conspiracies, forsooth!" said he. "Your mind doth ever run upon suchfancies, Tim. Dost imagine that my uncle, even if he had a mind toconspire,--which is impossible in one of his upright and honourablenature,--would be so simple as to carry on such doubtful business inthe public streets? Od's life, Tim, y'are even as suspicious asChristopher Pym, who approached me this morning with a long, woeful faceand declared that he had come upon my aunt, Donna Lela, muttering Romishprayers over her beads and crossing herself like a veritable Papist!Christopher bade me go with him and bear eye-witness to his strangediscovery, and I found the woman innocently engaged in unwinding a skeinof silk that Pym had mistaken for a rosary, and crooning a quaintPortuguese love-song that he had taken for a paternoster! So I had thelaugh of Christopher, as I now have of thee, Master Timothy, for markyou how Sir Francis is now passing your imagined conspirators, who aredoubtless talking of no more serious subject than the price of bread!"
"Ay, but they have separated for all that," remarked Timothy, observingthat Jasper Oglander at sight of Drake had bidden a hasty farewell tothe two Spaniards. It was upon the point of Timothy's tongue to retortfurther by informing his young master of the conversation he hadoverheard some days before between Sir Francis and old Hartop concerningJasper. But at that moment they were met at the street corner by a tall,broad-shouldered young gallant, by name Roland Grenville, who graspedGilbert's hands very heartily and congratulated him on his so easyrecovery from his late hurts.
"Tut! my hurts were scarce worth the mention," quoth Gilbert. "Prithee,speak of other matters, and tell me--hath Sir Richard yet returned fromLondon?"
Sir Richard's stalwart son shook his head.
"Nay," he answered. "He hath scarce had time to get there as yet, nor dowe expect him back for some weeks yet to come. He hath gone to the townof Rochester to see to the fitting out of the good ship _Revenge_, whichis now lying in the river Medway. He is to bring her round to Plymouthwhen she is ready for sea. What her destination may thereafter be I knownot, for 'tis held a secret; but wheresoever she may be bound for I doheartily rejoice to think that I am to have a berth aboard of her. 'Tisno small honour to be appointed to so renowned a ship. You, too, I hear,are to go out in her. So we shall be shipmates, eh?"
"Ay, that is indeed so," returned Gilbert with a proud smile, "for yourfather promised me the coveted opportunity, and charged me ere he wentaway to make ready against his return. You may be certain I am anxiousfor the time to come, for 'tis my first voyage, as you know. I am notlike you, who have already heard the thunder of ships' guns in battle.Dost expect we shall have any fighting, Roland?"
"Fighting!" exclaimed Grenville. "Why, bless you, lad, there would besmall use in our voyaging if there were not! I know that the ship isbeing fitted with brand-new guns of brass. Prithee, what should thatbode but fighting? 'Twould go ill with us indeed if there were not afew Spanish galleons to give chase to in whatsoever seas we may sail.And I promise you the _Revenge_ will not be far behind when 'tis aquestion of fighting the Don and capturing his treasure-ships."
He moved to go, but paused to add: "Hast seen aught of Sir Francis Drakethese few days past? I am told he is in marvellous dudgeon in that myfather instead of himself hath got the command of the _Revenge_."
"His disappointment is but natural," returned Gilbert, "seeing that hehath fought so often and so well upon her decks. But I heard him remarkonly the last time that I spoke with him, that if there was one manother than himself to whom the Queen might fittingly entrust this herfavourite warship, that man was your father--Sir Richard Grenville."
During the journey homeward on that afternoon Gilbert noticed thatTimothy was unusually silent.
"Certes, but thou'rt passing gloomy this afternoon, Trollope," he said;"what ails thee, quotha?"
"I was but grieving at the near prospect of your quitting England, sir,"answered Timothy, "and at your leaving me behind when I should be farhappier, ay, and peradventure more useful, were I to accompany you. Iwould gladly give all that I have, or may have, in the world to be withyou aboard the _Revenge_, though my duty were only the swabbing of thedecks or the cleaning of the brass guns of which Master Grenvillespake."
Gilbert looked at him with an amused smile.
"Why, lad," said he, "I had never dreamed that there was the spirit of aseaman in thee. But if it be that y'are set upon the voyage, 'twill bean easy matter for me to speak on your behalf to Sir Richard Grenvilleor some other of Her Majesty's generals. I'll bear't in mind, Tim."
And Timothy, hearing this, became in a moment light of heart. He exultedin this new possibility, and bore himself with as much pride andconscious dignity as if indeed he had already been appointed by HerMajesty's own personal warrant.
During the few following weeks of impatient waiting, Gilbert Oglanderwas occupied in making preparation for his expected departure, and alsoin paying farewell visits to certain of his friends and relatives invarious parts of the country.
On one such visit, which was to Willoughby Grange, in the north part ofDevon, he was accompanied by his uncle Jasper. They had been absent fortwo days, during which time Jasper Oglander made himself so extremelyagreeable that Gilbert, already disposed in his favour, was at last socompletely won over to him that he found something to love or to admirein all that he did and all that he said.
They were on their return journey, riding southward along the roadtowards Plymouth; their tired horses were ambling side by side. Jasperhad been earnestly urging his nephew to make the best of his greatopportunity in regard to the forthcoming voyage with Sir RichardGrenville; for although the intended destination of the _Revenge_ andher companion ships of the fleet was still held a close secret, yetJasper did not doubt, as he said very plainly, that under the leadershipof so able a general as Grenville there would be much honour to gain andgreat wealth to bring home.
"As for fighting," he said, "'tis impossible that you can fail to havemany a brush with the Spaniards, and I know full well that when youenter into battle you will play no coward's part, for you are a trueOglander and will surely distinguish yourself as all our ancestors havedone. Be bold, therefore. Be bold, my boy."
And thereupon he continued to speak of warfare, making it out that therewas nothing to be afraid of in cannon-balls or boarding-pikes so long asa man kept his wits about him and dared to mix in the thickest of thefight. It would seem, indeed, that Jasper had almost a personal motivein urging his nephew thus earnestly, but of this Gilbert in hisinnocence guessed nothing.
"There is one matter as to which I would counsel thee, however," Jaspercontinued, "and that is that thou wouldst do well to reconsider thyintention of allowing that madcap youngster, Timothy Trollope, to bearthee company. I like not his too familiar bearing towards thee. He is nofitting companion for one of thy noble birth. I would not trust him."
Gilbert Oglander looked at his uncle in astonishment.
"I must confess I have never yet found Timothy Trollope to be aught elsethan a good and faithful servant," said he, "nor do I
see any possiblereason why he should not accompany me. He is the son of a very worthytradesman in Plymouth, and I have ever known him to speak the truth andto act in all matters as beseemeth an honest youth."
"Speaks the truth!" cried Jasper, leaning forward on his saddle toadjust his horse's rein that had got twisted; "speaks the truth, sayyou? Body o' me! why, 'twas only two nights since that I caught him inone of the blackest of lies. Nay," he added, seeing the incredulity inGilbert's face, "there is no need to dwell upon the matter. I will notrepeat so base a slander."
"But 'tis only right that I should know it, uncle," pursued Gilbert. "IfTrollope be indeed untruthful 'twere well that I should not be kept inignorance. Prithee, tell me what the lie was that he told thee."
Jasper rode on in silence for several minutes as if in doubt.
"The lie was this," he said at last. "He declared that thy mother, theLady Betty, was in her secret heart of the Romish Church, and that shewas even now, unknown to my Lord Champernoun, carrying on a politicalintrigue with the King of Spain."
Gilbert reined in his horse and regarded his uncle for a moment inbewilderment.
"What?" he cried. "Dost tell me that Timothy said such things as that?Nay, I can scarce believe it. The scoundrel! the base ingrate! 'Tis adeliberate, scandalous falsehood!"
Jasper nodded and said: "Right glad I am to see that thou look'st uponthe matter thus seriously, Gilbert. I only marvel how the knave couldhave dared to say such a thing in my hearing. But 'tis ever the way withthese low-born and ill-bred louts. I'd have no more to do with him an Iwere thou. Let the dog go back to the gutter whence you took him."
Now, Gilbert was very sorely troubled and vexed about this matter. Hecould not believe that Timothy would stoop to the telling of a lie, muchless to the utterance of a scandal. And yet, he asked himself, was nothis uncle Jasper equally incapable of falsehood? Arguing with himself ashe continued on the ride homeward, he scarce could come to any clearreason either way, nor indeed could he see the possibility of finallymaking up his mind until he should confront young Trollope and boldlyaccuse him of the lie.
It happened very opportunely that the very first person whom they metupon the road was Timothy himself. He came galloping towards them on oneof Lord Champernoun's favourite hunting horses. Gilbert observed, as heapproached nearer, that his face was radiant with some new joy.
"The ship hath arrived!" cried Timothy ere yet he was within thedistance of a score yards. "The _Revenge_ hath entered into Plymouthharbour!" And then as he drew rein he noticed that Gilbert, instead ofshowing gladness, looked sorely troubled and annoyed.
"Your pardon, Master Gilbert," said he, "I see you are vexed that Ishould be riding upon his lordship's own horse. But indeed it was mylord himself who bade me do so."
"Nay, I am vexed at no such harmless matter as that," returned Gilbertgloomily.
"I had hoped that the news I brought you would afford you pleasure,sir," pursued Timothy.
"It might well have done so had it not been that I have heard other newswhich hath given me pain," quoth Gilbert. And, raising his voice inangry accusation, he added: "I hear that two days ago you told a vilelie about my mother--a lie which, were you even closer to me than youhave hitherto been, I could never forgive."
Timothy winced under his young master's frown; but Gilbert went onmercilessly: "You had the baseness to declare that my mother is anidolatrous Papist, and that she hath been secretly in league with theKing of Spain. How dare you utter such scandalous lies? How dare you, Isay?"
For the moment Timothy imagined that his master was suddenly bereft ofhis senses.
"I deny that I did ever utter any such thoughts," he stammered, lookingGilbert full boldly in the face. "Nay, how were it possible that Ishould do so, knowing that there liveth not a more devout Protestant inall England than my lady, nor a more faithful subject of QueenElizabeth? 'Tis a cruel falsehood, Master Gilbert, and methinks youmight know me better than to accuse me thus upon a mere maliciousreport."
He glanced towards Jasper, who had brought his horse nearer to where hisown and Gilbert's steeds stood restless at the roadside.
"'Tis not very hard for me to guess the source whence that report hathreached you," Timothy went on, his face growing pale in his indignation,and his white lips trembling. "I will warrant me that 'twas yourvirtuous uncle here who thus maligned me. But since he hath spokenfalsely of me, I will now speak the truth regarding himself. You aredeceived in him, Master Gilbert--vastly deceived. You think him a man ofhonour, but I tell you he is a traitor end a renegade."
Timothy broke off, disturbed by the look of evil menace that had comeinto Jasper's dark eyes which were now fixed upon him.
"Proceed," commanded Jasper, gripping the silver handle of hisriding-whip. "Prithee, say your say, young man. But mark you, if youdare to say aught that is not true of me, by the Holy Rood, sirrah, Iwill thrash you within an inch of your life."
This swearing by the Romish emblem passed at the moment unnoticed byGilbert, but it did not escape Timothy Trollope.
"I care as little for your threats as I do for your Papist oaths," thelad retorted, growing bolder. And then turning to Gilbert he continued:"So please you, sir, 'twas not the Lady Betty but Master Jasper himselfwhom I accused of being a Papist and of being secretly in league withthe King of Spain."
"'Tis a lie!" cried Jasper furiously, wheeling his horse round so thathe came within a few feet of Timothy. But Timothy was now roused, and hedetermined to speak his mind at all hazards.
"'Tis no lie!" he declared firmly as he watched the man's whip hand."Both your wife and your son, as well as yourself, are sworn Papists,and you are yourself, as I well know, little better than a skulking spyof King Philip of Spain. If it be not as I say, then, prithee, what meanall your secret meetings and underhand plottings with the Spanishprisoners of war down in Plymouth town? Wherefore, also, I pray you, didyou purloin Captain Marsden's letter from old Jacob Hartop?"
Jasper's face had grown white with suppressed indignation. His eyesflashed threateningly.
"Take that for an answer, thou base, lying scoundrel!" he criedsavagely; and, leaning forward over his saddle, he dealt the lad a smartand vicious cut across his face with the riding-whip. Timothy waswell-nigh blinded with the pain, and presently a drop of blood trickleddown his cheek.
"Impertinent whelp!" continued Jasper, preparing to repeat the blow. ButTimothy had backed his horse a few steps, and, instead of striking him,Jasper hurled the whip at his head. Timothy dexterously caught it in hishand and flung it some distance along the road, at the same timespurring his horse and galloping away. Gilbert watched him for a moment,and then called him back. But Timothy went on, very sad at heart, for hedivined that his young master had lost faith in him.
And indeed it seemed that this was the case, for later on the same day,when Gilbert was at the kennels paying a visit to one of his favouritedogs, Timothy approached him.
"So please you, Master Gilbert--" began Tim in a tone of abject apology.But Gilbert looked at him in stern reproof, and interrupted him, saying:
"Look you, Trollope, I'll have no more of these malicious tales ofyours. 'Tis no business of yours to act the spy upon my relatives, and Icommand you to do no more of it."
Timothy hung his head, hurt to the quick by the reproach.
"Must I then take it that you have lost all confidence in me, MasterGilbert?" he asked.
"Ay," returned Gilbert. "Much am I afraid that 'tis so indeed."
"Then, sir," said Timothy in an unsteady voice, "'twere surely best thatI should leave you; for I cannot brook your displeasure, nor think ofremaining in the service of a master who hath lost trust in my honour."
"E'en do as ye list," retorted Gilbert. And Timothy, taking the wordsfor a dismissal, walked slowly away, well-nigh broken-hearted.
On the evening of the following day the news reached Modbury Manor thatthe Spanish prisoners of war, to the number of seven-and-twenty, hadmade their escape.