CHAPTER XVII
HOW I LEFT BEDFORD
If ever a man worked quickly and silently it was I. In less time than ittakes me to tell I had thrown Black Ben's saddle across his back andbuckled the girths thereof. As the saddle-bags contained nought ofvalue, I had no trouble with them, and before a minute had passed awaythe bridle was around my horse's head.
"Come, my boy," I whispered, "there is a hard gallop before you, so wemust haste."
Whether he understood me or no I dare not say, but he whinnied as thoughhe knew my will, and followed my lead into the yard. I had opened thegate on entering, and it had struck me, even as I had done this, howeasy it would have been for a horse-thief to enter the stable and takewhatever nag he pleased, as far as the ostler was concerned. Not that Itroubled about Black Ben, for no man but myself had been on his backsince he was foaled, neither, for that matter, dare any man do this. Forwhile he was obedient to my hand, and was as gentle as a lamb with me,he would not suffer another to mount him. In truth, the ostler wasafraid of him when I brought him in, neither would Black Ben haveallowed him even to bring his corn had I not spoken to him, and biddenhim be quiet. I had no fear, therefore, that any man would steal him.Thus when I unfastened the stable gate with so much ease, I had no fearthat I should not find him waiting for me.
As I led him out into the yard Black Ben pricked up his ears, as thoughhe heard strange sounds, and on seeing this my heart sank in my shoes,for I heard a number of people running, and as far as I could judgethey were coming towards the inn.
"Where is he? Is he gone?"
"Where is who gone?"
This question was asked by some one who stood by the front door of theinn.
"The young stranger from London."
"Why, what hath he done?"
"Spirited away Master Leslie's daughter. Where is he?"
"In bed hours ago, I expect. He drank nought, but just listened to whatthe rest were saying."
"Hath he paid his count?"
"Nay. He hath had nought but boiled beef for his supper, and a pint ofale to wash it down. That is but a little matter. Then when he hath paidfor his bed and breakfast, he will owe me but a crown."
"But is he in bed?"
"Nay, I know not. This is not a time to know whether a man be in bed orno. Every man hath desired to drink the king's health, and so I havee'en been kept busy drawing ale. But I will send and find out."
"Ay, send and find out. But did you not see him go away with MasterSturgeon?"
"That did I not. Have I not told you that I have been over-busyto-night?"
"Well, he must be found. It is he who hath spirited away Master Leslie'sdaughter."
"Nay, man, how could he do that?"
"He wellnigh killed Master Sturgeon, locked him in the county gaol, tookhis keys, and liberated the maid. I tell you he hath done this."
"A pretty cock-and-bull story!"
"But I tell you he hath. One of the turnkeys was found sober enough tounlock the governor's door, and after he woke him, Master Sturgeon toldthe turnkey that he had been imprisoned by the young stranger fromLondon."
"Say that Queen Mary hath come to life again. I tell you, you be all toodrunk to know the truth of this."
"Not so, Master Jiggins; we have been drinking as men should, but we benot so drunk as that. Besides, Master Fulton--the town clerk, saw a manand a woman together not far from the gaol, but he did not think itcould be Master Leslie's daughter, because the man claimed to be thefriend of Sir William Bilton, and, as you know, Sir William despisesMaster Leslie as every Quaker rascal should be despised."
At this moment some one must have spoken to Master Jiggins from within,for I heard him say, "The chambermaid hath it that no one is in theyoung stranger's bedchamber."
"Then hath he escaped. But we must find him. The town clerk hath it thatten guineas will be given to him who will lay hands on him."
"But where is the warrant for this?"
"Master Fulton's word is enough warrant, Master Jiggins. But stay, hehath a horse. Is the horse in the stable?"
At this I knew that what I did must be done quickly. I was therefore onBlack Ben's back before they could enter the yard by the door of which Ihad been hiding while they were speaking.
"Here he is!" cried the man who had been chief spokesman, and he made adash at the horse's head.
"At him, my boy!" I cried, and the faithful animal darted at the fellowwith open mouth.
In spite of themselves the crowd made way for me as I dashed through.Partly, I suspect, because they were not sure who I was, and partlybecause Black Ben careered so wildly that no man dared to approach him.
"Your count, you blackguard, your count!" I heard Master Jiggins say,who evidently cared more about that than the recapturing of MistressConstance. Indeed, I heard in after days that Master Jiggins had a warmaffection for Master Leslie, and rejoiced that she had escaped from thehands of the drunken governor.
I threw him a couple of crowns as I dashed away.
"That is double what you would have asked, Master Jiggins," I cried, andthen I laughed aloud, for the whole pack of them--and there must havebeen at least twenty of them--stood open mouthed even while I rode away.Never did I realize how silly a number of drunken men could be, and howeasy one who had kept his head clear could deal with them. Through thewhole night I had worked my will because of the king's command thatevery man should drink his health, and now at the last I rode awayunscathed, having accomplished the thing I had come to Bedford toperform.
It was no wonder, therefore, that I should laugh. The spirit ofadventure was hot within me, and now that I sat upon Black Ben's back, Iknew that unless they had firearms no man could harm me. For although hehad travelled from London to Bedford that day, I knew that now he hadhad a few hours' rest and a good feed of corn, he could do the wholejourney back again and be none the worse for it. Moreover, I doubted ifthere was a horse in Bedford which could overtake me.
"After him! after him!" I heard some one shout. "He hath flouted us, andlaughed in our faces."
Then I heard a louder cry, followed by a silence as though some one inauthority had come upon the scene. I longed to shout back, so as to putthem upon a false track, but reflected that the least said was thesoonest mended, so I gave Black Ben rein, and before long was out ofboth sight and hearing of Bedford town.
Had I known then that I should soon see Bedford again under differentcircumstances, I do not think I should have been so light of heart. Butcoming events do not always cast their shadows before them, in spite ofold women's wisdom; and so, feeling my good horse beneath me, and seeingthe hedges fly by me as he dashed along the road, I felt that I hadnought to fear.
Besides, I had succeeded far beyond my expectations. I felt sure thatMistress Constance was safe, for I knew that she was one who spoke notlightly, and as I remembered what she told me in the prison I knew thatshe was even then in some secret hiding-place, watched over by afaithful servant, and that perhaps even her father knew not what hadbecome of her.
"I gave Black Ben rein, and before long was out of bothsight and hearing of Bedford Tower."]
As may be imagined, I rode straight towards London. Had it been safe Ithink I should have stayed near Bedford, so that I might in case of needhave rendered help to Mistress Constance. But I reflected that I shoulddo more harm than good by staying there, and in spite of passing doubtsI felt sure that she was safe. Moreover, London was the place I desiredto be in. It would be difficult for any man from Bedford to find methere, and I had plans in my mind which I hoped would forward theschemes which had been formulating there. I also wanted to see my fatheragain, and to know what he had been doing since we parted at Canterbury.
I had not long left Bedford before morning began to dawn, and by thetime I had reached the town of Hitchin it was broad daylight. Much as Idesired to rest here, both for the sake of Black Ben as well as myself,I rode straight on, barely entering the town, but taking a narrow andsomewhat unfrequented road inst
ead. Not a soul did I meet, and thispleased me much, because, in case of pursuers, no one would be able togive information. When I had covered half the distance between Hitchinand St. Albans, I stopped by a wayside inn for an hour, keeping a sharplook-out on the road all the while. By noon I had reached St. Albans,but I did not stay here, pushing on instead to the town of Barnet, whereI deemed myself safe from pursuit. Moreover, having once arrived atBarnet, I found the roads so full of travellers, who were on their wayto London to join in the revels, as well as others coming from them,that my presence could not call for any comment. Nevertheless, I wasvery thankful when I reached the _Virgin Queen_, an inn close by St.Paul's Cross, where I gave my horse in charge of Caleb Bullen, anold-Ptime and faithful servitor of my father's.
I spent two days in London trying to find my father, as well as takingpart in the festivities which were held, but although I went everywherethat the public gathered, never once did I catch a glimpse of my father,neither did I meet with any man who had seen aught of him. I concludedtherefore that he had again returned home, and had settled down to theold quiet life. Much as I wanted to see him I deemed it wise not to gothither. First, because if any at Bedford had by any means whatsoeverbecome acquainted with my name, they might place watchers there; andsecond, because I knew that by going home I should put myself outsidethe possibility of hearing whatever news might be stirring. I thereforecounted the crowns which I still possessed, and, finding that I hadenough for my needs, I remained at the _Virgin Queen_, and partook ofthe good fare which Caleb Bullen provided.
For a week London town was a scene of constant gaiety, for although thegreat rejoicing took place on the day when the king rode into London, ittook the people a full week to settle down to the ordinary course oflife. The playhouses which Oliver Cromwell had closed were all open,while seemingly all traces of the old Puritan life which had grown upunder the great Protector were swept away in a day. Laws were relaxed,and the old stern system of morals was not only broken, but laughed atas unworthy of a free people.
It was not until the fourth day after I had come back to London that Iheard it declared that Master Leslie's daughter had escaped from prison,and that in spite of every endeavour to discover her hiding-place, shehad not been found. It was said, moreover, that her escape had beenbrought around by a friend of Master Leslie's, who had succeeded inputting a sleeping potion in the drink of the gaolers, and had thussucceeded in his plans.
As may be imagined, this news caused me great satisfaction, most becauseMistress Constance was still at liberty, but also because no shadow ofsuspicion rested upon me. The latter conviction was, however, rudelyshaken when at the end of a week I was told that two men had been at the_Virgin Queen_ inquiring after me.
"What were they like?" I asked of Caleb Bullen, who I knew was myfaithful friend.
"They were gaily attired, Master Roland. They wore swords by theirsides, and long feathers in their caps."
"And you took them to be men of quality?"
"Ay, I should judge so," replied Caleb thoughtfully. "They swore much,talked much, laughed much, and drank much wine, so I judged they were ofgentle blood. They mentioned great names with much freedom, and seemedto know of all that was going on at Court."
"But what did they say?"
"They asked whether Master Roland Rashcliffe was living at the _VirginQueen_; whereupon I answered that you did, and that you were a goodcustomer, seeing you ate your victuals, drank your ale, and paid yourcount without grumbling. Then they asked how long you had been stayinghere, and I told them since the day of the coming of the king. Upon thatthey said they would call again this evening at six by the clock, andwould I tell you that they would deem it polite of you not to go out atthat hour, as they would come on an affair of importance?"
This, as may be imagined, set me to pondering gravely, but after carefulconsideration, and asking Caleb Bullen many questions, I came to theconclusion that they could have nought to do with the folks at Bedford.I determined, therefore, that I would be in the inn at the timementioned, wondering all the time what they wanted of me.
The clock at St. Paul's Cross had scarcely chimed six when I saw twoyoung men, dressed with much richness, and carrying themselves with ajaunty air, enter the hall of the inn.
"Hath Master Rashcliffe yet arrived?" one asked of Caleb Bullen.
"Ay," replied mine host, pointing to me, whereupon with a great show ofceremony they came to me.
"Master Roland Rashcliffe," said the older of the two.
"I am Roland Rashcliffe," I replied, looking at them closely, for I wasnot yet free from fears that they had heard something of my doings atBedford.
"We bring you greeting, Master Rashcliffe, and if it would cause you notrouble we would see you alone in a place where we can speak withoutinterruption."
I therefore led the way into a room where such quietness could be found,and then, having bid them sit down near the window, I was able to get abetter view of them. They were both young men, not, as I judged, morethan thirty years of age, and I was not long in coming to the conclusionthat Caleb Bullen had judged rightly when he said they were men ofquality. Both were very richly attired in the kind of finery which cameinto vogue directly the king returned and though, as I judged, both hadbeen drinking much wine, they carried their wine well, and shewed nosign of loss of sense.
"We hear you were at Dover when his Majesty landed Master Rashcliffe,and that you impressed him favourably. It is better to be born luckythan rich, for, by my soul, his Majesty hath had so many hangers onsince he entered his faithful London that none of us, save a very few ofhis chosen ones, can get more than a nod or a wave of his hand."
"I was indeed in Dover," I replied, "and a gay sight it was."
"The king spoke graciously to you, we heard."
"I was fortunate beyond my deserts."
"Ah, say not so, say not so. Corks will swim, and those whom the godsfavour will obtain the smile of kings. We are even now here on an errandwhich, if it means not royal favour, is so near to it that a man canscarcely distinguish it from such."
Again I examined them closely, and tried to guess from whence they cameand who sent them.
"Ah, but we have come here like a couple of grooms," the spokesman ofthe two went on. "But forgive us, Master Rashcliffe. Manners, likeeverything else, need constant practice, and since these Dissenters andPuritans have ruled the land, there hath been no opportunity of showingcourtesy due from one gentleman to another. To such a state hath theserascally psalm-singing knaves brought us. Let me say, then, that thename of my friend here is the Honourable John Burleigh, youngest son ofLord Burleigh, while I am Stanley Carew, son of Sir William Carew, ofCornwall."
I bowed ceremoniously, even as they had done when they told me theirnames.
Upon this Master Stanley Carew looked around the room as though some onewas in hiding; then, upon being assured that we were alone, he went on--
"We have come to you from one of royal blood, Master Rashcliffe, withroyal commands."
"From the king?" I asked.
"Nay, not from the king, that is exactly, but doubtless this letter willexplain much to you."
I took the letter, and noted that the paper was emblazoned with theroyal arms. It contained only these words: "_Master Roland Rashcliffe iscommanded to appear before us to-night at Whitehall at the hour ofeight._"
The signature I could not at first make out, but on closer scrutiny Idiscovered it to be signed by James, Duke of York. On lifting my eyesfrom the paper, I saw that both my visitors were looking eagerly towardsme, as though they would make out what had been written to me, but,knowing so little of them, I folded the missive and put it beneath mydoublet.
"Doubtless you have received pleasant news, Master Rashcliffe?" saidMaster Carew with a meaning smile.
"News from those in high places should always be pleasant," I replied.
"By the saints, no. And truly by the look on your face I judge that joydoth not overcome you, Master Rashcliffe. Wel
l, what then? A man of witmust even use it to his own advantage. Moreover, doubtless the messageis of importance, seeing we were charged to deliver it into no hands butyour own. Is there aught in the way of information we can give you,Master Rashcliffe?"
Now this set me thinking. It became plain to me that they knew not thecontents of the letter; moreover, I judged that they sought to obtaininformation concerning it, and thereby obtain power which they hopedwould be useful.
"No," I replied, "I do not know that there are any questions that Idesire to ask."
I saw the two exchange glances as I spoke, but Master Carew went onquite glibly. "Then we shall have naught to do but take back your answer,Master Rashcliffe."
"Were you requested to take back an answer?" I queried.
"For that matter, no, I do not think we were; still, we thought youwould doubtless desire to send a fitting reply."
"As I understand it, no reply is needed, Master Carew," I replied."Nevertheless, I thank you for bringing me the letter, which I will laydeeply to heart."
After this they stayed some time, trying by many means to let drop somehint concerning what they had brought me. But I deemed it best to keep astill tongue, and when they presently left me, looking as I thought notover pleased with the success of their visit, I called to mind that Ihad said nothing which could in any way advantage them.
Nevertheless, the letter gave me much food for anxious thought. Whyshould the brother of the king desire to see me? To answer this I castmy mind over my adventures since I had left my father's house, but onlyone event led me to connect the Duke of York with them. That, as may beremembered, was the speech of Master Rickmore and Master Hamilton on thenight when I had been dragged from my horse when riding from Canterburyto London. I called to mind the words of the man Hamilton, who relatedto the other what he said Duke James had said to him. "_By the HolyVirgin get hold of the young rascal. Never let him out of your sightuntil you have obtained all he hath found, and know all he can tellyou._"
For a long time I sat thinking of this, and of many other things inrelation thereto, and the more I thought the more was I convinced that Iran no little risk in obeying the Duke of York's command. On the otherhand, I could see that it would not be wise to refuse. The king'sbrother was next to the king himself, and if the story of Lucy Walterswas false was the next heir to the throne. To refuse his commands,therefore, would be nearly as bad as refusing those of the king himself.It would moreover arouse suspicion, and might possibly lead to manyunpleasant results.
But more than all this, I longed much to know what the duke would say tome. I desired to find out the motives which prompted him to send for me.I did not fear danger--thoughtless youth seldom apprehends that--but Idid ardently wish to discover what was in Duke James' mind.
The clock of St. Paul's struck the hour of seven. I had not therefore aminute to spare. It was half an hour's walk from St. Paul's Cross toWhitehall, so I went to my bedchamber to bedeck myself in the bestfinery I possessed, and ere long I was passing Fleet prison, on my wayto Whitehall.