Book 2 — Chapter XIV

Wherein, by the Grace of God, our own Determination, and the Speed of our good Horses, we reach Monkwearmouth in Time

I do not believe that any two men ever pushed horse-flesh to a greater extremity than did Macleod and I on that journey south. I am reputed to be a cool man, and it would be idle to deny that, having been rather severely tested a great many times in the course of my life, I had earned the reputation, especially as more than once that life had depended on my skill with my sword or my quickness with my pistol. Accordingly, I fancied myself as well able to preserve my equanimity in times of stress and strain as any man in England, but I declare that I never was so thoroughly aroused and excited in my life. Our horses were in a constant lather of sweat and foam, but the journey was just as hard on the riders as upon the ridden.

Macleod was a grim old soldier, and he seemed to catch some of my determination. Lady Katharine's horse had been a good one, else he would have foundered long since, and he kept pace with my spirited bay, which had carried me often in the wars and whose mettle and endurance I knew by heart. It hurt me somewhat to push the horses the way we did, but I was playing for greater stakes than were to be measured by one horse's life, or many for that matter. I had to get to Sunderland before, or at least by the time, my wife arrived there by sea.

Going by land, naturally I should have outspeeded the ship easily had luck not been so cursedly against me. In the first place, it had rained, some of the roads were almost impassable, and some of the bridges were washed out. We pushed on frantically, scarcely allowing ourselves time to eat, snatching a few moments' rest here and there, more to breathe the horses than to sleep.

It was, therefore, three days and a half after our departure that we staggered into Monkwearmouth, and drew rein before the Boar's Head Inn, hard by old Saint Peter's Church. I was familiar with the village and the town of Sunderland across the river, where in all probability we should find the King. Before I was promoted to the Royal Guards, I had been in garrison at Sunderland Castle. This knowledge would stand me in good stead. I am a man who remembers those things, and I was glad that King James had elected to meet his pander at Sunderland. Of course I run some risk of being recognised there, but it had been half a score of years since I had visited the town and I had little to fear from that chance; little or much, however, that risk of such recognition had to be run.

It was close on to noon when we reached the Inn. Requesting food and a good rub-down for our tired horses, which Macleod was to look to, and ordering dinner to be served in a private room and to be ready within an hour, I made my way to the waterside. I had carefully fixed in my mind the lines of the brigantine which had carried away my wife, and I was concerned with anxiety to see if she were in the river yet.

There were a number of ships on both sides of the river: some tied up at the wharves and quays, others anchored in mid-stream. Not one of them was the vessel for which I looked. I was most careful in my scrutiny, and I could swear that I was right. This gave me great relief and satisfaction; I was in time.

Indeed, in spite of our delay, we had pressed on so furiously that it was most probable that we had arrived a little ahead of them, for out at sea I discerned several specks that might be ships, one of them possibly the brigantine carrying my wife. The tide, however, was beginning to ebb, and it would be five or six o'clock at least before they could beat up against the off-shore breeze and anchor abreast the town.

Mightily comforted by my observations, I suddenly bethought me to make my assurance double sure—as Master Shakespeare saith—for I repaired to the office of the harbour-master and demanded speech with that functionary. I was still wearing my guardsman's uniform. I intended to change it for a more sober and less distinctive garment at the first opportunity, but I was glad now that I had not yet done so, for it won me instant respect and prompt answer from the old sea-dog who had charge of the water-front and the shipping. I threw prudence to the wind and questioned him freely.

"Hath Lord Stenwold and a party from Scotland arrived with a prisoner for the King? 'Tis an affair of State which, of course, you will not mention."

"Not yet, your honour," answered the man, "but I expect them in with every tide; their vessel is in the offing now, I believe."

"And how long do you think it will be before they make a landing?"

"With wind and tide against them, sir," he answered, squinting seaward down the river, "'twill be close on to seven o'clock before they are abreast the castle."

I threw him a coin—one of King James'!—for his civility, whereat he thanked me profusely, and, bidding him not to mention it to any one, I wrapped my cloak around me and walked off again. Whatever I was to do, must be done under cover of the night. I was quite capable of confronting the King in broad day, to kill him if he had wronged a hair of my wife's head, but I was there to save her rather than to avenge her, and I did not propose to run any unnecessary or foolish risks, not because of fear for my person, but because I was bent on carrying out my plan for her dear sake.

Therefore, I went calmly back to the Inn and partook heartily of a most noble repast. The landlord himself waited upon me, and when I whispered that I was on the King's business, but the matter was to be kept secret, seeing my uniform as confirmation, he was vastly flattered and promised ready compliance with any duty I might lay upon him. I assured his silence and good faith by a covert threat that His Majesty himself would resent any discussion of my presence among the gossips in the village.

In the course of conversation, I learned, to my great satisfaction, that His Majesty had that day chosen to lie at Stenwold House instead of Sunderland Castle.

This was an ancient seat belonging to my lord of that name, which had been graciously put to the disposal of this Royal Majesty, while its owner did the King's evil errand. I learned more, too: namely, that Jeffreys, he of the Bloody Assize, was also in Sunderland, where he had been holding his outrageous court. The landlord characterised him as:

"A royal good gentleman, your honour, fond of wine and woman and gaming; hath been here in this very hostelry of mine three nights a-running."

I knew something of the loose habits of the bloody villain, which, indeed, were no secret to any one well informed as to the doings of the court, and so far as I had formulated any plan I had counted upon this knowledge. For once Fortune was playing in my hands.

"Think you he will be here to-night?" I asked, disguising my eagerness by assumption of indifference.

"Ay, 'tis more than likely he will be, your honour."

"Very good," said I. "When he comes, apprise me of the fact without mentioning it to him; I would fain surprise my lord—by the King's command! His Majesty loveth a jest and we have set a pretty trap for the Lord Chief Justice. 'Tis a wager, understand?"

"Certainly, your worship," answered the landlord, rising to the question like a gudgeon to the baited hook as I slid a coin—another of the King's hoard!—carelessly over the table to him. Like all Englishmen, he was full of sporting blood and dearly loved a bet. "I understand, your excellency," he said as he pouched the guinea, which also he dearly loved. "Trust me, sir."

"Now, another favour," I continued. "My man, here, is from the north and is unfamiliar with the shops of Sunderland; would you execute a small commission for me?"

"With pleasure, your excellency."

"We have ridden hard on the King's service and have left our mails behind,"—which was true enough, by the way,—"I want a suit of apparel. Canst get it for me among the shops of thy friends in Sunderland?"

"I have a brother in the trade and all the gentry of the county buy..."

"Say no more," said I. "There are ten guineas,"—again more of King James'!—"get me the best you can, something quiet and unobtrusive, rather suited for out-door use than for the court, yet rich and elegant, such as a gentleman should wear. You are about of my own build, although somewhat stouter; what fits you will doubtless suffice for me."

"The amount is ample for the purpose, your excellency," said the landlord, taking the money; "indeed, much more than..."

"Whatever is unexpended you may keep for your trouble."

"Your excellency overwhelms me," returned the delighted man. "They shall be here within the hour. I am proud to be much of a size with your honour."

"Very good," said I, "and, mind, no talking—by order of the King."

"I shall be silence itself," returned he, turning to do my errand.

The rain of golden guineas which I had produced so generously on every occasion was having tremendous effect upon him. Only the very great or the very noble could, in his mind, thus indifferently dispose of precious treasure. It was money well spent, however, since it made him entirely submissive to my will.

"Go now, then," said I, "for I am in something of a hurry."

The landlord instantly bowed himself out, and I could hear him bustling about in the public room, bawling for his coat and hat with vast importance, while making ready to execute my commission.

"What think you, Macleod?" said I, rising from the table and bidding him take my place and fall to on the ample remains of the meal; "is the man true?"

He was a shrewd observer, this Scotsman, I had found, and I wanted his judgment on this important point.

"A good deal depends upon this landlord," I added.

"So long as you rain guineas upon him, you've got him body and soul, your honour," he answered drily.

"Thanks to the King," laughed I, lifting the still rather full purse, "the fountain has not yet run dry."

We had divided it equally between Lord Clanranald and myself ere we parted at Cockenzie, and, though I had spent of my share freely, much still remained.

"But it likes me ill," said Macleod covetously, "to see such good gold lavished on such a wastrel."

"There will be plenty for us all," said I, "can I once win away with my wife."

"I care not how plenty they be, sir," was his courteous answer, "a guinea's a guinea, whether there be one or a thousand."

"Here's one for you then," said I, "since you like them so well."

"I no meant my words for that," answered the worthy Scotsman, "but I will e'en take the guinea just the same."

"I am going to lie down now and get some sleep, and I recommend you to do the same when you have finished your meal. Leave word that I am not to be disturbed, and, if I do not happen to be awake at five of the clock, you are to come and rouse me."

"Very good, sir," replied my good attendant, whom I had learned to trust; "I'll first take a look at our horses and then I'll be blithe to follow your honour's advice."

I left him finishing the remains of the meal and withdrew to an inner chamber. Taking off my coat, and kicking off my riding-boots, I threw myself on the bed, and for three hours I slept as sound as ever I slept in my life. When I opened my eyes my watch told me that it was now five o'clock. I had taught myself the valuable habit of awakening whenever I wanted to when on service or in the field, and I had the practice down to a nicety. I was very much refreshed from my eating and sleeping, and, after I had given myself a fine wash in a tub that I caused to be brought to me, I felt fit for anything, even to the bearding of a king!

When I was ready for them, Macleod, who had also been asleep, brought me the clothes the landlord had procured. It was a rich suit of dark blue laced with silver, which fitted me well and seemed not unbecoming, though I do look my best in the noble scarlet of the Royal Guards, according to Kate, my wife. I put it on at once and, finding it so satisfactory, I sent out another guinea to the worthy Boniface, bidding him prepare supper for us. We sat down to it at six o'clock. I waived ceremony on this occasion, and Macleod, who modestly placed himself at the far end of the table, ate with me. We both proved good trenchermen.

I suppose it was near on to seven o'clock when we finished. I had no idea where we might get our next meal, and we were both of us old enough soldiers to appreciate the prime importance of attending well to the commissariat while we had opportunity.

It was perhaps half-past seven when we trotted away from the Inn yard, both of us wrapped in long cloaks, with our hats pulled well down over our faces and with our pistols carefully loaded and primed in our belts. I did not intend to be caught napping by the King at this time with empty weapons, as I had been by my wife before. We made our way to the river-bank, and followed the road to the landing in the direction of Stenwold House.

It was still light, and I observed a brigantine slowly beating up the river. My heart leaped at the sight of her. I would know that ship in a thousand. It was she. I raised my hand and shook it toward her as she came slowly on. Stenwold and my wife would be aboard. I was in good time, thank God!

For a moment I considered whether it would be possible to ambush the party who would bring Lady Katharine to the shore and sweep her away from them as soon as they landed. But I reluctantly abandoned that idea. We two could do little with so many as they would be. We must try strategy instead of force. I had devised a better plan.

I could not wait until the brigantine anchored, not even to catch a glimpse of my Lady Katharine as they landed. We trotted at a sharp pace back to the Inn, where the landlord gave me further interesting news: he advised me privately that Lord Jeffreys had sent a messenger there to say that he expected to pass the evening and the night at the Inn,—I had intended to summon him myself otherwise,—he was coming incognito, and a certain dame was to be notified to meet him. I laughed.

"By the King's command, I'll be the only lady that he'll see."

"It will be a royal jest," said the landlord, also greatly amused.

"His Majesty will be much pleased when he hears of it," said I.

"I hope, sir, that the King may be pleasured, indeed," said he.

"No doubt of it," I returned.

"And you will tell him, please your honour, that I did my small part to your entire satisfaction, sir?"

"I will see that your zeal is properly rewarded."

"What must I do further?" asked the delighted landlord.

"This," said I: "since his lordship is coming on an errand of love,"—I paused; the landlord nodded,—"he will require a private room in which to receive the person whom he expects to meet. Do you contrive that I shall be there in her place."

"And what then, sir?"

"Nothing then," said I, laying my finger by the side of my nose. "I shall do all the rest. My lord will require the room for the whole night and must on no account be disturbed. The lady must not be notified."

"You mean no harm to the King's Justice? Forgive the question, your excellency," said the landlord, rather anxiously.

"'Twould be a hanging matter to meddle with him, my good friend. Rest easy; his Majesty loves his Chief Justice and would not have a hair of his head harmed. Know you my Lord Jeffreys' seal?"

"I happen to know it, for he hath despatched letters by me. I have seen it on all papers I take from him, and his signet ring as well."

"Good! This is a most secret business," said I, "and, while you would doubtless be well rewarded for your assistance, I would not answer for your head should you betray me." I softened this threat with another guinea—King James' again! "The King is a royal paymaster," I added knowingly.

"Everything, your excellency," said the landlord, now completely at my disposal, "shall be exactly as you wish it."

"And I myself," I continued, "am not without interest at the court. This night the King will deny me nothing. I am sure you seem a man to be trusted; there is a lady in the case, you comprehend?"

Of course he comprehended!

Presently I found myself in a very lofty and spacious chamber, the best in the Inn. Adjoining it was a smaller bedroom, whose one window looked upon the deep and silent close of the Cathedral, now deserted. The chamber was admirable for my purpose. In the bedroom I stationed Macleod. I had directed him to procure a quantity of light yet strong rope, and by some means, like the faithful fellow that he was, he had managed to obey my rather difficult order: he had the most of it wound about his person. There were a number of candles burning in the great apartment. I extinguished them all but one, and, drawing back so as partly to be concealed by the window, I loosened my sword in its sheath and waited for the coming of Lord Jeffreys with what patience I could muster—but little, I will admit.