VII. – AN ALARM
M orning came, and nothing had occurred to cause alarm. The prince slept soundly in the tower, and was up betimes, and, on the walls, enjoying the view, and inhaling the fresh sea-breeze. So well pleased was he that the thought that he must speedily quit the castle pained him.
But he did not delude himself with the idea, that, strong as was the fortress, it would be possible to maintain it against a regular attack. Flight, therefore, was his only alternative. A vessel must be procured to convey him to France – and this must be accomplished without delay.
Accordingly, when Lord Derwentwater and Lord Wid-drington joined him, he made known his wishes to them. They both endeavoured to dissuade him from his purpose, but, finding him resolved, Lord Widdrington undertook to proceed forthwith to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and make all necessary arrangements.
“I have many friends at Berwick – some of them partisans of your majesty,” said Lord Widdrington; “and I doubt not I shall be able to hire a small vessel to convey you to Dunquerque, but it may perhaps be necessary for you to embark from Holy Island, or the Fame Islands, but this will depend, in some measure, on the master of the ship. As soon as I have succeeded in making an arrangement I will return, and let your majesty know what I have done.”
“I should like to start to-night,” said the prince.
“That is allowing very short time for preparation, my liege,” replied Lord Widdrington. “But I will do my best to carry out your majesty’s wishes.”
“I am sorry to give your lordship so much trouble,” said the prince. “But I know you make light of it in your zealous desire to serve me.”
“That is perfectly true, my liege,” rejoined Lord Widdrington. “I only regret that I cannot give stronger proof of my devotion. I heartily wish your majesty would stay where you are, but since you are determined to leave us, I will do my best to expedite your departure.”
As he bent before the prince, the latter passed his arms affectionately round his neck and bade him adieu.
In less than ten minutes the loyal noble, though greatly disliking his mission, was speeding along the road to Berwick-upon-Tweed, followed by a groom.
The early part of the day passed without any incident worth narrating. The prince did not quit the castle, but breakfasted in his tower, and, later on, visited the keep attended by Lord Derwentwater and the two young ladies, and thus obtained a more perfect notion than he had hitherto formed of the strength of King Ida’s castle.
From the summit of the lofty structure he looked down upon the islands that studded the sea in front of him, and was amazed by the multitude of sea-birds that covered their rocks and precipices, and occasionally rose in clouds, uttering shrieks and cries that could be distinctly heard where he stood.
The sea was calm now, but Anna described its terrific appearance in a storm when tremendous waves were dashed against those rocks, and columns of spray were thrown up through their fissures to a prodigious height.
The islands consisted of two groups, and the more distant of them seemed entirely whitened by sea-birds. The Home Island, as the nearest of the Fame Islands is designated, is not much more than a mile from the mainland, and on that bright, sunshiny day looked close at hand. Dorothy pointed out Prior Castell’s Tower, which served as a beacon.
While the prince was examining the little bay almost shut in by rocks that formed an entrance to the Home Island, he observed a boat come forth. It was large and roomy, strongly built and well calculated for a rough sea, and seemed to contain a dozen men armed with muskets or fowling-pieces.
The appearance of this boat and its crew excited some misgiving on the part of those who watched it, especially when they found it was steering direct for the castle.
Lord Derwentwater was preparing to descend to the court and give the alarm, when the boat, which had now got within a quarter of a mile of the shore, suddenly changed its course, and turned off on the left.
Its movements were anxiously watched in the apprehension that the men might be landed, but it went on, and after rounding Beadnell Point was lost to view. The prince then breathed more freely.
“I thought those men were about to attack the castle,” he said. “But it seems they had no such design.”
“I am not so sure of that, my liege,” observed Lord Derwentwater. “They were evidently reconnoitring the place, but something caused them to change their plans, and steer off. Yet a rumour that your majesty is here can scarcely have reached yonder remote island.”
“The island is not so remote as your lordship supposes,” remarked Dorothy. “Boats are constantly passing to and fro over the Fairway, as the strait is called, and it is highly probable the islanders have heard the news. But I should have thought they were more likely to aid his majesty than to attack him.”
“They may be stimulated by the hope of a reward,” said the prince. “But be that as it may, I am glad they have given up the attempt.”
“We may have another visit from them, so it will be well to be on our guard,” observed Lord Derwentwater. “Next time they may approach by land.”
“I shall be glad when our carriage arrives,” said Anna. “I hope no accident has occurred.”
“You need not be uneasy,” said Derwentwater. “Sir John and Lady Webb would probably pass the night at Morpeth, and in that case they could not be here till late in the afternoon.”
Just then a noise was heard at the entrance to the roof of the keep, and Lord Widdrington made his appearance, accompanied by Mr. Forster and Colonel Oxburgh.
Everybody seemed surprised to see his lordship, and no one more so than the prince.
“What! so soon returned from Berwick?” exclaimed his highness. “Have you succeeded in your errand?”
“Perfectly, my liege,” replied Lord Widdrington. “I have hired a sloop now in Berwick harbour, which was to sail this evening for London. But I have induced Captain Hawker of the Saint Abbs, as the sloop is called, to alter his plan. In a word, he has engaged to take your majesty to Dunquerque.”
“You have rendered me a great service,” said the prince. “But where am I to go on board the sloop? – at Berwick?”
“No, my liege,” replied Lord Widdrington. “Since there is almost a certainty of fine weather, Captain Hawker will weigh anchor at nine o’clock, and fire a gun to let you know when he gets off the castle.”
The prince signified his approval of the arrangement.
“A boat shall be ready to take you to the sloop, so that your majesty may embark immediately,” said Forster.
Again the prince expressed his satisfaction, but he asked Mr. Forster if he had noticed the boat containing the armed men, that had crossed the Fairway, apparently to reconnoitre the castle.
“Those men were only fishermen, my liege,” replied the squire. “I felt sure they would move off, and so they did. It is not by those poor fellows that your majesty’s departure will be hindered.”
VIII. – HOW THE SHERIFF AND HIS TROOP WERE CARED FOR
Early in the morning, Captain Wogan with his brother, and Mr. Talbot and his brother, set forth on horseback to patrol the country, and proceeded towards Dunstan-borough, stationing themselves at various points commanding the road.
They did not return till late in the afternoon, and then they brought no alarming intelligence. There were no signs whatever of the approach of the enemy. They had seen Sir John Webb’s carriage in the distance, but it came on so slowly that they had not waited for it.
Half an hour afterwards the carriage arrived, and then the prince learnt what had happened and was greatly amused by Sir John’s description of the arrest made by the sheriff.
It appeared that the supposed royal prisoner was taken to Newcastle, where the mistake was quickly discovered, and the man set at liberty. Sir John was likewise allowed to proceed on his journey.
“The sheriff was very much mortified by the great blunder he had made,” remarked Sir John. “But I don’t think he will give up the pursuit, and I fear your majesty may expect a visit from him at Bamborough.”
“I hope I shall be gone before he makes his appearance,” said the prince. “To-night I set sail for France.”
“Since such is the case, I have only to wish your majesty a safe and speedy voyage,” said Sir John. “And I sincerely trust nothing may occur to interfere with your departure.”
A plan to be adopted in the event of any sudden emergency having been decided upon, the prince agreed to dine at the mansion, and the whole of the party assembled as before, with the addition of Sir John and Lady Webb.
All the servants had received their orders, so no apprehension was entertained of a surprise. The prince was not in very good spirits, and Dorothy, who sat next to him, did her best to cheer him.
The repast was about half over, when a servant hastily entered the room, and informed his master that the sheriff had arrived with a large posse of men.
On this the prince immediately arose, and in pursuance of the plan previously arranged passed through a window into the garden, where a servant was waiting to conduct him by a private entrance to the castle. No one else attended his highness.
The company remained at table; the prince’s chair being instantly removed, and the vacancy filled up. All this was the work of a few moments.
Shortly afterwards, the sheriff was ushered into the room, and seemed greatly surprised by the sight of so large a party, for which he was evidently unprepared.
While he was hesitating what to do, Mr. Forster arose, and greeting him in a friendly manner, said:
“I hope you are come to dine with me, Sir William. I shall be very glad of your company, I assure you.”
“But I have business of importance, sir,” cried the sheriff.
“We will discuss that after dinner,” said Forster.
“I am very sorry to interrupt you, sir, but – ”
“Nay, I will take no refusal,” cried Forster, leading him to the table.
At a sign from Forster a chair was then brought, and placed next his own, and the sheriff was almost forced into it.
Jesmond, who had entered the dining-room at the same time as his superior officer, stationed himself behind the chair, wondering what would happen next, but not venturing to interfere.
“What will you take, Sir William – some venison? There is a fine haunch at the other end of the table.”
“You ought to take a prisoner, Sir William,” whispered Desmond.
“So I will presently,” replied the sheriff in the same tone. “But I will begin with the venison. Is the Pretender here?”
“I don’t see him, Sir William,” replied the official, looking round inquisitively at the guests. “But I can’t quite distinguish the features of the persons at the bottom of the table. Stay! there is some one rather like him next to Sir John Webb.”
“Be quite sure you are right,” said the sheriff. “It won’t do to make a second mistake.”
Meantime, the venison was brought, and proved so good that the sheriff made no objection to a few more slices. At the same time he very readily accepted Mr. Forster’s challenge to a glass of claret.
He was now in a much better humour, and partook of several other dishes, and repeatedly emptied the goblet which was constantly replenished by the butler.
The generous wine did its duty, and he almost forgot his errand. He had no one now to remind him of it, for Jesmond had been lured to the sideboard by the butler, and a flask of claret proffered him. He did not decline the attention. Since his chief was enjoying himself he did not see why he should not follow his example.
But it was not merely Mr. Forster who was attentive in the extreme to his unwelcome guest. Lord Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington, with both of whom Sir William Lorraine was well acquainted, though political and religious differences kept them apart – these two proud nobles, we say, quite unbent, and were excessively complaisant, inviting him to take wine, and conversing very familiarly with him.
Sir John Webb pursued the same course, and as he drank a glass of wine with the sheriff, he gave him a knowing look, just to remind him of the recent adventure. Sir William laughed very good-humouredly.
Thus the dinner went on, and the sheriff became yet more cheerful, as was naturally to be expected, for he had now drunk a good deal of claret.
With the removal of the cloth, the ladies disappeared, for they knew what was likely to occur, and then an immense bowl of punch was placed before the host for the delectation of such as preferred that pleasant beverage to claret.
Unfortunately for himself, Sir William yielded to the seduction. At that precise juncture he meant to have assumed an authoritative air, preparatory to carrying out the business that brought him thither; but a bumper of punch caused him to postpone it to a later moment.
Jesmond was no longer there to watch over him, and incite him by his observations.
That vigilant official had been taken to the butler’s pantry, where he, too, had his share – somewhat more than his share of a strong bowl of punch. Punch was his weakness, as well as that of the sheriff, and he found the temptation irresistible.
It must not be supposed that while their leader was thus cared for, the yeomen were neglected. On the contrary they were very well attended to. They were told that the sheriff had ordered them to dismount, and they very readily obeyed. Their horses were accommodated in the squire’s roomy stables, and they themselves were conducted to the spacious servant’s hall, where all that was left – and it was no slight matter – of the abundant dinner was set before them, together with as much strong ale as they chose to drink. They were not served with punch, like their betters, but they were offered usquebaugh, and we may be sure they did not refuse the stimulating liquor, which nearly resembled whisky, pretty freely.
IX. – THE PRINCE’S PARTING INJUNCTIONS TO LORD DERWENTWATER AND ANNA
On quitting the dining-room before the scene of revelry commenced, the ladies left the mansion to its noisy occupants, and repaired to the castle – gaining admittance in the same manner as the prince. They found his highness in the guardroom alone, pacing to and fro. He questioned them eagerly as to how all was going on.
“The scheme has completely succeeded,” said Lady Webb. “In two hours’ time – if they go on as they are now doing – the sheriff and his party will be quite incapable of offering any opposition to your majesty’s departure. As to their attacking the castle, that is quite out of the question.”
“Your majesty may depend that my brother will take good care of your chief enemy,” said Dorothy. “The others will be entertained in the servants’ hall – so well entertained that they are not likely to stir till your majesty is safe on board the Saint Abbs.”
“Excellent!” cried the prince. “Good wine has never been turned to better account than on the present occasion. I own I doubted the success of the scheme, but I did not know the habits of my Northumbrian lieges so well as Mr. Forster. The sheriff appears to have fallen very easily into the snare.”
“He was skilfully dealt with,” laughed Anna; “caught before he knew what he was about.”
After a little further discourse, they came forth into the court, where they continued till such time as it began to grow dark, when they mounted the outer walls, and gazed at the dusky, yet glimmering expanse spread out before them.
The tide was coming in, and they could distinguish the white line formed by the waves, and hear their sound as they broke upon the shore.
As had been anticipated, the night was fine, and the wind favourable for the prince’s voyage. Already, the beacon had been lighted on Prior Castell’s Tower, so that the position of the rocky islands could be discerned. As far as could be made out, there were no ships or smaller craft in the Fairway.
The boat destined for the prince was lying upon the beach, but could be easily pushed into sea, and two men were standing near it.
Having made these observations, the prince and the ladies with him returned to the basement court where they found Lord Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington.
The tidings brought by the two nobles were highly satisfactory. No fear now of any interruption from the sheriff. He was discussing a second bowl of punch with Mr. Forster, and when that was finished, a third would be brought in. His followers were equally well employed. So much boisterous merriment was going on in the house, Lord Derwentwater declared, that he was right glad to escape from it.
Under these circumstances, and since no interference could be expected, the prince determined to repair at once to the beach and there await the signal from the ship.
All his slight preparations for the voyage being conflicted he had only to bid adieu to his fair companions; for the two nobles, of course, would not quit him till the last moment. But the ladies were equally desirous to attend him, and he could not refuse their request.
So the whole party quitted the castle by the private entrance, and followed by the gate-porter carrying the prince’s valise proceeded towards the shore.
The night was dark, as already stated, but the windows of the mansion were lighted up, and the din of merriment resounded from within. The noise was welcome to the prince, as it convinced him that his enemies were occupied.
Lord Widdrington guided the party through the heaps of sand collected at the foot of the lofty rock on which stood the fortress, until they gained the beach.
It was now nearly high water, and only a strip of sand intervened between the sea and the rock. But the boat was still lying where the prince had descried it from above, and the men were close beside it awaiting orders.
It was then that the prince addressed a few parting words to Lord Derwentwater and his betrothed.
“When I come back, and I mean to come back soon,” he said, “I trust I shall find that the contract which I witnessed has been followed by a yet more binding ceremony, and that two persons in whom I take the deepest interest have been for ever united in the silken bonds of matrimony by our Holy Church. Do not delay. When a matter like this has been settled, the sooner it is carried out the better.”
“There shall be no delay on my part – that I promise your majesty,” said Lord Derwentwater.
“And none on yours, I trust, fair lady?”
“None,” she replied, but in accents so low that they were scarce heard above the sound of the waves as they flowed within a few yards of them.
“All then will go well,” said the prince. “May our next merry meeting be at Dilston! where the lovely bride, as well as her noble consort, will, I am certain, give me a hearty welcome.”
“That I will, my gracious liege, most assuredly, if I am there,” she rejoined.
“If you are not there, I won’t enter the castle,” said the prince. “But find you I shall – or there is no truth in man or woman.”
“Nay, my liege, I only meant that you may perchance return before the marriage has been solemnised.”
“Have I not said that it must not be delayed?” rejoined the prince. “I now lay my command upon you both to that effect, and I trust I shall not be disobeyed.”
“I will take care that your majesty’s injunctions are fulfilled,” said Lady Webb.
“With that assurance I shall depart in better humour with myself than I should have done otherwise,” said the prince. “My voyage has not been altogether fruitless. If I have not succeeded in my own design I have helped a dear friend to a charming wife – and that is something.”
Just then, a flash of light was seen in the Fairway, and next moment the sound of a gun was heard; the loud report being echoed by the rocks behind the party.
X. – THE ESCAPE
All eyes were turned in the direction whence the sound had come, and a single masted vessel could be imperfectly distinguished, about half a mile off.
“‘Tis the sloop!” exclaimed Lord Widdrington.
“Yes, I am summoned, and must go,” cried the prince. “Farewell! Farewell!”
On hearing the signal, the two men instantly pushed down the boat into the water. All was ready, for the valise had been previously placed inside it by the porter, together with a couple of firelocks.
It had been arranged that the two nobles should accompany the prince to the sloop. Accordingly they entered the boat with him.
As the bark quitted the strand, the prince stood up to wave an adieu to the ladies – but they were soon lost to sight.
Rowed by two strong men, the boat made good way towards the sloop, and it seemed would soon reach her, when an unlooked-for interruption occurred.
A dark object was seen lying directly in their course, and as there could be no doubt it was a boat, much larger than their own, they turned aside to avoid it.
As they did so, the larger boat was put in motion, with the evident design of giving chase, while a loud authoritative voice called out to the occupants of the small bark to stop.
As may be imagined, the order was entirely disregarded while Lord Widdrington urged the oarsmen to pull their hardest for the ship, and they made such exertion that they appeared to gain on their pursuers.
Of the purpose of the latter no doubt could now be entertained. It was certain they were endeavouring to intercept the prince’s flight, and effect his capture. How they had obtained information could only be surmised, but they had laid their plans well. The prince’s companions were greatly alarmed, but he himself maintained perfect composure.
“‘Tis the boat I beheld this morning from the castle walls,” he said. “I felt sure it meant mischief, though Mr. Forster thought otherwise. The men within it are armed.”
“Luckily, we have arms,” said Lord Derwentwater, giving Lord Widdrington one of the muskets and keeping the other himself. “Shall we use them?”
“Certainly,” replied the prince. “I will never surrender to those men.”
A conflict, indeed, appeared inevitable, if they were overtaken, for a voice called out from the larger boat:
“Stop! or we will fire.”
As no notice was taken of the threat, except that the rowers redoubled their efforts, a shot was fired, and a bullet whistled past the prince’s head, but without doing any injury.
Exasperated by the audacious act the two nobles discharged their muskets, and with good effect, as was shown by the outcries that followed.
Evidently a couple of men were wounded, and great confusion was caused among the rest.
In consequence of this they lost way, and the distance between the boats was perceptibly increased.
However, they soon recovered, and continued the chase with fresh ardour, again shouting to the fugitives to stop.
“Stand off, villains, or we will fire again!” cried Lord Derwentwater. “What do you mean by molesting us thus?”
“We want the Pretender, and will have him,” rejoined the voice that had first spoken. “You had best deliver him up quietly. He shall not escape.”
Though very well inclined to answer this insolent speech by a shot, Lord Derwentwater forbore, but the pursuers again fired, and this time one of the rowers was hit in the arm, so that he could not pull at the oars, whereupon, Lord Widdrington took his place.
But the change, though quickly effected, caused some little delay, and the pursuers gained upon them.
An encounter now seemed imminent, and since the prince was determined not to yield, it might be fraught with most serious consequences.
To avert these if possible, Lord Derwentwater shouted lustily to attract the attention of the captain of the sloop which was now not more than a furlong off.
Captain Hawker was already on the alert, and prepared to render assistance. The firing had shown him the relative position of the boats, and comprehending exactly how matters stood, he thought it high time to interfere.
Putting a speaking-trumpet, therefore, to his mouth, he roared out:
“Sheer off, or I’ll sink you!”
The warning reached the ears for which it was intended, but produced no effect.
The men went on, as boldly as ever, determined not to be baulked of their prey.
However, they were speedily checked, for Captain Hawker turned a swivel-gun upon them and sent a shot through the bottom of their boat, which began presently to fill, and compelled them to look to their own safety.
Being now disembarrassed from his pursuers, the prince got safely on board the sloop, after taking an affectionate leave of his friends.
Their duty being now performed, the two nobles returned to Bamborough Castle without concerning themselves further about their pursuers, whose vociferations proved they were still afloat, and able no doubt, in some way or other, to reach the Home Island.
The sheriff had still to be dealt with, but now that the prince was safe they had little fear of him.
Free from all peril, the sloop, with its important burden, passed tranquilly through the Fairway, and entered the open sea.