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diff --git a/2516-h/2516-h.htm b/2516-h/2516-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..93d2604 --- /dev/null +++ b/2516-h/2516-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22471 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Red Gauntlet, by Sir Walter Scott + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Redgauntlet, by Sir Walter Scott + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Red Gauntlet + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: December 31, 2008 [EBook #2516] +Last Updated: August 31, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REDGAUNTLET *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + REDGAUNTLET + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Sir Walter Scott + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> REDGAUNTLET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> LETTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> LETTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> LETTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> LETTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> LETTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> LETTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> LETTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> LETTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> LETTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> LETTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> LETTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> LETTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> LETTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_CONC"> CONCLUSION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_NOTE"> NOTES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_GLOS"> GLOSSARY </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + Original Transcriber’s Note: Footnotes in the printed book have been + inserted in the etext in square brackets [] close to the place where + they were referenced by a suffix in the original text. Text in italics + has been written in capital letters. There are some numbered notes at + the end of the text that are referred to by their numbers with brief + notes, also in square brackets, embedded in the text. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + The Jacobite enthusiasm of the eighteenth century, particularly during the + rebellion of 1745, afforded a theme, perhaps the finest that could be + selected for fictitious composition, founded upon real or probable + incident. This civil war and its remarkable events were remembered by the + existing generation without any degree of the bitterness of spirit which + seldom fails to attend internal dissension. The Highlanders, who formed + the principal strength of Charles Edward’s army, were an ancient and + high-spirited race, peculiar in their habits of war and of peace, brave to + romance, and exhibiting a character turning upon points more adapted to + poetry than to the prose of real life. Their prince, young, valiant, + patient of fatigue, and despising danger, heading his army on foot in the + most toilsome marches, and defeating a regular force in three battles—all + these were circumstances fascinating to the imagination, and might well be + supposed to seduce young and enthusiastic minds to the cause in which they + were found united, although wisdom and reason frowned upon the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + The adventurous prince, as is well known, proved to be one of those + personages who distinguish themselves during some single and + extraordinarily brilliant period of their lives, like the course of a + shooting-star, at which men wonder, as well on account of the briefness, + as the brilliancy of its splendour. A long tract of darkness overshadowed + the subsequent life of a man who, in his youth, showed himself so capable + of great undertakings; and, without the painful task of tracing his course + farther, we may say the latter pursuits and habits of this unhappy prince + are those painfully evincing a broken heart, which seeks refuge from its + own thoughts in sordid enjoyments. + </p> + <p> + Still, however, it was long ere Charles Edward appeared to be, perhaps it + was long ere he altogether became, so much degraded from his original + self; as he enjoyed for a time the lustre attending the progress and + termination of his enterprise. Those who thought they discerned in his + subsequent conduct an insensibility to the distresses of his followers, + coupled with that egotistical attention to his own interests which has + been often attributed to the Stuart family, and which is the natural + effect of the principles of divine right in which they were brought up, + were now generally considered as dissatisfied and splenetic persons, who, + displeased with the issue of their adventure and finding themselves + involved in the ruins of a falling cause, indulged themselves in + undeserved reproaches against their leader. Indeed, such censures were by + no means frequent among those of his followers who, if what was alleged + had been just, had the best right to complain. Far the greater number of + those unfortunate gentlemen suffered with the most dignified patience, and + were either too proud to take notice of ill-treatment an the part of their + prince, or so prudent as to be aware their complaints would meet with + little sympathy from the world. It may be added, that the greater part of + the banished Jacobites, and those of high rank and consequence, were not + much within reach of the influence of the prince’s character and conduct, + whether well regulated or otherwise. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime that great Jacobite conspiracy, of which the insurrection + of 1745-6 was but a small part precipitated into action on the failure of + a far more general scheme, was resumed and again put into motion by the + Jacobites of England, whose force had never been broken, as they had + prudently avoided bringing it into the field. The surprising effect which + had been produced by small means, in 1745-6, animated their hopes for more + important successes, when the whole nonjuring interest of Britain, + identified as it then was with great part of the landed gentlemen, should + come forward to finish what had been gallantly attempted by a few Highland + chiefs. + </p> + <p> + It is probable, indeed, that the Jacobites of the day were incapable of + considering that the very small scale on which the effort was made, was in + one great measure the cause of its unexpected success. The remarkable + speed with which the insurgents marched, the singularly good discipline + which they preserved, the union and unanimity which for some time animated + their councils, were all in a considerable degree produced by the + smallness of their numbers. Notwithstanding the discomfiture of Charles + Edward, the nonjurors of the period long continued to nurse unlawful + schemes, and to drink treasonable toasts, until age stole upon them. + Another generation arose, who did not share the sentiments which they + cherished; and at length the sparkles of disaffection, which had long + smouldered, but had never been heated enough to burst into actual flame, + became entirely extinguished. But in proportion as the political + enthusiasm died gradually away among men of ordinary temperament, it + influenced those of warm imaginations and weak understandings, and hence + wild schemes were formed, as desperate as they were adventurous. + </p> + <p> + Thus a young Scottishman of rank is said to have stooped so low as to plot + the surprisal of St. James’s Palace, and the assassination of the royal + family. While these ill-digested and desperate conspiracies were agitated + among the few Jacobites who still adhered with more obstinacy to their + purpose, there is no question but that other plots might have been brought + to an open explosion, had it not suited the policy of Sir Robert Walpole + rather to prevent or disable the conspirators in their projects, than to + promulgate the tale of danger, which might thus have been believed to be + more widely diffused than was really the case. + </p> + <p> + In one instance alone this very prudential and humane line of conduct was + departed from, and the event seemed to confirm the policy of the general + course. Doctor Archibald Cameron, brother of the celebrated Donald Cameron + of Lochiel, attainted for the rebellion of 1745, was found by a party of + soldiers lurking with a comrade in the wilds of Loch Katrine five or six + years after the battle of Culloden, and was there seized. There were + circumstances in his case, so far as was made known to the public, which + attracted much compassion, and gave to the judicial proceedings against + him an appearance of cold-blooded revenge on the part of government; and + the following argument of a zealous Jacobite in his favour, was received + as conclusive by Dr. Johnson and other persons who might pretend to + impartiality. Dr. Cameron had never borne arms, although engaged in the + Rebellion, but used his medical skill for the service, indifferently, of + the wounded of both parties. His return to Scotland was ascribed + exclusively to family affairs. His behaviour at the bar was decent, firm, + and respectful. His wife threw herself, on three different occasions, + before George II and the members of his family, was rudely repulsed from + their presence, and at length placed, it was said, in the same prison with + her husband, and confined with unmanly severity. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Cameron was finally executed with all the severities of the law of + treason; and his death remains in popular estimation a dark blot upon the + memory of George II, being almost publicly imputed to a mean and personal + hatred of Donald Cameron of Lochiel, the sufferer’s heroic brother. + </p> + <p> + Yet the fact was that whether the execution of Archibald Cameron was + political or otherwise, it might certainly have been justified, had the + king’s ministers so pleased, upon reasons of a public nature. The + unfortunate sufferer had not come to the Highlands solely upon his private + affairs, as was the general belief; but it was not judged prudent by the + English ministry to let it be generally known that he came to inquire + about a considerable sum of money which had been remitted from France to + the friends of the exiled family. He had also a commission to hold + intercourse with the well-known M’Pherson of Cluny, chief of the clan + Vourich, whom the Chevalier had left behind at his departure from Scotland + in 1746, and who remained during ten years of proscription and danger, + skulking from place to place in the Highlands, and maintaining an + uninterrupted correspondence between Charles and his friends. That Dr. + Cameron should have held a commission to assist this chief in raking + together the dispersed embers of disaffection, is in itself sufficiently + natural, and, considering his political principles, in no respect + dishonourable to his memory. But neither ought it to be imputed to George + II that he suffered the laws to be enforced against a person taken in the + act of breaking them. When he lost his hazardous game, Dr. Cameron only + paid the forfeit which he must have calculated upon. The ministers, + however, thought it proper to leave Dr. Cameron’s new schemes in + concealment, lest, by divulging them, they had indicated the channel of + communication which, it is now well known, they possessed to all the plots + of Charles Edward. But it was equally ill advised and ungenerous to + sacrifice the character of the king to the policy of the administration. + Both points might have been gained by sparing the life of Dr. Cameron + after conviction, and limiting his punishment to perpetual exile. + </p> + <p> + These repeated and successive Jacobite plots rose and burst like bubbles + on a fountain; and one of them, at least, the Chevalier judged of + importance enough to induce him to risk himself within the dangerous + precincts of the British capital. This appears from Dr. King’s ANECDOTES + OF HIS OWN TIMES. + </p> + <p> + ‘September, 1750.—I received a note from my Lady Primrose, who + desired to see me immediately. As soon as I waited on her, she led me into + her dressing-room, and presented me to—’ [the Chevalier, doubtless]. + ‘If I was surprised to find him there, I was still more astonished when he + acquainted me with the motives which had induced him to hazard a journey + to England at this juncture. The impatience of his friends who were in + exile had formed a scheme which was impracticable; but although it had + been as feasible as they had represented it to him, yet no preparation had + been made, nor was anything ready to carry it into execution. He was soon + convinced that he had been deceived; and, therefore, after a stay in + London of five days only, he returned to the place from whence he came.’ + Dr. King was in 1750 a keen Jacobite, as may be inferred from the visit + made by him to the prince under such circumstances, and from his being one + of that unfortunate person’s chosen correspondents. He, as well as other + men of sense and observation, began to despair of making their fortune in + the party which they had chosen. It was indeed sufficiently dangerous; + for, during the short visit just described, one of Dr. King’s servants + remarked the stranger’s likeness to Prince Charles, whom he recognized + from the common busts. + </p> + <p> + The occasion taken for breaking up the Stuart interest we shall tell in + Dr. King’s own words:—‘When he (Charles Edward) was in Scotland, he + had a mistress whose name was Walkinshaw, and whose sister was at that + time, and is still, housekeeper at Leicester House. Some years after he + was released from his prison, and conducted out of France, he sent for + this girl, who soon acquired such a dominion over him, that she was + acquainted with all his schemes, and trusted with his most secret + correspondence. As soon as this was known in England, all those persons of + distinction who were attached to him were greatly alarmed: they imagined + that this wench had been placed in his family by the English ministers; + and, considering her sister’s situation, they seemed to have some ground + for their suspicion; wherefore, they dispatched a gentleman to Paris, + where the prince then was, who had instructions to insist that Mrs. + Walkinshaw should be removed to a convent for a certain term; but her + gallant absolutely refused to comply with this demand; and although Mr. + M’Namara, the gentleman who was sent to him, who has a natural eloquence + and an excellent understanding, urged the most cogent reasons, and used + all the arts of persuasion, to induce him to part with his mistress, and + even proceeded so far as to assure him, according to his instructions, + that an immediate interruption of all correspondence with his most + powerful friends in England, and, in short, that the ruin of his interest, + which was now daily increasing, would be the infallible consequence of his + refusal; yet he continued inflexible, and all M’Namara’s entreaties and + remonstrances were ineffectual. M’Namara stayed in Paris some days beyond + the time prescribed him, endeavouring to reason the prince into a better + temper; but finding him obstinately persevere in his first answer, he took + his leave with concern and indignation, saying, as he passed out, “What + has your family done, sir, thus to draw down the vengeance of Heaven on + every branch of it, through so many ages?” It is worthy of remark, that in + all the conferences which M’Namara had with the prince on this occasion, + the latter declared that it was not a violent passion, or indeed any + particular regard, which attached him to Mrs. Walkinshaw and that he could + see her removed from him without any concern; but he would not receive + directions, in respect to his private conduct, from any man alive. When + M’Namara returned to London, and reported the prince’s answer to the + gentlemen who had employed him, they were astonished and confounded. + However, they soon resolved on the measures which they were to pursue for + the future, and determined no longer to serve a man who could not be + persuaded to serve himself, and chose rather to endanger the lives of his + best and most faithful friends, than part with an harlot, whom, as he + often declared, he neither loved nor esteemed.’ + </p> + <p> + From this anecdote, the general truth of which is indubitable, the + principal fault of Charles Edward’s temper is sufficiently obvious. It was + a high sense of his own importance, and an obstinate adherence to what he + had once determined on—qualities which, if he had succeeded in his + bold attempt, gave the nation little room to hope that he would have been + found free from the love of prerogative and desire of arbitrary power, + which characterized his unhappy grandfather. He gave a notable instance + how far this was the leading feature of his character, when, for no + reasonable cause that can be assigned, he placed his own single will in + opposition to the necessities of France, which, in order to purchase a + peace become necessary to the kingdom, was reduced to gratify Britain by + prohibiting the residence of Charles within any part of the French + dominions. It was in vain that France endeavoured to lessen the disgrace + of this step by making the most flattering offers, in hopes to induce the + prince of himself to anticipate this disagreeable alternative, which, if + seriously enforced, as it was likely to be, he had no means whatever of + resisting, by leaving the kingdom as of his own free will. Inspired, + however, by the spirit of hereditary obstinacy, Charles preferred a + useless resistance to a dignified submission, and, by a series of idle + bravadoes, laid the French court under the necessity of arresting their + late ally, and sending him to close confinement in the Bastille, from + which he was afterwards sent out of the French dominions, much in the + manner in which a convict is transported to the place of his destination. + </p> + <p> + In addition to these repeated instances of a rash and inflexible temper, + Dr. King also adds faults alleged to belong to the prince’s character, of + a kind less consonant with his noble birth and high pretensions. He is + said by this author to have been avaricious, or parsimonious at least, to + such a degree of meanness, as to fail, even when he had ample means, in + relieving the sufferers who had lost their fortune, and sacrificed all in + his ill-fated attempt. [The approach is thus expressed by Dr. King, who + brings the charge:—‘But the most odious part of his character is his + love of money, a vice which I do not remember to have been imputed by our + historians to any of his ancestors, and is the certain index of a base and + little mind. I know it may be urged in his vindication, that a prince in + exile ought to be an economist. And so he ought; but, nevertheless, his + purse should be always open as long as there is anything in it, to relieve + the necessities of his friends and adherents. King Charles II, during his + banishment, would have shared the last pistole in his pocket with his + little family. But I have known this gentleman, with two thousand + louis-d’ors in his strong-box, pretend he was in great distress, and + borrow money from a lady in Paris who was not in affluent circumstances. + His most faithful servants, who had closely attended him in all his + difficulties, were ill rewarded.’—King’s MEMOIRS.] We must receive, + however, with some degree of jealousy what is said by Dr. King on this + subject, recollecting that he had left at least, if he did not desert, the + standard of the unfortunate prince, and was not therefore a person who was + likely to form the fairest estimate of his virtues and faults. We must + also remember that if the exiled prince gave little, he had but little to + give, especially considering how late he nourished the scheme of another + expedition to Scotland, for which he was long endeavouring to hoard money. + </p> + <p> + The case, also, of Charles Edward must be allowed to have been a difficult + one. He had to satisfy numerous persons, who, having lost their all in his + cause, had, with that all, seen the extinction of hopes which they + accounted nearly as good as certainties; some of these were perhaps + clamorous in their applications, and certainly ill pleased with their want + of success. Other parts of the Chevalier’s conduct may have afforded + grounds for charging him with coldness to the sufferings of his devoted + followers. One of these was a sentiment which has nothing in it that is + generous, but it was certainly a principle in which the young prince was + trained, and which may be too probably denominated peculiar to his family, + educated in all the high notions of passive obedience and non-resistance. + If the unhappy prince gave implicit faith to the professions of statesmen + holding such notions, which is implied by his whole conduct. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + REDGAUNTLET + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER I + </h2> + <h3> + DARSIE LATIMER TO ALAN FAIRFORD + </h3> + <p> + DUMFRIES. + </p> + <p> + CUR ME EXANIMAS QUERELIS TUIS? In plain English, Why do you deafen me with + your croaking? The disconsolate tone in which you bade me farewell at + Noble House, [The first stage on the road from Edinburgh to Dumfries via + Moffat.] and mounted your miserable hack to return to your law drudgery, + still sounds in my ears. It seemed to say, ‘Happy dog! you can ramble at + pleasure over hill and dale, pursue every object of curiosity that + presents itself, and relinquish the chase when it loses interest; while I, + your senior and your better, must, in this brilliant season, return to my + narrow chamber and my musty books.’ + </p> + <p> + Such was the import of the reflections with which you saddened our parting + bottle of claret, and thus I must needs interpret the terms of your + melancholy adieu. + </p> + <p> + And why should this be so, Alan? Why the deuce should you not be sitting + precisely opposite to me at this moment, in the same comfortable George + Inn; thy heels on the fender, and thy juridical brow expanding its + plications as a pun rose in your fancy? Above all, why, when I fill this + very glass of wine, cannot I push the bottle to you, and say, ‘Fairford, + you are chased!’ Why, I say, should not all this be, except because Alan + Fairford has not the same true sense of friendship as Darsie Latimer, and + will not regard our purses as common, as well as our sentiments? + </p> + <p> + I am alone in the world; my only guardian writes to me of a large fortune + which will be mine when I reach the age of twenty-five complete; my + present income is, thou knowest, more than sufficient for all my wants; + and yet thou—traitor as thou art to the cause of friendship—dost + deprive me of the pleasure of thy society, and submittest, besides, to + self-denial on thine own part, rather than my wanderings should cost me a + few guineas more! Is this regard for my purse, or for thine own pride? Is + it not equally absurd and unreasonable, whichever source it springs from? + For myself, I tell thee, I have, and shall have, more than enough for + both. This same methodical Samuel Griffiths, of Ironmonger Lane, + Guildhall, London, whose letter arrives as duly as quarter-day, has sent + me, as I told thee, double allowance for this my twenty-first birthday, + and an assurance, in his brief fashion, that it will be again doubled for + the succeeding years, until I enter into possession of my own property. + Still I am to refrain from visiting England until my twenty-fifth year + expires; and it is recommended that I shall forbear all inquiries + concerning my family, and so forth, for the present. + </p> + <p> + Were it not that I recollect my poor mother in her deep widow’s weeds, + with a countenance that never smiled but when she looked on me—and + then, in such wan and woful sort, as the sun when he glances through an + April cloud,—were it not, I say, that her mild and matron-like form + and countenance forbid such a suspicion, I might think myself the son of + some Indian director, or rich citizen, who had more wealth than grace, and + a handful of hypocrisy to boot, and who was breeding up privately, and + obscurely enriching, one of whose existence he had some reason to be + ashamed. But, as I said before, I think on my mother, and am convinced as + much as of the existence of my own soul, that no touch of shame could + arise from aught in which she was implicated. Meantime, I am wealthy, and + I am alone, and why does my friend scruple to share my wealth? + </p> + <p> + Are you not my only friend? and have you not acquired a right to share my + wealth? Answer me that, Alan Fairford. When I was brought from the + solitude of my mother’s dwelling into the tumult of the Gaits’ Class at + the High School—when I was mocked for my English accent—salted + with snow as a Southern—rolled in the gutter for a Saxon + pock-pudding,—who, with stout arguments and stouter blows, stood + forth my defender?—why, Alan Fairford. Who beat me soundly when I + brought the arrogance of an only son, and of course a spoiled urchin, to + the forms of the little republic?—why, Alan. And who taught me to + smoke a cobbler, pin a losen, head a bicker, and hold the bannets?—[Break + a window, head a skirmish with stones, and hold the bonnet, or + handkerchief, which used to divide High School boys when fighting.] Alan, + once more. If I became the pride of the Yards, and the dread of the + hucksters in the High School Wynd, it was under thy patronage; and, but + for thee, I had been contented with humbly passing through the Cowgate + Port, without climbing over the top of it, and had never seen the KITTLE + NINE-STEPS nearer than from Bareford’s Parks. [A pass on the very brink of + the Castle rock to the north, by which it is just possible for a goat, or + a High School boy, to turn the corner of the building where it rises from + the edge of the precipice. This was so favourite a feat with the ‘hell and + neck boys’ of the higher classes, that at one time sentinels were posted + to prevent its repetition. One of the nine-steps was rendered more secure + because the climber could take hold of the root of a nettle, so precarious + were the means of passing this celebrated spot. The manning the Cowgate + Port, especially in snowball time, was also a choice amusement, as it + offered an inaccessible station for the boys who used these missiles to + the annoyance of the passengers. The gateway is now demolished; and + probably most of its garrison lie as low as the fortress. To recollect + that the author himself, however naturally disqualified, was one of those + juvenile dreadnoughts, is a sad reflection to one who cannot now step over + a brook without assistance.] + </p> + <p> + You taught me to keep my fingers off the weak, and to clench my fist + against the strong—to carry no tales out of school—to stand + forth like a true man—obey the stern order of a PANDE MANUM, and + endure my pawmies without wincing, like one that is determined not to be + the better for them. In a word, before I knew thee, I knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + At college it was the same. When I was incorrigibly idle, your example and + encouragement roused me to mental exertion, and showed me the way to + intellectual enjoyment. You made me an historian, a metaphysician (INVITA + MINERVA)—nay, by Heaven! you had almost made an advocate of me, as + well as of yourself. Yes, rather than part with you, Alan, I attended a + weary season at the Scotch Law Class; a wearier at the Civil; and with + what excellent advantage, my notebook, filled with caricatures of the + professors and my fellow students, is it not yet extant to testify? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thus far have I held on with thee untired; +</pre> + <p> + and, to say truth, purely and solely that I might travel the same road + with thee. But it will not do, Alan. By my faith, man, I could as soon + think of being one of those ingenious traders who cheat little Master + Jackies on the outside of the partition with tops, balls, bats, and + battledores, as a member of the long-robed fraternity within, who impose + on grown country gentlemen with bouncing brocards of law. [The Hall of the + Parliament House of Edinburgh was, in former days, divided into two + unequal portions by a partition, the inner side of which was consecrated + to the use of the Courts of Justice and the gentlemen of the law; while + the outer division was occupied by the stalls of stationers, toymen, and + the like, as in a modern bazaar. From the old play of THE PLAIN DEALER, it + seems such was formerly the case with Westminster Hall. Minos has now + purified his courts in both cities from all traffic but his own.] Now, + don’t you read this to your worthy father, Alan—he loves me well + enough, I know, of a Saturday night; but he thinks me but idle company for + any other day of the week. And here, I suspect, lies your real objection + to taking a ramble with me through the southern counties in this delicious + weather. I know the good gentleman has hard thoughts of me for being so + unsettled as to leave Edinburgh before the Session rises; perhaps, too, he + quarrels a little—I will not say with my want of ancestry, but with + my want of connexions. He reckons me a lone thing in this world, Alan, and + so, in good truth, I am; and it seems a reason to him why you should not + attach yourself to me, that I can claim no interest in the general herd. + </p> + <p> + Do not suppose I forget what I owe him, for permitting me to shelter for + four years under his roof: My obligations to him are not the less, but the + greater, if he never heartily loved me. He is angry, too, that I will not, + or cannot, be a lawyer, and, with reference to you, considers my + disinclination that way as PESSIMI EXEMPLI, as he might say. + </p> + <p> + But he need not be afraid that a lad of your steadiness will be influenced + by such a reed shaken by the winds as I am. You will go on doubting with + Dirleton, and resolving those doubts with Stewart, [‘Sir John Nisbett of + Dirleton’s DOUBTS AND QUESTIONS UPON THE LAW, ESPECIALLLY OF SCOTLAND;’ + and ‘Sir James Stewart’s DIRLETON’S DOUBTS AND QUESTIONS ON THE LAW OF + SCOTLAND RESOLVED AND ANSWERED,’ are works of authority in Scottish + jurisprudence. As is generally the case, the doubts are held more in + respect than the solution.] until the cramp speech [Till of late years, + every advocate who catered at the Scottish bar made a Latin address to the + Court, faculty, and audience, in set terms, and said a few words upon a + text of the civil law, to show his Latinity and jurisprudence. He also + wore his hat for a minute, in order to vindicate his right of being + covered before the Court, which is said to have originated from the + celebrated lawyer, Sir Thomas Hope, having two sons on the bench while he + himself remained at the bar. Of late this ceremony has been dispensed + with, as occupying the time of the Court unnecessarily. The entrant lawyer + merely takes the oaths to government, and swears to maintain the rules and + privileges of his order.] has been spoken more SOLITO from the corner of + the bench, and with covered head—until you have sworn to defend the + liberties and privileges of the College of Justice—until the black + gown is hung on your shoulders, and you are free as any of the Faculty to + sue or defend. Then will I step forth, Alan, and in a character which even + your father will allow may be more useful to you than had I shared this + splendid termination of your legal studies. In a word, if I cannot be a + counsel, I am determined to be a CLIENT, a sort of person without whom a + lawsuit would be as dull as a supposed case. Yes, I am determined to give + you your first fee. One can easily, I am assured, get into a lawsuit—it + is only the getting out which is sometimes found troublesome;—and, + with your kind father for an agent, and you for my counsel learned in the + law, and the worshipful Master Samuel Griffiths to back me, a few sessions + shall not tire my patience. In short, I will make my way into court, even + if it should cost me the committing a DELICT, or at least a QUASI DELICT.—You + see all is not lost of what Erskine wrote, and Wallace taught. + </p> + <p> + Thus far I have fooled it off well enough; and yet, Alan, all is not at + ease within me. I am affected with a sense of loneliness, the more + depressing, that it seems to me to be a solitude peculiarly my own. In a + country where all the world have a circle of consanguinity, extending to + sixth cousins at least, I am a solitary individual, having only one kind + heart to throb in unison with my own. If I were condemned to labour for my + bread, methinks I should less regard this peculiar species of deprivation, + The necessary communication of master and servant would be at least a tie + which would attach me to the rest of my kind—as it is, my very + independence seems to enhance the peculiarity of my situation. I am in the + world as a stranger in the crowded coffeehouse, where he enters, calls for + what refreshment he wants, pays his bill, and is forgotten so soon as the + waiter’s mouth has pronounced his ‘Thank ye, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + I know your good father would term this SINNING MY MERCIES, [A peculiar + Scottish phrase expressive of ingratitude for the favours of Providence.] + and ask how I should feel if, instead of being able to throw down my + reckoning, I were obliged to deprecate the resentment of the landlord for + consuming that which I could not pay for. I cannot tell how it is; but, + though this very reasonable reflection comes across me, and though I do + confess that four hundred a year in possession, eight hundred in near + prospect, and the L—d knows how many hundreds more in the distance, + are very pretty and comfortable things, yet I would freely give one half + of them to call your father father, though he should scold me for my + idleness every hour of the day, and to call you brother, though a brother + whose merits would throw my own so completely into the shade. + </p> + <p> + The faint, yet not improbable, belief has often come across me, that your + father knows something more about my birth and condition than he is + willing to communicate; it is so unlikely that I should be left in + Edinburgh at six years old, without any other recommendation than the + regular payment of my board to old M—, [Probably Mathieson, the + predecessor of Dr. Adams, to whose memory the author and his + contemporaries owe a deep debt of gratitude.] of the High School. Before + that time, as I have often told you, I have but a recollection of + unbounded indulgence on my mother’s part, and the most tyrannical exertion + of caprice on my own. I remember still how bitterly she sighed, how vainly + she strove to soothe me, while, in the full energy of despotism, I roared + like ten bull-calves, for something which it was impossible to procure for + me. She is dead, that kind, that ill-rewarded mother! I remember the long + faces—the darkened rooms—the black hangings—the + mysterious impression made upon my mind by the hearse and mourning + coaches, and the difficulty which I had to reconcile all this to the + disappearance of my mother. I do not think I had before this event formed, + any idea, of death, or that I had even heard of that final consummation of + all that lives. The first acquaintance which I formed with it deprived me + of my only relation. + </p> + <p> + A clergyman of venerable appearance, our only visitor, was my guide and + companion in a journey of considerable length; and in the charge of + another elderly man, substituted in his place, I know not how or why, I + completed my journey to Scotland—and this is all I recollect. + </p> + <p> + I repeat the little history now, as I have a hundred times before, merely + because I would wring some sense out of it. Turn, then, thy sharp, + wire-drawing, lawyer-like ingenuity to the same task—make up my + history as though thou wert shaping the blundering allegations of some + blue-bonneted, hard-headed client, into a condescendence of facts and + circumstances, and thou shalt be, not my Apollo—QUID TIBI CUM LYRA?—but + my Lord Stair, [Celebrated as a Scottish lawyer.] Meanwhile, I have + written myself out of my melancholy and blue devils, merely by prosing + about them; so I will now converse half an hour with Roan Robin in his + stall—the rascal knows me already, and snickers whenever I cross the + threshold of the stable. + </p> + <p> + The black which you bestrode yesterday morning promises to be an admirable + roadster, and ambled as easily with Sam and the portmanteau, as with you + and your load of law-learning. Sam promises to be steady, and has hitherto + been so. No long trial, you will say. He lays the blame of former + inaccuracies on evil company—the people who were at the + livery-stable were too seductive, I suppose—he denies he ever did + the horse injustice—would rather have wanted his own dinner, he + says. In this I believe him, as Roan Robin’s ribs and coat show no marks + of contradiction. However, as he will meet with no saints in the inns we + frequent, and as oats are sometimes as speedily converted into ale as John + Barleycorn himself, I shall keep a look-out after Master Sam. Stupid + fellow! had he not abused my good nature, I might have chatted to him to + keep my tongue in exercise; whereas now I must keep him at a distance. + </p> + <p> + Do you remember what Mr. Fairford said to me on this subject—it did + not become my father’s son to speak in that manner to Sam’s father’s son? + I asked you what your father could possibly know of mine; and you + answered, ‘As much, you supposed, as he knew of Sam’s—it was a + proverbial expression.’ This did not quite satisfy me; though I am sure I + cannot tell why it should not. But I am returning to a fruitless and + exhausted subject. Do not be afraid that I shall come back on this + well-trodden yet pathless field of conjecture. I know nothing so useless, + so utterly feeble and contemptible, as the groaning forth one’s + lamentations into the ears of our friends. + </p> + <p> + I would fain promise you that my letters shall be as entertaining as I am + determined they shall be regular and well filled. We have an advantage + over the dear friends of old, every pair of them. Neither David and + Jonathan, nor Orestes and Pylades, nor Damon and Pythias—although, + in the latter case particularly, a letter by post would have been very + acceptable—ever corresponded together; for they probably could not + write, and certainly had neither post nor franks to speed their effusions + to each other; whereas yours, which you had from the old peer, being + handled gently, and opened with precaution, may be returned to me again, + and serve to make us free of his Majesty’s post office, during the whole + time of my proposed tour. [It is well known and remembered, that when + Members of Parliament enjoyed the unlimited privilege of franking by the + mere writing the name on the cover, it was extended to the most + extraordinary occasions. One noble lord, to express his regard for a + particular regiment, franked a letter for every rank and file. It was + customary also to save the covers and return them, in order that the + correspondence might be carried on as long as the envelopes could hold + together.] Mercy upon us, Alan! what letters I shall have to send to you, + with an account of all that I can collect, of pleasant or rare, in this + wild-goose jaunt of mine! All I stipulate is that you do not communicate + them to the SCOTS MAGAZINE; for though you used, in a left-handed way, to + compliment me on my attainments in the lighter branches of literature, at + the expense of my deficiency in the weightier matters of the law, I am not + yet audacious enough to enter the portal which the learned Ruddiman so + kindly opened for the acolytes of the Muses.—VALE SIS MEMOR MEI. D. + L. + </p> + <p> + PS. Direct to the Post Office here. I shall leave orders to forward your + letters wherever I may travel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER II + </h2> + <h3> + ALAN FAIRFORD TO DARSIE LATIMER + </h3> + <p> + NEGATUR, my dear Darsie—you have logic and law enough to understand + the word of denial. I deny your conclusion. The premises I admit, namely, + that when I mounted on that infernal hack, I might utter what seemed a + sigh, although I deemed it lost amid the puffs and groans of the + broken-winded brute, matchless in the complication of her complaints by + any save she, the poor man’s mare, renowned in song, that died + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A mile aboon Dundee. + + [Alluding, as all Scotsmen know, to the humorous old song:— + + ‘The auld man’s mare’s dead, + The puir man’s mare’s dead, + The auld man’s mare’s dead, + A mile aboon Dundee.‘] +</pre> + <p> + But credit me, Darsie, the sigh which escaped me, concerned thee more than + myself, and regarded neither the superior mettle of your cavalry, nor your + greater command of the means of travelling. I could certainly have + cheerfully ridden with you for a few days; and assure yourself I would not + have hesitated to tax your better filled purse for our joint expenses. But + you know my father considers every moment taken from the law as a step + down hill; and I owe much to his anxiety on my account, although its + effects are sometimes troublesome. For example: + </p> + <p> + I found, on my arrival at the shop in Brown’s Square, that the old + gentleman had returned that very evening, impatient, it seems, of + remaining a night out of the guardianship of the domestic Lares. Having + this information from James, whose brow wore rather an anxious look on the + occasion, I dispatched a Highland chairman to the livery stable with my + Bucephalus, and slunk, with as little noise as might be, into my own den, + where I began to mumble certain half-gnawed and not half-digested + doctrines of our municipal code. I was not long seated, when my father’s + visage was thrust, in a peering sort of way, through the half-opened door; + and withdrawn, on seeing my occupation, with a half-articulated HUMPH! + which seemed to convey a doubt of the seriousness of my application. If it + were so, I cannot condemn him; for recollection of thee occupied me so + entirely during an hour’s reading, that although Stair lay before me, and + notwithstanding that I turned over three or four pages, the sense of his + lordship’s clear and perspicuous style so far escaped me, that I had the + mortification to find my labour was utterly in vain. + </p> + <p> + Ere I had brought up my lee-way, James appeared with his summons to our + frugal supper—radishes, cheese, and a bottle of the old ale-only two + plates though—and no chair set for Mr. Darsie, by the attentive + James Wilkinson. Said James, with his long face, lank hair, and very long + pig-tail in its leathern strap, was placed, as usual, at the back of my + father’s chair, upright as a wooden sentinel at the door of a puppet-show. + ‘You may go down, James,’ said my father; and exit Wilkinson.—What + is to come next? thought I; for the weather is not clear on the paternal + brow. + </p> + <p> + My boots encountered his first glance of displeasure, and he asked me, + with a sneer, which way I had been riding. He expected me to answer, + ‘Nowhere,’ and would then have been at me with his usual sarcasm, touching + the humour of walking in shoes at twenty shillings a pair. But I answered + with composure, that I had ridden out to dinner as far as Noble House. He + started (you know his way) as if I had said that I had dined at Jericho; + and as I did not choose to seem to observe his surprise, but continued + munching my radishes in tranquillity, he broke forth in ire. + </p> + <p> + ‘To Noble House, sir! and what had you to do at Noble House, sir? Do you + remember you are studying law, sir?—that your Scots law trials are + coming on, sir?—that every moment of your time just now is worth + hours at another time?—and have you leisure to go to Noble House, + sir?—and to throw your books behind you for so many hours?—Had + it been a turn in the meadows, or even a game at golf—but Noble + House, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I went so far with Darsie Latimer, sir, to see him begin his journey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Darsie Latimer?’ he replied in a softened tone—‘Humph!—Well, + I do not blame you for being kind to Darsie Latimer; but it would have + done as much good if you had walked with him as far as the toll-bar, and + then made your farewells—it would have saved horse-hire—and + your reckoning, too, at dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Latimer paid that, sir,’ I replied, thinking to soften the matter; but I + had much better have left it unspoken. + </p> + <p> + ‘The reckoning, sir!’ replied my father. ‘And did you sponge upon any man + for a reckoning? Sir, no man should enter the door of a public-house + without paying his lawing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I admit the general rule, sir,’ I replied; ‘but this was a parting-cup + between Darsie and me; and I should conceive it fell under the exception + of DOCH AN DORROCH.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You think yourself a wit,’ said my father, with as near an approach to a + smile as ever he permits to gild the solemnity of his features; ‘but I + reckon you did not eat your dinner standing, like the Jews at their + Passover? and it was decided in a case before the town-bailies of + Cupar-Angus, when Luckie Simpson’s cow had drunk up Luckie Jamieson’s + browst of ale while it stood in the door to cool, that there was no damage + to pay, because the crummie drank without sitting down; such being the + very circumstance constituting DOCH AN DORROCH, which is a standing drink, + for which no reckoning is paid. Ha, sir! what says your advocateship + (FIERI) to that? EXEPTIO FIRMAT REGULAM—But come, fill your glass, + Alan; I am not sorry ye have shown this attention to Darsie Latimer, who + is a good lad, as times go; and having now lived under my roof since he + left the school, why, there is really no great matter in coming under this + small obligation to him.’ + </p> + <p> + As I saw my father’s scruples were much softened by the consciousness of + his superiority in the legal argument, I took care to accept my pardon as + a matter of grace, rather than of justice; and only replied, we should + feel ourselves duller of an evening, now that you were absent. I will give + you my father’s exact words in reply, Darsie. You know him so well, that + they will not offend you; and you are also aware, that there mingles with + the good man’s preciseness and formality, a fund of shrewd observation and + practical good sense. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very true,’ he said; ‘Darsie was a pleasant companion-but over + waggish, over waggish, Alan, and somewhat scatter-brained.—By the + way, Wilkinson must get our ale bottled in English pints now, for a quart + bottle is too much, night after night, for you and me, without his + assistance.—But Darsie, as I was saying, is an arch lad, and + somewhat light in the upper story—I wish him well through the world; + but he has little solidity, Alan, little solidity.’ + </p> + <p> + I scorn to desert an absent friend, Darsie, so I said for you a little + more than my conscience warranted: but your defection from your legal + studies had driven you far to leeward in my father’s good opinion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Unstable as water, he shall not excel,’ said my father; ‘or, as the + Septuagint hath it, EFUSA EST SICUT AQUA—NON CRESCAT. He goeth to + dancing-houses, and readeth novels—SAT EST.’ + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured to parry these texts by observing, that the dancing-houses + amounted only to one night at La Pique’s ball—the novels (so far as + matter of notoriety, Darsie) to an odd volume of TOM JONES. + </p> + <p> + ‘But he danced from night to morning,’ replied my father, ‘and he read the + idle trash, which the author should have been scourged for, at least + twenty times over. It was never out of his hand.’ + </p> + <p> + I then hinted, that in all probability your fortune was now so easy as to + dispense with your prosecuting the law any further than you had done; and + therefore you might think you had some title to amuse yourself. This was + the least palatable argument of all. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he cannot amuse himself with the law,’ said my father, snappishly ‘it + is the worse for him. If he needs not law to teach him to make a fortune, + I am sure he needs it to teach him how to keep one; and it would better + become him to be learning this, than to be scouring the country like a + land-louper, going he knows not where, to see he knows not what, and + giving treats at Noble House to fools like himself’ (an angry glance at + poor me), ‘Noble House, indeed!’ he repeated, with elevated voice and + sneering tone, as if there were something offensive to him in the name, + though I will venture to say that any place in which you had been + extravagant enough to spend five shillings, would have stood as deep in + his reprobation. + </p> + <p> + Mindful of your idea, that my father knows more of your real situation + than he thinks proper to mention, I thought I would hazard a fishing + observation. ‘I did not see,’ I said, ‘how the Scottish law would be + useful to a young gentleman whose fortune would seem to be vested in + England.’—I really thought my father would have beat me. + </p> + <p> + ‘D’ye mean to come round me, sir, PER AMBAGES, as Counsellor Pest says? + What is it to you where Darsie Latimer’s fortune is vested, or whether he + hath any fortune, aye or no? And what ill would the Scottish law do to + him, though he had as much of it as either Stair or Bankton, sir? Is not + the foundation of our municipal law the ancient code of the Roman Empire, + devised at a time when it was so much renowned for its civil polity, sir, + and wisdom? Go to your bed, sir, after your expedition to Noble House, and + see that your lamp be burning and your book before you ere the sun peeps. + ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS—were it not a sin to call the divine science + of the law by the inferior name of art.’ + </p> + <p> + So my lamp did burn, dear Darsie, the next morning, though the owner took + the risk of a domiciliary visitation, and lay snug in bed, trusting its + glimmer might, without further inquiry, be received as sufficient evidence + of his vigilance. And now, upon this the third morning after your + departure, things are but little better; for though the lamp burns in my + den, and VOET ON THE PANDECTS hath his wisdom spread open before me, yet + as I only use him as a reading-desk on which to scribble this sheet of + nonsense to Darsie Latimer, it is probable the vicinity will be of little + furtherance to my studies. + </p> + <p> + And now, methinks, I hear thee call me an affected hypocritical varlet, + who, living under such a system of distrust and restraint as my father + chooses to govern by, nevertheless pretends not to envy you your freedom + and independence. + </p> + <p> + Latimer, I will tell you no lies. I wish my father would allow me a little + more exercise of my free will, were it but that I might feel the pleasure + of doing what would please him of my own accord. A little more spare time, + and a little more money to enjoy it, would, besides, neither misbecome my + age nor my condition; and it is, I own, provoking to see so many in the + same situation winging the air at freedom, while I sit here, caged up like + a cobbler’s linnet, to chant the same unvaried lesson from sunrise to + sunset, not to mention the listening to so many lectures against idleness, + as if I enjoyed or was making use of the means of amusement! But then I + cannot at heart blame either the motive or the object of this severity. + For the motive, it is and can only be my father’s anxious, devoted, and + unremitting affection and zeal for my improvement, with a laudable sense + of the honour of the profession to which he has trained me. + </p> + <p> + As we have no near relations, the tie betwixt us is of even unusual + closeness, though in itself one of the strongest which nature can form. I + am, and have all along been, the exclusive object of my father’s anxious + hopes, and his still more anxious and engrossing fears; so what title have + I to complain, although now and then these fears and hopes lead him to + take a troublesome and incessant charge of all my motions? Besides, I + ought to recollect, and, Darsie, I do recollect, that my father upon + various occasions, has shown that he can be indulgent as well as strict. + The leaving his old apartments in the Luckenbooths was to him like + divorcing the soul from the body; yet Dr. R—— did but hint + that the better air of this new district was more favourable to my health, + as I was then suffering under the penalties of too rapid a growth, when he + exchanged his old and beloved quarters, adjacent to the very Heart of + Midlothian, for one of those new tenements (entire within themselves) + which modern taste has so lately introduced. Instance also the inestimable + favour which he conferred on me by receiving you into his house, when you + had only the unpleasant alternative of remaining, though a grown-up lad, + in the society of mere boys. [The diminutive and obscure place called + Brown’s Square, was hailed about the time of its erection as an extremely + elegant improvement upon the style of designing and erecting Edinburgh + residences. Each house was, in the phrase used by appraisers, ‘finished + within itself,’ or, in the still newer phraseology, ‘self-contained.’ It + was built about the year 1763-4; and the old part of the city being near + and accessible, this square soon received many inhabitants, who ventured + to remove to so moderate a distance from the High Street.] This was a + thing so contrary to all my father’s ideas of seclusion, of economy, and + of the safety to my morals and industry, which he wished to attain, by + preserving me from the society of other young people, that, upon my word, + I am always rather astonished how I should have had the impudence to make + the request, than that he should have complied with it. + </p> + <p> + Then for the object of his solicitude—Do not laugh, or hold up your + hands, my good Darsie; but upon my word I like the profession to which I + am in the course of being educated, and am serious in prosecuting the + preliminary studies. The law is my vocation—in an especial, and, I + may say, in an hereditary way, my vocation; for although I have not the + honour to belong to any of the great families who form in Scotland, as in + France, the noblesse of the robe, and with us, at least, carry their heads + as high, or rather higher, than the noblesse of the sword,—for the + former consist more frequently of the ‘first-born of Egypt,’—yet my + grandfather, who, I dare say, was a most excellent person, had the honour + to sign a bitter protest against the Union, in the respectable character + of town-clerk to the ancient Borough of Birlthegroat; and there is some + reason—shall I say to hope, or to suspect?—that he may have + been a natural son of a first cousin of the then Fairford of that Ilk, who + had been long numbered among the minor barons. Now my father mounted a + step higher on the ladder of legal promotion, being, as you know as well + as I do, an eminent and respected Writer to his Majesty’s Signet; and I + myself am destined to mount a round higher still, and wear the honoured + robe which is sometimes supposed, like Charity, to cover a multitude of + sins. I have, therefore, no choice but to climb upwards; since we have + mounted thus high, or else to fall down at the imminent risk of my neck. + So that I reconcile myself to my destiny; and while you, are looking from + mountain peaks, at distant lakes and firths, I am, DE APICIBUS JURIS, + consoling myself with visions of crimson and scarlet gowns—with the + appendages of handsome cowls, well lined with salary. + </p> + <p> + You smile, Darsie, MORE TUO, and seem to say it is little worth while to + cozen one’s self with such vulgar dreams; yours being, on the contrary, of + a high and heroic character, bearing the same resemblance to mine, that a + bench, covered with purple cloth and plentifully loaded with session + papers, does to some Gothic throne, rough with barbaric pearl and gold. + But what would you have?—SUA QUEMQUE TRAHIT VOLUPTAS. And my visions + of preferment, though they may be as unsubstantial at present, are + nevertheless more capable of being realized, than your aspirations after + the Lord knows what. What says my father’s proverb? ‘Look to a gown of + gold, and you will at least get a sleeve of it.’ Such is my pursuit; but + what dost thou look to? The chance that the mystery, as you call it, which + at present overclouds your birth and connexions, will clear up into + something inexpressibly and inconceivably brilliant; and this without any + effort or exertion of your own, but purely by the goodwill of Fortune. I + know the pride and naughtiness of thy heart, and sincerely do I wish that + thou hadst more beatings to thank me for, than those which thou dost + acknowledge so gratefully. Then had I thumped these Quixotical + expectations out of thee, and thou hadst not, as now, conceived thyself to + be the hero of some romantic history, and converted, in thy vain + imaginations, honest Griffiths, citizen and broker, who never bestows more + than the needful upon his quarterly epistles, into some wise Alexander or + sage Alquife, the mystical and magical protector of thy peerless destiny. + But I know not how it was, thy skull got harder, I think, and my knuckles + became softer; not to mention that at length thou didst begin to show + about thee a spark of something dangerous, which I was bound to respect at + least, if I did not fear it. + </p> + <p> + And while I speak of this, it is not much amiss to advise thee to correct + a little this cock-a-hoop courage of thine. I fear much that, like a + hot-mettled horse, it will carry the owner into some scrape, out of which + he will find it difficult to extricate himself, especially if the daring + spirit which bore thee thither should chance to fail thee at a pinch. + Remember, Darsie, thou art not naturally courageous; on the contrary, we + have long since agreed that, quiet as I am, I have the advantage in this + important particular. My courage consists, I think, in strength of nerves + and constitutional indifference to danger; which, though it never pushes + me on adventure, secures me in full use of my recollection, and tolerably + complete self-possession, when danger actually arrives. Now, thine seems + more what may be called intellectual courage; highness of spirit, and + desire of distinction; impulses which render thee alive to the love of + fame, and deaf to the apprehension of danger, until it forces itself + suddenly upon thee. I own that, whether it is from my having caught my + father’s apprehensions, or that I have reason to entertain doubts of my + own, I often think that this wildfire chase of romantic situation and + adventure may lead thee into some mischief; and then what would become of + Alan Fairford? They might make whom they pleased Lord Advocate or + Solicitor-General, I should never have the heart to strive for it. All my + exertions are intended to Vindicate myself one day in your eyes; and I + think I should not care a farthing for the embroidered silk gown, more + than for an old woman’s apron, unless I had hopes that thou shouldst be + walking the boards to admire, and perhaps to envy me. + </p> + <p> + That this may be the case, I prithee—beware! See not a Dulcinea, in + every slipshod girl, who, with blue eyes, fair hair, a tattered plaid, and + a willow-wand in her grip, drives out the village cows to the loaning. Do + not think you will meet a gallant Valentine in every English rider, or an + Orson in every Highland drover. View things as they are, and not as they + may be magnified through thy teeming fancy. I have seen thee look at an + old gravel pit, till thou madest out capes, and bays, and inlets, crags + and precipices, and the whole stupendous scenery of the Isle of Feroe, in + what was, to all ordinary eyes, a mere horse-pond. Besides, did I not once + find thee gazing with respect at a lizard, in the attitude of one who + looks upon a crocodile? Now this is, doubtless, so far a harmless exercise + of your imagination; for the puddle cannot drown you, nor the Lilliputian + alligator eat you up. But it is different in society, where you cannot + mistake the character of those you converse with, or suffer your fancy to + exaggerate their qualities, good or bad, without exposing yourself not + only to ridicule, but to great and serious inconveniences. Keep guard, + therefore, on your imagination, my dear Darsie; and let your old friend + assure you, it is the point of your character most pregnant with peril to + its good and generous owner. Adieu! let not the franks of the worthy peer + remain unemployed; above all, SIS MEMOR MEI. A. F. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER III + </h2> + <h3> + DARSIE LATIMER TO ALAN FAIRFORD + </h3> + <p> + SHEPHERD’S BUSH. + </p> + <p> + I have received thine absurd and most conceited epistle. It is well for + thee that, Lovelace and Belford-like, we came under a convention to pardon + every species of liberty which we may take with each other; since, upon my + word, there are some reflections in your last which would otherwise have + obliged me to return forthwith to Edinburgh, merely to show you I was not + what you took me for. + </p> + <p> + Why, what a pair of prigs hast thou made of us! I plunging into scrapes, + without having courage to get out of them—thy sagacious self, afraid + to put one foot before the other, lest it should run away from its + companion; and so standing still like a post, out of mere faintness and + coldness of heart, while all the world were driving full speed past thee. + Thou a portrait-painter! I tell thee, Alan, I have seen a better seated on + the fourth round of a ladder, and painting a bare-breeched Highlander, + holding a pint-stoup as big as himself, and a booted Lowlander, in a + bobwig, supporting a glass of like dimensions; the whole being designed to + represent the sign of the Salutation. + </p> + <p> + How hadst thou the heart to represent thine own individual self, with all + thy motions, like those of a great Dutch doll, depending on the pressure + of certain springs, as duty, reflection, and the like; without the impulse + of which, thou wouldst doubtless have me believe thou wouldst not budge an + inch! But have I not seen Gravity out of his bed at midnight? and must I, + in plain terms, remind thee of certain mad pranks? Thou hadst ever, with + the gravest sentiments in thy mouth and the most starched reserve in thy + manner, a kind of lumbering proclivity towards mischief, although with + more inclination to set it a-going than address to carry it through; and I + cannot but chuckle internally, when I think of having seen my most + venerable monitor, the future president of some high Scottish court, + puffing, blowing, and floundering, like a clumsy cart-horse in a bog where + his efforts to extricate himself only plunged him deeper at every awkward + struggle, till some one—I myself, for example—took compassion + on the moaning monster, and dragged him out by mane and tail. + </p> + <p> + As for me, my portrait is, if possible, even more scandalously + caricatured, I fail or quail in spirit at the upcome! Where canst thou + show me the least symptom of the recreant temper, with which thou hast + invested me (as I trust) merely to set off the solid and impassible + dignity of thine own stupid indifference? If you ever saw me tremble, be + assured that my flesh, like that of the old Spanish general, only quaked + at the dangers into which my spirit was about to lead it. Seriously, Alan, + this imputed poverty of spirit is a shabby charge to bring against your + friend. I have examined myself as closely as I can, being, in very truth, + a little hurt at your having such hard thoughts of me, and on my life I + can see no reason for them. I allow you have, perhaps, some advantage of + me in the steadiness and indifference of your temper; but I should despise + myself, if I were conscious of the deficiency in courage which you seem + willing enough to impute to me. However, I suppose, this ungracious hint + proceeds from sincere anxiety for my safety; and so viewing it, I swallow + it as I would do medicine from a friendly doctor, although I believed in + my heart he had mistaken my complaint. + </p> + <p> + This offensive insinuation disposed of, I thank thee, Alan, for the rest + of thy epistle. I thought I heard your good father pronouncing the word + Noble House, with a mixture of contempt and displeasure, as if the very + name of the poor little hamlet were odious to him, or as if you had + selected, out of all Scotland, the very place at which you had no call to + dine. But if he had had any particular aversion to that blameless village + and very sorry inn, is it not his own fault that I did not accept the + invitation of the Laird of Glengallacher, to shoot a buck in what he + emphatically calls ‘his country’? Truth is, I had a strong desire to have + complied with his lairdship’s invitation. To shoot a buck! Think how + magnificent an idea to one who never shot anything but hedge-sparrows, and + that with a horse-pistol purchased at a broker’s stand in the Cowgate! + You, who stand upon your courage, may remember that I took the risk of + firing the said pistol for the first time, while you stood at twenty + yards’ distance; and that, when you were persuaded it would go off without + bursting, forgetting all law but that of the biggest and strongest, you + possessed yourself of it exclusively for the rest of the holidays. Such a + day’s sport was no complete introduction to the noble art of + deer-stalking, as it is practised in the Highlands; but I should not have + scrupled to accept honest Glengallacher’s invitation, at the risk of + firing a rifle for the first time, had it not been for the outcry which + your father made at my proposal, in the full ardour of his zeal for King + George, the Hanover succession, and the Presbyterian faith. I wish I had + stood out, since I have gained so little upon his good opinion by + submission. All his impressions concerning the Highlanders are taken from + the recollections of the Forty-five, when he retreated from the West Port + with his brother volunteers, each to the fortalice of his own separate + dwelling, so soon as they heard the Adventurer was arrived with his clans + as near them as Kirkliston. The flight of Falkirk—PARMA NON BENE + SELECTA—in which I think your sire had his share with the undaunted + western regiment, does not seem to have improved his taste for the company + of the Highlanders; (quaere, Alan, dost thou derive the courage thou + makest such boast of from an hereditary source?) and stories of Rob Roy + Macgregor, and Sergeant Alan Mhor Cameron, have served to paint them in + still more sable colours to his imagination. [Of Rob Roy we have had more + than enough. Alan Cameron, commonly called Sergeant Mhor, a freebooter of + the same period, was equally remarkable for strength, courage, and + generosity.] + </p> + <p> + Now, from all I can understand, these ideas, as applied to the present + state of the country, are absolutely chimerical. The Pretender is no more + remembered in the Highlands than if the poor gentleman were gathered to + his hundred and eight fathers, whose portraits adorn the ancient walls of + Holyrood; the broadswords have passed into other hands; the targets are + used to cover the butter churns; and the race has sunk, or is fast + sinking, from ruffling bullies into tame cheaters. Indeed, it was partly + my conviction that there is little to be seen in the north, which, + arriving at your father’s conclusions, though from different premisses, + inclined my course in this direction, where perhaps I shall see as little. + </p> + <p> + One thing, however, I HAVE seen; and it was with pleasure the more + indescribable, that I was debarred from treading the land which my eyes + were permitted to gaze upon, like those of the dying prophet from top of + Mount Pisgah,—I have seen, in a word, the fruitful shores of merry + England; merry England! of which I boast myself a native, and on which I + gaze, even while raging floods and unstable quicksands divide us, with the + filial affection of a dutiful son. + </p> + <p> + Thou canst not have forgotten, Alan—for when didst thou ever forget + what was interesting to thy friend?—that the same letter from my + friend Griffiths, which doubled my income, and placed my motions at my own + free disposal, contained a prohibitory clause, by which, reason none + assigned, I was prohibited, as I respected my present safety and future + fortunes, from visiting England; every other part of the British + dominions, and a tour, if I pleased, on the Continent, being left to my + own choice.—Where is the tale, Alan, of a covered dish in the midst + of a royal banquet, upon which the eyes of every guest were immediately + fixed, neglecting all the dainties with which the table was loaded? This + cause of banishment from England—from my native country—from + the land of the brave, and the wise, and the free—affects me more + than I am rejoiced by the freedom and independence assigned to me in all + other respects. Thus, in seeking this extreme boundary of the country + which I am forbidden to tread, I resemble the poor tethered horse, which, + you may have observed, is always grazing on the very verge of the circle + to which it is limited by its halter. + </p> + <p> + Do not accuse me of romance for obeying this impulse towards the South; + nor suppose that, to satisfy the imaginary longing of an idle curiosity, I + am in any danger of risking the solid comforts of my present condition. + Whoever has hitherto taken charge of my motions has shown me, by + convincing proofs more weighty than the assurances which they have + witheld, that my real advantage is their principal object. I should be, + therefore, worse than a fool did I object to their authority, even when it + seems somewhat capriciously exercised; for assuredly, at my age, I might—intrusted + as I am with the care and management of myself in every other particular—expect + that the cause of excluding me from England should be frankly and fairly + stated for my own consideration and guidance. However, I will not grumble + about the matter. I shall know the whole story one day, I suppose; and + perhaps, as you sometimes surmise, I shall not find there is any mighty + matter in it after all. + </p> + <p> + Yet one cannot help wondering—but plague on it, if I wonder any + longer, my letter will be as full of wonders as one of Katterfelto’s + advertisements. I have a month’s mind, instead of this damnable iteration + of guesses and forebodings, to give thee the history of a little adventure + which befell me yesterday; though I am sure you will, as usual, turn the + opposite side of the spyglass on my poor narrative, and reduce, MORE TUO, + to the most petty trivialities, the circumstance to which thou accusest me + of giving undue consequence. Hang thee, Alan, thou art as unfit a + confidant for a youthful gallant with some spice of imagination, as the + old taciturn secretary of Facardin of Trebizond. Nevertheless, we must + each perform our separate destinies. I am doomed to see, act, and tell; + thou, like a Dutchman enclosed in the same diligence with a Gascon, to + hear, and shrug thy shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Of Dumfries, the capital town of this county, I have but little to say, + and will not abuse your patience by reminding you that it is built on the + gallant river Nith, and that its churchyard, the highest place of the old + town, commands an extensive and fine prospect. Neither will I take the + traveller’s privilege of inflicting upon you the whole history of Bruce + poniarding the Red Comyn in the Church of the Dominicans at this place, + and becoming a king and patriot because he had been a church-breaker and a + murderer. The present Dumfriezers remember and justify the deed, observing + it was only a papist church—in evidence whereof, its walls have been + so completely demolished that no vestiges of them remain. They are a + sturdy set of true-blue Presbyterians, these burghers of Dumfries; men + after your father’s own heart, zealous for the Protestant succession—the + rather that many of the great families around are suspected to be of a + different way of thinking, and shared, a great many of them, in the + insurrection of the Fifteen, and some in the more recent business of the + Forty-five. The town itself suffered in the latter era; for Lord Elcho, + with a large party of the rebels, levied a severe contribution upon + Dumfries, on account of the citizens having annoyed the rear of the + Chevalier during his march into England. + </p> + <p> + Many of these particulars I learned from Provost C—, who, happening + to see me in the market-place, remembered that I was an intimate of your + father’s, and very kindly asked me to dinner. Pray tell your father that + the effects of his kindness to me follow me everywhere. I became tired, + however, of this pretty town in the course of twenty-four hours, and crept + along the coast eastwards, amusing myself with looking out for objects of + antiquity, and sometimes making, or attempting to make, use of my new + angling-rod. By the way, old Cotton’s instructions, by which I hoped to + qualify myself for one of the gentle society of anglers, are not worth a + farthing for this meridian. I learned this by mere accident, after I had + waited four mortal hours. I shall never forget an impudent urchin, a + cowherd, about twelve years old, without either brogue or bonnet, + barelegged, and with a very indifferent pair of breeches—how the + villain grinned in scorn at my landing-net, my plummet, and the gorgeous + jury of flies which I had assembled to destroy all the fish in the river. + I was induced at last to lend the rod to the sneering scoundrel, to see + what he would make of it; and he had not only half filled my basket in an + hour, but literally taught me to kill two trouts with my own hand. This, + and Sam having found the hay and oats, not forgetting the ale, very good + at this small inn, first made me take the fancy of resting here for a day + or two; and I have got my grinning blackguard of a piscator leave to + attend on me, by paying sixpence a day for a herd-boy in his stead. + </p> + <p> + A notably clean Englishwoman keeps this small house, and my bedroom is + sweetened with lavender, has a clean sash-window, and the walls are, + moreover, adorned with ballads of Fair Rosamond and Cruel Barbara Allan. + The woman’s accent, though uncouth enough, sounds yet kindly in my ear; + for I have never yet forgotten the desolate effect produced on my infant + organs, when I heard on all sides your slow and broad northern + pronunciation, which was to me the tone of a foreign land. I am sensible I + myself have since that time acquired Scotch in perfection, and many a + Scotticism withal. Still the sound of the English accentuation comes to my + ears as the tones of a friend; and even when heard from the mouth of some + wandering beggar, it has seldom failed to charm forth my mite. You Scotch, + who are so proud of your own nationality, must make due allowance for that + of other folks. + </p> + <p> + On the next morning I was about to set forth to the stream where I had + commenced angler the night before, but was prevented by a heavy shower of + rain from stirring abroad the whole forenoon; during all which time, I + heard my varlet of a guide as loud with his blackguard jokes in the + kitchen, as a footman in the shilling gallery; so little are modesty and + innocence the inseparable companions of rusticity and seclusion. + </p> + <p> + When after dinner the day cleared, and we at length sallied out to the + river side, I found myself subjected to a new trick on the part of my + accomplished preceptor. Apparently, he liked fishing himself better than + the trouble of instructing an awkward novice such as I; and in hopes of + exhausting my patience, and inducing me to resign the rod, as I had done + the preceding day, my friend contrived to keep me thrashing the water more + than an hour with a pointless hook. I detected this trick at last, by + observing the rogue grinning with delight when he saw a large trout rise + and dash harmless away from the angle. I gave him a sound cuff, Alan; but + the next moment was sorry, and, to make amends, yielded possession of the + fishing-rod for the rest of the evening, he undertaking to bring me home a + dish of trouts for my supper, in atonement for his offences. + </p> + <p> + Having thus got honourably rid of the trouble of amusing myself in a way I + cared not for, I turned my steps towards the sea, or rather the Solway + Firth which here separates the two sister kingdoms, and which lay at about + a mile’s distance, by a pleasant walk over sandy knells, covered with + short herbage, which you call Links, and we English, Downs. + </p> + <p> + But the rest of my adventure would weary out my fingers, and must be + deferred until to-morrow, when you shall hear from me, by way of + continuation; and, in the meanwhile, to prevent over-hasty conclusions, I + must just hint to you, we are but yet on the verge of the adventure which + it is my purpose to communicate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + THE SAME TO THE SAME + </h3> + <p> + SHEPHERD’S BUSH. + </p> + <p> + I mentioned in my last, that having abandoned my fishing-rod as an + unprofitable implement, I crossed over the open downs which divided me + from the margin of the Solway. When I reached the banks of the great + estuary, which are here very bare and exposed, the waters had receded from + the large and level space of sand, through which a stream, now feeble and + fordable, found its way to the ocean. The whole was illuminated by the + beams of the low and setting sun, who showed his ruddy front, like a + warrior prepared for defence, over a huge battlemented and turreted wall + of crimson and black clouds, which appeared like an immense Gothic + fortress, into which the lord of day was descending. His setting rays + glimmered bright upon the wet surface of the sands, and the numberless + pools of water by which it was covered, where the inequality of the ground + had occasioned their being left by the tide. + </p> + <p> + The scene was animated by the exertions of a number of horsemen, who were + actually employed in hunting salmon. Aye, Alan, lift up your hands and + eyes as you will, I can give their mode of fishing no name so appropriate; + for they chased the fish at full gallop, and struck them with their barbed + spears, as you see hunters spearing boars in the old tapestry. The salmon, + to be sure, take the thing more quietly than the boars; but they are so + swift in their own element, that to pursue and strike them is the task of + a good horseman, with a quick eye, a determined hand, and full command + both of his horse and weapon. The shouts of the fellows as they galloped + up and down in the animating exercise—their loud bursts of laughter + when any of their number caught a fall—and still louder acclamations + when any of the party made a capital stroke with his lance—gave so + much animation to the whole scene, that I caught the enthusiasm of the + sport, and ventured forward a considerable space on the sands. The feats + of one horseman, in particular, called forth so repeatedly the clamorous + applause of his companions, that the very banks rang again with their + shouts. He was a tall man, well mounted on a strong black horse, which he + caused to turn and wind like a bird in the air, carried a longer spear + than the others, and wore a sort of fur cap or bonnet, with a short + feather in it, which gave him on the whole rather a superior appearance to + the other fishermen. He seemed to hold some sort of authority among them, + and occasionally directed their motions both by voice and hand: at which + times I thought his gestures were striking, and his voice uncommonly + sonorous and commanding. + </p> + <p> + The riders began to make for the shore, and the interest of the scene was + almost over, while I lingered on the sands, with my looks turned to the + shores of England, still gilded by the sun’s last rays, and, as it seemed, + scarce distant a mile from me. The anxious thoughts which haunt me began + to muster in my bosom, and my feet slowly and insensibly approached the + river which divided me from the forbidden precincts, though without any + formed intention, when my steps were arrested by the sound of a horse + galloping; and as I turned, the rider (the same fisherman whom I had + formerly distinguished) called out to me, in an abrupt manner, ‘Soho, + brother! you are too late for Bowness to-night—the tide will make + presently.’ + </p> + <p> + I turned my head and looked at him without answering; for, to my thinking, + his sudden appearance (or rather, I should say, his unexpected approach) + had, amidst the gathering shadows and lingering light, something in it + which was wild and ominous. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you deaf?’ he added—‘or are you mad?—or have you a mind + for the next world?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a stranger,’ I answered,’ and had no other purpose than looking on + at the fishing—I am about to return to the side I came from.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Best make haste then,’ said he. ‘He that dreams on the bed of the Solway, + may wake in the next world. The sky threatens a blast that will bring in + the waves three feet abreast.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he turned his horse and rode off, while I began to walk back + towards the Scottish shore, a little alarmed at what I had heard; for the + tide advances with such rapidity upon these fatal sands, that well-mounted + horsemen lay aside hopes of safety, if they see its white surge advancing + while they are yet at a distance from the bank. + </p> + <p> + These recollections grew more agitating, and, instead of walking + deliberately, I began a race as fast as I could, feeling, or thinking I + felt, each pool of salt water through which I splashed, grow deeper and + deeper. At length the surface of the sand did seem considerably more + intersected with pools and channels full of water—either that the + tide was really beginning to influence the bed of the estuary, or, as I + must own is equally probable, that I had, in the hurry and confusion of my + retreat, involved myself in difficulties which I had avoided in my more + deliberate advance. Either way, it was rather an unpromising state of + affairs, for the sands at the same time turned softer, and my footsteps, + so soon as I had passed, were instantly filled with water. I began to have + odd recollections concerning the snugness of your father’s parlour, and + the secure footing afforded by the pavement of Brown’s Square and Scott’s + Close, when my better genius, the tall fisherman, appeared once more close + to my side, he and his sable horse looming gigantic in the now darkening + twilight. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you mad?’ he said, in the same deep tone which had before thrilled on + my ear, ‘or are you weary of your life? You will be presently amongst the + quicksands.’ I professed my ignorance of the way, to which he only + replied, ‘There is no time for prating—get up behind me.’ + </p> + <p> + He probably expected me to spring from the ground with the activity which + these Borderers have, by constant practice, acquired in everything + relating to horsemanship; but as I stood irresolute, he extended his hand, + and grasping mine, bid me place my foot on the toe of his boot, and thus + raised me in a trice to the croupe of his horse. I was scarcely securely + seated, ere he shook the reins of his horse, who instantly sprang forward; + but annoyed, doubtless, by the unusual burden, treated us to two or three + bounds, accompanied by as many flourishes of his hind heels. The rider sat + like a tower, notwithstanding that the unexpected plunging of the animal + threw me forward upon him. The horse was soon compelled to submit to the + discipline of the spur and bridle, and went off at a steady hand gallop; + thus shortening the devious, for it was by no means a direct path, by + which the rider, avoiding the loose quicksands, made for the northern + bank. + </p> + <p> + My friend, perhaps I may call him my preserver,—for, to a stranger, + my situation was fraught with real danger,—continued to press on at + the same speedy pace, but in perfect silence, and I was under too much + anxiety of mind to disturb him with any questions. At length we arrived at + a part of the shore with which I was utterly unacquainted, when I alighted + and began to return in the best fashion I could my thanks for the + important service which he had just rendered me. + </p> + <p> + The stranger only replied by an impatient ‘pshaw!’ and was about to ride + off, and leave me to my own resources when I implored him to complete his + work of kindness by directing me to Shepherd’s Bush, which was, as I + informed him, my home for the present. + </p> + <p> + ‘To Shepherd’s Bush?’ he said; ‘it is but three miles but if you know not + the land better than the sand, you may break your neck before you get + there; for it is no road for a moping boy in a dark night; and, besides, + there are the brook and the fens to cross.’ + </p> + <p> + I was a little dismayed at this communication of such difficulties as my + habits had not called on me to contend with. Once more the idea of thy + father’s fireside came across me; and I could have been well contented to + have swapped the romance of my situation, together with the glorious + independence of control which I possessed at the moment, for the comforts + of that chimney-corner, though I were obliged to keep my eyes chained to + Erskine’s LARGER INSTITUTES. + </p> + <p> + I asked my new friend whether he could not direct me to any house of + public entertainment for the night; and supposing it probable he was + himself a poor man, I added, with the conscious dignity of a well-filled + pocket-book, that I could make it worth any man’s while to oblige me. The + fisherman making no answer, I turned away from him with as gallant an + appearance of indifference as I could command, and began to take, as I + thought, the path which he had pointed out to me. + </p> + <p> + His deep voice immediately sounded after me to recall me. ‘Stay, young + man, stay—you have mistaken the road already.—I wonder your + friends sent out such an inconsiderate youth, without some one wiser than + himself to take care of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps they might not have done so,’ said I, ‘if I had any friends who + cared about the matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, sir,’ he said, ‘it is not my custom to open my house to strangers, + but your pinch is like to be a smart one; for, besides the risk from bad + roads, fords, and broken ground, and the night, which looks both black and + gloomy, there is bad company on the road sometimes—at least it has a + bad name, and some have come to harm; so that I think I must for once make + my rule give way to your necessity, and give you a night’s lodging in my + cottage. + </p> + <p> + Why was it, Alan, that I could not help giving an involuntary shudder at + receiving an invitation so seasonable in itself, and so suitable to my + naturally inquisitive disposition? I easily suppressed this untimely + sensation; and as I returned thanks, and expressed my hope that I should + not disarrange, his family, I once more dropped a hint of my desire to + make compensation for any trouble I might occasion. The man answered very + coldly, ‘Your presence will no doubt give me trouble, sir, but it is of a + kind which your purse, cannot compensate; in a word, although I am content + to receive you as my guest, I am no publican to call a reckoning.’ + </p> + <p> + I begged his pardon, and, at his instance, once more seated myself behind + hint upon the good horse, which went forth steady as before—the + moon, whenever she could penetrate the clouds, throwing the huge shadow of + the animal, with its double burden, on the wild and bare ground over which + we passed. + </p> + <p> + Thou mayst laugh till thou lettest the letter fall, if thou wilt, but it + reminded me of the magician Atlantes on his hippogriff with a knight + trussed up behind him, in the manner Ariosto has depicted that matter. + Thou art I know, matter-of-fact enough to affect contempt of that + fascinating and delicious poem; but think not that, to conform with thy + bad taste, I shall forbear any suitable illustration which now or + hereafter may occur to me. + </p> + <p> + On we went, the sky blackening around us, and the wind beginning to pipe + such a wild and melancholy tune as best suited the hollow sounds of the + advancing tide, which I could hear at a distance, like the roar of some + immense monster defrauded of its prey. + </p> + <p> + At length, our course was crossed by a deep dell or dingle, such as they + call in some parts of Scotland a den, and in others a cleuch or narrow + glen. It seemed, by the broken glances which the moon continued to throw + upon it, to be steep, precipitous, and full of trees, which are, generally + speaking, rather scarce upon these shores. The descent by which we plunged + into this dell was both steep and rugged, with two or three abrupt + turnings; but neither danger nor darkness impeded the motion of the black + horse, who seemed rather to slide upon his haunches, than to gallop down + the pass, throwing me again on the shoulders of the athletic rider, who, + sustaining no inconvenience by the circumstance, continued to press the + horse forward with his heel, steadily supporting him at the same time by + raising his bridle-hand, until we stood in safety at the bottom of the + steep—not a little to my consolation, as, friend Alan, thou mayst + easily conceive. + </p> + <p> + A very short advance up the glen, the bottom of which we had attained by + this ugly descent, brought us in front of two or three cottages, one of + which another blink of moonshine enabled me to rate as rather better than + those of the Scottish peasantry in this part of the world; for the sashes + seemed glazed, and there were what are called storm-windows in the roof, + giving symptoms of the magnificence of a second story. The scene around + was very interesting; for the cottages, and the yards or crofts annexed to + them, occupied a haugh, or helm, of two acres, which a brook of some + consequence (to judge from its roar) had left upon one side of the little + glen while finding its course close to the farther bank, and which + appeared to be covered and darkened with trees, while the level space + beneath enjoyed such stormy smiles as the moon had that night to bestow. + </p> + <p> + I had little time for observation, for my companion’s loud whistle, + seconded by an equally loud halloo, speedily brought to the door of the + principal cottage a man and a woman, together with two large Newfoundland + dogs, the deep baying of which I had for some time heard. A yelping + terrier or two, which had joined the concert, were silent at the presence + of my conductor, and began to whine, jump up, and fawn upon him. The + female drew back when she beheld a stranger; the man, who had a lighted + lantern, advanced, and, without any observation, received the horse from + my host, and led him, doubtless, to stable, while I followed my conductor + into the house. When we had passed the HALLAN, [The partition which + divides a Scottish cottage.] we entered a well-sized apartment, with a + clean brick floor, where a fire blazed (much to my contentment) in the + ordinary projecting sort of a chimney, common in Scottish houses. There + were stone seats within the chimney; and ordinary utensils, mixed with + fishing-spears, nets, and similar implements of sport, were hung around + the walls of the place. The female who had first appeared at the door, had + now retreated into a side apartment. She was presently followed by my + guide, after he had silently motioned me to a seat; and their place was + supplied by an elderly woman, in a grey stuff gown, with a check apron and + toy, obviously a menial, though neater in her dress than is usual in her + apparent rank—an advantage which was counterbalanced by a very + forbidding aspect. But the most singular part of her attire, in this very + Protestant country, was a rosary, in which the smaller beads were black + oak, and those indicating the PATER-NOSTER of silver, with a crucifix of + the same metal. + </p> + <p> + This person made preparations for supper, by spreading a clean though + coarse cloth over a large oaken table, placing trenchers and salt upon it, + and arranging the fire to receive a gridiron. I observed her motions in + silence; for she took no sort of notice of me, and as her looks were + singularly forbidding, I felt no disposition to commence conversation. + </p> + <p> + When this duenna had made all preliminary arrangements, she took from the + well-filled pouch of my conductor, which he had hung up by the door, one + or two salmon, or GRILSES, as the smaller sort are termed, and selecting + that which seemed best and in highest season, began to cut it into slices, + and to prepare a GRILLADE; the savoury smell of which affected me so + powerfully that I began sincerely to hope that no delay would intervene + between the platter and the lip. + </p> + <p> + As this thought came across me, the man who had conducted the horse to the + stable entered the apartment, and discovered to me a countenance yet more + uninviting than that of the old crone who was performing with such + dexterity the office of cook to the party. He was perhaps sixty years old; + yet his brow was not much furrowed, and his jet-black hair was only + grizzled, not whitened, by the advance of age. All his motions spoke + strength unabated; and, though rather undersized, he had very broad + shoulders, was square-made, thin-flanked, and apparently combined in his + frame muscular strength and activity; the last somewhat impaired perhaps + by years, but the first remaining in full vigour. A hard and harsh + countenance—eyes far sunk under projecting eyebrows, which were + grizzled like his hair—a wide mouth, furnished from ear to ear with + it range of unimpaired teeth, of uncommon whiteness, and a size and + breadth which might have become the jaws of an ogre, completed this + delightful portrait. He was clad like a fisherman, in jacket and trousers + of the blue cloth commonly used by seamen, and had a Dutch case-knife, + like that of a Hamburgh skipper, stuck into a broad buff belt, which + seemed as if it might occasionally sustain weapons of a description still + less equivocally calculated for violence. + </p> + <p> + This man gave me an inquisitive, and, as I thought, a sinister look upon + entering the apartment; but without any further notice of me, took up the + office of arranging the table, which the old lady had abandoned for that + of cooking the fish, and, with more address than I expected from a person + of his coarse appearance, placed two chairs at the head of the table, and + two stools below; accommodating each seat to a cover, beside which he + placed an allowance of barley-bread, and a small jug, which he replenished + with ale from a large black jack. Three of these jugs were of ordinary + earthenware, but the fourth, which he placed by the right-hand cover at, + the upper end of the table, was a flagon of silver, and displayed armorial + bearings. Beside this flagon he placed a salt-cellar of silver, handsomely + wrought, containing salt of exquisite whiteness, with pepper and other + spices. A sliced lemon was also presented on a small silver salver. The + two large water-dogs, who seemed perfectly to understand the nature of the + preparations, seated themselves one on each side of the table, to be ready + to receive their portion of the entertainment. I never saw finer animals, + or which seemed to be more influenced by a sense of decorum, excepting + that they slobbered a little as the rich scent from the chimney was wafted + past their noses. The small dogs ensconced themselves beneath the table. + </p> + <p> + I am aware that I am dwelling upon trivial and ordinary circumstances, and + that perhaps I may weary out your patience in doing so. But conceive me + alone in this strange place, which seemed, from the universal silence, to + be the very temple of Harpocrates—remember that this is my first + excursion from home—forget not that the manner in which I had been + brought hither had the dignity of danger and something the air of an + adventure, and that there was a mysterious incongruity in all I had + hitherto witnessed; and you will not, I think, be surprised that these + circumstances, though trifling, should force themselves on my notice at + the time, and dwell in my memory afterwards. + </p> + <p> + That a fisher, who pursued the sport perhaps for his amusement as well as + profit, should be well mounted and better lodged than the lower class of + peasantry, had in it nothing surprising; but there was something about all + that I saw which seemed to intimate that I was rather in the abode of a + decayed gentleman, who clung to a few of the forms and observances of + former rank, than in that of a common peasant, raised above his fellows by + comparative opulence. + </p> + <p> + Besides the articles of plate which I have already noticed, the old man + now lighted and placed on the table a silver lamp, or CRUISIE as the + Scottish term it, filled with very pure oil, which in burning diffused an + aromatic fragrance, and gave me a more perfect view of the cottage walls, + which I had hitherto only seen dimly by the light of the fire. The BINK + [The frame of wooden shelves placed in a Scottish kitchen for holding + plates.] with its usual arrangement of pewter and earthenware, which was + most strictly and critically clean, glanced back the flame of the lamp + merrily from one side of the apartment. In a recess, formed by the small + bow of a latticed window, was a large writing-desk of walnut-tree wood, + curiously carved, above which arose shelves of the same, which supported a + few books and papers. The opposite side of the recess contained (as far as + I could discern, for it lay in shadow, and I could at any rate have seen + it but imperfectly from the place where I was seated) one or two guns, + together with swords, pistols, and other arms a collection which, in a + poor cottage, and in a country so peaceful, appeared singular at least, if + not even somewhat suspicious. + </p> + <p> + All these observations, you may suppose, were made much sooner than I have + recorded, or you (if you have not skipped) have been able to read them. + They were already finished, and I was considering how I should open some + communication with the mute inhabitants of the mansion, when my conductor + re-entered from the side-door by which he had made his exit. + </p> + <p> + He had now thrown off his rough riding-cap, and his coarse jockey-coat, + And stood before me in a grey jerkin trimmed with black, which sat close + to, and set off, his large and sinewy frame, and a pair of trousers of a + lighter colour, cut as close to the body as they are used by Highlandmen. + His whole dress was of finer cloth than that of the old man; and his + linen, so minute was my observation, clean and unsullied. His shirt was + without ruffles, and tied at the collar with a black ribbon, which showed + his strong and muscular neck rising from it like that of an ancient + Hercules. His head was small, with a large forehead, and well-formed ears. + He wore neither peruke nor hair-powder; and his chestnut locks, curling + close to his head like those of an antique statue, showed not the least + touch of time, though the owner must have been at least fifty. His + features were high and prominent in such a degree that one knew not + whether to term them harsh or handsome. In either case, the sparkling grey + eye, aquiline nose, and well-formed mouth, combined to render his + physiognomy noble and expressive. An air of sadness, or severity, or of + both, seemed to indicate a melancholy, and, at the same time, a haughty + temper. I could not help running mentally over the ancient heroes, to whom + I might assimilate the noble form and countenance before me. He was too + young, and evinced too little resignation to his fate, to resemble + Belisarius. Coriolanus, standing by the hearth of Tullus Aufidius, came + nearer the mark; yet the gloomy and haughty look of the stranger had, + perhaps, still more of Marius, seated among the ruins of Carthage. + </p> + <p> + While I was lost in these imaginations, my host stood by the fire, gazing + on me with the same attention which I paid to him, until, embarrassed by + his look, I was about to break silence at all hazards. But the supper, now + placed upon the table, reminded me, by its appearance, of those wants + which I had almost forgotten while I was gazing on the fine form of my + conductor. He spoke at length, and I almost started at the deep rich tone + of his voice, though what he said was but to invite me to sit down to the + table. He himself assumed the seat of honour, beside which the silver + flagon was placed, and beckoned to me to sit down beside him. + </p> + <p> + Thou knowest thy father’s strict and excellent domestic discipline has + trained me to bear the invocation of a blessing before we break the daily + bread, for which we are taught to pray—I paused a moment, and, + without designing to do so, I suppose my manner made him sensible of what + I expected. The two domestics or inferiors, as I should have before + observed, were already seated at the bottom of the table, when my host + shot a glance of a very peculiar expression towards the old man, + observing, with something approaching to a sneer, ‘Cristal Nixon, say + grace—the gentleman expects one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The foul fiend shall be clerk, and say amen, when I turn chaplain,’ + growled out the party addressed, in tones which might have become the + condition of a dying bear; ‘if the gentleman is a whig, he may please + himself with his own mummery. My faith is neither in word nor writ, but in + barley-bread and brown ale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mabel Moffat,’ said my guide, looking at the old woman, and raising his + sonorous voice, probably because she was hard of hearing, ‘canst thou ask + a blessing upon our victuals?’ + </p> + <p> + The old woman shook her head, kissed the cross which hung from her rosary, + and was silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mabel will say grace for no heretic,’ said the master of the house, with + the same latent sneer on his brow and in his accent. + </p> + <p> + At the same moment, the side-door already mentioned opened, and the young + woman (so she proved) whom I had first seen at the door of the cottage, + advanced a little way into the room, then stopped bashfully, as if she had + observed that I was looking at her, and asked the master of the house, ‘if + he had called?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not louder than to make old Mabel hear me,’ he replied; ‘and yet,’ be + added, as she turned to retire, ‘it is a shame a stranger should see a + house where not one of the family can or will say a grace—do thou be + our chaplain.’ + </p> + <p> + The girl, who was really pretty, came forward with timid modesty, and, + apparently unconscious that she was doing anything uncommon, pronounced + the benediction in a silver-toned voice, and with affecting simplicity—her + cheek colouring just so much as to show that on a less solemn occasion she + would have felt more embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + Now, if thou expectest a fine description of this young woman, Alan + Fairford, in order to entitle thee to taunt me with having found a + Dulcinea in the inhabitant of a fisherman’s cottage on the Solway Firth, + thou shalt be disappointed; for, having said she seemed very pretty, and + that she was a sweet and gentle-speaking creature, I have said all + concerning her that I can tell thee. She vanished when the benediction was + spoken. + </p> + <p> + My host, with a muttered remark on the cold of our ride, and the keen air + of the Solway Sands, to which he did not seem to wish an answer, loaded my + plate from Mabel’s grillade, which, with a large wooden bowl of potatoes, + formed our whole meal. A sprinkling from the lemon gave a much higher zest + than the usual condiment of vinegar; and I promise you that whatever I + might hitherto have felt, either of curiosity or suspicion, did not + prevent me from making a most excellent supper, during which little passed + betwixt me and my entertainer, unless that he did the usual honours of the + table with courtesy, indeed, but without even the affectation of hearty + hospitality, which those in his (apparent) condition generally affect on + such occasions, even when they do not actually feel it. On the contrary, + his manner seemed that of a polished landlord towards an unexpected and + unwelcome guest, whom, for the sake of his own credit, he receives with + civility, but without either goodwill or cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + If you ask how I learned all this, I cannot tell you; nor, were I to write + down at length the insignificant intercourse which took place between us, + would it perhaps serve to justify these observations. It is sufficient to + say, that in helping his dogs, which he did from time to time with great + liberality, he seemed to discharge a duty much more pleasing to himself, + than when he paid the same attention to his guest. Upon the whole, the + result on my mind was as I tell it you. + </p> + <p> + When supper was over, a small case-bottle of brandy, in a curious frame of + silver filigree, circulated to the guests. I had already taken a small + glass of the liquor, and, when it had passed to Mabel and to Cristal and + was again returned to the upper end of the table, I could not help taking + the bottle in my hand, to look more at the armorial bearings which were + chased with considerable taste on the silver framework. Encountering the + eye of my entertainer, I instantly saw that my curiosity was highly + distasteful; he frowned, bit his lip, and showed such uncontrollable signs + of impatience, that, setting the bottle immediately down, I attempted some + apology. To this he did not deign either to reply, or even to listen; and + Cristal, at a signal from his master, removed the object of my curiosity, + as well as the cup, upon which the same arms were engraved. + </p> + <p> + Then ensued an awkward pause, which I endeavoured to break by observing, + that ‘I feared my intrusion upon his hospitality had put his family to + some inconvenience’. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you see no appearance of it, sir,’ he replied, with cold civility. + ‘What inconvenience a family so retired as ours may suffer from receiving + an unexpected guest is like to be trifling, in comparison of what the + visitor himself sustains from want of his accustomed comforts. So far, + therefore, as our connexion stands, our accounts stand clear.’ + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this discouraging reply, I blundered on, as is usual in + such cases, wishing to appear civil, and being, perhaps, in reality the + very reverse. ‘I was afraid,’ I said, that my presence had banished one of + the family’ (looking at the side-door) ‘from his table.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If,’ he coldly replied, ‘I meant the young woman whom I had seen in the + apartment, he bid me observe that there was room enough at the table for + her to have seated herself, and meat enough, such as it was, for her + supper. I might, therefore, be assured, if she had chosen it, she would + have supped with us.’ + </p> + <p> + There was no dwelling on this or any other topic longer; for my + entertainer, taking up the lamp, observed, that ‘my wet clothes might + reconcile me for the night to their custom of keeping early hours; that he + was under the necessity of going abroad by peep of day to-morrow morning, + and would call me up at the same time, to point out the way by which I was + to return to the Shepherd’s Bush.’ + </p> + <p> + This left no opening for further explanation; nor was there room for it on + the usual terms of civility; for, as he neither asked my name, nor + expressed the least interest concerning my condition, I—the obliged + person—had no pretence to trouble him with such inquiries on my + part. + </p> + <p> + He took up the lamp, and led me through the side-door into a very small + room, where a bed had been hastily arranged for my accommodation, and, + putting down the lamp, directed me to leave my wet clothes on the outside + of the door, that they might be exposed to the fire during the night. He + then left me, having muttered something which was meant to pass for good + night. + </p> + <p> + I obeyed his directions with respect to my clothes, the rather that, in + despite of the spirits which I had drunk, I felt my teeth begin to + chatter, and received various hints from an aguish feeling, that a + town-bred youth, like myself, could not at once rush into all the + hardihood of country sports with impunity. But my bed, though coarse and + hard, was dry and clean; and I soon was so little occupied with my heats + and tremors, as to listen with interest to a heavy foot, which seemed to + be that of my landlord, traversing the boards (there was no ceiling, as + you may believe) which roofed my apartment. Light, glancing through these + rude planks, became visible as soon as my lamp was extinguished; and as + the noise of the slow, solemn, and regular step continued, and I could + distinguish that the person turned and returned as he reached the end of + the apartment, it seemed clear to me that the walker was engaged in no + domestic occupation, but merely pacing to and fro for his own pleasure. + ‘An odd amusement this,’ I thought, ‘for one who had been engaged at least + a part of the preceding day in violent exercise, and who talked of rising + by the peep of dawn on the ensuing morning.’ + </p> + <p> + Meantime I heard the storm, which had been brewing during the evening, + begin to descend with a vengeance; sounds as of distant-thunder (the noise + of the more distant waves, doubtless, on the shore) mingled with the + roaring of the neighbouring torrent, and with the crashing, groaning, and + even screaming of the trees in the glen whose boughs were tormented by the + gale. Within the house, windows clattered, and doors clapped, and the + walls, though sufficiently substantial for a building of the kind, seemed + to me to totter in the tempest. + </p> + <p> + But still the heavy steps perambulating the apartment over my head were + distinctly heard amid the roar and fury of the elements. I thought more + than once I even heard a groan; but I frankly own that, placed in this + unusual situation, my fancy may have misled me. I was tempted several + times to call aloud, and ask whether the turmoil around us did not + threaten danger to the building which we inhabited; but when I thought of + the secluded and unsocial master of the dwelling, who seemed to avoid + human society, and to remain unperturbed amid the elemental war, it seemed + that to speak to him at that moment would have been to address the spirit + of the tempest himself, since no other being, I thought, could have + remained calm and tranquil while winds and waters were thus raging around. + </p> + <p> + In process of time, fatigue prevailed over anxiety and curiosity. The + storm abated, or my senses became deadened to its terrors, and I fell + asleep ere yet the mysterious paces of my host had ceased to shake the + flooring over my head. + </p> + <p> + It might have been expected that the novelty of my situation, although it + did not prevent my slumbers, would have at least diminished their + profoundness, and shortened their duration. It proved otherwise, however; + for I never slept more soundly in my life, and only awoke when, at morning + dawn, my landlord shook me by the shoulder, and dispelled some dream, of + which, fortunately for you, I have no recollection, otherwise you would + have been favoured with it, in hopes you might have proved a second Daniel + upon the occasion. + </p> + <p> + ‘You sleep sound—’ said his full deep voice; ‘ere five years have + rolled over your head, your slumbers will be lighter—unless ere then + you are wrapped in the sleep which is never broken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How!’ said I, starting up in the bed; ‘do you know anything of me—of + my prospects—of my views in life?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ he answered, with a grim smile; ‘but it is evident you are + entering upon the world young, inexperienced, and full of hopes, and I do + but prophesy to you what I would to any one in your condition. But come; + there lie your clothes—a brown crust and a draught of milk wait you, + if you choose to break your fast; but you must make haste.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must first,’ I said, ‘take the freedom to spend a few minutes alone, + before beginning the ordinary works of the day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!—umph!—I cry your devotions pardon,’ he replied, and left + the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Alan, there is something terrible about this man. + </p> + <p> + I joined him, as I had promised, in the kitchen where we had supped + overnight, where I found the articles which he had offered me for + breakfast, without butter or any other addition. + </p> + <p> + He walked up and down while I partook of the bread and milk; and the slow + measured weighty step seemed identified with those which I had heard last + night. His pace, from its funereal slowness, seemed to keep time with some + current of internal passion, dark, slow, and unchanged. ‘We run and leap + by the side of a lively and bubbling brook,’ thought I, internally, ‘as if + we would run a race with it; but beside waters deep, slow, and lonely, our + pace is sullen and silent as their course. What thoughts may be now + corresponding with that furrowed brow, and bearing time with that heavy + step?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you have finished,’ said he, looking up to me with a glance of + impatience, as he observed that I ate no longer, but remained with my eyes + fixed upon him, ‘I wait to show you the way.’ + </p> + <p> + We went out together, no individual of the family having been visible + excepting my landlord. I was disappointed of the opportunity which I + watched for of giving some gratuity to the domestics, as they seemed to + be. As for offering any recompense to the master of the household, it + seemed to me impossible to have attempted it. + </p> + <p> + What would I have given for a share of thy composure, who wouldst have + thrust half a crown into a man’s hand whose necessities seemed to crave + it, conscious that you did right in making the proffer, and not caring + sixpence whether you hurt the feelings of him whom you meant to serve! I + saw thee once give a penny to a man with a long beard, who, from the + dignity of his exterior, might have represented Solon. I had not thy + courage, and therefore I made no tender to my mysterious host, although, + notwithstanding his display of silver utensils, all around the house + bespoke narrow circumstances, if not actual poverty. + </p> + <p> + We left the place together. But I hear thee murmur thy very new and + appropriate ejaculation, OHE, JAM SATIS!—The rest for another time. + Perhaps I may delay further communication till I learn how my favours are + valued. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER V + </h2> + <h3> + ALAN FAIRFORD TO DARSIE LATIMER + </h3> + <p> + I have thy two last epistles, my dear Darsie, and expecting the third, + have been in no hurry to answer them. Do not think my silence ought to be + ascribed to my failing to take interest in them, for, truly, they excel + (though the task was difficult) thy usual excellings. Since the moon-calf + who earliest discovered the Pandemonium of Milton in an expiring wood-fire—since + the first ingenious urchin who blew bubbles out of soap and water, thou, + my best of friends, hast the highest knack at making histories out of + nothing. Wert thou to plant the bean in the nursery-tale, thou wouldst + make out, so soon as it began to germinate, that the castle of the giant + was about to elevate its battlements on the top of it. All that happens to + thee gets a touch of the wonderful and the sublime from thy own rich + imagination. Didst ever see what artists call a Claude Lorraine glass, + which spreads its own particular hue over the whole landscape which you + see through it?—thou beholdest ordinary events just through such a + medium. + </p> + <p> + I have looked carefully at the facts of thy last long letter, and they are + just such as might have befallen any little truant of the High School, who + had got down to Leith Sands, gone beyond the PRAWN-DUB, wet his hose and + shoon, and, finally, had been carried home, in compassion, by some + high-kilted fishwife, cursing all the while the trouble which the brat + occasioned her. + </p> + <p> + I admire the figure which thou must have made, clinging for dear life + behind the old fellow’s back—thy jaws chattering with fear, thy + muscles cramped with anxiety. Thy execrable supper of broiled salmon, + which was enough to ensure the nightmare’s regular visits for a + twelvemonth, may be termed a real affliction; but as for the storm of + Thursday last (such, I observe, was the date), it roared, whistled, + howled, and bellowed, as fearfully amongst the old chimney-heads in the + Candlemaker Row, as it could on the Solway shore, for the very wind of it—TESTE + ME PER TOTAM NOCTEM VIGILANTE. And then in the morning again, when—Lord + help you—in your sentimental delicacy you bid the poor man adieu, + without even tendering him half a crown for supper and lodging! + </p> + <p> + You laugh at me for giving a penny (to be accurate, though, thou shouldst + have said sixpence) to an old fellow, whom thou, in thy high flight, + wouldst have sent home supperless, because he was like Solon or + Belisarius. But you forget that the affront descended like a benediction + into the pouch of the old gaberlunzie, who overflowed in blessings upon + the generous donor—long ere he would have thanked thee, Darsie, for + thy barren veneration of his beard and his bearing. Then you laugh at my + good father’s retreat from Falkirk, just as if it were not time for a man + to trudge when three or four mountain knaves, with naked claymores, and + heels as light as their fingers, were scampering after him, crying + FURINISH. You remember what he said himself when the Laird of Bucklivat + told him that FURINISH signified ‘stay a while’. ‘What the devil,’ he + said, surprised out of his Presbyterian correctness by the + unreasonableness of such a request under the circumstances, ‘would the + scoundrels have had me stop to have my head cut off?’ + </p> + <p> + Imagine such a train at your own heels, Darsie, and ask yourself whether + you would not exert your legs as fast as you did in flying from the Solway + tide. And yet you impeach my father’s courage. I tell you he has courage + enough to do what is right, and to spurn what is wrong—courage + enough to defend a righteous cause with hand and purse, and to take the + part of the poor man against his oppressor, without fear of the + consequences to himself. This is civil courage, Darsie; and it is of + little consequence to most men in this age and country whether they ever + possess military courage or no. + </p> + <p> + Do not think I am angry with you, though I thus attempt to rectify your + opinions on my father’s account. I am well aware that, upon the whole, he + is scarce regarded with more respect by me than by thee. And, while I am + in a serious humour, which it is difficult to preserve with one who is + perpetually tempting me to laugh at him, pray, dearest Darsie, let not thy + ardour for adventure carry thee into more such scrapes as that of the + Solway Sands. The rest of the story is a mere imagination; but that stormy + evening might have proved, as the clown says to Lear, ‘a naughty night to + swim in.’ + </p> + <p> + As for the rest, if you can work mysterious and romantic heroes out of old + cross-grained fishermen, why, I for one will reap some amusement by the + metamorphosis. Yet hold! even there, there is some need of caution. This + same female chaplain—thou sayest so little of her, and so much of + every one else, that it excites some doubt in my mind. VERY PRETTY she is, + it seems—and that is all thy discretion informs me of. There are + cases in which silence implies other things than consent. Wert thou + ashamed or afraid, Darsie, to trust thyself with the praises of the very + pretty grace-sayer?—As I live, thou blushest! Why, do I not know + thee an inveterate squire of dames? and have I not been in thy confidence? + An elegant elbow, displayed when the rest of the figure was muffled in a + cardinal, or a neat well-turned ankle and instep, seen by chance as its + owner tripped up the Old Assembly Close, [Of old this almost deserted + alley formed the most common access betwixt the High Street and the + southern suburbs.] turned thy brain for eight days. Thou wert once caught + if I remember rightly, with a single glance of a single matchless eye, + which, when the fair owner withdrew her veil, proved to be single in the + literal sense of the word. And, besides, were you not another time + enamoured of a voice—a mere voice, that mingled in the psalmody at + the Old Greyfriars’ Church—until you discovered the proprietor of + that dulcet organ to be Miss Dolly MacIzzard, who is both ‘back and + breast’, as our saying goes? + </p> + <p> + All these things considered, and contrasted with thy artful silence on the + subject of this grace-saying Nereid of thine, I must beg thee to be more + explicit upon that subject in thy next, unless thou wouldst have me form + the conclusion that thou thinkest more of her than thou carest to talk of. + </p> + <p> + You will not expect much news from this quarter, as you know the monotony + of my life, and are aware it must at present be devoted to uninterrupted + study. You have said a thousand times that I am only qualified to make my + way by dint of plodding, and therefore plod I must. + </p> + <p> + My father seems to be more impatient of your absence than he was after + your first departure. He is sensible, I believe, that our solitary meals + want the light which your gay humour was wont to throw over them, and + feels melancholy as men do when the light of the sun is no longer upon the + landscape. If it is thus with him, thou mayst imagine it is much more so + with me, and canst conceive how heartily I wish that thy frolic were + ended, and thou once more our inmate.—— + </p> + <p> + I resume my pen, after a few hours’ interval, to say that an incident has + occurred on which you will yourself be building a hundred castles in the + air, and which even I, jealous as I am of such baseless fabrics, cannot + but own affords ground for singular conjecture. + </p> + <p> + My father has of late taken me frequently along with him when he attends + the courts, in his anxiety to see me properly initiated into the practical + forms of business. I own I feel something on his account and my own from + this over-anxiety, which, I dare say, renders us both ridiculous. But what + signifies my repugnance? my father drags me up to his counsel learned in + the law,—‘Are you quite ready to come on to-day, Mr. Crossbite?—This + is my son, designed for the bar—I take the liberty to bring him with + me to-day to the consultation, merely that he may see how these things are + managed.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crossbite smiles and bows; as a lawyer smiles on the solicitor who + employs him, and I dare say, thrusts his tongue into his cheek, and + whispers into the first great wig that passes him, ‘What the d—l + does old Fairford mean by letting loose his whelp on me?’ + </p> + <p> + As I stood beside them, too much vexed at the childish part I was made to + play to derive much information from the valuable arguments of Mr. + Crossbite, I observed a rather elderly man, who stood with his eyes firmly + bent on my father, as if he only waited an end of the business in which he + was engaged, to address him. There was something, I thought, in the + gentleman’s appearance which commanded attention. Yet his dress was not in + the present taste, and though it had once been magnificent, was now + antiquated and unfashionable. His coat was of branched velvet, with a + satin lining, a waistcoat of violet-coloured silk, much embroidered; his + breeches the same stuff as the coat. He wore square-toed shoes, with + foretops, as they are called; and his silk stockings were rolled up over + his knee, as you may have seen in pictures, and here and there on some of + those originals who seem to pique themselves on dressing after the mode of + Methuselah. A CHAPEAU BRAS and sword necessarily completed his equipment, + which, though out of date, showed that it belonged to a man of + distinction. + </p> + <p> + The instant Mr. Crossbite had ended what he had to say, this gentleman + walked up to my father, with, ‘Your servant, Mr. Fairford—it is long + since you and I met.’ + </p> + <p> + My father, whose politeness, you know, is exact and formal, bowed, and + hemmed, and was confused, and at length professed that the distance since + they had met was so great, that though he remembered the face perfectly, + the name, he was sorry to any, had—really—somehow—escaped + his memory. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you forgot Herries of Birrenswork?’ said the gentleman, and my + father bowed even more profoundly than before; though I think his + reception of his old friend seemed to lose some of the respectful civility + which he bestowed on him while his name was yet unknown. It now seemed to + be something like the lip-courtesy which the heart would have denied had + ceremony permitted. + </p> + <p> + My father, however, again bowed low, and hoped he saw him well. + </p> + <p> + ‘So well, my good Mr. Fairford, that I come hither determined to renew my + acquaintance with one or two old friends, and with you in the first place. + I halt at my old resting place—you must dine with me to-day, at + Paterson’s, at the head of the Horse Wynd—it is near your new + fashionable dwelling, and I have business with you.’ + </p> + <p> + My father excused himself respectfully, and not without embarrassment—‘he + was particularly engaged at home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I will dine with you, man,’ said Mr. Herries of Birrenswork; ‘the + few minutes you can spare me after dinner will suffice for my business; + and I will not prevent you a moment from minding your own—I am no + bottle-man.’ + </p> + <p> + You have often remarked that my father, though a scrupulous ohserver of + the rites of hospitality, seems to exercise them rather as a duty than as + a pleasure; indeed, but for a conscientious wish to feed the hungry and + receive the stranger, his doors would open to guests much seldomer than is + the case. I never saw so strong an example of this peculiarity (which I + should otherwise have said is caricatured in your description) as in his + mode of homologating the self-given invitation of Mr. Herries. The + embarsassed brow, and the attempt at a smile which accompanied his ‘We + will expect the honour of seeing you in Brown Square at three o’clock,’ + could not deceive any one, and did not impose upon the old laird. It was + with a look of scorn that he replied, ‘I will relieve you then till that + hour, Mr. Fairford;’ and his whole manner seemed to say, ‘It is my + pleasure to dine with you, and I care not whether I am welcome or no.’ + </p> + <p> + When he turned away, I asked my father who he was. + </p> + <p> + ‘An unfortunate gentleman,’ was the reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘He looks pretty well on his misfortunes,’ replied I. ‘I should not have + suspected that so gay an outside was lacking a dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who told you that he does?’ replied my father; ‘he is OMNI SUSPICIONE + MAJOR, so far as worldly circumstances are concerned. It is to be hoped he + makes a good use of them; though, if he does, it will be for the first + time in his life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has then been an irregular liver?’ insinuated I. + </p> + <p> + My father replied by that famous brocard with which he silences all + unacceptable queries turning in the slightest degree upon the failings of + our neighbours,—‘If we mend our own faults, Alan, we shall all of us + have enough to do, without sitting in judgement upon other folks.’ + </p> + <p> + Here I was again at fault; but rallying once more, I observed, he had the + air of a man of high rank and family. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is well entitled,’ said my father, ‘representing Herries of + Birrenswork; a branch of that great and once powerful family of Herries, + the elder branch whereof merged in the house of Nithesdale at the death of + Lord Robin the Philosopher, Anno Domini sixteen hundred and sixty-seven.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he still,’ said I, ‘his patrimonial estate of Birrenswork?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied my father; ‘so far back as his father’s time, it was a mere + designation—the property being forfeited by Herbert Herries + following his kinsman the Earl of Derwentwater to the Preston affair in + 1715. But they keep up the designation, thinking, doubtless, that their + claims may be revived in more favourable times for Jacobites and for + popery; and folks who in no way partake of their fantastic capriccios do + yet allow it to pass unchallenged, EX COMITATE, if not EX MISERICORDIA.—But + were he the Pope and the Pretender both, we must get some dinner ready for + him, since he has thought fit to offer himself. So hasten home, my lad, + and tell Hannah, Cook Epps, and James Wilkinson, to do their best; and do + thou look out a pint or two of Maxwell’s best—it is in the fifth bin—there + are the keys of the wine-cellar. Do not leave them in the lock—you + know poor James’s failing, though he is an honest creature under all other + temptations—and I have but two bottles of the old brandy left—we + must keep it for medicine, Alan.’ + </p> + <p> + Away went I—made my preparations—the hour of dinner came, and + so did Mr. Herries of Birrenswork. + </p> + <p> + If I had thy power of imagination and description, Darsie, I could make + out a fine, dark, mysterious, Rembrandt-looking portrait of this same + stranger, which should be as far superior to thy fisherman as a shirt of + chain-mail is to a herring-net. I can assure you there is some matter for + description about him; but knowing my own imperfections, I can only say, I + thought him eminently disagreeable and ill-bred.—No, ILL-BRED is not + the proper word on the contrary, he appeared to know the rules of + good-breeding perfectly, and only to think that the rank of the company + did not require that he should attend to them—a view of the matter + infinitely more offensive than if his behaviour had been that of + uneducated and proper rudeness. While my father said grace, the laird did + all but whistle aloud; and when I, at my father’s desire, returned thanks, + he used his toothpick, as if he had waited that moment for its exercise. + </p> + <p> + So much for Kirk—with King, matters went even worse. My father, thou + knowest, is particularly full of deference to his guests; and in the + present care, he seemed more than usually desirous to escape every cause + of dispute. He so far compromised his loyalty as to announce merely ‘The + King’ as his first toast after dinner, instead of the emphatic ‘King + George’, which is his usual formula. Our guest made a motion with his + glass, so as to pass it over the water-decanter which stood beside him, + and added, ‘Over the water.’ + </p> + <p> + My father coloured, but would not seem to hear this. Much more there was + of careless and disrespectful in the stranger’s manner and tone of + conversation; so that, though I know my father’s prejudices in favour of + rank and birth, and though I am aware his otherwise masculine + understanding has never entirely shaken off the slavish awe of the great + which in his earlier days they had so many modes of commanding, still I + could hardly excuse him for enduring so much insolence—such it + seemed to be as this self-invited guest was disposed to offer to him at + his own table. + </p> + <p> + One can endure a traveller in the same carriage, if he treads upon your + toes by accident, or even through negligence; but it is very different + when, knowing that they are rather of a tender description, he continues + to pound away at them with his hoofs. In my poor opinion—and I am a + man of peace—you can, in that case, hardly avoid a declaration of + war. + </p> + <p> + I believe my father read my thoughts in my eye; for, pulling out his + watch, he said; ‘Half-past four, Alan—you should be in your own room + by this time—Birrenswork will excuse you.’ + </p> + <p> + Our visitor nodded carelessly, and I had no longer any pretence to remain. + But as I left the room, I heard this magnate of Nithesdale distinctly + mention the name of Latimer. I lingered; but at length a direct hint from + my father obliged me to withdraw; and when, an hour afterwards, I was + summoned to partake of a cup of tea, our guest had departed. He had + business that evening in the High Street, and could not spare time even to + drink tea. I could not help saying, I considered his departure as a relief + from incivility. ‘What business has he to upbraid us,’ I said, ‘with the + change of our dwelling from a more inconvenient to a better quarter of the + town? What was it to him if we chose to imitate some of the conveniences + or luxuries of an English dwelling-house, instead of living piled up above + each other in flats? Have his patrician birth and aristocratic fortunes + given him any right to censure those who dispose of the fruits of their + own industry, according to their own pleasure?’ + </p> + <p> + My father took a long pinch of snuff, and replied, ‘Very well, Alan; very + well indeed. I wish Mr. Crossbite or Counsellor Pest had heard you; they + must have acknowledged that you have a talent for forensic elocution; and + it may not be amiss to try a little declamation at home now and then, to + gather audacity and keep yourself in breath. But touching the subject of + this paraffle of words, it’s not worth a pinch of tobacco. D’ye think that + I care for Mr. Herries of Birrenswork more than any other gentleman who + comes here about business, although I do not care to go tilting at his + throat, because he speaks like a grey goose, as he is? But to say no more + about him, I want to have Darsie Latimer’s present direction; for it is + possible I may have to write the lad a line with my own hand—and yet + I do not well know—but give me the direction at all events.’ + </p> + <p> + I did so, and if you have heard from my father accordingly, you know more, + probably, about the subject of this letter than I who write it. But if you + have not, then shall I have discharged a friend’s duty, in letting you + know that there certainly is something afloat between this disagreeable + laird and my father, in which you are considerably interested. + </p> + <p> + Adieu! and although I have given thee a subject for waking dreams, beware + of building a castle too heavy for the foundation; which, in the present + instance, is barely the word Latimer occurring in a conversation betwixt a + gentleman of Dumfriesshire and a W.S. of Edinburgh—CAETERA PRORSUS + IGNORO. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + DARSIE LATIMER TO ALAN FAIRFORD + </h3> + <p> + (In continuation of Letters III and IV.) + </p> + <p> + I told thee I walked out into the open air with my grave and stern + landlord. I could now see more perfectly than on the preceding night the + secluded glen in which stood the two or three cottages which appeared to + be the abode of him and his family. + </p> + <p> + It was so narrow, in proportion to its depth, that no ray of the morning + sun was likely to reach it till it should rise high in the horizon. + Looking up the dell, you saw a brawling brook issuing in foamy haste from + a covert of underwood, like a race-horse impatient to arrive at the goal; + and, if you gazed yet; more earnestly, you might observe part of a high + waterfall glimmering through the foliage, and giving occasion, doubtless, + to the precipitate speed of the brook. Lower down, the stream became more + placid, and opened into a quiet piece of water which afforded a rude haven + to two or three fishermen’s boats, then lying high and dry on the sand, + the tide being out. Two or three miserable huts could be seen beside this + little haven, inhabited probably by the owners of the boats, but inferior + in every respect to the establishment of mine host, though that was + miserable enough. + </p> + <p> + I had but a minute or two to make these observations, yet during that + space my companion showed symptoms of impatience, and more than once + shouted, ‘Cristal—Cristal Nixon,’ until the old man of the preceding + evening appeared at the door of one of the neighbouring cottages or + outhouses, leading the strong black horse which I before commemorated, + ready bridled and saddled. My conductor made Cristal a sign with his + finger, and, turning from the cottage door, led the way up the steep path + or ravine which connected the sequestered dell with the open country. + </p> + <p> + Had I been perfectly aware of the character of the road down which I had + been hurried with so much impetuosity on the preceding evening, I greatly + question if I should have ventured the descent; for it deserved no better + name than the channel of a torrent, now in a good measure filled with + water, that dashed in foam and fury into the dell, being swelled with the + rains of the preceding night. I ascended this ugly path with some + difficulty although on foot, and felt dizzy when I observed, from such + traces as the rains had not obliterated, that the horse seemed almost to + have slid down it upon his haunches the evening before. + </p> + <p> + My host threw himself on his horse’s back, without placing a foot in the + stirrup—passed me in the perilous ascent, against which he pressed + his steed as if the animal had had the footing of a wild cat. The water + and mud splashed from his heels in his reckless course, and a few bounds + placed him on the top of the bank, where I presently joined him, and found + the horse and rider standing still as a statue; the former panting and + expanding his broad nostrils to the morning wind, the latter motionless, + with his eye fixed on the first beams of the rising sun, which already + began to peer above the eastern horizon and gild the distant mountains of + Cumberland and Liddesdale. + </p> + <p> + He seemed in a reverie, from which he started at my approach, and, putting + his horse in motion, led the way at a leisurely pace through a broken and + sandy road, which traversed a waste, level, and uncultivated tract of + downs, intermixed with morass, much like that in the neighbourhood of my + quarters at Shepherd’s Bush. Indeed, the whole open ground of this + district, where it approaches the sea, has, except in a few favoured + spots, the same uniform and dreary character. + </p> + <p> + Advancing about a hundred yards from the brink of the glen, we gained a + still more extensive command of this desolate prospect, which seemed even + more dreary, as contrasted with the opposite shores of Cumberland, crossed + and intersected by ten thousand lines of trees growing in hedgerows, + shaded with groves and woods of considerable extent, animated by hamlets + and villas, from which thin clouds of smoke already gave sign of human + life and human industry. + </p> + <p> + My conductor had extended his arm, and was pointing the road to Shepherd’s + Bush, when the step of a horse was heard approaching us. He looked sharply + round, and having observed who was approaching, proceeded in his + instructions to me, planting himself at the same time in the very middle + of the path, which, at the place where we halted, had a slough on the one + side and a sandbank on the other. + </p> + <p> + I observed that the rider who approached us slackened his horse’s pace + from a slow trot to a walk, as if desirous to suffer us to proceed, or at + least to avoid passing us at a spot where the difficulty of doing so must + have brought us very close to each other. You know my old failing, Alan, + and that I am always willing to attend to anything in preference to the + individual who has for the time possession of the conversation. + </p> + <p> + Agreeably to this amiable propensity, I was internally speculating + concerning the cause of the rider keeping aloof from us, when my + companion, elevating his deep voice so suddenly and so sternly as at once + to recall my wandering thoughts, exclaimed, ‘In the name of the devil, + young man, do you think that others have no better use for their time than + you have, that you oblige me to repeat the same thing to you three times + over? Do you see, I say, yonder thing at a mile’s distance, that looks + like a finger-post, or rather like a gallows? I would it had a dreaming + fool hanging upon it, as an example to all meditative moon-calves!—Yon + gibbet-looking pole will guide you to the bridge, where you must pass the + large brook; then proceed straight forwards, till several roads divide at + a cairn. Plague on thee, thou art wandering again! + </p> + <p> + It is indeed quite true that at this moment the horseman approached us, + and my attention was again called to him as I made way to let him pass. + His whole exterior at once showed that he belonged to the Society of + Friends, or, as the world and the world’s law calls them, Quakers. A + strong and useful iron-grey galloway showed, by its sleek and good + condition, that the merciful man was merciful to his beast. His + accoutrements were in the usual unostentatious but clean and servicable + order which characterizes these sectaries. His long surtout of dark-grey + superfine cloth descended down to the middle of his leg, and was buttoned + up to his chin, to defend him against the morning air. As usual, his ample + beaver hung down without button or loop, and shaded a comely and placid + countenance, the gravity of which appeared to contain some seasoning of + humour, and had nothing in common with the pinched puritanical air + affected by devotees in general. The brow was open and free from wrinkles, + whether of age or hypocrisy. The eye was clear, calm, and considerate, yet + appeared to be disturbed by apprehension, not to say fear, as, pronouncing + the usual salutation of, ‘I wish thee a good morrow, friend,’ he + indicated, by turning his palfrey close to one side of the path, a wish to + glide past us with as little trouble as possible—just as a traveller + would choose to pass a mastiff of whose peaceable intentions he is by no + means confident. + </p> + <p> + But my friend, not meaning, perhaps, that he should get off so easily, put + his horse quite across the path, so that, without plunging into the + slough, or scrambling up the bank, the Quaker could not have passed him. + Neither of these was an experiment without hazard greater than the + passenger seemed willing to incur. He halted, therefore, as if waiting + till my companion should make way for him; and, as they sat fronting each + other, I could not help thinking that they might have formed no bad emblem + of Peace and War; for although my conductor was unarmed, yet the whole of + his manner, his stern look, and his upright seat on horseback, were + entirely those of a soldier in undress, He accosted the Quaker in these + words, ‘So ho! friend Joshua, thou art early to the road this morning. Has + the spirit moved thee and thy righteous brethren to act with some honesty, + and pull down yonder tide-nets that keep the fish from coming up the + river?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely, friend, not so,’ answered Joshua, firmly, but good-humouredly at + the same time; ‘thou canst not expect that our own hands should pull down + what our purses established. Thou killest the fish with spear, line, and + coble-net; and we, with snares and with nets, which work by the ebb and + the flow of the tide. Each doth what seems best in his eyes to secure a + share of the blessing which Providence hath bestowed on the river, and + that within his own bounds. I prithee seek no quarrel against us, for thou + shalt have no wrong at our hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be assured I will take none at the hand of any man, whether his hat be + cocked or broad-brimmed,’ answered the fisherman. ‘I tell you in fair + terms, Joshua Geddes, that you and your partners are using unlawful craft + to destroy the fish in the Solway by stake-nets and wears; and that we, + who fish fairly, and like men, as our fathers did, have daily and yearly + less sport and less profit. Do not think gravity or hypocrisy can carry it + off as you have done. The world knows you, and we know you. You will + destroy the salmon which makes the livelihood of fifty poor families, and + then wipe your mouth, and go to make a speech at meeting. But do not hope + it will last thus. I give you fair warning, we will be upon you one + morning soon, when we will not leave a stake standing in the pools of the + Solway; and down the tide they shall every one go, and well if we do not + send a lessee along with them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Friend,’ replied Joshua, with a constrained smile, ‘but that I know thou + dost not mean as thou sayst, I would tell thee we are under the protection + of this country’s laws; nor do we the less trust to obtain their + protection, that our principles permit us not, by any act of violent + resistance, to protect ourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All villainous cant and cowardice,’ exclaimed the fisherman, ‘and assumed + merely as a cloak to your hypocritical avarice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, say not cowardice, my friend,’ answered the Quaker, ‘since thou + knowest there may be as much courage in enduring as in acting; and I will + be judged by this youth, or by any one else, whether there is not more + cowardice—even in the opinion of that world whose thoughts are the + breath in thy nostrils—in the armed oppressor who doth injury, than + in the defenceless and patient sufferer who endureth it with constancy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will change no more words with you on the subject,’ said the fisherman, + who, as if something moved at the last argument which Mr. Geddes had used, + now made room for him to pass forward on his journey. ‘Do not forget, + however,’ he added, ‘that you have had fair warning, nor suppose that we + will accept of fair words in apology for foul play. These nets of yours + are unlawful—they spoil our fishings—we will have them down at + all risks and hazards. I am a man of my word, friend Joshua.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I trust thou art,’ said the Quaker; ‘but thou art the rather bound to be + cautious in rashly affirming what thou wilt never execute. For I tell + thee, friend, that though there is as great a difference between thee and + one of our people as there is between a lion and a sheep, yet I know and + believe thou hast so much of the lion in thee, that thou wouldst scarce + employ thy strength and thy rage upon that which professeth no means of + resistance. Report says so much good of thee, at least, if it says little + more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Time will try,’ answered the fisherman; ‘and hark thee, Joshua, before we + part I will put thee in the way of doing one good deed, which, credit me, + is better than twenty moral speeches. Here is a stranger youth, whom + Heaven has so scantily gifted with brains, that he will bewilder himself + in the Sands, as he did last night, unless thou wilt kindly show him the + way to Shepherd’s Bush; for I have been in vain endeavouring to make him + comprehend the road thither. Hast thou so much charity under thy + simplicity, Quaker, as to do this good turn?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, it is thou, friend,’ answered Joshua, ‘that dost lack charity, to + suppose any one unwilling to do so simple a kindness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art right—I should have remembered it can cost thee nothing. + Young gentlemen, this pious pattern of primitive simplicity will teach + thee the right way to the Shepherd’s Bush—aye, and will himself + shear thee like a sheep, if you come to buying and selling with him.’ + </p> + <p> + He then abruptly asked me, how long I intended to remain at Shepherd’s + Bush. + </p> + <p> + I replied, I was at present uncertain—as long probably, as I could + amuse myself in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are fond of sport?’ he added, in the same tone of brief inquiry. + </p> + <p> + I answered in the affirmative, but added, I was totally inexperienced. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps if you reside here for some days,’ he said, ‘we may meet again, + and I may have the chance of giving you a lesson.’ + </p> + <p> + Ere I could express either thanks or assent, he turned short round with a + wave of his hand by way of adieu, and rode back to the verge of the dell + from which we had emerged together; and as he remained standing upon the + banks, I could long hear his voice while he shouted down to those within + its recesses. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Quaker and I proceeded on our journey for some time in + silence; he restraining his sober-minded steed to a pace which might have + suited a much less active walker than myself, and looking on me from time + to time with an expression of curiosity, mingled with benignity. For my + part, I cared not to speak first. It happened I had never before been in + company with one of this particular sect, and, afraid that in addressing + him I might unwittingly infringe upon some of their prejudices or + peculiarities, I patiently remained silent. At length he asked me, whether + I had been long in the service of the laird, as men called him. + </p> + <p> + I repeated the words ‘in his service?’ with such an accent of surprise, as + induced him to say, ‘Nay, but, friend, I mean no offence; perhaps I should + have said in his society—an inmate, I mean, in his house?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am totally unknown to the person from whom we have just parted,’ said + I, ‘and our connexion is only temporary. He had the charity to give me his + guidance from the Sands, and a night’s harbourage from the tempest. So our + acquaintance began, and there it is likely to end; for you may observe + that our friend is by no means apt to encourage familiarity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So little so,’ answered my companion, ‘that thy case is, I think, the + first in which I ever heard of his receiving any one into his house; that + is, if thou hast really spent the night there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should you doubt it?’ replied I; ‘there is no motive I can have to + deceive you, nor is the object worth it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be not angry with me,’ said the Quaker; ‘but thou knowest that thine own + people do not, as we humbly endeavour to do, confine themselves within the + simplicity of truth, but employ the language of falsehood, not only for + profit, but for compliment, and sometimes for mere diversion. I have heard + various stories of my neighbour; of most of which I only believe a small + part, and even then they are difficult to reconcile with each other. But + this being the first time I ever beard of his receiving a stranger within + his dwelling, made me express some doubts. I pray thee let them not offend + thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He does not,’ said I, ‘appear to possess in much abundance the means of + exercising hospitality, and so may be excused from offering it in ordinary + cases.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is to say, friend,’ replied Joshua, ‘thou hast supped ill, and + perhaps breakfasted worse. Now my small tenement, called Mount Sharon, is + nearer to us by two miles than thine inn; and although going thither may + prolong thy walk, as taking thee of the straighter road to Shepherd’s + Bush, yet methinks exercise will suit thy youthful limbs, as well as a + good plain meal thy youthful appetite. What sayst thou, my young + acquaintance?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it puts you not to inconvenience,’ I replied; for the invitation was + cordially given, and my bread and milk had been hastily swallowed, and in + small quantity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said Joshua, ‘use not the language of compliment with those who + renounce it. Had this poor courtesy been very inconvenient, perhaps I had + not offered it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I accept the invitation, then,’ said I, ‘in the same good spirit in which + you give it.’ + </p> + <p> + The Quaker smiled, reached me his hand, I shook it, and we travelled on in + great cordiality with each other. The fact is, I was much entertained by + contrasting in my own mind, the open manner of the kind-hearted Joshua + Geddes, with the abrupt, dark, and lofty demeanour of my entertainer on + the preceding evening. Both were blunt and unceremonious; but the + plainness of the Quaker had the character of devotional simplicity, and + was mingled with the more real kindness, as if honest Joshua was desirous + of atoning, by his sincerity, for the lack of external courtesy. On the + contrary, the manners of the fisherman were those of one to whom the rules + of good behaviour might be familiar, but who, either from pride or + misanthropy, scorned to observe them. Still I thought of him with interest + and curiosity, notwithstanding so much about him that was repulsive; and I + promised myself, in the course of my conversation with the Quaker, to + learn all that he knew on the subject. He turned the conversation, + however, into a different channel, and inquired into my own condition of + life, and views in visiting this remote frontier. + </p> + <p> + I only thought it necessary to mention my name, and add, that I had been + educated to the law, but finding myself possessed of some independence, I + had of late permitted myself some relaxation, and was residing at + Shepherd’s Bush to enjoy the pleasure of angling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do thee no harm, young man,’ said my new friend, ‘in wishing thee a + better employment for thy grave hours, and a more humane amusement (if + amusement thou must have) for those of a lighter character.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are severe, sir,’ I replied. ‘I heard you but a moment since refer + yourself to the protection of the laws of the country—if there be + laws, there must be lawyers to explain, and judges to administer them.’ + </p> + <p> + Joshua smiled, and pointed to the sheep which were grazing on the downs + over which we were travelling. ‘Were a wolf,’ he said, ‘to come even now + upon yonder flocks, they would crowd for protection, doubtless, around the + shepherd and his dogs; yet they are bitten and harassed daily by the one, + shorn, and finally killed and eaten by the other. But I say not this to + shock you; for, though laws and lawyers are evils, yet they are necessary + evils in this probationary state of society, till man shall learn to + render unto his fellows that which is their due, according to the light of + his own conscience, and through no other compulsion. Meanwhile, I have + known many righteous men who have followed thy intended profession in + honesty and uprightness of walk. The greater their merit, who walk erect + in a path which so many find slippery. + </p> + <p> + ‘And angling,’ said I:—‘you object to that also as an amusement, you + who, if I understood rightly what passed between you and my late landlord, + are yourself a proprietor of fisheries.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a proprietor,’ he replied, ‘I am only, in copartnery with others, a + tacksman or lessee of some valuable salmon-fisheries a little down the + coast. But mistake me not. The evil of angling, with which I class all + sports, as they are called, which have the sufferings of animals for their + end and object, does not consist in the mere catching and killing those + animals with which the bounty of Providence hath stocked the earth for the + good of man, but in making their protracted agony a principle of delight + and enjoyment. I do indeed cause these fisheries to be conducted for the + necessary taking, killing, and selling the fish; and, in the same way, + were I a farmer, I should send my lambs to market. But I should as soon + think of contriving myself a sport and amusement out of the trade of the + butcher as out of that of the fisher.’ + </p> + <p> + We argued the point no further; for though I thought his arguments a + little too high-strained, yet as my mind acquitted me of having taken + delight in aught but the theory of field-sports, I did not think myself + called upon stubbornly to advocate a practice which had afforded me so + little pleasure. + </p> + <p> + We had by this time arrived at the remains of an old finger-post, which my + host had formerly pointed out as a landmark. Here, a ruinous wooden + bridge, supported by long posts resembling crutches, served me to get + across the water, while my new friend sought a ford a good way higher up, + for the stream was considerably swelled. + </p> + <p> + As I paused for his rejoining me, I observed an angler at a little + distance pouching trout after trout, as fast almost as he could cast his + line; and I own, in spite of Joshua’s lecture on humanity, I could not but + envy his adroitness and success, so natural is the love of sport to our + minds, or so easily are we taught to assimilate success in field-sports + with ideas of pleasure, and with the praise due to address and agility. I + soon recognized in the successful angler little Benjie, who had been my + guide and tutor in that gentle art, as you have learned from my former + letters. I called—I whistled—the rascal recognized me, and, + starting like a guilty thing, seemed hesitating whether to approach or to + run away; and when he determined on the former, it was to assail me with a + loud, clamorous, and exaggerated report of the anxiety of all at the + Shepherd’s Bush for my personal safety; how my landlady had wept, how Sam + and the ostler had not the heart to go to bed, but sat up all night + drinking—and how he himself had been up long before daybreak to go + in quest of me. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you were switching the water, I suppose,’ said I, ‘to discover my + dead body?’ + </p> + <p> + This observation produced a long ‘Na—a—a’ of acknowledged + detection; but, with his natural impudence, and confidence in my good + nature, he immediately added, ‘that he thought I would like a fresh trout + or twa for breakfast, and the water being in such a rare trim for the + saumon raun, [The bait made of salmon-roe salted and preserved. In a + swollen river, and about the month of October, it is a most deadly bait.] + he couldna help taking a cast.’ + </p> + <p> + While we were engaged in this discussion, the honest Quaker returned to + the farther end of the wooden bridge to tell me he could not venture to + cross the brook in its present state: but would be under the necessity to + ride round by the stone bridge, which was a mile and a half higher up than + his own house. He was about to give me directions how to proceed without + him, and inquire for his sister, when I suggested to him that, if he + pleased to trust his horse to little Benjie, the boy might carry him round + by the bridge, while we walked the shorter and more pleasant road. + </p> + <p> + Joshua shook his head, for he was well acquainted with Benjie, who, he + said, was the naughtiest varlet in the whole neighbourhood. Nevertheless, + rather than part company, he agreed to put the pony under his charge for a + short season, with many injunctions that he should not attempt to mount, + but lead the pony (even Solomon) by the bridle, under the assurances of + sixpence in case of proper demeanour, and penalty that if he transgressed + the orders given him, ‘verily he would be scourged.’ + </p> + <p> + Promises cost Benjie nothing, and he showered them out wholesale; till the + Quaker at length yielded up the bridle to him, repeating his charges, and + enforcing them by holding up his forefinger. On my part, I called to + Benjie to leave the fish he had taken at Mount Sharon, making, at the same + time, an apologetic countenance to my new friend, not being quite aware + whether the compliment would be agreeable to such a condemner of + field-sports. + </p> + <p> + He understood me at once, and reminded me of the practical distinction + betwixt catching the animals as an object of cruel and wanton sport, and + eating them as lawful and gratifying articles of food, after they were + killed. On the latter point he had no scruples; but, on the contrary, + assured me that this brook contained the real red trout, so highly + esteemed by all connoisseurs, and that, when eaten within an hour of their + being caught, they had a peculiar firmness of substance and delicacy of + flavour, which rendered them an agreeable addition to a morning meal, + especially when earned, like ours, by early rising, and an hour or two’s + wholesome exercise. + </p> + <p> + But to thy alarm be it spoken, Alan, we did not come so far as the frying + of our fish without further adventure. So it is only to spare thy + patience, and mine own eyes, that I pull up for the present, and send thee + the rest of my story in a subsequent letter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + THE SAME TO THE SAME (In continuation.) + </h3> + <p> + Little Benjie, with the pony, having been sent off on the left side of the + brook, the Quaker and I sauntered on, like the cavalry and infantry of the + same army occupying the opposite banks of a river, and observing the same + line of march. But, while my worthy companion was assuring me of a + pleasant greensward walk to his mansion, little Benjie, who had been + charged to keep in sight, chose to deviate from the path assigned him, + and, turning to the right, led his charge, Solomon, out of our vision. + </p> + <p> + ‘The villain means to mount him!’ cried Joshua, with more vivacity than + was consistent with his profession of passive endurance. + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured to appease his apprehensions, as he pushed on, wiping his + brow with vexation, assuring him that, if the boy did mount, he would, for + his own sake, ride gently. + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not know him,’ said Joshua, rejecting all consolation; ‘HE do + anything gently!—no, he will gallop Solomon—he will misuse the + sober patience of the poor animal who has borne me so long! Yes, I was + given over to my own devices when I ever let him touch the bridle, for + such a little miscreant there never was before him in this country.’ + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to expatiate on every sort of rustic enormity of which + he accused Benjie. He had been suspected of snaring partridges—was + detected by Joshua himself in liming singing-birds—stood fully + charged with having worried several cats, by aid of a lurcher which + attended him, and which was as lean, and ragged, and mischievous, as his + master. Finally, Benjie stood accused of having stolen a duck, to hunt it + with the said lurcher, which was as dexterous on water as on land. I + chimed in with my friend, in order to avoid giving him further irritation, + and declared I should be disposed, from my own experience, to give up + Benjie as one of Satan’s imps. Joshua Geddes began to censure the phrase + as too much exaggerated, and otherwise unbecoming the mouth of a + reflecting person; and, just as I was apologizing for it, as being a term + of common parlance, we heard certain sounds on the opposite side of the + brook, which seemed to indicate that Solomon and Benjie were at issue + together. The sandhills behind which Benjie seemed to take his course, had + concealed from us, as doubtless he meant they should, his ascent into the + forbidden saddle, and, putting Solomon to his mettle, which he was seldom + called upon to exert, they had cantered away together in great amity, till + they came near to the ford from which the palfrey’s legitimate owner had + already turned back. + </p> + <p> + Here a contest of opinions took place between the horse and his rider. The + latter, according to his instructions, attempted to direct Solomon towards + the distant bridge of stone; but Solomon opined that the ford was the + shortest way to his own stable. The point was sharply contested, and we + heard Benjie gee-hupping, tchek-tcheking, and, above all, flogging in + great style; while Solomon, who, docile in his general habits, was now + stirred beyond his patience, made a great trampling and recalcitration; + and it was their joint noise which we heard, without being able to see, + though Joshua might too well guess, the cause of it. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed at these indications, the Quaker began to shout out, ‘Benjie—thou + varlet! Solomon—thou fool!’ when the couple presented themselves in + full drive, Solomon having now decidedly obtained the better of the + conflict, and bringing his unwilling rider in high career down to the + ford. Never was there anger changed so fast into humane fear, as that of + my good companion. ‘The varlet will be drowned!’ he exclaimed—‘a + widow’s son!—her only son!—and drowned!—let me go’—And + he struggled with me stoutly as I hung upon him, to prevent him from + plunging into the ford. + </p> + <p> + I had no fear whatever for Benjie; for the blackguard vermin, though he + could not manage the refractory horse, stuck on his seat like a monkey. + Solomon and Benjie scrambled through the ford with little inconvenience, + and resumed their gallop on the other side. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible to guess whether on this last occasion Benjie was + running off with Solomon, or Solomon with Benjie; but, judging from + character and motives, I rather suspected the former. I could not help + laughing as the rascal passed me, grinning betwixt terror and delight, + perched on the very pommel of the saddle, and holding with extended arms + by bridle and mane while Solomon, the bit secured between his teeth, and + his head bored down betwixt his forelegs, passed his master in this + unwonted guise as hard as he could pelt. + </p> + <p> + ‘The mischievous bastard!’ exclaimed the Quaker, terrified out of his + usual moderation of speech—‘the doomed gallows-bird!—he will + break Solomon’s wind to a certainty.’ + </p> + <p> + I prayed him to be comforted—assured, him a brushing gallop would do + his favourite no harm and reminded him of the censure he had bestowed on + me a minute before, for applying a harsh epithet to the boy. + </p> + <p> + But Joshua was not without his answer; ‘Friend youth,’ he said, ‘thou + didst speak of the lad’s soul, which thou didst affirm belonged to the + enemy, and of that thou couldst say nothing of thine own knowledge; on the + contrary, I did but speak of his outward man, which will assuredly be + suspended by a cord, if he mendeth not his manners. Men say that, young as + he is, he is one of the laird’s gang.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of the laird’s gang!’ said I, repeating the words in surprise. ‘Do you + mean the person with whom I slept last night? I heard you call him the + laird. Is he at the head of a gang?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, I meant not precisely a gang,’ said the Quaker, who appeared in his + haste to have spoken more than he intended—a company, or party, I + should have said; but thus it is, friend Latimer, with the wisest men when + they permit themselves to be perturbed with passion, and speak as in a + fever, or as with the tongue of the foolish and the forward. And although + thou hast been hasty to mark my infirmity, yet I grieve not that thou hast + been a witness to it, seeing that the stumbles of the wise may be no less + a caution to youth and inexperience, than is the fall of the foolish.’ + </p> + <p> + This was a sort of acknowledgement of what I had already begun to suspect—that + my new friend’s real goodness of disposition, joined to the acquired + quietism of his religious sect, had been unable entirely to check the + effervescence of a temper naturally warm and hasty. + </p> + <p> + Upon the present occasion, as if sensible he had displayed a greater + degree of emotion than became his character, Joshua avoided further + allusion to Benjie and Solomon, and proceeded to solicit my attention to + the natural objects around us, which increased in beauty and interest, as, + still conducted by the meanders of the brook, we left the common behind + us, and entered a more cultivated and enclosed country, where arable and + pasture ground was agreeably varied with groves and hedges. Descending now + almost close to the stream, our course lay through a little gate, into a + pathway kept with great neatness, the sides of which were decorated with + trees and flowering shrubs of the hardier species; until, ascending by a + gentle slope, we issued from the grove, and stood almost at once in front + of a low but very neat building, of an irregular form; and my guide, + shaking me cordially by the hand, made me welcome to Mount Sharon. + </p> + <p> + The wood through which we had approached this little mansion was thrown + around it both on the north and north-west, but, breaking off into + different directions, was intersected by a few fields well watered and + sheltered. The house fronted to the south-east, and from thence the + pleasure-ground, or, I should rather say, the gardens, sloped down to the + water. I afterwards understood that the father of the present proprietor + had a considerable taste for horticulture, which had been inherited by his + son, and had formed these gardens, which, with their shaven turf, pleached + alleys, wildernesses, and exotic trees and shrubs, greatly excelled + anything of the kind which had been attempted in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + If there was a little vanity in the complacent smile with which Joshua + Geddes saw me gaze with delight on a scene so different from the naked + waste we had that day traversed in company, it might surely be permitted + to one who, cultivating and improving the beauties of nature, had found + therein, as he said, bodily health, and a pleasing relaxation for the + mind. At the bottom of the extended gardens the brook wheeled round in a + wide semicircle, and was itself their boundary. The opposite side was no + part of Joshua’s domain, but the brook was there skirted by a precipitous + rock of limestone, which seemed a barrier of nature’s own erecting around + his little Eden of beauty, comfort, and peace. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I must not let thee forget,’ said the kind Quaker, ‘amidst thy + admiration of these beauties of our little inheritance, that thy breakfast + has been a light one.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Joshua conducted me to a small sashed door, opening under a + porch amply mantled by honeysuckle and clematis, into a parlour of + moderate size; the furniture of which, in plainness and excessive + cleanliness, bore the characteristic marks of the sect to which the owner + belonged. + </p> + <p> + Thy father’s Hannah is generally allowed to be an exception to all + Scottish housekeepers, and stands unparalleled for cleanliness among the + women of Auld Reekie; but the cleanliness of Hannah is sluttishness + compared to the scrupulous purifications of these people, who seem to + carry into the minor decencies of life that conscientious rigour which + they affect in their morals. + </p> + <p> + The parlour would have been gloomy, for the windows were small and the + ceiling low; but the present proprietor had rendered it more cheerful by + opening one end into a small conservatory, roofed with glass, and divided + from the parlour by a partition of the same. I have never before seen this + very pleasing manner of uniting the comforts of an apartment with the + beauties of a garden, and I wonder it is not more practised by the great. + Something of the kind is hinted at in a paper of the SPECTATOR. + </p> + <p> + As I walked towards the conservatory to view it more closely, the parlour + chimney engaged my attention. It was a pile of massive stone, entirely out + of proportion to the size of the apartment. On the front had once been an + armorial scutcheon; for the hammer, or chisel, which had been employed to + deface the shield or crest, had left uninjured the scroll beneath, which + bore the pious motto, ‘TRUST IN GOD.’ Black-letter, you know, was my early + passion, and the tombstones in the Greyfriars’ churchyard early yielded up + to my knowledge as a decipherer what little they could tell of the + forgotten dead. + </p> + <p> + Joshua Geddes paused when he saw my eye fixed on this relic of antiquity. + ‘Thou canst read it?’ he said. + </p> + <p> + I repeated the motto, and added, there seemed vestiges of a date. + </p> + <p> + ‘It should be 1537,’ said he; ‘for so long ago, at the least computation, + did my ancestors, in the blinded times of Papistry, possess these lands, + and in that year did they build their house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is an ancient descent,’ said I, looking with respect upon the + monument. ‘I am sorry the arms have been defaced.’ + </p> + <p> + It was perhaps impossible for my friend, Quaker as he was, to seem + altogether void of respect for the pedigree which he began to recount to + me, disclaiming all the while the vanity usually connected with the + subject; in short, with the air of mingled melancholy, regret, and + conscious dignity, with which Jack Fawkes used to tell us at college of + his ancestor’s unfortunate connexion with the Gunpowder Plot. + </p> + <p> + ‘Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher,’ thus harangued Joshua Gleddes of + Mount Sharon; ‘if we ourselves are nothing in the sight of Heaven, how + much less than nothing must be our derivation from rotten bones and + mouldering dust, whose immortal spirits have long since gone to their + private account? Yes, friend Latimer, my ancestors were renowned among the + ravenous and bloodthirsty men who then dwelt in this vexed country; and so + much were they famed for successful freebooting, robbery, and bloodshed, + that they are said to have been called Geddes, as likening them to the + fish called a Jack, Pike, or Luce, and in our country tongue, a GED—a + goodly distinction truly for Christian men! Yet did they paint this shark + of the fresh waters upon their shields, and these profane priests of a + wicked idolatry, the empty boasters called heralds, who make engraven + images of fishes, fowls, and four-footed beasts, that men may fall down + and worship them, assigned the ged for the device and escutcheon of my + fathers, and hewed it over their chimneys, and placed it above their + tombs; and the men were elated in mind, and became yet more ged-like, + slaying, leading into captivity, and dividing the spoil, until the place + where they dwelt obtained the name of Sharing-Knowe, from the booty which + was there divided amongst them and their accomplices. But a better + judgement was given to my father’s father, Philip Geddes, who, after + trying to light his candle at some of the vain wildfires then held aloft + at different meetings and steeple-houses, at length obtained a spark from + the lamp of the blessed George Fox, who came into Scotland spreading light + among darkness, as he himself hath written, as plentifully as fly the + sparkles from the hoof of the horse which gallops swiftly along the stony + road.’—Here the good Quaker interrupted himself with, ‘And that is + very true, I must go speedily to see after the condition of Solomon.’ + </p> + <p> + A Quaker servant here entered the room with a tray, and inclining his head + towards his master, but not after the manner of one who bows, said + composedly, ‘Thou art welcome home, friend Joshua, we expected thee not so + early; but what hath befallen Solomon thy horse?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What hath befallen him, indeed?’ said my friend; ‘hath he not been + returned hither by the child whom they call Benjie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He hath,’ said his domestic, ‘but it was after a strange fashion; for he + came hither at a swift and furious pace, and flung the child Benjie from + his back, upon the heap of dung which is in the stable-yard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad of it,’ said Joshua, hastily,—‘glad of it, with all my + heart and spirit! But stay, he is the child of the widow—hath the + boy any hurt?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so’ answered the servant, ‘for he rose and fled swiftly.’ + </p> + <p> + Joshua muttered something about a scourge, and then inquired after + Solomon’s present condition. + </p> + <p> + ‘He seetheth like a steaming cauldron,’ answered the servant; ‘and + Bauldie, the lad, walketh him about the yard with a halter, lest he take + cold.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Geddes hastened to the stable-yard to view personally the condition of + his favourite, and I followed to offer my counsel as a jockey. Don’t + laugh, Alan, sure I have jockeyship enough to assist a Quaker—in + this unpleasing predicament. + </p> + <p> + The lad who was leading the horse seemed to be no Quaker, though his + intercourse with the family had given him a touch of their prim sobriety + of look and manner. He assured Joshua that his horse had received no + injury, and I even hinted that the exercise would be of service to him. + Solomon himself neighed towards his master, and rubbed his head against + the good Quaker’s shoulder, as if to assure him of his being quite well; + so that Joshua returned in comfort to his parlour, where breakfast was now + about to be displayed. + </p> + <p> + I have since learned that the affection of Joshua for his pony is + considered as inordinate by some of his own sect; and that he has been + much blamed for permitting it to be called by the name of Solomon, or any + other name whatever; but he has gained so much respect and influence among + them that they overlook these foibles. + </p> + <p> + I learned from him (whilst the old servant, Jehoiachim, entering and + re-entering, seemed to make no end of the materials which he brought in + for breakfast) that his grandfather Philip, the convert of George Fox, had + suffered much from the persecution to which these harmless devotees were + subjected on all sides during that intolerant period, and much of their + family estate had been dilapidated. But better days dawned on Joshua’s + father, who, connecting himself by marriage with a wealthy family of + Quakers in Lancashire, engaged successfully in various branches of + commerce, and redeemed the remnants of the property, changing its name in + sense, without much alteration of sound, from the Border appellation of + Sharing-Knowe, to the evangelical appellation of Mount Sharon. + </p> + <p> + This Philip Geddes, as I before hinted, had imbibed the taste for + horticulture and the pursuits of the florist, which are not uncommon among + the peaceful sect he belonged to. He had destroyed the remnants of the old + peel-house, substituting the modern mansion in its place; and while he + reserved the hearth of his ancestors, in memory of their hospitality, as + also the pious motto which they had chanced to assume, he failed not to + obliterate the worldly and military emblems displayed upon the shield and + helmet, together with all their blazonry. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes after Mr. Geddes had concluded the account; of himself + and his family, his sister Rachel, the only surviving member of it, + entered the room. Her appearance is remarkably pleasing, and although her + age is certainly thirty at least, she still retains the shape and motion + of an earlier period. The absence of everything like fashion or ornament + was, as usual, atoned for by the most perfect neatness and cleanliness of + her dress; and her simple close cap was particularly suited to eyes which + had the softness and simplicity of the dove’s. Her features were also + extremely agreeable, but had suffered a little through the ravages of that + professed enemy to beauty, the small-pox; a disadvantage which was in part + counterbalanced by a well-formed mouth, teeth like pearls, and a pleasing + sobriety of smile, that seemed to wish good here and hereafter to every + one she spoke to. You cannot make any of your vile inferences here, Alan, + for I have given a full-length picture of Rachel Geddes; so that; you + cannot say, in this case, as in the letter I have just received, that she + was passed over as a subject on which I feared to dilate. More of this + anon. + </p> + <p> + Well, we settled to our breakfast after a blessing, or rather an extempore + prayer, which Joshua made upon the occasion, and which the spirit moved + him to prolong rather more than I felt altogether agreeable. Then, Alan, + there was such a dispatching of the good things of the morning as you have + not witnessed since you have seen Darsie Latimer at breakfast. Tea and + chocolate, eggs, ham, and pastry, not forgetting the broiled fish, + disappeared with a celerity which seemed to astonish the good-humoured + Quakers, who kept loading my plate with supplies, as if desirous of seeing + whether they could, by any possibility, tire me out. One hint, however, I + received, which put me in mind where I was. Miss Geddes had offered me + some sweet-cake, which, at the moment, I declined; but presently + afterwards, seeing it within my reach, I naturally enough helped myself to + a slice, and had just; deposited it beside my plate, when Joshua, mine + host, not with the authoritative air of Sancho’s doctor, Tirteafuera, but + in a very calm and quiet manner, lifted it away and replaced it on the + dish, observing only, ‘Thou didst refuse it before, friend Latimer.’ + </p> + <p> + These good folks, Alan, make no allowance for what your good father calls + the Aberdeen-man’s privilege, of ‘taking his word again;’ or what the wise + call second thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Bating this slight hint that I was among a precise generation, there was + nothing in my reception that was peculiar—unless, indeed, I were to + notice the solicitous and uniform kindness with which all the attentions + of my new friends were seasoned, as if they were anxious to assure me that + the neglect of worldly compliments interdicted by their sect, only served + to render their hospitality more sincere. At length my hunger was + satisfied, and the worthy Quaker, who, with looks of great good nature, + had watched my progress, thus addressed his sister:— + </p> + <p> + ‘This young man, Rachel, hath last night sojourned in the tents of our + neighbour whom men call the laird. I am sorry I had not met him the + evening before, for our neighbour’s hospitality is too unfrequently + exercised to be well prepared with the means of welcome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, but, Joshua,’ said Rachel, ‘if our neighbour hath done a kindness, + thou shouldst not grudge him the opportunity; and if our young friend hath + fared ill for a night, he will the better relish what Providence may send + him of better provisions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that he may do so at leisure,’ said Joshua, ‘we will pray him, + Rachel, to tarry a day or twain with us: he is young, and is but now + entering upon the world, and our habitation may, if he will, be like a + resting-place, from which he may look abroad upon the pilgrimage which he + must take, and the path which he has to travel.—What sayest thou, + friend Latimer? We constrain not our friends to our ways, and thou art, I + think, too wise to quarrel with us for following our own fashions; and if + we should even give thee a word of advice, thou wilt not, I think, be + angry, so that it is spoken in season.’ + </p> + <p> + You know, Alan, how easily I am determined by anything resembling + cordiality—and so, though a little afraid of the formality of my + host and hostess, I accepted their invitation, provided I could get some + messenger to send to Shepherd’s Bush for my servant and portmanteau. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, truly, friend,’ said Joshua, ‘thy outward frame would be improved by + cleaner garments; but I will do thine errand myself to the Widow Gregson’s + house of reception, and send thy lad hither with thy clothes. Meanwhile, + Rachel will show thee these little gardens, and then will put thee in some + way of spending thy time usefully, till our meal calls us together at the + second hour after noon. I bid thee farewell for the present, having some + space to walk, seeing I must leave the animal Solomon to his refreshing + rest.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, Mr. Joshua Geddes withdrew. Some ladies we have known + would have felt, or at least affected, reserve or embarrassment, at being + left to do the honours of the grounds to (it will be out, Alan)—a + smart young fellow—an entire stranger. She went out for a few + minutes, and returned in her plain cloak and bonnet, with her beaver + gloves, prepared to act as my guide, with as much simplicity as if she had + been to wait upon thy father. So forth I sallied with my fair Quakeress. + </p> + <p> + If the house at Mount Sharon be merely a plain and convenient dwelling, of + moderate size and small pretensions, the gardens and offices, though not + extensive, might rival an earl’s in point of care and expense. Rachel + carried me first to her own favourite resort, a poultry-yard, stocked with + a variety of domestic fowls, of the more rare as well as the most ordinary + kinds, furnished with every accommodation which may suit their various + habits. A rivulet which spread into a pond for the convenience of the + aquatic birds, trickled over gravel as it passed through the yards + dedicated to the land poultry, which were thus amply supplied with the + means they use for digestion. + </p> + <p> + All these creatures seemed to recognize the presence of their mistress, + and some especial favourites hastened to her feet, and continued to follow + her as far as their limits permitted. She pointed out their peculiarities + and qualities, with the discrimination of one who had made natural history + her study; and I own I never looked on barn-door fowls with so much + interest before—at least until they were boiled or roasted. I could + not help asking the trying question, how she could order the execution of + any of the creatures of which she seemed so careful. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was painful,’ she said, ‘but it was according to the law of their + being. They must die; but they knew not when death was approaching; and in + making them comfortable while they lived, we contributed to their + happiness as much as the conditions of their existence permitted to us.’ + </p> + <p> + I am not quite of her mind, Alan. I do not believe either pigs or poultry + would admit that the chief end of their being was to be killed and eaten. + However, I did not press the argument, from which my Quaker seemed rather + desirous to escape; for, conducting me to the greenhouse, which was + extensive, and filled with the choicest plants, she pointed out an aviary + which occupied the farther end, where, she said, she employed herself with + attending the inhabitants, without being disturbed with any painful + recollections concerning their future destination. + </p> + <p> + I will not trouble you with any account of the various hot-houses and + gardens, and their contents. No small sum of money must have been expended + in erecting and maintaining them in the exquisite degree of good order + which they exhibited. The family, I understood, were connected with that + of the celebrated Millar, and had imbibed his taste for flowers, and for + horticulture. But instead of murdering botanical names, I will rather + conduct you to the POLICY, or pleasure-garden, which the taste of Joshua + or his father had extended on the banks betwixt the house and river. This + also, in contradistinction to the prevailing simplicity, was ornamented in + an unusual degree. There were various compartments, the connexion of which + was well managed, and although the whole ground did not exceed five or six + acres, it was so much varied as to seem four times larger. The space + contained close alleys and open walks; a very pretty artificial waterfall; + a fountain also, consisting of a considerable jet-d’eau, whose streams + glittered in the sunbeams and exhibited a continual rainbow. There was a + cabinet of verdure, as the French call it, to cool the summer heat, and + there was a terrace sheltered from the north-east by a noble holly hedge, + with all its glittering spears where you might have the full advantage of + the sun in the clear frosty days of winter. + </p> + <p> + I know that you, Alan, will condemn all this as bad and antiquated; for, + ever since Dodsley has described the Leasowes, and talked of Brown’s + imitations of nature and Horace Walpole’s late Essay on Gardening, you are + all for simple nature—condemn walking up and down stairs in the open + air and declare for wood and wilderness. But NE QUID NIMIS. I would not + deface a scene of natural grandeur or beauty, by the introduction of + crowded artificial decorations; yet such may, I think, be very + interesting, where the situation, in its natural state, otherwise has no + particular charms. + </p> + <p> + So that when I have a country-house (who can say how soon?) you may look + for grottoes, and cascades, and fountains; nay if you vex me by + contradiction, perhaps I may go the length of a temple—so provoke me + not, for you see of what enormities I am capable. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, Alan, had you condemned as artificial the rest of Friend + Geddes’s grounds, there is a willow walk by the very verge of the stream, + so sad, so solemn, and so silent, that it must have commanded your + admiration. The brook, restrained at the ultimate boundary of the grounds + by a natural dam-dike or ledge of rocks, seemed, even in its present + swollen state, scarcely to glide along: and the pale willow-trees, + dropping their long branches into the stream, gathered around them little + coronals of the foam that floated down from the more rapid stream above. + The high rock, which formed the opposite bank of the brook, was seen dimly + through the branches, and its pale and splintered front, garlanded with + long streamers of briers and other creeping plants, seemed a barrier + between the quiet path which we trod, and the toiling and bustling world + beyond. The path itself, following the sweep of the stream, made a very + gentle curve; enough, however, served by its inflection completely to hide + the end of the walk until you arrived at it. A deep and sullen sound, + which increased as you proceeded, prepared you for this termination, which + was indeed only a plain root-seat, from which you looked on a fall of + about six or seven feet, where the brook flung itself over the ledge of + natural rock I have already mentioned, which there crossed its course. + </p> + <p> + The quiet and twilight seclusion of this walk rendered it a fit scene for + confidential communing; and having nothing more interesting to say to my + fair Quaker, I took the liberty of questioning her about the laird; for + you are, or ought to be, aware, that next to discussing the affairs of the + heart, the fair sex are most interested in those of their neighbours. + </p> + <p> + I did not conceal either my curiosity, or the check which it had received + from Joshua, and I saw that my companion answered with embarrassment. ‘I + must not speak otherwise than truly,’ she said; ‘and therefore I tell + thee, that my brother dislikes, and that I fear, the man of whom thou hast + asked me. Perhaps we are both wrong—but he is a man of violence, and + hath great influence over many, who, following the trade of sailors and + fishermen, become as rude as the elements with which they contend. He hath + no certain name among them, which is not unusual, their rude fashion being + to distinguish each other by nicknames; and they have called him the Laird + of the Lakes (not remembering there should be no one called Lord, save one + only) in idle derision; the pools of salt water left by the tide among the + sands being called the Lakes of Solway.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he no other revenue than he derives from these sands?’ I asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘That I cannot answer,’ replied Rachel; ‘men say that he wants not money, + though he lives like an ordinary fisherman, and that he imparts freely of + his means to the poor around him. They intimate that he is a man of + consequence, once deeply engaged in the unhappy affair of the rebellion, + and even still too much in danger from the government to assume his own + name. He is often absent from his cottage at Broken-burn-cliffs, for weeks + and months.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should have thought,’ said I, ‘that the government would scarce, at + this time of day, be likely to proceed against any one even of the most + obnoxious rebels. Many years have passed away’— + </p> + <p> + ‘It is true,’ she replied; ‘yet such persons may understand that their + being connived at depends on their living in obscurity. But indeed there + can nothing certain be known among these rude people. The truth is not in + them—most of them participate in the unlawful trade betwixt these + parts and the neighbouring shore of England; and they are familiar with + every species of falsehood and deceit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a pity,’ I remarked, ‘your brother should have neighbours of such a + description, especially as I understand he is at some variance with them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where, when, and about what matter?’ answered Miss Geddes, with an eager + and timorous anxiety, which made me regret having touched on the subject. + </p> + <p> + I told her, in a way as little alarming as I could devise, the purport of + what passed betwixt this Laird of the Lakes and her brother, at their + morning’s interview. + </p> + <p> + ‘You affright me much,’ answered she; ‘it is this very circumstance which + has scared me in the watches of the night. When my brother Joshua withdrew + from an active share in the commercial concerns of my father, being + satisfied with the portion of worldly substance which he already + possessed, there were one or two undertakings in which he retained an + interest, either because his withdrawing might have been prejudicial to + friends, or because he wished to retain some mode of occupying his time. + Amongst the more important of these is a fishing station on the coast, + where, by certain improved modes of erecting snares, opening at the + advance of the tide, and shutting at the reflux, many more fish are taken + than can be destroyed by those who, like the men of Broken-burn, use only + the boat-net and spear, or fishing-rod. They complain of these tide-nets, + as men call them, as an innovation, and pretend to a right to remove and + destroy them by the strong hand. I fear me, this man of violence, whom + they call the laird, will execute these his threats, which cannot be + without both loss and danger to my brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Geddes,’ said I, ‘ought to apply to the civil, magistrate; there are + soldiers at Dumfries who would be detached for his protection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou speakest, friend Latimer,’ answered the lady, ‘as one who is still + in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. God forbid that we should + endeavour to preserve nets of flax and stakes of wood, or the Mammon of + gain which they procure for us, by the hands of men of war and at the risk + of spilling human blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I respect your scruples,’ I replied; ‘but since such is your way of + thinking, your brother ought to avert the danger by compromise or + submission.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps it would be best,’ answered Rachel; ‘but what can I say? Even in + the best-trained temper there may remain some leaven of the old Adam; and + I know not whether it is this or a better spirit that maketh my brother + Joshua determine, that though he will not resist force by force, neither + will he yield up his right to mere threats, or encourage wrong to others + by yielding to menaces. His partners, he says, confide in his steadiness: + and that he must not disappoint them by yielding up their right for the + fear of the threats of man, whose breath is in his nostrils.’ + </p> + <p> + This observation convinced me that the spirit of the old sharers of the + spoil was not utterly departed even from the bosom of the peaceful Quaker; + and I could not help confessing internally that Joshua had the right, when + he averred that there was as much courage in sufferance as in exertion. + </p> + <p> + As we approached the farther end of the willow walk, the sullen and + continuous sound of the dashing waters became still more and more audible, + and at length rendered it difficult for us to communicate with each other. + The conversation dropped, but apparently my companion continued to dwell + upon the apprehensions which it had excited. At the bottom of the walk we + obtained a view of the cascade, where the swollen brook flung itself in + foam and tumult over the natural barrier of rock, which seemed in vain to + attempt to bar its course. I gazed with delight, and, turning to express + my sentiment to my companion, I observed that she had folded her hands in + an attitude of sorrowful resignation, which showed her thoughts were far + from the scene which lay before her. When she saw that her abstraction was + observed, she resumed her former placidity of manner; and having given me + sufficient time to admire this termination of our sober and secluded walk, + proposed that me should return to the house through her brother’s farm. + ‘Even we Quakers, as we are called, have our little pride,’ she said; ‘and + my brother Joshua would not forgive me, were I not to show thee the fields + which he taketh delight to cultivate after the newest and best fashion; + for which, I promise thee, he hath received much praise from good judges, + as well as some ridicule from those who think it folly to improve on the + customs of our ancestors.’ + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she opened a low door, leading through a moss and + ivy-covered wall, the boundary of the pleasure-ground, into the open + fields; through which we moved by a convenient path, leading, with good + taste and simplicity, by stile and hedgerow, through pasturage, and + arable, and woodland; so that in all ordinary weather, the good man might, + without even soiling his shoes, perform his perambulation round the farm. + There were seats also, on which to rest; and though not adorned with + inscriptions, nor quite so frequent in occurrence as those mentioned in + the account of the Leasowes, their situation was always chosen with + respect to some distant prospect to be commanded, or some home-view to be + enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + But what struck me most in Joshua’s domain was the quantity and the + tameness of the game. The hen partridge scarce abandoned the roost, at the + foot of the hedge where she had assembled her covey, though the path went + close beside her; and the hare, remaining on her form, gazed at us as we + passed, with her full dark eye, or rising lazily and hopping to a little + distance, stood erect to look at us with more curiosity than apprehension. + I observed to Miss Geddes the extreme tameness of these timid and shy + animals, and she informed me that their confidence arose from protection + in the summer, and relief during the winter. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are pets,’ she said, ‘of my brother, who considers them as the + better entitled to his kindness that they are a race persecuted by the + world in general. He denieth himself,’ she said, ‘even the company of a + dog, that these creatures may here at least enjoy undisturbed security. + Yet this harmless or humane propensity, or humour, hath given offence,’ + she added, ‘to our dangerous neighbours.’ + </p> + <p> + She explained this, by telling me that my host of the preceding night was + remarkable for his attachment to field-sports, which he pursued without + much regard to the wishes of the individuals over whose property he + followed them. The undefined mixture of respect and fear with which he was + generally regarded induced most of the neighbouring land-holders to + connive at what they would perhaps in another have punished as a trespass; + but Joshua Geddes would not permit the intrusion of any one upon his + premises, and as he had before offended several country neighbours, who, + because he would neither shoot himself nor permit others to do so, + compared him to the dog in the manger, so he now aggravated the + displeasure which the Laird of the Lakes had already conceived against + him, by positively debarring him from pursuing his sport over his grounds—‘So + that,’ said Rachel Geddes, ‘I sometimes wish our lot had been cast + elsewhere than in these pleasant borders, where, if we had less of beauty + around us, we might have had a neighbourhood of peace and, goodwill.’ + </p> + <p> + We at length returned to the house, where Miss Geddes showed me a small + study, containing a little collection of books, in two separate presses. + </p> + <p> + ‘These,’ said she, pointing to the smaller press, ‘will, if thou bestowest + thy leisure upon them, do thee good; and these,’ pointing to the other and + larger cabinet, ‘can, I believe, do thee little harm. Some of our people + do indeed hold, that every writer who is not with us is against us; but + brother Joshua is mitigated in his opinions, and correspondeth with our + friend John Scot of Amwell, who hath himself constructed verses well + approved of even in the world. I wish thee many good thoughts till our + family meet at the hour of dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + Left alone, I tried both collections; the first consisted entirely of + religious and controversial tracts, and the latter formed a small + selection of history and of moral writers, both in prose and verse. + </p> + <p> + Neither collection promising much amusement, thou hast, in these close + pages, the fruits of my tediousness; and truly, I think, writing history + (one’s self being the subject) is as amusing as reading that of foreign + countries, at any time. + </p> + <p> + Sam, still more drunk than sober, arrived in due time with my portmanteau, + and enabled me to put my dress into order, better befitting this temple of + cleanliness and decorum, where (to conclude) I believe I shall be a + sojourner more days than one. [See Note 1.] + </p> + <p> + PS.—I have noted your adventure, as you home-bred youths may perhaps + term it, concerning the visit of your doughty laird. We travellers hold + such an incident no great consequence, though it may serve to embellish + the uniform life of Brown’s Square. But art thou not ashamed to attempt to + interest one who is seeing the world at large, and studying human nature + on a large scale, by so bald a narrative? Why, what does it amount to, + after all, but that a Tory laird dined with a Whig lawyer? no very + uncommon matter, especially as you state Mr. Herries to have lost the + estate, though retaining the designation. The laird behaves with + haughtiness and impertinence—nothing out of character in that: is + NOT kicked down stairs, as he ought to have been, were Alan Fairford half + the man that he would wish his friends to think him. Aye, but then, as the + young lawyer, instead of showing his friend the door, chose to make use of + it himself, he overheard the laird aforesaid ask the old lawyer concerning + Darsie Latimer—no doubt earnestly inquiring after the handsome, + accomplished inmate of his family, who has so lately made Themis his bow + and declined the honour of following her farther. You laugh at me for my + air-drawn castles; but confess, have they not surer footing, in general, + than two words spoken by such a man as Herries? And yet—and yet—I + would rally the matter off, Alan; but in dark nights even the glow-worm + becomes an object of lustre, and to one plunged in my uncertainty and + ignorance, the slightest gleam that promises intelligence is interesting. + My life is like the subterranean river in the Peak of Derby, visible only + where it crosses the celebrated cavern. I am here, and this much I know; + but where I have sprung from, or whither my course of life is like to + tend, who shall tell me? Your father, too, seemed interested and alarmed, + and talked of writing; would to Heaven he may!—I send daily to the + post-town for letters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + ALAN FAIRFORD TO DARSIE LATIMER + </h3> + <p> + Thou mayst clap thy wings and crow as thou pleasest. You go in search of + adventures, but adventures come to me unsought for; and oh! in what a + pleasing shape came mine, since it arrived in the form of a client—and + a fair client to boot! What think you of that, Darsie! you who are such a + sworn squire of dames? Will this not match my adventures with thine, that + hunt salmon on horseback, and will it not, besides, eclipse the history of + a whole tribe of Broadbrims?—But I must proceed methodically. + </p> + <p> + When I returned to-day from the College, I was surprised to see a broad + grin distending the adust countenance of the faithful James Wilkinson, + which, as the circumstance seldom happens above once a year, was matter of + some surprise. Moreover, he had a knowing glance with his eye, which I + should have as soon expected from a dumb-waiter—an article of + furniture to which James, in his usual state, may be happily assimilated. + ‘What the devil is the matter, James?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The devil may be in the matter, for aught I ken,’ said James, with + another provoking grin; ‘for here has been a woman calling for you, + Maister Alan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A woman calling for me?’ said I in surprise; for you know well, that + excepting old Aunt Peggy, who comes to dinner of a Sunday, and the still + older Lady Bedrooket, who calls ten times a year for the quarterly payment + of her jointure of four hundred merks, a female scarce approaches our + threshold, as my father visits all his female clients at their own + lodgings. James protested, however, that there had been a lady calling, + and for me. ‘As bonny a lass as I have seen,’ added James, ‘since I was in + the Fusileers, and kept company with Peg Baxter.’ Thou knowest all James’s + gay recollections go back to the period of his military service, the years + he has spent in ours having probably been dull enough. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did the lady leave no name nor place of address?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied James; ‘but she asked when you wad be at hame, and I + appointed her for twelve o’clock, when the house wad be quiet, and your + father at the Bank.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For shame, James! how can you think my father’s being at home or abroad + could be of consequence?—The lady is of course a decent person?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’se uphaud her that, sir—she is nane of your—WHEW’—(Here + James supplied a blank with a low whistle)—‘but I didna ken—my + maister makes an unco wark if a woman comes here.’ + </p> + <p> + I passed into my own room, not ill-pleased that my father was absent, + notwithstanding I had thought it proper to rebuke James for having so + contrived it, I disarranged my books, to give them the appearance of a + graceful confusion on the table, and laying my foils (useless since your + departure) across the mantelpiece, that the lady might see I was TAM MARTE + QUAM MERCURIO—I endeavoured to dispose my dress so as to resemble an + elegant morning deshabille—gave my hair the general shade of powder + which marks the gentleman—laid my watch and seals on the table, to + hint that I understood the value of time;—and when I had made all + these arrangements, of which I am a little ashamed when I think of them, I + had nothing better to do than to watch the dial-plate till the index + pointed to noon. Five minutes elapsed, which. I allowed for variation of + clocks—five minutes more rendered me anxious and doubtful—and + five minutes more would have made me impatient. + </p> + <p> + Laugh as thou wilt; but remember, Darsie, I was a lawyer, expecting his + first client—a young man, how strictly bred up I need not remind + you, expecting a private interview with a young and beautiful woman. But + ere the third term of five minutes had elapsed, the door-bell was heard to + tinkle low and modestly, as if touched by some timid hand. + </p> + <p> + James Wilkinson, swift in nothing, is, as thou knowest, peculiarly slow in + answering the door-bell; and I reckoned on five minutes good, ere his + solemn step should have ascended the stair. Time enough, thought I, for a + peep through the blinds, and was hastening to the window accordingly. But + I reckoned without my host; for James, who had his own curiosity as well + as I, was lying PERDU in the lobby, ready to open at the first tinkle; and + there was, ‘This way, ma’am—Yes, ma’am—The lady, Mr. Alan,’ + before I could get to the chair in which I proposed to be discovered, + seated in all legal dignity. The consciousness of being half-caught in the + act of peeping, joined to that native air of awkward bashfulness of which + I am told the law will soon free me, kept me standing on the floor in some + confusion; while the lady, disconcerted on her part, remained on the + threshold of the room. James Wilkinson, who had his senses most about him, + and was perhaps willing to prolong his stay in the apartment, busied + himself in setting a chair for the lady, and recalled me to my + good-breeding by the hint. I invited her to take possession of it, and bid + James withdraw. + </p> + <p> + My visitor was undeniably a lady, and probably considerably above the + ordinary rank—very modest, too, judging from the mixture of grace + and timidity with which she moved, and at my entreaty sat down. Her dress + was, I should suppose, both handsome and fashionable; but it was much + concealed by a walking-cloak of green silk, fancifully embroidered; in + which, though heavy for the season, her person was enveloped, and which, + moreover, was furnished with a hood. + </p> + <p> + The devil take that hood, Darsie! for I was just able to distinguish that, + pulled as it was over the face, it concealed from me, as I was convinced, + one of the prettiest countenances I have seen, and which, from a sense of + embarrassment, seemed to be crimsoned with a deep blush. I could see her + complexion was beautiful—her chin finely turned—her lips coral—and + her teeth rivals to ivory. But further the deponent sayeth not; for a + clasp of gold, ornamented with it sapphire, closed the envious mantle + under the incognita’s throat, and the cursed hood concealed entirely the + upper part of the face. + </p> + <p> + I ought to have spoken first, that is certain; but ere I could get my + phrases well arranged, the young lady, rendered desperate I suppose by my + hesitation opened the conversation herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear I am an intruder, sir—I expected to meet an elderly + gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + This brought me to myself. ‘My father, madam, perhaps. But you inquired + for Alan Fairford—my father’s name is Alexander.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is Mr. Alan Fairford, undoubtedly, with whom I wished to speak,’ she + said, with greater confusion; ‘but I was told that he was advanced in + life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some mistake, madam, I presume, betwixt my father and myself—our + Christian names have the same initials, though the terminations are + different. I—I—I would esteem it a most fortunate mistake if I + could have the honour of supplying my father’s place in anything that + could be of service to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very obliging, sir,’ A pause, during which she seemed + undetermined whether to rise or sit still. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am just about to be called to the bar, madam,’ said I, in hopes to + remove her scruples to open her case to me; ‘and if my advice or opinion + could be of the slightest use, although I cannot presume to say that they + are much to be depended upon, yet’— + </p> + <p> + The lady arose. ‘I am truly sensible of your kindness, sir; and I have no + doubt of your talents. I will be very plain with you—it is you whom + I came to visit; although, now that we have met, I find it will be much + better that I should commit my communication to writing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope, madam, you will not be so cruel—so tantalizing, I would + say. Consider, you are my first client—your business my first + consultation—do not do me the displeasure of withdrawing your + confidence because I am a few years younger than you seem to have + expected. My attention shall make amends for my want of experience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no doubt of either,’ said the lady, in a grave tone, calculated to + restrain the air of gallantry with which I had endeavoured to address her. + ‘But when you have received my letter you will find good reasons assigned + why a written communication will best suit my purpose. I wish you, sir, a + good morning.’ And she left the apartment, her poor baffled counsel + scraping, and bowing, and apologizing for anything that might have been + disagreeable to her, although the front of my offence seems to be my + having been discovered to be younger than my father. + </p> + <p> + The door was opened—out she went—walked along the pavement, + turned down the close, and put the sun, I believe, into her pocket when + she disappeared, so suddenly did dullness and darkness sink down on the + square, when she was no longer visible. I stood for a moment as if I had + been senseless, not recollecting what a fund of entertainment I must have + supplied to our watchful friends on the other side of the green. Then it + darted on my mind that I might dog her, and ascertain at least who or what + she was. Off I set—ran down the close, where she was no longer to be + seen, and demanded of one of the dyer’s lads whether he had seen a lady go + down the close, or had observed which way she turned. + </p> + <p> + ‘A leddy!’—said the dyer, staring at me with his rainbow + countenance. ‘Mr. Alan, what takes you out, rinning like daft, without + your hat?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The devil take my hat!’ answered I, running back, however, in quest of + it; snatched it up, and again sallied forth. But as I reached the head of + the close once more, I had sense enough to recollect that all pursuit + would be now in vain. Besides, I saw my friend, the journeyman dyer, in + close confabulation with a pea-green personage of his own profession, and + was conscious, like Scrub, that they talked of me, because they laughed + consumedly. I had no mind, by a second sudden appearance, to confirm the + report that Advocate Fairford was ‘gaen daft,’ which had probably spread + from Campbell’s Close-foot to the Meal-market Stairs; and so slunk back + within my own hole again. + </p> + <p> + My first employment was to remove all traces of that elegant and fanciful + disposition of my effects, from which I had hoped for so much credit; for + I was now ashamed and angry at having thought an instant upon the mode of + receiving a visit which had commenced so agreeably, but terminated in a + manner so unsatisfactory. I put my folios in their places—threw the + foils into the dressing-closet—tormenting myself all the while with + the fruitless doubt, whether I had missed an opportunity or escaped a + stratagem, or whether the young person had been really startled, as she + seemed to intimate, by the extreme youth of her intended legal adviser. + The mirror was not unnaturally called in to aid; and that + cabinet-counsellor pronounced me rather short, thick-set, with a cast of + features fitter, I trust, for the bar than the ball—not handsome + enough for blushing virgins to pine for my sake, or even to invent sham + cases to bring them to my chambers—yet not ugly enough either to + scare those away who came on real business—dark, to be sure, but—NIGRI + SUNT HYACINTHI—there are pretty things to be said in favour of that + complexion. + </p> + <p> + At length—as common sense will get the better in all cases when a + man will but give it fair play—I began to stand convicted in my own + mind, as an ass before the interview, for having expected too much—an + ass during the interview, for having failed to extract the lady’s real + purpose—and an especial ass, now that it was over, for thinking so + much about it. But I can think of nothing else, and therefore I am + determined to think of this to some good purpose. + </p> + <p> + You remember Murtough O’Hara’s defence of the Catholic doctrine of + confession; because, ‘by his soul, his sins were always a great burden to + his mind, till he had told them to the priest; and once confessed, he + never thought more about them.’ I have tried his receipt, therefore; and + having poured my secret mortification into thy trusty ear, I will think no + more about this maid of the mist, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Who, with no face, as ‘twere, outfaced me. +</pre> + <p> + —Four o’clock. Plague on her green mantle, she can be nothing better + than a fairy; she keeps possession of my head yet! All during dinner-time + I was terribly absent; but, luckily, my father gave the whole credit of my + reverie to the abstract nature of the doctrine, VINCO VINCENTEM, ERGO + VINCO TE; upon which brocard of law the professor this morning lectured. + So I got an early dismissal to my own crib, and here am I studying, in one + sense, VINCERE VINCENTEM, to get the better of the silly passion of + curiosity—I think—I think it amounts to nothing else—which + has taken such possession of my imagination, and is perpetually worrying + me with the question—will she write or no? She will not—she + will not! So says Reason, and adds, Why should she take the trouble to + enter into correspondence with one who, instead of a bold, alert, prompt + gallant, proved a chicken-hearted boy, and left her the whole awkwardness + of explanation, which he should have met half-way? But then, says Fancy, + she WILL write, for she was not a bit that sort of person whom you, Mr. + Reason, in your wisdom, take her to be. She was disconcerted enough, + without my adding to her distress by any impudent conduct on my part. And + she will write, for—By Heaven, she HAS written, Darsie, and with a + vengeance! Here is her letter, thrown into the kitchen by a caddie, too + faithful to be bribed, either by money or whisky, to say more than that he + received it, with sixpence, from an ordinary-looking woman, as he was + plying on his station near the Cross. + </p> + <p> + ‘FOR ALAN FAIRFORD, ESQUIRE, BARRISTER. ‘SIR, + </p> + <p> + ‘Excuse my mistake of to-day. I had accidentally learnt that Mr. Darsie + Latimer had an intimate friend and associate in Mr. A. Fairford. When I + inquired for such a person, he was pointed out to me at the Cross (as I + think the Exchange of your city is called) in the character of a + respectable elderly man—your father, as I now understand. On inquiry + at Brown’s Square, where I understood he resided, I used the full name of + Alan, which naturally occasioned you the trouble of this day’s visit. Upon + further inquiry, I am led to believe that you are likely to be the person + most active in the matter to which I am now about to direct your + attention; and I regret much that circumstances, arising out of my own + particular situation, prevent my communicating to you personally what I + now apprise you of in this matter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your friend, Mr. Darsie Latimer, is in a situation of considerable + danger. You are doubtless aware that he has been cautioned not to trust + himself in England. Now, if he has not absolutely transgressed this + friendly injunction, he has at least approached as nearly to the menaced + danger as he could do, consistently with the letter of the prohibition. He + has chosen his abode in a neighbourhood very perilous to him; and it is + only by a speedy return to Edinburgh, or at least by a removal to some + more remote part of Scotland, that he can escape the machinations of those + whose enmity he has to fear. I must speak in mystery, but my words are not + the less certain; and, I believe, you know enough of your friend’s + fortunes to be aware that I could not write this much without being even + more intimate with them than you are. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he cannot, or will not, take the advice here given, it is my opinion + that you should join him, if possible, without delay, and use, by your + personal presence and entreaty, the arguments which may prove ineffectual + in writing. One word more, and I implore of your candour to take it as it + is meant. No one supposes that Mr. Fairford’s zeal in his friend’s service + needs to be quickened by mercenary motives. ‘But report says, that Mr. + Alan Fairford, not having yet entered on his professional career, may, in + such a case as this, want the means, though he cannot want the + inclination, to act with promptitude. The enclosed note Mr. Alan Fairford + must be pleased to consider as his first professional emolument; and she + who sends it hopes it will be the omen of unbounded success, though the + fee comes from a hand so unknown as that of ‘GREEN MANTLE’. + </p> + <p> + A bank-note of L20 was the enclosure, and the whole incident left me + speechless with astonishment. I am not able to read over the beginning of + my own letter, which forms the introduction to this extraordinary + communication. I only know that, though mixed with a quantity of foolery + (God knows very much different from my present feelings), it gives an + account sufficiently accurate, of the mysterious person from whom this + letter comes, and that I have neither time nor patience to separate the + absurd commentary from the text, which it is so necessary you should know. + </p> + <p> + Combine this warning, so strangely conveyed, with the caution impressed on + you by your London correspondent, Griffiths, against your visiting England—with + the character of your Laird of the Solway Lakes—with the lawless + habits of the people on that frontier country, where warrants are not + easily executed owing to the jealousy entertained by either country of the + legal interference of the other; remember, that even Sir John Fielding + said to my father that he could never trace a rogue beyond the Briggend of + Dumfries—think that the distinctions of Whig and Tory, Papist and + Protestant, still keep that country in a loose and comparatively lawless + state—think of all this, my dearest Darsie, and remember that, while + at this Mount Sharon of yours, you are residing with a family actually + menaced with forcible interference, and who, while their obstinacy + provokes violence, are by principle bound to abstain from resistance. + </p> + <p> + Nay, let me tell you, professionally, that the legality of the mode of + fishing practised by your friend Joshua is greatly doubted by our best + lawyers; and that, if the stake-nets be considered as actually an unlawful + obstruction raised in the channel of the estuary, an assembly of persons + who shall proceed, VIA FACTI, to pull dawn and destroy them, would not, in + the eye of the law, be esteemed guilty of a riot. So, by remaining where + you are, YOU are likely to be engaged in a quarrel with which you have + nothing to do, and thus to enable your enemies, whoever these may be, to + execute, amid the confusion of a general hubbub, whatever designs they may + have against your personal safety. Black-fishers, poachers, and smugglers + are a sort of gentry that will not be much checked, either by your + Quaker’s texts, or by your chivalry. If you are Don Quixote enough to lay + lance in rest, in defence of those of the stake-net, and of the + sad-coloured garment, I pronounce you but a lost knight; for, as I said + before, I doubt if these potent redressers of wrongs, the justices and + constables, will hold themselves warranted to interfere. In a word, + return, my dear Amadis; the adventure of the Solway-nets is not reserved + for your worship. Come back, and I will be your faithful Sancho Panza upon + a more hopeful quest. We will beat about together, in search of this + Urganda, the Unknown She of the Green Mantle, who can read this, the + riddle of thy fate, better than wise Eppie of Buckhaven, [Well known in + the Chap-Book, called the History of Buckhaven.] or Cassandra herself. + </p> + <p> + I would fain trifle, Darsie; for, in debating with you, jests will + sometimes go farther than arguments; but I am sick at heart and cannot + keep the ball up. If you have a moment’s regard for the friendship we have + so often vowed to each other, let my wishes for once prevail over your own + venturous and romantic temper. I am quite serious in thinking that the + information communicated to my father by this Mr. Herries, and the + admonitory letter of the young lady, bear upon each other; and that, were + you here, you might learn something from one or other, or from both, that; + might throw light on your birth and parentage. You will not, surely, + prefer an idle whim to the prospect which is thus held out to you? + </p> + <p> + I would, agreeably to the hint I have received in the young lady’s letter + (for I am confident that such is her condition), have ere now been with + you to urge these things, instead of pouring them out upon paper. But you + know that the day for my trials is appointed; I have already gone through + the form of being introduced to the examinators, and have gotten my titles + assigned me. All this should not keep me at home, but my father would view + any irregularity upon this occasion as a mortal blow to the hopes which he + has cherished most fondly during his life; viz. my being called to the bar + with some credit. For my own part, I know there is no great difficulty in + passing these formal examinations, else how have some of our acquaintance + got through them? But, to my father, these formalities compose an august + and serious solemnity, to which he has long looked forward, and my + absenting myself at this moment would wellnigh drive him distracted. Yet I + shall go altogether distracted myself, if I have not an instant assurance + from you that you are hastening hither. Meanwhile I have desired Hannah to + get your little crib into the best order possible. I cannot learn that my + father has yet written to you; nor has he spoken more of his communication + with Birrenswork; but when I let him have some inkling of the dangers you + are at present incurring, I know my request that you will return + immediately will have his cordial support. + </p> + <p> + Another reason yet—I must give a dinner, as usual, upon my + admission, to our friends; and my father, laying aside all his usual + considerations of economy, has desired it may be in the best style + possible. Come hither then, dear Darsie! or, I protest to you, I shall + send examination, admission-dinner, and guests to the devil, and come, in + person, to fetch you with a vengeance. Thine, in much anxiety, A. F. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + ALEXANDER FAIRFORD, W.S., TO MR. DARSIE LATIMER + </h3> + <p> + DEAR MR. DARSIE, + </p> + <p> + Having been your FACTOR LOCO TUTORIS or rather, I ought to say, in + correctness (since I acted without warrant from the court), your + NEGOTIORUM GESTOR, that connexion occasions my present writing. And + although having rendered an account of my intromissions, which have been + regularly approved of, not only by yourself (whom I could not prevail upon + to look at more than the docket and sum total), but also by the worthy Mr. + Samuel Griffiths of London, being the hand through whom the remittances + were made, I may, in some sense, be considered as to you FUNCTUS OFFICIO; + yet to speak facetiously, I trust you will not hold me accountable as a + vicious intromitter, should I still consider myself as occasionally + interested in your welfare. My motives for writing, at this time, are + twofold. + </p> + <p> + I have met with a Mr. Herries of Birrenswork, a gentleman of very ancient + descent, but who hath in time past been in difficulties, nor do I know if + his affairs are yet well redd. Birrenswork says that he believes he was + very familiar with your father, whom he states to have been called Ralph + Latimer of Langcote Hall, in Westmoreland; and he mentioned family + affairs, which it may be of the highest importance to you to be acquainted + with; but as he seemed to decline communicating them to me, I could not + civilly urge him thereanent. Thus much I know, that Mr. Herries had his + own share in the late desperate and unhappy matter of 1745, and was in + trouble about it, although that is probably now over. Moreover, although + he did not profess the Popish religion openly, he had an eye that way. And + both of these are reasons why I have hesitated to recommend him to a youth + who maybe hath not altogether so well founded his opinions concerning Kirk + and State, that they might not be changed by some sudden wind of doctrine. + For I have observed ye, Master Darsie, to be rather tinctured with the old + leaven of prelacy—this under your leave; and although God forbid + that you should be in any manner disaffected to the Protestant Hanoverian + line, yet ye have ever loved to hear the blawing, blazing stories which + the Hieland gentlemen tell of those troublous times, which, if it were + their will, they had better pretermit, as tending rather to shame than to + honour. It is come to me also by a sidewind, as I may say, that you have + been neighbouring more than was needful among some of the pestilent sect + of Quakers—a people who own neither priest nor king, nor civil + magistrate, nor the fabric of our law, and will not depone either IN + CIVILIBUS or CRIMINALIBUS, be the loss to the lieges what it may. Anent + which heresies, it were good ye read ‘The Snake in the Grass’ or ‘The Foot + out of the Snare,’ being both well-approved tracts, touching these + doctrines. + </p> + <p> + Now, Mr. Darsie, ye are to judge for yourself whether ye can safely to + your soul’s weal remain longer among these Papists and Quakers—these + defections on the right hand, and failings away on the left; and truly if + you can confidently resist these evil examples of doctrine, I think ye may + as well tarry in the bounds where ye are, until you see Mr. Herries of + Birrenswork, who does assuredly know more of your matters than I thought + had been communicated to any man in Scotland. I would fain have + precognosced him myself on these affairs, but found him unwilling to speak + out, as I have partly intimated before. + </p> + <p> + To call a new cause—I have the pleasure to tell you, that Alan has + passed his private Scots Law examinations with good approbation—a + great relief to my mind; especially as worthy Mr. Pest told me in my ear + there was no fear of ‘the callant’, as he familiarly called him, which + gives me great heart. His public trials, which are nothing in comparison + save a mere form, are to take place, by order of the Honourable Dean of + Faculty, on Wednesday first; and on Friday he puts on the gown, and gives + a bit chack of dinner to his friends and acquaintances, as is, you know, + the custom. Your company will be wished for there, Master Darsie, by more + than him, which I regret to think is impossible to have, as well by your + engagements, as that our cousin, Peter Fairford, comes from the West on + purpose, and we have no place to offer him but your chamber in the wall. + And, to be plain with you, after my use and wont, Master Darsie, it may be + as well that Alan and you do not meet till he is hefted as it were to his + new calling. You are a pleasant gentleman, and full of daffing, which may + well become you, as you have enough (as I understand) to uphold your merry + humour. If you regard the matter wisely, you would perchance consider that + a man of substance should have a douce and staid demeanour; yet you are so + far from growing grave and considerate with the increase of your annual + income, that the richer you become, the merrier I think you grow. But this + must be at your own pleasure, so far as you are concerned. Alan, however + (overpassing my small savings), has the world to win; and louping and + laughing, as you and he were wont to do, would soon make the powder flee + out of his wig, and the pence out of his pocket. Nevertheless, I trust you + will meet when you return from your rambles; for there is a time, as the + wise man sayeth, for gathering, and a time for casting away; it is always + the part of a man of sense to take the gathering time first. I remain, + dear sir, your well-wishing friend; and obedient to command, ALEXANDER + FAIRFORD. + </p> + <p> + PS.—Alan’s Thesis is upon the title DE PERICULO ET COMMODO REI + VENDITAE, and is a very pretty piece of Latinity.—Ross House, in our + neighbourhood, is nearly finished, and is thought to excel Duff House in + ornature. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER X + </h2> + <h3> + DARSIE LATIMER TO ALAN FAIRFORD + </h3> + <p> + The plot thickens, Alan. I have your letter, and also one from your + father. The last makes it impossible for me to comply with the kind + request which the former urges. No—I cannot be with you, Alan; and + that, for the best of all reasons—I cannot and ought not to + counteract your father’s anxious wishes. I do not take it unkind of him + that he desires my absence. It is natural that he should wish for his son + what his son so well deserves—the advantage of a wiser and steadier + companion than I seem to him. And yet I am sure I have often laboured hard + enough to acquire that decency of demeanour which can no more be suspected + of breaking bounds, than an owl of catching a butterfly. + </p> + <p> + But it was in vain that I have knitted my brows till I had the headache, + in order to acquire the reputation of a grave, solid, and well-judging + youth. Your father always has discovered, or thought that he discovered, a + hare-brained eccentricity lying folded among the wrinkles of my forehead, + which rendered me a perilous associate for the future counsellor and + ultimate judge. Well, Corporal Nym’s philosophy must be my comfort—‘Things + must be as they may.’—I cannot come to your father’s house, where he + wishes not to see me; and as to your coming hither,—by all that is + dear to me, I vow that if you are guilty of such a piece of reckless folly—not + to say undutiful cruelty, considering your father’s thoughts and wishes—I + will never speak to you again as long as I live! I am perfectly serious. + And besides, your father, while he in a manner prohibits me from returning + to Edinburgh, gives me the strongest reasons for continuing a little while + longer in this country, by holding out the hope that I may receive from + your old friend, Mr. Herries of Birrenswork, some particulars concerning + my origin, with which that ancient recusant seems to be acquainted. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman mentioned the name of a family in Westmoreland, with which + he supposes me connected. My inquiries here after such a family have been + ineffectual, for the borderers, on either side, know little of each other. + But I shall doubtless find some English person of whom to make inquiries, + since the confounded fetterlock clapped on my movements by old Griffiths, + prevents me repairing to England in person. At least, the prospect of + obtaining some information is greater here than elsewhere; it will be an + apology for my making a longer stay in this neighbourhood, a line of + conduct which seems to have your father’s sanction, whose opinion must be + sounder than that of your wandering damoselle. + </p> + <p> + If the road were paved with dangers which leads to such a discovery, I + cannot for a moment hesitate to tread it. But in fact there is no peril in + the case. If the Tritons of the Solway shall proceed to pull down honest + Joshua’s tide-nets, I am neither Quixote enough in disposition, nor + Goliath enough in person, to attempt their protection. I have no idea of + attempting to prop a falling house by putting my shoulders against it. And + indeed, Joshua gave me a hint that the company which he belongs to, + injured in the way threatened (some of them being men who thought after + the fashion of the world), would pursue the rioters at law, and recover + damages, in which probably his own ideas of non-resistance will not + prevent his participating. Therefore the whole affair will take its course + as law will, as I only mean to interfere when it may be necessary to + direct the course of the plaintiffs to thy chambers; and I request they + may find thee intimate with all the Scottish statutes concerning salmon + fisheries, from the LEX AQUARUM, downward. + </p> + <p> + As for the Lady of the Mantle, I will lay a wager that the sun so + bedazzled thine eyes on that memorable morning, that everything thou didst + look upon seemed green; and notwithstanding James Wilkinson’s experience + in the Fusileers, as well as his negative whistle, I will venture to hold + a crown that she is but a what-shall-call-’um after all. Let not even the + gold persuade you to the contrary. She may make a shift to cause you to + disgorge that, and (immense spoil!) a session’s fees to boot, if you look + not all the sharper about you. Or if it should be otherwise, and if indeed + there lurk some mystery under this visitation, credit me, it is one which + thou canst not penetrate, nor can I as yet even attempt to explain it; + since, if I prove mistaken, and mistaken I may easily be, I would be fain + to creep into Phalaris’s bull, were it standing before me ready heated, + rather than be roasted with thy raillery. Do not tax me with want of + confidence; for the instant I can throw any light on the matter thou shalt + have it; but while I am only blundering about in the dark, I do not choose + to call wise folks to see me, perchance, break my nose against a post. So + if you marvel at this, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + E’en marvel on till time makes all things plain. +</pre> + <p> + In the meantime, kind Alan, let me proceed in my diurnal. + </p> + <p> + On the third or fourth day after my arrival at Mount Sharon, Time, that + bald sexton to whom I have just referred you, did certainly limp more + heavily along with me than he had done at first. The quaint morality of + Joshua, and Huguenot simplicity of his sister, began to lose much of their + raciness with their novelty, and my mode of life, by dint of being very + quiet, began to feel abominably dull. It was, as thou say’st, as if the + Quakers had put the sun in their pockets—all around was soft and + mild, and even pleasant; but there was, in the whole routine, a + uniformity, a want of interest, a helpless and hopeless languor, which + rendered life insipid. No doubt, my worthy host and hostess felt none of + this void, this want of excitation, which was becoming oppressive to their + guest. They had their little round of occupations, charities, and + pleasures; Rachel had her poultry-yard and conservatory, and Joshua his + garden. Besides this, they enjoyed, doubtless, their devotional + meditations; and, on the whole, time glided softly and imperceptibly on + with them, though to me, who long for stream and cataract, it seemed + absolutely to stand still. I meditated returning to Shepherd’s Bush, and + began to think, with some hankering, after little Benjie and the rod. The + imp has ventured hither, and hovers about to catch a peep of me now and + then; I suppose the little sharper is angling for a few more sixpences. + But this would have been, in Joshua’s eyes, a return of the washed sow to + wallowing in the mire, and I resolved, while I remained his guest, to + spare him so violent a shock to his prejudices. The next point was, to + shorten the time of my proposed stay; but, alas! that I felt to be equally + impossible. I had named a week; and however rashly my promise had been + pledged, it must be held sacred, even according to the letter, from which + the Friends permit no deviation. + </p> + <p> + All these considerations wrought me up to a kind of impatience yesterday + evening; so that I snatched up my hat, and prepared for a sally beyond the + cultivated farm and ornamented grounds of Mount Sharon, just as if I were + desirous to escape from the realms of art, into those of free and + unconstrained nature. + </p> + <p> + I was scarcely more delighted when I first entered this peaceful demesne, + than I now was—such is the instability and inconsistency of human + nature!—when I escaped from it to the open downs, which had formerly + seemed so waste and dreary, The air I breathed felt purer and more + bracing. The clouds, riding high upon a summer breeze, drove, in gay + succession, over my head, now obscuring the sun, now letting its rays + stream in transient flashes upon various parts of the landscape, and + especially upon the broad mirror of the distant Firth of Solway. + </p> + <p> + I advanced on the scene with the light step of a liberated captive; and, + like John Bunyan’s Pilgrim, could have found in my heart to sing as I went + on my way. It seemed as if my gaiety had accumulated while suppressed, and + that I was, in my present joyous mood, entitled to expend the savings of + the previous week. But just as I was about to uplift a merry stave, I + heard, to my joyful surprise, the voices of three or more choristers, + singing, with considerable success, the lively old catch, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For all our men were very very merry, + And all our men were drinking: + There were two men of mine, + Three men of thine, + And three that belonged to old Sir Thom o’ Lyne; + As they went to the ferry, they were very very merry, + And all our men were drinking.’ +</pre> + <p> + [The original of this catch is to be found in Cowley’s witty comedy of THE + GUARDIAN, the first edition. It does not exist in the second and revised + edition, called THE CUTTER OF COLEMAN STREET. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CAPTAIN BLADE. Ha, ha, boys, another catch. + AND ALL OUR MEN ARE VERY VERY MERRY, + AND ALL OUR MEN WERE DRINKING. + CUTTER. ONE MAN OF MINE. + DOGREL. TWO MEN OF MINE. + BLADE. THREE MEN OF MINE. + CUTTER. AND ONE MAN OF MINE. + OMNES. AS WE WENT BY THE WAY WE WERE DRUNK, DRUNK, DAMNABLY + DRUNK, AND ALL OUR MEN WERE VERY VERY MERRY, &c. +</pre> + <p> + Such are the words, which are somewhat altered and amplified in the text. + The play was acted in presence of Charles II, then Prince of Wales, in + 1641. The catch in the text has been happily set to music.] + </p> + <p> + As the chorus ended, there followed a loud and hearty laugh by way of + cheers. Attracted by sounds which were so congenial to my present + feelings, I made towards the spot from which they came,—cautiously, + however, for the downs, as had been repeatedly hinted to me, had no good + name; and the attraction of the music, without rivalling that of the + sirens in melody, might have been followed by similarly inconvenient + consequences to an incautious amateur. + </p> + <p> + I crept on, therefore, trusting that the sinuosities of the ground, broken + as it was into knells and sand-pits, would permit me to obtain a sight of + the musicians before I should be observed by them. As I advanced, the old + ditty was again raised. The voices seemed those of a man and two boys; + they were rough, but kept good time, and were managed with too much skill + to belong to the ordinary country people. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Jack looked at the sun, and cried, Fire, fire, fire; + Tom stabled his keffel in Birkendale mire; + Jem started a calf, and halloo’d for a stag; + Will mounted a gate-post instead of his nag: + For all our men were very very merry, + And all our men were drinking; + There were two men of mine, + Three men of thine, + And three that belonged to old Sir Thom o’ Lyne; + As they went to the ferry, they were very very merry, + For all our men were drinking. +</pre> + <p> + The voices, as they mixed in their several parts, and ran through them, + untwisting and again entwining all the links of the merry old catch, + seemed to have a little touch of the bacchanalian spirit which they + celebrated, and showed plainly that the musicians were engaged in the same + joyous revel as the MENYIE of old Sir Thom o’ Lyne. At length I came + within sight of them, three in number, where they sat cosily niched into + what you might call a BUNKER, a little sand-pit, dry and snug, and + surrounded by its banks, and a screen of whins in full bloom. + </p> + <p> + The only one of the trio whom I recognized as a personal acquaintance was + the notorious little Benjie, who, having just finished his stave, was + cramming a huge luncheon of pie-crust into his mouth with one hand, while + in the other he held a foaming tankard, his eyes dancing with all the glee + of a forbidden revel; and his features, which have at all times a + mischievous archness of expression, confessing the full sweetness of + stolen waters, and bread eaten in secret. + </p> + <p> + There was no mistaking the profession of the male and female, who were + partners with Benjie in these merry doings. The man’s long loose-bodied + greatcoat (wrap-rascal as the vulgar term it), the fiddle-case, with its + straps, which lay beside him, and a small knapsack which might contain his + few necessaries; a clear grey eye; features which, in contending with many + a storm, had not lost a wild and, careless expression of glee, animated at + present, when he was exercising for his own pleasure the arts which he + usually practised for bread,—all announced one of those peripatetic + followers of Orpheus whom the vulgar call a strolling fiddler. Gazing more + attentively, I easily discovered that though the poor musician’s eyes were + open, their sense was shut, and that the ecstasy with which he turned them + up to heaven only derived its apparent expression from his own internal + emotions, but received no assistance from the visible objects around. + Beside him sat his female companion, in a man’s hat, a blue coat, which + seemed also to have been an article of male apparel, and a red petticoat. + She was cleaner, in person and in clothes, than such itinerants generally + are; and, having been in her day a strapping BONA ROBA, she did not even + yet neglect some attention to her appearance; wore a large amber necklace, + and silver ear-rings, and had her laid fastened across her breast with a + brooch of the same metal. + </p> + <p> + The man also looked clean, notwithstanding the meanness of his attire, and + had a decent silk handkerchief well knotted about his throat, under which + peeped a clean owerlay. His beard, also, instead of displaying a grizzly + stubble, unmowed for several days, flowed in thick and comely abundance + over the breast, to the length of six inches, and mingled with his hair, + which was but beginning to exhibit a touch of age. To sum up his + appearance, the loose garment which I have described was secured around + him by a large old-fashioned belt, with brass studs, in which hung a dirk, + with a knife and fork, its usual accompaniments. Altogether, there was + something more wild and adventurous-looking about the man than I could + have expected to see in an ordinary modern crowder; and the bow which he + now and then drew across the violin, to direct his little choir, was + decidedly that of no ordinary performer. + </p> + <p> + You must understand that many of these observations were the fruits of + after remark; for I had scarce approached so near as to get a distinct + view of the party, when my friend Benjie’s lurching attendant, which he + calls by the appropriate name of Hemp, began to cock his tail and ears, + and, sensible of my presence, flew, barking like a fury, to the place + where I had meant to lie concealed till I heard another song. I was + obliged, however, to jump on my feet, and intimidate Hemp, who would + otherwise have bit me, by two sound kicks on the ribs, which sent him + howling back to his master. + </p> + <p> + Little Benjie seemed somewhat dismayed at my appearance; but, calculating + on my placability, and remembering, perhaps, that the ill-used Solomon was + no palfrey of mine, he speedily affected great glee, and almost in one + breath assured the itinerants that I was ‘a grand gentleman, and had + plenty of money, and was very kind to poor folk;’ and informed me that + this was ‘Willie Steenson—Wandering Willie the best fiddler that + ever kittled thairm with horse-hair.’ + </p> + <p> + The woman rose and curtsied; and Wandering Willie sanctioned his own + praises with a nod, and the ejaculation, ‘All is true that the little boy + says.’ + </p> + <p> + I asked him if he was of this country. + </p> + <p> + ‘THIS country!’ replied the blind man—‘I am of every country in + broad Scotland, and a wee bit of England to the boot. But yet I am, in + some sense, of this country; for I was born within hearing of the roar of + Solway. Will I give your honour a touch of the auld bread-winner?’ + </p> + <p> + He preluded as he spoke, in a manner which really excited my curiosity; + and then, taking the old tune of Galashiels for his theme, he graced it + with a number of wild, complicated, and beautiful variations; during which + it was wonderful to observe how his sightless face was lighted up under + the conscious pride and heartfelt delight in the exercise of his own very + considerable powers. + </p> + <p> + ‘What think you of that, now, for threescore and twa?’ + </p> + <p> + I expressed my surprise and pleasure. + </p> + <p> + ‘A rant, man—an auld rant,’ said Willie; ‘naething like the music ye + hae in your ballhouses and your playhouses in Edinbro’; but it’s weel + aneugh anes in a way at a dykeside. Here’s another—it’s no a Scotch + tune, but it passes for ane—Oswald made it himsell, I reckon—he + has cheated mony ane, but he canna cheat Wandering Willie.’ + </p> + <p> + He then played your favourite air of Roslin Castle, with a number of + beautiful variations, some of which I am certain were almost extempore. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have another fiddle there, my friend,’ said I—‘Have you a + comrade?’ But Willie’s ears were deaf, or his attention was still busied + with the tune. + </p> + <p> + The female replied in his stead, ‘O aye, sir—troth we have a partner—a + gangrel body like oursells. No but my hinny might have been better if he + had liked; for mony a bein nook in mony a braw house has been offered to + my hinny Willie, if he wad but just bide still and play to the gentles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whisht, woman! whisht!’ said the blind man, angrily, shaking his locks; + ‘dinna deave the gentleman wi’ your havers. Stay in a house and play to + the gentles!—strike up when my leddy pleases, and lay down the bow + when my lord bids! Na, na, that’s nae life for Willie. Look out, Maggie—peer + out, woman, and see if ye can see Robin coming. Deil be in him! He has got + to the lee-side of some smuggler’s punch-bowl, and he wunna budge the + night, I doubt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is your consort’s instrument,’ said I—’ Will you give me leave + to try my skill?’ I slipped at the same time a shilling into the woman’s + hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dinna ken whether I dare trust Robin’s fiddle to ye,’ said Willie, + bluntly. His wife gave him a twitch. ‘Hout awa, Maggie,’ he said in + contempt of the hint; ‘though the gentleman may hae gien ye siller, he may + have nae bowhand for a’ that, and I’ll no trust Robin’s fiddle wi’ an + ignoramus. But that’s no sae muckle amiss,’ he added, as I began to touch + the instrument; ‘I am thinking ye have some skill o’ the craft.’ + </p> + <p> + To confirm him in this favourable opinion, I began to execute such a + complicated flourish as I thought must have turned Crowdero into a pillar + of stone with envy and wonder. I scaled the top of the finger-board, to + dive at once to the bottom—skipped with flying fingers, like + Timotheus, from shift to shift—struck arpeggios and harmonic tones, + but without exciting any of the astonishment which I had expected. + </p> + <p> + Willie indeed listened to me with considerable attention; but I was no + sooner finished, than he immediately mimicked on his own instrument the + fantastic complication of tones which I had produced, and made so + whimsical a parody of my performance, that, although somewhat angry, I + could not help laughing heartily, in which I was joined by Benjie, whose + reverence for me held him under no restraint; while the poor dame, + fearful, doubtless, of my taking offence at this familiarity, seemed + divided betwixt her conjugal reverence for her Willie, and her desire to + give him a hint for his guidance. + </p> + <p> + At length the old man stopped of his own accord, and, as if he had + sufficiently rebuked me by his mimicry, he said, ‘But for a’ that, ye will + play very weel wi’ a little practice and some gude teaching. But ye maun + learn to put the heart into it, man—to put the heart into it.’ + </p> + <p> + I played an air in simpler taste, and received more decided approbation. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s something like it man. Od, ye are a clever birkie!’ + </p> + <p> + The woman touched his coat again. ‘The gentleman is a gentleman, Willie—ye + maunna speak that gate to him, hinnie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The deevil I maunna!’ said Willie; ‘and what for maunna I?—If he + was ten gentles, he canna draw a bow like me, can he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I cannot, my honest friend,’ said I; ‘and if you will go with me + to a house hard by, I would be glad to have a night with you.’ + </p> + <p> + Here I looked round, and observed Benjie smothering a laugh, which I was + sure had mischief in it. I seized him suddenly by the ear, and made him + confess that he was laughing at the thoughts of the reception which a + fiddler was likely to get from the Quakers at Mount Sharon. I chucked him + from me, not sorry that his mirth had reminded me in time of what I had + for the moment forgotten; and invited the itinerant to go with me to + Shepherd’s Bush, from which I proposed to send word to Mr. Geddes that I + should not return home that evening. But the minstrel declined this + invitation also. He was engaged for the night, he said, to a dance in the + neighbourhood, and vented a round execration on the laziness or + drunkenness of his comrade, who had not appeared at the place of + rendezvous. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will go with you instead of him,’ said I, in a sudden whim; ‘and I will + give you a crown to introduce me as your comrade.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘YOU gang instead of Rob the Rambler! My certie, freend, ye are no blate!’ + answered Wandering Willie, in a tone which announced death to my frolic. + </p> + <p> + But Maggie, whom the offer of the crown had not escaped, began to open on + that scent with a maundering sort of lecture. ‘Oh Willie! hinny Willie, + whan will ye learn to be wise? There’s a crown to be win for naething but + saying ae man’s name instead of anither. And, wae’s me! I hae just a + shilling of this gentleman’s gieing, and a boddle of my ain; and ye wunna, + bend your will sae muckle as to take up the siller that’s flung at your + feet! Ye will die the death of a cadger’s powney, in a wreath of drift! + and what can I do better than lie doun and die wi’ you? for ye winna let + me win siller to keep either you or mysell leevin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Haud your nonsense tongue, woman,’ said Willie, but less absolutely than + before. ‘Is he a real gentleman, or ane of the player-men?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’se uphaud him a real gentleman,’ said the woman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’se uphaud ye ken little of the matter,’ said Willie; ‘let us see haud + of your hand, neebor, gin ye like. + </p> + <p> + I gave him my hand. He said to himself, ‘Aye, aye, here are fingers that + have seen canny service.’ Then running his hand over my hair, my face, and + my dress, he went on with his soliloquy; ‘Aye, aye, muisted hair, + braidclaith o’ the best, and seenteen hundred linen on his back, at the + least o’ it. And how do you think, my braw birkie, that you are to pass + for a tramping fiddler?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dress is plain,’ said I,—indeed I had chosen my most ordinary + suit, out of compliment to my Quaker friends,—‘and I can easily pass + for a young farmer out upon a frolic. Come, I will double the crown I + promised you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn your crowns!’ said the disinterested man of music. ‘I would like to + have a round wi’ you, that’s certain;—but a farmer, and with a hand + that never held pleugh-stilt or pettle, that will never do. Ye may pass + for a trades-lad from Dumfries, or a student upon the ramble, or the like + o’ that. But hark ye, lad; if ye expect to be ranting among the queans o’ + lasses where ye are gaun, ye will come by the waur, I can tell ye; for the + fishers are wild chaps, and will bide nae taunts.’ + </p> + <p> + I promised to be civil and cautious; and, to smooth the good woman, I + slipped the promised piece into her hand. The acute organs of the blind + man detected this little manoeuvre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are ye at it again wi’ the siller, ye jaud? I’ll be sworn ye wad rather + hear ae twalpenny clink against another, than have a spring from Rory + Dall, [Blind Rorie, a famous musician according to tradition.] if he + was-coming alive again anes errand. Gang doun the gate to Lucky Gregson’s + and get the things ye want, and bide there till ele’en hours in the morn; + and if you see Robin, send him on to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I no gaun to the ploy, then?’ said Maggie, in a disappointed tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what for should ye?’ said her lord and master; ‘to dance a’ night, + I’se warrant, and no to be fit to walk your tae’s-length the morn, and we + have ten Scots miles afore us? Na, na. Stable the steed, and pit your wife + to bed, when there’s night wark to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aweel, aweel, Willie hinnie, ye ken best; but oh, take an unco care o’ + yoursell, and mind ye haena the blessing o’ sight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your tongue gars me whiles tire of the blessing of hearing, woman,’ + replied ‘Willie, in answer to this tender exhortation. + </p> + <p> + But I now put in for my interest. ‘Hollo, good folks, remember that I am + to send the boy to Mount Sharon, and if you go to the Shepherd’s Bush, + honest woman, how the deuce am I to guide the blind man where he is going? + I know little or nothing of the country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And ye ken mickle less of my hinnie, sir,’ replied Maggie, ‘that think he + needs ony guiding; he’s the best guide himsell that ye’ll find between + Criffell and Carlisle. Horse-road and foot-path, parish-road and + kirk-road, high-road and cross-road, he kens ilka foot of ground in + Nithsdale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, ye might have said in braid Scotland, gudewife,’ added the fiddler. + ‘But gang your ways, Maggie, that’s the first wise word ye hae spoke the + day. I wish it was dark night, and rain, and wind, for the gentleman’s + sake, that I might show him there is whiles when ane had better want een + than have them; for I am as true a guide by darkness as by daylight.’ + </p> + <p> + Internally as well pleased that my companion was not put to give me this + last proof of his skill, I wrote a note with a pencil, desiring Samuel to + bring my horses at midnight, when I thought my frolic would be wellnigh + over, to the place to which the bearer should direct him, and I sent + little Benjie with an apology to the worthy Quakers. + </p> + <p> + As we parted in different directions, the good woman said, ‘Oh, sir, if ye + wad but ask Willie to tell ye ane of his tales to shorten the gate! He can + speak like ony minister frae the pu’pit, and he might have been a minister + himsell, but’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Haud your tongue, ye fule!’ said Willie,—‘But stay, Meg—gie + me a kiss, ne maunna part in anger, neither.’—And thus our society + separated. + </p> + <p> + [It is certain that in many cases the blind have, by constant exercise of + their other organs, learned to overcome a defect which one would think + incapable of being supplied. Every reader must remember the celebrated + Blind Jack of Knaresborough, who lived by laying out roads.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + THE SAME TO THE SAME + </h3> + <p> + You are now to conceive us proceeding in our different directions across + the bare downs. Yonder flies little Benjie to the northward with Hemp + scampering at his heels, both running as if for dear life so long as the + rogue is within sight of his employer, and certain to take the walk very + easy so soon as he is out of ken. Stepping westward, you see Maggie’s tall + form and high-crowned hat, relieved by the fluttering of her plaid upon + the left shoulder, darkening as the distance diminishes her size and as + the level sunbeams begin to sink upon the sea. She is taking her quiet + journey to the Shepherd’s Bush. + </p> + <p> + Then, stoutly striding over the lea, you have a full view of Darsie + Latimer, with his new acquaintance, Wandering Willie, who, bating that he + touched the ground now and then with his staff, not in a doubtful groping + manner, but with the confident air of an experienced pilot, heaving the + lead when he has the soundings by heart, walks as firmly and boldly as if + he possessed the eyes of Argus. There they go, each with his violin slung + at his back, but one of them at least totally ignorant whither their + course is directed. + </p> + <p> + And wherefore did you enter so keenly into such a mad frolic? says my wise + counsellor.—Why, I think, upon the whole, that as a sense of + loneliness, and a longing for that kindness which is interchanged in + society, led me to take up my temporary residence at Mount Sharon, the + monotony of my life there, the quiet simplicity of the conversation of the + Geddeses, and the uniformity of their amusements and employments, wearied + out my impatient temper, and prepared me for the first escapade which + chance might throw in my way. + </p> + <p> + What would I have given that I could have procured that solemn grave + visage of thine, to dignify this joke, as it has done full many a one of + thine own! Thou hast so happy a knack of doing the most foolish things in + the wisest manner, that thou mightst pass thy extravagances for rational + actions, even in the eyes of Prudence herself. + </p> + <p> + From the direction which my guide observed, I began to suspect that the + dell at Brokenburn was our probable destination; and it became important + to me to consider whether I could, with propriety, or even perfect safety, + intrude myself again upon the hospitality of my former host. I therefore + asked Willie whether we were bound for the laird’s, as folk called him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do ye ken the laird?’ said Willie, interrupting a sonata of Corelli, of + which he had whistled several bars with great precision. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know the laird a little,’ said I; ‘and therefore I was doubting whether + I ought to go to his town in disguise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should doubt, not a little only, but a great deal, before I took ye + there, my chap,’ said Wandering Willie; ‘for I am thinking it wad be worth + little less than broken banes baith to you and me. Na, na, chap, we are no + ganging to the laird’s, but to a blithe birling at the Brokenburn-foot, + where there will be mony a braw lad and lass; and maybe there may be some + of the laird’s folks, for he never comes to sic splores himsell. He is all + for fowling-piece and salmon-spear, now that pike and musket are out of + the question.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been at soldier, then?’ said I. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’se warrant him a soger,’ answered Willie; ‘but take my advice, and + speer as little about him as he does about you. Best to let sleeping dogs + lie. Better say naething about the laird, my man, and tell me instead, + what sort of a chap ye are that are sae ready to cleik in with an auld + gaberlunzie fiddler? Maggie says ye’re gentle, but a shilling maks a’ the + difference that Maggie kens between a gentle and a semple, and your crowns + wad mak ye a prince of the blood in her een. But I am ane that ken full + weel that ye may wear good claithes, and have a saft hand, and yet that + may come of idleness as weel as gentrice.’ + </p> + <p> + I told him my name, with the same addition I had formerly given to Mr. + Joshua Geddes; that I was a law-student, tired of my studies, and rambling + about for exercise and amusement. + </p> + <p> + ‘And are ye in the wont of drawing up wi’ a’ the gangrel bodies that ye + meet on the high-road, or find cowering in a sand-bunker upon the links?’ + demanded Willie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no; only with honest folks like yourself, Willie,’ was my reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Honest folks like me! How do ye ken whether I am honest, or what I am? I + may be the deevil himsell for what ye ken; for he has power to come + disguised like an angel of light; and besides he is a prime fiddler. He + played a sonata to Corelli, ye ken.’ + </p> + <p> + There was something odd in this speech, and the tone in which it was said. + It seemed as if my companion was not always in his constant mind, or that + he was willing to try if he could frighten me. I laughed at the + extravagance of his language, however, and asked him in reply, if he was + fool enough to believe that the foul fiend would play so silly a + masquerade. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye ken little about it—little about it,’ said the old man, shaking + his head and beard, and knitting his brows, ‘I could tell ye something + about that.’ + </p> + <p> + What his wife mentioned of his being a tale-teller, as well as a musician, + now occurred to me; and as you know I like tales of superstition, I begged + to have a specimen of his talent as we went along. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very true,’ said the blind man, ‘that when I am tired of scraping + thairm or singing ballants, I whiles mak a tale serve the turn among the + country bodies; and I have some fearsome anes, that make the auld carlines + shake on the settle, and the bits o’ bairns skirl on their minnies out + frae their beds. But this that I am gaun to tell you was a thing that + befell in our ain house in my father’s time—that is, my father was + then a hafflins callant; and I tell it to you that it may be a lesson to + you, that are but a young, thoughtless chap, wha ye draw up wi’ on a + lonely road; for muckle was the dool and care that came o’t to my + gudesire.’ + </p> + <p> + He commenced his tale accordingly, in a distinct narrative tone of voice + which he raised and depressed with considerable skill; at times sinking + almost into a whisper, and turning his clear but sightless eyeballs upon + my face, as if it had been possible for him to witness the impression + which his narrative made upon my features. I will not spare you a syllable + of it, although it be of the longest; so I make a dash—and begin + </p> + <p> + WANDERING WILLIE’S TALE. + </p> + <p> + Ye maun have heard of Sir Robert Redgauntlet of that Ilk, who lived in + these parts before the dear years. The country will lang mind him; and our + fathers used to draw breath thick if ever they heard him named. He was out + wi’ the Hielandmen in Montrose’s time; and again he was in the hills wi’ + Glencairn in the saxteen hundred and fifty-twa; and sae when King Charles + the Second came in, wha was in sic favour as the Laird of Redgauntlet? He + was knighted at Lonon court, wi’ the king’s ain sword; and being a redhot + prelatist, he came down here, rampauging like a lion, with commissions of + lieutenancy (and of lunacy, for what I ken) to put down a’ the Whigs and + Covenanters in the country. Wild wark they made of it; for the Whigs were + as dour as the Cavaliers were fierce, and it was which should first tire + the other. Redgauntlet was ay for the strong hand; and his name is kend as + wide in the country as Claverhouse’s or Tam Dalyell’s. Glen, nor dargle, + nor mountain, nor cave, could hide the puir hill-folk when Redgauntlet was + out with bugle and bloodhound after them, as if they had been sae mony + deer. And troth when they fand them, they didna mak muckle mair ceremony + than a Hielandman wi’ a roebuck—it was just, ‘Will ye tak the test?’—if + not, ‘Make ready—present—fire!’—and there lay the + recusant. + </p> + <p> + Far and wide was Sir Robert hated and feared. Men thought he had a direct + compact with Satan—that he was proof against steel—and that + bullets happed aff his buff-coat like hailstanes from a hearth—that + he had a mear that would turn a hare on the side of Carrifra-gawns [A + precipitous side of a mountain in Moffatdale.]—and muckle to the + same purpose, of whilk mair anon. The best blessing they wared on him was, + ‘Deil scowp wi’ Redgauntlet!’ He wasna a bad master to his ain folk, + though, and was weel aneugh liked by his tenants; and as for the lackies + and troopers that raid out wi’ him to the persecutions, as the Whigs caa’d + those killing times, they wad hae drunken themsells blind to his health at + ony time. + </p> + <p> + Now you are to ken that my gudesire lived on Redgauntlet’s grund—they + ca’ the place Primrose Knowe. We had lived on the grund, and under the + Redgauntlets, since the riding days, and lang before. It was a pleasant + bit; and I think the air is callerer and fresher there than onywhere else + in the country. It’s a’ deserted now; and I sat on the broken door-cheek + three days since, and was glad I couldna see the plight the place was in; + but that’s a’ wide o’ the mark. There dwelt my gudesire, Steenie Steenson, + a rambling, rattling chiel’ he had been in his young days, and could play + weel on the pipes; he was famous at ‘Hoopers and Girders’—a’ + Cumberland couldna, touch him at ‘Jockie Lattin’—and he had the + finest finger for the back-lilt between Berwick and Carlisle. The like o’ + Steenie wasna the sort that they made Whigs o’. And so he became a Tory, + as they ca’ it, which we now ca’ Jacobites, just out of a kind of + needcessity, that he might belang to some side or other. He had nae ill + will to the Whig bodies, and liked little to see the blude rin, though, + being obliged to follow Sir Robert in hunting and hoisting, watching and + warding, he saw muckle mischief, and maybe did some, that he couldna + avoid. + </p> + <p> + Now Steenie was a kind of favourite with his master, and kend a’ the folks + about the castle, and was often sent for to play the pipes when they were + at their merriment. Auld Dougal MacCallum, the butler, that had followed + Sir Robert through gude and ill, thick and thin, pool and stream, was + specially fond of the pipes, and ay gae my gudesire his gude word wi’ the + laird; for Dougal could turn his master round his finger. + </p> + <p> + Weel, round came the Revolution, and it had like to have broken the hearts + baith of Dougal and his master. But the change was not a’thegether sae + great as they feared, and other folk thought for. The Whigs made an unco + crawing what they wad do with their auld enemies, and in special wi’ Sir + Robert Redgauntlet. But there were ower mony great folks dipped in the + same doings, to mak a spick and span new warld. So Parliament passed it a’ + ower easy; and Sir Robert, bating that he was held to hunting foxes + instead of Covenanters, remained just the man he was. [The caution and + moderation of King William III, and his principles of unlimited + toleration, deprived the Cameronians of the opportunity they ardently + desired, to retaliate the injuries which they had received during the + reign of prelacy, and purify the land, as they called it, from the + pollution of blood. They esteemed the Revolution, therefore, only a half + measure, which neither comprehended the rebuilding the Kirk in its full + splendour, nor the revenge of the death of the Saints on their + persecutors.] His revel was as loud, and his hall as weel lighted, as ever + it had been, though maybe he lacked the fines of the nonconformists, that + used to come to stock his larder and cellar; for it is certain he began to + be keener about the rents than his tenants used to find him before, and + they behoved to be prompt to the rent-day, or else the laird wasna + pleased. And he was sic an awsome body, that naebody cared to anger him; + for the oaths he swore, and the rage that he used to get into, and the + looks that he put on, made men sometimes think him a devil incarnate. + </p> + <p> + Weel, my gudesire was nae manager—no that he was a very great + misguider—but he hadna the saving gift, and he got twa terms’ rent + in arrear. He got the first brash at Whitsunday put ower wi’ fair word and + piping; but when Martinmas came, there was a summons from the + grund-officer to come wi’ the rent on a day preceese, or else Steenie + behoved to flit. Sair wark he had to get the siller; but he was + weel-freended, and at last he got the haill scraped thegether—a + thousand merks—the maist of it was from a neighbour they ca’d Laurie + Lapraik—a sly tod. Laurie had walth o’ gear—could hunt wi’ the + hound and rin wi’ the hare—and be Whig or Tory, saunt or sinner, as + the wind stood. He was a professor in this Revolution warld, but he liked + an orra sough of this warld, and a tune on the pipes weel aneugh at a + bytime; and abune a’, he thought he had gude security for the siller he + lent my gudesire ower the stocking at Primrose Knowe. + </p> + <p> + Away trots my gudesire to Redgauntlet Castle wi’ a heavy purse and a light + heart, glad to be out of the laird’s danger. Weel, the first thing he + learned at the castle was, that Sir Robert had fretted himsell into a fit + of the gout, because he did not appear before twelve’ o’clock. It wasna + a’thegether for sake of the money, Dougal thought; but because he didna + like to part wi’ my gudesire aff the grund. Dougal was glad to see + Steenie, and brought him into the great oak parlour, and there sat the + laird his leesome lane, excepting that he had beside him a great, + ill-favoured jackanape, that was a special pet of his; a cankered beast it + was, and mony an ill-natured trick it played—ill to please it was, + and easily angered—ran about the haill castle, chattering and + yowling, and pinching, and biting folk, specially before ill weather, or + disturbances in the state. Sir Robert caa’d it Major Weir, after the + warlock that was burnt; [A celebrated wizard, executed at Edinburgh for + sorcery and other crimes.] and few folk liked either the name or the + conditions of the creature—they thought there was something in it by + ordinar—and my gudesire was not just easy in mind when the door shut + on him, and he saw himself in the room wi’ naebody but the laird, Dougal + MacCallum, and the major, a thing that hadna chanced to him before. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert sat, or, I should say, lay, in a great armed chair, wi’ his + grand velvet gown, and his feet on a cradle; for he had baith gout and + gravel, and his face looked as gash and ghastly as Satan’s. Major Weir sat + opposite to him, in a red laced coat, and the laird’s wig on his head; and + ay as Sir Robert girned wi’ pain, the jackanape girned too, like a + sheep’s-head between a pair of tangs—an ill-faur’d, fearsome couple + they were. The laird’s buff-coat was hung on a pin behind him, and his + broadsword and his pistols within reach; for he keepit up the auld fashion + of having the weapons ready, and a horse saddled day and night, just as he + used to do when he was able to loup on horseback, and away after ony of + the hill-folk he could get speerings of. Some said it was for fear of the + Whigs taking vengeance, but I judge it was just his auld custom—he + wasna, gien to fear onything. The rental-book, wi’ its black cover and + brass clasps, was lying beside him; and a book of sculduddry sangs was put + betwixt the leaves, to keep it open at the place where it bore evidence + against the Goodman of Primrose Knowe, as behind the hand with his mails + and duties. Sir Robert gave my gudesire a look, as if he would have + withered his heart in his bosom. Ye maun ken he had a way of bending his + brows, that men saw the visible mark of a horseshoe in his forehead, deep + dinted, as if it had been stamped there. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are ye come light-handed, ye son of a toom whistle?’ said Sir Robert. + ‘Zounds! if you are’— + </p> + <p> + My gudesire, with as gude acountenance as he could put on, made a leg, and + placed the bag of money on the table wi’ a dash, like a man that does + something clever. The laird drew it to him hastily—‘Is it all here, + Steenie, man?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your honour will find it right,’ said my gudesire. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, Dougal,’ said the laird, ‘gie Steenie a tass of brandy downstairs, + till I count the siller and write the receipt.’ + </p> + <p> + But they werena weel out of the room, when Sir Robert gied a yelloch that + garr’d the castle rock. Back ran Dougal—in flew the livery-men—yell + on yell gied the laird, ilk ane mair awfu’ than the ither. My gudesire + knew not whether to stand or flee, but he ventured back into the parlour, + where a’ was gaun hirdy-girdie—naebody to say ‘come in,’ or ‘gae + out.’ Terribly the laird roared for cauld water to his feet, and wine to + cool his throat; and Hell, hell, hell, and its flames, was ay the word in + his mouth. They brought him water, and when they plunged his swollen feet + into the tub, he cried out it was burning; and folk say that it DID bubble + and sparkle like a seething cauldron. He flung the cup at Dougal’s head, + and said he had given him blood instead of burgundy; and, sure aneugh, the + lass washed clotted blood aff the carpet; the neist day. The jackanape + they caa’d Major Weir, it jibbered and cried as if it was mocking its + master; my gudesire’s head was like to turn—he forgot baith siller + and receipt, and downstairs he banged; but as he ran, the shrieks came + faint and fainter; there was a deep-drawn shivering groan, and word gaed + through the castle that the laird was dead. + </p> + <p> + Weel, away came my gudesire, wi’ his finger in his mouth, and his best + hope was that Dougal had seen the money-bag, and heard the laird speak of + writing the receipt. The young laird, now Sir John, came from Edinburgh, + to see things put to rights. Sir John and his father never gree’d weel. + Sir John had been bred an advocate, and afterwards sat in the last Scots + Parliament and voted for the Union, having gotten, it was thought, a rug + of the compensations—if his father could have come out of his grave, + he would have brained him for it on his awn hearthstane. Some thought it + was easier counting with the auld rough knight than the fair-spoken young + ane—but mair of that anon. + </p> + <p> + Dougal MacCallum, poor body, neither grat nor grained, but gaed about the + house looking like a corpse, but directing, as was his duty, a’ the order + of the grand funeral. Now Dougal looked ay waur and waur when night was + coming, and was ay the last to gang to his bed, whilk was in a little + round just opposite the chamber of dais, whilk his master occupied while + he was living, and where he now lay in state, as they caa’d it, + weel-a-day! The night before the funeral, Dougal could keep his awn + counsel nae langer; he came doun with his proud spirit, and fairly asked + auld Hutcheon to sit in his room with him for an hour. When they were in + the round, Dougal took ae tass of brandy to himsell, and gave another to + Hutcheon, and wished him all health and lang life, and said that, for + himsell, he wasna lang for this world; for that, every night since Sir + Robert’s death, his silver call had sounded from the state chamber, just + as it used to do at nights in his lifetime, to call Dougal to help to turn + him in his bed. Dougal said that being alone with the dead on that floor + of the tower (for naebody cared to wake Sir Robert Redgauntlet like + another corpse) he had never daured to answer the call, but that now his + conscience checked him for neglecting his duty; for, ‘though death breaks + service,’ said MacCallum, ‘it shall never break my service to Sir Robert; + and I will answer his next whistle, so be you will stand by me, Hutcheon.’ + </p> + <p> + Hutcheon had nae will to the wark, but he had stood by Dougal in battle + and broil, and he wad not fail him at this pinch; so down the carles sat + ower a stoup of brandy, and Hutcheon, who was something of a clerk, would + have read a chapter of the Bible; but Dougal would hear naething but a + blaud of Davie Lindsay, whilk was the waur preparation. + </p> + <p> + When midnight came, and the house was quiet as the grave, sure enough the + silver whistle sounded as sharp and shrill as if Sir Robert was blowing + it, and up got the twa auld serving-men, and tottered into the room where + the dead man lay. Hutcheon saw aneugh at the first glance; for there were + torches in the room, which showed him the foul fiend, in his ain shape, + sitting on the laird’s coffin! Ower he cowped as if he had been dead. He + could not tell how lang he lay in a trance at the door, but when he + gathered himself, he cried on his neighbour, and getting nae answer, + raised the house, when Dougal was found lying dead within twa steps of the + bed where his master’s coffin was placed. As for the whistle, it was gaen + anes and ay; but mony a time was it heard at the top of the house on the + bartizan, and amang the auld chimneys and turrets where the howlets have + their nests. Sir John hushed the matter up, and the funeral passed over + without mair bogle-wark. + </p> + <p> + But when a’ was ower, and the laird was beginning to settle his affairs, + every tenant was called up for his arrears, and my gudesire for the full + sum that stood against him in the rental-book. Weel, away he trots to the + castle, to tell his story, and there he is introduced to Sir John, sitting + in his father’s chair, in deep mourning, with weepers and hanging cravat, + and a small wallring rapier by his side, instead of the auld broadsword + that had a hundredweight of steel about it, what with blade, chape, and + basket-hilt. I have heard their communing so often tauld ower, that I + almost think I was there mysell, though I couldna be born at the time. (In + fact, Alan, my companion mimicked, with a good deal of humour, the + flattering, conciliating tone of the tenant’s address, and the + hypocritical melancholy of the laird’s reply. His grandfather, he said, + had, while he spoke, his eye fixed on the rental-book, as if it were a + mastiff-dog that he was afraid would spring up and bite him). + </p> + <p> + ‘I wuss ye joy, sir, of the head seat, and the white loaf, and the braid + lairdship. Your father was a kind man to friends and followers; muckle + grace to you, Sir John, to fill his shoon—his boots, I suld say, for + he seldom wore shoon, unless it were muils when he had the gout.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, Steenie,’ quoth the laird, sighing deeply, and putting his napkin to + his een, ‘his was a sudden call, and he will be missed in the country; no + time to set his house in order—weel prepared Godward, no doubt, + which is the root of the matter—but left us behind a tangled heap to + wind, Steenie.—Hem! hem! We maun go to business, Steenie; much to + do, and little time to do it in.’ + </p> + <p> + Here he opened the fatal volume. I have heard of a thing they call + Doomsday Book—I am clear it has been a rental of back-ganging + tenants. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stephen,’ said Sir John, still in the same soft, sleekit tone of voice—‘Stephen + Stevenson, or Steenson, ye are down here for a year’s rent behind the hand—due + at last term.’ + </p> + <p> + STEPHEN. ‘Please your honour, Sir John, I paid it to your father.’ + </p> + <p> + SIR JOHN. ‘Ye took a receipt, then, doubtless, Stephen; and can produce + it?’ + </p> + <p> + STEPHEN. ‘Indeed I hadna time, an it like your honour; for nae sooner had + I set doun the siller, and just as his honour, Sir Robert, that’s gaen, + drew it till him to count it, and write out the receipt, he was ta’en wi’ + the pains that removed him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was unlucky,’ said Sir John, after a pause. ‘But ye maybe paid it in + the presence of somebody, I want but a TALIS QUALIS evidence, Stephen. I + would go ower strictly to work with no poor man.’ + </p> + <p> + STEPHEN. ‘Troth, Sir John, there was naebody in the room but Dougal + MacCallum the butler. But, as your honour kens, he has e’en followed his + auld master. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very unlucky again, Stephen,’ said Sir John, without altering his voice a + single note. ‘The man to whom ye paid the money is dead—and the man + who witnessed the payment is dead too—and the siller, which should + have been to the fore, is neither seen nor heard tell of in the + repositories. How am I to believe a’ this?’ + </p> + <p> + STEPHEN. ‘I dinna, ken, your honour; but there is a bit memorandum note of + the very coins; for, God help me! I had to borrow out of twenty purses; + and I am sure that ilka man there set down will take his grit oath for + what purpose I borrowed the money.’ + </p> + <p> + SIR JOHN. ‘I have little doubt ye BORROWED the money, Steenie. It is the + PAYMENT to my father that I want to have some proof of.’ + </p> + <p> + STEPHEN. ‘The siller maun be about the house, Sir John. And since your + honour never got it, and his honour that was canna have taen it wi’ him, + maybe some of the family may have seen it.’ + </p> + <p> + SIR JOHN. ‘We will examine the servants, Stephen; that is but reasonable.’ + </p> + <p> + But lackey and lass, and page and groom, all denied stoutly that they had + ever seen such a bag of money as my gudesire described. What was waur, he + had unluckily not mentioned to any living soul of them his purpose of + paying his rent. Ae quean had noticed something under his arm, but she + took it for the pipes. + </p> + <p> + Sir John Redgauntlet ordered the servants out of the room, and then said + to my gudesire, ‘Now, Steenie, ye see ye have fair play; and, as I have + little doubt ye ken better where to find the siller than ony other body, I + beg, in fair terms, and for your own sake, that you will end this + fasherie; for, Stephen, ye maun pay or flit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord forgie your opinion,’ said Stephen, driven almost to his wit’s + end—‘I am an honest man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So am I, Stephen,’ said his honour; ‘and so are all the folks in the + house, I hope. But if there be a knave amongst us, it must be he that + tells the story he cannot prove.’ He paused, and then added, mair sternly, + ‘If I understand your trick, sir, you want to take advantage of some + malicious reports concerning things in this family, and particularly + respecting my father’s sudden death, thereby to cheat me out of the money, + and perhaps take away my character, by insinuating that I have received + the rent I am demanding. Where do you suppose this money to be? I insist + upon knowing.’ + </p> + <p> + My gudesire saw everything look so muckle against him, that he grew nearly + desperate—however, he shifted from one foot to another, looked to + every corner of the room, and made no answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak out, sirrah,’ said the laird, assuming a look of his father’s, a + very particular ane, which he had when he was angry—it seemed as if + the wrinkles of his frown made that selfsame fearful shape of a horse’s + shoe in the middle of his brow;—‘Speak out, sir! I WILL know your + thoughts;—do you suppose that I have this money?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Far be it frae me to say so,’ said Stephen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you charge any of my people with having taken it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wad be laith to charge them that may be innocent,’ said my gudesire; + ‘and if there be any one that is guilty, I have nae proof.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Somewhere the money must be, if there is a word of truth in your story,’ + said Sir John; ‘I ask where you think it is—and demand a correct + answer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In HELL, if you will have my thoughts of it,’ said my gudesire, driven to + extremity, ‘in hell! with your father, his jackanape, and his silver + whistle.’ + </p> + <p> + Down the stairs he ran (for the parlour was nae place for him after such a + word) and he heard the laird swearing blood and wounds behind him, as + fast; as ever did Sir Robert, and roaring for the bailie and the + baron-officer. + </p> + <p> + Away rode my gudesire to his chief creditor (him they ca’d Laurie Lapraik) + to try if he could make onything out of him; but when he tauld his story, + he got but the worst word in his wame—thief, beggar, and dyvour, + were the saftest terms; and to the boot of these hard terms, Laurie + brought up the auld story of his dipping his hand in the blood of God’s + saunts, just as if a tenant could have helped riding with the laird, and + that a laird like Sir Robert Redgauntlet. My gudesire was, by this time, + far beyond the bounds of patience, and, while he and Laurie were at deil + speed the liars, he was wanchancie aneugh to abuse Lapraik’s doctrine as + weel as the man, ond said things that garr’d folks’ flesh grue that heard + them;—he wasna just himsell, and he had lived wi’ a wild set in his + day. + </p> + <p> + At last they parted, and my gudesire was to ride hame through the wood of + Pitmurkie, that is a’ fou of black firs, as they say.—I ken the + wood, but the firs may be black or white for what I can tell.—At the + entry of the wood there is a wild common, and on the edge of the common, a + little lonely change-house, that was keepit then by an ostler-wife, they + suld hae caa’d her Tibbie Faw, and there puir Steenie cried for a mutchkin + of brandy, for he had had no refreshment the haill day. Tibbie was earnest + wi’ him to take a bite of meat, but he couldna think o’t, nor would he + take his foot out of the stirrup, and took off the brandy wholely at twa + draughts, and named a toast at each:—the first was the memory of Sir + Robert Redgauntlet, and might he never lie quiet in his grave till he had + righted his poor bond-tenant; and the second was a health to Man’s Enemy, + if he would but get him back the pock of siller or tell him what came o’t, + for he saw the haill world was like to regard him as a thief and a cheat, + and he took that waur than even the ruin of his house and hauld. + </p> + <p> + On he rode, little caring where. It was a dark night turned, and the trees + made it yet darker, and he let the beast take its ain road through the + wood; when all of a sudden, from tired and wearied that it was before, the + nag began to spring and flee, and stend, that my gudesire could hardly + keep the saddle. Upon the whilk, a horseman, suddenly riding up beside + him, said, ‘That’s a mettle beast of yours, freend; will you sell him?’ So + saying, he touched the horse’s neck with his riding-wand, and it fell into + its auld heigh-ho of a stumbling trot. ‘But his spunk’s soon out of him, I + think,’ continued the stranger, ‘and that is like mony a man’s courage, + that thinks he wad do great things till he come to the proof.’ + </p> + <p> + My gudesire scarce listened to this, but spurred his horse, with ‘Gude + e’en to you, freend.’ + </p> + <p> + But it’s like the stranger was ane that doesna lightly yield his point; + for, ride as Steenie liked, he was ay beside him at the selfsame pace. At + last my gudesire, Steenie Steenson, grew half angry, and, to say the + truth, half feared. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it that ye want with me, freend?’ he said. ‘If ye be a robber, I + have nae money; if ye be a leal man, wanting company, I have nae heart to + mirth or speaking; and if ye want to ken the road, I scarce ken it + mysell.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will tell me your grief,’ said the stranger, ‘I am one that, + though I have been sair miscaa’d in the world, am the only hand for + helping my freends.’ + </p> + <p> + So my gudesire, to ease his ain heart, mair than from any hope of help, + told him the story from beginning to end. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a hard pinch,’ said the stranger; ‘but I think I can help you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you could lend the money, sir, and take a lang day—I ken nae + other help on earth,’ said my gudesire. + </p> + <p> + ‘But there may be some under the earth,’ said the stranger. ‘Come, I’ll be + frank wi’ you; I could lend you the money on bond, but you would maybe + scruple my terms. Now, I can tell you, that your auld laird is disturbed + in his grave by your curses, and the wailing of your family, and if ye + daur venture to go to see him, he will give you the receipt.’ + </p> + <p> + My gudesire’s hair stood on end at this proposal, but he thought his + companion might be some humoursome chield that was trying to frighten him, + and might end with lending him the money. Besides, he was bauld wi’ + brandy, and desperate wi’ distress; and he said he had courage to go to + the gate of hell, and a step farther, for that receipt. The stranger + laughed. + </p> + <p> + Weel, they rode on through the thickest of the wood, when, all of a + sudden, the horse stopped at the door of a great house; and, but that he + knew the place was ten miles off, my father would have thought he was at + Redgauntlet Castle. They rode into the outer courtyard, through the muckle + faulding yetts and aneath the auld portcullis; and the whole front of the + house was lighted, and there were pipes and fiddles, and as much dancing + and deray within as used to be at Sir Robert’s house at Pace and Yule, and + such high seasons. They lap off, and my gudesire, as seemed to him, + fastened his horse to the very ring he had tied him to that morning, when + he gaed to wait on the young Sir John. + </p> + <p> + ‘God!’ said my gudesire, ‘if Sir Robert’s death be but a dream!’ + </p> + <p> + He knocked at the ha’ door just as he was wont, and his auld acquaintance, + Dougal MacCallum—just after his wont, too,—came to open the + door, and said, ‘Piper Steenie, are ye there, lad? Sir Robert has been + crying for you.’ + </p> + <p> + My gudesire was like a man in a dream—he looked for the stranger, + but he was gane for the time. At last he just tried to say, ‘Ha! Dougal + Driveower, are ye living? I thought ye had been dead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never fash yoursell wi’ me,’ said Dougal, ‘but look to yoursell; and see + ye tak naethlng frae ony body here, neither meat, drink, or siller, except + just the receipt that is your ain.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he led the way out through halls and trances that were weel + kend to my gudesire, and into the auld oak parlour; and there was as much + singing of profane sangs, and birling of red wine, and speaking blasphemy + and sculduddry, as had ever been in Redgauntlet Castle when it was at the + blithest. + </p> + <p> + But, Lord take us in keeping, what a set of ghastly revellers they were + that sat around that table! My gudesire kend mony that had long before + gane to their place, for often had he piped to the most part in the hall + of Redgauntlet. There was the fierce Middleton, and the dissolute Rothes, + and the crafty Lauderdale; and Dalyell, with his bald head and a beard to + his girdle; and Earlshall, with Cameron’s blude on his hand; and wild + Bonshaw, that tied blessed Mr. Cargill’s limbs till the blude sprung; and + Dunbarton Douglas, the twice-turned traitor baith to country and king. + There was the Bluidy Advocate MacKenyie, who, for his worldly wit and + wisdom had been to the rest as a god. And there was Claverhouse, as + beautiful as when he lived, with his long, dark, curled locks streaming + down over his laced buff-coat, and his left hand always on his right + spule-blade, to hide the wound that the silver bullet had made. [See Note + 2.] He sat apart from them all, and looked at them with a melancholy, + haughty countenance; while the rest hallooed, and sang, and laughed, that + the room rang. But their smiles were fearfully contorted from time to + time; and their laugh passed into such wild sounds as made my gudesire’s + very nails grow blue, and chilled the marrow in his banes. + </p> + <p> + They that waited at the table were just the wicked serving-men and + troopers, that had done their work and cruel bidding on earth. There was + the Lang Lad of the Nethertown, that helped to take Argyle; and the + bishop’s summoner, that they called the Deil’s Rattle-bag; and the wicked + guardsmen in their laced coats; and the savage Highland Amorites, that + shed blood like water; and many a proud serving-man, haughty of heart and + bloody of hand, cringing to the rich, and making them wickeder than they + would be; grinding the poor to powder, when the rich had broken them to + fragments. And mony, mony mair were coming and ganging, a’ as busy in + their vocation as if they had been alive. + </p> + <p> + Sir Robert Redgauntlet, in the midst of a’ this fearful riot, cried, wi’ a + voice like thunder, on Steenie Piper to come to the board-head where he + was sitting; his legs stretched out before him, and swathed up with + flannel, with his holster pistols aside him, while the great broadsword + rested against his chair, just as my gudesire had seen him the last time + upon earth—the very cushion for the jackanape was close to him, but + the creature itself was not there—it wasna its hour, it’s likely; + for he heard them say as he came forward, ‘Is not the major come yet?’ And + another answered, ‘The jackanape will be here betimes the morn.’ And when + my gudesire came forward, Sir Robert, or his ghaist, or the deevil in his + likeness, said, ‘Weel, piper, hae ye settled wi’ my son for the year’s + rent?’ + </p> + <p> + With much ado my father gat breath to say that Sir John would not settle + without his honour’s receipt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye shall hae that for a tune of the pipes, Steenie,’ said the appearance + of Sir Robert—‘Play us up “Weel hoddled, Luckie”.’ + </p> + <p> + Now this was a tune my gudesire learned frae a warlock, that heard it when + they were worshipping Satan at their meetings, and my gudesire had + sometimes played it at the ranting suppers in Redgauntlet Castle, but + never very willingly; and now he grew cauld at the very name of it, and + said, for excuse, he hadna his pipes wi’ him. + </p> + <p> + ‘MacCallum, ye limb of Beelzebub,’ said the fearfu’ Sir Robert, ‘bring + Steenie the pipes that I am keeping for him!’ + </p> + <p> + MacCallum brought a pair of pipes might have served the piper of Donald of + the Isles. But he gave my gudesire a nudge as he offered them; and looking + secretly and closely, Steenie saw that the chanter was of steel, and + heated to a white heat; so he had fair warning not to trust his fingers + with it. So he excused himself again, and said he was faint and + frightened, and had not wind aneugh to fill the bag. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then ye maun eat and drink, Steenie,’ said the figure; ‘for we do little + else here; and it’s ill speaking between a fou man and a fasting.’ + </p> + <p> + Now these were the very words that the bloody Earl of Douglas said to keep + the king’s messenger in hand while he cut the head off MacLellan of + Bombie, at the Threave Castle, [The reader is referred for particulars to + Pitscottie’s HISTORY OF SCOTLAND.] and that put Steenie mair and mair on + his guard. So he spoke up like a man, and said he came neither to eat, or + drink or make minstrelsy; but simply for his ain—to ken what was + come o’ the money he had paid, and to get a discharge for it; and he was + so stout-hearted by this time that he charged Sir Robert for + conscience-sake (he had no power to say the holy name) and as he hoped for + peace and rest, to spread no snares for him, but just to give him his ain. + </p> + <p> + The appearance gnashed its teeth and laughed, but it took from a large + pocket-book the receipt, and handed it to Steenie. ‘There is your receipt, + ye pitiful cur; and for the money, my dog-whelp of a son may go look for + it in the Cat’s Cradle.’ + </p> + <p> + My gudesire uttered mony thanks, and was about to retire when Sir Robert + roared aloud, ‘Stop, though, thou sack-doudling son of a whore! I am not + done with thee. HERE we do nothing for nothing; and you must return on + this very day twelvemonth, to pay your master the homage that you owe me + for my protection.’ + </p> + <p> + My father’s tongue was loosed of a suddenty, and he said aloud, ‘I refer + mysell to God’s pleasure, and not to yours.’ + </p> + <p> + He had no sooner uttered the word than all was dark around him; and he + sank on the earth with such a sudden shock, that he lost both breath and + sense. + </p> + <p> + How lang Steenie lay there, he could not tell; but when he came to + himsell, he was lying in the auld kirkyard of Redgauntlet parochine just + at the door of the family aisle, and the scutcheon of the auld knight, Sir + Robert, hanging over his head. There was a deep morning fog on grass and + gravestane around him, and his horse was feeding quietly beside the + minister’s twa cows. Steenie would have thought the whole was a dream, but + he had the receipt in his hand, fairly written and signed by the auld + laird; only the last letters of his name were a little disorderly, written + like one seized with sudden pain. + </p> + <p> + Sorely troubled in his mind, he left that dreary place, rode through the + mist to Redgauntlet Castle, and with much ado he got speech of the laird. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, you dyvour bankrupt,’ was the first word, ‘have you brought me my + rent?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ answered my gudesire, ‘I have not; but I have brought your honour + Sir Robert’s receipt for it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wow, sirrah? Sir Robert’s receipt! You told me he had not given you one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will your honour please to see if that bit line is right?’ + </p> + <p> + Sir John looked at every line, and at every letter, with much attention; + and at last, at the date, which my gudesire had not observed,—‘FROM + MY APPOINTED PLACE,’ he read, ‘THIS TWENTY-FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.’—‘What! + That is yesterday!—Villain, thou must have gone to hell for this!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I got it from your honour’s father—whether he be in heaven or hell, + I know not,’ said Steenie. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will delate you for a warlock to the Privy Council!’ said Sir John. ‘I + will send you to your master, the devil, with the help of a tar-barrel and + a torch!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I intend to delate mysell to the Presbytery,’ said Steenie, ‘and tell + them all I have seen last night, whilk are things fitter for them to judge + of than a borrel man like me.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir John paused, composed himsell, and desired to hear the full history; + and my gudesire told it him from point to point, as I have told it you—word + for word, neither more nor less. + </p> + <p> + Sir John was silent again for a long time, and at last he said, very + composedly, ‘Steenie, this story of yours concerns the honour of many a + noble family besides mine; and if it be a leasing-making, to keep yourself + out of my danger, the least you can expect is to have a redhot iron driven + through your tongue, and that will be as bad as scauding your fingers wi’ + a redhot chanter. But yet it may be true, Steenie; and if the money cast + up I shall not know what to think of it. But where shall we find the Cat’s + Cradle? There are cats enough about the old house, but I think they kitten + without the ceremony of bed or cradle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We were best ask Hutcheon,’ said my gudesire; ‘he kens a’ the odd corners + about as weel as—another serving-man that is now gane, and that I + wad not like to name.’ + </p> + <p> + Aweel, Hutcheon, when he was asked, told them, that a ruinous turret, lang + disused, next to the clock-house, only accessible by a ladder, for the + opening was on the outside, and far above the battlements, was called of + old the Cat’s Cradle. + </p> + <p> + ‘There will I go immediately,’ said Sir John; and he took (with what + purpose, Heaven kens) one of his father’s pistols from the hall-table, + where they had lain since the night he died, and hastened to the + battlements. + </p> + <p> + It was a dangerous place to climb, for the ladder was auld and frail, and + wanted ane or twa rounds. However, up got Sir John, and entered at the + turret-door, where his body stopped the only little light that was in the + bit turret. Something flees at him wi’ a vengeance, maist dang him back + ower—bang gaed the knight’s pistol, and Hutcheon, that held the + ladder, and my gudesire that stood beside him, hears a loud skelloch. A + minute after, Sir John flings the body of the jackanape down to them, and + cries that the siller is fund, and that they should come up and help him. + And there was the bag of siller sure aneugh, and mony orra thing besides, + that had been missing for mony a day. And Sir John, when he had riped the + turret weel, led my gudesire into the dining-parlour, and took him by the + hand and spoke kindly to him, and said he was sorry he should have doubted + his word and that he would hereafter be a good master to him to make + amends. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now, Steenie,’ said Sir John, ‘although this vision of yours tend, on + the whole, to my father’s credit, as an honest man, that he should, even + after his death, desire to see justice done to a poor man like you, yet + you are sensible that ill-dispositioned men might make bad constructions + upon it, concerning his soul’s health. So, I think, we had better lay the + haill dirdum on that ill-deedie creature, Major Weir, and say naething + about your dream in the wood of Pitmurkie. You had taken ower muckle + brandy to be very certain about onything; and, Steenie, this receipt’ (his + hand shook while he held it out),—‘it’s but a queer kind of + document, and we will do best, I think, to put it quietly in the fire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Od, but for as queer as it is, it’s a’ the voucher I have for my rent,’ + said my gudesire, who was afraid, it may be, of losing the benefit of Sir + Robert’s discharge. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will bear the contents to your credit in the rental-book, and give you + a discharge under my own hand,’ said Sir John, ‘and that on the spot. And, + Steenie, if you can hold your tongue about this matter, you shall sit, + from this term downward, at an easier rent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mony thanks to your honour,’ said Steenie, who saw easily in what corner + the wind was; ‘doubtless I will be comformable to all your honour’s + commands; only I would willingly speak wi’ some powerful minister on the + subject, for I do not like the sort of sommons of appointment whilk your + honour’s father’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not call the phantom my father!’ said Sir John, interrupting him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, then, the thing that was so like him,’ said my gudesire; ‘he spoke + of my coming back to see him this time twelvemonth, and it’s a weight on + my conscience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aweel, then,’ said Sir John, ‘if you be so much distressed in mind, you + may speak to our minister of the parish; he is a douce man, regards the + honour of our family, and the mair that he may look for some patronage + from me.’ + </p> + <p> + Wi’ that, my father readily agreed that the receipt should be burnt, and + the laird threw it into the chimney with his ain hand. Burn it would not + for them, though; but away it flew up the lum, wi’ a lang train of sparks + at its tail, and a hissing noise like a squib. + </p> + <p> + My gudesire gaed down to the Manse, and the minister, when he had heard + the story, said it was his real opinion that though my gudesire had gaen + very far in tampering with dangerous matters, yet, as he had refused the + devil’s arles (for such was the offer of meat and drink) and had refused + to do homage by piping at his bidding, he hoped, that if he held a + circumspect walk hereafter, Satan could take little advantage by what was + come and gane. And, indeed, my gudesire, of his ain accord, lang foreswore + baith the pipes and the brandy—it was not even till the year was + out, and the fatal day past, that he would so much as take the fiddle, or + drink usquebaugh or tippeny. + </p> + <p> + Sir John made up his story about the jackanape as he liked himsell; and + some believe till this day there was no more in the matter than the + filching nature of the brute. Indeed, ye’ll no hinder some to threap that + it was nane o’ the auld Enemy that Dougal and my gudesire saw in the + laird’s room, but only that wanchancy creature, the major, capering on the + coffin; and that, as to the blawing on the laird’s whistle that was heard + after he was dead, the filthy brute could do that as weel as the laird + himsell, if no better. But Heaven kens the truth, whilk first came out by + the minister’s wife, after Sir John and her ain gudeman were baith in the + moulds. And then my gudesire, wha was failed in his limbs, but not in his + judgement or memory—at least nothing to speak of—was obliged + to tell the real narrative to his friends, for the credit of his good + name. He might else have been charged for a warlock. [See Note 3.] + </p> + <p> + The shades of evening were growing thicker around us as my conductor + finished his long narrative with this moral—‘Ye see, birkie, it is + nae chancy thing to tak a stranger traveller for a guide, when you are in + an uncouth land.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not have made that inference,’ said I. ‘Your grandfather’s + adventure was fortunate for himself, whom it saved from ruin and distress; + and fortunate for his landlord also, whom it prevented from committing a + gross act of injustice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, but they had baith to sup the sauce o’t sooner or later,’ said + Wandering Willie—‘what was fristed wasna forgiven. Sir John died + before he was much over three-score; and it was just like of a moment’s + illness. And for my gudesire, though he departed in fullness of life, yet + there was my father, a yauld man of forty-five, fell down betwixt the + stilts of his pleugh, and rase never again, and left nae bairn but me, a + puir sightless, fatherless, motherless creature, could neither work nor + want. Things gaed weel aneugh at first; for Sir Redwald Redgauntlet, the + only son of Sir John, and the oye of auld Sir Robert, and, waes me! the + last of the honourable house, took the farm aff our hands, and brought me + into his household to have care of me. He liked music, and I had the best + teachers baith England and Scotland could gie me. Mony a merry year was I + wi’ him; but waes me! he gaed out with other pretty men in the Forty-five—I’ll + say nae mair about it—My head never settled weel since I lost him; + and if I say another word about it, deil a bar will I have the heart to + play the night.—Look out, my gentle chap,’ he resumed in a different + tone, ‘ye should see the lights at Brokenburn glen by this time.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + THE SAME TO THE SAME + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Tam Luter was their minstrel meet, + Gude Lord as he could lance, + He play’d sae shrill, and sang sae sweet, + Till Towsie took a trance. + Auld Lightfoot there he did forleet, + And counterfeited France; + He used himself as man discreet, + And up took Morrice danse sae loud, + At Christ’s Kirk on the Green that day. + KING JAMES I. +</pre> + <p> + I continue to scribble at length, though the subject may seem somewhat + deficient in interest. Let the grace of the narrative, therefore, and the + concern we take in each other’s matters, make amends for its tenuity. We + fools of fancy who suffer ourselves, like Malvolio, to be cheated with our + own visions, have, nevertheless, this advantage over the wise ones of the + earth, that we have our whole stock of enjoyments under our own command, + and can dish for ourselves an intellectual banquet with most moderate + assistance from external objects. It is, to be sure, something like the + feast which the Barmecide served up to Alnaschar; and we cannot expect to + get fat upon such diet. But then, neither is there repletion nor nausea, + which often succeed the grosser and more material revel. On the whole, I + still pray, with the Ode to Castle Building— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Give me thy hope which sickens not the heart; + Give me thy wealth which has no wings to fly; + Give me the bliss thy visions can impart: + Thy friendship give me, warm in poverty! +</pre> + <p> + And so, despite thy solemn smile and sapient shake of the head, I will go + on picking such interest as I can out of my trivial adventures, even + though that interest should be the creation of my own fancy; nor will I + cease to indict on thy devoted eyes the labour of perusing the scrolls in + which I shall record my narrative. + </p> + <p> + My last broke off as we were on the point of descending into the glen at + Brokenburn, by the dangerous track which I had first travelled EN CROUPE, + behind a furious horseman, and was now again to brave under the precarious + guidance of a blind man. + </p> + <p> + It was now getting dark; but this was no inconvenience to my guide, who + moved on, as formerly, with instinctive security of step, so that we soon + reached the bottom, and I could see lights twinkling in the cottage which + had been my place of refuge on a former occasion. It was not thither, + however, that our course was directed. We left the habitation of the laird + to the left, and turning down the brook, soon approached the small hamlet + which had been erected at the mouth of the stream, probably on account of + the convenience which it afforded as a harbour to the fishing-boats. A + large, low cottage, full in our front, seemed highly illuminated; for the + light not only glanced from every window and aperture in its frail walls, + but was even visible from rents and fractures in the roof, composed of + tarred shingles, repaired in part by thatch and divot. + </p> + <p> + While these appearances engaged my attention, that of my companion was + attracted by a regular succession of sounds, like a bouncing on the floor, + mixed with a very faint noise of music, which Willie’s acute organs at + once recognized and accounted for, while to me it was almost inaudible. + The old man struck the earth with his staff in a violent passion. ‘The + whoreson fisher rabble! They have brought another violer upon my walk! + They are such smuggling blackguards, that they must run in their very + music; but I’ll sort them waur than ony gauger in the country.—Stay—hark—it + ‘s no a fiddle neither—it’s the pipe and tabor bastard, Simon of + Sowport, frae the Nicol Forest; but I’ll pipe and tabor him!—Let me + hae ance my left hand on his cravat, and ye shall see what my right will + do. Come away, chap—come away, gentle chap—nae time to be + picking and waling your steps.’ And on he passed with long and determined + strides, dragging me along with him. + </p> + <p> + I was not quite easy in his company; for, now that his minstrel pride was + hurt, the man had changed from the quiet, decorous, I might almost say + respectable person, which he seemed while he told his tale, into the + appearance of a fierce, brawling, dissolute stroller. So that when he + entered the large hut, where a great number of fishers, with their wives + and daughters, were engaged in eating, drinking, and dancing, I was + somewhat afraid that the impatient violence of my companion might procure + us an indifferent reception. + </p> + <p> + But the universal shout of welcome with which Wandering Willie was + received—the hearty congratulations—the repeated ‘Here’s t’ + ye, Willie!’—‘Where hae ya been, ye blind deevil?’ and the call upon + him to pledge them—above all, the speed with which the obnoxious + pipe and tabor were put to silence, gave the old man such effectual + assurance of undiminished popularity and importance, as at once put his + jealousy to rest, and changed his tone of offended dignity into one better + fitted to receive such cordial greetings. Young men and women crowded + round, to tell how much they were afraid some mischance had detained him, + and how two or three young fellows had set out in quest of him. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was nae mischance, praised be Heaven,’ said Willie, ‘but the absence + of the lazy loon Rob the Rambler, my comrade, that didna come to meet me + on the Links; but I hae gotten a braw consort in his stead, worth a dozen + of him, the unhanged blackguard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And wha is’t tou’s gotten, Wullie, lad?’ said half a score of voices, + while all eyes were turned on your humble servant, who kept the best + countenance he could, though not quite easy at becoming the centre to + which all eyes were pointed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I ken him by his hemmed cravat,’ said one fellow; ‘it’s Gil Hobson, the + souple tailor frae Burgh. Ye are welcome to Scotland, ye prick-the-clout + loon,’ he said, thrusting forth a paw; much the colour of a badger’s back, + and of most portentous dimensions. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gil Hobson? Gil whoreson!’ exclaimed Wandering Willie; ‘it’s a gentle + chap that I judge to be an apprentice wi’ auld Joshua Geddes, to the + quaker-trade.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What trade be’s that, man?’ said he of the badger-coloured fist. + </p> + <p> + ‘Canting and lying,’—said Willie, which produced a thundering laugh; + ‘but I am teaching the callant a better trade, and that is, feasting and + fiddling.’ + </p> + <p> + Willie’s conduct in thus announcing something like my real character, was + contrary to compact; and yet I was rather glad he did so, for the + consequence of putting a trick upon these rude and ferocious men, might, + in case of discovery, have been dangerous to us both, and I was at the + same time delivered from the painful effort to support a fictitious + character. The good company, except perhaps one or two of the young women + whose looks expressed some desire for better acquaintance, gave themselves + no further trouble about me; but, while the seniors resumed their places + near an immense bowl or rather reeking cauldron of brandy-punch, the + younger arranged themselves on the floor and called loudly on Willie to + strike up. + </p> + <p> + With a brief caution to me, to ‘mind my credit, for fishers have ears, + though fish have none,’ Willie led off in capital style, and I followed, + certainly not so as to disgrace my companion, who, every now and then, + gave me a nod of approbation. The dances were, of course, the Scottish + jigs, and reels, and ‘twasome dances’, with a strathspey or hornpipe for + interlude; and the want of grace on the part of the performers was amply + supplied by truth of ear, vigour and decision of step, and the agility + proper to the northern performers. My own spirits rose with the mirth + around me, and with old Willie’s admirable execution, and frequent ‘weel + dune, gentle chap, yet;’—and, to confess the truth, I felt a great + deal more pleasure in this rustic revel, than I have done at the more + formal balls and concerts in your famed city, to which I have sometimes + made my way. Perhaps this was because I was a person of more importance to + the presiding matron of Brokenburn-foot, than I had the means of rendering + myself to the far-famed Miss Nickie Murray, the patroness of your + Edinburgh assemblies. The person I mean was a buxom dame of about thirty, + her fingers loaded with many a silver ring, and three or four of gold; her + ankles liberally displayed from under her numerous blue, white, and + scarlet; short petticoats, and attired in hose of the finest and whitest + lamb’s-wool, which arose from shoes of Spanish cordwain, fastened with + silver buckles. She took the lead in my favour, and declared, ‘that the + brave young gentleman should not weary himself to death wi’ playing, but + take the floor for a dance or twa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what’s to come of me, Dame Martin?’ said Willie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come o’ thee?’ said the dame; ‘mishanter on the auld beard o’ ye! ye + could play for twenty hours on end, and tire out the haill countryside wi’ + dancing before ye laid down your bow, saving for a by-drink or the like o’ + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In troth, dame,’ answered Willie, ‘ye are no sae far wrang; sae if my + comrade is to take his dance, ye maun gie me my drink, and then bob it + away like Madge of Middlebie.’ + </p> + <p> + The drink was soon brought; but while Willie was partaking of it, a party + entered the hut, which arrested my attention at once, and intercepted the + intended gallantry with which I had proposed to present my hand to the + fresh-coloured, well-made, white-ankled Thetis, who had obtained me + manumission from my musical task. + </p> + <p> + This was nothing less than the sudden appearance of the old woman whom the + laird had termed Mabel; Cristal Nixon, his male attendant; and the young + person who had said grace to us when I supped with him. + </p> + <p> + This young person—Alan, thou art in thy way a bit of a conjurer—this + young person whom I DID NOT describe, and whom you, for that very reason, + suspected was not an indifferent object to me—is, I am sorry to say + it, in very fact not so much so as in prudence she ought. I will not use + the name of love on this occasion; for I have applied it too often to + transient whims and fancies to escape your satire, should I venture to + apply it now. For it is a phrase, I must confess, which I have used—a + romancer would say, profaned—a little too often, considering how few + years have passed over my head. But seriously, the fair chaplain of + Brokenburn has been often in my head when she had no business there; and + if this can give thee any clue for explaining my motives in lingering + about the country, and assuming the character of Willie’s companion, why, + hang thee, thou art welcome to make use of it—a permission for which + thou need’st not thank me much, as thou wouldst not have failed to assume + it whether it were given or no. + </p> + <p> + Such being my feelings, conceive how they must have been excited, when, + like a beam upon a cloud, I saw this uncommonly beautiful girl enter the + apartment in which they were dancing; not, however, with the air of an + equal, but that of a superior, come to grace with her presence the + festival of her dependants. The old man and woman attended, with looks as + sinister as hers were lovely, like two of the worst winter months waiting + upon the bright-eyed May. + </p> + <p> + When she entered—wonder if thou wilt—she wore A GREEN MANTLE, + such as thou hast described as the garb of thy fair client, and confirmed + what I had partly guessed from thy personal description, that my chaplain + and thy visitor were the same person. There was an alteration on her brow + the instant she recognized me. She gave her cloak to her female attendant, + and, after a momentary hesitation, as if uncertain whether to advance or + retire, she walked into the room with dignity and composure, all making + way, the men unbonneting, and the women curtsying respectfully, as she + assumed a chair which was reverently placed for her accommodation, apart + from others. + </p> + <p> + There was then a pause, until the bustling mistress of the ceremonies, + with awkward but kindly courtesy, offered the young lady a glass of wine, + which was at first declined, and at length only thus far accepted, that, + bowing round to the festive company, the fair visitor wished them all + health and mirth, and just touching the brim with her lip, replaced it on + the salver. There was another pause; and I did not immediately recollect, + confused as I was by this unexpected apparition, that it belonged to me to + break it. At length a murmur was heard around me, being expected to + exhibit,—nay, to lead down the dance,—in consequence of the + previous conversation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Deil’s in the fiddler lad,’ was muttered from more quarters than one—‘saw + folk ever sic a thing as a shame-faced fiddler before?’ + </p> + <p> + At length a venerable Triton, seconding his remonstrances with a hearty + thump on my shoulder, cried out, ‘To the floor—to the floor, and let + us see how ye can fling—the lasses are a’ waiting.’ + </p> + <p> + Up I jumped, sprang from the elevated station which constituted our + orchestra, and, arranging my ideas as rapidly as I could, advanced to the + head of the room, and, instead of offering my hand to the white-footed + Thetis aforesaid, I venturously made the same proposal to her of the Green + Mantle. + </p> + <p> + The nymph’s lovely eyes seemed to open with astonishment at the audacity + of this offer; and, from the murmurs I heard around me, I also understood + that it surprised, and perhaps offended, the bystanders. But after the + first moment’s emotion, she wreathed her neck, and drawing herself + haughtily up, like one who was willing to show that she was sensible of + the full extent of her own condescension, extended her hand towards me, + like a princess gracing a squire of low degree. + </p> + <p> + There is affectation in all this, thought I to myself, if the Green Mantle + has borne true evidence—for young ladies do not make visits, or + write letters to counsel learned in the law, to interfere in the motions + of those whom they hold as cheap as this nymph seems to do me; and if I am + cheated by a resemblance of cloaks, still I am interested to show myself, + in some degree, worthy of the favour she has granted with so much state + and reserve. The dance to be performed was the old Scots Jig, in which you + are aware I used to play no sorry figure at La Pique’s, when thy clumsy + movements used to be rebuked by raps over the knuckles with that great + professor’s fiddlestick. The choice of the tune was left to my comrade + Willie, who, having finished his drink, feloniously struck up the + well-known and popular measure, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Merrily danced the Quaker’s wife, + And merrily danced the Quaker. +</pre> + <p> + An astounding laugh arose at my expense, and I should have been + annihilated, but that the smile which mantled on the lip of my partner, + had a different expression from that of ridicule, and seemed to say, ‘Do + not take this to heart.’ And I did not, Alan—my partner danced + admirably, and I like one who was determined, if outshone, which I could + not help, not to be altogether thrown into the shade. + </p> + <p> + I assure you our performance, as well as Willie’s music, deserved more + polished spectators and auditors; but we could not then have been greeted + with such enthusiastic shouts of applause as attended while I handed my + partner to her seat, and took my place by her side, as one who had a right + to offer the attentions usual on such an occasion. She was visibly + embarrassed, but I was determined not to observe her confusion, and to + avail myself of the opportunity of learning whether this beautiful + creature’s mind was worthy of the casket in which nature had lodged it. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, however courageously I formed this resolution, you cannot + but too well guess the difficulties I must needs have felt in carrying it + into execution; since want of habitual intercourse with the charmers of + the other sex has rendered me a sheepish cur, only one grain less awkward + than thyself. Then she was so very beautiful, and assumed an air of so + much dignity, that I was like to fall under the fatal error of supposing + she should only be addressed with something very clever; and in the hasty + raking which my brains underwent in this persuasion, not a single idea + occurred that common sense did not reject as fustian on the one hand, or + weary, flat, and stale triticism on the other. I felt as if my + understanding were no longer my own, but was alternately under the + dominion of Aldeborontiphoscophornio, and that of his facetious friend + Rigdum-Funnidos. How did I envy at that moment our friend Jack Oliver, who + produces with such happy complacence his fardel of small talk, and who, as + he never doubts his own powers of affording amusement, passes them current + with every pretty woman he approaches, and fills up the intervals of chat + by his complete acquaintance with the exercise of the fan, the FLACON, and + the other duties of the CAVALIERE SERVENTE. Some of these I attempted, but + I suppose it was awkwardly; at least the Lady Green Mantle received them + as a princess accepts the homage of a clown. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the floor remained empty, and as the mirth of the good meeting + was somewhat checked, I ventured, as a DERNIER RESSORT, to propose a + minuet. She thanked me, and told me haughtily enough, ‘she was here to + encourage the harmless pleasures of these good folks, but was not disposed + to make an exhibition of her own indifferent dancing for their amusement.’ + </p> + <p> + She paused a moment, as if she expected me to suggest something; and as I + remained silent and rebuked, she bowed her head more graciously, and said, + ‘Not to affront you, however, a country-dance, if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + What an ass was I, Alan, not to have anticipated her wishes! Should I not + have observed that the ill-favoured couple, Mabel and Cristal, had placed + themselves on each side of her seat, like the supporters of the royal + arms? the man, thick, short, shaggy, and hirsute, as the lion; the female, + skin-dried, tight-laced, long, lean, and hungry-faced, like the unicorn. I + ought to have recollected, that under the close inspection of two such + watchful salvages, our communication, while in repose, could not have been + easy; that the period of dancing a minuet was not the very choicest time + for conversation; but that the noise, the exercise, and the mazy confusion + of a country-dance, where the inexperienced performers were every now and + then running against each other, and compelling the other couples to stand + still for a minute at a time, besides the more regular repose afforded by + the intervals of the dance itself, gave the best possible openings for a + word or two spoken in season, and without being liable to observation. + </p> + <p> + We had but just led down, when an opportunity of the kind occurred, and my + partner said, with great gentleness and modesty, ‘It is not perhaps very + proper in me to acknowledge an acquaintance that is not claimed; but I + believe I speak to Mr. Darsie Latimer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Darsie Latimer was indeed the person that had now the honour and + happiness’— + </p> + <p> + I would have gone on in the false gallop of compliment, but she cut me + short. ‘And why,’ she said, ‘is Mr. Latimer here, and in disguise, or at + least assuming an office unworthy of a man of education?—I beg + pardon,’ she continued,—‘I would not give you pain, but surely + making, an associate of a person of that description’— + </p> + <p> + She looked towards my friend Willie, and was silent. I felt heartily + ashamed of myself, and hastened to say it was an idle frolic, which want + of occupation had suggested, and which I could not regret, since it had + procured me the pleasure I at present enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + Without seeming to notice my compliment, she took the next opportunity to + say, ‘Will Mr. Latimer permit a stranger who wishes him well to ask, + whether it is right that, at his active age, he should be in so far void + of occupation, as to be ready to adopt low society for the sake of idle + amusement?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are severe, madam,’ I answered; ‘but I cannot think myself degraded + by mixing with any society where I meet’— + </p> + <p> + Here I stopped short, conscious that I was giving my answer an unhandsome + turn. The ARGUMENTUM AD HOMINEM, the last to which a polite man has + recourse, may, however, be justified by circumstances, but seldom or never + the ARGUMENTUM AD FOEMINAM. + </p> + <p> + She filled up the blank herself which I had left. ‘Where you meet ME, I + suppose you would say? But the case is different. I am, from my unhappy + fate, obliged to move by the will of others, and to be in places which I + would by my own will gladly avoid. Besides, I am, except for these few + minutes, no participator of the revels—a spectator only, and + attended by my servants. Your situation is different—you are here by + choice, the partaker and minister of the pleasures of a class below you in + education, birth, and fortunes. If I speak harshly, Mr. Latimer,’ she + added, with much sweetness of manner, ‘I mean kindly.’ + </p> + <p> + I was confounded by her speech, ‘severe in youthful wisdom’; all of naive + or lively, suitable to such a dialogue, vanished from my recollection, and + I answered with gravity like her own, ‘I am, indeed, better educated than + these poor people; but you, madam, whose kind admonition I am grateful + for, must know more of my condition than I do myself—I dare not say + I am their superior in birth, since I know nothing of my own, or in + fortunes, over which hangs an impenetrable cloud.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why should your ignorance on these points drive you into low society + and idle habits?’ answered my female monitor. ‘Is it manly to wait till + fortune cast her beams upon you, when by exertion of your own energy you + might distinguish yourself? Do not the pursuits of learning lie open to + you—of manly ambition—of war? But no—not of war, that + has already cost you too dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will be what you wish me to be,’ I replied with eagerness—‘You + have but to choose my path, and you shall see if I do not pursue it with + energy, were it only because you command me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not because I command you,’ said the maiden, ‘but because reason, common + sense, manhood, and, in one word, regard for your own safety, give the + same counsel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At least permit me to reply, that reason and sense never assumed a fairer + form—of persuasion,’ I hastily added; for she turned from me—nor + did she give me another opportunity of continuing what I had to say till + the next pause of the dance, when, determined to bring our dialogue to a + point, I said, ‘You mentioned manhood also, and in the same breath, + personal danger. My ideas of manhood suggest that it is cowardice to + retreat before dangers of a doubtful character. You, who appear to know so + much of my fortunes that I might call you my guardian angel, tell me what + these dangers are, that I may judge whether manhood calls on me to face or + to fly them.’ + </p> + <p> + She was evidently perplexed by this appeal. + </p> + <p> + ‘You make me pay dearly for acting as your humane adviser,’ she replied at + last: ‘I acknowledge an interest in your fate, and yet I dare not tell you + whence it arises; neither am I at liberty to say why, or from whom, you + are in danger; but it is not less true that danger is near and imminent. + Ask me no more, but, for your own sake, begone from this country. + Elsewhere you are safe—here you do but invite your fate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But am I doomed to bid thus farewell to almost the only human being who + has showed an interest in my welfare? Do not say so—say that we + shall meet again, and the hope shall be the leading star to regulate my + course!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is more than probable,’ she said—‘much more than probable, that + we may never meet again. The help which I now render you is all that may + be in my power; it is such as I should render to a blind man whom I might + observe approaching the verge of a precipice; it ought to excite no + surprise, and requires no gratitude.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, she again turned from me, nor did she address me until the + dance was on the point of ending, when she said, ‘Do not attempt to speak + to or approach me again in the course of the night; leave the company as + soon as you can, but not abruptly, and God be with you.’ + </p> + <p> + I handed her to her seat, and did not quit the fair palm I held, without + expressing my feelings by a gentle pressure. She coloured slightly, and + withdrew her hand, but not angrily. Seeing the eyes of Cristal and Mabel + sternly fixed on me, I bowed deeply, and withdrew from her; my heart + saddening, and my eyes becoming dim in spite of me, as the shifting crowd + hid us from each other. + </p> + <p> + It was my intention to have crept back to my comrade Willie, and resumed + my bow with such spirit as I might, although, at the moment, I would have + given half my income for an instant’s solitude. But my retreat was cut off + by Dame Martin, with the frankness—if it is not an inconsistent + phrase-of rustic coquetry, that goes straight up to the point. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, lad, ye seem unco sune weary, to dance sae lightly? Better the nag + that ambles a’ the day, than him that makes a brattle for a mile, and + then’s dune wi’ the road.’ + </p> + <p> + This was a fair challenge, and I could not decline accepting it. Besides, + I could see Dame Martin was queen of the revels; and so many were the rude + and singular figures about me, that I was by no means certain whether I + might not need some protection. I seized on her willing hand, and we took + our places in the dance, where, if I did not acquit myself with all the + accuracy of step and movement which I had before attempted, I at least + came up to the expectations of my partner, who said, and almost swore, ‘I + was prime at it;’ while, stimulated to her utmost exertions, she herself + frisked like a kid, snapped her fingers like castanets, whooped like a + Bacchanal, and bounded from the floor like a tennis-ball,—aye, till + the colour of her garters was no particular mystery. She made the less + secret of this, perhaps, that they were sky-blue, and fringed with silver. + </p> + <p> + The time has been that this would have been special fun; or rather, last + night was the only time I can recollect these four years when it would not + have been so; yet, at this moment, I cannot tell you how I longed to be + rid of Dame Martin. I almost wished she would sprain one of those + ‘many-twinkling’ ankles, which served her so alertly; and when, in the + midst of her exuberant caprioling, I saw my former partner leaving the + apartment, and with eyes, as I thought, turning towards me, this + unwillingness to carry on the dance increased to such a point, that I was + almost about to feign a sprain or a dislocation myself, in order to put an + end to the performance. But there were around me scores of old women, all + of whom looked as if they might have some sovereign recipe for such an + accident; and, remembering Gil Blas, and his pretended disorder in the + robber’s cavern, I thought it as wise to play Dame Martin fair, and dance + till she thought proper to dismiss me. What I did I resolved to do + strenuously, and in the latter part of the exhibition I cut and sprang + from the floor as high and as perpendicularly as Dame Martin herself; and + received, I promise you, thunders of applause, for the common people + always prefer exertion and agility to grace. At length Dame Martin could + dance no more, and, rejoicing at my release, I led her to a seat, and took + the privilege of a partner to attend her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hegh, sirs,’ exclaimed Dame Martin, ‘I am sair forfoughen! Troth! + callant, I think ye hae been amaist the death o’ me.’ + </p> + <p> + I could only atone for the alleged offence by fetching her some + refreshment, of which she readily partook. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been lucky in my partners,’ I said, ‘first that pretty young lady, + and then you, Mrs. Martin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hout wi’ your fleeching,’ said Dame Martin. ‘Gae wa—gae wa, lad; + dinna blaw in folk’s lugs that gate; me and Miss Lilias even’d thegither! + Na, na, lad—od, she is maybe four or five years younger than the + like o’ me,—bye and attour her gentle havings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is the laird’s daughter?’ said I, in as careless a tone of inquiry as + I could assume. + </p> + <p> + ‘His daughter, man? Na, na, only his niece—and sib aneugh to him, I + think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, indeed,’ I replied; ‘I thought she had borne his name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She bears her ain name, and that’s Lilias.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And has she no other name?’ asked I. + </p> + <p> + ‘What needs she another till she gets a gudeman?’ answered my Thetis, a + little miffed perhaps—to use the women’s phrase—that I turned + the conversation upon my former partner, rather than addressed it to + herself. + </p> + <p> + There was a little pause, which was interrupted by Dame Martin observing, + ‘They are standing up again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said I, having no mind to renew my late violent CAPRIOLE, and I + must go help old Willie.’ + </p> + <p> + Ere I could extricate myself, I heard poor Thetis address herself to a + sort of merman in a jacket of seaman’s blue, and a pair of trousers (whose + hand, by the way, she had rejected at an earlier part of the evening) and + intimate that she was now disposed to take a trip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Trip away, then, dearie,’ said the vindictive man of the waters, without + offering his hand; ‘there,’ pointing to the floor, ‘is a roomy berth for + you.’ + </p> + <p> + Certain I had made one enemy, and perhaps two, I hastened to my original + seat beside Willie, and began to handle my bow. But I could see that my + conduct had made an unfavourable impression; the words, ‘flory conceited + chap,’—‘hafflins gentle,’ and at length, the still more alarming + epithet of ‘spy,’ began to be buzzed about, and I was heartily glad when + the apparition of Sam’s visage at the door, who was already possessed of + and draining a can of punch, gave me assurance that my means of retreat + were at hand. I intimated as much to Willie, who probably had heard more + of the murmurs of the company than I had, for he whispered, ‘Aye, aye,—awa + wi’ ye—ower lang here—slide out canny—dinna let them see + ye are on the tramp.’ + </p> + <p> + I slipped half a guinea into the old man’s hand, who answered, ‘Truts + pruts! nonsense but I ‘se no refuse, trusting ye can afford it. Awa wi’ ye—and + if ony body stops ye, cry on me.’ + </p> + <p> + I glided, by his advice, along the room as if looking for a partner, + joined Sam, whom I disengaged with some difficulty from his can, and we + left the cottage together in a manner to attract the least possible + observation. The horses were tied in a neighbouring shed, and as the moon + was up, and I was now familiar with the road, broken and complicated as it + is, we soon reached the Shepherd’s Bush, where the old landlady was + sitting up waiting for us, under some anxiety of mind, to account for + which she did not hesitate to tell me that some folks had gone to + Brokenburn from her house, or neighbouring towns, that did not come so + safe back again. ‘Wandering Willie,’ she said, ‘was doubtless a kind of + protection.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Willie’s wife, who was smoking in the chimney corner, took up the + praises of her ‘hinnie,’ as she called him, and endeavoured to awaken my + generosity afresh, by describing the dangers from which, as she was + pleased to allege, her husband’s countenance had assuredly been the means + of preserving me. I was not, however, to be fooled out of more money at + this time, and went to bed in haste, full of vanous cogitations. + </p> + <p> + I have since spent a couple of days betwixt Mount Sharon and this place, + and betwixt reading, writing to thee this momentous history, forming plans + for seeing the lovely Lilias, and—partly, I think, for the sake of + contradiction—angling a little in spite of Joshua’a scruples—though + I am rather liking the amusement better as I begin to have some success in + it. + </p> + <p> + And now, my dearest Alan, you are in full possession of my secret—let + me as frankly into the recesses of your bosom. How do you feel towards + this fair ignis fatuus, this lily of the desert? Tell me honestly; for + however the recollection of her may haunt my own mind, my love for Alan + Fairford surpasses the love of woman, I know, too, that when you DO love, + it will be to + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Love once and love no more. +</pre> + <p> + A deep-consuming passion, once kindled in a breast so steady as yours, + would never be extinguished but with life. I am of another and more + volatile temper, and though I shall open your next with a trembling hand + and uncertain heart, yet let it bring a frank confession that this fair + unknown has made a deeper impression on your gravity than you reckoned + for, and you will see I can tear the arrow from my own wound, barb and + all. In the meantime, though I have formed schemes once more to see her, I + will, you may rely on it, take no step for putting them into practice. I + have refrained from this hitherto, and I give you my word of honour, I + shall continue to do so; yet why should you need any further assurance + from one who is so entirely yours as D.L. + </p> + <p> + PS.—I shall be on thorns till I receive your answer. I read, and + re-read your letter, and cannot for my soul discover what your real + sentiments are. Sometimes I think you write of her as one in jest—and + sometimes I think that cannot be. Put me at ease as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + ALAN FAIRFORD TO DARSIE LATIMER + </h3> + <p> + I write on the instant, as you direct; and in a tragi-comic humour, for I + have a tear in my eye and a smile on my cheek. Dearest Darsie, sure never + a being but yourself could be so generous—sure never a being but + yourself could be so absurd! I remember when you were a boy you wished to + make your fine new whip a present to old Aunt Peggy, merely because she + admired it; and now, with like unreflecting and inappropriate liberality, + you would resign your beloved to a smoke-dried young sophister, who cares + not one of the hairs which it is his occupation to split, for all the + daughters of Eve. I in love with your Lilias—your Green Mantle—your + unknown enchantress!—why I scarce saw her for five minutes, and even + then only the tip of her chin was distinctly visible. She was well made, + and the tip of her chin was of a most promising cast for the rest of the + face; but, Heaven save you! she came upon business! and for a lawyer to + fall in love with a pretty client on a single consultation, would be as + wise as if he became enamoured of a particularly bright sunbeam which + chanced for a moment to gild his bar-wig. I give you my word I am + heart-whole and moreover, I assure you, that before I suffer a woman to + sit near my heart’s core, I must see her full face, without mask or + mantle, aye, and know a good deal of her mind into the bargain. So never + fret yourself on my account, my kind and generous Darsie; but, for your + own sake, have a care and let not an idle attachment, so lightly taken up, + lead you into serious danger. + </p> + <p> + On this subject I feel so apprehensive, that now when I am decorated with + the honours of the gown, I should have abandoned my career at the very + starting to come to you, but for my father having contrived to clog my + heels with fetters of a professional nature. I will tell you the matter at + length, for it is comical enough; and why should not you list to my + juridical adventures, as well as I to those of your fiddling + knight-errantry? + </p> + <p> + It was after dinner, and I was considering how I might best introduce to + my father the private resolution I had formed to set off for + Dumfriesshire, or whether I had not better run away at once, and plead my + excuse by letter, when, assuming the peculiar look with which he + communicates any of his intentions respecting me, that he suspects may not + be altogether acceptable, ‘Alan,’ he said, ‘ye now wear a gown—ye + have opened shop, as we would say of a more mechanical profession; and, + doubtless, ye think the floor of the courts is strewed with guineas, and + that ye have only to stoop down to gather them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope I am sensible, sir,’ I replied, ‘that I have some knowledge and + practice to acquire, and must stoop for that in the first place.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is well said,’ answered my father; and, always afraid to give too much + encouragement, added, ‘Very well said, if it be well acted up to—Stoop + to get knowledge and practice is the very word. Ye know very well, Alan, + that in the other faculty who study the ARS MEDENDI, before the young + doctor gets to the bedsides of palaces, he must, as they call it, walk the + hospitals; and cure Lazarus of his sores, before he be admitted to + prescribe for Dives, when he has gout or indigestion’— + </p> + <p> + ‘I am aware, sir, that’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Whisht—do not interrupt the court. Well—also the chirurgeons + have a useful practice, by which they put their apprentices and tyrones to + work; upon senseless dead bodies, to which, as they can do no good, so + they certainly can do as little harm; while at the same time the tyro, or + apprentice, gains experience, and becomes fit to whip off a leg or arm + from a living subject, as cleanly as ye would slice an onion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I guess your meaning, sir,’ answered I; ‘and were it not for a + very particular engagement’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not speak to me of engagements; but whisht—there is a good lad—and + do not interrupt the court.’ + </p> + <p> + My father, you know, is apt—be it said with all filial duty—to + be a little prolix in his harangues. I had nothing for it but to lean back + and listen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Maybe you think, Alan, because I have, doubtless, the management of some + actions in dependence, whilk my worthy clients have intrusted me with, + that I may think of airting them your way INSTANTER; and so setting you up + in practice, so far as my small business or influence may go; and, + doubtless, Alan, that is a day whilk I hope may come round. But then, + before I give, as the proverb hath it, “My own fish-guts to my own + sea-maws,” I must, for the sake of my own character, be very sure that my + sea-maw can pick them to some purpose. What say ye?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so far,’ answered I, ‘from wishing to get early into practice, sir, + that I would willingly bestow a few days’— + </p> + <p> + ‘In further study, ye would say, Alan. But that is not the way either—ye + must walk the hospitals—ye must cure Lazarus—ye must cut and + carve on a departed subject, to show your skill.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure,’ I replied, ‘I will undertake the cause of any poor man with + pleasure, and bestow as much pains upon it as if it were a duke’s; but for + the next two or three days’— + </p> + <p> + ‘They must be devoted to close study, Alan—very close study indeed; + for ye must stand primed for a hearing, IN PRESENTIA DOMINORUM, upon + Tuesday next.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I, sir?’ I replied in astonishment—‘I have not opened my mouth in + the Outer House yet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind the court of the Gentiles, man,’ said my father; ‘we will have + you into the Sanctuary at once—over shoes, over boots.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, sir, I should really spoil any cause thrust on me so hastily.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye cannot spoil it, Alan,’ said my father, rubbing his hands with much + complacency; ‘that is the very cream of the business, man—it is + just, as I said before, a subject upon whilk all the TYRONES have been + trying their whittles for fifteen years; and as there have been about ten + or a dozen agents concerned, and each took his own way, the case is come + to that pass, that Stair or Amiston could not mend it; and I do not think + even you, Alan, can do it much harm—ye may get credit by it, but ye + can lose none.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And pray what is the name of my happy client, sir?’ said I, ungraciously + enough, I believe. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a well-known name in the Parliament House,’ replied my father. ‘To + say the truth, I expect him every moment; it is Peter Peebles.’ [See Note + 4.] + </p> + <p> + ‘Peter Peebles!’ exclaimed I, in astonishment; ‘he is an insane beggar—as + poor as Job, and as mad as a March hare!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been pleaing in the court for fifteen years,’ said my father, in a + tone of commiseration, which seemed to acknowledge that this fact was + enough to account for the poor man’s condition both in mind and + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + ‘Besides, sir,’ I added, ‘he is on the Poor’s Roll; and you know there are + advocates regularly appointed to manage those cases; and for me to presume + to interfere’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Whisht, Alan!—never interrupt the court—all THAT is managed + for ye like a tee’d ball’ (my father sometimes draws his similes from his + once favourite game of golf); ‘you must know, Alan, that Peter’s cause was + to have been opened by young Dumtoustie—ye may ken the lad, a son of + Dumtoustie of that ilk, member of Parliament for the county of—, and + a nephew of the laird’s younger brother, worthy Lord Bladderskate, whilk + ye are aware sounds as like being akin to a peatship [Formerly, a lawyer, + supposed to be under the peculiar patronage of any particular judge, was + invidiously termed his PEAT or PET.] and a sheriffdom, as a sieve is sib + to a riddle. Now, Peter Drudgeit, my lord’s clerk, came to me this morning + in the House, like ane bereft of his wits; for it seems that young + Dumtoustie is ane of the Poor’s lawyers, and Peter Peebles’s process had + been remitted to him of course. But so soon as the harebrained goose saw + the pokes [Process-bags.] (as indeed, Alan, they are none of the least) he + took fright, called for his nag, lap on, and away to the country is he + gone; and so? said Peter, my lord is at his wit’s end wi’ vexation, and + shame, to see his nevoy break off the course at the very starting. “I’ll + tell you, Peter,” said I, “were I my lord, and a friend or kinsman of mine + should leave the town while the court was sitting, that kinsman, or be he + what he liked, should never darken my door again.” And then, Alan, I + thought to turn the ball our own way; and I said that you were a gey sharp + birkie, just off the irons, and if it would oblige my lord, and so forth, + you would open Peter’s cause on Tuesday, and make some handsome apology + for the necessary absence of your learned friend, and the loss which your + client and the court had sustained, and so forth. Peter lap at the + proposition like a cock at a grossart; for, he said, the only chance was + to get a new hand, that did not ken the charge he was taking upon him; for + there was not a lad of two sessions’ standing that was not dead-sick of + Peter Peebles and his cause; and he advised me to break the matter gently + to you at the first; but I told him you were, a good bairn, Alan, and had + no will and pleasure in these matters but mine.’ + </p> + <p> + What could I say, Darsie, in answer to this arrangement, so very well + meant—so very vexatious at the same time? To imitate the defection + and flight of young Dumtoustie, was at once to destroy my father’s hopes + of me for ever; nay, such is the keenness with which he regards all + connected with his profession, it might have been a step to breaking his + heart. I was obliged, therefore, to bow in sad acquiescence, when my + father called to James Wilkinson to bring the two bits of pokes he would + find on his table. + </p> + <p> + Exit James, and presently re-enters, bending under the load of two huge + leathern bags, full of papers to the brim, and labelled on the greasy + backs with the magic impress of the clerks of court, and the title, + PEEBLES AGAINST PLAINSTANES. This huge mass was deposited on the table, + and my father, with no ordinary glee in his countenance, began to draw + out; the various bundles of papers, secured by none of your red tape or + whipcord, but stout, substantial casts of tarred rope, such as might have + held small craft at their moorings. + </p> + <p> + I made a last and desperate effort to get rid of the impending job. ‘I am + really afraid, sir, that this case seems so much complicated, and there is + so little time to prepare, that we had better move the court to supersede + it till next session.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How, sir?—how, Alan?’ said my father—‘Would you approbate and + reprobate, sir? You have accepted the poor man’s cause, and if you have + not his fee in your pocket, it is because he has none to give you; and now + would you approbate and reprobate in the same breath of your mouth? Think + of your oath of office, Alan, and your duty to your father, my dear boy.’ + </p> + <p> + Once more, what could I say? I saw from my father’s hurried and alarmed + manner, that nothing could vex him so much as failing in the point he had + determined to carry, and once more intimated my readiness to do my best, + under every disadvantage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, my boy,’ said my father, ‘the Lord will make your days long + in the land, for the honour you have given to your father’s grey hairs. + You may find wiser advisers, Alan, but none that can wish you better.’ + </p> + <p> + My father, you know, does not usually give way to expressions of + affection, and they are interesting in proportion to their rarity. My eyes + began to fill at seeing his glisten; and my delight at having given him + such sensible gratification would have been unmixed but for the thoughts + of you. These out of the question, I could have grappled with the bags, + had they been as large as corn-sacks. But, to turn what was grave into + farce, the door opened, and Wilkinson ushered in Peter Peebles. + </p> + <p> + You must have seen this original, Darsie, who, like others in the same + predicament, continues to haunt the courts of justice, where he has made + shipwreck of time, means, and understanding. Such insane paupers have + sometimes seemed to me to resemble wrecks lying upon the shoals on the + Goodwin Sands, or in Yarmouth Roads, warning other vessels to keep aloof + from the banks on which they have been lost; or rather, such ruined + clients are like scarecrows and potato-bogies, distributed through the + courts to scare away fools from the scene of litigation. + </p> + <p> + The identical Peter wears a huge greatcoat threadbare and patched itself, + yet carefully so disposed and secured by what buttons remain, and many + supplementary pins, as to conceal the still more infirm state of his under + garments. The shoes and stockings of a ploughman were, however, seen to + meet at his knees with a pair of brownish, blackish breeches; a + rusty-coloured handkerchief, that has been black in its day, surrounded + his throat, and was an apology for linen. His hair, half grey, half black, + escaped in elf-locks around a huge wig, made of tow, as it seemed to me, + and so much shrunk that it stood up on the very top of his head; above + which he plants, when covered, an immense cocked hat, which, like the + chieftain’s banner in an ancient battle, may be seen any sederunt day + betwixt nine and ten, high towering above all the fluctuating and + changeful scene in the Outer House, where his eccentricities often make + him the centre of a group of petulant and teasing boys, who exercise upon + him every art of ingenious torture. His countenance, originally that of a + portly, comely burgess, is now emaciated with poverty and anxiety, and + rendered wild by an insane lightness about the eyes; a withered and + blighted skin and complexion; features begrimed with snuff, charged with + the self-importance peculiar to insanity; and a habit of perpetually + speaking to himself. Such was my unfortunate client; and I must allow, + Darsie, that my profession had need to do a great deal of good, if, as is + much to be feared, it brings many individuals to such a pass. + </p> + <p> + After we had been, with a good deal of form, presented to each other, at + which time I easily saw by my father’s manner that he was desirous of + supporting Peter’s character in my eyes, as much as circumstances would + permit, ‘Alan,’ he said, ‘this is the gentleman who has agreed to accept + of you as his counsel, in place of young Dumtoustie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Entirely out of favour to my old acquaintance your father, said Peter. + with a benign and patronizing countenance, ‘out of respect to your father, + and my old intimacy with Lord Bladderskate. Otherwise, by the REGIAM + MAJESTATEM! I would have presented a petition and complaint against Daniel + Dumtoustie, Advocate, by name and surname—I would, by all the + practiques!—I know the forms of process; and I am not to be triffled + with.’ + </p> + <p> + My father here interrupted my client, and reminded him that there was a + good deal of business to do, as he proposed to give the young counsel an + outline of the state of the conjoined process, with a view to letting him + into the merits of the cause, disencumbered from the points of form. ‘I + have made a short abbreviate, Mr. Peebles,’ said he; ‘having sat up late + last night, and employed much of this morning in wading through these + papers, to save Alan some trouble, and I am now about to state the + result.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will state it myself,’ said Peter, breaking in without reverence upon + his solicitor. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, by no means,’ said my father; ‘I am your agent for the time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mine eleventh in number,’ said Peter; ‘I have a new one every year; I + wish I could get a new coat as regularly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your agent for the time,’ resumed my father; ‘and you, who are acquainted + with the forms, know that the client states the cause to the agent—the + agent to the counsel’— + </p> + <p> + ‘The counsel to the Lord Ordinary,’ continued Peter, once set a-going, + like the peal of an alarm clock, ‘the Ordinary to the Inner House, the + President to the Bench. It is just like the rope to the man, the man to + the ox, the ox to the water, the water to the fire’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, for Heaven’s sake, Mr. Peebles,’ said my father, cutting his + recitation short; ‘time wears on—we must get to business—you + must not interrupt the court, you know.—Hem, hem! From this + abbreviate it appears’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Before you begin,’ said Peter Peebles ‘I’ll thank you to order me a + morsel of bread and cheese, or some cauld meat, or broth, or the like + alimentary provision; I was so anxious to see your son, that I could not + eat a mouthful of dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + Heartily glad, I believe, to have so good a chance of stopping his + client’s mouth effectually, my father ordered some cold meat; to which + James Wilkinson, for the honour of the house, was about to add the brandy + bottle, which remained on the sideboard, but, at a wink from my father, + supplied its place with small beer. Peter charged the provisions with the + rapacity of a famished lion; and so well did the diversion engage him, + that though, while my father stated the case, he looked at him repeatedly, + as if he meant to interrupt his statement, yet he always found more + agreeable employment for his mouth, and returned to the cold beef with an + avidity which convinced me he had not had such an opportunity for many a + day of satiating his appetite. Omitting much formal phraseology, and many + legal details, I will endeavour to give you, in exchange for your + fiddler’s tale, the history of a litigant, or rather, the history of his + lawsuit. + </p> + <p> + ‘Peter Peebles and Paul Plainstanes,’ said my father, entered into + partnership, in the year—, as mercers and linendrapers, in the + Luckenbooths, and carried on a great line of business to mutual advantage. + But the learned counsel needeth not to be told, SOCIETAS EST MATER + DISCORDIARUM, partnership oft makes pleaship. The company being dissolved + by mutual consent, in the year—, the affairs had to be wound up, and + after certain attempts to settle the matter extra-judicially, it was at + last brought into the court, and has branched out into several distinct + processes, most of whilk have been conjoined by the Ordinary. It is to the + state of these processes that counsel’s attention is particularly + directed. There is the original action of Peebles v. Plainstanes, + convening him for payment of 3000l., less or more, as alleged balance due + by Plainstanes. Secondly, there is a counter action, in which Plainstanes + is pursuer and Peebles defender, for 2500l., less or more, being balance + alleged per contra, to be due by Peebles. Thirdly, Mr. Peeble’s seventh + agent advised an action of Compt and Reckoning at his instance, wherein + what balance should prove due on either side might be fairly struck and + ascertained. Fourthly, to meet the hypothetical case, that Peebles might + be found liable in a balance to Plainstanes, Mr. Wildgoose, Mr. Peebles’s + eighth agent, recommended a Multiplepoinding, to bring all parties + concerned into the field.’ + </p> + <p> + My brain was like to turn at this account of lawsuit within lawsuit, like + a nest of chip-boxes, with all of which I was expected to make myself + acquainted. + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand,’ I said, ‘that Mr. Peebles claims a sum of money from + Plainstanes—how then can he be his debtor? and if not his debtor, + how can he bring a Multiplepoinding, the very summons of which sets forth, + that the pursuer does owe certain monies, which he is desirous to pay by + warrant of a judge?’ [Multiplepoinding is, I believe, equivalent to what + is called in England a case of Double Distress.] + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye know little of the matter, I doubt, friend,’ said Mr. Peebles; ‘a + Multiplepoinding is the safest REMEDIUM JURIS in the whole; form of + process. I have known it conjoined with a declarator of marriage.—Your + beef is excellent,’ he said to my father, who in vain endeavoured to + resume his legal disquisition; ‘but something highly powdered—and + the twopenny is undeniable; but it is small swipes—small swipes—more + of hop than malt-with your leave, I’ll try your black bottle.’ + </p> + <p> + My father started to help him with his own hand, and in due measure; but, + infinitely to my amusement, Peter got possession of the bottle by the + neck, and my father’s ideas of hospitality were far too scrupulous to + permit his attempting, by any direct means, to redeem it; so that Peter + returned to the table triumphant, with his prey in his clutch. + </p> + <p> + ‘Better have a wine-glass, Mr. Peebles,’ said my father, in an admonitory + tone, ‘you will find it pretty strong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If the kirk is ower muckle, we can sing mass in the quire,’ said Peter, + helping himself in the goblet out of which he had been drinking the small + beer. ‘What is it, usquebaugh?—BRANDY, as I am an honest man! I had + almost forgotten the name and taste of brandy. Mr. Fairford elder, your + good health’ (a mouthful of brandy), ‘Mr. Alan Fairford, wishing you well + through your arduous undertaking’ (another go-down of the comfortable + liquor). ‘And now, though you have given a tolerable breviate of this + great lawsuit, of whilk everybody has heard something that has walked the + boards in the Outer House (here’s to ye again, by way of interim decreet) + yet ye have omitted to speak a word of the arrestments.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was just coming to that point, Mr. Peebles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or of the action of suspension of the charge on the bill.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was just coming to that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or the advocation of the Sheriff-Court process.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was just coming to it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As Tweed comes to Melrose, I think,’ said the litigant; and then filling + his goblet about a quarter full of brandy, as if in absence of mind, ‘Oh, + Mr. Alan Fairford, ye are a lucky man to buckle to such a cause as mine at + the very outset! it is like a specimen of all causes, man. By the Regiam, + there is not a REMEDIUM JURIS in the practiques but ye’ll find a spice + o’t. Here’s to your getting weel through with it—Pshut—I am + drinking naked spirits, I think. But if the heathen he ower strong, we’ll + christen him with the brewer’ (here he added a little small beer to his + beverage, paused, rolled his eyes, winked, and proceeded),—‘Mr. + Fairford—the action of assault and battery, Mr. Fairford, when I + compelled the villain Plainstanes to pull my nose within two steps of King + Charles’s statue, in the Parliament Close—there I had him in a + hose-net. Never man could tell me how to shape that process—no + counsel that ever selled mind could condescend and say whether it were + best to proceed by way of petition and complaint, AD VINDICTAM PUBLICAM, + with consent of his Majesty’s advocate, or by action on the statute for + battery PENDENTE LITE, whilk would be the winning my plea at once, and so + getting a back-door out of court.—By the Regiam, that beef and + brandy is unco het at my heart—I maun try the ale again’ (sipped a + little beer); ‘and the ale’s but cauld, I maun e’en put in the rest of the + brandy.’ + </p> + <p> + He was as good as his word, and proceeded in so loud and animated a style + of elocution, thumping the table, drinking and snuffing alternately, that + my father, abandoning all attempts to interrupt him, sat silent and + ashamed, suffering, and anxious for the conclusion of the scene. + </p> + <p> + ‘And then to come back to my pet process of all—my battery and + assault process, when I had the good luck to provoke him to pull my nose + at the very threshold of the court, whilk was the very thing I wanted—Mr. + Pest, ye ken him, Daddie Fairford? Old Pest was for making it out + HAMESUCKEN, for he said the court might be said—said—ugh!—to + be my dwelling-place. I dwell mair there than ony gate else, and the + essence of hamesucken is to strike a man in his dwelling-place—mind + that, young advocate—and so there’s hope Plainstanes may be hanged, + as many has for a less matter; for, my lords,—will Pest say to the + Justiciary bodies,—my lords, the Parliament House is Peebles’ place + of dwelling, says he—being COMMUNE FORUM, and COMMUNE FORUM EST + COMMUNE DOMICILIUM—Lass, fetch another glass of and score it—time + to gae hame—by the practiques, I cannot find the jug—yet + there’s twa of them, I think. By the Regiam, Fairford—Daddie + Fairford—lend us twal pennies to buy sneeshing, mine is done—Macer, + call another cause.’ + </p> + <p> + The box fell from his hands, and his body would at the same time have + fallen from the chair, had not I supported him. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is intolerable,’ said my father—‘Call a chairman, James + Wilkinson, to carry this degraded, worthless, drunken beast home.’ + </p> + <p> + When Peter Peebles was removed from this memorable consultation, under the + care of an able-bodied Celt, my father hastily bundled up the papers, as a + showman, whose exhibition has miscarried, hastes to remove his booth. + ‘Here are my memoranda, Alan,’ he said, in a hurried way; ‘look them + carefully over—compare them with the processes, and turn it in your + head before Tuesday. Many a good speech has been made for a beast of a + client; and hark ye, lad, hark ye—I never intended to cheat you of + your fee when all was done, though I would have liked to have heard the + speech first; but there is nothing like corning the horse before the + journey. Here are five goud guineas in a silk purse—of your poor + mother’s netting, Alan—she would have been a blithe woman to have + seen her young son with a gown on his back—but no more of that—be + a good boy, and to the work like a tiger.’ + </p> + <p> + I did set to work, Darsie; for who could resist such motives? With my + father’s assistance, I have mastered the details, confused as they are; + and on Tuesday I shall plead as well for Peter Peebles as I could for a + duke. Indeed, I feel my head so clear on the subject as to be able to + write this long letter to you; into which, however, Peter and his lawsuit + have insinuated themselves so far as to show you how much they at present + occupy my thoughts. Once more, be careful of yourself, and mindful of me, + who am ever thine, while ALAN FAIRFORD. + </p> + <p> + From circumstances, to be hereafter mentioned, it was long ere this letter + reached the person to whom it was addressed. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE + </h3> + <p> + The advantage of laying before the reader, in the words of the actors + themselves, the adventures which we must otherwise have narrated in our + own, has given great popularity to the publication of epistolary + correspondence, as practised by various great authors, and by ourselves in + the preceding chapters. Nevertheless, a genuine correspondence of this + kind (and Heaven forbid it should be in any respect sophisticated by + interpolations of our own!) can seldom be found to contain all in which it + is necessary to instruct the reader for his full comprehension of the + story. Also it must often happen that various prolixities and redundancies + occur in the course of an interchange of letters, which must hang as a + dead weight on the progress of the narrative. To avoid this dilemma, some + biographers have used the letters of the personages concerned, or liberal + extracts from them, to describe particular incidents, or express the + sentiments which they entertained; while they connect them occasionally + with such portions of narrative, as may serve to carry on the thread of + the story. + </p> + <p> + It is thus that the adventurous travellers who explore the summit of Mont + Blanc now move on through the crumbling snowdrift so slowly, that their + progress is almost imperceptible, and anon abridge their journey by + springing over the intervening chasms which cross their path, with the + assistance of their pilgrim-staves. Or, to make a briefer simile, the + course of story-telling which we have for the present adopted, resembles + the original discipline of the dragoons, who were trained to serve either + on foot or horseback, as the emergencies of the service required. With + this explanation, we shall proceed to narrate some circumstances which + Alan Fairford did not, and could not, write to his correspondent. + </p> + <p> + Our reader, we trust, has formed somewhat approaching to a distinct idea + of the principal characters who have appeared before him during our + narrative; but in case our good opinion of his sagacity has been + exaggerated, and in order to satisfy such as are addicted to the laudable + practice of SKIPPING (with whom we have at times a strong fellow-feeling), + the following particulars may not be superfluous. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Saunders Fairford, as he was usually called, was a man of business of + the old school, moderate in his charges, economical and even niggardly in + his expenditure, strictly honest in conducting his own affairs and those + of his clients, but taught by long experience to be wary and suspicious in + observing the motions of others. Punctual as the clock of Saint Giles + tolled nine, the neat dapper form of the little hale old gentleman was + seen at the threshold of the court hall, or at farthest, at the head of + the Back Stairs, trimly dressed in a complete suit of snuff-coloured + brown, with stockings of silk or woollen as, suited the weather; a + bob-wig, and a small cocked hat; shoes blacked as Warren would have + blacked them; silver shoe-buckles, and a gold stock-buckle. A nosegay in + summer, and a sprig of holly in winter, completed his well-known dress and + appearance. His manners corresponded with his attire, for they were + scrupulously civil, and not a little formal. He was an elder of the kirk, + and, of course, zealous for King George and the Government even to + slaying, as he had showed by taking up arms in their cause. But then, as + he had clients and connexions of business among families of opposite + political tenets, he was particularly cautious to use all the conventional + phrases which the civility of the time had devised, as an admissible mode + of language betwixt the two parties. Thus he spoke sometimes of the + Chevalier, but never either of the Prince, which would have been + sacrificing his own principles, or of the Pretender, which would have been + offensive to those of others. Again, he usually designated the Rebellion + as the AFFAIR of 1745, and spoke of any one engaged in it as a person who + had been OUT at a certain period. [OLD-FASHIONED SCOTTISH CIVILITY.—Such + were literally the points of politeness observed in general society during + the author’s youth, where it was by no means unusual in a company + assembled by chance, to find individuals who had borne arms on one side or + other in the civil broils of 1745. Nothing, according to my recollection, + could be more gentle and decorous than the respect these old enemies paid + to each other’s prejudices. But in this I speak generally. I have + witnessed one or two explosions.] So that, on the whole, Mr. Fairford was + a man much liked and respected on all sides, though his friends would not + have been sorry if he had given a dinner more frequently, as his little + cellar contained some choice old wine, of which, on such rare occasions he + was no niggard. + </p> + <p> + The whole pleasure of this good old-fashioned man of method, besides that + which he really felt in the discharge of his daily business, was the hope + to see his son Alan, the only fruit of a union which death early + dissolved, attain what in the father’s eyes was the proudest of all + distinctions—the rank and fame of a well-employed lawyer. + </p> + <p> + Every profession has its peculiar honours, and Mr. Fairford’s mind was + constructed upon so limited and exclusive a plan, that he valued nothing + save the objects of ambition which his own presented. He would have + shuddered at Alan’s acquiring the renown of a hero, and laughed with scorn + at the equally barren laurels of literature; it was by the path of the law + alone that he was desirous to see him rise to eminence, and the + probabilities of success or disappointment were the thoughts of his father + by day, and his dream by night. + </p> + <p> + The disposition of Alan Fairford, as well as his talents, were such as to + encourage his father’s expectations. He had acuteness of intellect, joined + to habits of long and patient study, improved no doubt by the discipline + of his father’s house; to which, generally speaking, he conformed with the + utmost docility, expressing no wish for greater or more frequent + relaxation than consisted with his father’s anxious and severe + restrictions. When he did indulge in any juvenile frolics, his father had + the candour to lay the whole blame upon his more mercurial companion, + Darsie Latimer. + </p> + <p> + This youth, as the reader must be aware, had been received as an inmate + into the family of Mr. Fairford, senior, at a time when some of the + delicacy of constitution which had abridged the life of his consort began + to show itself in the son, and when the father was, of course, peculiarly + disposed to indulge his slightest wish. That the young Englishman was able + to pay a considerable board, was a matter of no importance to Mr. + Fairford; it was enough that his presence seemed to make his son cheerful + and happy. He was compelled to allow that ‘Darsie was a fine lad, though + unsettled,’ and he would have had some difficulty in getting rid of him, + and the apprehensions which his levities excited, had it not been for the + voluntary excursion which gave rise to the preceding correspondence, and + in which Mr. Fairford secretly rejoiced, as affording the means of + separating Alan from his gay companion, at least until he should have + assumed, and become accustomed to, the duties of his dry and laborious + profession. + </p> + <p> + But the absence of Darsie was far from promoting the end which the elder + Mr. Fairford had expected and desired. The young men were united by the + closest bonds of intimacy; and the more so, that neither of them sought + nor desired to admit any others into their society. Alan Fairford was + averse to general company, from a disposition naturally reserved, and + Darsie Latimer from a painful sense of his own unknown origin, peculiarly + afflicting in a country where high and low are professed genealogists. The + young men were all in all to each other; it is no wonder, therefore, that + their separation was painful, and that its effects upon Alan Fairford, + joined to the anxiety occasioned by the tenor of his friend’s letters, + greatly exceeded what the senior had anticipated. The young man went + through his usual duties, his studies, and the examinations to which he + was subjected, but with nothing like the zeal and assiduity which he had + formerly displayed; and his anxious and observant father saw but too + plainly that his heart was with his absent comrade. + </p> + <p> + A philosopher would have given way to this tide of feeling, in hopes to + have diminished its excess, and permitted the youths to have been some + time together, that their intimacy might have been broken off by degrees; + but Mr. Fairford only saw the more direct mode of continued restraint, + which, however, he was desirous of veiling under some plausible pretext. + In the anxiety which he felt on this occasion, he had held communication + with an old acquaintance, Peter Drudgeit, with whom the reader is partly + acquainted. ‘Alan,’ he said, ‘was ance wud, and ay waur; and he was + expecting every moment when he would start off in a wildgoose-chase after + the callant Latimer; Will Sampson, the horse-hirer in Candlemaker Row, had + given him a hint that Alan had been looking for a good hack, to go to the + country for a few days. And then to oppose him downright—he could + not but think on the way his poor mother was removed. Would to Heaven he + was yoked to some tight piece of business, no matter whether well or ill + paid, but some job that would hamshackle him at least until the courts + rose, if it were but for decency’s sake.’ + </p> + <p> + Peter Drudgeit sympathized, for Peter had a son, who, reason or none, + would needs exchange the torn and inky fustian sleeves for the blue jacket + and white lapelle; and he suggested, as the reader knows, the engaging our + friend Alan in the matter of Poor Peter Peebles, just opened by the + desertion of young Dumtoustie, whose defection would be at the same time + concealed; and this, Drudgeit said, ‘would be felling two dogs with one + stone.’ + </p> + <p> + With these explanations, the reader will hold a man of the elder + Fairford’s sense and experience free from the hazardous and impatient + curiosity with which boys fling a puppy into a deep pond, merely to see if + the creature can swim. However confident in his son’s talents, which were + really considerable, he would have been very sorry to have involved him in + the duty of pleading a complicated and difficult case, upon his very first + appearance at the bar, had he not resorted to it as an effectual way to + prevent the young man from taking a step which his habits of thinking + represented as a most fatal one at his outset of life. + </p> + <p> + Betwixt two evils, Mr. Fairford chose that which was in his own + apprehension the least; and, like a brave officer sending forth his son to + battle, rather chose he should die upon the breach, than desert the + conflict with dishonour. Neither did he leave him to his own unassisted + energies. Like Alpheus preceding Hercules, he himself encountered the + Augean mass of Peter Peebles’ law-matters. It was to the old man a labour + of love to place in a clear and undistorted view the real merits of this + case, which the carelessness and blunders of Peter’s former solicitors had + converted into a huge chaotic mass of unintelligible technicality; and + such was his skill and industry, that he was able, after the severe toil + of two or three days, to present to the consideration of the young counsel + the principal facts of the case, in a light equally simple and + comprehensible. With the assistance of a solicitor so affectionate and + indefatigable, Alan Fairford was enabled, then the day of trial arrived, + to walk towards the court, attended by his anxious yet encouraging parent, + with some degree of confidence that he would lose no reputation upon this + arduous occasion. + </p> + <p> + They were met at the door of the court by Poor Peter Peebles in his usual + plenitude of wig and celsitude of hat. He seized on the young pleader like + a lion on his prey. ‘How is a’ wi’ you, Mr. Alan—how is a’ wi’ you, + man? The awfu’ day is come at last—a day that will be lang minded in + this house. Poor Peter Peebles against Plainstanes—conjoined + proceases—Hearing in presence—stands for the Short Roll for + this day—I have not been able to sleep for a week for thinking of + it, and, I dare to say, neither has the Lord President himsell—for + such a cause!! But your father garr’d me tak a wee drap ower muckle of his + pint bottle the other night; it’s no right to mix brandy wi’ business, Mr. + Fairford. I would have been the waur o’ liquor if I would have drank as + muckle as you twa would have had me. But there’s a time for a’ things, and + if ye will dine with me after the case is heard, or whilk is the same, or + maybe better, I’LL gang my ways hame wi’ YOU, and I winna object to a + cheerfu’ glass, within the bounds of moderation.’ + </p> + <p> + Old Fairford shrugged his shoulders and hurried past the client, saw his + son wrapped in the sable bombazine, which, in his eyes, was more venerable + than an archbishop’s lawn, and could not help fondly patting his shoulder, + and whispering to him to take courage, and show he was worthy to wear it. + The party entered the Outer Hall of the court, (once the place of meeting + of the ancient Scottish Parliament), and which corresponds to the use of + Westminster Hall in England, serving as a vestibule to the Inner House, as + it is termed, and a place of dominion to certain sedentary personages + called Lords Ordinary. + </p> + <p> + The earlier part of the morning was spent by old Fairford in reiterating + his instructions to Alan, and in running from one person to another, from + whom he thought he could still glean some grains of information, either + concerning the point at issue, or collateral cases. Meantime, Poor Peter + Peebles, whose shallow brain was altogether unable to bear the importance + of the moment, kept as close to his young counsel as shadow to substance, + affected now to speak loud, now to whisper in his ear, now to deck his + ghastly countenance with wreathed smiles, now to cloud it with a shade of + deep and solemn importance, and anon to contort it with the sneer of scorn + and derision. These moods of the client’s mind were accompanied with + singular ‘mockings and mowings,’ fantastic gestures, which the man of rags + and litigation deemed appropriate to his changes of countenance. Now he + brandished his arm aloft, now thrust his fist straight out, as if to knock + his opponent down. Now he laid his open palm on his bosom, and now hinging + it abroad, he gallantly snapped his fingers in the air. + </p> + <p> + These demonstrations, and the obvious shame and embarrassment of Alan + Fairford, did not escape the observation of the juvenile idlers in the + hall. They did not, indeed, approach Peter with their usual familiarity, + from some feeling of deference towards Fairford, though many accused him + of conceit in presuming to undertake, at this early stage of his practice, + a case of considerable difficulty. But Alan, notwithstanding this + forbearance, was not the less sensible that he and his companion were the + subjects of many a passing jest, and many a shout of laughter, with which + that region at all times abounds. + </p> + <p> + At length the young counsel’s patience gave way, and as it threatened to + carry his presence of mind and recollection along with it, Alan frankly + told his father, that unless he was relieved from the infliction of his + client’s personal presence and instructions, he must necessarily throw up + his brief, and decline pleading the case. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, hush, my dear Alan,’ said the old gentleman, almost at his own + wit’s end upon hearing this dilemma; ‘dinna mind the silly ne’er-do-weel; + we cannot keep the man from hearing his own cause, though he be not quite + right in the head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On my life, sir,’ answered Alan, ‘I shall be unable to go on, he drives + everything out of my remembrance; and if I attempt to speak seriously of + the injuries he has sustained, and the condition he is reduced to, how can + I expect but that the very appearance of such an absurd scarecrow will + turn it all into ridicule?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is something in that,’ said Saunders Fairford, glancing a look at + Poor Peter, and then cautiously inserting his forefinger under his + bob-wig, in order to rub his temple and aid his invention; ‘he is no + figure for the fore-bar to see without laughing; but how to get rid of + him? To speak sense, or anything like it, is the last thing he will listen + to. Stay, aye,—Alan, my darling, hae patience; I’ll get him off on + the instant, like a gowff ba’.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he hastened to his ally, Peter Drudgeit, who on seeing him with + marks of haste in his gait, and care upon his countenance, clapped his pen + behind his ear, with ‘What’s the stir now, Mr. Saunders? Is there aught + wrang?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a dollar, man,’ said Mr. Saunders; ‘now, or never, Peter, do me a + good turn. Yonder’s your namesake, Peter Peebles, will drive the swine + through our bonny hanks of yarn; get him over to John’s Coffeehouse, man—gie + him his meridian—keep him there, drunk or sober, till the hearing is + ower.’ [The simile is obvious, from the old manufacture of Scotland, when + the gudewife’s thrift, as the yarn wrought in the winter was called, when + laid down to bleach by the burn-side, was peculiarly exposed to the + inroads of pigs, seldom well regulated about a Scottish farm-house.] + </p> + <p> + ‘Eneugh said,’ quoth Peter Drudgeit, no way displeased with his own share + in the service required, ‘We’se do your bidding.’ + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the scribe was presently seen whispering in the ear of Peter + Peebles, whose response came forth in the following broken form:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave the court for ae minute on this great day of judgement? not I, by + the Reg—Eh! what? Brandy, did ye say—French brandy?—couldna + ye fetch a stoup to the bar under your coat, man? Impossible? Nay, if it’s + clean impossible, and if we have an hour good till they get through the + single bill and the summar-roll, I carena if I cross the close wi’ you; I + am sure I need something to keep my heart up this awful day; but I’ll no + stay above an instant—not above a minute of time—nor drink + aboon a single gill,’ + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes afterwards, the two Peters were seen moving through the + Parliament Close (which new-fangled affectation has termed a Square), the + triumphant Drudgeit leading captive the passive Peebles, whose legs + conducted him towards the dramshop, while his reverted eyes were fixed + upon the court. They dived into the Cimmerian abysses of John’s + Coffeehouse, [See Note 5.] formerly the favourite rendezvous of the + classical and genial Doctor Pitcairn, and were for the present seen no + more. + </p> + <p> + Relieved from his tormentor, Alan Fairford had time to rally his + recollections, which, in the irritation of his spirits, had nearly escaped + him, and to prepare himself far a task, the successful discharge or + failure in which must, he was aware, have the deepest influence upon his + fortunes. He had pride, was not without a consciousness of talent, and the + sense of his father’s feelings upon the subject impelled him to the utmost + exertion. Above all, he had that sort of self-command which is essential + to success in every arduous undertaking, and he was constitutionally free + from that feverish irritability by which those whose over-active + imaginations exaggerate difficulties, render themselves incapable of + encountering such when they arrive. + </p> + <p> + Having collected all the scattered and broken associations which were + necessary, Alan’s thoughts reverted to Dumfriesshire, and the precarious + situation in which he feared his beloved friend had placed himself; and + once and again he consulted his watch, eager to have his present task + commenced and ended, that he might hasten to Darsie’s assistance. The hour + and moment at length arrived. The macer shouted, with all his + well-remembered brazen strength of lungs, ‘Poor Peter Peebles VERSUS + Plainstanes, PER Dumtoustie ET Tough!—Maister Da-a-niel Dumtoustie!’ + Dumtoustie answered not the summons, which, deep and swelling as it was, + could not reach across the Queensferry; but our Maister Alan Fairford + appeared in his place. + </p> + <p> + The court was very much crowded; for much amusement had been received on + former occasions when Peter had volunteered his own oratory, and had been + completely successful in routing the gravity of the whole procedure, and + putting to silence, not indeed the counsel of the opposite party, but his + own. + </p> + <p> + Both bench and audience seemed considerably surprised at the juvenile + appearance of the young man who appeared in the room of Dumtoustie, for + the purpose of opening this complicated and long depending process, and + the common herd were disappointed at the absence of Peter the client, the + Punchinello of the expected entertainment. The judges looked with a very + favourable countenance on our friend Alan, most of them being acquainted, + more or less, with so old a practitioner as his father, and all, or almost + all, affording, from civility, the same fair play to the first pleading of + a counsel, which the House of Commons yields to the maiden speech of one + of its members. + </p> + <p> + Lord Bladderskate was an exception to this general expression of + benevolence. He scowled upon Alan, from beneath his large, shaggy, grey + eyebrows, just as if the young lawyer had been usurping his nephew’s + honours, instead of covering his disgrace; and, from feelings which did + his lordship little honour, he privately hoped the young man would not + succeed in the cause which his kinsman had abandoned. + </p> + <p> + Even Lord Bladderskate, however, was, in spite of himself, pleased with + the judicious and modest tone in which Alan began his address to the + court, apologizing for his own presumption, and excusing it by the sudden + illness of his learned brother, for whom the labour of opening a cause of + some difficulty and importance had been much more worthily designed. He + spoke of himself as he really was, and of young Dumtoustie as what he + ought to have been, taking care not to dwell on either topic a moment + longer than was necessary. The old judge’s looks became benign; his family + pride was propitiated, and, pleased equally with the modesty and civility + of the young man whom he had thought forward and officious, he relaxed the + scorn of his features into an expression of profound attention; the + highest compliment, and the greatest encouragement, which a judge can + render to the counsel addressing him. + </p> + <p> + Having succeeded in securing the favourable attention of the court, the + young lawyer, using the lights which his father’s experience and knowledge + of business had afforded him, proceeded with an address and clearness, + unexpected from one of his years, to remove from the case itself those + complicated formalities with which it had been loaded, as a surgeon strips + from a wound the dressings which had been hastily wrapped round it, in + order to proceed to his cure SECUNDUM ARTEM. Developed of the cumbrous and + complicated technicalities of litigation, with which the perverse + obstinacy of the client, the inconsiderate haste or ignorance of his + agents, and the evasions of a subtle adversary, had invested the process, + the cause of Poor Peter Peebles, standing upon its simple merits, was no + bad subject for the declamation of a young counsel, nor did our friend + Alan fail to avail himself of its strong points. + </p> + <p> + He exhibited his client as a simple-hearted, honest, well-meaning man, + who, during a copartnership of twelve years, had gradually become + impoverished, while his partner (his former clerk) having no funds but his + share of the same business, into which he had been admitted without any + advance of stock, had become gradually more and more wealthy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Their association,’ said Alan, and the little flight was received with + some applause, ‘resembled the ancient story of the fruit which was carved + with a knife poisoned on one side of the blade only, so that the + individual to whom the envenomed portion was served, drew decay and death + from what afforded savour and sustenance to the consumer of the other + moiety.’ He then plunged boldly into the MARE MAGNUM of accompts between + the parties; he pursued each false statement from the waste-book to the + day-book, from the day-book to the bill-book, from the bill-book to the + ledger; placed the artful interpolations and insertions of the fallacious + Plainstanes in array against each other, and against the fact; and + availing himself to the utmost of his father’s previous labours, and his + own knowledge of accompts, in which he had been sedulously trained, he + laid before the court a clear and intelligible statement of the affairs of + the copartnery, showing, with precision, that a large balance must, at the + dissolution, have been due to his client, sufficient to have enabled him + to have carried on business on his own account, and thus to have retained + his situation in society as an independent and industrious tradesman. ‘But + instead of this justice being voluntarily rendered by the former clerk to + his former master,—by the party obliged to his benefactor,—by + one honest man to another,—his wretched client had been compelled to + follow his quondam clerk, his present debtor, from court to court; had + found his just claims met with well-invented but unfounded counter-claims, + had seen his party shift his character of pursuer or defender, as often as + Harlequin effects his transformations, till, in a chase so varied and so + long, the unhappy litigant had lost substance, reputation, and almost the + use of reason itself, and came before their lordships an object of + thoughtless derision to the unreflecting, of compassion to the + better-hearted, and of awful meditation to every one who considered that, + in a country where excellent laws were administered by upright and + incorruptible judges, a man might pursue an almost indisputable claim + through all the mazes of litigation; lose fortune, reputation, and reason + itself in the chase, and now come before the supreme court of his country + in the wretched condition of his unhappy client, a victim to protracted + justice, and to that hope delayed which sickens the heart.’ + </p> + <p> + The force of this appeal to feeling made as much impression on the Bench + as had been previously effected by the clearness of Alan’s argument. The + absurd form of Peter himself, with his tow-wig, was fortunately not + present to excite any ludicrous emotion, and the pause that took place + when the young lawyer had concluded his speech, was followed by a murmur + of approbation, which the ears of his father drank in as the sweetest + sounds that had ever entered them. Many a hand of gratulation was thrust + out to his grasp, trembling as it was with anxiety, and finally with + delight; his voice faltering as he replied, ‘Aye, aye, I kend Alan was the + lad to make a spoon or spoil a horn.’ [Said of an adventurous gipsy, who + resolves at all risks to convert a sheep’s horn into a spoon.] + </p> + <p> + The counsel on the other side arose, an old practitioner, who had noted + too closely the impression made by Alan’s pleading not to fear the + consequences of an immediate decision. He paid the highest compliments to + his very young brother—‘the Benjamin, as he would presume to call + him, of the learned Faculty—said the alleged hardships of Mr. + Peebles were compensated by his being placed in a situation where the + benevolence of their lordships had assigned him gratuitously such + assistance as he might not otherwise have obtained at a high price—and + allowed his young brother had put many things in such a new point of view, + that, although he was quite certain of his ability to refute them, he was + honestly desirous of having a few hours to arrange his answer, in order to + be able to follow Mr. Fairford from point to point. He had further to + observe, there was one point of the case to which his brother, whose + attention had been otherwise so wonderfully comprehensive, had not given + the consideration which he expected; it was founded on the interpretation + of certain correspondence which had passed betwixt the parties soon after + the dissolution of the copartnery.’ + </p> + <p> + The court having heard Mr. Tough, readily allowed him two days for + preparing himself, hinting at the same time that he might find his task + difficult, and affording the young counsel, with high encomiums upon the + mode in which he had acquitted himself, the choice of speaking, either now + or at the next calling of the cause, upon the point which Plainstanes’s + lawyer had adverted to. + </p> + <p> + Alan modestly apologized for what in fact had been an omission very + pardonable in so complicated a case, and professed himself instantly ready + to go through that correspondence, and prove that it was in form and + substance exactly applicable to the view of the case he had submitted to + their lordships. He applied to his father, who sat behind him, to hand + him, from time to time, the letters, in the order in which he meant to + read and comment upon them. + </p> + <p> + Old Counsellor Tough had probably formed an ingenious enough scheme to + blunt the effect of the young lawyer’s reasoning, by thus obliging him to + follow up a process of reasoning, clear and complete in itself, by a hasty + and extemporary appendix. If so, he seemed likely to be disappointed; for + Alan was well prepared on this as on other parts of the cause, and + recommenced his pleading with a degree of animation which added force even + to what he had formerly stated, and might perhaps have occasioned the old + gentleman to regret his having again called him up, when his father, as he + handed him the letters, put one into his hand which produced a singular + effect on the pleader. + </p> + <p> + At the first glance, he saw that the paper had no reference to the affairs + of Peter Peebles; but the first glance also showed him, what, even at that + time, and in that presence, he could not help reading; and which, being + read, seemed totally to disconcert his ideas. He stopped short in his + harangue—gazed on the paper with a look of surprise and + horror-uttered an exclamation, and flinging down the brief which he had in + his hand, hurried out of court without returning a single word of answer + to the various questions, ‘What was the matter?’—‘Was he taken + unwell?’—‘Should not a chair be called?’ &c. &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + The elder Mr. Fairford, who remained seated, and looking as senseless as + if he had been made of stone, was at length recalled to himself by the + anxious inquiries of the judges and the counsel after his son’s health. He + then rose with an air, in which was mingled the deep habitual reverence in + which he held the court, with some internal cause of agitation, and with + difficulty mentioned something of a mistake—a piece of bad news—Alan, + he hoped would be well enough to-morrow. But unable to proceed further, he + clasped his hands together, exclaiming, ‘My son! my son!’ and left the + court hastily, as if in pursuit of him. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter with the auld bitch next?’ [Tradition ascribes this + whimsical style of language to the ingenious and philosophical Lord + Kaimes.] said an acute metaphysical judge, though somewhat coarse in his + manners, aside to his brethren. ‘This is a daft cause, Bladderskate—first, + it drives the poor man mad that aught it—then your nevoy goes daft + with fright, and flies the pit—then this smart young hopeful is aff + the hooks with too hard study, I fancy—and now auld Saunders + Fairford is as lunatic as the best of them. What say ye till’t, ye bitch?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, my lord,’ answered Bladderskate, much too formal to admire the + levities in which his philosophical brother sometimes indulged—‘I + say nothing, but pray to Heaven to keep our own wits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amen, amen,’ answered his learned brother; ‘for some of us have but few + to spare.’ + </p> + <p> + The court then arose, and the audience departed, greatly wondering at the + talent displayed by Alan Fairford at his first appearance in a case so + difficult and so complicated, and assigning a hundred conjectural causes, + each different from the others, for the singular interruption which had + clouded his day of success. The worst of the whole was, that six agents, + who had each come to the separate resolution of thrusting a retaining fee + into Alan’s hand as he left the court, shook their heads as they returned + the money into their leathern pouches, and said, ‘that the lad was clever, + but they would like to see more of him before they engaged him in the way + of business—they did not like his lowping away like a flea in a + blanket.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + Had our friend Alexander Fairford known the consequences of his son’s + abrupt retreat from the court, which are mentioned in the end of the last + chapter, it might have accomplished the prediction of the lively old + judge, and driven him utterly distracted. As it was, he was miserable + enough. His son had risen ten degrees higher in his estimation than ever + by his display of juridical talents, which seemed to assure him that the + applause of the judges and professors of the law, which, in his + estimation, was worth that of all mankind besides, authorized to the + fullest extent the advantageous estimate which even his parental + partiality had been induced to form of Alan’s powers. On the other hand, + he felt that he was himself a little humbled, from a disguise which he had + practised towards this son of his hopes and wishes. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, that on the morning of this eventful day, Mr. Alexander + Fairford had received from his correspondent and friend, Provost Crosbie + of Dumfries, a letter of the following tenor: + </p> + <p> + ‘DEAR SIR, ‘Your respected favour of 25th ultimo, per favour of Mr. Darsie + Latimer, reached me in safety, and I showed to the young gentleman such + attention as he was pleased to accept of. The object of my present writing + is twofold. First, the council are of opinion that you should now begin to + stir in the thirlage cause; and they think they will be able, from + evidence NOVITER REPERTUM, to enable you to amend your condescendence upon + the use and wont of the burgh, touching the GRANA INVECTA ET ILLATA. So + you will please consider yourself as authorized to speak to Mr. Pest, and + lay before him the papers which you will receive by the coach. The council + think that a fee of two guineas may be sufficient on this occasion, as Mr. + Pest had three for drawing the original condescendence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I take the opportunity of adding that there has been a great riot among + the Solway fishermen, who have destroyed, in a masterful manner, the + stake-nets set up near the mouth of this river; and have besides attacked + the house of Quaker Geddes, one of the principal partners of the Tide-net + Fishing Company, and done a great deal of damage. Am sorry to add, young + Mr. Latimer was in the fray and has not since been heard of. Murder is + spoke of, but that may be a word of course. As the young gentleman has + behaved rather oddly while in these parts, as in declining to dine with me + more than once, and going about the country with strolling fiddlers and + such-like, I rather hope that his present absence is only occasioned by a + frolic; but as his servant has been making inquiries of me respecting his + master, I thought it best to acquaint you in course of post. I have only + to add that our sheriff has taken a precognition, and committed one or two + of the rioters. If I can be useful in this matter, either by advertising + for Mr. Latimer as missing, publishing a reward, or otherwise, I will obey + your respected instructions, being your most obedient to command, ‘WILLIAM + CROSBIE.’ + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Fairford received this letter, and had read it to an end,’ his + first idea was to communicate it to his son, that an express might be + instantly dispatched, or a king’s messenger sent with proper authority to + search after his late guest. + </p> + <p> + The habits of the fishers were rude; as he well knew, though not + absolutely sanguinary or ferocious; and there had been instances of their + transporting persons who had interfered in their smuggling trade to the + Isle of Man and elsewhere, and keeping them under restraint for many + weeks. On this account, Mr. Fairford was naturally led to feel anxiety + concerning the fate of his late inmate; and, at a less interesting moment, + would certainly have set out himself, or licensed his son to go in pursuit + of his friend. + </p> + <p> + But, alas! he was both a father and an agent. In the one capacity, he + looked on his son as dearer to him than all the world besides; in the + other, the lawsuit which he conducted was to him like an infant to its + nurse, and the case of Poor Peter Peebles against Plainstanes was, he saw, + adjourned, perhaps SINE DIE, should this document reach the hands of his + son. The mutual and enthusiastical affection betwixt the young men was + well known to him; and he concluded that if the precarious state of + Latimer were made known to Alan Fairford, it would render him not only + unwilling, but totally unfit, to discharge the duty of the day to which + the old gentleman attached such ideas of importance. + </p> + <p> + On mature reflection, therefore, he resolved, though not without some + feelings of compunction, to delay communicating to his son the + disagreeable intelligence which he had received, until the business of the + day should be ended. The delay, he persuaded himself, could be of little + consequence to Darsie Latimer, whose folly, he dared to say, had led him + into some scrape which would meet an appropriate punishment in some + accidental restraint, which would be thus prolonged for only a few hours + longer. Besides, he would have time to speak to the sheriff of the county—perhaps + to the King’s Advocate—and set about the matter in a regular manner, + or, as he termed it, as summing up the duties of a solicitor, to AGE AS + ACCORDS. [A Scots law phrase, of no very determinate import, meaning, + generally, to do what is fitting.] + </p> + <p> + The scheme, as we have seen, was partially successful, and was only + ultimately defeated, as he confessed to himself with shame, by his own + very unbusiness-like mistake of shuffling the provost’s letter, in the + hurry and anxiety of the morning, among some papers belonging to Peter + Peebles’s affairs, and then handing it to his son, without observing the + blunder. He used to protest, even till the day of his death, that he never + had been guilty of such an inaccuracy as giving a paper out of his hand + without looking at the docketing, except on that unhappy occasion, when, + of all others, he had such particular reason to regret his negligence. + </p> + <p> + Disturbed by these reflections, the old gentleman had, for the first time + in his life, some disinclination, arising from shame and vexation, to face + his own son; so that to protract for a little the meeting, which he feared + would be a painful one, he went to wait upon the sheriff-depute, who he + found had set off for Dumfries in great haste to superintend in person the + investigation which had been set on foot by his substitute. This + gentleman’s clerk could say little on the subject of the riot, excepting + that it had been serious, much damage done to property, and some personal + violence offered to individuals; but, as far as he had yet heard, no lives + lost on the spot. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fairford was compelled to return home with this intelligence; and on + inquiring at James Wilkinson where his son was, received for answer, that + ‘Maister Alan was in his own room, and very busy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must have our explanation over,’ said Saunders Fairford to himself. + ‘Better a finger off, as ay wagging;’ and going to the door of his son’s + apartment, he knocked at first gently—then more loudly—but + received no answer. Somewhat alarmed at this silence, he opened the door + of the chamber it was empty—clothes lay mixed in confusion with the + law-books and papers, as if the inmate had been engaged in hastily packing + for a journey. As Mr. Fairford looked around in alarm, his eye was + arrested by a sealed letter lying upon his son’s writing-table, and + addressed to himself. It contained the following words:— + </p> + <p> + ‘MY DEAREST FATHER, ‘You will not, I trust, be surprised, nor perhaps very + much displeased, to learn that I am on my way to Dumfriesshire, to learn, + by my own personal investigation, the present state of my dear friend, and + afford him such relief as may be in my power, and which, I trust, will be + effectual. I do not presume to reflect upon you, dearest sir, for + concealing from me information of so much consequence to my peace of mind + and happiness; but I hope your having done so will be, if not an excuse, + at least some mitigation of my present offence, in taking a step of + consequence without consulting your pleasure; and, I must further own, + under circumstances which perhaps might lead to your disapprobation of my + purpose. I can only say, in further apology, that if anything unhappy, + which Heaven forbid! shall have occurred to the person who, next to + yourself, is dearest to me in this world, I shall have on my heart, as a + subject of eternal regret, that being in a certain degree warned of his + danger and furnished with the means of obviating it, I did not instantly + hasten to his assistance, but preferred giving my attention to the + business of this unlucky morning. No view of personal distinction, + nothing, indeed, short of your earnest and often expressed wishes, could + have detained me in town till this day; and having made this sacrifice to + filial duty, I trust you will hold me excused if I now obey the calls of + friendship and humanity. Do not be in the least anxious on my account; I + shall know, I trust, how to conduct myself with due caution in any + emergence which may occur, otherwise my legal studies for so many years + have been to little purpose. I am fully provided with money, and also with + arms, in case of need; but you may rely on my prudence in avoiding all + occasions of using the latter, short of the last necessity. God almighty + bless you, my dearest father! and grant that you may forgive the first, + and, I trust, the last act approaching towards premeditated disobedience, + of which I either have now, or shall hereafter have, to accuse myself. I + remain, till death, your dutiful and affectionate son, ALAN FAIRFORD.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘PS.—I shall write with the utmost regularity, acquainting you with + my motions, and requesting your advice. I trust my stay will be very + short, and I think it possible that I may bring back Darsie along with + me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The paper dropped from the old man’s hand when he was thus assured of the + misfortune which he apprehended. His first idea was to get a postchaise + and pursue the fugitive; but he recollected that, upon the very rare + occasions when Alan had shown himself indocile to the PATRIA POTESTAS, his + natural ease and gentleness of disposition seemed hardened into obstinacy, + and that now, entitled, as arrived at the years of majority and a member + of the learned faculty, to direct his own motions, there was great doubt, + whether, in the event of his overtaking his son, he might be able to + prevail upon him to return back. In such a risk of failure he thought it + wiser to desist from his purpose, especially as even his success in such a + pursuit would give a ridiculous ECLAT to the whole affair, which could not + be otherwise than prejudicial to his son’s rising character. + </p> + <p> + Bitter, however, were Saunders Fairford’s reflections, as again picking up + the fatal scroll, he threw himself into his son’s leathern easy-chair, and + bestowed upon it a disjointed commentary, ‘Bring back Darsie? little doubt + of that—the bad shilling is sure enough to come back again. I wish + Darsie no worse ill than that he were carried where the silly fool, Alan, + should never see him again. It was an ill hour that he darkened my doors + in, for, ever since that, Alan has given up his ain old-fashioned + mother-wit for the tother’s capernoited maggots and nonsense. Provided + with money? you must have more than I know of, then, my friend, for I trow + I kept you pretty short, for your own good. Can he have gotten more fees? + or, does he think five guineas has neither beginning nor end? Arms! What + would he do with arms, or what would any man do with them that is not a + regular soldier under government, or else a thief-taker? I have had enough + of arms, I trow, although I carried them for King George and the + government. But this is a worse strait than Falkirk field yet. God guide + us, we are poor inconsistent creatures! To think the lad should have made + so able an appearance, and then bolted off this gate, after a glaiket + ne’er-do-weel, like a hound upon a false scent! Las-a-day! it’s a sore + thing to see a stunkard cow kick down the pail when it’s reaming fou. But, + after all, it’s an ill bird that defiles its ain nest. I must cover up the + scandal as well as I can. What’s the matter now, James?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A message, sir,’ said James Wilkinson, ‘from my Lord President; and he + hopes Mr. Alan is not seriously indisposed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From the Lord President? the Lord preserve us!—I’ll send an answer + this instant; bid the lad sit down, and ask him to drink, James. Let me + see,’ continued he, taking a sheet of gilt paper ‘how we are to draw our + answers.’ + </p> + <p> + Ere his pen had touched the paper, James was in the room again. + </p> + <p> + ‘What now, James?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Bladderskate’s lad is come to ask how Mr. Alan is, as he left; the + court’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, aye,’ answered Saunders, bitterly; ‘he has e’en made a + moonlight flitting, like my lord’s ain nevoy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I say sae, sir?’ said James, who, as an old soldier, was literal in + all things touching the service. + </p> + <p> + ‘The devil! no, no!—Bid the lad sit down and taste our ale. I will + write his lordship an answer.’ + </p> + <p> + Once more the gilt paper was resumed, and once more the door was opened by + James. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord ——— sends his servitor to ask after Mr. Alan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, the deevil take their civility!’ said poor Saunders, set him down to + drink too—I will write to his lordship.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The lads will bide your pleasure, sir, as lang as I keep the bicker fou; + but this ringing is like to wear out the bell, I think; there are they at + it again.’ + </p> + <p> + He answered the fresh summons accordingly, and came back to inform Mr. + Fairford that the Dean of Faculty was below, inquiring for Mr. Alan. ‘Will + I set him down to drink, too?’ said James. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you be an idiot, sir?’ said Mr. Fairford. ‘Show Mr. Dean into the + parlour.’ + </p> + <p> + In going slowly downstairs, step by step, the perplexed man of business + had time enough to reflect, that if it be possible to put a fair gloss + upon a true story, the verity always serves the purpose better than any + substitute which ingenuity can devise. He therefore told his learned + visitor, that although his son had been incommoded by the heat of the + court, and the long train of hard study, by day and night, preceding his + exertions, yet he had fortunately so far recovered, as to be in condition + to obey upon the instant a sudden summons which had called him to the + country, on a matter of life and death. + </p> + <p> + ‘It should be a serious matter indeed that takes my young friend away at + this moment,’ said the good-natured dean. ‘I wish he had stayed to finish + his pleading, and put down old Tough. Without compliment, Mr. Fairford, it + was as fine a first appearance as I ever heard. I should be sorry your son + did not follow it up in a reply. Nothing like striking while the iron is + hot.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Saunders Fairford made a bitter grimace as he acquiesced in an opinion + which was indeed decidedly his own; but he thought it most prudent to + reply, ‘that the affair which rendered his son Alan’s presence in the + country absolutely necessary, regarded the affairs of a young gentleman of + great fortune, who was a particular friend of Alan’s, and who never took + any material step in his affairs without consulting his counsel learned in + the law.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, Mr. Fairford, you know best,’ answered the learned dean; ‘if + there be death or marriage in the case, a will or a wedding is to be + preferred to all other business. I am happy Mr. Alan is so much recovered + as to be able for travel, and wish you a very good morning.’ + </p> + <p> + Having thus taken his ground to the Dean of Faculty, Mr. Fairford hastily + wrote cards in answer to the inquiry of the three judges, accounting for + Alan’s absence in the same manner. These, being properly sealed and + addressed, he delivered to James with directions to dismiss the + particoloured gentry, who, in the meanwhile, had consumed a gallon of + twopenny ale, while discussing points of law, and addressing each other by + their masters’ titles. [The Scottish judges are distinguished by the title + of lord prefixed to their own temporal designation. As the ladies of these + official dignitaries do not bear any share in their husbands’ honours, + they are distinguished only by their lords’ family name. They were not + always contented with this species of Salique law, which certainly is + somewhat inconsistent. But their pretensions to title are said to have + been long since repelled by James V, the sovereign who founded the College + of Justice. ‘I,’ said he, ‘made the caries lords, but who the devil made + the carlines ladies?’] + </p> + <p> + The exertion which these matters demanded, and the interest which so many + persons of legal distinction appeared to have taken in his son, greatly + relieved the oppressed spirit of Saunders Fairford, who continued, to talk + mysteriously of the very important business which had interfered with his + son’s attendance during the brief remainder of the session. He endeavoured + to lay the same unction to his own heart; but here the application was + less fortunate, for his conscience told him that no end, however + important, which could be achieved in Darsie Latimer’s affairs, could be + balanced against the reputation which Alan was like to forfeit by + deserting the cause of Poor Peter Peebles. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, although the haze which surrounded the cause, or causes, + of that unfortunate litigant had been for a time dispelled by Alan’s + eloquence, like a fog by the thunder of artillery, yet it seemed once more + to settle down upon the mass of litigation, thick as the palpable darkness + of Egypt, at the very sound of Mr. Tough’s voice, who, on the second day + after Alan’s departure, was heard in answer to the opening counsel. + Deep-mouthed, long-breathed, and pertinacious, taking a pinch of snuff + betwixt every sentence, which otherwise seemed interminable—the + veteran pleader prosed over all the themes which had been treated so + luminously by Fairford: he quietly and imperceptibly replaced all the + rubbish which the other had cleared away, and succeeded in restoring the + veil of obscurity and unintelligibility which had for many years darkened + the case of Peebles against Plainstanes; and the matter was once more hung + up by a remit to an accountant, with instruction to report before answer. + So different a result from that which the public had been led to expect + from Alan’s speech gave rise to various speculations. + </p> + <p> + The client himself opined, that it was entirely owing, first, to his own + absence during the first day’s pleading, being, as he said, deboshed with + brandy, usquebaugh, and other strong waters, at John’s Coffee-house, PER + AMBAGES of Peter Drudgeit, employed to that effect by and through the + device, counsel, and covyne of Saunders Fairford, his agent, or pretended + agent. Secondly by the flight and voluntary desertion of the younger + Fairford, the advocate; on account of which, he served both father and son + with a petition and complaint against them, for malversation in office. So + that the apparent and most probable issue of this cause seemed to menace + the melancholy Mr. Saunders Fairford, with additional subject for plague + and mortification; which was the more galling, as his conscience told him + that the case was really given away, and that a very brief resumption of + the former argument, with reference to the necessary authorities and + points of evidence, would have enabled Alan, by the mere breath, as it + were, of his mouth, to blow away the various cobwebs with which Mr. Tough + had again invested the proceedings. But it went, he said, just like a + decreet in absence, and was lost for want of a contradictor. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, nearly a week passed over without Mr. Fairford hearing a + word directly from his son. He learned, indeed, by a letter from Mr. + Crosbie, that the young counsellor had safely reached Dumfries, but had + left that town upon some ulterior researches, the purpose of which he had + not communicated. The old man, thus left to suspense, and to mortifying + recollections, deprived also of the domestic society to which he had been + habituated, began to suffer in body as well as in mind. He had formed the + determination of setting out in person for Dumfriesshire, when, after + having been dogged, peevish, and snappish to his clerks and domestics, to + an unusual and almost intolerable degree, the acrimonious humours settled + in a hissing-hot fit of the gout, which is a well-known tamer of the most + froward spirits, and under whose discipline we shall, for the present, + leave him, as the continuation of this history assumes, with the next + division, a form somewhat different from direct narrative and epistolary + correspondence, though partaking of the character of both. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + JOURNAL OF DARSIE LATIMER (The following address is written on the inside + of the envelope which contained the Journal.) + </p> + <p> + Into what hands soever these leaves may fall, they will instruct him, + during a certain time at least, in the history of the life of an + unfortunate young man, who, in the heart of a free country, and without + any crime being laid to his charge, has been, and is, subjected to a + course of unlawful and violent restraint. He who opens this letter, is + therefore conjured to apply to the nearest magistrate, and, following such + indications as the papers may afford, to exert himself for the relief of + one, who, while he possesses every claim to assistance which oppressed + innocence can give, has, at the same time, both the inclination and the + means of being grateful to his deliverers. Or, if the person obtaining + these letters shall want courage or means to effect the writer’s release, + he is, in that case, conjured, by every duty of a man to his fellow + mortals, and of a Christian towards one who professes the same holy faith, + to take the speediest measures for conveying them with speed and safety to + the hands of Alan Fairford, Esq., Advocate, residing in the family of his + father, Alexander Fairford, Esq., Writer to the Signet, Brown’s Square, + Edinburgh. He may be assured of a liberal reward, besides the + consciousness of having discharged a real duty to humanity. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAREST ALAN, Feeling as warmly towards you in doubt and in distress, + as I ever did in the brightest days of our intimacy, it is to you whom I + address a history which may perhaps fall into very different hands. A + portion of my former spirit descends to my pen when I write your name, and + indulging the happy thought that you may be my deliverer from my present + uncomfortable and alarming situation, as you have been my guide and + counsellor on every former occasion, I will subdue the dejection which + would otherwise overwhelm me. Therefore, as, Heaven knows, I have time + enough to write, I will endeavour to pour my thoughts out, as fully and + freely as of old, though probably without the same gay and happy levity. + </p> + <p> + If the papers should reach other hands than yours, still I will not regret + this exposure of my feelings; for, allowing for an ample share of the + folly incidental to youth and inexperience, I fear not that I have much to + be ashamed of in my narrative; nay, I even hope that the open simplicity + and frankness with which I am about to relate every singular and + distressing circumstance, may prepossess even a stranger in my favour; and + that, amid the multitude of seemingly trivial circumstances which I detail + at length, a clue may be found to effect my liberation. + </p> + <p> + Another chance certainly remains—the Journal, as I may call it, may + never reach the hands, either of the dear friend to whom it is addressed, + or those of an indifferent stranger, but may become the prey of the + persons by whom I am at present treated as a prisoner. Let it be so—they + will learn from it little but what they already know; that, as a man and + an Englishman, my soul revolts at the usage which I have received; that I + am determined to essay every possible means to obtain my freedom; that + captivity has not broken my spirit, and that, although they may doubtless + complete their oppression by murder, I am still willing to bequeath my + cause to the justice of my country. Undeterred, therefore, by the + probability that my papers may be torn from me, and subjected to the + inspection of one in particular, who, causelessly my enemy already, may be + yet further incensed at me for recording the history of my wrongs, I + proceed to resume the history of events which have befallen me since the + conclusion of my last letter to my dear Alan Fairford, dated, if I mistake + not, on the 5th day of this still current month of August. + </p> + <p> + Upon the night preceding the date of that letter, I had been present, for + the purpose of an idle frolic, at a dancing party at the village of + Brokenburn, about six miles from Dumfries; many persons must have seen me + there, should the fact appear of importance sufficient to require + investigation. I danced, played on the violin, and took part in the + festivity till about midnight, when my servant, Samuel Owen, brought me my + horses, and I rode back to a small inn called Shepherd’s Bush, kept by + Mrs. Gregson, which had been occasionally my residence for about a + fortnight past. I spent the earlier part of the forenoon in writing a + letter, which I have already mentioned, to you, my dear Alan, and which, I + think, you must have received in safety. Why did I not follow your advice, + so often given me? Why did I linger in the neighbourhood of a danger, of + which a kind voice had warned me? These are now unavailing questions; I + was blinded by a fatality, and remained, fluttering like a moth around the + candle, until I have been scorched to some purpose. + </p> + <p> + The greater part of the day had passed, and time hung heavy on my hands. I + ought, perhaps, to blush at recollecting what has been often objected to + me by the dear friend to whom this letter is addressed, viz. the facility + with which I have, in moments of indolence, suffered my motions to be, + directed by any person who chanced to be near me, instead of taking the + labour of thinking or deciding for myself. I had employed for some time, + as a sort of guide and errand-boy, a lad named Benjamin, the son of one + widow Coltherd, who lives near the Shepherd’s Bush, and I cannot but + remember that, upon several occasions, I had of late suffered him to + possess more influence over my motions than at all became the difference + of our age and condition. At present, he exerted himself to persuade me + that it was the finest possible sport to see the fish taken out from the + nets placed in the Solway at the reflux of the tide, and urged my going + thither this evening so much, that, looking back on the whole + circumstances, I cannot but think he had some especial motive for his + conduct. These particulars I have mentioned, that if these papers fall + into friendly hands, the boy may be sought after and submitted to + examination. + </p> + <p> + His eloquence being unable to persuade me that I should take any pleasure + in seeing the fruitless struggles of the fish when left in the nets and + deserted by the tide, he artfully suggested, that Mr. and Miss Geddes, a + respectable Quaker family well known in the neighbourhood and with whom I + had contracted habits of intimacy, would possibly be offended if I did not + make them an early visit. Both, he said, had been particularly inquiring + the reasons of my leaving their house rather suddenly on the previous day. + I resolved, therefore, to walk up to Mount Sharon and make my apologies; + and I agreed to permit the boy to attend upon me, and wait my return from + the house, that I might fish on my way homeward to Shepherd’s Bush, for + which amusement, he assured me, I would find the evening most favourable. + I mention this minute circumstance, because I strongly suspect that this + boy had a presentiment how the evening was to terminate with me, and + entertained the selfish though childish wish of securing to himself an + angling-rod which he had often admired, as a part of my spoils. I may do + the boy wrong, but I had before remarked in him the peculiar art of + pursuing the trifling objects of cupidity proper to his age, with the + systematic address of much riper years. + </p> + <p> + When we had commenced our walk, I upbraided him with the coolness of the + evening, considering the season, the easterly wind, and other + circumstances, unfavourable for angling. He persisted in his own story, + and made a few casts, as if to convince me of my error, but caught no + fish; and, indeed, as I am now convinced, was much more intent on watching + my motions than on taking any. When I ridiculed him once more on his + fruitless endeavours, he answered with a sneering smile, that ‘the trouts + would not rise, because there was thunder in the air;’ an intimation + which, in one sense, I have found too true. + </p> + <p> + I arrived at Mount Sharon; was received by my friends there with their + wonted kindness; and after being a little rallied on my having suddenly + left them on the preceding evening, I agreed to make atonement by staying + all night, and dismissed the lad who attended with my fishing-rod, to + carry that information to Shepherd’s Bush. It may be doubted whether he + went thither, or in a different direction. + </p> + <p> + Betwixt eight and nine o’clock, when it began to become dark, we walked on + the terrace to enjoy the appearance of the firmament, glittering with ten + million stars; to which a slight touch of early frost gave tenfold lustre. + As we gazed on this splendid scene, Miss Geddes, I think, was the first to + point out to our admiration a shooting or falling star, which, she said, + drew a long train after it. Looking to the part of the heavens which she + pointed out, I distinctly observed two successive sky-rockets arise and + burst in the sky. + </p> + <p> + ‘These meteors,’ said Mr. Geddes, in answer to his sister’s observation, + ‘are not formed in heaven, nor do they bode any good to the dwellers upon + earth.’ + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, I looked to another quarter of the sky, and a rocket, as if a + signal in answer to those which had already appeared, rose high from the + earth, and burst apparently among the stars. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Geddes seemed very thoughtful for some minutes, and then said to his + sister, ‘Rachel, though it waxes late. I must go down to the fishing + station, and pass the night in the overseer’s room there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, then,’ replied the lady, ‘I am but too well assured that the sons of + Belial are menacing these nets and devices. Joshua, art thou a man of + peace, and wilt thou willingly and wittingly thrust thyself where thou + mayst be tempted by the old man Adam within thee, to enter into debate and + strife?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a man of peace, Rachel,’ answered Mr. Geddes, ‘even to the utmost + extent which our friends can demand of humanity; and neither have I ever + used, nor, with the help of God, will I at any future time employ, the arm + of flesh to repel or to revenge injuries. But if I can, by mild reasons + and firm conduct, save those rude men from committing a crime, and the + property belonging to myself and others from sustaining damage, surely I + do but the duty of a man and a Christian.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, he ordered his horse instantly; and his sister, ceasing + to argue with him, folded her arms upon her bosom, and looked up to heaven + with a resigned and yet sorrowful countenance. + </p> + <p> + These particulars may appear trivial; but it is better, in my present + condition, to exert my faculties in recollecting the past, and in + recording it, than waste them in vain and anxious anticipations of the + future. + </p> + <p> + It would have been scarcely proper in me to remain in the house from which + the master was thus suddenly summoned away; and I therefore begged + permission to attend him to the fishing station, assuring his sister that + I would be a guarantee for his safety. + </p> + <p> + That proposal seemed to give much pleasure to Miss Geddes. ‘Let it be so, + brother,’ she said; ‘and let the young man have the desire of his heart, + that there may be a faithful witness to stand by thee in the hour of need, + and to report how it shall fare with thee. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, Rachel,’ said the worthy man, ‘thou art to blame in this, that to + quiet thy apprehensions on my account, thou shouldst thrust into danger—if + danger it shall prove to be—this youth, our guest; for whom, + doubtless, in case of mishap, as many hearts will ache as may be afflicted + on our account.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my good friend,’ said I, taking Mr. Geddes’s hand, ‘I am not so happy + as you suppose me. Were my span to be concluded this evening, few would so + much as know that such a being had existed for twenty years on the face of + the earth; and of these few, only one would sincerely regret me. Do not, + therefore, refuse me the privilege attending you; and of showing, by so + trifling an act of kindness, that if I have few friends, I am at least + desirous to serve them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou hast a kind heart, I warrant thee,’ said Joshua Geddes, returning + the pressure of my hand. ‘Rachel, the young man shall go with me. Why + should he not face danger, in order to do justice and preserve peace? + There is that within me,’ he added, looking upwards, and with a passing + enthusiasm which I had not before observed and the absence of which + perhaps rather belonged to the sect than to his own personal character—‘I + say, I have that within which assures me, that though the ungodly may rage + even like the storm of the ocean, they shall not have freedom to prevail + against us.’ + </p> + <p> + Having spoken thus, Mr. Geddes appointed a pony to be saddled for my use; + and having taken a basket with some provisions, and a servant to carry + back the horses for which there was no accommodation at the fishing + station, we set off about nine o’clock at night, and after three-quarters + of an hour’s riding, arrived at our place of destination. + </p> + <p> + The station consists, or then consisted, of huts for four or five + fishermen, a cooperage and shed, and a better sort of cottage at which the + superintendent resided. We gave our horses to the servant, to be carried + back to Mount Sharon; my companion expressing himself humanely anxious for + their safety—and knocked at the door of the house. At first we only + heard a barking of dogs; but these animals became quiet on snuffing + beneath the door, and acknowledging the presence of friends. A hoarse + voice then demanded, in rather unfriendly accents, who we were, and what + we wanted and it was not; until Joshua named himself, and called upon his + superintendent to open, that the latter appeared at the door of the hut, + attended by three large dogs of the Newfoundland breed. He had a flambeau + in his hand, and two large heavy ship-pistols stuck into his belt. He was + a stout elderly man, who had been a sailor, as I learned, during the + earlier part of his life, and was now much confided in by the Fishing + Company, whose concerns he directed under the orders of Mr. Geddes. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou didst not expect me to-night, friend Davies?’ said my friend to the + old man, who was arranging seats for us by the fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Master Geddes,’ answered he, ‘I did not expect you, nor, to speak the + truth, did I wish for you either.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘These are plain terms: John Davies,’ answered Mr. Geddes. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, sir, I know your worship loves no holiday speeches.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou dost guess, I suppose, what brings us here so late, John Davies?’ + said Mr. Geddes. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do suppose, sir,’ answered the superintendent, ‘that it was because + those d—d smuggling wreckers on the coast are showing their lights + to gather their forces, as they did the night before they broke down the + dam-dyke and weirs up the country; but if that same be the case, I wish + once more you had stayed away, for your worship carries no fighting tackle + aboard, I think; and there will be work for such ere morning, your + worship.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Worship is due to Heaven only, John Davies,’ said Geddes, ‘I have often + desired thee to desist from using that phrase to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t, then,’ said John; ‘no offence meant: But how the devil can a man + stand picking his words, when he is just going to come to blows?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not, John Davies,’ said Joshua Geddes. ‘Call in the rest of the + men, that I may give them their instructions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I may cry till doomsday Master Geddes, ere a soul answers—the + cowardly lubbers have all made sail—the cooper, and all the rest of + them, so soon as they heard the enemy were at sea. They have all taken to + the long-boat, and left the ship among the breakers, except little Phil + and myself—they have, by—!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Swear not at all, John Davies—thou art an honest man; and I + believe, without an oath, that thy comrades love their own bones better + than my goods and chattels. And so thou hast no assistance but little Phil + against a hundred men or two?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, there are the dogs, your honour knows, Neptune and Thetis—and + the puppy may do something; and then though your worship—I beg + pardon—though your honour be no great fighter, this young gentleman + may bear a hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, and I see you are provided with arms,’ said Mr. Geddes; ‘let me see + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, sir; here be a pair of buffers will bite as well as bark—these + will make sure of two rogues at least. It would be a shame to strike + without firing a shot. Take care, your honour, they are double-shotted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, John Davies, I will take care of them, throwing the pistols into a + tub of water beside him; ‘and I wish I could render the whole generation + of them useless at the same moment.’ + </p> + <p> + A deep shade of displeasure passed over John Davies’s weatherbeaten + countenance. ‘Belike your honour is going to take the command yourself, + then?’ he said, after a pause. ‘Why, I can be of little use now; and since + your worship, or your honour, or whatever you are, means to strike + quietly, I believe you will do it better without me than with me, for I am + like enough to make mischief, I admit; but I’ll never leave my post + without orders.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you have mine, John Davies, to go to Mount Sharon directly, and take + the boy Phil with you. Where is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is on the outlook for these scums of the earth,’ answered Davies; ‘but + it is to no purpose to know when they come, if we are not to stand to our + weapons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will use none but those of sense and reason, John.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you may just as well cast chaff against the wind, as speak sense and + reason to the like of them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, be it so,’ said Joshua; ‘and now, John Davies, I know thou + art what the world calls a brave fellow, and I have ever found thee an + honest one. And now I command you to go to Mount Sharon, and let Phil lie + on the bank-side—see the poor boy hath a sea-cloak, though—and + watch what happens there, and let him bring you the news; and if any + violence shall be offered to the property there, I trust to your fidelity + to carry my sister to Dumfries to the house of our friends the Corsacks, + and inform the civil authorities of what mischief hath befallen.’ + </p> + <p> + The old seaman paused a moment. ‘It is hard lines for me,’ he said, ‘to + leave your honour in tribulation; and yet, staying here, I am only like to + make bad worse; and your honour’s sister, Miss Rachel, must be looked to, + that’s certain; for if the rogues once get their hand to mischief, they + will come to Mount Sharon after they have wasted and destroyed this here + snug little roadstead, where I thought to ride at anchor for life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right, right, John Davies,’ said Joshua Geddes; ‘and best call the dogs + with you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, sir,’ said the veteran, ‘for they are something of my mind, and + would not keep quiet if they saw mischief doing; so maybe they might come + to mischief, poor dumb creatures. So God bless your honour—I mean + your worship—I cannot bring my mouth to say fare you well. Here, + Neptune, Thetis! come, dogs, come.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, and with a very crestfallen countenance, John Davies left the + hut. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now there goes one of the best and most faithful creatures that ever was + born,’ said Mr. Geddes, as the superintendent shut the door of the + cottage. ‘Nature made him with a heart that would not have suffered him to + harm a fly; but thou seest, friend Latimer, that as men arm their + bull-dogs with spiked collars, and their game-cocks with steel spurs, to + aid them in fight, so they corrupt, by education, the best and mildest + natures, until fortitude and spirit become stubbornness and ferocity. + Believe me, friend Latimer, I would as soon expose my faithful household + dog to a vain combat with a herd of wolves, as yon trusty creature to the + violence of the enraged multitude. But I need say little on this subject + to thee, friend Latimer, who, I doubt not, art trained to believe that + courage is displayed and honour attained, not by doing and suffering as + becomes a man that which fate calls us to suffer and justice commands us + to do, but because thou art ready to retort violence for violence, and + considerest the lightest insult as a sufficient cause for the spilling of + blood, nay, the taking of life. But, leaving these points of controversy + to a more fit season, let us see what our basket of provision contains; + for in truth, friend Latimer, I am one of those whom neither fear nor + anxiety deprives of their ordinary appetite.’ + </p> + <p> + We found the means of good cheer accordingly, which Mr. Geddes seemed to + enjoy as much as if it had been eaten in a situation of perfect safety; + nay, his conversation appeared to be rather more gay than on ordinary + occasions. After eating our supper, we left the hut together, and walked + for a few minutes on the banks of the sea. It was high water, and the ebb + had not yet commenced. The moon shone broad and bright upon the placid + face of the Solway Firth, and showed a slight ripple upon the stakes, the + tops of which were just visible above the waves, and on the dark-coloured + buoys which marked the upper edge of the enclosure of nets. At a much + greater distance—for the estuary is here very wide—the line of + the English coast was seen on the verge of the water, resembling one of + those fog-banks on which mariners are said to gaze, uncertain whether it + be land or atmospherical delusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall be undisturbed for some hours,’ said Mr. Geddes; ‘they will not + come down upon us: till the state of the tide permits them to destroy the + tide-nets. Is it not strange to think that human passions will so soon + transform such a tranquil scene as this into one of devastation and + confusion?’ + </p> + <p> + It was indeed a scene of exquisite stillness; so much so, that the + restless waves of the Solway seemed, if not absolutely to sleep, at least + to slumber; on the shore no night-bird was heard—the cock had not + sung his first matins, and we ourselves walked more lightly than by day, + as if to suit the sounds of our own paces to the serene tranquillity + around us. At length, the plaintive cry of a dog broke the silence, and on + our return to the cottage, we found that the younger of the three animals + which had gone along with John Davies, unaccustomed, perhaps, to distant + journeys, and the duty of following to heel, had strayed from the party, + and, unable to rejoin them, had wandered back to the place of its birth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Another feeble addition to our feeble garrison,’ said Mr. Geddes, as he + caressed the dog, and admitted it into the cottage. ‘Poor thing! as thou + art incapable of doing any mischief, I hope thou wilt sustain none. At + least thou mayst do us the good service of a sentinel, and permit us to + enjoy a quiet repose, under the certainty that thou wilt alarm us when the + enemy is at hand.’ + </p> + <p> + There were two beds in the superintendent’s room, upon which we threw + ourselves. Mr. Geddes, with his happy equanimity of temper, was asleep in + the first five minutes. I lay for some time in doubtful and anxious + thoughts, watching the fire, and the motions of the restless dog, which, + disturbed probably at the absence of John Davies, wandered from the hearth + to the door and back again, then came to the bedside and licked my hands + and face, and at length, experiencing no repulse to its advances, + established itself at my feet, and went to sleep, an example which I soon + afterwards followed. + </p> + <p> + The rage of narration, my dear Alan—for I will never relinquish the + hope that what I am writing may one day reach your hands—has not + forsaken me, even in my confinement, and the extensive though unimportant + details into which I have been hurried, renders it necessary that I + commence another sheet. Fortunately, my pygmy characters comprehend a + great many words within a small space of paper. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + DARSIE LATIMER’S JOURNAL, IN CONTINUATION + </h3> + <p> + The morning was dawning, and Mr. Geddes and I myself were still sleeping + soundly, when the alarm was given by my canine bedfellow, who first + growled deeply at intervals, and at length bore more decided testimony to + the approach of some enemy. I opened the door of the cottage, and + perceived, at the distance of about two hundred yards, a small but close + column of men, which I would have taken for a dark hedge, but that I could + perceive it was advancing rapidly and in silence. + </p> + <p> + The dog flew towards them, but instantly ran howling back to me, having + probably been chastised by a stick or a stone. Uncertain as to the plan of + tactics or of treaty which Mr. Geddes might think proper to adopt, I was + about to retire into the cottage, when he suddenly joined me at the door, + and, slipping his arm through mine, said, ‘Let us go to meet them + manfully; we have done nothing to be ashamed of.—Friends,’ he said, + raising his voice as we approached them, ‘who and what are you, and with + what purpose are you here on my property?’ + </p> + <p> + A loud cheer was the answer returned, and a brace of fiddlers who occupied + the front of the march immediately struck up the insulting air, the words + of which begin— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Merrily danced the Quaker’s wife, + And merrily danced the Quaker. +</pre> + <p> + Even at that moment of alarm, I think I recognized the tones of the blind + fiddler, Will, known by the name of Wandering Willie, from his itinerant + habits. They continued to advance swiftly and in great order, in their + front + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The fiery fiddlers playing martial airs; +</pre> + <p> + when, coming close up, they surrounded us by a single movement, and there + was a universal cry, ‘Whoop, Quaker—whoop, Quaker! Here have we them + both, the wet Quaker and the dry one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hang up the wet Quaker to dry, and wet the dry one with a ducking,’ + answered another voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is the sea-otter, John Davies, that destroyed more fish than any + sealch upon Ailsa Craig?’ exclaimed a third voice. ‘I have an old crow to + pluck with him, and a pock to put the feathers in.’ + </p> + <p> + We stood perfectly passive; for, to have attempted resistance against more + than a hundred men, armed with guns, fish-spears, iron-crows, spades, and + bludgeons, would have been an act of utter insanity. Mr. Geddes, with his + strong sonorous voice, answered the question about the superintendent in a + manner the manly indifference of which compelled them to attend to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘John Davies,’ he said, ‘will, I trust, soon be at Dumfries’— + </p> + <p> + ‘To fetch down redcoats and dragoons against us, you canting old villain!’ + </p> + <p> + A blow was, at the same time, levelled at my friend, which I parried by + interposing the stick I had in my hand. I was instantly struck down, and + have a faint recollection of hearing some crying, ‘Kill the young spy!’ + and others, as I thought, interposing on my behalf. But a second blow on + the head, received in the scuffle, soon deprived me of sense and + consciousness, and threw me into it state of insensibility, from which I + did not recover immediately. When I did come to myself, I was lying on the + bed from which I had just risen before the fray, and my poor companion, + the Newfoundland puppy, its courage entirely cowed by the tumult of the + riot, had crept as close to me as it could, and lay trembling and whining, + as if under the most dreadful terror. I doubted at first whether I had not + dreamed of the tumult, until, as I attempted to rise, a feeling of pain + and dizziness assured me that the injury I had sustained was but too real. + I gathered together my senses listened—and heard at a distance the + shouts of the rioters, busy, doubtless, in their work of devastation. I + made a second effort to rise, or at least to turn myself, for I lay with + my face to the wall of the cottage, but I found that my limbs were + secured, and my motions effectually prevented—not indeed by cords, + but by linen or cloth bandages swathed around my ankles, and securing my + arms to my sides. Aware of my utterly captive condition, I groaned betwixt + bodily pain and mental distress, + </p> + <p> + A voice by my bedside whispered, in a whining tone, ‘Whisht a-ye, hinnie—Whisht + a-ye; haud your tongue, like a gude bairn—ye have cost us dear + aneugh already. My hinnie’s clean gane now.’ + </p> + <p> + Knowing, as I thought, the phraseology of the wife of the itinerant + musician, I asked her where her husband was, and whether he had been hurt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Broken,’ answered the dame, ‘all broken to pieces; fit for naught but to + be made spunks of—the best blood that was in Scotland.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Broken?—blood?—is your husband wounded; has there been + bloodshed broken limbs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Broken limbs I wish,’ answered the beldam, ‘that my hinnie had broken the + best bane in his body, before he had broken his fiddle, that was the best + blood in Scotland—it was a Cremony, for aught that I ken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pshaw—only his fiddle?’ said I. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dinna ken what waur your honour could have wished him to do, unless he + had broken his neck; and this is muckle the same to my hinnie Willie and + me. Chaw, indeed! It is easy to say chaw, but wha is to gie us ony thing + to chaw?—the bread-winner’s gane, and we may e’en sit down and + starve.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ I said, ‘I will pay you for twenty such fiddles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Twenty such! is that a’ ye ken about it? the country hadna the like o’t. + But if your honour were to pay us, as nae doubt wad be to your credit here + and hereafter, where are ye to get the siller?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have enough of money,’ said I, attempting to reach my hand towards my + side-pocket; ‘unloose these bandages, and I will pay you on the spot.’ + </p> + <p> + This hint appeared to move her, and she was approaching the bedside, as I + hoped, to liberate me from my bonds, when a nearer and more desperate + shout was heard, as if the rioters were close by the hut. + </p> + <p> + ‘I daurna I daurna,’ said the poor woman, ‘they would murder me and my + hinnie Willie baith, and they have misguided us aneugh already;—but + if there is anything worldly I could do for your honour, leave out loosing + ye?’ + </p> + <p> + What she said recalled me to my bodily suffering. Agitation, and the + effects of the usage I had received, had produced a burning thirst. I + asked for a drink of water. + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven Almighty forbid that Epps Ainslie should gie ony sick gentleman + cauld well-water, and him in a fever. Na, na, hinnie, let me alane, I’ll + do better for ye than the like of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me what you will,’ I replied; ‘let it but be liquid and cool.’ + </p> + <p> + The woman gave me a large horn accordingly, filled with spirits and water, + which, without minute inquiry concerning the nature of its contents, I + drained at a draught. Either the spirits taken in such a manner acted more + suddenly than usual on my brain, or else there was some drug mixed with + the beverage. I remember little after drinking it off, only that the + appearance of things around me became indistinct; that the woman’s form + seemed to multiply itself, and to flit in various figures around me, + bearing the same lineaments as she herself did. I remember also that the + discordant noises and cries of those without the cottage seemed to die + away in a hum like that with which a nurse hushes her babe. At length I + fell into a deep sound sleep, or rather, a state of absolute + insensibility. + </p> + <p> + I have reason to think this species of trance lasted for many hours; + indeed, for the whole subsequent day and part of the night. It was not + uniformly so profound, for my recollection of it is chequered with many + dreams, all of a painful nature, but too faint and too indistinct to be + remembered. At length the moment of waking came, and my sensations were + horrible. + </p> + <p> + A deep sound, which, in the confusion of my senses, I identified with the + cries of the rioters, was the first thing of which I was sensible; next, I + became conscious that I was carried violently forward in some conveyance, + with an unequal motion, which gave me much pain. My position was + horizontal, and when I attempted to stretch my hands in order to find some + mode of securing myself against this species of suffering, I found I was + bound as before, and the horrible reality rushed on my mind that I was in + the hands of those who had lately committed a great outrage on property, + and were now about to kidnap, if not to murder me. I opened my eyes, it + was to no purpose—all around me was dark, for a day had passed over + during my captivity. A dispiriting sickness oppressed my head—my + heart seemed on fire, while my feet and hands were chilled and benumbed + with want of circulation. It was with the utmost difficulty that I at + length, and gradually, recovered in a sufficient degree the power of + observing external sounds and circumstances; and when I did so, they + presented nothing consolatory. + </p> + <p> + Groping with my hands, as far as the bandages would permit, and receiving + the assistance of some occasional glances of the moonlight, I became aware + that the carriage in which I was transported was one of the light carts of + the country, called TUMBLERS, and that a little attention had been paid to + my accommodation, as I was laid upon some sacks covered with matting, and + filled with straw. Without these, my condition would have been still more + intolerable, for the vehicle, sinking now on one side, and now on the + other, sometimes sticking absolutely fast and requiring the utmost + exertions of the animal which drew it to put it once more in motion, was + subjected to jolts in all directions, which were very severe. At other + times it rolled silently and smoothly over what seemed to be wet sand; + and, as I heard the distant roar of the tide, I had little doubt that we + were engaged in passing the formidable estuary which divides the two + kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be at least five or six people about the cart, some on + foot, others on horseback; the former lent assistance whenever it was in + danger of upsetting, or sticking fast in the quicksand; the others rode + before and acted as guides, often changing the direction of the vehicle as + the precarious state of the passage required. + </p> + <p> + I addressed myself to the men around the cart, and endeavoured to move + their compassion. I had harmed, I said, no one, and for no action in my + life had deserved such cruel treatment, I had no concern whatever in the + fishing station which had incurred their displeasure, and my acquaintance + with Mr. Geddes was of a very late date. Lastly, and as my strongest + argument, I endeavoured to excite their fears, by informing them that my + rank in life would not permit me to be either murdered or secreted with + impunity; and to interest their avarice, by the promises I made them of + reward, if they would effect my deliverance. I only received a scornful + laugh in reply to my threats; my promises might have done more, for the + fellows were whispering together as if in hesitation, and I began to + reiterate and increase my offers, when the voice of one of the horsemen, + who had suddenly come up, enjoined silence to the men on foot, and, + approaching the side of the cart, said to me, with a strong and determined + voice, ‘Young man, there is no personal harm designed to you. If you + remain silent and quiet, you may reckon on good treatment; but if you + endeavour to tamper with these men in the execution of their duty, I will + take such measures for silencing you, as you shall remember the longest + day you have to live.’ + </p> + <p> + I thought I knew the voice which uttered these threats; but, in such a + situation, my perceptions could not be supposed to be perfectly accurate. + I was contented to reply, ‘Whoever you are that speak to me, I entreat the + benefit of the meanest prisoner, who is not to be subjected, legally to + greater hardship than is necessary for the restraint of his person. I + entreat that these bonds, which hurt me so cruelly, may be slackened at + least, if not removed altogether.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will slacken the belts,’ said the former speaker; ‘nay, I will + altogether remove them, and allow you to pursue your journey in a more + convenient manner, provided you will give me your word of honour that you + will not attempt an escape?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘NEVER!’ I answered, with an energy of which despair alone could have + rendered me capable—‘I will never submit to loss of freedom a moment + longer than I am subjected to it by force.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enough,’ he replied; ‘the sentiment is natural; but do not on your side + complain that I, who am carrying on an important undertaking, use the only + means in my power for ensuring its success.’ + </p> + <p> + I entreated to know what it was designed to do with me; but my conductor, + in a voice of menacing authority, desired me to be silent on my peril; and + my strength and spirits were too much exhausted to permit my continuing a + dialogue so singular, even if I could have promised myself any good result + by doing so. + </p> + <p> + It is proper here to add, that, from my recollections at the time, and + from what has since taken place, I have the strongest possible belief that + the man with whom I held this expostulation was the singular person + residing at Brokenburn, in Dumfriesshire, and called by the fishers of + that hamlet, the Laird of the Solway Lochs. The cause for his inveterate + persecution I cannot pretend even to guess at. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the cart was dragged heavily and wearily on, until the + nearer roar of the advancing tide excited the apprehension of another + danger. I could not mistake the sound, which I had heard upon another + occasion, when it was only the speed of a fleet horse which saved me from + perishing in the quicksands. Thou, my dear Alan, canst not but remember + the former circumstances; and now, wonderful contrast! the very man, to + the best of my belief, who then saved me from peril, was the leader of the + lawless band who had deprived me of my liberty. I conjectured that the + danger grew imminent; for I heard some words and circumstances which made + me aware that a rider hastily fastened his own horse to the shafts of the + cart in order to assist the exhausted animal which drew it, and the + vehicle was now pulled forward at a faster pace, which the horses were + urged to maintain by blows and curses. The men, however, were inhabitants + of the neighbourhood; and I had strong personal reason to believe that one + of them, at least, was intimately acquainted with all the depths and + shallows of the perilous paths in which we were engaged. But they were in + imminent danger themselves; and if so, as from the whispering and + exertions to push on with the cart was much to be apprehended, there was + little doubt that I should be left behind as a useless encumbrance, and + that, while I was in a condition which rendered every chance of escape + impracticable. These were awful apprehensions; but it pleased Providence + to increase them to a point which my brain was scarcely able to endure. + </p> + <p> + As we approached very near to a black line, which, dimly visible as it + was, I could make out to be the shore, we heard two or three sounds, which + appeared to be the report of fire-arms. Immediately all was bustle among + our party to get forward. Presently a fellow galloped up to us, crying + out, ‘Ware hawk! ware hawk! the land-sharks are out from Burgh, and + Allonby Tom will lose his cargo if you do not bear a hand.’ + </p> + <p> + Most of my company seemed to make hastily for the shore on receiving this + intelligence. A driver was left with the cart; but at length, when, after + repeated and hairbreadth escapes, it actually stuck fast in a slough or + quicksand, the fellow, with an oath, cut the harness, and, as I presume, + departed with the horses, whose feet I heard splashing over the wet sand + and through the shallows, as he galloped off. + </p> + <p> + The dropping sound of fire-arms was still continued, but lost almost + entirely in the thunder of the advancing surge. By a desperate effort I + raised myself in the cart, and attained a sitting posture, which served + only to show me the extent of my danger. There lay my native land—my + own England—the land where I was born, and to which my wishes, since + my earliest age, had turned with all the prejudices of national feeling—there + it lay, within a furlong of the place where I yet was; that furlong, which + an infant would have raced over in a minute, was yet a barrier effectual + to divide me for ever from England and from life. I soon not only heard + the roar of this dreadful torrent, but saw, by the fitful moonlight, the + foamy crests of the devouring waves, as they advanced with the speed and + fury of a pack of hungry wolves. + </p> + <p> + The consciousness that the slightest ray of hope, or power of struggling, + was not left me, quite overcame the constancy which I had hitherto + maintained. My eyes began to swim—my head grew giddy and mad with + fear—I chattered and howled to the howling and roaring sea. One or + two great waves already reached the cart, when the conductor of the party + whom I have mentioned so often, was, as if by magic, at my side. He sprang + from his horse into the vehicle, cut the ligatures which restrained me, + and bade me get up and mount in the fiend’s name. + </p> + <p> + Seeing I was incapable of obeying, he seized me as if I had been a child + of six months old, threw me across the horse, sprang on behind, supporting + with one hand, while he directed the animal with the other. In my helpless + and painful posture, I was unconscious of the degree of danger which we + incurred; but I believe at one time the horse was swimming, or nearly so; + and that it was with difficulty that my stern and powerful assistant kept + my head above water. I remember particularly the shock which I felt when + the animal, endeavouring to gain the bank, reared, and very nearly fell + back on his burden. The time during which I continued in this dreadful + condition did not probably exceed two or three minutes, yet so strongly + were they marked with horror and agony, that they seem to my recollection + a much more considerable space of time. + </p> + <p> + When I had been thus snatched from destruction, I had only power to say to + my protector,—or oppressor,—for he merited either name at my + hand, ‘You do not, then, design to murder me?’ + </p> + <p> + He laughed as he replied, but it was a sort of laughter which I scarce + desire to hear again,—‘Else you think I had let the waves do the + work? But remember, the shepherd saves his sheep from the torrent—is + it to preserve its life?—Be silent, however, with questions or + entreaties. What I mean to do, thou canst no more discover or prevent, + than a man, with his bare palm, can scoop dry the Solway.’ + </p> + <p> + I was too much exhausted to continue the argument; and, still numbed and + torpid in all my limbs, permitted myself without reluctance to be placed + on a horse brought for the purpose. My formidable conductor rode on the + one side, and another person on the other, keeping me upright in the + saddle. In this manner we travelled forward at a considerable rate, and by + by-roads, with which my attendant seemed as familiar as with the perilous + passages of the Solway. + </p> + <p> + At length, after stumbling through a labyrinth of dark and deep lanes, and + crossing more than one rough and barren heath, we found ourselves on the + edge of a highroad, where a chaise and four awaited, as it appeared, our + arrival. To my great relief, we now changed our mode of conveyance; for my + dizziness and headache had returned in so strong a degree, that I should + otherwise have been totally unable to keep my seat on horseback, even with + the support which I received. + </p> + <p> + My doubted and dangerous companion signed to me to enter the carriage—the + man who had ridden on the left side of my horse stepped in after me, and + drawing up the blinds of the vehicle, gave the signal for instant + departure. + </p> + <p> + I had obtained a glimpse of the countenance of my new companion, as by the + aid of a dark lantern the drivers opened the carriage door, and I was + wellnigh persuaded that I recognized in him the domestic of the leader of + this party, whom I had seen at his house in Brokenburn on a former + occasion. To ascertain the truth of my suspicion, I asked him whether his + name was not Cristal Nixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is other folk’s names to you,’ he replied, gruffly, ‘who cannot tell + your own father and mother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know them, perhaps!’ I exclaimed eagerly. ‘You know them! and with + that secret is connected the treatment which I am now receiving? It must + be so, for in my life have I never injured any one. Tell me the cause of + my misfortunes, or rather, help me to my liberty, and I will reward you + richly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye,’ replied my keeper; ‘but what use to give you liberty, who know + nothing how to use it like a gentleman, but spend your time with Quakers + and fiddlers, and such like raff! If I was your—hem, hem, hem!’ + </p> + <p> + Here Cristal stopped short, just on the point, as it appeared, when some + information was likely to escape him. I urged him once more to be my + friend, and promised him all the stock of money which I had about me, and + it was not inconsiderable, if he would assist in my escape. + </p> + <p> + He listened, as if to a proposition which had some interest, and replied, + but in a voice rather softer than before, ‘Aye, but men do not catch old + birds with chaff, my master. Where have you got the rhino you are so flush + of?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will give you earnest directly, and that in banknotes,’ said I; but + thrusting my hand into my side-pocket, I found my pocket-book was gone. I + would have persuaded myself that it was only the numbness of my hands + which prevented my finding it; but Cristal Nixon, who bears in his + countenance that cynicism which is especially entertained with human + misery, no longer suppressed his laughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, ho! my young master,’ he said; ‘we have taken good enough care you + have not kept the means of bribing poor folk’s fidelity. What, man, they + have souls as well as other people, and to make them break trust is a + deadly sin. And as for me, young gentleman, if you would fill Saint Mary’s + Kirk with gold, Cristal Nixon would mind it no more than so many + chucky-stones.’ + </p> + <p> + I would have persisted, were it but in hopes of his letting drop that + which it concerned me to know, but he cut off further communication, by + desiring me to lean back in the corner and go to sleep. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art cock-brained enough already,’ he added, ‘and we shall have thy + young pate addled entirely, if you do not take some natural rest.’ + </p> + <p> + I did indeed require repose, if not slumber; the draught which I had taken + continued to operate, and, satisfied in my own mind that no attempt on my + life was designed, the fear of instant death no longer combated the torpor + which crept over me—I slept, and slept soundly, but still without + refreshment. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke, I found myself extremely indisposed; images of the past, and + anticipations of the future, floated confusedly through my brain. I + perceived, however, that my situation was changed, greatly for the better. + I was in a good bed, with the curtains drawn round it; I heard the lowered + voice and cautious step of attendants, who seemed to respect my repose; it + appeared as if I was in the hands either of friends, or of such as meant + me no personal harm. + </p> + <p> + I can give but an indistinct account of two or three broken and feverish + days which succeeded, but if they were chequered with dreams and visions + of terror, other and more agreeable objects were also sometimes presented. + Alan Fairford will understand me when I say, I am convinced I saw G.M. + during this interval of oblivion. I had medical attendance, and was bled + more than once. I also remember a painful operation performed on my head, + where I had received a severe blow on the night of the riot. My hair was + cut short, and the bone of the skull examined, to discover if the cranium + had received any injury. + </p> + <p> + On seeing the physician, it would have been natural to have appealed to + him on the subject of my confinement, and I remember more than once + attempting to do so. But the fever lay like a spell upon my tongue, and + when I would have implored the doctor’s assistance, I rambled from the + subject, and spoke I know not what nonsense. Some power, which I was + unable to resist, seemed to impel me into a different course of + conversation from what I intended, and though conscious, in some degree, + of the failure, I could not mend it; and resolved, therefore, to be + patient, until my capacity of steady thought and expression was restored + to me with my ordinary health, which had sustained a severe shock from the + vicissitudes to which I had been exposed. [See Note 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + DARSIE LATIMER’S JOURNAL, IN CONTINUATION + </h3> + <p> + Two or three days, perhaps more, perhaps less, had been spent in bed, + where I was carefully attended, and treated, I believe, with as much + judgement as the case required, and I was at length allowed to quit my + bed, though not the chamber. I was now more able to make some observation + on the place of my confinement. + </p> + <p> + The room, in appearance and furniture, resembled the best apartment in a + farmer’s house; and the window, two stories high, looked into a backyard, + or court, filled with domestic poultry. There were the usual domestic + offices about this yard. I could distinguish the brewhouse and the barn, + and I heard, from a more remote building, the lowing of the cattle, and + other rural sounds, announcing a large and well-stocked farm. These were + sights and sounds qualified to dispel any apprehension of immediate + violence. Yet the building seemed ancient and strong, a part of the roof + was battlemented, and the walls were of great thickness; lastly, I + observed, with some unpleasant sensations, that the windows of my chamber + had been lately secured with iron stanchions, and that the servants who + brought me victuals, or visited my apartment to render other menial + offices, always locked the door when they retired. + </p> + <p> + The comfort and cleanliness of my chamber were of true English growth, and + such as I had rarely seen on the other side of the Tweed; the very old + wainscot, which composed the floor and the panelling of the room, was + scrubbed with a degree of labour which the Scottish housewife rarely + bestows on her most costly furniture. + </p> + <p> + The whole apartments appropriated to my use consisted of the bedroom, a + small parlour adjacent, within which was a still smaller closet having a + narrow window which seemed anciently to have been used as a shot-hole, + admitting, indeed, a very moderate portion of light and air, but without + its being possible to see anything from it except the blue sky, and that + only by mounting on a chair. There were appearances of a separate entrance + into this cabinet, besides that which communicated with the parlour, but + it had been recently built up, as I discovered by removing a piece of + tapestry which covered the fresh mason-work. I found some of my clothes + here, with linen and other articles, as well as my writing-case, + containing pen, ink, and paper, which enables me, at my leisure (which, + God knows, is undisturbed enough) to make this record of my confinement. + It may be well believed, however, that I do not trust to the security of + the bureau, but carry the written sheets about my person, so that I can + only be deprived of them by actual violence. I also am cautious to write + in the little cabinet only, so that I can hear any person approach me + through the other apartments, and have time enough to put aside my journal + before they come upon me. + </p> + <p> + The servants, a stout country fellow and a very pretty milkmaid-looking + lass, by whom I am attended, seem of the true Joan and Hedge school, + thinking of little and desiring nothing beyond the very limited sphere of + their own duties or enjoyments, and having no curiosity whatever about the + affairs of others. Their behaviour to me in particular, is, at the same + time, very kind and very provoking. My table is abundantly supplied, and + they seem anxious to comply with my taste in that department. But whenever + I make inquiries beyond ‘what’s for dinner’, the brute of a lad baffles me + by his ANAN, and his DUNNA KNAW, and if hard pressed, turns his back on me + composedly, and leaves the room. The girl, too, pretends to be as simple + as he; but an arch grin, which she cannot always suppress, seems to + acknowledge that she understands perfectly well the game which she is + playing, and is determined to keep me in ignorance. Both of them, and the + wench in particular, treat me as they would do a spoiled child, and never + directly refuse me anything which I ask, taking care, at the same time, + not to make their words good by effectually granting my request. Thus, if + I desire to go out, I am promised by Dorcas that I shall walk in the park + at night, and see the cows milked, just as she would propose such an + amusement to a child. But she takes care never to keep her word, if it is + in her power to do so. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, there has stolen on me insensibly an indifference to my + freedom—a carelessness about my situation, for which I am unable to + account, unless it be the consequence of weakness and loss of blood. I + have read of men who, immured as I am, have surprised the world by the + address with which they have successfully overcome the most formidable + obstacles to their escape; and when I have heard such anecdotes, I have + said to myself, that no one who is possessed only of a fragment of + freestone, or a rusty nail to grind down rivets and to pick locks, having + his full leisure to employ in the task, need continue the inhabitant of a + prison. Here, however, I sit, day after day, without a single effort to + effect my liberation. + </p> + <p> + Yet my inactivity is not the result of despondency, but arises, in part at + least, from feelings of a very different cast. My story, long a mysterious + one, seems now upon the verge of some strange development; and I feel a + solemn impression that I ought to wait the course of events, to struggle + against which is opposing my feeble efforts to the high will of fate. + Thou, my Alan, wilt treat as timidity this passive acquiescence, which has + sunk down on me like a benumbing torpor; but if thou hast remembered by + what visions my couch was haunted, and dost but think of the probability + that I am in the vicinity, perhaps under the same roof with G.M., thou + wilt acknowledge that other feelings than pusillanimity have tended in + some degree to reconcile me to my fate. + </p> + <p> + Still I own it is unmanly to submit with patience to this oppressive + confinement. My heart rises against it, especially when I sit down to + record my sufferings in this journal, and I am determined, as the first + step to my deliverance, to have my letters sent to the post-house. —— + </p> + <p> + I am disappointed. When the girl Dorcas, upon whom I had fixed for a + messenger, heard me talk of sending a letter, she willingly offered her + services, and received the crown which I gave her (for my purse had not + taken flight with the more valuable contents of my pocket-book) with a + smile which showed her whole set of white teeth. + </p> + <p> + But when, with the purpose of gaining some intelligence respecting my + present place of abode, I asked to which post-town she was to send or + carry the letter, a stolid ‘ANAN’ showed me she was either ignorant of the + nature of a post-office, or that, for the present, she chose to seem so.—‘Simpleton!’ + I said, with some sharpness. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Lord, sir!’ answered the girl, turning pale, which they always do when + I show any sparks of anger, ‘Don’t put yourself in a passion—I’ll + put the letter in the post. + </p> + <p> + ‘What! and not know the name of the post-town?’ said I, out of patience. + ‘How on earth do you propose to manage that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘La you there, good master. What need you frighten a poor girl that is no + schollard, bating what she learned at the Charity School of Saint Bees?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Saint Bees far from this place, Dorcas? Do you send your letters + there?’ said I, in a manner as insinuating, and yet careless, as I could + assume. + </p> + <p> + ‘Saint Bees! La, who but a madman—begging your honour’s pardon—it’s + a matter of twenty years since fader lived at Saint Bees, which is twenty, + or forty, or I dunna know not how many miles from this part, to the West, + on the coast side; and I would not have left Saint Bees, but that fader’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, the devil take your father!’ replied I. + </p> + <p> + To which she answered, ‘Nay, but thof your honour be a little how-come-so, + you shouldn’t damn folk’s faders; and I won’t stand to it, for one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I beg you a thousand pardons—I wish your father no ill in the + world—he was a very honest man in his way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘WAS an honest man!’ she exclaimed; for the Cumbrians are, it would seem, + like their neighbours the Scotch, ticklish on the point of ancestry,—‘He + IS a very honest man as ever led nag with halter on head to Staneshaw Bank + Fair. Honest! He is a horse-couper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right, right,’ I replied; ‘I know it—I have heard of your father-as + honest as any horse-couper of them all. Why, Dorcas, I mean to buy a horse + of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, your honour,’ sighed Dorcas, ‘he is the man to serve your honour well—if + ever you should get round again—or thof you were a bit off the + hooks, he would no more cheat you than’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, we will deal, my girl, you may depend on’t. But tell me now, + were I to give you a letter, what would you do to get it forward?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, put it into Squire’s own bag that hangs in hall,’ answered poor + Dorcas. ‘What else could I do? He sends it to Brampton, or to Carloisle, + or where it pleases him, once a week, and that gate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said I; ‘and I suppose your sweetheart John carries it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noa—disn’t now—and Jan is no sweetheart of mine, ever since + he danced at his mother’s feast with Kitty Rutlege, and let me sit still; + that a did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was most abominable in Jan, and what I could never have thought of + him,’ I replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, but a did though—a let me sit still on my seat, a did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, my pretty May, you will get a handsomer fellow than Jan—Jan’s + not the fellow for you, I see that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noa, noa,’ answered the damsel; ‘but he is weel aneugh for a’ that, mon. + But I carena a button for him; for there is the miller’s son, that + suitored me last Appleby Fair, when I went wi’ oncle, is a gway canny lad + as you will see in the sunshine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, a fine stout fellow. Do you think he would carry my letter to + Carlisle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To Carloisle! ‘Twould be all his life is worth; he maun wait on clap and + hopper, as they say. Odd, his father would brain him if he went to + Carloisle, bating to wrestling for the belt, or sic loike. But I ha’ more + bachelors than him; there is the schoolmaster, can write almaist as weel + as tou canst, mon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he is the very man to take charge of a letter; he knows the trouble + of writing one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, marry does he, an tou comest to that, mon; only it takes him four + hours to write as mony lines. Tan, it is a great round hand loike, that + one can read easily, and not loike your honour’s, that are like midge’s + taes. But for ganging to Carloisle, he’s dead foundered, man, as cripple + as Eckie’s mear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the name of God,’ said I, ‘how is it that you propose to get my letter + to the post?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, just to put it into Squire’s bag loike,’ reiterated Dorcas; ‘he + sends it by Cristal Nixon to post, as you call it, when such is his + pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + Here I was, then, not much edified by having obtained a list of Dorcas’s + bachelors; and by finding myself, with respect to any information which I + desired, just exactly at the point where I set out. It was of consequence + to me, however, to accustom, the girl to converse with me familiarly. If + she did so, she could not always be on her guard, and something, I + thought, might drop from her which I could turn to advantage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Does not the Squire usually look into his letter-bag, Dorcas?’ said I, + with as much indifference as I could assume. + </p> + <p> + ‘That a does,’ said Dorcas; ‘and a threw out a letter of mine to Raff + Miller, because a said’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, I won’t trouble him with mine,’ said I, ‘Dorcas; but, + instead, I will write to himself, Dorcas. But how shall I address him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Anan?’ was again Dorcas’s resource. + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean how is he called? What is his name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sure you honour should know best,’ said Dorcas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know? The devil! You drive me beyond patience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noa, noa! donna your honour go beyond patience—donna ye now,’ + implored the wench. ‘And for his neame, they say he has mair nor ane in + Westmoreland and on the Scottish side. But he is but seldom wi’ us, + excepting in the cocking season; and then we just call him Squoire loike; + and so do my measter and dame.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And is he here at present?’ said I. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not he, not he; he is a buck-hoonting, as they tell me, somewhere up the + Patterdale way; but he comes and gangs like a flap of a whirlwind, or sic + loike.’ + </p> + <p> + I broke off the conversation, after forcing on Dorcas a little silver to + buy ribbons, with which she was so much delighted that she exclaimed, + ‘God! Cristal Nixon may say his worst on thee; but thou art a civil + gentleman for all him; and a quoit man wi’ woman folk loike.’ + </p> + <p> + There is no sense in being too quiet with women folk, so I added a kiss + with my crown piece; and I cannot help thinking that I have secured a + partisan in Dorcas. At least, she blushed, and pocketed her little + compliment with one hand, while, with the other, she adjusted her + cherry-coloured ribbons, a little disordered by the struggle it cost me to + attain the honour of a salute. + </p> + <p> + As she unlocked the door to leave the apartment, she turned back, and + looking on me with a strong expression of compassion, added the remarkable + words, ‘La—be’st mad or no, thou’se a mettled lad, after all.’ + </p> + <p> + There was something very ominous in the sound of these farewell words, + which seemed to afford me a clue to the pretext under which I was detained + in confinement, My demeanour was probably insane enough, while I was + agitated at once by the frenzy incident to the fever, and the anxiety + arising from my extraordinary situation. But is it possible they can now + establish any cause for confining me arising out of the state of my mind? + </p> + <p> + If this be really the pretext under which I am restrained from my liberty, + nothing but the sedate correctness of my conduct can remove the prejudices + which these circumstances may have excited in the minds of all who have + approached me during my illness. I have heard—dreadful thought!—of + men who, for various reasons, have been trepanned into the custody of the + keepers of private madhouses, and whose brain, after years of misery, + became at length unsettled, through irresistible sympathy with the + wretched beings among whom they were classed. This shall not be my case, + if, by strong internal resolution, it is in human nature to avoid the + action of exterior and contagious sympathies. + </p> + <p> + Meantime I sat down to compose and arrange my thoughts, for my purposed + appeal to my jailer—so I must call him—whom I addressed in the + following manner; having at length, and after making several copies, found + language to qualify the sense of resentment which burned in the first, + drafts of my letter, and endeavoured to assume a tone more conciliating. I + mentioned the two occasions on which he had certainly saved my life, when + at the utmost peril; and I added, that whatever was the purpose of the + restraint, now practised on me, as I was given to understand, by his + authority, it could not certainly be with any view to ultimately injuring + me. He might, I said, have mistaken me for some other person; and I gave + him what account I could of my situation and education, to correct such an + error. I supposed it next possible, that he might think me too weak for + travelling, and not capable of taking care of myself; and I begged to + assure him, that I was restored to perfect health, and quite able to + endure the fatigue of a journey. Lastly, I reminded him, in firm though + measured terms, that the restraint which I sustained was an illegal one, + and highly punishable by the laws which protect the liberties of the + subject. I ended by demanding that he would take me before a magistrate; + or, at least, that he would favour me with a personal interview and + explain his meaning with regard to me. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this letter was expressed in a tone too humble for the situation + of an injured man, and I am inclined to think so when I again recapitulate + its tenor. But what could I do? I was in the power of one whose passions + seem as violent as his means of gratifying them appear unbounded. I had + reason, too, to believe (this to thee, Alan) that all his family did not + approve of the violence of his conduct towards me; my object, in fine, was + freedom, and who would not sacrifice much to attain it? + </p> + <p> + I had no means of addressing my letter excepting ‘For the Squire’s own + hand.’ He could be at no great distance, for in the course of twenty-four + hours I received an answer. It was addressed to Darsie Latimer, and + contained these words: ‘You have demanded an interview with me. You have + required to be carried before a magistrate. Your first wish shall be + granted—perhaps the second also. Meanwhile, be assured that you are + a prisoner for the time, by competent authority, and that such authority + is supported by adequate power. Beware, therefore, of struggling with a + force sufficient to crush you, but abandon yourself to that train of + events by which we are both swept along, and which it is impossible that + either of us can resist.’ + </p> + <p> + These mysterious words were without signature of any kind, and left me + nothing more important to do than to prepare myself for the meeting which + they promised. For that purpose I must now break off, and make sure of the + manuscript—so far as I can, in my present condition, be sure of + anything—by concealing it within the lining of my coat, so as not to + be found without strict search. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + LATIMER’S JOURNAL, IN CONTINUATION + </h3> + <p> + The important interview expected at the conclusion of my last took place + sooner than I had calculated; for the very day I received the letter, and + just when my dinner was finished, the squire, or whatever he is called, + entered the room so suddenly that I almost thought I beheld an apparition. + The figure of this man is peculiarly noble and stately, and his voice has + that deep fullness of accent which implies unresisted authority. I had + risen involuntarily as he entered; we gazed on each other for a moment in + silence, which was at length broken by my visitor. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have desired to see me,’ he said. ‘I am here; if you have aught to + say let me hear it; my time is too brief to be consumed in childish + dumb-show.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would ask of you,’ said I, ‘by what authority I am detained in this + place of confinement, and for what purpose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have told you already,’ said he, ‘that my authority is sufficient, and + my power equal to it; this is all which it is necessary for you at present + to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Every British subject has a right to know why he suffers restraint,’ I + replied; ‘nor can he be deprived of liberty without a legal warrant. Show + me that by which you confine me thus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall see more,’ he said; ‘you shall see the magistrate by whom it is + granted, and that without a moment’s delay.’ + </p> + <p> + This sudden proposal fluttered and alarmed me; I felt, nevertheless, that + I had the right cause, and resolved to plead it boldly, although I could + well have desired a little further time for preparation. He turned, + however, threw open the door of the apartment, and commanded me to follow + him. I felt some inclination, when I crossed the threshold of my + prison-chamber, to have turned and run for it; but I knew not where to + find the stairs—had reason to think the outer doors would be secured + and, to conclude, so soon as I had quitted the room to follow the proud + step of my conductor, I observed that I was dogged by Cristal Nixon, who + suddenly appeared within two paces of me, and with whose great personal + strength, independent of the assistance he might have received from his + master, I saw no chance of contending. I therefore followed, unresistingly + and in silence; along one or two passages of much greater length than + consisted with the ideas I had previously entertained of the size of the + house. At length a door was flung open, and we entered a large, + old-fashioned parlour, having coloured glass in the windows, oaken + panelling on the wall, a huge grate, in which a large faggot or two smoked + under an arched chimney-piece of stone which bore some armorial device, + whilst the walls were adorned with the usual number of heroes in armour, + with large wigs instead of helmets, and ladies in sacques, smelling to + nosegays. + </p> + <p> + Behind a long table, on which were several books, sat a smart + underbred-looking man, wearing his own hair tied in a club, and who, from + the quire of paper laid before him, and the pen which he handled at my + entrance, seemed prepared to officiate as clerk. As I wish to describe + these persons as accurately as possible, I may add, he wore a + dark-coloured coat, corduroy breeches, and spatterdashes. At the upper end + of the same table, in an ample easy-chair covered with black leather, + reposed a fat personage, about fifty years old, who either was actually a + country justice, or was well selected to represent such a character. His + leathern breeches were faultless in make, his jockey boots spotless in the + varnish, and a handsome and flourishing pair of boot-garters, as they are + called, united the one part of his garments to the other; in fine, a + richly-laced scarlet waistcoat and a purple coat set off the neat though + corpulent figure of the little man, and threw an additional bloom upon his + plethoric aspect. I suppose he had dined, for it was two hours past noon, + and he was amusing himself, and aiding digestion, with a pipe of tobacco. + There was an air of importance in his manner which corresponded to the + rural dignity of his exterior, and a habit which he had of throwing out a + number of interjectional sounds, uttered with a strange variety of + intonation running from bass up to treble in a very extraordinary manner, + or breaking off his sentences with a whiff of his pipe, seemed adopted to + give an air of thought and mature deliberation to his opinions and + decisions. Notwithstanding all this, Alan, it might be DOOTED, as our old + Professor used to say, whether the Justice was anything more then an ass. + Certainly, besides a great deference for the legal opinion of his clerk, + which might be quite according to the order of things, he seemed to be + wonderfully under the command of his brother squire, if squire either of + them were, and indeed much more than was consistent with so much assumed + consequence of his own. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ho—ha—aye—so—so—hum—humph—this + is the young man, I suppose—hum—aye—seems sickly. Young + gentleman, you may sit down.’ + </p> + <p> + I used the permission given, for I had been much more reduced by my + illness than I was aware of, and felt myself really fatigued, even by the + few paces I had walked, joined to the agitation I suffered. + </p> + <p> + ‘And your name, young man, is—humph—aye—ha—what is + it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Darsie Latimer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right—aye—humph—very right. Darsie Latimer is the very + thing—ha—aye—where do you come from?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From Scotland, sir,’ I replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘A native of Scotland—a—humph—eh—how is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am an Englishman by birth, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right—aye—yes, you are so. But pray, Mr. Darsie Latimer, have + you always been called by that name, or have you any other?—Nick, + write down his answers, Nick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As far as I remember, I never bore any other,’ was my answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘How, no? well, I should not have thought so, Hey, neighbour, would you?’ + </p> + <p> + Here he looked towards the other squire, who had thrown himself into a + chair; and, with his legs stretched out before him, and his arms folded on + his bosom, seemed carelessly attending to what was going forward. He + answered the appeal of the Justice by saying, that perhaps the young man’s + memory did not go back to a very early period. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah—eh—ha—you hear the gentleman. Pray, how far may your + memory be pleased to run back to?—umph?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps, sir, to the age of three years, or a little further.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And will you presume to say, sir,’ said the squire, drawing himself + suddenly erect in his seat, and exerting the strength of his powerful + voice, ‘that you then bore your present name?’ + </p> + <p> + I was startled at the confidence with which this question was put, and in + vain rummaged my memory for the means of replying. ‘At least,’ I said, ‘I + always remember being called Darsie; children, at that early age, seldom + get more than their Christian name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I thought so,’ he replied, and again stretched himself on his seat, + in the same lounging posture as before. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you were called Darsie in your infancy,’ said the Justice; ‘and—hum—aye—when + did you first take the name of Latimer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not take it, sir; it was given to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I ask you,’ said the lord of the mansion, but with less severity in his + voice than formerly, ‘whether you can remember that you were ever called + Latimer, until you had that name given you in Scotland?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will be candid: I cannot recollect an instance that I was so called + when in England, but neither can I recollect when the name was first given + me; and if anything is to be founded on these queries and my answers, I + desire my early childhood may be taken into consideration.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum—aye—yes,’ said the Justice; ‘all that requires + consideration shall be duly considered. Young man—eh—I beg to + know the name of your father and mother?’ + </p> + <p> + This was galling a wound that has festered for years, and I did not endure + the question so patiently as those which preceded it; but replied, ‘I + demand, in my turn, to know if I am before an English Justice of the + Peace?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His worship, Squire Foxley, of Foxley Hall, has been of the quorum these + twenty years,’ said Master Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he ought to know, or you, sir, as his clerk, should inform him,’ + said I, ‘that I am the complainer in this case, and that my complaint + ought to be heard before I am subjected to cross-examination.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Humph—hoy—what, aye—there is something in that, + neighbour,’ said the poor Justice, who, blown about by every wind of + doctrine, seemed desirous to attain the sanction of his brother squire. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder at you, Foxley,’ said his firm-minded acquaintance; ‘how can you + render the young man justice unless you know who he is?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha—yes—egad, that’s true,’ said Mr. Justice Foxley; ‘and now—looking + into the matter more closely—there is, eh, upon the whole—nothing + at all in what he says—so, sir, you must tell your father’s name, + and surname.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is out of my power, sir; they are not known to me, since you must + needs know so much of my private affairs.’ + </p> + <p> + The Justice collected a great AFFLATUS in his cheeks, which puffed them up + like those of a Dutch cherub, while his eyes seemed flying out of his + head, from the effort with which he retained his breath. He then blew it + forth with,—‘Whew!—Hoom—poof—ha!—not know + your parents, youngster?—Then I must commit you for a vagrant, I + warrant you. OMNE IGNOTUM PRO TERRIBILI, as we used to say at Appleby + school; that is, every one that is not known to the Justice; is a rogue + and a vagabond. Ha!—aye, you may sneer, sir; but I question if you + would have known the meaning of that Latin, unless I had told you.’ + </p> + <p> + I acknowledged myself obliged for a new edition of the adage, and an + interpretation which I could never have reached alone and unassisted. I + then proceeded to state my case with greater confidence. The Justice was + an ass, that was clear; but if was scarcely possible he could be so + utterly ignorant as not to know what was necessary in so plain a case as + mine. I therefore informed him of the riot which had been committed on the + Scottish side of the Solway Firth, explained how I came to be placed in my + present situation, and requested of his worship to set me at liberty. I + pleaded my cause with as much earnestness as I could, casting an eye from + time to time upon the opposite party, who seemed entirely indifferent to + all the animation with which I accused him. + </p> + <p> + As for the Justice, when at length I had ceased, as really not knowing + what more to say in a case so very plain, he replied, ‘Ho—aye—aye—yes—wonderful! + and so this is all the gratitude you show to this good gentleman for the + great charge and trouble he hath had with respect to and concerning of + you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He saved my life, sir, I acknowledge, on one occasion certainly, and most + probably on two; but his having done so gives him no right over my person. + I am not, however, asking for any punishment or revenge; on the contrary, + I am content to part friends with the gentleman, whose motives I am + unwilling to suppose are bad, though his actions have been, towards me, + unauthorized and violent.’ + </p> + <p> + This moderation, Alan, thou wilt comprehend, was not entirely dictated by + my feelings towards the individual of whom I complained; there were other + reasons, in which regard for him had little share. It seemed, however, as + if the mildness with which I pleaded my cause had more effect upon him + than anything I had yet said. We was moved to the point of being almost + out of countenance; and took snuff repeatedly, as if to gain time to + stifle some degree of emotion. + </p> + <p> + But on Justice Foxley, on whom my eloquence was particularly designed to + make impression, the result was much less favourable. He consulted in a + whisper with Mr. Nicholas, his clerk—pshawed, hemmed, and elevated + his eyebrows, as if in scorn of my supplication. At length, having + apparently made up his mind, he leaned back in his chair, and smoked his + pipe with great energy, with a look of defiance, designed to make me aware + that all my reasoning was lost on him. + </p> + <p> + At length, when I stopped, more from lack of breath than want of argument, + he opened his oracular jaws, and made the following reply, interrupted by + his usual interjectional ejaculations, and by long volumes of smoke:—‘Hem—aye—eh—poof. + And, youngster, do you think Matthew Foxley, who has been one of the + quorum for these twenty years, is to be come over with such trash as would + hardly cheat an apple-woman? Poof—poof—eh! Why, man—eh—dost + thou not know the charge is not a bailable matter—and that—hum—aye—the + greatest man—poof—the Baron of Graystock himself, must stand + committed? and yet you pretend to have been kidnapped by this gentleman, + and robbed of property, and what not; and—eh—poof—you + would persuade me all you want is to get away from him? I do believe—eh—that + it IS all you want. Therefore, as you are a sort of a slip-string + gentleman, and—aye—hum—a kind of idle apprentice, and + something cock-brained withal, as the honest folks of the house tell me—why, + you must e’en remain under custody of your guardian, till your coming of + age, or my Lord Chancellor’s warrant, shall give you the management of + your own affairs, which, if you can gather your brains again, you will + even then not be—aye—hem—poof—in particular haste + to assume.’ + </p> + <p> + The time occupied by his worship’s hums, and haws, and puffs of tobacco + smoke, together with the slow and pompous manner in which he spoke, gave + me a minute’s space to collect my ideas, dispersed as they were by the + extraordinary purport of this annunciation. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot conceive, sir,’ I replied, ‘by what singular tenure this person + claims my obedience as a guardian; it is a barefaced imposture. I never in + my life saw him, until I came unhappily to this country, about four weeks + since.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, sir—we—eh—know, and are aware—that—poof—you + do not like to hear some folk’s names; and that—eh—you + understand me—there are things, and sounds, and matters, + conversation about names, and suchlike, which put you off the hooks—which + I have no humour to witness. Nevertheless, Mr. Darsie—or—poof—Mr. + Darsie Latimer—or—poof, poof—eh—aye, Mr. Darsie + without the Latimer—you have acknowledged as much to-day as assures + me you will best be disposed of under the honourable care of my friend + here—all your confessions—besides that, poof—eh—I + know him to be a most responsible person—a—hay—aye—most + responsible and honourable person—Can you deny this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know nothing of him,’ I repeated; ‘not even his name; and I have not, + as I told you, seen him in the course of my whole life, till a few weeks + since.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you swear to that?’ said the singular man, who seemed to await the + result of this debate, secure as a rattle-snake is of the prey which has + once felt its fascination. And while he said these words in deep + undertone, he withdrew his chair a little behind that of the Justice, so + as to be unseen by him or his clerk, who sat upon the same side; while he + bent on me a frown so portentous, that no one who has witnessed the look + can forget it during the whole of his life. The furrows of the brow above + the eyes became livid and almost black, and were bent into a semicircular, + or rather elliptical form, above the junction of the eyebrows. I had heard + such a look described in an old tale of DIABLERIE, which it was my chance + to be entertained with not long since; when this deep and gloomy + contortion of the frontal muscles was not unaptly described as forming the + representation of a small horseshoe. + </p> + <p> + The tale, when told, awaked a dreadful vision of infancy, which the + withering and blighting look now fixed on me again forced on my + recollection, but with much more vivacity. Indeed, I was so much + surprised, and, I must add, terrified, at the vague ideas which were + awakened in my mind by this fearful sign, that I kept my eyes fixed on the + face in which it was exhibited, as on a frightful vision; until, passing + his handkerchief a moment across his countenance, this mysterious man + relaxed at once the look which had for me something so appalling. ‘The + young man will no longer deny that he has seen me before,’ said he to the + Justice, in a tone of complacency; ‘and I trust he will now be reconciled + to my temporary guardianship, which may end better for him than he + expects.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever I expect,’ I replied, summoning my scattered recollections + together, ‘I see I am neither to expect justice nor protection from this + gentleman, whose office it is to render both to the lieges. For you, sir, + how strangely you have wrought yourself into the fate of an unhappy young + man or what interest you can pretend in me, you yourself only can explain. + That I have seen you before is certain; for none can forget the look with + which you seem to have the power of blighting those upon whom you cast + it.’ + </p> + <p> + The Justice seemed not very easy under this hint, ‘Ha!—aye,’ he said; + ‘it is time to be going, neighbour. I have a many miles to ride, and I + care not to ride darkling in these parts. You and I, Mr. Nicholas, must be + jogging.’ + </p> + <p> + The Justice fumbled with his gloves, in endeavouring to draw them on + hastily, and Mr. Nicholas bustled to get his greatcoat and whip. Their + landlord endeavoured to detain them, and spoke of supper and beds. Both, + pouring forth many thanks for his invitation, seemed as if they would much + rather not, and Mr. Justice Foxley was making a score of apologies, with + at least a hundred cautionary hems and eh-ehs, when the girl Dorcas burst + into the room, and announced a gentleman on justice business. + </p> + <p> + ‘What gentleman?—and whom does he want?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is cuome post on his ten toes,’ said the wench; ‘and on justice + business to his worship loike. I’se uphald him a gentleman, for he speaks + as good Latin as the schule-measter; but, lack-a-day! he has gotten a + queer mop of a wig.’ + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, thus announced and described, bounced into the room. But I + have already written as much as fills a sheet of my paper, and my singular + embarrassments press so hard on me that I have matter to fill another from + what followed the intrusion of—my dear Alan—your crazy client—Poor + Peter Peebles! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + LATIMER’S JOURNAL, IN CONTINUATION + </h3> + <p> + Sheet 2. + </p> + <p> + I have rarely in my life, till the last alarming days, known what it was + to sustain a moment’s real sorrow. What I called such, was, I am now well + convinced, only the weariness of mind which, having nothing actually + present to complain of, turns upon itself and becomes anxious about the + past and the future; those periods with which human life has so little + connexion, that Scripture itself hath said, ‘Sufficient for the day is the + evil thereof.’ + </p> + <p> + If, therefore, I have sometimes abused prosperity, by murmuring at my + unknown birth and uncertain rank in society, I will make amends by bearing + my present real adversity with patience and courage, and, if I can, even + with gaiety. What can they—dare they-do to me? Foxley, I am + persuaded, is a real Justice of Peace, and country gentleman of estate, + though (wonderful to tell!) he is an ass notwithstanding; and his + functionary in the drab coat must have a shrewd guess at the consequences + of being accessory to an act of murder or kidnapping. Men invite not such + witnesses to deeds of darkness. I have also—Alan, I have hopes, + arising out of the family of the oppressor himself. I am encouraged to + believe that G.M. is likely again to enter on the field. More I dare not + here say; nor must I drop a hint which another eye than thine might be + able to construe. Enough, my feelings are lighter than they have been; + and, though fear and wonder are still around me, they are unable entirely + to overcloud the horizon. + </p> + <p> + Even when I saw the spectral form of the old scarecrow of the Parliament + House rush into the apartment where I had undergone so singular an + examination, I thought of thy connexion with him, and could almost have + parodied Lear— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Death!—nothing could have thus subdued nature + To such a lowness, but his ‘learned lawyers.’ +</pre> + <p> + He was e’en as we have seen him of yore, Alan, when, rather to keep thee + company than to follow my own bent, I formerly frequented the halls of + justice. The only addition to his dress, in the capacity of a traveller, + was a pair of boots, that seemed as if they might have seen the field of + Sheriffmoor; so large and heavy that, tied as they were to the creature’s + wearied hams with large bunches of worsted tape of various colours, they + looked as if he had been dragging them along, either for a wager or by way + of penance. + </p> + <p> + Regardless of the surprised looks of the party on whom he thus intruded + himself, Peter blundered into the middle of the apartment, with his head + charged like a ram’s in the act of butting, and saluted them thus:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Gude day to ye, gude day to your honours. Is’t here they sell the fugie + warrants?’ + </p> + <p> + I observed that on his entrance, my friend—or enemy—drew + himself back, and placed himself as if he would rather avoid attracting + the observation of the new-comer. I did the same myself, as far as I was + able; for I thought it likely that Mr. Peebles might recognize me, as + indeed I was too frequently among the group of young juridical aspirants + who used to amuse themselves by putting cases for Peter’s solution, and + playing him worse tricks; yet I was uncertain whether I had better avail + myself of our acquaintance to have the advantage, such as it might be, of + his evidence before the magistrate, or whether to make him, if possible, + bearer of a letter which might procure me more effectual assistance. I + resolved, therefore, to be guided by circumstances, and to watch carefully + that nothing might escape me. I drew back as far as I could, and even + reconnoitred the door and passage, to consider whether absolute escape + might not be practicable. But there paraded Cristal Nixon, whose little + black eyes, sharp as those of a basilisk, seemed, the instant when they + encountered mine, to penetrate my purpose. + </p> + <p> + I sat down, as much out of sight of all parties as I could, and listened + to the dialogue which followed—a dialogue how much more interesting + to me than any I could have conceived, in which Peter Peebles was to be + one of the dramatis personae! + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it here where ye sell the warrants—the fugies, ye ken?’ said + Peter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hey—eh—what!’ said Justice Foxley; ‘what the devil does the + fellow mean?—What would you have a warrant for?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is to apprehend a young lawyer that is IN MEDITATIONE FUGAE; for he + has ta’en my memorial and pleaded my cause, and a good fee I gave him, and + as muckle brandy as he could drink that day at his father’s house—he + loes the brandy ower weel for sae youthful a creature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what has this drunken young dog of a lawyer done to you, that you are + come to me—eh—ha? Has he robbed you? Not unlikely if he be a + lawyer—eh—Nick—ha?’ said Justice Foxley. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has robbed me of himself, sir,’ answered Peter; ‘of his help, comfort, + aid, maintenance, and assistance, whilk, as a counsel to a client, he is + bound to yield me RATIONE OFFICII—that is it, ye see. He has pouched + my fee, and drucken a mutchkin of brandy, and now he’s ower the march, and + left my cause, half won half lost—as dead a heat as e’er was run + ower the back-sands. Now, I was advised by some cunning laddies that are + used to crack a bit law wi’ me in the House, that the best thing I could + do was to take heart o’ grace and set out after him; so I have taken post + on my ain shanks, forby a cast in a cart, or the like. I got wind of him + in Dumfries, and now I have run him ower to the English side, and I want a + fugie warrant against him.’ + </p> + <p> + How did my heart throb at this information, dearest Alan! Thou art near me + then, and I well know with what kind purpose; thou hast abandoned all to + fly to my assistance; and no wonder that, knowing thy friendship and + faith, thy sound sagacity and persevering disposition, ‘my bosom’s lord + should now sit lightly on his throne’; that gaiety should almost + involuntarily hover on my pen; and that my heart should beat like that of + a general, responsive to the drums of his advancing ally, without whose + help the battle must have been lost. + </p> + <p> + I did not suffer myself to be startled by this joyous surprise, but + continued to bend my strictest attention to what followed among this + singular party. That Poor Peter Peebles had been put on this wildgoose + chase by some of his juvenile advisers in the Parliament House, he himself + had intimated; but he spoke with much confidence, and the Justice, who + seemed to have some secret apprehension of being put to trouble in the + matter, and, as sometimes occurs on the English frontier, a jealousy lest + the superior acuteness of their northern neighbours might overreach their + own simplicity, turned to his clerk with a perplexed countenance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh—oh—Nick—d—n thee—Hast thou got nothing + to say? This is more Scots law, I take it, and more Scotsmen.’ (Here he + cast a side-glance at the owner of the mansion, and winked to his clerk.) + ‘I would Solway were as deep as it is wide, and we had then some chance of + keeping of them out.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas conversed an instant aside with the supplicant, and then + reported:— + </p> + <p> + ‘The man wants a border-warrant, I think; but they are only granted for + debt—now he wants one to catch a lawyer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what for no?’ answered Peter Peebles, doggedly; ‘what for no, I would + be glad to ken? If a day’s labourer refuse to work, ye’ll grant a warrant + to gar him do out his daurg—if a wench quean rin away from her + hairst, ye’ll send her back to her heuck again—if sae mickle as a + collier or a salter make a moonlight flitting, ye will cleek him by the + back-spaul in a minute of time—and yet the damage canna amount to + mair than a creelfu’ of coals, and a forpit or twa of saut; and here is a + chield taks leg from his engagement, and damages me to the tune of sax + thousand punds sterling; that is, three thousand that I should win, and + three thousand mair that I am like to lose; and you that ca’ yourself a + justice canna help a poor man to catch the rinaway? A bonny like justice I + am like to get amang ye!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The fellow must be drunk,’ said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + ‘Black fasting from all but sin,’ replied the supplicant; ‘I havena had + mair than a mouthful of cauld water since I passed the Border, and deil a + ane of ye is like to say to me, “Dog, will ye drink?”’ + </p> + <p> + The Justice seemed moved by this appeal. ‘Hem—-tush, man,’ replied + he; ‘thou speak’st to us as if thou wert in presence of one of thine own + beggarly justices—get downstairs—get something to eat, man + (with permission of my friend to make so free in his house), and a + mouthful to drink, and I warrant we get ye such justice as will please + ye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I winna refuse your neighbourly offer,’ said Poor Peter Peebles, making + his bow; ‘muckle grace be wi’ your honour, and wisdom to guide you in this + extraordinary cause.’ + </p> + <p> + When I saw Peter Peebles about to retire from the room, I could not + forbear an effort to obtain from him such evidence as might give me some + credit with the Justice. I stepped forward, therefore, and, saluting him, + asked him if he remembered me? + </p> + <p> + After a stare or two, and a long pinch of snuff, recollection seemed + suddenly to dawn on Peter Peebles. ‘Recollect ye!’ he said; ‘by my troth + do I.—-Haud him a grip, gentlemen!—constables, keep him fast! + where that ill-deedie hempy is, ye are sure that Alan Fairford is not far + off. Haud him fast, Master Constable; I charge ye wi’ him, for I am + mista’en if he is not at the bottom of this rinaway business. He was aye + getting the silly callant Alan awa wi’ gigs, and horse, and the like of + that, to Roslin, and Prestonpans, and a’ the idle gates he could think of. + He’s a rinaway apprentice, that ane.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Peebles,’ I said, ‘do not do me wrong. I am sure you can say no harm + of me justly, but can satisfy these gentlemen, if you will, that I am a + student of law in Edinburgh—Darsie Latimer by name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me satisfy! how can I satisfy the gentlemen,’ answered Peter, ‘that am + sae far from being satisfied mysell? I ken naething about your name, and + can only testify, NIHIL NOVIT IN CAUSA.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A pretty witness you have brought forward in your favour,’ said Mr. + Foxley. ‘But—ha—aye—-I’ll ask him a question or two. + Pray, friend, will you take your oath to this youth being a runaway + apprentice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir,’ said Peter, ‘I will make oath to onything in reason; when a case + comes to my oath it’s a won cause: But I am in some haste to prie your + worship’s good cheer;’ for Peter had become much more respectful in his + demeanour towards the Justice since he had heard some intimation of + dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall have—eh—hum—aye—a bellyful, if it be + possible to fill it. First let me know if this young man be really what he + pretends. Nick, make his affidavit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ow, he is just a wud harum-scarum creature, that wad never take to his + studies; daft, sir, clean daft.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Deft!’ said the Justice; ‘what d’ye mean by deft—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just Fifish,’ replied Peter; ‘wowf—a wee bit by the East Nook or + sae; it’s a common case—the ae half of the warld thinks the tither + daft. I have met with folk in my day that thought I was daft mysell; and, + for my part, I think our Court of Session clean daft, that have had the + great cause of Peebles against Plainstanes before them for this score of + years, and have never been able to ding the bottom out of it yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot make out a word of his cursed brogue,’ said the Cumbrian + justice; ‘can you, neighbour—eh? What can he mean by DEFT?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He means MAD,’ said the party appealed to, thrown off his guard by + impatience of this protracted discussion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye have it—ye have it,’ said Peter; ‘that is, not clean skivie, but—’ + </p> + <p> + Here he stopped, and fixed his eye on the person he addressed with an air + of joyful recognition.—‘Aye, aye, Mr. Herries of Birrenswork, is + this your ainsell in blood and bane? I thought ye had been hanged at + Kennington Common, or Hairiebie, or some of these places, after the bonny + ploy ye made in the Forty-five.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe you are mistaken, friend,’ said Herries, sternly, with whose + name and designation I was thus made unexpectedly acquainted. + </p> + <p> + ‘The deil a bit,’ answered the undaunted Peter Peebles; I mind ye weel, + for ye lodged in my house the great year of Forty-five, for a great year + it was; the Grand Rebellion broke out, and my cause—the great cause—Peebles + against Plainstanes, ET PER CONTRA—was called in the beginning of + the winter session, and would have been heard, but that there was a + surcease of justice, with your plaids, and your piping, and your + nonsense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you, fellow,’ said Herries, yet more fiercely, ‘you have confused + me with some of the other furniture of your crazy pate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak like a gentleman, sir,’ answered Peebles; ‘these are not legal + phrases, Mr. Herries of Birrenswork. Speak in form of law, or I sall bid + ye gude day, sir. I have nae pleasure in speaking to proud folk, though I + am willing to answer onything in a legal way; so if you are for a crack + about auld langsyne, and the splores that you and Captain Redgimlet used + to breed in my house, and the girded cask of brandy that ye drank and + ne’er thought of paying for it (not that I minded it muckle in thae days, + though I have felt a lack of it sin syne), why I will waste an hour on ye + at ony time.—and where is Captain Redgimlet now? he was a wild chap, + like yoursell, though they arena sae keen after you poor bodies for these + some years bygane; the heading and hanging is weel ower now—awful + job—awful job—will ye try my sneeshing?’ + </p> + <p> + He concluded his desultory speech by thrusting out his large bony paw, + filled with a Scottish mull of huge dimensions, which Herries, who had + been standing like one petrified by the assurance of this unexpected + address, rejected with a contemptuous motion of his hand, which spilled + some of the contents of the box. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aweel, aweel,’ said Peter Peebles, totally unabashed by the repulse, + ‘e’en as ye like, a wilful man maun hae his way; but,’ he added, stooping + down and endeavouring to gather the spilled snuff from the polished floor, + ‘I canna afford to lose my sneeshing for a’ that ye are gumple-foisted wi’ + me.’ + </p> + <p> + My attention had been keenly awakened, during this extraordinary and + unexpected scene. I watched, with as much attention as my own agitation + permitted me to command, the effect produced on the parties concerned. It + was evident that our friend, Peter Peebles, had unwarily let out something + which altered the sentiments of Justice Foxley and his clerk towards Mr. + Herries, with whom, until he was known and acknowledged under that name, + they had appeared to be so intimate. They talked with each other aside, + looked at a paper or two which the clerk selected from the contents of a + huge black pocket-book, and seemed, under the influence of fear and + uncertainty, totally at a loss what line of conduct to adopt. + </p> + <p> + Herries made a different, and far more interesting figure. However little + Peter Peebles might resemble the angel Ithuriel, the appearance of + Herries, his high and scornful demeanour, vexed at what seemed detection + yet fearless of the consequences, and regarding the whispering magistrate + and his clerk with looks in which contempt predominated over anger or + anxiety, bore, in my opinion, no slight resemblance to + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + the regal port + And faded splendour wan +</pre> + <p> + with which the poet has invested the detected King of the powers of the + air. + </p> + <p> + As he glanced round, with a look which he had endeavoured to compose to + haughty indifference, his eye encountered mine, and, I thought, at the + first glance sank beneath it. But he instantly rallied his natural spirit, + and returned me one of those extraordinary looks, by which he could + contort so strangely the wrinkles on his forehead. I started; but, angry + at myself for my pusillanimity, I answered him by a look of the same kind, + and catching the reflection of my countenance in a large antique mirror + which stood before me, I started again at the real or imaginary + resemblance which my countenance, at that moment, bore to that of Herries. + Surely my fate is somehow strangely interwoven with that of this + mysterious individual. I had no time at present to speculate upon the + subject, for the subsequent conversation demanded all my attention. + </p> + <p> + The Justice addressed Herries, after a pause of about five minutes, in + which, all parties seemed at some loss how to proceed. He spoke with + embarrassment, and his faltering voice, and the long intervals which + divided his sentences, seemed to indicate fear of him whom he addressed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Neighbour,’ he said, ‘I could not have thought this; or, if I—eh—DID + think—in a corner of my own mind as it were—that you, I say—that + you might have unluckily engaged in—eh—the matter of the + Forty-five—there was still time to have forgot all that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And is it so singular that a man should have been out in the Forty-five?’ + said Herries, with contemptuous composure;—‘your father, I think, + Mr. Foxley, was out with Derwentwater in the Fifteen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And lost half of his estate,’ answered Foxley, with more rapidity than + usual; ‘and was very near—hem—being hanged into the boot. But + this is—another guess job—for—eh—Fifteen is not + Forty-five; and my father had a remission, and you, I take it, have none.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps I have,’ said Herries indifferently; ‘or if I have not, I am but + in the case of half a dozen others whom government do not think worth + looking after at this time of day, so they give no offence or + disturbance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you have given both, sir,’ said Nicholas Faggot, the clerk, who, + having some petty provincial situation, as I have since understood, deemed + himself bound to be zealous for government, ‘Mr. Justice Foxley cannot be + answerable for letting you pass free, now your name and surname have been + spoken plainly out. There are warrants out against you from the Secretary + of State’s office.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A proper allegation, Mr. Attorney! that, at the distance of so many + years, the Secretary of State should trouble himself about the unfortunate + relics of a ruined cause,’ answered Mr. Herries. + </p> + <p> + ‘But if it be so,’ said the clerk, who seemed to assume more confidence + upon the composure of Herries’s demeanour; ‘and if cause has been given by + the conduct of a gentleman himself, who hath been, it is alleged, raking + up old matters, and mixing them with new subjects of disaffection—I + say, if it be so, I should advise the party, in his wisdom, to surrender + himself quietly into the lawful custody of the next Justice of Peace—Mr. + Foxley, suppose—where, and by whom, the matter should be regularly + inquired into. I am only putting a case,’ he added, watching with + apprehension the effect which his words were likely to produce upon the + party to whom they were addressed. + </p> + <p> + ‘And were I to receive such advice,’ said Herries, with the same composure + as before—‘putting the case, as you say, Mr. Faggot—I should + request to see the warrant which countenanced such a scandalous + proceeding.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nicholas, by way of answer, placed in his hand a paper, and seemed + anxiously to expect the consequences which were to ensue. Mr. Herries + looked it over with the same equanimity as before, and then continued, + ‘And were such a scrawl as this presented to me in my own house, I would + throw it into the chimney, and Mr. Faggot upon the top of it.’ + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, seconding the word with the action, he flung the warrant into + the fire with one hand, and fixed the other, with a stern and irresistible + grip, on the breast of the attorney, who, totally unable to contend with + him, in either personal strength or mental energy, trembled like a chicken + in the raven’s clutch. He got off, however, for the fright; for Herries, + having probably made him fully sensible of the strength of his grasp, + released him, with a scornful laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Deforcement—spulzie-stouthrief—masterful rescue!’ exclaimed + Peter Peebles, scandalized at the resistance offered to the law in the + person of Nicholas Faggot. But his shrill exclamations were drowned in the + thundering voice of Herries, who, calling upon Cristal Nixon, ordered him + to take the bawling fool downstairs, fill his belly, and then give him a + guinea, and thrust him out of doors. Under such injunctions, Peter easily + suffered himself to be withdrawn from the scene. + </p> + <p> + Herries then turned to the Justice, whose visage, wholly abandoned by the + rubicund hue which so lately beamed upon it, hung out the same pale livery + as that of his dismayed clerk. ‘Old friend and acquaintance,’ he said, + ‘you came here at my request on a friendly errand, to convince this silly + young man of the right which I have over his person for the present. I + trust you do not intend to make your visit the pretext of disquieting me + about other matters? All the world knows that I have been living at large, + in these northern counties, for some months, not to say years, and might + have been apprehended at any time, had the necessities of the state + required, or my own behaviour deserved it. But no English magistrate has + been ungenerous enough to trouble a gentleman under misfortune, on account + of political opinions and disputes which have been long ended by the + success of the reigning powers. I trust, my good friend, you will not + endanger yourself by taking any other view of the subject than you have + done ever since we were acquainted?’ + </p> + <p> + The Justice answered with more readiness, as well as more spirit than + usual, ‘Neighbour Ingoldsby—what you say—is—eh—in + some sort true; and when you were coming and going at markets, + horse-races, and cock-fights, fairs, hunts, and such-like—it was—eh—neither + my business nor my wish to dispel—I say—to inquire into and + dispel the mysteries which hung about you; for while you were a good + companion in the field, and over a bottle now and then—I did not—eh—think + it necessary to ask—into your private affairs. And if I thought you + were—ahem—somewhat unfortunate in former undertakings, and + enterprises, and connexions, which might cause you to live unsettledly and + more private, I could have—eh—very little pleasure—to + aggravate your case by interfering, or requiring explanations, which are + often more easily asked than given. But when there are warrants and + witnesses to names—and those names, christian and surname, belong to—eh—an + attainted person—charged—I trust falsely—with—ahem-taking + advantage of modern broils and heart-burnings to renew our civil + disturbances, the case is altered; and I must—ahem—do my + duty.’ + </p> + <p> + The Justice, got on his feet as he concluded this speech, and looked as + bold as he could. I drew close beside him and his clerk, Mr. Faggot, + thinking the moment favourable for my own liberation, and intimated to Mr. + Foxley my determination to stand by him. But Mr. Herries only laughed at + the menacing posture which we assumed. ‘My good neighbour,’ said he, ‘you + talk of a witness. Is yon crazy beggar a fit witness in an affair of this + nature?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you do not deny that you are Mr. Herries of Birrenswork, mentioned in + the Secretary of State’s warrant?’ said Mr. Foxley. + </p> + <p> + ‘How can I deny or own anything about it?’ said Herries, with a sneer. + ‘There is no such warrant in existence now; its ashes, like the poor + traitor whose doom it threatened, have been dispersed to the four winds of + heaven. There is now no warrant in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you will not deny,’ said the Justice, ‘that you were the person named + in it; and that—eh—your own act destroyed it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will neither deny my name nor my actions, Justice,’ replied Mr. + Herries, ‘when called upon by competent authority to avow or defend them. + But I will resist all impertinent attempts either to intrude into my + private motives, or to control my person. I am quite well prepared to do + so; and I trust that you, my good neighbour and brother sportsman, in your + expostulation, and my friend Mr. Nicholas Faggot here, in his humble + advice and petition that I should surrender myself, will consider + yourselves as having amply discharged your duty to King George and + government.’ + </p> + <p> + The cold and ironical tone in which he made this declaration; the look and + attitude, so nobly expressive of absolute confidence in his own superior + strength and energy, seemed to complete the indecision which had already + shown itself on the side of those whom he addressed. + </p> + <p> + The Justice looked to the clerk—the clerk to the Justice; the former + HA’D, EH’D, without bringing forth an articulate syllable; the latter only + said, ‘As the warrant is destroyed, Mr. Justice, I presume you do not mean + to proceed with the arrest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum—aye—why, no—Nicholas—it would not be quite + advisable—and as the Forty-five was an old affair—and—hem—as + my friend here will, I hope, see his error—that is, if he has not + seen it already—and renounce the Pope, the Devil, and the Pretender—I + mean no harm, neighbour—I think we—as we have no POSSE, or + constables, or the like—should order our horses—and, in one + word, look the matter over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Judiciously resolved,’ said the person whom this decision affected; ‘but + before you go, I trust you will drink and be friends?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why,’ said the Justice, rubbing his brow, ‘our business has been—hem—rather + a thirsty one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cristal Nixon,’ said Mr. Herries, ‘let us have a cool tankard instantly, + large enough to quench the thirst of the whole commission.’ + </p> + <p> + While Cristal was absent on this genial errand, there was a pause, of + which I endeavoured to avail myself by bringing back the discourse to my + own concerns. ‘Sir,’ I said to Justice Foxley, ‘I have no direct business + with your late discussion with Mr. Herries, only just thus far—You + leave me, a loyal subject of King George, an unwilling prisoner in the + hands of a person whom you have reason to believe unfriendly to the king’s + cause. I humbly submit that this is contrary to your duty as a magistrate, + and that you ought to make Mr. Herries aware of the illegality of his + proceedings, and take steps for my rescue, either upon the spot, or, at + least, as soon as possible after you have left this case’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Young man,’ said Mr. Justice Foxley, ‘I would have you remember you are + under the power, the lawful power—ahem—of your guardian.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He calls himself so, indeed,’ I replied; ‘but he has shown no evidence to + establish so absurd a claim; and if he had, his circumstances, as an + attainted traitor excepted from pardon, would void such a right if it + existed. I do therefore desire you, Mr. Justice, and you, his clerk, to + consider my situation, and afford me relief at your peril.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is a young fellow now,’ said the Justice, with much-embarrassed + looks, ‘thinks that I carry the whole statute law of England in my head, + and a POSSE COMITATUS to execute them in my pocket! Why, what good would + my interference do?—but—hum—eh—I will speak to + your guardian in your favour.’ + </p> + <p> + He took Mr. Herries aside, and seemed indeed to urge something upon him + with much earnestness; and perhaps such a species of intercession was all + which, in the circumstances, I was entitled to expect from him. + </p> + <p> + They often looked at me as they spoke together; and as Cristal Nixon + entered with a huge four-pottle tankard, filled with the beverage his + master had demanded, Herries turned away from Mr. Foxley somewhat + impatiently, saying with emphasis, ‘I give you my word of honour, that you + have not the slightest reason to apprehend anything on his account.’ He + then took up the tankard, and saying aloud in Gaelic, ‘SLAINT AN REY,’ + [The King’s health.] just tasted the liquor, and handed the tankard to + Justice Foxley, who, to avoid the dilemma of pledging him to what might be + the Pretender’s health, drank to Mr. Herries’s own, with much pointed + solemnity, but in a draught far less moderate. + </p> + <p> + The clerk imitated the example of his principal, and I was fain to follow + their example, for anxiety and fear are at least as thirsty as sorrow is + said to be. In a word, we exhausted the composition of ale, sherry, + lemon-juice, nutmeg, and other good things, stranded upon the silver + bottom of the tankard the huge toast, as well as the roasted orange, which + had whilom floated jollily upon the brim, and rendered legible Dr. Byrom’s + celebrated lines engraved thereon— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + God bless the King!—God bless the Faith’s defender! + God bless—No harm in blessing—the Pretender. + Who that Pretender is, and who that King,— + God bless us all!—is quite another thing. +</pre> + <p> + I had time enough to study this effusion of the Jacobite muse, while the + Justice was engaged in the somewhat tedious ceremony of taking leave. That + of Mr. Faggot was less ceremonious; but I suspect something besides empty + compliment passed betwixt him and Mr. Herries; for I remarked that the + latter slipped a piece of paper into the hand of the former, which might + perhaps be a little atonement for the rashness with which he had burnt the + warrant, and imposed no gentle hand on the respectable minion of the law + by whom it was exhibited; and I observed that he made this propitiation in + such a manner as to be secret from the worthy clerk’s principal. + </p> + <p> + When this was arranged, the party took leave of each other with much + formality on the part of Squire Foxley, amongst whose adieus the following + phrase was chiefly remarkable: ‘I presume you do not intend to stay long + in these parts?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for the present, Justice, you may be sure; there are good reasons to + the contrary. But I have no doubt of arranging my affairs so that we shall + speedily have sport together again.’ + </p> + <p> + He went to wait upon the Justice to the courtyard; and, as he did so, + commanded Cristal Nixon to see that I returned into my apartment. Knowing + it would be to no purpose to resist or tamper with that stubborn + functionary, I obeyed in silence, and was once more a prisoner in my + former quarters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + LATIMER’S JOURNAL, IN CONTINUATION + </h3> + <p> + I spent more than an hour, after returning to the apartment which I may + call my prison, in reducing to writing the singular circumstances which I + had just witnessed. Methought I could now form some guess at the character + of Mr. Herries, upon whose name and situation the late scene had thrown + considerable light—one of those fanatical Jacobites, doubtless, + whose arms, not twenty years since, had shaken the British throne, and + some of whom, though their party daily diminished in numbers, energy, and + power, retained still an inclination to renew the attempt they had found + so desperate. He was indeed perfectly different from the sort of zealous + Jacobites whom it had been my luck hitherto to meet with. Old ladies of + family over their hyson, and grey-haired lairds over their punch, I had + often heard utter a little harmless treason; while the former remembered + having led down a dance with the Chevalier, and the latter recounted the + feats they had performed at Preston, Clifton, and Falkirk. + </p> + <p> + The disaffection of such persons was too unimportant to excite the + attention of government. I had heard, however, that there still existed + partisans of the Stuart family of a more daring and dangerous description; + men who, furnished with gold from Rome, moved, secretly and in disguise, + through the various classes of society, and endeavoured to keep alive the + expiring zeal of their party. + </p> + <p> + I had no difficulty in assigning an important post among this class of + persons, whose agency and exertion are only doubted by those who look on + the surface of things, to this Mr. Herries, whose mental energies, as well + as his personal strength and activity, seemed to qualify him well to act + so dangerous a part; and I knew that all along the Western Border, both in + England and Scotland, there are so many nonjurors, that such a person may + reside there with absolute safety, unless it becomes, in a very especial + degree, the object of the government to secure his person; and which + purpose, even then, might be disappointed by early intelligence, or, as in + the case of Mr. Foxley, by the unwillingness of provincial magistrates to + interfere in what is now considered an invidious pursuit of the + unfortunate. + </p> + <p> + There have, however, been rumours lately, as if the present state of the + nation or at least of some discontented provinces, agitated by a variety + of causes but particularly by the unpopularity of the present + administration, may seem to this species of agitators a favourable period + for recommencing their intrigues; while, on the other hand, government may + not, at such a crisis, be inclined to look upon them with the contempt + which a few years ago would have been their most appropriate punishment. + </p> + <p> + That men should be found rash enough to throw away their services and + lives in a desperate cause, is nothing new in history, which abounds with + instances of similar devotion—that Mr. Herries is such an enthusiast + is no less evident; but all this explains not his conduct towards me. Had + he sought to make me a proselyte to his ruined cause, violence and + compulsion were arguments very unlikely to prevail with any generous + spirit. But even if such were his object, of what use to him could be the + acquisition of a single reluctant partisan, who could bring only his own + person to support any quarrel which he might adopt? He had claimed over me + the rights of a guardian; he had more than hinted that I was in a state of + mind which could not dispense with the authority of such a person. Was + this man, so sternly desperate in his purpose—he who seemed willing + to take on his own shoulders the entire support of a cause which had been + ruinous to thousands—was he the person that had the power of + deciding on my fate? Was it from him those dangers flowed, to secure me + against which I had been educated under such circumstances of secrecy and + precaution? + </p> + <p> + And if this was so, of what nature was the claim which he asserted?—Was + it that of propinquity? And did I share the blood, perhaps the features, + of this singular being?—Strange as it may seem, a thrill of awe, + which shot across my mind at that instant, was not unmingled with a wild + and mysterious feeling of wonder, almost amounting to pleasure. I + remembered the reflection of my own face in the mirror at one striking + moment during the singular interview of the day, and I hastened to the + outward apartment to consult a glass which hung there, whether it were + possible for my countenance to be again contorted into the peculiar frown + which so much resembled the terrific look of Herries. But I folded my + brows in vain into a thousand complicated wrinkles, and I was obliged to + conclude, either that the supposed mark on my brow was altogether + imaginary, or that it could not be called forth by voluntary effort; or, + in fine, what seemed most likely, that it was such a resemblance as the + imagination traces in the embers of a wood fire, or among the varied veins + of marble, distinct at one time, and obscure or invisible at another, + according as the combination of lines strikes the eye or impresses the + fancy. + </p> + <p> + While I was moulding my visage like a mad player, the door suddenly + opened, and the girl of the house entered. Angry and ashamed at being + detected in my singular occupation, I turned round sharply, and, I + suppose, chance produced the change on my features which I had been in + vain labouring to call forth. + </p> + <p> + The girl started back, with her ‘Don’t ya look so now—don’t ye, for + love’s sake—you be as like the ould squoire as—But here a + comes,’ she said, huddling away out of the room; ‘and if you want a third, + there is none but ould Harry, as I know of, that can match ye for a brent + broo!’ + </p> + <p> + As the girl muttered this exclamation, and hastened out of the room, + Herries entered. He stopped on observing that I had looked again to the + mirror, anxious to trace the look by which the wench had undoubtedly been + terrified. He seemed to guess what was passing in my mind, for, as I + turned towards him, he observed, ‘Doubt not that it is stamped on your + forehead—the fatal mark of our race; though it is not now so + apparent as it will become when age and sorrow, and the traces of stormy + passions and of bitter penitence, shall have drawn their furrows on your + brow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mysterious man,’ I replied, ‘I know not of what you speak; your language + is as dark as your purposes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down, then,’ he said, ‘and listen; thus far, at least, must the veil + of which you complain be raised. When withdrawn, it will only display + guilt and sorrow—guilt followed by strange penalty, and sorrow which + Providence has entailed upon the posterity of the mourners.’ + </p> + <p> + He paused a moment, and commenced his narrative, which he told with the + air of one, who, remote as the events were which he recited, took still + the deepest interest in them. The tone of his voice, which I have already + described as rich and powerful, aided by its inflections the effects of + his story, which I will endeavour to write down, as nearly as possible, in + the very words which he used. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was not of late years that the English learned that their best chance + of conquering their independent neighbours must be by introducing amongst + them division and civil war. You need not be reminded of the state of + thraldom to which Scotland was reduced by the unhappy wars betwixt the + domestic factions of Bruce and Baliol, nor how, after Scotland had been + emancipated from a foreign yoke by the conduct and valour of the immortal + Bruce, the whole fruits of the triumphs of Bannockburn were lost in the + dreadful defeats of Dupplin and Halidon; and Edward Baliol, the minion and + feudatory of his namesake of England, seemed, for a brief season, in safe + and uncontested possession of the throne so lately occupied by the + greatest general and wisest prince in Europe. But the experience of Bruce + had not died with him. There were many who had shared his martial labours, + and all remembered the successful efforts by which, under circumstances as + disadvantageous as those of his son, he had achieved the liberation of + Scotland. + </p> + <p> + ‘The usurper, Edward Baliol, was feasting with a few of his favourite + retainers in the castle of Annan, when he was suddenly surprised by a + chosen band of insurgent patriots. Their chiefs were, Douglas, Randolph, + the young Earl of Moray, and Sir Simon Fraser; and their success was so + complete, that Baliol was obliged to fly for his life scarcely clothed, + and on a horse which there was no leisure to saddle. It was of importance + to seize his person, if possible, and his flight was closely pursued by a + valiant knight of Norman descent, whose family had been long settled in + the marches of Dumfriesshire. Their Norman appellation was Fitz-Aldin, but + this knight, from the great slaughter which he had made of the Southron, + and the reluctance which he had shown to admit them to quarter during the + former war of that bloody period, had acquired the name of Redgauntlet, + which he transmitted to his posterity’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Redgauntlet!’ I involuntarily repeated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, Redgauntlet,’ said my alleged guardian, looking at me keenly; ‘does + that name recall any associations to your mind?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ I replied, ‘except that I had lately heard it given to the hero of a + supernatural legend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are many such current concerning the family,’ he answered; and then + proceeded in his narrative. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alberick Redgauntlet, the first of his house so termed, was, as may be + supposed from his name, of a stern and implacable disposition, which had + been rendered more so by family discord. An only son, now a youth of + eighteen, shared so much the haughty spirit of his father, that he became + impatient of domestic control, resisted paternal authority, and finally + fled from his father’s house, renounced his political opinions, and + awakened his mortal displeasure by joining the adherents of Baliol. It was + said that his father cursed, in his wrath, his degenerate offspring, and + swore that if they met he should perish by his hand. Meantime, + circumstances seemed to promise atonement for this great deprivation. The + lady of Alberick Redgauntlet was again, after many years, in a situation + which afforded her husband the hope of a more dutiful heir. + </p> + <p> + ‘But the delicacy and deep interest of his wife’s condition did not + prevent Alberick from engaging in the undertaking of Douglas and Moray. He + had been the most forward in the attack of the castle, and was now + foremost in the pursuit of Baliol, eagerly engaged in dispersing or + cutting down the few daring followers who endeavoured to protect the + usurper in his flight. + </p> + <p> + ‘As these were successively routed or slain, the formidable Redgauntlet, + the mortal enemy of the House of Baliol, was within two lances’ length of + the fugitive Edward Baliol, in a narrow pass, when a youth, one of the + last who attended the usurper in his flight, threw himself between them, + received the shock of the pursuer, and was unhorsed and overthrown. The + helmet rolled from his head, and the beams of the sun, then rising over + the Solway, showed Redgauntlet the features of his disobedient son, in the + livery, and wearing the cognizance, of the usurper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Redgauntlet beheld his son lying before his horse’s feet; but he also saw + Baliol, the usurper of the Scottish crown, still, as it seemed, within his + grasp, and separated from him only by the prostrate body of his overthrown + adherent. Without pausing to inquire whether young Edward was wounded, he + dashed his spurs into his horse, meaning to leap over him, but was + unhappily frustrated in his purpose. The steed made indeed a bound + forward, but was unable to clear the body of the youth, and with its hind + foot struck him in the forehead, as he was in the act of rising. The blow + was mortal. It is needless to add, that the pursuit was checked, and + Baliol escaped. + </p> + <p> + ‘Redgauntlet, ferocious as he is described, was yet overwhelmed with the + thoughts of the crime he had committed. When he returned to his castle, it + was to encounter new domestic sorrows. His wife had been prematurely + seized with the pangs of labour upon hearing the dreadful catastrophe + which had taken place. The birth of an infant boy cost her her life. + Redgauntlet sat by her corpse for more than twenty-four hours without + changing either feature or posture, so far as his terrified domestics + could observe. The Abbot of Dundrennan preached consolation to him in + vain. Douglas, who came to visit in his affliction a patriot of such + distinguished zeal, was more successful in rousing his attention. He + caused the trumpets to sound an English point of war in the courtyard, and + Redgauntlet at once sprang to his arms, and seemed restored to the + recollection which had been lost in the extent of his misery. + </p> + <p> + ‘From that moment, whatever he might feel inwardly, he gave way to no + outward emotion. Douglas caused his infant to be brought; but even the + iron-hearted soldiers were struck with horror to observe that, by the + mysterious law of nature, the cause of his mother’s death, and the + evidence of his father’s guilt, was stamped on the innocent face of the + babe, whose brow was distinctly marked by the miniature resemblance of a + horseshoe. Redgauntlet himself pointed it out to Douglas, saying, with a + ghastly smile, “It should have been bloody.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Moved, as he was, to compassion for his brother-in-arms, and steeled + against all softer feelings by the habits of civil war, Douglas shuddered + at this sight, and displayed a desire to leave the house which was doomed + to be the scene of such horrors. As his parting advice, he exhorted + Alberick Redgauntlet to make a pilgrimage to Saint Ninian’s of Whiteherne, + then esteemed a shrine of great sanctity; and departed with a + precipitation which might have aggravated, had that been possible, the + forlorn state of his unhappy friend. But that seems to have been incapable + of admitting any addition. Sir Alberick caused the bodies of his + slaughtered son and the mother to be laid side by side in the ancient + chapel of his house, after he had used the skill of a celebrated surgeon + of that time to embalm them; and it was said that for many weeks he spent; + some hours nightly in the vault where they reposed. + </p> + <p> + ‘At length he undertook the proposed pilgrimage to Whiteherne, where he + confessed himself for the first time since his misfortune, and was shrived + by an aged monk, who afterwards died in the odour of sanctity. It is said + that it was then foretold to the Redgauntlet, that on account of his + unshaken patriotism his family should continue to be powerful amid the + changes of future times; but that, in detestation of his unrelenting + cruelty to his own issue, Heaven had decreed that the valour of his race + should always be fruitless, and that the cause which they espoused should + never prosper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Submitting to such penance as was there imposed, Sir Alberick went, it is + thought, on a pilgrimage either to Rome, or to the Holy Sepulchre itself. + He was universally considered as dead; and it was not till thirteen years + afterwards, that in the great battle of Durham, fought between David Bruce + and Queen Philippa of England, a knight, bearing a horseshoe for his + crest, appeared in the van of the Scottish army, distinguishing himself by + his reckless and desperate valour; who being at length overpowered and + slain, was finally discovered to be the brave and unhappy Sir Alberick + Redgauntlet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And has the fatal sign,’ said I, when Herries had ended his narrative, + ‘descended on all the posterity of this unhappy house?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has been so handed down from antiquity, and is still believed,’ said + Herries. ‘But perhaps there is, in the popular evidence, something of that + fancy which creates what it sees. Certainly, as other families have + peculiarities by which they are distinguished, this of Redgauntlet is + marked in most individuals by a singular indenture of the forehead, + supposed to be derived from the son of Alberick, their ancestor, and + brother to the unfortunate Edward, who had perished in so piteous a + manner. It is certain there seems to have been a fate upon the House of + Redgauntlet, which has been on the losing side in almost all the civil + broils which have divided the kingdom of Scotland from David Bruce’s days, + till the late valiant and unsuccessful attempt of the Chevalier Charles + Edward.’ + </p> + <p> + He concluded with a deep sigh, as one whom the subject had involved in a + train of painful reflections. + </p> + <p> + ‘And am I then,’ I exclaimed, ‘descended from this unhappy race? Do you + belong to it? And if so, why do I sustain restraint and hard usage at the + hands of a relation?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Inquire no further for the present,’ he said. ‘The line of conduct which + I am pursuing towards you is dictated, not by choice but by necessity. You + were withdrawn from the bosom of your family and the care of your legal + guardian, by the timidity and ignorance of a doting mother, who was + incapable of estimating the arguments or feelings of those who prefer + honour and principle to fortune, and even to life. The young hawk, + accustomed only to the fostering care of its dam, must be tamed by + darkness and sleeplessness, ere it is trusted on the wing for the purposes + of the falconer.’ + </p> + <p> + I was appalled at this declaration, which seemed to threaten a long + continuance, and a dangerous termination, of my captivity. I deemed it + best, however, to show some spirit, and at the same time to mingle a tone + of conciliation. ‘Mr. Herries,’ I said ‘(if I call you rightly by that + name), let us speak upon this matter without the tone of mystery and fear + in which you seem inclined to envelop it. I have been long, alas! deprived + of the care of that affectionate mother to whom you allude—long + under the charge of strangers—and compelled to form my own + resolutions upon the reasoning of my own mind. Misfortune—early + deprivation—has given me the privilege of acting for myself; and + constraint shall not deprive me of an Englishman’s best privilege.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The true cant of the day,’ said Herries, in a tone of scorn. ‘The + privilege of free action belongs to no mortal—we are tied down by + the fetters of duty—our mortal path is limited by the regulations of + honour—our most indifferent actions are but meshes of the web of + destiny by which we are all surrounded.’ + </p> + <p> + He paced the room rapidly, and proceeded in a tone of enthusiasm which, + joined to some other parts of his conduct, seems to intimate an + over-excited imagination, were it not contradicted by the general tenor of + his speech and conduct. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ he said, in an earnest yet melancholy voice—‘nothing is + the work of chance—nothing is the consequence of free-will—the + liberty of which the Englishman boasts gives as little real freedom to its + owner as the despotism, of an Eastern sultan permits to his slave. The + usurper, William of Nassau, went forth to hunt, and thought, doubtless, + that it was by an act of his own royal pleasure that the horse of his + murdered victim was prepared for his kingly sport. But Heaven had other + views; and before the sun was high, a stumble of that very animal over an + obstacle so inconsiderable as a mole-hillock, cost the haughty rider his + life and his usurped crown, Do you think an inclination of the rein could + have avoided that trifling impediment? I tell you, it crossed his way as + inevitably as all the long chain of Caucasus could have done. Yes, young + man, in doing and suffering, we play but the part allotted by Destiny, the + manager of this strange drama, stand bound to act no more than is + prescribed, to say no more than is set down for us; and yet we mouth about + free-will and freedom of thought and action, as if Richard must not die, + or Richmond conquer, exactly where the Author has decreed it shall be so!’ + </p> + <p> + He continued to pace the room after this speech, with folded arms and + downcast looks; and the sound of his steps and tone of his voice brought + to my remembrance, that I had heard this singular person, when I met him + on a former occasion, uttering such soliloquies in his solitary chamber. I + observed that, like other Jacobites, in his inveteracy against the memory + of King William, he had adopted the party opinion, that the monarch, on + the day he had his fatal accident, rode upon a horse once the property of + the unfortunate Sir John Friend, executed for high treason in 1698. + </p> + <p> + It was not my business to aggravate, but, if possible, rather to soothe + him in whose power I was so singularly placed. When I conceived that the + keenness of his feelings had in some degree subsided, I answered him as + follows:—‘I will not—indeed I feel myself incompetent to argue + a question of such metaphysical subtlety, as that which involves the + limits betwixt free-will and predestination. Let us hope we may live + honestly and die hopefully, without being obliged to form a decided + opinion upon a point so far beyond our comprehension.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wisely resolved,’ he interrupted, with a sneer—‘there came a note + from some Geneva, sermon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But,’ I proceeded, ‘I call your attention to the fact that I, as well as + you, am acted upon by impulses, the result either of my own free will, or + the consequences of the part which is assigned to me by destiny. These may + be—nay, at present they are—in direct contradiction to those + by which you are actuated; and how shall we decide which shall have + precedence?—YOU perhaps feel yourself destined to act as my jailer. + I feel myself, on the contrary, destined to attempt and effect my escape. + One of us must be wrong, but who can say which errs till the event has + decided betwixt us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall feel myself destined to have recourse to severe modes of + restraint,’ said he, in the same tone of half jest, half earnest which I + had used. + </p> + <p> + ‘In that case,’ I answered, ‘it will be my destiny to attempt everything + for my freedom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And it may be mine, young man,’ he replied, in a deep and stern tone, ‘to + take care that you should rather die than attain your purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + This was speaking out indeed, and I did not allow him to go unanswered. + ‘You threaten me in vain,’ said I; ‘the laws of my country will protect + me; or whom they cannot protect, they will avenge.’ + </p> + <p> + I spoke this firmly, and he seemed for a moment silenced; and the scorn + with which he at last answered me, had something of affectation in it. + </p> + <p> + ‘The laws!’ he said; ‘and what, stripling, do you know of the laws of your + country? Could you learn jurisprudence under a base-born blotter of + parchment, such as Saunders Fairford; or from the empty pedantic coxcomb, + his son, who now, forsooth, writer himself advocate? When Scotland was + herself, and had her own king and legislature, such plebeian cubs, instead + of being called to the bar of her supreme courts, would scarce have been + admitted to the honour of bearing a sheepskin process-bag.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan, I could not bear this, but answered indignantly, that he knew not + the worth and honour from which he was detracting. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know as much of these Fairfords as I do of you,’ he replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘As much,’ said I, ‘and as little; for you can neither estimate their real + worth nor mine. I know you saw them when last in Edinburgh.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ he exclaimed, and turned on me an inquisitive look. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is true,’ said I; ‘you cannot deny it; and having thus shown you that + I know something of your motions, let me warn you I have modes of + communication with which you are not acquainted. Oblige me not to use them + to your prejudice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Prejudice me!’ he replied. ‘Young man, I smile at, and forgive your + folly. Nay, I will tell you that of which you are not aware, namely, that + it was from letters received from these Fairfords that I first suspected, + what the result of my visit to them confirmed, that you were the person + whom I had sought for years.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you learned this,’ said I, ‘from the papers which were about my person + on the night when I was under the necessity of becoming your guest at + Brokenburn, I do not envy your indifference to the means of acquiring + information. It was dishonourable to’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Peace, young man,’ said Herries, more calmly than I might have expected; + ‘the word dishonour must not be mentioned as in conjunction with my name. + Your pocket-book was in the pocket of your coat, and did not escape the + curiosity of another, though it would have been sacred from mine, My + servant, Cristal Nixon, brought me the intelligence after you were gone. I + was displeased with the manner in which he had acquired his information; + but it was not the less my duty to ascertain its truth, and for that + purpose I went to Edinburgh. I was in hopes to persuade Mr. Fairford to + have entered into my views; but I found him too much prejudiced to permit + me to trust him. He is a wretched, yet a timid slave of the present + government, under which our unhappy country is dishonourably enthralled; + and it would have been altogether unfit and unsafe to have entrusted him + with the secret either of the right which I possess to direct your + actions, or of the manner in which I purpose to exercise it.’ + </p> + <p> + I was determined to take advantage of his communicative humour, and + obtain, if possible, more light upon his purpose. He seemed most + accessible to being piqued on the point of honour, and I resolved to avail + myself, but with caution, of his sensibility upon that topic. ‘You say,’ I + replied, ‘that you are not friendly to indirect practices, and disapprove + of the means by which your domestic obtained information of my name and + quality—Is it honourable to avail yourself of that knowledge which + is dishonourably obtained?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is boldly asked,’ he replied; ‘but, within certain necessary limits, I + dislike not boldness of expostulation. You have, in this short conference, + displayed more character and energy than I was prepared to expect. You + will, I trust, resemble a forest plant, which has indeed, by some + accident, been brought up in the greenhouse, and thus rendered delicate + and effeminate, but which regains its native firmness and tenacity when + exposed for a season to the winter air. I will answer your question + plainly. In business, as in war, spies and informers are necessary evils, + which all good men detest; but which yet all prudent men must use, unless + they mean to fight and act blindfold. But nothing can justify the use of + falsehood and treachery in our own person.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You said to the elder Mr. Fairford,’ continued I, with the same boldness, + which I began to find was my best game, ‘that I was the son of Ralph + Latimer of Langcote Hall? How do you reconcile this with your late + assertion that my name is not Latimer?’ + </p> + <p> + He coloured as he replied, ‘The doting old fool lied; or perhaps mistook + my meaning. I said, that gentleman might be your father. To say truth, I + wished you to visit England, your native country; because, when you might + do so, my rights over you would revive.’ + </p> + <p> + This speech fully led me to understand a caution which had been often + impressed upon me, that, if I regarded my safety, I should not cross the + southern Border; and I cursed my own folly, which kept me fluttering like + a moth around the candle, until I was betrayed into the calamity with + which I had dallied. ‘What are those rights,’ I said, ‘which you claim + over me? To what end do you propose to turn them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To a weighty one, you may be certain,’ answered Mr. Herries; ‘but I do + not, at present, mean to communicate to you either its nature or extent. + You may judge of its importance, when, in order entirely to possess myself + of your person, I condescended to mix myself with the fellows who + destroyed the fishing station of yon wretched Quaker. That I held him in + contempt, and was displeased at the greedy devices with which he ruined a + manly sport, is true enough; but, unless as it favoured my designs on you, + he might have, for me, maintained his stake-nets till Solway should cease + to ebb and flow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ I said, ‘it doubles my regret to have been the unwilling cause of + misfortune to an honest and friendly man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not grieve for that,’ said Herries; ‘honest Joshua is one of those + who, by dint of long prayers, can possess themselves of widow’s houses—he + will quickly repair his losses. When he sustains any mishap, he and the + other canters set it down as a debt against Heaven, and, by way of + set-off, practise rogueries without compunction, till the they make the + balance even, or incline it to the winning side. Enough of this for the + present.—I must immediately shift my quarters; for, although I do + not fear the over-zeal of Mr. Justice Foxley or his clerk will lead them + to any extreme measure, yet that mad scoundrel’s unhappy recognition of me + may make it more serious for them to connive at me, and I must not put + their patience to an over severe trial. You must prepare to attend me, + either as a captive or a companion; if as the latter, you must give your + parole of honour to attempt no escape. Should you be so ill advised as to + break your word once pledged, be assured that I will blow your brains out + without a moment’s scruple.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ignorant of your plans and purposes,’ I replied, ‘and cannot but + hold them dangerous. I do not mean to aggravate my present situation by + any unavailing resistance to the superior force which detains me; but I + will not renounce the right of asserting my natural freedom should it + favourable opportunity occur. I will, therefore, rather be your prisoner + than your confederate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is spoken fairly,’ he said; ‘and yet not without the canny caution + of one brought up in the Gude Town of Edinburgh. On my part, I will impose + no unnecessary hardship upon you; but, on the contrary, your journey shall + be made as easy as is consistent with your being kept safely. Do you feel + strong enough to ride on horseback as yet, or would you prefer a carriage? + The former mode of travelling is best adapted to the country through which + we are to travel, but you are at liberty to choose between them.’ + </p> + <p> + I said, ‘I felt my strength gradually returning, and that I should much + prefer travelling on horseback. A carriage,’ I added, ‘is so close’— + </p> + <p> + ‘And so easily guarded,’ replied Herries, with a look as if he would have + penetrated my very thoughts,—‘that, doubtless, you think horseback + better calculated for an escape.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My thoughts are my own,’ I answered; ‘and though you keep my person + prisoner, these are beyond your control.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I can read the book,’ he said, ‘without opening the leaves. But I + would recommend to you to make no rash attempt, and it will be my care to + see that you have no power to make any that is likely to be effectual. + Linen, and all other necessaries for one in your circumstances, are amply + provided, Cristal Nixon will act as your valet,—I should rather, + perhaps, say, your FEMME DE CHAMBRE. Your travelling dress you may perhaps + consider as singular; but it is such as the circumstances require; and, if + you object to use the articles prepared for your use, your mode of + journeying will be as personally unpleasant as that which conducted you + hither.—Adieu—We now know each other better than we did—it + will not be my fault if the consequences of further intimacy be not a more + favourable mutual opinion.’ + </p> + <p> + He then left me, with a civil good night, to my own reflections, and only + turned back to say that we should proceed on our journey at daybreak next + morning, at furthest; perhaps earlier, he said; but complimented me by + supposing that, as I was a sportsman, I must always be ready for a sudden + start. + </p> + <p> + We are then at issue, this singular man and myself. His personal views are + to a certain point explained. He has chosen an antiquated and desperate + line of politics, and he claims, from some pretended tie of guardianship + or relationship, which he does not deign to explain but which he seems to + have been able to pass current on a silly country Justice and his knavish + clerk, a right to direct and to control my motions. The danger which + awaited me in England, and which I might have escaped had I remained in + Scotland, was doubtless occasioned by the authority of this man. But what + my poor mother might fear for me as a child—what my English friend, + Samuel Griffiths, endeavoured to guard against during my youth and nonage, + is now, it seems, come upon me; and, under a legal pretext, I am detained + in what must be a most illegal manner, by a person, foe, whose own + political immunities have been forfeited by his conduct. It matters not—my + mind is made up neither persuasion nor threats shall force me into the + desperate designs which this man meditates. Whether I am of the trifling + consequence which my life hitherto seems to intimate, or whether I have + (as would appear from my adversary’s conduct) such importance, by birth or + fortune, as may make me a desirable acquisition to a political faction, my + resolution is taken in either case. Those who read this journal, if it + shall be perused by impartial eyes, shall judge of me truly; and if they + consider me as a fool in encountering danger unnecessarily, they shall + have no reason to believe me a coward or a turncoat, when I find myself + engaged in it. I have been bred in sentiments of attachment to the family + on the throne and in these sentiments I will live and die. I have, indeed, + some idea that Mr. Herries has already discovered that I am made of + different and more unmalleable metal than he had at first believed. There + were letters from my dear Alan Fairford, giving a ludicrous account of my + instability of temper, in the same pocket-book, which, according to the + admission of my pretended guardian, fell under the investigation of his + domestic during the night I passed at Brokenburn, where, as I now + recollect, my wet clothes, with the contents of my pockets, were, with the + thoughtlessness of a young traveller, committed too rashly to the care of + a strange servant. And my kind friend and hospitable landlord, Mr. + Alexander Fairford, may also, and with justice, have spoken of my levities + to this man. But he shall find he has made a false estimate upon these + plausible grounds, since— + </p> + <p> + I must break off for the present. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + LATIMER’S JOURNAL, IN CONTINUATION + </h3> + <p> + There is at length a halt—at length I have gained so much privacy as + to enable me to continue my journal. It has become a sort of task of duty + to me, without the discharge of which I do not feel that the business of + the day is performed. True, no friendly eye may ever look upon these + labours, which have amused the solitary hours of an unhappy prisoner. Yet, + in the meanwhile, the exercise of the pen seems to act as a sedative upon + my own agitated thoughts and tumultuous passions. I never lay it down but + I rise stronger in resolution, more ardent in hope. A thousand vague + fears, wild expectations, and indigested schemes, hurry through one’s + thoughts in seasons of doubt and of danger. But by arresting them as they + flit across the mind, by throwing them on paper, and even by that + mechanical act compelling ourselves to consider them with scrupulous and + minute attention, we may perhaps escape becoming the dupes of our own + excited imagination; just as a young horse is cured of the vice of + starting by being made to stand still and look for some time without any + interruption at the cause of its terror. + </p> + <p> + There remains but one risk, which is that of discovery. But besides the + small characters, in which my residence in Mr. Fairford’s house enabled me + to excel, for the purpose of transferring as many scroll sheets as + possible to a huge sheet of stamped paper, I have, as I have elsewhere + intimated, had hitherto the comfortable reflection that if the record of + my misfortunes should fall into the hands of him by whom they are caused, + they would, without harming any one, show him the real character and + disposition of the person who has become his prisoner—perhaps his + victim. Now, however, that other names, and other characters, are to be + mingled with the register of my own sentiments, I must take additional + care of these papers, and keep them in such a manner that, in case of the + least hazard of detection, I may be able to destroy them at a moment’s + notice. I shall not soon or easily forget the lesson I have been taught, + by the prying disposition which Cristal Nixon, this man’s agent and + confederate, manifested at Brokenburn, and which proved the original cause + of my sufferings. + </p> + <p> + My laying aside the last sheet of my journal hastily was occasioned by the + unwonted sound of a violin, in the farmyard beneath my windows. It will + not appear surprising to those who have made music their study, that, + after listening to a few notes, I became at once assured that the musician + was no other than the itinerant, formerly mentioned as present at the + destruction of Joshua Geddes’s stake-nets, the superior delicacy and force + of whose execution would enable me to swear to his bow amongst a whole + orchestra. I had the less reason to doubt his identity, because he played + twice over the beautiful Scottish air called Wandering Willie; and I could + not help concluding that he did so for the purpose of intimating his own + presence, since what the French called the nom de guerre of the performer + was described by the tune. + </p> + <p> + Hope will catch at the most feeble twig for support in extremity. I knew + this man, though deprived of sight, to be bold, ingenious, and perfectly + capable of acting as a guide. I believed I had won his goodwill, by + having, in a frolic, assumed the character of his partner; and I + remembered that in a wild, wandering, and disorderly course of life, men, + as they become loosened from the ordinary bonds of civil society, hold + those of comradeship more closely sacred; so that honour is sometimes + found among thieves, and faith and attachment in such as the law has + termed vagrants. The history of Richard Coeur de Lion and his minstrel, + Blondel, rushed, at the same time, on my mind, though I could not even + then suppress a smile at the dignity of the example when applied to a + blind fiddler and myself. Still there was something in all this to awaken + a hope that, if I could open a correspondence with this poor violer, he + might be useful in extricating me from my present situation. + </p> + <p> + His profession furnished me with some hope that this desired communication + might be attained; since it is well known that, in Scotland, where there + is so much national music, the words and airs of which are generally + known, there is a kind of freemasonry amongst performers, by which they + can, by the mere choice of a tune, express a great deal to the hearers. + Personal allusions are often made in this manner, with much point and + pleasantry; and nothing is more usual at public festivals, than that the + air played to accompany a particular health or toast, is made the vehicle + of compliment, of wit, and sometimes of satire. [Every one must remember + instances of this festive custom, in which the adaptation of the tune to + the toast was remarkably felicitous. Old Neil Gow, and his son Nathaniel, + were peculiarly happy on such occasions.] + </p> + <p> + While these things passed through my mind rapidly, I heard my friend + beneath recommence, for the third time, the air from which his own name + had been probably adopted, when he was interrupted by his rustic auditors. + </p> + <p> + ‘If thou canst play no other spring but that, mon, ho hadst best put up + ho’s pipes and be jogging. Squoire will be back anon, or Master Nixon, and + we’ll see who will pay poiper then.’ + </p> + <p> + Oho, thought I, if I have no sharper ears than those of my friends Jan and + Dorcas to encounter, I may venture an experiment upon them; and, as most + expressive of my state of captivity, I sang two or three lines of the + 137th Psalm— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + By Babel’s streams we sat and wept. +</pre> + <p> + The country people listened with attention, and when I ceased, I heard + them whisper together in tones of commiseration, ‘Lack-a-day, poor soul! + so pretty a man to be beside his wits!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An he be that gate,’ said Wandering Willie, in a tone calculated to reach + my ears, ‘I ken naething will raise his spirits like a spring.’ And he + struck up, with great vigour and spirit, the lively Scottish air, the + words of which instantly occurred to me— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh whistle and I’ll come t’ye, my lad, + Oh whistle and I’ll come t’ye, my lad; + Though father and mother and a’ should gae mad, + Oh whistle and I’ll come t’ye, my lad. +</pre> + <p> + I soon heard a clattering noise of feet in the courtyard, which I + concluded to be Jan and Dorcas dancing a jig in their Cumberland wooden + clogs. Under cover of this din, I endeavoured to answer Willie’s signal by + whistling, as loud as I could—- + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Come back again and loe me + When a’ the lave are gane. +</pre> + <p> + He instantly threw the dancers out, by changing his air to + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There’s my thumb, I’ll ne’er beguile thee. +</pre> + <p> + I no longer doubted that a communication betwixt us was happily + established, and that, if I had an opportunity of speaking to the poor + musician, I should find him willing to take my letter to the post, to + invoke the assistance of some active magistrate, or of the + commanding-officer of Carlisle Castle, or, in short, to do whatever else I + could point out, in the compass of his power, to contribute to my + liberation. But to obtain speech of him, I must have run the risk of + alarming the suspicions of Dorcas, if not of her yet more stupid Corydon. + My ally’s blindness prevented his receiving any communication by signs + from the window—even if I could have ventured to make them, + consistently with prudence—so that notwithstanding the mode of + intercourse we had adopted was both circuitous and peculiarly liable to + misapprehension, I saw nothing I could do better than to continue it, + trusting my own and my correspondent’s acuteness in applying to the airs + the meaning they were intended to convey. I thought of singing the words + themselves of some significant song, but feared I might, by doing so, + attract suspicion. I endeavoured, therefore, to intimate my speedy + departure from my present place of residence, by whistling the well-known + air with which festive parties in Scotland usually conclude the dance:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Good night and joy be wi’ ye a’, + For here nae langer maun I stay; + There’s neither friend nor foe, of mine + But wishes that I were away. +</pre> + <p> + It appeared that Willie’s powers of intelligence were much more active + than mine, and that, like a deaf person accustomed to be spoken to by + signs, he comprehended, from the very first notes, the whole meaning I + intended to convey; and he accompanied me in the air with his violin, in + such a manner as at once to show he understood my meaning, and to prevent + my whistling from being attended to. + </p> + <p> + His reply was almost immediate, and was conveyed in the old martial air of + ‘Hey, Johnnie lad, cock up your beaver.’ I ran over the words, and fixed + on the following stanza, as most applicable to my circumstances:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Cock up your beaver, and cock it fu’ sprush; + We’ll over the Border and give them a brush; + There’s somebody there we’ll teach better behaviour, + Hey, Johnnie lad, cock up your beaver. +</pre> + <p> + If these sounds alluded, as I hope they do, to the chance of assistance + from my Scottish friends, I may indeed consider that a door is open to + hope and freedom. I immediately replied with:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here; + My heart’s in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer; + A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe, + My heart’s in the Highlands wherever I go. + + Farewell to the Highlands! farewell to the North! + The birth-place of valour, the cradle of worth; + Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, + The hills of the Highlands for ever I love. +</pre> + <p> + Willie instantly played, with a degree of spirit which might have awakened + hope in Despair herself, if Despair could be supposed to understand Scotch + music, the fine old Jacobite air, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For a’ that, and a’ that, + And twice as much as a’ that. +</pre> + <p> + I next endeavoured to intimate my wish to send notice of my condition to + my friends; and, despairing to find an air sufficiently expressive of my + purpose, I ventured to sing a verse, which, in various forms, occurs so + frequently in old ballads— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Whare will I get a bonny boy + That will win hose and shoon: + That will gae down to Durisdeer, + And bid my merry men come? +</pre> + <p> + He drowned the latter part of the verse by playing, with much emphasis, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Kind Robin loes me. +</pre> + <p> + Of this, though I ran over the verses of the song in my mind, I could make + nothing; and before I could contrive any mode of intimating my + uncertainty, a cry arose in the courtyard that Cristal Nixon was coming. + My faithful Willie was obliged to retreat; but not before he had half + played, half hummed, by way of farewell, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Leave thee—leave thee, lad— + I’ll never leave thee; + The stars shall gae withershins + Ere I will leave thee. +</pre> + <p> + I am thus, I think, secure of one trusty adherent in my misfortunes; and, + however whimsical it may be to rely much on a man of his idle profession + and deprived of sight withal, it is deeply impressed on my mind that his + services may be both useful and necessary. There is another quarter from + which I look for succour, and which I have indicated to thee, Alan, in + more than one passage of my journal. Twice, at the early hour of daybreak, + I have seen the individual alluded to in the court of the farm, and twice + she made signs of recognition in answer to the gestures by which I + endeavoured to make her comprehend my situation; but on both occasions she + pressed her finger on her lips, as expressive of silence and secrecy. + </p> + <p> + The manner in which G.M. entered upon the scene for the first time, seems + to assure me of her goodwill, so far as her power may reach; and I have + many reasons to believe it is considerable. Yet she seemed hurried and + frightened during the very transitory moments of our interview, and I + think was, upon the last occasion, startled by the entrance of some one + into the farmyard, just as she was on the point of addressing me. You must + not ask whether I am an early riser, since such objects are only to be + seen at daybreak; and although I have never again seen her, yet I have + reason to think she is not distant. It was but three nights ago, that, + worn out by the uniformity of my confinement, I had manifested more + symptoms of despondence than I had before exhibited, which I conceive may + have attracted the attention of the domestics, through whom the + circumstance might transpire. On the next morning, the following lines lay + on my table; but how conveyed there, I cannot tell. The hand in which they + were written is a beautiful Italian manuscript:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + As lords their labourers’ hire delay, + Fate quits our toil with hopes to come, + Which, if far short of present pay, + Still, owns a debt and names a sum. + + Quit not the pledge, frail sufferer, then, + Although a distant date be given; + Despair is treason towards man, + And blasphemy to Heaven. +</pre> + <p> + That these lines were written with the friendly purpose of inducing me to + keep up my spirits, I cannot doubt; and I trust the manner in which I + shall conduct myself may show that the pledge is accepted. + </p> + <p> + The dress is arrived in which it seems to be my self-elected guardian’s + pleasure that I shall travel; and what does it prove to be?—A skirt, + or upper-petticoat of camlet, like those worn by country ladies of + moderate rank when on horseback, with such a riding-mask as they + frequently use on journeys to preserve their eyes and complexion from the + sun and dust, and sometimes, it is suspected, to enable then to play off a + little coquetry. From the gayer mode of employing the mask, however, I + suspect I shall be precluded; for instead of being only pasteboard, + covered with black velvet, I observe with anxiety that mine is thickened + with a plate of steel, which, like Quixote’s visor, serves to render it + more strong and durable. + </p> + <p> + This apparatus, together with a steel clasp for securing the mask behind + me with a padlock, gave me fearful recollections of the unfortunate being, + who, never being permitted to lay aside such a visor, acquired the + well-known historical epithet of the Man in the Iron Mask. I hesitated a + moment whether I should, so far submit to the acts of oppression designed + against me as to assume this disguise, which was, of course, contrived to + aid their purposes. But when I remembered Mr. Herries’s threat, that I + should be kept close prisoner in a carriage, unless I assumed the dress + which should be appointed for me; and I considered the comparative degree + of freedom which I might purchase by wearing the mask and female dress as + easily and advantageously purchased. Here, therefore, I must pause for the + present, and await what the morning may bring forth. + </p> + <p> + [To carry on the story from the documents before us, we think it proper + here to drop the journal of the captive Darsie Latimer, and adopt, + instead, a narrative of the proceedings of Alan Fairford in pursuit of his + friend, which forms another series in this history.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD + </h3> + <p> + The reader ought, by this time, to have formed some idea of the character + of Alan Fairford. He had a warmth of heart which the study of the law and + of the world could not chill, and talents which they had rendered + unusually acute. Deprived of the personal patronage enjoyed by most of his + contemporaries, who assumed the gown under the protection of their + aristocratic alliances and descents, he early saw that he should have that + to achieve for himself which fell to them as a right of birth. He laboured + hard in silence and solitude, and his labours were crowned with success. + But Alan doted on his friend Darsie, even more than he loved his + profession, and, as we have seen, threw everything aside when he thought + Latimer in danger; forgetting fame and fortune, and hazarding even the + serious displeasure of his father, to rescue him whom he loved with an + elder brother’s affection. Darsie, though his parts were more quick and + brilliant than those of his friend, seemed always to the latter a being + under his peculiar charge, whom he was called upon to cherish and protect + in cases where the youth’s own experience was unequal to the exigency; and + now, when, the fate of Latimer seeming worse than doubtful, Alan’s whole + prudence and energy were to be exerted in his behalf, an adventure which + might have seemed perilous to most youths of his age had no terrors for + him. He was well acquainted with the laws of his country, and knew how to + appeal to them; and, besides his professional confidence, his natural + disposition was steady, sedate, persevering, and undaunted. With these + requisites he undertook a quest which, at that time, was not unattended + with actual danger, and had much in it to appal a more timid disposition. + </p> + <p> + Fairford’s first inquiry concerning his friend was of the chief magistrate + of Dumfries, Provost Crosbie, who had sent the information of Darsie’s + disappearance. On his first application, he thought he discerned in the + honest dignitary a desire to get rid of the subject. The provost spoke of + the riot at the fishing station as an ‘outbreak among those lawless loons + the fishermen, which concerned the sheriff,’ he said, ‘more than us poor + town council bodies, that have enough to do to keep peace within burgh, + amongst such a set of commoners as the town are plagued with.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But this is not all, Provost Crosbie,’ said Mr. Alan Fairford; ‘A young + gentleman of rank and fortune has disappeared amongst their hands—you + know him. My father gave him a letter to you—Mr. Darsie Latimer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lack-a-day, yes! lack-a-day, yes!’ said the provost; ‘Mr. Darsie Latimer—he + dined at my house—I hope he is well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so too,’ said Alan, rather indignantly; ‘but I desire more + certainty on that point. You yourself wrote my father that he had + disappeared.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Troth, yes, and that is true,’ said the provost. ‘But did he not go back + to his friends in Scotland? it was not natural to think he would stay + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not unless he is under restraint,’ said Fairford, surprised at the + coolness with which the provost seemed to take up the matter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Rely on it, sir,’ said Mr. Crosbie, ‘that if he has not returned to his + friends in Scotland, he must have gone to his friends in England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will rely on no such thing,’ said Alan; ‘if there is law or justice in + Scotland, I will have the thing cleared to the very bottom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Reasonable, reasonable,’ said the provost, ‘so far as is possible; but + you know I have no power beyond the ports of the burgh.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you are in the commission besides, Mr. Crosbie; a justice of peace + for the county.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True, very true—that is,’ said the cautious magistrate, ‘I will not + say but my name may stand on the list, but I cannot remember that I have + ever qualified.’ [By taking the oaths to government.] + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, in that case,’ said young Fairford, ‘there are ill-natured people + might doubt your attachment to the Protestant line, Mr. Crosbie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God forbid, Mr. Fairford! I who have done and suffered in the Forty-five. + I reckon the Highlandmen did me damage to the amount of 100l. Scots, forby + all they ate and drank—no, no, sir, I stand beyond challenge; but as + for plaguing myself with county business, let them that aught the mare + shoe the mare. The commissioners of supply would see my back broken before + they would help me in the burgh’s work, and all the world kens the + difference of the weight between public business in burgh and landward. + What are their riots to me? have we not riots enough of our own?—But + I must be getting ready, for the council meets this forenoon. I am blithe + to see your father’s son on the causeway of our ancient burgh, Mr. Alan + Fairford. Were you a twelve-month aulder, we would make a burgess of you, + man. I hope you will come and dine with me before you go away. What think + you of to-day at two o’clock—just a roasted chucky and a drappit + egg?’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford resolved that his friend’s hospitality should not, as it + seemed the inviter intended, put a stop to his queries. ‘I must delay you + for a moment,’ he said, ‘Mr. Crosbie; this is a serious affair; a young + gentleman of high hopes, my own dearest friend, is missing—you + cannot think it will be passed over slightly, if a man of your high + character and known zeal for the government do not make some active + inquiry. Mr. Crosbie, you are my father’s friend, and I respect you as + such—but to others it will have a bad appearance.’ + </p> + <p> + The withers of the provost were not unwrung; he paced the room in much + tribulation, repeating, ‘But what can I do, Mr. Fairford? I warrant your + friend casts up again—he will come back again, like the ill shilling—he + is not the sort of gear that tynes—a hellicat boy, running through + the country with a blind fiddler and playing the fiddle to a parcel of + blackguards, who can tell where the like of him may have scampered to?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are persons apprehended, and in the jail of the town, as I + understand from the sheriff-substitute,’ said Mr. Fairford; ‘you must call + them before you, and inquire what they know of this young gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye—the sheriff-depute did commit some poor creatures, I + believe—wretched ignorant fishermen bodies, that had been + quarrelling with Quaker Geddes and his stake-nets, whilk, under favour of + your gown be it spoken, Mr. Fairford, are not over and above lawful, and + the town clerk thinks that they may be lawfully removed VIA FACTI—but + that is by the by. But, sir, the creatures were a’ dismissed for want of + evidence; the Quaker would not swear to them, and what could the sheriff + and me do but just let them loose? Come awa, cheer up, Master Alan, and + take a walk till dinner-time—I must really go to the council.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop a moment, provost,’ said Alan; ‘I lodge a complaint before you as a + magistrate, and you will find it serious to slight it over. You must have + these men apprehended again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye—easy said; but catch them that can,’ answered the provost; + ‘they are ower the march by this time, or by the point of Cairn.—Lord + help ye! they are a kind of amphibious deevils, neither land nor water + beasts neither English nor Scots—neither county nor stewartry, as we + say—they are dispersed like so much quicksilver. You may as well try + to whistle a sealgh out of the Solway, as to get hold of one of them till + all the fray is over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Crosbie, this will not do,’ answered the young counsellor; ‘there is + a person of more importance than such wretches as you describe concerned + in this unhappy business—I must name to you a certain Mr. Herries.’ + </p> + <p> + He kept his eye on the provost as he uttered the name, which he did rather + at a venture, and from the connexion which that gentleman, and his real or + supposed niece, seemed to have with the fate of Darsie Latimer, than from + any distinct cause of suspicion which he entertained. He thought the + provost seemed embarrassed, though he showed much desire to assume an + appearance of indifference, in which he partly succeeded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Herries!’ he said—‘What Herries?—There are many of that name—not + so many as formerly, for the old stocks are wearing out; but there is + Herries of Heathgill, and Herries of Auchintulloch, and Herries’— + </p> + <p> + ‘To save you further trouble, this person’s designation is Herries of + Birrenswork.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of Birrenswork?’ said Mr. Crosbie; ‘I have you now, Mr. Alan. Could you + not as well have said, the Laird of Redgauntlet?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford was too wary to testify any surprise at this identification of + names, however unexpected. ‘I thought,’ said he, ‘he was more generally + known by the name of Herries. I have seen and been in company with him + under that name, I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh aye; in Edinburgh, belike. You know Redgauntlet was unfortunate a + great while ago, and though he was maybe not deeper in the mire than other + folk, yet, for some reason or other, he did not get so easily out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was attainted, I understand; and has no remission,’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + The cautious provost only nodded, and said, ‘You may guess, therefore, why + it is so convenient he should hold his mother’s name, which is also partly + his own, when he is about Edinburgh. To bear his proper name might be + accounted a kind of flying in the face of government, ye understand. But + he has been long connived at—the story is an old story—and the + gentleman has many excellent qualities, and is of a very ancient and + honourable house—has cousins among the great folk—counts kin + with the advocate and with the sheriff—hawks, you know, Mr. Alan, + will not pike out hawks’ een—he is widely connected—my wife is + a fourth cousin of Redgauntlet’s.’ + </p> + <p> + HINC ILLAE LACHRYMAE! thought Alan Fairford to himself; but the hint + presently determined him to proceed by soft means and with caution. ‘I beg + you to understand,’ said Fairford, ‘that in the investigation I am about + to make, I design no harm to Mr. Herries, or Redgauntlet—call him + what you will. All I wish is, to ascertain the safety of my friend. I know + that he was rather foolish in once going upon a mere frolic, in disguise, + to the neighbourhood of this same gentleman’s house. In his circumstances, + Mr. Redgauntlet may have misinterpreted the motives, and considered Darsie + Latimer as a spy. His influence, I believe, is great among the disorderly + people you spoke of but now?’ + </p> + <p> + The provost answered with another sagacious shake of his head, that would + have done honour to Lord Burleigh in the CRITIC. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then,’ continued Fairford,’ is it not possible that, in the + mistaken belief that Mr. Latimer was a spy, he may, upon such suspicion, + have caused him to be carried off and confined somewhere? Such things are + done at elections, and on occasions less pressing than when men think + their lives are in danger from an informer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Fairford,’ said the provost, very earnestly, ‘I scarce think such a + mistake possible; or if, by any extraordinary chance, it should have taken + place, Redgauntlet, whom I cannot but know well, being as I have said my + wife’s first cousin (fourth cousin, I should say) is altogether incapable + of doing anything harsh to the young gentleman—he might send him + ower to Ailsay for a night or two, or maybe land him on the north coast of + Ireland, or in Islay, or some of the Hebrides; but depend upon it, he is + incapable of harming a hair of his head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am determined not to trust to that, provost,’ answered Fairford firmly; + ‘and I am a good deal surprised at your way of talking so lightly of such + an aggression on the liberty of the subject. You are to consider, and Mr. + Herries or Mr. Redgauntlet’s friends would do very well also to consider, + how it would sound in the ears of an English Secretary of State, that an + attainted traitor (for such is this gentleman) has not only ventured to + take up his abode in this realm—against the king of which he has + been in arms—but is suspected of having proceeded, by open force and + violence, against the person of one of the lieges, a young man who is + neither without friends nor property to secure his being righted.’ + </p> + <p> + The provost looked at the young counsellor with a face in which distrust, + alarm, and vexation seemed mingled. ‘A fashious job,’ he said at last, ‘a + fashious job; and it will be dangerous meddling with it. I should like ill + to see your father’s son turn informer against an unfortunate gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Neither do I mean it,’ answered Alan, ‘provided that unfortunate + gentleman and his friends give me a quiet opportunity of securing my + friend’s safety. If I could speak with Mr. Redgauntlet, and hear his own + explanation, I should probably be satisfied. If I am forced, to denounce + him to government, it will be in his new capacity of a kidnapper. I may + not be able, nor is it my business, to prevent his being recognized in his + former character of an attainted person, excepted from the general + pardon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Master Fairford,’ said the provost, ‘would ye ruin the poor innocent + gentleman on an idle suspicion?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say no more of it, Mr. Crosbie; my line of conduct is determined—unless + that suspicion is removed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, sir,’ said the provost, ‘since so it be, and since you say that you + do not seek to harm Redgauntlet personally, I’ll ask a man to dine with us + to-day that kens as much about his matters as most folk. You must think, + Mr. Alan Fairford, though Redgauntlet be my wife’s near relative, and + though, doubtless, I wish him weel, yet I am not the person who is like to + be intrusted with his incomings and outgoings. I am not a man for that—I + keep the kirk, and I abhor Popery—I have stood up for the House of + Hanover, and for liberty and property—I carried arms, sir, against + the Pretender, when three of the Highlandmen’s baggage-carts were stopped + at Ecclefechan; and I had an especial loss of a hundred pounds’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Scots,’ interrupted Fairford. ‘You forget you told me all this before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Scots or English, it was too much for me to lose,’ said the provost; so + you see I am not a person to pack or peel with Jacobites, and such + unfreemen as poor Redgauntlet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Granted, granted, Mr. Crosbie; and what then?’ said Alan Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then, it follows, that if I am to help you at this pinch, if cannot + be by and through my ain personal knowledge, but through some fitting + agent or third person.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Granted again,’ said Fairford. ‘And pray who may this third person be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wha but Pate Maxwell of Summertrees—him they call Pate-in-Peril.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An old Forty-five man, of course?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye may swear that,’ replied the provost—‘as black a Jacobite as the + auld leaven can make him; but a sonsy, merry companion, that none of us + think it worth while to break wi’ for all his brags and his clavers. You + would have thought, if he had had but his own way at Derby, he would have + marched Charlie Stuart through between Wade and the Duke, as a thread goes + through the needle’s ee, and seated him in Saint James’s before you could + have said haud your hand. But though he is a windy body when he gets on + his auld-warld stories, he has mair gumption in him than most people—knows + business, Mr. Alan, being bred to the law; but never took the gown, + because of the oaths, which kept more folk out then than they do now—the + more’s the pity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! are you sorry, provost, that Jacobitism is upon the decline?’ said + Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ answered the provost—‘I am only sorry for folks losing the + tenderness of conscience which they used to have. I have a son breeding to + the bar, Mr. Fairford; and, no doubt, considering my services and + sufferings, I might have looked for some bit postie to him; but if the + muckle tykes come in—I mean a’ these Maxwells, and Johnstones, and + great lairds, that the oaths used to keep out lang syne—the bits o’ + messan doggies, like my son, and maybe like your father’s son, Mr. Alan, + will be sair put to the wall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But to return to the subject, Mr. Crosbie,’ said Fairford, ‘do you really + think it likely that this Mr. Maxwell will be of service in this matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very like he may be, for he is the tongue of the trump to the whole + squad of them,’ said the provost; ‘and Redgauntlet, though he will not + stick at times to call him a fool, takes more of his counsel than any + man’s else that I am aware of. If Fate can bring him to a communing, the + business is done. He’s a sharp chield, Pate-in-Peril.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pate-in-Peril!’ repeated Alan; ‘a very singular name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, and it was in as queer a way he got it; but I’ll say naething about + that,’ said the provost, ‘for fear of forestalling his market; for ye are + sure to hear it once at least, however oftener, before the punch-bowl + gives place to the teapot.—And now, fare ye weel; for there is the + council-bell clinking in earnest; and if I am not there before it jows in, + Bailie Laurie will be trying some of his manoeuvres.’ + </p> + <p> + The provost, repeating his expectation of seeing Mr. Fairford at two + o’clock, at length effected his escape from the young counsellor, and left + him at a considerable loss how to proceed. The sheriff, it seems, had + returned to Edinburgh, and he feared to find the visible repugnance of the + provost to interfere with this Laird of Birrenswork, or Redgauntlet, much + stronger amongst the country gentlemen, many of whom were Catholics as + well as Jacobites, and most others unwilling to quarrel with kinsmen and + friends, by prosecuting with severity political offences which had almost + run a prescription. + </p> + <p> + To collect all the information in his power, and not to have recourse to + the higher authorities until he could give all the light of which the case + was capable, seemed the wiser proceeding in a choice of difficulties. He + had some conversation with the procurator-fiscal, who, as well as the + provost, was an old correspondent of his father. Alan expressed to that + officer a purpose of visiting Brokenburn, but was assured by him, that it + would be a step attended with much danger to his own person, and + altogether fruitless; that the individuals who had been ringleaders in the + riot were long since safely sheltered in their various lurking-holes in + the Isle of Man, Cumberland, and elsewhere; and that those who might + remain would undoubtedly commit violence on any who visited their + settlement with the purpose of inquiring into the late disturbances. + </p> + <p> + There were not the same objections to his hastening to Mount Sharon, where + he expected to find the latest news of his friend; and there was time + enough to do so, before the hour appointed for the provost’s dinner. Upon + the road, he congratulated himself on having obtained one point of almost + certain information. The person who had in a manner forced himself upon + his father’s hospitality, and had appeared desirous to induce Darsie + Latimer to visit England, against whom, too, a sort of warning had been + received from an individual connected with and residing in his own family, + proved to be a promoter of the disturbance in which Darsie had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + What could be the cause of such an attempt on the liberty of an + inoffensive and amiable man? It was impossible it could be merely owing to + Redgauntlet’s mistaking Darsie for a spy; for though that was the solution + which Fairford had offered to the provost, he well knew that, in point of + fact, he himself had been warned by his singular visitor of some danger to + which his friend was exposed, before such suspicion could have been + entertained; and the injunctions received by Latimer from his guardian, or + him who acted as such, Mr. Griffiths of London, pointed to the same thing. + He was rather glad, however, that he had not let Provost Crosbie into his + secret further than was absolutely necessary; since it was plain that the + connexion of his wife with the suspected party was likely to affect his + impartiality as a magistrate. + </p> + <p> + When Alan Fairford arrived at Mount Sharon, Rachel Geddes hastened to meet + him, almost before the servant could open the door. She drew back in + disappointment when she beheld a stranger, and said, to excuse her + precipitation, that ‘she had thought it was her brother Joshua returned + from Cumberland.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Geddes is then absent from home?’ said Fairford, much disappointed in + his turn. + </p> + <p> + ‘He hath been gone since yesterday, friend,’ answered Rachel, once more + composed to the quietude which characterizes her sect, but her pale cheek + and red eye giving contradiction to her assumed equanimity. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am,’ said Fairford, hastily, ‘the particular friend of a young man not + unknown to you, Miss Geddes—the friend of Darsie Latimer—and + am come hither in the utmost anxiety, having understood from Provost + Crosbie, that he had disappeared in the night when a destructive attack + was made upon the fishing-station of Mr. Geddes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou dost afflict me, friend, by thy inquiries,’ said Rachel, more + affected than before; ‘for although the youth was like those of the + worldly generation, wise in his own conceit, and lightly to be moved by + the breath of vanity, yet Joshua loved him, and his heart clave to him as + if he had been his own son. And when he himself escaped from the sons of + Belial, which was not until they had tired themselves with reviling, and + with idle reproach, and the jests of the scoffer, Joshua, my brother, + returned to them once and again, to give ransom for the youth called + Darsie Latimer, with offers of money and with promise of remission, but + they would not hearken to him. Also, he went before the head judge, whom + men call the sheriff, and would have told him of the youth’s peril; but he + would in no way hearken to him unless he would swear unto the truth of his + words, which thing he might not do without sin, seeing it is written, + Swear not at all—also, that our conversation shall be yea or nay. + Therefore, Joshua returned to me disconsolate, and said, “Sister Rachel, + this youth hath run into peril for my sake; assuredly I shall not be + guiltless if a hair of his head be harmed, seeing I have sinned in + permitting him to go with me to the fishing station when such evil was to + be feared. Therefore, I will take my horse, even Solomon, and ride swiftly + into Cumberland, and I will make myself friends with Mammon of + Unrighteousness, among the magistrates of the Gentiles, and among their + mighty men; and it shall come to pass that Darsie Latimer shall be + delivered, even if it were at the expense of half my substance.” And I + said, “Nay, my brother, go not, for they will but scoff at and revile + thee; but hire with thy silver one of the scribes, who are eager as + hunters in pursuing their prey, and he shall free Darsie Latimer from the + men of violence by his cunning, and thy soul shall be guiltless of evil + towards the lad.” But he answered and said, “I will not be controlled in + this matter.” And he is gone forth and hath not returned, and I fear me + that he may never return; for though he be peaceful, as becometh one who + holds all violence as offence against his own soul, yet neither the floods + of water, nor the fear of the snare, nor the drawn sword of the adversary + brandished in the path, will overcome his purpose. Wherefore the Solway + may swallow him up, or the sword of the enemy may devour him—nevertheless, + my hope is better in Him who directeth all things, and ruleth over the + waves of the sea, and overruleth the devices of the wicked, and who can + redeem us even as a bird from the fowler’s net.’ + </p> + <p> + This was all that Fairford could learn from Miss Geddes; but he heard with + pleasure that the good Quaker, her brother, had many friends among those + of his own profession in Cumberland, and without exposing himself to so + much danger as his sister seemed to apprehend, he trusted he might be able + to discover some traces of Darsie Latimer. He himself rode back to + Dumfries, having left with Miss Geddes his direction in that place, and an + earnest request that she would forward thither whatever information she + might obtain from her brother. + </p> + <p> + On Fairford’s return to Dumfries, he employed the brief interval which + remained before dinner-time, in writing an account of what had befallen + Latimer and of the present uncertainty of his condition, to Mr. Samuel + Griffiths, through whose hands the remittances for his friend’s service + had been regularly made, desiring he would instantly acquaint him with + such parts of his history as might direct him in the search which he was + about to institute through the border counties, and which he pledged + himself not; to give up until he had obtained news of his friend, alive or + dead, The young lawyer’s mind felt easier when he had dispatched this + letter. He could not conceive any reason why his friend’s life should be + aimed at; he knew Darsie had done nothing by which his liberty could be + legally affected; and although, even of late years, there had been + singular histories of men, and women also, who had been trepanned, and + concealed in solitudes and distant islands in order to serve some + temporary purpose, such violences had been chiefly practised by the rich + on the poor, and by the strong on the feeble; whereas, in the present + case, this Mr. Herries, or Redgauntlet, being amenable, for more reasons + than one, to the censure of the law, must be the weakest in any struggle + in which it could be appealed to. It is true, that his friendly anxiety + whispered that the very cause which rendered this oppressor less + formidable, might make him more desperate. Still, recalling his language, + so strikingly that of the gentleman, and even of the man of honour, Alan + Fairford concluded, that though, in his feudal pride, Redgauntlet might + venture on the deeds of violence exercised by the aristocracy in other + times, he could not be capable of any action of deliberate atrocity. And + in these convictions he went to dine with Provost Crosbie, with a heart + more at ease than might have been expected. [See Note 7.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + Five minutes had elapsed after the town clock struck two, before Alan + Fairford, who had made a small detour to put his letter into the + post-house, reached the mansion of Mr. Provost Crosbie, and was at once + greeted by the voice of that civic dignitary, and the rural dignitary his + visitor, as by the voices of men impatient for their dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come away, Mr. Fairford—the Edinburgh time is later than ours,’ + said the provost. + </p> + <p> + And, ‘Come away, young gentleman,’ said the laird; ‘I remember your father + weel at the Cross thirty years ago—I reckon you are as late in + Edinburgh as at London, four o’clock hours—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not quite so degenerate,’ replied Fairford; ‘but certainly many Edinburgh + people are so ill-advised as to postpone their dinner till three, that + they may have full time to answer their London correspondents.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘London correspondents!’ said Mr. Maxwell; ‘and pray what the devil have + the people of Auld Reekie to do with London correspondents?’ [Not much in + those days, for within my recollection the London post; was brought north + in a small mail-cart; and men are yet as live who recollect when it came + down with only one single letter for Edinburgh, addressed to the manager + of the British Linen Company.] + </p> + <p> + ‘The tradesmen must have their goods,’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can they not buy our own Scottish manufactures, and pick their customers + pockets in a more patriotic manner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then the ladies must have fashions,’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can they not busk the plaid over their heads, as their mothers did? A + tartan screen, and once a year a new cockernony from Paris, should serve a + countess. But ye have not many of them left, I think—Mareschal, + Airley, Winton, Vemyss, Balmerino, all passed and gone—aye, aye, the + countesses and ladies of quality will scarce take up too much of your + ball-room floor with their quality hoops nowadays.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no want of crowding, however, sir,’ said Fairford; ‘they begin + to talk of a new Assembly room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A new Assembly room!’ said the old Jacobite laird—‘Umph—I + mind quartering three hundred men in the old Assembly room [I remember + hearing this identical answer given by an old Highland gentleman of the + Forty-Five, when he heard of the opening of the New Assembly Rooms in + George Street.]—But come, come—I’ll ask no more questions—the + answers all smell of new lords new lands, and do but spoil my appetite, + which were a pity, since here comes Mrs. Crosbie to say our mutton’s + ready.’ + </p> + <p> + It was even so. Mrs. Crosbie had been absent, like Eve, ‘on hospitable + cares intent,’ a duty which she did not conceive herself exempted from, + either by the dignity of her husband’s rank in the municipality, or the + splendour of her Brussels silk gown, or even by the more highly prized + lustre of her birth; for she was born a Maxwell, and allied, as her + husband often informed his friends, to several of the first families in + the county. She had been handsome, and was still a portly, good-looking + woman of her years; and though her peep into the kitchen had somewhat + heightened her complexion, it was no more than a modest touch of rouge + might have done. + </p> + <p> + The provost was certainly proud of his lady, nay, some said he was afraid + of her; for of the females of the Redgauntlet family there went a rumour, + that, ally where they would, there was a grey mare as surely in the + stables of their husbands, as there is a white horse in Wouvermans’ + pictures. The good dame, too, was supposed to have brought a spice of + politics into Mr. Crosbie’s household along with her; and the provost’s + enemies at the council-table of the burgh used to observe that he uttered + there many a bold harangue against the Pretender, and in favour of King + George and government, of which he dared not have pronounced a syllable in + his own bedchamber; and that, in fact, his wife’s predominating influence + had now and then occasioned his acting, or forbearing to act, in a manner + very different from his general professions of zeal for Revolution + principles. If this was in any respect true, it was certain, on the other + hand, that Mrs. Crosbie, in all external points, seemed to acknowledge the + ‘lawful sway and right supremacy’ of the head of the house, and if she did + not in truth reverence her husband, she at least seemed to do so. + </p> + <p> + This stately dame received Mr. Maxwell (a cousin of course) with + cordiality, and Fairford with civility; answering at the same time with + respect, to the magisterial complaints of the provost, that dinner was + just coming up. ‘But since you changed poor Peter MacAlpin, that used to + take care of the town-clock, my dear, it has never gone well a single + day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Peter MacAlpin, my dear,’ said the provost,’ made himself too busy for a + person in office, and drunk healths and so forth, which it became no man + to drink or to pledge, far less one that is in point of office a servant + of the public, I understand that he lost the music bells in Edinburgh, for + playing “Ower the Water to Charlie,” upon the tenth of June. He is a black + sheep, and deserves no encouragement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bad tune though, after all,’ said Summertrees; and, turning to the + window, he half hummed, half whistled, the air in question, then sang the + last verse aloud: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Oh I loe weel my Charlie’s name, + Though some there be that abhor him; + But oh to see the deil gang hame + Wi’ a’ the Whigs before him! + Over the water, and over the sea, + And over the water to Charlie; + Come weal, come woe, we’ll gather and go, + And live or die with Charlie.’ +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Crosbie smiled furtively on the laird, wearing an aspect at the same + time of deep submission; while the provost, not choosing to hear his + visitor’s ditty, took a turn through the room, in unquestioned dignity and + independence of authority. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aweel, aweel, my dear,’ said the lady, with a quiet smile of submission, + ‘ye ken these matters best, and you will do your pleasure—they are + far above my hand—only, I doubt if ever the town-clock will go + right, or your meals be got up so regular as I should wish, till Peter + MacAlpin gets his office back again. The body’s auld, and can neither work + nor want, but he is the only hand to set a clock.’ + </p> + <p> + It may be noticed in passing, that notwithstanding this prediction, which, + probably, the fair Cassandra had the full means of accomplishing, it was + not till the second council day thereafter that the misdemeanours of the + Jacobite clock-keeper were passed over, and he was once more restored to + his occupation of fixing the town’s time, and the provost’s dinner-hour. + </p> + <p> + Upon the present occasion the dinner passed pleasantly away. Summertrees + talked and jested with the easy indifference of a man who holds himself + superior to his company. He was indeed an important person, as was + testified by his portly appearance; his hat laced with POINT D’ESPAGNE; + his coat and waistcoat once richly embroidered, though now almost + threadbare; the splendour of his solitaire, and laced ruffles, though the + first was sorely creased, and the other sullied; not to forget the length + of his silver-hilted rapier. His wit, or rather humour, bordered on the + sarcastic, and intimated a discontented man; and although he showed no + displeasure when the provost attempted a repartee, yet it seemed that he + permitted it upon mere sufferance, as a fencing-master, engaged with a + pupil, will sometimes permit the tyro to hit him, solely by way of + encouragement. The laird’s own jests, in the meanwhile, were eminently + successful, not only with the provost and his lady, but with the + red-cheeked and red-ribboned servant-maid who waited at table, and who + could scarce perform her duty with propriety, so effectual were the + explosions of Summertrees. Alan Fairford alone was unmoved among all this + mirth; which was the less wonderful, that, besides the important subject + which occupied his thoughts, most of the laird’s good things consisted in + sly allusions to little parochial or family incidents, with which the + Edinburgh visitor was totally unacquainted: so that the laughter of the + party sounded in his ear like the idle crackling of thorns under the pot, + with this difference, that they did not accompany or second any such + useful operation as the boiling thereof. + </p> + <p> + Fairford was glad when the cloth was withdrawn; and when Provost Crosbie + (not without some points of advice from his lady touching the precise + mixture of the ingredients) had accomplished the compounding of a noble + bowl of punch, at which the old Jacobite’s eyes seemed to glisten, the + glasses were pushed round it, filled, and withdrawn each by its owner, + when the provost emphatically named the toast, ‘The King,’ with an + important look to Fairford, which seemed to say, You can have no doubt + whom I mean, and therefore there is no occasion to particularize the + individual. + </p> + <p> + Summertrees repeated the toast, with a sly wink to the lady, while + Fairford drank his glass in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, young advocate,’ said the landed proprietor, ‘I am glad to see + there is some shame, if there is little honesty, left in the Faculty. Some + of your black gowns, nowadays, have as little of the one as of the other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At least, sir,’ replied Mr. Fairford, ‘I am so much of a lawyer as not + willingly to enter into disputes which I am not retained to support—it + would be but throwing away both time and argument.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come,’ said the lady, ‘we will have no argument in this house about + Whig or Tory—the provost kens what he maun SAY, and I ken what he + should THINK; and for a’ that has come and gane yet, there may be a time + coming when honest men may say what they think, whether they be provosts + or not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘D’ye hear that, provost?’ said Summertrees; ‘your wife’s a witch, man; + you should nail a horseshoe on your chamber door—Ha, ha, ha!’ + </p> + <p> + This sally did not take quite so well as former efforts of the laird’s + wit. The lady drew up, and the provost said, half aside, ‘The sooth bourd + is nae bourd. [The true joke is no joke.] You will find the horseshoe + hissing hot, Summertrees.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can speak from experience, doubtless, provost,’ answered the laird; + ‘but I crave pardon—I need not tell Mrs. Crosbie that I have all + respect for the auld and honourable House of Redgauntlet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And good reason ye have, that are sae sib to them,’ quoth the lady, ‘and + kend weel baith them that are here, and them that are gane.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In troth, and ye may say sae, madam,’ answered the laird; ‘for poor Harry + Redgauntlet, that suffered at Carlisle, was hand and glove with me; and + yet we parted on short leave-taking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, Summertrees,’ said the provost; ‘that was when you played + Cheat-the-woodie, and gat the by-name of Pate-in-Peril. I wish you would + tell the story to my young friend here. He likes weel to hear of a sharp + trick, as most lawyers do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder at your want of circumspection, provost,’ said the laird,—much + after the manner of a singer when declining to sing the song that is + quivering upon his tongue’s very end. ‘Ye should mind there are some auld + stories that cannot be ripped up again with entire safety to all + concerned. TACE is Latin for a candle,’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope,’ said the lady, ‘you are not afraid of anything being said out of + this house to your prejudice, Summertrees? I have heard the story before; + but the oftener I hear it, the more wonderful I think it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, madam; but it has been now a wonder of more than nine days, and it + is time it should be ended,’ answered Maxwell. + </p> + <p> + Fairford now thought it civil to say, ‘that he had often heard of Mr. + Maxwell’s wonderful escape, and that nothing could be more agreeable to + him than to hear the right version of it.’ + </p> + <p> + But Summertrees was obdurate, and refused to take up the time of the + company with such ‘auld-warld nonsense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, weel,’ said the provost, ‘a wilful man maun hae his way. What do + your folk in the country think about the disturbances that are beginning + to spunk out in the colonies?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Excellent, sir, excellent. When things come to the worst; they will mend; + and to the worst they are coming. But as to that nonsense ploy of mine, if + ye insist on hearing the particulars,’—said the laird, who began to + be sensible that the period of telling his story gracefully was gliding + fast away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said the provost, ‘it was not for myself, but this young + gentlemen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aweel, what for should I not pleasure the young gentlemen? I’ll just + drink to honest folk at hame and abroad, and deil ane else. And then—but + you have heard it before, Mrs. Crosbie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so often as to think it tiresome, I assure ye,’ said the lady; and + without further preliminaries, the laird addressed Alan Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye have heard of a year they call the FORTY-FIVE, young gentleman; when + the Southrons’ heads made their last acquaintance with Scottish claymores? + There was a set of rampauging chields in the country then that they called + rebels—I never could find out what for—Some men should have + been wi’ them that never came, provost—Skye and the Bush aboon + Traquair for that, ye ken.—Weel, the job was settled at last. + Cloured crowns were plenty, and raxed necks came into fashion. I dinna + mind very weel what I was doing, swaggering about the country with dirk + and pistol at my belt for five or six months, or thereaway; but I had a + weary waking out of a wild dream. When did I find myself on foot in a + misty morning, with my hand, just for fear of going astray, linked into a + handcuff, as they call it, with poor Harry Redgauntlet’s fastened into the + other; and there we were, trudging along, with about a score more that had + thrust their horns ower deep in the bog, just like ourselves, and a + sergeant’s guard of redcoats, with twa file of dragoons, to keep all + quiet, and give us heart to the road. Now, if this mode of travelling was + not very pleasant, the object did not particularly recommend it; for, you + understand, young man, that they did not trust these poor rebel bodies to + be tried by juries of their ain kindly countrymen, though ane would have + thought they would have found Whigs enough in Scotland to hang us all; but + they behoved to trounce us away to be tried at Carlisle, where the folk + had been so frightened, that had you brought a whole Highland clan at once + into the court, they would have put their hands upon their een, and cried, + “hang them a’,” just to be quit of them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye,’ said the provost, ‘that was a snell law, I grant ye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Snell!’ said the wife, ‘snell! I wish they that passed it had the jury I + would recommend them to!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose the young lawyer thinks it all very right,’ said Summertrees, + looking at Fairford—‘an OLD lawyer might have thought otherwise. + However, the cudgel was to be found to beat the dog, and they chose a + heavy one. Well, I kept my spirits better than my companion, poor fellow; + for I had the luck to have neither wife nor child to think about, and + Harry Redgauntlet had both one and t’other.—You have seen Harry, + Mrs. Crosbie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In troth have I,’ said she, with the sigh which we give to early + recollections, of which the object is no more. ‘He was not so tall as his + brother, and a gentler lad every way. After he married the great English + fortune, folk called him less of a Scottishman than Edward.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Folk lee’d, then,’ said Summertrees; ‘poor Harry was none of your + bold-speaking, ranting reivers, that talk about what they did yesterday, + or what they will do to-morrow; it was when something was to do at the + moment that you should have looked at Harry Redgauntlet. I saw him at + Culloden, when all was lost, doing more than twenty of these bleezing + braggarts, till the very soldiers that took him cried not to hurt him—for + all somebody’s orders, provost—for he was the bravest fellow of them + all. Weel, as I went by the side of Harry, and felt him raise my hand up + in the mist of the morning, as if he wished to wipe his eye—for he + had not that freedom without my leave—my very heart was like to + break for him, poor fellow. In the meanwhile, I had been trying and trying + to make my hand as fine as a lady’s, to see if I could slip it out of my + iron wristband. You may think,’ he said, laying his broad bony hand on the + table, ‘I had work enough with such a shoulder-of-mutton fist; but if you + observe, the shackle-bones are of the largest, and so they were obliged to + keep the handcuff wide; at length I got my hand slipped out, and slipped + in again; and poor Harry was sae deep in his ain thoughts, I could not + make him sensible what I was doing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ said Alan Fairford, for whom the tale began to have some + interest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because there was an unchancy beast of a dragoon riding close beside us + on the other side; and if I had let him into my confidence as well as + Harry, it would not have been long before a pistol-ball slapped through my + bonnet.—Well, I had little for it but to do the best I could for + myself; and, by my conscience, it was time, when the gallows was staring + me in the face. We were to halt for breakfast at Moffat. Well did I know + the moors we were marching over, having hunted and hawked on every acre of + ground in very different times. So I waited, you see, till I was on the + edge of Errickstane-brae—Ye ken the place they call the Marquis’s + Beef-stand, because the Annandale loons used to put their stolen cattle in + there?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford intimated his ignorance, + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye must have seen it as ye came this way; it looks as if four hills were + laying their heads together, to shut out daylight from the dark hollow + space between them. A d—d deep, black, blackguard-looking abyss of a + hole it is, and goes straight down from the roadside, as perpendicular as + it can do, to be a heathery brae. At the bottom, there is a small bit of a + brook, that you would think could hardly find, its way out from the hills + that are so closely jammed round it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A bad pass, indeed,’ said Alan. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may say that,’ continued the laird. ‘Bad as it was, sir, it was my + only chance; and though my very flesh creeped when I thought what a rumble + I was going to get, yet I kept my heart up all the same. And so, just when + we came on the edge of this Beef-stand of the Johnstones, I slipped out my + hand from the handcuff, cried to Harry Gauntlet, ‘Follow me!’—whisked + under the belly of the dragoon horse—flung my plaid round me with + the speed of lightning—threw myself on my side, for there was no + keeping my feet, and down the brae hurled I, over heather and fern, and + blackberries, like a barrel down Chalmer’s Close, in Auld Reekie. G—, + sir, I never could help laughing when I think how the scoundrel redcoats + must have been bumbazed; for the mist being, as I said, thick, they had + little notion, I take it, that they were on the verge of such a dilemma. I + was half way down—for rowing is faster wark than rinning—ere + they could get at their arms; and then it was flash, flash, flash—rap, + rap, rap—from the edge of the road; but my head was too jumbled to + think anything either of that or the hard knocks I got among the stones. I + kept my senses thegither, whilk has been thought wonderful by all that + ever saw the place; and I helped myself with my hands as gallantly as I + could, and to the bottom I came. There I lay for half a moment; but the + thoughts of a gallows is worth all the salts and scent-bottles in the + world for bringing a man to himself. Up I sprang, like a four-year-auld + colt. All the hills were spinning round with me, like so many great big + humming-tops. But there was nae time to think of that neither; more + especially as the mist had risen a little with the firing. I could see the + villains, like sae mony craws on the edge of the brae; and I reckon that + they saw me; for some of the loons were beginning to crawl down the hill, + but liker auld wives in their red cloaks, coming frae a field preaching, + than such a souple lad as I was. Accordingly, they soon began to stop and + load their pieces. Good-e’en to you, gentlemen, thought I, if that is to + be the gate of it. If you have any further word with me, you maun come as + far as Carriefraw-gauns. And so off I set, and never buck went faster ower + the braes than I did; and I never stopped till I had put three waters, + reasonably deep, as the season was rainy, half a dozen mountains, and a + few thousand acres of the worst moss and ling in Scotland, betwixt me and + my friends the redcoats.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was that job which got you the name of Pate-in-Peril,’ said the + provost, filling the glasses, and exclaiming with great emphasis, while + his guest, much animated with the recollections which the exploit excited, + looked round with an air of triumph for sympathy and applause,—‘Here + is to your good health; and may you never put your neck in such a venture + again.’ [The escape of a Jacobite gentleman while on the road to Carlisle + to take his trial for his share in the affair of 1745, took place at + Errickstane-brae, in the singular manner ascribed to the Laird of + Summertrees in the text. The author has seen in his youth the gentleman to + whom the adventure actually happened. The distance of time makes some + indistinctness of recollection, but it is believed the real name was + MacEwen or MacMillan.] + </p> + <p> + ‘Humph!—I do not know,’ answered Summertrees. ‘I am not like to be + tempted with another opportunity—[An old gentleman of the author’s + name was engaged in the affair of 1715, and with some difficulty was saved + from the gallows by the intercession of the Duchess of Buccleugh and + Monmouth. Her Grace, who maintained a good deal of authority over her + clan, sent for the object of her intercession, and warning him of the risk + which he had run, and the trouble she had taken on his account, wound up + her lecture by intimating that in case of such disloyalty again, he was + not to expect her interest in his favour. ‘An it please your Grace,’ said + the stout old Tory, ‘I fear I am too old to see another opportunity.‘] Yet + who knows?’ And then he made a deep pause. + </p> + <p> + ‘May I ask what became of your friend, sir?’ said Alan Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, poor Harry!’ said Summertrees. ‘I’ll tell you what, sir, it takes + time to make up one’s mind to such a venture, as my friend the provost + calls it; and I was told by Neil Maclean,—who was next file to us, + but had the luck to escape the gallows by some sleight-of-hand trick or + other,—that, upon my breaking off, poor Harry stood like one + motionless, although all our brethren in captivity made as much tumult as + they could, to distract the attention of the soldiers. And run he did at + last; but he did not know the ground, and either from confusion, or + because he judged the descent altogether perpendicular, he fled up the + hill to the left, instead of going down at once, and so was easily pursued + and taken. If he had followed my example, he would have found enough among + the shepherds to hide him, and feed him, as they did me, on bearmeal + scenes and braxy mutton, till better days came round again.’ [BRAXY + MUTTON.—The flesh of sheep that has died of disease, not by the hand + of the butcher. In pastoral countries it is used as food with little + scruple.] + </p> + <p> + ‘He suffered then for his share in the insurrection?’ said Alan. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may swear that,’ said Summertrees. ‘His blood was too red to be + spared when that sort of paint was in request. He suffered, sir, as you + call it—that is, he was murdered in cold blood, with many a pretty + fellow besides. Well, we may have our day next—what is fristed is + not forgiven—they think us all dead and buried—but’—Here + he filled his glass, and muttering some indistinct denunciations, drank it + off, and assumed his usual manner, which had been a little disturbed + towards the end of the narrative. + </p> + <p> + ‘What became of Mr. Redgauntlet’s child?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + MISTER Redgauntlet! He was Sir Henry Redgauntlet, as his son, if the child + now lives, will be Sir Arthur—I called him Harry from intimacy, and + Redgauntlet, as the chief of his name—His proper style was Sir Henry + Redgauntlet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His son, therefore, is dead?’ said Alan Fairford. ‘It is a pity so brave + a line should draw to a close.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has left a brother,’ said Summertrees, ‘Edward Hugh Redgauntlet, who + has now the representation of the family. And well it is; for though he be + unfortunate in many respects, he will keep up the honour of the house + better than a boy bred up amongst these bitter Whigs, the relations of his + elder brother Sir Henry’s lady. Then they are on no good terms with the + Redgauntlet line—bitter Whigs they are in every sense. It was a + runaway match betwixt Sir Henry and his lady. Poor thing, they would not + allow her to see him when in confinement—they had even the meanness + to leave him without pecuniary assistance; and as all his own property was + seized upon and plundered, he would have wanted common necessaries, but + for the attachment of a fellow who was a famous fiddler—a blind man—I + have seen him with Sir Henry myself, both before the affair broke out and + while it was going on. I have heard that he fiddled in the streets of + Carlisle, and carried what money he got to his master, while he was + confined in the castle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not believe a word of it,’ said Mrs. Crosbie, kindling with + indignation. ‘A Redgauntlet would have died twenty times before he had + touched a fiddler’s wages.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hout fye—hout fye—all nonsense and pride,’ said the Laird of + Summertrees. ‘Scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings, cousin Crosbie—ye + little ken what some of your friends were obliged to do yon time for a + sowp of brose, or a bit of bannock. G—d, I carried a cutler’s wheel + for several weeks, partly for need, and partly for disguise—there I + went bizz—bizz—whizz—zizz, at every auld wife’s door; + and if ever you want your shears sharpened, Mrs. Crosbie, I am the lad to + do it for you, if my wheel was but in order.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You, must ask my leave first,’ said the provost; ‘for I have been told + you had some queer fashions of taking a kiss instead of a penny, if you + liked your customer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come, provost,’ said the lady; rising, ‘if the maut gets abune the + meal with you, it is time for me to take myself away—And you will + come to my room, gentlemen, when you want a cup of tea.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford was not sorry for the lady’s departure. She seemed too much + alive to the honour of the house of Redgauntlet, though only a fourth + cousin, not to be alarmed by the inquiries which he proposed to make after + the whereabout of its present head. Strange confused suspicions arose in + his mind, from his imperfect recollection of the tale of Wandering Willie, + and the idea forced itself upon him that his friend Darsie Latimer might + be the son of the unfortunate Sir Henry. But before indulging in such + speculations, the point was to discover what had actually become of him. + If he were in the hands of his uncle, might there not exist some rivalry + in fortune, or rank, which might induce so stern a man as Redgauntlet to + use unfair measures towards a youth whom he would find himself unable to + mould to his purpose? He considered these points in silence, during + several revolutions of the glasses as they wheeled in galaxy round the + bowl, waiting until the provost, agreeably to his own proposal, should + mention the subject, for which he had expressly introduced him to Mr. + Maxwell of Summertrees. + </p> + <p> + Apparently the provost had forgot his promise, or at least was in no great + haste to fulfil it. He debated with great earnestness upon the Stamp Act, + which was then impending over the American colonies, and upon other + political subjects of the day, but said not a word of Redgauntlet. Alan + soon saw that the investigation he meditated must advance, if at all, on + his own special motion, and determined to proceed accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Acting upon this resolution, he took the first opportunity afforded by a + pause in the discussion of colonial politics, to say, ‘I must remind you, + Provost Crosbie, of your kind promise to procure some intelligence upon + the subject I am so anxious about.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gadso!’ said the provost, after a moment’s hesitation, ‘it is very true.—Mr. + Maxwell, we wish to consult you on a piece of important business. You must + know indeed I think you must have heard, that the fishermen at Brokenburn, + and higher up the Solway, have made a raid upon Quaker Geddes’s + stake-nets, and levelled all with the sands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In troth I heard it, provost, and I was glad to hear the scoundrels had + so much pluck left as to right themselves against a fashion which would + make the upper heritors a sort of clocking-hens, to hatch the fish that + folk below them were to catch and eat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, sir,’ said Alan, ‘that is not the present point. But a young friend + of mine was with Mr. Geddes at the time this violent procedure took place, + and he has not since been heard of. Now, our friend, the provost, thinks + that you may be able to advise’— + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by the provost and Summertrees speaking out both + at once, the first endeavouring to disclaim all interest in the question, + and the last to evade giving an answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Me think!’ said the provost; ‘I never thought twice about it, Mr. + Fairford; it was neither fish, nor flesh, nor salt herring of mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I “able to advise”!’ said Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees; ‘what the devil + can I advise you to do, excepting to send the bellman through the town to + cry your lost sheep, as they do spaniel dogs or stray ponies?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With your pardon,’ said Alan, calmly, but resolutely, ‘I must ask a more + serious answer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Mr. Advocate,’ answered Summertrees, ‘I thought it was your business + to give advice to the lieges, and not to take it from poor stupid country + gentlemen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If not exactly advice, it is sometimes our duty to ask questions, Mr. + Maxwell.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, sir, when you have your bag-wig and your gown on, we must allow you + the usual privilege of both gown and petticoat, to ask what questions you + please. But when you are out of your canonicals, the case is altered. How + come you, sir, to suppose that I have any business with this riotous + proceeding, or should know more than you do what happened there? the + question proceeds on an uncivil supposition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will explain,’ said Alan, determined to give Mr. Maxwell no opportunity + of breaking off the conversation. ‘You are an intimate of Mr. Redgauntlet—he + is accused of having been engaged in this affray, and of having placed + under forcible restraint the person of my friend, Darsie Latimer, a young + man of property and consequence, whose fate I am here for the express + purpose of investigating. This is the plain state of the case; and all + parties concerned,—your friend, in particular,—will have + reason to be thankful for the temperate manner in which it is my purpose + to conduct the matter, if I am treated with proportionate frankness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have misunderstood me,’ said Maxwell, with a tone changed to more + composure; ‘I told you I was the friend of the late Sir Henry Redgauntlet, + who was executed, in 1745, at Hairibie, near Carlisle, but I know no one + who at present bears the name of Redgauntlet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know Mr. Herries of Birrenswork,’ said Alan, smiling, ‘to whom the + name of Redgauntlet belongs?’ + </p> + <p> + Maxwell darted a keen reproachful look towards the provost, but instantly + smoothed his brow, and changed his tone to that of confidence and candour. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must not be angry, Mr. Fairford, that the poor persecuted nonjurors + are a little upon the QUI VIVE when such clever young men as you are + making inquiries after us. I myself now, though I am quite out of the + scrape, and may cock my hat at the Cross as I best like, sunshine or + moonshine, have been yet so much accustomed to walk with the lap of my + cloak cast over my face, that, faith, if a redcoat walk suddenly up to me, + I wish for my wheel and whetstone again for a moment. Now Redgauntlet, + poor fellow, is far worse off—he is, you may have heard, still under + the lash of the law,—the mark of the beast is still on his forehead, + poor gentleman,—and that makes us cautious—very cautious, + which I am sure there is no occasion to be towards you, as no one of your + appearance and manners would wish to trepan a gentleman under misfortune.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On the contrary, sir,’ said Fairford, ‘I wish to afford Mr. Redgauntlet’s + friends an opportunity to get him out of the scrape, by procuring the + instant liberation of my friend Darsie Latimer. I will engage that if he + has sustained no greater bodily harm than a short confinement, the matter + may be passed over quietly, without inquiry; but to attain this end, so + desirable for the man who has committed a great and recent infraction of + the laws, which he had before grievously offended, very speedy reparation + of the wrong must be rendered.’ + </p> + <p> + Maxwell seemed lost in reflection, and exchanged a glance or two, not of + the most comfortable or congratulatory kind, with his host the provost. + Fairford rose and walked about the room, to allow them an opportunity of + conversing together; for he was in hopes that the impression he had + visibly made upon Summertrees was likely to ripen into something + favourable to his purpose. They took the opportunity, and engaged in + whispers to each other, eagerly and reproachfully on the part of the + laird, while the provost answered in an embarrassed and apologetical tone. + Some broken words of the conversation reached Fairford, whose presence + they seemed to forget, as he stood at the bottom of the room, apparently + intent upon examining the figures upon a fine Indian screen, a present to + the provost from his brother, captain of a vessel in the Company’s + service. What he overheard made it evident that his errand, and the + obstinacy with which he pursued it, occasioned altercation between the + whisperers. + </p> + <p> + Maxwell at length let out the words, ‘A good fright; and so send him home + with his tail scalded, like a dog that has come a-privateering on strange + premises.’ + </p> + <p> + The provost’s negative was strongly interposed—‘Not to be thought + of’—‘making bad worse’—‘my situation’—‘my utility’—‘you + cannot conceive how obstinate—just like his father’. + </p> + <p> + They then whispered more closely, and at length the provost raised his + drooping crest, and spoke in a cheerful tone. ‘Come, sit down to your + glass, Mr. Fairford; we have laid our heads thegither, and you shall see + it will not be our fault if you are not quite pleased, and Mr. Darsie + Latimer let loose to take his fiddle under his neck again. But Summertrees + thinks it will require you to put yourself into some bodily risk, which + maybe you may not be so keen of.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentlemen,’ said Fairford, ‘I will not certainly shun any risk by which + my object may be accomplished; but I bind it on your consciences—on + yours, Mr. Maxwell, as a man of honour and a gentleman; and on yours, + provost, as a magistrate and a loyal subject, that you do not mislead me + in this matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, as for me,’ said Summertrees, ‘I will tell you the truth at once, + and fairly own that I can certainly find you the means of seeing + Redgauntlet, poor man; and that I will do, if you require it, and conjure + him also to treat you as your errand requires; but poor Redgauntlet is + much changed—indeed, to say truth, his temper never was the best in + the world; however, I will warrant you from any very great danger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will warrant myself from such,’ said Fairford, ‘by carrying a proper + force with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed,’ said Summertrees, ‘you will, do no such thing; for, in the first + place, do you think that we will deliver up the poor fellow into the hands + of the Philistines, when, on the contrary, my only reason for furnishing + you with the clue I am to put into your hands, is to settle the matter + amicably on all sides? And secondly, his intelligence is so good, that + were you coming near him with soldiers, or constables, or the like, I + shall answer for it, you will never lay salt on his tail.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford mused for a moment. He considered that to gain sight of this man, + and knowledge of his friend’s condition, were advantages to be purchased + at every personal risk; and he saw plainly, that were he to take the + course most safe for himself, and call in the assistance of the law, it + was clear he would either be deprived of the intelligence necessary to + guide him, or that Redgauntlet would be apprised of his danger, and might + probably leave the country, carrying his captive along with him. He + therefore repeated, ‘I put myself on your honour, Mr. Maxwell; and I will + go alone to visit your friend. I have little; doubt I shall find him + amenable to reason; and that I shall receive from him a satisfactory + account of Mr. Latimer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have little doubt that you will,’ said Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees; ‘but + still I think it will be only in the long run, and after having sustained + some delay and inconvenience. My warrandice goes no further.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will take it as it is given,’ said Alan Fairford. ‘But let me ask, + would it not be better, since you value your friend’s safety so highly and + surely would not willingly compromise mine, that the provost or you should + go with me to this man, if he is within any reasonable distance, and try + to make him hear reason?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me!—I will not go my foot’s length,’ said the provost; and that, + Mr. Alan, you may be well assured of. Mr. Redgauntlet is my wife’s fourth + cousin, that is undeniable; but were he the last of her kin and mine both, + it would ill befit my office to be communing with rebels.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, or drinking with nonjurors,’ said Maxwell, filling his glass. ‘I + would as soon expect; to have met Claverhouse at a field-preaching. And as + for myself, Mr. Fairford, I cannot go, for just the opposite reason. It + would be INFRA DIG. in the provost of this most flourishing and loyal town + to associate with Redgauntlet; and for me it would be NOSCITUR A SOCIO. + There would be post to London, with the tidings that two such Jacobites as + Redgauntlet and I had met on a braeside—the Habeas Corpus would be + suspended—Fame would sound a charge from Carlisle to the Land’s End—and + who knows but the very wind of the rumour might blow my estate from + between my fingers, and my body over Errickstane-brae again? No, no; bide + a gliff—I will go into the provost’s closet, and write a letter to + Redgauntlet, and direct you how to deliver it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is pen and ink in the office,’ said the provost, pointing to the + door of an inner apartment, in which he had his walnut-tree desk and + east-country cabinet. + </p> + <p> + ‘A pen that can write, I hope?’ said the old laird. + </p> + <p> + ‘It can write and spell baith in right hands,’ answered the provost, as + the laird retired and shut the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + The room was no sooner deprived of Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees’s presence, + than the provost looked very warily above, beneath, and around the + apartment, hitched his chair towards that of his remaining guest, and + began to speak In a whisper which could not have startled ‘the smallest + mouse that creeps on floor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Fairford,’ said he, ‘you are a good lad; and, what is more, you are + my auld friend your father’s son. Your father has been agent for this + burgh for years, and has a good deal to say with the council; so there + have been a sort of obligations between him and me; it may have been now + on this side and now on that; but obligations there have been. I am but a + plain man, Mr. Fairford; but I hope you understand me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe you mean me well, provost; and I am sure,’ replied Fairford, + ‘you can never better show your kindness than on this occasion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s it—that’s the very point I would be at, Mr. Alan,’ replied + the provost; ‘besides, I am, as becomes well my situation, a stanch friend + to kirk and king, meaning this present establishment in church and state; + and so, as I was saying, you may command my best—advice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope for your assistance and co-operation also,’ said the youth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, certainly,’ said the wary magistrate. ‘Well, now, you see one + may love the kirk, and yet not ride on the rigging of it; and one may love + the king, and yet not be cramming him eternally down the throat of the + unhappy folk that may chance to like another king better. I have friends + and connexions among them, Mr. Fairford, as your father may have clients—they + are flesh and blood like ourselves, these poor Jacobite bodies—sons + of Adam and Eve, after all; and therefore—I hope you understand me?—I + am a plain-spoken man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid I do not quite understand you,’ said Fairford; ‘and if you + have anything to say to me in private, my dear provost, you had better + come quickly out with it, for the Laird of Summertrees must finish his + letter in a minute or two.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bit, man—Pate is a lang-headed fellow, but his pen does not + clear the paper as his greyhound does the Tinwald-furs. I gave him a wipe + about that, if you noticed; I can say anything to Pate-in-Peril—Indeed, + he is my wife’s near kinsman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But your advice, provost,’ said Alan, who perceived that, like a shy + horse, the worthy magistrate always started off from his own purpose just + when he seemed approaching to it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, you shall have it in plain terms, for I am a plain man. Ye see, we + will suppose that any friend like yourself were in the deepest hole of the + Nith, sand making a sprattle for your life. Now, you see, such being the + case, I have little chance of helping you, being a fat, short-armed man, + and no swimmer, and what would be the use of my jumping in after you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand you, I think,’ said Alan Fairford. ‘You think that Darsie + Latimer is in danger of his life?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me!—I think nothing about it, Mr. Alan; but if he were, as I trust + he is not, he is nae drap’s blood akin to you, Mr. Alan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But here your friend, Summertrees,’ said the young lawyer, ‘offers me a + letter to this Redgauntlet of yours—What say you to that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me!’ ejaculated the provost, ‘me, Mr. Alan? I say neither buff nor stye + to it—But ye dinna ken what it is to look a Redgauntlet in the face;—better + try my wife, who is but a fourth cousin, before ye venture on the laird + himself—just say something about the Revolution, and see what a look + she can gie you.’ + </p> + <p> + I shall leave you to stand all the shots from that battery, provost.’ + replied Fairford. ‘But speak out like a man—Do you think Summertrees + means fairly by me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fairly—he is just coming—fairly? I am a plain man, Mr. + Fairford—but ye said FAIRLY?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do so,’ replied Alan, ‘and it is of importance to me to know, and to + you to tell me if such is the case; for if you do not, you may be an + accomplice to murder before the fact, and that under circumstances which + may bring it near to murder under trust.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Murder!—who spoke of murder?’ said the provost; no danger of that, + Mr. Alan—only, if I were you—to speak my plain mind’—Here + he approached his mouth to the ear of the young lawyer, and, after another + acute pang of travail, was safely delivered of his advice in the following + abrupt words:—‘Take a keek into Pate’s letter before ye deliver it.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford started, looked the provost hard in the face, and was silent; + while Mr. Crosbie, with the self-approbation of one who has at length + brought himself to the discharge of a great duty, at the expense of a + considerable sacrifice, nodded and winked to Alan, as if enforcing his + advice; and then swallowing a large glass of punch, concluded, with the + sigh of a man released from a heavy burden, ‘I am a plain man, Mr. + Fairford.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A plain man?’ said Maxwell, who entered the room at that moment, with the + letter in his hand,—‘Provost, I never heard you make use of the word + but when you had some sly turn of your own to work out.’ + </p> + <p> + The provost looked silly enough, and the Laird of Summertrees directed a + keen and suspicious glance upon Alan Fairford, who sustained it with + professional intrepidity.—There was a moment’s pause. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was trying,’ said the provost, ‘to dissuade our young friend from his + wildgoose expedition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I,’ said Fairford, ‘am determined to go through with it. Trusting + myself to you, Mr. Maxwell, I conceive that I rely, as I before said, on + the word of a gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will warrant you,’ said Maxwell, ‘from all serious consequences—some + inconveniences you must look to suffer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To these I shall be resigned,’ said Fairford, ‘and stand prepared to run + my risk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well then,’ said Summertrees, ‘you must go’— + </p> + <p> + ‘I will leave you to yourselves, gentlemen,’ said the provost, rising; + ‘when you have done with your crack, you will find me at my wife’s + tea-table.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a more accomplished old woman never drank catlap,’ said Maxwell, as + he shut the door; ‘the last word has him, speak it who will—and yet + because he is a whillywhaw body, and has a plausible tongue of his own, + and is well enough connected, and especially because nobody could ever + find out whether he is Whig or Tory, this is the third time they have made + him provost!—But to the matter in hand. This letter, Mr. Fairford,’ + putting a sealed one into his hand, ‘is addressed, you observe, to Mr. H—of + B—, and contains your credentials for that gentlemen, who is also + known by his family name of Redgauntlet, but less frequently addressed by + it, because it is mentioned something invidiously in a certain Act of + Parliament. I have little doubt he will assure you of your friend’s + safety, and in a short time place him at freedom—that is, supposing + him under present restraint. But the point is, to discover where he is—and, + before you are made acquainted with this necessary part of the business, + you must give me your assurance of honour that you will acquaint no one, + either by word or letter, with the expedition which you now propose to + yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How, sir?’ answered Alan; ‘can you expect that I will not take the + precaution of informing some person of the route I am about to take, that + in case of accident it may be known where I am, and with what purpose I + have gone thither?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And can you expect,’ answered Maxwell, in the same tone, ‘that I am to + place my friend’s safety, not merely in your hands, but in those of any + person you may choose to confide in, and who may use the knowledge to his + destruction? Na—na—I have pledged my word for your safety, and + you must give me yours to be private in the matter—giff-gaff, you + know.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford could not help thinking that this obligation to secrecy gave + a new and suspicious colouring to the whole transaction; but, considering + that his friend’s release might depend upon his accepting the condition, + he gave it in the terms proposed, and with the purpose of abiding by it. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now, sir,’ he said, ‘whither am I to proceed with this letter? Is Mr. + Herries at Brokenburn?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not; I do not think he will come thither again until the business + of the stake-nets be hushed up, nor would I advise him to do so—the + Quakers, with all their demureness, can bear malice as long as other folk; + and though I have not the prudence of Mr. Provost, who refuses to ken + where his friends are concealed during adversity, lest, perchance, he + should be asked to contribute to their relief, yet I do not think it + necessary or prudent to inquire into Redgauntlet’s wanderings, poor man, + but wish to remain at perfect freedom to answer, if asked at, that I ken + nothing of the matter. You must, then, go to old Tom Trumbull’s at Annan,—Tam + Turnpenny, as they call him,—and he is sure either to know where + Redgauntlet is himself, or to find some one who can give a shrewd guess. + But you must attend that old Turnpenny will answer no question on such a + subject without you give him the passport, which at present you must do, + by asking him the age of the moon; if he answers, “Not light enough to + land a cargo,” you are to answer, “Then plague on Aberdeen Almanacks,” and + upon that he will hold free intercourse with you. And now, I would advise + you to lose no time, for the parole is often changed—and take care + of yourself among these moonlight lads, for laws and lawyers do not stand + very high in their favour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will set out this instant,’ said the young barrister; ‘I will but bid + the provost and Mrs. Crosbie farewell, and then get on horseback so soon + as the ostler of the George Inn can saddle him;—as for the + smugglers, I am neither gauger nor supervisor, and, like the man who met + the devil, if they have nothing to say to me, I have nothing to say to + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a mettled young man,’ said Summertrees, evidently with increasing + goodwill, on observing an alertness and contempt of danger, which perhaps + he did not expect from Alan’s appearance and profession,—‘a very + mettled young fellow indeed! and it is almost a pity’—Here he + stopped abort. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is a pity?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is almost a pity that I cannot go with you myself, or at least send a + trusty guide.’ + </p> + <p> + They walked together to the bedchamber of Mrs. Crosbie, for it was in that + asylum that the ladies of the period dispensed their tea, when the parlour + was occupied by the punch-bowl. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been good bairns to-night, gentlemen,’ said Mrs. Crosbie; ‘I am + afraid, Summertrees, that the provost has given you a bad browst; you are + not used to quit the lee-side of the punch-bowl in such a hurry. I say + nothing to you, Mr. Fairford, for you are too young a man yet for stoup + and bicker; but I hope you will not tell the Edinburgh fine folk that the + provost has scrimped you of your cogie, as the sang says?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am much obliged for the provost’s kindness, and yours, madam,’ replied + Alan; ‘but the truth is, I have still a long ride before me this evening + and the sooner I am on horse-back the better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This evening?’ said the provost, anxiously; ‘had you not better take + daylight with you to-morrow morning?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Fairford will ride as well in the cool of the evening,’ said + Summertrees, taking the word out of Alan’s mouth. + </p> + <p> + The provost said no more, nor did his wife ask any questions, nor testify + any surprise at the suddenness of their guest’s departure. + </p> + <p> + Having drunk tea, Alan Fairford took leave with the usual ceremony. The + Laird of Summertrees seemed studious to prevent any further communication + between him and the provost, and remained lounging on the landing-place of + the stair while they made their adieus—heard the provost ask if Alan + proposed a speedy return, and the latter reply that his stay was + uncertain, and witnessed the parting shake of the hand, which, with a + pressure more warm than usual, and a tremulous, ‘God bless and prosper + you!’ Mr. Crosbie bestowed on his young friend. Maxwell even strolled with + Fairford as far as the George, although resisting all his attempts at + further inquiry into the affairs of Redgauntlet, and referring him to Tom + Trumbull, alias Turnpenny, for the particulars which he might find it + necessary to inquire into. + </p> + <p> + At length Alan’s hack was produced—an animal long in neck, and high + in bone, accoutred with a pair of saddle-bags containing the rider’s + travelling wardrobe. Proudly surmounting his small stock of necessaries, + and no way ashamed of a mode of travelling which a modern Mr. Silvertongue + would consider as the last of degradations, Alan Fairford took leave of + the old Jacobite, Pate-in-Peril, and set forward on the road to the loyal + burgh of Annan. His reflections during his ride were none of the most + pleasant. He could not disguise from himself that he was venturing rather + too rashly into the power of outlawed and desperate persons; for with such + only, a man in the situation of Redgauntlet could be supposed to + associate. There were other grounds for apprehension, Several marks of + intelligence betwixt Mrs. Crosbie and the Laird of Summertrees had not + escaped Alan’s acute observation; and it was plain that the provost’s + inclinations towards him, which he believed to be sincere and good, were + not firm enough to withstand the influence of this league between his wife + and friend. The provost’s adieus, like Macbeth’s amen, had stuck in his + throat, and seemed to intimate that he apprehended more than he dared give + utterance to. + </p> + <p> + Laying all these matters together, Alan thought, with no little anxiety on + the celebrated lines of Shakespeare, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + — A drop, + That in the ocean seeks another drop, &c. +</pre> + <p> + But pertinacity was a strong feature in the young lawyer’s character. He + was, and always had been, totally unlike the ‘horse hot at hand,’ who + tires before noon through his own over eager exertions in the beginning of + the day. On the contrary, his first efforts seemed frequently inadequate + to accomplishing his purpose, whatever that for the time might be; and it + was only as the difficulties of the task increased, that his mind seemed + to acquire the energy necessary to combat and subdue them. If, therefore, + he went anxiously forward upon his uncertain and perilous expedition, the + reader must acquit him of all idea, even in a passing thought, of the + possibility of abandoning his search, and resigning Darsie Latimer to his + destiny. + </p> + <p> + A couple of hours’ riding brought him to the little town of Annan, + situated on the shores of the Solway, between eight and nine o’clock. The + sun had set, but the day was not yet ended; and when he had alighted and + seen his horse properly cared for at the principal inn of the place, he + was readily directed to Mr. Maxwell’s friend, old Tom Trumbull, with whom + everybody seemed well acquainted. He endeavoured to fish out from the lad + that acted as a guide, something of this man’s situation and profession; + but the general expressions of ‘a very decent man’—‘a very honest + body’—‘weel to pass in the world,’ and such like, were all that + could be extracted from him; and while Fairford was following up the + investigation with closer interrogatories, the lad put an end to them by + knocking at the door of Mr. Trumbull, whose decent dwelling was a little + distance from the town, and considerably nearer to the sea. It was one of + a little row of houses running down to the waterside, and having gardens + and other accommodations behind. There was heard within the uplifting of a + Scottish psalm; and the boy saying, ‘They are at exercise, sir,’ gave + intimation they might not be admitted till prayers were over. + </p> + <p> + When, however, Fairford repeated the summons with the end of his whip, the + singing ceased, and Mr. Trumbull himself, with his psalm-book in his hand, + kept open by the insertion of his forefinger between the leaves, came to + demand the meaning of this unseasonable interruption. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more different than his whole appearance seemed to be + from the confidant of a desperate man, and the associate of outlaws in + their unlawful enterprises. He was a tall, thin, bony figure, with white + hair combed straight down on each side of his face, and an iron-grey hue + of complexion; where the lines, or rather, as Quin said of Macklin, the + cordage, of his countenance were so sternly adapted to a devotional and + even ascetic expression, that they left no room for any indication of + reckless daring or sly dissimulation. In short, Trumbull appeared a + perfect specimen of the rigid old Covenanter, who said only what he + thought right, acted on no other principle but that of duty, and, if he + committed errors, did so under the full impression that he was serving God + rather than man. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you want me, sir?’ he said to Fairford, whose guide had slunk to the + rear, as if to escape the rebuke of the severe old man,—‘We were + engaged, and it is the Saturday night.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford’s preconceptions were so much deranged by this man’s + appearance and manner, that he stood for a moment bewildered, and would as + soon have thought of giving a cant password to a clergyman descending from + the pulpit, as to the respectable father of a family just interrupted in + his prayers for and with the objects of his care. Hastily concluding Mr. + Maxwell had passed some idle jest on him, or rather that he had mistaken + the person to whom he was directed, he asked if he spoke to Mr. Trumbull. + </p> + <p> + ‘To Thomas Trumbull,’ answered the old man—‘What may be your + business, sir?’ And he glanced his eye to the book he held in his hand, + with a sigh like that of a saint desirous of dissolution. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard of such a gentleman in the country-side, but have no + acquaintance with him,’ answered Mr. Trumbull; ‘he is, as I have heard, a + Papist; for the whore that sitteth on the seven hills ceaseth not yet to + pour forth the cup of her abomination on these parts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet he directed me hither, my good friend,’ said Alan. ‘Is there another + of your name in this town of Annan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None,’ replied Mr. Trumbull, ‘since my worthy father was removed; he was + indeed a shining light.—I wish you good even, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stay one single instant,’ said Fairford; ‘this is a matter of life and + death.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not more than the casting the burden of our sins where they should be + laid,’ said Thomas Trumbull, about to shut the door in the inquirer’s + face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know,’ said Alan Fairford, ‘the Laird of Redgauntlet?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now Heaven defend me from treason and rebellion!’ exclaimed Trumbull. + ‘Young gentleman, you are importunate. I live here among my own people, + and do not consort with Jacobites and mass-mongers.’ + </p> + <p> + He seemed about to shut the door, but did NOT shut it, a circumstance + which did not escape Alan’s notice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Redgauntlet is sometimes,’ he said, ‘called Herries of Birrenswork; + perhaps you may know him under that name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Friend, you are uncivil,’ answered Mr. Trumbull; ‘honest men have enough + to do to keep one name undefiled. I ken nothing about those who have two. + Good even to you, friend.’ + </p> + <p> + He was now about to slam the door in his visitor’s face without further + ceremony, when Alan, who had observed symptoms that the name of + Redgauntlet did not seem altogether so indifferent to him as he pretended, + arrested his purpose by saying, in a low voice, ‘At least you can tell me + what age the moon is?’ + </p> + <p> + The old man started, as if from a trance, and before answering, surveyed + the querist with a keen penetrating glance, which seemed to say, ‘Are you + really in possession of this key to my confidence, or do you speak from + mere accident?’ + </p> + <p> + To this keen look of scrutiny, Fairford replied by a smile of + intelligence. + </p> + <p> + The iron muscles of the old man’s face did not, however, relax, as he + dropped, in a careless manner, the countersign, ‘Not light enough to land + a cargo.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then plague of all Aberdeen Almanacks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And plague of all fools that waste time,’ said Thomas Trumbull, ‘Could + you not have said as much at first? And standing wasting time, and + encouraging; lookers-on, in the open street too? Come in by—in by.’ + </p> + <p> + He drew his visitor into the dark entrance of the house, and shut the door + carefully; then putting his head into an apartment which the murmurs + within announced to be filled with the family, he said aloud, ‘A work of + necessity and mercy—Malachi, take the book—You will sing six + double verses of the hundred and nineteen-and you may lecture out of the + Lamentations. And, Malachi,’—this he said in an undertone,—‘see + you give them a a creed of doctrine that will last them till I come back; + or else these inconsiderate lads will be out of the house, and away to the + publics, wasting their precious time, and, it may be, putting themselves + in the way of missing the morning tide.’ + </p> + <p> + An inarticulate answer from within intimated Malachi’s acquiescence in the + commands imposed; and, Mr. Trumbull, shutting the door, muttered something + about fast bind, fast find, turned the key, and put it into his pocket; + and then bidding his visitor have a care of his steps, and make no noise, + he led him through the house, and out at a back-door, into a little + garden. Here a plaited alley conducted them, without the possibility of + their being seen by any neighbour, to a door in the garden-wall, which + being opened, proved to be a private entrance into a three-stalled stable; + in one of which was a horse, that whinnied on their entrance. ‘Hush, + hush!’ cried the old man, and presently seconded his exhortations to + silence by throwing a handful of corn into the manger, and the horse soon + converted his acknowledgement of their presence into the usual sound of + munching and grinding his provender. + </p> + <p> + As the light was now failing fast, the old man, with much more alertness + than might have been expected from the rigidity of his figure, closed the + window-shutters in an instant, produced phosphorus and matches, and + lighted a stable-lantern, which he placed on the corn-bin, and then + addressed Fairford. ‘We are private here, young man; and as some time has + been wasted already, you will be so kind as to tell me what is your + errand. Is it about the way of business, or the other job?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My business with you, Mr. Trumbull, is to request you will find me the + means of delivering this letter, from Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees to the + Laird of Redgauntlet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Humph—fashious job! Pate Maxwell will still be the auld man—always + Pate-in-Peril—Craig-in-Peril, for what I know. Let me see the letter + from him.’ + </p> + <p> + He examined it with much care, turning it up and down, and looking at the + seal very attentively. ‘All’s right, I see; it has the private mark for + haste and speed. I bless my Maker that I am no great man, or great man’s + fellow; and so I think no more of these passages than just to help them + forward in the way of business. You are an utter stranger in these parts, + I warrant?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford answered in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye—I never saw them make a wiser choice—I must call some one + to direct you what to do—Stay, we must go to him, I believe. You are + well recommended to me, friend, and doubtless trusty; otherwise you may + see more than I would like to show, or am in the use of showing in the + common line of business.’ + </p> + <p> + Saying this, he placed his lantern on the ground, beside the post of one + of the empty stalls, drew up a small spring bolt which secured it to the + floor, and then forcing the post to one side, discovered a small + trap-door. ‘Follow me,’ he said, and dived into the subterranean descent + to which this secret aperture gave access. + </p> + <p> + Fairford plunged after him, not without apprehensions of more kinds than + one, but still resolved to prosecute the adventure. + </p> + <p> + The descent, which was not above six feet, led to a very narrow passage, + which seemed to have been constructed for the precise purpose of excluding + every one who chanced to be an inch more in girth than was his conductor. + A small vaulted room, of about eight feet square, received them at the end + of this lane. Here Mr. Trumbull left Fairford alone, and returned for an + instant, as he said, to shut his concealed trap-door. + </p> + <p> + Fairford liked not his departure, as it left him in utter darkness; + besides that his breathing was much affected by a strong and stifling + smell of spirits, and other articles of a savour more powerful than + agreeable to the lungs. He was very glad, therefore, when he heard the + returning steps of Mr. Trumbull, who, when once more by his side, opened a + strong though narrow door in the wall, and conveyed Fairford into an + immense magazine of spirit-casks, and other articles of contraband trade. + </p> + <p> + There was a small, light at the end of this range of well-stocked + subterranean vaults, which, upon a low whistle, began to flicker and move + towards them. An undefined figure, holding a dark lantern, with the light + averted, approached them, whom Mr. Trumbull thus addressed:—‘Why + were you not at worship, Job; and this Saturday at e’en?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Swanston was loading the JENNY, sir; and I stayed to serve out the + article.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True—a work of necessity, and in the way of business. Does the + JUMPING JENNY sail this tide?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, sir; she sails for’— + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not ask you WHERE she sailed for, Job,’ said the old gentleman, + interrupting him. ‘I thank my Maker, I know nothing of their incomings or + outgoings. I sell my article fairly and in the ordinary way of business; + and I wash my hands of everything else. But what I wished to know is, + whether the gentleman called the Laird of the Solway Lakes is on the other + side of the Border even now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye,’ said Job, ‘the laird is something in my own line, you know—a + little contraband or so, There is a statute for him—But no matter; + he took the sands after the splore at the Quaker’s fish-traps yonder; for + he has a leal heart, the laird, and is always true to the country-side. + But avast—is all snug here?’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he suddenly turned on Alan Fairford the light side of the + lantern he carried, who, by the transient gleam which it threw in passing + on the man who bore it, saw a huge figure, upwards of six feet high, with + a rough hairy cap on his head, and a set of features corresponding to his + bulky frame. He thought also he observed pistols at his belt. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will answer for this gentleman,’ said Mr. Trumbull; ‘he must be brought + to speech of the laird.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That will be kittle steering,’ said the subordinate personage; ‘for I + understood that the laird and his folk were no sooner on the other side + than the land-sharks were on them, and some mounted lobsters from + Carlisle; and so they were obliged to split and squander. There are new + brooms out to sweep the country of them, they say; for the brush was a + hard one; and they say there was a lad drowned;—he was not one of + the laird’s gang, so there was the less matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Peace! prithee, peace, Job Rutledge,’ said honest, pacific Mr. Trumbull. + ‘I wish thou couldst remember, man, that I desire to know nothing of your + roars and splores, your brooms and brushes. I dwell here among my own + people; and I sell my commodity to him who comes in the way of business; + and so wash my hands of all consequences, as becomes a quiet subject and + an honest man. I never take payment, save in ready money.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye,’ muttered he with the lantern, ‘your worship, Mr. Trumbull, + understands that in the way of business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I hope you will one day know, Job,’ answered Mr. Trumbull,—‘the + comfort of a conscience void of offence, and that fears neither gauger nor + collector, neither excise nor customs. The business is to pass this + gentleman to Cumberland upon earnest business, and to procure him speech + with the Laird of the Solway Lakes—I suppose that can be done? Now I + think Nanty Ewart, if he sails with the brig this morning tide, is the man + to set him forward.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, truly is he,’ said Job; ‘never man knew the Border, dale and + fell, pasture and ploughland, better than Nanty; and he can always bring + him to the laird, too, if you are sure the gentleman’s right. But indeed + that’s his own look-out; for were he the best man in Scotland, and the + chairman of the d—d Board to boot, and had fifty men at his back, he + were as well not visit the laird for anything but good. As for Nanty, he + is word and blow, a d—d deal fiercer than Cristie Nixon that they + keep such a din about. I have seen them both tried, by’— + </p> + <p> + Fairford now found himself called upon to say something; yet his feelings, + upon finding himself thus completely in the power of a canting hypocrite, + and of his retainer, who had so much the air of a determined ruffian, + joined to the strong and abominable fume which they snuffed up with + indifference, while it almost deprived him of respiration, combined to + render utterance difficult. He stated, however, that he had no evil + intentions towards the laird, as they called him, but was only the bearer + of a letter to him on particular business, from Mr. Maxwell of + Summertrees. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye,’ said Job, ‘that may be well enough; and if Mr. Trumbull is + satisfied that the service is right, why, we will give you a cast in the + JUMPING JENNY this tide, and Nanty Ewart will put you on a way of finding + the laird, I warrant you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I may for the present return, I presume, to the inn where I left my + horse?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘With pardon,’ replied Mr. Trumbull, ‘you have been ower far ben with us + for that; but Job will take you to a place where you may sleep rough till + he calls you. I will bring you what little baggage you can need—for + those who go on such errands must not be dainty. I will myself see after + your horse, for a merciful man is merciful to his beast—a matter too + often forgotten in our way of business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Master Trumbull,’ replied Job, ‘you know that when we are chased, + it’s no time to shorten sail, and so the boys do ride whip and spur.’ He + stopped in his speech, observing the old man had vanished through the door + by which he had entered—‘That’s always the way with old Turnpenny,’ + he said to Fairford; ‘he cares for nothing of the trade but the profit—now, + d—me, if I don’t think the fun of it is better worth while. But come + along, my fine chap; I must stow you away in safety until it is time to go + aboard.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + Fairford followed his gruff guide among a labyrinth of barrels and + puncheons, on which he had more than once like to have broken his nose, + and from thence into what, by the glimpse of the passing lantern upon a + desk and writing materials, seemed to be a small office for the dispatch + of business. Here there appeared no exit; but the smuggler, or smuggler’s + ally, availing himself of a ladder, removed an old picture, which showed a + door about seven feet from the ground, and Fairford, still following Job, + was involved in another tortuous and dark passage, which involuntarily + reminded him of Peter Peebles’s lawsuit. At the end of this labyrinth, + when he had little guess where he had been conducted, and was, according + to the French phrase, totally DESORIENTE, Job suddenly set down the + lantern, and availing himself of the flame to light two candles which + stood on the table, asked if Alan would choose anything to eat, + recommending, at all events, a slug of brandy to keep out the night air. + Fairford declined both, but inquired after his baggage. + </p> + <p> + ‘The old master will take care of that himself,’ said Job Rutledge; and + drawing back in the direction in which he had entered, he vanished from + the farther end of the apartment, by a mode which the candles, still + shedding an imperfect light, gave Alan no means of ascertaining. Thus the + adventurous young lawyer was left alone in the apartment to which he had + been conducted by so singular a passage. + </p> + <p> + In this condition, it was Alan’s first employment to survey, with some + accuracy, the place where he was; and accordingly, having trimmed the + lights, he walked slowly round the apartment, examining its appearance and + dimensions. It seemed to be such a small dining-parlour as is usually + found in the house of the better class of artisans, shopkeepers, and such + persons, having a recess at the upper end, and the usual furniture of an + ordinary description. He found a door, which he endeavoured to open, but + it was locked on the outside. A corresponding door on the same side of the + apartment admitted him into a closet, upon the front shelves of which were + punch-bowls, glasses, tea-cups, and the like, while on one side was hung a + horseman’s greatcoat of the coarsest materials, with two great + horse-pistols peeping out of the pocket, and on the floor stood a pair of + well-spattered jack-boots, the usual equipment of the time, at least for + long journeys. + </p> + <p> + Not greatly liking the contents of the closet, Alan Fairford shut the + door, and resumed his scrutiny round the walls of the apartment, in order + to discover the mode of Job Rutledge’s retreat. The secret passage was, + however, too artificially concealed, and the young lawyer had nothing + better to do than to meditate on the singularity of his present situation. + He had long known that the excise laws had occasioned an active contraband + trade betwixt Scotland and England, which then, as now, existed, and will + continue to exist until the utter abolition of the wretched system which + establishes an inequality of duties betwixt the different parts of the + same kingdom; a system, be it said in passing, mightily resembling the + conduct of a pugilist, who should tie up one arm that he might fight the + better with the other. But Fairford was unprepared for the expensive and + regular establishments by which the illicit traffic was carried on, and + could not have conceived that the capital employed in it should have been + adequate to the erection of these extensive buildings, with all their + contrivances for secrecy of communication. He was musing on these + circumstances, not without some anxiety for the progress of his own + journey, when suddenly, as he lifted his eyes, he discovered old Mr. + Trumbull at the upper end of the apartment, bearing in one hand a small + bundle, in the other his dark lantern, the light of which, as he advanced, + he directed full upon Fairford’s countenance. + </p> + <p> + Though such an apparition was exactly what he expected, yet he did not see + the grim, stern old man present himself thus suddenly without emotion; + especially when he recollected, what to a youth of his pious education was + peculiarly shocking, that the grizzled hypocrite was probably that instant + arisen from his knees to Heaven, for the purpose of engaging in the + mysterious transactions of a desperate and illegal trade. + </p> + <p> + The old man, accustomed to judge with ready sharpness of the physiognomy + of those with whom he had business, did not fail to remark something like + agitation in Fairford’s demeanour. ‘Have ye taken the rue?’ said he. ‘Will + ye take the sheaf from the mare, and give up the venture?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never!’ said Fairford, firmly, stimulated at once by his natural spirit, + and the recollection of his friend; ‘never, while I have life and strength + to follow it out!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have brought you,’ said Trumbull, ‘a clean shirt, and some stockings, + which is all the baggage you can conveniently carry, and I will cause one + of the lads lend you a horseman’s coat, for it is ill sailing or riding + without one; and, touching your valise, it will be as safe in my poor + house, were it full of the gold of Ophir, as if it were in the depth of + the mine.’ ‘I have no doubt of it,’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now,’ said Trumbull, again, ‘I pray you to tell me by what name I am + to name you to Nanty (which is Antony) Ewart?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By the name of Alan Fairford,’ answered the young lawyer. + </p> + <p> + ‘But that,’ said Mr. Trumbull, in reply, ‘is your own proper name and + surname.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what other should I give?’ said the young man; ‘do you think I have + any occasion for an alias? And, besides, Mr. Trumbull,’ added Alan, + thinking a little raillery might intimate confidence of spirit, ‘you + blessed yourself, but a little while since, that you had no acquaintance + with those who defiled their names so far as to be obliged to change + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True, very true,’ said Mr. Trumbull; ‘nevertheless, young man, my grey + hairs stand unreproved in this matter; for, in my line of business, when I + sit under my vine and my fig-tree, exchanging the strong waters of the + north for the gold which is the price thereof, I have, I thank Heaven, no + disguises to keep with any man, and wear my own name of Thomas Trumbull, + without any chance that the same may be polluted. Whereas, thou, who art + to journey in miry ways, and amongst a strange people, mayst do well to + have two names, as thou hast two shirts, the one to keep the other clean.’ + </p> + <p> + Here he emitted a chuckling grunt, which lasted for two vibrations of the + pendulum exactly, and was the only approach towards laughter in which old + Turnpenny, as he was nicknamed, was ever known to indulge. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are witty, Mr. Trumbull,’ said Fairford; ‘but jests are no arguments—I + shall keep my own name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At your own pleasure,’ said the merchant; ‘there is but one name which,’ + &c. &c, &c. + </p> + <p> + We will not follow the hypocrite through the impious cant which he added, + in order to close the subject. + </p> + <p> + Alan followed him, in silent abhorrence, to the recess in which the + beaufet was placed, and which was so artificially made as to conceal + another of those traps with which the whole building abounded. This + concealment admitted them to the same winding passage by which the young + lawyer had been brought thither. The path which they now took amid these + mazes, differed from the direction in which he had been guided by + Rutledge. It led upwards, and terminated beneath a garret window. Trumbull + opened it, and with more agility than his age promised, clambered out upon + the leads. If Fairford’s journey had been hitherto in a stifled and + subterranean atmosphere, it was now open, lofty, and airy enough; for he + had to follow his guide over leads and slates, which the old smuggler + traversed with the dexterity of a cat. It is true, his course was + facilitated by knowing exactly where certain stepping-places and holdfasts + were placed, of which Fairford could not so readily avail himself; but, + after a difficult and somewhat perilous progress along the roofs of two or + three houses, they at length descended by a skylight into a garret room, + and from thence by the stairs into a public-house; for such it appeared, + by the ringing of bells, whistling for waiters and attendance, bawling of + ‘House, house, here!’ chorus of sea songs, and the like noises. + </p> + <p> + Having descended to the second story, and entered a room there in which + there was a light, old Mr. Trumbull rang the bell of the apartment thrice, + with an interval betwixt each, during which he told deliberately the + number twenty. Immediately after the third ringing the landlord appeared, + with stealthy step, and an appearance of mystery on his buxom visage. He + greeted Mr. Trumbull, who was his landlord as it proved, with great + respect, and expressed some surprise at seeing him so late, as he termed + it, ‘on Saturday e’en.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I, Robin Hastie,’ said the landlord to the tenant, am more surprised + than pleased, to hear sae muckle din in your house, Robie, so near the + honourable Sabbath; and I must mind you that it is contravening the terms + of your tack, whilk stipulates that you should shut your public on + Saturday at nine o’clock, at latest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir,’ said Robin Hastie, no way alarmed at the gravity of the + rebuke, ‘but you must take tent that I have admitted naebody but you, Mr. + Trumbull (who by the way admitted yoursell), since nine o’clock for the + most of the folk have been here for several hours about the lading, and so + on, of the brig. It is not full tide yet, and I cannot put the men out + into the street. If I did, they would go to some other public, and their + souls would be nane the better, and my purse muckle the waur; for how am I + to pay the rent if I do not sell the liquor?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, then,’ said Thomas Trumbull, ‘if it is a work of necessity, and in + the honest independent way of business, no doubt there is balm in Gilead. + But prithee, Robin, wilt thou see if Nanty Ewart be, as is most likely, + amongst these unhappy topers; and if so, let him step this way cannily, + and speak to me and this young gentleman. And it’s dry talking, Robin—you + must minister to us a bowl of punch—ye ken my gage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From a mutchkin to a gallon, I ken your honour’s taste, Mr. Thomas + Trumbull,’ said mine host; ‘and ye shall hang me over the signpost if + there be a drap mair lemon or a curn less sugar than just suits you. There + are three of you—you will be for the auld Scots peremptory + pint-stoup for the success of the voyage?’ [The Scottish pint of liquid + measure comprehends four English measures of the same denomination. The + jest is well known of my poor countryman, who, driven to extremity by the + raillery of the Southern, on the small denomination of the Scottish coin, + at length answered, ‘Aye, aye! But the deil tak them that has the LEAST + PINT-STOUP.‘] + </p> + <p> + ‘Better pray for it than drink for it, Robin,’ said Mr. Trumbull. ‘Yours + is a dangerous trade, Robin; it hurts mony a ane—baith host and + guest. But ye will get the blue bowl, Robin—the blue bowl—that + will sloken all their drouth, and prevent the sinful repetition of + whipping for an eke of a Saturday at e’en. Aye, Robin, it is a pity of + Nanty Ewart—Nanty likes the turning up of his little finger unco + weel, and we maunna stint him, Robin, so as we leave him sense to steer + by.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nanty Ewart could steer through the Pentland Firth though he were as + drunk as the Baltic Ocean,’ said Robin Hastie; and instantly tripping + downstairs, he speedily returned with the materials for what he called his + BROWST, which consisted of two English quarts of spirits, in a huge blue + bowl, with all the ingredients for punch in the same formidable + proportion. At the same time he introduced Mr. Antony or Nanty Ewart, + whose person, although he was a good deal flustered with liquor, was + different from what Fairford expected. His dress was what is emphatically + termed the shabby genteel—a frock with tarnished lace—a small + cocked hat, ornamented in a similar way—a scarlet waistcoat, with + faded embroidery, breeches of the same, with silver knee-bands, and he + wore a smart hanger and a pair of pistols in a sullied swordbelt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here I come, patron,’ he said, shaking hands with Mr. Trumbull. ‘Well, I + see you have got some grog aboard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not my custom, Mr. Ewart,’ said the old gentleman, ‘as you well + know, to become a chamberer or carouser thus late on Saturday at e’en; but + I wanted to recommend to your attention a young friend of ours, that is + going upon a something particular journey, with a letter to our friend the + Laird from Pate-in-Peril, as they call him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye—indeed?—he must be in high trust for so young a + gentleman. I wish you joy, sir,’ bowing to Fairford. ‘By’r lady, as + Shakespeare says, you are bringing up a neck for a fair end. Come, patron, + we will drink to Mr. What-shall-call-um. What is his name? Did you tell + me? And have I forgot it already.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Alan Fairford,’ said Trumbull. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, Mr. Alan Fairford—a good name for a fair trader—Mr. Alan + Fairford; and may he be long withheld from the topmost round of ambition, + which I take to be the highest round of a certain ladder.’ + </p> + <p> + While he spoke, he seized the punch-ladle, and began to fill the glasses. + But Mr. Trumbull arrested his hand, until he had, as he expressed himself, + sanctified the liquor by a long grace; during the pronunciation of which + he shut indeed his eyes, but his nostrils became dilated, as if he were + snuffing up the fragrant beverage with peculiar complacency. + </p> + <p> + When the grace was at length over, the three friends sat down to their + beverage, and invited Alan Fairford to partake. Anxious about his + situation, and disgusted as he was with his company, he craved, and with + difficulty obtained permission, under the allegation of being fatigued, + heated, and the like, to stretch himself on a couch which was in the + apartment, and attempted at least to procure some rest before high-water, + when the vessel was to sail. + </p> + <p> + He was at length permitted to use his freedom, and stretched himself on + the couch, having his eyes for some time fixed on the jovial party he had + left, and straining his ears to catch if possible a little of their + conversation. This he soon found was to no purpose for what did actually + reach his ears was disguised so completely by the use of cant words and + the thieves-latin called slang, that even when he caught the words, he + found himself as far as ever from the sense of their conversation. At + length he fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was after Alan had slumbered for three or four hours, that he was + wakened by voices bidding him rise up and prepare to be jogging. He + started up accordingly, and found himself in presence of the same party of + boon companions; who had just dispatched their huge bowl of punch. To + Alan’s surprise, the liquor had made but little innovation on the brains + of men who were accustomed to drink at all hours, and in the most + inordinate quantities. The landlord indeed spoke a little thick, and the + texts of Mr. Thomas Trumbull stumbled on his tongue; but Nanty was one of + those topers, who, becoming early what bon vivants term flustered, remain + whole nights and days at the same point of intoxication; and, in fact, as + they are seldom entirely sober, can be as rarely seen absolutely drunk. + Indeed, Fairford, had he not known how Ewart had been engaged whilst he + himself was asleep, would almost have sworn when he awoke, that the man + was more sober than when he first entered the room. + </p> + <p> + He was confirmed in this opinion when they descended below, where two or + three sailors and ruffian-looking fellows awaited their commands. Ewart + took the whole direction upon himself, gave his orders with briefness and + precision, and looked to their being executed with the silence and + celerity which that peculiar crisis required. All were now dismissed for + the brig, which lay, as Fairford was given to understand, a little farther + down the river, which is navigable for vessels of light burden till almost + within a mile of the town. + </p> + <p> + When they issued from the inn, the landlord bid them goodbye. Old Trumbull + walked a little way with them, but the air had probably considerable + effect on the state of his brain; for after reminding Alan Fairford that + the next day was the honourable Sabbath, he became extremely excursive in + an attempt to exhort him to keep it holy. At length, being perhaps + sensible that he was becoming unintelligible, he thrust a volume into + Fairford’s hand—hiccuping at the same time—‘Good book—good + book—fine hymn-book—fit for the honourable Sabbath, whilk + awaits us to-morrow morning.’ Here the iron tongue of time told five from + the town steeple of Annan, to the further confusion of Mr. Trumbull’s + already disordered ideas. ‘Aye? Is Sunday come and gone already? Heaven be + praised! Only it is a marvel the afternoon is sae dark for the time of the + year—Sabbath has slipped ower quietly, but we have reason to bless + oursells it has not been altogether misemployed. I heard little of the + preaching—a cauld moralist, I doubt, served that out—but, eh—the + prayer—I mind it as if I had said the words mysell.’ Here he + repeated one or two petitions, which were probably a part of his family + devotions, before he was summoned forth to what he called the way of + business. ‘I never remember a Sabbath pass so cannily off in my life.’ + Then he recollected himself a little, and said to Alan, ‘You may read that + book, Mr. Fairford, to-morrow, all the same, though it be Monday; for, you + see, it was Saturday when we were thegither, and now it’s Sunday and it’s + dark night—so the Sabbath has slipped clean away through our fingers + like water through a sieve, which abideth not; and we have to begin again + to-morrow morning, in the weariful, base, mean, earthly employments, whilk + are unworthy of an immortal spirit—always excepting the way of + business.’ + </p> + <p> + Three of the fellows were now returning to the town, and, at Ewart’s + command, they cut short the patriarch’s exhortation, by leading him back + to his own residence. The rest of the party then proceeded to the brig, + which only waited their arrival to get under weigh and drop down the + river. Nanty Ewart betook himself to steering the brig, and the very touch + of the helm seemed to dispel the remaining influence of the liquor which + he had drunk, since, through a troublesome and intricate channel, he was + able to direct the course of his little vessel with the most perfect + accuracy and safety. + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford, for some time, availed himself of the clearness of the + summer morning to gaze on the dimly seen shores betwixt which they glided, + becoming less and less distinct as they receded from each other, until at + length, having adjusted his little bundle by way of pillow, and wrapped + around him the greatcoat with which old Trumbull had equipped him, he + stretched himself on the deck, to try to recover the slumber out of which + he had been awakened. Sleep had scarce begun to settle on his eyes, ere he + found something stirring about his person. With ready presence of mind he + recollected his situation, and resolved to show no alarm until the purpose + of this became obvious; but he was soon relieved from his anxiety, by + finding it was only the result of Nanty’s attention to his comfort, who + was wrapping around him, as softly as he could, a great boatcloak, in + order to defend him from the morning air. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art but a cockerel,’ he muttered, ‘but ‘twere pity thou wert knocked + off the perch before seeing a little more of the sweet and sour of this + world—though, faith, if thou hast the usual luck of it, the best way + were to leave thee to the chance of a seasoning fever.’ + </p> + <p> + These words, and the awkward courtesy with which the skipper of the little + brig tucked the sea-coat round Fairford, gave him a confidence of safety + which he had not yet thoroughly possessed. He stretched himself in more + security on the hard planks, and was speedily asleep, though his slumbers + were feverish and unrefreshing. + </p> + <p> + It has been elsewhere intimated that Alan Fairford inherited from his + mother a delicate constitution, with a tendency to consumption; and, being + an only child, with such a cause for apprehension, care, to the verge of + effeminacy, was taken to preserve him from damp beds, wet feet, and those + various emergencies to which the Caledonian boys of much higher birth, but + more active habits, are generally accustomed. In man, the spirit sustains + the constitutional weakness, as in the winged tribes the feathers bear + aloft the body. But there is a bound to these supporting qualities; and as + the pinions of the bird must at length grow weary, so the VIS ANIMI of the + human struggler becomes broken down by continued fatigue. + </p> + <p> + When the voyager was awakened by the light of the sun now riding high in + heaven, he found himself under the influence of an almost intolerable + headache, with heat, thirst, shooting across the back and loins, and other + symptoms intimating violent cold, accompanied with fever. The manner in + which he had passed the preceding day and night, though perhaps it might + have been of little consequence to most young men, was to him, delicate in + constitution and nurture, attended with bad and even perilous + consequences. He felt this was the case, yet would fain have combated the + symptoms of indisposition, which, indeed, he imputed chiefly to + sea-sickness. He sat up on deck, and looked on the scene around, as the + little vessel, having borne down the Solway Firth, was beginning, with a + favourable northerly breeze, to bear away to the southward, crossing the + entrance of the Wampool river, and preparing to double the most northerly + point of Cumberland. + </p> + <p> + But Fairford felt annoyed with deadly sickness, as well as by pain of a + distressing and oppressive character; and neither Criffel, rising in + majesty on the one hand, nor the distant yet more picturesque outline of + Skiddaw and Glaramara upon the other, could attract his attention in the + manner in which it was usually fixed by beautiful scenery, and especially + that which had in it something new as well as striking. Yet it was not in + Alan Fairford’s nature to give way to despondence, even when seconded by + pain. He had recourse, in the first place, to his pocket; but instead of + the little Sallust he had brought with him, that the perusal of a + classical author might help to pass away a heavy hour, he pulled out the + supposed hymn-book with which he had been presented a few hours before, by + that temperate and scrupulous person, Mr. Thomas Trumbull, ALIAS + Turnpenny. The volume was bound in sable, and its exterior might have + become a psalter. But what was Alan’s astonishment to read on the title + page the following words:—‘Merry Thoughts for Merry Men; or Mother + Midnight’s Miscellany for the Small Hours;’ and turning over the leaves, + he was disgusted with profligate tales, and more profligate songs, + ornamented with figures corresponding in infamy with the letterpress. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good God!’ he thought, ‘and did this hoary reprobate summon his family + together, and, with such a disgraceful pledge of infamy in his bosom, + venture to approach the throne of his Creator? It must be so; the book is + bound after the manner of those dedicated to devotional subjects, and + doubtless the wretch, in his intoxication, confounded the books he carried + with him, as he did the days of the week.’ Seized with the disgust with + which the young and generous usually regard the vices of advanced life, + Alan, having turned the leaves of the book over in hasty disdain, flung it + from him, as far as he could, into the sea. He then had recourse to the + Sallust, which he had at first sought for in vain. As he opened the book, + Nanty Ewart, who had been looking over his shoulder, made his own opinion + heard. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think now, brother, if you are so much scandalized at a little piece of + sculduddery, which, after all, does nobody any harm, you had better have + given it to me than have flung it into the Solway.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope, sir,’ answered Fairford, civilly, ‘you are in the habit of + reading better books.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Faith,’ answered Nanty, ‘with help of a little Geneva text, I could read + my Sallust as well as you can;’ and snatching the book from Alan’s hand, + he began to read, in the Scottish accent:—“‘IGITUR EX DIVITIIS + JUVENTUTEM LUXURIA ATQUE AVARITIA CUM SUPERBILI INVASERE: RAPERE, + CONSUMERE; SUA PARVI PENDERE, ALIENA CUPERE; PUDOREM, AMICITIAM, + PUDICITIAM, DIVINA ATQUE HUMANA PROMISCUA, NIHIL PENSI NEQUE MODERATI + HABERE.” [The translation of the passage is thus given by Sir Henry + Steuart of Allanton:—‘The youth, taught to look up to riches as the + sovereign good, became apt pupils in the school of Luxury. Rapacity and + profusion went hand in hand. Careless of their own fortunes, and eager to + possess those of others, shame and remorse, modesty and moderation, every + principle gave way.’—WORKS OF SALLUST, WITH ORIGINAL ESSAYS, vol. + ii. p.17.]—There is a slap in the face now, for an honest fellow + that has been buccaneering! Never could keep a groat of what he got, or + hold his fingers from what belonged to another, said you? Fie, fie, friend + Crispus, thy morals are as crabbed and austere as thy style—the one + has as little mercy as the other has grace. By my soul, it is unhandsome + to make personal reflections on an old acquaintance, who seeks a little + civil intercourse with you after nigh twenty years’ separation. On my + soul, Master Sallust deserves to float on the Solway better than Mother + Midnight herself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps, in some respects, he may merit better usage at our hands,’ said + Alan; ‘for if he has described vice plainly, it seems to have been for the + purpose of rendering it generally abhorred.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said the seaman, ‘I have heard of the Sortes Virgilianae, and I + dare say the Sortes Sallustianae are as true every tittle. I have + consulted honest Crispus on my own account, and have had a cuff for my + pains. But now see, I open the book on your behalf, and behold what occurs + first to my eye!—Lo you there—“CATILINA ... OMNIUM + FLAGITIOSORUM ATQUE FACINOROSORUM CIRCUM SE HABEBAT.” And then again—“ETIAM + SI QUIS A CULPA VACUUS IN AMICITIAM EJUS INCIDIDERAT QUOTIDIANO USU PAR + SIMILISQUE CAETERIS EFFICIEBATUR.” [After enumerating the evil qualities + of Catiline’s associates, the author adds, ‘If it happened that any as yet + uncontaminated by vice were fatally drawn into his friendship, the effects + of intercourse and snares artfully spread, subdued every scruple, and + early assimilated them to their conductors.’—Ibidem, p. 19.] That is + what I call plain speaking on the part of the old Roman, Mr. Fairford. By + the way, that is a capital name for a lawyer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lawyer as I am,’ said Fairford, ‘I do not understand your innuendo.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, then,’ said Ewart, ‘I can try it another way, as well as the + hypocritical old rascal Turnpenny himself could do. I would have you to + know that I am well acquainted with my Bible-book, as well as with my + friend Sallust.’ He then, in a snuffling and canting tone, began to repeat + the Scriptural text—‘"DAVID THEREFORE DEPARTED THENCE, AND WENT TO + THE CAVE OF ADULLAM. AND EVERY ONE THAT WAS IN DISTRESS, AND EVERY ONE + THAT WAS IN DEBT, AND EVERY ONE THAT WAS DISCONTENTED, GATHERED THEMSELVES + TOGETHER UNTO HIM, AND HE BECAME A CAPTAIN OVER THEM.” What think you of + that?’ he said, suddenly changing his manner. ‘Have I touched you now, + sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are as far off as ever,’ replied Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘What the devil! and you a repeating frigate between Summertrees and the + laird! Tell that to the marines—the sailors won’t believe it. But + you are right to be cautious, since you can’t say who are right, who not. + But you look ill; it’s but the cold morning air. Will you have a can of + flip, or a jorum of hot rumbo? or will you splice the mainbrace’ (showing + a spirit-flask). ‘Will you have a quid—or a pipe—or a cigar?—a + pinch of snuff, at least, to clear your brains and sharpen your + apprehension?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford rejected all these friendly propositions. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then,’ continued Ewart, ‘if you will do nothing for the free trade, + I must patronize it myself.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took a large glass of brandy. + </p> + <p> + ‘A hair of the dog that bit me,’ he continued,—‘of the dog that will + worry me one day soon; and yet, and be d—d to me for an idiot, I + must always have hint at my throat. But, says the old catch’—Here he + sang, and sang well— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Let’s drink—let’s drink—while life we have; + We’ll find but cold drinking, cold drinking in the grave. +</pre> + <p> + All this,’ he continued, ‘is no charm against the headache. I wish I had + anything that could do you good. Faith, and we have tea and coffee aboard! + I’ll open a chest or a bag, and let you have some in an instant. You are + at the age to like such catlap better than better stuff.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford thanked him, and accepted his offer of tea. + </p> + <p> + Nanty Ewart was soon heard calling about, ‘Break open yon chest—take + out your capful, you bastard of a powder-monkey; we may want it again. No + sugar? all used up for grog, say you? knock another loaf to pieces, can’t + ye? and get the kettle boiling, ye hell’s baby, in no time at all!’ + </p> + <p> + By dint of these energetic proceedings he was in a short time able to + return to the place where his passenger lay sick and exhausted, with a + cup, or rather a canful, of tea; for everything was on a large scale on + board of the JUMPING JENNY. Alan drank it eagerly, and with so much + appearance of being refreshed that Nanty Ewart swore he would have some + too, and only laced it, as his phrase went, with a single glass of brandy. + [See Note 8.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + We left Alan Fairford on the deck of the little smuggling brig, in that + disconsolate situation, when sickness and nausea, attack a heated and + fevered frame, and an anxious mind. His share of sea-sickness, however, + was not so great as to engross his sensations entirely, or altogether to + divert his attention from what was passing around. If he could not delight + in the swiftness and agility with which the ‘little frigate’ walked the + waves, or amuse himself by noticing the beauty of the sea-views around + him, where the distant Skiddaw raised his brow, as if in defiance of the + clouded eminence of Criffel, which lorded it over the Scottish side of the + estuary, he had spirits and composure enough to pay particular attention + to the master of the vessel, on whose character his own safety in all + probability was dependent. + </p> + <p> + Nanty Ewart had now given the helm to one of his people, a bald-pated, + grizzled old fellow, whose whole life had been spent in evading the + revenue laws, with now and then the relaxation of a few months’ + imprisonment, for deforcing officers, resisting seizures, and the like + offences. + </p> + <p> + Nanty himself sat down by Fairford, helped him to his tea, with such other + refreshments as he could think of, and seemed in his way sincerely + desirous to make his situation as comfortable as things admitted. Fairford + had thus an opportunity to study his countenance and manners more closely. + </p> + <p> + It was plain, Ewart, though a good seaman, had not been bred upon that + element. He was a reasonably good scholar, and seemed fond of showing it + by recurring to the subject of Sallust and Juvenal; while, on the other + hand, sea-phrases seldom chequered his conversation. He had been in person + what is called a smart little man; but the tropical sun had burnt his + originally fair complexion to a dusty red; and the bile which was diffused + through his system, had stained it with a yellowish black—what ought + to have been the white part of his eyes, in particular, had a hue as deep + as the topaz. He was very thin, or rather emaciated, and his countenance, + though still indicating alertness and activity, showed a constitution + exhausted with excessive use of his favourite stimulus. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see you look at me hard,’ said he to Fairford. ‘Had you been an officer + of the d—d customs, my terriers’ backs would have been up. He opened + his breast, and showed Alan a pair of pistols disposed between his + waistcoat and jacket, placing his finger at the same time upon the cock of + one of them. ‘But come, you are an honest fellow, though you’re a close + one. I dare say you think me a queer customer; but I can tell you, they + that see the ship leave harbour know little of the seas she is to sail + through. My father, honest old gentleman, never would have thought to see + me master of the JUMPING JENNY.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford said, it seemed very clear indeed that Mr. Ewart’s education was + far superior to the line he at present occupied. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Criffel to Solway Moss!’ said the other. Why, man, I should have been + an expounder of the word, with a wig like a snow-wreath, and a stipend + like—like—like a hundred pounds a year, I suppose. I can spend + thrice as much as that, though, being such as I am. Here he sang a scrap + of an old Northumbrian ditty, mimicking the burr of the natives of that + county:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Willy Foster’s gone to sea, + Siller buckles at his knee, + He’ll come back and marry me— + Canny Willy Foster.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘I have no doubt,’ said Fairford, ‘your present occupation is more + lucrative; ‘but I should have thought the Church might have been more’— + </p> + <p> + He stopped, recollecting that it was not his business to say anything + disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + ‘More respectable, you mean, I suppose?’ said Ewart, with a sneer, and + squirting the tobacco-juice through his front teeth; then was silent for a + moment, and proceeded in a tone of candour which some internal touch of + conscience dictated. ‘And so it would, Mr. Fairford—and happier, + too, by a thousand degrees—though I have had my pleasures too. But + there was my father (God bless the old man!) a true chip of the old + Presbyterian block, walked his parish like a captain on the quarterdeck, + and was always ready to do good to rich and poor—Off went the + laird’s hat to the minister, as fast as the poor man’s bonnet. When the + eye saw him—Pshaw! what have I to do with that now?—Yes, he + was, as Virgil hath it, “VIR SAPIENTIA ET PIETATE GRAVIS.” But he might + have been the wiser man, had he kept me at home, when he sent me at + nineteen to study Divinity at the head of the highest stair in the + Covenant Close. It was a cursed mistake in the old gentleman. What though + Mrs. Cantrips of Kittlebasket (for she wrote herself no less) was our + cousin five times removed, and took me on that account to board and + lodging at six shillings instead of seven shillings a week? it was a d—d + bad saving, as the case proved. Yet her very dignity might have kept me in + order; for she never read a chapter excepting out of a Cambridge Bible, + printed by Daniel, and bound in embroidered velvet. I think I see it at + this moment! And on Sundays, when we had a quart of twopenny ale, instead + of butter-milk, to our porridge, it was always served up in a silver + posset-dish. Also she used silver-mounted spectacles, whereas even my + father’s were cased in mere horn. These things had their impression at + first, but we get used to grandeur by degrees. Well, sir!—Gad, I can + scarce get on with my story—it sticks in my throat—must take a + trifle to wash it down. Well, this dame had a daughter—Jess + Cantrips, a black-eyed, bouncing wench—and, as the devil would have + it, there was the d—d five-story stair—her foot was never from + it, whether I went out or came home from the Divinity Hall. I would have + eschewed her, sir—I would, on my soul; for I was as innocent a lad + as ever came from Lammermuir; but there was no possibility of escape, + retreat, or flight, unless I could have got a pair of wings, or made use + of a ladder seven stories high, to scale the window of my attic. It + signifies little talking—you may suppose how all this was to end—I + would have married the girl, and taken my chance—I would, by Heaven! + for she was a pretty girl, and a good girl, till she and I met; but you + know the old song, “Kirk would not let us be.” A gentleman, in my case, + would have settled the matter with the kirk-treasurer for a small sum of + money; but the poor stibbler, the penniless dominie, having married his + cousin of Kittlebasket, must next have proclaimed her frailty to the whole + parish, by mounting the throne of Presbyterian penance, and proving, as + Othello says, “his love a whore,” in face of the whole congregation. + </p> + <p> + ‘In this extremity I dared not stay where I was, and so thought to go home + to my father. But first I got Jack Radaway, a lad from the same parish, + and who lived in the same infernal stair, to make some inquiries how the + old gentleman had taken the matter. I soon, by way of answer, learned, to + the great increase of my comfortable reflections, that the good old man + made as much clamour as if such a thing as a man’s eating his wedding + dinner without saying grace had never happened since Adam’s time. He did + nothing for six days but cry out, “Ichabod, Ichabod, the glory is departed + from my house!” and on the seventh he preached a sermon, in which he + enlarged on this incident as illustrative of one of the great occasions + for humiliation, and causes of national defection. I hope the course he + took comforted himself—I am sure it made me ashamed to show my nose + at home. So I went down to Leith, and, exchanging my hoddin grey coat of + my mother’s spinning for such a jacket as this, I entered my name at the + rendezvous as an able-bodied landsman, and sailed with the tender round to + Plymouth, where they were fitting out a squadron for the West Indies. + There I was put aboard the FEARNOUGHT, Captain Daredevil—among whose + crew I soon learned to fear Satan (the terror of my early youth) as little + as the toughest Jack on board. I had some qualms at first, but I took the + remedy’ (tapping the case-bottle) ‘which I recommend to you, being as good + for sickness of the soul as for sickness of the stomach—What, you + won’t?—very well, I must, then—here is to ye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would, I am afraid, find your education of little use in your new + condition?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon me, sir,’ resumed the captain of the JUMPING JENNY; ‘my handful of + Latin, and small pinch of Greek, were as useless as old junk, to be sure; + but my reading, writing and accompting, stood me in good stead, and + brought me forward; I might have been schoolmaster—aye, and master, + in time; but that valiant liquor, rum, made a conquest of me rather too + often, and so, make what sail I could, I always went to leeward. We were + four years broiling in that blasted climate, and I came back at last with + a little prize-money. I always had thoughts of putting things to rights in + the Covenant Close, and reconciling myself to my father. I found out Jack + Hadaway, who was TUPTOWING away with a dozen of wretched boys, and a fine + string of stories he had ready to regale my ears withal. My father had + lectured on what he called “my falling away,” for seven Sabbaths, when, + just as his parishioners began to hope that the course was at an end, he + was found dead in his bed on the eighth Sunday morning. Jack Hadaway + assured me, that if I wished to atone for my errors, by undergoing the + fate of the first martyr, I had only to go to my native village, where the + very stones of the street would rise up against me as my father’s + murderer. Here was a pretty item—well, my tongue clove to my mouth + for an hour, and was only able at last to utter the name of Mrs. Cantrips. + Oh, this was a new theme for my Job’s comforter. My sudden departure—my + father’s no less sudden death—had prevented the payment of the + arrears of my board and lodging—the landlord was a haberdasher, with + a heart as rotten as the muslin wares he dealt in. Without respect to her + age or gentle kin, my Lady Kittlebasket was ejected from her airy + habitation—her porridge-pot, silver posset-dish, silver-mounted + spectacles, and Daniel’s Cambridge Bible, sold, at the Cross of Edinburgh, + to the caddie who would bid highest for them, and she herself driven to + the workhouse, where she got in with difficulty, but was easily enough + lifted out, at the end of the month, as dead as her friends could desire. + Merry tidings this to me, who had been the d——d’ (he paused a + moment) ‘ORIGO MALI—Gad, I think my confession would sound better in + Latin than in English! + </p> + <p> + ‘But the best jest was behind—I had just power to stammer out + something about Jess—by my faith he HAD an answer! I had taught Jess + one trade, and, like a prudent girl, she had found out another for + herself; unluckily, they were both contraband, and Jess Cantrips, daughter + of the Lady Kittlebasket, had the honour to be transported to the + plantations, for street-walking and pocket-picking, about six months + before I touched shore.’ + </p> + <p> + He changed the bitter tone of affected pleasantry into an attempt to + laugh, then drew his swarthy hand across his swarthy eyes, and said in a + more natural accent, ‘Poor Jess!’ + </p> + <p> + There was a pause—until Fairford, pitying the poor man’s state of + mind, and believing he saw something in him that, but for early error and + subsequent profligacy, might have been excellent and noble, helped on the + conversation by asking, in a tone of commiseration, how he had been able + to endure such a load of calamity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, very well,’ answered the seaman; ‘exceedingly well—like a + tight ship in a brisk gale. Let me recollect. I remember thanking Jack, + very composedly, for the interesting and agreeable communication; I then + pulled out my canvas pouch, with my hoard of moidores, and taking out two + pieces, I bid Jack keep the rest till I came back, as I was for a cruise + about Auld Reekie. The poor devil looked anxiously, but I shook him by the + hand, and ran downstairs, in such confusion of mind, that notwithstanding + what I had heard, I expected to meet Jess at every turning. + </p> + <p> + It was market-day, and the usual number of rogues and fools were assembled + at the Cross. I observed everybody looked strange on me, and I thought + some laughed. I fancy I had been making queer faces enough, and perhaps + talking to myself, When I saw myself used in this manner, I held out my + clenched fists straight before me, stooped my head, and, like a ram when + he makes his race, darted off right down the street, scattering groups of + weatherbeaten lairds and periwigged burgesses, and bearing down all before + me. I heard the cry of “Seize the madman!” echoed, in Celtic sounds, from + the City Guard, with “Ceaze ta matman!”—but pursuit and opposition + were in vain. I pursued my career; the smell of the sea, I suppose, led me + to Leith, where, soon after, I found myself walking very quietly on the + shore, admiring the tough round and sound cordage of the vessels, and + thinking how a loop, with a man at the end of one of them, would look, by + way of tassel. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was opposite to the rendezvous, formerly my place of refuge—in I + bolted—found one or two old acquaintances, made half a dozen new + ones—drank for two days—was put aboard the tender—off to + Portsmouth—then landed at the Haslar hospital in a fine hissing-hot + fever. Never mind—I got better—nothing can kill me—the + West Indies were my lot again, for since I did not go where I deserved in + the next world, I had something as like such quarters as can be had in + this—black devils for inhabitants—flames and earthquakes, and + so forth, for your element. Well, brother, something or other I did or + said—I can’t tell what—How the devil should I, when I was as + drunk as David’s sow, you know? But I was punished, my lad—made to + kiss the wench that never speaks but when she scolds, and that’s the + gunner’s daughter, comrade. Yes, the minister’s son of no matter where—has + the cat’s scratch on his back! This roused me, and when we were ashore + with the boat, I gave three inches of the dirk, after a stout tussle, to + the fellow I blamed most, and took the bush for it. There were plenty of + wild lads then along shore—and, I don’t care who knows—I went + on the account, look you—sailed under the black flag and + marrow-bones—was a good friend to the sea, and an enemy to all that + sailed on it.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford, though uneasy in his mind at finding himself, a lawyer, so close + to a character so lawless, thought it best, nevertheless, to put a good + face on the matter, and asked Mr. Ewart, with as much unconcern as he + could assume, ‘whether he was fortunate as a rover?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no—d—n it, no,’ replied Nanty; ‘the devil a crumb of + butter was ever churned that would stick upon my bread. There was no order + among us—he that was captain to-day, was swabber to-morrow; and as + for plunder—they say old Avery, and one or two close hunks, made + money; but in my time, all went as it came; and reason good, for if a + fellow had saved five dollars, his throat would have been cut in his + hammock. And then it was a cruel, bloody work.—Pah,—we’ll say + no more about it. I broke with them at last, for what they did on board of + a bit of a snow—no matter what it was bad enough, since it + frightened me—I took French leave, and came in upon the + proclamation, so I am free of all that business. And here I sit, the + skipper of the JUMPING JENNY—a nutshell of a thing, but goes through + the water like a dolphin. If it were not for yon hypocritical scoundrel at + Annan, who has the best end of the profit, and takes none of the risk, I + should be well enough—as well as I want to be. Here is no lack of my + best friend,’—touching his case-bottle;—‘but, to tell you a + secret, he and I have got so used to each other, I begin to think he is + like a professed joker, that makes your sides sore with laughing if you + see him but now and then; but if you take up house with him, he can only + make your head stupid. But I warrant the old fellow is doing the best he + can for me, after all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what may that be?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is KILLING me,’ replied Nanty Ewart; ‘and I am only sorry he is so + long about it.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying he jumped on his feet, and, tripping up and down the deck, gave + his orders with his usual clearness and decision, notwithstanding the + considerable quantity of spirits which he had contrived to swallow while + recounting his history. + </p> + <p> + Although far from feeling well, Fairford endeavoured to rouse himself and + walk to the head of the brig, to enjoy the beautiful prospect, as well as + to take some note of the course which the vessel held. To his great + surprise, instead of standing across to the opposite shore from which she + had departed, the brig was going down the Firth, and apparently steering + into the Irish Sea. He called to Nanty Ewart, and expressed his surprise + at the course they were pursuing, and asked why they did not stand + straight across the Firth for some port in Cumberland. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, this is what I call a reasonable question, now,’ answered Nanty; ‘as + if a ship could go as straight to its port as a horse to the stable, or a + free-trader could sail the Solway as securely as a King’s cutter! Why, + I’ll tell ye, brother—if I do not see a smoke on Bowness, that is + the village upon the headland yonder, I must stand out to sea for + twenty-four hours at least, for we must keep the weather-gage if there are + hawks abroad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And if you do see the signal of safety, Master Ewart, what is to be done + then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why then, and in that case, I must keep off till night, and then run you, + with the kegs and the rest of the lumber, ashore at Skinburness,’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And then I am to meet with this same laird whom I have the letter for?’ + continued Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘That,’ said Ewart, ‘is thereafter as it may be; the ship has its course—the + fair trader has his port—but it is not easy to say where the laird + may be found. But he will be within twenty miles of us, off or on—and + it will be my business to guide you to him.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford could not withstand the passing impulse of terror which crossed + him, when thus reminded that he was so absolutely in the power of a man, + who, by his own account, had been a pirate, and who was at present, in all + probability, an outlaw as well as a contraband trader. Nanty Ewart guessed + the cause of his involuntary shuddering. + </p> + <p> + ‘What the devil should I gain,’ he said, ‘by passing so poor a card as you + are? Have I not had ace of trumps in my hand, and did I not play it + fairly? Aye, I say the JUMPING JENNY can run in other ware as well as + kegs. Put SIGMA and TAU to Ewart, and see how that will spell—D’ye + take me now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No indeed,’ said Fairford; ‘I am utterly ignorant of what you allude to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, by Jove!’ said Nanty Ewart, ‘thou art either the deepest or the + shallowest fellow I ever met with—or you are not right after all. I + wonder where Summertrees could pick up such a tender along-shore. Will you + let me see his letter?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford did not hesitate to gratify his wish, which, he was aware, he + could not easily resist. The master of the JUMPING JENNY looked at the + direction very attentively, then turned the letter to and fro, and + examined each flourish of the pen, as if he were judging of a piece of + ornamented manuscript; then handled it back to Fairford, without a single + word of remark. + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I right now?’ said the young lawyer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, for that matter,’ answered Nanty, ‘the letter is right, sure enough; + but whether you are right or not, is your own business rather than mine.’ + And, striking upon a flint with the back of a knife, he kindled a cigar as + thick as his finger, and began to smoke away with great perseverance. + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford continued to regard him with a melancholy feeling, divided + betwixt the interest he took in the unhappy man, and a not unnatural + apprehension for the issue of his own adventure. + </p> + <p> + Ewart, notwithstanding the stupefying nature of his pastime, seemed to + guess what was working in his passenger’s mind; for, after they had + remained some time engaged in silently observing each other, he suddenly + dashed his cigar on the deck, and said to him, ‘Well then, if you are + sorry for me, I am sorry for you. D—n me, if I have cared a button + for man or mother’s son, since two years since when I had another peep of + Jack Hadaway. ‘The fellow was got as fat as a Norway whale—married + to a great Dutch-built quean that had brought him six children. I believe + he did not know me, and thought I was come to rob his house; however, I + made up a poor face, and told him who I was. Poor Jack would have given me + shelter and clothes, and began to tell me of the moidores that were in + bank, when I wanted them. Egad, he changed his note when I told him what + my life had been, and only wanted to pay me my cash and get rid of me. I + never saw so terrified a visage. I burst out a-laughing in his face, told + him it was all a humbug, and that the moidores were all his own, + henceforth and for ever, and so ran off. I caused one of our people send + him a bag of tea and a keg of brandy, before I left—poor Jack! I + think you are the second person these ten years, that has cared a + tobacco-stopper for Nanty Ewart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps, Mr. Ewart,’ said Fairford, ‘you live chiefly with men too deeply + interested for their own immediate safety, to think much upon the distress + of others?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And with whom do you yourself consort, I pray?’ replied Nanty, smartly. + ‘Why, with plotters, that can make no plot to better purpose than their + own hanging; and incendiaries, that are snapping the flint upon wet + tinder. You’ll as soon raise the dead as raise the Highlands—you’ll + as soon get a grunt from a dead sow as any comfort from Wales or Cheshire. + You think because the pot is boiling, that no scum but yours can come + uppermost—I know better, by—. All these rackets and riots that + you think are trending your way have no relation at all to your interest; + and the best way to make the whole kingdom friends again at once, would be + the alarm of such an undertaking as these mad old fellows are trying to + launch into. + </p> + <p> + ‘I really am not in such secrets as you seem to allude to,’ said Fairford; + and, determined at the same time to avail himself as far as possible of + Nanty’s communicative disposition, he added, with a smile,’ And if I were, + I should not hold it prudent to make them much the subject of + conversation. But I am sure, so sensible a man as Summertrees and the + laird may correspond together without offence to the state.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I take you, friend—I take you,’ said Nanty Ewart, upon whom, at + length, the liquor and tobacco-smoke began to make considerable + innovation. ‘As to what gentlemen may or may not correspond about, why we + may pretermit the question, as the old professor used to say at the Hall; + and as to Summertrees, I will say nothing, knowing him to be an old fox. + But I say that this fellow the laird is a firebrand in the country; that + he is stirring up all the honest fellows who should be drinking their + brandy quietly, by telling them stories about their ancestors and the + Forty-five; and that he is trying to turn all waters into his own + mill-dam, and to set his sails to all winds. And because the London people + are roaring about for some pinches of their own, he thinks to win them to + his turn with a wet finger. And he gets encouragement from some, because + they want a spell of money from him; and from others, because they fought + for the cause once and are ashamed to go back; and others, because they + have nothing to lose; and others, because they are discontented fools. But + if he has brought you, or any one, I say not whom, into this scrape, with + the hope of doing any good, he’s a d—d decoy-duck, and that’s all I + can say for him; and you are geese, which is worse than being decoy-ducks, + or lame-ducks either. And so here is to the prosperity of King George the + Third, and the true Presbyterian religion, and confusion to the Pope, the + Devil, and the Pretender! I’ll tell you what, Mr. Fairbairn, I am but + tenth owner of this bit of a craft, the JUMPING JENNY—but tenth + owner and must sail her by my owners’ directions. But if I were whole + owner, I would not have the brig be made a ferry-boat for your + Jacobitical, old-fashioned Popish riff-raff, Mr. Fairport—I would + not, by my soul; they should walk the plank, by the gods, as I have seen + better men do when I sailed under the What-d’ye-callum colours. But being + contraband goods, and on board my vessel, and I with my sailing orders in + my hand, why, I am to forward them as directed—I say, John Roberts, + keep her up a bit with the helm.—and so, Mr. Fairweather, what I do + is—as the d—d villain Turnpenny says—all in the way of + business.’ + </p> + <p> + He had been speaking with difficulty for the last five minutes, and now at + length dropped on the deck, fairly silenced by the quantity of spirits + which he had swallowed, but without having showed any glimpse of the + gaiety, or even of the extravagance, of intoxication. + </p> + <p> + The old sailor stepped forward and flung a sea-cloak over the slumberer’s + shoulders, and added, looking at Fairford, ‘Pity of him he should have + this fault; for without it, he would have been as clever a fellow as ever + trod a plank with ox leather.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what are we to do now?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stand off and on, to be sure, till we see the signal, and then obey + orders.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, the old man turned to his duty, and left the passenger to amuse + himself with his own meditations. Presently afterward a light column of + smoke was seen rising from the little headland. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can tell you what we are to do now, master,’ said the sailor. ‘We’ll + stand out to sea, and then run in again with the evening tide, and make + Skinburness; or, if there’s not light, we can run into the Wampool river, + and put you ashore about Kirkbride or Leaths, with the long-boat.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford, unwell before, felt this destination condemned him to an agony + of many hours, which his disordered stomach and aching head were ill able + to endure. There was no remedy, however, but patience, and the + recollection that he was suffering in the cause of friendship. As the sun + rose high, he became worse; his sense of smell appeared to acquire a + morbid degree of acuteness, for the mere purpose of inhaling and + distinguishing all the various odours with which he was surrounded, from + that of pitch to all the complicated smells of the hold. His heart, too, + throbbed under the heat, and he felt as if in full progress towards a high + fever. + </p> + <p> + The seamen, who were civil and attentive considering their calling, + observed his distress, and one contrived to make an awning out of an old + sail, while another compounded some lemonade, the only liquor which their + passenger could be prevailed upon to touch. After drinking it off, he + obtained, but could not be said to enjoy, a few hours of troubled slumber. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + Alan Fairford’s spirit was more ready to encounter labour than his frame + was adequate to support it. In spite of his exertions, when he awoke, + after five or six hours’ slumber, he found that he was so much disabled by + dizziness in his head and pains in his limbs, that he could not raise + himself without assistance. He heard with some pleasure that they were now + running right for the Wampool river, and that he would be put on shore in + a very short time. The vessel accordingly lay to, and presently showed a + weft in her ensign, which was hastily answered by signals from on shore. + Men and horses were seen to come down the broken path which leads to the + shore; the latter all properly tackled for carrying their loading. Twenty + fishing barks were pushed afloat at once, and crowded round the brig with + much clamour, laughter, cursing, and jesting. Amidst all this apparent + confusion there was the essential regularity. Nanty Ewart again walked his + quarter-deck as if he had never tasted spirits in his life, issued the + necessary orders with precision, and saw them executed with punctuality. + In half an hour the loading of the brig was in a great measure disposed in + the boats; in a quarter of an hour more, it was landed on the beach, and + another interval of about the same duration was sufficient to distribute + it on the various strings of packhorses which waited for that purpose, and + which instantly dispersed, each on its own proper adventure. More mystery + was observed in loading the ship’s boat with a quantity of small barrels, + which seemed to contain ammunition. This was not done until the commercial + customers had been dismissed; and it was not until this was performed that + Ewart proposed to Alan, as he lay stunned with pain and noise, to + accompany him ashore. + </p> + <p> + It was with difficulty that Fairford could get over the side of the + vessel, and he could not seat himself on the stern of the boat without + assistance from the captain and his people. Nanty Ewart, who saw nothing + in this worse than an ordinary fit of sea-sickness, applied the usual + topics of consolation. He assured his passenger that he would be quite + well by and by, when he had been half an hour on terra firma, and that he + hoped to drink a can and smoke a pipe with him at Father Crackenthorp’s, + for all that he felt a little out of the way for riding the wooden horse. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is Father Crackenthorp?’ said Fairford, though scarcely able to + articulate the question. + </p> + <p> + ‘As honest a fellow as is of a thousand,’ answered Nanty. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, how much good brandy he and I have made little of in our day! By my + soul, Mr. Fairbird, he is the prince of skinkers, and the father of the + free trade—not a stingy hypocritical devil like old Turnpenny + Skinflint, that drinks drunk on other folk’s cost, and thinks it sin when + he has to pay for it—but a real hearty old cock;—the sharks + have been at and about him this many a day, but Father Crackenthorp knows + how to trim his sails—never a warrant but he hears of it before the + ink’s dry. He is BONUS SOCIUS with headborough and constable. The king’s + exchequer could not bribe a man to inform against him. If any such rascal + were to cast up, why, he would miss his ears next morning, or be sent to + seek them in the Solway. He is a statesman, [A small landed proprietor.] + though he keeps a public; but, indeed, that is only for convenience and to + excuse his having cellarage and folk about him; his wife’s a canny woman—and + his daughter Doll too. Gad, you’ll be in port there till you get round + again; and I’ll keep my word with you, and bring you to speech of the + laird. + </p> + <p> + Gad, the only trouble I shall have is to get you out of the house; for + Doll is a rare wench, and my dame a funny old one, and Father Crackenthorp + the rarest companion! He’ll drink you a bottle of rum or brandy without + starting, but never wet his lips with the nasty Scottish stuff that the + canting old scoundrel Turnpenny has brought into fashion. He is a + gentleman, every inch of him, old Crackenthorp; in his own way, that is; + and besides, he has a share in the JUMPING JENNY, and many a moonlight + outfit besides. He can give Doll a pretty penny, if he likes the tight + fellow that would turn in with her for life.’ + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this prolonged panegyric on Father Crackenthorp, the boat + touched the beach, the rowers backed their oars to keep her afloat, whilst + the other fellows lumped into the surf, and, with the most rapid + dexterity, began to hand the barrels ashore. + </p> + <p> + ‘Up with them higher on the beach, my hearties,’ exclaimed Nanty Ewart—‘High + and dry—high and dry—this gear will not stand wetting. Now, + out with our spare hand here—high and dry with him too. What’s that?—the + galloping of horse! Oh, I hear the jingle of the packsaddles—they + are our own folk.’ + </p> + <p> + By this time all the boat’s load was ashore, consisting of the little + barrels; and the boat’s crew, standing to their arms, ranged themselves in + front, waiting the advance of the horses which came clattering along the + beach. A man, overgrown with corpulence, who might be distinguished in the + moonlight panting with his own exertions, appeared at the head of the + cavalcade, which consisted of horses linked together, and accommodated + with packsaddles, and chains for securing the kegs which made a dreadful + clattering. + </p> + <p> + ‘How now, Father Crackenthorp?’ said Ewart—‘Why this hurry with your + horses? We mean to stay a night with you, and taste your old brandy, and + my dame’s homebrewed. The signal is up, man, and all is right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All is wrong, Captain Nanty,’ cried the man to whom he spoke; ‘and you + are the lad that is like to find it so, unless you bundle off—there + are new brooms bought at Carlisle yesterday to sweep the country of you + and the like of you—so you were better be jogging inland. + </p> + <p> + ‘How many rogues are the officers? If not more than ten, I will make + fight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The devil you will!’ answered Crackenthorp. ‘You were better not, for + they have the bloody-backed dragoons from Carlisle with them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, then,’ said Nanty, ‘we must make sail. Come, Master Fairlord, you + must mount and ride. He does not hear me—he has fainted, I believe—What + the devil shall I do? Father Crackenthorp, I must leave this young fellow + with you till the gale blows out—hark ye—goes between the + laird and the t’other old one; he can neither ride nor walk—I must + send him up to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Send him up to the gallows!’ said Crackenthorp; ‘there is Quartermaster + Thwacker, with twenty men, up yonder; an he had not some kindness for + Doll, I had never got hither for a start—but you must get off, or + they will be here to seek us, for his orders are woundy particular; and + these kegs contain worse than whisky—a hanging matter, I take it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish they were at the bottom of Wampool river, with them they belong + to,’ said Nanty Ewart. ‘But they are part of cargo; and what to do with + the poor young fellow—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, many a better fellow has roughed it on the grass with a cloak o’er + him,’ said Crackenthorp. ‘If he hath a fever, nothing is so cooling as the + night air.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, he would be cold enough in the morning, no doubt; but it’s a kind + heart and shall not cool so soon if I can help it,’ answered the captain + of the JUMPING JENNY. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, captain, an ye will risk your own neck for another man’s, why not + take him to the old girls at Fairladies?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, the Miss Arthurets! The Papist jades! But never mind; it will do—I + have known them take in a whole sloop’s crew that were stranded on the + sands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may run some risk, though, by turning up to Fairladies; for I tell + you they are all up through the country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind—I may chance to put some of them down again,’ said + Nanty, cheerfully. ‘Come, lads, bustle to your tackle. Are you all + loaded?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, captain; we will be ready in a jiffy,’ answered the gang. + </p> + <p> + ‘D—n your captains! Have you a mind to have me hanged if I am taken? + All’s hail-fellow, here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A sup at parting,’ said Father Crackenthorp, extending a flask to Nanty + Ewart. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the twentieth part of a drop,’ said Nanty. ‘No Dutch courage for me—my + heart is always high enough when there’s a chance of fighting; besides, if + I live drunk, I should like to die sober. Here, old Jephson—you are + the best-natured brute amongst them—get the lad between us on a + quiet horse, and we will keep him upright, I warrant.’ + </p> + <p> + As they raised Fairford from the ground, he groaned heavily, and asked + faintly where they were taking him to. + </p> + <p> + ‘To a place where you will be as snug and quiet as a mouse in his hole,’ + said Nanty, ‘if so be that we can get you there safely. Good-bye, Father + Crackenthorp—poison the quartermaster, if you can.’ + </p> + <p> + The loaded horses then sprang forward at a hard trot, following each other + in a line, and every second horse being mounted by a stout fellow in a + smock frock, which served to conceal the arms with which most of these + desperate men were provided. Ewart followed in the rear of the line, and, + with the occasional assistance of old Jephson, kept his young charge erect + in the saddle. He groaned heavily from time to time; and Ewart, more moved + with compassion for his situation than might have been expected from his + own habits, endeavoured to amuse him and comfort him, by some account of + the place to which they were conveying him—his words of consolation + being, however, frequently interrupted by the necessity of calling to his + people, and many of them being lost amongst the rattling of the barrels, + and clinking of the tackle and small chains by which they are secured on + such occasions. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you see, brother, you will be in safe quarters at Fairladies—good + old scrambling house—good old maids enough, if they were not + Papists,—Hollo, you Jack Lowther; keep the line, can’t ye, and shut + your rattle-trap, you broth of a—? And so, being of a good family, + and having enough, the old lasses have turned a kind of saints, and nuns, + and so forth. The place they live in was some sort of nun-shop long ago, + as they have them still in Flanders; so folk call them the Vestals of + Fairladies—that may be, or may not be; and I care not whether it be + or no.—Blinkinsop, hold your tongue, and be d—d!—And so, + betwixt great alms and good dinners, they are well thought of by rich and + poor, and their trucking with Papists is looked over. There are plenty of + priests, and stout young scholars, and such-like, about the house it’s a + hive of them. More shame that government send dragoons out after-a few + honest fellows that bring the old women of England a drop of brandy, and + let these ragamuffins smuggle in as much papistry and—Hark!—was + that a whistle? No, it’s only a plover. You, Jem Collier, keep a look-out + ahead—we’ll meet them at the High Whins, or Brotthole bottom, or + nowhere. Go a furlong ahead, I say, and look sharp.—These Misses + Arthurets feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, and such-like acts—which + my poor father used to say were filthy rags, but he dressed himself out + with as many of them as most folk.—D—n that stumbling horse! + Father Crackenthorp should be d—d himself for putting an honest + fellow’s neck in such jeopardy.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus, and with much more to the same purpose, Nanty ran on, increasing, by + his well-intended annoyance, the agony of Alan Fairford, who, tormented by + a racking pain along the back and loins, which made the rough trot of the + horse torture to him, had his aching head still further rended and split + by the hoarse voice of the sailor, close to his ear. Perfectly passive, + however, he did not even essay to give any answer; and indeed his own + bodily distress was now so great and engrossing, that to think of his + situation was impossible, even if he could have mended it by doing so. + </p> + <p> + Their course was inland; but in what direction, Alan had no means of + ascertaining. They passed at first over heaths and sandy downs; they + crossed more than one brook, or beck, as they are called in that country—some + of them of considerable depth—and at length reached a cultivated + country, divided, according to the English fashion of agriculture, into + very small fields or closes, by high banks, overgrown with underwood, and + surmounted by hedge-row trees, amongst which winded a number of + impracticable and complicated lanes, where the boughs projecting from the + embankments on each side, intercepted the light of the moon, and + endangered the safety of the horsemen. But through this labyrinth the + experience of the guides conducted them without a blunder, and without + even the slackening of their pace. In many places, however, it was + impossible for three men to ride abreast; and therefore the burden of + supporting Alan Fairford fell alternately to old Jephson and to Nanty; and + it was with much difficulty that they could keep him upright in his + saddle. + </p> + <p> + At length, when his powers of sufferance were quite worn out, and he was + about to implore them to leave him to his fate in the first cottage or + shed—or under a haystack or a hedge—or anywhere, so he was + left at ease, Collier, who rode ahead, passed back the word that they were + at the avenue to Fairladies—‘Was he to turn up?’ + </p> + <p> + Committing the charge of Fairford to Jephson, Nanty dashed up to the head + of the troop, and gave his orders.—‘Who knows the house best?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sam Skelton’s a Catholic,’ said Lowther. + </p> + <p> + ‘A d—d bad religion,’ said Nanty, of whose Presbyterian education a + hatred of Popery seemed to be the only remnant. ‘But I am glad there is + one amongst us, anyhow. You, Sam, being a Papist, know Fairladies and the + old maidens I dare say; so do you fall out of the line, and wait here with + me; and do you, Collier, carry on to Walinford bottom, then turn down the + beck till you come to the old mill, and Goodman Grist the Miller, or old + Peel-the-Causeway, will tell you where to stow; but I will be up with you + before that.’ + </p> + <p> + The string of loaded horses then struck forward at their former pace, + while Nanty, with Sam Skelton, waited by the roadside till the rear came + up, when Jephson and Fairford joined them, and, to the great relief of the + latter, they began to proceed at an easier pace than formerly, suffering + the gang to precede them, till the clatter and clang attending their + progress began to die away in the distance. They had not proceeded a + pistol-shot from the place where they parted, when a short turning brought + them in front of an old mouldering gateway, whose heavy pinnacles were + decorated in the style of the seventeenth century, with clumsy + architectural ornaments; several of which had fallen down from decay, and + lay scattered about, no further care having been taken than just to remove + them out of the direct approach to the avenue. The great stone pillars, + glimmering white in the moonlight, had some fanciful resemblance to + supernatural apparitions, and the air of neglect all around, gave an + uncomfortable idea of the habitation to those who passed its avenue. + </p> + <p> + ‘There used to be no gate here,’ said Skelton, finding their way + unexpectedly stopped. + </p> + <p> + ‘But there is a gate now, and a porter too,’ said a rough voice from + within. ‘Who be you, and what do you want at this time of night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We want to come to speech of the ladies—of the Misses Arthuret,’ + said Nanty; ‘and to ask lodging for a sick man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no speech to be had of the Miss Arthurets at this time of night, + and you may carry your sick man to the doctor,’ answered the fellow from + within, gruffly; ‘for as sure as there is savour in salt, and scent in + rosemary, you will get no entrance—put your pipes up and be jogging + on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Dick Gardener,’ said Skelton, ‘be thou then turned porter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, do you know who I am?’ said the domestic sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know you, by your by-word,’ answered the other; ‘What, have you forgot + little Sam Skelton, and the brock in the barrel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I have not forgotten you,’ answered the acquaintance of Sam Skelton; + ‘but my orders are peremptory to let no one up the avenue this night, and + therefore’— + </p> + <p> + ‘But we are armed, and will not be kept back,’ said Nanty. ‘Hark ye, + fellow, were it not better for you to take a guinea and let us in, than to + have us break the door first, and thy pate afterwards? for I won’t see my + comrade die at your door be assured of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I dunna know,’ said the fellow; ‘but what cattle were those that + rode by in such hurry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, some of our folk from Bowness, Stoniecultrum, and thereby,’ answered + Skelton; ‘Jack Lowther, and old Jephson, and broad Will Lamplugh, and such + like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Dick Gardener, ‘as sure as there is savour in salt, and scent + in rosemary, I thought it had been the troopers from Carlisle and Wigton, + and the sound brought my heart to my mouth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Had thought thou wouldst have known the clatter of a cask from the clash + of a broadsword, as well as e’er a quaffer in Cumberland,’ said Skelton. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, brother, less of your jaw and more of your legs, if you please,’ + said Nanty; ‘every moment we stay is a moment lost. Go to the ladies, and + tell them that Nanty Ewart, of the JUMPING JENNY, has brought a young + gentleman, charged with letters from Scotland to a certain gentleman of + consequence in Cumberland—that the soldiers are out, and the + gentleman is very ill and if he is not received at Fairladies he must be + left either to die at the gate, or to be taken, with all his papers about + him, by the redcoats.’ + </p> + <p> + Away ran Dick Gardener with this message; and, in a few minutes, lights + were seen to flit about, which convinced Fairford, who was now, in + consequence of the halt, a little restored to self-possession, that they + were traversing the front of a tolerably large mansion-house. + </p> + <p> + ‘What if thy friend, Dick Gardener, comes not back again?’ said Jephson to + Skelton. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then,’ said the person addressed, ‘I shall owe him just such a + licking as thou, old Jephson, had from Dan Cooke, and will pay as duly and + truly as he did.’ + </p> + <p> + The old man was about to make an angry reply, when his doubts were + silenced by the return of Dick Gardener, who announced that Miss Arthuret + was coming herself as far as the gateway to speak with them. + </p> + <p> + Nanty Ewart cursed in a low tone the suspicions of old maids and the + churlish scruples of Catholics, that made so many obstacles to helping a + fellow creature, and wished Miss Arthuret a hearty rheumatism or toothache + as the reward of her excursion; but the lady presently appeared, to cut + short further grumbling. She was attended by a waiting-maid with a + lantern, by means of which she examined the party on the outside, as + closely as the imperfect light, and the spars of the newly-erected gate, + would permit. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry we have disturbed you so late, Madam Arthuret,’ said Nanty; + ‘but the case is this’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Holy Virgin,’ said she, ‘why do you speak so loud? Pray, are you not the + captain of the SAINTE GENEVIEVE?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, aye, ma’am,’ answered Ewart, ‘they call the brig so at Dunkirk, sure + enough; but along shore here, they call her the JUMPING JENNY.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You brought over the holy Father Buonaventure, did you not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, aye, madam, I have brought over enough of them black cattle,’ + answered Nanty. ‘Fie! fie! friend,’ said Miss Arthuret; ‘it is a pity that + the saints should commit these good men to a heretic’s care.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, no more they would, ma’am,’ answered Nanty, ‘could they find a + Papist lubber that knew the coast as I do; then I am trusty as steel to + owners, and always look after cargo—live lumber, or dead flesh, or + spirits, all is one to me; and your Catholics have such d—d large + hoods, with pardon, ma’am, that they can sometimes hide two faces under + them. But here is a gentleman dying, with letters about him from the Laird + of Summertrees to the Laird of the Lochs, as they call him, along Solway, + and every minute he lies here is a nail in his coffin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Saint Mary! what shall we do?’ said Miss Arthuret; ‘we must admit him, I + think, at all risks. You, Richard Gardener, help one of these men to carry + the gentleman up to the Place; and you, Selby, see him lodged at the end + of the long gallery. You are a heretic, captain, but I think you are + trusty, and I know you have been trusted—but if you are imposing on + me’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I, madam—never attempt to impose on ladies of your experience—my + practice that way has been all among the young ones. Come, cheerly, Mr. + Fairford—you will be taken good care of—try to walk.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan did so; and, refreshed by his halt, declared himself able to walk to + the house with the sole assistance of the gardener. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, that’s hearty. Thank thee, Dick, for lending him thine arm’—and + Nanty slipped into his hand the guinea he had promised.—‘Farewell, + then, Mr. Fairford, and farewell, Madam Arthuret, for I have been too long + here.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he and his two companions threw themselves on horseback, and + went off at a gallop. Yet, even above the clatter of their hoofs did the + incorrigible Nanty hollo out the old ballad— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A lovely lass to a friar came, + To confession a-morning early;— + ‘In what, my dear, are you to blame? + Come tell me most sincerely?’ + ‘Alas! my fault I dare not name— + But my lad he loved me dearly.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Holy Virgin!’ exclaimed Miss Seraphina, as the unhallowed sounds reached + her ears; ‘what profane heathens be these men, and what frights and + pinches we be put to among them! The saints be good to us, what a night + has this been!—the like never seen at Fairladies. Help me to make + fast the gate, Richard, and thou shalt come down again to wait on it, lest + there come more unwelcome visitors—Not that you are unwelcome, young + gentleman, for it is sufficient that you need such assistance as we can + give you, to make you welcome to Fairladies—only, another time would + have done as well—but, hem! I dare say it is all for the best. The + avenue is none of the smoothest, sir, look to your feet. Richard Gardener + should have had it mown and levelled, but he was obliged to go on a + pilgrimage to Saint Winifred’s Well, in Wales.’ (Here Dick gave a short + dry cough, which, as if he had found it betrayed some internal feeling a + little at variance with what the lady said, he converted into a muttered + SANCTA WINIFREDA, ORA PRO NOBIS. Miss Arthuret, meantime, proceeded) ‘We + never interfere with our servants’ vows or penances, Master Fairford—I + know a very worthy father of your name, perhaps a relation—I say, we + never interfere with our servants vows. Our Lady forbid they should not + know some difference between our service and a heretic’s.—Take care, + sir, you will fall if you have not a care. Alas! by night and day there + are many stumbling-blocks in our paths!’ + </p> + <p> + With more talk to the same purpose, all of which tended to show a + charitable and somewhat silly woman with a strong inclination to her + superstitious devotion, Miss Arthuret entertained her new guest, as, + stumbling at every obstacle which the devotion of his guide, Richard, had + left in the path, he at last, by ascending some stone steps decorated on + the side with griffins, or some such heraldic anomalies, attained a + terrace extending in front of the Place of Fairladies; an old-fashioned + gentleman’s house of some consequence, with its range of notched + gable-ends and narrow windows, relieved by here and there an old turret + about the size of a pepper-box. The door was locked during the brief + absence of the mistress; a dim light glimmered through the sashed door of + the hall, which opened beneath a huge stone porch, loaded with jessamine + and other creepers. All the windows were dark as pitch. + </p> + <p> + Miss Arthuret tapped at the door. ‘Sister, sister Angelica.’ ‘Who is + there?’ was answered from within; ‘is it you, sister Seraphina?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, undo the door; do you not know my voice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No doubt, sister,’ said Angelica, undoing bolt and bar; ‘but you know our + charge, and the enemy is watchful to surprise us—INCEDIT SICUT LEO + VORANS, saith the breviary. Whom have you brought here? Oh, sister, what + have you done?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a young man,’ said Seraphina, hastening to interrupt her sister’s + remonstrance, ‘a relation, I believe, of our worthy Father Fairford; left + at the gate by the captain of that blessed vessel the SAINTE GENEVIEVE—almost + dead—and charged with dispatches to ‘— + </p> + <p> + She lowered her voice as she mumbled over the last words. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, then, there is no help,’ said Angelica; ‘but it is unlucky.’ + </p> + <p> + During this dialogue between the vestals of Fairladies, Dick Gardener + deposited his burden in a chair, where the young lady, after a moment of + hesitation, expressing a becoming reluctance to touch the hand of a + stranger, put her finger and thumb upon Fairford’s wrist, and counted his + pulse. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is fever here, sister,’ she said; ‘Richard must call Ambrose, and + we must send some of the febrifuge.’ + </p> + <p> + Ambrose arrived presently, a plausible and respectable-looking old + servant, bred in the family, and who had risen from rank to rank in the + Arthuret service till he was become half-physician, half-almoner, + half-butler, and entire governor; that is, when the Father Confessor, who + frequently eased him of the toils of government, chanced to be abroad. + Under the direction, and with the assistance of this venerable personage, + the unlucky Alan Fairford was conveyed to a decent apartment at the end of + a long gallery, and, to his inexpressible relief, consigned to a + comfortable bed. He did not attempt to resist the prescription of Mr. + Ambrose, who not only presented him with the proposed draught, but + proceeded so far as to take a considerable quantity of blood from him, by + which last operation he probably did his patient much service. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + On the next morning, when Fairford awoke, after no very refreshing + slumbers, in which were mingled many wild dreams of his father and of + Darsie Latimer,—of the damsel in the green mantle and the vestals of + Fairladies,—of drinking small beer with Nanty Ewart and being + immersed in the Solway with the JUMPING JENNY,—he found himself in + no condition to dispute the order of Mr. Ambrose, that he should keep his + bed, from which, indeed, he could not have raised himself without + assistance. He became sensible that his anxiety, and his constant efforts + for some days past, had been too much for his health, and that, whatever + might be his impatience, he could not proceed in his undertaking until his + strength was re-established. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, no better quarters could have been found for an invalid. + The attendants spoke under their breath, and moved only on tiptoe—nothing + was done unless PAR ORDONNANCE DU MEDECIN. Aesculapius reigned paramount + in the premises at Fairladies. Once a day, the ladies came in great state + to wait upon him and inquire after his health, and it was then that; + Alan’s natural civility, and the thankfulness which he expressed for their + timely and charitable assistance, raised him considerably in their esteem. + He was on the third day removed to a better apartment than that in which + he had been at first accommodated. When he was permitted to drink a glass + of wine, it was of the first quality; one of those curious old-fashioned + cobwebbed bottles being produced on the occasion, which are only to be + found in the crypts of old country-seats, where they may have lurked + undisturbed for more than half a century. + </p> + <p> + But however delightful a residence for an invalid, Fairladies, as its + present inmate became soon aware, was not so agreeable to a convalescent. + When he dragged himself to the window so soon as he could crawl from bed, + behold it was closely grated, and commanded no view except of a little + paved court. This was nothing remarkable, most old Border houses having + their windows so secured. But then Fairford observed, that whosoever + entered or left the room always locked the door with great care and + circumspection; and some proposals which he made to take a walk in the + gallery, or even in the garden, were so coldly received, both by the + ladies and their prime minister, Mr. Ambrose, that he saw plainly such an + extension of his privileges as a guest would not be permitted. + </p> + <p> + Anxious to ascertain whether this excessive hospitality would permit him + his proper privilege of free agency, he announced to this important + functionary, with grateful thanks for the care with which he had been + attended, his purpose to leave Fairladies next morning, requesting only, + as a continuance of the favours with which he had been loaded, the loan of + a horse to the next town; and, assuring Mr. Ambrose that his gratitude + would not be limited by such, a trifle, he slipped three guineas into his + hand, by way of seconding his proposal. The fingers of that worthy + domestic closed as naturally upon the honorarium, as if a degree in the + learned faculty had given him a right to clutch it; but his answer + concerning Alan’s proposed departure was at first evasive, and when he was + pushed, it amounted to a peremptory assurance that he could not be + permitted to depart to-morrow; it was as much as his life was worth, and + his ladies would not authorize it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know best what my own life is worth,’ said Alan; ‘and I do not value it + in comparison to the business which requires my instant attention.’ + </p> + <p> + Receiving still no satisfactory answer from Mr. Ambrose, Fairford thought + it best to state his resolution to the ladies themselves, in the most + measured, respectful, and grateful terms; but still such as expressed a + firm determination to depart on the morrow, or next day at farthest. After + some attempts to induce him to stay, on the alleged score of health, which + were so expressed that he was convinced they were only used to delay his + departure, Fairford plainly told them that he was entrusted with + dispatches of consequence to the gentleman known by the name of Herries, + Redgauntlet, and the Laird of the Lochs; and that it was matter of life + and death to deliver them early. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say, Sister Angelica,’ said the elder Miss Arthuret, that the + gentleman is honest; and if he is really a relation of Father Fairford, we + can run no risk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Jesu Maria!’ exclaimed the younger. ‘Oh, fie, Sister Seraphina! Fie, fie!—‘VADE + RETRO—get thee behind me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well; but, sister—Sister Angelica—let me speak with you + in the gallery.’ + </p> + <p> + So out the ladies rustled in their silks and tissues, and it was a good + half-hour ere they rustled in again, with importance and awe on their + countenances. + </p> + <p> + ‘To tell you the truth, Mr. Fairford, the cause of our desire to delay you + is—there is a religious gentleman in this house at present’— + </p> + <p> + ‘A most excellent person indeed’—said the sister Angelica. + </p> + <p> + ‘An anointed of his Master!’ echoed Seraphina,—‘and we should be + glad that, for conscience’ sake, you would hold some discourse with him + before your departure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oho!’ thought Fairford, ‘the murder is out—here is a design of + conversion! I must not affront the good ladies, but I shall soon send off + the priest, I think.’ He then answered aloud, ‘that he should be happy to + converse with any friend of theirs—that in religious matters he had + the greatest respect for every modification of Christianity, though, he + must say, his belief was made up to that in which he had been educated; + nevertheless, if his seeing the religious person they recommended could in + the least show his respect’— + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not quite that,’ said Sister Seraphina, ‘although I am sure the day + is too short to hear him—Father Buonaventure, I mean—speak + upon the concerns of our souls; but’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come, Sister Seraphina,’ said the younger, ‘it is needless to talk + so much about it. His—his Eminence—I mean Father Buonaventure—will + himself explain what he wants this gentleman to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His Eminence!’ said Fairford, surprised—‘is this gentleman so high + in the Catholic Church? The title is given only to Cardinals, I think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not a Cardinal as yet,’ answered Seraphina; ‘but I assure you, Mr. + Fairford, he is as high in rank as he is eminently endowed with good + gifts, and’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Come away,’ said Sister Angelica. ‘Holy Virgin, how you do talk! What has + Mr. Fairford to do with Father Buonaventure’s rank? Only, sir, you will + remember that the Father has been always accustomed to be treated with the + most profound deference; indeed’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Come away, sister,’ said Sister Seraphina, in her turn; ‘who talks now, I + pray you? Mr. Fairford will know how to comport himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And we had best both leave the room,’ said the younger lady, ‘for here + his Eminence comes.’ + </p> + <p> + She lowered her voice to a whisper as she pronounced the last words; and + as Fairford was about to reply, by assuring her that any friend of hers + should be treated by him with all the ceremony he could expect, she + imposed silence on him, by holding up her finger. + </p> + <p> + A solemn and stately step was now heard in the gallery; it might have + proclaimed the approach not merely of a bishop or cardinal, but of the + Sovereign Pontiff himself. Nor could the sound have been more respectfully + listened to by the two ladies, had it announced that the Head of the + Church was approaching in person. They drew themselves, like sentinels on + duty, one on each side of the door by which the long gallery communicated + with Fairford’s apartment, and stood there immovable, and with + countenances expressive of the deepest reverence. + </p> + <p> + The approach of Father Buonaventure was so slow, that Fairford had time to + notice all this, and to marvel in his mind what wily and ambitious priest + could have contrived to subject his worthy but simple-minded hostesses to + such superstitious trammels. Father Buonaventure’s entrance and appearance + in some degree accounted for the whole. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of middle life, about forty or upwards; but either care, or + fatigue, or indulgence, had brought on the appearance of premature old + age, and given to his fine features a cast of seriousness or even sadness. + A noble countenance, however, still remained; and though his complexion + was altered, and wrinkles stamped upon his brow in many a melancholy fold, + still the lofty forehead, the full and well-opened eye, and the + well-formed nose, showed how handsome in better days he must have been. He + was tall, but lost the advantage of his height by stooping; and the cane + which he wore always in his hand, and occasionally used, as well as his + slow though majestic gait, seemed to intimate that his form and limbs felt + already some touch of infirmity. The colour of his hair could not be + discovered, as, according to the fashion, he wore a periwig. He was + handsomely, though gravely dressed in a secular habit, and had a cockade + in his hat; circumstances which did not surprise Fairford, who knew that a + military disguise was very often assumed by the seminary priests, whose + visits to England, or residence there, subjected them to legal penalties. + </p> + <p> + As this stately person entered the apartment, the two ladies facing + inward, like soldiers on their post when about to salute a superior + officer, dropped on either hand of the father a curtsy so profound that + the hoop petticoats which performed the feat seemed to sink down to the + very floor, nay, through it, as if a trap-door had opened for the descent + of the dames who performed this act of reverence. + </p> + <p> + The father seemed accustomed to such homage, profound as it was; he turned + his person a little way first towards one sister, and then towards the + other, while, with a gracious inclination of his person, which certainly + did not amount to a bow, he acknowledged their curtsy. But he passed + forward without addressing them, and seemed by doing so to intimate that + their presence in the apartment was unnecessary. + </p> + <p> + They accordingly glided out of the room, retreating backwards, with hands + clasped and eyes cast upwards, as if imploring blessings on the religious + man whom they venerated so highly. The door of the apartment was shut + after them, but not before Fairford had perceived that there were one or + two men in the gallery, and that, contrary to what he had before observed, + the door, though shut, was not locked on the outside. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can the good souls apprehend danger from me to this god of their + idolatry?’ thought Fairford. But he had no time to make further + observations, for the stranger had already reached the middle of his + apartment. + </p> + <p> + Fairford rose to receive him respectfully, but as he fixed his eyes on the + visitor, he thought that the father avoided his looks. His reasons for + remaining incognito were cogent enough to account for this, and Fairford + hastened to relieve him, by looking downwards in his turn; but when again + he raised his face, he found the broad light eye of the stranger so fixed + on him that he was almost put out of countenance by the steadiness of his + gaze. During this time they remained standing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Take your seat, sir,’ said the father; ‘you have been an invalid.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke with the tone of one who desires an inferior to be seated in his + presence, and his voice was full and melodious. + </p> + <p> + Fairford, somewhat surprised to find himself overawed by the airs of + superiority, which could be only properly exercised towards one over whom + religion gave the speaker influence, sat down at his bidding, as if moved + by springs, and was at a loss how to assert the footing of equality on + which he felt that they ought to stand. The stranger kept the advantage + which he had obtained. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your name, sir, I am informed, is Fairford?’ said the father. + </p> + <p> + Alan answered by a bow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Called to the Scottish bar,’ continued his visitor, ‘There is, I believe, + in the West, a family of birth and rank called Fairford of Fairford.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan thought this a strange observation from a foreign ecclesiastic, as + his name intimated Father Buonaventure to be; but only answered he + believed there was such, a family. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you count kindred with them, Mr. Fairford?’ continued the inquirer. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not the honour to lay such a claim,’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘My father’s industry has raised his family from a low and obscure + situation—I have no hereditary claim to distinction of any kind. May + I ask the cause of these inquiries?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will learn it presently,’ said Father Buonaventure, who had given a + dry and dissatisfied HEM at the young man’s acknowledging a plebeian + descent. He then motioned to him to be silent, and proceeded with his + queries. + </p> + <p> + ‘Although not of condition, you are, doubtless, by sentiments and + education, a man of honour and a gentleman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so, sir,’ said Alan, colouring with displeasure. ‘I have not been + accustomed to have it questioned.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Patience, young man,’ said the unperturbed querist—‘we are on + serious business, and no idle etiquette must prevent its being discussed + seriously. You are probably aware that you speak to a person proscribed by + the severe and unjust laws of the present government?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am aware of the statute 1700, chapter 3,’ said Alan, ‘banishing from + the realm priests and trafficking Papists, and punishing by death, on + summary conviction, any such person who being so banished may return. But + I have no means of knowing you, sir, to be one of those persons; and I + think your prudence may recommend to you to keep your own counsel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is sufficient, sir; and I have no apprehensions of disagreeable + consequences from your having seen me in this house,’ said the priest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Assuredly no,’ said Alan. ‘I consider myself as indebted for my life to + the mistresses of Fairladies; and it would be a vile requital on my part + to pry into or make known what I may have seen or heard under this + hospitable roof. If I were to meet the Pretender himself in such a + situation, he should, even at the risk of a little stretch to my loyalty, + be free from any danger from my indiscretion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Pretender!’ said the priest, with some angry emphasis; but + immediately softened his tone and added, ‘No doubt, however, that person + is a pretender; and some people think his pretensions are not ill founded. + But, before running into politics, give me leave to say, that I am + surprised to find a gentleman of your opinions in habits of intimacy with + Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees and Mr. Redgauntlet, and the medium of + conducting the intercourse betwixt them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon me, sir,’ replied Alan Fairford; ‘I do not aspire to the honour of + being reputed their confidant or go-between. My concern with those + gentlemen is limited to one matter of business, dearly interesting to me, + because it concerns the safety—perhaps the life—of my dearest + friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would you have any objection to entrust me with the cause of your + journey?’ said Father Buonaventure. ‘My advice may be of service to you, + and my influence with one or both these gentlemen is considerable.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford hesitated a moment, and, hastily revolving all circumstances, + concluded that he might perhaps receive some advantage from propitiating + this personage; while, on the other hand, he endangered nothing by + communicating to him the occasion of his journey. He, therefore, after + stating shortly that he hoped Mr. Buonaventure would render him the same + confidence which he required on his part, gave a short account of Darsie + Latimer—of the mystery which hung over his family—and of the + disaster which had befallen him. Finally, of his own resolution to seek + for his friend, and to deliver him, at the peril of his own life. + </p> + <p> + The Catholic priest, whose manner it seemed to be to avoid all + conversation which did not arise from his own express motion, made no + remarks upon what he had heard, but only asked one or two abrupt + questions, where Alan’s narrative appeared less clear to him; then rising + from his seat, he took two turns through the apartment, muttering between + his teeth, with emphasis, the word ‘madman!’ But apparently he was in the + habit of keeping all violent emotions under restraint; for he presently + addressed Fairford with the most perfect indifference. + </p> + <p> + ‘If,’ said he, ‘you thought you could do so without breach of confidence, + I wish you would have the goodness to show me the letter of Mr. Maxwell of + Summertrees. I desire to look particularly at the address.’ + </p> + <p> + Seeing no cause to decline this extension of his confidence, Alan, without + hesitation, put the letter into his hand. Having turned it round as old + Trumbull and Nanty Ewart had formerly done, and, like them, having + examined the address with much minuteness, he asked whether he had + observed these words, pointing to a pencil-writing upon the under side of + the letter. Fairford answered in the negative, and, looking at the letter, + read with surprise, ‘CAVE NE LITERAS BELLEROPHONTIS ADFERRES’; a caution + which coincided so exactly with the provost’s admonition, that he would do + well to inspect the letter of which he was bearer, that he was about to + spring up and attempt an escape, he knew not wherefore, or from whom. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit still, young man,’ said the father, with the same tone of authority + which reigned in his whole manner, although mingled with stately courtesy. + ‘You are in no danger—my character shall be a pledge for your + safety. By whom do you suppose these words have been written?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford could have answered, ‘By Nanty Ewart,’ for he remembered seeing + that person scribble something with a pencil, although he was not well + enough to observe with accuracy where or upon what. But not knowing what + suspicions, or what worse consequences the seamen’s interest in his + affairs might draw upon him, he judged it best to answer that he knew not + the hand. + </p> + <p> + Father Buonaventure was again silent for a moment or two, which he + employed in surveying the letter with the strictest attention; then + stepped to the window, as if to examine the address and writing of the + envelope with the assistance of a stronger light, and Alan Fairford beheld + him, with no less amazement than high displeasure, coolly and deliberately + break the seal, open the letter, and peruse the contents. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, sir, hold!’ he exclaimed, so soon as his astonishment permitted him + to express his resentment in words; ‘by what right do you dare’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Peace, young gentleman,’ said the father, repelling him with a wave of + his hand; ‘be assured I do not act without warrant—nothing can pass + betwixt Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Redgauntlet that I am not fully entitled to + know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be so,’ said Alan, extremely angry; ‘but though you may be these + gentlemen’s father confessor, you are not mine; and in breaking the seal + of a letter entrusted to my care, you have done me’— + </p> + <p> + ‘No injury, I assure you,’ answered the unperturbed priest; ‘on the + contrary, it may be a service.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I desire no advantage at such a rate, or to be obtained in such a + manner,’ answered Fairford; ‘restore me the letter instantly, or’— + </p> + <p> + ‘As you regard your own safety,’ said the priest, ‘forbear all injurious + expressions, and all menacing gestures. I am not one who can be threatened + or insulted with impunity; and there are enough within hearing to chastise + any injury or affront offered to me, in case I may think it unbecoming to + protect or avenge myself with my own hand.’ + </p> + <p> + In saying this, the father assumed an air of such fearlessness and calm + authority, that the young lawyer, surprised and overawed, forbore, as he + had intended, to snatch the letter from his hand, and confined himself to + bitter complaints of the impropriety of his conduct, and of the light in + which he himself must be placed to Redgauntlet should he present him a + letter with a broken seal. + </p> + <p> + ‘That,’ said Father Buonaventure, ‘shall be fully cared for. I will myself + write to Redgauntlet, and enclose Maxwell’s letter, provided always you + continue to desire to deliver it, after perusing the contents.’ + </p> + <p> + He then restored the letter to Fairford, and, observing that he hesitated + to peruse it, said emphatically, ‘Read it, for it concerns you.’ + </p> + <p> + This recommendation, joined to what Provost Crosbie had formerly + recommended, and to the warning which he doubted not that Nanty intended + to convey by his classical allusion, decided Fairford’s resolution. ‘If + these correspondents,’ he thought, ‘are conspiring against my person, I + have a right to counterplot them; self-preservation, as well as my + friend’s safety, require that I should not be too scrupulous.’ + </p> + <p> + So thinking, he read the letter, which was in the following words:— + </p> + <p> + ‘DEAR RUGGED AND DANGEROUS, ‘Will you never cease meriting your old + nick-name? You have springed your dottrel, I find, and what is the + consequence?—why, that there will be hue and cry after you + presently. The bearer is a pert young lawyer, who has brought a formal + complaint against you, which, luckily, he has preferred in a friendly + court. Yet, favourable as the judge was disposed to be, it was with the + utmost difficulty that cousin Jenny and I could keep him to his tackle. He + begins to be timid, suspicious, and untractable, and I fear Jenny will + soon bend her brows on him in vain. I know not what to advise—the + lad who carries this is a good lad—active for his friend—and I + have pledged my honour he shall have no personal ill-usage. Pledged my + honour, remark these words, and remember I can be rugged and dangerous as + well, as my neighbours. But I have not ensured him against a short + captivity, and as he is a stirring active fellow, I see no remedy but + keeping him out of the way till this business of the good Father B—— + is safely blown over, which God send it were!—Always thine, even + should I be once more CRAIG-IN-PERIL.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What think you, young man, of the danger you have been about to encounter + so willingly?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As strangely,’ replied Alan Fairford, ‘as of the extraordinary means + which you have been at present pleased to use for the discovery of Mr. + Maxwell’s purpose. + </p> + <p> + ‘Trouble not yourself to account for my conduct,’ said the father; ‘I have + a warrant for what I do, and fear no responsibility. But tell me what is + your present purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not perhaps name it to you, whose own safety may be implicated.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand you,’ answered the father; ‘you would appeal to the existing + government? That can at no rate be permitted—we will rather detain + you at Fairladies by compulsion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will probably,’ said Fairford, ‘first weigh the risk of such a + proceeding in a free country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have incurred more formidable hazard,’ said the priest, smiling; ‘yet I + am willing to find a milder expedient. Come; let us bring the matter to a + compromise.’ And he assumed a conciliating graciousness of manner, which + struck Fairford as being rather too condescending for the occasion; ‘I + presume you will be satisfied to remain here in seclusion for a day or two + longer, provided I pass my solemn word to you that you shall meet with the + person whom you seek after—meet with him in perfect safety, and, I + trust, in good health, and be afterwards both at liberty to return to + Scotland, or dispose of yourselves as each of you may be minded?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I respect the VERBUM SACERDOTIS as much as can reasonably be expected + from a Protestant,’ answered Fairford; ‘but methinks, you can scarce + expect me to repose so much confidence in the word of an unknown person as + is implied in the guarantee which you offer me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not accustomed, sir,’ said the father, in a very haughty tone, ‘to + have my word disputed. But,’ he added, while the angry hue passed from his + cheek, after a moment’s reflection, ‘you know me not, and ought to be + excused. I will repose more confidence in your honour than you seem + willing to rest upon mine; and, since we are so situated that one must + rely upon the other’s faith, I will cause you to be set presently at + liberty, and furnished with the means of delivering your letter as + addressed, provided that now, knowing the contents, you think it safe for + yourself to execute the commission.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford paused. ‘I cannot see,’ he at length replied, ‘how I can + proceed with respect to the accomplishment of my sole purpose, which is + the liberation of my friend, without appealing to the law and obtaining + the assistance of a magistrate. If I present this singular letter of Mr. + Maxwell, with the contents of which I have become so unexpectedly + acquainted, I shall only share his captivity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And if you apply to a magistrate, young man, you will bring ruin on these + hospitable ladies, to whom, in all human probability, you owe your life. + You cannot obtain a warrant for your purpose, without giving a clear + detail of all the late scenes through which you have passed. A magistrate + would oblige you to give a complete account of yourself, before arming you + with his authority against a third party; and in giving such an account, + the safety of these ladies will necessarily be compromised. A hundred + spies have had, and still have, their eyes upon this mansion; but God will + protect his own.’—He crossed himself devoutly, and then proceeded,—‘You + can take an hour to think of your best plan, and I will pledge myself to + forward it thus far, provided it be not asking you to rely more on my word + than your prudence can warrant. You shall go to Redgauntlet,—I name + him plainly, to show my confidence in you,—and you shall deliver him + this letter of Mr. Maxwell’s, with one from me, in which I will enjoin him + to set your friend at liberty, or at least to make no attempts upon your + own person, either by detention or otherwise. If you can trust me thus + far,’ he said, with a proud emphasis on the words ‘I will on my side see + you depart from this place with the most perfect confidence that you will + not return armed with powers to drag its inmates to destruction. You are + young and inexperienced—bred to a profession also which sharpens + suspicion, and gives false views of human nature. I have seen much of the + world, and have known better than most men how far mutual confidence is + requisite in managing affairs of consequence.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke with an air of superiority, even of authority, by which Fairford, + notwithstanding his own internal struggles, was silenced and overawed so + much, that it was not till the father had turned to leave the apartment + that he found words to ask him what the consequences would be, should he + decline to depart on the terms proposed. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must then, for the safety of all parties, remain for some days an + inhabitant of Fairladies, where we have the means of detaining you, which + self-preservation will in that case compel us to make use of. Your + captivity will be short; for matters cannot long remain as they are. The + cloud must soon rise, or it must sink upon us for ever. BENEDICITE!’ + </p> + <p> + With these words he left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Fairford, upon his departure, felt himself much at a loss what course to + pursue. His line of education, as well as his father’s tenets in matters + of church and state, had taught him a holy horror for Papists, and a + devout belief in whatever had been said of the Punic faith of Jesuits, and + of the expedients of mental reservation by which the Catholic priests in + general were supposed to evade keeping faith with heretics. Yet there was + something of majesty, depressed indeed and overclouded, but still grand + and imposing, in the manner and words of Father Buonaventure, which it was + difficult to reconcile with those preconceived opinions which imputed + subtlety and fraud to his sect and order. Above all, Alan was aware that + if he accepted not his freedom upon the terms offered him, he was likely + to be detained by force; so that, in every point of view, he was a gainer + by accepting them. + </p> + <p> + A qualm, indeed, came across him, when he considered, as a lawyer, that + this father was probably, in the eye of law, a traitor; and that there was + an ugly crime on the Statute Book, called misprision of treason. On the + other hand, whatever he might think or suspect, he could not take upon him + to say that the man was a priest, whom he had never seen in the dress of + his order, or in the act of celebrating mass; so that he felt himself at + liberty to doubt of that respecting which he possessed no legal proof. He + therefore arrived at the conclusion, that he would do well to accept his + liberty, and proceed to Redgauntlet under the guarantee of Father + Buonaventure, which he scarce doubted would be sufficient to save him from + personal inconvenience. Should he once obtain speech of that gentleman, he + felt the same confidence as formerly, that he might be able to convince + him of the rashness of his conduct, should he not consent to liberate + Darsie Latimer. At all events, he should learn where his friend was, and + how circumstanced. + </p> + <p> + Having thus made up his mind, Alan waited anxiously for the expiration of + the hour which had been allowed him for deliberation. He was not kept on + the tenter-hooks of impatience an instant longer than the appointed moment + arrived, for, even as the clock struck, Ambrose appeared at the door of + the gallery, and made a sign that Alan should follow him. He did so, and + after passing through some of the intricate avenues common in old houses, + was ushered into a small apartment, commodiously fitted up, in which he + found Father Buonaventure reclining on a couch, in the attitude of a man + exhausted by fatigue or indisposition. On a small table beside him, a + silver embossed salver sustained a Catholic book of prayer, a small flask + of medicine, a cordial, and a little tea-cup of old china. Ambrose did not + enter the room—he only bowed profoundly, and closed the door with + the least possible noise, so soon as Fairford had entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down, young man,’ said the father, with the same air of condescension + which had before surprised, and rather offended Fairford. ‘You have been + ill, and I know too well by my own case that indisposition requires + indulgence. Have you,’ he continued, so soon as he saw him seated, + ‘resolved to remain, or to depart?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To depart,’ said Alan, ‘under the agreement that you will guarantee my + safety with the extraordinary person who has conducted himself in such a + lawless manner toward my friend, Darsie Latimer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not judge hastily, young man,’ replied the father. ‘Redgauntlet has + the claims of a guardian over his ward, in respect to the young gentleman, + and a right to dictate his place of residence, although he may have been + injudicious in selecting the means by which he thinks to enforce his + authority.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His situation as an attainted person abrogates such rights,’ said + Fairford, hastily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely,’ replied the priest, smiling at the young lawyer’s readiness; ‘in + the eye of those who acknowledge the justice of the attainder—but + that do not I. However, sir, here is the guarantee—look at its + contents, and do not again carry the letters of Uriah.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford read these words:— + </p> + <p> + ‘GOOD FRIEND, ‘We send you hither a young man desirous to know the + situation of your ward, since he came under your paternal authority, and + hopeful of dealing with you for having your relative put at large. This we + recommend to your prudence, highly disapproving, at the same time, of any + force or coercion when such can be avoided, and wishing, therefore, that + the bearer’s negotiation may be successful. At all rates, however, the + bearer hath our pledged word for his safety and freedom, which, therefore, + you are to see strictly observed, as you value our honour and your own. We + further wish to converse with you, with as small loss of time as may be, + having matters of the utmost confidence to impart. For this purpose we + desire you to repair hither with all haste, and thereupon we bid you + heartily farewell. P. B.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will understand, sir,’ said the father, when he saw that Alan had + perused his letter, ‘that, by accepting charge of this missive, you bind + yourself to try the effect of it before having recourse to any legal + means, as you term them, for your friend’s release.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are a few ciphers added to this letter,’ said Fairford, when he had + perused the paper attentively,—‘may I inquire what their import is?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They respect my own affairs,’ answered the father, briefly; ‘and have no + concern whatever with yours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to me, however,’ replied Alan, ‘natural to suppose’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing must be supposed incompatible with my honour,’ replied the + priest, interrupting him; ‘when such as I am confer favours, we expect + that they shall be accepted with gratitude, or declined with thankful + respect—not questioned or discussed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will accept your letter, then,’ said Fairford, after a minute’s + consideration, ‘and the thanks you expect shall be most liberally paid, if + the result answer what you teach me to expect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God only commands the issue,’ said Father Buonaventure. ‘Man uses means. + You understand that, by accepting this commission, you engage yourself in + honour to try the effect of my letter upon Mr. Redgauntlet, before you + have recourse to informations or legal warrants?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hold myself bound, as a man of good faith and honour, to do so,’ said + Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I trust you,’ said the father. ‘I will now tell you that an + express, dispatched by me last night, has, I hear, brought Redgauntlet to + a spot many miles nearer this place, where he will not find it safe to + attempt any violence on your friend, should he be rash enough to follow + the advice of Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees rather than my commands. We now + understand each other.’ + </p> + <p> + He extended his hand towards Alan, who was about to pledge his faith in + the usual form by grasping it with his own, when the father drew back + hastily. Ere Alan had time to comment upon this repulse, a small + side-door, covered with tapestry, was opened; the hangings were drawn + aside, and a lady, as if by sudden apparition, glided into the apartment. + It was neither of the Misses Arthuret, but a woman in the prime of life, + and in the full-blown expansion of female beauty, tall, fair, and + commanding in her aspect. Her locks, of paly gold, were taught to fall + over a brow, which, with the stately glance of the large, open, blue eyes, + might have become Juno herself; her neck and bosom were admirably formed, + and of a dazzling whiteness. She was rather inclined to EMBONPOINT, but + not more than became her age, of apparently thirty years. Her step was + that of a queen, but it was of Queen Vashti, not Queen Esther—the + bold and commanding, not the retiring beauty. + </p> + <p> + Father Buonaventure raised himself on the couch, angrily, as if displeased + by this intrusion. ‘How now, madam,’ he said, with some sternness; ‘why + have we the honour of your company?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because it is my pleasure,’ answered the lady, composedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your pleasure, madam!’ he repeated in the same angry tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘My pleasure, sir,’ she continued, ‘which always keeps exact pace with my + duty. I had heard you were unwell—let me hope it is only business + which produces this seclusion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am well,’ he replied; ‘perfectly well, and I thank you for your care—but + we are not alone, and this young man’— + </p> + <p> + ‘That young man?’ she said, bending her large and serious eye on Alan + Fairford, as if she had been for the first time aware of his presence,—‘may + I ask who he is?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Another time, madam; you shall learn his history after he is gone. His + presence renders it impossible for me to explain further.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After he is gone may be too late,’ said the lady; ‘and what is his + presence to me, when your safety is at stake? He is the heretic lawyer + whom those silly fools, the Arthurets, admitted into this house at a time + when they should have let their own father knock at the door in vain, + though the night had been a wild one. You will not surely dismiss him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your own impatience can alone make that step perilous,’ said the father; + ‘I have resolved to take it—do not let your indiscreet zeal, however + excellent its motive, add any unnecessary risk to the transaction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so?’ said the lady, in a tone of reproach, yet mingled with respect + and apprehension. ‘And thus you will still go forward, like a stag upon + the hunter’s snares, with undoubting confidence, after all that has + happened?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Peace, madam,’ said Father Buonaventure, rising up; ‘be silent, or quit + the apartment; my designs do not admit of female criticism.’ + </p> + <p> + To this peremptory command the lady seemed about to make a sharp reply; + but she checked herself, and pressing her lips strongly together, as if to + secure the words from bursting from them which were already formed upon + her tongue, she made a deep reverence, partly as it seemed in reproach, + partly in respect, and left the room as suddenly as she had entered it. + </p> + <p> + The father looked disturbed at this incident, which he seemed sensible + could not but fill Fairford’s imagination with an additional throng of + bewildering suspicions; he bit his lip and muttered something to himself + as he walked through the apartment; then suddenly turned to his visitor + with a smile of much sweetness, and a countenance in which every rougher + expression was exchanged for those of courtesy and kindness. + </p> + <p> + ‘The visit we have been just honoured with, my young friend, has given + you,’ he said, ‘more secrets to keep than I would have wished you burdened + with. The lady is a person of condition—of rank and fortune—but + nevertheless is so circumstanced that the mere fact of her being known to + be in this country would occasion many evils. I should wish you to observe + secrecy on this subject, even to Redgauntlet or Maxwell, however much I + trust them in all that concerns my own affairs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can have no occasion,’ replied Fairford, ‘for holding any discussion + with these gentlemen, or with any others, on the circumstance which I have + just witnessed—it could only have become the subject of my + conversation by mere accident, and I will now take care to avoid the + subject entirely.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will do well, sir, and I thank you,’ said the father, throwing much + dignity into the expression of obligation which he meant to convey. ‘The + time may perhaps come when you will learn what it is to have obliged one + of my condition. As to the lady, she has the highest merit, and nothing + can be said of her justly which would not redound to her praise. + Nevertheless—in short, sir, we wander at present as in a morning + mist—the sun will, I trust, soon rise and dispel it, when all that + now seems mysterious will be fully revealed—or it will sink into + rain,’ he added, in a solemn tone, ‘and then explanation will be of little + consequence.—Adieu, sir; I wish you well.’ + </p> + <p> + He made a graceful obeisance, and vanished through the same side-door by + which the lady had entered; and Alan thought he heard their voices high in + dispute in the adjoining apartment. + </p> + <p> + Presently afterwards, Ambrose entered, and told him that a horse and guide + waited him beneath the terrace. + </p> + <p> + ‘The good Father Buonaventure,’ added the butler, ‘has been graciously + pleased to consider your situation, and desired me to inquire whether you + have any occasion for a supply of money?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Make my respects to his reverence,’ answered Fairford, ‘and assure him I + am provided in that particular. I beg you also to make my acknowledgements + to the Misses Arthuret, and assure them that their kind hospitality, to + which I probably owe my life, shall be remembered with gratitude as long + as that life lasts. You yourself, Mr. Ambrose, must accept of my kindest + thanks for your skill and attention.’ + </p> + <p> + Mid these acknowledgements they left the house, descended the terrace, and + reached the spot where the gardener, Fairford’s old acquaintance, waited + for him, mounted upon one horse and leading another. + </p> + <p> + Bidding adieu to Ambrose, our young lawyer mounted, and rode down the + avenue, often looking back to the melancholy and neglected dwelling in + which he had witnessed such strange scenes, and musing upon the character + of its mysterious inmates, especially the noble and almost regal-seeming + priest, and the beautiful but capricious dame, who, if she was really + Father Buonaventure’s penitent, seemed less docile to the authority of the + church than, as Alan conceived, the Catholic discipline permitted. He + could not indeed help being sensible that the whole deportment of these + persons differed much from his preconceived notions of a priest and + devotee. Father Buonaventure, in particular, had more natural dignify and + less art and affectation in his manner, than accorded with the idea which + Calvinists were taught to entertain of that wily and formidable person, a + Jesuitical missionary. + </p> + <p> + While reflecting on these things, he looked back so frequently at the + house, that Dick Gardener, a forward, talkative fellow, who began to tire + of silence, at length said to him, ‘I think you will know Fairladies when + you see it again, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say I shall, Richard,’ answered Fairford good-humouredly. ‘I wish + I knew as well where I am to go next. But you can tell me, perhaps?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your worship should know better than I,’ said Dick Gardener; + ‘nevertheless, I have a notion you are going where all you Scotsmen should + be sent, whether you will or no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to the devil, I hope, good Dick?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, no. That is a road which you may travel as heretics; but as + Scotsmen, I would only send you three-fourths of the way—and that is + back to Scotland again—always craving your honour’s pardon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does our journey lie that way?’ said Fairford. + </p> + <p> + ‘As far as the waterside,’ said Richard. ‘I am to carry you to old Father + Crackenthorp’s, and then you are within a spit and a stride of Scotland, + as the saying is. But mayhap you may think twice of going thither, for all + that; for Old England is fat feeding-ground for north-country cattle.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF DARSIE LATIMER + </h3> + <p> + Our history must now, as the old romancers wont to say, ‘leave to tell’ of + the quest of Alan Fairford, and instruct our readers of the adventures + which befell Darsie Latimer, left as he was in the precarious custody of + his self-named tutor, the Laird of the Lochs of Solway, to whose arbitrary + pleasure he found it necessary for the present to conform himself. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this prudent resolution, and although he did not assume + such a disguise without some sensations of shame and degradation, Darsie + permitted Cristal Nixon to place over his face, and secure by a string, + one of those silk masks which ladies frequently wore to preserve their + complexions, when exposed to the air during long journeys on horseback. He + remonstrated somewhat more vehemently against the long riding-skirt, which + converted his person from the waist into the female guise, but was obliged + to concede this point also. + </p> + <p> + The metamorphosis was then complete; for the fair reader must be informed, + that in those rude times, the ladies, when they honoured the masculine + dress by assuming any part of it, wore just such hats, coats, and + waistcoats as the male animals themselves made use of, and had no notion + of the elegant compromise betwixt male and female attire, which has now + acquired, PAR EXCELLENCE, the name of a HABIT. Trolloping things our + mothers must have looked, with long square-cut coats, lacking collars, and + with waistcoats plentifully supplied with a length of pocket, which hung + far downwards from the middle. But then they had some advantage from the + splendid colours, lace, and gay embroidery which masculine attire then + exhibited; and, as happens in many similar instances, the finery of the + materials made amends for the want of symmetry and grace of form in the + garments themselves. But this is a digression. + </p> + <p> + In the court of the old mansion, half manor-place, half farm-house, or + rather a decayed manor-house, converted into an abode for a Cumberland + tenant, stood several saddled horses. Four or five of them were mounted by + servants or inferior retainers, all of whom were well armed with sword, + pistol, and carabine. But two had riding furniture for the use of females—the + one being accoutred with a side-saddle, the other with a pillion attached + to the saddle. + </p> + <p> + Darsie’s heart beat quicker within him; he easily comprehended that one of + these was intended for his own use; and his hopes suggested that the other + was designed for that of the fair Green Mantle, whom, according to his + established practice, he had adopted for the queen of his affections, + although his opportunities of holding communication with her had not + exceeded the length of a silent supper on one occasion, and the going down + a country-dance on another. This, however, was no unwonted mood of passion + with Darsie Latimer, upon whom Cupid was used to triumph only in the + degree of a Mahratta conqueror, who overruns a province with the rapidity + of lightning, but finds it impossible to retain it beyond a very brief + space. Yet this new love was rather more serious than the scarce + skinned-up wounds which his friend Fairford used to ridicule. The damsel + had shown a sincere interest in his behalf; and the air of mystery with + which that interest was veiled, gave her, to his lively imagination, the + character of a benevolent and protecting spirit, as much as that of a + beautiful female. + </p> + <p> + At former times, the romance attending his short-lived attachments had + been of his own creating, and had disappeared as soon as ever he + approached more closely to the object with which he had invested it. On + the present occasion, it really flowed from external circumstances, which + might have interested less susceptible feelings, and an imagination less + lively than that of Darsie Latimer, young, inexperienced, and enthusiastic + as he was. + </p> + <p> + He watched, therefore, anxiously to whose service the palfrey bearing the + lady’s saddle was destined. But ere any female appeared to occupy it, he + was himself summoned to take his seat on the pillion behind Cristal Nixon, + amid the grins of his old acquaintance Jan who helped him to horse, and + the unrestrained laughter of Cicely, who displayed on the occasion a case + of teeth which might have rivalled ivory. + </p> + <p> + Latimer was at an age when being an object of general ridicule even to + clowns and milkmaids was not a matter of indifference, and he longed + heartily to have laid his horse-whip across Jan’s shoulders. That, + however, was a solacement of his feelings which was not at the moment to + be thought of; and Cristal Nixon presently put an end to his unpleasant + situation, by ordering the riders to go on. He himself kept the centre of + the troop, two men riding before and two behind him, always, as it seemed + to Darsie, having their eye upon him, to prevent any attempt to escape. He + could see from time to time, when the straight line of the road, or the + advantage of an ascent permitted him, that another troop of three or four + riders followed them at about a quarter of a mile’s distance, amongst whom + he could discover the tall form of Redgauntlet, and the powerful action of + his gallant black horse. He had little doubt that Green Mantle made one of + the party, though he was unable to distinguish her from the others. + </p> + <p> + In this manner they travelled from six in the morning until nearly ten of + the clock, without Darsie exchanging a word with any one; for he loathed + the very idea of entering into conversation with Cristal Nixon, against + whom he seemed to feel an instinctive aversion; nor was that domestic’s + saturnine and sullen disposition such as to have encouraged advances, had + he thought of making them. + </p> + <p> + At length the party halted for the purpose of refreshment; but as they had + hitherto avoided all villages and inhabited places upon their route, so + they now stopped at one of those large ruinous Dutch barns, which are + sometimes found in the fields, at a distance from the farm-houses to which + they belong. Yet in this desolate place some preparations had been made + for their reception. There were in the end of the barn racks filled with + provender for the horses, and plenty of provisions for the party were + drawn from the trusses of straw, under which the baskets that contained + them had been deposited. The choicest of these were selected and arranged + apart by Cristal Nixon, while the men of the party threw themselves upon + the rest, which he abandoned to their discretion. In a few minutes + afterwards the rearward party arrived and dismounted, and Redgauntlet + himself entered the barn with the green-mantled maiden by his side. He + presented her to Darsie with these words:— + </p> + <p> + ‘It is time you two should know each other better. I promised you my + confidence, Darsie, and the time is come for reposing it. But first we + will have our breakfast; and then, when once more in the saddle, I will + tell you that which it is necessary that you should know. Salute Lilias, + Darsie.’ + </p> + <p> + The command was sudden, and surprised Latimer, whose confusion was + increased by the perfect ease and frankness with which Lilias offered at + once her cheek and her hand, and pressing his as she rather took it than + gave her own, said very frankly, ‘Dearest Darsie, how rejoiced I am that + our uncle has at last permitted us to become acquainted!’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie’s head turned round; and it was perhaps well that Redgauntlet + called on him to sit down, as even that movement served to hide his + confusion. There is an old song which says— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —when ladies are willing, + A man can but look like a fool; +</pre> + <p> + And on the same principle Darsie Latimer’s looks at this unexpected + frankness of reception, would have formed an admirable vignette for + illustrating the passage. ‘Dearest Darsie,’ and such a ready, nay, eager + salute of lip and hand! It was all very gracious, no doubt—and ought + to have been received with much gratitude; but, constituted as our + friend’s temper was, nothing could be more inconsistent with his tone of + feeling. If a hermit had proposed to him to club for a pot of beer, the + illusion of his reverend sanctity could not have been dispelled more + effectually than the divine qualities of Green Mantle faded upon the + ill-imagined frank-heartedness of poor Lilias. Vexed with her forwardness, + and affronted at having once more cheated himself, Darsie could hardly + help muttering two lines of the song we have already quoted: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The fruit that must fall without shaking + Is rather too mellow for me. +</pre> + <p> + And yet it was pity for her too—she was a very pretty young woman—his + fancy had scarcely overrated her in that respect—and the slight + derangement of the beautiful brown locks which escaped in natural ringlets + from under her riding-hat, with the bloom which exercise had brought into + her cheek, made her even more than usually fascinating. Redgauntlet + modified the sternness of his look when it was turned towards her, and in + addressing her, used a softer tone than his usual deep bass. Even the grim + features of Cristal Nixon relaxed when he attended on her, and it was + then, if ever, that his misanthropical visage expressed some sympathy with + the rest of humanity. + </p> + <p> + ‘How can she,’ thought Latimer, ‘look so like an angel, yet be so mere a + mortal after all? How could so much seeming modesty have so much + forwardness of manner, when she ought to have been most reserved? How can + her conduct be reconciled to the grace and ease of her general + deportment?’ + </p> + <p> + The confusion of thoughts which occupied Darsie’s imagination, gave to his + looks a disordered appearance, and his inattention to the food which was + placed before him, together with his silence and absence of mind, induced + Lilias solicitously to inquire, whether he did not feel some return of the + disorder under which he had suffered so lately. This led Mr. Redgauntlet, + who seemed also lost in his own contemplations, to raise his eyes, and + join in the same inquiry with some appearance of interest. Latimer + explained to both that he was perfectly well. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is well it is so,’ answered Redgauntlet; ‘for we have that before us + which will brook no delay from indisposition—we have not, as Hotspur + says, leisure to be sick.’ + </p> + <p> + Lilias, on her part, endeavoured to prevail upon Darsie to partake of the + food which she offered him, with a kindly and affectionate courtesy + corresponding to the warmth of the interest she had displayed at their + meeting; but so very natural, innocent, and pure in its character, that it + would have been impossible for the vainest coxcomb to have mistaken it for + coquetry, or a desire of captivating a prize so valuable as his affection. + Darsie, with no more than the reasonable share of self-opinion common to + most youths when they approach twenty-one, knew not how to explain her + conduct. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes he was tempted to think that his own merits had, even during the + short intervals when they had seen each other, secured such a hold of the + affections of a young person who had probably been bred up in ignorance of + the world and its forms that she was unable to conceal her partiality. + Sometimes he suspected that she acted by her guardian’s order, who, aware + that he, Darsie, was entitled to a considerable fortune, might have taken + this bold stroke to bring about a marriage betwixt him and so near a + relative. + </p> + <p> + But neither of these suppositions was applicable to the character of the + parties. Miss Lilias’s manners, however soft and natural, displayed in + their ease and versatility considerable acquaintance with the habits of + the world, and in the few words she said during the morning repast, there + were mingled a shrewdness and good sense, which could scarce belong to a + miss capable of playing the silly part of a love-smitten maiden so + broadly. As for Redgauntlet, with his stately bearing, his fatal frown, + his eye of threat and of command, it was impossible, Darsie thought, to + suspect him of a scheme having private advantage for its object; he could + as soon have imagined Cassius picking Caesar’s pocket, instead of drawing + his poniard on the dictator. + </p> + <p> + While he thus mused, unable either to eat, drink, or answer to the + courtesy of Lilias, she soon ceased to speak to him, and sat silent as + himself. + </p> + <p> + They had remained nearly an hour in their halting-place, when Redgauntlet + said aloud, ‘Look out, Cristal Nixon. If we hear nothing from Fairladies, + we must continue our journey.’ + </p> + <p> + Cristal went to the door, and presently returned and said to his master, + in a voice as harsh as his features, ‘Gilbert Gregson is coming, his horse + as white with foam as if a fiend had ridden him.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet threw from him the plate on which he had been eating, and + hastened towards the door of the barn, which the courier at that moment + entered; a smart jockey with a black velvet hunting-cap, and a broad belt + drawn tight round his waist, to which was secured his express-bag. The + variety of mud with which he was splashed from cap to spur showed he had + had a rough and rapid ride. He delivered a letter to Mr. Redgauntlet, with + an obeisance, and then retired to the end of the barn, where the other + attendants were sitting or lying upon the straw, in order to get some + refreshment. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet broke the letter open with haste, and read it with anxious and + discomposed looks. On a second perusal, his displeasure seemed to + increase, his brow darkened, and was distinctly marked with the fatal sign + peculiar to his family and house. Darsie had never before observed his + frown bear such a close resemblance to the shape which tradition assigned + it. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet held out the open letter with one hand, and struck it with the + forefinger of the other, as, in a suppressed and displeased tone, he said + to Cristal Nixon, ‘Countermanded—ordered northward once more! + ‘Northward, when all our hopes lie to the south—a second Derby + direction, when we turned our back on glory, and marched in quest of + ruin!’ + </p> + <p> + Cristal Nixon took the letter and ran it over, then returned it to his + master with the cold observation, ‘A female influence predominates.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But it shall predominate no longer,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘it shall wane as + ours rises in the horizon. Meanwhile, I will on before—and you, + Cristal, will bring the party to the place assigned in the letter. You may + now permit the young persons to have unreserved communication together; + only mark that you watch the young man closely enough to prevent his + escape, if he should be idiot enough to attempt it, but not approaching so + close as to watch their free conversation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I care naught about their conversation,’ said Nixon, surlily. + </p> + <p> + ‘You hear my commands, Lilias,’ said the laird, turning to the young lady. + ‘You may use my permission and authority to explain so much of our family + matters as you yourself know. At our next meeting I will complete the task + of disclosure, and I trust I shall restore one Redgauntlet more to the + bosom of our ancient family. Let Latimer, as he calls himself, have a + horse to himself; he must for some time retain his disguise.—My + horse—my horse!’ + </p> + <p> + In two minutes they heard him ride off from the door of the barn, followed + at speed by two of the armed men of his party. + </p> + <p> + The commands of Cristal Nixon, in the meanwhile, put all the remainder of + the party in motion, but the laird himself was long out of sight ere they + were in readiness to resume their journey. When at length they set out, + Darsie was accommodated with a horse and side-saddle, instead of being + obliged to resume his place on the pillion behind the detestable Nixon. He + was obliged, however, to retain his riding-skirt, and to reassume his + mask. Yet, notwithstanding this disagreeable circumstance, and although he + observed that they gave him the heaviest and slowest horse of the party, + and that, as a further precaution against escape, he was closely watched + on every side, yet riding in company with the pretty Lilias was an + advantage which overbalanced these inconveniences. + </p> + <p> + It is true that this society, to which that very morning he would have + looked forward as a glimpse of heaven, had, now that it was thus + unexpectedly indulged, something much less rapturous than he had expected. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that, in order to avail himself of a situation so + favourable for indulging his romantic disposition, he endeavoured to coax + back, if I may so express myself, that delightful dream of ardent and + tender passion; he felt only such a confusion of ideas at the difference + between the being whom he had imagined, and her with whom he was now in + contact, that it seemed to him like the effect of witchcraft. What most + surprised him was, that this sudden flame should have died away so + rapidly, notwithstanding that the maiden’s personal beauty was even + greater than he had expected—her demeanour, unless it should be + deemed over kind towards himself, as graceful and becoming as he could + have fancied if, even in his gayest dreams. It were judging hardly of him + to suppose that the mere belief of his having attracted her affections + more easily than he expected was the cause of his ungratefully + undervaluing a prize too lightly won, or that his transient passion played + around his heart with the hitting radiance of a wintry sunbeam flashing + against an icicle, which may brighten it for a moment, but cannot melt it. + Neither of these was precisely the ease, though such fickleness of + disposition might also have some influence in the change. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, perhaps, the lover’s pleasure, like that of the hunter, is + in the chase; and that the brightest beauty loses half its merit, as the + fairest flower its perfume, when the willing hand can reach it too easily. + There must be doubt—there must be danger—there must be + difficulty; and if, as the poet says, the course of ardent affection never + does run smooth, it is perhaps because, without some intervening obstacle, + that which is called the romantic passion of love, in its high poetical + character and colouring can hardly have an existence—any more than + there can be a current in a river without the stream being narrowed by + steep banks, or checked by opposing rocks. + </p> + <p> + Let not those, however, who enter into a union for life without those + embarrassments which delight a Darsie Latimer, or a Lydia Languish, and + which are perhaps necessary to excite an enthusiastic passion in breasts + more firm than theirs, augur worse of their future happiness because their + own alliance is formed under calmer auspices. Mutual esteem, an intimate + knowledge of each other’s character, seen, as in their case, undisguised + by the mists of too partial passion—a suitable proportion of parties + in rank and fortune, in taste and pursuits—are more frequently found + in a marriage of reason, than in a union of romantic attachment; where the + imagination, which probably created the virtues and accomplishments with + which it invested the beloved object, is frequently afterwards employed in + magnifying the mortifying consequences of its own delusion, and + exasperating all the stings of disappointment. Those who follow the + banners of Reason are like the well-disciplined battalion, which, wearing + a more sober uniform and making a less dazzling show than the light troops + commanded by imagination, enjoy more safety, and even more honour, in the + conflicts of human life. All this, however, is foreign to our present + purpose. + </p> + <p> + Uncertain in what manner to address her whom he had been lately so anxious + to meet with, and embarrassed by a TETE-A-TETE to which his own timid + inexperience, gave some awkwardness, the party had proceeded more than a + hundred yards before Darsie assumed courage to accost, or even to look at, + his companion. Sensible, however, of the impropriety of his silence, he + turned to speak to her; and observing that, although she wore her mask, + there was something like disappointment and dejection in her manner, he + was moved by self-reproach for his own coldness, and hastened to address + her in the kindest tone he could assume. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must think me cruelly deficient in gratitude, Miss Lilias, that I + have been thus long in your company, without thanking you for the interest + which you have deigned to take in my unfortunate affairs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you have at length spoken,’ she said, ‘though I owe it is more + coldly than I expected. MISS Lilias! DEIGN to take interest! In whom, dear + Darsie, CAN I take interest but in you; and why do you put this barrier of + ceremony betwixt us, whom adverse circumstances have already separated for + such a length of time?’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie was again confounded at the extra candour, if we may use the term, + of this frank avowal. ‘One must love partridge very well,’ thought he, ‘to + accept it when thrown in one’s face—if this is not plain speaking, + there is no such place as downright Dunstable in being!’ + </p> + <p> + Embarrassed with these reflections, and himself of a nature fancifully, + almost fastidiously, delicate, he could only in reply stammer forth an + acknowledgement of his companion’s goodness, and his own gratitude. She + answered in a tone partly sorrowful and partly impatient, repeating, with + displeased emphasis, the only distinct words he had been able to bring + forth—‘Goodness—gratitude!—O Darsie! should these be the + phrases between you and me? Alas! I am too sure you are displeased with + me, though I cannot even guess on what account. Perhaps you think I have + been too free in venturing upon my visit to your friend. But then + remember, it was in your behalf, and that I knew no better way to put you + on your guard against the misfortunes and restraint which you have been + subjected to, and are still enduring.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Lady’—said Darsie, rallying his recollection, and suspicious + of some error in apprehension,—a suspicion which his mode of address + seemed at once to communicate to Lilias, for she interrupted him,— + </p> + <p> + ‘LADY! dear LADY! For whom, or for what, in Heaven’s name, do you take me, + that you address me so formally?’ + </p> + <p> + Had the question been asked in that enchanted hall in fairyland, where all + interrogations must be answered with absolute sincerity, Darsie had + certainly replied, that he took her for the most frank-hearted and + ultra-liberal lass that had ever lived since Mother Eve eat the pippin + without paring. But as he was still on middle-earth, and free to avail + himself of a little polite deceit, he barely answered that he believed he + had the honour of speaking to the niece of Mr. Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely,’ she replied; ‘but were it not as easy for you to have said, to + your own only sister?’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie started in his saddle, as if he had received a pistol-shot. + </p> + <p> + ‘My sister!’ he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you did NOT know it, then?’ said she. ‘I thought your reception of me + was cold and indifferent!’ + </p> + <p> + A kind and cordial embrace took place betwixt the relatives; and so light + was Darsie’s spirit, that he really felt himself more relieved, by getting + quit of the embarrassments of the last half-hour, during which he + conceived himself in danger of being persecuted by the attachment of a + forward girl, than disappointed by the vanishing of so many day-dreams as + he had been in the habit of encouraging during the time when the + green-mantled maiden was goddess of his idolatry. He had been already + flung from his romantic Pegasus, and was too happy at length to find + himself with bones unbroken, though with his back on the ground. He was, + besides, with all his whims and follies, a generous, kind-hearted youth, + and was delighted to acknowledge so beautiful and amiable a relative, and + to assure her in the warmest terms of his immediate affection and future + protection, so soon as they should be extricated from their present + situation. Smiles and tears mingled on Lilias’s cheeks, like showers and + sunshine in April weather. + </p> + <p> + ‘Out on me,’ she said, ‘that I should be so childish as to cry at what + makes me so sincerely happy! since, God knows, family-love is what my + heart has most longed after, and to which it has been most a stranger. My + uncle says that you and I, Darsie, are but half Redgauntlets, and that the + metal of which our father’s family was made, has been softened to + effeminacy in our mother’s offspring.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ said Darsie, ‘I know so little of our family story, that I almost + doubted that I belonged to the House of Redgauntlet, although the chief of + the family himself intimated so much to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The chief of the family!’ said Lilias. ‘You must know little of your own + descent indeed, if you mean my uncle by that expression. You yourself, my + dear Darsie, are the heir and representative of our ancient House, for our + father was the elder brother—that brave and unhappy Sir Henry Darsie + Redgauntlet, who suffered at Carlisle in the year 1746. He took the name + of Darsie, in conjunction with his own, from our mother, heiress to a + Cumberland family of great wealth and antiquity, of whose large estates + you are the undeniable heir, although those of your father have been + involved in the general doom of forfeiture. But all this must be + necessarily unknown to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I hear it for the first time in my life,’ answered Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you knew not that I was your sister?’ said Lilias. ‘No wonder you + received me so coldly. What a strange, wild, forward young person you must + have thought me—mixing myself in the fortunes of a stranger whom I + had only once spoken to—corresponding with him by signs—Good + Heaven! what can you have supposed me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how should I have come to the knowledge of our connexion?’ said + Darsie. ‘You are aware I was not acquainted with it when we danced + together at Brokenburn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw that with concern, and fain I would have warned you,’ answered + Lilias; ‘but I was closely watched, and before I could find or make an + opportunity of coming to a full explanation with you on a subject so + agitating, I was forced to leave the room. What I did say was, you may + remember, a caution to leave the southern border, for I foresaw what has + since happened. But since my uncle has had you in his power, I never + doubted he had communicated to you our whole family history.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has left me to learn it from you, Lilias; and assure yourself that I + will hear it with more pleasure from your lips than from his. I have no + reason to be pleased with his conduct towards me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of that,’ said Lilias, ‘you will judge better when you have heard what I + have to tell you;’ and she began her communication in the following + manner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF DARSIE LATIMER, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + ‘The House of Redgauntlet,’ said the young lady, ‘has for centuries been + supposed to lie under a doom, which has rendered vain their courage, their + talents, their ambition, and their wisdom. Often making a figure in + history, they have been ever in the situation of men striving against both + wind and tide, who distinguish themselves by their desperate exertions of + strength, and their persevering endurance of toil, but without being able + to advance themselves upon their course by either vigour or resolution. + They pretend to trace this fatality to a legendary history, which I may + tell you at a less busy moment.’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie intimated that he had already heard the tragic story of Sir + Alberick Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘I need only say, then,’ proceeded Lilias, ‘that our father and uncle felt + the family doom in its full extent. They were both possessed of + considerable property, which was largely increased by our father’s + marriage, and were both devoted to the service of the unhappy House of + Stuart; but (as our mother at least supposed) family considerations might + have withheld her husband from joining openly in the affair of 1745, had + not the high influence which the younger brother possessed over the elder, + from his more decided energy of character, hurried him along with himself + into that undertaking. + </p> + <p> + ‘When, therefore, the enterprise came to the fatal conclusion which + bereaved our father of his life and consigned his brother to exile, Lady + Redgauntlet fled from the north of England, determined to break off all + communication with her late husband’s family, particularly his brother, + whom she regarded as having, by their insane political enthusiasm, been + the means of his untimely death; and determined that you, my brother, an + infant, and that I, to whom she had just given birth, should be brought up + as adherents of the present dynasty. Perhaps she was too hasty in this + determination—too timidly anxious to exclude, if possible, from the + knowledge of the very spot where we existed, a relation so nearly + connected with us as our father’s only brother. But you must make + allowance for what she had suffered. See, brother,’ she said, pulling her + glove off, ‘these five blood-specks on my arm are a mark by which + mysterious Nature has impressed, on an unborn infant, a record of its + father’s violent death and its mother’s miseries.’ [Several persons have + brought down to these days the impressions which Nature had thus recorded, + when they were yet babes unborn. One lady of quality, whose father was + long under sentence of death previous to the Rebellion, was marked on the + back of the neck by the sign of a broad axe. Another whose kinsmen had + been slain in battle and died on the scaffold to the number of seven, bore + a child spattered on the right shoulder and down the arm with scarlet + drops, as if of blood. Many other instances might be quoted.] + </p> + <p> + ‘You were not, then, born when my father suffered?’ said Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas, no!’ she replied; ‘nor were you a twelvemonth old. It was no wonder + that my mother, after going through such scenes of agony, became + irresistibly anxious for the sake of her children—of her son in + particular; the more especially as the late Sir Henry, her husband, had, + by a settlement of his affairs, confided the custody of the persons of her + children, as well as the estates which descended to them, independently of + those which fell under his forfeiture, to his brother Hugh, in whom he + placed unlimited confidence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But my mother had no reason to fear the operation of such a deed, + conceived in favour of an attainted man,’ said Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ replied Lilias; ‘but our uncle’s attainder might have been + reversed, like that of so many other persons, and our mother, who both + feared and hated him, lived in continual terror that this would be the + case, and that she should see the author, as she thought him, of her + husband’s death come armed with legal powers, and in a capacity to use + them for the purpose of tearing her children from her protection. Besides, + she feared, even in his incapacitated condition, the adventurous and + pertinacious spirit of her brother-in-law, Hugh Redgauntlet, and felt + assured that he would make some attempt to possess himself of the persons + of the children. On the other hand, our uncle, whose proud disposition + might, perhaps, have been soothed by the offer of her confidence, revolted + against the distrustful and suspicious manner in which Lady Darsie + Redgauntlet acted towards him. She basely abused, he said, the unhappy + circumstances in which he was placed, in order to deprive him of his + natural privilege of protecting and educating the infants, whom nature and + law, and the will of their father, had committed to his charge, and he + swore solemnly he would not submit to such an injury. Report of his + threats was made to Lady Redgauntlet, and tended to increase those fears + which proved but too well founded. While you and I, children at that time + of two or three years old, were playing together in a walled orchard, + adjacent to our mother’s residence which she had fixed somewhere in + Devonshire, my uncle suddenly scaled the wall with several men, and I was + snatched up; and carried off to a boat which waited for them. My mother, + however, flew to your rescue, and as she seized on and held you fast, my + uncle could not, as he has since told me, possess himself of your person, + without using unmanly violence to his brother’s widow. Of this he was + incapable; and, as people began to assemble upon my mother’s screaming, he + withdrew, after darting upon you and her one of those fearful looks, + which, it is said, remain with our family, as a fatal bequest of Sir + Alberick, our ancestor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have some recollection of the scuffle which you mention,’ said Darsie; + ‘and I think it was my uncle himself (since my uncle he is) who recalled + the circumstance to my mind on a late occasion. I can now account for the + guarded seclusion under which my poor mother lived—for her frequent + tears, her starts of hysterical alarm, and her constant and deep + melancholy. Poor lady! what a lot was hers, and what must have been her + feelings when it approached to a close!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was then that she adopted,’ said Lilias, ‘every precaution her + ingenuity could suggest, to keep your very existence concealed from the + person whom she feared—nay, from yourself; for she dreaded, as she + is said often to have expressed herself, that the wildfire blood of + Redgauntlet would urge you to unite your fortunes to those of your uncle, + who was well known still to carry on political intrigues, which most other + persons had considered as desperate. It was also possible that he, as well + as others, might get his pardon, as government showed every year more + lenity towards the remnant of the Jacobites, and then he might claim the + custody of your person, as your legal guardian. Either of these events she + considered as the direct road to your destruction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder she had not claimed the protection of Chancery for me,’ said + Darsie; ‘or confided me to the care of some powerful friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She was on indifferent terms with her relations, on account of her + marriage with our father,’ said Lilias, ‘and trusted more to secreting you + from your uncle’s attempts, than to any protection which law might afford + against them. Perhaps she judged unwisely, but surely not unnaturally, for + one rendered irritable by so many misfortunes and so many alarms. Samuel + Griffiths, an eminent banker, and a worthy clergyman now dead were, I + believe, the only persons whom she intrusted with the execution of her + last will; and my uncle believes that she made them both swear to observe + profound secrecy concerning your birth and pretensions, until you should + come to the age of majority, and, in the meantime, to breed you up in the + most private way possible, and that which was most likely to withdraw you + from my uncle’s observation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I have no doubt,’ said Darsie, ‘that betwixt change of name and + habitation, they might have succeeded perfectly, but for the accident—lucky + or unlucky, I know not which to term it—which brought me to + Brokenburn, and into contact with Mr. Redgauntlet. I see also why I was + warned against England, for in England’— + </p> + <p> + ‘In England alone, if I understand rightly,’ said Miss Redgauntlet, ‘the + claims of your uncle to the custody of your person could have been + enforced, in case of his being replaced in the ordinary rights of + citizenship, either by the lenity of the government or by some change in + it. In Scotland, where you possess no property, I understand his authority + might; have been resisted, and measures taken to put you under the + protection of the law. But, pray, think it not unlucky that you have taken + the step of visiting Brokenburn—I feel confident that the + consequences must be ultimately fortunate, for have they not already + brought us into contact with each other?’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, she held out her hand to her brother, who grasped it with a + fondness of pressure very different from the manner in which they first + clasped hands that morning. There was a moment’s pause, while the hearts + of both were overflowing with a feeling of natural affection, to which + circumstances had hitherto rendered them strangers. + </p> + <p> + At length Darsie broke silence; ‘I am ashamed,’ he said, ‘my dearest + Lilias, that I have suffered you to talk so long about matters concerning + myself only, while I remain ignorant of your story, and your present + situation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The former is none of the most interesting, nor the latter the most safe + or agreeable,’ answered Lilias; ‘but now, my dearest brother, I shall have + the inestimable support of your countenance and affection; and were I but + sure that we could weather the formidable crisis which I find so close at + hand, I should have little apprehensions for the future.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me know,’ said Darsie, ‘what our present situation is; and rely upon + my utmost exertions both in your defence and my own. For what reason can + my uncle desire to detain me a prisoner? If in mere opposition to the will + of my mother, she has long been no more; and I see not why he should wish, + at so much trouble and risk, to interfere with the free will of one, to + whom a few months will give a privilege of acting for himself, with which + he will have no longer any pretence to interfere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dearest Arthur,’ answered Lilias—‘for that name, as well as + Darsie, properly belongs to you—it is the leading feature in my + uncle’s character, that he has applied every energy of his powerful mind + to the service of the exiled family of Stuart. The death of his brother, + the dilapidation of his own fortunes, have only added to his hereditary + zeal for the House of Stuart a deep and almost personal hatred against the + present reigning family. He is, in short, a political enthusiast of the + most dangerous character, and proceeds in his agency with as much + confidence, as if he felt himself the very Atlas who is alone capable of + supporting a sinking cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And where or how did you, my Lilias, educated, doubtless, under his + auspices, learn to have a different view of such subjects?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By a singular chance,’ replied Lilias, ‘in the nunnery where my uncle + placed me. Although the abbess was a person exactly after his own heart, + my education as a pensioner devolved much on an excellent old mother who + had adopted the tenets of the Jansenists, with perhaps a still further + tendency towards the reformed doctrines, than those of Port Royal. The + mysterious secrecy with which she inculcated these tenets, gave them + charms to my young mind, and I embraced them the rather that they were in + direct opposition to the doctrines of the abbess, whom I hated so much for + her severity, that I felt a childish delight in setting her control at + defiance, and contradicting in my secret soul all that I was openly + obliged to listen to with reverence. Freedom of religious opinion brings + on, I suppose, freedom of political creed; for I had no sooner renounced + the Pope’s infallibility, than I began to question the doctrine of + hereditary and indefeasible right. In short, strange as it may seem, I + came out of a Parisian convent, not indeed an instructed Whig and + Protestant, but with as much inclination to be so as if I had been bred + up, like you, within the Presbyterian sound of Saint Giles’s chimes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More so, perhaps,’ replied Darsie; ‘for the nearer the church—the + proverb is somewhat musty. But how did these liberal opinions of yours + agree with the very opposite prejudices of my uncle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They would have agreed like fire and water,’ answered Lilias, ‘had I + suffered mine to become visible; but as that would have subjected me to + constant reproach and upbraiding, or worse, I took great care to keep my + own secret; so that occasional censures for coldness, and lack of zeal for + the good cause, were the worst I had to undergo; and these were bad + enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I applaud your caution,’ said Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have reason,’ replied his sister; ‘but I got so terrible a specimen + of my uncle’s determination of character, before I had been acquainted + with him for much more than a week, that it taught me at what risk I + should contradict his humour. I will tell you the circumstances; for it + will better teach you to appreciate the romantic and resolved nature of + his character, than anything which I could state of his rashness and + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + ‘After I had been many a long year at the convent, I was removed from + thence, and placed with a meagre old Scottish lady of high rank, the + daughter of an unfortunate person whose head had in the year 1715 been + placed on Temple Bar. She subsisted on a small pension from the French + Court, aided by an occasional gratuity from the Stuarts; to which the + annuity paid for my board formed a desirable addition. She was not + ill-tempered, nor very covetous—neither beat me nor starved me—but + she was so completely trammelled by rank and prejudices, so awfully + profound in genealogy, and so bitterly keen, poor lady, in British, + politics, that I sometimes thought it pity that the Hanoverians, who + murdered, as she used to tell me, her poor dear father, had left his dear + daughter in the land of the living. Delighted, therefore, was I, when my + uncle made his appearance, and abruptly announced his purpose of conveying + me to England. My extravagant joy at the idea of leaving Lady Rachel + Rougedragon was somewhat qualified by observing the melancholy look, lofty + demeanour, and commanding tone of my near relative. He held more + communication with me on the journey, however, than consisted with his + taciturn demeanour in general, and seemed anxious to ascertain my tone of + character, and particularly in point of courage. Now, though I am a tamed + Redgauntlet, yet I have still so much of our family spirit as enables me + to be as composed in danger as most of my sex; and upon two occasions in + the course of our journey—a threatened attack by banditti, and the + overturn of our carriage—I had the fortune so to conduct myself, as + to convey to my uncle a very favourable idea of my intrepidity. Probably + this encouraged him to put in execution the singular scheme which he had + in agitation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ere we reached London we changed our means of conveyance, and altered the + route by which we approached the city, more than once; then, like a hare + which doubles repeatedly at some distance from the seat she means to + occupy, and at last leaps into her form from a distance so great as she + can clear by a spring, we made a forced march, and landed in private and + obscure lodgings in a little old street in Westminster, not far from the + Cloisters. + </p> + <p> + ‘On the morning of the day on which we arrived my uncle went abroad, and + did not return for some hours. Meantime I had no other amusement than to + listen to the tumult of noises which succeeded each other, or reigned in + confusion together during the whole morning. Paris I had thought the most + noisy capital in the world, but Paris seemed midnight silence compared to + London. Cannon thundered near and at a distance—drums, trumpets, and + military music of every kind, rolled, flourished, and pierced the clouds, + almost without intermission. To fill up the concert, bells pealed + incessantly from a hundred steeples. The acclamations of an immense + multitude were heard from time to time, like the roaring of a mighty + ocean, and all this without my being able to glean the least idea of what + was going on, for the windows of our apartment looked upon a waste + backyard, which seemed totally deserted. My curiosity became extreme, for + I was satisfied, at length, that it must be some festival of the highest + order which called forth these incessant sounds. + </p> + <p> + ‘My uncle at length returned, and with him a man of an exterior singularly + unprepossessing. I need not describe him to you, for—do not look + round—he rides behind us at this moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That respectable person, Mr. Cristal Nixon, I suppose?’ said Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘The same,’ answered Lilias; ‘make no gesture, that may intimate we are + speaking of him.’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie signified that he understood her, and she pursued her relation. + </p> + <p> + ‘They were both in full dress, and my uncle, taking a bundle from Nixon, + said to me, “Lilias, I am come to carry you to see a grand ceremony—put + on as hastily as you can the dress you will find in that parcel, and + prepare to attend me.” I found a female dress, splendid and elegant, but + somewhat bordering upon the antique fashion. It might be that of England, + I thought, and I went to my apartment full of curiosity, and dressed + myself with all speed. + </p> + <p> + ‘My uncle surveyed me with attention—“She may pass for one of the + flower-girls,” he said to Nixon, who only answered with a nod. + </p> + <p> + ‘We left the house together, and such was their knowledge of the lanes, + courts, and bypaths, that though there was the roar of a multitude in the + broad streets, those which we traversed were silent and deserted; and the + strollers whom we met, tired of gazing upon gayer figures, scarcely + honoured us with a passing look, although, at any other time, we should, + among these vulgar suburbs, have attracted a troublesome share of + observation. We crossed at length a broad street, where many soldiers were + on guard, while others, exhausted with previous duty, were eating, + drinking, smoking, and sleeping beside their piled arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘“One day, Nixon,” whispered my uncle, “we will make these redcoated + gentry stand to their muskets more watchfully.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Or it will be the worse for them,” answered his attendant, in a voice as + unpleasant as his physiognomy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Unquestioned and unchallenged by any one, we crossed among the guards; + and Nixon tapped thrice at a small postern door in a huge ancient + building, which was straight before us. It opened, and we entered without + my perceiving by whom we were admitted. A few dark and narrow passages at + length conveyed us into an immense Gothic hall, the magnificence of which + baffles my powers of description. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was illuminated by ten thousand wax lights, whose splendour at first + dazzled my eyes, coming as we did from these dark and secret avenues. But + when my sight began to become steady, how shall I describe what I beheld? + Beneath were huge ranges of tables, occupied by princes and nobles in + their robes of state—high officers of the crown, wearing their + dresses and badges of authority—reverend prelates and judges, the + sages of the church and law, in their more sombre, yet not less awful + robes—with others whose antique and striking costume announced their + importance, though I could not even guess who they might be. But at length + the truth burst on me at once—it was, and the murmurs around + confirmed it, the Coronation Feast. At a table above the rest, and + extending across the upper end of the hall, sat enthroned the youthful + sovereign himself, surrounded by the princes of the blood, and other + dignitaries, and receiving the suit and homage of his subjects. Heralds + and pursuivants, blazing in their fantastic yet splendid armorial habits, + and pages of honour, gorgeously arrayed in the garb of other days, waited + upon the princely banqueters. In the galleries with which this spacious + hall was surrounded, shone all, and more than all, that my poor + imagination could conceive, of what was brilliant in riches, or + captivating in beauty. Countless rows of ladies, whose diamonds, jewels, + and splendid attire were their least powerful charms, looked down from + their lofty seats on the rich scene beneath, themselves forming a show as + dazzling and as beautiful as that of which they were spectators. Under + these galleries, and behind the banqueting tables, were a multitude of + gentlemen, dressed as if to attend a court, but whose garb, although rich + enough to have adorned a royal drawing room, could not distinguish them in + such a high scene as this. Amongst these we wandered for a few minutes, + undistinguished and unregarded. I saw several young persons dressed as I + was, so was under no embarrassment from the singularity of my habit, and + only rejoiced, as I hung on my uncle’s arm, at the magical splendour of + such a scene, and at his goodness for procuring me the pleasure of + beholding it. + </p> + <p> + ‘By and by, I perceived that my uncle had acquaintances among those who + were under the galleries, and seemed, like ourselves, to be mere + spectators of the solemnity. They recognized each other with a single + word, sometimes only with a grip of the hand-exchanged some private signs, + doubtless—and gradually formed a little group, in the centre of + which we were placed. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Is it not a grand sight, Lilias?” said my uncle. “All the noble, and all + the wise, and all the wealthy of Britain, are there assembled.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“It is indeed,” said I, “all that my mind could have fancied of regal + power and splendour.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Girl,” he whispered,—and my uncle can make his whispers as + terribly emphatic as his thundering voice or his blighting look—“all + that is noble and worthy in this fair land are there assembled—but + it is to bend like slaves and sycophants before the throne of a new + usurper.” + </p> + <p> + ‘I looked at him, and the dark hereditary frown of our unhappy ancestor + was black upon his brow. + </p> + <p> + ‘“For God’s sake,” I whispered, “consider where we are.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Fear nothing,” he said; “we are surrounded by friends.” As he proceeded, + his strong and muscular frame shook with suppressed agitation. “See,” he + said, “yonder bends Norfolk, renegade to his Catholic.faith; there stoops + the Bishop of ——, traitor to the Church of England; and,—shame + of shames! yonder the gigantic form of Errol bows his head before the + grandson of his father’s murderer! But a sign shall be seen this night + amongst them—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN, shall be read on these + walls, as distinctly as the spectral handwriting made them visible on + those of Belshazzar!” + </p> + <p> + ‘“For God’s sake,” said I, dreadfully alarmed, “it is impossible you can + meditate violence in such a presence!” + </p> + <p> + ‘“None is intended, fool,” he answered, “nor can the slightest mischance + happen, provided you will rally your boasted courage, and obey my + directions. But do it coolly and quickly, for there are a hundred lives at + stake.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Alas! what—can I do?” I asked in the utmost terror. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Only be prompt to execute my bidding,” said he; “it is but to lift a + glove—Here, hold this in your hand—throw the train of your + dress over it, be firm, composed, and ready—or, at all events, I + step forward myself.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“If there is no violence designed,” I said, taking, mechanically, the + iron glove he put into my hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I could not conceive his meaning; but, in the excited state of mind in + which I beheld him, I was convinced that disobedience on my part would + lead to some wild explosion. I felt, from the emergency of the occasion, a + sudden presence of mind, and resolved to do anything that might avert + violence and bloodshed. I was not long held in suspense. A loud flourish + of trumpets and the voice of heralds were mixed with the clatter of + horses’ hoofs, while a champion, armed at all points like those I had read + of in romances, attended by squires, pages, and the whole retinue of + chivalry, pranced forward, mounted upon a barbed steed. His challenge, in + defiance of all who dared impeach the title of the new sovereign, was + recited aloud—once, and again.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Rush in at the third sounding,” said my uncle to me; “bring me the + parader’s gage, and leave mine in lieu of it.” + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not see how this was to be done, as we were surrounded by people + on all sides. But, at the third sounding of the trumpets, a lane opened as + if by word of command, betwixt me and the champion, and my uncle’s voice + said, “Now, Lilias, NOW!” + </p> + <p> + ‘With a swift and yet steady step, and with a presence of mind for which I + have never since been able to account, I discharged the perilous + commission. I was hardly seen, I believe, as I exchanged the pledges of + battle, and in an instant retired. “Nobly done, my girl!” said my uncle, + at whose side I found myself, shrouded as I was before, by the + interposition of the bystanders. “Cover our retreat, gentlemen,” he + whispered to those around him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Room was made for us to approach the wall, which seemed to open, and we + were again involved in the dark passages through which we had formerly + passed. In a small anteroom, my uncle stopped, and hastily muffling me in + a mantle which was lying there, we passed the guards—threaded the + labyrinth of empty streets and courts, and reached our retired lodgings + without attracting the least attention.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have often heard,’ said Darsie, ‘that a female, supposed to be a man in + disguise,—and yet, Lilias, you do not look very masculine,—had + taken up the champion’s gauntlet at the present king’s coronation, and + left in its place a gage of battle, with a paper, offering to accept the + combat, provided a fair field should be allowed for it. I have hitherto + considered it as an idle tale. I little thought how nearly I was + interested in the actors of a scene so daring. How could you have courage + to go through with it?’ [See Note 9.] + </p> + <p> + ‘Had I had leisure for reflection,’ answered his sister, ‘I should have + refused, from a mixture of principle and of fear. But, like many people + who do daring actions, I went on because I had not time to think of + retreating. The matter was little known, and it is said the king had + commanded that it should not be further inquired into;—from + prudence, as I suppose, and lenity, though my uncle chooses to ascribe the + forbearance of the Elector of Hanover, as he calls him, sometimes to + pusillanimity, and sometimes to a presumptuous scorn of the faction who + opposes his title.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And have your subsequent agencies under this frantic enthusiast,’ said + Darsie, ‘equalled this in danger?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No—nor in importance,’ replied Lilias; ‘though I have witnessed + much of the strange and desperate machinations, by which, in spite of + every obstacle, and in contempt of every danger, he endeavours to awaken + the courage of a broken party. I have traversed, in his company, all + England and Scotland, and have visited the most extraordinary and + contrasted scenes; now lodging at the castles of the proud gentry of + Cheshire and Wales, where the retired aristocrats, with opinions as + antiquated as their dwellings and their manners, still continue to nourish + Jacobitical principles; and the next week, perhaps, spent among outlawed + smugglers, or Highland banditti. I have known my uncle often act the part + of a hero, and sometimes that of a mere vulgar conspirator, and turn + himself, with the most surprising flexibility, into all sorts of shapes to + attract proselytes to his cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which, in the present day,’ said Darsie, ‘he finds, I presume, no easy + task.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So difficult,’ said Lilias, ‘that, I believe, he has, at different times, + disgusted with the total falling away of some friends, and the coldness of + others, been almost on the point of resigning his undertaking. How often I + have I known him affect an open brow and a jovial manner, joining in the + games of the gentry, and even in the sports of the common people, in order + to invest himself with a temporary degree of popularity; while, in fact, + his heart was bursting to witness what he called the degeneracy of the + times, the decay of activity among the aged, and the want of zeal in the + rising generation. After the day has been spent in the hardest exercise, + he has spent the night in pacing his solitary chamber, bewailing the + downfall of the cause, and wishing for the bullet of Dundee or the axe of + Balmerino.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A strange delusion,’ said Darsie; ‘and it is wonderful that it does not + yield to the force of reality.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, but,’ replied Lilias, ‘realities of late have seemed to flatter his + hopes. The general dissatisfaction with the peace—the unpopularity + of the minister, which has extended itself even to the person of his + master—the various uproars which have disturbed the peace of the + metropolis, and a general state of disgust and disaffection, which seems + to affect the body of the nation, have given unwonted encouragement to the + expiring hopes of the Jacobites, and induced many, both at the Court of + Rome, and, if it can be called so, of the Pretender, to lend a more + favourable ear than they had hitherto done to the insinuations of those + who, like my uncle, hope, when hope is lost to all but themselves. Nay, I + really believe that at this moment they meditate some desperate effort. My + uncle has been doing all in his power, of late, to conciliate the + affections of those wild communities that dwell on the Solway, over whom + our family possessed a seignorial interest before the forfeiture, and + amongst whom, on the occasion of 1745, our unhappy father’s interest, with + his own, raised a considerable body of men. But they are no longer willing + to obey his summons; and, as one apology among others, they allege your + absence as their natural head and leader. This has increased his desire to + obtain possession of your person, and, if he possibly can, to influence + your mind, so as to obtain your authority to his proceedings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That he shall never obtain,’ answered Darsie; ‘my principles and my + prudence alike forbid such a step. Besides, it would be totally unavailing + to his purpose. Whatever these people may pretend, to evade your uncle’s + importunities, they cannot, at this time of day, think of subjecting their + necks again to the feudal yoke, which was effectually broken by the act of + 1748, abolishing vassalage and hereditary jurisdictions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, but that my uncle considers as the act of a usurping government,’ + said Lilias. + </p> + <p> + ‘Like enough he may think so,’ answered her brother, ‘for he is a + superior, and loses his authority by, the enactment. But the question is, + what the vassals will think of it who have gained their freedom from + feudal slavery, and have now enjoyed that freedom for many years? However, + to cut the matter short, if five hundred men would rise at the wagging of + my finger, that finger shall not be raised in a cause which I disapprove + of, and upon that my uncle may reckon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you may temporize,’ said Lilias, upon whom the idea of her uncle’s + displeasure made evidently a strong impression,—‘you may temporize, + as most of the gentry in this country do, and let the bubble burst of + itself; for it is singular how few of them venture to oppose my uncle + directly. I entreat you to avoid direct collision with him. To hear you, + the head of the House of Redgauntlet, declare against the family of + Stuart, would either break his heart, or drive him to some act of + desperation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but, Lilias, you forget that the consequences of such an act of + complaisance might be, that the House of Redgauntlet and I might lose both + our heads at one blow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ said she, ‘I had forgotten that danger. I have grown familiar with + perilous intrigues, as the nurses in a pest-house are said to become + accustomed to the air around them, till they forget even that it is + noisome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet,’ said Darsie, ‘if I could free myself from him without coming to + an open rupture. Tell me, Lilias, do you think it possible that he can + have any immediate attempt in view?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To confess the truth,’ answered Lilias, ‘I cannot doubt that he has. + There has been an unusual bustle among the Jacobites of late. They have + hopes, as I told you, from circumstances unconnected with their own + strength. Just before you came to the country, my uncle’s desire to find + you out became, if possible, more eager than ever—he talked of men + to be presently brought together, and of your name and influence for + raising them. At this very time your first visit to Brokenburn took place. + A suspicion arose in my uncle’s mind, that you might be the youth he + sought, and it was strengthened by papers and letters which the rascal + Nixon did not hesitate to take from your pocket. Yet a mistake might have + occasioned a fatal explosion; and my uncle therefore posted to Edinburgh + to follow out the clue he had obtained, and fished enough of information + from old Mr. Fairford to make him certain that you were the person he + sought. Meanwhile, and at the expense of some personal and perhaps too + bold exertion, I endeavoured, through your friend young Fairford, to put + you on your guard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Without success,’ said Darsie, blushing under his mask when he + recollected how he had mistaken his sister’s meaning. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not wonder that my warning was fruitless,’ said she; ‘the thing was + doomed to be. Besides, your escape would have been difficult. You were + dogged the whole time you were at the Shepherd’s Bush and at Mount Sharon, + by a spy who scarcely ever left you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The wretch, little Benjie!’ exclaimed Darsie. ‘I will wring the monkey’s + neck round, the first time we meet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was he indeed who gave constant information of your motions to Cristal + Nixon,’ said Lilias. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Cristal Nixon—I owe him, too, a day’s work in harvest,’ said + Darsie; ‘for I am mistaken if he was not the person that struck me down + when I was made prisoner among the rioters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Like enough; for he has a head and hand for any villany. My uncle was + very angry about it; for though the riot was made to have an opportunity + of carrying you off in the confusion, as well as to put the fishermen at + variance with the public law, it would have been his last thought to have + injured a hair of your head. But Nixon has insinuated himself into all my + uncle’s secrets, and some of these are so dark and dangerous, that though + there are few things he would not dare, I doubt if he dare quarrel with + him. And yet I know that of Cristal would move my uncle to pass his sword + through his body.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it, for Heaven’s sake?’, said Darsie. ‘I have a particular desire + for wishing to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The old, brutal desperado, whose face and mind are a libel upon human + nature, has had the insolence to speak to his master’s niece as one whom + he was at liberty to admire; and when I turned on him with the anger and + contempt he merited, the wretch grumbled out something, as if he held the + destiny of our family in his hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thank you, Lilias,’ said Darsie, eagerly,—‘I thank you with all + my heart for this communication. I have blamed myself as a Christian man + for the indescribable longing I felt from the first moment I saw that + rascal, to send a bullet through his head; and now you have perfectly + accounted for and justified this very laudable wish. I wonder my uncle, + with the powerful sense you describe him to be possessed of, does not see + through such a villain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe he knows him to be capable of much evil,’ answered Lilias—‘selfish, + obdurate, brutal, and a man-hater. But then he conceives him to possess + the qualities most requisite for a conspirator—undaunted courage, + imperturbable coolness and address, and inviolable fidelity. In the last + particular he may be mistaken. I have heard Nixon blamed for the manner in + which our poor father was taken after Culloden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Another reason for my innate aversion,’ said Darsie, but I will be on my + guard with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘See, he observes us closely,’ said Lilias. ‘What a thing is conscience! + He knows we are now speaking of him, though he cannot have heard a word + that we have said.’ + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if she had guessed truly; for Cristal Nixon at that moment + rode up to them, and said, with an affectation of jocularity, which sat + very ill on his sullen features, ‘Come, young ladies, you have had time + enough for your chat this morning, and your tongues, I think, must be + tired. We are going to pass a village, and I must beg you to separate—you, + Miss Lilias, to ride a little behind—and you, Mrs., or Miss, or + Master, whichever you choose to be called, to be jogging a little before.’ + </p> + <p> + Lilias checked her horse without speaking, but not until she had given her + brother an expressive look, recommending caution; to which he replied by a + signal indicating that he understood and would comply with her request. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATTVE OF DARSIE LATIMER, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + Left to his solitary meditations, Darsie (for we will still term Sir + Arthur Darsie Redgauntlet of that Ilk by the name to which the reader is + habituated) was surprised not only at the alteration of his own state and + condition, but at the equanimity with which he felt himself disposed to + view all these vicissitudes. + </p> + <p> + His fever—fit of love had departed like a morning’s dream, and left + nothing behind but a painful sense of shame, and a resolution to be more + cautious ere he again indulged in such romantic visions. His station in + society was changed from that of a wandering, unowned youth, in whom none + appeared to take an interest excepting the strangers by whom he had been + educated, to the heir of a noble house, possessed of such influence and + such property, that it seemed as if the progress or arrest of important + political events were likely to depend upon his resolution. Even this + sudden elevation, the more than fulfilment of those wishes which had + haunted him ever since he was able to form a wish on the subject, was + contemplated by Darsie, volatile as his disposition was, without more than + a few thrills of gratified vanity. + </p> + <p> + It is true, there were circumstances in his present situation to + counterbalance such high advantages. To be a prisoner in the hands of a + man so determined as his uncle, was no agreeable consideration, when he + was calculating how he might best dispute his pleasure and refuse to join + him in the perilous enterprise which he seemed to meditate. Outlawed and + desperate himself, Darsie could not doubt that his uncle was surrounded by + men capable of anything—that he was restrained by no personal + considerations—and therefore what degree of compulsion he might + apply to his brother’s son, or in what manner he might feel at liberty to + punish his contumacy, should he disavow the Jacobite cause, must depend + entirely upon the limits of his own conscience; and who was to answer for + the conscience of a heated enthusiast who considers opposition to the + party he has espoused, as treason to the welfare of his country? After a + short interval, Cristal Nixon was pleased to throw some light upon the + subject which agitated him. + </p> + <p> + When that grim satellite rode up without ceremony close to Darsie’s side, + the latter felt his very flesh creep with abhorrence, so little was he + able to endure his presence, since the story of Lilias had added to his + instinctive hatred of the man. + </p> + <p> + His voice, too, sounded like that of a screech-owl, as he said, ‘So, my + young cock of the north, you now know it all, and no doubt are blessing + your uncle for stirring you up to such an honourable action.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will acquaint my uncle with my sentiments on the subject, before I make + them known to any one else,’ said Darsie, scarcely prevailing on his + tongue to utter even these few words in a civil manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Umph,’ murmured Cristal betwixt his teeth. ‘Close as wax, I see; and + perhaps not quite so pliable. But take care, my pretty youth,’ he added, + scornfully; ‘Hugh Redgauntlet will prove a rough colt-breaker—he + will neither spare whipcord nor spur-rowel, I promise you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have already said, Mr. Nixon, answered Darsie, ‘that I will canvass + those matters of which my sister has informed me, with my uncle himself, + and with no other person.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, but a word of friendly advice would do you no harm, young master,’ + replied Nixon. ‘Old Redgauntlet is apter at a blow than a word—likely + to bite before he barks—the true man for giving Scarborough warning, + first knock you down, then bid you stand. So, methinks, a little kind + warning as to consequences were not amiss, lest they come upon you + unawares.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If the warning is really kind, Mr. Nixon,’ said the young man, ‘I will + hear it thankfully; and indeed, if otherwise, I must listen to it whether + I will or no, since I have at present no choice of company or of + conversation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, I have but little to say,’ said Nixon, affecting to give to his + sullen and dogged manner the appearance of an honest bluntness; ‘I am as + little apt to throw away words as any one. But here is the question—Will + you join heart and hand with your uncle, or no?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What if I should say Aye?’ said Darsie, determined, if possible, to + conceal his resolution from this man. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then,’ said Nixon, somewhat surprised at the readiness of his + answer, ‘all will go smooth, of course—you will take share in this + noble undertaking, and, when it succeeds, you will exchange your open + helmet for an earl’s coronet perhaps.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how if it fails?’ said Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thereafter as it may be,’ said Nixon; ‘they who play at bowls must meet + with rubbers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, but suppose, then, I have some foolish tenderness for my windpipe, + and that when my uncle proposes the adventure to me I should say No—how + then, Mr. Nixon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then, I would have you look to yourself, young master. There are + sharp laws in France against refractory pupils—LETTRES DE CACHET are + easily come by when such men as we are concerned with interest themselves + in the matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But we are not in France,’ said poor Darsie, through whose blood ran a + cold shivering at the idea of a French prison. + </p> + <p> + ‘A fast-sailing lugger will soon bring you there though, snug stowed under + hatches, like a cask of moonlight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the French are at peace with us,’ said Darsie, ‘and would not dare’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, who would ever hear of you?’ interrupted Nixon; ‘do you imagine that + a foreign court would call you up for judgement, and put the sentence of + imprisonment in the COURRIER DE L’EUROPE, as they do at the Old Bailey? + No, no, young gentleman—the gates of the Bastille, and of Mont Saint + Michel, and the Castle of Vincennes, move on d—d easy hinges when + they let folk in—not the least jar is heard. There are cool cells + there for hot heads—as calm, and quiet, and dark, as you could wish + in Bedlam—and the dismissal comes when the carpenter brings the + prisoner’s coffin, and not sooner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Nixon,’ said Darsie, affecting a cheerfulness which he was far + from feeling, ‘mine is a hard case—a sort of hanging choice, you + will allow—since I must either offend our own government here and + run the risk of my life for doing so, or be doomed to the dungeons of + another country, whose laws I have never offended since I have never trod + its soil—Tell me what you would do if you were in my place. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you that when I am there,’ said Nixon, and, checking his horse, + fell back to the rear of the little party. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is evident,’ thought the young man, ‘that the villain believes me + completely noosed, and perhaps has the ineffable impudence to suppose that + my sister must eventually succeed to the possessions which have occasioned + my loss of freedom, and that his own influence over the destinies of our + unhappy family may secure him possession of the heiress; but he shall + perish by my hand first!—I must now be on the alert to make my + escape, if possible, before I am forced on shipboard. Blind Willie will + not, I think, desert me without an effort on my behalf, especially if he + has learned that I am the son of his late unhappy patron. What a change is + mine! Whilst I possessed neither rank nor fortune, I lived safely and + unknown, under the protection of the kind and respectable friends whose + hearts Heaven had moved towards me. Now that I am the head of an + honourable house, and that enterprises of the most daring character await + my decision, and retainers and vassals seem ready to rise at my beck, my + safety consists chiefly in the attachment of a blind stroller!’ + </p> + <p> + While he was revolving these things in his mind, and preparing himself for + the interview with his uncle which could not but be a stormy one, he saw + Hugh Redgauntlet come riding slowly back to meet them without any + attendants. Cristal Nixon rode up as he approached, and, as they met, + fixed on him a look of inquiry. + </p> + <p> + ‘The fool, Crackenthorp,’ said Redgauntlet, has let strangers into his + house. Some of his smuggling comrades, I believe; we must ride slowly to + give him time to send them packing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you see any of your friends?’ said Cristal. + </p> + <p> + ‘Three, and have letters from many more. They are unanimous on the subject + you wot of—and the point must be conceded to them, or, far as the + matter has gone, it will go no further.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will hardly bring the father to stoop to his flock,’ said Cristal, + with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + ‘He must and shall!’ answered Redgauntlet, briefly. ‘Go to the front, + Cristal—I would speak with my nephew. I trust, Sir Arthur + Redgauntlet, you are satisfied with the manner in which I have discharged + my duty to your sister?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There can be no fault found to her manners or sentiments,’ answered + Darsie; ‘I am happy in knowing a relative so amiable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad of it,’ answered Mr. Redgauntlet. ‘I am no nice judge of + women’s qualifications, and my life has been dedicated to one great + object; so that since she left France she has had but little opportunity + of improvement. I have subjected her, however, as little as possible to + the inconveniences and privations of my wandering and dangerous life. From + time to time she has resided for weeks and months with families of honour + and respectability, and I am glad that she has, in, your opinion, the + manners and behaviour which become her birth.’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie expressed himself perfectly satisfied, and there was a little + pause, which Redgauntlet broke by solemnly addressing his nephew. + </p> + <p> + ‘For you, my nephew, I also hoped to have done much. The weakness and + timidity of your mother sequestered you from my care, or it would have + been my pride and happiness to have trained up the son of my unhappy + brother in those paths of honour in which our ancestors have always trod.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now comes the storm,’ thought Darsie to himself, and began to collect his + thoughts, as the cautious master of a vessel furls his sails and makes his + ship snug when he discerns the approaching squall. + </p> + <p> + ‘My mother’s conduct in respect to me might be misjudged,’ he said, ‘but + it was founded on the most anxious affection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Assuredly,’ said his uncle, ‘and I have no wish to reflect on her memory, + though her mistrust has done so much injury, I will not say to me, but to + the cause of my unhappy country. Her scheme was, I think, to have made you + that wretched pettifogging being, which they still continue to call in + derision by the once respectable name of a Scottish Advocate; one of those + mongrel things that must creep to learn the ultimate decision of his + causes to the bar of a foreign court, instead of pleading before the + independent and august Parliament of his own native kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did prosecute the study of law for a year or two, said Darsie, ‘but I + found I had neither taste nor talents for the science.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And left it with scorn, doubtless,’ said Mr. Redgauntlet. ‘Well, I now + hold up to you, my dearest nephew, a more worthy object of ambition. Look + eastward—do you see a monument standing on yonder plain, near a + hamlet?’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie replied that he did, + </p> + <p> + ‘The hamlet is called Burgh-upon-Sands, and yonder monument is erected to + the memory of the tyrant Edward I. The just hand of Providence overtook + him on that spot, as he was leading his bands to complete the subjugation + of Scotland whose civil dissensions began under his accursed policy. The + glorious career of Bruce might have been stopped in its outset; the field + of Bannockburn might have remained a bloodless turf, if God had not + removed, in the very crisis, the crafty and bold tyrant who had so long + been Scotland’s scourge. Edward’s grave is the cradle of our national + freedom. It is within sight of that great landmark of our liberty that I + have to propose to you an undertaking, second in honour and importance to + none since the immortal Bruce stabbed the Red Comyn, and grasped with his + yet bloody hand the independent crown of Scotland.’ + </p> + <p> + He paused for an answer; but Darsie, overawed by the energy of his manner, + and unwilling to commit himself by a hasty explanation, remained silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not suppose,’ said Hugh Redgauntlet, after a pause, that you are + either so dull as not to comprehend the import of my words—or so + dastardly as to be dismayed by my proposal—or so utterly degenerate + from the blood and sentiments of your ancestors, as not to feel my summons + as the horse hears the war-trumpet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not pretend to misunderstand you, sir,’ said Darsie; ‘but an + enterprise directed against a dynasty now established for three reigns + requires strong arguments, both in point of justice and of expediency, to + recommend it to men of conscience and prudence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not,’ said Redgauntlet, while his eyes sparkled with anger,—‘I + will not hear you speak a word against the justice of that enterprise, for + which your oppressed country calls with the voice of a parent, entreating + her children for aid—or against that noble revenge which your + father’s blood demands from his dishonoured grave. His skull is yet + standing over the Rikargate, [The northern gate of Carlisle was long + garnished with the heads of the Scottish rebels executed in 1746.] and + even its bleak and mouldered jaws command you to be a man. I ask you, in + the name of God and of your country, will you draw your sword and go with + me to Carlisle, were it but to lay your father’s head, now the perch of + the obscene owl and carrion crow and the scoff of every ribald clown, in + consecrated earth as befits his long ancestry?’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie, unprepared to answer an appeal urged with so much passion, and not + doubting a direct refusal would cost him his liberty or life, was again + silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ said his uncle, in a more composed tone, ‘that it is not + deficiency of spirit, but the grovelling habits of a confined education, + among the poor-spirited class you were condemned to herd with, that keeps + you silent. You scarce yet believe yourself a Redgauntlet; your pulse has + not yet learned the genuine throb that answers to the summons of honour + and of patriotism.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I trust,’ replied Darsie, at last, ‘that I shall never be found + indifferent to the call of either; but to answer them with effect—even + were I convinced that they now sounded in my ear—I must see some + reasonable hope of success in the desperate enterprise in which you would + involve me. I look around me, and I see a settled government—an + established authority—a born Briton on the throne—the very + Highland mountaineers, upon whom alone the trust of the exiled family + reposed, assembled into regiments which act under the orders of the + existing dynasty. [The Highland regiments were first employed by the + celebrated Earl of Chatham, who assumed to himself no small degree of + praise for having called forth to the support of the country and the + government, the valour which had been too often directed against both.] + France has been utterly dismayed by the tremendous lessons of the last + war, and will hardly provoke another. All without and within the kingdom + is adverse to encountering a hopeless struggle, and you alone, sir, seem + willing to undertake a desperate enterprise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And would undertake it were it ten times more desperate; and have + agitated it when ten times the obstacles were interposed. Have I forgot my + brother’s blood? Can I—dare I even now repeat the Pater Noster, + since my enemies and the murderers remain unforgiven? Is there an art I + have not practised—a privation to which I have not submitted, to + bring on the crisis, which I now behold arrived? Have I not been a vowed + and a devoted man, forgoing every comfort of social life, renouncing even + the exercise of devotion unless when I might name in prayer my prince and + country, submitting to everything to make converts to this noble cause? + Have I done all this, and shall I now stop short?’ Darsie was about to + interrupt him, but he pressed his hand affectionately upon his shoulder, + and enjoining, or rather imploring, silence, ‘Peace,’ he said, ‘heir of my + ancestors’ fame—heir of all my hopes and wishes. Peace, son of my + slaughtered brother! I have sought for thee, and mourned for thee, as a + mother for an only child. Do not let me again lose you in the moment when + you are restored to my hopes. Believe me, I distrust so much my own + impatient temper, that I entreat you, as the dearest boon, do naught to + awaken it at this crisis.’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie was not sorry to reply that his respect for the person of his + relation would induce him to listen to all which he had to apprise him of, + before he formed any definite resolution upon the weighty subjects of + deliberation which he proposed to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Deliberation!’ repeated Redgauntlet, impatiently; ‘and yet it is not ill + said. I wish there had been more warmth in thy reply, Arthur; but I must + recollect, were an eagle bred in a falcon’s mew and hooded like a + reclaimed hawk, he could not at first gaze steadily on the sun. Listen to + me, my dearest Arthur. The state of this nation no more implies + prosperity, than the florid colour of a feverish patient is a symptom of + health. All is false and hollow. The apparent success of Chatham’s + administration has plunged the country deeper in debt than all the barren + acres of Canada are worth, were they as fertile as Yorkshire—the + dazzling lustre of the victories of Minden and Quebec have been dimmed by + the disgrace of the hasty peace—by the war, England, at immense + expense, gained nothing but honour, and that she has gratuitously + resigned. Many eyes, formerly cold and indifferent, are now looking + towards the line of our ancient and rightful monarchs, as the only refuge + in the approaching storm—the rich are alarmed—the nobles are + disgusted—the populace are inflamed—and a band of patriots, + whose measures are more safe than their numbers are few, have resolved to + set up King Charles’s standard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the military,’ said Darsie—‘how can you, with a body of unarmed + and disorderly insurgents, propose to encounter a regular army. The + Highlanders are now totally disarmed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a great measure, perhaps,’ answered Redgauntlet; ‘but the policy which + raised the Highland regiments has provided for that. We have already + friends in these corps; nor can we doubt for a moment what their conduct + will be when the white cockade is once more mounted. The rest of the + standing army has been greatly reduced since the peace; and we reckon + confidently on our standard being joined by thousands of the disbanded + troops.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ said Darsie, ‘and is it upon such vague hopes as these, the + inconstant humour of a crowd or of a disbanded soldiery, that men of + honour are invited to risk their families, their property, their life?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Men of honour, boy,’ said Redgauntlet, his eyes glancing with impatience, + ‘set life, property, family, and all at stake, when that honour commands + it! We are not now weaker than when seven men, landing in the wilds of + Moidart, shook the throne of the usurper till it tottered—won two + pitched fields, besides overrunning one kingdom and the half of another, + and, but for treachery, would have achieved what their venturous + successors are now to attempt in their turn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And will such an attempt be made in serious earnest?’ said Darsie. + ‘Excuse me, my uncle, if I can scarce believe a fact so extraordinary. + Will there really be found men of rank and consequence sufficient to renew + the adventure of 1745?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not give you my confidence by halves, Sir Arthur,’ replied his + uncle—‘Look at that scroll—what say you to these names?—Are + they not the flower of the western shires—of Wales of Scotland?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The paper contains indeed the names of many that are great and noble,’ + replied Darsie, after perusing it; ‘but’— + </p> + <p> + ‘But what?’ asked his uncle, impatiently; ‘do you doubt the ability of + those nobles and gentlemen to furnish the aid in men and money at which + they are rated?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not their ability certainly,’ said Darsie, ‘for of that I am no competent + judge; but I see in this scroll the name of Sir Arthur Darsie Redgauntlet + of that Ilk, rated at a hundred men and upwards—I certainly am + ignorant how he is to redeem that pledge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will be responsible for the men,’ replied Hugh Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, my dear uncle,’ added Darsie, ‘I hope for your sake that the other + individuals whose names are here written, have had more acquaintance with + your plan than I have been indulged with.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For thee and thine I can be myself responsible,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘for + if thou hast not the courage to head the force of thy house, the leading + shall pass to other hands, and thy inheritance shall depart from thee like + vigour and verdure from a rotten branch. For these honourable persons, a + slight condition there is which they annex to their friendship—something + so trifling that it is scarce worthy of mention. This boon granted to them + by him who is most interested, there is no question they will take the + field in the manner there stated.’ + </p> + <p> + Again Darsie perused the paper, and felt himself still less inclined to + believe that so many men of family and fortune were likely to embark in an + enterprise so fatal. It seemed as if some rash plotter had put down at a + venture the names of all whom common report tainted with Jacobitism; or if + it was really the act of the individuals named, he suspected that they + must be aware of some mode of excusing themselves from compliance with its + purport. It was impossible, he thought, that Englishmen, of large fortune, + who had failed to join Charles when he broke into England at the head of a + victorious army, should have the least thoughts of encouraging a descent + when circumstances were so much less propitious. He therefore concluded + the enterprise would fall to pieces of itself, and that his best way was, + in the meantime, to remain silent, unless the actual approach of a crisis + (which might, however, never arrive) should compel him to give a downright + refusal to his uncle’s proposition; and if, in the interim, some door for + escape should be opened, he resolved within himself not to omit availing + himself of it. + </p> + <p> + Hugh Redgauntlet watched his nephew’s looks for some time, and then, as if + arriving from some other process of reasoning at the same conclusion, he + said, ‘I have told you, Sir Arthur, that I do not urge your immediate + accession to my proposal; indeed the consequences of a refusal would be so + dreadful to yourself, so destructive to all the hopes which I have nursed, + that I would not risk, by a moment’s impatience, the object of my whole + life. Yes, Arthur, I have been a self-denying hermit at one time—at + another, the apparent associate of outlaws and desperadoes—at + another, the subordinate agent of men whom I felt in every way my + inferiors—not for any selfish purpose of my own, no, not even to win + for myself the renown of being the principal instrument in restoring my + king and freeing my country. My first wish on earth is for that + restoration and that freedom—my next, that my nephew, the + representative of my house and of the brother of my love, may have the + advantage and the credit of all my efforts in the good cause. But,’ he + added, darting on Darsie one of his withering frowns, ‘if Scotland and my + father’s house cannot stand and flourish together, then perish the very + name of Redgauntlet! perish the son of my brother, with every recollection + of the glories of my family, of the affections of my youth, rather than my + country’s cause should be injured in the tithing of a barley-corn! The + spirit of Sir Alberick is alive within me at this moment,’ he continued, + drawing up his stately form and sitting erect in his saddle, while he + pressed his finger against his forehead; ‘and if you yourself crossed my + path in opposition, I swear, by the mark that darkens my brow, that a new + deed should be done—a new doom should be deserved!’ + </p> + <p> + He was silent, and his threats were uttered in a tone of voice so deeply + resolute, that Darsie’s heart sank within him, when he reflected on the + storm of passion which he must encounter, if he declined to join his uncle + in a project to which prudence and principle made him equally adverse. He + had scarce any hope left but in temporizing until he could make his + escape, and resolved to avail himself for that purpose of the delay which + his uncle seemed not unwilling to grant. The stern, gloomy look of his + companion became relaxed by degrees, and presently afterwards he made a + sign to Miss Redgauntlet to join the party, and began a forced + conversation on ordinary topics; in the course of which Darsie observed + that his sister seemed to speak under the most cautious restraint, + weighing every word before she uttered it, and always permitting her uncle + to give the tone to the conversation, though of the most trifling kind. + This seemed to him (such an opinion had he already entertained of his + sister’s good sense and firmness) the strongest proof he had yet received + of his uncle’s peremptory character, since he saw it observed with so much + deference by a young person whose sex might have given her privileges, and + who seemed by no means deficient either in spirit or firmness. + </p> + <p> + The little cavalcade was now approaching the house of Father Crackenthorp, + situated, as the reader knows, by the side of the Solway, and not far + distant front a rude pier, near which lay several fishing-boats, which + frequently acted in a different capacity. The house of the worthy publican + was also adapted to the various occupations which he carried on, being a + large scrambling assemblage of cottages attached to a house of two + stories, roofed with flags of sandstone—the original mansion, to + which the extensions of Mr. Crackenthorp’s trade had occasioned his making + many additions. Instead of the single long watering-trough which usually + distinguishes the front of the English public-house of the second class, + there were three conveniences of that kind, for the use, as the landlord + used to say, of the troop-horses when the soldiers came to search his + house; while a knowing leer and a nod let you understand what species of + troops he was thinking of. A huge ash-tree before the door, which had + reared itself to a great size and height, in spite of the blasts from the + neighbouring Solway, overshadowed, as usual, the ale-bench, as our + ancestors called it, where, though it was still early in the day, several + fellows, who seemed to be gentlemen’s servants, were drinking beer and + smoking. One or two of them wore liveries which seemed known to Mr. + Redgauntlet, for he muttered between his teeth, ‘Fools, fools! were they + on a march to hell, they must have their rascals in livery with them, that + the whole world might know who were going to be damned.’ + </p> + <p> + As he thus muttered, he drew bridle before the door of the place, from + which several other lounging guests began to issue, to look with indolent + curiosity as usual, upon an ARRIVAL. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet sprang from his horse, and assisted his niece to dismount; + but, forgetting, perhaps, his nephew’s disguise, he did not pay him the + attention which his female dress demanded. + </p> + <p> + The situation of Darsie was indeed something awkward; for Cristal Nixon, + out of caution perhaps to prevent escape, had muffled the extreme folds of + the riding-skirt with which he was accoutred, around his ankles and under + his feet, and there secured it with large corking-pins. We presume that + gentlemen-cavaliers may sometimes cast their eyes to that part of the + person of the fair equestrians whom they chance occasionally to escort; + and if they will conceive their own feet, like Darsie’s, muffled in such a + labyrinth of folds and amplitude of robe, as modesty doubtless induces the + fair creatures to assume upon such occasions, they will allow that, on a + first attempt, they might find some awkwardness in dismounting. Darsie, at + least, was in such a predicament, for, not receiving adroit assistance + from the attendant of Mr. Redgauntlet, he stumbled as he dismounted from + the horse, and might have had a bad fall, had it not been broken by the + gallant interposition of a gentleman, who probably was, on his part, a + little surprised at the solid weight of the distressed fair one whom he + had the honour to receive in his embrace. But what was his surprise to + that of Darsie, when the hurry of the moment and of the accident, + permitted him to see that it was his friend Alan Fairford in whose arms he + found himself! A thousand apprehensions rushed on him, mingled with the + full career of hope and joy, inspired by the unexpected appearance of his + beloved friend at the very crisis, it seemed, of his fate. + </p> + <p> + He was about to whisper in his ear, cautioning him at the same time to be + silent; yet he hesitated for a second or two to effect his purpose, since, + should Redgauntlet take the alarm from any sudden exclamation on the part + of Alan, there was no saying what consequences might ensue. + </p> + <p> + Ere he could decide what was to be done, Redgauntlet, who had entered the + house, returned hastily, followed by Cristal Nixon. ‘I’ll release you of + the charge of this young lady, sir;’ he said, haughtily, to Alan Fairford, + whom he probably did not recognize. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had no desire to intrude, sir,’ replied Alan; ‘the lady’s situation + seemed to require assistance—and—but have I not the honour to + speak to Mr. Herries of Birrenswork?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are mistaken, sir,’ said Redgauntlet, turning short off, and making a + sign with his hand to Cristal, who hurried Darsie, however unwillingly, + into the house, whispering in his ear, ‘Come, miss, let us have no making + of acquaintance from the windows. Ladies of fashion must be private. Show + us a room, Father Crackenthorp.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he conducted Darsie into the house, interposing at the same + time his person betwixt the supposed young lady and the stranger of whom + he was suspicious, so as to make communication by signs impossible. As + they entered, they heard the sound of a fiddle in the stone-floored and + well-sanded kitchen, through which they were about to follow their + corpulent host, and where several people seemed engaged in dancing to its + strains. + </p> + <p> + ‘D—n thee,’ said Nixon to Crackenthorp, ‘would you have the lady go + through all the mob of the parish? Hast thou no more private way to our + sitting-room?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None that is fit for my travelling,’ answered the landlord, laying his + hand on his portly stomach. ‘I am not Tom Turnpenny, to creep like a + lizard through keyholes.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he kept moving on through the revellers in the kitchen; and + Nixon, holding Darsie by his arm, as if to offer the lady support but in + all probability to frustrate any effort at escape, moved through the + crowd, which presented a very motley appearance, consisting of domestic + servants, country fellows, seamen, and other idlers, whom Wandering Willie + was regaling with his music. + </p> + <p> + To pass another friend without intimation of his presence would have been + actual pusillanimity; and just when they were passing the blind man’s + elevated seat, Darsie asked him with some emphasis, whether he could not + play a Scottish air? The man’s face had been the instant before devoid of + all sort of expression, going through his performance like a clown through + a beautiful country, too much accustomed to consider it as a task, to take + any interest in the performance, and, in fact, scarce seeming to hear the + noise that he was creating. In a word, he might at the time have made a + companion to my friend Wilkie’s inimitable blind crowder. But with + Wandering Willie this was only an occasional and a rare fit of dullness, + such as will at times creep over all the professors of the fine arts, + arising either from fatigue, or contempt of the present audience, or that + caprice which so often tempts painters and musicians and great actors, in + the phrase of the latter, to walk through their part, instead of exerting + themselves with the energy which acquired their fame. But when the + performer heard the voice of Darsie, his countenance became at once + illuminated, and showed the complete mistake of those who suppose that the + principal point of expression depends upon the eyes. With his face turned + to the point from which the sound came, his upper lip a little curved, and + quivering with agitation, and with a colour which surprise and pleasure + had brought at once into his faded cheek, he exchanged the humdrum + hornpipe which he had been sawing out with reluctant and lazy bow, for the + fine Scottish air, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You’re welcome, Charlie Stuart, +</pre> + <p> + which flew from his strings as if by inspiration and after a breathless + pause of admiration among the audience, was received with a clamour of + applause, which seemed to show that the name and tendency, as well as the + execution of the tune, was in the highest degree acceptable to all the + party assembled. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Cristal Nixon, still keeping hold of Darsie, and + following the landlord, forced his way with some difficulty through the + crowded kitchen, and entered a small apartment on the other side of it, + where they found Lilias Redgauntlet already seated. Here Nixon gave way to + his suppressed resentment, and turning sternly on Crackenthorp, threatened + him with his master’s severest displeasure, because things were in such + bad order to receive his family, when he had given such special advice + that he desired to be private. But Father Crackenthorp was not a man to be + brow-beaten. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, brother Nixon, thou art angry this morning,’ he replied; ‘hast risen + from thy wrong side, I think. You know, as well as I, that most of this + mob is of the squire’s own making—gentlemen that come with their + servants, and so forth, to meet him in the way of business, as old Tom + Turnpenny says—the very last that came was sent down with Dick + Gardener from Fairladies.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the blind scraping scoundrel yonder,’ said Nixon, ‘how dared you take + such a rascal as that across your threshold at such a time as this? If the + squire should dream you have a thought of peaching—I am only + speaking for your good, Father Crackenthorp.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, look ye, brother Nixon,’ said Crackenthorp, turning his quid with + great composure, ‘the squire is a very worthy gentleman, and I’ll never + deny it; but I am neither his servant nor his tenant, and so he need send + me none of his orders till he hears I have put on his livery. As for + turning away folk from my door, I might as well plug up the ale-tap, and + pull down the sign—and as for peaching, and such like, the squire + will find the folk here are as honest to the full as those he brings with + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How, you impudent lump of tallow,’ said Nixon, ‘what do you mean by + that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ said Crackenthorp, ‘but that I can tour out as well as another—you + understand me—keep good lights in my upper story—know a thing + or two more than most folk in this country. If folk will come to my house + on dangerous errands, egad they shall not find Joe Crackenthorp a + cat’s-paw. I’ll keep myself clear, you may depend on it, and let every man + answer for his own actions—that’s my way. Anything wanted, Master + Nixon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No—yes—begone!’ said Nixon, who seemed embarrassed with the + landlord’s contumacy, yet desirous to conceal the effect it produced on + him. + </p> + <p> + The door was no sooner closed on Crackenthorp, than Miss Redgauntlet, + addressing Nixon, commanded him to leave the room and go to his proper + place. + </p> + <p> + ‘How, madam?’ said the fellow sullenly, yet with an air of respect, ‘Would + you have your uncle pistol me for disobeying his orders?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He may perhaps pistol you for some other reason, if you do not obey + mine,’ said Lilias, composedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You abuse your advantage over me, madam—I really dare not go—I + am on guard over this other miss here; and if I should desert my post, my + life were not worth five minutes’ purchase.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then know your post, sir,’ said Lilias, ‘and watch on the outside of the + door. You have no commission to listen to our private conversation, I + suppose? Begone, sir, without further speech or remonstrance, or I will + tell my uncle that which you would have reason to repent be should know.’ + </p> + <p> + The fellow looked at her with a singular expression of spite, mixed with + deference. ‘You abuse your advantages, madam,’ he said, ‘and act as + foolishly in doing so as I did in affording you such a hank over me. But + you are a tyrant; and tyrants have commonly short reigns.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + ‘The wretch’s unparalleled insolence,’ said Lilias to her brother, ‘has + given me one great advantage over him. For knowing that my uncle would + shoot him with as little remorse as a woodcock, if he but guessed at his + brazen-faced assurance towards me, he dares not since that time assume, so + far as I am concerned, the air of insolent domination which the possession + of my uncle’s secrets, and the knowledge of his most secret plans, have + led him to exert over others of his family.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the meantime,’ said Darsie, ‘I am happy to see that the landlord of + the house does not seem so devoted to him as I apprehended; and this aids + the hope of escape which I am nourishing for you and for myself. O Lilias! + the truest of friends, Alan Fairford, is in pursuit of me, and is here at + this moment. Another humble, but, I think, faithful friend, is also within + these dangerous walls.’ + </p> + <p> + Lilias laid her finger on her lips, and pointed to the door. Darsie took + the hint, lowered his voice, and informed her in whispers of the arrival + of Fairford, and that he believed he had opened a communication with + Wandering Willie. She listened with the utmost interest, and had just + begun to reply, when a loud noise was heard in the kitchen, caused by + several contending voices, amongst which Darsie thought he could + distinguish that of Alan Fairford. + </p> + <p> + Forgetting how little his own condition permitted him to become the + assistant of another, Darsie flew to the door of the room, and finding it + locked and bolted on the outside, rushed against it with all his force, + and made the most desperate efforts to burst it open, notwithstanding the + entreaties of his sister that he would compose himself and recollect the + condition in which he was placed. But the door, framed to withstand + attacks from excisemen, constables, and other personages, considered as + worthy to use what are called the king’s keys, [In common parlance, a + crowbar and hatchet.] ‘and therewith to make lockfast places open and + patent,’ set his efforts at defiance. Meantime the noise continued + without, and we are to give an account of its origin in our next chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF DARSIE LATIMER, CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + Joe Crackenthorp’s public-house had never, since it first reared its + chimneys on the banks of the Solway, been frequented by such a + miscellaneous group of visitors as had that morning become its guests. + Several of them were persons whose quality seemed much superior to their + dresses and modes of travelling. The servants who attended them + contradicted the inferences to be drawn from the garb of their masters, + and, according to the custom of the knights of the rainbow, gave many + hints that they were not people to serve any but men of first-rate + consequence. These gentlemen, who had come thither chiefly for the purpose + of meeting with Mr. Redgauntlet, seemed moody and anxious, conversed and + walked together apparently in deep conversation, and avoided any + communication with the chance travellers whom accident brought that + morning to the same place of resort. + </p> + <p> + As if Fate had set herself to confound the plans of the Jacobite + conspirators, the number of travellers was unusually great, their + appearance respectable, and they filled the public tap-room of the inn, + where the political guests had already occupied most of the private + apartments. + </p> + <p> + Amongst others, honest Joshua Geddes had arrived, travelling, as he said, + in the sorrow of the soul, and mourning for the fate of Darsie Latimer as + he would for his first-born child. He had skirted the whole coast of the + Solway, besides making various trips into the interior, not shunning, on + such occasions, to expose himself to the laugh of the scorner, nay, even + to serious personal risk, by frequenting the haunts of smugglers, + horse-jockeys, and other irregular persons, who looked on his intrusion + with jealous eyes, and were apt to consider him as an exciseman in the + disguise of a Quaker. All this labour and peril, however, had been + undergone in vain. No search he could make obtained the least intelligence + of Latimer, so that he began to fear the poor lad had been spirited abroad—for + the practice of kidnapping was then not infrequent, especially on the + western coasts of Britain—if indeed he had escaped a briefer and + more bloody fate. + </p> + <p> + With a heavy heart, he delivered his horse, even Solomon, into the hands + of the ostler, and walking into the inn, demanded from the landlord + breakfast and a private room. Quakers, and such hosts as old Father + Crackenthorp, are no congenial spirits; the latter looked askew over his + shoulder, and replied, ‘If you would have breakfast here, friend, you are + like to eat it where other folk eat theirs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And wherefore can I not,’ said the Quaker, ‘have an apartment to myself, + for my money?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because, Master Jonathan, you must wait till your betters be served, or + else eat with your equals.’ + </p> + <p> + Joshua Geddes argued the point no further, but sitting quietly down on the + seat which Crackenthorp indicated to him, and calling for a pint of ale, + with some bread, butter, and Dutch cheese, began to satisfy the appetite + which the morning air had rendered unusually alert. + </p> + <p> + While the honest Quaker was thus employed, another stranger entered the + apartment, and sat down near to the table on which his victuals were + placed. He looked repeatedly at Joshua, licked his parched and chopped + lips as he saw the good Quaker masticate his bread and cheese, and sucked + up his thin chops when Mr. Geddes applied the tankard to his mouth, as if + the discharge of these bodily functions by another had awakened his + sympathies in an uncontrollable degree. At last, being apparently unable + to withstand his longings, he asked, in a faltering tone, the huge + landlord, who was tramping through the room in all corpulent impatience, + whether he could have a plack-pie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never heard of such a thing, master,’ said the landlord, and was about to + trudge onward; when the guest, detaining him, said, in a strong Scottish + tone, ‘Ya will maybe have nae whey then, nor buttermilk, nor ye couldna + exhibit a souter’s clod?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t tell what ye are talking about, master,’ said Crackenthorp. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then ye will have nae breakfast that will come within ‘the compass of a + shilling Scots?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is a penny sterling,’ answered Crackenthorp, with a sneer. ‘Why, + no, Sawney, I can’t say as we have—we can’t afford it; But you shall + have a bellyful for love, as we say in the bull-ring.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall never refuse a fair offer,’ said the poverty-stricken guest; ‘and + I will say that for the English, if they were deils, that they are a + ceeveleesed people to gentlemen that are under a cloud.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentlemen!—humph!’ said Crackenthorp—‘not a blue-cap among + them but halts upon that foot.’ Then seizing on a dish which still + contained a huge cantle of what had been once a princely mutton pasty, he + placed it on the table before the stranger, saying, ‘There, master + gentleman; there is what is worth all the black pies, as you call them, + that were ever made of sheep’s head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sheep’s head is a gude thing, for a’ that,’ replied the guest; but not + being spoken so loud as to offend his hospitable entertainer, the + interjection might pass for a private protest against the scandal thrown + out against the standing dish of Caledonia. + </p> + <p> + This premised, he immediately began to transfer the mutton and pie-crust + from his plate to his lips, in such huge gobbets, as if he was refreshing + after a three days’ fast, and laying in provisions against a whole Lent to + come. + </p> + <p> + Joshua Geddes in his turn gazed on him with surprise, having never, he + thought, beheld such a gaunt expression of hunger in the act of eating. + ‘Friend,’ he said, after watching him for some minutes, ‘if thou gorgest + thyself in this fashion, thou wilt assuredly choke. Wilt thou not take a + draught out of my cup to help down all that dry meat?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Troth,’ said the stranger, stopping and looking at the friendly + propounder, ‘that’s nae bad overture, as they say in the General Assembly. + I have heard waur motions than that frae wiser counsel.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Geddes ordered a quart of home-brewed to be placed before our friend + Peter Peebles; for the reader must have already conceived that this + unfortunate litigant was the wanderer in question. + </p> + <p> + The victim of Themis had no sooner seen the flagon, than he seized it with + the same energy which he had displayed in operating upon the pie—puffed + off the froth with such emphasis, that some of it lighted on Mr. Geddes’s + head—and then said, as if with it sudden recollection of what was + due to civility, ‘Here’s to ye, friend. What! are ye ower grand to give me + an answer, or are ye dull o’ hearing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I prithee drink thy liquor, friend,’ said the good Quaker; ‘thou meanest + it in civility, but we care not for these idle fashions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! ye are a Quaker, are ye?’ said Peter; and without further ceremony + reared the flagon to his head, from which he withdrew it not while a + single drop of ‘barley-broo’ remained. ‘That’s done you and me muckle + gude,’ he said, sighing as he set down his pot; ‘but twa mutchkins o’ yill + between twa folk is a drappie ower little measure. What say ye to anither + pot? or shall we cry in a blithe Scots pint at ance? The yill is no + amiss.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou mayst call for what thou wilt on thine own charges, friend,’ said + Geddes; ‘for myself, I willingly contribute to the quenching of thy + natural thirst; but I fear it were no such easy matter to relieve thy + acquired and artificial drought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is to say, in plain terms, ye are for withdrawing your caution with + the folk of the house? You Quaker folk are but fause comforters; but since + ye have garred me drink sae muckle cauld yill—me that am no used to + the like of it in the forenoon—I think ye might as weel have offered + me a glass of brandy or usquabae—I’m nae nice body—I can drink + onything that’s wet and toothsome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a drop at my cost, friend,’ quoth Geddes. ‘Thou art an old man, and + hast perchance a heavy and long journey before thee. Thou art, moreover, + my countryman, as I judge from thy tongue; and I will not give thee the + means of dishonouring thy grey hairs in a strange land.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Grey hairs, neighbour!’ said Peter, with a wink to the bystanders, whom + this dialogue began to interest, and who were in hopes of seeing the + Quaker played off by the crazed beggar, for such Peter Peebles appeared to + be. ‘Grey hairs! The Lord mend your eyesight, neighbour, that disna ken + grey hairs frae a tow wig!’ + </p> + <p> + This jest procured a shout of laughter, and, what was still more + acceptable than dry applause, a man who stood beside called out, ‘Father + Crackenthorp, bring a nipperkin of brandy. I’ll bestow a dram on this + fellow, were it but for that very word.’ + </p> + <p> + The brandy was immediately brought by a wench who acted as barmaid; and + Peter, with a grin of delight, filled a glass, quaffed it off, and then + saying, ‘God bless me! I was so unmannerly as not to drink to ye—I + think the Quaker has smitten me wi’ his ill-bred havings,’—he was + about to fill another, when his hand was arrested by his new friend; who + said at the same time, ‘No, no, friend—fair play’s a jewel—time + about, if you please.’ And filling a glass for himself, emptied it as + gallantly as Peter could have done. ‘What say you to that, friend?’ he + continued, addressing the Quaker. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, friend,’ answered Joshua, ‘it went down thy throat, not mine; and I + have nothing to say about what concerns me not; but if thou art a man of + humanity, thou wilt not give this poor creature the means of debauchery. + Bethink thee that they will spurn him from the door, as they would do a + houseless and masterless dog, and that he may die on the sands or on the + common. And if he has through thy means been rendered incapable of helping + himself, thou shalt not be innocent of his blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Faith, Broadbrim, I believe thou art right, and the old gentleman in the + flaxen jazy shall have no more of the comforter. Besides, we have business + in hand to-day, and this fellow, for as mad as he looks, may have a nose + on his face after all. Hark ye, father,—what is your name, and what + brings you into such an out-of-the-way corner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not just free to condescend on my name,’ said Peter; ‘and as for my + business—there is a wee dribble of brandy in the stoup—it + would be wrang to leave it to the lass—it is learning her bad + usages.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, thou shalt have the brandy, and be d—d to thee, if thou wilt + tell me what you are making here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Seeking a young advocate chap that they ca’ Alan Fairford, that has + played me a slippery trick, and ye maun ken a’ about the cause,’ said + Peter. + </p> + <p> + ‘An advocate, man!’ answered the captain of the JUMPING JENNY—for it + was he, and no other, who had taken compassion on Peter’s drought; ‘why, + Lord help thee, thou art on the wrong side of the Firth to seek advocates, + whom I take to be Scottish lawyers, not English.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘English lawyers, man!’ exclaimed Peter, ‘the deil a lawyer’s in a’ + England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish from my soul it were true,’ said Ewart; ‘but what the devil put + that in your head?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, man, I got a grip of ane of their attorneys in Carlisle, and he + tauld me that there wasna a lawyer in England ony mair than himsell that + kend the nature of a multiple-poinding! And when I told him how this loopy + lad, Alan Fairford, had served me, he said I might bring an action on the + case—just as if the case hadna as mony actions already as one case + can weel carry. By my word, it is a gude case, and muckle has it borne, in + its day, of various procedure—but it’s the barley-pickle breaks the + naig’s back, and wi’ my consent it shall not hae ony mair burden laid upon + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But this Alan Fairford?’ said Nanty—‘come—sip up the drop of + brandy, man, and tell me some more about him, and whether you are seeking + him for good or for harm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For my ain gude, and for his harm, to be sure,’ said Peter. ‘Think of his + having left my cause in the dead-thraw between the tyneing and the + winning, and capering off into Cumberland here, after a wild + loup-the-tether lad they ca’ Darsie Latimer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Darsie Latimer!’ said Mr. Geddes, hastily; ‘do you know anything of + Darsie Latimer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Maybe I do, and maybe I do not,’ answered Peter; ‘I am no free to answer + every body’s interrogatory, unless it is put judicially, and by form of + law—specially where folk think so much of a caup of sour yill, or a + thimblefu’ of brandy. But as for this gentleman, that has shown himself a + gentleman at breakfast, and will show himself a gentleman at the meridian, + I am free to condescend upon any points in the cause that may appear to + bear upon the question at issue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, all I want to know from you, my friend, is, whether you are seeking + to do this Mr. Alan Fairford good or harm; because if you come to do him + good, I think you could maybe get speech of him—and if to do him + harm, I will take the liberty to give you a cast across the Firth, with + fair warning not to come back on such an errand, lest worse come of it.’ + </p> + <p> + The manner and language of Ewart were such that Joshua Geddes resolved to + keep cautious silence, till he could more plainly discover whether he was + likely to aid or impede him in his researches after Darsie Latimer. He + therefore determined to listen attentively to what should pass between + Peter and the seaman, and to watch for an opportunity of questioning the + former, so soon as he should be separated from his new acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wad by no means,’ said Peter Peebles, ‘do any substantial harm to the + poor lad Fairford, who has had mony a gowd guinea of mine, as weel as his + father before him; but I wad hae him brought back to the minding of my + business and his ain; and maybe I wadna insist further in my action of + damages against him, than for refunding the fees, and for some annual rent + on the principal sum due frae the day on which he should have recovered it + for me, plack and bawbee, at the great advising; for ye are aware, that is + the least that I can ask NOMINE DAMNI; and I have nae thought to break + down the lad bodily a’thegither—we maun live and let live—forgie + and forget.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The deuce take me, friend Broadbrim,’ said Nanty Ewart, looking to the + Quaker, ‘if I can make out what this old scarecrow means. If I thought it + was fitting that Master Fairford should see him, why perhaps it is a + matter that could be managed. Do you know anything about the old fellow?—you + seemed to take some charge of him just now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No more than I should have done by any one in distress,’ said Geddes, not + sorry to be appealed to; ‘but I will try what I can do to find out who he + is, and what he is about in this country. But are we not a little too + public in this open room?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s well thought of,’ said Nanty; and at his command the barmaid ushered + the party into a side-booth, Peter attending them in the instinctive hope + that there would be more liquor drunk among them before parting. They had + scarce sat down in their new apartment, when the sound of a violin was + heard in the room which they had just left. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll awa back yonder,’ said Peter, rising up again; ‘yon’s the sound of a + fiddle, and when there is music, there’s ay something ganging to eat or + drink.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am just going to order something here,’ said the Quaker; ‘but in the + meantime, have you any objection, my good friend, to tell us your name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None in the world, if you are wanting to drink to me by name and + surname,’ answered Peebles; ‘but, otherwise, I would rather evite your + interrogatories.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Friend,’ said the Quaker, ‘it is not for thine own health, seeing thou + hast drunk enough already—however—here, handmaiden—bring + me a gill of sherry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sherry’s but shilpit drink, and a gill’s a sma’ measure for twa gentlemen + to crack ower at their first acquaintance. But let us see your sneaking + gill of sherry,’ said Poor Peter, thrusting forth his huge hand to seize + on the diminutive pewter measure, which, according to the fashion of the + time, contained the generous liquor freshly drawn from the butt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, hold, friend,’ said Joshua, ‘thou hast not yet told me what name and + surname I am to call thee by.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘D—d sly in the Quaker,’ said Nanty, apart, ‘to make him pay for his + liquor before he gives it him. Now, I am such a fool, that I should have + let him get too drunk to open his mouth, before I thought of asking him a + question.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My name is Peter Peebles, then,’ said the litigant, rather sulkily, as + one who thought his liquor too sparingly meted out to him; ‘and what have + you to say to that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Peter Peebles?’ repeated Nanty Ewart and seemed to muse upon something + which the words brought to his remembrance, while the Quaker pursued his + examination. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I prithee, Peter Peebles, what is thy further designation? Thou + knowest, in our country, that some men are distinguished by their craft + and calling, as cordwainers, fishers, weavers, or the like, and some by + their titles as proprietors of land (which savours of vanity)—now, + how may you be distinguished from others of the same name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As Peter Peebles of the great plea of Poor Peter Peebles against + Plainstanes, ET PER CONTRA—if I am laird of naething else, I am ay a + DOMINUS LITIS.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s but a poor lairdship, I doubt,’ said Joshua. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, Mr. Peebles,’ said Nanty, interrupting the conversation abruptly, + ‘were not you once a burgess of Edinburgh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘WAS I a burgess!’ said Peter indignantly, ‘and AM I not a burgess even + now? I have done nothing to forfeit my right, I trow—once provost + and ay my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Burgess, tell me further, have you not some property in the + Gude Town?’ continued Ewart. + </p> + <p> + ‘Troth have I—that is, before my misfortunes, I had twa or three + bonny bits of mailings amang the closes and wynds, forby the shop and the + story abune it. But Plainstanes has put me to the causeway now. Never mind + though, I will be upsides with him yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Had not you once a tenement in the Covenant Close?’ again demanded Nanty. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have hit it, lad, though ye look not like a Covenanter,’ said Peter; + ‘we’ll drink to its memory—(Hout! the heart’s at the mouth o’ that + ill-faur’d bit stoup already!)—it brought a rent, reckoning from the + crawstep to the groundsill, that ye might ca’ fourteen punds a year, forby + the laigh cellar that was let to Lucky Littleworth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And do you not remember that you had a poor old lady for your tenant, + Mrs. Cantrips of Kittlebasket?’ said Nanty, suppressing his emotion with + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + ‘Remember! G—d, I have gude cause to remember her,’ said Peter, ‘for + she turned a dyvour on my hands, the auld besom! and after a’ that the law + could do to make me satisfied and paid, in the way of poinding and + distrenzieing and sae forth, as the law will, she ran awa to the charity + workhouse, a matter of twenty punds Scots in my debt—it’s a great + shame and oppression that charity workhouse, taking in bankrupt dyvours + that canna, pay their honest creditors.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Methinks, friend,’ said the Quaker, ‘thine own rags might teach thee + compassion for other people’s nakedness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rags!’ said Peter, taking Joshua’s words literally; ‘does ony wise body + put on their best coat when they are travelling, and keeping company with + Quakers, and such other cattle as the road affords?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The old lady DIED, I have heard,’ said Nanty, affecting a moderation + which was belied by accents that faltered with passion. + </p> + <p> + ‘She might live or die, for what I care,’ answered Peter the Cruel; ‘what + business have folk to do to live that canna live as law will, and satisfy + their just and lawful creditors?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you—you that are now yourself trodden down in the very kennel, + are you not sorry for what you have done? Do you not repent having + occasioned the poor widow woman’s death?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What for should I repent?’ said Peter; ‘the law was on my side—a + decreet of the bailies, followed by poinding, and an act of warding—a + suspension intented, and the letters found orderly proceeded. I followed + the auld rudas through twa courts—she cost me mair money than her + lugs were worth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, by Heaven!’ said Nanty, ‘I would give a thousand guineas, if I had + them, to have you worth my beating! Had you said you repented, it had been + between God and your conscience; but to hear you boast of your villany—Do + you think it little to have reduced the aged to famine, and the young to + infamy—to have caused the death of one woman, the ruin of another, + and to have driven a man to exile and despair? By Him that made me, I can + scarce keep hands off you! + </p> + <p> + ‘Off me? I defy ye!’ said Peter. ‘I take this honest man to witness that + if ye stir the neck of my collar, I will have my action for stouthreif, + spulzie, oppression, assault and battery. Here’s a bra’ din, indeed, about + an auld wife gaun to the grave, a young limmer to the close-heads and + causeway, and a sticket stibbler [A student of divinity who has not been + able to complete his studies on theology.] to the sea instead of the + gallows!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, by my soul,’ said Nanty, ‘this is too much! and since you can feel + no otherwise, I will try if I cannot beat some humanity into your head and + shoulders.’ + </p> + <p> + He drew his hanger as he spoke, and although Joshua, who had in vain + endeavoured to interrupt the dialogue to which he foresaw a violent + termination, now threw himself between Nanty and the old litigant, he + could not prevent the latter from receiving two or three sound slaps over + the shoulder with the flat side of the weapon. + </p> + <p> + Poor Peter Peebles, as inglorious in his extremity as he had been + presumptuous in bringing it on, now ran and roared, and bolted out of the + apartment and house itself, pursued by Nanty, whose passion became high in + proportion to his giving way to its dictates, and by Joshua, who still + interfered at every risk, calling upon Nanty to reflect on the age and + miserable circumstances of the offender, and upon Poor Peter to stand and + place himself under his protection. In front of the house, however, Peter + Peebles found a more efficient protector than the worthy Quaker. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE OF ALAN FAIRFORD + </h3> + <p> + Our readers may recollect that Fairford had been conducted by Dick + Gardener from the house of Fairladies to the inn of old Father + Crackenthorp, in order, as he had been informed by the mysterious Father + Buonaventure, that he might have the meeting which he desired with Mr. + Redgauntlet, to treat with him for the liberty of his friend Darsie. His + guide, by the special direction of Mr. Ambrose, had introduced him into + the public-house by a back-door, and recommended to the landlord to + accommodate him with a private apartment, and to treat him with all + civility; but in other respects to keep his eye on him, and even to secure + his person, if he saw any reason to suspect him to be a spy. He was not, + however, subjected to any direct restraint, but was ushered into an + apartment where he was requested to await the arrival of the gentleman + with whom he wished to have an interview, and who, as Crackenthorp + assured, him with a significant nod, would be certainly there in the + course of an hour. In the meanwhile, he recommended to him, with another + significant sign, to keep his apartment, ‘as there were people in the + house who were apt to busy themselves about other folk’s matters.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford complied with the recommendation, so long as he thought it + reasonable; but when, among a large party riding up to the house, he + discerned Redgauntlet, whom he had seen under the name of Mr. Herries of + Birrenswork, and whom, by his height and strength, he easily distinguished + from the rest, he thought it proper to go down to the front of the house, + in hopes that, by more closely reconnoitring the party, he might discover + if his friend Darsie was among them. + </p> + <p> + The reader is aware that, by doing so, he had an opportunity of breaking + Darsie’s fall from his side-saddle, although his disguise and mask + prevented his recognizing his friend. It may be also recollected that + while Nixon hurried Miss Redgauntlet and her brother into the house, their + uncle, somewhat chafed at an unexpected and inconvenient interruption, + remained himself in parley with Fairford, who had already successively + addressed him by the names of Herries and Redgauntlet; neither of which, + any more than the acquaintance of the young lawyer, he seemed at the + moment willing to acknowledge, though an air of haughty indifference, + which he assumed, could not conceal his vexation and embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + ‘If we must needs be acquainted, sir,’ he said at last—‘for which I + am unable to see any necessity, especially as I am now particularly + disposed to be private—I must entreat you will tell me at once what + you have to say, and permit me to attend to matters of more importance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My introduction,’ said Fairford, ‘is contained in this letter.—(Delivering + that of Maxwell.)—I am convinced that, under whatever name it may be + your pleasure for the present to be known, it is into your hands, and + yours only, that it should be delivered.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet turned the letter in his hand—then read the contents + then again looked upon the letter, and sternly observed, ‘The seal of the + letter has been broken. Was this the case, sir, when it was delivered into + your hand?’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford despised a falsehood as much as any man,—unless, perhaps, + as Tom Turnpenny might have said, ‘in the way of business.’ He answered + readily and firmly, ‘The seal was whole when the letter was delivered to + me by Mr. Maxwell of Summertrees.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And did you dare, sir, to break the seal of a letter addressed to me?’ + said Redgauntlet, not sorry, perhaps, to pick a quarrel upon a point + foreign to the tenor of the epistle. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have never broken the seal of any letter committed to my charge,’ said + Alan; ‘not from fear of those to whom such letter might be addressed, but + from respect to myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is well worded,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘and yet, young Mr. Counsellor, I + doubt whether your delicacy prevented your reading my letter, or listening + to the contents as read by some other person after it was opened.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I certainly did hear the contents read over,’ said Fairford; ‘and they + were such as to surprise me a good deal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now that,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘I hold to be pretty much the same, IN FORO + CONSCIENTIAE, as if you had broken the seal yourself. I shall hold myself + excused from entering upon further discourse with a messenger so + faithless; and you may thank yourself if your journey has been fruitless.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stay, sir,’ said Fairford; ‘and know that I became acquainted with the + contents of the paper without my consent—I may even say, against my + will; for Mr. Buonaventure’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Who?’ demanded Redgauntlet, in a wild and alarmed manner—‘WHOM was + it you named?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Father Buonaventure,’ said Alan,—‘a Catholic priest, as I + apprehend, whom I saw at the Misses Arthuret’s house, called Fairladies.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Misses Arthuret!—Fairladies!—A Catholic priest!—Father + Buonaventure!’ said Redgauntlet, repeating the words of Alan with + astonishment.—‘Is it possible that human rashness can reach such a + point of infatuation? Tell me the truth, I conjure you, sir. I have the + deepest interest to know whether this is more than an idle legend, picked + up from hearsay about the country. You are a lawyer, and know the risk + incurred by the Catholic clergy, whom the discharge of their duty sends to + these bloody shores.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a lawyer, certainly,’ said Fairford; ‘but my holding such a + respectable condition in life warrants that I am neither an informer nor a + spy. Here is sufficient evidence that I have seen Father Buonaventure.’ + </p> + <p> + He put Buonaventure’s letter into Redgauntlet’s hand, and watched his + looks closely while he read it. ‘Double-dyed infatuation!’ he muttered, + with looks in which sorrow, displeasure, and anxiety were mingled. ‘“Save + me from the indiscretion of my friends,” says the Spaniard; “I can save + myself from the hostility of my enemies.”’ + </p> + <p> + He then read the letter attentively, and for two or three minutes was lost + in thought, while some purpose of importance seemed to have gathered and + sit brooding upon his countenance. He held up his finger towards his + satellite, Cristal Nixon, who replied to his signal with a prompt nod; and + with one or two of the attendants approached Fairford in such a manner as + to make him apprehensive they were about to lay hold of him. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a noise was heard from withinside of the house, and + presently rushed forth Peter Peebles, pursued by Nanty Ewart with his + drawn hanger, and the worthy Quaker, who was endeavouring to prevent + mischief to others, at some risk of bringing it on himself. + </p> + <p> + A wilder and yet a more absurd figure can hardly be imagined, than that of + Poor Peter clattering along as fast as his huge boots would permit him, + and resembling nothing so much as a flying scarecrow; while the thin + emaciated form of Nanty Ewart, with the hue of death on his cheek, and the + fire of vengeance glancing from his eye, formed a ghastly contrast with + the ridiculous object of his pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet threw himself between them. ‘What extravagant folly is this?’ + he said. ‘Put up your weapon, captain. Is this a time to indulge in + drunken brawls, or is such a miserable object as that a fitting antagonist + for a man of courage?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg pardon,’ said the captain, sheathing his weapon—‘I was a + little bit out of the way, to be sure; but to know the provocation, a man + must read my heart, and that I hardly dare to do myself. But the wretch is + safe from me. Heaven has done its own vengeance on us both.’ + </p> + <p> + While he spoke in this manner, Peter Peebles, who had at first crept + behind Redgauntlet in bodily fear, began now to reassume his spirits. + Pulling his protector by the sleeve, ‘Mr. Herries—Mr. Herries,’ he + whispered, eagerly, ‘ye have done me mair than ae gude turn, and if ye + will but do me anither at this dead pinch, I’ll forgie the girded keg of + brandy that you and Captain Sir Harry Redgimlet drank out yon time. Ye + sall hae an ample discharge and renunciation, and, though I should see you + walking at the Cross of Edinburgh, or standing at the bar of the Court of + Justiciary, no the very thumbikins themselves should bring to my memory + that ever I saw you in arms yon day.’ + </p> + <p> + He accompanied this promise by pulling so hard at Redgauntlet’s cloak, + that he at last turned round. ‘Idiot! speak in a word what you want.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aweel, aweel. In a word, then,’ said Peter Peebles, ‘I have a warrant on + me to apprehend that man that stands there, Alan Fairford by name, and + advocate by calling. I bought it from Maister Justice Foxley’s clerk, + Maister Nicholas Faggot, wi’ the guinea that you gied me. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ said Redgauntlet, ‘hast thou really such a warrant? let me see it. + Look sharp that no one escape, Cristal Nixon.’ + </p> + <p> + Peter produced a huge, greasy, leathern pocketbook, too dirty to permit + its original colour to be visible, filled with scrolls of notes, memorials + to counsel, and Heaven knows what besides. From amongst this precious mass + he culled forth a paper, and placed it in the hands of Redgauntlet, or + Herries, as he continued to call him, saying, at the same time, ‘It’s a + formal and binding warrant, proceeding on my affidavy made, that the said + Alan Fairford, being lawfully engaged in my service, had slipped the + tether and fled over the Border, and was now lurking there and + thereabouts, to elude and evite the discharge of his bounden duty to me; + and therefore granting warrant to constables and others, to seek for, + take, and apprehend him, that he may be brought before the Honourable + Justice Foxley for examination, and, if necessary, for commitment. Now, + though a’ this be fairly set down, as I tell ye, yet where am I to get an + officer to execute this warrant in sic a country as this, where swords and + pistols flee out at a word’s speaking, and folk care as little for the + peace of King George as the peace of Auld King Coul? There’s that drunken + skipper, and that wet Quaker, enticed me into the public this morning, and + because I wadna gie them’ as much brandy as wad have made them + blind-drunk, they baith fell on me, and were in the way of guiding me very + ill.’ + </p> + <p> + While Peter went on in this manner, Redgauntlet glanced his eye over the + warrant, and immediately saw that it must be a trick passed by Nicholas + Faggot, to cheat the poor insane wretch out of his solitary guinea. But + the Justice had actually subscribed it, as he did whatever his clerk + presented to him, and Redgauntlet resolved to use it for his own purposes. + </p> + <p> + Without making any direct answer, therefore, to Peter Peebles, he walked + up gravely to Fairford, who had waited quietly for the termination of a + scene in which he was not a little surprised to find his client, Mr. + Peebles, a conspicuous actor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Fairford,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘there are many reasons which might + induce me to comply with the request, or rather the injunctions, of the + excellent Father Buonaventure, that I should communicate with you upon the + present condition of my ward, whom you know under the name of Darsie + Latimer; but no man is better aware than you that the law must be obeyed, + even in contradiction to our own feelings; now this poor man has obtained + a warrant for carrying you before a magistrate, and, I am afraid, there is + a necessity of your yielding to it, although to the postponement of the + business which you may have with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A warrant against me!’ said Alan, indignantly; ‘and at that poor + miserable wretch’s instance?—why, this is a trick, a mere and most + palpable trick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be so,’ replied Redgauntlet, with great equanimity; ‘doubtless you + know best; only the writ appears regular, and with that respect for the + law which has been,’ he said, with hypocritical formality, ‘a leading + feature of my character through life, I cannot dispense with giving my + poor aid to the support of a legal warrant. Look at it yourself, and be + satisfied it is no trick of mine.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford ran over the affidavit and the warrant, and then exclaimed once + more, that it was an impudent imposition, and that he would hold those who + acted upon such a warrant liable in the highest damages. ‘I guess at your + motive, Mr. Redgauntlet,’ he said, ‘for acquiescing in so ridiculous a + proceeding. But be assured you will find that, in this country, one act of + illegal violence will not be covered or atoned for by practising another. + You cannot, as a man of sense and honour, pretend to say you regard this + as a legal warrant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am no lawyer, sir,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘and pretend not to know what is + or is not law—the warrant is quite formal, and that is enough for + me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did ever any one hear,’ said Fairford, ‘of an advocate being compelled to + return to his task, like a collier or a salter [See Note 10.] who has + deserted his master?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see no reason why he should not,’ said Redgauntlet, dryly, ‘unless on + the ground that the services of the lawyer are the most expensive and + least useful of the two.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You cannot mean this in earnest,’ said Fairford; ‘you cannot really mean + to avail yourself of so poor a contrivance, to evade the word pledged by + your friend, your ghostly father, in my behalf. I may have been a fool for + trusting it too easily, but think what you must be if you can abuse my + confidence in this manner. I entreat you to reflect that this usage + releases me from all promises of secrecy or connivance at what I am apt to + think are very dangerous practices, and that’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark ye, Mr. Fairford,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘I must here interrupt you for + your own sake. One word of betraying what you may have seen, or what you + may have suspected, and your seclusion is like to have either a very + distant or a very brief termination; in either case a most undesirable + one. At present, you are sure of being at liberty in a very few days—perhaps + much sooner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And my friend,’ said Alan Fairford, ‘for whose sake I have run myself + into this danger, what is to become of him? Dark and dangerous man!’ he + exclaimed, raising his voice, I will not be again cajoled by deceitful + promises’— + </p> + <p> + ‘I give you my honour that your friend is well,’ interrupted Redgauntlet; + ‘perhaps I may permit you to see him, if you will but submit with patience + to a fate which is inevitable.’ + </p> + <p> + But Alan Fairford, considering his confidence as having been abused, first + by Maxwell, and next by the priest, raised his voice, and appealed to all + the king’s lieges within hearing, against the violence with which he was + threatened. He was instantly seized on by Nixon and two assistants, who, + holding down his arms, and endeavouring to stop his mouth, were about to + hurry him away. + </p> + <p> + The honest Quaker, who had kept out of Redgauntlet’s presence, now came + boldly forward. + </p> + <p> + ‘Friend,’ said he, ‘thou dost more than thou canst answer. Thou knowest me + well, and thou art aware that in me thou hast a deeply injured neighbour, + who was dwelling beside thee in the honesty and simplicity of his heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tush, Jonathan,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘talk not to me, man; it is neither + the craft of a young lawyer, nor the SIMPLICITY of an old hypocrite, can + drive me from my purpose. + </p> + <p> + ‘By my faith,’ said the captain, coming forward in his turn, ‘this is + hardly fair, general; and I doubt,’ he added, ‘whether the will of my + owners can make me a party to such proceedings. Nay, never fumble with + your sword-hilt, but out with it like a man, if you are for a tilting.’ He + unsheathed his hanger, and continued—‘I will neither see my comrade + Fairford, nor the old Quaker, abused. D——n all warrants, false + or true—curse the justice—confound the constable!—and + here stands little Nanty Ewart to make good what he says against gentle + and simple, in spite of horse-shoe or horse-radish either.’ + </p> + <p> + The cry of ‘Down with all warrants!’ was popular in the ears of the + militia of the inn, and Nanty Ewart was no less so. Fishers, ostlers, + seamen, smugglers, began to crowd to the spot. Crackenthorp endeavoured in + vain to mediate. The attendants of Redgauntlet began to handle their + firearms; but their master shouted to them to forbear, and, unsheathing + his sword as quick as lightning, he rushed on Ewart in the midst of his + bravado, and struck his weapon from his hand with such address and force, + that it flew three yards from him. Closing with him at the same moment, he + gave him a severe fall, and waved his sword over his head, to show he was + absolutely at his mercy. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, you drunken vagabond,’ he said, ‘I give you your life—you + are no bad fellow if you could keep from brawling among your friends. But + we all know Nanty Ewart,’ he said to the crowd around, with a forgiving + laugh, which, joined to the awe his prowess had inspired, entirely + confirmed their wavering allegiance. + </p> + <p> + They shouted, ‘The laird for ever!’ while poor Nanty, rising from the + earth, on whose lap he had been stretched so rudely, went in quest of his + hanger, lifted it, wiped it, and, as he returned the weapon to the + scabbard, muttered between his teeth, ‘It is true they say of him, and the + devil will stand his friend till his hour come; I will cross him no more.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he slunk from the crowd, cowed and disheartened by his defeat. + </p> + <p> + ‘For you, Joshua Geddes,’ said Redgauntlet, approaching the Quaker, who, + with lifted hands and eyes, had beheld the scene of violence, ‘l shall + take the liberty to arrest thee for a breach of the peace, altogether + unbecoming thy pretended principles; and I believe it will go hard with + thee both in a court of justice and among thine own Society of Friends, as + they call themselves, who will be but indifferently pleased to see the + quiet tenor of their hypocrisy insulted by such violent proceedings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I violent!’ said Joshua; ‘I do aught unbecoming the principles of the + Friends! I defy thee, man, and I charge thee, as a Christian, to forbear + vexing my soul with such charges: it is grievous enough to me to have seen + violences which I was unable to prevent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Joshua, Joshua!’ said Redgauntlet, with a sardonic smile; ‘thou light + of the faithful in the town of Dumfries and the places adjacent, wilt thou + thus fall away from the truth? Hast thou not, before us all, attempted to + rescue a man from the warrant of law? Didst thou not encourage that + drunken fellow to draw his weapon—and didst thou not thyself + flourish thy cudgel in the cause? Think’st thou that the oaths of the + injured Peter Peebles, and the conscientious Cristal Nixon, besides those + of such gentlemen as look on this strange scene, who not only put on + swearing as a garment, but to whom, in Custom House matters, oaths are + literally meat and drink,—dost thou not think, I say, that these + men’s oaths will go further than thy Yea and Nay in this matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will swear to anything,’ said Peter. ‘All is fair when it comes to an + oath AD LITEM.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You do me foul wrong,’ said the Quaker, undismayed by the general laugh. + ‘I encouraged no drawing of weapons, though I attempted to move an unjust + man by some use of argument—I brandished no cudgel, although it may + be that the ancient Adam struggled within me, and caused my hand to grasp + mine oaken staff firmer than usual, when I saw innocence borne down with + violence. But why talk I what is true and just to thee, who hast been a + man of violence from thy youth upwards? Let me rather speak to thee such + language as thou canst comprehend. Deliver these young men up to me,’ he + said, when he had led Redgauntlet a little apart from the crowd, ‘and I + will not only free thee from the heavy charge of damages which thou hast + incurred by thine outrage upon my property, but I will add ransom for them + and for myself. What would it profit thee to do the youths wrong, by + detaining them in captivity?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Geddes,’ said Redgauntlet, in a tone more respectful than he had + hitherto used to the Quaker, ‘your language is disinterested, and I + respect the fidelity of your friendship. Perhaps we have mistaken each + other’s principles and motives; but if so, we have not at present time for + explanation. Make yourself easy. I hope to raise your friend Darsie + Latimer to a pitch of eminence which you will witness with pleasure;—nay, + do not attempt to answer me. The other young man shall suffer restraint a + few days, probably only a few hours,—it is not more than due for his + pragmatical interference in what concerned him not. Do you, Mr. Geddes, be + so prudent as to take your horse and leave this place, which is growing + every moment more unfit for the abode of a man of peace. You may wait the + event in safety at Mount Sharon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Friend,’ replied Joshua, ‘I cannot comply with thy advice; I will remain + here, even as thy prisoner, as thou didst but now threaten, rather than + leave the youth who hath suffered by and through me and my misfortunes, in + his present state of doubtful safety. Wherefore I will not mount my steed + Solomon; neither will I turn his head towards Mount Sharon, until I see an + end of this matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A prisoner, then, you must be,’ said Redgauntlet. ‘I have no time to + dispute the matter further with you. But tell me for what you fix your + eyes so attentively on yonder people of mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To speak the truth,’ said the Quaker, ‘I admire to behold among them a + little wretch of a boy called Benjie, to whom I think Satan has given the + power of transporting himself wheresoever mischief is going forward; so + that it may be truly said, there is no evil in this land wherein he hath + not a finger, if not a whole hand.’ + </p> + <p> + The boy, who saw their eyes fixed on him as they spoke, seemed + embarrassed, slid rather desirous of making his escape; but at a signal + from Redgauntlet he advanced, assuming the sheepish look and rustic manner + with which the jackanapes covered much acuteness and roguery. + </p> + <p> + ‘How long have you been with the party, sirrah?’ said Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘Since the raid on the stake-nets,’ said Benjie, with his finger in his + mouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what made you follow us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dauredna stay at hame for the constables,’ replied the boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what have you been doing all this time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Doing, sir? I dinna ken what ye ca’ doing—I have been doing + naething,’ said Benjie; then seeing something in Redgauntlet’s eye which + was not to be trifled with, he added, ‘Naething but waiting on Maister + Cristal Nixon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum!—aye—indeed?’ muttered Redgauntlet. ‘Must Master Nixon + bring his own retinue into the field? This must be seen to.’ + </p> + <p> + He was about to pursue his inquiry, when Nixon himself came to him with + looks of anxious haste, ‘The Father is come,’ he whispered, ‘and the + gentlemen are getting together in the largest room of the house, and they + desire to see you. Yonder is your nephew, too, making a noise like a man + in Bedlam.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will look to it all instantly,’ said Redgauntlet. ‘Is the Father lodged + as I directed?’ + </p> + <p> + Cristal nodded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, then, for the final trial,’ said Redgauntlet. He folded his hands—looked + upwards—crossed himself—and after this act of devotion (almost + the first which any one had observed him make use of) he commanded Nixon + to keep good watch—have his horses and men ready for every emergence—look + after the safe custody of the prisoners—but treat them at the same + time well and civilly. And, these orders given, he darted hastily into the + house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + Redgauntlet’s first course was to the chamber of his nephew. He unlocked + the door, entered the apartment, and asked what he wanted, that he made so + much noise. + </p> + <p> + ‘I want my liberty,’ said Darsie, who had wrought himself up to a pitch of + passion in which his uncle’s wrath had lost its terrors. ‘I desire my + liberty, and to be assured of the safety of my beloved friend, Alan + Fairford, whose voice I heard but now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your liberty shall be your own within half an hour from this period—your + friend shall be also set at freedom in due time—and you yourself be + permitted to have access to his place of confinement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This does not satisfy me,’ said Darsie; ‘I must see my friend instantly; + he is here, and he is here endangered on my account only—I have + heard violent exclamations—the clash of swords. You will gain no + point with me unless I have ocular demonstration of his safety.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arthur—dearest nephew,’ answered Redgauntlet, ‘drive me not mad! + Thine own fate—that of thy house—that of thousands—that + of Britain herself, are at this moment in the scales; and you are only + occupied about the safety of a poor insignificant pettifogger!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has sustained injury at your hands, then?’ said Darsie, fiercely. ‘I + know he has; but if so, not even our relationship shall protect you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Peace, ungrateful and obstinate fool!’ said Redgauntlet. Yet stay—will + you be satisfied if you see this Alan Fairford, the bundle of bombazine—this + precious friend of yours—well and sound? Will you, I say, be + satisfied with seeing him in perfect safety without attempting to speak to + or converse with him?’ Darsie signified his assent. ‘Take hold of my arm, + then,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘and do you, niece Lilias, take the other; and + beware; Sir Arthur, how you bear yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie was compelled to acquiesce, sufficiently aware that his uncle would + permit him no interview with a friend whose influence would certainly be + used against his present earnest wishes, and in some measure contented + with the assurance of Fairford’s personal safety. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet led them through one or two passages (for the house, as we + have before said, was very irregular, and built at different times) until + they entered an apartment, where a man with shouldered carabine kept watch + at the door, but readily turned the key for their reception. In this room + they found Alan Fairford and the Quaker, apparently in deep conversation + with each other. They looked up as Redgauntlet and his party entered; and + Alan pulled off his hat and made a profound reverence, which the young + lady, who recognized him,—though, masked as she was, he could not + know her,—returned with some embarrassment, arising probably from + the recollection of the bold step she had taken in visiting him. + </p> + <p> + Darsie longed to speak, but dared not. His uncle only said, ‘Gentlemen, I + know you are as anxious on Mr. Darsie Latimer’s account as he is upon + yours. I am commissioned by him to inform you, that he is as well as you + are—I trust you will all meet soon. Meantime, although I cannot + suffer you to be at large, you shall be as well treated as is possible + under your temporary confinement.’ + </p> + <p> + He passed on, without pausing to hear the answers which the lawyer and the + Quaker were hastening to prefer; and only waving his hand by way of adieu, + made his exit, with the real and the seeming lady whom he had under his + charge, through a door at the upper end of the apartment, which was + fastened and guarded like that by which they entered. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet next led the way into a very small room; adjoining which, but + divided by a partition, was one of apparently larger dimensions; for they + heard the trampling of the heavy boots of the period, as if several + persons were walking to and fro and conversing in low and anxious + whispers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here,’ said Redgauntlet to his nephew, as he disencumbered him from the + riding-skirt and the mask, ‘I restore you to yourself, and trust you will + lay aside all effeminate thoughts with this feminine dress. Do not blush + at having worn a disguise to which kings and heroes have been reduced. It + is when female craft or female cowardice find their way into a manly + bosom, that he who entertains these sentiments should take eternal shame + to himself for thus having resembled womankind. Follow me, while Lilias + remains here. I will introduce you to those whom I hope to see associated + with you in the most glorious cause that hand ever drew sword in.’ + </p> + <p> + Darsie paused. ‘Uncle,’ he said, ‘my person is in your hands; but + remember, my will is my own. I will not be hurried into any resolution of + importance. Remember what I have already said—what I now repeat—that + I will take no step of importance but upon conviction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But canst thou be convinced, thou foolish boy, without hearing and + understanding the grounds on which we act?’ + </p> + <p> + So saying he took Darsie by the arm, and walked with him to the next room—a + large apartment, partly filled with miscellaneous articles of commerce, + chiefly connected with contraband trade; where, among bales and barrels, + sat, or walked to and fro, several gentlemen, whose manners and looks + seemed superior to the plain riding dresses which they wore. + </p> + <p> + There was a grave and stern anxiety upon their countenances, when, on + Redgauntlet’s entrance, they drew from their separate coteries into one + group around him, and saluted him with a formality which had something in + it of ominous melancholy. As Darsie looked around the circle, he thought + he could discern in it few traces of that adventurous hope which urges men + upon desperate enterprises; and began to believe that the conspiracy would + dissolve of itself, without the necessity of his placing himself in direct + opposition to so violent a character as his uncle, and incurring the + hazard with which such opposition must be attended. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Redgauntlet, however, did not, or would not, see any such marks of + depression of spirit amongst his coadjutors, but met them with cheerful + countenance, and a warm greeting of welcome. ‘Happy to meet you here, my + lord,’ he said, bowing low to a slender young man. ‘I trust you come with + the pledges of your noble father, of B—, and all that loyal house.—Sir + Richard, what news in the west? I am told you had two hundred men on foot + to have joined when the fatal retreat from Derby was commenced. When the + White Standard is again displayed, it shall not be turned back so easily, + either by the force of its enemies, or the falsehood of its friends.—Doctor + Grumball, I bow to the representative of Oxford, the mother of learning + and loyalty.—Pengwinion, you Cornish chough, has this good wind + blown you north?—Ah, my brave Cambro-Britons, when was Wales last in + the race of honour?’ + </p> + <p> + Such and such-like compliments he dealt around, which were in general + answered by silent bows; but when he saluted one of his own countrymen by + the name of MacKellar, and greeted Maxwell of Summertrees by that of + Pate-in-Peril, the latter replied, ‘that if Pate were not a fool, he would + be Pate-in-Safety;’ and the former, a thin old gentle-man, in tarnished + embroidery, said bluntly, ‘Aye, troth, Redgauntlet, I am here just like + yourself; I have little to lose—they that took my land the last + time, may take my life this; and that is all I care about it.’ + </p> + <p> + The English gentlemen, who were still in possession of their paternal + estates, looked doubtfully on each other, and there was something + whispered among them of the fox which had lost his tail. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet hastened to address them. ‘I think, my lords and gentlemen,’ + he said, ‘that I can account for something like sadness which has crept + upon an assembly gathered together for so noble a purpose. Our numbers + seem, when thus assembled, too small and inconsiderable to shake the + firm-seated usurpation of a half-century. But do not count us by what we + are in thew and muscle, but by what our summons can do among our + countrymen. In this small party are those who have power to raise + battalions, and those who have wealth to pay them. And do not believe our + friends who are absent are cold or indifferent to the cause. Let us once + light the signal, and it will be hailed by all who retain love for the + Stuart, and by all—a more numerous body—who hate the Elector. + Here I have letters from’— + </p> + <p> + Sir Richard Glendale interrupted the speaker. ‘We all confide, + Redgauntlet, in your valour and skill—we admire your perseverance; + and probably nothing short of your strenuous exertions, and the emulation + awakened by your noble and disinterested conduct, could have brought so + many of us, the scattered remnant of a disheartened party, to meet + together once again in solemn consultation; for I take it, gentlemen,’ he + said, looking round, ‘this is only a consultation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing more,’ said the young lord. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing more,’ said Doctor Grumball, shaking his large academical peruke. + </p> + <p> + And, ‘Only a consultation,’ was echoed by the others. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet bit his lip. ‘I had hopes,’ he said, ‘that the discourses I + have held with most of you, from time to time, had ripened into more + maturity than your words imply, and that we were here to execute as well + as to deliberate; and for this we stand prepared. I can raise five hundred + men with my whistle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Five hundred men!’ said one of the Welsh squires; ‘Cot bless us! and pray + you, what cood could five hundred men do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All that the priming does for the cannon, Mr. Meredith,’ answered + Redgauntlet; ‘it will enable us to seize Carlisle, and you know what our + friends have engaged for in that case.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—but,’ said the young nobleman, ‘you must not hurry us on too + fast, Mr. Redgauntlet; we are all, I believe, as sincere and truehearted + in this business as you are, but we will not be driven forward blindfold. + We owe caution to ourselves and our families, as well as to those whom we + are empowered to represent on this occasion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who hurries you, my lord? Who is it that would drive this meeting forward + blindfold? I do not understand your lordship,’ said Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said Sir Richard Glendale, ‘at least do not let us fall under our + old reproach of disagreeing among ourselves. What my lord means, + Redgauntlet, is, that we have this morning heard it is uncertain whether + you could even bring that body of men whom you count upon; your + countryman, Mr. MacKellar, seemed, just before you came in, to doubt + whether your people would rise in any force, unless you could produce the + authority of your nephew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I might ask,’ said Redgauntlet,’ what right MacKellar, or any one, has to + doubt my being able to accomplish what I stand pledged for? But our hopes + consist in our unity. Here stands my nephew. Gentlemen, I present to you + my kinsman, Sir Arthur Darsie Redgauntlet of that Ilk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentlemen,’ said Darsie, with a throbbing bosom, for he felt the crisis a + very painful one, ‘Allow me to say, that I suspend expressing my + sentiments on the important subject under discussion until I have heard + those of the present meeting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Proceed in your deliberations, gentlemen,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘I will show + my nephew such reasons for acquiescing in the result, as will entirely + remove any scruples which may hang around his mind.’ + </p> + <p> + Dr. Grumball now coughed, ‘shook his ambrosial curls,’ and addressed the + assembly. + </p> + <p> + ‘The principles of Oxford,’ he said,’ are well understood, since she was + the last to resign herself to the Arch-Usurper,—since she has + condemned, by her sovereign authority, the blasphemous, atheistical, and + anarchical tenets of Locke, and other deluders of the public mind. Oxford + will give men, money and countenance, to the cause of the rightful + monarch. But we have, been often deluded by foreign powers, who have + availed themselves of our zeal to stir up civil dissensions, in Britain, + not for the advantage of our blessed though banished monarch, but to stir + up disturbances by which they might profit, while we, their tools, are + sure to be ruined. Oxford, therefore, will not rise, unless our sovereign + comes in person to claim our allegiance, in which case, God forbid we + should refuse him our best obedience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a very cood advice,’ said Mr. Meredith. + </p> + <p> + ‘In troth,’ said Sir Richard Glendale, ‘it is the very keystone of our + enterprise, and the only condition upon which I myself and others could + ever have dreamt of taking up arms. No insurrection which has not Charles + Edward himself at its head, will, ever last longer than till a single foot + company of redcoats march to disperse it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is my own opinion, and that of all my family,’ said the young + nobleman already mentioned; ‘and I own I am somewhat surprised at being + summoned to attend a dangerous rendezvous such as this, before something + certain could have been stated to us on this most important preliminary + point.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon me, my lord,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘I have not been so unjust either + to myself or my friends—I had no means of communicating to our + distant confederates (without the greatest risk of discovery) what is + known to some of my honourable friends. As courageous, and as resolved, as + when, twenty years since, he threw himself into the wilds of Moidart, + Charles Edward has instantly complied with the wishes of his faithful + subjects. Charles Edward is in this country—Charles Edward is in + this house!—Charles Edward waits but your present decision, to + receive the homage of those who have ever called themselves his loyal + liegemen. He that would now turn his coat, and change his note, must do so + under the eye of his sovereign.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a deep pause. Those among the conspirators whom mere habit, or a + desire of preserving consistency, had engaged in the affair, now saw with + terror their retreat cut off; and others, who at a distance had regarded + the proposed enterprise as hopeful, trembled when the moment of actually + embarking in it was thus unexpectedly and almost inevitably precipitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘How now, my lords and gentlemen!’ said Redgauntlet; is it delight and + rapture that keep you thus silent? where are the eager welcomes that + should be paid to your rightful king, who a second time confides his + person to the care of his subjects, undeterred by the hairbreadth escapes + and severe privations of his former expedition? I hope there is no + gentleman here that is not ready to redeem, in his prince’s presence, the + pledge of fidelity which he offered in his absence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I, at least,’ said the young nobleman resolutely, and laying his hand on + his sword, ‘will not be that coward. If Charles is come to these shores, I + will be the first to give him welcome, and to devote my life and fortune + to his service.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Before Cot,’ said Mr. Meredith, ‘I do not see that Mr. Redgauntlet has + left us anything else to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stay,’ said Summertrees, ‘there is yet one other question. Has he brought + any of those Irish rapparees with him, who broke the neck of our last + glorious affair?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a man of them,’ said Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘I trust,’ said Dr. Grumball, ‘that there are no Catholic priests in his + company. I would not intrude on the private conscience of my sovereign, + but, as an unworthy son of the Church of England, it is my duty to + consider her security.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a Popish dog or cat is there, to bark or mew about his Majesty,’ said + Redgauntlet. ‘Old Shaftesbury himself could not wish a prince’s person + more secure from Popery—which may not be the worst religion in the + world, notwithstanding. Any more doubts, gentlemen? can no more plausible + reasons be discovered for postponing the payment of our duty, and + discharge of our oaths and engagements? Meantime your king waits your + declaration—by my faith he hath but a frozen reception!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Redgauntlet,’ said Sir Richard Glendale, calmly, ‘your reproaches shall + not goad me into anything of which my reason disapproves. That I respect + my engagement as much as you do, is evident, since I am here, ready to + support it with the best blood in my veins. But has the king really come + hither entirely unattended?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has no man with him but young ———, as aide de camp, + and a single valet de chambre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No MAN—but, Redgauntlet, as you are a gentleman, has he no woman + with him?’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet cast his eyes on the ground and replied, ‘I am sorry to say—he + has.’ + </p> + <p> + The company looked at each other, and remained silent for a moment. At + length Sir Richard proceeded. ‘I need not repeat to you, Mr. Redgauntlet, + what is the well-grounded opinion of his Majesty’s friends concerning that + most unhappy connexion there is but one sense and feeling amongst us upon + the subject. I must conclude that our humble remonstrances were + communicated by you, sir, to the king?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the same strong terms in which they were couched,’ replied + Redgauntlet. ‘I love his Majesty’s cause more than I fear his + displeasure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, apparently, our humble expostulation has produced no effect. This + lady, who has crept into his bosom, has a sister in the Elector of + Hanover’s court, and yet we are well assured that our most private + communication is placed in her keeping.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘VARIUM ET MUTABILE SEMPER FEMINA,’ said Dr. Grumball. + </p> + <p> + ‘She puts his secrets into her work-bag,’ said Maxwell; ‘and out they fly + whenever she opens it. If I must hang, I would wish it to be in somewhat a + better rope than the string of a lady’s hussey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you, too, turning dastard, Maxwell?’ said Redgauntlet, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I,’ said Maxwell; ‘let us fight for it, and let them win and wear us; + but to be betrayed by a brimstone like that’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Be temperate, gentlemen,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘the foible of which you + complain so heavily has always been that of kings and heroes; which I feel + strongly confident the king will surmount, upon the humble entreaty of his + best servants, and when he sees them ready to peril their all in his + cause, upon the slight condition of his resigning the society of a female + favourite, of whom I have seen reason to think he hath been himself for + some time wearied. But let us not press upon him rashly with our + well-meant zeal. He has a princely will as becomes his princely birth, and + we, gentlemen, who are royalists, should be the last to take advantage of + circumstances to limit its exercise. I am as much surprised and hurt as + you can be, to find that he has made her the companion of this journey, + increasing every chance of treachery and detection. But do not let us + insist upon a sacrifice so humiliating, while he has scarce placed a foot + upon the beach of his kingdom. Let us act generously by our sovereign; and + when we have shown what we will do for him, we shall be able, with better + face, to state what it is we expect him to concede.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, I think it is but a pity,’ said MacKellar, ‘when so many pretty + gentlemen are got together, that they should part without the flash of a + sword among them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should be of that gentleman’s opinion,’ said Lord ———, + ‘had I nothing to lose but my life; but I frankly own, that the conditions + on which our family agreed to join having been, in this instance, left + unfulfilled, I will not peril the whole fortunes of our house on the + doubtful fidelity of an artful woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry to see your lordship,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘take a course which + is more likely to secure your house’s wealth than to augment its honours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How am I to understand your language, sir?’ said the young nobleman, + haughtily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, gentlemen,’ said Dr Grumball, interposing, ‘do not let friends + quarrel; we are all zealous for the cause—but truly, although I know + the license claimed by the great in such matters, and can, I hope, make + due allowance, there is, I may say, an indecorum in a prince who comes to + claim the allegiance of the Church of England, arriving on such an errand + with such a companion—SI NON CASTE, CAUTE TAMEN.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder how the Church of England came to be so heartily attached to his + merry old namesake,’ said Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + Sir Richard Glendale then took up the question, as one whose authority and + experience gave him right to speak with much weight. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have no leisure for hesitation,’ he said; ‘it is full time that we + decide what course we are to hold. I feel as much as you, Mr. Redgauntlet, + the delicacy of capitulating with our sovereign in his present condition. + But I must also think of the total ruin of the cause, the confiscation and + bloodshed which will take place among his adherents, and all through the + infatuation with which he adheres to a woman who is the pensionary of the + present minister, as she was for years Sir Robert Walpole’s. Let his + Majesty send her back to the continent, and the sword on which I now lay + my hand shall instantly be unsheathed, and, I trust, many hundred others + at the same moment.’ + </p> + <p> + The other persons present testified their unanimous acquiescence in what + Sir Richard Glendale had said. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see you have taken your resolutions, gentlemen,’ said Redgauntlet; + ‘unwisely I think, because I believe that, by softer and more generous + proceedings, you would have been more likely to carry a point which I + think as desirable as you do. But what is to be done if Charles should + refuse, with the inflexibility of his grandfather, to comply with this + request of yours? Do you mean to abandon him to his fate?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God forbid!’ said Sir Richard, hastily; ‘and God forgive you, Mr. + Redgauntlet, for breathing such a thought. No! I for one will, with all + duty and humility, see him safe back to his vessel, and defend him with my + life against whosoever shall assail him. But when I have seen his sails + spread, my next act will be to secure, if I can, my own safety, by + retiring to my house; or, if I find our engagement, as is too probable, + has taken wind, by surrendering myself to the next Justice of Peace, and + giving security that hereafter I shall live quiet, and submit to the + ruling powers.’ + </p> + <p> + Again the rest of the persons present intimated their agreement in opinion + with the speaker. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, gentlemen,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘it is not for me to oppose the + opinion of every one; and I must do you the justice to say, that the king + has, in the present instance, neglected a condition of your agreement + which was laid before him in very distinct terms. The question now is, who + is to acquaint him with the result of this conference; for I presume you + would not wait on him in a body to make the proposal that he should + dismiss a person from his family as the price of your allegiance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think Mr. Redgauntlet should make the explanation, said Lord—. + ‘As he has, doubtless, done justice to our remonstrances by communicating + them to the king, no one can, with such propriety and force, state the + natural and inevitable consequence of their being neglected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, I think,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘that those who make the objection + should state it, for I am confident the king will hardly believe, on less + authority than that of the heir of the loyal House of B—, that he is + the first to seek an evasion of his pledge to join him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An evasion, sir!’ repeated Lord ———, fiercely, ‘I have + borne too much from you already, and this I will not endure. Favour me + with your company to the downs.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet laughed scornfully, and was about to follow the fiery young + man, when Sir Richard again interposed. ‘Are we to exhibit,’ he said, ‘the + last symptoms of the dissolution of our party, by turning our swords + against each other? Be patient, Lord ———; in such + conferences as this, much must pass unquestioned which might brook + challenge elsewhere. There is a privilege of party as of parliament—men + cannot, in emergency, stand upon picking phrases. Gentlemen, if you will + extend your confidence in me so far, I will wait upon his Majesty, and I + hope my Lord ——— and Mr. Redgauntlet will accompany me. + I trust the explanation of this unpleasant matter will prove entirely + satisfactory, and that we shall find ourselves at liberty to render our + homage to our sovereign without reserve, when I for one will be the first + to peril all in his just quarrel.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet at once stepped forward. ‘My lord,’ he said, ‘if my zeal made + me say anything in the slightest degree offensive, I wish it unsaid, and + ask your pardon. A gentleman can do no more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not have asked Mr. Redgauntlet to do so much,’ said the young + nobleman, willingly accepting the hand which Redgauntlet offered. ‘I know + no man living from whom I could take so much reproof without a sense of + degradation as from himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me then hope, my lord, that you will go with Sir Richard and me to + the presence. Your warm blood will heat our zeal—our colder resolves + will temper yours. + </p> + <p> + The young lord smiled, and shook his head. ‘Alas! Mr. Redgauntlet,’ he + said, ‘I am ashamed to say, that in zeal you surpass us all. But I will + not refuse this mission, provided you will permit Sir Arthur, your nephew, + also to accompany us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My nephew?’ said Redgauntlet, and seemed to hesitate, then added, ‘Most + certainly. I trust,’ he said, looking at Darsie, ‘he will bring to his + prince’s presence such sentiments as fit the occasion.’ + </p> + <p> + It seemed however to Darsie, that his uncle would rather have left him + behind, had he not feared that he might in that case have been influenced + by, or might perhaps himself influence, the unresolved confederates with + whom he must have associated during his absence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will go,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘and request admission.’ + </p> + <p> + In a moment after he returned, and without speaking, motioned for the + young nobleman to advance. He did so, followed by Sir Richard Glendale and + Darsie, Redgauntlet himself bringing up the rear. A short passage, and a + few steps, brought them to the door of the temporary presence-chamber, in + which the Royal Wanderer was to receive their homage. It was the upper + loft of one of those cottages which made additions to the old inn, poorly + furnished, dusty, and in disorder; for, rash as the enterprise might be + considered, they had been still careful not to draw the attention of + strangers by any particular attentions to the personal accommodation of + the prince. He was seated, when the deputies, as they might be termed, of + his remaining adherents entered; and as he rose, and came forward and + bowed, in acceptance of their salutation, it was with a dignified courtesy + which at once supplied whatever was deficient in external pomp, and + converted the wretched garret into a saloon worthy of the occasion. + </p> + <p> + It is needless to add that he was the same personage already introduced in + the character of Father Buonaventure, by which name he was distinguished + at Fairladies. His dress was not different from what he then wore, + excepting that he had a loose riding-coat of camlet, under which he + carried an efficient cut-and-thrust sword, instead of his walking rapier, + and also a pair of pistols. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet presented to him successively the young Lord ———, + and his kinsman, Sir Arthur Darsie Redgauntlet, who trembled as, bowing + and kissing his hand, he found himself surprised into what might be + construed an act of high treason, which yet he saw no safe means to avoid. + </p> + <p> + Sir Richard Glendale seemed personally known to Charles Edward, who + received him with a mixture of dignity and affection, and seemed to + sympathize with the tears which rushed into that gentleman’s eyes as he + bade his Majesty welcome to his native kingdom. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, my good Sir Richard,’ said the unfortunate prince in a tone + melancholy, yet resolved, ‘Charles Edward is with his faithful friends + once more—not, perhaps, with his former gay hopes which undervalued + danger, but with the same determined contempt of the worst which can + befall him, in claiming his own rights and those of his country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I rejoice, sire—and yet, alas! I must also grieve, to see you once + more on the British shores,’ said Sir Richard Glendale, and stopped short—a + tumult of contradictory feelings preventing his further utterance. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the call of my faithful and suffering people which alone could have + induced me to take once more the sword in my hand. For my own part, Sir + Richard, when I have reflected how many of my loyal and devoted friends + perished by the sword and by proscription, or died indigent and neglected + in a foreign land, I have often, sworn that no view to my personal + aggrandizement should again induce me to agitate a title which has cost my + followers so dear. But since so many men of worth and honour conceive the + cause of England and Scotland to be linked with that of Charles Stuart, I + must follow their brave example, and, laying aside all other + considerations, once more stand forward as their deliverer. I am, however, + come hither upon your invitation; and as you are so completely acquainted + with circumstances to which my absence must necessarily have rendered me a + stranger, I must be a mere tool in the hands of my friends. I know well I + never can refer myself implicitly to more loyal hearts or wiser heads, + than Herries Redgauntlet, and Sir Richard Glendale. Give me your advice, + then, how we are to proceed, and decide upon the fate of Charles Edward.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet looked at Sir Richard, as if to say, ‘Can you press any + additional or unpleasant condition at a moment like this?’ And the other + shook his head and looked down, as if his resolution was unaltered, and + yet as feeling all the delicacy of the situation. + </p> + <p> + There was a silence, which was broken by the unfortunate representative of + an unhappy dynasty, with some appearance of irritation. ‘This is strange, + gentlemen,’ he said; ‘you have sent for me from the bosom of my family, to + head an adventure of doubt and danger; and when I come, your own minds + seem to be still irresolute. I had not expected this on the part of two + such men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For me, sire,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘the steel of my sword is not truer than + the temper of my mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lord ———‘s and mine are equally so,’ said Sir + Richard; ‘but you had in charge, Mr. Redgauntlet, to convey our request to + his Majesty, coupled with certain conditions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I discharged my duty to his Majesty and to you,’ said Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ‘I looked at no condition, gentlemen,’ said their king, with dignity,’ + save that which called me here to assert my rights in person. That I have + fulfilled at no common risk. Here I stand to keep my word, and I expect of + you to be true to yours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There was, or should have been, something more than that in our proposal, + please your Majesty,’ said Sir Richard. ‘There was a condition annexed to + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw it not,’ said Charles, interrupting him. ‘Out of tenderness towards + the noble hearts of whom I think so highly, I would neither see nor read + anything which could lessen them in my love and my esteem. Conditions can + have no part betwixt prince and subject.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire,’ said Redgauntlet, kneeling on one knee, ‘I see from Sir Richard’s + countenance he deems it my fault that your Majesty seems ignorant of what + your subjects desired that I should communicate to your Majesty. For + Heaven’s sake! for the sake of all my past services and sufferings, leave + not such a stain upon my honour! The note, Number D, of which this is a + copy, referred to the painful subject to which Sir Richard again directs + your attention.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You press upon me, gentlemen,’ said the prince, colouring highly,’ + recollections, which, as I hold them most alien to your character, I would + willingly have banished from my memory. I did not suppose that my loyal + subjects would think so poorly of me, as to use my depressed circumstances + as a reason for forcing themselves into my domestic privacies, and + stipulating arrangements with their king regarding matters in which the + meanest minds claim the privilege of thinking for themselves. In affairs + of state and public policy, I will ever be guided as becomes a prince, by + the advice of my wisest counsellors; in those which regard my private + affections and my domestic arrangements, I claim the same freedom of will + which I allow to all my subjects, and without which a crown were less + worth wearing than a beggar’s bonnet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May it please your Majesty,’ said Sir Richard Glendale, ‘I see it must be + my lot to speak unwilling truths; but believe me, I do so with as much + profound respect as deep regret. It is true, we have called you to head a + mighty undertaking, and that your Majesty, preferring honour to safety, + and the love of your country to your own ease, has condescended to become + our leader. But we also pointed out as a necessary and indispensable + preparatory step to the achievement of our purpose—and, I must say, + as a positive condition of our engaging in it—that an individual, + supposed,—I presume not to guess how truly,—to have your + Majesty’s more intimate confidence, and believed, I will not say on + absolute proof but upon the most pregnant suspicion, to be capable of + betraying that confidence to the Elector of Hanover, should be removed + from your royal household and society.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is too insolent, Sir Richard!’ said Charles Edward. ‘Have you + inveigled me into your power to bait me in this unseemly manner? And you, + Redgauntlet, why did you suffer matters to come to such a point as this, + without making me more distinctly aware what insults were to be practised + on me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My gracious prince,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘I am so far to blame in this, + that I did not think so slight an impediment as that of a woman’s society + could have really interrupted an undertaking of this magnitude. I am a + plain man, sire, and speak but bluntly; I could not have dreamt but what, + within the first five minutes of this interview, either Sir Richard and + his friends would have ceased to insist upon a condition so ungrateful to + your Majesty, or that your Majesty would have sacrificed this unhappy + attachment to the sound advice, or even to the over-anxious suspicions, of + so many faithful subjects. I saw no entanglement in such a difficulty + which on either side might not have been broken through like a cobweb.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You were mistaken, sir,’ said Charles Edward, ‘entirely mistaken—as + much so as you are at this moment, when you think in your heart my refusal + to comply with this insolent proposition is dictated by a childish and + romantic passion for an individual, I tell you, sir, I could part with + that person to-morrow, without an instant’s regret—that I have had + thoughts of dismissing her from my court, for reasons known to myself; but + that I will never betray my rights as a sovereign and a man, by taking + this step to secure the favour of any one, or to purchase that allegiance + which, if you owe it to me at all, is due to me as my birthright.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry for this,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘I hope both your Majesty and Sir + Richard will reconsider your resolutions, or forbear this discussion, in a + conjuncture so pressing. I trust your Majesty will recollect that you are + on hostile ground; that our preparations cannot have so far escaped notice + as to permit us now with safety to retreat from our purpose; insomuch, + that it is with the deepest anxiety of heart I foresee even danger to your + own royal person, unless you can generously give your subjects the + satisfaction, which Sir Richard seems to think they are obstinate in + demanding.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And deep indeed your anxiety ought to be,’ said the prince. ‘Is it in + these circumstances of personal danger in which you expect to overcome a + resolution, which is founded on a sense of what is due to me as a man or a + prince? If the axe and scaffold were ready before the windows of + Whitehall, I would rather tread the same path with my great-grandfather, + than concede the slightest point in which my honour is concerned.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke these words with a determined accent, and looked around him on + the company, all of whom (excepting Darsie, who saw, he thought, a fair + period to a most perilous enterprise) seemed in deep anxiety and + confusion. At length, Sir Richard spoke in a solemn and melancholy tone. + ‘If the safety,’ he said, ‘of poor Richard Glendale were alone concerned + in this matter, I have never valued my life enough to weigh it against the + slightest point of your Majesty’s service. But I am only a messenger—a + commissioner, who must execute my trust, and upon whom a thousand voices + will cry, Curse and woe, if I do it not with fidelity. All of your + adherents, even Redgauntlet himself, see certain ruin to this enterprise—the + greatest danger to your Majesty’s person—the utter destruction of + all your party and friends, if they insist not on the point, which, + unfortunately, your Majesty is so unwilling to concede. I speak it with a + heart full of anguish—with a tongue unable to utter my emotions—but + it must be spoken—the fatal truth—that if your royal goodness + cannot yield to us a boon which we hold necessary to our security and your + own, your Majesty with one word disarms ten thousand men, ready to draw + their swords in your behalf; or, to speak yet more plainly, you annihilate + even the semblance of a royal party in Great Britain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why do you not add,’ said the prince, scornfully, ‘that the men who + have been ready to assume arms in my behalf, will atone for their treason + to the Elector, by delivering me up to the fate for which so many + proclamations have destined me? Carry my head to St. James’s, gentlemen; + you will do a more acceptable and a more honourable action, than, having + inveigled me into a situation which places me so completely in your power, + to dishonour yourselves by propositions which dishonour me. + </p> + <p> + ‘My God, sire!’ exclaimed Sir Richard, clasping his hands together, in + impatience, ‘of what great and inexpiable crime can your Majesty’s + ancestors have ‘been guilty, that they have been punished by the + infliction of judicial blindness on their whole generation!—Come, my + Lord ———, we must to our friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By your leave, Sir Richard,’ said the young nobleman, ‘not till we, have + learned what measures can be taken for his Majesty’s personal safety.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Care not for me, young man,’ said Charles Edward; ‘when I was in the + society of Highland robbers and cattle-drovers, I was safer than I now + hold myself among the representatives of the best blood in England. + Farewell, gentlemen—I will shift for myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This must never be,’ said Redgauntlet. ‘Let me that brought you to the + point of danger, at least provide for your safe retreat.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he hastily left the apartment, followed by his nephew. The + Wanderer, averting his eyes from Lord ——— and Sir + Richard Glendale, threw himself into a seat at the upper end of the + apartment, while they, in much anxiety, stood together, at a distance from + him, and conversed in whispers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + NARRATIVE CONTINUED + </h3> + <p> + When Redgauntlet left the room, in haste and discomposure, the first + person he met on the stair, and indeed so close by the door of the + apartment that Darsie thought he must have been listening there, was his + attendant Nixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘What the devil do you here?’ he said, abruptly and sternly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wait your orders,’ said Nixon. ‘I hope all’s right!—excuse my + zeal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All is wrong, sir. Where is the seafaring fellow—Ewart—what + do you call him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nanty Ewart, sir. I will carry your commands,’ said Nixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will deliver them myself to him,’ said Redgauntlet; call him hither.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But should your honour leave the presence?’ said Nixon, still lingering. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Sdeath, sir, do you prate to me?’ said Redgauntlet, bending his brows. + ‘I, sir, transact my own business; you, I am told, act by a ragged + deputy.’ + </p> + <p> + Without further answer, Nixon departed, rather disconcerted, as it seemed + to Darsie. + </p> + <p> + ‘That dog turns insolent and lazy,’ said Redgauntlet; but I must bear with + him for a while.’ + </p> + <p> + A moment after, Nixon returned with Ewart. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this the smuggling fellow?’ demanded Redgauntlet. Nixon nodded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he sober now? he was brawling anon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sober enough for business,’ said Nixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well then, hark ye, Ewart;—man your boat with your best hands, and + have her by the pier—get your other fellows on board the brig—if + you have any cargo left, throw it overboard; it shall be all paid, five + times over—and be ready for a start to Wales or the Hebrides, or + perhaps for Sweden or Norway.’ + </p> + <p> + Ewart answered sullenly enough, ‘Aye, aye, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go with him, Nixon,’ said Redgauntlet, forcing himself to speak with some + appearance of cordiality to the servant with whom he was offended; ‘see he + does his duty.’ + </p> + <p> + Ewart left the house sullenly, followed by Nixon. The sailor was just in + that species of drunken humour which made him jealous, passionate, and + troublesome, without showing any other disorder than that of irritability. + As he walked towards the beach he kept muttering to himself, but in such a + tone that his companion lost not a word, ‘Smuggling fellow—Aye, + smuggler—and, start your cargo into the sea—and be ready to + start for the Hebrides, or Sweden—or the devil, I suppose. Well, and + what if I said in answer—Rebel, Jacobite—traitor; I’ll make + you and your d——d confederates walk the plank—I have + seen better men do it—half a score of a morning—when I was + across the Line.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘D—d unhandsome terms those Redgauntlet used to you, brother.’ said + Nixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which do you mean?’ said Ewart, starting, and recollecting himself. ‘I + have been at my old trade of thinking aloud, have I?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No matter,’ answered Nixon, ‘none but a friend heard you. You cannot have + forgotten how Redgauntlet disarmed you this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I would bear no malice about that—only he is so cursedly high + and saucy,’ said Ewart. + </p> + <p> + ‘And then,’ said Nixon, ‘I know you for a true-hearted Protestant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I am, by G—,’ said Ewart. ‘No, the Spaniards could never get + my religion from me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a friend to King George, and the Hanover line of succession,’ said + Nixon, still walking and speaking very slow. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may swear I am, excepting in the way of business, as Turnpenny says. + I like King George, but I can’t afford to pay duties.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are outlawed, I believe,’ said Nixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I?—faith, I believe I am,’ said Ewart. ‘I wish I were INLAWED + again with all my heart. But come along, we must get all ready for our + peremptory gentleman, I suppose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will teach you a better trick,’ said Nixon. ‘There is a bloody pack of + rebels yonder.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aye, we all know that,’ said the smuggler; ‘but the snowball’s melting, I + think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is some one yonder, whose head is worth—thirty thousand—pounds—of + sterling money,’ said Nixon, pausing between each word, as if to enforce + the magnificence of the sum. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what of that?’ said Ewart, quickly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only that, instead of lying by the pier with your men on their oars, if + you will just carry your boat on board just now, and take no notice of any + signal from the shore, by G—d, Nanty Ewart. I will make a man of you + for life!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh ho! then the Jacobite gentry are not so safe as they think + themselves?’ said Nanty. + </p> + <p> + ‘In an hour or two,’ replied Nixon, ‘they will be made safer in Carlisle + Castle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The devil they will!’ said Ewart; ‘and you have been the informer, I + suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I have been ill paid for my service among the Redgauntlets—have + scarce got dog’s wages—and been treated worse than ever dog was + used. I have the old fox and his cubs in the same trap now, Nanty; and + we’ll see how a certain young lady will look then. You see I am frank with + you, Nanty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I will be as frank with you,’ said the smuggler. ‘You are a d—d + old scoundrel—traitor to the man whose bread you eat! Me help to + betray poor devils, that have been so often betrayed myself! Not if they + were a hundred Popes, Devils, and Pretenders. I will back and tell them + their danger—they are part of cargo—regularly invoiced—put + under my charge by the owners—I’ll back’— + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not stark mad?’ said Nixon, who now saw he had miscalculated in + supposing Nanty’s wild ideas of honour and fidelity could be shaken even + by resentment, or by his Protestant partialities. ‘You shall not go back—it + is all a joke.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll back to Redgauntlet, and see whether it is a joke he will laugh at.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My life is lost if you do,’ said Nixon—‘hear reason.’ + </p> + <p> + They were in a clump or cluster of tall furze at the moment they were + speaking, about half-way between the pier and the house, but not in a + direct line, from which Nixon, whose object it was to gain time, had + induced Ewart to diverge insensibly. + </p> + <p> + He now saw the necessity of taking a desperate resolution. ‘Hear reason,’ + he said; and added, as Nanty still endeavoured to pass him, ‘Or else hear + this!’ discharging a pocket-pistol into the unfortunate man’s body. + </p> + <p> + Nanty staggered, but kept his feet. ‘It has cut my back-bone asunder,’ he + said; ‘you have done me the last good office, and I will not die + ungrateful.’ + </p> + <p> + As he uttered the last words, he collected his remaining strength, stood + firm for an instant, drew his hanger, and, fetching a stroke with both + hands, cut Cristal Nixon down. The blow, struck with all the energy of a + desperate and dying man, exhibited a force to which Ewart’s exhausted + frame might have seemed inadequate;—it cleft the hat which the + wretch wore, though secured by a plate of iron within the lining, bit deep + into his skull, and there left a fragment of the weapon, which was broke + by the fury of the blow. + </p> + <p> + One of the seamen of the lugger, who strolled up attracted by the firing + of the pistol, though being a small one the report was very trifling, + found both the unfortunate men stark dead. Alarmed at what he saw, which + he conceived to have been the consequence of some unsuccessful engagement + betwixt his late commander and a revenue officer (for Nixon chanced not to + be personally known to him) the sailor hastened back to the boat, in order + to apprise his comrades of Nanty’s fate, and to advise them to take off + themselves and the vessel. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Redgauntlet, having, as we have seen, dispatched Nixon for the + purpose of securing a retreat for the unfortunate Charles, in case of + extremity, returned to the apartment where he had left the Wanderer. He + now found him alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Richard Glendale,’ said the unfortunate prince, ‘with his young + friend, has gone to consult their adherents now in the house. Redgauntlet, + my friend, I will not blame you for the circumstances in which I find + myself, though I am at once placed in danger, and rendered contemptible. + But you ought to have stated to me more strongly the weight which these + gentlemen attached to their insolent proposition. You should have told me + that no compromise would have any effect—that they desire not a + prince to govern them, but one, on the contrary, over whom they were to + exercise restraint on all occasions, from the highest affairs of the + state, down to the most intimate and private concerns of his own privacy, + which the most ordinary men desire to keep secret and sacred from + interference.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God knows,’ said Redgauntlet, in much agitation, ‘I acted for the best + when I pressed your Majesty to come hither—I never thought that your + Majesty, at such a crisis, would have scrupled, when a kingdom was in + view, to sacrifice an attachment, which’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Peace, sir!’ said Charles; ‘it is not for you to estimate my feelings + upon such a subject.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet coloured high, and bowed profoundly. ‘At least,’ he resumed, + ‘I hoped that some middle way might be found, and it shall—and must.—Come + with me, nephew. We will to these gentlemen, and I am confident I will + bring back heart-stirring tidings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will do much to comply with them, Redgauntlet. I am loath, having again + set my foot on British land, to quit it without a blow for my right. But + this which they demand of me is a degradation, and compliance is + impossible.’ + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet, followed by his nephew, the unwilling spectator of this + extraordinary scene, left once more the apartment of the adventurous + Wanderer, and was met on the top of the stairs by Joe Crackenthorp. ‘Where + are the other gentlemen?’ he said. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yonder, in the west barrack,’ answered Joe; ‘but Master Ingoldsby,’—that + was the name by which Redgauntlet was most generally known in Cumberland,—‘I + wish to say to you that I must put yonder folk together in one room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What folk?’ said Redgauntlet, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, them prisoner stranger folk, as you bid Cristal Nixon look after. + Lord love you! this is a large house enow, but we cannot have separate + lock-ups for folk, as they have in Newgate or in Bedlam. Yonder’s a mad + beggar, that is to be a great man when he wins a lawsuit, Lord help him!—Yonder’s + a Quaker and a lawyer charged with a riot; and, ecod, I must make one key + and one lock keep them, for we are chokeful, and you have sent off old + Nixon that could have given one some help in this confusion. Besides, they + take up every one a room, and call for naughts on earth,—excepting + the old man, who calls lustily enough,—but he has not a penny to pay + shot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do as thou wilt with them,’ said Redgauntlet, who had listened + impatiently to his statement; ‘so thou dost but keep them from getting out + and making some alarm in the country, I care not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A Quaker and a lawyer!’ said Darsie. ‘This must be Fairford and Geddes.—Uncle, + I must request of you’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, nephew,’ interrupted Redgauntlet, ‘this is no time for asking + questions. You shall yourself decide upon their fate in the course of an + hour—no harm whatever is designed them.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he hurried towards the place where the Jacobite gentlemen were + holding their council, and Darsie followed him, in the hope that the + obstacle which had arisen to the prosecution of their desperate adventure + would prove insurmountable and spare him the necessity of a dangerous and + violent rupture with his uncle. The discussions among them were very + eager; the more daring part of the conspirators, who had little but life + to lose, being desirous to proceed at all hazards; while the others, whom + a sense of honour and a hesitation to disavow long-cherished principles + had brought forward, were perhaps not ill satisfied to have a fair apology + for declining an adventure, into which they had entered with more of + reluctance than zeal. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Joe Crackenthorp, availing himself of the hasty permission + attained from Redgauntlet, proceeded to assemble in one apartment those + whose safe custody had been thought necessary; and, without much + considering the propriety of the matter, he selected for the common place + of confinement, the room which Lilias had, since her brother’s departure, + occupied alone. It had a strong lock, and was double-hinged, which + probably led to the preference assigned to it, as a place of security. + </p> + <p> + Into this, Joe, with little ceremony, and a good deal of noise, introduced + the Quaker and Fairford; the first descanting on the immorality, the other + on the illegality, of his proceedings; and he turned a deaf ear both to + the one and the other. Next he pushed in, almost in headlong fashion, the + unfortunate litigant, who, having made some resistance at the threshold, + had received a violent thrust in consequence, and came rushing forward, + like a ram in the act of charging, with such impetus as must have carried + him to the top of the room, and struck the cocked hat which sat perched on + the top of his tow wig against Miss Redgauntlet’s person, had not the + honest Quaker interrupted his career by seizing him by the collar, and + bringing him to a stand. ‘Friend,’ said he, with the real good-breeding + which so often subsists independently of ceremony, ‘thou art no company + for that young person; she is, thou seest, frightened at our being so + suddenly thrust in hither; and although that be no fault of ours, yet it + will become us to behave civilly towards her. Wherefore come thou with me + to this window, and I will tell thee what it concerns thee to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what for should I no speak to the Leddy, friend?’ said Peter, who was + now about half seas over. ‘I have spoke to leddies before now, man. What + for should she be frightened at me? I am nae bogle, I ween. What are ye + pooin’ me that gate for? Ye will rive my coat, and I will have a good + action for having myself made SARTUM ATQUE TECTUM at your expenses.’ + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this threat, Mr. Geddes, whose muscles were as strong as + his judgement was sound and his temper sedate, led Poor Peter under the + sense of a control against which he could not struggle, to the farther + corner of the apartment, where, placing him, whether he would or no, in a + chair, he sat down beside him, and effectually prevented his annoying the + young lady, upon whom he had seemed bent upon conferring the delights of + his society. + </p> + <p> + If Peter had immediately recognized his counsel learned in the law, it is + probable that not even the benevolent efforts of the Quaker could have + kept him in a state of restraint; but Fairford’s back was turned towards + his client, whose optics, besides being somewhat dazzled with ale and + brandy, were speedily engaged in contemplating a half-crown which Joshua + held between his finger and his thumb, saying, at the same time, ‘Friend, + thou art indigent and improvident. This will, well employed, procure thee + sustentation of nature for more than a single day; and I will bestow it on + thee if thou wilt sit here and keep me company; for neither thou nor I, + friend, are fit company for ladies.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak for yourself, friend,’ said Peter, scornfully; ‘I was ay kend to be + agreeable to the fair sex; and when I was in business I served the ladies + wi’ anither sort of decorum than Plainstanes, the d—d awkward + scoundrel! It was one of the articles of dittay between us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, but, friend,’ said the Quaker, who observed that the young lady + still seemed to fear Peter’s intrusion, ‘I wish to hear thee speak about + this great lawsuit of thine, which has been matter of such celebrity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Celebrity! Ye may swear that,’ said Peter, for the string was touched to + which his crazy imagination always vibrated. ‘And I dinna wonder that folk + that judge things by their outward grandeur, should think me something + worth their envying. It’s very true that it is grandeur upon earth to hear + ane’s name thunnered out along the long-arched roof of the Outer House,—“Poor + Peter Peebles against Plainstanes ET PER CONTRA;” a’ the best lawyers in + the house fleeing like eagles to the prey; some because they are in the + cause, and some because they want to be thought engaged (for there are + tricks in other trades by selling muslins)—to see the reporters + mending their pens to take down the debate—the Lords themselves + pooin’ in their chairs, like folk sitting down to a gude dinner, and + crying on the clerks for parts and pendicles of the process, who, puir + bodies, can do little mair than cry on their closet-keepers to help them. + To see a’ this,’ continued Peter, in a tone of sustained rapture, ‘and to + ken that naething will be said or dune amang a’ thae grand folk, for maybe + the feck of three hours, saving what concerns you and your business—Oh, + man, nae wonder that ye judge this to be earthly glory! And yet, + neighbour, as I was saying, there be unco drawbacks—I whiles think + of my bit house, where dinner, and supper, and breakfast, used to come + without the crying for, just as if fairies had brought it—and the + gude bed at e’en—and the needfu’ penny in the pouch. And then to see + a’ ane’s warldly substance capering in the air in a pair of weighbauks, + now up, now down, as the breath of judge or counsel inclines it for + pursuer or defender,—troth, man, there are times I rue having ever + begun the plea wark, though, maybe, when ye consider the renown and credit + I have by it, ye will hardly believe what I am saying.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, friend,’ said Joshua, with a sigh, ‘I am glad thou hast found + anything in the legal contention which compensates thee for poverty and + hunger; but I believe, were other human objects of ambition looked upon as + closely, their advantages would be found as chimerical as those attending + thy protracted litigation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But never mind, friend,’ said Peter, ‘I’ll tell you the exact state of + the conjunct processes, and make you sensible that I can bring mysell + round with a wet finger, now I have my finger and my thumb on this + loup-the-dike loon, the lad Fairford.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford was in the act of speaking to the masked lady (for Miss + Redgauntlet had retained her riding vizard) endeavouring to assure her, as + he perceived her anxiety, of such protection as he could afford, when his + own name, pronounced in a loud tone, attracted his attention. He looked + round, and seeing Peter Peebles, as hastily turned to avoid his notice, in + which he succeeded, so earnest was Peter upon his colloquy with one of the + most respectable auditors whose attention he had ever been able to engage. + And by this little motion, momentary as it was, Alan gained an unexpected + advantage; for while he looked round, Miss Lilias, I could never ascertain + why, took the moment to adjust her mask, and did it so awkwardly, that + when her companion again turned his head, he recognized as much of her + features as authorized him to address her as his fair client, and to press + his offers of protection and assistance with the boldness of a former + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Lilias Redgauntlet withdrew the mask from her crimsoned cheek. ‘Mr. + Fairford,’ she said, in a voice almost inaudible, ‘you have the character + of a young gentleman of sense and generosity; but we have already met in + one situation which you must think singular; and I must be exposed to + misconstruction, at least, for my forwardness, were it not in a cause in + which my dearest affections were concerned.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Any interest in my beloved friend Darsie Latimer,’ said Fairford, + stepping a little back, and putting a marked restraint upon his former + advances, ‘gives me a double right to be useful to’—He stopped + short. + </p> + <p> + ‘To his sister, your goodness would say,’ answered Lilias. + </p> + <p> + ‘His sister, madam!’ replied Alan, in the extremity of astonishment—‘Sister, + I presume, in affection only?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir; my dear brother Darsie and I are connected by the bonds of + actual relationship; and I am not sorry to be the first to tell this to + the friend he most values.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford’s first thought was on the violent passion which Darsie had + expressed towards the fair unknown. ‘Good God!’ he exclaimed, ‘how did he + bear the discovery?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With resignation, I hope,’ said Lilias, smiling. ‘A more accomplished + sister he might easily have come by, but scarcely could have found one who + could love him more than I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I meant—I only meant to say,’ said the young counsellor, his + presence of mind failing him for an instant—‘that is, I meant to ask + where Darsie Latimer is at this moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In this very house, and under the guardianship of his uncle, whom I + believe you knew as a visitor of your father, under the name of Mr. + Herries of Birrenswork.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me hasten to him,’ said Fairford; ‘I have sought him through + difficulties and dangers—I must see him instantly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You forget you are a prisoner,’ said the young lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘True—true; but I cannot be long detained—the cause alleged is + too ridiculous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ said Lilias, ‘our fate—my brother’s and mine, at least—must + turn on the deliberations perhaps of less than an hour. For you, sir, I + believe and apprehend nothing; but some restraint; my uncle is neither + cruel nor unjust, though few will go further in the cause which he has + adopted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is that of the Pretend’— + </p> + <p> + ‘For God’s sake speak lower!’ said Lilias, approaching her hand, as if to + stop him. ‘The word may cost you your life. You do not know—indeed + you do not—the terrors of the situation in which we at present + stand, and in which I fear you also are involved by your friendship for my + brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not indeed know the particulars of our situation,’ said Fairford; + ‘but, be the danger what it may, I shall not grudge my share of it for the + sake of my friend; or,’ he added, with more timidity, ‘of my friend’s + sister. Let me hope,’ he said, ‘my dear Miss Latimer, that my presence may + be of some use to you; and that it may be so, let me entreat a share of + your confidence, which I am conscious I have otherwise no right to ask.’ + </p> + <p> + He led her, as he spoke, towards the recess of the farther window of the + room, and observing to her that, unhappily, he was particularly exposed to + interruption from the mad old man whose entrance had alarmed her, he + disposed of Darsie Latimer’s riding-skirt, which had been left in the + apartment, over the back of two chairs, forming thus a sort of screen, + behind which he ensconced himself with the maiden of the green mantle; + feeling at the moment, that the danger in which he was placed was almost + compensated by the intelligence which permitted those feelings towards her + to revive, which justice to his friend had induced him to stifle in the + birth. + </p> + <p> + The relative situation of adviser and advised, of protector and protected, + is so peculiarly suited to the respective condition of man and woman, that + great progress towards intimacy is often made in very short space; for the + circumstances call for confidence on the part of the gentleman, and forbid + coyness on that of the lady, so that the usual barriers against easy + intercourse are at once thrown down. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances, securing themselves as far as possible from + observation, conversing in whispers, and seated in a corner, where they + were brought into so close contact that their faces nearly touched each + other, Fairford heard from Lilias Redgauntlet the history of her family, + particularly of her uncle; his views upon her brother, and the agony which + she felt, lest at that very moment he might succeed in engaging Darsie in + some desperate scheme, fatal to his fortune and perhaps to his life. + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford’s acute understanding instantly connected what he had heard + with the circumstances he had witnessed at Fairladies. His first thought + was, to attempt, at all risks, his instant escape, and procure assistance + powerful enough to crush, in the very cradle, a conspiracy of such a + determined character. This he did not consider as difficult; for, though + the door was guarded on the outside, the window, which was not above ten + feet from the ground, was open for escape, the common on which it looked + was unenclosed, and profusely covered with furze. There would, he thought, + be little difficulty in effecting his liberty, and in concealing his + course after he had gained it. + </p> + <p> + But Lilias exclaimed against this scheme. Her uncle, she said, was a man + who, in his moments of enthusiasm, knew neither remorse nor fear. He was + capable of visiting upon Darsie any injury which he might conceive + Fairford had rendered him—he was her near kinsman also, and not an + unkind one, and she deprecated any effort, even in her brother’s favour, + by which his life must be exposed to danger. Fairford himself remembered + Father Buonaventure, and made little question but that he was one of the + sons of the old Chevalier de Saint George; and with feelings which, + although contradictory of his public duty, can hardly be much censured, + his heart recoiled from being the agent by whom the last scion of such a + long line of Scottish princes should be rooted up. He then thought of + obtaining an audience, if possible, of this devoted person, and explaining + to him the utter hopelessness of his undertaking, which he judged it + likely that the ardour of his partisans might have concealed from him. But + he relinquished this design as soon as formed. He had no doubt, that any + light which he could throw on the state of the country, would come too + late to be serviceable to one who was always reported to have his own full + share of the hereditary obstinacy which had cost his ancestors so dear, + and who, in drawing the sword, must have thrown from him the scabbard. + </p> + <p> + Lilias suggested the advice which, of all others, seemed most suited to + the occasion, that, yielding, namely, to the circumstances of their + situation, they should watch carefully when Darsie should obtain any + degree of freedom, and endeavour to open a communication with him, in + which case their joint flight might be effected, and without endangering + the safety of any one. + </p> + <p> + Their youthful deliberation had nearly fixed in this point, when Fairford, + who was listening to the low sweet whispering tones of Lilias Redgauntlet, + rendered yet more interesting by some slight touch of foreign accent, was + startled by a heavy hand which descended with full weight on his shoulder, + while the discordant voice of Peter Peebles, who had at length broke loose + from the well-meaning Quaker, exclaimed in the ear of his truant counsel—‘Aha, + lad! I think ye are catched—An’ so ye are turned chamber-counsel, + are ye? And ye have drawn up wi’ clients in scarfs and hoods? But bide a + wee, billie, and see if I dinna sort ye when my petition and complaint + comes to be discussed, with or without answers, under certification.’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford had never more difficulty in his life to subdue a first + emotion, than he had to refrain from knocking down the crazy blockhead who + had broken in upon him at such a moment. But the length of Peter’s address + gave him time, fortunately perhaps for both parties, to reflect on the + extreme irregularity of such a proceeding. He stood silent, however, with + vexation, while Peter went on. + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, my bonnie man, I see ye are thinking shame o’ yoursell, and nae + great wonder. Ye maun leave this quean—the like of her is ower light + company for you. I have heard honest Mr. Pest say, that the gown grees ill + wi’ the petticoat. But come awa hame to your puir father, and I’ll take + care of you the haill gate, and keep you company, and deil a word we will + speak about, but just the state of the conjoined processes of the great + cause of Poor Peter Peebles against Plainstanes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If thou canst; endure to hear as much of that suit, friend,’ said the + Quaker, ‘as I have heard out of mere compassion for thee, I think verily + thou wilt soon be at the bottom of the matter, unless it be altogether + bottomless.’ + </p> + <p> + Fairford shook off, rather indignantly, the large bony hand which Peter + had imposed upon his shoulder, and was about to say something peevish, + upon so unpleasant and insolent a mode of interruption, when the door + opened, a treble voice saying to the sentinel, ‘I tell you I maun be in, + to see if Mr. Nixon’s here;’ and little Benjie thrust in his mop-head and + keen black eyes. Ere he could withdraw it, Peter Peebles sprang to the + door, seized on the boy by the collar, and dragged him forward into the + room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see it,’ he said, ‘ye ne’er-do-weel limb of Satan—I’ll gar + you satisfy the production, I trow—I’ll hae first and second + diligence against you, ye deevil’s buckie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What dost thou want?’ said the Quaker, interfering; ‘why dost thou + frighten the boy, friend Peebles?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I gave the bastard a penny to buy me snuff,’ said the pauper, ‘and he has + rendered no account of his intromissions; but I’ll gar him as gude.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he proceeded forcibly to rifle the pockets of Benjie’s ragged + jacket of one or two snares for game, marbles, a half-bitten apple, two + stolen eggs (one of which Peter broke in the eagerness of his research), + and various other unconsidered trifles, which had not the air of being + very honestly come by. The little rascal, under this discipline, bit and + struggled like a fox-cub, but, like that vermin, uttered neither cry nor + complaint, till a note, which Peter tore from his bosom, flew as far as + Lilias Redgauntlet, and fell at her feet. It was addressed to C. N. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is for the villain Nixon.’ she said to Alan Fairford; ‘open it without + scruple; that boy is his emissary; we shall now see what the miscreant is + driving at.’ + </p> + <p> + Little Benjie now gave up all further struggle, and suffered Peebles to + take from him, without resistance, a shilling, out of which Peter declared + he would pay himself principal and interest, and account for the balance. + The boy, whose attention seemed fixed on something very different, only + said, ‘Maister Nixon will murder me!’ + </p> + <p> + Alan Fairford did not hesitate to read the little scrap of paper, on which + was written, ‘All is prepared—keep them in play until I come up. You + may depend on your reward.—C. C.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas, my uncle—my poor uncle!’ said Lilias; ‘this is the result of + his confidence. Methinks, to give him instant notice of his confidant’s + treachery, is now the best service we can render all concerned—if + they break up their undertaking, as they must now do, Darsie will be at + liberty.’ + </p> + <p> + In the same breath, they were both at the half-opened door of the room, + Fairford entreating to speak with the Father Buonaventure, and Lilias, + equally vehemently, requesting a moment’s interview with her uncle. While + the sentinel hesitated what to do, his attention was called to a loud + noise at the door, where a crowd had been assembled in consequence of the + appalling cry, that the enemy were upon them, occasioned, as it afterwards + proved, by some stragglers having at length discovered the dead bodies of + Nanty Ewart and of Nixon. + </p> + <p> + Amid the confusion occasioned by this alarming incident, the sentinel + ceased to attend, to his duty; and accepting Alan Fairford’s arm, Lilias + found no opposition in penetrating even to the inner apartment, where the + principal persons in the enterprise, whose conclave had been disturbed by + this alarming incident, were now assembled in great confusion, and had + been joined by the Chevalier himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a mutiny among these smuggling scoundrels,’ said Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + ONLY a mutiny, do you say?’ said Sir Richard Glendale; ‘and the lugger, + the last hope of escape for,’—he looked towards Charles,—‘stands + out to sea under a press of sail!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not concern yourself about me,’ said the unfortunate prince; ‘this is + not the worst emergency in which it has been my lot to stand; and if it + were, I fear it not. Shift for yourselves, my lords and gentlemen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, never!’ said the young Lord ———. ‘Our only hope now + is in an honourable resistance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Most true,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘let despair renew the union amongst us + which accident disturbed. I give my voice for displaying the royal banner + instantly, and—How now!’ he concluded, sternly, as Lilias, first + soliciting his attention by pulling his cloak, put into his hand the + scroll, and added, it was designed for that of Nixon. + </p> + <p> + Redgauntlet read—and, dropping it on the ground, continued to stare + upon the spot where it fell, with raised hands and fixed eyes. Sir Richard + Glendale lifted the fatal paper, read it, and saying, ‘Now all is indeed + over,’ handed it to Maxwell, who said aloud, ‘Black Colin Campbell, by G—d! + I heard he had come post from London last night.’ + </p> + <p> + As if in echo to his thoughts, the violin of the blind man was heard, + playing with spirit, The Campbells are coming,’ a celebrated clan-march. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Campbells are coming in earnest,’ said MacKellar; they are upon us + with the whole battalion from Carlisle.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a silence of dismay, and two or three of the company began to + drop out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Lord ——— spoke with the generous spirit of a young + English nobleman. ‘If we have been fools, do not let us be cowards. We + have one here more precious than us all, and come hither on our warranty—let + us save him at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True, most true,’ answered Sir Richard Glendale. ‘Let the king be first + cared for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That shall be my business,’ said Redgauntlet ‘if we have but time to + bring back the brig, all will be well—I will instantly dispatch a + party in a fishing skiff to bring her to.’ He gave his commands to two or + three of the most active among his followers. ‘Let him be once on board,’ + he said, ‘and there are enough of us to stand to arms and cover his + retreat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right, right,’ said Sir Richard, ‘and I will look to points which can be + made defensible; and the old powder-plot boys could not have made a more + desperate resistance than we shall. Redgauntlet,’ continued he, ‘I see + some of our friends are looking pale; but methinks your nephew has more + mettle in his eye now than when we were in cold deliberation, with danger + at a distance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the way of our house,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘our courage ever kindles + highest on the losing side. I, too, feel that the catastrophe I have + brought on must not be survived by its author. Let me first,’ he said, + addressing Charles, ‘see your Majesty’s sacred person in such safety as + can now be provided for it, and then’— + </p> + <p> + ‘You may spare all considerations concerning me, gentlemen,’ again + repeated Charles; ‘yon mountain of Criffel shall fly as soon as I will.’ + </p> + <p> + Most threw themselves at his feet with weeping and entreaty; some one or + two slunk in confusion from the apartment, and were heard riding off. + Unnoticed in such a scene, Darsie, his sister, and Fairford, drew + together, and held each other by the hands, as those who, when a vessel is + about to founder in the storm, determine to take their chance of life and + death together. + </p> + <p> + Amid this scene of confusion, a gentleman, plainly dressed in a + riding-habit, with a black cockade in his hat, but without any arms except + a COUTEAU-DE-CHASSE, walked into the apartment without ceremony. He was a + tall, thin, gentlemanly man, with a look and bearing decidedly military. + He had passed through their guards, if in the confusion they now + maintained any, without stop or question, and now stood, almost unarmed, + among armed men, who nevertheless, gazed on him as on the angel of + destruction. + </p> + <p> + ‘You look coldly on me, gentlemen,’ he said. ‘Sir Richard Glendale—my + Lord ———, we were not always such strangers. Ha, + Pate-in-Peril, how is it with you? and you, too, Ingoldsby—I must + not call you by any other name—why do you receive an old friend so + coldly? But you guess my errand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And are prepared for it, general,’ said Redgauntlet; ‘we are not men to + be penned up like sheep for the slaughter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pshaw! you take it too seriously—let me speak but one word with + you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No words can shake our purpose,’ said Redgauntlet, were your whole + command, as I suppose is the case, drawn round the house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am certainly not unsupported,’ said the general; ‘but if you would hear + me’— + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear ME, sir,’ said the Wanderer, stepping forward; ‘I suppose I am the + mark you aim at—I surrender myself willingly, to save these + gentlemen’s danger—let this at least avail in their favour.’ + </p> + <p> + An exclamation of ‘Never, never!’ broke from the little body of partisans, + who threw themselves round the unfortunate prince, and would have seized + or struck down Campbell, had it not been that he remained with his arms + folded, and a look, rather indicating impatience because they would not + hear him, than the least apprehension of violence at their hand. + </p> + <p> + At length he obtained a moment’s silence. ‘I do not,’ he said, ‘know this + gentleman’—(making a profound bow to the unfortunate prince)—‘I + do not wish to know him; it is a knowledge which would suit neither of + us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our ancestors, nevertheless, have been well acquainted,’ said Charles, + unable to suppress, even at that hour of dread and danger, the painful + recollections of fallen royalty. + </p> + <p> + ‘In one word, General Campbell,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘is it to be peace or + war? You are a man of honour, and we can trust you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thank you, sir,’ said the general; ‘and I reply, that the answer to + your question rests with yourself. Come, do not be fools, gentlemen; there + was perhaps no great harm meant or intended by your gathering together in + this obscure corner, for a bear-bait or a cock-fight, or whatever other + amusement you may have intended, but it was a little imprudent, + considering how you stand with government, and it has occasioned some + anxiety. Exaggerated accounts of your purpose have been laid before + government by the information of a traitor in your own counsels; and I was + sent down post to take the command of a sufficient number of troops, in + case these calumnies should be found to have any real foundation. I have + come here, of course, sufficiently supported both with cavalry and + infantry, to do whatever might be necessary; but my commands are—and + I am sure they agree with my inclination—to make no arrests, nay, to + make no further inquiries of any kind, if this good assembly will consider + their own interest so far as to give up their immediate purpose, and + return quietly home to their own houses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What!—all?’ exclaimed Sir Richard Glendale—‘all, without + exception?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘ALL, without one single exception’ said the general; ‘such are my orders. + If you accept my terms, say so, and make haste; for things may happen to + interfere with his Majesty’s kind purposes towards you all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Majesty’s kind purposes!’ said the Wanderer. ‘Do I hear you aright, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I speak the king’s very words, from his very lips,’ replied the general. + ‘“I will,” said his Majesty, “deserve the confidence of my subjects by + reposing my security in the fidelity of the millions who acknowledge my + title—in the good sense and prudence of the few who continue, from + the errors of education, to disown it.” His Majesty will not even believe + that the most zealous Jacobites who yet remain can nourish a thought of + exciting a civil war, which must be fatal to their families and + themselves, besides spreading bloodshed and ruin through a peaceful land. + He cannot even believe of his kinsman, that he would engage brave and + generous though mistaken men, in an attempt which must ruin all who have + escaped former calamities; and he is convinced, that, did curiosity or any + other motive lead that person to visit this country, he would soon see it + was his wisest course to return to the continent; and his Majesty + compassionates his situation too much to offer any obstacle to his doing + so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this real?’ said Redgauntlet. ‘Can you mean this? Am I—are all, + are any of these gentlemen at liberty, without interruption, to embark in + yonder brig, which, I see, is now again approaching the shore?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You, sir—all—any of the gentlemen present,’ said the general,—‘all + whom the vessel can contain, are at liberty to embark uninterrupted by me; + but I advise none to go off who have not powerful reasons unconnected with + the present meeting, for this will be remembered against no one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, gentlemen,’ said Redgauntlet, clasping his hands together as the + words burst from him, ‘the cause is lost for ever!’ + </p> + <p> + General Campbell turned away to the window, as if to avoid hearing what + they said. Their consultation was but momentary; for the door of escape + which thus opened was as unexpected as the exigence was threatening. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have your word of honour for our protection,’ said Sir Richard + Glendale, ‘if we dissolve our meeting in obedience to your summons?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have, Sir Richard,’ answered the general. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I also have your promise,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘that I may go on board + yonder vessel, with any friend whom I may choose to accompany me?’ + </p> + <p> + Not only that, Mr. Ingoldsby—or I WILL call you Mr. Redgauntlet once + more—you may stay in the offing for a tide, until you are joined by + any person who may remain at Fairladies. After that, there will be a sloop + of war on the station, and I need not say your condition will then become + perilous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perilous it should not be, General Campbell,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘or more + perilous to others than to us, if others thought as I do even in this + extremity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You forget yourself, my friend,’ said the unhappy Adventurer; you forget + that the arrival of this gentleman only puts the cope-stone on our already + adopted resolution to abandon our bull-fight or by whatever other wild + name this headlong enterprise may be termed. I bid you farewell, + unfriendly friends—I bid you farewell,’ (bowing to the general) ‘my + friendly foe—I leave this strand as I landed upon it, alone and to + return no more!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not alone,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘while there is blood in the veins of my + father’s son.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not alone,’ said the other gentlemen present, stung with feelings which + almost overpowered the better reasons under which they had acted. ‘We will + not disown our principles, or see your person endangered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it be only your purpose to see the gentleman to the beach,’ said + General Campbell, ‘I will myself go with you. My presence among you, + unarmed, and in your power, will be a pledge of my friendly intentions, + and will overawe, should such be offered, any interruption on the part of + officious persons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be it so,’ said the Adventurer, with the air of a prince to a subject, + not of one who complied with the request of an enemy too powerful to be + resisted. + </p> + <p> + They left the apartment—they left the house—an unauthenticated + and dubious, but appalling, sensation of terror had already spread itself + among the inferior retainers, who had so short time before strutted, and + bustled, and thronged the doorway and the passages. A report had arisen, + of which the origin could not be traced, of troops advancing towards the + spot in considerable numbers; and men who, for one reason or other, were + most of them amenable to the arm of power, had either shrunk into stables + or corners, or fled the place entirely. There was solitude on the + landscape excepting the small party which now moved towards the rude pier, + where a boat lay manned, agreeably to Redgauntlet’s orders previously + given. + </p> + <p> + The last heir of the Stuarts leant on Redgauntlet’s arm as they walked + towards the beach; for the ground was rough, and he no longer possessed + the elasticity of limb and of spirit which had, twenty years before, + carried him over many a Highland hill as light as one of their native + deer. His adherents followed, looking on the ground, their feelings + struggling against the dictates of their reason. + </p> + <p> + General Campbell accompanied them with an air of apparent ease and + indifference, but watching, at the same time, and no doubt with some + anxiety, the changing features of those who acted in this extraordinary + scene. + </p> + <p> + Darsie and his sister naturally followed their uncle, whose violence they + no longer feared, while his character attracted their respect, and Alan + Fairford attended them from interest in their fate, unnoticed in a party + where all were too much occupied with their own thoughts and feelings, as + well as with the impending crisis, to attend to his presence. + </p> + <p> + Half-way betwixt the house and the beach, they saw the bodies of Nanty + Ewart and Cristal Nixon blackening in the sun. + </p> + <p> + ‘That was your informer?’ said Redgauntlet, looking back to General + Campbell, who only nodded his assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Caitiff wretch!’ exclaimed Redgauntlet;—‘and yet the name were + better bestowed on the fool who could be misled by thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That sound broadsword cut,’ said the general, ‘has saved us the shame of + rewarding a traitor.’ + </p> + <p> + They arrived at the place of embarkation. The prince stood a moment with + folded arms, and looked around him in deep silence. A paper was then + slipped into his hands—he looked at it, and said, ‘I find the two + friends I have left at Fairladies are apprised of my destination, and + propose to embark from Bowness. I presume this will not be an infringement + of the conditions under which you have acted?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ answered General Campbell; ‘they shall have all facility + to join you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish, then,’ said Charles, ‘only another companion. Redgauntlet, the + air of this country is as hostile to you as it is to me. These gentlemen + have made their peace, or rather they have done nothing to break it. But + you—come you and share my home where chance shall cast it. We shall + never see these shores again; but we will talk of them, and of our + disconcerted bull-fight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I follow you, sire, through life,’ said Redgauntlet, ‘as I would have + followed you to death. Permit me one moment.’ + </p> + <p> + The prince then looked round, and seeing the abashed countenances of his + other adherents bent upon the ground, he hastened to say, ‘Do not think + that you, gentlemen, have obliged me less because your zeal was mingled + with prudence, entertained, I am sure, more on my own account and on that + of your country, than from selfish apprehensions.’ + </p> + <p> + He stepped from one to another, and, amid sobs and bursting tears, + received the adieus of the last remnant which had hitherto supported his + lofty pretensions, and addressed them individually with accents of + tenderness and affection. + </p> + <p> + The general drew a little aloof, and signed to Redgauntlet to speak with + him while this scene proceeded. ‘It is now all over,’ he said, ‘and + Jacobite will be henceforward no longer a party name. When you tire of + foreign parts, and wish to make your peace, let me know. Your restless + zeal alone has impeded your pardon hitherto.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And now I shall not need it,’ said Redgauntlet. ‘I leave England for + ever; but I am not displeased that you should hear my family adieus.—Nephew, + come hither. In presence of General Campbell, I tell you, that though to + breed you up in my own political opinions has been for many years my + anxious wish, I am now glad that it could not be accomplished. You pass + under the service of the reigning monarch without the necessity of + changing your allegiance—a change, however,’ he added, looking + around him, which sits more easy on honourable men than I could have + anticipated; but some wear the badge of their loyalty on their sleeve, and + others in the heart. You will, from henceforth, be uncontrolled master of + all the property of which forfeiture could not deprive your father—of + all that belonged to him—excepting this, his good sword’ (laying his + hand on the weapon he wore), ‘which shall never fight for the House of + Hanover; and as my hand will never draw weapon more, I shall sink it forty + fathoms deep in the wide ocean. Bless you, young man! If I have dealt + harshly with you, forgive me. I had set my whole desires on one point,—God + knows, with no selfish purpose; and I am justly punished by this final + termination of my views, for having been too little scrupulous in the + means by which I pursued them.—Niece, farewell, and may God bless + you also!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir,’ said Lilias, seizing his hand eagerly. ‘You have been hitherto + my protector,—you are now in sorrow, let me be your attendant and + your comforter in exile.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thank you, my girl, for your unmerited affection; but it cannot and + must not be. The curtain here falls between us. I go to the house of + another. If I leave it before I quit the earth, it shall be only for the + House of God. Once more, farewell both! The fatal doom,’ he said, with a + melancholy smile, ‘will, I trust, now depart from the House of + Redgauntlet, since its present representative has adhered to the winning + side. I am convinced he will not change it, should it in turn become the + losing one.’ + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate Charles Edward had now given his last adieus to his + downcast adherents. He made a sign with his hand to Redgauntlet, who came + to assist him into the skiff. General Campbell also offered his + assistance, the rest appearing too much affected by the scene which had + taken place to prevent him. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not sorry, general, to do me this last act of courtesy,’ said the + Chevalier; ‘and, on my part, I thank you for it. You have taught me the + principle on which men on the scaffold feel forgiveness and kindness even + for their executioner. Farewell!’ + </p> + <p> + They were seated in the boat, which presently pulled off from the land. + The Oxford divine broke out into a loud benediction, in terms which + General Campbell was too generous to criticize at the time, or to remember + afterwards;—nay, it is said, that, Whig and Campbell as he was, he + could not help joining in the universal Amen! which resounded from the + shore. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION, BY DR. DRYASDUST + </h2> + <h3> + IN A LETTER TO THE AUTHOR OF WAVERLEY + </h3> + <p> + I am truly sorry, my worthy and much-respected sir, that my anxious + researches have neither, in the form of letters, nor of diaries or other + memoranda, been able to discover more than I have hitherto transmitted, of + the history of the Redgauntlet family. But I observe in an old newspaper + called the WHITEHALL GAZETTE, of which I fortunately possess a file for + several years, that Sir Arthur Darsie Redgauntlet was presented to his + late Majesty at the drawing-room, by Lieut.-General Campbell—upon + which the editor observes, in the way of comment, that we were going, + REMIS ATQUE VELIS, into the interests of the Pretender, since a Scot had + presented a Jacobite at Court. I am sorry I have not room (the frank being + only uncial) for his further observations, tending to show the + apprehensions entertained by many well-instructed persons of the period, + that the young king might himself be induced to become one of the Stuarts’ + faction,—a catastrophe from which it has pleased Heaven to preserve + these kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + I perceive also, by a marriage-contract in the family repositories, that + Miss Lilias Redgauntlet of Redgauntlet, about eighteen months after the + transactions you have commemorated, intermarried with Alan Fairford, Esq., + Advocate, of Clinkdollar, who, I think, we may not unreasonably conclude + to be the same person whose name occurs so frequently in the pages of your + narration. In my last excursion to Edinburgh, I was fortunate enough to + discover an old caddie, from whom, at the expense of a bottle of whisky + and half a pound of tobacco, I extracted the important information, that + he knew Peter Peebles very well, and had drunk many a mutchkin with him in + Caddie Fraser’s time. He said ‘that he lived ten years after King George’s + accession, in the momentary expectation of winning his cause every day in + the session time, and every hour in the day, and at last fell down dead, + in what my informer called a ‘perplexity fit,’ upon a proposal for a + composition being made to him in the Outer House. I have chosen to retain + my informer’s phrase, not being able justly to determine whether it is a + corruption of the word apoplexy, as my friend Mr. Oldbuck supposes, or the + name of some peculiar disorder incidental to those who have concern in the + courts of law, as many callings and conditions of men have diseases + appropriate to themselves. The same caddie also remembered Blind Willie + Stevenson, who was called Wandering Willie, and who ended his days ‘unco + beinly, in Sir Arthur Redgauntlet’s ha’ neuk.’ ‘He had done the family + some good turn,’ he said, ‘specially when ane of the Argyle gentlemen was + coming down on a wheen of them that had the “auld leaven” about them, and + wad hae taen every man of them, and nae less nor headed and hanged them. + But Willie, and a friend they had, called Robin the Rambler, gae them + warning, by playing tunes such as “The Campbells are coming” and the like, + whereby they got timeous warning to take the wing.’ I need not point out + to your acuteness, my worthy sir, that this seems to refer to some + inaccurate account of the transactions in which you seem so much + interested. + </p> + <p> + Respecting Redgauntlet, about whose subsequent history you are more + particularly inquisitive, I have learned from an excellent person who was + a priest in the Scottish Monastery of Ratisbon, before its suppression, + that he remained for two or three years in the family of the Chevalier, + and only left it at last in consequence of some discords in that + melancholy household. As he had hinted to General Campbell, he exchanged + his residence for the cloister, and displayed in the latter part of his + life, a strong sense of the duties of religion, which in his earlier days + he had too much neglected, being altogether engaged in political + speculations and intrigues. He rose to the situation of prior, in the + house which he belonged to, and which was of a very strict order of + religion. He sometimes received his countrymen, whom accident brought to + Ratisbon, and curiosity induced to visit the Monastery of ———. + But it was remarked, that though he listened with interest and attention, + when Britain, or particularly Scotland, became the subject of + conversation, yet he never either introduced or prolonged the subject, + never used the English language, never inquired about English affairs, + and, above all, never mentioned his own family. His strict observation of + the rules of his order gave him, at the time of his death, some + pretensions to be chosen a saint, and the brethren of the Monastery of + ——— made great efforts for that effect, and brought + forward some plausible proofs of miracles. But there was a circumstance + which threw a doubt over the subject, and prevented the consistory from + acceding to the wishes of the worthy brethren. Under his habit, and + secured in a small silver box, he had worn perpetually around his neck a + lock of-hair, which the fathers avouched to be a relic. But the Avvocato + del Diabolo, in combating (as was his official duty) the pretensions of + the candidate for sanctity, made it at least equally probable that the + supposed relic was taken from the head of a brother of the deceased prior, + who had been executed for adherence to the Stuart family in 1745-6; and + the motto, HAUD OBLIVISCENDUM, seemed to intimate a tone of mundane + feeling and recollection of injuries, which made it at least doubtful + whether, even in the quiet and gloom of the cloister, Father Hugo had + forgotten the sufferings and injuries of the House of Redgauntlet. + </p> + <p> + June 10, 1824, + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTES + </h2> + <h3> + NOTE 1.—THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS + </h3> + <p> + In explanation of this circumstance, I cannot help adding a note not very + necessary for the reader, which yet I record with pleasure, from + recollection of the kindness which it evinces. In early youth I resided + for a considerable time in the vicinity of the beautiful village of Kelso, + where my life passed in a very solitary manner. I had few acquaintances, + scarce any companions, and books, which were at the time almost essential + to my happiness, were difficult to come by. It was then that I was + particularly indebted to the liberality and friendship of an old lady of + the Society of Friends, eminent for her benevolence and charity. Her + deceased husband had been a medical man of eminence, and left her, with + other valuable property, a small and well-selected library. This the kind + old lady permitted me to rummage at pleasure, and carry home what volumes + I chose, on condition that I should take, at the same time, some of the + tracts printed for encouraging and extending the doctrines of her own + sect. She did not even exact any promise that I would read these + performances, being too justly afraid of involving me in a breach of + promise, but was merely desirous that I should have the chance of + instruction within my reach, in case whim, curiosity, or accident, might + induce me to have recourse to it. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 2.—THE PERSECUTORS + </p> + <p> + The personages here mentioned are most of them characters of historical + fame; but those less known and remembered may be found in the tract + entitled, ‘The Judgment and Justice of God Exemplified, or, a Brief + Historical Account of some of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of + some of the most remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors, from the + Reformation till after the Revolution.’ This constitutes a sort of + postscript or appendix to John Howie of Lochgoin’s ‘Account of the Lives + of the most eminent Scots Worthies.’ The author has, with considerable + ingenuity, reversed his reasoning upon the inference to be drawn from the + prosperity or misfortunes which befall individuals in this world, either + in the course of their lives or in the hour of death. In the account of + the martyrs’ sufferings, such inflictions are mentioned only as trials + permitted by providence, for the better and brighter display of their + faith, and constancy of principle. But when similar afflictions befell the + opposite party, they are imputed to the direct vengeance of Heaven upon + their impiety. If, indeed, the life of any person obnoxious to the + historian’s censures happened to have passed in unusual prosperity, the + mere fact of its being finally concluded by death, is assumed as an + undeniable token of the judgement of Heaven, and, to render the conclusion + inevitable, his last scene is generally garnished with some singular + circumstances. Thus the Duke of Lauderdale is said, through old age but + immense corpulence, to have become so sunk in spirits, ‘that his heart was + not the bigness of a walnut.’ + </p> + <p> + NOTE 3.—LAMENTATION FOR THE DEAD + </p> + <p> + I have heard in my youth some such wild tale as that placed in the mouth + of the blind fiddler, of which, I think, the hero was Sir Robert Grierson + of Lagg, the famous persecutor. But the belief was general throughout + Scotland that the excessive lamentation over the loss of friends disturbed + the repose of the dead, and broke even the rest of the grave. There are + several instances of this in tradition, but one struck me particularly, as + I heard it from the lips of one who professed receiving it from those of a + ghost-seer. This was a Highland lady, named Mrs. C—— of B———, + who probably believed firmly in the truth of an apparition which seems to + have originated in the weakness of her nerves and strength of her + imagination. She had been lately left a widow by her husband, with the + office of guardian to their only child. The young man added to the + difficulties of his charge by an extreme propensity for a military life, + which his mother was unwilling to give way to, while she found it + impossible to repress it. About this time the Independent Companies, + formed for the preservation of the peace of the Highlands, were in the + course of being levied; and as a gentleman named Cameron, nearly connected + with Mrs. C—, commanded one of those companies, she was at length + persuaded to compromise the matter with her son, by permitting him to + enter this company in the capacity of a cadet, thus gratifying his love of + a military life without the dangers of foreign service, to which no one + then thought these troops were at all liable to be exposed, while even + their active service at home was not likely to be attended with much + danger. She readily obtained a promise from her relative that he would be + particular in his attention to her son and therefore concluded she had + accommodated matters between her son’s wishes and his safety in a way + sufficiently attentive to both. She set off to Edinburgh to get what was + awanting for his outfit, and shortly afterwards received melancholy news + from the Highlands. The Independent Company into which her son was to + enter had a skirmish with a party of caterans engaged in some act of + spoil, and her friend the captain being wounded, and out of the reach of + medical assistance, died in consequence. This news was a thunderbolt to + the poor mother, who was at once deprived of her kinsman’s advice and + assistance, and instructed by his fate of the unexpected danger to which + her son’s new calling exposed him. She remained also in great sorrow for + her relative, whom she loved with sisterly affection. These conflicting + causes of anxiety, together with her uncertainty, whether to continue or + change her son’s destination, were terminated in the following manner:— + </p> + <p> + The house in which Mrs. C—— resided in the old town of + Edinburgh, was a flat or story of a land accessible, as was then + universal, by a common stair. The family who occupied the story beneath + were her acquaintances, and she was in the habit of drinking tea with them + every evening. It was accordingly about six o’clock, when, recovering + herself from a deep fit of anxious reflection, she was about to leave the + parlour in which she sat in order to attend this engagement. The door + through which she was to pass opened, as was very common in Edinburgh, + into a dark passage. In this passage, and within a yard of her when she + opened the door, stood the apparition of her kinsman, the deceased + officer, in his full tartans, and wearing his bonnet. Terrified at what + she saw, or thought she saw, she closed the door hastily, and, sinking on + her knees by a chair, prayed to be delivered from the horrors of the + vision. She remained in that posture till her friends below tapped on the + door, to intimate that tea was ready. Recalled to herself by the signal, + she arose, and, on opening the apartment door, again was confronted by the + visionary Highlander, whose bloody brow bore token, on this second + appearance, to the death he had died. Unable to endure this repetition of + her terrors, Mrs. C—— sank on the door in a swoon. Her friends + below, startled with the noise, came upstairs, and, alarmed at the + situation in which they found her, insisted on her going to bed and taking + some medicine, in order to compose what they took for a nervous attack. + They had no sooner left her in quiet, than the apparition of the soldier + was once more visible in the apartment. This time she took courage and + said, ‘In the name of God, Donald, why do you haunt one who respected and + loved you when living?’ To which he answered readily, in Gaelic, ‘Cousin, + why did you not speak sooner? My rest is disturbed by your unnecessary + lamentation—your tears scald me in my shroud. I come to tell you + that my untimely death ought to make no difference in your views for your + son; God will raise patrons to supply my place and he will live to the + fullness of years, and die honoured and at peace.’ The lady of course + followed her kinsman’s advice and as she was accounted a person of strict + veracity, we may conclude the first apparition an illusion of the fancy, + the final one a lively dream suggested by the other two. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 4.—PETER PEEBLES + </p> + <p> + This unfortunate litigant (for a person named Peter Peebles actually + flourished) frequented the courts of justice in Scotland about the year + 1792, and the sketch of his appearance is given from recollection. The + author is of opinion that he himself had at one time the honour to be + counsel for Peter Peebles, whose voluminous course of litigation served as + a sort of assay-pieces to most young men who were called to the bar. The + scene of the consultation is entirely imaginary. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 5.—JOHN’S COFFEE-HOUSE + </p> + <p> + This small dark coffee-house, now burnt down, was the resort of such + writers and clerks belonging to the Parliament House above thirty years + ago as retained the ancient Scottish custom of a meridian, as it was + called, or noontide dram of spirits. If their proceedings were watched, + they might be seen to turn fidgety about the hour of noon, and exchange + looks with each other from their separate desks, till at length some one + of formal and dignified presence assumed the honour of leading the band, + when away they went, threading the crowd like a string of wild fowl, + crossed the square or close, and following each other into the + coffee-house, received in turn from the hand of the waiter, the meridian, + which was placed ready at the bar. This they did, day by day: and though + they did not speak to each other, they seemed to attach a certain degree + of sociability to performing the ceremony in company. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 6.—FISHING RIGHTS + </p> + <p> + It may be here mentioned, that a violent and popular attack upon what the + country people of this district considered as an invasion of their fishing + right is by no means an improbable fiction. Shortly after the close of the + American war, Sir James Graham of Netherby constructed a dam-dyke, or + cauld, across the Esk, at a place where it flowed through his estate, + though it has its origin, and the principal part of its course, in + Scotland. The new barrier at Netherby was considered as an encroachment + calculated to prevent the salmon from ascending into Scotland, and the + right of erecting it being an international question of law betwixt the + sister kingdoms, there was no court in either competent to its decision. + In this dilemma, the Scots people assembled in numbers by signal of rocket + lights, and, rudely armed with fowling-pieces, fish-spears, and such + rustic weapons, marched to the banks of the river for the purpose of + pulling down the dam-dyke objected to. Sir James Graham armed many of his + own people to protect his property, and had some military from Carlisle + for the same purpose. A renewal of the Border wars had nearly taken place + in the eighteenth century, when prudence and moderation on both sides + saved much tumult, and perhaps some bloodshed. The English proprietor + consented that a breach should be made in his dam-dyke sufficient for the + passage of the fish, and thus removed the Scottish grievance. I believe + the river has since that time taken the matter into its own disposal, and + entirely swept away the dam-dyke in question. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 7.—STATE OF SCOTLAND + </p> + <p> + Scotland, in its half-civilized state, exhibited too many examples of the + exertion of arbitrary force and violence, rendered easy by the dominion + which lairds exerted over their tenants and chiefs over their clans. The + captivity of Lady Grange, in the desolate cliffs of Saint Kilda, is in the + recollection of every one. At the supposed date of the novel also a man of + the name of Merrilees, a tanner in Leith, absconded from his country to + escape his creditors; and after having slain his own mastiff dog, and put + a bit of red cloth in its mouth, as if it had died in a contest with + soldiers, and involved his own existence in as much mystery as possible, + made his escape into Yorkshire. Here he was detected by persons sent in + search of him, to whom he gave a portentous account of his having been + carried off and concealed in various places. Mr. Merrilees was, in short, + a kind of male Elizabeth Canning, but did not trespass on the public + credulity quite so long. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 8.—CONCEALMENTS FOR THEFT AND SMUGGLING + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say that the modes of concealment described in the imaginary + premises of Mr. Trumbull, are of a kind which have been common on the + frontiers of late years. The neighbourhood of two nations having different + laws, though united in government, still leads to a multitude of + transgressions on the Border, and extreme difficulty in apprehending + delinquents. About twenty years since, as far as my recollection serves, + there was along the frontier an organized gang of coiners, forgers, + smugglers, and other malefactors, whose operations were conducted on a + scale not inferior to what is here described. The chief of the party was + one Richard Mendham a carpenter, who rose to opulence, although ignorant + even of the arts of reading and writing. But he had found a short road to + wealth, and had taken singular measures for conducting his operations. + Amongst these, he found means to build, in a suburb of Berwick called + Spittal, a street of small houses, as if for the investment of property. + He himself inhabited one of these; another, a species of public-house, was + open to his confederates, who held secret and unsuspected communication + with him by crossing the roofs of the intervening houses, and descending + by a trap-stair, which admitted them into the alcove of the dining-room of + Dick Mendham’s private mansion. A vault, too, beneath Mendham’s stable, + was accessible in the manner mentioned in the novel. The post of one of + the stalls turned round on a bolt being withdrawn, and gave admittance to + a subterranean place of concealment for contraband and stolen goods, to a + great extent. Richard Mendham, the head of this very formidable + conspiracy, which involved malefactors of every kind, was tried and + executed at Jedburgh, where the author was present as Sheriff of + Selkirkshire. Mendham had previously been tried, but escaped by want of + proof and the ingenuity of his counsel. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 9—CORONATION OF GEORGE III + </p> + <p> + In excuse of what may be considered as a violent infraction of probability + in this chapter, the author is under the necessity of quoting a tradition + which many persons may recollect having heard. It was always said, though + with very little appearance of truth, that upon the Coronation of the late + George III, when the champion of England, Dymock, or his representative, + appeared in Westminster Hall, and in the language of chivalry solemnly + wagered his body to defend in single combat the right of the young King to + the crown of these realms, at the moment when he flung down his gauntlet + as the gage of battle, an unknown female stepped from the crowd and lifted + the pledge, leaving another gage in room of it, with a paper expressing, + that if a fair field of combat should be allowed, a champion of rank and + birth would appear with equal arms to dispute the claim of King George to + the British kingdoms. The story is probably one of the numerous fictions + which were circulated to keep up the spirits of a sinking faction, The + incident was, however, possible, if it could be supposed to be attended by + any motive adequate to the risk, and might be imagined to occur to a + person of Redgauntlet’s enthusiastic character. George III, it is said, + had a police of his own, whose agency was so efficient, that the sovereign + was able to tell his prime minister upon one occasion, to his great + surprise, that the Pretender was in London. The prime minister began + immediately to talk of measures to be taken, warrants to be procured, + messengers and guards to be got in readiness. ‘Pooh, pooh,’ said the + good-natured sovereign, since I have found him out, leave me alone to deal + with him.’—‘And what,’ said the minister, ‘is your Majesty’s + purpose, in so important a case?’—‘To leave the young man to + himself,’ said George III; ‘and when he tires he will go back again.’ The + truth of this story does not depend on that of the lifting of the + gauntlet; and while the latter could be but an idle bravado, the former + expresses George Ill’s goodness of heart and soundness of policy. + </p> + <p> + NOTE 10.—COLLIER AND SALTER + </p> + <p> + The persons engaged in these occupations were at this time bondsmen; and + in case they left the ground of the farm to which they belonged, and as + pertaining to which their services were bought or sold, they were liable + to be brought back by a summary process. The existence of this species of + slavery being thought irreconcilable with the spirit of liberty, colliers + and salters were declared free, and put upon the same footing with other + servants, by the Act 15 Geo. III chapter 28th. They were so far from + desiring or prizing the blessing conferred on them, that they esteemed the + interest taken in their freedom to be a mere decree on the part of the + proprietors to get rid of what they called head and harigald money, + payable to them when a female of their number, by bearing a child, made an + addition to the live stock of their master’s property. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_GLOS" id="link2H_GLOS"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GLOSSARY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ABOON, above. + AD LITEM, in law. + AD VINDICTAM PUBLICAM, for the public defence. + ADUST, looking as if burned or scorched. + AE, one. + AFFLATUS, breath, inspiration. + AIRT, direct. + ALCANDER, a Greek soothsayer. + ALDEBORONTIPHOSCOPHORNIO, a courtier in H. Carey’s burlesque, + CHRONONHOTONTHOLOGOS. + ALIMENTARY, nourishing. + ALQUIFE, an enchanter in the mediaeval romances of knight-errantry. + AMADIS, a hero of the romances, especially in Amadis of Gaul. + ANENT, about. + ANES, once. + ANNO DOMINI, in the year of the Lord. + ARGUMENTUM AD HOMINEM, AD FEMINAM, lit. ‘the argument to a man, + to a woman,’ refutation of a man’s argument by an example + drawn from his own conduct. + ARIES, earnest-money, a gift. + ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS, art is long, life short. + ARS MEDENDI, art of medicine. + APPROBATE, approve. + ATLANTES, a character in ORLANDO FURIOSO. + AULD REEKIE, Edinburgh. + ADVOCATO DEL DIABOLO, lit. ‘the devil’s advocate’, one whose duty + it is to oppose the canonization of a person on whose behalf + claims to sanctity are made. + AWSOME, awful, fearful. + + BACK-GANGING, behind hand in paying. + BACKSPAUL, the back of the shoulder. + BALLANT, a ballad, a fable. + BANNOCK, a flat, round cake. + BARLEY-BROO, barley-broth. + BARON-OFFICER, the magistrate’s officer in a burgh of barony. + BARTIZAN, a small overhanging turret, the battlements. + BEAUFET, cupboard. + BEAVER, the lower part of the helmet. + BEIN, comfortable. + BELISARIUS, a general of the Eastern Empire ungratefully treated + by the Emperor Justinian. + BENEDICTE, bless you. + BETIMES THE MORN, early in the morning. + BICKER, a wooden vessel for holding drink; a quarrel. + BILLIE, a term of familiarity, comrade. + BIRKIE, a smart fellow. + BIRLING, merry-making. + BIT, small. + BLATE, shy, bashful. + BLAWING, flattering. + BLEEZING, bragging. + BLUE-CAP, a Scotsman. + BOGLE, a ghost, a scarecrow. + BON VIVANTS, lovers of good living. + BONA ROBA, a showy wanton. + BONUS SOCIUS, good comrade. + BORREL, common, rude. + BRAID, broad. + BRASH, a sudden storm, an attack. + BRATTLE, a clattering noise, as of a horse going at full speed. + BRAW, brave, fine. + BRENT BROO, high brow. + BROCARD, maxim. + BROSE, oatmeal which has had boiling water poured upon it. + BROWN, a famous landscape gardener. + BROWST, a brewing. + BUCEPHALUS, the favourite horse of Alexander the Great. + BUCKIE, an imp, a fellow with an evil twist in his character. + BUFF NOR STYE, neither one thing nor another. + BUFFERS, pistols. + BUSK, deck up. + BY ORDINAR, extraordinary, uncommon. + BYE AND ATTOUR, over and above. + + CADGER, a travelling dealer. + CADDIE, a porter, an errand-boy. + CAETERA PRORSUS IGNORO, in short, I know nothing of the rest. + CALLANT, a young lad. + CALLER, cool, fresh. + CANNY, shrewd, prudent, quiet. + CANTLE, fragment. + CAPERNOITED, crabbed, foolish. + CAPRICCIOS, a fanciful composition. + CAPRIOLE, a leap made by a horse without advancing. + CARDINAL, a woman’s cloak. + CARLINES, old women. + CATILINA OMNIUM, ETC. Catilina had surrounded himself with the + most vile and criminal company. + CAUSEWAY, path, roadway. + CAVALIERE SERVENTE, gentleman in attendance. + CAVE NE LITERAS, ETC. take care that you are not carrying + Bellerophon’s letters (letters unfavourable to the bearer). + CHACK, a slight repast. + CHANCY, safe, auspicious. + CHANGE-HOUSE, a small inn or ale-house. + CHANTER, the tenor or treble pipe in a bag-pipe. + CHAPE, a thin metal blade at the end of a scabbard. + CHAPEAU BRAS, a low, three-cornered hat. + CHOUGH, a bird of the crow family. + CHUCKY, fowl. + CHUCKY-STONES, small stones, a child’s game. + CLAP AND HOPPER, signs of the mill. + CLAVERS, gossip, idle talk. + CLEEK, lay hold on. + CLEIK IN, to join company. + CLOSE, an alley, a narrow way. + CLOSE-HEADS, the entry to an alley, a meeting-place for gossips. + CLOUR, to strike, to bump. + COBLE, a little boat. + COCKERNONY, top-knot. + COGIE, small wooden bowl. + COMMUNE FORUM, ETC. the common court is the common dwelling-place. + CORDWAIN, Spanish leather. + CORIOLANUS, a Roman patrician, who, being driven from the city, + took refuge with Aufidius, the leader of the Volsci. + COUP, fall, upset. + COURIER DE L’EUROPE, a newspaper. + COVYNE, artifice. + CRACK, gossip. + CRAIG, throat, neck. + CRAWSTEP, the steplike edges of a gable seen in some old houses. + CREEL, basket carried on the back. + CREMONY, Cremona [where the best fiddles were made]. + CROWDER, fiddler. + CUR ME EXAMINAS QUERELIS TUIS?, why do you wear me out with your + complaints. + CURN, a very little. + + DAFT, crazy. + DAIS, a canopy, a table placed above the others, a room of state. + DARGLE, dell. + DAURG, day’s work. + DE APICIBUS JURIS, from the high places of the law. + DE PERICULO ET COMMODO REI VENDITAE, concerning the risk and + profit of sales. + DEAD-THRAW, death-thraw. + DEBOSHED, debauched. + DEFORCEMENT—SPULZIE—SOUTHRIEF, legal terms for resisting an + officer of law. + DEIL, devil. + DELATE, accuse. + DELICT, misdemeanour, QUASI DELICT, apparent offence. + DEPONE, to testify. + DERNIER RESORT, last resort. + DIABLERIE, sorcery, witchcraft. + DILIGENCE, writ of execution, coach. + DING, to knock, beat down. + DIRDUM, uproar, disturbance. + DITTAY, an indictment. + DIVOT, thin turf used for thatching cottages. + DOCH AN DORROCH, the stirrup cup. + DOMINUS LITIS, one of the principals in a law suit. + DOOL, sorrow, sad consequences. + DOOR-CHEEK, door-post. + DOUCE, respectable. + DRAMATIS PERSONAE, persons of the drama. + DRAPPIT, fried. + DRIBBLE, a drop. + DRIFT, drift-snow. + DULCINEA, Don Quixote’s imaginary mistress. + DUNSTABLE, something simple and matter-of-fact. + DYVOUR, bankrupt. + + EKE, addition. + EMBONPOINT, plumpness. + EN CROUPE, riding behind one another. + ET PER CONTRA, and on the other side. + EVITE, avoid. + EX COMITATE, out of courtesy. + EX MISERICORDIA, out of pity. + EXCEPTIO FIRMAT REGULAM, the exception proves the rule. + EXOTIC, of foreign origin. + + FACTOR LOCO TUTORIS, an agent acting in place of a guardian. + FARDEL, burden. + FASH, FASHERIE, trouble. + FECK, space. + FEMME DE CHAMBRE, chamber-maid. + FIERI, to be made. + FLACON, a smelling bottle. + FLAP, gust. + FLIP, a drink consisting of beer and spirit sweetened. + FLORY, frothy. + FORBY, besides. + FORENSIC, legal. + FORFOUGHEN, out of breath, distressed. + FORPIT, fourth part of a peck. + FORTALICE, a small outwork. + FRIST, to postpone, give credit, + FUGIE, fugitive. + FUNCTUS OFFICIO, having finished my duties, ‘out of office’. + + GABERLUNZIE, a beggar. + GAEN, gone. + GALLOWAY, a strong Scotch cob. + GANGREL, wandering, a vagrant. + GAR, to force, make. + GATE, way, road. + GAUGER, an exciseman. + GENTRICE, gentle blood. + GIFF-GAFF, give and take. + GIRDED, hooped like a barrel. + GIRN, to grin, cry. + GLAIKET, giddy, rash. + GLIFF, glimpse, moment, + GOWFF BA’, golf ball. + GRAINED, groaned. + GRANA INVECTA ET ILLATA, grain brought and imported. + GRAT, wept. + GRILLADE, a broiled dish. + GRIT, great. + GROSSART, gooseberry. + GRUE, to creep, shiver, + GUDESIRE, grandfather. + GUIDE, to deal with, to employ. + GUMPLE-FOISTED, sulky, sullen. + GWAY, very. + GYTES, contemptuous name for a young child, a brat. + + HAFFLINS, half-grown. + HAILL, all, the whole. + HAIRST, harvest. + HAMESUCKEN, assaulting a person in his own house. + HAMSHACKLE, to fasten. + HANK, a hold. + HAP, to hop, turn from. + HARPOCRATES, an Egyptian god, supposed by the Greeks to be the + god of silence. + HAUGH, holm, low-lying flat ground. + HAULD, place of abode. + HAVINGS, behaviour. + HEFTED, closed, as a knife in its haft. + HELLICAT, extravagant, light-headed. + HEMPEY, rogue. + HET, hot. + HEUCK, sickle. + HINC ILLAE LACRYMAE, hence these tears. + HINNY, honey, a term of endearment. + HIPPOGRIFF, a fabulous winged animal, half horse and half griffin. + HODDIN-GREY, cloth manufactured from undyed wool. + HOMOLOGATING, ratifying, approving. + HOOKS, OFF THE, light-headed. + HOSE-NET, a small net used for rivulet fishing. + HOW-COME-SO, light-headed. + HUMOURSOME, subject to moods. + HUSSEY, lady’s needle-case. + HYSON, green tea from China. + + IGNIS FATUUS, will o’ the wisp. + ILK, each; of the same name, as Redgauntlet of that Ilk + =Redgauntlet of Redgauntlet. + ILL-DEEDIE, mischievous. + ILL-FAUR’D, ugly, ill-favoured. + IN CIVILIBUS or CRIMINALIBUS, in civil or criminal causes. + IN FORO CONSCIENTIAE, in the assize of conscience. + IN MEDITATIONE FUGAE, meditating flight. + IN PRESENTIA DOMINORUM, before the Lords. + INCEDIT SICUT LEO VORANS, goeth about like a roaring lion. + INCOGNITA, unknown. + INFRA DIG, beneath one’s dignity. + INSTANTER, at once. + INTROMIT, to medldle with. + INVITA MINERVA, against my bent. + + JACK, a metal pitcher. + JAZY, wig. + JET D’EAU, jet of water. + JORUM, a drinking-vessel, or the liquor in it. + JOW, to toll. + JURIDICAL, pertaining to a judge or to the courts. + + KATTERFELTO, a famous quack. + KEEK, to look. + KEFFEL, a bad horse. + + LAIGH, low. + LAND-LOUPER, runagate, vagabond. + LARES, household gods, the special divinities of a family. + LAP, leaped; fold. + LAVE, rest, remainder. + LAWING, inn reckoning. + LEAL, loyal, true. + LEASING-MAKING, lies, slander, seditious words. + LEASOWES, the estate of the poet Shenstone. + LEE-SIDE, the side of a vessel farthest from the point where the + wind blows. + LEESOME LANE, his dear self alone. + LEEVIN, living. + LEE WAY, arrears of work. + LEG, TO MAKE A, to bow. + LETTRES DE CACHET, sealed letters issued by the King of France, + conferring power over the liberty of others. + LEX AQUARUM, the law of the waters. + LIMMER, a loose woman, a jade. + LING, thin long grass, heather. + LOANING, a meadow, pasture where the cows were milked, + LOE, love. + LOON, fellow, rogue. + LOOPY, crafty. + LOUIS-D’OR, a French gold coin worth from 16s, 6d. to 18s. 9d. + LOUP, leap. + LOUP-THE-DYKE, giddy, runaway. + LOUP THE TETHER, breaking loose from restraint. + LOVELACE AND BELFORD, characters in CLARISSA HARLOWE. + LUCKY, a name given to an elderly dame. + LUG, the ear. + LUM, chimney. + + MACER, a court official. + MAILING, a small farm or rented property. + MAILS, rents. + MALVERSATION, fraudulent tricks. + MANUMISSION, liberty. + MARCH, border. + MARE MAGNUM, the great sea. + MARIUS, a Roman general, leader in the civil war against Sulla. + MEAR, mare. + MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN, the writing seen by Belshazzar + (Daniel V. 25). + MENYIE, retinue. + MERIDIAN, noon; a mid-day drink. + MERK, an old Scottish coin=1s. 1 1/2d. in English money. + MESSAN, a lap-dog, a little dog. + MICKLE, much. + MIFFED, piqued. + MILLAR, Philip Millar, author of several works on gardening. + MINOS, a law-giver of Crete, afterwards set as a judge in Hades. + MISHANTER, mischief. + MISPRISION OF TREASON, concealment of treason. + MOIDART, a loch in Inverness, where Prince Charles Stuart landed, + 1745. + MOIDORE, a gold coin of Portugal worth about L1 7s. 0d. + MORE SOLITO, in the accustomed manner. + MORE TUO, in your own way. + MUILS, slippers. + MUISTED, scented. + MUTCHKIN, English pint. + + NE QUID NIMIS, do nothing in excess. + NEGATUR, lit. ‘it is denied,’ I deny it. + NEGOTIORUM GESTOR, manager of affairs. + NEREID, a sea-nymph. + NIGRI SUNT HYACINTHI, irises are dark flowers. + NIHIL NOVIT IN CAUSA, nothing is known of the case. + NIPPERKIN, a small cup, a liquid measure. + NOM DE GUERRE, professional name. + NOMINE DAMNI, in the name of damages. + NONJURING, not swearing allegiance to the government, loyal to the + Stuarts. + NOSCITUR A SOCIO, he is known by his friend. + NOVITER REPERTUM, newly discovered. + + OHE, JAM SATIS, oh, enough. + OMNE IGNOTUM PRO TERRIBILI, the unknown is always held in terror. + OMNI SUSPICIONE MAJOR, above all suspicion. + ORESTES AND PYLADES, DAMON AND PYTHIAS, classical examples of + friendship. + ORIGO MALI, cause of the evil. + ORNATURE, adornment, decoration. + ORRA, odd. + OVERTURE, opening. + OWERLAY, cravat. + OYE, a grandson. + + PACK OR PEEL, to traffic. + PANDE MANUM, hold out your hand. + PANDECTS, a digest of Roman law. + PAR EXCELLENCE, above all, specially. + PAR ORDONNANCE DU MEDECIN, by the doctor’s orders. + PARMA NON BENE SELECTA, a shield, or defence, not well chosen. + PAROCHINE, parish. + PATER NOSTER, Our Father, the Lord’s Prayer. + PATRIA POTESTAS, paternal authority. + PAWMIE, a stroke on the palm of the hand. + PEACH, betray, speak out. + PEEL-HOUSE, a small fortified house, or tower. + PEGASUS, the winged horse of the Muses. + PENDENTE LITE, whilst the case is proceeding. + PENDICLES, articles, small parts. + PER AMBAGES, by circumlocution, in a roundabout way. + PER CONTRA, on the other side. + PERDU, concealed, lost. + PERIPATETIC, walking, wandering. + PESSIMI EXEMPLI, the worst possible example. + PETTLE, a plough-staff. + PHALARIS’S BULL, a furnace shaped like a bull into which the + tyrant Phalaris used to cast his victims. + PISCATOR, fisherman. + PISTOLE, a gold coin worth about 16s. + PLACK, a small copper coin, equal to one-third of an English penny. + PLEACH, interweave. + PLICATIONS, folds, wrinkles. + PLOY, a frolic. + POCK-PUDDING, a contemptuous term applied to Englishmen + POINT D’ESPAGNE, Spanish lace. + POKE, pocket. + PORT ROYAL, a monastery near Paris which became the headquarters + of the Jansenists, the opponents of the Jesuits. + POSSE COMITATUS, the civil force of a county. + POUND SCOTS, worth about 1s. 8d. English money. + PRACTIQUES, practices of the profession. + PRECOGNITION, examination prior to prosecution. + PRECOGNOSCED, to take precognition of. + PRETERMIT, omit, pass by. + PURSUIVANTS, an officer-at-arms, in rank below a herald. + + QUAERE, query, a question. + QUEAN, a young woman, a wench. + QUI VIVE, alert, cautious. + QUID, piece of tobacco to chew. + QUID TIBI CUM LYRA, what hast thou to do with the lyre? + QUORUM, the body of justices, so called from a word used in the + commission appointing them. + + RANT, a noisy dance-tune. + RAPPAREE, an Irish plunderer; a worthless fellow, + RATIONE OFFICII, by virtue of his position. + RATTLING, lively, brisk. + RAX, stretch. + REAMING, frothing, foaming. + REDD, clear up, tidy. + REGIAM MAJESTATEM, a collection of Scotch laws. + REIVER, robber. + REMEDIUM JURIS, legal remedy. + RIGDUM-FUNNIDOS, a courtier in H. Carey’s burlesque, + CHRONONHOTONTHOLOGOS. + RIPE, search. + RUDAS, a scold, a virago. + RUG, a share, a good mouthful. + + SANCTA WINIFREDA, ORA PRO NOBIS, Saint Winifred, pray for us. + SARTUM ATQUE TECTUM, repaired and covered. + SAT EST, it is enough. + SAWNEY, a nickname for a Scotchman. + SCARBOROUGH WARNING, the blow before the threat. + SCOWP, quaff. + SCRUB, the name of a footman in the BEAUX’ STRATAGEM (Geo. + Farquhar, 1704). + SCULDUDDERY, loose, immoral. + SEALGH, seal, + SEA-MAWS, sea-mews. + SECUNDUM ARTEM, according to the rules of his art. + SEDERUNT, a sitting of the courts. + SEMPLE, simple, not of gentle birth, + SHILPIT, weak; poor, shabby. + SHINGLES, thin boards used for roofs. + SI NON CASTE, CAUTE TAMEN, if not for virtue’s sake, yet for + caution. + SIB, kin. + SIGMA, the Greek S. + SINE DIE, without a date, indefinitely. + SIS MEMOR MEI, be mindful of me. + SKELLOCH, screech. + SKINKER, a server of liquor. + SKIRL, to scream. + SKIVIE, harebrained. + SLEEKIT, smooth. + SLOKEN, quench. + SNEESHING, snuff. + SNELL, sharp, terrible. + SNICKERS, sniggers. + SOCIETAS EST MATER DISCORDIARUM, partnership is the mother of + quarrels. + SOLITAIRE, an ornament for the neck. + SOLON, the law-giver of Athens. + SONSY, good-humoured, sensible. + SORT, to chastise; to manage. + SORTES VIRGILIANAE, Virgilian lots; opening the works of Virgil at + random and taking the first passage read for counsel. + SOUGH, a breath, a chant. + SOUPLE, active; supple in mind or body. + SOUTER’S CLOD, a kind of coarse black bread. + SPATTERDASHES, coverings for the legs to protect them from mud. + SPEER, ask. + SPLICE THE MAIN BRACE, have an extra allowance of spirits. + SPLORE, a frolic, quarrel. + SPRATTLE, struggle, scramble. + SPRING, a merry tune. + SPRUSH, spruce. + SPULE-BLADE, shoulder blade, + SPUNK, courage, fire: SPUNKS, matches. + STEND, take long steps. + STEWARTRY, territory in Scotland administered by a steward. + STIBBLER, a divinity student, a probationer. + STILTS, plough-handles. + STUNKARD, sullen, obstinate. + SUA QUEMQUE TRAHIT VOLUPTAS, his own peculiar pleasure allures + each. + SURTOUT, a tight-fitting, broad-skirted outer coat. + SWIPES, small beer. + + TAES, toes. + TALIS QUALIS, of some kind. + TAM MARTE QUAM MERCURIO, as much devoted to Mars as to Mercury (as + much a soldier as a pleader). + TASS, a glass. + TAU, the Greek: T. + TERRA FIRMA, firm earth. + TESTE ME PER TOTUM NOCTEM VIGILANTE, I am witness as I was awake + all night. + TETE-A-TETE, a private conversation. + THAIRM, catgut. + THEMIS, the goddess of law and justice. + THIRLAGE, mortgaging of property. + THREAP, aver. + THUMBIKINS, thumbscrews, instruments of torture. + TIMOTHEUS, a famous musician. + TIPPENY, twopenny ale, + TIRTEAFUERA, a character in DON QUIXOTE, the doctor in Sancho + Panza’s island government. + TITHER, the other. + TOD, a bush, a fox. + TOOM, empty. + TOUR OUT, to look about. + TOY, a linen cap; a head-dress hanging down over the shoulders. + TRANCES, passages. + TUPTOWING, beating, from the Greek verb ‘tupto’, to strike. + TWALPENNY, one penny sterling. + TWASOME, a pair or couple. + TYNE, loss or forfeit. + TYRO, TYRONES, beginner, beginners; novice. + + UNCO, very, uncommon, strange. + URGANDA, an enchantress in the romance of AMADIS OF GAUL. + USQUEBAUGH, whisky. + + VADE RETRO, get thee behind me. + VALE, SIS MEMOR MEI, farewell, be mindful of me. + VARIUM ET MUTABILE SEMPER FEMINA, woman is always variable and + changeful. + VERBUM SACERDOTIS, the word of a priest. + VIA FACTI, by personal force. + VINCERE VINCENTEM, to conquer the conquering. + VINCO VINCENTEM, ERGO VINCO TE, I conquer the conquering, + therefore I conquer you. + VIOLER, a player on a viol. + VIR SAPIENTIA ET PIETATE GRAVIS, a man of much wisdom and piety. + VIS ANIMI, strength of soul. + VITIOUS, vicious, unruly. + VOET, Jan Voet, author of a book on the PANDECTS. + + W.S., writer to the signet, a lawyer. + WALING, choosing. + WAME, stomach. + WANCHANCY, unlucky, dangerous. + WARE, spend. + WARK, work, trouble. + WAUR, worse. + WEARS, weirs, dams. + WEIGH-BANKS, scales. + WHIN, gorse. + WHITTLE, a small clasp-knife. + WITHERSHINS, backwards in their courses, in the contrary way. + WUD, mad. + WYND, yard, alley. + + YAULD, active. + YELLOCH, yell. + YETTS, gates. + YILL, ale. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Redgauntlet, by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REDGAUNTLET *** + +***** This file should be named 2516-h.htm or 2516-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/1/2516/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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