CHAPTER XIX.
THE ADVENTURE OF THE HEARSE.
The day-spring came at last, and in the sick light of it I went down tothe cottage for spade and pickaxe. In the tumult of my senses I hardlynoted that our prisoner, the dragoon, had contrived to slip his bondsand steal off in the night.
And then Delia, seeing me return with the sad tools on my shoulder,spoke for the first time:
"First, if there be a well near, fetch me two buckets of water, andleave us for an hour."
Her voice was weary and chill: so that I dared not thank her, but didthe errand in silence. Then, but a dozen paces from the spot whereJoan's father lay, I dug a grave and strew'd it with bracken, andheather, and gorse petals, that in the morning air smell'd rarely. Andsoon after my task was done, Delia call'd me.
In her man's dress Joan lay, her arms cross'd, her black tressesbraided, and her face gentler than ever 'twas in life. Over her woundedbreast was a bunch of some tiny pink flower, that grew about the tor.
So I lifted her softly as once in this same place she had lifted me,and bore her down the slope to the grave: and there I buried her, whileDelia knelt and pray'd, and Molly browsed, lifting now and then her headto look.
When all was done, we turn'd away, dry-eyed, and walked together to thecottage. The bay horse was feeding on the moor below; and finding himstill too lame to carry Delia, I shifted the saddles, and mending thebroken rein, set her on Molly. The cottage door stood open, but we didnot enter; only look'd in, and seeing Jan Tergagle curl'd beside thecold hearth, left him so.
Mile after mile we pass'd in silence, Delia riding, and I pacing besideher with the bay. At last, tortur'd past bearing, I spoke--
"Delia, have you nothing to say?"
For a while she seem'd to consider: then, with her eyes fix'd on thehills ahead, answered--
"Much, if I could speak: but all this has changed me somehow--'tis,perhaps, that I have grown a woman, having been a girl--and need to getused to it, and think."
She spoke not angrily, as I look'd for; but with a painful slowness thatwas less hopeful.
"But," said I, "over and over you have shown that I am nought to you.Surely--"
"Surely I am jealous? 'Tis possible--yes, Jack, I am but a woman, and so'tis certain."
"Why, to be jealous, you must love me!"
She look'd at me straight, and answered very deliberate--
"Now that is what I am far from sure of."
"But, dear Delia, when your anger has cool'd--"
"My anger was brief: I am disappointed, rather. With her last breath,almost, Joan said you were weaker than she: she lov'd you better than I,and read you clearer. You _are_ weak. Jack"--she drew in Molly, and lether hand fall on my shoulder very kindly--"we have been comrades formany a long mile, and I hope are honest good friends; wherefore I loatheto say a harsh or ungrateful-seeming word. But you could not understandthat brave girl, and you cannot understand me: for as yet you do noteven know yourself. The knowledge comes slowly to a man, I think; to awoman at one rush. But when it comes, I believe you may be strong. Nowleave me to think, for my head is all of a tangle."
Our pace was so slow (by reason of the lame horse), that a great part ofthe afternoon was spent before we came in sight of the House of Gleys.And truly the yellow sunshine bad flung some warmth about the nakedwalls and turrets, so that Delia's home-coming seem'd not altogethercheerless. But what gave us more happiness was to spy, on the blue waterbeyond, the bright canvas of the _Godsend_, and to hear the cries andstir of Billy Pottery's mariners as they haul'd down the sails.
And Billy himself was on the lookout with his spyglass. For hardlywere we come to the beach when our signal--the waving of a whitekerchief--was answered by another on board; and within half an hour aboat puts off, wherein, as she drew nearer, I counted eight fellows.
They were (besides Billy), Matt. Soames, the master, Gabriel Hutchins,Ned Masters, the black man Sampson, Ben Halliday, and two whose fullnames I have forgot--but one was call'd Nicholas. And, after many warmgreetings, the boat was made fast, and we climbed up along the peninsulatogether, in close order, like a little army.
All this time there was no sign or sound about the House of Gleys toshow that anyone mark'd us or noted our movements. The gate was closed,the windows stood shutter'd, as on my former visit: even the chimneyswere smokeless. Such effect had this desolation on our spirits, thatdrawing near, we fell to speaking in whispers, and said Ned Masters--
"Now a man would think us come to bury somebody!"
"He might make a worse guess," I answer'd.
Marching up to the gate, I rang a loud peal on the bell; and to myastonishment, before the echoes had time to die away, the grating waspush'd back, and the key turn'd in the lock.
"Step ye in--step ye in, good folks! A sorry day,--a day of sobs an'tears an' afflicted blowings of the nose--when the grasshopper isa burden an' the mourners go about seeking whom they may devour thefuneral meats. Y' are welcome, gentlemen."
'Twas the voice of my one-eyed friend, as he undid the bolts; and nowhe stood in the gateway with a prodigious black sash across his canarylivery, so long that the ends of it swept the flagstones.
"Is Master Tingcomb within?" I helped Delia to dismount, and gave ourtwo horses to a stable boy that stood shuffling some paces off.
"Alas!" the old man heav'd a deep sigh, and with that began to hobbleacross the yard. We troop'd after, wondering. At the house door heturn'd---
"Sirs, there is cold roasted capons, an' a ham, an' radishes inchoice profusion for such as be not troubled wi' the wind: an' cordialwines--alack the day!"
He squeez'd a frosty tear from his one eye, and led us to a large barehall, hung round with portraits; where was a table spread with a plentyof victuals, and horn-handled knives and forks laid beside plates ofpewter; and at the table a man in black, eating. He had straight hairand a sallow face; and look'd up as we enter'd, but, groaning, in amoment fell to again.
"Eat, sirs," the old servitor exhorted us: "alas! that man may takenothing out o' the world!"
I know not who of us was most taken aback. But noting Delia's sadwondering face, as her eyes wander'd round the neglected room and restedon the tatter'd portraits, I lost patience.
"Our business is with Master Hannibal Tingcomb," said I sharply.
The straight-hair'd man look'd up again, his mouth full of ham.
"Hush!"--he held his fork up, and shook his head sorrowfully: and Iwonder'd where I had Been him before. "Hast thou an angel's wings?" heask'd.
"Why, no, sir; but the devil's own boots--as you shall find if I be notanswer'd."
"Young man--young man," broke in the one-eyed butler: "our minister is agood minister, an' speaks roundabout as such: but the short is, that mymaster is dead, an' in his coffin."
"The mortal part," corrected the minister, cutting another slice.
"Aye, the immortal is a-trippin' it i' the New Jeroosalem: but themortal was very lamentably took wi' a fit, three days back--the sameday, young man, as thou earnest wi' thy bloody threats."
"A fit?"
"Aye, sir, an' verily--such a fit as thou thysel' witness'd. 'Twas thethird attack--an' he cried, 'Oh!' he did, an' 'Ah!'--just like that.'Oh!' an' then 'Ah!' Such were his last dyin' speech. 'Dear Master,'says I, 'there's no call to die so hard:' but might so well ha'whistled, for he was dead as nails. A beautiful corpse, sirs, dang mybuttons!"
"Show him to us."
"Willingly, young man." He led the way to the very room where MasterTingcomb and I had held our interview. As before, six candles wereburning there: but the table was push'd into a corner, and now theirlight fell on a long black coffin, resting on trestles in the centre ofthe room. The coffin was clos'd, and studded with silver nails; onthe lid was a silver plate bearing these words written--"_HannibalTingcomb_, MDCXLIII.," with a text of Scripture below.
"Why have you nail'd him down?" I asked.
"Now where be thy bowels, young man, to talk so unfeelin'? An' wher
ebe thy experience, not to know the ways o' thy blessed dead in summertime?"
"When do you bury him?"
"To-morrow forenoon. The spot is two mile from here." He blinked at me,and hesitated for a minute. "Is it your purpose, sirs, to attend?"
"Be sure of that," I said grimly. "So have beds ready to-night for allour company."
"All thy--! Dear sir, consider: where are beds to be found? Sure, thymariners can pass the night aboard their own ship?"
"So then," thought I, "you have been on the lookout;" but Delia repliedfor me---
"I am Delia Killigrew, and mistress of this house. You will prepare thebeds as you are told." Whereupon what does that decrepit old sinner butdrop upon his knees?
"Mistress Delia! O goodly feast for this one poor eye! Oh, that MasterTingcomb had seen this day!"
I declare the tears were running down his nose; but Delia march'd out,cutting short his hypocrisy.
In the passage she whisper'd--
"Villainy, Jack!"
"Hush!" I answered, "and listen: _Master Tingcomb is no more in thatcoffin than I._"
"Then where is he?"
"That is just what we are to discover." As I said this a light broke onme. "By the Lord," I cried, "'tis the very same!"
Delia open'd her eyes wide.
"Wait," I said: "I begin to touch ground."
We returned to the great hall. The straight-hair'd man was still eating,and opposite sat Billy, that had not budg'd, but now beckoning to me,very mysterious, whisper'd in a voice that made the plates rattle--
"That's--a damned--rogue!"
'Twas discomposing, but the truth. In fact, I had just solv'd a puzzle.This holy-speaking minister was no other than the groom I had seen atBodmin Fair holding Master Tingcomb's horses.
By this, the sun was down, and Delia soon made an excuse to withdraw toher own room. Nor was it long before the rest followed her example. Ifound our chambers prepared, near together, in a wing of the house atsome distance from the hall. Delia's was next to mine, as I made sure byknocking at her door: and on the other side of me slept Billy with twoof his crew. My own bed was in a great room sparely furnish'd; and thelinen indifferent white. There was a plenty of clean straw, tho', on thefloor, had I intended to sleep--which I did not.
Instead, having blown out my light, I sat on the bed's edge, listeningto the big clock over the hall as it chim'd the quarters, and waitingtill the fellows below should be at their ease. That Master Tingcombrested under the coffin lid, I did not believe, in spite of theterrifying fit that I could vouch for. But this, if driven to it, wecould discover at the grave. The main business was to catch him; andto this end I meant to patrol the buildings, and especially watch theentrance, on the likely chance of his creeping back to the house (if notalready inside), to confer with his fellow-rascals.
As eleven o'clock sounded, therefore, I tapp'd on Billy's wall; andfinding that Matt. Soames was keeping watch (as we had agreed upon),slipp'd off my boots. Our rooms were on the first floor, over a strawyard; and the distance to the ground an easy drop for a man. But wishingto be silent as possible, I knotted two blankets together, and strappingthe end round the window mullion, swung myself down by one hand, holdingmy boots in the other.
I dropp'd very lightly, and look'd about. There was a faint moon up andglimmering on the straw; but under the house was deep shadow, and alongthis I crept. The straw yard led into the court before the stables, andso into the main court. All this way I heard no sound, nor spied so muchas a speck of light in any window. The house door was clos'd, and thebar fastened on the great gate across the yard. I turn'd the corner toexplore the third side of the house.
Here was a group of outbuildings jutting out, and between them and thehigh outer wall a narrow alley. 'Twas with difficulty I groped my wayhere, for the passage was dark as pitch, and rendered the straiter by aline of ragged laurels planted under the house; so that at every otherstep I would stumble, and run my head into a bush.
I had done this for the eighth time, and was cursing under my breath,when on a sudden I heard a stealthy footfall coming down the alleybehind me.
"Master Tingcomb, for a crown!" thought I, and crouch'd to one sideunder a bush. The footsteps drew nearer. A dark form parted the laurels:another moment, and I had it by the throat.
"Uugh--ugh--grr! For the Lord's sake, sir,--"
I loos'd my hold: 'twas Matt. Soames. "Your pardon," whisper'd I; "butwhy have you left your post?"
"Black Sampson is watchin', so I took the freedom--ugh! my poorwindpipe!--to--"
He broke off to catch me by the sleeve and pull me down behind the bush.About twelve paces ahead I heard a door softly open'd and saw a shaft oflight flung across the path between the glist'ning laurels. As the raytouch'd the outer wall, I mark'd a small postern gate there, standingopen.
Cowering lower, we waited while a man might count fifty. Then camefootsteps crunching the gravel, and a couple of men cross'd the path,bearing a large chest between them. In the light I saw the handle of aspade sticking out from it: and by his gait I knew the second man to bemy one-ey'd friend.
"Woe's my old bones!" he was muttering: "here's a fardel for a man o' myyears!"
"Hold thy breath for the next load!" growl'd the other voice, which assurely was the good minister's.
They pass'd out of the small gate, and by the sounds that follow'd,we guess'd they were hoisting their burden into a cart. Presently theyre-cross'd the path, and entered the house, shutting the door afterthem.
"Now for it!" said I in Matt's ear. Gliding forward, I peep'd out at thepostern gate; but drew back like a shot.
I had almost run my head into a great black hearse, that stood therewith the door open, back'd against the gate, the heavy plumes noddingabove it in the night wind.
Who held the horses I had not time to see: but whispering to Matt, togive me a leg up, clamber'd inside. "Quick!" I pull'd him after, andcrept forward. I wonder'd the man did not hear us: but by good luck thehorses were restive, and by his maudlin talk to them I knew he was threeparts drunk--on the funeral wines, doubtless.
I crept along, and found the tool chest stow'd against the further end:so, pulling it gently out, we got behind it. Tho' Matt was the littlestman of my acquaintance, 'twas the work of the world to stow ourselves insuch compass as to be hidden. By coiling up our limbs we managed it; butonly just before I caught the glimmer of a light and heard the pair ofrascals returning.
They came very slow, grumbling all the way; and of course, I knew theycarried the coffin.
"All right, Sim?" ask'd the minister.
"Aye," piped a squeaky voice by the horses heads ('twas the shufflingstable boy), "aye, but look sharp! Lord, what sounds I've heerd! Thedevil's i' the hearse, for sure!"
"Now, Simmy," the one-ey'd gaffer expostulated, "thou dostn' think thesmoky King is a-took in, same as they poor folks upstairs? Tee-hee!Lord, what a trick!--to come for Master Tingcomb, an' find--awdear!--aw, bless my old ribs, what a thing is humor!"
"Shut up!" grunted the minister. The end of the coffin was tilted upinto the hearse. "Push, old varmint!"
"Aye-push, push! Where be my young, active sinews? What a shrivell'dgarment is all my comeliness! 'The devil inside,' says Simmy--haw, haw!"
"Burn the thing! 'twon't go in for the tool box. Push, thou cackling oldworms!"
"Now so I be, but my natural strength is abated. 'Yo-heave ho!' like thesalted seafardingers upstairs. Push, push!"
"Oh, my inwards!" groans poor Matt, under his breath, into whom thechest was squeezing sorely.
"Right at last!" says the minister. "Now, Simmy, nay lad, hand the reinsan' jump up. There's room, an' you'll be wanted."
The door was clapp'd-to, the three rogues climb'd upon the seat infront: and we started.
I hope I may never be call'd to pass such another half hour as thatwhich follow'd. As soon as the wheels left turf for the hard road, 'twasjolt, jolt all the way; and this lying mainly down hill, the chest andcoffin came grindi
ng into our ribs, and pressing till we could scarcebreathe. And I dared not climb out over them, for fear the fellowsshould hear us; their chuckling voices coming quite plain to us from theother side of the panel. I held out, and comforted Matt, as well as Icould, feeling sure we should find Master Tingcomb at our journey's end.Soon we climb'd a hill, which eas'd us a little; but shortly after werebumping down again, and suffering worse than ever.
"Save us," moan'd Matt, "where will this end?"
The words were scarce out, when we turn'd sharp to the right, witha jolt that shook our teeth together, roll'd for a little while oversmooth grass, and drew up.
I heard the fellows climbing down, and got my pistols out.
"Simmy," growl'd the minister, "where's the lantern?"
There was a minute or so of silence, and then the snapping of flint andsteel, and the sound of puffing.
"Lit, Simmy?"
"Aye, here 'tis."
"Fetch it along then."
The handle of the door was turn'd, and a light flash'd into the hearse.
"Here, hold the lantern steady! Come hither, old Squeaks, and help wi'the end."
"Surely I will. Well was I call'd Young Look-alive when a gay, fleetingboy. Simmy, my son, thou'rt sadly drunken. O youth, youth! Thouwinebibber, hold the light steady, or I'll tell thy mammy!"
"Oh, sir, I do mortally dread the devil an' all his works!"
"Now, if ever! The devil,' says he--an' Master Tingcomb still livin',an' in his own house awaitin' us!"
Be sure, his words were as good as a slap in the face to me. For I hadcounted the hearse to lead me straight to Master Tingcomb himself. "Inhis own house," too! A fright seiz'd me for Delia. But first I must dealwith these scoundrels, who already were dragging out the coffin.
"Steady there!" calls the minister. The coffin was more than halfwayoutside. I levell'd my pistol over the edge of the tool chest, andfetch'd a yell fit to wake a ghost--at the same time letting flystraight for the minister.
In the flash of the discharge, I saw him, half-turn'd, his eyesstarting, and mouth agape. He clapp'd his hand to his shoulder. On topof his wild shriek, broke out a chorus of screams and oaths, in themiddle of which the coffin tilted up and went over with a crash."Satan--Satan!" bawled Simmy, and, dropping the lantern, took to hisheels for dear life. At the same moment the horses took fright; andbefore I could scramble out, we were tearing madly away over the turfand into the darkness. I had made a sad mess of it.
It must have been a full minute before the hedge turn'd them, and gaveme time to drop out at the back and run to their heads. Matt. Soameswas after me, quick as thought, and very soon we mastered them, andgathering up the reins from between their legs, led them back. As luckwould have it, the lantern had not been quench'd by the fall, but layflaring, and so guided us. Also a curious bright radiance seem'd growingon the sky, for which I could not account. The three knaves were nowhereto be seen, but I heard their footsteps scampering in the distance, andSimmy still yelling "Satan!" I knew my bullet had hit the minister; buthe had got away, and I never set eyes on any of the three again.
Leaving Matt to mind the horses, I caught up the lantern, and look'dabout me. As well as could be seen, we were in a narrow meadow betweentwo hills, whereof the black slopes rose high above us. Some paces tothe right, my ear caught the noise of a stream running.
I turn'd the lantern on the coffin, which lay face downward, and with agasp took in the game those precious rogues had been playing. For, withthe fall of it, the boards (being but thin) were burst clean asunder;and on both sides had tumbled out silver cups, silver saltcellars,silver plates and dishes, that in the lantern's rays sparkled prettilyon the turf. The coffin, in short, was stuff'd with Delia's silverware.
I had pick'd up a great flagon, and was turning it over to read theinscription, when Matt. Soames call'd to me, and pointed over the hillin front. Above it the whole sky was red and glowing.
"Sure," said he, "'tis a fire out yonder!"
"God help us, Matt.--'tis the House of Gleys!"
It took but two minutes to toss the silver back into the hearse. Iclapp'd-to the door, and snatching the reins, sprang upon the driver'sseat.
CHAPTER XX.
THE ADVENTURE OF THE LEDGE; AND HOW I SHOOK HANDS WITH MY COMRADE.
We had some ado to find the gate: but no sooner were through, and uponthe high road, than I lash'd the horses up the hill at a gallop. Toguide us between the dark hedges we had only our lantern and the glareahead. The dishes and cups clash'd and rattled as the hearse bump'd inthe ruts, swaying wildly: a dozen times Matt, was near being pitch'dclean out of his seat. With my legs planted firm, I flogg'd away like amadman; and like mad creatures the horses tore upward.
On the summit a glance show'd us all--the wild crimson'd sky--the searunning with lines of fire--and against it the inky headland whereonthe House of Gleys flar'd like a beacon. Already from one wing--_our_wing--a leaping column of flame whirl'd up through the roof, and wasswept seaward in smoke and sparks. I mark'd the coast line, the clifftracks, the masts and hull of the _Godsend_ standing out, clear as day;and nearer, the yellow light flickering over the fields of young corn.We saw all this, and then were plunging down hill, with the blazefull ahead of us. The heavy reek of it was flung in our nostrils as wegallop'd.
At the bottom we caught up a group of men running. 'Twas a boatload comefrom the ship to help. As our horses swept past them, one or two came toa terrified halt; but presently were running hard again after us.
The great gate stood open. I drove straight into the bright-lit yard,shouting "Delia!--where is Delia?"
"Here!" call'd a voice; and from a group that stood under the glare ofthe window came my dear mistress running.
"All safe, Jack! But what--" She drew back from our strange equipage.
"All in good time. First tell me--how came the fire?"
"Why, foul work, as it seems. All I know is I was sleeping, and awoke tohear the black seaman hammering on my door. Jumping up, I found the roomfull of smoke, and escap'd. The rooms beneath, they say, were stuff'dwith straw, and the yard outside heap'd also with straw, and blazing.Ben Halliday found two oil jars lying there--"
"Are the horses out?"
"Oh, Jack--I do not know! Shame on me to forget them!"
I ran toward the stable. Already the roof was ablaze, and the strawyard, beyond, a very furnace. Rushing in, I found the two horsescowering in their stalls, bath'd in sweat, and squealing. But 'twas allfright. So I fetch'd Molly's saddle, and spoke to her, and set it acrossher back: and the sweet thing was quiet in a moment, turning her head torub my sleeve gently with her muzzle: and followed me out like a lamb.The bay gave more trouble; but I sooth'd him in the same manner, andpatting his neck, led him, too, into safety.
By this, all hope to save the house was over: for the well in the courtyielded but twenty buckets before it ran dry, and after that no waterwas to be had. Of the wing where the fire burst out only the wallsstood, and a few oaken rafters, that one by one came tumbling andcrashing. The flames had spread along the roof, and were now licking theceiling of the hall and spouting around the clock tower. In the roar andhubbub, Billy's men work'd like demons, dragging out chairs, chests, andfurniture of all kinds, which they strew'd in the yard, returning withshouts for more. One was tearing down the portraits in the hall: anotherwas pulling out the great dresser from the kitchen: a third had found apile of tapestry and came staggering forth under the load of it.
I had fasten'd the horses by the gate, and was ready to join in thework, when a shout was rais'd---
"Billy!--Where's Billy Pottery? Has any seen the skipper?"
"Sure," I call'd, "you don't say he was never alarm'd!"
"Black Sampson was in his room--where's Black Sampson?"
"Here I be!" cried a voice. "To be sure I woke the skipper before any o'ye."
"Then where's he hid? Did any see him come out?"
"Now, that we have not!" answer'd one or two.
I stood b
y the house door shouting these questions to the men inside,when a hand was laid on my arm, and there in the shadow waited Billyhimself, with a mighty curious twinkle in his eye. He put a finger upand signed that I should follow.
We pass'd round the outbuildings where, three hours before, Matt. Soamesand I had hid together. I was minded to stop and pull on my boots, thatwere hid here: but (and this was afterward the saving of me) on secondthoughts let them lie, and follow'd Billy, who now led me out by thepostern gate.
Without speech we stepp'd across the turf, he a pace or two ahead. Anight breeze was blowing here, delicious after the heat of the fire. Wewere walking quickly toward the east side of the headland, and soonthe blaze behind flung our shadows right to the cliff's edge, for whichBilly made straight, as if to fling himself over.
But when, at the very verge, he pull'd up, I became enlighten'd. Atour feet was an iron bar driven into the soil, and to it a stout ropeknotted, that ran over a block and disappeared down the cliff. I kneltand, pulling at it softly, look'd up. It came easy in the hand.
Billy, with the glare in his face, nodded: and bending to my ear, foronce achiev'd a whisper.
"Saw one stealing hither--an' follow'd. A man wi' a limp foot--went overthe side like a cat."
I must have appeared to doubt this good fortune, for he added---
"'Be a truth speakin' man i' the main, Jack--'lay over 'pon my belly,and spied a ledge--fifty feet down or less--'reckon there be a waythence to the foot. Dear, now! what a rampin', tearin' sweat is this?"
For, fast as I could tug, I was hauling up the rope. Near sixty feetcame up before I reach'd the end--a thick twisted knot. I rove a longnoose; pull'd it over my head and shoulders, and made Billy understandhe was to lower me.
"Sit i' the noose, lad, an' hold round the knot. For sign to hoistagain, tug the rope hard. I can hold."
He paid it out carefully while I stepp'd to the edge. With the nooseabout my loins I thrust myself gently over, and in a trice hung swaying.
On three sides the sky compass'd me--wild and red, save where toeastward the dawn was paling: on the fourth the dark rocky face seem'dgliding upward as Billy lower'd. Far below I heard the wash of the sea,and could just spy the white spume of it glimmering. It stole some ofthe heart out of me, and I took my eyes off it.
Some feet below the top, the cliff fetch'd a slant inward, so that Idangled a full three feet out from the face. As a boy I had adventuredsomething of this sort on the north sides of Gable and the Pillar, andonce (after a nest of eaglets) on the Mickledore cliffs: but then 'twasdaylight. Now, tho' I saw the ledge under me, about a third of the waydown, it look'd, in the darkness, to be so extremely narrow, that 'tisprobable I should have call'd out to Billy to draw me up but for thecertainty that he would never hear: so instead I held very tight andwish'd it over.
Down I sway'd (Billy letting out the rope very steady), and at lastswung myself inward to the ledge, gain'd a footing, and took a glanceround before slipping off the rope.
I stood on a shelf of sandy rock that wound round the cliff some way tomy left, and then, as I thought, broke sharply away. 'Twas mainly abouta yard in width, but in places no more than two feet. In the growinglight I noted the face of the headland ribb'd with several of theseledges, of varying length, but all hollow'd away underneath (as Isuppose by the sea in former ages), so that the cliff's summit overhungthe base by a great way: and peering over I saw the waves creeping rightbeneath me.
Now all this while I had not let Master Tingcomb out of my mind. So Islipp'd off the rope and left it to dangle, while I crept forward toexplore, keeping well against the rock and planting my feet with greatcaution.
I believe I was twenty minutes taking as many steps, when at the pointwhere the ledge broke off I saw the ends of an iron ladder sticking up,and close beside it a great hole in the rock, which till now the curveof the cliff had hid. The ladder no doubt stood on a second shelf below.
I was pausing to consider this, when a bright ray stream'd acrossthe sea toward me, and the red rim of the sun rose out of the waters,outfacing the glow on the headland, and rending the film of smoke thathung like a curtain about the horizon. 'Twas as if by alchemy that thered ripples melted to gold; and I stood watching with a child's delight.
I heard the sound of a footstep: and fac'd round.
Before me, not six paces off, stood Hannibal Tingcomb.
He was issuing from the hole with a sack on his shoulder, and sneakingto descend the steps, when he threw a glance behind--and saw me!
Neither spoke. With a face grey as ashes he turn'd very slowly, until inthe unnatural light we look'd straight into each other's eyes. His neverblink'd, but stared--stared horribly, while the veins swell'd black onhis forehead and his lips work'd, attempting speech. No words came--onlya long drawn sob, deep down in his throat.
And then, letting slip the sack, he flung his arms up, ran a pace or twotoward me, and tumbled on his face in a fit. His left shoulder hung overthe verge; his legs slipp'd. In a trice he was hanging by his arms, hisold distorted face turn'd up, and a froth about his lips. I made a stepto save him: and then jump'd back, flattening myself against the rock.
The ledge was breaking.
I saw a seam gape at my feet. I saw it widen and spread to right andleft. I heard a ripping, rending noise--a rush of stones and earth: and,clawing the air, with a wild screech, Master Tingcomb pitch'd backward,head over heels, into space.
Then follow'd silence: then a horrible splash as he struck the water,far below: then again a slipping and trickling, as more of the ledgebroke away--at first a pebble or two sliding--a dribble of earth--next,a crash and a cloud of dust. A last stone ran loose and dropp'd. Thenfell a silence so deep I could catch the roar of the flames on the hillbehind.
Standing there, my arms thrown back and fingers spread against the rock,I saw a wave run out, widen, and lose itself on the face of the sea.Under my feet but eight inches of the cornice remain'd. My toes stuckforward over the gulf.
The ledge was breaking.]
A score of startled gulls with their cries call'd me to myself. I open'dmy eyes, that had shut in sheer giddiness. Close on my left the ledgewas broke back to the very base, cutting me off by twelve feet from thatpart where the ladder still rested. No man could jump it, standing. Tothe right there was no gap: but in one place only was the footing overten inches wide, and at the end my rope hung over the sea, a good yardaway from the edge.
I shut my eyes and shouted.
There was no answer. In the dead stillness I could hear the raftersfalling in the House of Gleys, and the shouts of the men at work. The_Godsend_ lay around the point, out of sight. And Billy, deaf as astone, sat no doubt by his rope, placidly waiting my signal.
I scream'd again and again. The rock flung my voice seaward. Across thesummit vaulted above, there drifted a puff of brown smoke. No one heard.
A while of weakness followed. My brain reel'd: my fingers dug into therock behind till they bled. I bent forward--forward over the heavingmist through which the sea crawl'd like a snake. It beckon'd me down,that crawling water....
I stiffened my knees and the faintness pass'd. I must not look downagain. It flashed on me that Delia had call'd me weak: and I hardened myheart to fight it out. I would face round to the cliff and work towardthe rope.
'Twas a hateful moment while I turned: for to do so I must let go withone hand. And the rock thrust me outward. But at last I faced the cliff;waited a moment while my knees shook; and moving a foot cautiously tothe left, began to work my way along, an inch at a time.
Looking down to guide my feet, I saw the waves twinkling beneath myheels. My palms press'd the rock. At every three inches I was fainto rest my forehead against it and gasp. Minute after minute wentby--endless, intolerable, and still the rope seem'd as far away as ever.A cold sweat ran off me: a nausea possessed me. Once, where the ledgewas widest, I sank on one knee, and hung for a while incapable ofmovement. But a black horror drove me on: and after the first dizzys
tupor my wits were mercifully wide awake. Sure, 'twas God's miraclepreserv'd them to me, who looking at the sea and cliff and pitiless sun,had almost denied Him and his miracles together.
All the way I kept shouting: and so, for half an hour, inch by inch,shuffled forward, until I stood under the rope. Then I had to turnagain.
The rock, tho' still overarching, here press'd out less than before: sothat, working round on the ball of my foot, I managed pretty easily. Buthow to get the rope? As I said, it hung a good yard beyond the ledge,the noose dangling some two feet below it. With my finger tips againstthe cliff, I lean'd out and clutch'd at it. I miss'd it by a foot."Shall I jump?" thought I, "or bide here till help comes?"
'Twas a giddy, awful leap. But the black horror was at my heels now. Ina minute more 'twould have me; and then my fall was certain. I call'dup Delia's face as she had taunted me. I bent my knees, and, leaving myhold of the rock, sprang forward--out, over the sea.
I saw it twinkle, fathoms below. My right hand touch'd--grasp'd therope: then my left, as I swung far out upon it. I slipp'd an inch--threeinches--then held, swaying wildly. My foot was in the noose. I heard ashout above: and, as I dropp'd to a sitting posture, the rope began torise.
"Quick! Oh, Billy, pull quick!"
He could not hear; yet tugg'd like a Trojan.
"Now, here's a time to keep a man sittin'!" he shouted, as he caughtmy hand, and pull'd me full length on the turf. "Why, lad--hast seen aghost?"
There was no answer. The black horror had overtaken me at last.
* * * * *
They carried me to a shed in the great court of Gleys, and set me onstraw: and there, till far into the afternoon, I lay betwixt swooningand trembling, while Delia bath'd my head in water from the sea, for noother was to be had. And about four in the afternoon the horror left me,so that I sat up and told my story pretty steadily.
"What of the house?" I ask'd, when the tale was done, and a company sentto search the east cliff from the beach.
"All perish'd!" said Delia, and then smiling, "I am houseless as ever,Jack."
"And have the same good friends."
"That's true. But listen--for while you have lain here, Billy and I haveput our heads together. He is bound for Brest, he says, and has agreedto take me and such poor chattels as are saved, to Brittany, where Iknow my mother's kin will have a welcome for me, until these troublesbe pass'd. Already the half of my goods is aboard the _Godsend_, and aletter writ to Sir Bevill, begging him to appoint an honest man as mysteward. What think you of the plan?"
"It seems a good plan," I answer'd slowly: "the England that now is, isno place for a woman. When do you sail?"
"As soon as you are recovered, Jack."
"Then that's now." I got on my feet, and drew on my boots (that Matt.Soames had found in the laurel bushes and brought). My knees trembled abit, but nothing to matter.
"Art looking downcast, Jack."
Said I: "How else should I look, that am to lose thee in an hour ormore?"
She made no reply to this, but turned away to give an order to thesailors.
The last of Delia's furniture was hardly aboard, when we heard greatshouts of joy, and saw the men returning that had gone to search thecliff. They bore between them three large oak coffers: which beingbroke, we came on an immense deal of old plate and jewels, besidesover L300 in coined money. There were two more left behind, they said,besides several small bags of gold. The path up the cliff was hard toclimb, and would have been impossible, but for the iron ladder theyfound ready fix'd for Master Tingcomb's descent. In the hole (that couldnot be seen from the beach, the shelf hiding it) was tackle for loweringthe chest: and below a boat moor'd, and now left high and dry by thetide. Doubtless, the arch-rascal had waited for his comrades to return,whom Matt. Soames and I had scar'd out of all stomach to do so. His bodywas nowhere found.
The sea had wash'd it off: but the sack they recover'd, and found tohold the choicest of Delia's heirlooms. Within an hour the remainingcoffers and the money bags were safe in the vessel's hold.
* * * * *
The sun was setting, as Delia and I stood on the beach, beside the boatthat was to take her from me. Aboard the _Godsend_ I could hear theanchor lifting, and the men singing, as, holding Molly's bridle, I heldout my hand to the dear maid who with me had shar'd so many a peril.
"Is there any more to come?" she ask'd.
"No," said I, and God knows my heart was heavy: "nothing to come but'Farewell!'"
She laid her small hand in my big palm, and glancing up, said verypretty and demur--
"_And shall I leave my best? Wilt not come, too, dear Jack?_"
"Delia!" I stammer'd. "What is this? I thought you lov'd me not."
"And so did I, Jack: and thinking so, I found I loved thee better thanever. Fie on thee, now! May not a maid change her mind without beingforced to such unseemly, brazen words?" And she heav'd a mock sigh.
But as I stood and held that little hand, I seem'd across the very mistof happiness to read a sentence written, and spoke it, perforce andslow, as with another man's mouth--
"Delia, you only have I lov'd, and will love! Blithe would I be to livewith you, and to serve you would blithely die. In sorrow, then, call forme, or in trust abide me. But go with you now--I may not."
She lifted her eyes, and looking full into mine, repeated slowly theverse we had read at our first meeting--
"'In a wife's lap, as in a grave, Man's airy notions mix with earth--'--thou hast found it, sweetheart--thou has found the Splendid Spur!"
She broke off, and clapp'd her hands together very merrily; and then, asa tear started--
"But thou'lt come for me, ere long, Jack? Else I am sure to blame someother woman. Stay--"
She drew off her ring, and slipp'd it on my little finger.
"There's my token! Now give me one to weep and be glad over."
Having no trinkets, I gave my glove: and she kiss'd it twice, and put itin her bosom.
"I have no need of this ring," said I: "for look!" and I drew forththe lock I had cut from her dear head, that morning among the alders byKennet side, and worn ever since over my heart.
"Wilt marry no man till I come?"
"Now, that's too hard a promise," said she, laughing, and shaking hercurls.
"Too hard!"
"Why, of course. Listen, sweetheart--a true woman will not change hermind: but, oh! she dearly loves to be able to! So, bating this, here'smy hand upon it--now, fie, Jack! and before all these mariners!--well,then if thou _must_--"
* * * * *
I watch'd her standing in the stern and waving, till she was under the_Godsend's_ side: then turn'd, and mounting Molly, rode inland to thewars.
THE END.
The Splendid Spur Page 21