CHAPTER III.
"It has a strange quick jar upon the ear, That cocking of the pistol, when you know A moment more will bring the sight to bear Upon your person, twelve yards off, or so; A gentlemanly distance, not too near, If you have got a former friend for foe; But after being fired at once or twice, The ear becomes more Irish, and less nice." _Don Juan._
The snow, which had fallen on and off during the whole day, had ceased,the sky cleared, a sharp frost had set in, and was already beginning tocrisp the top of the snow, across which in varied groups the guests andretainers of the Towers walked. A few minutes brought them to theirjourney's end, and they all assembled in the Holly Walk. It was so namedfrom the immense holly hedges that rose on each side of the broad greenwalk, and in the coldest weather was always a warm and sheltered path.Now the hedges were weighed down with the newly fallen snow, and thegreen grass covered to the depth of some inches. In the north-east wasrising the cold round moon, which looked down on a white world with aplacid eye, soon to be awestruck by deeds of blood. A few of thebrighter stars challenged the lady of the night, and asserted theirprerogative of giving light; and over the north and north-west thenorthern lights shot out brilliant streamers. The air was shrewd andbiting, but no wind was stirring, and the only sound that broke thestillness was the cranch of the footsteps on the newly frozen snowsurface. In the dark shadow of the eastern side of the holly hedge wasgrouped the whole company,--excepting the seconds, who were pacing theright distance in the moonlit side of the walk. The Captain was talkingin a light manner to Sir Harry; it was not his first, nor second, noreven third encounter, and he seemed to treat the matter with greatindifference. Sir Richard had never before fought a duel, and though hehad first shot he was not wholly at his ease like his antagonist; hestood by himself and silently watched the distance marked in the snow.Popular feeling was certainly on the Captain's side--he had heard themsay there was only one place to shoot his foe if he wished to disablehim from firing too, and he secretly resolved to aim for his head. TheEarl and several others were speaking in a low tone on the comingdreadful match; Mr. Power, Ravensworth, and Lennox, were all threetalking together, and Johnny some distance behind.
"This is a most ungodly and lawless business, Mr. Ravensworth," said Mr.Power; "we should try and stop it--you as his lordship's futurefather-in-law should have influence to prevent it."
"Mine is a delicate position, Mr. Power; much as I should like to seethings amicably settled, I do not like interfering," replied Mr.Ravensworth.
"Certainly in your ministerial capacity, and as a soldier of the Princeof Peace--it seems to me, Mr. Power, this important duty devolves onyou."
"Perhaps it does, Mr. Lennox, and I am but an unprofitable servant tofear man's displeasure; I must magnify my office and try what can bedone; but I greatly fear it will be useless to try--nevertheless I canbut make the attempt."
With these words he walked to where the Captain was standing, but seeingseveral persons round him he proceeded further, where Sir Richard stoodalone.
"Sir Richard, excuse my boldness in addressing a stranger, but as aservant of God I cannot see His laws broken without at least speakingHis message. Sir Richard, you are either going to leave this ground withthe stain of blood on your hands, or are going to rush unprepared intoyour Judge's presence. I beseech you pause, and make up this unseemlyquarrel."
"I fear, sir, you do not know what you ask; it is impossible for me toback out of this even if I wished,--and I do not wish it,--withoutincurring the stain of cowardice."
"Alas! Sir Richard, you fear the opinion of your fellow mortal more thanbreaking your Maker's laws!"
"Sir, I admire your sentiments, and wish I could see things in the lightyou do; I regret I cannot--it is useless to urge me more, my mind ismade up!"
"And God grant your peace with him is made up too!" said the clergyman,turning sorrowfully away towards the Captain, whom he thus addressed:
"Unhappy young man, ere it is too late, forgive your enemy--you willleave this ground with your hands stained in a fellow creature's blood,or--"
"Really, Mr. Power, it is not unlikely _I_ may be shot, you arepremature."
"And dare you meet your Maker with all your sins full blown--dare youhurry unprepared--"
"Mr. Power, you came here to dine, and not to preach--Heaven knows youhave time enough on Sunday--so you had better keep your sermons forthose who will listen to them."
"Ungodly man, I tremble for you--"
"It is more than I do for myself. Come, stow your sermons, oldSquaretoes, and for God's sake, if I am to be knocked off, let me end mylife in peace. I'd rather stand at a cannon's mouth than yours--Lordknows which breathes hottest!"
Cast down, but not vanquished, Mr. Power next attempted the Earl.
"For the love of Heaven, my Lord, use your authority to put down thisbreach of God's laws, and man's also; let not murder take place in sightof your castle."
"I am very sorry I have no power in this matter at all, beyond seeingeverything is done as it should be--else I would not be here. My mottois let every man mind his own business--you should apply to theduellists."
"I have, my Lord, and woefully I have been served."
"Then, Mr. Power, I have no chance in the world."
"Lord Arranmore, will you not use your influence?"
"What in the devil's name have I to do with it?--besides I have a bet of50_l._ on the affair, so am not likely to stop it if I could."
"I wonder to see you patronizing such a meeting, Mr. Power; however, Isuppose you are like your lay-brethren, and curiosity overcomesconsistency," said Frank.
"Come, Mr. Ravensworth,--come, Mr. Lennox,--let us leave this godlesscrew--I have done my duty at least."
"I am much obliged, but must certainly stay," said Mr. Lennox, who hadno idea of missing the first hostile meeting he had ever come in for. "Iam a bit of a doctor, Mr. Power, and my presence may berequired--there's Johnny Ravensworth, however, too juvenile for suchentertainments."
"Come, my boy," said Mr. Ravensworth; "come along with us," followingMr. Power as he spoke.
"Mayn't I stay, papa?" Then in an under tone, "Confound Mr. Lennox; heis glad enough to find an excuse, and vents his anger on me."
"No, my boy; come along directly. Do you hear me?"
"Let the boy stay, Mr. Ravensworth," said the Marquis. "It is well toaccustom them early to this sort of thing!"
"My Lord, I wonder at you. When you have been a father as long as I haveyou will think otherwise."
"I'faith, were my boy a little older he should have been here," answeredthe Irishman.
"You had better go, Johnny," said the Earl. "Always obey your father.Sir Harry, here, will tell you discipline is the mother of all goodsoldiering."
"Indeed is it, my lad; now, quick march; you are delaying the encounter.And, by my stars! it is cold work halting in the snow. I had rather beover that excellent punch, all spoiling," said Sir Harry.
The three proceeded to the Towers without speaking. Mr. Power and Mr.Ravensworth in silence, Johnny often casting a wistful look back, andasking old Andrew if it wasn't a shame to take him away, to which theold butler answered in the affirmative: "Ay, ay, Maister Johnny, it's asair trial; yet Scripture saith, obey your parents; mayhap ye'll fechtone your ainsell some o' these days."
When the two gentlemen and their reluctant companion reached thedrawing-room, they were beset with questions from the ladies, who had amost imperfect knowledge of the affair.
"It is a dreadful thing," said Lady Arranmore. "I wonder you did not tryand stop it."
"God knows, madam, I did try. I had perhaps a hearing from Sir Richard;but your brother's heart is as hard as the nether millstone."
"I fear John is too often mixed up in these disgraceful affairs."
"Why, Johnny," said Lady Florence, "I thought you would have beenthere?"
"And so I would, had I had my own way; but I was
dragged off whether Iwould or no."
"Then you really think they will fight?" said a lady.
"I fear so, madam."
"But perhaps they may miss," suggested Ellen.
"Little fear of John," said Lady Florence. "But it is awful."
"Indeed, madam, I am--but, God love us! there goes one," said Mr. Power.
In fact, at the moment a clear ring of a pistol-shot was heard; and, ereany one could speak, in quick succession another echoed through thewoods.
"I'll run and see," said Johnny; and he was gone before any one couldstop him.
We return to the Holly Walk. When Mr. Power was gone the Captain said,"Now we've sent Squaretoes to preach to the girls, we'd better be atwork. It's d--bly cold, and will spoil our shooting."
"All is ready," said Scroop, handing him a pistol, while Wilson gaveanother to Sir Richard.
The Captain looked at the cap (the detonating system, but latelyintroduced, was all the rage, and the pistols were percussion), then letthe dogshead press on the nipple an instant, and, half-cocking thepiece, walked with Scroop to his stand. Sir Richard and Wilson also tooktheir places.
The scene was awful! Twelve paces from each other stood the twoantagonists; their seconds walked back and joined the rest of thelookers on. Not a word was spoken, save by old Andrew, who stood at theend of the walk, beneath a cypress-tree, almost directly behind theCaptain, some thirty yards off, and kept up an incessant channering, asthe Americans call it. The moon shone on one cheek of each of the foes.The Captain had a devil-me-care aspect; and though he was first to standfire, seemed to reck little what happened. Sir Richard looked very pale;perhaps it was the moon--perhaps the thought he was about to shed afellow-being's blood--or be hurled into another world. Old Andrewdeclared he was "fey."
At last, as if tired of the delay, the Captain's voice was heard clearand loud: "If you are ready, Sir Richard, I am."
Sir Richard cocked; the click seemed as if it rapped every heart thatheard it, save his whose life it threatened. He raised the piece slowly,and, pointing it at the Captain's head, took a cool, deliberate aim. Aslight frown gathered on the Captain's brow, who thus saw his lifemenaced. Then came the flash--the explosion--and the ping of the leadenball, which rung through the cypress-tree, making old Andrew "loup," ashe said.
"Missed, by Jove!" shouted Wilson. "It was a shaver, by--"
Before he could finish his sentence the Captain flung up his pistol,and, without seeming to take any aim, fired. The flash--the loudreport--and then the thud of Sir Richard as he bounded forward, and fellflat on his face upon the snow!
Every one rushed to the fallen man--save one, the slayer, who stood likea statue, with the pistol smoking in his hand. The seconds turned SirRichard over on his back; in the centre of his forehead was a round,bleeding hole.
One figure left the crowd, and, walking up to the Captain, said in ahusky voice, "Drilled, by G--!"
It was Scroop.
"Where?" replied the Captain.
Scroop put his finger to the middle of his brow.
"Where I generally hit. But I must go and have a look. Not the firstsoldier I've _drilled_!"
With a calm face he stooped over his victim a moment, and then, as hewalked away, muttered, "Ha! Dick Musgrave! thou wert a fool to quarrelwith me. That shortens our count by one. The grave keeps her secrets!"
"This has had a more tragical ending than I imagined," said the Earl."Andrew, have the remains carried to the castle. Come along home," toFrank.
"Confound my ill luck!" said Major Forster to the Marquis. "Poor SirRichard seemed all of a tremble; no wonder he missed!"
"Is he dead?" cried Johnny, running up.
"Deed as a nail," replied old Andrew, and away Johnny ran.
Like a wild thing he entered the drawing-room, and all the ladiesgathered round him, pale with terror.
"He's killed," cried Johnny, out of breath.
"Who is killed?" said Lady Florence. "Who, Johnny?"
"I am sure I didn't ask. One is; I saw them carrying him."
"You careless boy," said Lady Arranmore. "Oh! I hope it is not true!Here's some one who will tell us. Oh! Captain Wilson, who fell?"
"Musgrave, of course, Lady Arranmore."
"But is he dead? Oh say no," said Lady Florence, trembling withexcitement and fear.
"Did you ever hear of a man living with an ounce of lead through hisbrains, Lady Florence? No, no; Richard of Musgrave breathes no more! TheCaptain will have to fly the country. Ah! here he comes."
As he spoke the Captain, accompanied by Scroop, both booted and spurred,entered the room.
"Oh! John, how could you?"
"Oh! what have you done?" exclaimed his sisters.
"Lord help us! what's done can't be helped. I am sure I am d--d sorry.But I must be off, so no recrimination. Good bye, Edie. Good bye, littleFloss. And you, Miss Ravensworth. What, will you not even shake hands?"
"I cannot--your hand is bloodstained!"
"Ellen, if you knew all you would thank me. You do not know that SirRichard was he who carried you off," said he, _sotto voce_.
Ellen hid her face in her hands, and the young officer turned away andclanked out of the room, bowing to the other ladies.
"God forgive you this murder; and may you never feel remorse for thedeed!" said Mr. Power, as he strode past him.
"Ha, my preacher! are you primed, and at it again? Nothing like stickingto one's trade. You to your Bible, and I to swords, guns, and pistols!"
"You will think better some day. I trust God will break your heart inhis own time."
"I am like to break your head if you detain me any longer, oldSnapdragon! Never you mind me. If I get to the devil first I'll fire asalute when you come! Till then, adieu."
Leaving the worthy man to mourn over his wickedness, our hero proceededto the hall, where all the gentlemen were grouped, talking to hisbrother and the Marquis. He and Scroop hastened to the courtyard, whereyoung Wilton stood with three horses, ready saddled and bridled, tocarry them and Archy to Leith, where they were to set sail at once forthe Continent.
"I'll show my face again when this has blown over," said the Captain, ashe mounted. "Poor Sir Richard! I am very sorry for him,--unlucky devilas he was. You will see he is decently buried. He'll have a warmer timeof it than we shall, if Power speaks gospel."
"Well, good bye, John. Write to us sometimes," said the Earl, giving hima pocket-book. "This has been a most unfortunate night; it will delay mymarriage,--and get me into a jolly scrape, too."
"Egad! I'm deuced sorry; but Ellen won't spoil for keeping a bit. Ha,the needful; I had forgotten that. Thanks--"
"An' I was thinking you would aiblins no be sorry to hae a keg of thegude stuff," said old Andrew, handing a big-bellied flask of whisky."Gude save us, Captain! yon was a grand shot--puir Sir Richard!"
"Why, bless me, you are a better fellow than I thought, Andrew! Here,Scroop, you carry this flask; we shall be glad of it, I warrant. What ad--d night it is; the snow will be balling in our nags' feet, and leavea track for a blind man to follow. But we must be off. Good night,gentlemen. Come, Scroop, for God's sake be mounted and away, or we shallhave the hounds on our scent!"
The horsemen then spurred off, and were soon lost in the darkness. Theguests returned into the hall, and went upstairs.
When the Earl entered the drawing-room, Ellen drew him aside, and, inthe mildest, gentlest manner, told him how sorry she was that this hadoccurred.
"You are right, dearest. I am very sorry, but it is done now; it willdelay our union, Ellen, for six weeks, and that will be punishmentenough for me. I have your forgiveness, I hope?"
"Ask God's forgiveness, not mine; for this has been a sad--sad evening."
To tell the truth the Earl was little pleased at the part he had takenin it: but he had a hard part to play; brought up without the leastreligion he had only lately come to see the harm of duelling. Ellen'sexample was silently doing a world of good, and she saw it, so she saidno m
ore: those few words told more on him than a hundred sermons.
The irreligious character of the Towers was well known; and the way inwhich this awful affair was treated will sufficiently show it, and ourreaders will see how difficult it was for the Earl to change his courseall at once. He had laughed and joked on such occasions before, and hewas not so changed yet that he was beyond the influence of the evilcurrent.
As he left Ellen, Frank entered the room, equipped for riding.
"Why, De Vere, where the deuce are you off to?" said young Pringle.
"I am going to Piershill--do you think I am going to sleep hereto-night, with Sir Richard lying below?"
"Oh, Frank," said Lady Florence, "I wish you had not put that into myhead; I am quite nervous--I wish I did not sleep alone!"
"Then you should make friends with his ghost, Floss!" said her brother,laughing.
Without appearing to notice his remark, Lady Florence prevailed on Ellento share her room that night.
"I wouldn't be you, youngster," said Wilson to Johnny; "you are nextcabin to him."
"Oh, bother it!--Lord Wentworth, may he be moved?"
"No, no, Johnny," said the Earl, who could not help relishing thedreadful jest--"he has been knocked about enough for one night. You maysleep in another room; but I put my veto on moving him again."
"Well, who will come to Piershill?" said Frank; "I am not going to ridealone--Arranmore, come along!"
"Faith, not I--I never feared Musgrave, alive or dead! Besides, I ammarried; I have my wife to defend."
"Ah, that's well enough; but we poor devils who have no wives must lookout for company. Come, will no one accompany me?"
"I think I had better weigh anchor and be off," said Captain Wilson; "Ihave had far too much to do with it to moor myself here and be snappedup by the sharks!--only for God's sake don't put me aboard that viciouscraft young Nimrod again."
"Good night, then--and don't dream about ghosts, Florence," said Frank,as he and Wilson descended. "It is not I am really afraid you know,Wilson; but I want to tell the news at the barracks."
The two young men were soon mounted, and riding along to the cavalrybarracks, where the 10th Hussars were now quartered. When they reachedthe barracks, they found the yard full of men and officers, crowdedround a soldier who had lately dismounted.
"Hallo! here's some one who can enlighten us better than this d--dPaddy!"
"How are you, De Vere?--so you've had a duel at the Towers?" saidCaptain Ross.
"How the devil did you learn the news? Well, that's a nice sell forme,--coming all this way to tell you stale news."
The explanation was given that one of the troopers had been supping atthe Towers that evening, and, with true Irish wisdom, having heard therehad been a duel, and one of the duellists killed, without staying toinquire which had fallen
"much aghast, Rode back to _Piershill_ fiery fast."
He could only tell that the Captain and Sir Richard Musgrave had had aduel: one was shot dead, but he could not say which.
When Frank came with the full particulars, he slipped away and had along argument with a stolid Scotchman, about who fired the first shot.
"Come, De Vere, who was the slain?" said Major Cathcart;--"I will betfive to one it was not John De Vere!"
"You're right;--Musgrave was done for--shot clean through his forehead."
Frank then detailed the whole to a throng of officers and sergeants inthe mess room, and did not omit the joke about his riding there for fearof the dead man.
"You should have brought him here," said the Major; "we are not afraidof dead bodies!"
A yell of laughter followed this savage jest; and they then all sat downto a wining party, and drank the dead man's health in silence ere theyretired!
Captain Wilson departed next day for the Continent. Sir RichardMusgrave's remains were interred in the vaults at the Towers; and theEarl had some trouble to clear himself of the scrape. The marriage wasdeferred till the 18th of December, the Earl choosing the same day hehad met Ellen a year before at the Duke's ball. A letter from theCaptain arrived shortly before that day, saying he was at Hamburgh; hadmet a delightful young Polish officer, Count Czinsky, who was also therefor a similar lawless deed, and they were to proceed to St. Petersburghalmost immediately.
The Weird of the Wentworths: A Tale of George IV's Time, Vol. 2 Page 3