Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  CHAPTER XX.

  HOW URSO GIVES WAS ARRESTED.

  About the same time that the interview took place in the stable atSpetchley between Cromwell and Urso Gives, Major Careless, who hadbeen upon the eastern walls to satisfy himself that the fires in thesuburbs were completely extinguished, descended from the rampartsat Friars'-gate. This was one of the smaller gates, and derived itsappellation from a convent of Franciscan friars that stood hard by--theold religious house having been subsequently converted into a prison.

  On quitting the ramparts, as just stated, Careless proceeded to theold hostelry of the Grey Friars, where he knew that several officersabout to take part in the camisade would be assembled. The old inn--anancient timber-built house, with quaint gables, and a projecting upperstory--is still standing in Friars'-street.

  In the principal room of the old hostel he found, as he expected, aparty of Cavaliers smoking, singing, and quaffing sack and claret, asif they had no serious business in hand. They were thus making merryto the last, since among them were Major Knox and some others, who,two hours later, were killed in the attack on the outpost. They wereall fully armed with steel caps, gorgets, cuirasses, pauldrons, andtaches, but had divested themselves of their swords and pistols. Besideeach sword lay a small roll of linen. This was the shirt which itsowner meant to wear over his armour, and which, in some cases, proved awinding-sheet.

  All the Cavaliers rose on Careless's appearance, and gave him ahearty welcome. He could not help being struck by the enthusiasm theydisplayed. Not one of them but seemed proud of being included in thedangerous enterprise. Not one but was ready to lay down his life forthe king. Careless never afterwards recalled that meeting withoutheaving a sigh for the brave men who perished in the camisade. However,at the moment, he thought little of the hazard of the attack, and wouldgladly have joined in it if the king would have allowed him. Sittingdown, he emptied the flagon of claret filled for him by Major Knox.Shortly afterwards Colonel Legge entered the room, but left againalmost immediately, saying, as he departed, to Major Knox:

  "Half an hour hence you must all be at the place of rendezvous."

  Shortly afterwards Careless took leave of the company, and wasproceeding along Friars'-street in the direction of the Sidbury-gate,when he heard his name pronounced in a familiar voice, that instantlyawakened tender recollections, and turning, he perceived that he hadbeen followed from the hostel by a young woman whose features weremuffled in a hood.

  Not doubting who it was, he exclaimed:

  "Ah! is it you, Mary? I never expected to see you again."

  "And you would not see me now, I can assure you, if I had not somethingof importance to say," she rejoined, partially removing her hood.

  "Whatever has procured me the happiness of beholding you once more,sweet Mary, I feel grateful for it," he rejoined.

  "Speak not thus lightly," she said. "'Tis a grave matter."

  "Before you mention it, then, let me ask now you came to throw yourselfaway upon that detestable Roundhead? You must be heartily sick of himalready."

  "If you persist in talking thus you will frighten me away, and I shallleave unsaid what I have to tell you--and it is very important."

  "Nay, by all that is bewitching, I swear you shall not go," he cried,catching her hand.

  "Be serious, if you can, for a single instant, and listen to me."

  "Tell me you are resolved to abandon Urso, and I will be as serious asyou please."

  "You put everything out of my head by your trifling talk. How verydifferent you are from Urso, to be sure! He is always grave."

  "Yes, I warrant me you rarely catch a smile on his sour visage. But Ihope there are few points of resemblance between him and me. Again Iask, how could you marry such a man?"

  "'Twas all my grandam's doing," she sighed.

  "And you have bitterly repented of the foolish step ever since, I'll besworn. Confess, and I'll forgive you, though, I own, the effort will bedifficult."

  "Then pray don't make it. Unless you listen to my warning, you willfall into a snare that has been privily laid for you."

  "Privily laid for me by Urso, eh? The Roundhead rogue had better takecare of himself, or you will speedily become a widow."

  "It is not of Urso I would warn you. Do not take part in the camisadeto-night."

  "The camisade!" he exclaimed, in surprise. "How do you know there is tobe a camisade? Who has told you of it? Answer me that."

  All his levity had vanished. As she did not answer, he repeated thequestion still more peremptorily.

  "No matter who told me," she rejoined. "If you value your life you willnot go. I have warned you. Do as you please. Farewell!"

  "Stay! we must not part thus. You spoke of a snare being privily laidfor me. What was your meaning?"

  "I will tell you nothing more," she rejoined.

  And breaking from him, she flew towards the inn.

  Just as she reached the door the Cavaliers came forth in a body. Someof them tried to stop her, but she pushed them aside and got into thehouse.

  Careless thought of following her and insisting on an explanation, butafter a moment's reflection he concluded that, since she was lodgingat the inn, she must have overheard the loud and indiscreet talk ofthe Cavaliers, and so have ascertained the nature of the enterpriseon which they were engaged. As to the "privily-laid snare" of which hehad been warned, the expression savoured strongly of Urso, and probablymeant nothing in particular.

  Having arrived at this conclusion he marched off, with the fixeddetermination of paying another visit to the old hostel on the morrow.

  But before the morrow came he was undeceived, and he then bitterlyregretted that he had neglected the warning given him.

  So well was the secret kept, that only the troops actually engaged inthe camisade were aware of its object. Many heard of the enterprise andof its failure at the same time. When the attacking party was drivenback, a call to arms was instantly made by the Duke of Hamilton and allthe commanders stationed on the south and south-east, lest Cromwellshould follow up his success by an immediate assault on the city. Butit soon became apparent that he had no such design, and though theRoyalists remained on the alert, they were not disturbed during theremainder of the night.

  To Charles, who had made certain of success, the failure of theenterprise was a terrible disappointment. But he bore it manfully, ashe bore all his reverses. He had remained at the Commandery in orderthat he might receive the earliest intelligence of the victory heso confidently anticipated, and was seated in the refectory, tryingto while away the time in light chat with Careless, when GeneralMiddleton, followed by Sir William Keith and Colonel Legge entered thehall. Charles read what had happened in their downcast looks, and for amoment forbore to question them.

  "Fortune has played me another sorry trick, I perceive," he exclaimed,at length. "I thought the fickle goddess would this time havebefriended me."

  "All would have gone well, sire, if our plan had not been betrayed,"replied Middleton. "The enemy was prepared. We found the whole ofColonel Lilburn's force under arms, and were surrounded, but succeededin cutting our way through them."

  "I have a further proof of treachery, sire," said Colonel Legge."Cromwell himself, with his body-guard of Ironsides, was with theoutpost when I attacked it."

  Charles could not repress an exclamation of rage.

  "That we have been bought and sold is certain," he exclaimed. "But whocan have betrayed us?"

  "I think I can give a shrewd guess as to the villain who has thustraitorously discovered the design," said Careless, "and if I am righthe shall not escape chastisement."

  "Whoever the traitor may be," observed the king, "he must haveobtained early information, and have acted with the greatestpromptitude, or the enemy could not have been prepared at all pointsfor the attack. Cromwell must have clever and active spies in the city."

  "True, sire," replied Middleton. "And I now recollect that, during ourconference in the adjoining chamber, a man in t
he garden approachedsomewhat near to the open window. At the time I did not suspect hismotive, but I now believe he was a spy."

  "It may be so," observed Charles.

  "Whether General Middleton is right or wrong in his suspicion, I amcertain I can discover the traitor, sire," said Careless. "I have aclue to his hiding-place, and before many hours I engage to producehim."

  "It will be some satisfaction to hang the villain," observed Charles.

  "Your majesty may rely upon having that gratification," repliedCareless. "With your permission, I will set about his capture at once.Nor will I rest till I have effected it."

  And bowing to the king he quitted the hall.

  In the court-yard of the Commandery was the king's ordinary guard.Taking two of the men with him, Careless proceeded to the Sidbury-gate,passed through the wicket with his attendants, and in another minutewas in Friars'-street.

  So dark was the narrow street, owing to the projecting stories of theancient timber houses lining it on either side, that Careless wasunable to discern any object unless close at hand. A heavy, measuredtread, however, informed him of the approach of the rounds, and thenext moment the patrol came up.

  Captain Woolfe, who was with the guard, immediately recognised hissuperior officer, and on learning Careless's business, proffered hisaid. They proceeded together to the old inn, followed by the wholeparty.

  It would seem that all the inmates had retired to rest, but theknocking of a halbert staff against the door soon caused it to beopened by Master Kilvert, the host, who had hastily huddled on hisapparel, and in a trembling voice inquired the meaning of thisnocturnal visitation.

  No explanation was vouchsafed him. Ordering the guard to postthemselves secretly on the other side of the street and be ready toanswer any summons, Careless and Captain Woolfe entered the house,shutting the street door after them.

  The terrified host conducted them to the principal room, and settingdown the light with which he was provided, humbly waited their pleasureto address him.

  "Answer truly the questions I shall put, and you have nought to fear,"said Careless. "You have a lodger named Urso Gives?"

  "Your honour has been rightly informed," replied Kilvert. "MasterGives, the tailor, with his wife and his wife's grandmother, arelodging in my house. Master Gives is a worthy and God-fearing man, or Iwould not have him as a guest."

  "Your description of him is altogether inaccurate. He is a traitor anda spy. Lead us to his chamber instantly, and call him forth," saidCareless, drawing his sword.

  "I will lead your honour to his chamber," replied Kilvert, now stillmore alarmed. "But it will be useless to call him, seeing he is notthere."

  "I must be assured of this," said Careless. "Lead us to the room."

  "I shall not need to do so, for here comes his wife, who will confirmwhat I have just declared to your honour."

  And as he spoke Dame Gives entered, bearing a light. It was evidentfrom her attire that she had not been in bed. Careless sheathed hissword on her appearance.

  "Why have you come here at this hour? What do you want with Urso?" shecried, rushing up to him.

  Careless, however, turned away, and said, in a low voice, to CaptainWoolfe:

  "Explain our errand to her."

  "We have come to arrest your husband," said Woolfe.

  "Arrest him! What crime has he committed?"

  "The highest crime a man can commit," rejoined Woolfe. "He has betrayedthe king to his enemies."

  "I hope he can disprove the charge--but you will not find him here,"she exclaimed. "Master Kilvert will satisfy you that he is not in thehouse."

  "I have striven to do so, but ineffectually," said the host.

  "Since it appears that your husband has not returned from his secretvisit to the enemy's camp, we must wait for him," said Careless. "Havehim we will."

  "The house must be searched. He may be concealed within it," saidCaptain Woolfe. "Show me to the upper rooms," he added to the host.

  "Readily," replied Kilvert. "And should you discover him, I will becontent to take his place, and that I would not do for a thousandpound. This way, captain! this way!"

  As soon as they were gone, Dame Gives exclaimed, distractedly:

  "Cruel and ungrateful man! Is this the way you reward me? In my desireto serve you, I have destroyed poor Urso."

  "You ought to thank me for ridding you of such a miscreant," rejoinedCareless. "You do not seem to comprehend the magnitude of his offence."

  "Yes, I do comprehend it," she rejoined. "I regard the crime withhorror. But I am his wife. Save him! save him!"

  "Impossible!" exclaimed Careless. "I would not save him if I could. Iam sorry for you, Mary, but I cannot feel the slightest compassion forthe villain you have married. It pains me that his arrest cannot beaccomplished without your taking part in it."

  "Oh! that I could warn him of his danger," she exclaimed. "If I couldonly give him a signal!"

  "The signal would be useless," said Careless. "A guard is postedoutside."

  "But he will not enter from the street!" she cried. "The door at theback is left open. I must fasten it."

  And she would have rushed forth to execute her design if Careless hadnot prevented her.

  "I cannot allow you to stir, Mary," he said, detaining her.

  She besought him to let her go, but he refused. Just then, footstepswere heard in the passage.

  "Ah, he is here!" she exclaimed.

  Next moment Urso Gives entered the room, and started on beholding hiswife and Careless together. By an instant and rapid retreat he might,perhaps, have escaped, for the way was then clear, but yielding to asudden impulse of jealous fury, he drew a pistol and fired.

  His aim was Careless, but the shot took effect on his wife, who wasslightly wounded in the arm. Uttering a scream, she would have fallenif Careless had not caught her and placed her in a chair.

  The report of the pistol brought Captain Woolfe and Kilvert into theroom, and in another moment the guard rushed in from the street. Urso,who attempted no resistance, was seized and secured.

  "Is this the man you seek, Major Careless?" asked Captain Woolfe.

  "Ay, this is the accursed traitor," was the reply. "And now he wouldhave added murder to his other crimes."

  "I should be satisfied if I had slain thee," rejoined Urso, fiercely."I have wrongs enough to avenge."

  "Search him to see that he hath no concealed weapons," said Careless."He shall then be taken to the Commandery, in order that his majestymay interrogate him."

  "I know well what my doom will be, and am prepared for it," said Urso."Before I am taken hence let me look for the last time upon my wife."

  Careless signed to the guard to bring him forward.

  Poor Mary was still lying in the chair in which she had been placed,and was tended by the hostess and a female servant, who had come intothe room. A handkerchief had been bound round her arm by Careless tostanch the blood.

  The prisoner gazed at her for some moments with a look of unutterableaffection.

  "She will live," he murmured. "Heaven be thanked I have not killed her!"

  "No, thou art spared that crime," said Careless. "She is not much hurt."

  Bending down, Urso kissed her pallid brow. The contact of his lipscaused her to open her eyes, but on beholding him she shuddered, andimmediately closed them.

  With a sharp pang Urso turned away.

  Attended by the guard, the prisoner was taken at once to the Commandery.

  Though it was now close upon daybreak, Charles had not retired torest. He was so much disturbed by the result of the night attack that,feeling he could not sleep, he remained in converse with Middleton andthe two other unsuccessful commanders.

  The king and his companions were in the refectory, when Carelessentered and informed his majesty that he had captured the spy.

  He then explained how the arrest had been accomplished, and aftergiving the king all needful particulars, the prisoner was introduced.

&nb
sp; Urso Gives did not seem at all intimidated by the presence in which hestood, but maintained a resolute demeanour. General Middleton at oncerecognised him as the eavesdropper he had noticed in the garden.

  When interrogated by Charles, the prisoner refused to answer anyquestions, and though threatened by Middleton with the thumbscrew,declared, with a firmness that carried conviction with it, that notorture should force him to make a confession.

  After hearing Careless's relation, confirmed as it was by variouscircumstances, and, above all, by the discovery on the person of theprisoner of an order in Cromwell's handwriting, Charles could entertainno doubt of Urso's guilt. He ordered him to be hanged at mid-day on theSidbury-gate, so that the spectacle of his ignominious death might bewitnessed by the rebel army.

  The prisoner, who heard his sentence without betraying the slightestemotion, was then removed, and taken by the guard to Edgar's Tower,where the king had ordered him to be kept till the hour appointed forhis execution.