CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
THE KING'S DECREE.
"Any fresh news?"
"No. Have you any?"
"Not much; but I've seen the doctor again this morning."
"You told me yesterday that he said you were not to dare to come to himany more."
"Yesterday! Why, that was four days ago."
"Nonsense! That would have been before the duel."
"I say, Frank, are you going out of your mind?"
"I don't know," said the boy wearily. "My head's muddled with want ofsleep."
"Muddled? I should think it is. Why, it's a week to-day since thatglorious fight in the Park."
"Glorious?"
"Yes. I wish our officers would challenge all the German officers,fight them, and wound them, and send them out of the country."
"Don't talk nonsense. Talk about the doctor. He did tell you not tocome any more."
"Yes; he said he wouldn't be bothered by a pack of boys."
"Yes; he said the same to me every time I went."
"Every time! Have you been there much?"
"About four times a day."
"No wonder he was snappish to me, then."
"I suppose it has been tiresome, and he has called me all sorts ofnames, and said I worried his life out; but he always ended by smilingand shaking hands."
"You haven't been this morning of course?"
"Yes, I have."
"Well?"
"He says father's arm is going on well; but the baron is very bad."
"Serve him right."
"But I want him to get well."
"Oh, he'll get well some day. He's such a big, thick fellow, that it'sa long wound from front to back, and takes time. Be a lesson to him. Isay, how's Lady Gowan?"
"Very miserable and low-spirited."
"Humph!" ejaculated Andrew; and he glanced in a curious, furtive way athis companion. "I say, I thought the Princess was to speak to the King,and get your father pardoned."
"She did speak to him, and the Prince has too."
"Well?"
"We don't know any more yet. I suppose my father is kept under arrestso as to punish him."
"Yes," said Andrew, with a strange hesitation, which took Frank'sattention.
"Why did you say `_yes_' like that?" he cried, with his dull, listlessmanner passing off, and a keen, eager look in his eyes.
"Did I say `_yes_' like that?"
"You know you did. What is it you are keeping back, Drew?"
"I say, don't talk like that," said Andrew petulantly. "I never sawsuch a fellow as you are. Here, only the other day you looked up to mein everything, and I tried to teach you how to behave like a young manof the world in courtly society."
"Yes, you did, and I am greatly obliged; but--"
"Seems like it," said Andrew sharply. "Then all at once you set up yourhackles, and show fight like a young cockerel, and begin bouncing overme--I mean trying to; and it won't do, young Gowan. I'm your senior."
"Yes, yes, I know," cried Frank angrily; "but this is all talk, just forthe sake of saying something to put me off. Now speak out; what is ityou're keeping back?"
"There you go again, bully Gowan! Here, I say, you know I'm not goingto stand this. You keep your place."
"Don't, don't, Drew, when I'm in such trouble!" cried Frank appealingly.
"Ah! that's better. Now you've dropped into your place again, boy."
"You have something fresh--some great trouble--and you are hiding itfrom me."
"Well, how can I help it?" said Andrew. "You're bad enough as it is,and I don't want to make matters worse."
"But that's what you are doing. Why don't you speak?"
"Because you'll go and tell dear Lady Gowan, and it will half kill her."
"What!" cried Frank, springing at his companion, and catching him by theshoulder.
"And I look upon her as if she was my mother as well as yours, and I'dcut off my hand sooner than hurt her feelings more."
"I knew there was something fresh," cried Frank excitedly; "and,whatever it is, I must tell her, Drew. I promised her that I'd be quiteopen, and keep nothing from her."
"There, I knew I was right. How can I help keeping it back? And don't,Frank lad. I say, how strong you are. You're ragging my collar about.I shan't be fit to be seen."
"Then why don't you speak? It's cruel, horrible," cried Frank hoarsely.
"Because it comes so hard, old lad. I feel just as you told me you feltwhen you had to go and tell Lady Gowan that morning."
"Yes, yes, I know; but do--do speak! You've tortured me enough."
"I've just seen Captain Murray."
"Ah!"
"He was coming out of the colonel's quarters."
"Well? Be quick--oh, do be quick!"
"I ran to him, and he took me into his room and told me."
"Yes--told you--what?"
"He said he was very sorry for you and Lady Gowan, but the King was ashard as a rock. The Prince had been at him, and the Princess too; buthe would hardly listen to them, and the most he would do was--It seemsthat Steinberg is a very old favourite."
"Oh, I knew all that long ago! Why do you break off in that tantalisingway?"
"There is to be no regular court-martial, such as was to have been assoon as the doctor said Sir Robert could bear it."
"Yes, yes."
"Oh, it's no, no, Frank. He's to be dismissed from his regiment."
"I was afraid so," cried Frank. "But to exchange into another. Whatregiment is he to go in?"
Andrew was silent.
"Well, go on! Why don't you speak?" cried Frank wildly. "I asked youwhat regiment he was to go in."
"No regiment at all. He's dismissed from the King's service, and he isto leave the country. If he comes back, he is to be severely punished."
"Oh, they could not punish him more severely," cried Frank, with anangry stamp of the foot.
"Yes, they could. His Majesty"--Andrew Forbes said the two last wordswith bitter irony in his tones--"might order his execution."
"Then we are all to go away," said Frank, frowning.
"I don't know about that," replied Andrew. "But it's a good thing foryour father."
"What! A good thing?"
"Yes; to get out of the service of such a miserable usurper. If it werenot for the terrible upset to Lady Gowan, I should be ready tocongratulate her."
"That will do," said Frank sharply. "Don't get introducing yourprinciples here."
"Our principles," whispered Andrew, with a meaning look.
"Your principles," continued Frank, with emphasis. "I'm in no temperfor that, and I don't want to quarrel. I must go and tell her as soonas I'm off duty. She'll be ready to hate the sight of me for alwaysbringing her bad news."
But before the boy was relieved from his daily duties in the anteroom, anote was brought to him from Lady Gowan confirming Andrew's words. Infact, Frank's mother had known the worst over-night. But there wasother news in the letter which told the lad that his father was to leaveLondon that evening, that he was to accompany his mother to see him fora farewell interview, and that she wished him to be ready to go with herat seven o'clock.
Frank read the letter twice, and felt puzzled. He read it again, andsought out his friend.
"Been to see Lady Gowan?" Andrew asked.
"No; read this."
The lad took the letter, shrugged his shoulders as he read it, andhanded it back.
"That's plain enough," he said bitterly.
"Do you think so? I don't. I can't make out the end."
"You are to call for Lady Gowan, and take her to Sir Robert's quarters."
"No, no, I mean about a farewell visit."
"Well, isn't that plain?"
"But we shall go too."
"I don't think so. Your mother is the Princess's friend, and she doesnot wish to lose her. You will both have to stay."
"Impossible!" cried Frank excitedly.
>
"Well, we shall see," said Andrew meaningly.
That evening Frank took his mother, closely veiled, to Sir Robert'squarters, where he had been ever since the duel, with a sentry beneathhis window, another stationed at his door.
The pass Lady Gowan bore admitted them at once, and the next minute theywere in Sir Robert's room, to find him looking pale and stern, busilyfinishing with his servant the preparations for an immediate start.
The man was dismissed, and father, mother, and son were alone.
Lady Gowan was the first to speak.
"You know the orders that have been given, Robert?" she said.
"Yes; I travel with a strong escort to Harwich, where I am to take shipand cross."
"Of course we are going with you, Robert," said Lady Gowan.
Sir Robert was silent for a few moments, and Frank stood watching himanxiously, eager to hear his reply.
"No," he said at last. "I am driven out of the country, and it wouldnot be right to take you with me now."
"Robert!" cried Lady Gowan.
"Hush!" he said appealingly. "I have much to bear now; don't add to myburden. At present I have no plans. I do not even know where I shalldirect my steps. I am to be shipped off to Ostend. It would be madnessto take you from here yet. The Princess is your friend, and Iunderstand that the Prince is well-disposed toward me. You must stayhere for the present."
"But I am sure that her Royal Highness will wish me to leave her servicenow."
"And I am not," said Sir Robert. "For the present I wish you to stay."
Lady Gowan bent down and kissed his hand in obedience to her husband'swishes.
"But you will take me with you, father?" cried Frank.
"You, my boy? No. You cannot leave your mother. She and I both lookto you to fill my place till the happier days come, when I can return toEngland. You hear me, Frank?"
A protest was on the lad's lips; but there was a stern decision in SirRobert's eyes and tones which silenced it, and with quivering lip hestood listening to his father's instructions, till there was a tap atthe door, and an officer appeared to announce that the visitors mustleave.
"Very well," said Sir Robert quietly, and the officer withdrew.
"Oh, father!" cried Frank, "let me go and ask for another hour."
"No, my boy," said Sir Robert, firmly. "It is better so. Why should wetry to prolong pain? Good-bye, Frank, till we meet again. You must bea man now, young as you are. I leave your mother in your care."
His farewell to Lady Gowan was very brief, and then at his wish she toreherself away, and with her veil drawn-down to hide her emotion, shehurried out, resting on Frank's arm; while he, in spite of his father'srecent words, was half choked as he felt how his mother was sobbing.
"Don't speak to me, dear," she whispered, as they reached herapartments. "I cannot bear it. I feel as if we were forsaking yourfather in the time of his greatest need."
It was painful to leave her suffering; but there was a feeling of desireurging the lad away, and he hurried out, finding Andrew faithfullywaiting at the door, and ready to press his hand in sympathy.
"It's terribly hard, lad," he said. "Oh, dear; what a wicked world itis! But you are coming to see him go?"
Frank nodded--he could not trust himself to speak--and they started backfor Sir Robert's quarters.
They were none too soon; for already a couple of coaches were at thedoor, and a military guard was drawn up, keeping back a little crowd,the wind of the approaching departure having got abroad.
The lads noticed that fully half were soldiers; but they had little timefor making observations, for already Sir Robert was at the door, and thenext minute he had stepped into the first coach, the second, standingback, being filled with guards, one being beside the coachman on thebox, and two others standing behind. An officer and two soldiersfollowed Sir Robert. The door was banged to as Frank and Andrew dashedforward, and forced their way past the sentries who kept back the crowd.
It required little effort, for as soon as the Guards recognised themthey gave place, and enabled them to run beside the coach for a littleway, waving their hands to the banished man.
Sir Robert saw them, and leaned forward, and his face appeared at thewindow, when, as if influenced by one spirit, the soldiers uttered atremendous cheer, the rest joined in, and the next minute the boys stoodpanting outside in front of the clock tower, with the carriagesdisappearing on their way east.
"Oh, Frank, Frank!" cried Andrew excitedly, "is this free England? Ifwe had only known--if we had only known."
Frank's heart was too full for speech, and, hardly heeding hiscompanion's words, he stood gazing after the two coaches, feeling lowerin spirits than he ever had before in his life.
"We ought to have known that the soldiers and the people were all uponhis side. A little brave effort, with some one to lead them, and wecould have rescued him. The men would have carried everything beforethem."
"Rather curious expressions of opinion for one of the royal pages, younggentleman," said a stern voice.
"Captain Murray!" cried Andrew, who was thoroughly startled to find hiswords taken up so promptly by some one behind him.
"Yes, my lad, Captain Murray. I am glad, Gowan, that such words did notfall from you, though in your case they would have been more excusable."
"Perhaps, sir," cried Frank, in his loyalty to his friend, thoughtruthfully enough, "it was because I could not speak. I wish I hadhelped to do it, though."
"Hah! Yes, brave and manly, but weak and foolish, my boy. Recollectwhat and where you are, and that whispers spoken in the precincts of thePalace often have echoes which magnify them and cause those who utteredthem much harm."
"I'm not sorry I spoke," said Andrew hotly. "It has been horriblyunjust to Sir Robert Gowan."
"Suppose we discuss that shut in between four walls which have no ears,my lad. But let me ask you this, my hot-blooded young friend--supposeyou had roused the soldiers into rising and rescuing Sir Robert Gowan,what then?"
"It would have been a very gallant thing, sir," said Andrew haughtily.
"Of course, very brave and dashing, but a recklessly impulsive act.What would have followed?"
Captain Murray turned from Andrew to Frank, and the latter saw by thedim lamplight that the words were addressed more particularly to him.
"We should have set him free."
"No. You might have rescued him from his guards; but he would have beenno more free than he is now. He could not have stayed in England, butwould have had to make for the coast, and escape to France or Holland insome smuggler's boat. You see he would have been just where he is now.But it is more probable that you would not have secured him, for theguard would at the first attempt have been called upon to fire, and manylives would have been sacrificed for nothing."
"I thought you were Sir Robert Gowan's friend, sir," said Andrewbitterly.
"So I am, boy; but I am the King's servant, sworn to obey and defendhim. His Majesty's commands were that Sir Robert should leave hisservice, and seek a home out of England. It is our duty to obey. Andnow listen to me, Mr Andrew Forbes, and you too, Frank Gowan; and if Ispeak sternly, remember it is from a desire to advise my old comrade'sson and his companion for the best. A still tongue maketh a wise head.But I am not going to preach at you; and it is better that you shouldtake it to heart--you in particular, Andrew Forbes, for you occupy apeculiar position here. Your father is a proscribed rebel."
"You dare to say that of my father!" cried the lad, laying his hand uponhis sword.
"Yes, you foolish lad. Let that hilt alone. Keep your sword for yourenemies, not for your friends, even if they tell you unpleasant truths.Your tongue, my lad, runs too freely, and will get you sooner or laterinto trouble. Men have been punished for much less than you have said,even to losing their lives."
"Is this what a King's officer should do?" cried Andrew, who was whitewith anger,--"play the part of a spy?"
"Silly
, hot-headed boy," said Captain Murray. "I saw you both, and cameup to speak to my old friend's son, when I could not help hearing whatyour enemies would call traitorous remarks. Frank, my lad, you are theyounger in years, but you have the older head, and you must not be ledaway by this hot-blooded fellow. There, come both of you to myquarters."
"Frank, I'm going to my room," said Andrew, ignoring the captain'swords.
"No, you are coming with us," said Captain Murray. "Frank, my lad, yourfather asked me to give an eye to you, and bade me tell you that if youwere ever in any difficulty you were to come to me for help. Rememberthat please, for I will help Robert Gowan's son in every way I can."
The friendly feeling he had already had for his father's companion allcame back on the instant, and Frank held out his hand.
"Hah, that's right, boy. You have your father's eye for a friend. Comealong, and let's have a quiet chat. I want company to-night, for thisbusiness makes one low-spirited. Come along, Hotspur."
"Do you mean to continue insulting me, sir?" said Andrew sharply.
"I? No. There, you are put out because I spoke so plainly. Look here,Forbes, I should not like to see you arrested and dismissed from yourservice for uttering treasonable words, and you will be one of thesedays. It is being talked about in the Palace, but fortunately only byyour friends. Come, it is only a few steps, and we may as well talksitting down."
The lad was on the point of declining coldly; but the officer's extendedhand and genial smile disarmed him, and there was something soattractive in his manner that, unable to resist, he allowed CaptainMurray to pass an arm through his and march both lads to his quarters.
"Hah! this is better," he said, as he placed chairs for his visitors."Poor old Gowan! I wish he were with us. Why, Frank, my lad, what aseries of adventures in a short time! Only the other night, and we wereall sitting comfortably at dinner. How soon a storm springs up. Heardthe last about our German friend?"
"Enemy," muttered Andrew.
"Well, enemy if you like. I saw the doctor just before I caught sightof you, and he told me--"
"Not dead?" said Frank wildly.
"No. He has made a sudden change for the better. The doctor says hehas the constitution of an ox, and that has pulled him through."
"Ugh!" ejaculated Andrew; and Frank spoke hastily to cover hiscompanion's rudeness.
"How long do you think my father will have to be away?"
"Till his. Majesty dies, or, if he is fortunate, till your mother andthe Princess have won over his Royal Highness to do battle with hisfather on your father's behalf."
"But do you think he is likely to succeed?"
"I hope so, my lad. The King may give way. It will not be fromfriendly feeling, or a desire to do a kind action--what do you callit?--an act of clemency."
"He'll never pardon Sir Robert!" cried Andrew, bringing his fist downupon the table heavily.
"I think he will," said Captain Murray; "for his Majesty is a keen manof the world, a good soldier, and a good judge of soldiers. I thinkthat out of policy, and the knowledge that he is very unpopular, he maythink it wise to pardon a gallant officer, and to bring him back intothe ranks of the men whom he can trust."
"Yes, yes," cried Frank excitedly; and his eyes brightened as hetreasured up words, every one of which would, he felt sure, gladden hismother's heart.
"Hadn't you better get up and see if any one is listening at the door,Captain Murray?" said Andrew sarcastically.
"Because my words sound treasonable, my lad?"
"Yes, and may be magnified by the echoes of the Palace walls, sir."
The big, frank officer sank back in his chair, and laughed merrily.
"You're a queer fellow, Forbes--a clever fellow--with a splendid memory;but--there, don't feel insulted--you must have been meant for a woman:you have such a sharp, spiteful tongue. No, no, no--sit still. Youmust take as well as give. Do you two ever fall out, Frank? He's ashot as pepper."
"Yes, often," said Frank, smiling; "but we soon make it up again, forhe's about the bravest and best fellow I ever knew."
As Frank spoke, he reached over and gripped his friend's arm warmly.
"You don't know how good and kind and helpful he has been in all thistrouble."
"I believe it," said Captain Murray, smiling. "He's a lucky fellow too,for he has won a good friend. You hear, Hotspur? A good friend inFrank here, who is the very spit of his father, one of the bravest,truest soldiers that ever lived."
These words were said in a way which made Frank feel a little choky, andturned the tide of Andrew Forbes's anger, which now ebbed rapidly away.
"You'll come to me, my lads, both of you, if you want help?" said thecaptain, at their parting an hour later.
"Yes, of course," cried Frank eagerly; but Andrew Forbes was silent.
"And you, Andrew lad. Gowan asked me to be a friend to you too; for hesaid that Lady Gowan liked you, and that it was a hard position for alad like you to be placed in, and he is right."
"Did Sir Robert say that, sir?" said the lad huskily.
"Yes, when we said good-bye."
"Yes, I will come to you, sir--when I can."
The last words were to himself, and he was silent for some time as theywalked back to their quarters.
"I wish I hadn't such a sharp temper, Frank," he said at last. "But itis a queer position, and the harness galls me. I can't help it. Iought to go away."
In Honour's Cause: A Tale of the Days of George the First Page 17