A word breathed in the ear of the sergeant instantly changed thecomplexion of affairs, and he was now just as anxious to get theprince off as he had before been to detain him.
"All right," he shouted. "His royal highness has not a better friendthan this noble gentleman. I'll answer for him. Stand back! standback! my masters, and let the gentleman pass."
Vigorously seconding these injunctions with his strong arm, he cleareda way for the prince, who was soon out of the crowd; and this beingaccomplished, the sergeant humbly besought pardon for his maladroitproceeding.
"You ought to have known me under any disguise, sergeant," was theprince's good-natured reply. "You are not half so sharp-witted asHelen. She knew me at once."
"I canna take upon mysel to declare that, your highness," replied theScottish lassie, who had followed in their wake; "but I ken'd fu' weelye were na a fawse spy, but a leal gentleman."
"Well, sergeant, I am willing to overlook your fault for Helen'ssake," said Charles.
"I shall na sae readily forgive mysel," replied the sergeant. "But intruth my thoughts were runnin' on spies. May I be permitted to attendyour highness?"
"No, I forbid you to follow me," said Charles.
So saying, he marched off with Atherton, leaving the sergeant greatlychagrined by the interdiction.
"This'll be a gude lesson t' ye, Erick," observed Helen. "In future,ye'll ken the prince when you see him, whether he be muffled in ashawl or na."
"Come wi' me, lassie. I'm resolved to follow his highness at arespectful distance. The night's not ower yet, and something tells meI may be useful to him."
"Ye ought na to disobey orders, Erick; but sin ye win gang yer aingate, I'll e'en gae wi' ye."
With this they followed in the direction taken by Charles and hiscompanion, but before reaching the bottom of Old Mill Grate, they lostsight of them. The sergeant questioned a person whom he saw standingat the corner of the street, and was told that two officers had gonetowards the bridge. The information was not altogether correct, butthe person who gave it was Captain Weir.
Scarcely was the sergeant gone, when a man on a powerful steed cameup, and dismounting, delivered the horse to Weir, who was evidentlywaiting for him.
Accompanied by this man, who marched by his side, Weir rode alongHanging Ditch, and soon overtook his two myrmidons, who were followingthe prince. They pointed out their intended captive about fifty yardsin advance.
"I need not repeat my instructions," said Weir, bending down as headdressed them, and speaking in a low voice. "But I again enjoin youto use the utmost despatch. Success mainly depends upon the celeritywith which the work is done. If I can secure him, I will answer forthe rest. Now go on, and draw a little nearer to him."
With this, he dropped slightly behind, got ready a belt, which hemeant to use, and examined the holsters to see that the pistols withinthem were all right.
Had Charles Edward been playing into their hands he could not havetaken a course more favourable to the designs of these desperate men.His intention had been to return by the collegiate church; but he wasdeterred by the uproarious crowds collected round the two largebonfires burning at the back of the venerable fabric, and proceeded upWithy Grove, by the advice of Atherton, who being well acquainted withthe locality, explained to him that he could easily and expeditiouslyregain his head-quarters by crossing an open field on the right at thetop of this thoroughfare.
When Weir and his accomplices found that the prince had elected thiscourse they felt sure he was delivered into their hands.
At the rear of the small and scattered tenements, then constitutingWithy Grove, were extensive gardens, and beyond these, as alreadystated, there were two or three fields, as yet entirely unbuilt upon.
Into these fields the prince and his attendant now turned, but theplace looked so gloomy, from its contrast with the lights blazing inthe distance, that Atherton thought it would be prudent to turn back.Charles, however, having no fear, determined to go on.
Shortly afterwards, a real alarm occurred. A horseman, accompanied bythree men on foot, suddenly entered the field. At first, neither theprince nor Atherton imagined that their design was hostile, but theywere quickly undeceived. Before he could offer any effectualresistance, Charles was seized by two strong men, who bound his armsbehind his back, and twisting the shawl over his mouth, prevented himfrom uttering an outcry.
At the same time, the horseman dealt a blow at Atherton with a hanger,which the young man avoided, but he had next to defend himself againstthe attack of the third ruffian on foot, so that he could render noimmediate assistance to the prince.
While he was thus engaged, the two desperadoes who had seized Charleslifted him from the ground, and despite his struggles, set him on thehorse behind their leader, with his face towards the crupper, whileWeir passed a broad leather belt round his waist, so as to secure him,and was in the act of buckling it in front, when the bridle was seizedby Atherton, who, by a lucky thrust, had delivered himself from hisassailant.
Just in time. In another minute rescue would have been impossible.Hitherto, not a shot had been fired; but Weir now drew a pistol, andlevelling it at Atherton, bade him instantly retire on peril of hislife.
The gallant young man, however, still held on, but was unable to usehis sword, owing to the rearing of the steed.
Weir then fired, but missed his mark, the shot taking effect in hishorse's head. With a cry of pain the mortally-wounded animal brokeaway, but almost instantly sank to the ground and rolled over.
Unbuckling the belt, Weir disengaged himself as quickly as he couldfrom the prostrate steed, and full of rage that his attempt should bethus foiled, the miscreant might have raised his hand against thedefenceless prince, if loud shouts had not warned him that assistancewas at hand. He then sought safety in flight, and was speeding towardsthe back of the field, followed by his men, two of whom had beenseverely wounded by Atherton.
The shout that had alarmed Weir proceeded from Sergeant Dickson andTom Syddall.
When he was on his way to the bridge, the sergeant encountered thebarber, and the latter satisfied him that the prince had not gone inthat direction.
His suspicions being excited, Dickson turned back instantly, andSyddall accompanied him--Helen, of course, continuing with her lover.
Some information picked up caused them to turn into Withy Grove, andthey had just tracked that thoroughfare, and were debating whetherthey should go on to Shude Hill, when the noise of a conflict washeard in the field on the right.
"My forebodings have come true," cried the sergeant, "some villainsare attacking the prince."
As the words were uttered, the report of a pistol increased theiralarm.
Shouting lustily, Erick drew his claymore, and dashed into the field,followed by Helen and Syddall.
Though too late to render assistance, the sergeant was in time to helpAtherton to liberate the prince. By their united efforts Charles wassoon on his feet, and freed from his bonds.
"I trust in Heaven that your highness has sustained no harm?" criedAtherton, anxiously.
"No, I am entirely uninjured," said Charles, in a cheerful voice. "Ihave to thank you most heartily, Captain Legh, for freeing me fromvillains whose design was evidently to carry me off as a prisoner tothe Duke of Cumberland."
"I think I have sufficiently punished two of the villains," saidAtherton, "but it enrages me that their leader, and doubtless thecontriver of this atrocious scheme, has escaped."
"He may yet be captured," cried the sergeant. "Tom Syddall was with mewhen I entered the field, and has gone in pursuit. He will give thealarm."
"Then I must hasten to head-quarters, and show myself," said theprince, moving on.
But after walking quickly for some forty or fifty yards, he wascompelled to halt.
"I am more shaken than I thought," he said. "Give me your arm, Helen,I must have some support."
Proceeding in this manner, he had nearly reached the limits of thefield, and was approachi
ng an unfinished street that communicated withMarket Street Lane, when a sudden light revealed a picket of Highlandsoldiers. At the head of the party, several of whom carried torches,was Colonel Ker, accompanied by Colonel Townley and the Chevalier deJohnstone.
In another moment, a wild and joyful shout announced that theHighlanders had discovered their beloved prince. They rushed forwardin a body, and the foremost flung themselves at his feet, while thosebehind gave vent to their delight in another ringing shout.
Colonel Ker did not choose to interrupt this demonstration; but, assoon as it was over, he advanced with the two distinguished officersjust mentioned, and all three offered their congratulations to hisroyal highness on his escape.
After warmly thanking them, Charles called Atherton forward, and toldthem that he owed his deliverance entirely to the young man's gallantconduct, explaining what had been done, and concluding emphaticallywith these words, "But for Captain Legh, I should at this moment be aprisoner."
Naturally, the young man was much gratified by these observations, aswell as by the praises bestowed on him by Colonel Ker and the others,but he received their commendations with great modesty.
The prince then asked Colonel Townley how he had heard of the attackmade upon him, and learnt that the alarming news had been brought byTom Syddall.
"Syddall came to me," said Colonel Townley, "and I immediately tookhim to Colonel Ker, as his statement might not have been credited."
"Where is he?" demanded Charles. "I must thank him for what he hasdone."
"After explaining where your highness would be found, Syddall beggedto be allowed to go in quest of the villains who had assailed you,"said Colonel Ker, "being fully persuaded that he could accomplish thecapture of their daring leader, and as Colonel Townley knew the spotwhere your royal highness would be found, I did not refuse therequest."
"If the villain should be captured to-night," said Charles, "which Ithink scarce likely, let him be brought before me at once. I willinterrogate him myself."
"Your commands shall be obeyed," rejoined Ker. "Shall we now return tohead-quarters?"
"By all means," replied Charles. "But march slowly."
Colonel Ker was about to give orders, when another party of soldiers,having a prisoner in their midst, was seen advancing along theunfinished street. The party was guided by Tom Syddall, who carried atorch.
CHAPTER XIX.
CAPTAIN WEIR IS INTERROGATED BY THE PRINCE.
As soon as the prince was descried, the advancing party halted, andSyddall giving the torch to one of the men, pressed forward towardsCharles, and making a profound obeisance, said:
"The villain who attacked your royal highness has been captured. Hehad taken refuge in a stable at the back of the Angel Inn. He is here,if you desire to question him."
In obedience to the prince's command the prisoner then stepped forwardbetween two soldiers. He did not appear intimidated by the position inwhich he was placed, but bore himself very boldly.
Charles looked at him for a few moments, and calling to Atherton,asked him if he recognised the man.
"I recognise him as the leader of the attack," was the reply.
"Such is my own opinion," observed the prince. "How say you?" he addedto the prisoner. "Do you deny the charge?"
"No," replied the prisoner. "I am the man."
"You avow your guilt," said Charles, surprised by his boldness. "Howare you named?"
"I am known as Captain Weir," replied the other.
"Have you aught to allege why you should not be delivered to theprovost-marshal for immediate execution?" observed Charles, sternly.
"My life is justly forfeited," replied the prisoner, "yet your royalhighness will do well to spare me."
"Wherefore?" demanded the prince, whose curiosity was excited.
"My reasons are only for your private ear," replied the prisoner.
After a moment's reflection, during which he kept his eye fixed onWeir, Charles ordered the guard to retire.
"Leave the prisoner with me," he said. "But if he attempts tofly--shoot him."
As soon as the command was obeyed, he said:
"You can speak freely now. Why should I spare your life?"
"Firstly, because it will prove to the world that you are amagnanimous prince, and in that respect superior to your enemies, whoare notorious for their severity," replied Weir. "Next, because I cantell much that it behoves your royal highness to know, as will beevident when I declare that I am employed by the Duke of Cumberland asa spy, and am, therefore, necessarily in his royal highness'sconfidence. If my life be spared, and I am allowed to go back toLichfield, where the duke is quartered, I can mislead him by erroneousinformation, while I shall be able to acquaint you with hisplans--exact knowledge of which I need not say will be eminentlyserviceable."
"There is much in what you say, I must own," replied the prince. "Butwhat guarantee have I that you will not prove a double traitor?"
"My gratitude," replied Weir. "I could never prove faithless to aprince so generous."
"I can make no promise," replied Charles; but in a tone that held outsome encouragement to the prisoner.
At a sign from the prince the guard then advanced, and again tookcharge of Weir. Shortly afterwards, the prisoner was removed, it beingunderstood that his execution was deferred--much to the disappointmentof the Highland guard, who would willingly have shot him.
Charles then addressed a few kindly observations to Syddall, who hadbeen mainly instrumental in the capture of the spy, telling him thatthe service should not pass unrequited. Nor did the prince neglect tooffer his renewed thanks to Sergeant Dickson and Helen for the zealand devotion they had both displayed. For Atherton a signalmanifestation of favour was reserved.
During the march back to head-quarters, which were not far distant,the prince kept the young man near him, and occasionally took his arm.When the party arrived at the mansion in Market Street Lane they foundit completely invested by an anxious crowd, who shouted joyfully onbeholding the prince.
But this was nothing to the scene that took place when his royalhighness entered the house. Almost all the nobles and Highland chiefswere assembled in the hall, and as Charles entered they pressed aroundhim to offer their warmest congratulations on his escape.
After thanking them in accents that bespoke the deepest emotion, theprince presented Atherton to them, saying, "It is to Captain Legh thatI owe my preservation."
The young man was quite overwhelmed by the plaudits that followed thisgracious speech.
Thus ended the most important day that had hitherto occurred inAtherton's career. It found him an unknown, and undistinguished; butit left him apparently on the road to honour and preferment.
CHAPTER XX.
THE DUEL.
Next morning, at an early hour, Colonel Townley and Colonel Ker issuedfrom the prince's head-quarters, and, rather to the surprise of theguard drawn up in the court-yard, proceeded at a quick pace along theroad leading to Stockport.
In a very few minutes they had left the town behind, for beyond MarketStreet Lane it was then open country. Not many persons were on theroad, and these were chiefly country folk bringing poultry, butter,and milk to market.
Some hundred yards in advance, however, were an officer of rank in theHighland army, and a tall middle-aged gentleman wrapped in a cloak.These persons were evidently bent on the same errand as themselves,and marched on quickly for about a quarter of a mile, when theystopped at the gate of a large meadow. The ground appeared suitable totheir purpose, inasmuch as it sank at the further end, and formed ahollow which was screened from view.
Sir Richard Rawcliffe and the Chevalier de Johnstone, for they werethe individuals who had thus halted, punctiliously saluted the otherswhen they came up, and Johnstone asked Colonel Ker if he thought theground would suit.
After consulting his principal, Ker replied in the affirmative, uponwhich they all passed through the gate, and made their way to thehollow.
Before
the preliminaries of the duel were entered upon an ineffectualeffort was made by the seconds to adjust the difference. Nothing lessthan an apology would satisfy Colonel Townley, but this Sir Richardhaughtily refused.
Finding their efforts fruitless, the seconds then retired--swords weredrawn--hats taken off--and instantly after the salute, the combatantsengaged--the attack being made by a thrust in carte delivered by SirRichard, which was well warded by his adversary.
Several passes were then exchanged, and it was evident to thelookers-on that Colonel Townley meant to disarm his antagonist, and hesoon succeeded in the design by skilfully parrying another thrust,seizing the shell of Sir Richard's sword, and compelling him tosurrender the weapon.
The seconds then interfered to prevent a renewal of the conflict, butthe baronet, who had received his sword from his adversary, insistedon going on, when the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard rapidlyapproaching the spot, and the next moment the prince appeared, mountedon a splendid bay charger, and attended by an orderly.
Without waiting a moment, Charles rode down into the hollow, andpushing between the combatants, ordered them to sheathe their swords.Of course the command was instantly obeyed.
"A word with you, gentlemen," said the prince, sternly. "You must havebeen aware that a hostile meeting between persons of your rank wouldbe highly displeasing to me, as well as prejudicial to our cause, andI ought to mark my disapproval of your conduct by something more thana reprimand, but I am willing to overlook it, provided areconciliation takes place between you."
Both bowed, and Colonel Townley signified his assent, but the baronetmaintained a sullen silence.
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