The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  "How know you that?" demanded Atherton.

  "There has been a messenger here from Manchester----"

  "I thought you did not see him, father?" interrupted Constance.

  "I saw him and conversed with him," rejoined the priest; "and I learntthat a warrant is out for the arrest of Captain Atherton Legh, and alarge reward offered for his apprehension. At the same time I learntthat this house would be strictly searched. Whether you will remainhere, or fly, is for your own consideration."

  "I shall remain here at all hazards," replied Atherton, fixing a keenlook upon him.

  "I think you have decided rightly, sir," observed the priest. "Shouldthey come, I will do my best to baffle the officers."

  "I will take good care you shall not betray me," said Atherton.

  "Betray you, sir!" exclaimed the priest, indignantly. "I have no suchintention."

  "You shall not have the opportunity," was the rejoinder.

  At a sign from Atherton, Constance and Monica withdrew to the furtherend of the room.

  "Now, sir, you will guess what is coming," said Atherton, addressingthe priest in a stern tone. "I desire you will instantly restore thepapers you have taken from yonder cabinet."

  "What papers?" asked Father Jerome.

  "Nay, never feign surprise. You know well what I mean. I want SirRichard Rawcliffe's confession, and the other documents accompanyingit."

  "Has any person but yourself seen Sir Richard's written confession?"

  "No one."

  "Then if it is lost you cannot prove that such a document everexisted."

  "It is not lost," said Atherton, "You know where to find it, and findit you shall."

  "Calm yourself, or you will alarm the ladies. I have not got thepapers you require, but you ought to have taken better care of them,since without them you will be unable to establish your claim to theRawcliffe estates and title."

  "No more of this trifling," said Atherton. "I am not in the humour forit. I must have the papers without further delay."

  "I know nothing about them," said the priest, doggedly. "You tell methere were such documents, and I am willing to believe you, butsceptical persons may doubt whether they ever existed."

  "Will you produce them?"

  "How can I, since I have them not."

  "Their destruction would be an execrable act."

  "It would--but it is not likely they will be destroyed. On thecontrary, I should think they will be carefully preserved."

  Very significantly uttered, these words left Atherton in no doubt asto their import.

  While he was meditating a reply, Markland hurriedly entered theroom--alarm depicted in his countenance.

  Startled by his looks, Constance and Monica immediately came forward.

  "You must instantly return to your hiding-place, sir," said the butlerto Atherton. "The officers are here, and mean to search the house.Fortunately, the drawbridge is raised, and I would not allow it to belowered till I had warned you."

  "Are you sure they are the officers?" exclaimed Constance.

  "Quite sure. I have seen them and spoken with them. They have awarrant."

  "Then it will be impossible to refuse them admittance."

  "Impossible," cried the butler.

  While this conversation took place, Atherton had opened the secretdoor in the bookcase, but he now came back, and said to the priest:

  "You must bear me company, father. I shall feel safer if I have youwith me."

  "But I may be of use in misleading the officers," said Father Jerome.

  "Markland will take care of them. He can be trusted. Come along!"

  And seizing the priest's arm, he dragged him through the secret door.

  As soon as this was accomplished, Markland rushed out of the room, andhurried to the porter's lodge.

  CHAPTER VIII.

  THE SEARCH.

  No sooner was the drawbridge lowered than several persons on horsebackrode into the court-yard.

  By this time, some of the servants had come forth with lights, so thatthe unwelcome visitors could be distinguished. The party consisted ofhalf a dozen mounted constables, at the head of whom was Mr. Fowden,the Manchester magistrate. Ordering two of the officers to stationthemselves near the drawbridge, and enjoining the others to keepstrict watch over the house, Mr. Fowden dismounted, and addressingMarkland, who was standing near, desired to be conducted to MissRawcliffe.

  "Inform her that I am Mr. Fowden, one of the Manchester magistrates,"he said. "I will explain my errand myself."

  "Pray step this way, sir," rejoined Markland, bowing respectfully.

  Ushering the magistrate into the entrance hall, Markland helped todisencumber him of his heavy cloak, which he laid with themagistrate's cocked-hat and whip upon a side-table, and then led himto the library--announcing him, as he had been desired, to Constance,who with her cousin received him in a very stately manner, andrequested him to be seated.

  "I am sorry to intrude upon you at this hour, Miss Rawcliffe," saidMr. Fowden; "but I have no option, as you will understand, when Iexplain my errand. I hold a warrant for the arrest of Captain AthertonLegh, late of the Manchester Regiment, who has been guilty of levyingwar against our sovereign lord the king; and having receivedinformation that he is concealed here, I must require that he may beimmediately delivered up to me. In the event of your refusal to complywith my order, I shall be compelled to search the house, while youwill render yourself liable to a heavy penalty, and perhapsimprisonment, for harbouring him after this notice."

  "You are at liberty to search the house, Mr. Fowden," repliedConstance, with as much firmness as she could command; "and if youfind Captain Legh I must bear the penalties with which you threatenme."

  "'Tis a disagreeable duty that I have to perform, I can assure you,Miss Rawcliffe," said Mr. Fowden. "I knew Captain Legh before hejoined the rebellion, and I regret that by his folly--for I will callit by no harsher name--he should have cut short his career. I alsoknew Captain Dawson very well, and am equally sorry for him--poormisguided youth! he is certain to suffer for his rash and criminalact."

  Here a sob burst from Monica, and drew the magistrate's attention toher.

  "I was not aware of your presence, Miss Butler," he said, "or I wouldnot have hurt your feelings by the remark. I know you are engaged topoor Jemmy Dawson. I sincerely hope that clemency may be shownhim--and all those who have acted from a mistaken sense of loyalty. Iwill frankly confess that I myself was much captivated by the mannerof the young Chevalier when I saw him as he passed through Manchester.But you will think I am a Jacobite, if I talk thus--whereas, I am astaunch Whig. I must again express my regret at the steps I am obligedto take, Miss Rawcliffe," he continued, addressing Constance; "and ifI seem to discredit your assurance that Captain Legh is not concealedhere, it is because it is at variance with information I havereceived, and which I have reason to believe must be correct. As aCatholic, you have a priest resident in the house--Father Jerome. Praysend for him!"

  Scarcely able to hide her embarrassment, Constance rang the bell, andwhen Markland answered the summons, she told him Mr. Fowden desired tosee Father Jerome.

  "His reverence has gone to Newton, and won't return to-night," repliedthe butler.

  The magistrate looked very hard at him, but Markland bore the scrutinywell.

  "I think you could find him if you chose," remarked Mr. Fowden.

  "I must go to Newton, then, to do it, sir. I'll take you to his room,if you please."

  "Nay, I don't doubt what you tell me, but 'tis strange he should havegone out. However, I must make a perquisition of the house."

  "Markland will attend you, Mr. Fowden, and show you into the rooms,"said Constance, who had become far less uneasy since her conversationwith the good-natured magistrate. "Before you commence yourinvestigations, perhaps you will satisfy yourself that no one isconcealed in this room. There is a screen--pray look behind it!"

  "I will take your word, Miss Rawcliffe, that no one is here," replie
dthe magistrate, bowing.

  "I won't bid you good-night, Mr. Fowden," said Constance, "because Ihope when you have completed your search you will take supper withus."

  The magistrate again bowed and quitted the room.

  Attended by Markland, bearing a light, Mr. Fowden then began hissurvey, but it soon became evident to the butler that he did not meanthe search to be very strict. Ascending the great oak staircase, helooked into the different rooms in the corridor, as they passed them.On being told that one of these rooms belonged to Miss Rawcliffe, themagistrate declined to enter it, and so in the case of another, whichhe learnt was occupied by Monica. In the adjoining chamber they foundMrs. Butler kneeling before a crucifix, and Mr. Fowden immediatelyretired without disturbing her.

  CHAPTER IX.

  WHO WAS FOUND IN THE DISMANTLED ROOMS.

  After opening the doors of several other rooms, and casting a hastyglance inside, the magistrate said:

  "I understand there is a portion of the house which for some time hasbeen shut up. Take me to it."

  Markland obeyed rather reluctantly, and when he came to a door at theend of the corridor, communicating, as he said, with the dismantledapartments, it took him some time to unlock it.

  "I ought to tell you, sir," he said, assuming a very mysteriousmanner, calculated to impress his hearer, "that these rooms are saidto be haunted, and none of the servants like to enter them, even inthe daytime. I don't share their superstitious fears, but I certainlyhave heard strange noises----"

  "There! what was that?" exclaimed Mr. Fowden. "I thought I saw a darkfigure glide past, but I could not detect the sound of footsteps."

  "Turn back, if you're at all afraid, sir," suggested Markland.

  "I'm not afraid of ghosts," rejoined the magistrate; "and as to humanbeings I don't fear them, because I have pistols in my pockets. Goon."

  Markland said nothing more, but opened the first door on the left, andled his companion into a room which was almost destitute of furniture,and had a most melancholy air; but it did not look so dreary as thenext room they entered. Here the atmosphere was so damp that thebutler was seized with a fit of coughing which lasted for more than aminute, and Mr. Fowden declared there must be echoes in the rooms, forhe had certainly heard sounds at a distance.

  "No doubt there are echoes, sir," said the butler.

  "But these must be peculiar to the place," observed the magistrate;"for they sounded uncommonly like footsteps. Give me the light."

  And taking the candle from the butler, and drawing a pistol from hispocket, he marched quickly into the next room. No one was there, butas he hastened on he caught sight of a retreating figure, and calledout:

  "Stand! or I fire."

  Heedless of the injunction, the person made a rapid exit through theside door, but was prevented from fastening it by the magistrate, whofollowed him so quickly that he had no time to hide himself, and stoodrevealed to his pursuer.

  "What do I see?" exclaimed Mr. Fowden, in astonishment, "Father Jeromehere! Why I was told you were in Newton."

  "His reverence ought to be there," said Markland, who had now come up.

  "I must have an explanation of your strange conduct, sir," said themagistrate.

  "His reverence had better be careful what he says," observed Markland.

  "Answer one question, and answer it truly, as you value your ownsafety," pursued Mr. Fowden. "Are you alone in these rooms?"

  The priest looked greatly embarrassed. Markland made a gesture to himbehind the magistrate's back.

  "Are you alone here, I repeat?" demanded Mr. Fowden.

  "I have no one with me now, sir, if that is what you would learn,"replied the priest.

  "Then you have had a companion. Where is he? He cannot have left thehouse. The drawbridge is guarded."

  "He is not in this part of the house," replied the priest. "I willgive you further explanation anon," he added, in a lower tone. "All Ineed now say is, that I am here on compulsion."

  Mr. Fowden forbore to interrogate him further, and after examining theroom, which was that wherein Atherton had passed the two previousnights as related, and discovering nothing to reward his scrutiny, heexpressed his intention of going down-stairs.

  "I don't think I shall make any capture here," he remarked.

  "I am sure you won't," replied the priest.

  Very much to Markland's relief, the magistrate then quitted thedisused rooms, and taking Father Jerome with him, descended to thehall.

  After a little private conversation with the priest, he made a freshinvestigation of the lower apartments, but with no better success thanheretofore, and he was by no means sorry when Miss Rawcliffe sent amessage to him begging his company at supper. The servant who broughtthe message likewise informed him that the constables in thecourt-yard had been well supplied with ale.

  "I hope they haven't drunk too much," said the magistrate. "Don't letthem have any more, and tell them I shall come out presently."

  CHAPTER X.

  A SUCCESSFUL STRATAGEM.

  Accompanied by the priest, he then proceeded to the dining-room, wherehe found Constance and Monica. A very nice supper had been prepared,and he did ample justice to the good things set before him. Markland,who had been absent for a short time, appeared with a bottle of oldmadeira, and a look passed between him and the young ladies, which didnot escape the quick eyes of the priest.

  The magistrate could not fail to be struck by the splendid winebrought him, and the butler took care to replenish his glass wheneverit chanced to be empty.

  Altogether the supper passed off more agreeably than could have beenexpected under such circumstances, for the young ladies had recoveredtheir spirits, and the only person who seemed ill at ease was FatherJerome.

  Towards the close of the repast, Mr. Fowden said:

  "I fear I shall be obliged to trespass a little further on yourhospitality, Miss Rawcliffe. I hope I shall not put you toinconvenience if I take up my quarters here to-night. I care not howyou lodge me--put me in a haunted room if you think proper."

  "You are quite welcome to remain here as long as you please, Mr.Fowden," said Constance--"the rather that I feel certain you will makeno discovery. Markland will find you a chamber, where I hope you mayrest comfortably."

  "I will order a room to be got ready at once for his honour," saidMarkland.

  "In the locked-up corridor?" observed the magistrate, with a laugh.

  "No, not there, sir," said the butler.

  "With your permission, Miss Rawcliffe, my men must also be quarteredin the house," said Mr. Fowden.

  "You hear, Markland," observed Constance.

  "I will give directions accordingly," replied the butler.

  And he quitted the room.

  "I shall be blamed for neglect of duty if I do not make a thoroughsearch," said the magistrate. "But I fancy the bird has flown," headded, with a glance at the priest.

  Father Jerome made no reply, but Constance remarked, with apparentindifference:

  "No one can have left the house without crossing the drawbridge, andthat has been guarded. You will be able to state that you took allnecessary precautions to prevent an escape."

  "Yes, I shall be able to state that--and something besides," repliedthe magistrate, again glancing at the priest.

  Just then, a noise was heard like the trampling of horses. Mr. Fowdenuttered an exclamation of surprise, and a smile passed over thecountenances of the two young ladies.

  "I should have thought the men were crossing the drawbridge if I hadnot felt quite sure they would not depart without me," said Mr.Fowden.

  "They have crossed the drawbridge--that's quite certain," observed thepriest.

  At this moment Markland entered the room.

  "What have you been about?" cried the magistrate, angrily. "Have youdared to send my men away?"

  "No, sir," replied the butler, vainly endeavouring to maintain a gravecountenance; "but it seems that a trick has been played upon them."

 
; "A trick!" exclaimed the magistrate.

  "Yes, and it has proved highly successful. Some one has taken yourhonour's hat and cloak from the hall, and thus disguised, has riddenoff with the men, who didn't find out their mistake in the darkness."

  The two girls could not control their laughter.

  "This may appear a good joke to you, sir," cried the magistrate, whowas highly incensed, addressing the butler; "but you'll pay dearly forit, I can promise you. You have aided and abetted the escape of arebel and a traitor, and will be transported, if not hanged."

  "I have aided no escape, sir," replied the butler. "All I know is,that some one wrapped in a cloak, whom I took to be you, came out ofthe house, sprang on a horse, and bidding the men follow him, rodeoff."

  "He has prevented pursuit by taking my horse," cried Mr. Fowden; "andthe worst of it is he is so much better mounted than the men that hecan ride away from them at any moment. No chance now of his capture.Well, I shall be laughed at as an egregious dupe, but I must own Ihave been very cleverly outwitted."

  "You are too kind-hearted, I am sure, Mr. Fowden," said Constance,"not to be better pleased that things have turned out thus, than ifyou had carried back a prisoner. And pray don't trouble yourself aboutthe loss of your horse. You shall have the best in the stable. But youwon't think of returning to Manchester to-night."

  "Well--no," he replied, after a few moments' deliberation. "I am verycomfortable here, and don't feel inclined to stir. I shouldn't besurprised if we had some intelligence before morning."