I sprang into the sea
I sprang into the sea
[Illustration:"I sprang into the sea."]
[Illustration:"I sprang into the sea."]
As far as we could judge, he was unarmed, but, strangely enough, his feet were still encased in heavy riding boots and spurs.
As we rounded the Castle Point the sun rose above the horizon a deep red ball of fire, while the wind, which hitherto had been light, now increased, causing the little craft to plunge and stagger as she breasted the short, steep waves.
Glancing astern, we saw theBonaventurestill at anchor, though her sails were shaken loose, ready to get under way.
"'Twill be a good half-hour before she can follow, and, should the breeze hold, as I think it will, we'll be well over to the opposite shore ere then," remarked Colonel Firestone, raising himself slowly, as if cramped by the long confinement, and awkwardly making his way aft to the stern-sheets. "So it matters little whether they see us or not, though, I doubt not, they have a perspective-glass or two bearing this way."
"There are several ships of war ahead," I exclaimed, pointing in the direction of a number of dark objects standing out clearly against the light almost on the skyline.
"We must hug the shore closely and take our chance. A small craft like this might escape notice."
Even as Colonel Firestone spoke a cloud of smoke, followed by a muffled report, sprang from one of the ships, and immediately the firing became general. The attack upon the town of Portsmouth had been renewed.
From where we were the fortress was invisible, being hidden by a long, low tongue of shingly beach, surmounted by a thick belt of furze; but, judging by the direction of the sounds, we concluded that Goring was offering a stubborn resistance.
At length, with wind and tide, we rounded the intervening shore, and the town came into full view. I knew the place but slightly, having only passed through it on my journeys 'twist Ashley and Newport, but Firestone showed that he was no stranger to the fortress.
"The rebels press closely on all sides save the eastern," he exclaimed. "Look, they have thrown up batteries on Gosport shore, and by the smoke I perceive the northern side is assailed also. See the Royalist batteries on the Platform—they are not backward, and the Round Tower holds its own. Canst make out the tower of the church? Is it afire, or have they mounted cannon therein?"
"I cannot tell," I replied. "The smoke lies over all like a cloud, though 'tis certain the town is afire in more places than one."
"Ay, it is not to be expected that the town comes off scatheless. Dost see that stone fortalice to the east of the town? 'Tis Southsea Castle, which in truth is the key of the position. Betwixt it and the Platform is a stretch of beach, whence, if we can effect a landing, 'tis but an easy matter to gain the postern."
"Before so doing we must run the gauntlet of the rebel ships."
"Ay, but perchance they'll be too busy to mind us."
Bidding us lie down, the colonel took the helm, and, standing boldly over towards the beach, we passed between the ships and the town batteries, the shot flying thickly overhead, though, fortunately, as both sides were firing at long range, the cannon-balls attained the highest point in their trajectory above our heads, save a few that, either by accident or design, fell unpleasantly close to us.
We had arrived within half a mile or so of the beach when we saw that the nearest warship had lowered a couple of boats, which started in close pursuit of us.
Without a moment's hesitation Nick Firestone called upon me to take the tiller, and, grasping the heavy oars, he rowed strongly towards the shore, the boat, under oars and sail, making a long wake astern.
"They gain on us," he muttered. "Hast weapons on board?"
"A brace of pistols apiece," I replied, telling Granville to produce them from the stern-locker.
"Handy enough at twenty paces," was his contemptuous remark, "though they may serve to gain our end. Load all four, Master Granville, and place them by my side."
A stern chase is ever a long one, yet the two pursuing boats came on apace, each urged by twelve rowers, whose efforts were encouraged by their officers.
Meanwhile the batteries ashore, seeing that something untoward was happening, began to fire at our pursuers, though their aim was wild, and bid fair to harm us as well as our foes.
Suddenly a bullet struck our light mast, and, cutting through the halyards, brought the sail down with a run.
Uttering a fierce exclamation, Firestone tore away the folds of the canvas that enveloped him, and, calling on me to keep the boat on her course, resumed rowing, though I imagined it to be a forlorn hope, for, glancing over my shoulder, I saw one of the rebels' boats was but six lengths astern.
Even as I looked a huge column of water sprang into the air, and fell in a shower of spray to the accompaniment of a crashing and rending of wood and shrieks and shouts of surprise and terror. A chance shot from the batteries had wrought havoc with the leading boat, and her crew were struggling in the water.
The second boat made to the rescue, and at the same moment we saw a troop of dragoons riding furiously along the shore from the Castle—yet, though within easy range, they forbore to fire on their discomfited foes.
Another twenty strokes and our craft's forefoot grounded on the beach.
We were safe within the lines of the beleaguered fortress.
SCRAMBLING awkwardly ashore, Colonel Firestone made straight for the captain of the dragoons, while, having secured our arms, Granville and I followed, leaving the boat to its fate.
It was the first time we had seen our companion on dry land, and I was struck by his peculiar gait as he shuffled his jack-booted feet in a very indifferent manner of walking.
The captain of dragoons, a slender, dandified man, looked with mingled astonishment and amusement at the strange figure approaching him.
"Who are you, fellow, and what is your condition?" he demanded in an affected drawl.
"Why should I declare my name?" replied Firestone sternly, his voice belying his appearance. "Sufficient it is to state that I am on the King's service."
"I am but doing my duty," rejoined the officer, though with considerably less affectation.
"Then do it. Conduct us to Colonel Goring. I am indebted to you for your good services, Captain whatever your name may be, but I tell you plainly I like not your style."
"Chaloner is my name," said the other haughtily.
"And mine, since you have so far unbended, is Nicholas Firestone, holding His Majesty's commission as colonel. Perchance, Captain Chaloner, my name is not wholly unfamiliar to you?"
Instantly the other's manner underwent a complete change.
"A thousand pardons," he exclaimed, "though, by the manner of your arrival, I was misled."
And, ordering three of his men to dismount, he offered their steeds to Firestone, Granville, and me.
By this time the rebel boat had picked up the crew of her unfortunate consort, and, heavily laden, was slowly making her way back to the nearest man-of-war, still under fire from the guns of the fortress.
Meanwhile the troop had remounted, the three steedless dragoons were told to follow without delay, and at the word of command the party set off towards the town.
Our road lay between the sea on the left hand and a large expanse of furze-covered common on the right, with hardly a building to break the deadly monotony of the landscape. As far as I could see, there was not a natural piece of ground that was twenty feet above the level of the sea.
Before us rose the fortifications of Portsmouth, and as we drew nearer we saw that the damage done by the rebels' shots was considerable, the Gothic tower of the church and several of the houses being very severely handled.
The cannonade continued without intermission, several of the shots from the ships ploughing the ground in front and behind us, and, though neither Firestone nor the troopers paid the slightest attention to them, Granville and I were considerably startled, while Captain Chaloner was manifestly ill at ease.
Outside the walls we dismounted, the dragoons holding the horses under the shelter of a low bank of shingle, and, led by Chaloner, we crossed a narrow wooden bridge and reached the postern. Here the captain gave the countersign, and the next moment we were in the town of Portsmouth.
"Where is Colonel Goring, sirrah?" demanded Chaloner of a man who wore the Governor's livery.
"On his way to breakfast, sir."
Upon this we directed our footsteps towards the Governor's house, where, with little delay, we were ushered into Goring's presence.
Although he professed great pleasure in meeting Colonel Firestone once more, George Goring's delight seemed somewhat too effusive to be genuine. Nevertheless, he gave orders for the paymaster to advance twenty pounds to meet our present needs, and wrote out an order on an armourer in St. Nicholas' Street to equip us with whatever weapons or armour we required.
"You must be our guest for some time to come, willing or unwilling," he exclaimed, "for the force of the Parliament hems us in by land and sea."
"But I must needs hasten to the King's camp," remonstrated Firestone.
"Then your wits must find a way, for a dog can scarce crawl out of the town without being shot at. 'Tis a mystery how you managed to get in."
"Then I'll get out by the same means as I came in," replied our friend stoutly. "But tell me, can you hold the town?"
For answer Goring held up a large iron key which hung from his waist by a strong chain.
"Dost see this?" he asked pompously. "I swear 'fore God that as long as I live the key, which is that of the Town Mount Gate, shall never fall into the hands of the King's enemies."
"Amen," replied Firestone piously. "But how goes the garrison? Are the munitions and provisions like to last out?"
"Powder and shot in plenty. Twelve hundred and fifty barrels of powder lie in the Square Tower, and two hundred in the vaults of the Town Mount; but of provisions we are sorely short. Witness my breakfast, a piece of rusk bread and a herring. If you will do me the honour, comrade, perchance we may find enough for us all."
We were certainly nearly famished with hunger, and even a sorry meal of bread and fish, washed down with ale, was welcome.
Finally, the Governor dismissed us, saying that pressing work was before him, and we filed out of his presence.
At the door I happened to glance behind me, and to my surprise I saw a waiting-man stealthily thrust a paper into Chaloner's hand; but, treating the matter as of small moment, I soon forgot the incident.
In the street we parted, the captain expressing his intention of returning to his post, for he had been entrusted with the holding of Southsea Castle, which Colonel Firestone had described as the key of the position, while the colonel, Granville, and I repaired to a lodging in Little Penny Lane.
Tired with our exertions, though 'twas but eleven o'clock in the morning, we retired and rested well till the following day.
We were early abroad, for Colonel Firestone was anxious to obtain proper arms and equipment on the strength of Goring's order.
At the armourer's in St. Nicholas' Street he carefully selected a stout and heavy broadsword, a pair of pistols, and a petronel, while a breastplate, tassettes, and a steel cap with barrets completed his soldierly equipment.
Strangely enough, he still retained his salt-stained jackboots, refusing the suggestion that a pair of Spanish riding-boots would better suit his purpose.
The armourer had no difficulty in fitting me with a breastplate and steel cap, for my frame was as great as many a man's; but Granville's slighter build was encased in a steel covering which fitted so loosely that I could not refrain from jesting with him on the matter.
"Never mind, Master Granville," said Firestone. "A few months' active service and I'll warrant you'll fill it right enow."
There was nothing about our appearance to mark us as cavaliers, save our long hair, and I remarked this to Firestone.
"Faith," he replied, "I am well aware of it, though 'tis a small matter to conceal our locks under our steel caps. But, as 'tis certain we must break away and join the King as soon as possible, strategy must needs play its part."
"And your plan——?"
"Is to find a way out—how, I know not at present. The countryside must be alive with these rebels, so that we must be prepared where necessary to give and receive hard knocks. As your father, Sir Reginald, is with the King, 'tis best to make for Ashley, gain definite information, and then ride northwards as hard as we can travel."
"What think ye of Goring?" I asked boldly.
He looked strangely at me for a moment, then replied
"He is a vainglorious boaster. Already he has played the turncoat, and, in spite of his brave words, I'll warrant he'll betray his trust and Chaloner, who holds Southsea Castle, is no better."
Thereupon I told him of the message stealthily conveyed by the serving-man.
"I would you had told me of this before, and I would have challenged the young pup on the spot. Nevertheless, I'll mark him well, and at the first sign of treachery I'll make him answer to the King with his life."
A few days after our arrival in the beleaguered town, Colonel Firestone, who had been entrusted with the keeping of the postern by which we had entered, returned to our lodgings after dark with a look of intense excitement on his face.
"You are both young, but active and fit to be trusted," he exclaimed. "Art willing to adventure your lives in a hazardous service?"
We both assented.
"Then, hearken! My doubts concerning Goring's lukewarmness and Chaloner's treachery are gaining ground. Did I not say that who holds the castle commands the town? Yet Chaloner has withdrawn most of his dragoons and quartered them in the town, where they are no better than common musketeers! In the castle there are left but twenty pikemen, five dragoons, and twenty musketeers, and, though the castle is likely to be attempted at any time, Chaloner comes nightly into the town to carouse with the Governor. Moreover, I saw him give a missive to the same man who acts as servant at Goring's house, and I feel certain that the man has left for the rebel lines."
"Then what do you want us to do?"
"I mean to return with Chaloner to the castle to-night, you accompanying us. Then, should the rebels attempt an escalade, I'll seize Chaloner if he play false, and hold the castle against them, should the garrison stand by me."
"And if not?"
"Then I'll slay the traitor with my own hands, and in the darkness we'll attempt a passage through the rebels' lines!"
"And now," he continued, as he made ready his arms, "it wants but two hours to midnight, yet in that time much remains to be done. Let us be up and doing."
"Yes," repeated Colonel Firestone, as he finished charging his pistols, "it is time for us to be up and doing."
So saying, he led the way from the house, and, keeping well in the shadows, we traversed several side streets till we gained the Landport Gate, hard by the Town Mount. Thence, after a few whispered words with the guard, we passed through the gateway, crossed the moat, and were soon in the flat, open country that lies without the walls.
A walk of less than half a mile brought us to a few deserted houses, standing hard by a ruined windmill, for at the commencement of the siege the inhabitants of Coleharbour, as this hamlet is called, had abandoned their homes and taken refuge in the town. 'Twas well for them that they did, for, being in the line of fire, the buildings had already suffered from the batteries of both forces.
Taking up our position in the angle of a partially demolished outbuilding, we waited. Nor were we kept long in suspense, for gliding stealthily along the road a cloaked figure loomed up in the darkness.
'Twas the man who had left for the rebel camp with some secret message from the treacherous captain.
"Now!" exclaimed the colonel, and, dashing out upon the startled man, we bore him to the ground.
In a few minutes he was bound and gagged, and left to await discovery in the doorway of one of the houses, while we were speeding back to the town with a written message to Captain Chaloner in our possession.
At the Landport Gate Firestone led us into a well-lighted room, where we could examine the intercepted letter. Fortunately, it was not sealed, but merely secured by a silken cord.
"Ah!" exclaimed the colonel. "'Tis as plain as daylight: 'Before the morning watch, I say; before the morning watch.' Chaloner will receive his message, but let him take heed."
So saying, he refolded the missive, giving it to a pikeman to deliver to Chaloner at the Governor's house.
"Will he not want to know why his messenger has not delivered the letter in person?" I asked.
"Where wine is in the wit is out," replied Firestone oracularly. "But now, to the postern! The hour is at hand!"
Just before midnight we waited close to the postern for the faithless captain, and, before a quarter of an hour had passed, two cloaked figures, reeling with the effects of strong drink, staggered towards us.
"Hist! 'Tis Goring and Chaloner," whispered Firestone, dragging us into a recess.
Our companion had already given instructions to the guard, who, turning out smartly, saluted their worthless Governor, Goring.
"Fare thee well, Chaloner," said the latter unsteadily and with mock sadness. "I feel that I'll not see thee to-morrow."
It was a lengthy parting, but at length Goring returned towards his quarters, while Chaloner, hardly able to return the salute of the guard, staggered across the footbridge over the moat.
Hardly had he gained the open ground when Firestone gave the signal, and we followed, treading softly lest the captain should hear us while still within hailing distance of the fortifications.
It was a clear night, and we could distinctly see the lurching figure of our quarry against the sky-line. Away at Spithead the stern lanterns of the blockading ships glimmered like gigantic glow-worms, while away to the north flickered the watch-fires of the rebels' camp.
When Chaloner had covered half the distance 'twixt the town and the castle, Colonel Firestone increased his pace, and overtook the drunkard.
The captain showed no sign of alarm at our approach, merely stopping and looking at us in a half-dazed manner, then resuming his staggering gait.
"Captain Chaloner, we bear you company to the castle to-night," announced Firestone sternly.
"Delighted, I'm sure," replied he, turning and extending his hand, almost falling through the effort of standing still.
Without replying, the colonel seized his shoulder in a vice-like grip, and urged him towards the castle.
At the gateway we were challenged by a sleepy pikeman, and Chaloner mechanically giving the countersign, we gained the courtyard. Save for the pikemen, the castle appeared to be deserted, the guns standing unattended on their platforms, with neither match nor charge at hand, while, from a small outbuilding, came sounds of revelry.
Presently, from one of the embrasures, arose the dark, great-coated figure of a man, and, descending by a stone staircase, the watcher made towards us, producing a lantern from the folds of his cloak. At least, then, one man was on the alert.
"Who are you?" demanded Firestone.
"Sergeant Lawson, sir."
"Then take your captain to his quarters, and lock him in," continued the colonel. "And turn out those rascals I hear yonder."
Chaloner meekly submitted to be led away, and on his return the sergeant expressed his fears that an attack was imminent.
"What is to be done, sir," he exclaimed, "when the men are drunk and full of insubordination, taking Captain Chaloner as their example? Already the rebels are under arms, but whether they intend to attempt the castle or the town I know not."
Telling the sergeant to follow him, Firestone crossed over to the soldiers' quarters, where, in all stages of drunkenness, the men lay across the table or on the floor, heedless of their duty and indifferent to their danger.
Without a moment's hesitation, the colonel seized the nearest man, a big, bull-necked dragoon, and with the least apparent effort flung him headlong out into the open air. Another and another followed, but the fourth, a pikeman, drew his sword.
The next instant the weapon was flying across the room, and its owner lying stunned upon the floor. Seeing they had a man to deal with, the rest followed, forming up in the courtyard with more or less military precision.
They were immediately despatched to carry powder and shot to the platforms, port fires were lighted, and the guns manned; yet our leader knew that little reliance was to be placed upon the besotted garrison, Sergeant Lawson being the only dependable man.
"Listen, sergeant," exclaimed Colonel Firestone "How many horses are there within the walls?"
"Fifteen, sir."
"I take it you are resolved to support us?"
"To the death, sir."
"Then see to it that four of the best horses are saddled and tethered close to the gate."
We then began a tour of the platform, the colonel admonishing the semi-stupefied men, or, in some instances, appealing to their loyalty, while he personally undertook the sighting of every piece of ordnance, taking care that they were properly charged and primed.
Hardly had these preparations been completed than the steady tramp of armed men sounded through the darkness, and presently a line of lighted matches gleamed along the entire landward front of the castle. With quickening pulse I watched the approach of the assailants, wondering dimly what the end would be, as I cast about a musket, and made ready to fire.
Then came the sounds of men's voices singing in a deep bass, and I could distinguish the words of the 68th Psalm:
"Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered."
One of our men uttered come coarse jest, but our leader sternly reproved him, and in silence we awaited the attack.
Suddenly a voice hailed us from the rebel ranks:
"Surrender to the forces of the Parliament of the Realm of England!"
"We hold no parley with rebels!" shouted Colonel Firestone. "Another step, and we open fire!"
Hardly were the words out of his mouth than a raucous voice came from a window of the keep.
"Go away, men, go away."
A shout of derisive laughter from the rebels greeted this speech of the tipsy Chaloner. By the light of a port fire I could see our leader biting his lip to conceal his anger.
"Your reply?" demanded the rebel officer.
"This!" shouted Firestone, and, seizing a match, he applied it to the nearest cannon.
A blinding flash and a deafening roar was succeeded by a hundred spurts of flame from the darkness beneath us, and the next moment we could hear the hurried tramp and the hoarse cries and shouts of the assailants as they rushed forward to the attack.
Hardly had the first scaling ladder been placed against the wall, when our rascally garrison threw down their arms and bolted from the platforms.
In vain Firestone cut two down; panic had done its work, and, as the heads of the first of the stormers appeared over the parapet, only the colonel, Granville, Sergeant Lawson, and I remained.
Seeing that resistance was useless, Firestone called on us to follow, and, descending to the courtyard, we reached the tethered horses just as the rebels, with shouts of triumph, were driving the panic-stricken garrison into the keep.
Cutting loose our steeds, we mounted, and, with sword and pistol, rode slowly towards the gateway. Here the sergeant unbarred the door and threw it suddenly open, and before the rebels, who were making for the gateway, were aware of our intention, the drawbridge had fallen with a run, and the four riders were urging their horses through the dense mass of men.
Taken by surprise, the musketeers, their pieces discharged and unloaded, gave way right and left, and, although a few pikemen amongst them tried to bar our way, our weight was irresistible.
I have a dim recollection of shearing off the head of an opposing pike, and seeing its holder's terror-stricken eyes, as he went down beneath my horse's hoofs. There was a crackle of pistol-shots, a flashing of steel, and we were through, tearing madly across the broad expanse of common on our bid for safety!
We were by no means out of danger, for the whole of the Portsea Island, save the small portion occupied by the town of Portsmouth, was held by the rebels, and the difficulty was to avoid meeting any straggling bands of soldiers before we could cross the narrow creek that separates the island from the mainland.
Drawing rein under the shelter of a thicket, we debated as to the best course to pursue, Sergeant Lawson, owing to his long residence in the castle, being well acquainted with the by-paths over the eastern side of the island.
Fortunately, none of us sustained serious hurt in the brief encounter with our assailants, although Lawson's face bled freely from a slight flesh wound in the cheek, and my left arm had received a heavy blow, though at the time I was unaware of it.
"We lack the countersign," quoth the sergeant. "Had we that knowledge, we could well pass for members of Ridge's troop."
"As we have it not, 'tis useless waiting here, for daylight will be on us anon, and the precious time will have been wasted," said Colonel Firestone. "Our horses seem fresh enough for fifty miles, so lead on, sergeant, and we'll follow."
After a time the common and marsh land gave place to a narrow lane, running between tall hedges. Here we slackened down to a slow trot, the sound of the horses' hoofs being muffled by the thick dust.
Away on our right burned the watch-fires of one of the rebel outposts, while at a greater distance on our left gleamed the lights of the main rebel camp.
At a cross-road Sergeant Lawson reined in his steed, and held up his right hand in warning. We could distinguish the steady clatter of hoofs.
"How many think ye, sergeant?"
"But one, sir."
"Then bar his passage at all costs."
Concealed behind the tall hedge, we waited in breathless suspense the approach of the solitary rider, Firestone, Sergeant Lawson, and I dismounting and giving the reins to Granville.
Waiting till the horseman was almost within arm's length, we then dashed forward. The colonel seized the stranger's bridle arm, whilst Lawson gripped the reins of his steed.
"Surrender yourself, or resist at your peril," hissed Firestone.
For answer the man struck spurs to his horse, and attempted to draw a pistol; but the colonel's sinewy arms were around his waist, and, with a mighty heave, flung him out of the saddle, while the sergeant assisted to hold him down, his iron fingers clutching at the throat of the fallen man.
'Twas a rebel without doubt, as, worn crosswise over his left shoulder, was an orange scarf. Gamely he tried to free himself, till, realising the helplessness of his position, he ceased his efforts and lay motionless.
"Of what regiment are ye?" demanded Firestone, thrusting forward his grim face till it almost touched that of his prisoner.
Colonel Firestone
Colonel Firestone
[Illustration:Colonel Firestone flung his arms about the man's waist, and dragged him out of his saddle.]
[Illustration:Colonel Firestone flung his arms about the man's waist, and dragged him out of his saddle.]
"Colonel Garth's dragoons," was the reply.
"And who holds the bridge at Hilsea?"
"Ridge's regiment of foot."
"And the countersign?"
The prisoner made no reply, and Firestone repeated the question, without result.
"A charge from your bandolier, sergeant."
Lawson handed a cartridge to the colonel, who, deliberately breaking the paper, ostentatiously scattered the grains of powder over the right knee of the prostrate man.
"Make ready flint and steel, sergeant," said our leader. "Now, sirrah," he added to his prisoner, "for the last time—the countersign?"
The man was still silent for a moment then he answered sullenly:
"'The sword of Gideon.'"
"Ah, we have it," explained Firestone. "Now, help me truss this man up."
A few moments sufficed to bind our prisoner, a gag being placed in his mouth, while our leader tied his scarf over his own shoulders. Lawson thereupon removed the man's pistols from his holsters, and hobbled his horse. Our captive was lifted to the other side of the hedge, and in high spirits we remounted and resumed our way.
Hardly had we ridden two hundred yards, however, when, to our surprise, we heard a shout followed by the sound of a galloping horse.
"A plague on the man!" exclaimed Firestone.
"He has slipped his bonds, and has ridden to give the alarm. Ten thousand countersigns will avail little, should he reach the bridge before us!"
Relentlessly we spurred our steeds, and, in a quarter of an hour, we drew rein before Portsbridge. By the glow of a huge wood fire we could see the motionless, yet alert, forms of the musketeers and pikemen mounting guard, while the firelight flickered on the gaping muzzles of a park of artillery.
"'Twill be touch and go, should the password be false," muttered the colonel, and, loosening our swords in their scabbards, we trotted daringly towards the outpost.
The countersign satisfied the sentries, but, on gaining the far side of the creek, an officer demanded who we were and what was our business.
"Captain Hosea Smith, and dragoons, of Garth's regiment, with despatches for Colonel Voysey at Petersfield."
"How fares our cause against the malignants?"
"The castle has fallen."
"The enemies of the Lord are as ripe corn before the sickle. Pass, captain, and fare ye well."
We lost no time in taking our departure, for already my quick ear detected the sound of approaching horsemen along the distant Portsmouth road; and barely had we left the outpost a hundred paces behind us when a fierce hubbub arose from the Parliamentary troops, while a musket-shot gave the alarm that something was amiss.
"They'll be at our heels within five minutes," exclaimed Lawson. "Ride straight for the hill!"
Clattering through the sleeping village of Cosham, we turned aside from the main road that leads to the City of London, and gained the grassy sward, and I began to realise that our horses were slowly and laboriously climbing a long and steep ascent.
At the summit was a hard chalk road, and here we dismounted to rest our weary steeds, and, throwing ourselves on the damp grass, we listened intently for any sounds of pursuit.
We were at a considerable height above the sea, for almost below us, as it seemed, were the watch-fires of the rebel outpost at Portsbridge, which we had ridden through but twenty minutes before. The camp was in a state of uproar, men shouting, horses neighing, while from the road below came the sounds of a body of horses rapidly galloping in the direction they had supposed us to have taken.
At length the day began to dawn, and, led by Sergeant Lawson, whose knowledge of the country was surprising, we descended the hill by a more gradual slope, keeping a safe distance from, but following the general direction of, the London road.
At intervals we passed several countrymen, who gazed at us with open-mouthed astonishment, for as yet the horrors of this disastrous civil war had not been brought home to them. The common hind still ploughed his land or tended his sheep, careless of the affairs of the kingdom, but before long the constant levy upon his crops, by foragers of both sides, goaded the peasant into a state dangerous both to Royalists and rebels.
On emerging from a wood hard by the village of Catherington, I saw before us a tall, grass-covered hill crowned by a windmill, and, to my delight, I recognised a well-known landmark within sight of our castle of Ashley.
Boldly crossing the deserted highway, we rode through the village of Chalton, every step of the way now being familiar, and, just as the sun appeared above the downs, we came in sight of my ancestral home.
Snugly ensconced between two lofty spurs of the South Downs, Ashley Castle, though more of a dwelling than a fortress, was well able to be put in a state of defence, and, in the absence of artillery, which an enemy would be at great pains to draw over the rough hill-roads, it could be relied upon to withstand a lengthy siege.
Notwithstanding the early hour, the castle was astir, thick clouds of smoke arising from the kitchen chimneys, while at the gate stood a pikeman, his steel headpiece glittering in the rays of the sun.
The drawbridge over the moat was raised, and, on our approach, there was a rush of armed men to the walls, and, though the garrison appeared but few in number, it was not lacking in watchfulness.
Removing my steel cap, I waved it above my head, and, being instantly recognised, the drawbridge slowly sank into position, and we passed beneath the gateway, where my mother and sister were awaiting us.
In a few words I introduced my companions, and explained the circumstances of my home-coming, and, to my surprise, my mother expressed her approval of my action in leaving Newport.
Telling the grooms to take charge of our horses, and giving directions for a meal to be spread, she led the way to the great panelled hall.
"You are just in time, Humphrey," she said. "In a few days a wain-load of supplies for His Majesty leaves the castle, and ye can bear it company."
"Where is my father?"
"With the King, but I wot not where that may be. Sir Reginald sent a letter, which arrived here yesternight, asking for the supplies to be sent to Oxford, though at the time of writing he was in camp at Shrewsbury, whither the King had journeyed from Nottingham."
"And what supplies are we sending, mother? Surely the King's army is not in such need of food that it must needs be provisioned from Ashley?"
"Nay," she replied, with a sad smile. "Royalty needs, and loyalty must. Look around the hall, Humphrey. The sideboard and yonder shelves—dost notice the difference?"
"They are bare," I exclaimed. "Where is the silver plate—the wassail bowls and our silver-gilt chargers?"
"Gone to the smelting-pot," replied my mother, in a tone of triumph mingled with regret. "Fifty stout pikemen and twenty musketeers will they provide!"
After our repast, Granville and I went to the kitchen, where, in a huge smelting-pot, the remains of our family plate were at molten heat, old Giles, the butler, having been appointed founder, a task which he performed as if brought up to it from his youth, although many were the sighs he gave as the rich vessels, over which he had spent much care, vanished into the pot.
On the flagged floor were moulds of sand and clay, into which the molten metal was ladled, for it was necessary, in view of the dangers of the road, to convey the silver in as compact a form as possible.
With the exception of Wat, the pikeman who was on guard at the drawbridge on our arrival, and a lad of about fifteen years of age, the whole of our male servants, twenty in all, remaining in the castle, were over sixty years of age, for the able-bodied men my father had taken with him. Nevertheless, such was the faithfulness and devotion of these servants that, in spite of their years, they were ready to defend the castle to the last extremity, should things come to the worst.
From the kitchen we made our way towards the tower, for Ralph had expressed a wish to be shown the whole of the castle.
Passing through the great hall, we saw Colonel Firestone sitting in a high-backed chair, one slippered foot resting on a stool, while the other, still cased in his worn and stained jack-boot, was thrust out as stiff as a ramrod. He was smoking, blowing huge clouds of tobacco smoke that surrounded him like a shroud; but, seeing us, he removed his pipe and called me by name.
"I would fain journey with the waggon," said he, "for 'tis safer, and I'll warrant that my despatches will reach His Majesty before those messengers who attempt to pass through Dover and Fowey. That excellent lady, your mother, hath commended you to my care, and, by your conduct of yester-night, I wish for no better charges. For the present, then, we'll be comrades three."
Both Granville and I were delighted with the news; but, on leaving the apartment, my companion remarked, "Didst notice anything strange about Colonel Firestone?"
"In what way?"
"Why, his jack-boot. Methinks he sleeps in it, for never have I seen him without it," said my friend.
"Perchance, like many a veteran, he feels at ease only when booted and spurred; still, he is a fine old soldier, and a right worthy gentleman."
Through the picture gallery we passed, giving but slight heed to the portraits of my ancestors, and, on gaining the leads, we found that four culverins and two small pieces of brass ordnance had been carried thither from the armoury and placed so as to command the approach to the gateway. At the south-western angle of the building stood the tower, which is entered by a narrow doorway from the roof, on which we were standing.
A spiral staircase of forty-five steps brought us to the summit, whence a magnificent view over a tract of well-wooded country extended southwards, terminating with a glimpse of the sea, but on the other quarters the tall outlines of the beautiful South Downs restricted the outlook.
"What a fine home you have, Humphrey," exclaimed Granville enthusiastically. "Is the castle very old?"
"This part is," I replied. "There are dungeons underneath, and secret passages all over the place, though the entrance to the secret passages is built up. The hall and the guest-chambers are new, my grandsire having had them built less than fifty years ago, on his return from Hispaniola."
"And Ashley Castle will belong to you some day?"
"I suppose so," I replied carelessly, for I had hardly before given thought to the matter.
"And those dungeons and passages—how I should like to explore them!"
"We may some day, but the present important matters leave no time for that," I answered, little thinking the service those secret passages were to render in times to come.
Several days passed in active preparations for our journey. The smelting of the silver had been completed, our field equipment provided, and a great part of the time was spent in martial exercises, Colonel Firestone and the sergeant devoting great attention in teaching us the use of the broadsword, with which weapon we became quite proficient.
On the day previous to that fixed for our departure, news arrived that Portsmouth had fallen, and we learned of the manner in which Colonel Goring had fulfilled his boasting promise.
On the morrow, after the capture of Southsea Castle, the rebels turned the guns upon the town, whereupon the Governor threatened to fire the magazine, and level every building in the place by the explosion. It was, no doubt, an idle threat, but Goring hoped to excuse his conduct by such empty bragging.
In the end the rebels agreed to terms of honourable surrender, the garrison being permitted to march out with drums beating, matches lighted, and colours flying, while Goring was allowed to take ship for the Low Countries.
Then it was that he took the key of the Town Mount magazine, the same that he had shown us, and cast it into the sea, thereby redeeming his plighted word.
Very bitter was Colonel Firestone when he heard the news, vowing that he would denounce Goring to his Royal master, and expressing his intention of being the means of having the traitorous Chaloner hanged, should he fall within his clutches.
But it was no time for revengeful thoughts, for the time had come when immediate action was required on our part to carry out the task of conveying the treasure from the castle to the Royal camp.