Clavering reflected for a moment, and then replied, “I give thee the promise thou requirest. Bring him along.”
“Nay, there will be no need to use force,” said Micklegift. “I will go peaceably enough.”
“You must come with us too, fair mistress,” said Ninian to Temperance. “We cannot leave you behind.”
“I have no desire to be left,” replied the blushing maiden, displaying great readiness to accompany him.
The whole party then quitted the cottage. Micklegift marched between John and Ninian, who, notwithstanding their captive’s promise to go quietly, thought it right to keep firm hold of him. In this manner they crossed the garden and proceeded to the little postern.
XI
IN WHICH THE TABLES ARE TURNED UPON STELFAX
A PRISONER in a narrow cell, with an inexorable gaoler close beside him, and ready to slay him if he attempted escape, Charles did not lose his confidence. Deliverance he felt sure would come. His absence must be ere long discovered by the inmates of the house, and then search would be made for him, and it was scarcely probable that this hiding-place, of which he himself had heard Clavering speak, would remain unvisited. Still, great risk might be incurred at the moment when his liberation should be attempted, and he tried to consider what ought to be done at that hazardous conjuncture. Leaning against the wall of the cell, he assumed a perfectly indifferent air, and began to hum snatches of French ditties, as he had previously done while making his toilette. This show of gaiety and unconcern was so annoying to Stelfax, that he at last sternly rebuked him for his unseemly levity.
“Would you prefer that I should join you in a hymn, captain?” said Charles. “Lead on, and I will accompany you.”
“Trouble me not, thou vain young man, but keep silence,” rejoined Stelfax, sternly.
The careless monarch was not, however, to be checked, but went on humming his songs in spite of his moody gaoler. In this manner nearly half an hour passed away. Charles then began to find the confinement irksome, and asked, with some impatience, how long he was to be kept there? Stelfax made no reply, but the next moment the attention of both was caught by a slight sound—a tap against the piece of wood screening the entrance to the recess. Charles started, but controlled himself by a great effort. Was relief come? Or was it the aid expected by Stelfax?
The Ironside captain likewise listened attentively, and not without anxiety. The tap was repeated; and again, after a pause, for the third time. There could be no doubt now. It was Micklegift.
Sternly enjoining the king to follow him, Stelfax moved forward.
At this moment the secret spring was touched, the door of the recess flew open, and the voice of the Independent minister was heard to call out, “It is I, Increase Micklegift. Come forth without fear.”
Addressing another stern injunction to the king to follow him, Stelfax drew a pistol from his belt, and grasping his bared sword in his left hand, to be ready for instant service if required, stepped out into the room.
Micklegift was standing in the middle of the chamber, almost opposite the fireplace, and, on seeing Stelfax, signed to him to follow him to the inner room, moving quickly in that direction himself.
“Stay!” vociferated Stelfax, angrily. “Whither goest thou? I may need thy aid with the prisoner.”
Glancing backwards as he spoke, to ascertain whether Charles was following, he caught sight of two men lurking within the angle of the chimney-piece, ready to spring upon him.
“Ah! treacherous dog, thou hast played me false!” he vociferated. “But thou shalt not escape punishment!” With which words he fired his pistol at the Independent minister, and with fatal effect. Micklegift uttered a cry, staggered, and fell backwards. “Neither shalt thou escape!” he continued, turning to attack the king, who at this moment appeared at the entrance of the recess; but ere he could execute his purpose, or indeed turn completely round, John Habergeon had thrown himself upon him, and, aided by Ninian, succeeded in disarming him.
Charles himself was close at hand, but did not interfere in the struggle, seeing his assistance was wholly unneeded. Clavering had also sprung, sword in hand, from behind a piece of furniture; but ere he could reach the scene of action the seizure of the redoubted Ironside leader was accomplished, and all that was left for the young man to do was to congratulate his Majesty on his deliverance.
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