By this time Lord Wilmot and Captain Tattersall had dismounted. The skipper then walked on in advance, leaving the king and his lordship to follow. After crossing a heavy bank of shingle, they reached the edge of a little creek divided by an outer bank from the sea. Tattersall then gave a low whistle, in reply to which the sound of oars was heard, and a boat was seen advancing from under the shade of the opposite bank. This boat, which was manned by a couple of stout-looking seamen, soon touched the strand. The king and Lord Wilmot leaped into it, and were quickly followed by Tattersall, who seated himself in the stern. The men then plying their oars briskly, the boat was soon out of the creek, and cleaving its way through the sea.
In ten minutes more they were beside the Swiftsure. Charles sprang up the vessel’s side as actively as any seaman could have performed the feat, and was followed by the two others, while the boat pulled off again to shore. The king then looked towards the group of horsemen, whom he could dimly discern on the beach and a joyful shout reached his ears.
The brig then stood out to sea, and Charles was safely landed on the morning of the following day at Fécamp.
L’ Enboy.
THE king’s recommendation was not neglected. Ere the year was out, Clavering was made happy with the hand of the fair Dulcia, and had no reason to repent his choice.
Charles, we need scarcely say, had to wait nine years for the Restoration, and long before that auspicious event, Colonel Maunsel was gathered to his fathers. But good Mr. Beard lived to be reinstated in his living, and again officiated in the little village church. He took for the text of the first sermon preached by him on resuming his duties, these verses from the 129th Psalm: “The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.—The Lord is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.”
Clavering and Dulcia continued to reside at Ovingdean Grange to the close of their days, which extended in both instances into another century. Though the Maunsel family is now extinct in the direct line, worthy representatives are left—both at Rottingdean and Lewes—of the good old stock of the BEARDS. And we may add, that the old house at Ovingdean still belongs to a branch of the same family.
Stelfax, at that time a colonel in the Guards, and in high favour with Monk, formed part of the royal escort from Blackheath, on the glorious 29th of May, 1660, when the king made his triumphal entry into London. Charles particularly distinguished him, and good-humouredly observed, “Have you forgotten the half-hour we spent together in the hiding-place at Ovingdean, colonel?”
“I have forgotten all, except your Majesty’s generosity,” replied Stelfax, bending to the saddle-bow. He was already, we may perceive, a courtier.
Ninian Saxby became the fortunate possessor of Patty Whinchat, and was blessed with a numerous progeny. After his father’s death he filled the post of ostreger to Clavering, who grew passionately fond of all country sports. Some of Ninian’s descendants, we believe, may be found in the neighbourhood of Ovingdean to this day.
The body of stout old John Habergeon was removed from Kingston Hill, and buried in the village churchyard. Peace be with him!
Captain Tattersall received a considerable sum for his services. Moreover, a pension of a hundred a year was settled upon him and his descendants; and he was likewise presented with a handsome ring by the grateful monarch. Would you know more of the worthy skipper’s virtues, go seek his monument in the old parish churchyard at Brighton! There you may read the following epitaph:
Within this marble monument doth lie
Approved faith, honour, and loyalty.
In this cold clay he now has ta’en his station,
That once preserved the church, the crown, and nation.
When Charles the great was nothing but a breath,
This valiant soul stept between him and death.
Usurpers’ threats and tyrant rebels’ frown
Could not affright his virtue to the Crown;
Which glorious act of his for church and state