“The latter part of thy news is better than thy first, lad,” John cried, swallowing down a huge mouthful, and springing to his feet “Go all of ye, and spread the intelligence amongst the rest of the servants. Take care they are all of one story, d’ye mind? They will be sharply questioned by this cursed Roundhead officer—know him well by report. Keep out of sight, Ninian, should the Ironsides come hither before the colonel returns, or they will understand that thou hast been sent on to give the alarm.”
John then hurried upstairs, and acquainting Clavering with the message which had just been brought by Ninian, told him he must take instant refuge within the hiding-place, and remain there till the danger was passed. Seared by the imminence of the peril, and apprehensive of discovery, Mr. Beard counselled flight; but John scouted the idea.
“Where is the captain to fly to?” the old trooper cried. “Were he to venture forth, those lynx-eyed Ironsides would be likely enough to capture him. And then that rascally Micklegift is playing the spy upon all our movements.”
“Ay, there is another risk! How are we to guard against that?” Clavering exclaimed. “You say Micklegift is aware of my return, and knows I am concealed in the house. Will he not betray me to Stelfax?”
“No. His lips are sealed till to-morrow,” the old trooper rejoined. “Ask me not why? I had rather not explain.”
“You have good reason for what you assert, no doubt, John,” Mr. Beard remarked; “though such tender consideration for us seems wholly inconsistent with Micklegift’s character.”
“It is perfectly consistent with his character, as your reverence would admit, if you knew all,” John replied. “But the Ironsides may be upon us at any moment—don’t suppose they will give us notice of their approach. In with you, captain,” he continued, touching the secret spring in the mantelpiece, and disclosing the entrance to the place of concealment. “You have all you require, and are provisioned for a week. Don’t be disheartened, if we should be unable to communicate with you for some time; and let no summons—no alarm—induce you to come forth. Mind that.”
“I will obey your directions implicitly, John,” the young man said. “Yet my mind misgives me, and I enter this retreat with reluctance.”
“Have a good heart, sir,” John cried, cheerily. “All will turn out well.”
“Heaven grant it!” Mr. Beard ejaculated, fervently. “Place yourself under the care of Providence, my son; and my prayers shall also be offered for your safety.”
Upon this, Clavering passed through the aperture, and the next moment the pillar was returned to its place.
It was time. Scarcely had Clavering made good his retreat, when the blast of a trumpet was heard outside the house, proclaiming the arrival of the Ironsides.
IV
IN WHAT MANNER THE CAPTAIN OF THE IRONSIDES EMPLOYED HIS TIME AT THE GRANGE
AT this fearful summons, old Martin Geere, Giles Moppett, and some others rushed to the door, and to their great dismay, found the house invested by a troop of armed men, who, having ridden through the gateway, were now drawn up before the porch.
“What ho, fellow!” cried their red-bearded leader, addressing Martin. “We are come to pay thy master a visit, as thou seest.”
“You and your men are right welcome, worshipful captain, and my master, I am sure, will feel greatly honoured,” old Martin rejoined; “but he is from home at the moment, hawking on the downs.”
“He is at Lewes, thou shouldst say, for I left him riding thither scarce an hour ago with the Episcopalian divine’s comely daughter,” Stelfax rejoined. “As to welcome, we should have little enough, I warrant me, either from thee or from thy master, if we could not enforce it. But my men are hungry, and would eat; thirsty, and would drink—”
“They shall have the best the house affords, worshipful captain,” old Martin hastened to say.
“They ever do have of the best when they pay a malignant a visit,” rejoined Stelfax, laughing. “Your substance hath been delivered into our hands, and wherefore should we hesitate to take it? I shall tarry here until thy master returns, for I have to interrogate him.”