A glance satisfied the young falconer that all was secure. He turned, therefore, and calling up the funnel, “You may come down, captain,” assisted another individual to descend, and in a trice Clavering stood before his father.
“My son! my dear son!” exclaimed the colonel, transported with delight at beholding him.
Scarcely had Clavering and Ninian quitted the hearth than John Habergeon landed in safety, and stepped out into the room.
By this time Clavering and Dulcia were together—the latter weeping with delight on the young man’s shoulder.
“The enemy are searching the house for you,” Dulcia cried. How did you manage to escape them?”
“Hush!—not so loud,” Micklegift said, stepping softly towards the door; “you will be overheard by the sentinels.”
“We put ourselves under the guidance of Ninian,” Clavering said, in reply to Dulcia’s inquiry, “and by his aid got upon the roof, and so reached this chimney, which he declared had holdings with inside for the feet by which we could descend. It turned out as he stated; but the descent would have been impracticable on my part, helpless as I am, but for John Habergeon’s support. We meant to lurk within the chimney till the search should be over, when Ninian heard my father’s voice—and so here we are.”
“But here you must not remain,” said the colonel. “The baffled Ironsides may return at any moment. What is to be done?”
“Can we not conceal ourselves behind the hangings in the inner room?” cried Clavering. “One of us might take refuge in the armoire.”
“No, no! that would be too dangerous!” John Habergeon exclaimed. “Could we but reach the garden!—That window is a good height from the ground, it is true, but I could drop from it and break no bones—and so could Ninian—but the fall wouldn’t suit Captain Clavering’s injured arm.”
“Think not of me, John,” the young Cavalier cried, resolutely. “I am ready to make the attempt.”
“It would be useless,” Ninian said, cautiously approaching the window and looking forth; “there is a red-coat, with a musket on his shoulder, on guard below.”
“Pest on him!” John ejaculated. “We must e’en climb the chimney again.”
“So it seems,” cried Clavering.
“Be ruled by me, and enter the hiding-place in which you originally took refuge,” said Micklegift, advancing towards them.
“The captain of the Ironsides has already searched it, and will not, in all likelihood, visit it again.”
“The worthy man speaks the truth!” Colonel Maunsel exclaimed. “‘Tis the safest place to be found. We are beholden to you for the suggestion, good Master Micklegift. Enter the recess, my son.”
“Do not go there,” Dulcia cried, detaining Clavering. “I distrust this man. He will betray you.”
“Since you doubt me, damsel,” said Micklegift, “let the youth stay here, and be the consequences on your head. He will not have to tarry long, for methinks I hear the footsteps of his foe without.”
“Why do you keep him back, Dulcia?” the colonel cried, impatiently. “Worthy Master Micklegift is perfectly right, and I owe him a large debt of gratitude for twice saving my son.”
“Spare your thanks, Colonel Maunsel, till the danger be past,” the Independent minister rejoined. “Seek the refuge I have pointed out to you, young man—or stay and brave your fate. But hesitate not. In another moment you will have no choice left.”
“I was wrong!—go!—go!” cried Dulcia to Clavering, who still looked irresolute.
At her entreaty he moved towards the hiding-place, the entrance to which had already been thrown open by Ninian, who had gone in. John Habergeon stood outside on the hearth.
“Come! come! captain,” the old trooper cried, impatiently. One would think you were desirous of being captured. In with you!”
Upon this, Clavering entered the recess, and John quickly following him, the pillar swung back to its customary position.
Micklegift has his Mouth Stopped
II
HOW MICKELGIFT WAS IGNOMINIOUSLY EXPELLED FROM THE GRANGE
SCARCELY had all been made secure, when the chamber-door suddenly opened, and a sentinel entering, cast a sharp inquisitive look around.
“Methought I heard a noise,” he observed.
“Thou didst hear my voice in exhortation, friend,” Micklegift said. “Remain here, and I will hold forth to thee.”