Ten Years Later by Dumas, Alexandre. Part two

arrived, as we have said, at Calais towards the end of the

sixth day. The duke’s attendants, since the previous

evening, had traveled in advance, and now chartered a boat,

for the purpose of joining the yacht, which had been tacking

about in sight, or bore broadside on, whenever it felt its

white wings wearied, within cannon-shot of the jetty.

The boat was destined for the transport of the duke’s

equipages from the shore to the yacht. The horses had been

embarked, having been hoisted from the boat upon the deck in

baskets expressly made for the purpose, and wadded in such a

manner that their limbs, even in the most violent fits of

terror or impatience, were always protected by the soft

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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later

support which the sides afforded, and their coats not even

turned. Eight of these baskets, placed side by side, filled

the ship’s hold. It is well known that in short voyages

horses refuse to eat, but remain trembling all the while,

with the best of food before them, such as they would have

greatly coveted on land. By degrees, the duke’s entire

equipage was transported on board the yacht; he was then

informed that everything was in readiness, and that they

only waited for him, whenever he would be disposed to embark

with the French gentleman; for no one could possibly imagine

that the French gentleman would have any other accounts to

settle with his Grace than those of friendship. Buckingham

desired the captain to be told to hold himself in readiness,

but that, as the sea was beautiful, and as the day promised

a splendid sunset, he did not intend to go on board until

nightfall, and would avail himself of the evening to enjoy a

walk on the strand. He added also, that, finding himself in

such excellent company, he had not the least desire to

hasten his embarkation.

As he said this he pointed out to those who surrounded him

the magnificent spectacle which the sky presented, of

deepest azure in the horizon, the amphitheatre of fleecy

clouds ascending from the sun’s disc to the zenith, assuming

the appearance of a range of snowy mountains, whose summits

were heaped one upon another. The dome of clouds was tinged

at its base with, as it were, the foam of rubies, fading

away into opal and pearly tints, in proportion as the gaze

was carried from base to summit. The sea was gilded with the

same reflection, and upon the crest of every sparkling wave

danced a point of light, like a diamond by lamplight. The

mildness of the evening, the sea breezes, so dear to

contemplative minds, setting in from the east and blowing in

delicious gusts; then, in the distance, the black outline of

the yacht with its rigging traced upon the empurpled

background of the sky — while, dotting the horizon, might

be seen, here and there, vessels with their trimmed sails,

like the wings of a seagull about to plunge; such a

spectacle indeed well merited admiration. A crowd of curious

idlers followed the richly dressed attendants, amongst whom

they mistook the steward and the secretary for the master

and his friend. As for Buckingham, who was dressed very

simply, in a gray satin vest, and doublet of violet-colored

velvet, wearing his hat thrust over his eyes, and without

orders or embroidery, he was taken no more notice of than De

Wardes, who was in black, like an attorney.

The duke’s attendants had received directions to have a boat

in readiness at the jetty head, and to watch the embarkation

of their master, without approaching him until either he or

his friend should summon them, — “whatever may happen,” he

had added, laying a stress upon these words, so that they

might not be misunderstood. Having walked a few paces upon

the strand, Buckingham said to De Wardes, “I think it is now

time to take leave of each other. The tide, you perceive, is

rising; ten minutes hence it will have soaked the sands

where we are now walking in such a manner that we shall not

be able to keep our footing.”

“I await your orders, my lord, but —- “

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