This damp and dismal chamber, the aspect of which was calculated to inspire horror, was dimly lighted by an iron lamp, suspended by a chain from the keystone of the groined roof. Dull as it was, however, the light sufficed to reveal many frightful objects. At one side stood the hideous apparatus on which the prisoner had been stretched—a wooden frame, containing a leathern couch, and furnished with a wheel, cords, and roller. The walls were garnished with thumb-screws, pincers, knives of strange shape, saws, and other horrible-looking implements.
On a wooden stool, adjoining the rack, was placed the unfortunate prisoner. The whole of his habiliments had been removed when the torture was applied, and they could not now be restored, but a cloak was thrown over his limbs. His ghastly—almost death like—looks showed the severe suffering he had endured. His joints had, in fact, been wrenched from their sockets and his sinews almost cracked by the terrible application. He was supported by the chirurgeon, who was bathing his temples with cold water, and near him stood the tormentor—an uncouth, powerfully-built varlet, with savage features and a great fell of red hair. There was another person who, with the gaoler, had been present during the proceeding. This was Mauger, the headsman.
As the council entered the vault, Sharington made a vain attempt to lift his head. The effort was so painful that a groan burst from him. None of the council, however, seemed moved by the unfortunate man’s appearance, but regarded him with stern and inflexible looks.
“Are you now disposed to answer our questions without equivocation or reserve?” demanded Warwick.
“I am,” replied Sharington, with a groan.
“You confess, then, that you have defrauded the king’s majesty of many thousand pounds by clipping and otherwise tampering with the gold and silver intrusted to your charge, and by coining base money?”
“I own it,” rejoined Sharington, faintly.
“By whom have you been instigated to these great and treasonable frauds?” pursued Warwick.
“By his highness the lord high admiral, to whom the greater part of the money was given,” answered Sharington.
“This is your solemn declaration?” demanded Warwick.
“I swear it to be the truth,” replied the prisoner.
“Let his confession be taken down,” said Warwick to a secretary, who was in attendance with writing materials, and who sat down on the edge of the rack to fulfil the earl’s behest.
When drawn up, the confession was presented to the prisoner, who with the greatest difficulty signed it. This done, the council quitted the vault.
“Sharington’s accomplice must be next arrested,” observed Warwick with a grim smile to Lord Russell, as they tracked the subterranean passage.
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Chapter VIII
THE COUNTERPLOT
Hitherto, Warwick had abstained from disclosing to the lord protector the discoveries he had made relative to his brother’s treasonable practices, as he feared the irresolution manifested by Somerset on a former occasion might be again displayed; but now, being armed with proofs positive of the admiral’s guilt, he resolved to lay the whole matter before him.
Accordingly, a special meeting of the council was appointed for that night, intimation of which being given to the Duke of Somerset, he of course attended, when full particulars of this gigantic conspiracy were laid before him.
Confounded and amazed by the details, Somerset almost refused to credit them; but when Sharington’s confession was read, he could no longer doubt. Warwick’s statements also were corroborated by Ugo Harrington, who was brought forward, and who revealed all he knew concerning his lord’s proceedings.
A long deliberation followed. By the Earl of Southampton—who, having regained Somerset’s favor, had again joined the council—and Lord Clinton, it was proposed that Seymour should be at once arrested, and brought before them for examination; but against this it was urged, chiefly on the representation of Ugo Harrington, that the most determined resistance would be offered by the admiral—and that probably he might escape. If he did so, and succeeded in reaching either of his castles, an insurrection, which it might be difficult, if not impossible, to crush, was sure to arise, and civil war ensue.
“If your Highness will be guided by me,” said Ugo, addressing the protector, “I will show you how you may take him without difficulty, and effectually prevent any popular disturbance.”