And he pa.s.sed on.
A large crowd now poured indiscriminately out of the chapel and amongst it Nicholas perceived many of his friends and neighbours, Mr. Townley of Townley Park, Mr. Parker of Browsholme, Mr. Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe, Sir Thomas Metcalfe, and Roger Nowell. With the latter was Master Potts, and Richard was then at no loss to understand against whom Sir Ralph had warned him. A fierce light blazed in Roger Nowell"s keen eyes as he first remarked the two a.s.shetons, and a smile of gratified vengeance played about his lips; but he quelled the fire in a moment, and, compressing his hard mouth more closely, bowed coldly and ceremoniously to them. Metcalfe did the same. Not so Master Potts. Halting for a moment, he said, with a spiteful look, "Look to yourself, Master Nicholas; and you too, Master Richard. A day of reckoning is coming for both of you."
And with this he sprang nimbly after his client.
"What means the fellow?" cried Nicholas. "But that we are here, as it were, in the precincts of a palace, I would after him and cudgel him soundly for his insolence."
"And wha"s that ye"d be after dinging, man?" cried a sharp voice behind him. "No that puir f.e.c.kless body that has jist skippit aff. If sae, ye"ll tak the wrang s...o...b.. the lugg, and I counsel you to let him bide, for he"s high i" favour wi" the King."
Turning at this address, Nicholas recognised the king"s jester, Archie Armstrong, a merry little knave, with light blue eyes, long yellow hair hanging about his ears, and a sandy beard. There was a great deal of mother wit about Archie, and quite as much shrewdness as folly. He wore no distinctive dress as jester-the bauble and c.o.xcomb having been long discontinued-but was simply clad in the royal livery.
"And so Master Potts is in favour with his Majesty, eh, Archie?" asked the squire, hoping to obtain some information from him.
"And sae war you the day efore yesterday, when you hunted at Myerscough," replied the jester.
"But how have I forfeited the King"s good opinion?" asked Nicholas. "Come, you are a good fellow, Archie, and will tell me."
"Dinna think to fleech me, man," replied the jester, cunningly.-"I ken what I ken, and that"s mair than you"ll get frae me wi" a" your speering. The King"s secrets are safe wi" Archie-and for a good reason, that he is never tauld them. You"re a gude huntsman, and sae is his Majesty; but there"s ae kind o" game he likes better than anither, and that"s to be found maistly i" these pairts-I mean witches, and sic like fearfu" carlines. We maun hae the country rid o" them, and that"s what his Majesty intends, and if you"re a wise man you"ll lend him a helping hand. But I maun in to disjune."
And with this the jester capered off, leaving Nicholas like one stupefied. He was roused, however, by a smart slap on the shoulder from Sir John Finett.
"What! pondering over the masque, Master Nicholas, or thinking of the pet.i.tion you have to present to his Majesty?" cried the master of the ceremonies, "Let neither trouble you. The one will be well played, I doubt not, and the other well received, I am sure, for I know the king"s sentiments on the subject. But touching the dame, Master Nicholas-have you found one willing and able to take part in the masque?"
"I have found several willing, Sir John," replied Nicholas; "but as to their ability that is another question. However, one of them may do as a make-shift. They are all in the base court, and shall wait on you when you please, and then you can make your election."
"So far well," replied Finett; "it may be that we shall have Ben Jonson here to-day-rare Ben, the prince of poets and masque-writers. Sir Richard Hoghton expects him. Ben is preparing a masque for Christmas, to be called "The Vision of Delight," in which his highness the prince is to be a princ.i.p.al actor, and some verses which have been recited to me are amongst the daintiest ever indited by the bard."
"It will be a singular pleasure to me to see him," said Nicholas; "for I hold Ben Jonson in the highest esteem as a poet-ay, above them all, unless it be Will Shakspeare."
"Ay, you do well to except Shakspeare," rejoined Sir John Finett. "Great as Ben Jonson is, and for wit and learning no man surpa.s.ses him, he is not to be compared with Shakspeare, who for profound knowledge of nature, and of all the highest qualities of dramatic art, is unapproachable. But ours is a learned court, Master Nicholas, and therefore we have a learned poet; but a right good fellow is Ben Jonson, and a boon companion, though somewhat p.r.o.ne to sarcasm, as you will find if you drink with him. Over his cups he will rail at courts and courtiers in good set terms, I promise you, and I myself have come in for his gibes. However, I love him none the less for his quips, for I know it is his humour to utter them, and so overlook what in another and less deserving person I should a.s.suredly resent. But is not that young man, who is now going forth, your cousin, Richard a.s.sheton? I thought so. The King has had a strange tale whispered in his ear, that the youth has been bewitched by a maiden-Alizon Nutter, I think she is named-of whom he is enamoured. I know not what truth may be in the charge, but the youth himself seems to warrant it, for he looks ghastly ill. A letter was sent to his Majesty at Myerscough, communicating this and certain other particulars with which I am not acquainted; but I know they relate to some professors of the black art in your country, the soil of which seems favourable to the growth of such noxious weeds, and at first he was much disturbed by it, but in the end decided that both parties should be brought hither without being made aware of his design, that he might see and judge for himself in the matter. Accordingly a messenger was sent over to Middleton Hall as from Sir Richard Hoghton, inviting the whole family to the Tower, and giving Sir Richard a.s.sheton to understand it was the King"s pleasure he should bring with him a certain young damsel, named Alizon Nutter, of whom mention had been made to him. Sir Richard had no choice but to obey, and promised compliance with his Majesty"s injunctions. An officer, however, was left on the watch, and this very morning reported to his Majesty that young Richard a.s.sheton had already set out with the intention of going to Preston, but had pa.s.sed the night at Walton-le-Dale, and that Sir Richard, his daughter Dorothy, and Alizon Nutter, would be here before noon."
"His Majesty has laid his plans carefully," replied Nicholas, "and I can easily conjecture from whom he received the information, which is as false as it is malicious. But are you aware, Sir John, upon what evidence the charge is supported-for mere suspicion is not enough?"
"In cases of witchcraft suspicion is enough," replied the knight, gravely. "Slender proofs are required. The girl is the daughter of a notorious witch-that is against her. The young man is ailing-that is against her, too. But a witness, I believe, will be produced, though who I cannot say."
"Gracious Heaven! what wickedness there must be in the world when such a charge can be brought against one so good and so unoffending," cried Nicholas. "A maiden more devout than Alizon never existed, nor one holding the crime she is charged with in greater abhorrence. She injure Richard! she would lay down her life for him-and would have been his wife, but for scruples the most delicate and disinterested on her part. But we will establish her innocence before his Majesty, and confound her enemies."
"It is with that hope that I have given you this information, sir, of which I am sure you will make no improper use," replied Sir John. "I have heard a similar character to that you have given of Alizon, and am unwilling she should fall a victim to art or malice. Be upon your guard, too, Master Nicholas; for other investigations will take place at the same time, and some matters may come forth in which you are concerned. The King"s arms are long, and reach and strike far-and his eyes see clearly when not hoodwinked-or when other people see for him. And now, good sir, you must want breakfast. Here Faryngton," he added to an attendant, "show Master Nicholas a.s.sheton to his lodging in the base court, and attend upon him as if he were your master. I will come for you, sir, when it is time to present the pet.i.tion to the King."
So saying, he bowed and walked forth, turning into the upper quadrangle, while Nicholas followed Faryngton into the lower court, where he found his friends waiting for him.
Speedily ascertaining where their lodgings were situated, Faryngton led them to a building on the left, almost opposite to the great bonfire, and, ascending a flight of steps, ushered them into a commodious and well-furnished room, looking into the court. This done, he disappeared, but soon afterwards returned with two yeomen of the kitchen, one carrying a tray of provisions upon his head, and the other sustaining a basket of wine under his arm, and a snowy napkin being laid upon the table, trenchers viands, and flasks were soon arranged in very tempting order-so tempting, indeed, that the squire, notwithstanding his a.s.sertion, that his appet.i.te had been taken away, fell to work with his customary vigour, and plied a flask of excellent Bordeaux so incessantly, that another had to be placed before him. Sherborne did equal justice to the good cheer, and Richard not only forced himself to eat, but to the squire"s great surprise swallowed more than one deep draught of wine. Having thus administered to the wants of the guests, and seeing his presence was no longer either necessary or desired, Faryngton vanished, first promising to go and see that all was got ready for them in the sleeping apartments. Notwithstanding the man"s civility, there was an over-officiousness about him that made Nicholas suspect he was placed over them by Sir John Finett to watch their movements, and he resolved to be upon his guard.
"I am glad to see you drink, lad," he observed to Richard, as soon as they were alone; "a cup of wine will do you good."
"Do you think so?" replied Richard, filling his goblet anew. "I want to get back my spirits and strength-to sustain myself no matter how-to look well-ha! ha! If I can only make this frail machine carry me stoutly through the King"s visit, I care not how soon it falls to pieces afterwards."
"I see your motive, d.i.c.k," replied Nicholas. "You hope to turn away suspicion from Alizon by this device; but you must not go to excess, or you will defeat your scheme."
"I will do something to convince the King he is mistaken in me-that I am not bewitched," cried Richard, rising and striding across the room. "Bewitched! and by Alizon, too! I could laugh at the charge, but that it is too horrible. Had any other than the King breathed it, I would have slain him."
"His Majesty has been abused by the malice of that knavish attorney, Potts, who has always manifested the greatest hostility towards Alizon," said Nicholas; "but he will not prevail, for she has only to show herself to dispel all prejudice."
"You are right, Nicholas," cried Richard; "and yet the King seems already to have prejudged her, and his obstinacy may lead to her destruction."
"Speak not so loudly, d.i.c.k, in Heaven"s name!" said the squire, in alarm; "these walls may have ears, and echoes may repeat every word you utter."
"Then let them tell the King that Alizon is innocent," cried Richard, stopping, and replenishing his goblet, "Here"s to her health, and confusion to her enemies!"
"I"ll drink that toast with pleasure, d.i.c.k," replied the squire; "but I must forbid you more wine. You are not used to it, and the fumes will mount to your brain."
"Come and sit down beside us, that we may talk," said Sherborne.
Richard obeyed, and, leaning over the table, asked in a low deep tone, "Where is Mistress Nutter, Nicholas?"
The squire looked towards the door before he answered, and then said-
"I will tell you. After the destruction of Malkin Tower and the band of robbers, she was taken to a solitary hut near Barley Booth, at the foot of Pendle Hill, and the next day was conveyed across Bowland Forest to Poulton in the Fyld, on the borders of Morecambe Bay, with the intention of getting her on board some vessel bound for the Isle of Man. Arrangements were made for this purpose; but when the time came, she refused to go, and was brought secretly back to the hut near Barley, where she has been ever since, though her place of concealment was hidden even from you and her daughter."
"The captain of the robbers, Fogg or Demdike, escaped-did he not?" said Richard.
"Ay, in the confusion occasioned by the blowing up of the Tower he managed to get away," replied Nicholas, "and we were unable to follow him, as our attentions had to be bestowed upon Mistress Nutter. This was the more unlucky, as through his instrumentality Jem and his mother Elizabeth were liberated from the dungeon in which they were placed in Whalley Abbey, prior to their removal to Lancaster Castle, and none of them have been heard of since."
"And I hope will never be heard of again," cried Richard. "But is Mistress Nutter"s retreat secure, think you?-May it not be discovered by some of Nowell"s emissaries?"
"I trust not," replied Nicholas; "but her voluntary surrender is more to be apprehended, for when I last saw her, on the night before starting for Myerscough, she told me she was determined to give herself up for trial; and her motives could scarce be combated, for she declares that, unless she submits herself to the justice of man, and expiates her offences, she cannot be saved. She now seems as resolute in good as she was heretofore resolute in evil."
"If she perishes thus, her self-sacrifice, for thus it becomes, will be Alizon"s death-blow," cried Richard.
"So I told her," replied Nicholas-"but she continued inflexible. "I am born to be the cause of misery to others, and most to those I love most," she said; "but I cannot fly from justice. There is no escape for me.""
"She is right," cried Richard; "there is no escape but the grave, whither we are all three hurrying. A terrible fatality attaches to us."
"Nay, say not so, d.i.c.k," rejoined Nicholas; "you are young, and, though this shock may be severe, yet when it is pa.s.sed, you will be recompensed, I hope, by many years of happiness."
"I am not to be deceived," said Richard. "Look me in the face, and say honestly if you think me long-lived. You cannot do it. I have been smitten by a mortal illness, and am wasting gradually away. I am dying-I feel it-know it; but though it may abridge my brief term of life, I will purchase present health and spirits at any cost, and save Alizon. Ah!" he exclaimed, putting his hand to his heart, with a fearful expression of anguish. "What is the matter?" cried the two gentlemen, greatly alarmed, and springing towards him.
But the young man could not reply. Another and another agonising spasm shook his frame, and cold damps broke out upon his pallid brow, showing the intensity of his suffering. Nicholas and Sherborne regarded each other anxiously, as if doubtful how to act.
"Shall I summon a.s.sistance?" said the latter in a low tone. But, softly as the words were uttered, they reached the ears of Richard. Rousing himself by a great effort, he said-
"On no account-the fit is over. I am glad it has seized me now, for I shall not be liable to a recurrence of it throughout the day. Lead me to the window. The air will presently revive me."
His friends complied with the request, and placed him at the open cas.e.m.e.nt.
Great bustle was observable below, and the cause was soon manifest, as the chief huntsman, clad in green, with buff boots drawn high up on the thigh, a horn about his neck, and mounted on a strong black curtal, rode forth from the stables. He was attended by a n.o.ble bloodhound, and on gaining the middle of the court, put his bugle to his lips, and blew a loud blithe call that made the walls ring again. The summons was immediately answered by a number of grooms and pages, leading a mult.i.tude of richly-caparisoned horses towards the upper end of the court, where a gallant troop of dames, n.o.bles, and gentlemen, all attired for the chase, awaited them; and where, amidst much mirth, and bandying of lively jest and compliment, a general mounting took place, the ladies, of course, being placed first on their steeds. While this was going forward, the hounds were brought from the kennel in couples-relays having been sent down into the park more than an hour before-and the yard resounded with their joyous baying, and the neighing of the impatient steeds. By this time, also, the chief huntsman had collected his forces, consisting of a dozen p.r.i.c.kers, six habited like himself in green, and six in russet, and all mounted on stout curtals. Those in green were intended to hunt the hart, and those in russet the wild-boar, the former being provided with hunting-poles, and the latter with spears. Their girdles were well lined with beef and pudding, and each of them, acting upon the advice of worthy Master George Turbervile, had a stone bottle of good wine at the pummel of his saddle. Besides these, there were a whole host of varlets of the chase on foot. The chief falconer, with a long-winged hawk in her hood and jesses upon his wrist, was stationed somewhat near the gateway, and close to him were his attendants, each having on his fist a falcon gentle, a Barbary falcon, a merlin, a goshawk, or a sparrowhawk. Thus all was in readiness, and hound, hawk, and man seemed equally impatient for the sport.
At this juncture, the door was thrown open by Faryngton, who announced Sir John Finett.