To the Death. A tale of the days of Cromwell

Chapter I. Master Brooke

The little village of Streteham was, in the year of grace 1650, one of the most secluded spots in all England. Far away from any main line of traffic, it was girt around on all sides by pleasant hills, whereon the sheep browsed peacefully. The church, with its square grey stone tower, stood at one end of the valley ; and under its shadow was the httle house where I dwelt with Master Brooke, the worthy Rector. Master Brooke was of kin to me on my dead mother's side, and I, being but of tender years, had been put under his charge when the civil wars began, to keep me out of the way. My father, Sir Robert Noble, was the elder of two brothers, and owned a very fine estate in the fair West Country, not far from the sea. When the troubles first began he was for the Parlia ment, because, as I have often heard him say, the king did not govern rightly.

But when the Solemn League and Covenant was signed at Westminster, and the country was to be ruled according to the views of the Scots, my father thought matters were growing B worse instead of better ; and, raising all the men he could, he ioined the kind's forces. On the other hand, my uncle Edmund, who had lived with us always, and whom I loved next best to my father, was for the Parliament all through, and fought under the banner of the Earl of Essex. Each acted according to his own conscience, but the two brothers loved each other just the same ; never was there a word of discord between them. My father had also a sister, the second wife of one Sir James Hamberlayne, a gentleman of good property, who dwelt some twenty miles or so from London. Sir James sided with neither party, but did his best to keep fair with both until he saw which side would win.

I was an only son, but I had one sister, dear Molly, two years older than myself. She had been given in marriage whilst still a child — as was the custom in all good families then — to Alwyne Blount, my playfellow and hers, and the son of my father's oldest friend. Alwyne was a boy of goodly presence, who gave promise of being an accomplished cavalier, and directly the wars broke out his father took him to join the king's army. Molly had lived at home until then; but when I was put tinder charge of Master Brooke, she went to live with Aunt Hamber layne until she should be old enough for her husband to claim her. Tidings of what was going on reached us very slowly at Streteham ; only occasionally, when a waggon went to the market town, did we receive any news or letters. Thus I heard of the death of my father and of my uncle at the same time, though MASTER BROOKE. they were not killed within a month of each other.

My father fell first, charging gallantly on the fatal field of Marston Moor ; Uncle Edmund later, stricken down in a slight skirmish. The news was contained in a letter from Sir James Hamberlayne, who, after stating that he was now my guardian, directed me to remain with Master Brooke and study my books diligently. What my feelings were on hearing of this double bereavement it needs not to set down ; but I was young, and youth, happily, soon forgets. It was an added trouble to me, I remember, that there was no one I could breathe vengeance against. If the Parlia ment men had killed my father, it was the king's men who had slain dear Uncle Edmund ; so that I could be for neither faction. On the whole, however, I inclined to the king's party, and when, on holidays, the village boys got up a fight with sides, I always headed the cavaliers.

There was a little knoll behind the church which I fortified, after the manner of some of my Latin reading books ; and there we fought often with varying fortunes, the battles sometimes lasting for hours. My chief antagonist was one Dickon Lowe, son of the principal yeoman of the village, a sturdy youth a year or so older than myself. Many a cracked crown did we give one another with our cudgels, but 'twas all in love, there was never a spark of malice. You must not think from this that I was brought up as a village lad, and taught none of the accom plishments of my station. Nay, Master Brooke knew his duty better ; he kept me close to my books as if B I had been a clerk, and did not spare the stick when I neglected them. And Master Brooke taught me other things which suited me much better than book-learning ; for he was a gentleman of good birth, and had served in the wars abroad before becoming the Rector at Streteham.

But a great misfortune befell him. His wife and three children died all in one day of the plague, and Master Brooke gave up the world and became a priest. Even in the Church he might have had good preferment had he liked; but he chose rather to live unknown, caring only for his books and his people. He was a hale old man, with long silvery white hair falling down upon his shoulders; for miles around he was loved and reverenced. Master Brooke taught me how to ride, and how to bear myself as a gentleman should ; above all, he taught me how to fence. The Rector — mild mannered as he was now — had been a noted swordsman in his day, and 'twas his custom, when I had done my book work well, to fence with me as a reward. He was a master of his art, full of cunning tricks and feints he had learnt in France ; and he was pleased to say that when I grew a little taller, I should make a tolerable swordsman.

For I, being then just turned fourteen, was below the average height of boys of my age, and my arms being too long for my body, I was even somewhat ungainly. But I was sturdy and strong, and my long arms often stood me in good stead, many a victory have they gained me. Remote as Streteham was, still from time to time we heard rumours of battles lost and won; and Master Brooke, from his increasing sadness, knew more, I MASTER BROUKE. 5 fancy, than the most of us. The village folk cared little. So long as the weather held up for harvest, and there was store of good meat to salt for winter, the unsettled times touched them not at all. The Rector grieved much, I know ; but he never breathed a word to me, my uncle, who I found later had become a strong Parliament man, having strictly forbidden him.

Still, even Streteham could not remain undis turbed for ever. The change of Government was brought home to us at last, and at the same time occasioned my departure. Some years previously — I am speaking now of the year 1650, the time when my story really begins, the year after King Charles the First was slain — the Parliament had forbidden the use of the Book of Common Prayer, which had been used from the time of Queen Elizabeth in our churches. All ministers who refused to give it up and conform to the practices of the Presbyterians were ejected from their churches and their homes. Many different kinds of people were put in their places. Some well-meaning and pious, who really thought the dispossessed clergy taught error ; others who, although sometimes they preached the loudest, only cared for the spoils But no one had ever interfered with us at Streteham.

For one reason, perhaps, the living was too small ; no preacher could cast longing eyes on a bare ten pounds a year. However that may be, I only know Master Brooke kept on in the old ways long after they had ceased everywhere else. He wore his surplice, read the prayers just as usual, and buried the dead with the proper service from the Prayer Book. The altar in TO THE DEATH. the church also remained beneath the East window, exactly as Archbishop Laud had ordered it, and the people were taught to kneel and be reverent. All this came to an end when Master Brooke was summoned to appear before the justices at the market town. He went, as in duty bound ; what took place I never heard, I only know what happened afterwards. The Rector came home late in the evening ; he said not a word to anyone, and went about his business as usual.

This was on the Tuesday, and on the next afternoon, being the day before the Feast of the Ascension, I sat with him, as was my ordinary custom, conning over my lesson whilst he prepared his sermon for the morrow. The book-room, as was called the little chamber where Master Brooke kept all his big volumes, was a small room built over the porch, and commanded a wide view of the hills around. I was always more wont to look out of the window than to pore over my books, and this particular afternoon Master Brooke seemed so full of thought he never once checked me. Thus, whilst they were still a long way off, I saw a party of horsemen riding in single tile down the rough track that formed the bridle-path to Streteham. They were strangers all — my sharp eyes soon told me that — and greatly surprised I let my book slip to the ground and called out to Master Brooke.

He rose and went to the window, then, as his sight was not so good as mine, he asked me what I made of them. " The first two are townsmen, constables I think by their look," I answered directly ; " the next is a trooper with a musket on his saddle-bow. The one on the MASTER BRO( )KE. tallest horse, he who comes last of all, wears a gown and bands, and has a hat as high as a steeple." " Ah, they are coming to see me, though I scarcely expected them so soon. Put away your books, Robin, I fear we have studied together for the last time. Come and help me prepare for our visitors." He went downstairs and I followed at his heels, my surprise now changed to alarm. Ignorant as I was, I knew right well such visitors brought no good. Yet Master Brooke was so quiet and unconcerned I very soon thought there could not be much the matter.

First bidding me remain within, the Rector put on his hat and went across to the church. He was not absent many minutes, and when he returned he ordered Betty, his old housekeeper, to close and bar the doors, and put up the wooden window shutters. I helped in this, for the shutters were heavy and seldom used ; it cost us some trouble to properly fasten them. By the time we had finished the strangers were drawing near. There was a little casement window near the front door Master Brooke had directed us to leave unfastened, and through this I watched their approach with interest. But directly they came within sight of the gate, the Rector bade me go to my room. " To each man his own duty." he said. " This is no business of yours ; your uncle would wish you out of the way." I was very reluctant, as you may well imagine, but the Rector always meant what he said, and I was forced to obey.

They were in the garden by the time I reached TO THE DEATH. the window above, trampling right across the pretty flower beds Master Brooke took so much pride in, except the elder of the party — he with the bands and steeple hat — he, I noticed, kept carefully to the path way. This was one Master Pearbeck, a Presbyterian preacher, commissioned by the justices to take the place of the Rector. But for all that I liked not his errand, his face wore a kindly look ; he seemed to have come more in sorrow than in anger. The others were civil officers sent to ensure compliance with the law, the trooper being added as an escort. A short distance behind came a little posse of villagers, who regarded the intruders rather menacingly. When presently the constables gave a loud knock at the front door, Master Brooke threw open the little window and asked them what they wanted.

"Nay, Brother Brooke, you know well," answered Master Pearbeck, shaking his head reproachfully. " Did I not yesterday entreat you as a friend that this duty might not be put upon me ? " "As a friend, yes, worthy brother. Now it seems you are come with force to take what is not mine to give. Once more I ask, what is your business with me ? " One of the constables here stepped forward, and pulling a paper from his pocket read aloud, in a droning tone, a long statement. I could not understand half, but the principal part was, that Master Brooke — whom they described as a stiff-necked and rebellious malignant — was hereby sentenced to be deprived of his living, which had been bestowed upon the godly Brother Pearbeck. MASTER BROOKE. " And from whom had you this warrant ? " asked the Rector. " From Parliament and the justices," answered the man shortly.

" From them only ? Then I cannot resign my charge unto you. Had I committed any crime, had I wronged any man, I would submit to Parliament and the justices willingly. But, under Heaven, my lord the Bishop placed me here ; from his hands I received charge of this church and people, into his hands alone can I resign it." " Misguided man, there are no bishops now ! " cried Master Pearbeck. " Papacy and prelates, Heaven be thanked, are driven forth from this realm for ever." " But, good Brother Pearbeck, would y7ou have me act against my conscience ? " " Ay, that would I, if your conscience be a pre latical one and guides yrou wrongly. But my companions are growing impatient ; yield us up peaceable possession and no harm shall befall you. Nay, I will give you hospitality myself. Perchance, unworthy though I be, my teaching, by the blessing of Heaven, may convince you."

" I should be well pleased to argue with you, brother," returned the Rector courteously ; " but I may not yield peaceably. I dare not. I should be betraying my trust." " Then must we use force ? " " An you will, you must," answered Master Brooke. " I yield to naught else." At this the trooper levelled his musket, and made as if he would have taken aim ; but the preacher struck up the barrel, and rebuked him strongly. The fellow dared not reply, though he looked very sulky, and turned away muttering angrily whilst the others tried to open the doors. When they found they could make no entrance, they went across and tried the church. But Master Brooke had made all fast there also ; every door was locked and barred. And meantime the village folk were gathering in greater numbers, cudgels were being handled threateningly ; it needed but a Avord from the Rector and the strangers would have been ducked in the pond.

But the Rector did not give the word ; on the contrary, he called out to the people to keep back. Whatever happened, he told them, he forbade a single man of them to interfere. And Master Brooke's word had always been law to the village ; he was one accustomed to be obeyed. The constables were not to know that, and the attitude of the people was menacing enough to make them pause ; they had not come prepared for resistance, the trooper was only for show. After trying the church doors in vain, Master Pearbeck and the constables came back and began once more to parley with the Rector. The trooper had disappeared, and, fearing he might be up to mischief, I ran to a room overlooking the back yard, nearly breaking my shins as I went over a pail of water Betty had left in the way. It was as I thought.

The fellow had made his way round, and when I pushed open the wooden shutter I caught him in the act of affixing a petard to the kitchen door. He had stolen round by himself, meaning to MASTER BROOKE. 11 force an entrance at the back, whilst they were parleying in front. The door was immediately beneath the window, but he was so engrossed in his occupation he did not hear me, and even whilst I was looking he began to blow his match. Then suddenly I bethought me of Betty's pail, and hoisting it on to the window seat, I tipped it over, bucket and all. It caught him fairly, just between the shoulders, so that he fell flat to the ground. He was drenched with the water as well, and as it was middling warm, he fancied he was scalded to death and yelled and cried for mercy. Presently, however, finding he was not so bad as he thought, he jumped to his feet and caught sight of me laughing at him from the window.

You should have heard him then. The edict against profane swearing had little effect in his case ; he cursed and raged at the top of his voice, and kicked at the door as if he would tear it down. He could not fire, for not only had I drenched his petard and extinguished his match, but his musket also was damp and useless. His cries soon brought his companions to the spot, and even the constables could not help laughing at the figure he cut. Only Master Pearbeck was very angry — not with me, for I drew back out of sight quickly — but with the trooper for daring to use a petard without his permission. Soon after this they all went away, the preacher shaking his head sorrowfully, and warning the Rector of the worse ills that would come. " I wished to treat you with brotherly love," he said. " It was not by my will that the man of war came with us.

You have rejected my message, and behold, evil will come of it." As they were departing, the trooper, who walked a little behind, turned round and shook his fist at me, vowing very loudly to be revenged. I laughed and made grimaces, though truly I was old enough to know better, till old Betty ran at me with the broom. " Wull'e now, dost want to bring they back again ? " she cried shrilly, then moderating her tone a little, " T'was well thought of, Master Robin, to douse 'em wi' bucket, but doant'e now, there's a good lad, doant'e go for to bring they back again," and she hovered about with the broom, keeping me from the window. " Hush, Betty, here is the Rector coming," I cried, and ran downstairs fully expecting a severe reprimand. And at any other time I should have received it, seeing that I had disobeyed my orders not to in terfere.

But Master Brooke had more important matters in hand, and only said quietly — " You have done wrong, Robin, and yrou know it, but I have no heart to rebuke you now. Sit down, I want to talk to you about your future." And then, to my surprise, I found I was to leave Streteham the next day, and journey to my Uncle Hamberlayne's house at Totinge. " I have long ago made all ready," said the Rector, " though I told you naught about it. I have always known that this day would come. Simon Sutone, the blacksmith's father, has a pass for you and MASTER BROOKE. himself. He will take charge of you. He will travel as your servant, but he is an experienced man and a prudent, I pray you give heed to him. To-morrow I will give you a letter for your uncle, and after the morning service you will depart." That same night my horse and baggage were sent round to Simon Sutone's, and everything was made ready for my departure.

Chapter II. Driven Forth

Master Brooke still observed the Church festivals, though I doubt if they were kept elsewhere in all England : and for this Feast of the Ascension the church was unusually full. Word had gone abroad that Master Brooke was likely to be taken to prison, and those who knew him came from far and near. When all were within, some were for barring the doors, but the Rector forbade it peremptorily. " Nay, throw them open wide," he said, " in service time the church is free to all. There is no sin in yielding to force, it is naught to do with you, and if you do not resist they will not touch you. What ever happens to me, I charge you on your obedience not to interfere." But although Master Brooke would not allow the church to be closed, before leaving his house he dismissed old Betty, and locked the door and put the key in his pocket.

It was his last protest against the injustice of his deprivation. The service of the day passed over without any interruption, and Master Brooke mounted the pulpit to say a few words of farewell. Most of the women cried, and I am not ashamed to say my eyes were a little watery ; for the Rector had a marvellous winning way, and we were all sorry we had not heeded him better. Then suddenly, whilst he was yet speaking, we became aware of a great trampling of horses. They were yet a little way off, and Master Brooke signed to the people to keep still, whilst he gave us his parting blessing. We all knelt as one man, and when presently we rose again, we found the church was surrounded. About a dozen troopers with levelled muskets were standing close within the door, and others were pushing in after them.

But no one moved or spoke, all waited for a sign from Master Brooke. And now one, who by his dress appeared to be an officer, advancing from among the rest, cried aloud — " Do you surrender now, Edward Brooke ? " and as he spoke he pointed to the soldiers and their muskets. " Yea, I surrender," answered the Rector quietly ; " truly such arguments are hard to be resisted. But these my people, you have naught against them, you will allow them to depart in peace ? " The officer looked round upon the congregation with some contempt. They were yeomen and labourers all, there was not a gentleman among them. " Nay, I care not for such hinds as these'," he said, " so they disperse in silence quickly. Out you go, swine, or it will be the worse for you ! " and raising his hand the troopers stood on each side the door, allowing the people to pass out between them.

The church at Streteham was a very old building, with a curious gallery running round inside the chancel wall. One narrow entrance was just behind the pillar where I always sat, and when the people filed out I slipped round, ran up the few stone stairs, and looked down at what was going on. There was a way out without going into the church again — a little door at one end that opened into the church yard — so I made sure I should be able to escape unnoticed. Meantime I wanted to see what they were going to do with the Rector. And I was disappointed, at least, then ; for when the last man had left, Master Brooke, who had taken off his surplice, and was now in simple cassock, was marched out a prisoner between two soldiers. I hasted to follow by the private door, but when I reached it I found some troopers had fastened their horses near, and I should come out in the midst of them.

I hardly liked that, not knowing what reception I might meet with, and as I stood hesitating, suddenly I heard loud crashing sounds within. I rushed back, and ah me, what a scene met my eyes as I looked through my hidden opening. The altar had been dragged from its place and cast to the ground, they had torn down the pulpit and the wood-work, and were hurling the broken pieces through the stained windows. The organ was completely wrecked already, and the ancient carved rood screen, the pride of Master Brooke's heart, was being hacked into a thousand fragments. I had been carefully brought up to be neither a Roundhead nor a Cavalier, but what I saw that day did not teach me to love the Puritans. After a little time, the troopers who had been outside came within to help, and seizing the opportunity I slipped into the churchyard, only to find the same thing going on without.

The Rector's little house had been entered, his goods were flying out of the windows, his cherished books were burning on the lawn. Such doings had ceased in most parts of the country ; it was a long time since the soldiers had had such a treat, and they were making the most of it. I looked around for Master Brooke, and presently I saw him on horseback riding off surrounded by troopers. But he was not bound, neither did they treat him with indignity; even the Roundheads respected the worthy Rector. I did not go near because he had said farewell to me in the early morning, and had bidden me, if the troopers came, to go at once to Simon Sutone. I waited until the little cavalcade disappeared from sight — I never saw him again — then turned my steps towards the blacksmith's cottage. On the way I had to go past Master Brooke's. I paused, gazing regretfully at the destruction of my old home, when one of the men, who had been stirring up the bonfire as if he delighted in it, turned round suddenly and caught me fast by the collar.

It was my adversary of yesterday, the fellow I had drenched with hot water. " Here is the young malignant ! " he cried. " They are looking for you, young sir ; there is a warrant out against you, I swore it myself. You come along with me to the captain," and he hustled me into the road. Two or three of the village boys were hanging about, and as the fellow dragged me along, Dickon Lowe pretended to stumble up against us. c " It is true, Master Robin," he whispered in my ear; "the captain could not find you in the church, and has gone himself to speak with old Simon." Good Dickon had time for no more ; he was roughly pushed aside, and told to go about his business. I had not attempted to make any resistance, I was so taken by surprise, and my captor, thinking, perhaps, I was thoroughlyfrightened, somewhat relaxed his hold.

But I had no mind to go to prison, and presently, seeing a cottage door wide open, I tore myself from his grasp and bounded in. He was after me in the twinkling of an eye, but I managed to slam the door in his face, and barred and bolted it, and before he could break it open I was out at the back and far away. I was too fleet of foot for any unmounted man to catch me on the hills ; and as for horsemen, there were plenty of hiding places where they could not come. It was from one of these I presently watched them riding hither and thither in pursuit of me, and I laughed to think a boy could so outwit them. Unfortunately I laughed too soon. My troubles began when they gave up the chase, and I thought, in my inexperience, all was over. To make sure all was safe, I waited until it was quite dark, then strode boldly back to the village, my intention being to pass the night at old Simon's cottage, and start with him in the morning early.

But when I was half way down the hill I heard a low soft whistle I knew, and presently, from behind a clump of gorse, emerged my friend Dickon. "You mustn't go on, Master Robin," he said, almost in a whisper ; " two of the soldiers be waiting down below. I guessed which way you would come and stole away directly it was too dark for them to see. Him as you doused be one of them; he swears he won't go till he ha' got you." I was not prepared for this, and was at first not a little perplexed, but I soon resolved what to do. " Go back and tell Simon to be at the cross-roads by daybreak to-morrow," I said ; " I will walk over the hills and meet him." " But your horse is gone and baggage, too, Master Robin. The captain ha' sent them all away." This was bad news indeed, for now I possessed nothing but the clothes I stood in.