Hamilton King, or, The smuggler and the dwarf

Front matter

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Hp Grulla, 79 | HAMILTON KING,

OR,

Chapter I

But she, as one nigh of her wits depriv’d, With nought but ghastly lookes him answered ; Like to a ghost, that lately is reviv’d

From Stygian shores where late it wandered : So both at her, and each at other wondered.

SPENSER.

‘Ou! what shall I do ?—where can I go ?—

Pha will nobody help me?” were the cries of a little girl about four years old, as she stood trembling and weeping at the entrance to a piece of meadow land near the sea-port town of Weymouth. The only individual in sight was a stout-made elderly gentleman, mounted upon a superb grey horse, apparently as quiet and as playful as a lamb, for while it walked soberly

VOL. J. B and steadily along, it pricked up its ears, tossed its head, and indulged in many other little pleasantries that mark high breeding.

The rider was habited in a dress that corresponded with the beau-ideal of a clerical farmer, well to do in the world, and fond of the good things of this life. He listened to the wailings of the little mourner, and as he reined in his beautiful animal to a stand-still, he exclaimed, — “« Fie—fie, little girl! so young, and begging ! there, go—go—go—go home; mustn’t beg ; never beg; bad habit, begging.”

The girl gazed earnestly in his face for a moment or two to read its expression (for children are apt scholars in the study of the human countenance), and finding that, though reproof was on the tongue, there yet was benevolence in the look, she approached still nearer to the gentleman, and in mournful accents, exclaimed, “* Oh, sir, mammy is dying! she is going to leave little Hammy and me; but, she says she can’t die without the minister.”

** What — what !” enquired the person addressed, in a tone of eagerness, “is she dying, and wants the clergyman? Run—run, little ky girl; run to that white house !” pointing to an elegant mansion some quarter of a mile distant, “ run—run, the minister lives there.”

“I ve been, sir,” replied the child, still crying, “but he says he can’t come, sir, because he’s going to read prayers at the church.”

«Did you tell him your mother was dying, eh, little girl—eh?” inquired the gentleman.

“Oh yes, sir,” answered the child, “TI told him everything ; but he said he couldn’t spare time for strolling vagrants.”

“And is she so near her end, my child ?” asked the gentleman as he bent his earnest attention to the girl’s face, for the purpose of detecting if possible whether there was any intended imposition.

But the grief of the child was evidently unaffected as she replied, ‘* Oh, sir; mammy

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~ says she shall never rise again. Oh, sir, she is dying—she is dying !”

“Make haste to the town, then,” urged the gentleman, “run—run! or stop here, and I will ride in and send

‘“‘T’ve been to the town, sir,” answered the weeping girl, “ but nobody will come, and mother is dying! Oh, sir, do, pray help her, and do not let her die.” —

This was uttered in such wild accents of real sorrow that a tear trembled in the eye of the horseman as he solemnly responded, as if in converse with his own thoughts, “ Life and death are in the hands of the King of Kings alone,” and then hastily added, * well—well—well, little girl, where is she? where is your mother ?” and then again communing with himself, he murmured, * And am not I a minister ? an anointed minister?” his hastiness of speech returned, *« Yes—yes; take me to your mother, little girl ; take me to your mother. Where is she ?”

‘¢ She’s in the field here, sir; we’ve been there all night, for mother had no money to get lodgings,” replied the child, running with eagerness to open the gate, through which the gentleman having passed, she again ran on before him as fast as her little legs could carry her towards a hay-stack that stood near the hedge in a corner of the meadow. On reaching it she disappeared for a moment behind it, and then again emerging, she exclaimed “* Mammy is not dead, sir, but she cannot speak to me! Oh, do save her, sir, — do save her, for the sake of little Hammy and me!”

“ Poor child !” said the gentleman, dismounting from his horse, and throwing the reins over a broken eaee that had once served as a protection to the stack from cattle, he patted the neck of his proud steed, which seemed restless under such restraint, ‘“‘Stand still, Gustavus!” said he, and the animal immediately obeyed. The girl eagerly watched his movements, and then, taking him by the hand, he suffered himself to be conducted to the back of the stack, where a scene presented itself that was well calculated to appal the generous sympathies of humanity, whilst it humbled the aspirings of mortal pride.

On a wide space between the hedge and the stack, a female lay extended upon a plaid cloak, with her head pillowed by some loose hay that had been collected for the purpose. She was emaciated in person, and the pallid hue of death upon her brow was unnaturally contrasted by the reddened flush of fever on the cheeks; her skin was delicately fair, and a single glance revealed that in brighter, happier times, she had been one of Nature’s most lovely flowers. Her large blue eyes were glistening and bright, but it was only that glassy appearance which is frequently the precursor of dissolution; the thin white hands were clasped upon the breast ; the gold wedding-ring, mocking, by its ample dimensions, the shrunk and wasted finger on which it was placed. Her dress was that of gentility in decay, as if the fading remnants of

HAMILTON KING, x better days supplied a last and only resource. By her side lay a remarkably fine boy about two years old, who seemed by the traces of tears upon his face to have cried himself to sleep.

To witness such a spectacle unmoved was impossible, and the visitor who now approached. gave ample indication that he possessed the best feelings of the human heart. He bent down over the dying woman, and put several questions; but the melancholy satisfaction of reply was denied, as she was unable to articulate a single word. Still she was perfectly sensible, and, placing her hands together in the attitude of supplication, she looked imploringly in his face. The appeal was understood—the kind-hearted man drew an ample silk-handkerchief from his pocket, and, spreading it on the ground, he knelt down; then, taking off his hat, he placed it carefully on some clean hay, and, raising his hands in prayer, he bowed his head in silence.

A wild hysterical chuckling of grateful delight

8 HAMILION KING.

rattled in the woman’s throat as she witnessed this demonstration; she held up her own waxlike hands in token that it was comprehended. The girl knelt by her mother’s head ; and there, beneath the canopy of heaven, in the temple not made with hands,—whilst the wild flowers breathed their perfume in the hedges, and the foliage looked beautiful in its early verdure,— did the hearts of the living and the dying commune with their Maker. At first the humble petition was offered up in solemn stillness; but the earnest and imploring look of the woman had a wider meaning. This, too, was understood ; and in a few minutes the sonorous and deep-toned voice of the minister was heard pleading before the omnipotent Judge, from whose decision there is no appeal. His hastiness of utterance was gone ; his words came forth clearly articulated—slow, solemn, and impressive.

** Oh God, the Father of heaven! whose mercy is without bound, from thy eternal throne look down upon this my dying sister of the dust. Alleviate her bodily pain by the word of thy power; forgive all her sins through the mediation of a divine Redeemer ;_ strengthen her faith whilst passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death; and as thy righteous rod has bowed her down in tribulation, so also let thy holy staff support her in the hour of dissolution, and finally bring her to thine everlasting rest.”

The minister paused ; for the sound of merry voices and the clattering of horses’ hoofs, as wel as the neighing of recognition from ‘ Gustavus,” came upon the breeze; and, in another minute or two, a numerous and splendid cavalcade appeared upon the scene of action. Amongst them were many of the handsomest and bravest of England’s pride, bearing the insignia of nobility ; there were officers of the navy and the army in their rich uniforms, displaying the highest rauk in both services; but every tongue was hushed—every one dismounted—every head. was uncovered, when they beheld the position

B 5 of the reverend minister. The woman glared at the gorgeous spectacle—it seemed to bewilder her mind; and, as if desirous of shutting out the world, with all its pomps and vanities, she closed her eyes as the prayer proceeded.

« Almighty Ruler,” continued the minister, *‘ thy searching eye already knoweth the transgressions and the sorrows of this thy suffering creature here before thee, now trembling upon the brink of the grave; help her to call upon thee in this last trying hour for pardon and for peace, through the merits of that Saviour who was chastised for our iniquities, and who expired on the cross that we might be saved.”

A tranquil smile settled on the woman’s features, and her moving lips gave indication that her heart was in earnest prayer. The minister observed it, and his utterance became more firm and persuasive; and as the big round tears succeeded each other down his cheeks, he continued — |

** Oh! let the still small voice of supplication, though ubheard by mortal ears, ascend to the footstool of thy throne. Remove the crown of thorns which the frailty of human nature may have placed upon her head, and pour upon her the healing balm of sovereign grace, to wash out every guilty stain.”

Here his voice faltered with emotion, and for several minutes his entreaties were only known to that great Being to whom they were addressed. ‘The woman, too, seemed to be similarly engaged, whilst every soul in that assembled group acknowledged the presence of the Deity. At length the minister resumed, and concluded his prayer, saying, —

‘© Oh God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon us miserable sinners, and so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

The female opened her eyes, and extended one hand to the oracle of peace; with the other she directed his attention to her children.

“« Yes—yes,” replied he, ‘* they shall be taken care of, my poor woman; but can nothing be done 2” He beckoned to one of the numerous party, who immediately advanced, and, as if well accustomed to such operations, he felt the pulse, placed his hand upon the heart, examined the pupil of the eye, and then shook his head.— ‘Is there no hope, doctor?” inquired the still kneeling minister.

_ “No, Sire,” returned the physician—“ none. All in your Majesty’s dominions could not save her.”

The question and rejoinder, though spoke only in whispers, was not unheard by the female; it seemed to rally life back to its stronghold. She involuntarily, and without help, sat upright ; a gaze of intense eagerness was bent upon the monarch’s countenance; the last effort of expiring nature was put forth, and, grasping the sovereign’s arm, she exclaimed, “ My king—my husband—my children!” Her latest breath departed with the words ; her grasp relaxed, and she fell backward—a corpse.

During the foregoing proceeding the girl remained a silent but weeping spectator; but when she saw her mother fall, and became convinced that she was dead, she threw her little arms round her neck, laid her head upon the bosom on which she had so often hung in infancy, whilst her piercing shrieks rung wildly through the air, and awakened the sleeping boy, who rubbed his drowsy eyes, smiled playfully as he beheld the prancing horses and the glittering uniforms—then turning to the dead he hid his face in the cloak.

The king arose from his kneeling position, gave directions to his attendants relative to the body of the departed, and ordered inquiries to be instituted for the purpose of ascertaining whether there were any relatives or friends in existence to whose bounty and care the survivors might lay claim.

«© And what is to be done with the children in the mean time, sire?” asked the confidential servant who had received the instructions.

“Let them be taken care of, and provided for,” replied the monarch, looking with kindly feelings of benevolence on the bereaved; ‘the queen will decide the rest. Yes, yes, yes, must show the poor things to Charlotte.”

The royal cavalcade remounted and withdrew from a scene in which the King of Terrors had shown his sovereignty before the greatest monarch in the universe, and princes had received an important moral lesson on the instability of human life.

And what is death P—a fearful mystery that is ever before us! Youth, manhood, beauty, —all that is brave and honourable, all that is great and good, fall before the tyrant ; and those who have loved and cherished the living, turn with dread and disgust from the corpse, thrusting it hastily from their sight as a loathsome thing. There is a chilling horror in listening to the groaning of the screws as they confine the coffin-lid over features that are well remembered in the heart, and over motionless hands

HAMILTON KING. to that once were pressed with the ardency of warm affection. And what is life?—the soldier and sailor traffic in it at a few pence a day !

In about an hour a hearse arrived at the spot in which the body was deposited, and the children followed in a close carriage which had been sent for the purpose by the worthy physician, the girl weeping as if her heart would break ; the boy, unconscious of his loss, delighted with the novelty of his situation as the melancholy procession passed through the assembled crowds, who had gleaned some circumstances connected with the occurrence from persons in his Majesty's suite, and had thronged together through curiosity to witness the spectacle, as well as to express their admiration of the paternal solicitude of their royal master.

Admirable are those inquisitions in England which so promptly investigate the causes of sudden death; and though it must be admitted that in numerous instances the presiding officers were extremely illiterate men, yet they generally possessed plain common sense and sterling honesty. A coroner’s jury was summoned ;—the supremacy of the law was established by the Sovereign making his deposition ;—the children were questioned, but nothing could be elicited except from the girl, who stated that she had lived ‘in a pretty cottage with her parents, had been turned out from it, and her father taken away,—she had crossed a wide pond of water with her mother,—had travelled on foot many days till they reached a great town, and went to the king’s house, but finding he was not there, they had again set out ;—her mother had sickened on the road the evening previously to her dissolution ; — destitute of money to procure lodging or food, she had laid her on her deathbed,—the child had gathered hay for her pillow, —the night was passed beneath the canopy of heaven, and the last consolations of religion had been administered by the royal defender of the faith.

There was no clue as to whence they came, or the purport of their journey, except the following letter, written in a bold free hand, which was found in the pocket of the woman: the direction was torn off, but the other part was untouched.

“ DEAREST, DEAREST ELLEN,

** My hard-hearted brother is inexorable ; he has closed every avenue of communication with my father, who but little imagines the wretched situation of his unhappy son. On you, then, Ellen, I must rely to put in practice the scheme we conversed about as a last resource. Hasten to London—lose not a moment—plead for me, and endeavour to save your wretched husband from the horrible fate which now threatens him. Oh! Ellen, dearest Ellen! by the remembrance of past endearments,—by your love for me and for our children, I implore you to persevere, and may the Great Being whose wisdom is eternal, and power infinite, guard and guide you. Do not come to me before you set out, lest suspicion should be excited, and your purpose prevented. You are now my only hope. May God bless and restore you to your loving husband.

sop. Te ez!

This was dated about three weeks previously to the woman’s death ; but there was the date only, and the jury, after considering the evidence, returned a verdict, “ Died by the Visitation of God.”

Subsequent inquiries traced the route of the female from the neighbourhood of the metropolis. She had remained a few days in one of the villages, sickness rendering her unable to proceed ; but she had made no communication respecting herself, and though in a very unfit state, had continued her journey, till, wasted by consumption, she died, as has already been described, and after the inquest was decently interred at the royal expense.

The gracious act of his Majesty to the dying sufferer soon became known, and loud and grateful were the greetings of his loyal subjects whenever he appeared in public. The children, too, respectably attired in mourning, were objects of earnest attraction, and at length were conducted into the royal presence; but the pomp and splendour which everywhere displayed _ itself dismayed the girl, who shrank back in alarm ; whilst the boy, upon whom the strangeness of the scene had no other effect than as a pleasant show, looked earnestly from face to face to try if he could discover the familiar features of a friend. At length he recognised the good-humoured countenance of the king, and hastily ran towards him, but stopped short when he beheld the stern and rather repulsive look of the lady by his side.

“‘ See, see, Charlotte! poor thing ! he recolv)

lects me—he remembers me,” uttered the king, smiling; ‘‘ Come, come, child; come here—pretty boy—Charlotte— pretty boy—flaxen hair.”

The child thus encouraged placed himself between the monarch’s knees, though not without evident awe of the queen, whose severity of aspect however relaxed a little when she looked upon the innocent and beautiful children who had been so untimely bereaved of a mother.

«* And what sal your name be ?” inquired her majesty of the shrinking girl.

“« T don’t want it to be anything but what it is, ma’am,” replied the child as the tears started to her eyes.

«And what must dat be?” repeated the queen, whose imperfect English confused the girl.

** What is your name ?— what, what—yes your name?” asked the king, ‘ don’t be frightened,—there then, there,—the queen wants to know your name ?”

** My name, sir ?” reiterated the girl, curtseying, “ my name, sir, is Ellen ;—Nelly they used to call me at the cottage.”

‘“« Ellen, eh,” repeated her majesty with some degree of unintentional harshness, ‘‘ and what sal be de name for your broder ?”

HAMILTON KING. a

** What you please, ma’am,” answered the girl, “but we always called him at home, Hammy.”

* Hammy—Hammy ?” said the king, “ what can that mean—what, what, eh ? Hampstead or Hammersmith ? droll name, Charlotte, to baptise a child—very droll.”

** Have you discover no other name ?” inquired the queen as she extended her hand to the girl.

** No Charlotte,—no no,—none none,” replied the monarch; “ Hammy—Hammy,” (the boy looked up and smiled,) “ strange name,—comical name.”

«IT presume, your Majesty, that it is an abbreviation of Hamilton,” said a fine handsome young man who stood at the sovereign’s elbow, ‘and as your Majesty would probably like to give him a sur-name, I would venture to suggest

” and a knowing that of King—Hamilton King, look at one of the attendants plainly manifested the intended joke of the speaker.

“* Good—good !—very good !” said the easily pleased monarch, “ let it be King,—Hamilton King ;—I can make it so, I suppose? Yes, yes, yes, it shall be King,—quick wit of George’s, Charlotte, very quick.”

“* But what sal your Majesty propose to be done mid ’em ?” inquired the queen, in an under-tone; ‘‘ we cannot afford de moosh expence ; had it not been the best ting to send ’em to de workhouse.”

“‘ Fie, fie, Charlotte !” returned the king in the same low voice, and laying his hand gently on her arm; ‘ What, what,—what would my people say ?— No no, Charlotte, they are a sort of God-send— mustn’t, —no no, mustn’t let them go to the workhouse.” He then added in a whisper, ** Can do it cheap, Charlotte,—can do it cheap,—public institutions,—capital schools ;” then raising his voice, “* Yes yes, must take care of them—poor things !””

His royal consort seemed more appeased by this explanation, and in a few minutes afterwards the children were removed and placed under the superintendence of a female whose husband, a sergeant in the regulars, was at that period abroad with his regiment on foreign service. The circumstance of their being protegées of the king and queen, induced great numbers of the nobility and others to visit them. The person they were with finding it extremely profitable to show them off to the best advantage, certainly did her duty and was kind and motherly; she had only one child of her own, a boy about the age of Ellen, and the constant contact with persons of education and rank had a very powerful influence on the manners and conduct of the youngsters. Mrs. Jones took a neat little residence about a mile from the town; it was a pleasant five minutes’ carriage jaunt, and during the season she found by her exchequer that the speculation told well.

The healthiness of the situation, combined with the sea air, rendered the children hardy, and his Majesty, whilst on the coast, took frequent opportunities of stealing away from the courtiers to pass a pleasant hour of retirement within the humble residence of the serjeant’s wife. Nor was Mrs. Jones a little proud of the honour. She was a buxom, fresh-coloured woman, tall and stout, and her behaviour was just of that cast of character that was respectful without being obsequious: she was neither overintrusive, nor under-diffiident, and the king found himself perfectly at ease in a quiet sort of home, in which it was a positive stipulation that he should only be known as “the gentleman.”

Twelve months rolled away; the children grew in strength, and did ample credit to the care and attention of their foster parent, who became much attached to her young charge. The royal family again visited Weymouth, and his Majesty expressed himself greatly pleased at their healthy appearance. Once more Mrs. Jones profited by the attendance of the rich and powerful (for all courtiers must smile on those whom monarchs deign to favour;) but somehow or other the queen rather discountenanced the thing, and whispers, nods, and shrugs (oh ! how many characters have been assassinated by a nod, a shrug, or a wink of the eye,) hinted that the royal lady was jealous of the buxom Mrs. Jones, whilst insinuations equally groundless were thrown out that his Majesty gave his consort cause for the torturing feeling. Thus far went scandal; but the fact was the queen never in her life cherished so detestable a guest as jealousy; her’s was not the nature for so strong a passion, and the only reason for her disapproval arose from fear of expense, although Mrs, Jones had received but little from royal bounty, (except occasionally a present privately from the king,) the nobility who frequently honoured her residence with their presence, generally leaving ample donations for the pretty children and their bonny nurse. As for the sovereign himself, his fidelity to his royal spouse is too well known to call for any refutation of

VOL. I. Cc the reports that were in circulation relative to his intimacy with the serjeant’s wife.

Autumn came in due season, and, towards its exit the royal family returned to Richmond. At the close of one of those lovely afternoons that are peculiar to this time of year, the children, accompanied by Ned Jones and a girl who attended them, had strolled to the beach, and, in happy forgetfulness, whilst racing with the mimic waves, the evening spread her darkening shadows upon the face of the waters; but everything looked so beautiful and serene, tinged with the gorgeous rays of the setting sun, that danger was unthought of. There was a light breeze from the south-east ; the vessels in the offing were gliding smoothly along, their white sails scarcely slumbering in repose, whilst the rattling of windlass pawls, and the ‘ heave-oich-yo” of the seamen gave indications that such as were lying at anchor were heaving in their cables to get under way.

At this time an approaching boat attracted

HAMILTON KING. oF the attention of the juvenile party on the beach ; it was propelled by four stout men, whilst a fifth, who seemed rather superior to the others, steered ; in a few minutes its nose was on the shore, the men jumped out, and hauled her up higher from the water. They were a recklesslooking set, dressed in thick flushing jackets, much longer than those usually worn by seamen, with trowsers of the same material.

«* Are you correct as to the place ?” inquired the man who appeared to be the superior.

“Is it meself as’ud be desaved, then?” responded ene of the crew in strong Irish accentuation. “ Fait, and it’s the raal place, anyhow, be token as I know every inch o’ the ground !”

‘* Whereabouts is the house we are to go to?” asked the first ;. ‘this, I think, will be a very good time to effect our purpose.”

** Divel the better !” assented the other. ‘‘As for the house, it’s no great way off, barring the distance. D’yer see yon glim there, right away among the green trees.”

c2

« I do,” returned the first, looking in the direction which the other pointed out with his extended hand.

“You do; very good! but dat’s not it,” uttered the Hibernian, with perfect self-command.

‘*D—n! do you mean to trifle with me, fellow!” exclaimed the superior with impatient warmth.

“ Thrifle, eh? is it thrifling you mane ?” returned the second; ‘ small call there is for thrifling, anyhow!” He caught sight of the children as Ellen turned away with the servant, and, grasping the arm of the steersman, he added in a low voice, “ The divel’s offspring has the divel’s luck ! that’s them, and not a living sowl within hail.”

“Come, Hammy,” said Ellen as she walked on, ‘let us go home; it’s getting dark. Come, Ned! Oh, Fanny, I do not like those men. I am afraid,” and she ran forward away from her companions.

‘* After the young ’un in chase, Teddy !” exclaimed the superior as he seized both boys, and the person addressed immediately pursued the child, who, with the servant was loudly shrieking for help, and making off as fast as possible. Figures were seen moving in the distance, and Teddy, fearful of being taken, put about, and returned with all speed to the boat, to which the two boys had already been conveyed, and in an instant she was launched afloat, and dancing upon the waters.

“Out oars, and give way, my lads!” commanded the steersman, who resumed the tiller. ** Stretch out with a strong and steady stroke ; we shall soon be beyond their sight, and may defy them. But, how came you to lose the girl, Teddy ?”

“ Bekase I was afraid o’ losing meself,” replied Teddy ; “but, what’s the odds? you’ve got a pair of em; and two childer’s two childer all the world over.”

«« But these are two boys, and I wanted the boy and girl,” uttered the other; “nor do

I know which of the two is the one most wanted.”

«© Are you clane sure they’re both boys?” inquired Teddy; “I must have sthronger evidence than mere matther of fact for the thruth on it.”

“They are indeed both boys, Teddy,” asserted the steersman; ‘* You may take my word for it. However there is no help for it now: we must be content with the young cocks, and make out the best tale we can for the hen.”

‘Och, can’t yer jeest say there is a boy and a girl ?” argued Teddy persuasively.

‘“* But that would very soon be detected,” said the steersman; ‘our employer knows a boy from a girl, I should think !”

“‘Dethected is it? and what of that ?” reasoned the other; “ you take him a boy and a girl; he finds out that the girl’s a boy; but, that’s his business, and not your’s, for, how can you help the girl being a boy, seeing as it’s none o’ your consarn anyhow.”