Mark Everard; a romance

Front matter

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Chapter I

Come lasses and lads, get leave of your dads, ,

And away to the May-pole hie,

For ev’ry fair has a sweetheart there,

And the fiddler’s standing by,

For Willy will dance with Jane And Johnny has got his Joan,

To trip it, trip it, trip it, trip it,

Trip it up and down ;

To trip it, trip it, trip it, trip it,

Trip it up and down.”

Laughter, cheers and shouts came from the crowded court-yard, then couple after couple bounced into the ordinary, and took hasty possession of all tables and chairs they found vacant.

I was taking no part in thegayety, but was seated alone, except for Toby, on whom I have always looked as a kind of material shadow, whose presence is understood when I speak of myself, at a small table in a shadowy corner, that I might partake of my wine in peace, and at the same time enjoy the diversion of beholding London’s highest and more common citizens sport and caper like so many

* buffoons at a fair. But besides the mere enjoyment of gazing undisturbed upon this foolish spectacle I had another and better reason for being seated where I was. I wore no masque, as did all those whose names were known sufficiently to cause comment, or those without a name, who wore them that they might be mistaken for their betters. For this I had a reason : my lack of disguise was to serve in making me easily watched by them that required my assistance.

The room soon became filled with those that had just finished their dance for the time, and had given place to another set of light-heads, who now took up the song where the breath of their predecessors had failed :

“ ‘ You’re out,’ says Dick, ‘ Not I,’ says Nick,

‘ ’Twas the fiddler play’d it wrong,’

‘ ’Tis true,’ says Hugh, and so says Sue,

And so says ev’ry one ;

The fiddler then began To play the tune again ,

And ev’ry girl did trip it, trip it,

Trip it to the men,

And ev’ry girl did trip it, trip it,

Trip it to the men.”

While this part of the song was going on I saw the Red Masque making his way through the crowd, at the same time craning his neck and peering in all directions. I knew for whom he searched, so I arose and stood facing him until I was sure he had caught my eye, when I reseated myself and, while

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* waiting his approach, Toby and I split that that remained in the bottle between us.

“ That’s rare good stuff for a colic,” said Toby, with a shake of his head and a great smack of the lips.

“ And have you the complaint, Toby ? ” I asked, with a smile.

“ Nay, not yet, Sir ; but I like mightily to be prepared for an emergency ; so I’m glad to have tucked that elixir under my belt this night, for I have a notion that I shall be exposed to the contagion ere morning.”

“ Hush ! ” I said, “ not so loud ; our merry Masque approaches.”

“ His hand seems more used to silken belts then sword-hilts,” Toby whispered, as he watched the young gentleman making his way through the crowd, now stooping to kiss a laughing female’s hand with a great show of gallantry and easy grace, again chucking another under the chin with careless familiarity, and lastly, as at length he reached the open space by our table, he stooped and kissed a little, hooded lass fairly upon her rosy lips. The maid, or whatever she was, (for in those days maidens were scarce, yet spinsters abundant) took the liberty with more than good grace, for as our Red Masque was turning from her with a smile and a kiss of his fingers, I heard her whisper through laughing lips :

“ How sweet, my Lord Duke ! ’Tis three long days since you kissed me last at Whitehall.” She curled her pretty lip until it touched her masque, as much as to say : “ Ah ! I know you, Sir, but you know me not,” and ran laughing from him and vanished in the crowd.

The Red Masque started in surprise. He seemed to like it not that he was known, for he stood staring after the nimble lass, biting his lip the while. Then he shook his head and turned to me. He seemed excited and ill at ease, for he glanced to right and left suspiciously, then put a trembling hand upon my shoulder.

“We may not talk here,” he said hurriedly. “ Let us withdraw to a private chamber, for that that I have to say must not be heard by those that should not hear. I seem to have been recognized already.”

“ Unoccupied rooms are scarce to-night, I should think, Sir.”

“ I have thought of that, Master Everard. If you will follow me, I shall conduct you to a place of privacy.”

As Toby started with us, the young gentleman turned and asked in a whisper who my companion was.

u My servant,” I answered. “ Possibly more useful than his master, if the work require a supple wrist.”

This seemed to satisfy the stranger, for he smiled and nodded, and then, turning, made his way

* through the noisy crowd, while we followed at a little distance, that we might not attract too much attention, as the business seemed like to be of great importance.

Slowly we worked our way across the room to the stairs, up which our leader went. But Toby and I halted on the first step until he had disappeared round the turning. Here I looked back across the room, and as I did so my eye caught three men watching us from near the table where we had been sitting. Two were tall, plainly attired and wore plain black masques. The third was of about middle height, stout, more gaily dressed, and wore a masque half black, half white. What attracted my attention was not any peculiarity of appearance, which, from my description, you can see was in no way peculiar, except for the masque of the least tall of the three, but as my eye reached them one of the tall gentlemen touched the Black-and-white Masque on the shoulder, and then the three looked quickly in our direction. But when they saw that I was watching them they turned away carelessly, as though their gaze had been but casual. Toby and I started up the stairs, but as we came to the turning I took another look back, and as I did so beheld the three Masques again watching us closely.

Our Bed Masque was awaiting us at the top, and so soon as we joined him he led us to the door of a room just across the passage from the landing. At this he gave three gentle taps, paused for a second,

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I then added two more. The signal evidently was expected, for the door opened instantly and we were admitted to the chamber, which was without light until the door was again closed and locked, when a light was struck and we were able to take in our surroundings.

The room was of a good size, well furnished, and had another door and a window in the opposite wall to the door by which we had entered. The window, however, was closed and the shutters were up, and I heard this second door shut ere the candles were lighted.

“ Great secrecy for an honest game,” I thought, as I turned from my survey of the apartment to the gentleman of the red masque, that I might have an understanding of that for which he so earnestly desired my assistance. Of the other gentleman — the one by whom we had been admitted — I took no more notice than to observe that he was a tall and well-made man, who wore the ordinary masque of black, until our conductor introduced me.

“ Henry,” said he to his associate, “ this is the gentleman of whom we have so much need — Master Everard, by name.” Then, turning to me : “I trust, Sir, you will not take it as an offence that my friend prefers to have his name unspoken, though I assure you it is far from unknown.”

“ Doubtless, gentlemen,” I replied, “ you are both privileged to keep your names to yourselves ; I have not asked for them ; but until I know with whom I

* have the honour to speak, you must excuse me for declining to engage in a conversation more serious than is customary in such an assembly.”

“ By Gad, Sir, you’re exacting ! ” said he of the red masque. “ Is it not sufficient when I tell you ’tis in the service of the King that we would have your assistance ? ”

“ Had I not been informed that the work was a service to the King I had not so far disturbed myself as to be with you now. So far I have moved without question, but no further may I go. The King has many and various services performed for him ; I beg leave to discriminate as to what kind I take part in.”

“ Oh ! I see, Sir ; your loyalty is of the qualified variety,” the Red Masque sneered.

“ Ay, Sir,” I replied drily ; “ with honour.”

“ ’Slife ! Master Everard, are you so sentimental, then?” he laughed. “Well, then,” he added seriously, “ I assure you the matter in hand is one of honour, in fact ’tis the King’s honour that we would save. ’Sblood! Sir, there are many gentlemen of my acquaintance would give their lives for such an opportunity.”

“ Honour, Sir, is so variously defined, nowadays, that I prefer to use my own interpretation in all things that concern me. You say many gentlemen of your acquaintance would feel honoured by the office ; think you not then that they were better fitted for the service than a stranger? Gentlemen,

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I regret that you have mistaken your man, and that I have inconvenienced myself for naught. I bid you good-evening. U nder the circumstances I cannot assist you.” I bowed and turned toward the door, forgetting that it was locked until I saw Toby try it. I turned again to the Masques. They were engaged in a low-toned conversation.

“ Yes, yes, tell him ; it can make but little difference,” said he that had hitherto remained silent. Something more he added, but I could not catch what he said, the words being drowned by the noise of the merry-makers in the court-yard directly beneath the window of the room in which we were.

“ Gentlemen,” I said, as I saw the other still hesitate, “ doubtless you mean me no insult, yet I am one that takes such treatment as this with but a poor grace. I demand either your confidence or my liberty.”

Little Toby gave his shoulders a shake, (which movement always has reminded me of the splutter of a sparrow after a dip in a puddle, and always is a signal that he is prepared for trouble) and kept his eyes on me, waiting his cue.

“ Damn my fingers, Master Everard! but your temper is as short as your sword is long,” cried the Red Masque, with a laugh. “ No, no, on my honour no offence was meant ; ’twas but over-caution on my part. You shall know all.” He undid his masque and let me see his features.

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* u Your Grace ! ” I cried in feigned surprise, though all the time I had had my suspicions that it was Monmouth himself.

“ Sh ! Master Everard, name me not in this place,” he said in a low tone. Then he came closer and whispered : “ Make no mention of name nor title when this gentleman removes his masque,” and he nodded in the direction of his companion, who now undid his visard.

I raised my hat and, bending till its feathers swept the floor, saluted him in silence. It was the King. He made a slight bow and smiled a little as he asked me if I now was satisfied.

“ Perfectly, so far as the persons with whom I deal are concerned.”

“ And are you prepared to serve me in what may be a dangerous matter ? ”

I drew myself up with a little flush. “ Most matters in which I take a part are commonly called dangerous, Sir,” I answered quietly.

“ Damnation take me if ever I have seen such a fire-brand ! ” the Little Duke cried out, after staring at me in surprise for a moment. Then he burst into laughter. “ Zounds ! ’tis as dangerous to be thy friends as ’tis to be thy foes.”

“ Hush, James ! not so loud,” said the King. “Do you hear aught amiss, my man ?” he asked quickly, but in a low voice, and we all turned to see Toby with his ear to the key-hole of the door leading into the passage. As we looked he quickly placed his

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* fT lips to the hole and gave vent to a strong puff. Instantly there was a startled sound directly outside, then hasty footsteps creaked without.

Monmouth laughed ; but the King handed me the key and I hastily unlocked the door and stepped forth. But the eavesdropper had profited by the delay in making good his escape, for the passage was empty and nothing was to be heard but the noise of the merry-makers below. So I returned to the room and relocked the door. I found Monmouth half-choking with a fit of laughter, and the King himself was smiling broadly.

“ ’Sblood ! ” cried the Duke, the moment the door was closed, “ ’twas as good as a play to see that fellow give Master Spy a start. I’ll warrant me he could not have been startled more had you fired a pistol into his ear. ’Sdeath ! I can almost see the expression on his face.” And he gave way freely to his laughter.

Toby seemed not in the least confused by this attention from royalty ; on the contrary, he took it with an indifference that one would think came from a life-long acquaintance with kings. He stood with his hat tucked under one arm, while with the other he leaned upon the back of a chair and smiled back at the King’s son with an ease of manner laughable to behold. I think it was Toby’s look rather than his act of blowing through the key-hole that caused his Majesty to smile so broadly. Whatever it was, he seemed mightily pleased, for he

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* nods to both of us, still smiling, and he says : “ I doubt not the work will be well done.”

I bowed in acknowledgment of the compliment and remained silent, awaiting his further speech.

“ The business in hand, Master Everard,” he continued, as he seated himself carelessly upon a corner of the table, and with his stick made passes at his toe as he swung it to and fro, “ requires most careful handling, for it concerns the welfare of England no less than it concerns me. That is why I desire the work to be done by you, for were I to have a body of soldiers do it the whole world must needs know of a matter that would sound far from well, and would be made much of by them that would even stoop to say that I was party to this most contemptible of plots. This gentleman ” — and with his stick he indicated Monmouth — “ it was, that by accident learned the designs of the daring traitors, and he it was also that told me of your great experience and ability in performing these secret and daring services.”

I again bowed and remained silent, while he took his own time in giving me my instructions.

“ This night,” resumed the King, “ there is at this place — even there, among the dancers without — a lady that must be escorted from here in such manner as shall assure her safety. That lady, Sir,” — and I leaned forward to catch what he said, so low did he speak— “ is a no less personage than the Queen.”

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’Twas evident from the King’s manner that he expected me to be surprised by his statement, for he paused and watched me closely after he had told me of the Queen’s presence at the May-pole dance. If he was possessed of any doubts as to my knowledge of the doings of kings and queens, my manner, I think, dispelled them ; for 1 had not been a soldier of fortune for something over ten years — most of which time was spent in the service of kings and princes — without having learned that such a little thing as a queen in a masque at a May-pole dance (or a much worse even) is not of sufficient moment to cause surprise ; that is, when kings and queens are in the habit of doing things less innocent with every passing day.

“Well,” continued the King, “some audacious scoundrels, possessed of more impudence than brains, have formed a most monstrous plot, with no less an object than the abduction of her Majesty. This they think successfully to accomplish by reason of the very boldness of the enterprise and also because the Queen has come without an escort, which, of course, was the only way she could come to such a place.”

“ Is it known, Sir, in what place the abduction is to be attempted ? ” I asked.

“ Yes, ’tis fortunate we have some knowledge as to that. Their plan is, as I believe, to follow her Majesty’s chair when she shall leave this place, and somewhere between here and Whitehall — the exact

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* spot we have not knowledge of — they think to overpower her chairmen and thus carry her off without opposition.”

“ Do you know their force, Sir ? ”

“ James,” said the King, “ was’t not but three the message said ? ”

“ Ay,” Monmouth answered, “ but there may be more. ’Twould be a good plan for assuring them that the guard would be small — that is, supposing the note was meant to fall into my hands.”

“ Had they reason to suppose you suspected such a plot before the note you speak of was penned ? ” I asked, turning to the Duke.

“ Split me ! no ; for I knew not even that the lady would be here until by seeming chance I came upon this note.”

“ Then the conspirators could have no object in permitting such information of their plans to come into your hands. For this reason I am convinced that their number will not exceed three, providing, of course, that they have not learned of your possession of the note, which ’tis likely they do know of. But no matter,” I went on ; “I am willing to undertake the service, and to take the chance of there being more, if you are pleased to trust the matter to my hands.”

“ Then the commission is yours, Sir,” said the King.

“ Do' you know the names of any of the conspirators, Sir ? ”

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“ Nay, but I have ray suspicions. Of one thing we may be well assured, and that is they are no common robbers. I half suspect a person of high standing as their leader ; but I shall not give him a name, lest I wrong the innocent. But, Master Everard, if you can catch their leader, you never shall have cause in the future to say a Stuart knows not how to reward, even though we wreck an adage by the payment,” and he laughed silently at his own expense.

“ At what hour will the lady leave ? ”

“ We have one set to watch and inform us as to her movements.”

“ Does the lady know aught of the plot? ”

“ Nay, nay ; nor may she, or our plans to capture the plotters may miscarry, through a woman’s natural timidity. Let her not know that you go with her, lest she become alarmed.”

“ How shall I know her from another in the crowd ? ”

“ Come with me and I shall show you.” He blew out the candles and led the way to the door that had hitherto remained closed. This he now opened, and we three (for Toby still stood at his post by the inner door) stepped forth upon a small balcony that ran some half-dozen paces along this side of the house.

At first we could see nothing clearly in the court-yard below, because of the great glare and smoke from the torches ; but as our eyes became used to these difficulties we were able, first to distinguish

* men from women, then— by their capers— the younger from their less nimble companions, and finally the different and ridiculous costumes of the Toms o’Bedlam, who danced, sang, tooted horns and cut capers unceasingly around the stately, garlanded, and ribbon-decked pole which stood in the centre blushing for its foolish surroundings.

The King and Monmouth peered into the throng for some moments ere the former espied that for which he sought. Then he quickly drew forth his handkerchief and moved it up and down several times.

“ Do you see those scarfs moving on the benches yonder ? ” he asked quickly, as he caught me by the arm and pointed to the opposite side of the court, where stood long rows of benches, placed one above another and crowded with spectators of both sexes, all ages, qualities and costumes. On the third bench from the bottom of one of these tiers was seated a masqued man, who was keeping time with the tune then progressing by waving two white scarfs, one in each hand. Directly in front of him, and sitting on the next seat below, were two ladies, one seemingly tall and the other short, that is, as well as one could judge from their appearance while seated. The only details in which they differed from the scores of others was in their masques, which covered their faces completely, instead of hiding the upper features only, as did the masques of most of those present, and, besides, they both wore cherry -coloured 2 , 17

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* cloaks, with hoods that left no feature showing. Truly, ’twould take a most wondrous sharp eye to penetrate such disguises. Seated one on each side of the two ladies were two large men, not masqued, and plainly dressed.

“ Do you see ? ”

“A y, Sir.”

Again his Majesty waved his handkerchief, and the man seated behind the two ladies ceased keeping time to the music.

“ The shorter lady is your charge, Sir. The other is doubtless one of her ladies. Now you’ll have two on your hands. ’Od’s fish ! Master Everard, I envy you not your work.”

“ Are the men on each side their attendants ? ”

“ Ah ! I had not noted that. They have the look of chairmen. Good powerful looking fellows. They may render you substantial assistance.”

“ There is but one point in this affair that I like no better than I understand,” I said, as we again entered the room and closed the door.

“What is that ? ” asked Monmouth quickly.

I struck a light ere I answered.

“And that point is how it comes about that we were spied on after we entered this room.” I know not why I said this ; for the presence of the eavesdropper at the door might easily be explained by granting that the plotters knew of the Little Duke’s possession of the note of which he spoke, and also supposing that they had recognised him, despite his

* disguise, and watched him enter the room with Toby and me. But I ever have made it a rule to trust few men until the}^ have been tried and proved true ; and in this case I felt no inclination to make the Duke of Monmouth an exception. There was something in his manner that I did not like, though whether this was natural to him, or the result of excitement caused by his knowledge of the plotters’ plans, I could not tell for a surety. I had my suspicions that it might come from his possession of a greater knowledge of the plot than he chose to make known to me, whence came my remark that I neither liked nor understood the presence of the eavesdropper. ’Twas a good shaft, and I shot it well, but though the Duke was at times transparent, yet in this case, either my suspicions were groundless or Monmouth was no mean actor ; for he nodded his head thoughtfully and replied :

“ Yes, Sir, it looks as though they know of our discovery. That was why I said they may have meant the note for me. Think you not, Sir,” he said, turning to the King, “ that more men should be placed at Master Everard’s disposal. They might follow at some little distance, and need know nothing of the matter unless Master Everard signals for their help.”

If it was acting, ’twas mighty well done ; but still, for some reason that I cannot explain, 1 could not help suspecting him. I felt sure there was something hidden from me ; so I determined to pursue

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* my own course in this matter, without regard to his suggestions.

“ What say you, Master Everard ? Do ye need more men ? ” the King asked.

“ No, Sir ; I prefer to conduct the business without other assistance than Toby’s good sword and my own.”

“ I like it that you choose that course ; ’tis better every way.”

I had my eye on Monmouth while the King spoke, but I learned nothing from his manner. ’Tis possible I should have learned more had he not worn the masque.

“ What way do you intend to go? ’’the Duke questioned.

I hesitated. Was it wise to let him know my plans ?

“ Yes, what way ? ” the King put in.

Now I must answer ; and yet I disliked the thought of revealing my plans to the Little Duke.

“ I think, Sir, I shall permit the ladies to take whatever course they please,” I answered.

“Yes, yes, that is best,” said the King; and the Duke also seemed pleased with the idea.

But I now was determined that I would make as sure as possible that I should not run across Monmouth nor permit any of his plans to interfere with the successful carrying out of my commission that night ; so just before Toby and I left the room I said to the King :

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“ I think, Sir, there is more in this matter than appears. I counsel, therefore, that you keep his Grace close by your side. Separate not for a moment, lest j^our Majesty be the object of some more daring outrage.”

“ Do you think they would dare attempt anything against me ? ”

“ They have the daring, it would seem, to attempt the abduction of the Queen.”

“Tut! ’tis absurd, Sir!” said the Duke, quite impatient and annoyed.

“ Still, James, ’tis better to be safe. And as Master Everard has charge of this difficult business, ’t would be scant courtesy we should show him did we not follow his advice.”

“ But I fail to see what object Master Everard can have in wishing to control our actions. We have not asked his protection for ourselves.”

“But I say we will follow his advice, James. Let there be no further discussion.”

Monmouth bit his lip, shrugged his shoulders and remained silent, while Toby and I uncovered, bowed and, when the King again had blown out the candles, left the room to take our place below, that we might watch for the Queen to leave.

I had gained my point with the young Duke. If he was acting honestly his remaining with the King for the remainder of the evening would be no hardship. If, as I could not help suspecting — though without any reason — he had some card hidden in his

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* sleeve, and was waiting a chance to play it, why then I had taken a wise precaution against having a surprise confront me. I was too old a hand at this kind of business not to know that surprises, no matter of what sort, are worth guarding against. And even if I had felt sure that Monmouth’s plans were meant for my benefit I should not have cared to be associated in so particular an undertaking with so impatient and reckless a young man.

“ He’s mighty anxious for us to have a crowd with us, Sir,” said Toby quietly, and we started down the stairs.

“ So you noted that too, eh, Toby ? ”

“’Twas sticking right out of him, Sir.”

“ Well, Toby, we’ll handle this alone, as we have many another ere this.”