Author: John Reed Scott
Category: Adventure
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IX
THE ARREST
De Lacy found the landlord dozing beside the chimney in the kitchen.The fire was still smouldering on the hearth, and the big black kettlegave forth an odor of garlic and vegetables that made the air mostfoul. On the floor, in promiscuous confusion, lay various members ofthe establishment, of both sexes, who never even stirred at theKnight's entrance, either because they were too deep in sleep to hearhim or too tired to care if they were trodden upon. Arousing the host,Aymer demanded all the keys of the inn, in the name of the Duke ofGloucester, and before the half-dazed fellow could respond he seizedthe big bunch that hung at his girdle and snapped it free. Bidding himmind his own business and go to sleep, he proceeded to execute hisorders; and then hastened to the house where, by accident, that eveninghe had noticed Raynor Royk was quartered.
Twenty minutes later he rode out of Northampton and crossed the Nenewith the fifty retainers behind him. To Dauvrey and Raynor Royk, herepeated the Duke's order just as it had been given, deeming it well,if he were incapacitated, that those next in command should know whatto do. Leaving five men on the south bank of the Nene, he droppedbands of four at regular intervals along the road, with instructions topatrol constantly the intervening distances on both sides of them. Theremaining five men he posted at the Roman highway, with orders not toseparate under any circumstances.
Leaving Raynor in charge of this detail, De Lacy and his squire joggedslowly back toward Northampton. Hanging in an almost cloudless sky,the full moon was lighting up with its brilliant uncertainty thecountry around. The intense calm of the early morning was upon theearth, and there was no sound but the tramp of their horses, varied, atintervals, by the approach of one of the patrols or the passing of asentry post.
About midway to the Nene the squire's horse picked a stone. It stuckpersistently, and he swore at it under his breath as he tried to freeit. Presently it yielded, and he had raised his arm to hurl it faraway when a sharp word from De Lacy arrested him. They had chanced tohalt in the shadow of a bit of woodland which, at that point, fringedthe east side of the road. To the left, for some distance, the groundwas comparatively clear of timber, and crossing this open space, abouta hundred yards away, were two horsemen. They were riding at a rapidtrot, but over the soft turf they made no sound.
"There," said De Lacy, waving his hand.
The squire swung noiselessly into saddle.
"Shall we stop them?" he asked.
"Of course--be ready if they show fight."
Suddenly Dauvrey's horse threw up his head and whinnied. At the firstquaver, De Lacy touched Selim and rode out into the moonlight towardthe strangers, who had stopped sharply.
"Good evening, fair sirs," said he; "you ride late."
"Not so; we are simply up betimes," replied one, "and therefore, withyour permission, since we are in some haste, we will wish you a verygood morning and proceed."
"Nay, be not so precipitate. Whither away, I pray, at such strangehours and over such strange courses?"
"What business is it of yours," exclaimed he who had first spoken,"whether we come from the clouds? Out of the way, or take theconsequences," and he flashed forth his sword.
"You are hardly courteous," replied Aymer, "and therefore scarce angelsin disguise, even though you prate of the clouds. So if you wish tomeasure blades I shall not balk you. Nathless," as he slowly freed hisown weapon, "it is a quarrel not of my making."
"Will you let us pass then?" said the stranger.
"I never said I would not; I but asked your destination."
"And I refused to answer--stand aside."
"Nay, nay! do not get excited," said De Lacy calmly. "Consider amoment; you ask all and grant nothing. I wish to know whither youride--you wish to ride. It is only a fair exchange."
"It is very evident that you are seeking a quarrel," the otherexclaimed; "and by the Holy Saints! you have found it. I shall rideon, and if it be over your carcass, on your head be it."
"I have seen a few dead bodies in my time, fair sir," replied Sir Aymerwith a laugh, "but never one that stood upon its head. It is a pitythen I may not see my own."
The stranger made no reply, but settling himself well in saddle chargedin. De Lacy, without changing position further than to drop the reinsover the saddle bow, so as to leave both hands free to wield his sword,awaited the rush. Saving a thin corselet of steel beneath his doublet,he wore no armor; and as his antagonist was, outwardly at least,entirely unprotected, a single stroke of the heavy weapons would likelydecide the matter.
For a space, De Lacy contented himself with parrying the blows aimed athim and with blocking the other's advance. Repeatedly he could haveended the fight, but always he forebore. The man was no possible matchfor him, and with soldierly generosity he hesitated either to kill orto wound grievously one who showed so much pluck and grit even when thestruggle was plainly lost. He was waiting the opportunity to disarmhim.
"Will you not yield?" he asked at last, as again he brushed aside theother's weapon.
The only answer was a swinging blow that just missed his forehead.
De Lacy frowned, and his patience began to ebb. For the first time heassumed the offensive. Pressing Selim close, he feinted quickly twice,and catching the other off guard he brought his sword down on thestranger's with a crash. There was a flash of sparks, a sharp ring ofmetal on stones, and of the weapon naught was left but a silver hilt.
"Yield," said Aymer sternly, presenting his point at the man's throat."It is your last chance."
"I yield," said the other, hurling the bladeless hilt to the ground."And may the Devil get the rogue that forged this weapon! And now,fair Knight,--for I see that your spurs are golden,--I will avow mydestination to be London, and I presume I am at liberty to proceed."
"Nay, I shall have to ask you to bear me company back to Northampton,"said De Lacy kindly.
"How so! Am I a prisoner?"
"Only until daybreak."
"It is most unusual--but, so be it." Then he turned to his companion."Farewell, James," he said, "my misfortune need not affect you. I willjoin you in London."
De Lacy shook his head. "He came with you, and with you he bides.Giles, see to him."
"Truly, this is a strange proceeding on the King's highway, and withHis Majesty but a few miles distant," the other exclaimed withincreasing heat.
"Pardieu! how know you of the King's whereabouts?" said De Lacy,scanning the man's face. "I believe you are from Northampton."
A shrug of the shoulders was the only answer.
At that moment the patrol rode up and was about to proceed when SirAymer stopped him.
"You know this man?" he demanded.
The soldier came closer; and after a brief glance answered: "He is asquire in the household of Lord Rivers, so please you; I have seen himoften."
De Lacy smiled. "So that explains your knowledge of the King. Iregret, however, that Rivers' message will not reach Edward to-night.Nathless, I would like to know how you passed the guards thus far."
"This fellow's statement that I am of Lord Rivers' following does notestablish that I am from him now," replied the squire. "You, yourself,saw that I struck the highway only at this spot, and that I did notcome from the direction of Northampton."
"Yet that proves nothing to my mind, except that you thought to avoidthe patrol by a detour and have failed. Come, sir, we will faceNorthward, if you please; enough time has been wasted in profitlessdebate."
The squire wheeled his horse to the right, as though to comply; thensuddenly driving home the spurs he cleared the road at a bound anddashed back the way he had come.
"After him!" shouted De Lacy; and leaving Dauvrey to guard the otherprisoner, he and the patrol sped in pursuit. The squire had acted soquickly that he had obtained a lead of at least a hunted feet and Aymerlabored strenuously to overtake him. Being totally ignorant of thecountry, he could rely only on sight to indicate the course; whereasthe other evident
ly was familiar with the by-paths, and once the firstwas reached would likely, in the uncertain light, be able to elude him.He swore at himself heartily for his carelessness, and with angergrowing hotter at every jump he drew his sword, resolved that therewould be no second escape if, when he got within reach, his order tohalt were not instantly obeyed. Yet, strive as he might, Selim couldnot, in that short distance, come up with the big bay ahead; and as thesquire entered the heavier timber, he looked back and laughedmockingly. But this act of foolish defiance worked his destruction;for at that very instant, his horse stumbled and plunged forward on hisknees, and he, having loosed his thigh grip in turning, was hurledheadlong to the ground and rolled over and over by the impetus.
"We will see that you play us no more such tricks," said Aymer. "Bindhim with your sword belt."
The patrol bent over and tried to put the strap around the man's arms.The body was limp in his grasp.
"He is unconscious, my lord," he said.
"It may be a sham," said De Lacy, dismounting. . . "Pasque Dieu! yourbelt will not be needed. The man is dead: his neck is broken. . . Itis a graceless thing to do, yet . . . Here, my man, help me carry thebody out into the moonlight yonder . . . now, search it for aletter--for a letter, mark you, nothing else."
Kneeling beside it, the soldier did as he was bid, and presently drewforth a bit of parchment. It was without superscription and De Lacybroke the wax.
"As I thought," he muttered, as his eyes fell upon the signature; then,letting the moonlight fall full upon the page, he read:
"Vaughan:
"Buckingham joined Gloucester this evening. Grey and I are prisonersin the inn. Send Edward on to London instantly with Croft. Ifnecessary, use force to keep the King, and then mark well the Dukes. Imay not write more; time is precious. I trust in your discretion.
"Rivers."
"It will go ill with the Earl when Richard sees these words," thoughtDe Lacy, as he mounted and returned to the road, where Dauvrey waspatiently standing guard over the other prisoner.
"Come, Giles," he said, "secure his bridle rein. We will drop him atthe next guard post, and in the morning he can return and bury thesquire."
There was the faintest blush of dawn in the eastern sky as De Lacy andDauvrey crossed the Nene and re-entered Northampton. At the inn allwas quiet, and Aymer ascended quickly to Gloucester's room. The Dukewas lying on the bed, fully dressed, and the gown that Catesby hadplaced ready to his hand had not been touched. He greeted the youngKnight with a smile and without rising.
"Well, Sir Aymer?" he said.
De Lacy gave him the letter.
"I took it," he explained, "from one of Rivers' squires, midway betweenthe Roman road and the Nene. He had followed by-paths and so avoidedthe guards."
Walking to the single candle that burnt dimly on the table Richard readthe letter carefully.
"You have done good service for England this night," he said. "And nowdo you retire and rest; I may need you before many hours. But firstreturn to the landlord his keys; they have served their end."
An hour later Northampton had thrown off its calm. A thousandsoldiers, retainers of three great nobles, had roused themselves; andto the ordinary bustle of camp life were added the noisy greetings ofthose who, once comrades, had not seen each other for years; or who,strangers until a few hours aback, were now boon companions. Aroundthe inn, however, there was strict order; but whether disturbed by thegeneral confusion, or because their brains were too busy for slumber,the lords were early astir. Yet, whatever worry there may have beenduring the night, it was as well veiled now, as they gathered againaround the table, as when they laughed and gossiped at the same boardthe prior evening. And indeed, doubtless, their minds were actuallyeasier; for Rivers and Grey were believing that their communication hadreached Croft; Buckingham was persuaded that at last his day of triumphwas come; and Gloucester, with Rivers' fatal letter in his pocket, knewthat he had won the first throw in the great game he was playing.
"When does Your Grace desire to resume the journey?" Rivers asked asthe breakfast was finished.
"Best start at once.--How say you, Buckingham?" said Richard.
"The Duke of Gloucester commands here," replied Stafford with acourtier's suavity.
"Then let us proceed; it will be more kind to the King in that it willnot detain him unduly. . . I presume he will await us at StoneyStratford?" glancing carelessly at Rivers.
"I so requested by messenger yesterday," the Earl answered.
"You are a model of thoughtfulness, my lord," said Gloucester with oneof his strange smiles, as he buckled on his sword and led the waytoward the horses.
Two hours after leaving Northampton the cavalcade, now traveling theRoman road, approached the crossing of the Ouse at the boundary ofBuckinghamshire. Stoney Stratford lay just south of the river. On thenorthern bank of the stream Gloucester drew rein and the column halted.A moment before he had been laughing, apparently in the best of humor.Now his face was stern as stone and his voice pitiless as Fate as,turning to the Earl of Rivers who was riding beside him, he said:
"My lord, before we proceed farther, there are a few matters between usthat require adjustment."
Rivers' face paled suddenly, and involuntarily he bore so heavily onthe bit that his horse reared high. Taken unawares, his usually facilemind was confused by the abruptness of Richard's words and the calmdetermination plainly foreshadowed in them. Trained by years ofexperience in a Court where intrigue imbrued the very atmosphere,ordinarily he was equal to any emergency. But all his schemes of thepast were as gossamer to the conspiracy in which he was now entangled,and since the previous evening--when the unexpected arrival ofGloucester had hung their whole plot upon his shoulders until he gotthe King to London--the strain on his nerves had been terrific. He hadthought to play the game out in the Capital, not on the lonely bank ofa river in distant Northampton; and it is small wonder that under allthe circumstances Anthony Woodville fell before Richard Plantagenet,whose equal England had known but twice before, in the firstPlantagenet and the first Edward, and knew but twice thereafter, inOliver Cromwell and William of Orange.
"This is scarce a place for discussion, my Lord Duke," said Rivers,striving to calm his restive horse. "If, as your words imply, there beaught of controversy between us, it were best to settle it in London.Yonder is Stoney Stratford, and it will not profit the King for us toquarrel here."
"Methinks, Sir Earl, that I am quite as capable as you of judging whatshall work to Edward's profit," replied Gloucester curtly; "and Ichoose to settle it here, and not to annoy him with matters too weightyfor his young brain."
"It is your own profit and not your King's that you seek," said Rivers."I decline to hold further discussion or to quarrel with you until Ihave done my duty to my Sovereign and have seen him safe in London.Then I shall be most willing to meet you, with sword, or axe, orlance--and may God defend the right. Come, Grey, we will ride onalone."
Gloucester had listened with darkening brow, and the gnawing of underlip was ominous; but at the last words he threw his horse in front ofthe Earl's.
"Ere you depart, my Lord of Scales and Rivers," he said, and smiledpeculiarly, "you must hear me out. Of your rash speech I shall make noaccount; and you know full well that a Prince of England breaks nolance nor crosses sword save on the field of battle, whereon are allmen equal. But I fain would ask if you expect to meet Edward the Fifthin yonder town?"
"I have already told you that I dispatched a messenger to detain himuntil we arrived," retorted the Earl hotly.
"Aye! And later another messenger to hurry him on," said Richardlaconically.
"What proof have you for that?" demanded Rivers, reining back.
"This!" replied the Duke sternly, producing the captured letter.
"I see nothing but a bit of parchment; yet well I know that it can bemade to tell strange tales for selfish ends."
"It is parchment, unfortunately for you, my lord, and it te
lls aselfish tale," said Gloucester calmly. "It is the letter youdispatched last night to Edward's Chamberlain, but which was taken byone of my good Knights, though your Squire died in its defence. Youknow its contents--and, mayhap, you also begin to know the depth ofyour folly."
"It is evident that I am in the toils of a plot laid by you and yonderbrother-in-law of mine," said the Earl with haughty contempt. "Youhave entrapped me; and the deepest folly that I know would be to hopefor justice in such clutches. I am to be sacrificed because, forsooth,I am dangerous to the conspiracy that you have afoot; and well can Iforesee what the conspiracy designs. . . Yet did I flatter youovermuch, my Lord of Buckingham; it is no creature of your brain, thisscheme whose end is treason. You are too vain and empty-headed to beof any service except to aid its execution--and then, later, to be theleading figure at your own. Your sires were overmuch Lancastrian foryou to be trusted by a son of York--after your usefulness is ended."
Gloucester's stern mouth relaxed in a faint smile, but Buckinghamflushed angrily.
"By the Holy Saints!" he broke out, "were it not that the very touchwould soil a Stafford's gauntlet, I would lay my hand across yourWoodville mouth."
"It is passing strange then, if we be so degraded," said Riversquickly, "that you should have chosen a Woodville for a wife."
Pushing his horse past Grey, Buckingham leaned forward and would havestruck the Earl had not the calm tones of Gloucester stayed him in thevery act.
"Hold! Stafford, you forget yourself--and you, Sir Earl, return yourdagger."
"He shall answer me for those words," Buckingham exclaimed.
"I am at your service this very instant," returned Rivers, doffing hisbonnet and bowing to his charger's neck.
"This very instant be it," cried the Duke, springing down and drawingsword.
Before the last word was spoken, Rivers was off his horse andconfronting Stafford with bared weapon. But ere the blades could clashtogether, Gloucester swung between them and knocked up the Earl's swordwith his own, which he had unsheathed with amazing swiftness.
"Cease this foolishness," he said sternly. "Buckingham, you forgetyourself. Ratcliffe, arrest the Earl of Rivers and Sir Richard Grey."
The Master of Horse rode forward.
"Your sword, my lord," he said to Rivers.
For a moment the Earl hesitated; then hurled it far out into the river.
"In the name of the King, whose uncle and governor I am, I protest,lord Duke, against this unwarranted and outrageous conduct," he cried.
"And I arrest you in the name of that very King, whose uncle andguardian I am," replied Richard. "Ratcliffe, execute your orders."
"I must request you to accompany me forthwith," said Ratcliffecourteously, to the two noblemen.
Resistance was utterly hopeless, and without a further word the Earlremounted; and Grey taking place beside him they passed slowly towardthe rear. Presently, as they neared the end of the long column, ahundred men detached themselves from the line and fell in behind them.Rivers observed it with a smile, half sad, half cynical.
"They honor us, at least, in the size of our guard," he remarked toGrey; then turned to Ratcliffe. "May I inquire our prison, SirRichard?"
"Certainly, my lord; we ride to Pontefract."
"Whence two of us shall ne'er return," said the Earl, with calmconviction. "May the Good Christ watch over Edward now."