Ivan the Terrible; or, Dark Deeds of Night — page 202: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

198 ‘“‘Didn’t you see what a rate we came at? I had nothing to do but pull, he steered with his tail.” ‘‘ Make way there,” roared a voice, that of the constable as his boat drew near, ‘‘I am on.the king’s business.”’ ‘‘Make way !” cried the jocular waterman. “Here’s the king coming, in disguise !” The officer scrambled from his boat, and turning round, said, . ‘Tf I lose the man I want, I’ll make sure of you for hinder- ing me, Youshall have a night’s lodging gratis, my funny fellow,” he said, trying to grasp the waterman by the collar, The boatman, however, was quick enough to evade his grasp, and pushing off his boat, allowed the constable to step up to his waist in the river, to the great amusement of every one but the unfortunate man himself. In the meantime Ivan, wrapping his cloak around him, and smiling at the thoughts of having outwitted all his enemies, was creeping along towards his own rendezvous, keeping, as usual, close as possible to the dirty, tumble-down houses of the Forge. To follow him closely would have been very dangerous, un- disguised as young Maberly now was, so he hung back, still keeping Ivan in his eye, till the corner of the street was at hand, and then hurried forward once more, By pursuing this system he was able to follow Ivan home to the little dingy, dirty street, and even to the very wine-shop in which he lodged. His heart beat high, and tumultuous feelings thronged his bosom when he perceived that he had thus earthed the fox. All past excitement and exertion were now forgotten. In his exultation he actually forgot to be cautious, and ran forward to the very door of the wine-shop into which Ivan had entered. He had well-nigh paid a severe penalty for his boldness, for Ivan, having turned suddenly in the doorway of the wine- shop, perceived Mark’s nimble figure flit by. Ivan, cautious and cunning, fancied that he might have been watched, and, seizing a pistol from the belt of one of the Forgers who stood by in the doorway, he fired after Mark, and the bullet slightly grazed his cheek. He did not stop for a repetition of such compliments, but, with the agility of a cat, he crouched in a dark alley way. Ivan rushed after him, and fired again. “Who could that have been?” asked one of the Forgers, with an angry oath, ‘“‘T have been watched !” said Ivan.. “Watched ?” = “Yes, I am sure of it, and by a stripling apprentice too, I just caught a glimpse of his garb as he dashed past the wine- shop door.” “An apprentice, alone, and at this hour, dare venture into the Forge ?” asked the other, in surprise. “Dare? aye, dare, They haye grown bold of late, and seem bold enough to dare anything.” This conversation was taking place within half-a-dozen ae of where Mark lay crouched down, and he heard every word. “ Never mind,” said the Forger ; “one can’t do much harm. Leave the matter to me ; I will gather a gang together that will soon unnest the bold little villain, whoever he be.” ‘Then do it at once,” said Ivan, turning away. ‘He was too nimble, or otherwise those two bullets would have laid him low.” ‘‘Leave it to me, Ivan,” the Iorger said. ‘If I do but catch the little villain, he shall be torn limb from limb.” Ivan went his way, and left the Forger, who, though not knowing it, walked afew paces, and then stood under the very doorway in which Mark was hidden, He held a dagger in his hand, and muttered, “IT will wait here, and see whether he returns to watch Ivan at the wine-shop, He cannot find his way out of this intri- cate lane without stumbling against some of the Forgers, and in that case his garments will betray him, and they will soon make short work of him.” While thus the ruffian mused, his foot almost touched young Mark, who crouched still closer in his hiding-place. ‘voice, ‘something tells me that we soon shall part. IVAN THE TERRIBLE. CHAPTER XCIV, HARRY PERCY DECLARES HIS LOVE FOR LIZZIE ASHTON—’ THE SPY—THE INTRIGUE. Lizziz ASHTON’s residence with Lady Laura in the earl’s family had now been of some continuance, but Harry’s father little dreamed of the passion which was gnawing at his son’s heart. ; ; y He never imagined for a moment that Harry entertained any thoughts other than those of friendship for the poor fatherless girl. ; He was much mistaken. 4 From the first moment that he had seen Lizzie Ashton Harry had fallen violently in love with her, and so frankly acknowledged the fact to himself on many occasions. For a week or two Earl Percy took no notice of Harry’s * frequent rides with her in the park and elsewhere, but at last a scene occurred which we will describe. Harry upon his pure-blooded Arabian horse, “ Victory,” escorted Lizzie out for a usual ride, and unaccompanied, ~ When the two young lovers had galloped many miles away from home, they found themselves in a dense wood, and, as they supposed, far away from all prying eyes and listening ears. They dismounted, and strolled along on foot. j At first they spoke of indifferent things, but by degrees both of them became silent, and looked aside, as if desirous of averting the tell-tale blush which tinged each others cheek. They sat down upon the grassy sward, beneath an aged oak, ’ and ere he knew why or how, Harry’s arm was entwined round Lizzie’s delicately tapering waist. ) “ Lizzie,’ he said, with much emotion, and witha broken ' I know not why it is, but such a thought fills my heart with sad- ness,” __ Lizzie-bowed her head, and spoke not, yet these few words were uttered With so much tenderness and pathos, that two tears, like twin gems, sparkled in her eyes, and dropped upon her snowy bosom. . He held her hand in his, and thus continued, as he pressed her yielding form to his loudly-beating heart, ; ‘* Lizzie, from the first moment that I gazed upon you I loved you—loved you, and do so still, almost to distraction } If we must part, tell me, oh tell me, do you, can you love me in return ?” Lizzie was so much surprised at Harry’s unexpected and ardent declaration, that she trembled with an excitement un- known to her heart before. Tears rushed to and flowed from her eyes in abundance, Her bosom heaved, and she essayed to speak, but the words. she would and could have uttered were choked ;. but, as she tremblingly bent her head upon his manly bosom, she softly sighed, . “Yes, Harry, and for ever.” In a moment the two young lovers, whose breasts had for long concealed the tender thoughts now mutually uttered, were clasped in each other’s arms. . A. loving embrace, with a tender, soul-thrilling kiss, sealed the solemn compact and exchange of a reciprocal love and adoration. With flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, Harry and Lizzie again mounted their prancing steeds, and slowly journeyed homewards again. f They had not left their trysting-place more than a moment, when a man, who had stood concealed behind an aged tree, emerged into view. q | He was tall and thin, with a cadaverous face, light red locks, and attired in black from head to foot, like clergymen of the period of which we write, A malicious grin was upon his face as he looked after the two young and ardent lovers, whose conversation he had overheard, unknown to them. ‘What will the earl say of my stories now?” he chuckled,. “Will he pooh-pooh my warnings, and call me crack-brain, eh? Not now, I think, Ihave ample proof for him if that is required. He promised to meet me here to-day, about this time, for he said he would cComi c b ook * ° : U Ld :