Ivan the Terrible; or, Dark Deeds of Night — page 247: what you’re looking at

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

IVAN THE TERRIBLE. “Don’t you hear me?” the voice again said. “ Are you drunk or mad? You'll catch your death o’ col andi there. Come to bed.” 4 oe ans ae A groan from the innkeeper was the only response. A slight kick in the ribs, however, veminded him of silence. One of the Apprentices knelt beside him and whispered, _ “If you make any noise while we are in the house you will repent it |” . 5 “Take my advice,” the other-whispered. “I know you don't want us to use violence, but if you kick or plunge about, I shall be obliged to tickle you in the ribs with this little bit of cold steel.” 7 He produced a dagger as he he thus spoke, and held it before the innkeeper’s astonished eyes, A second warning was not neeced. He lay as still as a mouse. “Come to bed, I say, come to bed, or I'll get up and make you,” croaked the wife. ‘ You’re up to some of your tricks, master, that’s what you’re up to. I know you of old ; you’ve got some girl outside the door or in the passage, I’ll be Sea You ought to be ashamed of yourself, that you ought. After a pause she grumbled, “Tf you wake up Ivan o ut of his sleep, he’ll kick you all about the house ; you know that, you old fool.” B y tuis time, however, Will Winter had entered her room. He put his hand suddenly to her mouth and said, “Keep quiet and don’t speak a word, as you value your life. We will not harm you if you doas I tell you, but if not, you might as well be dead and floating in the Thames.” She groaned slightly in reply. It was found necessary, however, to gag and bind her like her husband. The innkeeper was next carried as ‘he was and placed beside his wife in bed. There was now no one who could alarm the house. “This way,”’ said Will ; “follow me.” The two Apprentices did as he told them. So noiseless were they that they could not hear each other’s footsteps. ‘‘ Have you the ropes and gag ready ?” Will whispered. “ Yes; all is prepared.” They were now on the landing of the first floor. The front room door was open. A key was in the back room door. This was quickly locked without noise. Will entered the front room alone. He was in total darkness, but could see that the place was untenanted. A folding door separated the front and back room, Will whispered to his two companions to follow. They did so. All were now in the front room. Will peeped through the keyhole of :the] folding door, and perceived a light within. ’ The door was noiselessly opened, and Will peeped in. “You stay until I want you. Be ready to follow at a second’s warning.” Will entered the back room. His heart beat violently. lvan was there. . His face was turned from the folding door. He did not perceive the intruder’s entrance. He was seated at a table. A bottle of wine and goblet was at his elbow. He had been drinking to excess, for his face was deeply flushed, and his eyes were reddened and inflamed. He had some papers: before him, which he appeared to be perusing attentively. " His unsteady seit, as he rolled in the chair, however, and his frequent hiccupinzs and yawnings, seemed to say that € was more than half asleep, and very drunk. Will Winter approached unperceived, and slapped Ivan on _ the back, saying, in a low, determined tone, “Tyan, you are my prisoner |” 243 As he heard his own name mentioned he sprang to his feet. His eye caught sight-of the masked stranger, and he stag- gered back with a shuddering feeling of intense horror. He half drew his dagger, but sheathed it again as Will, with upraised hand, said, “Ivan, surrender yourself at once a prisoner! In the name of all the London Apprentices I command you.” “Command me? London Apprentices?” said Ivan, in sur- prise. ‘‘ What means this ?” ‘‘It means that you must obey.” “When ?” Now,’ “ Are the Apprentices in council, then 2” ‘That you will quickly see,” “On what charge am I accused ?” “That you will know anon,” “ But I do not aeknowledge their power.” ‘‘ But you must, and will feel it also.” ‘““What if Ivan dares to disobey your council, what then? What, shall I be bearded like a lion ia his den by a few strip- ling apprentices ?” With these words Ivan would have rushed to his window and raised an alarm. ~“ Stop,” said Will, calmly ; ‘you know full well the power of the Apprentices, and must obey ; if you don't, certain death is your portion, and in this very room !” This was spoken so solemnly, and Ivan knew so well what the London Apprentices had done and would do, that he almost foamed at the mouth, as he muttered, “What, entrapped and carried off in triumph by dastardly saplings? Who art thou?” he asked, trying to penetrate the mask. “That which I seem.” ‘“‘ An apprentice, I take it?’ “ Just so.” “ And thy name ?” “Tt matters nought to thee now.” “T should know that voice of thine,” mused Ivan. “Thou dost.” “T£ I’m not mistaken, you hung upon a gibbet once ?” Gig. ‘‘Knough,” said Ivan, in a terrible passion. | For a moment it seemed as if the ruffian dared not look upon the form of one he had so basely injured. He writhed in mental pain. He tried to speak, but for a few seconds could not. ‘Begone !” he hissed out at last. “ Begone, I say. Thou art not human; thou artadevil! Begone,I say. I would not shed more blood. Hence, I say; it is enough that by base treachery and trickery thou hast gained admittance here. Fly from my sight! Your cursed carcase fills my heart with flames! Get thee gone, I say, insolent dog, or I'll strike thee dead and cast thee into the river! What ho! below there !” “Thou hadst best come in peace,” said Will, very calmly, “or I have means at hand to compel thee, and that in a fashion which may startle you.” Ivan looked around him with an air of scorn. voice he shouted, “What ho! below there !”’ \ At the same instant, dagger in hand. he rushed madly at Will Winter ! Will dodged out of his way, aad tripped up Ivan, who fell to the ground with great violence. Before he could recover himself the two sturdy Apprentices and Will Winter seized him, and held him to the floor as firmly as if he had been pinioned with fastenings of steel. With a loud CHAPTER CXVIII. THE FIGHT AT THE “FORGE.” But, while Winter and his two friends were thus engaged, the fight throughout the Forge now became general, Ivan’s men were aroused and summoned from ali quarters. Apprentices from all parts, hearing of the riot, flocked thither with great haste. Comicbooksecom