Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

THH KNIGHT OF THE BOAD. es tae “So = eee —-— The other persons present looked at this little incideais _ with wondering eyes. Ide observing this, turned round and «ddressed a few words to them in that strange language which they tad once before employed. Then bending again towards Claudg, he whispered : “Do you know that poor old man we brought hither just in time to die ?’ e ‘“ Know him ?” ejaculated Claude, in astonishmenf “Yes; do you not recognise his features ?” “‘ T did rot.” “ Well—well, he may have been greatly changed by aze and other causes, but his name you will recollect at once. That poor wasted body is all that remains of the once famous Bamfylde Moore Carew.” ‘“‘Can it be possible ?” ejaculated Claude, in the utmost amazement. ‘I thought that he had been dead many, many years ago.” ‘‘ No,” was the answer; ‘his age is extreme, but he has survived till now.” “And you,” said Claude—“yot bear the name of SBamfylde—you are a descendant ?” “Yes, his grandson,” was the answer. ‘“ Many, many times have I heard him speak about the Claude Duval he knew in his young days.” ‘‘T have heard,” said Claude, “that they had mary strange adventures together.” “Yes, many—very many, and the closest friendship and good feeling subsisted between them. As we are their descendants, let the .bond of union be pre- served.” “ With all my heart !” “Tt must some day stand you in good stead,” returned Bamfylde, “for our fraternity grows every day more powerful, and I will make you acquainted with a sign known only to the initiated, which will enable you at all times to claim the aid and protection of any of the band.” “That would be a useful service, truly,” said Claude, -“ for I have few friends.” “Took!” and, as the young man spoke, he made a strange sign upon his breast, which Claude, after several attempts, succeeded in imitating. “There,” he said, “that will do. You have only to remember andamake that sign, and you may command them to the death!” A loud shout of welcome arose from those assembled, then one and all pressed round, offering assurances of their friendship. Bamfylde was eager for the highwayman to remain with them for sometime; but Claude declined, alleging as his reason for doing so the necessity he was under of looking for his comrade. Tossing his purse to this strange people, he said farewell to their leader, and departed. “Tt may be,” he muttered, as he rode away, “ that some time or other I shall have occasion to feel rejoiced at this chance incident. It may turn out to the benefit of us all.” 7 Although immersed in these reflections, Claude did not forget his caution, and continually looked around him, to make sure that no officers were near. At length, gaining an elevated piece of ground, he paused to take as accurate a survey of bis position as was possible. At last he determined upon the direction to take that would be most likely to enable him to meet his companion, and, having chosen his course, he set for- ward at a much more rapid pace than he had hitherto made use of. After more than half an hour’s riding, che high-road was gained. Here he waited for some time, listening; but, hearing no sound, he rode gently along it, looking out on every side for some indication of the presence of Sixteen-Ntriny Jack. Hoe looked in vain, however, and continued to look for a long while, for when morning dawned it found him still at his task. The most serious fears now began to press upon his mind. He knew there would be some difficulty in meeting ___ with each other, as no precise place was agreed upon; __ but yet he could not help feeling the convicton that, | the suis rising, and soon many people will be abroad. ere co 1565 ee tn had his coterads escaped as well as himself, he shculd ere this havs sean something of him. The morniag broke cold and chill, and over all the meadows hung a dense white vapour, thus making it im- possible to see for any great distance. When the sun rose, however, this vapcar was by de- gracs chased away. So soon as ever the atmosphere was clear, Claude once more paused to look around him. Jaast then he heard the clatter of a horse’s hoofs, and He ADE sharply round, saw his comrade approaching im. The next moment their hands were firmly grasped, for Sixteen-String Jack had been not less ful) of amxiety than his comrade. ‘You wonder d«ubtless where it was I sprang from so suddenly,” said Sixteen-String Jack, with a laugh, “ but the fact is, I heard some one approaching, and not know- ing that it was you, took the precaution to conceal my- self behind yonder bushes. As soon as I recognised you I rode forth.” ‘‘ And how have you fared ?” said Claude. ‘Oh, excellently! I have had scarcely any trouble. Over yonder is a little inn far removed from all other dwellings, and around which there is always a perpetual calmness. There I remained the greater portion of the time, and there, if you are willing, we will conceal our- ~ selves during the day.” : Sixteen-String Jack pointed across the country with his whip while he spoke, in order to indicate the position of the inn he had just mentioned. ‘* Are you sure it will be safe ?” said Claude. “Well, as safy as anywhere,” was the reply. ‘ But come ; at all events, we will ride in that direction, and while doing so I will tell you all that has happened to me ; it will be comprised in a few words.” “Do so,” said Claude; “I am full of curiosity.” “ And afterwards,” said Jack, “‘you shall tell me your adventures, for I fancy by your way you have something of far more importance to communicate.” ‘Well, that may be ; but begin.” “ Well, then,” said Jack, ‘* by pressing my horse hard I got away from the police officers without much trouble; nevertheless, I did not bate my speed, but kept pushing on in the direction that we had agreed upon.” Claude nodded. ‘*‘ It was soon after sunrise that I found myself in front of the inn I have already spoken of. The aspect of the place took my fancy at once, and as my horse was ex- hausted, I was certain I could not do better than halt there, if only for a short time, and while doing so keepa good look-out for the officers.” ‘‘ And is it possible,” said Claude, ‘‘that you were so fortunate as to remain there unmolested ?” ‘Not only possible,” said Jack, ‘but true. My horse was comfortably placed in the stable, and as the hours slipped by without biinging me a sight of the officers, I came to the conclusion they had abandoned the pursuit altogether.” “ And the landlord of this place?” said Claude. “ There is none.” “‘Tandlady, then ?” “Yes, she’s a widow, and lives there a solitary life. I suppose you were about to ask me whether I thought she had any suspicions ?” * Tust so.” “ Well, I don’t believe for a moment that she has, Customers are so rare at that out-of-the-way-place that she scarcely knows how to show them enough atten. tion.” ‘“‘T like your description of the place well enough,” said Claude, ‘ and I believe that the best thing we can do is to take refuge there.” Decidedly.” “‘ Let me tell you,” continued Claude, “that all the roads that I have been upon to-night have been patrolled by officers. I have scarcely been able to ride a mile with- out sceing them.” ‘“[ have found much the same thing,” said Jacs, “while watching for you, and I began to fear that the7 bad succeeded in capturing you.” & No—no, I was safe enough.” “Well, then,” said Jack, “push on ata more rapid rate; EGomichboo ) CS =}