Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 380: what you’re looking at

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

1752 Accordingly he pleaded extreme fatigue, and requested that he might be shown into an apartment Where he could refresh himself with a few hours’ sleep. His request was readily complied with. Zariel, however, would insist upon accompanying him to this fresh chamber, for he was grateful for what Tom had done in his loved one’s behalf, and he feit that ho could not do him too much honour, The apartment they entered was, like all te rest, fitted up in Indian fashion. BLACK BESS; OB The prince looked half puzzled. ‘No hiding-place would *be secure against tiem, and so what I want youto do is simply to disguise me in some apparel like your own, and, if questioned, merely say that I am ao friend who has accompanied you from India.” he piince caught at the idea at once. xle clapped his hands. ; The door opened, and he immediately poured out a torrent of words that Tom could not understand, but Tom never could tell what it was that prompted him to | which he guessed were instructions what to do. advance to the window and look out, but he did so in obedience to an impulse that he could not resist. Perhaps in his mind lingered some remembranee of the officers he had seen, together with the fact that this _ window being on an upper floor would enable him to command a tolerably extensive view around. Be it what it may, however, this was his first act, He shrank back at once. At the very first glance he had caught sight of the officers. They were on foot, and walking up the broad, gravelled path leading to the house. Although some little distance from the window, Tom was able to observe their movements, though, owing to this change of position, he felt certain that there was little danger of the officers catching sight of him. How on earth they could have tracked him hither was a mystery, for, of course, by no other supposition than this could their presence be accounted for. What was to be done ? Tom asked himself tunis impertant question with a slizht amount of uneasiness. He glanced towards the prince, who at that moment was busily occupied in giving some directions to an at- tendant. The moment the highwaymen’s eyes fell upon him he was struck by an idea. “Prince,” he said, “ one moment! through this window.” The prince came forward at once. “ne to Tom’s infinite chagrin, the officers were out of sight. “T wished to call your attention to some men I saw approaching. They must be concealed by that clump of evergreens. Yes, look—look! here they come!” At this moment the officers appeared in view again, their disappearance being merely owing to the fact that the path they were pursuing wound round a large mass of dark-leaved trees. And if Tom had had any doubt about the intentions acd destination of these officers it would have been com- pletely dissipated by their actions. | One who was walking slightly in advance half turned, round to those who were behind him, while at the same time he raised one arm and pointed towards the man- sion. That he said something was certain, though of course the distance was much too great for the words to be over- neard where Tom stood. Having pointed out the officers to the prince, he led him from the window, and said, ina low and impressive voice: ‘Prince, there is no time now for explanation—leé it suffice to tell you that those men you have just seen are my foes, and that they seek my life.” The prince at once carried his hand to the hilt otf his jewelled sworl, as if to show his readiness apd willing- negs to do battle on his cucst’s behr’. But Tom restrained him. ‘They must be met by cunning, nsi violence.” “T do not understand you.” “‘T can soon explain.” ‘Do so—do so! Command me to the ultermos: !” The prince was so accustomed to sudden encownisss of one sort or another in his native land that hoe would, if Tom had permitted him, have put the mansion instantly in a state of defence, and called upon his army of attend- ants to do battle. - But such a course as this Tom knew very woil would eventually produce more harm than good. Stratagem must be adopted. I wish you to look “Prince,” he said, ‘what I wish is to induce in tho | go far towards causing success. minds of thess men a belief that I am not here.” The servants rushed out, tumbling over each other in their eager haste. But they made good speed. Tom was attended by a wonderful retinte. More hands than he could count were busy about his person. He remained quite passive, for he thought he could not lo better than resign himseif totally to them. Their dexterity was surprising. Almost with the quickness of a magical transformation, Tom King’s outward semblance was quite changed. Last of all was brought some liquid in a vial, which was sparingly applied to his face and hands. The effect was to impart to the skin of both that pe- culiar tint which so well became the prince himself. 'This done, the troop of busy attendants stood on one side, and, for the first time since the commencement of these operations, Tom King caught a full-length view of himself in a large swinging mirror that hung oppasite to him. He started with surprise, as well he might. He failed utterly to recognise himself. At this moment there came one loud, heavy, Kiunder- ing knock upon the front door of the mansion, thus mak- ing known the coming of the officers for the first tinge. The fact that Tom’s-metamorphosis had been mae complete while the officers were walking up the winding avenue will serve to convey a tolerable idea of how speedy it had been. But our friend happened to be about the same height and build as the prince, so that the apparel fitted him ad- mirably, and when thus costumed they looked like two twin brothers. “ Caution your attendants not to say a word about this, atid to secrete my apparel,” whispered Tom. ‘Tt does not matter,” answered Zariel, ‘‘ there is not one that can speak or understand a single word of Eng- lish ; still it wili be best to be on the safe side.” Some words of caution were then addressed to the ser- vants, who quitted the chamber and separated. In tho meantime the officers were admitted. “T think you can make yourself content now,” said the prince, as he sank indolently upon a pile of cushions. Ves thanks to you.” ‘Nay, do not mention it.” ‘‘T cannot forbear doing so.” “Tam only too glad to think that an opportunity has so soon arisen of requiting you for the service you have rendered me.” “There ig one thing——” said Tom, and then he checked himself. ‘ What—what? Say on.” ‘‘It would serve to blind the officers still more if we were to descend the staircase together, and go for a walk in the grounds. They would not be able to gaze at me so narrowly as they perhaps would if they found me ina room, nor would they be able to stay so long.” ‘“ Be it so,” said Zariel—“ the thought is good—come !” With these words he arose. Tom followed him quickly. On passing round a bend in the staircase they caught sight ef the officers down below in the hall. ‘They were endeavouring, though vainly, to make their errand known to the primce’s retainers. The latter, apon seeing their master approach, turned round and greeted him after the Oriental fashion, remain- ing wilh their heads hung down until after he shou! have passed. Thu to walk right up ta the officers was subjecting 'fom’s discuise to a very severe ordeal , but, then, he felt assured that the very boldness of this proceeding weuld In spite of his boldness, he could not heip foel'ng (E(0) ooo) <Se ANKE