The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

CKO (CS: THE WATCHWORDS OF OLD LONDON. % | = od > KOO 119 Justice,” and at length found themselves near the large tent which they were told was that of the great general. Giving their foaming horses into the charge of a trooper, they leaped off their backs, and approached the sentinel who stoed at the door of the tent. ‘Ig general Cromwell in his tent?” asked Harold. “He is noc,” returned the Puritan soldier, ** he is absent.” The Young Apprentice glanced uneasily at had Ben Firebrace. ‘‘Thia is unfortunate indeed,” said the latter. ‘Do you know when he will return P” “T have no conception. He does not entrust the secret of his movementa to his troops,” answered the man, grufily. ‘“'Phis is a metter of life and death,” cried the Foung Apprentice. ‘‘ Whom can we sec that knows where the gcneral has gone ?” The soldier smiled grimly. ‘ All matters in there days,” said he, “are matters of life and death. But, ask for Lord Hamilton; he is the best. He will be more likely than avy other to know what Cromwell is doing.” * And where is he ?” “ Yonder is hia tent.” Following the direction of his hand, the Young Apprentice observed a tent situated upon the summit of a little knoll.” Towards this they at once hurried, and de- manded of the sentry at the door permission to see Lord Ll[amilton. «‘ The watchword ?” asked the man, “ England and Justice.” ‘ Enter,” said the sentry. ‘¢ Here, my lord,” he added, as he conducted them into the presence of Lord Hamilton, “ here are two from London who seek audience.” “Qood, Arnold, remain there while I inter- rogate them. What is it you wish ?” ‘‘T wish to see General Cromwell. I havea dispatch of great importance for him,” said Harold, Lord Hamilton glanced from the Young Ap- prentice to Bern Firebrace. ‘SAh, Captain Firebrace,” he said, “I know you; you are in my own brigade, I fear me you will not see the general to-night. Who is your companion 7?” “Harold Fordyce, the apprentice who saved General Cromwell’s life in battle. We bear most urgent letters for him.” ‘¢Can I open them ?” “ ] think not, my lord.” “ Well, well, I suppose there are secrets even between him and the Parliament. I will assign you a tent until his return.” ‘We are very pressed ; it is a matter of life and death, my lord,” said: Harold. “ Will Oliver Cromwell return to-night, think you? Another day might be too late.” Lord Hamilton shook his head doubtfully, *T fear,’ he said, “that if itis such 4 matter of great importance it will be dangerons te leave its settlement to the chaticé of Cromwell's return to-night. If this matter is of sach moment as you affirm, you had better make all haste to Clivedale, I will send with you a trusty guide.” “Thank you, my lord,” said Harold. “We will at once avail ourselves of your kindness.” “Go, then, and God speed you,” said Lord Hamilton. Then he added, turning to the trooper who had been sentry at his door, “Go, Arnold, and send me another sentry. On your return you will accompany these gentleman to Clivedale House," In a few minutes all was prepared. “ Remember,’’ cnied Lord Hamilton, “remem- ber that the watchword necessary for admission to Cromwell's presence ia, for this night, ‘ Fair- It was in the dusk of the evening that Arnold the trooper, who had been sent as their guide, pointed out to them the white towers of Clive- dale glistening en a distant hill-top, the last rays of the setting sun just glinting on their summita, “We are but three miles distant now,” said the troorer. ‘ Will you go on now yourselves, or shall [ accompany you to the gates.” *'¥ou had better come with us,” said Harold ; “you may be of use.” On the trio went accordingly until they reached the high iron gates of Clivedale, Having the watchword, they experienced no difficulty whatever in entering, and, in a few moments after they had made their the letter was in the hands of Cromwell. In spite of the fact that he was closeted with some of the most powerful leaders of the times he ordered the Young Apprentice and his com- panion to be at once admitted to his presence. ‘‘Hal my brave lad!” he said, recognising at once the face and form of the one who had so gallantly saved him on the field of battle, “I am glad that you have been entrusted with this mission. No one more gallant or more fitted for it could have been chosen. I am the more gratified because I am enabled to send back by you a satisfactory answer. This man, Leslie, is in my opinion innocent. I see no reason for believing otherwise. I will write out his pardon at once.” The stern general’s features relaxed into a pleasant smile as he spoke. Then rising, he sat down at the large table, at, which were seated the leading men of the day, and began wr.ting. The little paper was soon filled up. ‘ There,” said Cromwell ; “ rest awhile, and return, Delay in such cases as this is danger- ous.” ‘‘ Yes, general,” returned Harold, “yes, I will take no rest. I have but one clear day before me, and I will return to London at once.” ‘*In that case,” said Cromwell ‘let me make you bearer of my dispatoles. Roxby, give me that bag. It cannot be pleced in safer hands than those of our Young Apprentice, here.” Harold’s face brightened, and that also of Ben Firebrace. With different feelings, Harold's nataral pride was aroused and grati- ur eS a ‘ Mw ™~ Nee GOVE OO © CO