The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

yal § \C) ane ,) 120 fied by this honourable mention of Cromwell before his assembled generals. Ben Firebrace saw in the faithful discharge of his duty a further step of promotion—a further atep to his marriage with Lizzie. “Will you allow me to suggest scmething, general ?” he said. Cromwell turned to him smilingly. “ Certainly, my worthy captain.” “Tt isa simple suggestion,” said Firebrace, ‘buat as we have so many enemies, it is well to d against them.” ore Truly. Say on.” ‘‘T would advise that a duplicate pardon, for Frank Leslie, be given to me. We may be separated on the road, and thus the brave armourer would have the chance of dying while his pardon was delayed.” ‘True. I will write out another.” He did so accordingly. ‘¢ Now, then,’’ he said, “I must dismiss you. These dispatches—too lengthy to give in dupli- cate—must be guarded well. They. are for Lord Grimsby. Good-night, gentlemen, and a fair journey. Refreshment shall be served for you. Good-night !” Bowing respectfully to the great conqueror and liberator of his country, the two friends retired. ‘“ We will take this refreshment that Cromwell offers,” said Ben Firebrace, “ for the journey we have come is a long one, and the return cannot be shortened. In truth, I confess I am both hungry and thirsty, as well as tired, and the good news we are taking with us to London will in no way diminish my powers of eating or drinking. “The news has whetted my appetite as well,” said Harold, smiling. ‘Poor Lealie, in his gloomy cell in the Tower of London, he little thinks where you and I are now.” “Tl wager my life he fancies we are work- ing in his interest.” “ True—I will wager that also. . But where is this banqueting-hall ?” “Here, before you,” said the man who con- ducted them. “ Is our friend still waiting ?” “ He waite without.” “Let him be admitted also,” said the Young Apprentice; “ he has ridden long and quickly.” The man bowed in acquiescence, and led them into the fine oak-panelled room, which reminded them of the ancient days, when knights in armour sat round its huge table and drank success to their swords ere they clashed in battle. The room, even now, had a grim, gaunt look about it, and the empty coats of mail standing up here and there did not serve to render its ap ce more cheerful. a few moments, Arnold, the trooper entered the room, He was followed by servante bringing in the supper. Cromwell had not forgotten their comfort. “Are you going straight to London, gentle- men ?” asked the trooper presently, “We, are. Why do you ask ?” “ Because I have been thinking that you will be in great peril, if I know your errand rightly.” ‘What know you of our errand ?” THE YOUNG APPRENTICE. The man smiled glonmily. “T will give you a civil answer,” said he, “although you ask it not civilly. I overheard your conversation. But I do not blame you for caution, sir. I say merely this, the road to London is no path of roses for men engaged upon such a task as yours. I will, if you like, show you a hear way, and one which you will not be suspected of taking.” ‘We shall be glad. But are there any houses on the road? we shall be compelled to stop to rest.’ “Yes ; there is one place in particalar, which I can recommend, will be your guide so ar,” As soon as their refreshment had been taken the two friends and their new companion started on their way. Under ordinary circumstances, they would rather have trusted, in such an enterprise as this, to their own knowledge of the road than have confided to a stranger. But this man had guarded Lord Hamilton’s tent; he was a Puritan; he was evidently a trusted soldier of Cromwell, and they therefore followed him without any suspicion. Leading them for some distance along the high road, he suddenly diverged into a narrow lane. “You know your way well, I hope?” said Harold. ‘Yes, yes; fear not. I have traversed this road a hundred times,” returned the trooper ; ‘we are not many-miles from the house where you can rest for the night; and you will find then that your journey to London will onl occupy you three hours, or four at the outside.’ Another ride of four miles brought them to a roadside inn, which flapped its gloomy sign dismally over the high road. ‘“ Here is the place,” said Arnold; “you will find the people here both civil and accom- mo ; The loud knock he gave at the door brought ‘out a smiling and pleasant-looking old man. ‘‘Can we have beds and stabling till early morning ?” asked the Young Apprentice. ‘‘ Yes, young sir, with pleasure ; enter.” Arnold, the trooper, here left them ; and they were soon ushered into a pleasant bed-room, which seemed quite at variance with the out- ward appearance of the inn. “T think we are in safety here,” said the . Young Apprentice ; “the soldier Arnold had no whispered conversation with the landlord, and I saw him ride away at once. There can be no premeditated scheme, for he did not know we were coming.” « “ No, certainly,” said Firebrace ; “ but-—what isthis? Great Heavens! I—I—the place swims! We are poisoned, Harold! We are poisoned !” As he said these words, he sank, dressed as he was, on the bed. At the same moment a giddiness overcame Harold. The place swam round him, speech left him, and, overpowered, he sank down in the same manner, The last thought in his mind was of Bttie Lealie and her father—a vision at once of beauty and horror—a sweet fairy face and form, coupled with a blood-stained scaffold ! —_—— a w NOTICE.—THRIE MORE BEAUTIFUL COLOURED PICTURES are in preparation. The oy ee First wil be GLVEN AWAY with No. 17. The cthers will follow in a few weeks. Sf GOVE OO © So COUN