The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

ee ee that you may plunge over the bulwarks and escape 1” “Cannot you see I am wounded? Cannot you tell by my voice how faint Iam? If you cannot, choke me, if you please, but I will give no anewer.”’ The man now released his hold, muttering as he did so a curse on the dwarf's obstinacy, and Quelf saw at once that his captor was a Royalist soldier. Had it been otherwise it would have made little difference to him. He would have taken either side for the mo- ment. ‘‘Lead me to your masters if they are on board,” said he. ‘“ I demand their protection, as a friend of the king’s, and one who is even now suffering from his ardent loyalty.” “This, if it ia true, makes the whole affair different,’ said the trooper. ‘ Come with me.” Staggering now with weakness the dwarf, aided by the trooper, descended into the hold, and, in a few minutes, was ushered into a cabin where a strange assortment of persons were assembled, | English, French, and Dutch, were mingled, all attired in military uniforms, while before them was spread out a map of London. They stared in astonishment as Quelf entered, Ragged, bloodstained, and naturally ill- favoured, the dwarf was certainly not a pleasant object to look at, ‘“What bird of ill-omen have you brought here, Lenward ?” asked an English officer at the end of tbe table. “He has been wounded and ill-treated by some of Cromwell's friends, and claims your protection, my lord,” returned the soldier. ‘ How came he on board?’’ asked one of the three French officers present. ‘“ Maybe he is a 93 “Aspy! No, sir,” returned Quelf. “Iama friend of the king’s, and of Lord Raymond, who has only pretended to join Cromwell in order to aid his majesty, King Charles. Even now it is only by a providential chance that I have escaped to tell this tale.” ‘‘ I fancy, my lord,” said the soldier, address- ing the officer who had spoken first, “1 fancy that I can vcuch for him. I remember him as tbe one with whom I went to aid in defending Lord Raymond's house. He was mixed up in the great conspiracy, my lord, and was useful in Geatroying many of our enemies, He is clever and brave, and would be useful to you, I think,” A abort whispered conversation took place between the officers, and, after a moment, the Englishman said— “ You can remain on board until morning. Perhaps you may be of use to us if you are, as Lenward gays, braye and trustworthy. Len- ward,” be added, to the soldier, “see that one of the sailoys gives him a goed berth.” Peter Quelf was then taken away, and in a few minutes found himself among a gabbling crowd of Dutch sailors, whose goings on he could not understand, but who soon placed him in a comfortable bed. Here he was attended by the ship's surgeon, and soon after fell into a heavy sleep, THE YOUNG APPRENTICE; OR, Early on the following day he was awakened by his breakfast being brought to him by Len- ward, “Hat this up quickly,” said he; “Lord Raymond's on board, and wishes to see you.” Quelf Jost no time in swallowing the bread and ale, and, after dressing himeelf as quickly as his stiffened Hmbs would permit, he followed the soldier, who led him into the presence of Lord Raymond, ‘““Ah, my worthy friend,” said the Royalist spy, ‘‘ we meet again at length.” “Yes, I meet you, my lord, when I am scarcely fit for service.”’ ‘‘ Well, we must hope for better fortune. The fickle dame has of a certainty played strange tricks with us of late, but we must endeavour to defeat her. Frank Leslie’s escape has preyed much upon my heart, and I am sorry indeed that, for a time at least, I must permit him to enjoy his triumph.” ‘* Wherefore s0, my lord ?” ‘‘ Because I have other and more important business to look after. Through my connection with Cromwell’s friends I know that the king is in great danger, and we must give all our energies to saving him.” ‘‘In. danger of what is his majesty?” asked Quelf. ‘‘ Of death |” ‘ At whose hands?” ‘*Cromwell’s |” ‘My lord,” said Quelf, ‘“‘with all respect let me say that Oliver Cromwell would never be guilty of cowardly assassination." “No, no,” said Lord Raymond; “you mis- understand me. The king has just attempted an escape from Carisbrooke Castle, and they will now bring him to London. From this city it is my firm belief he will never emerge. He will be tried and executed.” ‘ But we must save him.” “Tf wecan, We have now on foot a con- Bpiracy to rescue Charles as he enters London. Those Datch, English, and French officers whom you saw last night are engaged in this enter- prize, and we have, I fancy, a good chance of cuccess if we are careful and faithful. Here ig a letter—it is directed to Harrok Dyser, No. 10, Tower Street, close by the spot where Leslie was rescued, I wish you to take it to-night if you are strong enough after your wounds,’ “1 can go, my lord.” , - Good : then at nine to-night a boat will be ready for you. ourself, and no suspicion will be excited.” vy At nine o'clock precisely, Peter Quelf, armed with a fresh sword snd a brace of pistols, dropped into the light boat awaiting him, and rowed towards shore, He bad not proceeded far, before a voice shouted his name jeeringly through the darkness, and a strong hand seized him, ‘Not so fast,’ exclaimed the voice of the Alsatian captain ; * yor are wanted, my friend.” Quelf, although greatly weakened by his wounds, was not so reduced as not to be able to take his own part. Wrenching hig arm away, he turned savagely roun “What do you want with me?” he cried, as GOVE OO ©