The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 183: what you’re looking at

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

ey ~ im, C, 166 THE YOUNG APPRENTICE; OR, * Jt ia so, my lord. Ihave your letter with me,” replied Frank Leslie. “Then, by heavens! this is a trick of the enemy !” replied the old nobleman; “ for what purpose I cannot conceive.” “Oh! since it is a trick,” returned the armourer, “ I can well understand its meaning, for on the road we were attacked by a gang of desperate villains. No doubt they led us into this neighbourhood by a forged letter, in order that they ‘might attack ‘us in some of the dark streets which are jhere so frequent. However, since it is a mistake, we have but to apologise for disturbing you, and to retire.” ‘‘ Nay, then, since you are here, I think you may be of advantage to me,” said Lord Montague ; “ at any rate, your young friend here. You, no doubt, have other duties to perform; but he could be of service to me if you could spare m,”’ ‘Tf it-is in the cause of liberty,” said the armourer, “I can always spare him,”’ “ You may be certain it is not in the cause of the king,” said Montague; “but.I will explain myself, even though the king is in prison. I know all his attempts at escape have proved futile ; there are some among his friends who cling to the mad idea that isolated victories may yet restore him to power, To-morrow morning at daybreak, a force, commanded by Lord Ham- ilton, will attack their troops at Langdon, in Essex, A traitor has brought us this news, which we must now act upon.” ‘‘ There are traitors in every cause,” said the armourer, “Yes, truly. No republic, no monarchy, was ever established that did not number among -the conspirators some treacherous hound that threw everything into turmoil for the time. So it is here. We scorn and hate these traitors, no matter how evil their cause, but we must use them, Well, as I have said, the Royalista are in greater numbers than our men ; but there is a certain place where we have just discovered that a large quantity of arms are concealed. These are of such heavy metal, that with a few good gunners, and placed well, they would effectually dispose of the Royalists, Do you follow me?” Yes; but I do not see that Harold will be able to aid you in any way.” '“ He will. The commander of our forces is ignorant of the fact that these guns are there ; and Harold, on a swift horse, would reach him in time to give him the information.” “7 do not see,” said the armourer, “why my apprentice should be chosen for these enter- prises. Any one with common sense and a good horse could do the same, and it does not seem to me that he gains any especial reward of honour in consequence of it,”’ Both Lord Montague ‘and Harold gazed in astonishment at the armourer as he spoke these words, which were so utterly out of character with his usual behavour. ‘‘T seek for no reward,” said Harold, ‘I simply do my duty.” ‘* Bravely spoken, lad,” said Lord Montague ; ‘‘and remember, Frank Leslie, that a moment ago, there was one in this very house who was deploring Harold’s absence, Harold Fordyce were here,” he said, ‘‘ we should not be at a loss for a brave and trustworthy messenger.” ‘“ And who was this?” asked the armourer. ‘‘QOne,” returned Lord Montague, ‘‘ whose commands you would never disobey. It was the Man without a Name.” ‘‘Fnough,” said the armourer, your service.” “Good. I knew those werds would be a talisman. If you will remain here a moment, I will procure the necessary docaments, and your brave young friend shall depart at once. Fear not for his ‘future, Leslie. He who mounts the ladder with such determined steps will be certain to force them to find a reward for him when he reaches the top.”’ They had not long to wait. In afew moments Lord Montague returned, bearing the letter which was to save the Republican army from defeat. “Here are your credentials, young sir,” he said ; “ you will find friends among the chiefs of the army there, Villiers, for one, has, | hope, joined our forces, and I myself shall be there, doubtleas before the encounter com- mences, It will take me thrice the time to reach the field that it will you.” ‘ Have you any objection to my accompany- ing him ?” asked the armourer. “Certainly not,” said Montague. “If you can spare time, your presence will be an additional safety.” “Let one of your servants, then, my lord, take word to my daughter that I and Harold have quitted London on your business, and we will start at once,” It was not long now before the armourer and the Young Apprentice, mounted on two of the best horses in Lord Montague’s stable, were dashing away towards the dark lances of Kascx, little dreaming of the fearful evente which were happening that very moment in their homes; little imagining the awful danger which was hovering over the head of the one who was nearest and dearest to both of them. Before dawn had spread its golden wings over the country the armourer and his appren. tice arrived at the camp of the Roundheads, and before an hour more had elapsed, the heavy guns had been dragged out of their place of concealment, and dis in such a manner as to threaten the very centre of the Royalist es, Previously to the battle Lord Montague. who arrived after day-break, entrusted Frank Leslie and his young companion with the command of a, body of picked men, “ Harold, my brave lad,” said the former, as they advanced to the position which had been assigned to them, “my heart tells me that you will this day distinguish yourself in a manner which will delight your friends ; but prudence is as necessary to a soldier as valour, In the battle think not of me, for disuse has neither rusted my arms nor stiffened my limbs. The only one whom I fear for is Lord Montague ; he is not used to these contests, If you sec him beset, rush to his assistance. For myself, I need no better companion than my big sword.” The signal for battle having been given, the right wing of the Roundheads dashed furious! upon the enemy, but they were received wi ‘He is at A roXo) ae , ¥ eS CO Cc