The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 234: what you’re looking at

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

ference at which Harold and the armourer were permitted to be present. “Gentlemen,” said the colenel, “there is some attack meditated ; I feel sure of it. Now, the question is, which is the safer, to trust to our strength and go forward as we are, or resort to stratagem ?” “If there were an engagement the king might be shot by accident; stratagem would certainly be best,” ° “ Allow me to suggest something, gentlemen,” said the armourer, respectfully, Certainly, my friend.” ‘“‘I would suggest, then,” said Leslie, “that the king should be apprised that there is to be an attack, that his life is in danger, and that he ‘must adopt some disguise. He can then go forward on horseback with a strong escort, while we can still proceed with the coach in our midat. By these means we shall induce our enemies to attack us, while the king will be nearly in London ere they discover their error.” ‘‘A good suggestion,” cried Dalzell. ‘I will go to the king at once, and apprise him of your idea. Gentlemen, await me here.” Dalzell at once left the room in the Ferry House where the conference had been held. He found the king in his coach partaking of some refreshment. His majesty glanced with surprise at Colonel Dalzell, whose face betrayed his anxiety. ‘* What is the matter, colonel?” said Charles, cheerfully. ‘‘/, the prisoner, seem more cheer- ful than my captor.” The colonel bowed acquiescingly. “True, your majesty,” he said, “true; I have just discovered a plot against your life,” The king smiled. “I fear,” he said, “that those to whom you are now taking me are plotting against my life, But what is this fresh danger ?” “Those to whom 1 am conducting your majesty,” returned Colonel Dalzell, ‘are, at least, capable of understanding the respect due to one of your exalted rank, There is a plot, however, to sieze upon the person of your majesty on your road to London, and carry you to the army. The army is, as you quite know, in Cromwell’s favour, and with it, therefore, you have no chance.” ‘‘And how do you propose that I shall escape this danger ?” said the king. ‘ By a simple ruse,” replied Colonel Dalzell, who began to feel uncomfortable as the king's eyes were upon him suspiciously. “ Your majesty can mount on horseback, and with a few picked men, make your way to London, while we proceed still in cuarge of the coach, as if it still contained your majesty, We shall thus deceive them,” ‘Charles the First sniled. * Colonel,’ he said, ‘‘ I am an old soldier, and know well the advantage of stratagem. In this case, however, the stratagem is not intended in my favour but in your own, You are afraid that the attacking party may succeed in rescuing me from your hands, and yoa therefore propose to send me to London by another route, I admire your policy, but remember I am not deceived.” Colonel Dalzell endeavoured to look distressed. Bat he coald not succeed. THE WATCHWORDS OF OLD LONDON. 215 He saw that the king read his feelings rightly. ‘* Your majesty is severe,” he said. ‘“ And correct,” returned Charles. ‘‘ However, fear not, I shall not resist. You have me in your power, and it would be unkingly and un- dignified to resist. The only favour I ask is a simple one.” * And what is that?” “Spare my friends.” Colonel Dalzell, who was a fierce Puritan, saw his chance at once. “ Sire,” he said, “had you adopted that policy sooner, you would not at this moment be where you are.” Charles Stuart remembered Strafford, and was silent. Within three hours after he was was in Lon- don, and safely lodged in St. James's Palace. Scarocely meanwhile had the remainder of the expeditionary force moved on, than the signs of a@ coming attack became visible. On the other side of a bridge, named Batley Bridge, they saw a large body of men assembled, and as they neared the stream, which was spanned by the rudely-built arch, asecond body of men emerged from the wood at the side of the road and formed behind them. Colonel Dalzell took no heed of them, but ed on. The coach was still in the midat. On reaching the bridge they were met by a man on horseback. Colonel Dalzell rede up. ‘What does this mean?” he asked. “ What is the intention of this force, which seems drawn up as though for an attack !’’ * | bring word from the Dake of St. Leonards,”’ returned the man, “that he demands the person of Charles Stuart, King of England, at your hands.” Colonel Daizell smiled, “ Why does he demand his majesty from me?” he said, ‘His majesty is not here.’ “ He is in yonder coach,” replied the man, doggedly. ‘You lie, hound !”’ cried Dalzell. “Take me to your commander. Halt, my men, uatil I return.” ar afew moments Dalzell was by the duke’s side. : “My lord,” he said, “the king is not with “T understand that he is in yonder carriage. ”’ “ He is not. Do you know his majesty per- sonally Pp” ‘“* Heaven save him—yesa,”’ ‘‘Then my men shall defile before you—you shall search the coach, and thus needless blood- shed will be spared,”’ The duke stared, “You fancy this to be a ruse,” said the colonel, with a smile, “T do—plainly, or my information must be sadly defective,” “Well, it 7# a russ, but not such as you imagine, His majesty is not here; by this time he has reached London, and is safely housed in St, James’s. I heard of your proposed attack, and, like a good soldier, took strategic measures againat it.” The duke’s countenance changed. “T have been out-generalled,” he said ; “ how- GOVE OO © , 0 re aad ( J ra SE -~ CO