The Young Apprentice; or, The Watch-Words of Old London — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

THE WATCHWORDS OF OLD LONDON. 23 onwards, and, ere morning dawned, they had reached their destinations. We know what followed. We know that they joined in the fierce battle opposite the convent of St. David’s, and we know how they saved Cromwell’s life. Just as the blow was struck which laid Lord Raymond senseless on the ground a Parlia- mentary officer rode up to Harold. “Harold Fordyce,” he cried, “a word with you.” Harold started round in utter bewilder- ment, To hear his name proneunce | thus on the field of battle was indeed strange. ‘* Willingly, asir,’”’ he said, ‘“‘ though the press is great,” “Keep close tome. If we both live through this mélée, come with me to Cromwell’s tent, and I have that to tell you that will enable you to revenge yourself—secretly too—on Lord Ray- mond. He is your enemy, is he not?” ‘* He was ; but he is dead.” “Not so ; even now, while we have talked, his men have rescued him alive, But we must again to the fight. Keep close, and if we are separated, ask this night for Lord Clement Villiers.” * Turn, my lord, and you, my master,” shouted a loud voice ; ‘‘ they are upon us behind,”’ It was the voice of Ben Firebrace. Thinking now of nothing but glorious war, he was in his element. His face was flushed ; his eyes sparkled ; his brow flashed like a lightning gleam. If he thought now of “the girl he left be- hind him,” it was only to remember that to return to her it was necessary to cleave his way right valiantly through the ranks of his enemies, Bravely he fought—eagerly he plunged hither and thither among those who strove to hew down the young apprentice and Lord Clement Villiers—and it was just as the brave trio and their followers pressing onward, had succeeded in dislodging a party of Royalists who were striving to make a stand, vhat a cry was raised that the Royal army was in full retreat. Hurried orders for pursuit were now given, and cavalry and infantry forming once more in order, swept down after the retiring squad- rons, Evening, which fell over a silent field of the dead, saw Harold Fordyce making his way to the spot where the tents of Cromwell and his leaders were pitched. Lord Clement Villiers met him ere he en- tered one of them. “ You are punctual, Harold,” he said. “ Draw apart somewhat ; now listen. I have a commis- sion, which, if you will execute it, will place you still further on the road to that fortune which your courage and honesty make you deserving of,” “ Anything which is compatible with honor,” returned Harold, firmly. “ J should not wish you to do ought else,” re- turned Lord Clement. “ Within the walls of yonder convent, whose grim and gloomy walls frown over the pleasant valley below it, is the Lady Blanche Marcheville. She is there of her own free will, waiting for one whom she fancies she loves, and who has persuaded her that I was false to her. I will not detain you, my boy, with a lengthened history of our trou- bles ; suffice it to say that at a time, not far distant, Blanche loved me with an earnest affec- tion. Lord Raymond, however-——” “ What, Lord Raymond! The assassin of my benefactor !" exclaimed Harold. ‘Aye! Lord Raymond. The murder you speak of is not his first or last, Yes, Lord Ray- mond contrived, by false reports and by forged documents, as well as false witnesses, to make her believe me utterly false and un- worthy. After this he insidioualy wormed him- self into her confidence, and by being continually in her company, he at length so worked upon her feelings as to present himself in a noble and honorable light before her. She admires him now—regards him as one whom it will be an honor to call husband. I have here, at least, however, certain proofs of my innocence—cer- tain proofs, too, of the guilt and treachery of Lord Raymond. They will turn her heart— they will restore her tome, or she is not the one I believe her. It is these proofs which I desire you to take to the convent and deliver to her. Will you carry these letters which will aid in the downfall of our mutual foe P ” “‘ T evill,” said Harold. ‘ Tell me the way only '| to do go,” “Come, then, with me,” answered Villiers, “ and I will show you.” So saying, he led the way through the lines, and after giving the password, passed towards the convent, which lay within the now deatroyed walls of St. David's. ‘‘ See,”’ said Lord Clement, pointing to a little window, “within that room isthe Lady Blanche | and a faithful attendant. You can reach her room by climbing up those projections. You are young and active, and can climb in safety where death would await me.” ‘TJ will go,” said Harold,who, as I have said be- fore, knew not the meaning of fear. ‘‘ To-night, when darkness has come, I will ascend.” The Lady Blanche and Esther were sitting in their room that night when a light tap was heard at the window. ‘¢ What is that?’ exclaimed Blanche. “Tt is the face of a youth,” said Esther, It is a stranger. What want you?” “ Fear not, my lady,” cried the Young Ap- prentice, as he sprang into the room; “fear not. As you see, I am but a youth, and I bring you news from one who loves you.” ‘“ From Lord Raymond ? ” ‘‘ No, my lady. These letters, however, will show you.” As he spoke he handed her a packet, to the top of which was attached a letter. She opened it eagerly, and exclaimed as her eyes fell upon the writing— ‘‘ Good Heavens! this is from Lord Clement Villiers! What can it mean? ” There was silence after this. The first words seemed to strike her dumb and one after another the letters were opened and read, ( @ a: CO 4, —s— FR , COME DO OIES