Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 2 — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

THE PROGRESS be gulled by any man’s tongue, and that he do secretly hope to make use of the man. “ Be that as it may be, in the end he did berate this Slythey for his actions, cen- suring him for that very intolerance against which we fight, and especial for carrying such measures against a fair woman, and that without due authority and process of law, yet commending his loyalty and zeal, though he carried it too far. “‘ Noll, so saith Bombard, decided to keep the man and his abilities under his own eye and control, perhaps weighing—and this is what I myself do think—perhaps weigh- ing the man’s uses as a spy and a tale- bearer, such as is needful in times of war. “ For, mark ye this—and there is where Trooper Bunyan comes into the matter— Noll would indeed make a new model of his army, and root out the ungoldly from our ranks. Knowing this, and, I ha’ no doubt, seeking to curry further favor, this Master Slythey did speak of one, John Bunyan, as the chiefest among the Philis- tines, and did also speak of thy comrade, Master Brooke, as a youth defiled by such companionship, and already turned to Swearing and other sinfulness by example.” “ Alas, ’tis true!” groaned Hobgoblin, bowing his head over the jam-pan. “At this hearing,’ Okey continued, pleased with the effect of-his narrative, “ Noll’s brow grew dark as a thunder-cloud —so Giles did tell me. Giles Bombard who spoke a word on thy behalf, Bunyan, saying ye were a doughty soldier, and. that ye did wax profane only in moments of great stress. ‘“* But here Master Slythey made mention that ’twas this same profane braggart who did play ‘Sweet William’ on the bells consecrated to sound only the glory of God; whereat Noll’s brow darkened again. But Giles, eager for thy re- demption, said that Trooper Bunyan had been inspired to ring the bells only by a desire to give glory to Heaven for our great victory, and had not stayed to choose a tune, thinking indeed ’twas the Doxology he played, and further that Trooper Bunyan had suffered twelve hours in durance for swearing on the field of bat- tle, even as Master Slythey had knowledge, But ’twas good. OF J. BUNYAN. 217 mentioning the trial to cast out thy devil, Master Bunyan. “And then, Giles do say, old Noll did a’most smile, and ask many questions anent the exorcism, and, saith Giles, come as nigh laughing as any man ever saw Noll Cromwell. When he heard of the strange manifestations of thy devil, Bunyan, he nodded his head and said: “* Aye, on the field of Naseby I did mark the man and his red hair, which goeth well with a russet coat. Yet, if he prays as well as he fights, the heat of youth will depart from his hair as it grays with years and wisdom. Let me hear no worse of Trooper Bunyan.’ ”’ “Said he so—Noll Cromwell!” Hobgoblin, radiant with joy. “‘ And then,” said Okey, frowning at the interruption, “he did dismiss our captain and were closeted for some time with this Master Slythey, who anon came from the general’s quarters with the air of one well Satisfied with the outcome. “That is all,” concluded the Gossip Okey, looking at Bunyan as if to say: “ Now ye may interrupt.” Hobgoblin was silent a while, glowering in deep thought at the half-mended pans, but chuckling ever and anon. Presently he raised his eyes to mine. “What think ye, Master Wisehead?” “°Tis a strange tale,” said I, whereat Sergeant Okey beamed with self-satisfac- tion. “Th’art right, sergeant,” said Bunyan suddenly. “ The man is as ye say—a sar- pint! But Noll Cromwell hath an eye for evil as well as good, and the shrewdness to avail himself of the latter and turn the for- mer to advantage. “ A spiritual comforter—ha!”’: Hobgoblin growled. ‘‘ Nay, nay! More likely thief of our secrets than keeper of our con- sciences. But it behooves us, as our good sergeant advises, to mend our ways lest we trip upon snares of Master Slythey’s set- ting. “ Boy!” he added, turning solemnly to me. ‘“‘ Now that we ha’ the crystal-chafer, let us on with our mending.” Well, after Okey’s departure we put the finishing touches to the kettle, girdle and cried COmiclbooks ©