Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 125 — page 26: what you’re looking at

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rr Pia MERRY ENGLAND. before ber removal, Conrad next repaired to the apartment in which she and her father were confined. They had just finished the repast provided for them, and rose [rom the table as he entered the room, to thank him for the attention shown them. Evidently, Sir Lionel’s feelings had undergone a ah wh ehange. He no longer regarded the young man hanghtily, <> advancing towarda,him, said, in afrank, but apologetic ne: “ Conrad Bassett, I have wronged you, and I hasten to tell you so. Since I have been brought here I have seen enough of you Lo satisly me that your nadure is noble. Pardon me, if you can,” n urprise kept Conrad silent; and he might have doubted that he bad heard aright, if Catherine’s looks had not shown him that the change in her father’s sentiments had not been wrought by her. “Sir Lionel,” he rejoined, *‘ you have effaced the wrong done me, Iwill think of itno more. Had you said thus much @ month ago, I should never have taken up arms againat the King, in aid of such an ignorant rabvle.” “Why continue in rebellion against him?” said the old knight. “I owe you a reparation, and will make it. Return w your allegiance, and you shall have my daughter’s hand.” ** Alas, Sir Lionel,” rejoined the young man, in a troubled tone; “ the offer comes too late. treat,” Catherine caught her father’s arm, and whispered in his r ** Have no fear,” sald the old knight, addressing Conrad, “T will procure you a pardon from the King.” “*Were I to consent, 1shbould become a double traitor,” cried the youngman, ‘ Yet, if I stay, I feel I shall yleld.” “Then you shall rot gol” cried Catherine, * Nay, do not detain me!’ he exclaimed, unable to tear himself away, and gazing at her passionately. “ Stuy latay! or you will lose me forever!’ she cried, in accents that proved resiatless, : “You have conquered, Catherine,” he said. “ For your gake,.J will become faithless and fersworn to my confeder- ates. “Since you have thus decided, let us fly at once,” she eried. yo Amepggeibled”: he rejoined, “* You must leave the palace re . y. “ Secretly? Are you not the commander?” “You are given in charge to me by Wat Tyler,” rejoined Conrad. * I capnot openly disobey his orders, Besides,” he added, witha went 4 look at Catherine, “‘ you have an enemy; who will watch jealously over you, and would as- carediy prevent your departure.” “ You mean that terrible woman who brought us here, and threatened mef” cried Oathering, trembling. “She frightens me. Do not let her come near me asain.” “Twill place you where you will be perfectly secure,” sald Conrad, “I came to tell you se, You mustendure a few hours’ solitary confinement in a strong-room.” “Twill endure anything rather than be exposed to her malice,” cried Catherine, “ But will not my father be with me?’ “No, he must remain bere,’ replied Conrad, ‘‘ He is in no danger. To-night I will liberate you both, and accompany you in your flight. Are you prepared to proceed to the Tower atonce ? I will conduct you thither., No guard will be ne- cessury to your removal,”’ Catherine expressed her readiness to accompany him, “Do not fear this separation. from your daughter, Sir Lionel,” said Conrad. “ No harm shall befall her.’ ** T commit ver to your care,” replied the old knight, con- fidently. Tonder! embracing his daughter, he consigned her to Con- rad, by whoo she was forthwith conducted to the Tower, As they crossed the court they observed Frideswide among the spectators, but though she cast a flerce and vindictive glance at Catherine, she offered no interruption, “Phere is that dreadful woman?’ exclaimed Catherine, enuddering. ‘ I wish I bad not seen her.” Conrad endeavored to reassure her, and would have thrown back am anery jovu!: at Frideswide—but she wus already gone. ecmnmecsandvnins alaachVeactain, poatie im Cabieeee wer, ving, t air captive ower ehamber, which, as. we have stated, had been hastily pre- for her reception, he jeft her, and stationed a dat ® door, strict injunctions that no one should be ad- have gone too far to re- mitted. : CHAPTER XL WHAT BEFELL CATHERINE DE COURCY IN THE TOWER, CATHERINE had beén for several hours in her prison cham- ber, and to find the long confinement excessively wearisome. However, she consoled herself by the thouglt that her lever would soon be with her. Evening had come, and at night he had promised to liber- ate her and her father, and fly with them from the palace, and she doubted not Le would keep his word, Qooapied by such thoughts, she was striving to banish the apprehensions that naturally beset ber, when she heard the key turned in the lock, and started up joyfully, feellog oer- tain it be Courad, . bee, as her terror a4 the door opened, and Frideawide entered the chamber! She would have shrieked, but fright nendaced her chieas, * Having closed the door, the dreaded Amazon strode to- wards her, while the poor girl shrank back as far as possi- Frideswide’s aspect, however, waa not so flerce and men- acing as re had been, On the contrary, she tried to asaume a -hatured Jook, but the expression was |il suited to her ance. We mane afraid, fair damsel,” she sail, in tones as soft as ahe coukl em y. “I am come by Conrad’s order to take nee. Pee Twill poe mecost pany you,” rejoined Catherine. “ Nor ev aa sent you, 4 You witt change your opinion of me when I show you how easily you can escape,® rejoined Frideswide, “TIT tell you I ry kelit by Conrad to set you free, and conduct you froin the ace, sigs spoke she stooped dewn, and opened the large trap- oor. ‘Catherine watched her in astonishment. There! Will you believe me now?” said the Amazon, pointing to the steps, “* Beneath is a long underground pas- gage, which haw an outlet beyond the walls of the palace, | will guide you thithes”’ *" But we have no Vent,” said Catherine, looking down un- easily. = A ght is not needed,” rejoined Frideawide, “ You will goon be out of the passace, and at liberty.” * T will go with Conrad, but not with you,” said Catherine. “Why hax he not come himeelt ?” >, Wat Tyler is expected ut the palace,” rejoined Frideswitle. “ Conrad has sent me to get you out of tie wey before his arrival. You need not fear for your father, He can pay a ransom.” These aannrances produced a certain impression upon Catherine: but she Lode not overcome her dread of the Amason, and again recoiled from ber. Losing all patience, Frideswide seized ber, and throst her down the steps. The Amazon Instantly followed, and shutting the trap-door, stifled the cries of her victim. An hour later, Conrad entered the chamber. He had been alarmed by finding the door unguarded, But the worst ap- prehensions assailed him when he could nowhere perceive Catherine, but discovered Frideawide in her place, The Amazon was standing in the center of the chamber, with her foot on the trap-door, and looked perfectly calm. “She thou sevekest is not here,’ sald the imperturbable Frideswide, * What has thou done with her?” demanded Conrad. ‘“*No matter! Thou wilt never behold her again.” “ Thou hast robbed me of one I joved better than life, re- morseless woman!’ cried Conrad, in a voice of anguish. ** The temptress is removed,’”’ rejoined Frideswide, sternly. “Thou wilt now continue faithful to the cause,”’ ** Thou art a destroyer, and deservest death!’ cried Conrad, ardipg her with abhorrence, onrad looked at the Amazon with a fixed but bewildered stare. Her cool manner and unflinching glance greatly puzzled him; but she did not tor ao instant shrink from the serptiny. i “T have delivered thee from the sorcery by which thou wert bound,” said Frideswide. “* By this time, Wat Tyler must have returned to the palace, I can justify myself before bim for what I have done. Come with me!” And, seizing bis bund, she dragged him from the chamber. CHAPTER XII. THE INTERVIEW AT ROTHERBITHE. ScunNY was the day, and bright the river, as the royal barge couveyed the young monarch from the Tower to Rother- hithe, to hold a conference with the rebel leader, Gorgeous was the burnished vessel; yet those on board It did not seem bound on a yoyare of pleasure, The oursmen were arrayed in the splendid royal hveries, but they were all armed. Archers and men-at-arms took the places of pages and serving men, Gentlemen and esquires were armed. Armed, likewise, were all the members of the Council, except the Archbishop of Canterbury. Richard himself was clad in chain mall, with a hood and tippet ef silk, worked with the royal badge and devices, as was his ch Sig Se ba aur. coat, The sides of the gikled vessel were hung with shield each bearing a noble cognizance, and trom the stern floa proudly the royal standard of the hiughty Plantageneta. In the forepart of the barge, surrounded by his attendanta, all glittering im polished steel, stuou the young King, making a very callant show, The Princess of Wales echt ide her son, and had bith- erto been seated to the splendid saioon forming the interior of the versel; but as see were now approaching Rotherhithe, she came forward with Evitha, who was her sole attendant, and who looked around in search of her father. Ceasing to row, the oarsmen allowed the barge to glide gently down the river towards the point of the low bank on which two horsemen were stationed. With one of these personages the King and his attendants were well acquainted; but only the Princess and Editha knew the other. owever, no one required to be told that this stalwart man-at-arms, mounted on a strong war horse, with a sword by his side, a dagger at his girdle, and a mace at- tached to his saddlebow, was Wat Tyler. The visor of the rebel leader was raised, 80 that his broad, masculine countenance could be pa distinguished. Though struck by bis powerful frame and determined loox, the observers were repelled by the extreme ineolence of his demeanor, which was never for an instant abated during the interview that ensued. About twenty yards behind the rebel leader, on the pressy bank, were stationed two other persona on horseback, who likewise attracted the attention of the royal party, There were Conrad Basset and Frideswide. The latter was armed with * two-handed sword, and carried a large triangular shield. Further off, where the gronad began torise, and was par- tially covered by timber, a large body of armed insurgents lu be descried. This tumultuous host conld not be kept n order by its captains; but when the royal barge approached they set up a tremendous shout that startled all who heard it, and made those who were with the King apprebensive of Woweret: the shouting soon ceased, and Richard, who felt no alarm, caused himself to be taken near the shore to converse with the rebel leader. “Thou art Wat Tyler, I doubt not,” besaid. “Ihave come to confer with thee according to my promise, Speak! Lam willing to listen to thy petition.” “* T have no petition to make,” rejoined the rebel leader, haughtily. “I have certain propositions to offer for your M %* consideration and acceptance, But our conference must take place in private, at Eltham, as I stated by the mouth of my ambassador, Sir Jobn de Newtoun, who is here esent, ' ps Aud dost thou think his Majesty will trust himself with thee?’ demanded Sir Simon Burley. * Wherefore not?” rejoined Wat Tyler. “Tam eee of the vast host quartered at Blackheath, and I promise him my safeguard. If I perpcess to ensuare him 1 could do so now. Should bis Majesty diseanbark bere I will personally conduct him to Eltham,” “ What answer shall I return?” said the King to those near im, ** Reject the offer,’’ rejoined Sir Simon. “It thou dost mean me well,” said Richard to the rebel leader, “ why cannot the conference take place here?” ‘Ir it taker place at all, it must be at Eithain, as I have sald,’ replied Wat Tyler, in a decided tone. “ And mark me, my lege, if we come aot to terms to-day I will enter London with my whole army to-morrow. Iswear it by St. Dunstan!” **You hear what he says, m ad observed Richard: “und he can make good his words. hasan army strong enough to enter London, Moreover, as you well know, the citizens are disaffected.” While they were conversing anxiously together, Wat Tyler, who had noticed the Princess and Editha among the nobles, again called-out: j “My liege, I trust that the Prineess, your mother, will asxiat at the conference, and I will pray her Grace to bring my danghter with her.’’ ‘ Will you go with we, madam?” asked Richard, = Rants: she rejoined. “And I will take Editha with me, a8 he requests, “This veer not be, my liege,” said Sir Enstace de Valle- tort. ‘* There is some treachery in the villain’s proposal. You must not trust yourself with him, nor must the Prin- ceas,”? ** Let me co and speak with him, gracious madam,” cried Editha, ** Perchance I may produce some effect upon him, * How say you, Sir Eustace?” said the Princeas, ‘* Shall we rend her?’ “No, madam,” nemied the knight. “No one must go ashore.” And he added, significantly: “ This conference will soon be ended. Be not afraid. Wat Tyler will never en- ter London,” Tbe words reached Editha’s ear, and she trembled exceed. *“ No faith need be kept with the audacious villain,’ sa- the Archbishop of Canterbury. ‘‘ He hath sworn, if the King Rhall not accede to his demands that he will destroy London, Tis meet that he be slain.” ‘** Since all the insurgents look to him, the rebellion may be ended by his death,” said the Lord Treasurer. ** We should be worse than traitors if we suffered him to escape,’’ sald Sir Simon Burley. ‘ Ho, there, archers! make you rebel your mark!” And at the order, the archers sprang up and made ready their bows. All had been over with Wat Tyler at that moment, and perchanee the revellion had been ended at the same time, if itha had not uttered a slight cry, which she was utterly unable to repreas. " This cry did not alarm the rebel leader, or cause him to change his position, but it caught the quick ear of Frideswide who had listened to all that was said, and narrowly watched the proceedings on board the barge. She had noticed Sir Simon Burley’s gesture, and the slight stir that followed when tne archers appeared, and instantly divining their purpose, and dashing forward with lightning xWiltneas, she came up just in time to spread her broad shield before Wat Tyler, and guard him from the volley of arrows aimed at him. The rebel chief was unhurt, but a fatal shaft pierced the Antazon’s breast, and she would have (allen backwards from her horse, if Coorad, who came up next moment, had not caught her, Her dying looks were fixed upon him she loved; and, while gasping for breath, she suid: * Catherine still lives! I deceived you—seek her in the sub terranean passage, ‘neath the tower! The key of the iron gates hangs at my girdle. Take it. Forgive me, Conrad— or you I did this wicked act!” Anc she expired. Not without difficulty did Conrad sustain his inanimate burden, till he was relieved from {[t by a small party of in- surgents, sent to him by Wat Tyler. Maddened by fears for Catherine, he then struck spurs into his steed, and «lashed off to Elthum, ; Meanwhile Wat Tyler had galloped off, till he got to a cer- tain distance, wien he turned round, and, shaking his hand menicingly, called out, in a atentorian voice: ** Our next meeting—and it will not be long hence—shall take place In the Tower of Lovdon!” Rr oGlng by the means of escape unexpectedly afforded him, Sir John de Newtoun quickly diamounted, anc sought refuge in the royal barge. Seeing that the rebel leader had escaped, Sir Simon Burley orde the oarsmen to row back to the Tower as swiftly as they could, and the injunction was obeyed, But all those on board the barge heard the terrific and vengeful yell with which Wat Tyler was greeted when he re- turned to his followera, and told them of the attack made u on him. They would fain have harried down to the river in the hope of wreaking their vengeance on the Instigators of the treacherous act, but Wat checked him, * Doubt not we will have ample vengeance ere long,” he said. “ The Lord Archbishop and the Lord Treasurer were on board the barce, and if they ceunseled not the act, they might have prevented it, e will have both their heads? ** We willl’’ roared all the hearers, “We have nothing further to do bere,” pursued Wat Tyler. “We must return to Blackheath, and as soon as the army can. be cot together we will march on London,” “To Blackheath !—and then to London!” vociferated the insurgents, brandishing their pikes and gisarmes. On their arrival at Blackheath they found the whole host in & state of the most furious excitement, a report having already arrived of the treacherous attemprt on their leader. Wat Tyler took advantage of the excitement to get the army together, and this belig speedily accomplished, the march commenced, : , Before setting out, Wat Tyler sent Hothbrand with a mes- sage to his brother chief, who, it will be remembered, was én- camped with the Essex division of the insurgent army on Hampstead Heath, acquainting the outlaw with his own de- Sign, and bidding him make a simultaneous attack on the orth aide of the city on the followl day. Hothbrand set off on the errand at once, down to Greenwich, succeeded in py and oping h, ing a bart te con- vey him and his steed to the o te de the river, CHAPTER XIII HOW CATHERINE WAS FOUND IN THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE. So furiously rode Conrad that he arrived at Eltham Jong before the news of Wat Tyler's intended march on London, Struck by his distracted manner, the guard at the barbicar ene apne disaster must bave occurred, but did not dare question him. xp Riding at once into the great quadrangular court, he flung himeelf from his panting vie and hurried to the tower. Several armed men were standing near the door, and he ordered one of them to bring a lighted torch misbans delay, and while the man went on errand, he enterea cham- ber In which Catherine had been co Without much difficulty he discovered the tra bad just succeeded in opening it when the torch was m Suatching it from the wonder-stricken m bidding ne race tamale on guard within the chamber i none lo and enter, Conrad plunged down the sepa ad aimed te Oba) his ,» and bt but he ana he should not find anxiety increasing each moment. Atle he reached the first ron gate, and solodking ix with the key taken from Frideawide, he passed to the second gate, which was quickly thrown open, be hurried on, looking anxiously on either side of not save bare walls met his view, perceived & retreating figure in . ening the passage; but Fancying, at length, that the distance, he called out, But the person continued to flee from his pace, he soon became satisfied it was Yes! *twas she! she lived! he was in time to save her! Bewildered by terror, she ran on, screaming fearfully Conrad’s agony at this m cannot inted. He feared her sensea were gone, @ fled so swiftiy that he could not overtake her, sae , her strength At laxt, when he had almost began to seemed suddenly to fail her, and fell vo the ground. In another instant, he came up and ag her in bis arma, As the dishevelled tresses seemed to blind her, he removed vahos from ber as ome she reeanéed. bins with a wild and stare, in which terror p min . Ceara 7 not know me, Catherine?” he cried. “’Tis [—tis “No; you are not Conrad!’ she exclaimed, ‘* You are sent by that cruel woman.to kill me. She no in. rime | but if you have any, leave me! Let me die in ce ' “No; you shall not die, Catherine!” he exclaimed, **? am come to deliver yeu!’’ But th though uttered, did not reas- EOMIIcsoOoks (E@) ~~