第78章

AT THE PLAGUE-PIT.

The effect of the whisper was magical.Everything that had been dark before, became clear as noonday; and Sir Norman sat absolutely astounded at his own stupidity in not having found it out for himself before.Every feature, notwithstanding the disguise of wig and beard, became perfectly familiar; and even through the well-assumed voice, he recognized the royal tones.

It struck him all at once, and with it the fact of Leoline's increased danger.Count L'Estrange was a formidable rival, but King Charles of England was even more formidable.

Thought is quick - quicker than the electric telegraph or balloon traveling; and in two seconds the whole stated things, with all the attendant surprises and dangers, danced before his mind's eye like a panorama; and he comprehended the past, the present, and the future, before Hubert had uttered the last word of his whisper.He turned his eyes, with a very new and singular sensation, upon the quondam count, and found that gentlemen looking very hard at him, with, a preternaturally grave expression of countenance.Sir Norman knew well as anybody the varying moods of his royal countship, and, notwithstanding his general good nature, it was not safe to trifle with him at all times; so he repressed every outward sign of emotion whatever, and resolved to treat him as Count L'Estrange until he should choose to sail under his own proper colors.

"Well," said the count, with unruffled eagerness, "and so you decline to go any further Sir Norman?"Hubert's eye was fixed with a warning glance upon him, and Sir Norman composedly answered"No, count; I do not absolutely decline; but before I do go any further, I should like to know by what right do you bring all these men here, and what are your intentions in so doing.""And if I refuse to answer?"

"Then I refuse to move a step further in the business!" said Sir Norman, with decision.

"And why, my good friend? You surely can have no objection to anything that can be done against highwaymen and cut-throats.""Right! I have no objections, but others may.""Whom do you mean by others?"

"The king, for instance.His gracious majesty is whimsical at times; and who knows that he may take it into his royal head to involve us somehow with them.I know the adage, 'put not your trust in princes.'""Very good," said the count, with a slight and irrepressible smile; "your prudence is beyond all praise! But I think, in this matter I may safely promise to stand between you and the king's wrath.Look at those horsemen beyond you, and see if they do not wear the uniform of his majesty's own body-guard."Sir Norman looked, and saw the dazzling of their splendid equipments glancing and glistening in the moonbeams.

"I see.Then you have the royal permission for all this?""You have said it.Now, most scrupulous of men, proceed!""Look there!" exclaimed Hubert, suddenly pointing to a corner of the rain."Someone has seen us, and is going now to give the alarm.""He shall miss it, though!" said Sir Norman, detecting, at the same instant, a dark figure getting through the broken doorway;and striking spurs into his horse, he was instantaneously beside it, out of the saddle, and had grasped the retreater by the shoulder.

"By your leave!" exclaimed Sir Norman."Not quite so fast!

Stand out here in the moonlight, until I see who you are.""Let me go!" cried the man, grappling with his opponent."I know who you are, and I swear you'll never see moonlight or sunlight again, if you do not instantly let me go."Sir Norman recognized the voice with a perfect shout of delight.

"The duke, by all that's lucky! O, I'll let you go: but not until the hangman gets hold of you.Villain and robber, you shall pay for your misdeeds now!""Hold!" shouted the commanding voice of Count L'Estrange.

"Cease, Sir Norman Kingsley! there is no time, and this is no person for you to scoff with.He is our prisoner, and shall show us the nearest way into this den of thieves.Give me your sword, fellow, and be thankful I do not make you shorter by a head with it.""You do not know him!" cried Sir Norman; in vivid excitement."Itell you this is the identical scoundrel who attempted to rob and murder you a few hours ago.""So much the better! He shall pay for that and all his other shortcomings, before long! But, in the meantime, I order him to bring us before the rest of this outlawed crew.""I shall do nothing of the kind," said the duke, sullenly.

"Just as you please.Here, my men, two of you take hold of this scoundrel, and dispatch him at once."The guard had all dismounted; and two of them came forward with edifying obedience, to do as they were told.

The effect upon the duke was miraculous.Instantly he started up, with an energy perfectly amazing:

"No, no, no! I'll do it! Come this way, gentlemen, and I'll bring you direct into their midst.O good Lord! whatever will become of us?"This last frantic question was addressed to society in general, but Sir Norman felt called upon to answer:

"That's very easily told, my man.If you and the rest of your titled associates receive your deserts (as there is no doubt you will) from the gracious hand of our sovereign lord, the king, the strongest rope and highest gallows at Tyburn will be your elevated destiny."The duke groaned dismally, and would have come to a halt to beg mercy on the spot, had not Hubert given him a probe in, the ribs with the point of his dagger, that sent him on again, with a distracted howl.

"Why, this is a perfect Hades!" said the count, as he stumbled after, in the darkness."Are you sure we are going right, Kingsley"The inquiry was not unnatural, for the blackness was perfectly Tartarian, and the soldiers behind were knocking their tall shins against all sorts of obstacles as they groped blindly along, invoking from them countless curses, not loud, but deep.