CHAPTER XV.
THE ELIXIR.
On beholding the well-remembered roof and gables of the old mansionpeeping from out the grove of trees in which it was embosomed, Viviana'sheart died away within her. The thought that her father, who had sorecently quitted it in the full enjoyment of health, and of everyworldly blessing, should be so soon brought back a corpse, was almosttoo agonizing for endurance. Reflecting, however, that this was noseason for the indulgence of grief, but that she was called upon to actwith firmness, she bore up resolutely against her emotion.
Arrived within a short distance of the Hall, Catesby caused the littletrain to halt under the shelter of the trees, while he rode forward toascertain that they could safely approach it. As he drew near,everything proclaimed that the hand of the spoiler had been there.Crossing the drawbridge, he entered the court, which bore abundant marksof the devastation recently committed. Various articles of furniture,broken, burnt, or otherwise destroyed, were lying scattered about. Theglass in the windows was shivered; the doors forced from their hinges;the stone-copings of the walls pushed off; the flower-beds trampledupon; the moat itself was in some places choked up with rubbish, whilein others its surface was covered with floating pieces of timber.
Led by curiosity Catesby proceeded to the spot where the stables hadstood. Nothing but a heap of blackened ruins met his gaze. Scarcelyone stone was standing on another. The appearance of the place was sodesolate and disheartening, that he turned away instantly. Leaving hishorse in a shed, he entered the house. Here, again, he encountered freshravages. The oak-panels and skirting-boards were torn from the walls;the ceilings pulled down; and the floor lay inch-deep in broken plasterand dust. On ascending to the upper rooms, he found the same disorder.The banisters of the stairs were broken; the bedsteads destroyed; theroof partially untiled. Every room was thickly strewn with leaves tornfrom valuable books, with fragments of apparel, and other articles,which the searchers not being able to carry off had wantonly destroyed.
Having contemplated this scene of havoc for some time, with feelings ofthe bitterest indignation, Catesby descended to the lowest story; and,after searching ineffectually for the domestics, was about to depart,when, turning suddenly, he perceived a man watching him from anadjoining room. Catesby instantly called to him; but, seeing that thefellow disregarded his assurances, and was about to take to his heels,he drew his sword, and threatened him with severe punishment if heattempted to fly. Thus exhorted, the man--who was no other than theyounger Heydocke--advanced towards him; and throwing himself at hisfeet, begged him in the most piteous terms to do him no injury.
"I have already told you I am a friend," replied Catesby, sheathing hissword.
"Ah! Mr. Catesby, is it you I behold?" cried Martin Heydocke, whosefears had hitherto prevented him from noticing the features of theintruder. "What brings your worship to this ill-fated house?"
"First let me know if there is any enemy about?" replied Catesby.
"None that I am aware of," rejoined Martin. "Having ransacked thepremises, and done all the mischief they could, as you perceive, themiscreants departed the day before yesterday, and I have seen nothing ofthem since, though I have been constantly on the watch. The only alarm Ihave had was that occasioned by your worship just now."
"Are you alone here?" demanded Catesby.
"No, your worship," answered Martin. "There are several of the servantsconcealed in a secret passage under the house. But they are so terrifiedby what has lately happened, that they never dare show themselves,except during the night-time."
"I do not wonder at it," replied Catesby.
"And now may I inquire whether your worship brings any tidings of SirWilliam Radcliffe and Mistress Viviana?" rejoined Martin. "I hope no illhas befallen them. My father, old Jerome Heydocke, set out to Holywella few days ago, to apprise them of their danger, and I have not heard ofthem since."
"Sir William Radcliffe is dead," replied Catesby. "The villains havemurdered him. Your father is a prisoner."
"Alas! alas!" cried the young man, bursting into tears; "these arefearful times to live in. What will become of us all?"
"We must rise against the oppressor," replied Catesby, sternly. "Bitethe heel that tramples upon us."
"We must," rejoined Martin. "And if my poor arm could avail, it shouldnot be slow to strike."
"Manfully resolved!" cried Catesby, who never lost an opportunity ofgaining a proselyte. "I will point out to you a way by which you mayaccomplish what you desire. But we will talk of this hereafter. Hoard upyour vengeance till the fitting moment for action arrives."
He then proceeded to explain to the young man, who was greatly surprisedby the intelligence, that Viviana was at hand, and that the body of SirWilliam had been brought thither for interment in the family vault atthe Collegiate Church. Having ascertained that there was a chamber,which, having suffered less than the others, might serve for Viviana'saccommodation, Catesby returned to the party.
A more melancholy cavalcade has been seldom seen than now approached thegates of Ordsall Hall. First rode Viviana, in an agony of tears, for hergrief had by this time become absolutely uncontrollable, with Catesby onfoot, leading her horse. Next came Garnet, greatly exhausted anddepressed; his eyes cast dejectedly on the ground. Then came the litter,containing Guy Fawkes; and, lastly, the vehicle with the body of SirWilliam Radcliffe. On arriving at the gate, Viviana was met by twofemale servants, whom Martin Heydocke had summoned from theirhiding-places; and, as soon as she had dismounted, she was supported,for she was scarcely able to walk unaided, to the chamber destined forher reception. This done, Catesby proceeded, with some anxiety, tosuperintend the removal of Fawkes, who was perfectly insensible. Hiswound had bled considerably during the journey; but the effusion hadstopped when the faintness supervened. He was placed in one of the lowerrooms till a sleeping-chamber could be prepared for him. The last taskwas to attend to the remains of the late unfortunate possessor of themansion. By Catesby's directions a large oak table, once occupying thegreat hall, was removed to the Star Chamber, already described as theprincipal room of the house; and, being securely propped up,--for, likethe rest of the furniture, it had been much damaged by the spoilers,though, being of substantial material, it offered greater resistance totheir efforts,--the shell containing the body was placed upon it.
"Better he should lie thus," exclaimed Catesby, when the melancholyoffice was completed, "than live to witness the wreck around him. Fatalas are these occurrences," he added, pursuing the train of thoughtsuggested by the scene, "they are yet favourable to my purpose. The onlyperson who could have prevented my union with Viviana Radcliffe--herfather--lies there. Who would have thought when she rejected my proposala few days ago, in this very room, how fortune would conspire--and bywhat dark and inscrutable means--to bring it about! Fallen as it is,this house is not yet fallen so low, but I can reinstate it. Its youngmistress mine, her estates mine,--for she is now inheritress of all herfather's possessions,--the utmost reach of my ambition were gained, andall but one object of my life--for which I have dared so much, andstruggled so long--achieved!"
"What are you thinking of, my son?" asked Garnet, who had watched thechanging expression of his sombre countenance,--"what are you thinkingof?" he said, tapping him on the shoulder.
"Of that which is never absent from my thoughts, father--the greatdesign," replied Catesby; "and of the means of its accomplishment, whichthis sad scene suggests."
"I do not understand you, my son," rejoined the other.
"Does not Radcliffe's blood cry aloud for vengeance?" continued Catesby;"and think you his child will be deaf to the cry? No, father, she willno longer tamely submit to wrongs that would steel the gentlest bosom,and make firm the feeblest arm, but will go hand and heart with us inour project. Viviana must be mine," he added, altering his tone, "ours,I should say,--for, if she is mine, all the vast possessions that haveaccrued to her by her father's death shall be devoted to the furtheranceof the mighty enterprise."
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br /> "I cannot think she will refuse you now, my son," replied Garnet.
"She _shall not_ refuse me, father," rejoined Catesby. "The time is goneby for idle wooing."
"I will be no party to forcible measures, my son," returned Garnet,gravely. "As far as persuasion goes, I will lend you every assistance inmy power, but nothing further."
"Persuasion is all that will be required, I am assured, father,"answered Catesby, hastily, perceiving he had committed himself too far."But let us now see what can be done for Guy Fawkes."
"Would there was any hope of his life!" exclaimed Garnet, sighingdeeply. "In losing him, we lose the bravest of our band."
"We do," returned Catesby. "And yet he has been subject to strangefancies of late."
"He has been appalled, but never shaken," rejoined Garnet. "Of all ournumber, you and he were the only two upon whom I could rely. When he isgone, you will stand alone."
Catesby made no reply, but led the way to the chamber where the woundedman lay. He had regained his consciousness, but was too feeble to speak.After such restoratives as were at hand had been administered, Catesbywas about to order a room to be fitted up for him, when Viviana, whoseanxiety for the sufferer had overcome her affliction, made herappearance. On learning Catesby's intentions, she insisted upon Fawkesbeing removed to the room allotted to her, which had not been dismantledlike the rest. Seeing it was in vain to oppose her, Catesby assented,and the sufferer was accordingly carried thither, and placed within thebed--a large antique piece of furniture, hung with faded damaskcurtains. The room was one of the oldest in the house, and at thefurther end stood a small closet, approached by an arched doorway, andfitted up with a hassock and crucifix, which, strange to say, hadescaped the ravages of the searchers.
Placed within the couch, Guy Fawkes began to ramble as before about theconspiracy; and fearing his ravings might awaken the suspicion of theservants, Catesby would not suffer any of them to come near him, butarranged with Garnet to keep watch over him by turns. By degrees, hebecame more composed; and, after dozing a little, opened his eyes, and,looking round, inquired anxiously for his sword. At first, Catesby, whowas alone with him at the time, hesitated in his answer, but seeing heappeared greatly disturbed, he showed him that his hat, gauntlets, andrapier were lying by the bedside.
"I am content," replied the wounded man, smiling faintly; "that swordhas never left my side, waking or sleeping, for twenty years. Let megrasp it once more--perhaps for the last time."
Catesby handed him the weapon. He looked at it for a few moments, andpressed the blade to his lips.
"Farewell, old friend!" he said, a tear gathering in his eye, "farewell!Catesby," he added, as he resigned the weapon to him, "I have onerequest to make. Let my sword be buried with me."
"It shall," replied Catesby, in a voice suffocated by emotion, for therequest touched him where his stern nature was most accessible: "I willplace it by you myself."
"Thanks!" exclaimed Fawkes. And soon after this, he again fell into aslumber.
His sleep endured for some hours; but his breathing grew fainter andfainter, so that at the last it was scarcely perceptible. A strikingchange had likewise taken place in his countenance, and these signsconvinced Catesby he had not long to live. While he was watching himwith great anxiety, Viviana appeared at the door of the chamber, andbeckoned him out. Noiselessly obeying the summons, and following heralong the gallery, he entered a room where he found Garnet.
"I have called you to say that a remedy has been suggested to me byMartin Heydocke," observed Viviana, "by which I trust Guy Fawkes may yetbe saved."
"How?" asked Catesby, eagerly.
"Doctor Dee, the warden of Manchester, of whom you must have heard," shecontinued, "is said to possess an elixir of such virtue, that a fewdrops of it will snatch him who drinks them from the very jaws ofdeath."
"I should not have suspected you of so much credulity, Viviana," repliedCatesby; "but grant that Doctor Dee possesses this marvellouselixir--which for my own part I doubt--how are we to obtain it?"
"If you will repair to the college, and see him, I doubt not he willgive it you," rejoined Viviana.
Catesby smiled incredulously.
"I have a claim upon Doctor Dee," she persisted, "which I have neverenforced. I will now use it. Show him this token," she continued,detaching a small ornament from her neck; "tell him you bring it fromme, and I am sure he will comply with your request."
"Your commands shall be obeyed, Viviana," replied Catesby; "but Ifrankly confess I have no faith in the remedy."
"It is at least worth the trial, my son," observed Garnet. "Doctor Deeis a wonderful person, and has made many discoveries in medicine, as inother sciences, and this marvellous specific may, for aught we know,turn out no imposture."
"If such is your opinion," replied Catesby, "I will set out at once. Ifit is to be tried at all, it must be without delay. The poor sufferer issinking fast."
"Go then," cried Viviana, "and heaven speed your mission! If you couldprevail upon Doctor Dee to visit the wounded man in person, I shouldprefer it. Besides, I have another request to make of him--but that willdo hereafter. Lose not a moment now."
"I will fly on the wings of the wind," replied Catesby. "Heaven grantthat when I return the object of our solicitude may not be past allhuman aid!"
With this, he hurried to an out-building in which the horses wereplaced, and choosing the strongest and fleetest from out their number,mounted, and started at full gallop in the direction of Manchester; nordid he relax his speed until he reached the gates of the ancientCollege. Hanging the bridle of his smoking steed to a hook in the wall,he crossed the large quadrangular court; and finding the principalentrance open, passed the lofty room now used as the refectory, ascendedthe flight of stone stairs that conducts the modern visitor to thelibrary, and was traversing the long galleries communicating with it,and now crowded with the learning of ages, bequeathed by the benevolenceof his rival, Humphrey Chetham, when he encountered a grave butcrafty-looking personage, in a loose brown robe and Polish cap, whoangrily demanded his business.
Apologizing for the intrusion, Catesby was about to explain, when asmall oak door near them was partly opened, and an authoritative voice,from within, exclaimed, "Do not hinder him, Kelley. I know his business,and will see him."
The seer made no further remark, but pointing to the door, Catesby atonce comprehended that it was Dee's voice he had heard; and, thoughsomewhat startled by the intimation that he was expected, entered theroom. He found the Doctor surrounded by his magical apparatus, andslowly returning to the chair he had just quitted.
Without looking behind him to see whom he addressed, Dee continued, "Ihave just consulted my show-stone, and know why you are come hither. Youbring a token from Viviana Radcliffe."
"I do," replied Catesby, in increased astonishment. "It is here."
"It is needless to produce it," replied Dee, still keeping his backtowards him. "I have seen it already. Kelley," he continued, "I am aboutto set out for Ordsall Hall immediately. You must accompany me."
"Amazement!" cried Catesby. "Is the purpose of my visit then reallyknown to your reverence?"
"You shall hear," rejoined Dee, facing him. "You have a friend who is atthe point of death, and having heard that I possess an elixir ofwonderful efficacy, are come in quest of it."
"True," replied Catesby, utterly confounded.
"The name of that friend," pursued Dee, regarding him fixedly, "is GuyFawkes,--your own, Robert Catesby."
"I need no more to convince me, reverend sir," rejoined Catesby,trembling, in spite of himself, "that all I have heard of your wonderfulpowers falls far short of the truth."
"You are but just in time," replied Dee, bowing gravely, inacknowledgment of the compliment. "Another hour, and it would have beentoo late."
"Then you think he will live!" cried Catesby, eagerly.
"I am sure of it," replied Dee, "provided----"
"Provided what?" interrupted Catesby. "Is
there aught I can do to ensurehis recovery?"
"No," replied Dee, sternly. "I am debating within myself whether it isworth while reviving him for a more dreadful fate."
"What mean you, reverend sir?" asked Catesby, a shade passing over hiscountenance.
"You understand my meaning, and therefore need no explanation," repliedDee. "Return to Ordsall Hall, and tell Miss Radcliffe I will be there inan hour. Bid her have no further fear. If the wounded man breathes whenI arrive, I will undertake to cure him. Add further, that I know theother request she desires to make of me, and that it is granted beforeit is asked. Farewell, sir, for a short time."
On reaching the court, Catesby expanded his chest, shook his limbs, andexclaimed, "At length, I breathe freely. The atmosphere of that infernalchamber smelt so horribly of sulphur that it almost stifled me. Well, ifDoctor Dee has not dealings with the devil, man never had! However, ifhe cures Guy Fawkes, I care not whence the medicine comes from."
As he descended Smithy Bank, and was about to cross the old bridge overthe Irwell, he perceived a man riding before him, who seemed anxious toavoid him. Struck by this person's manner, he urged his horse into aquicker pace, and being better mounted of the two, soon overtook him,when to his surprise he found it was Martin Heydocke.
"What are you doing here, sirrah?" he demanded.
"I have been sent by Mistress Viviana with a message to Mr. HumphreyChetham," replied the young man, in great confusion.
"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby, angrily. "And how dared you convey amessage to him, without consulting me on the subject?"
"I was not aware you were my master," replied Martin, sulkily. "If I oweobedience to any one, it is to Mr. Chetham, whose servant I am. But ifMistress Viviana gives me a message to deliver, I will execute hercommands, whoever may be pleased or displeased."
"I did but jest, thou saucy knave," returned Catesby, who did not desireto offend him. "Here is a piece of money for thee. Now, if it be nosecret, what was Miss Radcliffe's message to thy master?"
"I know not what her letter contained," replied Martin; "but his answerwas, that he would come to the hall at midnight."
"It is well I ascertained this," thought Catesby, and he added aloud, "Iunderstood your master had been arrested and imprisoned."
"So he was," replied Martin; "but he had interest enough with theCommissioners to procure his liberation."
"Enough," replied Catesby; and striking spurs into his charger, hedashed off.
A quarter of an hour's hard riding brought him to the hall, and, onarriving there, he proceeded at once to the wounded man's chamber, wherehe found Viviana and Garnet.
"Have you succeeded in your errand?" cried the former, eagerly. "WillDoctor Dee come, or has he sent the elixir?"
"He will bring it himself," replied Catesby.
Viviana uttered an exclamation of joy, and the sound appeared to reachthe ears of the sufferer, for he stirred, and groaned faintly.
"Doctor Dee desired me to tell you," continued Catesby, drawing Vivianaaside, and speaking in a low tone, "that your other request wasgranted."
Viviana looked surprised, and as if she did not clearly understand him.
"Might he not refer to Humphrey Chetham?" remarked Catesby, somewhatmaliciously.
"Ah! you have learnt from Martin Heydocke that I have written to him,"returned Viviana, blushing deeply. "What I was about to ask of DoctorDee had no reference to Humphrey Chetham. It was to request permissionto privately inter my father's remains in our family vault in theCollegiate Church. But how did he know I had any request to make?"
"That passes my comprehension," replied Catesby, "unless he obtained hisinformation from his familiar spirits."
Shortly after this, Dr. Dee and Kelley arrived at the hall. Catesby metthem at the gate, and conducted them to the wounded man's chamber.Coldly saluting Garnet, whom he eyed with suspicion, and bowingrespectfully to Viviana, the Doctor slowly advanced to the bedside. Hegazed for a short time at the wounded man, and folded his armsthoughtfully upon his breast. The eyes of the sufferer were closed, andhis lips slightly apart, but no breath seemed to issue from them. Hisbronzed complexion had assumed the ghastly hue of death, and hisstrongly-marked features had become fixed and rigid. His black hair,stiffened and caked with blood, escaped from the bandages around hishead, and hung in elf locks on the pillow. It was a piteous spectacle;and Doctor Dee appeared much moved by it.
"The worst is over," he muttered: "why recall the spirit to its wretchedtenement?"
"If you can save him, reverend sir, do not hesitate," implored Viviana.
"I am come hither for that purpose," replied Dee; "but I must have noother witness to the experiment except yourself, and my attendantKelley."
"I do not desire to be present, reverend sir," replied Viviana; "but Iwill retire into that closet, and pray that your remedy may prevail."
"My prayers for the same end shall be offered in the adjoining room,"observed Garnet; and taking Catesby's arm, who seemed spell-bound bycuriosity, he dragged him away.
The door closed, and Viviana withdrew into the closet, where she kneltdown before the crucifix. Doctor Dee seated himself on the bedside; andtaking a gourd-shaped bottle, filled with a clear sparkling liquid, frombeneath his robe, he raised it to his eyes with his left hand, while heplaced his right on the wrist of the wounded man. In this attitude hecontinued for a few seconds, while Kelley, with his arms folded,likewise kept his gaze fixed on the phial. At the expiration of thattime, Dee, who had apparently counted the pulsations of the sufferer,took out the glass stopper from the bottle, the contents of whichdiffused a pungent odour around; and wetting a small piece of linen withit, applied it to his temples. He then desired Kelley to raise his head,and poured a few drops down his throat. This done, he waited a fewminutes, and repeated the application.
"Look!" he cried to Kelley. "The elixir already begins to operate. Hischest heaves. His limbs shiver. That flush upon the cheek, and thatdampness upon the brow, denote that the animal heat is restored. A thirddraught will accomplish the cure."
"I can already feel his heart palpitate," observed Kelley, placing hishand on the patient's breast.
"Heaven be praised!" ejaculated Viviana, who had suspended her devotionsto listen.
"Hold him tightly," cried Dee to his assistant, "while I administer thelast draught. He may injure himself by his struggles."
Kelley obeyed, and twined his arms tightly round the wounded man. Andfortunate it was that the precaution was taken, for the elixir was nosooner poured down his throat than his chest began to labour violently,his eyes opened, and, raising himself bolt-upright, he struggledviolently to break from the hold imposed upon him. This he would haveeffected, if Dee had not likewise lent his aid to prevent him.
"This is, indeed, a wonderful sight!" cried Viviana, who had quitted thecloset, and now gazed on, in awe and astonishment. "I can never besufficiently thankful to you, reverend sir."
"Give thanks to Him to whom alone they are due," replied Dee. "Summonyour friends. They may now resume their posts. My task is accomplished."
Catesby and Garnet being called into the room, could scarcely credittheir senses when they beheld Guy Fawkes, who by this time had ceasedstruggling, reclining on Kelley's shoulder, and, except a certainwildness in the eye and cadaverousness of hue, looking as he was wont todo.
_Doctor Dee resuscitating Guy Fawkes_]