CHAPTER THE SEVENTEENTH
*In which our hero finds himself among friends; and Colonel Cliveprepares to astonish Angria.*
The entrance of a strange grab had not passed unnoticed. Before theanchor had been dropped, the superintendent of marine put off in a toni.
"What grab is that?" he shouted in Urdu, as he came alongside.
"The _Tremukji_, sir," replied Desmond in English.
"Eh! what! who in the name of Jupiter are you?"
"You'd better come aboard, sir, and I'll explain," said Desmond with asmile.
The superintendent mounted the side, rapping out sundry exclamations ofastonishment that amused Desmond not a little.
"Don't talk like a native! H'm! Queer! Turn him inside out! Nononsense!"
"Well, here I am," he added, stepping up to Desmond. "My name's Johnson,and I'm superintendent of marine. Now then, explain; no nonsense!"
Desmond liked the look of the little man. He was short and stout, witha very large red face, a broad turn-up nose, and childlike blue eyesthat bespoke confidence at once.
"My name is Desmond Burke, sir, and I've run away from Gheria in thisgrab."
"The deuce you have!"
"Yes, sir. I've been a prisoner there for six months and more, and wegot off a few nights ago in the darkness."
"H'm! Any more Irishmen aboard?"
"Not that I'm aware of, sir."
"And you got away from Gheria, did you? You're the first that ever Iheard did so. Nothing to do with Commodore James, eh?"
"No, sir. I don't know what you mean."
"Why, Commodore James started t'other day to take a good sea-look atGheria. There's an expedition getting ready to draw that rascallyPirate's teeth. You saw nothing of the squadron? No nonsense, now."
"Not a thing, sir. We were blown out to sea, and I suppose theCommodore passed us in the night."
"H'm! Very likely. And you weathered that storm, did you? Learnt yourseamanship, eh?"
"Picked up a little on board the _Good Intent_, sir. I was ship's boyaboard."
"Mighty queer ship's boy!" said Mr. Johnson in an audible aside. "The_Good Intent's_ a villainous interloper; how came you aboard of her?"
"I was in a sense tricked into it, sir, and when we got to GheriaCaptain Barker and Mr. Diggle the supercargo sold me to Angria."
"Sold you to the Pirate?"
"Yes, sir."
"And where do you hail from, then?"
"Shropshire, sir; my father was Captain Richard Burke, in the Company'sservice."
"Jupiter! You're Dick Burke's son! Gad, sir, give me your hand; I knewDick Burke; many's the sneaker of Bombay punch we've tossed offtogether. No nonsense about Dick; give me your fist. And so yousneaked out of Gheria and sailed this grab, eh? Well, you're a chip ofthe old block, and a credit to your old dad. I want to hear all aboutthis. And you'll have to come ashore and see the Governor."
"It's very kind of you, Mr. Johnson, but really I can't appear beforethe Governor in this rig."
He glanced ruefully at his bare legs and feet and tattered garments.
"True, you en't very ship-shape, but we'll soon alter that. Ever use arazor?"
"Not yet, sir," replied Desmond with a smile.
"Thought not. Plenty of native barbers. You must get shaved. And I'llrig you up in a suit of some sort. You must see the Governor at once,and no nonsense."
"What about the grab, sir?"
"Leave that to me. You've got a pretty mixed crew, I see. All escapedprisoners too?"
"All but four."
"And not one of 'em to be trusted, I'll swear. Well I'll put a crewaboard to take charge. Come along; there's no time to lose. ColonelClive goes to bed early."
"Colonel Clive! Is he here?"
"Yes; arrived from home two days ago. Ah! that reminds me; you're aShropshire lad; so's he; do you know him?"
"No, sir; I've seen him; I--I----"
Desmond stammered, remembering his unfortunate encounter with Clive inBilliter Street.
"Well, well," said the superintendent, with a quizzical look; "you'llsee him again. Come along."
Desmond accompanied Mr. Johnson on shore. A crowd had gathered. Therewere sepoys in turban, cabay,[#] and baggy drawers; bearded Arabs;Parsis in their square brimless hats; and a various assortment ofhabitues of the shore--crimps, landsharks, badmashes,[#] bunder[#]gangs. Seeing Desmond hold his nose at the all-prevailing stench of fishMr. Johnson laughed.
[#] Cloak.
[#] Rowdy characters.
[#] Port.
"You'll soon get used to that," he said. "'Tis all fish-oil andbummaloes[#] in Bombay."
[#] Small fish the size of smelt, known when dried as "Bombay duck."
Having sent a trustworthy crew on board the Tremukji, the superintendentled Desmond to his house near the docks. Here, while a native barberplied his dexterous razor on Desmond's cheeks and chin, Mr. Johnsonsearched through a miscellaneous hoard of clothes in one of hiscapacious presses for an outfit. He found garments that proved areasonable fit, and Desmond, while dressing, gave a rapid sketch of hisadventures since he left the prison-shed in Gheria.
"My wigs, but you've had a time of it. Mutiny and all! Dash mybuttons, here's a tale for the ladies! Let me look at you. Yes, you'lldo now, and faith you're a pretty fellow. And Dick Burke's son! You'vegot his nose to a T; no nonsense about that. Now you're ready to makeyour bow to Mr. Bourchier. He's been a coursing match with ColonelClive and Mr. Watson[#] up Malabar Hill, and we'll catch him before hesits down to supper. How do you feel inside, by the way? Ready for adecent meal after the Pirate's hog's wash, eh?"
[#] It was customary to use the title Mr. in speaking to or of bothnaval and military officers.
"I'm quite comfortable inside," said Desmond smiling, "but, to tell youthe truth, Mr. Johnson, I feel mighty uneasy outside. After six monthsof the dhoti these breeches and things seem just like bandages."
"It en't the first time you've been swaddled, if you had a mother. Wellnow, if you're ready. What! That rascal gashed you? Tuts! 'tis ascratch. Can't wait to doctor that. Come on."
The two made their way into the fort enclosure, and walked rapidly toGovernment House in the centre. In answer to Mr. Johnson the darwan[#]at the door said that the Governor would not return that night. Afterthe coursing match he was giving a supper party at his country house atParel.
[#] Doorkeeper.
"That's a nuisance. But we can't have any nonsense. The Governor's abit of an autocrat; too much starch in his shirt, I say; but we'll goout to Parel and beard him, by Jove! 'Tis only five miles out, andwe'll drive there in under an hour."
Turning away he hurried out past the tank-house on to the Green, and bygood luck found an empty shigram[#] waiting to be hired. Desmondmounted the vehicle with no little curiosity. These great beasts withtheir strange humps would surely not cover five miles in less than anhour. But he was undeceived when they started. The two sturdy oxentrotted along at a good pace in obedience to the driver's goad, and theshigram rattled across Bombay Green, past the church and the whitewashedhouses of the English merchants, their oyster-shell windows already litup; and in some forty-five minutes entered a long avenue leading to Mr.Bourchier's country house. Twice during the course of the journeyDesmond was interested to see the shigramwallah[#] pull his team up,dismount, and, going to their heads, insert his hand in their mouths.
[#] Carriage like a palanquin on wheels.
[#] Wallah is a personal affix, denoting a close connexion between theperson and the thing described by the main word. Shigramwallahthus=carriage-driver.
"What does he do that for?" he asked.
"To clear their throats, to be sure. When the beasts go at this pacethey make a terrible lot of foam, and if he didn't swab it out they'dchoke, and no nonsense. Well, here we are. Dash my wig, won't hisExcellency open his eyes!"
Since their departure from the fort the sky had
become quite dark. Atthe end of the avenue they could see the lights of Governor Bourchier'sbungalow, and by and by caught sight of figures sitting on the veranda.Desmond's heart beat high; he made no doubt that one of them was Clive;the moment to which he had looked forward so eagerly was at last athand. He was in no dreamland; his dream had come true. He felt alittle nervous at the prospect of meeting men so famous, so immeasurablyabove him, as Clive and Admiral Watson; but with Clive he felt a bond ofunion in his birthplace, and it was with recovered confidence that hesprang out of the cart and accompanied Mr. Johnson to the bungalow. Hewas further reassured by a jolly laugh that rang out just as he reachedthe steps leading up to the veranda.
"Hallo, Johnson!" said a voice, "what does this mean?"
"I've come to see the Governor, Captain."
"Then you couldn't have come at a worse time. The supper's half an hourlate, and you know what that means to the Governor."
Mr. Johnson smiled.
"He'll forget his supper when he has heard my news. 'Tis about thePirate."
"What's that?" said another voice. "News of the Pirate?"
"Yes, Mr. Watson. This young gentleman----"
But he was interrupted by the khansaman,[#] who came out at this momentand with a salaam announced that supper was served.
[#] Butler.
"You'd better come in, Johnson," said the first speaker. "Any news ofthe Pirate will be sauce to Mr. Bourchier's goose."
The gentlemen rose from their seats, and went into the house, followedby Desmond and the superintendent. In a moment Desmond found himself ina large room brilliantly lighted with candles. In the centre was around table, and Mr. Bourchier, the Governor, was placing his guests.He did not look very pleasant, and when he saw Mr. Johnson he said:
"You come at a somewhat unseasonable hour, sir. Cannot your businesswait till the morning?"
"I made bold to come, your Excellency, because 'tis a piece of news thelike of which no one in Bombay has ever heard before. This younggentleman, Mr. Desmond Burke, son of Captain Burke, whom you'llremember, sir, has escaped from Gheria."
The Governor and his guests were by this time seated, and instantly alleyes were focussed on Desmond, and exclamations of astonishment brokefrom their lips.
"Indeed! Bring chairs, Hossain."
One of the native attendants left the room noiselessly, and returningwith chairs placed them at the table.
"Sit down, gentlemen. That is amazing news, as you say, Mr. Johnson.Perhaps Mr. Burke will relate his adventure as we eat."
Desmond took the chair set for him. The guests were five. Two of themwore the laced coats of admirals; the taller, a man of handsomepresence, with a round chubby face, large eyes, small full lips, hishead crowned by a neat curled wig, was Charles Watson, in command of theBritish fleet; the other was his second, Rear-Admiral Pocock. A thirdwas Richard King, captain of an Indiaman, in a blue coat with velvetlappets and gold embroidery, buff waistcoat and breeches. Next him sata jolly red-faced gentleman in plain attire, and between him and theGovernor was Clive himself, whose striking face--the lawyer's brow, thewarrior's nose and chin, the dreamer's mouth--would have marked him outin any company.
Desmond began his story. The barefooted attendants moved quietly aboutwith the dishes, but the food was almost neglected as the six gentlemenlistened to the clear, low voice telling of the escape from the fort,the capture of the grab, and the eventful voyage to Bombay harbour.
"By George! 'tis a famous adventure," exclaimed Admiral Watson, when thestory was ended. "What about this Pirate's den? Gheria fort is said tobe impregnable; what are the chances if we attack, eh? The approachesto the harbour, now; do you know the depth of water?"
"Vessels can stand in to three fathoms water, sir. Seven fathoms iswithin point-blank shot of the fort. The walls are about fifty feethigh; there are twenty-seven bastions, and they mount more than twohundred guns."
"And the opposite shore?"
"A flat tableland, within distance for bombarding. A diversion might bemade from there while the principal attack could be carried on in theharbour, or from a hill south of the fort."
"Is the landing easy?"
"Yes, sir. There are three sandy bays under the hill, without any surfto make landing difficult. One is out of the line of fire from thefort."
"And what about the land side? There's a town, is there not?"
"On a neck of land, sir. There's a wall, but nothing to keep out aconsiderable force. If an attack were made from that side the peoplewould, I think, flock into the fort."
"And is that as strong as rumour says?"
"'Tis pretty strong, sir; there are double walls, and thick ones; they'dstand a good battering."
"It seems to me, Admiral," said the red-faced gentleman, with a laugh,"that you've learnt all you sent Commodore James to find out. What doyou say, Mr. Clive?"
"It seems so, Mr. Merriman. But I think, Mr. Watson, in our eagernessto learn something of Gheria, we must seem somewhat cavalier to thislad, whose interest in our plans cannot be equal to our own. You haveshown, sir," he added, addressing Desmond, "great spirit and courage,not less ingenuity, in your daring escape from the Pirate. But I want togo farther back. How came you to fall into the Pirate's hands? Youhave told us only part of your story."
"Yes, indeed," said Mr. Bourchier. "If you are not tired, we shall bevastly pleased to hear more, Mr. Burke."
"Your name is Burke?" interrupted Clive. "I had not before caught it.May I ask what part of Ireland you come from, sir? Pardon me, but youraccent smacks more of Shropshire than of County Dublin."
"'Tis Shropshire, sir; I come from Market Drayton." ("Like yourself!"his glowing cheeks and flashing eyes seemed to say. This was theproudest moment in Desmond's life as yet.)
"I was not mistaken," said Clive. "I remember a schoolfellow of mine ofyour name; let me see----"
"Richard Burke, sir, my brother; my father was Captain Burke in theCompany's service."
"Sure I have it now. I remember him: a tall, fine old sea-dog whom Isaw at times in Market Drayton when I was a child. I had a great awe ofCaptain Burke--i' faith the only man I was afraid of. And you are hisson!--But come, I am interrupting your story."
Desmond spoke of his longing for adventure, which had led him to leavehome in search of fortune. He glossed over his brother's ill-treatment.He told how he had been inveigled on board the _Good Intent_, and handedover to Angria when the vessel arrived at Gheria. He mentioned no namesexcept that of Captain Barker, though he could not have explained hismotive in keeping silence about Diggle.
"Barker is a villain, ripe for the gallows," said Captain King. "ButMr. Burke, I don't understand how you came to be so hoodwinked inLondon. Sure you must have known that a boy without an ounce ofexperience would never be made supercargo. Had you any enemies inLondon?"
"I didn't know that I had, sir, till the _Good Intent_ had sailed. Iwas deceived, but the man who promised me the berth was very friendly,and I didn't suspect him."
"It was not Barker, then?"
"No, sir; it was a man I met at Market Drayton."
"At Market Drayton?" said Clive. "That's odd. What was his name?"
"His name was Diggle, and----"
"A stranger? I remember no one of that name," said Clive.
"I thought he was a stranger, sir; but of late I have begun to suspecthe was not such a stranger as he seemed."
"How did you meet him?"
"Accidentally, sir, the night of your banquet in Market Drayton."
"Indeed! 'Tis all vastly curious. Was he lodging in the town?"
"He came in from Chester that night and lodged at the _Four Alls_."
"With that disreputable sot Grinsell----" Clive paused. "Did he tell youanything about himself?
"Very little, sir, except that he'd been unlucky. I think he mentionedonce that he was a fellow at a Cambridge college, but he spoke to memost about India."
As he put his questions Cl
ive leant forward, and seemed to become morekeenly interested with every answer. He now turned and gave a hard lookat the bluff man whom he had called Mr. Merriman. The rest of thecompany were silent.
"Do you happen to know whether he went up to the Hall?" asked Clive.
"Sir Willoughby's? I met him several times walking in thatneighbourhood, but I don't think he went to the Hall. He did not appearto know Sir Willoughby.--And yet, sir, I remember now that I heardDiggle and Grinsell talking about the Squire the night I first saw themtogether at the _Four Alls_."
"And you were with this--Diggle, in London, Mr. Burke?"
"Yes, sir."
Desmond began to feel uncomfortable. Clive had evidently not recognizedhim before, and he was hoping that the unfortunate incident in BilliterStreet would not be recalled. Clive's next words made him wish to sinkinto the floor.
"Do you remember, Mr. Burke, in London, throwing yourself in the way ofa gentleman that was in pursuit of your friend Mr. Diggle, and bringinghim to the ground?"
"Yes, sir, I did, and I am sorry for it."
Desmond did not like the grim tone of Clive's voice; he wished he wouldaddress him as "my lad" instead of "Mr. Burke."
"That was a bad start, let me say, Mr. Burke--an uncommonly bad start."
"Oh come, Mr. Clive!" broke in Mr. Merriman, "say no more about that.The boy was in bad company: 'twas not his fault. In truth, 'twas my ownfault: I am impetuous; the sight of that scoundrel was too much for me.I bear you no grudge, my lad, though I had a bump on my head for a weekafterwards. Had you not tripped me I should have run my rapier throughthe villain, and there would like have been an end of me."
"Shall I tell the boy, Mr. Merriman?" said Clive in an undertone.
"Not now, not now," said Merriman quickly.
The other gentlemen, during this dialogue, had been discussing theinformation they had gained about Gheria.
"Well," said Clive, "you are lucky, let me tell you, Mr. Burke, to beout of this Diggle's clutches. By the way, have you seen him since hesold you to the Pirate?"
"He came a few days before I escaped, and wanted me to come here as aspy. Angria promised me my freedom and a large sum of money."
"What's that?" cried Merriman. "Wanted you to come as a spy?"
"Yes, sir."
"And what did you say?"
"I told him he might do it himself."
"A palpable hit!" said Merriman with a grim laugh, "and a very properanswer. But he'll have more respect for his skin."
"Gentlemen," put in Mr. Bourchier, "we have kept Mr. Burke talking somuch that he hasn't had a mouthful of food. I think we might go out onthe veranda and smoke our cheroots while he takes some supper. Mr.Johnson, you've done most justice to my viands, I think. Perhaps youwill join us."
The superintendent became purple in the face. He had in fact beeneating and drinking with great gusto, taking advantage of thepreoccupation of the company to ensure that the excellent fare shouldnot be wasted. He rose hurriedly, and, with a sheepish look thatscarcely fitted his cheerful features, followed his sarcastic host tothe veranda. All the guests save Mr. Merriman accompanied Mr.Bourchier.
"They all want to talk shop--this expedition against the Pirate," saidMr. Merriman. "You and I can have a little chat."
Desmond was attracted by the open face of his new acquaintance, slightlydisfigured, as he noticed, by a long scar on the left temple.
"You're plucky and lucky," continued Merriman, "and in spite of what Mr.Clive calls your bad start in bowling me over, you'll do well."
His face clouded as he went on:
"That man Diggle: why should he have sold you to the Pirate: what had heagainst you?"
"I cannot imagine, sir."
"You are lucky to have escaped him, as Mr. Clive said. I think--yes, Iwill tell you about him. His name is not Diggle; it is Simon Peloti.He is a nephew of Sir Willoughby. His mother married a Greek, againsther brother's wish; the man died when the child was a year old. As aboy Peloti was as charming a little fellow as one could wish: handsome,high-spirited, clever. He did well at school, and afterwards atCambridge: won a fellowship there. Then he went to the dogs--not all atonce; men never do. He was absolutely without principle, and thought ofnothing but his own ease and success. One thing led to another; atlast, in the '45----"
He paused. After a moment he went on:
"I had a brother, my lad----"
He stopped again, his face expressing poignant grief.
"I know, sir," said Desmond. "Sir Willoughby told me."
"He told you! And he did not mention Peloti?"
"No, sir; but I see it all now. It was Diggle--Peloti, I mean--whobetrayed your brother. I understand now why the Squire took no stepsagainst Grinsell. His accomplice was Diggle."
He related the incident of the housebreakers.
"Yes," said Merriman, "that throws a light on things. Peloti, I imagine,had previously seen the Squire, and tried to get money from him. SirWilloughby refused: he gave him a thousand pounds ten years ago oncondition he left the country and did not return. So the villainresolved to rob him. 'Twas fortunate indeed you appeared in time. Thatis the reason for his hating you."
"There was another, sir," said Desmond with some hesitation. "Hethought I was hankering after the Squire's property--aiming at becominghis heir. 'Twas ridiculous, sir; such an idea never entered my head."
"I see. Peloti came to India and got employment in the Company'sservice at Madras. But he behaved so badly that he had to be turnedout--he said Mr. Clive hounded him out. What became of him after that Idon't know. But let us leave the miserable subject. Tell me, what areyour ideas? What are you going to do now that you are a free man oncemore? Get another berth as supercargo?"
His eyes twinkled as he said this.
"No thank you, sir; once bit twice shy. I haven't really thought ofanything definite, but what I should like best of all would be acadetship under Colonel Clive."
"Soho! You're a fighter, are you? But of course you are; I have reasonto know that. Well, we'll see what my friend Mr. Clive says. You've nomoney, I suppose?"
"Not a halfpenny, sir; but if the Governor will admit that the grab ismy lawful prize, I thought of selling her; that will bring me a fewpounds."
"Capital idea. Punctilio won't stand in the way of that, I shouldthink. Well now, I'll speak to Mr. Clive for you, but don't build toomuch on it. He cannot give you a commission, I fear, without theauthority of the Governor of Madras; and though no doubt a word from himwould be effectual, he's a very particular man, and you'll have to proveyou're fit for a soldier's life. Meanwhile, what do you say to this?I've taken a fancy to you. I'm a merchant; trade pays better thansoldiering, in general. I've got ships of my own, and I daresay I couldfind a berth for you on one of them. You seem to know something ofnavigation?"
"Very little, sir; just what I picked up on the _Good Intent_."
"Well, that's a beginning. I've no doubt that Admiral Watson will wishyou to go to Gheria with him: your knowledge of the place will beuseful. He won't start for a month or two: why not occupy the time inimproving your navigation, so that if there are difficulties about acadetship you'll be competent for a mate's berth? Nothing like havingtwo strings to your bow. What do you say to that?"
"'Tis very good of you, sir; I accept with pleasure."
"That's right. Now when you've finished that curry we'll go out on theveranda. Before you came they were talking of nothing but their dogs;but I wager 'tis nothing but the Pirate now."
They soon rejoined the other gentlemen.
"Come, Mr. Burke," said Admiral Watson, "we've been talking over theinformation you've given us. You've nothing to do, I suppose?"
"I've just suggested that he should read up navigation, Mr. Watson,"said Merriman.
"You're a wizard, Mr. Merriman. I was proposing to engage Mr. Burke toaccompany us on our expedition against the Pirate. He can make himselfuseful when we get to Gheri
a. We'll see how James's information tallieswith his. You won't object to serve his Majesty, Mr. Burke?"
"'Tis what I should like best in the world, sir."
"Very well. Meanwhile learn all you can; Captain King here will takecharge of you, I've no doubt."
"Certainly, Mr. Watson."
"You will give Mr. Burke quarters for the present, Mr. Johnson?" saidMerriman.
"To be sure. And as 'tis late we'd better be going. Good night, yourExcellency; good night, gentlemen."
Early next day Admiral Watson himself rode down to the harbour toinspect the grab. He was so much pleased with her that he offered tobuy her for the service. Before the day was out Desmond found himself inpossession of seven thousand rupees. After paying the Marathas thewages agreed upon, he proceeded to divide the balance. He retained twoshares for himself, and gave each of the men who had escaped with him anequal part. No one was more surprised than Fuzl Khan when he receivedhis share in full. He had expected to get the punishment he knew hewell deserved. But Desmond, against the advice of the superintendent,determined to overlook the man's misconduct. He went further. At hisrequest Admiral Watson gave him a place on the grab. The Gujarati seemedoverwhelmed by this generosity on the part of a man he had wronged, andfor the nonce breaking through his usual morose reserve, he thankedDesmond, awkwardly indeed, but with manifest sincerity.
The other men were no less delighted with their good fortune. The sumthey each received made them rich men for life. None was more elatedthan Surendra Nath. It happened that Mr. Merriman came on board to seethe grab at the moment when Desmond was distributing the prize money.Desmond noticed a curious expression on the Babu's face, and he wascompelled to laugh when the man, after a moment's hesitation, walked upto Mr. Merriman, and with a strange mixture of humility and importancesaid:
"I wish you a very good morning, your honour."
"Good gad!--Surendra Nath Chuckerbutti! I'm uncommonly glad to seeyou."
He shook hands warmly, a mark of condescension which made the Babu beamwith gratification.
"Why," continued Merriman, "we'd given you up for dead long ago. Soyou're the plucky and ingenious fellow who did so much to help Mr. Burkein the famous escape! Surendra Nath was one of my best clerks, Mr.Burke. His father is my head clerk for Company's business. He hasn'tbeen the same man since you disappeared. You must tell me your story.Come up to Mr. Bowman's house on the Green to-night; I am stayingthere."
"I shall be most glad to return to my desk in Calcutta, your honour,"said the Babu. "But I do not like the sea. It has no sympathy with me.I think of accomplishing the journey by land."
"Good heavens, man! it would take you a year at the least, if you wasn'tswallowed by a tiger or strangled by a Thug on the way. You'll have togo by water, as you came."
The Babu's face fell.
"That is the fly in the ointment, your honour. But I will chew majumand bestow myself in the cabin; thus perhaps I may avoid squeamishness.By the kindness of Burke Sahib I have a modicum of money, now a smallcapital; and I hope, with your honour's permission, to do trifling tradefor myself."
"Certainly," said Merriman with a laugh. "You'll be a rich man yet,Surendra Nath. Well, don't forget; you'll find me at Mr. Bowman's onthe Green at eight o'clock."