Entering the court-yard, Atherton sought out Diggles, the landlord,and inquired for Sir Richard Rawcliffe, but, to his greatdisappointment, learnt that the baronet had just gone out.
"That is unlucky," cried the young man. "I have an importantcommunication for him."
"He will be back presently," said the landlord. "But perhaps MissRawcliffe will see you. She is within. Her cousin, Miss Butler, iswith her."
Atherton assented to this proposition, and was conducted by the hostto a room on the first floor, and evidently situated in the front partof the house.
Tapping at the door Diggles went in, and almost immediately returnedto say that Miss Rawcliffe would be happy to receive Mr. AthertonLegh.
Atherton was then ushered into the presence of two young ladies--oneof whom rose on his appearance and received him very courteously.
Could he believe his eyes? Yes! it must be the fair creature he hadseen on the previous night, who had made such a powerful impressionupon him. But if he had thought her beautiful then, how much moreexquisite did she appear now that her charming features could be fullydistinguished.
While bowing to the other young lady, whose name he had learnt fromthe landlord, he felt equally sure that she had been Miss Rawcliffe'scompanion on the previous night.
Monica Butler offered a strong contrast to her cousin--the one being abrunette and the other a blonde. But each was charming in herway--each set off the other. Constance's eyes were dark as night, andher tresses of corresponding hue; while Monica's eyes were tender andblue as a summer sky, and her locks fleecy as a summer cloud.
"I see you recognise us, Mr. Atherton Legh," said Miss Rawcliffe,smiling. "It would be useless, therefore, to attempt any disguise. Mycousin, Monica Butler, and myself were talking to Colonel Townley whenyou came up last night. He would fain have presented you to us, but Iwould not allow him, for I did not think it quite proper that anintroduction should take place under such peculiar circumstances. Asyou may naturally wonder why two young damsels should be abroad solate, I will explain. Wishing to have Monica's company during my stayat this inn, I went to fetch her, escorted by your friend JemmyDawson. As we were coming back, we accidentally encountered ColonelTownley near the Cross. All the rest you know."
"I am very agreeably surprised," said Atherton. "I have been dying toknow who you both were, for Colonel Townley refused to gratify mycuriosity."
"I am glad to find he obeyed my orders," observed Miss Rawcliffe,smiling. "At that time I did not imagine I should ever see you again.But this morning papa told me he had made an appointment with you atnoon. I ought to apologise for his absence--but you are rather beforeyour time."
"'Tis I who ought to apologise," said Atherton. "But I am the bearerof a note to Sir Richard," he added, handing it to her. "'Tis from Dr.Byrom, and I believe it contains matter of urgent importance. At allevents, Dr. Byrom requested me to deliver it without delay."
"I hope it contains good news," said Constance. "Pray take a seat. Youmust please to await papa's return. He much wishes to see you; and Imay tell you he hopes to induce you to join the prince's army. We areall ardent Jacobites, as you know, and anxious to obtain recruits. IfI had any influence with you I would urge you to enrol yourself inColonel Townley's regiment. Jemmy Dawson has just joined. Why notfollow his example?"
"I have already explained to Colonel Townley why it is impossible forme to comply with his request."
"Your reasons have been mentioned to me, but I confess I do not seetheir force. Jemmy Dawson has not been swayed by such feelings, buthas risked his father's displeasure to serve the prince. He did nothesitate when told that a young lady's hand would be the reward of hiscompliance with her request."
"Till this moment I did not know why Jemmy had joined, having heardhim express indifference to the cause. May I venture to ask the nameof the fair temptress?"
"Excuse me. You will learn the secret in due time."
"He shall learn it now," interposed Monica. "I do not blush to ownthat I am the temptress. I am proud of my Jemmy's devotion--proud,also, of having gained the prince so important a recruit."
"You may well be proud of Jemmy, Monica," said Constance. "He has manynoble qualities and cannot fail to distinguish himself."
"He is as brave as he is gentle," said Monica--"a veritable preux ethardi chevalier, and will live or die like a hero."
"You are an enthusiastic girl," said Constance.
"In my place you would be just as enthusiastic, Constance," rejoinedthe other.
Atherton listened with a beating heart to this discourse, which waswell calculated to stir his feelings.
Just then, however, an interruption was offered by the entrance of SirRichard Rawcliffe.
"Very glad to see you, sir," cried the baronet, shaking hands withAtherton. "I perceive you have already made the acquaintance of mydaughter and her cousin, Miss Butler, so I needn't introduce you. Areyou aware that my niece is engaged to your friend, Jemmy Dawson?"
"Yes, Mr. Atherton Legh knows all about it, papa," said Constance. "Hehas brought you a letter from Dr. Byrom," she added, giving it to him.
"Excuse me," said Sir Richard, opening the note.
As he hastily scanned its contents, his countenance fell.
"Has something gone wrong, papa?" cried Constance, uneasily.
"I am threatened with arrest for treasonable practices," replied SirRichard. "Dr. Byrom counsels immediate flight, or concealment. Butwhere am I to fly?--where conceal myself?" he added, looking quitebewildered.
"You had better leave the inn at once, papa," said Constance, who,though greatly alarmed, had not lost her presence of mind.
At this moment, a noise was heard outside that increased theuneasiness of the party.
CHAPTER XI.
THE BOROUGHREEVE OF MANCHESTER.
Situated in the front of the house, the room commanded themarket-place. Atherton rushed to the window to ascertain what wastaking place, and was followed by the baronet.
"Do not show yourself, Sir Richard," cried the young man, motioninghim to keep back. "The chief magistrates are outside--Mr. Fielden, theboroughreeve, and Mr. Walley and Mr. Fowden, the constables. They havea posse of peace-officers with them."
"They are come to arrest me!" exclaimed Sir Richard.
"Save yourself, papa!--save yourself!" cried Constance. "Not a momentis to be lost."
Her exhortations were seconded by Monica and Atherton, but Sir Richarddid not move, and looked quite stupefied.
"'Tis too late!" cried Atherton. "I hear them on the stairs."
As he spoke the door burst open, and Diggles rushed in--his looksbetokening great alarm.
"The magistrates are here, Sir Richard, and their purpose is to arrestyou. Flight is impossible. Every exit from the house is guarded. Icould not warn you before."
"If you have any letters or papers that might compromise you, papa,give them to me," said Constance.
Sir Richard hesitated for a moment, and then produced a packet,saying, as he gave it to her, "I confide this to you. Take every careof it."
She had just concealed the packet when the magistrates entered theroom. The officers who followed them stationed themselves outside thedoor.
Mr. John Fielden, the boroughreeve, who preceded the two constables,was a man of very gentleman-like appearance and deportment. Aftersaluting the baronet, who advanced a few steps to meet him, he said,in accents that were not devoid of sympathy--
"I have a very unpleasant duty to discharge, Sir Richard, but I mustfulfil it. In the king's name I arrest you for treasonable practices."
"Of what treasonable practices am I accused, sir?" demanded thebaronet, who had now gained his composure.
"You are charged with wickedly and traitorously conspiring to changeand subvert the rule and government of this kingdom; with seeking todepose our sovereign lord the king of his title, honour, and royalstate; and with seeking to raise and exalt the person pretending tobe, and taking upon himself the style and title of K
ing of England, bythe name of James the Third, to the imperial rule and government ofthis kingdom."
"What more, sir?" said Sir Richard.
"You are charged with falsely and traitorously inciting certain of hisMajesty's faithful subjects to rebellion; and with striving to raiserecruits for the son of the Popish Pretender to the throne, who is nowwaging war against his Majesty King George the Second."
"I deny the charges," rejoined the baronet, sternly.
"I trust you can disprove them, Sir Richard," said the boroughreeve."To-morrow your examination will take place, and, in the meantime, youwill be lodged in the Old Bailey."
"Lodged in a prison!" exclaimed Constance, indignantly.
"It must be," said the boroughreeve. "I have no option. But I promiseyou Sir Richard shall undergo no hardship. His imprisonment, I hope,may be brief."
"I thank you for your consideration, sir," said the baronet. "May I beallowed a few minutes to prepare?"
"I am sorry I cannot grant the request, Sir Richard."
"Then farewell, my dear child!--farewell, Monica!" cried the baronet,tenderly embracing them. "My captivity will not be long," he added, ina low voice to his daughter. "I shall be set at liberty on theprince's arrival--if not before."
Constance maintained a show of firmness which she did not feel, butMonica was much moved, and could not repress her tears.
After bidding adieu to Atherton, Sir Richard signified to theboroughreeve that he was ready to attend him, and passed out.
As he did so, the officers took charge of him, and the door was shut.
Constance's courage then entirely forsook her, and uttering a cry, shesank into a chair. Monica strove to comfort her--but in vain.
"I shall go distracted," she cried. "I cannot bear the thought thatpapa should be imprisoned."
"Make yourself easy on that score, Miss Rawcliffe," said Atherton."Imprisoned he shall not be. I will undertake to rescue him."
"You!" she exclaimed, gazing at him through her streaming eyes. "Ifyou could save him this indignity, I should be for ever beholden toyou. But no!--you must not attempt it. The risk is too great."
"I care not for the risk," cried Atherton. "I will do it. You shallsoon learn that your father is free."
And he rushed out of the room.
"A brave young man," cried Monica. "He has all my Jemmy's spirit. Ifeel sure he will accomplish what he has undertaken."
"I hope no harm will befall him," said Constance.
Shortly afterwards a great disturbance was heard in the market-place,and flying to the windows, they witnessed a very exciting scene.
CHAPTER XII.
THE RESCUE.
The visit of the boroughreeve and constables to the Bull's Headattracted a considerable crowd to the market-place--it being rumouredthat the magistrates were about to arrest an important Jacobitegentleman.
A political arrest at this juncture, when the town was in such aninflamed state, seemed to most persons, whatever their opinions mightbe, an exceedingly ill-advised step, and the magistrates were muchblamed for taking it.
Murmurs were heard, and some manifestations of sympathy with theluckless Jacobite would undoubtedly have been made by the assemblagehad they not been kept in awe by the strong body of constables drawnup in front of the inn.
As might be expected, the lower orders predominated in the concourse,but there were some persons of a superior class present, who had beenbrought thither by curiosity. The crowd momently increased, until themarket-place, which was not very spacious, was more than half full,while the disposition to tumult became more apparent as the numbersgrew.
At length a large old-fashioned coach was seen to issue from theentrance of the court-yard, and it was at once conjectured that theprisoner was inside the vehicle, from the fact that a constable wasseated on the box beside the coachman, while half a dozen officersmarched in front, to clear a passage through the throng.
But this could not be accomplished without the liberal use of staves,and the progress of the coach was necessarily slow. Groans, hootings,and angry exclamations arose from the crowd, but these were directedagainst the constables and not at the prisoner, who could be seenthrough the windows of the coach. Sir Richard was recognised by someof the nearest spectators, and his name being called out to thosefurther off, it speedily became known to the whole assemblage, and thenoise increased.
At this moment Atherton Legh rushed from the door of the inn andshouted in a loud voice, "A rescue!--a rescue!"
The cry thus raised was echoed by a hundred voices, and in anotherminute all was confusion.
"A rescue!--a rescue!" resounded on all sides. The coachman tried toextricate himself from the throng, but the heads of the horses beingseized, he could not move on.
The constables endeavoured to get near the coach, as well to guard theprisoner as to protect the magistrates, who were inside the roomyvehicle with him.
But Atherton, who was remarkably athletic, snatched a truncheon fromone of them, and laying about him vigorously with this weapon, andbeing supported by the crowd, soon forced his way to the door, and wasabout to pull it open, when the boroughreeve thrust his head throughthe window, and called out to him to forbear.
"Beware how you violate the law, young man," cried Mr. Fielden, in afirm and authoritative voice, that showed he was not daunted. "Youmust be aware that in constituting yourself the leader of a riotousmob, and attempting to rescue a prisoner, you are committing a verygrave offence. Desist, while there is yet time. You are known to meand my brother magistrates."
"We do not intend you any personal injury, Mr. Fielden--nor do we meanto injure your brother magistrates," rejoined Atherton, resolutely."But we are determined to liberate Sir Richard Rawcliffe. Set himfree, and there will be an end to the disturbance. You must plainlyperceive, sir, that resistance would be useless."
While this was going on, the band of desperadoes, already alluded to,had hurried back to the market-place, and now came up flourishingtheir bludgeons, and shouting, "Down with the Presbyterians!" "Downwith the Hanoverians!" And some of them even went so far as to add"Down with King George!"
These shouts were echoed by the greater part of the concourse, whichhad now become very turbulent and excited.
Mr. Fielden called to the constables to keep back the mob, and moveon, but the officers were utterly powerless to obey him. If a riotcommenced, there was no saying where it would end; so, addressing afinal remonstrance to Atherton, which proved as ineffectual as all hehad said before, the boroughreeve withdrew from the window.
Atherton then opened the coach door, and told Sir Richard, who hadbeen anxiously watching the course of events, that he was free.
On this the baronet arose, and bade a polite adieu to the magistrates,who made no attempt to prevent his departure.
As Sir Richard came forth and stood for a short space on the step ofthe carriage, so that he could be seen by all the assemblage, adeafening and triumphant shout arose.
"I thank you, my good friends, for delivering me," vociferated thebaronet. "I have been illegally arrested. I am guilty of no crime. Godbless the king!"
"Which king?" cried several voices, amid loud laughter and applause.
"Choose for yourselves!" responded Sir Richard. "You have rendered mea great service; but if you would serve me still more, and also servethe good cause which I represent, you will retire quietly. Bide yourtime. 'Twill soon come."
This short harangue was greeted by a loud cheer, amid which thebaronet descended, and shook hands heartily with Atherton, who wasstanding near him.
"I owe my deliverance to you," he said; "and be sure I shall ever feelgrateful."
Just then a rush was made towards them by the constables, who were,however, kept back by the crowd.
"Meddle not with us, and we won't meddle with you," cried Atherton.
Prudently acting upon the advice, the constables kept quiet.
Every facility for escape was afforded Sir Richard by the concourse. Anarrow
lane was opened for him, through which he passed, accompaniedby Atherton.
Without pausing to consider whither they were going, they hurried on,till they reached Smithy Doer--a narrow street, so designated, andleading from the bottom of the market-place, in the direction ofSalford Bridge.
Feeling secure, they then stopped to hold a brief consultation.
"It won't do for me to return to the inn," observed Sir Richard. "Noris it necessary I should return thither. My daughter and her cousinare in no danger, and I shall easily find some means of communicatingwith them. They will know I am safe."
"Were I able to do so, I would gladly take a message from you to MissRawcliffe, Sir Richard," said Atherton. "But I am now in as muchdanger as yourself. I am known to the magistrates, and they willcertainly send the officers in search of me."
"You shall run no more risk on my account," said Sir Richard. "Mydaughter is so courageous that she will feel no alarm when she learnsI have escaped. You must find a hiding-place till the prince arrivesin Manchester, and then all will be right. If I could procure a horse,I would ride on to Preston. I have a couple of hunters in the stablesat the Bull's Head, but they are useless to me now."
As he spoke, a young man was seen approaching them, mounted on astrong roadster. Both recognised the horseman, who was no other thanJemmy Dawson, of whom mention has already been made.
A very handsome young fellow was Jemmy Dawson--tall, rather slightlybuilt, but extremely well made, and looking to advantage in thesaddle.