pick a quarrel with one of those accursed heretics, and so bring on a brawl; which so incensed Sir Walter Raleigh against him, that he would have none of him for a pilot, and straightway turned the ship about, and made back for the place whence he came." 66 A thousand curses on that villain's head for marring so goodly a plot!" exclaimed De Berrio, furiously. He deserveth to be flayed alive, at least. I will see that he have fitting punishment. But thinkest thou those piratical rascals have taken the alarm!" "I can not say for certain, my son," replied the priest. It did seem to me more than once that Sir Walter had suspicion of me; but I could not be assured of it. He did behave very courteously, and talked much of the felicity he should enjoy, could he but assure himself of possessing thy company for a brief space." "Madre de Dios! he shall have it longer than he looks for," cried Don Antonio, with a very savage expression of countenance. "He shall have right famous enjoyment of it. I will give him such felicity as he hath met nothing like in this world, or may expect in the loath somest place in purgatory, where I will send him." "Thou hadst best, then, be quick, my son," observed the padre, "else shall he slip through our fingers, and then shall the church suffer a great loss; for 'tis a most commendable thing to cut off these heretics root and branch-they be so inveterate against our holy religion. Lose no time, I prythee. Their force is already far from contemptible, and if they are joined by the other ships, it will be the difficultest thing possible to do them any damage, unless thou hast those supplies from Spain which will be sent thee on purpose to spoil their adventure." "I would they had arrived!" exclaimed the governor, "then should I be at no loss what to do: but, doubtless, such soldiers as I can have, are now on their march, and will reach here in a few days. Then, methinks, 'twill be an easy matter to inveigle this Sir Walter Raleigh and his companions into the island, where they shall fall into an ambuscade, in the which they shall be so handled as shall make the survivors glad to surrender at discretion." "Dost think 'twill be so late as two or three days, my son, before thou canst have the soldiers?" inquired Padre Bartolomé. "It can not be less," replied Don Antonio. 66 Methinks such a delay is exceeding dangerous," observed the Jesuit. "What makes thee think so, padre ?" asked De Berrio. 66 "The commander of these heretics was wonderfully inquisitive concerning of what force thou possesseth," answered the priest with much seriousness. He asked many questions, whereof, as might be presumed of me, I gave him such answers as he could profit little from: but, supposing that he should get speech of the natives, the which, though I have endeavored to prevent, is like enough to happen; perchance he may procure such information as may lead him into, the making of a sudden attack upon thee." Ha! dost think so?" exclaimed Don Antonio, listening attentively, and with some uneasiness. 66 "I had the ill hap to sprain my ankle, as I journeyed this way, else should I have been here sooner," continued the padre. But it oft struck me in my progress, 'twould be an easy thing for them to master the guard at Puerto de los Españoles, and proceeding quickly thence to this place, come upon thee unawares. "Carba de San Pedro, 'tis like enough!" cried the governor, now in some alarm. How are thy forces disposed? Hast a strong guard set? Hast thou such strength at hand as could beat off these cursed heretics ?" inquired the ecclesiastic, with increasing earnestness. Nay, o' my life, I have scarce a hundred men," replied De Berrio, whilst fear and anxiousness did more and more take possession of his haughty countenance. But how wears the night, padre? With the blessing of the virgin, there shall yet be time to prepare for these wretched villains, supposing they would dare to venture against me- -which I doubt hugely." "Doubt nothing of the kind, my son,' said the padre quickly, "I know them well. There is nothing so like to happen as their surprising of thee. 'Tis now nigh unto midnight. "Twould be best to rouse thy soldiers without a moment's delaying, and so dispose of them as to keep them from much loss, whilst they do what damage they can these Englishmen should they make an attack." 10 "I will about it on the instant," answered Don Antonio, as he hastily made for the door. "But come thou with me, I would have speech with thee on the way." The two then went forth together, but scarce had they got into the street when they were aware of a sudden firing of pieces, a clashing of swords, and a din of voices, that in the still night sounded with marvellous distinctness. "By Heaven, they are upon us!" exclaimed the governor, drawing his sword and hastening to whence the sounds proceeded. "Thou art going wrong, my son-the firing is from this way!" cried the padre, holding the other by the arm. 66 Nay, 'tis this way, I am assured of it," said his companion more urgently, as he strove to proceed in the direction he was a going. "Hark! hearest thou not the firing now?" cried the priest, still detaining him. "Madre de Dios, they have us on both sides!" exclaimed Don Antonio with great emphasis, and he appeared quite bewildered. At this time there came runuing past him sundry of the inhabitants half-dressed, as if they had just fled from their beds, a screaming and crying out wonderfully; and seeing of the governor, some who knew him did implore his assistance with very piteous accenis -and yet none knew of what they were afraid. Some said it was one thing and some another, and many got round De Berrio, every one telling of him a different story. During this the firing and the hurraing increased, and came so nigh that Don Antonio was shortly left alone; and upon his looking round for the padre, he was nowhere visible. Presently he observed a company of soldiers retreat ing in haste and disorder, and running in amongst them, he called on them to stop; but they would not hearken to him, and continued their flight, with him in the midst of them. their commander, but they were soon cut down by the followers of Sir Walter Raleigh, among whom Harry Daring distinguished himself in a manner that did greatly surprise both friends and foes. "Yield thee my prisoner or die!" exclaimed Harry, after having knocked the governor's rapier out of his hand, he put the point of his own to his breast. Don Antonio looked as if he liked not to be mastered by so young an antagonist, but seeing there was no help, he said in Spanish that he yielded. "Nay, if thou canst not speak honest English, thou must needs be a rogue and a villain, so I had best rid the world of thee," said the other, and seemed about to fulfil his intention. 66 Hullo, Harry, hurt him not: he is an officer of rank!" exclaimed Master Francis, as he hastened toward him, seeing what his friend was a doing of, then addressing the governor in Spanish, added very courteously-"I pray you yield yourself prisoner, señor, and say of what quality you are. I will answer you shall have fair treatment." "I have already yielded," replied the Spaniard proudly, "and am Don Antonio de Berrio, the governor of Guiana." At this moment who should come up but Sir Walter Raleigh, at the head of a portion of his force, and he heard what was going on-"And I am Sir Walter Raleigh," said he, addressing the governor in his own language. "The fortune of war hath made thee my prisoner, Señor Gobernador. I am well aware that had I had the ill-hap to have fallen into thy hands, in consequence of the designs which I am confident thou didst entertain against me, I should have fared but ill: but I follow no bad example. I forgive thee thy malicious intentions, because thou art in my power, and will have thee treated as I should have wished to have been used had I been in thine." Don Antonio bowed, haughtily, but he said never a word. Sir Walter then gave certain commands to his officers for the securing of the prisoners, and the resting of the men after their fatigues; and then proceeded, accompanied by Master Francis, Harry Daring, and a sufficient guard, to take possession of the governor's house. "A Raleigh! a Raleigh!" exclaimed some score of voices, and a discharge of firearms, followed by a rush sword in hand upon the affrighted soldiers of Don Antonio de Berrio, soon convinced the latter that they had fled from one set of It was about an hour after what hath enemies only to meet with others of a already been related, that Master Francis like desperate character. They made but had laid himself down on the couch in little opposition; most of them threw the chamber described at the commencedown their arms and begged for mercy. ment of this chapter, whilst Harry DarA few of a braver sort fought round ling was laying of his length upon some rushes at his feet. Neither had taken quarter-staff have I had with fellows off any of their clothes, designing only who gave me no lack of sore thumps, to get what sleep they could for a few and had I then said I had had enough hours, the which they grea ly needed, of it, they should have boasted ever having had a toilsome march before they after that I was one of a poor spirit; but came to the city. The lights had been I held out at all times, and thumped the put out, but the moon shining through he more for the thumping I got, the which wiadows with great splendor, did suffi- they could never stand so well as could I; ciently enable any one to distinguish and the end of it was that I prevailed over objects. them, and made them acknowledge they had got such a drubbing as till then they had no experience of. Dost not think quarter-staff an exceeding pleasant pastime?" 66 Well, this be exquisite fine fun of a sure thing!" exclaimed Harry Daring cheerfully. "There be nothing like the killing of Spaniards. Indeed it be the very properest way of breathing of a vein af.er all. O' my word, if old Lather had seen me shooting of one villain here, and cutting down another villain there, the whilst so many of our enemies were running this way and that, some shouting, some crying, and some a fighting as well as they might, and the more peaceable sort of men, women, and children, striving to escape from their houses in so monstrous a fright, that they could scarce put on themselves a morsel of covering, would he not have marvelled wonderfully, Master Francis?" "I dare say he might," replied his companion. 66 By Gog and Magog! methinks he would not know what to say upon it," added the boy. "But hang all barbering! say I; and as for physic, let them that like it take it. I'll meddie no more with such things, I promise you. How I should have liked big Jack o' the Turnstile to have been amongst us. He would have seen how bravely thou didst bear thyself in the thick of the fray, and would not have dared ever after to call thee mollycoddle.' I'faith! I do believe that scurvy rogue of a Spaniard, when we were forcing of our way through the city-gates, would have pinned me against the wall-a murrain on him!hadst thou not so timely cut in and given the fellow his deserts. Dost not think 'twas a great pity the fighting was so soon over ?" "The sooner such things are over 'tis the better for both the conquered and the conquerors," observed Master Francis. “I never had liking for it,” replied his companion. "True" exclaimed the other. "I did forget how delicate thou wert. 'Twould never have done for thee to have practised at so rough an amusement, for thou couldst not have helped getting thy head broke in a presently, and mayhap some of thy limbs into the bargain. Indeed, there was but slight occasion for thy liking such rude sports; for, as I have ever said, thou wert a gentleman born." "Prythee, talk not, good Harry!" said Master Francis in a marvellous tremulous voice, which showed that what he had just heard moved him exceedingly. "I am much fatigued, and need rest." Nay, then, I am a villain if I dis'urb thee!" cried Harry, perfectly unconscious that he said aught hurtful to the feelings of his friend. " Good night, Master Francis!" "Good night, Harry," replied his companion, and for the space of a minute or so there was a strict silence; but after that the courageous boy seemed not to lay at all comfortable, for he turned himself about many times. "What aileth thee, Harry?" asked Master Francis very kindly. "The pestilent moon must needs shine upon my face, and be hanged to it!" exclaimed Harry Daring. "Do what I will I can not keep my eyelids closed." "Come and sleep with me on this couch-there is plenty of room," said his friend. 66 That will I never do," replied the other. "I have read in books it be not Dost think so indeed!" said Harry customary the esquire should sleep with Daring in some surprise. "O' my life! the knight, nor have I heard of such a I can not see it in that light. For mine thing. It be the properest place for me own part, I would not care to meet with to lie at your feet; and, like a faithful an enemy who would soon give in. esquire, here will I take my rest." There seemeth to be no credit in fighting with such. I be for those who will not allow of their being beat till they can not help themselves. Many a bout of "Let it be as is most pleasing to thee, good Harry," said Master Francis; "but I would not have thee deprived of sleep for such notions." "At last, when he appeared so bewildered, after poking of his lanthern here, and then turning of it round there, and looking into this place, and then into that, with marvellous little profit and wonderful vexation, we all got round him and commenced a calling of him, every one at the same time; and this he could in no manner stand; for after listening a bit, in the most perfect fear and trem "Oh! I care not for sleep a fig's end," fellow, now in a horrible bad humor; cried Harry Daring, "and would as lief canst not keep in one place? If the vilkeep awake as asleep. O' my life I think lains but stay till I come up to them, I there be nothing so pleasant as having a promise to show them no mercy, so they famous talk with a friend just before one had best look to it, and take themselves drops off like. Did I ever tell thee of the off;' and then he ventured a few steps in exquisite fine fun I had with old Barnaby that way; but he had scarce done so, when Braddle, the constable of the watch? another cried out something else from an Nay, I be certain thou hast not heard a opposite quarter, at the which he began word of it. Well, it must be known to to swear most lustily; but immediately thee, that Barnaby could scarce see be- he stepped in any direction, there was a yond the end of his nose: which, by-the-voice calling of him, from one totally by had no end at all, for it was nigh as different. round as a ball, and of a very fiery redness; besides which he was so deaf, he could hear but faintly. For all that, was he made constable of the watch, and was ever in a monstrous tyrannical humor if he caught any of us apprentices playing of such innocent tricks as breaking windows, rousing up the citizens by calling fire, and the like; therefore did I determine to have some sport with him. So I and big Jack o' the Turnstile, long-leg-bling ever beheld, he dashed through the ged Tom the tailor's son round the corner, Peter Perriwinkle, our neighbor the chandler's apprentice, and one or two others, did station ourselves in such places as we knew were the properest for our plan; and presently we saw him, with his lanthern in one hand, and his bill in the other, peering about him with as much earnestness as if he could see but a glimpse of anything, though it might be within a yard of him; and grumbling the whilst as if he must needs hear his own voice to keep up his courage. "As he passed, one cried out, close at his elbow, Watch! watch! I be set upon by thieves.'-'Stand, ye dishonest caitiffs' straightway would he cry; but he ventured only a step or two in the direction he fancied the sound proceeded from, and then stopped, expecting the thieves would run away at the hearing of his voice. Help! Master Constable, help! here be a cutpurse upon me!' shouted another from behind him; and he presently turned himself round, saying quickly, 'I charge ye hold him fast till I come; and went a step or two that way. Here, honest Barnaby, help a poor woman who is nigh being undone by villains!' screamed a third, a little on the opposite side of him. Murrain on ye! why don't ye say in what direction ye be to be found?' grumbled out Master Constable, turning himself very leisurely about. Watch! watch! I pray you come, or I shall be killed,' cried a fourth very piteously, from another place. Be killed and be hanged to ye!' bawled the old circle, bawling out that he was set upon by devils, and stopped not a moment till he found himself among a whole company of his brethren of the watch, who had been drawn to him by his cries. Now I think he was rightly served of us. Dost not think so, Master Francis?" Harry Daring waited a brief space, but received no answer. "Dost not think he was rightly served of us, Master Francis ?" he again inquired, but got no more answer than at first. "O' my life he hath gone to sleep," added Harry, as if in some surprise. 66 Well, I doubt not he be exceeding tired; therefore 'tis the best thing he can do, poor fellow. Methinks I have done but an ill thing in having talked to him so much. By Gog and Magog, this be the most pestilent moon I ever saw; for it will shine on my face in spite of me." Thereupon he turned himself upon his stomach, and resting of his forehead on his arms, in a few minutes it was evident, from his regular and deep breathing, he was as sound asleep as was his companion. This had scarce concluded when the door opened, and the figure of Padre Bartolomé glided softly into the room, hiding of his face in his garment. Cautiously stepping over Harry Daring, he approached the couch on which Master Francis was lying. For a minute or two he gazed upon the sleeping secretary with a countenance more of a demon than that of a human being. Every trace of comeliness had vanished from his handsome features, and his eyes, that had been seen to beam with piety and benevolence not | own; but on a sudden she drew herself long since, now flashed glances of the back quickly-a strong shudder passed deadliest hate and malice. Master Fran- over her limbs, and a look of terrible cis lay upon his back, with his left hand anguish took possession of her counteunder his head, and his right upon the nance. She seemed as if she could not handle of his rapier. His shoulders sunk glance that way again; and in a few into the soft pillows that he rested his seconds quietly followed the Jesuit. arm on, and his legs were crossed one over another. Scarce any face could be met with more mild and affectionate in its expression than was his. 'Twas almost doubtful he was asleep he breathed so softly, yet was he dreaming a most pleasant dream of the happiness of bygone days, when Joanna appeared to him all he thought most worthy to be worshipped. Alack! that such visions of woman's perfectness should ever be so unsubstantial! Begone!" whispered she to him in his own language, holding the dagger over him with her right hand, whilst with her left she pointed to the door. "Stay but another instant in this place and I will cleave thy treacherous heart in twain." The ecclesiastic seemed quite cowed. Her gaze appeared to burn with pride and disdain. Her whole form looked as though it were dilating with a power something beyond the human. The Jesuit slowly rose. He felt as if he did not dare speak. His looked quailed before those scorching glances; and with cautious steps he left the room, her eyes fixed upon him as he went, and she continuing in the same attitude, and with the same fearful expression of countenance as when she first spoke to him. When he had departed out of the door she turned her eyes upon the form of Master Francis like one that is almost afraid to look. All of a sudden the expression of her features changed to the most devoted affection. She came closer, She stooped down over him wi h a gaze of the very sinceres: love, and there stayed gazing for a minute or two. Presently she stooped lower, and looked as though she were about to touch his lips with her CHAPTER XXIV. For what man lives or breathes on England's stage, SIR JOHN BEAUMONT. Thou glorious Laurell of the Muses' hill; I ought to be no stranger to thy worth, "I THANK you right heartily for the cheerfulness with which you have offered me your friendly assistance in this business," observed the youthful earl of Sou.hampion, as he sat close upon Master Shakspeare in his lodgings at the Bankside. "Believe me, of all mine acquaintance there is none I could so readily trust as yourself in a matter of so delicate a kind." "Be as ured I will in no way discredit your favorable opinion," replied his companion very sincerely. "Indeed, I am delighted that it lieth within the compass of my poor ability to do a service to one whose friendliness to me hath been made manifest on so many occasions; to say naught of your lordship's singular admirable qu li ies, which make the service doubly honorable." 66 "Ah, Master Shakspeare!" exclaimed the young nobleman, seemingly in a more serious humor. Of what avail is the good report of one's associates when that happiness which should be the reward of desert is denied me?" "Nay, my good lord, not altogether denied," said the other. "Fortune do h not smile on your love at this moment as she should had I the controlling of her, nor doth her opposition look so formidable as to afford no hope of overcoming it. Hath not the lovely Mistress Varnon already favored you with excellent proof of her esteem ?" |