The Children of the New Forest. Фредерик Марриет

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ against them, Jacob Armitage would be the first; but it is impossible, my dear boy. Recollect your sisters. Would you have them burned to death, or shot by these wretches? No, no, Mr. Edward; you must do as I say, and lose no time. Let us pack up what will be most useful, and load White Billy with the bundles; then you must all come to the cottage with me, and we will make it out how we can."

      "That will be jolly!" said Humphrey; "come, Edward."

      But Edward Beverley required more persuasion to abandon the house; at last, old Jacob prevailed, and the clothes were put up in bundles as fast as they could collect them.

      "Your aunt said Martha was to go with your sisters, but I doubt if she will," observed Jacob, "and I think we shall have no room for her, for the cottage is small enough."

      "Oh no, we don't want her," said Humphrey; "Alice always dresses Edith and herself too, ever since mamma died."

      "Now we will carry down the bundles, and you make them fast on the pony while I go for your sisters."

      "But where does aunt Judith go?" inquired Edward.

      "She will not leave the house, Master Edward; she intends to stay and speak to the troopers."

      "And so an old woman like her remains to face the enemy, while I run away from them!" replied Edward. "I will not go."

      "Well, Master Edward," replied Jacob, "you must do as you please; but it will be cruel to leave your sisters here; they and Humphrey must come with me, and I can not manage to get them to the cottage without you go with us; it is not far, and you can return in a very short time."

      To this Edward consented. The pony was soon loaded, and the little girls, who were still playing in the garden, were called in by Humphrey. They were told that they were going to pass the night in the cottage, and were delighted at the idea.

      "Now, Master Edward," said Jacob, "will you take your sisters by the hand and lead them to the cottage? Here is the key of the door; Master Humphrey can lead the pony; and Master Edward," continued Jacob, taking him aside, "I'll tell you one thing which I will not mention before your brother and sisters: the troopers are all about the New Forest, for King Charles has escaped, and they are seeking for him. You must not, therefore, leave your brother and sisters till I return. Lock the cottage-door as soon as it is dark. You know where to get a light, over the cupboard; and my gun is loaded, and hangs above the mantlepiece. You must do your best if they attempt to force an entrance; but above all, promise me not to leave them till I return. I will remain here to see what I can do with your aunt, and when I come back we can then decide how to act."

      This latter ruse of Jacob's succeeded. Edward promised that he would not leave his sisters, and it wanted but a few minutes of twilight when the little party quitted the mansion of Arnwood. As they went out of the gates they were passed by Benjamin, who was trotting away with Martha behind him on a pillion, holding a bundle as large as herself. Not a word was exchanged, and Benjamin and Martha were soon out of sight.

      "Why, where can Martha be going?" said Alice. "Will she be back when we come home to-morrow?"

      Edward made no reply, but Humphrey said, "Well, she has taken plenty of clothes in that huge bundle for one night, at least."

      Jacob, as soon as he had seen the children on their way, returned to the kitchen, where he found Agatha and the cook collecting their property, evidently bent upon a hasty retreat.

      "Have you seen Miss Judith, Agatha?"

      "Yes; and she told me that she should remain, and that I should stand behind her chair that she might receive the troopers with dignity; but I don't admire the plan. They might leave her alone, but I am sure that they will be rude to me."

      "When did Benjamin say he would be back?"

      "He don't intend coming back. He said he would not, at all events, till to-morrow morning, and then he would ride out this way, to ascertain if the report was false or true. But Martha has gone with him."

      "I wish I could persuade the old lady to leave the house," said Jacob, thoughtfully. "I fear they will not pay her the respect that she calculates upon. Go up, Agatha, and say I wish to speak with her."

      "No, not I; I must be off, for it is dark already."

      "And where are you going, then?"

      "To Gossip Allwood's. It's a good mile, and I have to carry my things."

      "Well, Agatha, if you'll take me up to the old lady, I'll carry your things for you."

      Agatha consented, and as soon as she had taken up the lamp, for it was now quite dark, Jacob was once more introduced.

      "I wish, madam," said Jacob, "you would be persuaded to leave the house for this night."

      "Jacob Armitage, leave this house I will not, if it were filled with troopers; I have said so."

      "But, madam—"

      "No more, sir; you are too forward," replied the old lady, haughtily.

      "But, madam—"

      "Leave my presence, Jacob Armitage, and never appear again. Quit the room, and send Agatha here."

      "She has left, madam, and so has the cook, and Martha went away behind Benjamin; when I leave, you will be alone."

      "They have dared to leave?"

      "They dared not stay, madam."

      "Leave me, Jacob Armitage, and shut the door when you go out." Jacob still hesitated. "Obey me instantly," said the old lady; and the forester, finding all remonstrance useless, went out, and obeyed her last commands by shutting the door after him.

      Jacob found Agatha and the other maid in the court-yard; he took up their packages, and, as he promised, accompanied them to Gossip Allwood, who kept a small ale-house about a mile distant.

      "But, mercy on us! what will become of the children?" said Agatha, as they walked along, her fears for herself having up to this time made her utterly forgetful of them. "Poor things! and Martha has left them."

      "Yes, indeed; what will become of the dear babes?" said the cook, half crying.

      Now Jacob, knowing that the children of such a Malignant as Colonel Beverley would have sorry treatment if discovered, and knowing also that women were not always to be trusted, determined not to tell them how they were disposed of. He therefore replied,

      "Who would hurt such young children as those? No, no, they are safe enough; even the troopers would protect them."

      "I should hope so," replied Agatha.

      "You may be sure of that; no man would hurt babies," replied Jacob. "The troopers will take them with them to Lymington, I suppose. I've no fear for them; it's the proud old lady whom they will be uncivil to."

      The conversation here ended, and in due time they arrived at the inn. Jacob had just put the bundles down on the table, when the clattering of horses' hoofs was heard. Shortly afterward, the troopers pulled their horses up at the door, and dismounted. Jacob recognized the party he had met in the forest, and among them Southwold. The troopers called for ale, and remained some time in the house, talking and laughing with the women, especially Agatha, who was a very good-looking girl. Jacob would have retreated quietly, but he found a sentinel posted at the door to prevent the egress of any person. He reseated himself, and while he was listening СКАЧАТЬ