The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

LALL RIGHTS RISSEHTED.J CONDEMNED AS A TRAITOR, BY SIR WILLIAM MAGNAY, BART. [Author of The Titd Chaneelhr" A IVittee «J Levert," The Fall of a Star," ic.). CHAPTBB XIII. TIJIM TUHN OF THE BALANCH. Exelairmtions of Hstonishmeut made hubbub on nil sides. Thirlby, more like an apparition from the gallows that a living man, so ghautly was his face, so blood-shot were his eyes, so tftttered and 8tftiuod his attire, waved the in all back and placed himself face to face with Geof- frey. In his hand he carried a naked sword, one that he lmd probably caught up in the house, for he wore no scabbard or belt. His eyes blazed with hate and savage fury for a moment him passion seem so intense its to de- prive him of the power of utterance he trem- tl«d with the violence of his excitement and by his uncouth involuntary gestures and twitchings appeared almost beside himself. 'So he cried ut length, his voice rising to a harnh scream. We have met sooner than I dared hope. Traitor false-hearted, lying, sneaking, murderous traitor, now you shall pay for the pllill I hava suffered 1 Gentlemen he shrieked, shaking his sword. This villain Is a traitor, traitor to us, to his friends and to our cause. He tried to murder me m cold blood -Heis-ali he bus deserved a thousand deaths; he must die. and I shall be his executioner 1" Naturally Geoffrey had drawn his sword and stood ready to throw himself into a posture of defence. Thirlby seemed about to rush at him, when Cowdray interposed. "Let us do everything IJ: order—" Hefore he could say more Thirlby thrust him away. I warn you he cried. Let no man think to stand between me and my re- venge. At his peril This man is to die by my band, and I care not how many more who stay las." I am quite ready to meet this or any man who calim me a traitor," mid Usoffrey, not fear- iiip Thirlby much as a swordsman, aud hoping for a chance of escape. i Jue of the later comers, a big, athletic man, pushed his way betore the pauting Thirlby. Are we madmen P" he exclaimed in a voire strong as suited his frame. Is this night's business to end in a brawl P Is our time so long that we can waste it thus t If this man, Chris- toferson, is a traitor to us, let our friend run him through, or, failing him, I will do the work my- of-If, and let his carcase be flung out to the kires of heaven. Hut. as we are men, let us remember what we have in front of us, and act as men, not as children." M rheii stand aside, roared JLuirlby, ana let tile-" First of all," said the other in a commanding voice, take his sword from him." in an instant, and before he could resist, Geoffrey's arm.1* were pinioned by one who sprang at him from be iiid, while otliera en- giified him in front, and beat the sword from his nand' Against such odds he was powerless. Will you hear what I have to say P" he cried in hift extremity. Hearken not to his lies Tbirlby shouted. He is a very devil incarnate. Not one of our heads is safe on our shoulders so long as there Is a breath in lii-i body." He drew buck his sword ready to plunge it into Geoffrey's heart, and tried to pull back one of the captors who stood in the way of a fair strike. This is murder Geoffrey gasped, stmg- ffling his hardest. Let me meet this man fair- y You aud he are wrong. I am not Christofer Christofereon, but his brother. I tell you u" His voice had risen to a scream in the stress of his hgony and desperation under the coercive gi- i-p of so many hands. 1. Stand away, Vernon, or I shall wound you," roared Thirlby blood thirstily. Geoffrey fought desperately for liberty. Give me a chance he cried. I aID no traitor. Will you not hear meP Meil Are you wild beasts, that you kill unheard ?" ie naw Thirlby dodging behind the man who held liim by the throat, mad for his blood, only seeking an opening to plunge his sword forward. He gave himself up for lost his Strength was exhausted, he was absolutely help- less against the weight and muscle of his com- bined a,-ailatits he felt all was over, and ejaculated a prayer with what he thought was his last breath. But, as he did no, his would-be slayer was forcibly pulled back, and Sir John Iloltbtiin took his place, stretching out hit hands to stay the violence, and crying in a loud voice Gentlemen One moment 1 Pause one moment. Hear me The struggle subsided. Thirlby pressing for- ward again in baffled rage, found himself op- posed by no less a person than Cowdray him- self. to whom Sir John had spoken, and who Bow added his voice to make the others pause. Let us hear Sir John before we go farther." :11 they fell back a little, foar still keeping tight hold of Geoffrey. Cowdray held up his band warningly to Thirlby, whose passion was tco great to let him be still or silent. My friends," said Sir John, speaking bluntly, this bids fair to be a bad beginning. Is our first stroke to be a murder P How^ can we hope to succeed, to reach our goal, if we start like this P Are we to act like a gang of thieves and butchers, or like a party of Eng- lish gentlemen with a high and honourable ob- ject in view P If this man has betrayed us, let him die a traitor's death we should be mad- men to spare him, I would sooner run him through with my own sword but let us hear his defence, and proceed to the unpleasant work judicially and in The strong ro of this speech had its usual effect hearers, Thirlby ex- cepted. That w< i .:i,,(I;tiid roared The villain wiii m:wiicli you hearken not to his lying speech. butchers ? There is no need for you to soil your gentlemanly hands in his blood. Only leave me alone with him, and I will send him to hell without offending your delicate senses." But lie was not in a condition, if, indeed, be Were the man, to sway his fellow conspirators, Cowdray answered him shortly. 41 Wait, Cap- tain. Sir John is right. We must do all things in order." Then may I speak P" Geoffrey demanded. Q We will hear you," Cowdray returned k coldly. The men who held him set him free, but remained almost touching him ready to pounce upon him should he try to escape. '• What I have to say," Geoffrey began," is ▼ery simple. I am not the man you think me. You have mistaken me for my brother. My name is Geoffrey Christoferson." A start of surprise seemed to run through his bearers like an electric shook. He is right, by God!" exclaimed Thirlby, with a hideous expression of frustrated revenge. M We have the wrong hog by the ear. I saw the two together they are just alike. Another rick of that wily villain. But this man is a spyr, and he shall die the death, and the brothee ghall follow." He is a spy a spy 1" cried several voices. Cowdray held up his hand. You will ex- Elain," he said to Geoffrey, if you are not hristofer Christoferson, how come you to bo here ?" I will," he replied. On perfectly legiti- mate business. I came hither to Ruscott on behalf of my friend Sir Philip Devonald, who is lying wounded at Awbrayes, to take possession of this estate for him. Here is my authority." He took out Sir Philip's letter, and passed it to Cowdray, who rend it and muttered So, the wott is already at. the door. We have gathered none too soon." I had no idea when I arrived here," Geof- frey proceded, that a-a meeting of this sort was on foot. It is not my fault that I am in the midst of it. You have been misled by my likeness to my brother. But I little suspected he was engaged in an affair of this kind." There was a silence. II Where is your brother ?" Cowdray dtl- manded. •' l Imme for ausrht I know.' ;? He knew you were coining here < Yes." And told you not that lie should be here too He told me nothing." You know not whether he is coming P" No." So, gentlemen," said Cowdray turning from Jv. Geoffrey to the others you have heard what this Master Geoffrey Christoferson has had to say. For my part, I may tell you, [ bad some doubts as to his identity from the first, and tr that reason was careful to postpone our busi- ness until the matter was cleared up. Now, what are we to do with him ?" He propounded the question as one having an answer already in his mind. He is a spy." growled Thirlby, let him IDeét the spy's fate." We should like to hear your opinion. Sir John Hollhom," said Cowdray, ignoring with even a slight, show of contempt the gallant cap- tain's suggestion. Sir John rose. I would trust this man," said he, with nothing more of Mie privity of our plans than he accidentally knows aiready. Jf his forfeit hfe is to be spared, he must tako An oath of secrecy, join our party as a servant, to obev without asking question* or enquiring reasons for any work that may be imposed upon him he must give such pledges of his fidelity to us as we may deem proper; and for the nonce must remain our prisoner." While we may all set about preparing our lost dying speeches without further delay," growled Thirlby. Right the Captain is right," put in Reeth in his loud, hollow voice. How many promis- ing schemes have not been wrecked by ill-timed clemency and mawkish fear of blood-lettiiig ? Ay, schemes that would have changed the his- tory of this country, and have swept these cursed Stuarts from off the face of the earth long since. This man, no friend of us or our cause, hns incurred the penalty. Our safety do. mands that he should pay it." And if these gentlemen have no stomachs for the sight of blood," put in Thirlby with bluff brutality, their fine senses need not be ihocked. Let me take this Master Christoferson without to the ple&sannce, and I warrant you shall be troubled with him no more." Give me my sword, and I ask nothing bet- ter," said Geoffrey. The pleasaunce I He thought of Honoria, it was her delight, and he felt mad to be trapped as lie was. What say yon, Sir John P For time presses," asked Cowdray in a manner which showed he was ready to fall in with the death proposal, but deferred to Holtham as beiug a man of some consequence among them. 0 I know nothing of this young man," he re- plied but it seems to me monstrous that we should begin our great undertaking by an act of butchery." A sacrifice, and a fitting one I Why not P 'Twas ever usual," put in Reeth. In the dark ages, yes truly," Sir John re- torted. But I hope while we retain their courage, we have left their superstitious cruelty far behind for ever. I was about to say when our friend in his zeal interrupted me, that if this men had been indeed a traitor or had come hither as a spy I would be the first to advise his death. As It is-as he has learned something of our secret-we cannot let him go. But we should be content if he will join our cause. What say you. Master Cliristofert-on P" My answer to that is," Geoffrey responded, that if your cause is that of traitors to the King's Government I will have no part or lot in it." There You hear him P" Thirlby and Heeth cried together, Now shall he not die P" You speak boldly, young man," said Hol- thani, with something like admiration. You know you are face to face with your death ?" I know it." And the price of your life is an easy one ?" To a man of honour too dear." "Master Cowdray," said Sir John, willing, apparently to save the accused's life, there is one point we have forgotten, and it is one which, to my mind, renders this summary exe- cution unwise. Have we not, heard that this uan'a brother is thought a traitor to our cause P Here we have a hostage kill him, and we con- vert a doubtful friend into a dangerous enemy. We have no proof of Christofer Christoferson's guilt." uO Why, then, is he absent to-night pH de- manded Quyntrell shrilly. I refer to absolute proof," returned Hol- tliam. But we have in his brother a pledge, a surety against active treachery." I? 1, Taking brotherly love for granted," sneered QuyntrelJ. My counsel is," Sir John proceeded, ignor- ing him, that we despatch one of our number in all haste to summon Christofer Christoferson here. If he refuses to obey or shews a touch of traitor, let him be pistolled on the spot. In the meantime, we hold his brother our prisoner. Let him know as much, and that the life of one hangs upon the conduct of the other." This plan commending itself to the majority, notwithstanding the protestations of Reeth, Thirlby and Quyntrell, together with Cowdray's thinly disguised malevolence, Geoffrey was con- ducted to a small, strong-room in a distant part of the house, from wbicn escape was impossible, thrust roughly in without a word, and the dour securely locked and bolted upon him. CHAPTBH XIV. THB DUKE'S OPPORTUNITY. On leaving the inn, where he found company as congenial as to Geoffrey Christoferson it had been distasteful, the Duke of Buckingham rode off to Varwood Abbey then, having changed his dress to a plain suit, he proceeded as Master Vincent to Awbrayes. He rode boldly up the weed-grown bridle-path which led through the f>lantation surrounding the mansion and, as uclt would have it, saw, as he drew near, a figure in front of him which, even in the dusk, for it was nearly evening, he made out to be the lady to whom he had spoken in the gallery on his last visit. Instantly wheeling hie horse round, he devi- ated from the path he was taking, and rode for- ward quickly to intercept and meet her. This he was able to do before she reached the outskirts of the wood. When he suddenly appeared in front of her, she looked up with a start, and, seeming to re- cognise him, a flush of annoyance came to her face. Then she drew aside as though expecting him to ride past her. Needless to say, Bucking- ham reined up, and, saluting her, dismounted. She returned his salutation coldly and would have passed on, but he and his horse filled the pathway between the bushes. I am indeed fortunate," he said with a bow, but still barriug the way, in the early fufilment of my hope of seeing you again." I am sorry you have troubled to dismount, there was no occasion," Honoria returned with indifference, ignoring the tone of his address. If you will please allow me to pass, I will not detain you longer." She might as well have asked a bird flying past to stay, as him to go, when lie stood before her taking in her beauty and her bearing which, even to a critic like himself, were per- fect. That she spoke coldly was nothing it simply gave zest to the chase in which the real sport lay. But George Villiers was far too clever a man not to see that the ordinary tone and language of gallantry which were suitable for laying siege to the beauties of the bevy which com- posed the Queen's Court, and, more particular- ly, the Duchess of York's, were out of place with this girl. She must be wooed in earnest the insincere game which was played by two persons until one gave in or the other gave up was not the love-making which would win this superb, unconventional beauty, with her great earnest eyes, and expression of self-defensive pride-a coldness which was clearly but tem- porary, and which he could feel the sun of love would soon melt—if only it would shine for him So he changed his tone. Sl V .1..1. J. ft. £ UU U1C naJkUJg UiC bu pciiuiui nu jiuuudoi- bility," he answered, leaning his head back against his horse's neck, and assuming the look and tone of an unusual earnestness. Her face hardened. He, hating that expres- sion, vowed he would make it soften. Then at least you will allow me to pass Oil (tilA Rfild Aiif ut? uoc onenaea vmn me:" he ex- claimed, going forward a step, and standing with bowed head before her. You have no right to blame me because I cannot leave you so easily. If you could tell what my thoughts have been since I saw you by accident the other night ah, dearest lady, do but have some pity on me, and forgive me if I have offended you." I cannot listen to this talk from a stranger," she began, I know not who you are—" "If I dared hope you were concerned to know Have not all been strangers once to their nearest and dearest ? May I never hope to be more P" It is not for me to give you that hope," she replied. It grows late I bid you good even- ing." Do not go yet," Buckingham remonstrated. At least stay to hear the news I can give you of a friend." A friend ?" Of a certain Master Christoferson. Is he not your friend ?" There was something insinuating in his tone that Honoria disliked, She drew back haughti- ly. We have parted so lately from Mamter Christoferson that there can hardly be room for any news of interest." Buchingliam, quick to see that the girl was interested, or, at least, on the verge of curiosity, seized his advantage. You are wrong. Much may happen in a few hours, especially iu these unsettled times. Your friend has been in great peril." She did not speak for a few moments, waver- ing between concern and disinclination to give this stranger an excuse for further parley. Hut her anxiety was too great. In danger ? I trust he has come well out cf it ?" In spite of her repression of feeling, he knew her fear, and from that argued the true state of the case. He has come well through it," lie replied. His new youth finds him as dashing in fence as in love: I just arrived as the duel ended." A duel ?" With a not too worthy antagonist, a player. Stil) there is always a risk to run when we cross steel even with those less skilful than ourselves. Our Master Christoferson truly lias lost no time in returning to the attraction of his first youth. I wonder, though," he added with-courtly deference, when L look at you, I wonder at the source whence he drew cause for quarrel." As indeed he might; and wonder still more at the rejuvenation of his adept which could cnv>tiv>it" lo'-olv t 1 do not compreiiend you," Honoria said, though with a sickening fear that she under- stood but too well. The cause of the fight was the same as that of the Trojan War," he answered. I understand you now," poor Honoria re- sponded with a quivering lip but a man may fight about a woman without being in love with her," she added with an attempt at a smile. So he may," returned Buckingham readily. Nevertheless, in this case-well, I was clumsy enough to interrupt an affectionate leave- taking." u 1 do not believe you, sir Honoria flashed out. A kiss." Oh 1" she cried in a passion. What is all this to me P How am I so forgetful of all dignity as to listen to you and your unseemly tales. A stranger Let me be no more a stranger," he pleaded earnestly. May I not be your friend, if no- thing more ? Do not turn away. Have you and your father so many true friends that you can afford to neglect one who would lay his life and all that he has at your feet P" Honoria cut him short. "I know not why you have forced your company upon me, a"d thought well to bring me impertinent tales. It is unbearable that I should be forced to listen to you." Forgive me, if I have offended you," Buck- ingham pleaded, keeping up his assumption of earnestness. I now see how wrong I have been. I thought you might have been merely interested in his escapade as a friend of Master Christoferson. Could I guess that your interest in him might be deeper r" You hitd no oce"ioti, tio right to concern yourself with the matter at all." Will you not give me that right? May I not be your friend, yours and your father's ? I may prove a friend in need I have influence at the Court indeed, I have just ridden thence, and heard of your arrival in England." Then you have the advantage, if such it be," returned Honoria, still slightly disdainful, of knowing us better than we know you." Would that your speech implied a wish to improve our acquaintance," the Duke said de- ferentially. I am known as George Vincent, of some property in these parts, ana a taste for learning, at leatlt before a certain lady put it out of my head. Nay, out upon my rebellious tongue Have I offended you again ? You travel to your home, Ruscott, some way beyond Oxford but you may find when, you reach your nest, that the cuckoo is still in poslelssioll." You know that P" I have heard of a stubborn, contumacious rascal, named Cowdray, who has clamoured against his sentence of dispossession." Honoria drew herself up, and said coldly I will speak to my father of what you have told me, and should he wish to see you he will send to you." CHAPTER XV. THB PRICB OF IMMORTALITY. As they reached the front of the house, Buc- kingham scanned the gloomy windows for a sign of life. To his surprise the door opened, and the man he believed to be many miles away, whom he had seen riding off from the inn in the opposite direction, presented himself in the doorway, and beckoned him in. This was. of course, the elder Christoferson, who had been eagerly on the watch for the Duke in the hope Of concluding speedily a good bargain, and crossing the sea wit,b the price of the Elixir. Buckingham put up his horse, and followed into the great. hall, faintly lighted by the fire glow. ing in the furnace. As his host turned, and the firelight shone on him, Buckingham gazed at, him in curiosity and somewhat supercilious wonder. 'Tis a truly marvellous transformation," he muttered. For the man before him was no longer the Chriatofer Christoferson of old. Had Geoffrey been present it would have been hard to tell the difference between them. Christofer now looked young, healthy, strong, as hiM bro- ther had looked to Buckingham two days be- fore. He had assumed Geoffrey's debounaic carriage and air, his movements which had had the deliberation of middle age, were now quick and elastic as those of a youth of twenty. His eye was bright, his cheek ruddy, his dres", as near an approach to his brother's as he had been able to make it; when he spoke his voice seemed to his visitor to have a ring and a volume in it which he had never noticed before. It was in- deed a trautlforluation-and a carefully prepared one. You are quickly returned. Master Christo- ferson. Methought you were bound in another direction, or we might have ridden home to. gether." With the new blood that is in me," Chris- toferson answered, comprehending the other's mistake, I can ride far and fast without fatigue. Think you I could remain long away from the treasure I have discovered f" I wondered indeed at seeing you so f'il away from your crucibles. So you have lost no time in beginning enjoy your new lease of life. Ha, I M *5 Christofer, you have a pretty tast.e<uid a carnoiic. In your wooing of acids, you have not lost your taste for sweets." Have I not declared war against allllcids P" lie rejoined with his old griltl smile. Then, as though recollecting the part he had to play, he. added with a boyish laugh and toss of the head You are surprised at the visible change which my Elixir has wrought. But could you see within, feel as I feel, the delicious sensation of youth, and vigour, and health the thrill fit young blood coursing through the veins. liiiii)o., that were weak and stiff, now supple and mus- cular the brain clear and active, nerves steady, the courage and energy of youth instead of the tthrinTons and indolence of E then even you my lord of iiucKiugiiam, wouia say that in ail your triumphs, all your delights, YUll had never dreamt of glorious pleasure such as this." Buckingham contemplating the man in won- der, was carried away for once out of his scof- flno habit. By Heavens, im' he exclaimed, starting from the seat into wc h he had negligently thrown himself, "YOll make me mad with im- patience. Am 1 not to taste for myself this wonder-working draught, and feel the truth of all you describe P" '• You shall," the other replied. You need not think that I have led you to the brink of these Waters of Immortality to punish you like Tantalus. No. You shall taste this revivifying draught, and then, if you will, share my secret." Ah cried Villiers, with a touch of his derisive humour, now I find you in your right mind. Methinks last time we met, the wonder- ful potion had set your brain working somewhat too strongly, and the blood coursing too swiltly through your veins. Perchance you swallowed an over-dose. Now, where is this draught P Let me have it, that I may—" Softly, softly, my good friend," said Chris- trferson. The potion is now but in process of reproduction. The small quantity which resulted from my experiment but sufficed for the draughts I have taken." And when, in the name of Tantalus, will it I be ready t" Not for some hours," Christoferson replied, examining the chemicals on the furnace. "My journey has delayed my work. Hut when it is ready the draught shall be yours without pro- crastination." But the formula, man, the formula Sure- ly that is ready ?" Truly. But I wish you to test its efficacy before divulging it to you." And then there is. the material question of price, eh ?" Were you in my place would you give this treasure for the asking ?" Nay, by my soul, not I-if it is all you say. You shall have your price, Master Christofer- son, if 1 have to clap another mortgage on to Helmisley to pay it." Is not life worth more than house and land P" the other observed sententioiisly. True enough, my philosopher," Bucking- ham answered drily. Yet house and land are worth nothing without life, nor is life worth much without them, albeit when I would raise money on moitgage the Jews oil the Exchange assure me they are worth little." I seek to drive no bargain," said Christo- ferson coldly. My secret will commandite own price—if not from one man, then froinanother." Nay, but I must have it, and that you know well. My steward shall scrape together all he cai), tt;id you mti.,it be cojitf-jit, witli Witli nothing Huder fifty thousand guineas." Well," said Buckingham, rousing himself from a reverie, I will pay to the best of itly power, but you must not be too hard on your pupil. Egad, the breaking of my incognito is like to cost me a pretty sum. I will come again to-morrow evening, when the draught must be ready, and if it fulfil all you claim for it you shall have a not unprofitable interview with my steward. o. an revoir, my Lombard Street philosopher." As Christoferson returned to the hail after seeing Buckingham ride off, he looked tell years older than when he had left it. For he now dropped the mask, which had been cleverly sumed, and allowed the natural expression of his features full play. Greed, cunning and malignity were there Geoffrey's frank laugh was gone, in its place was his own scheming emile. So," he muttered, my littte device suc- ceeded beyond nil expectation. I had i'le-i I Rf) j" ¡' M "1.. mirror and surveyed himself with a grim smile. Then he made It vigorous gesture, imitating his brother, and laughed cynically. I might make a fortune at the play-house, were I not about to gain one by a shorter road. Fifty thousand guineas Not a bad price-for what I have to sell. They Ray, mv lord of Bucking- ham, you have the cleverest brain in the king- dom but there is a certain acquaintance of yours who has good reason to think you a fool. Now to creep back to my lair, wash the paint from my cheeks, and concoct a cordial nostrum for his Grace. By the time its effects have evaporated, I shall be well on my way across channel with the biggest fee physician ever earned." (To he Continued.)