CHAPTER X.
STEPHEN LIMBRY OF CHARMOUTH, SHIP-MASTER.
A wide opening on the right, at the bottom of the street, led to theseaside, and turning off in this direction, the party crossed theshingles and soon gained the hard sand, which was very pleasant toride upon. But before proceeding, they stopped for a moment to lookaround. On the right, about a quarter of a mile off, was the Cobb, inwhich, as we have already intimated, a few vessels were moored, whilesomewhat nearer a dozen fishing-boats were lying at anchor, waiting fora favourable breeze. Some little bustle seemed going on at the Cobb,but otherwise the place was perfectly quiet. The huge wooden pier thenin existence did not last out the century, and was succeeded by threeor four other structures that shared the same fate; but Lyme is nowprovided with a handsome stone pier strong enough to resist any storms,and large enough to shelter any number of ships. Between the Cobb andthe spot where Captain Ellesdon and those with him were stationed rosehigh banks, covered with trees, amidst which an occasional habitationmight be descried. Now there are numberless charming villas in the samequarter.
Having contemplated this scene for a few minutes, the party set off forCharmouth. Harry Peters's services not being required, he was left atthe George. Exhilarated by the sea air, Colonel Wyndham and Carelessgreatly enjoyed their ride over the hard, dry sands--now glancing atthe tall, black, shelving cliffs as they passed them--now allowingtheir gaze to wander on as far as the distant Isle of Portland. Buttheir pleasant ride soon came to an end, and in less than a quarter ofan hour they had reached the spot where the little river Char losesitself in the sea. Three or four boats were drawn upon the beach,but there was not even a solitary fisherman's hut on the sand-hills.Now-a-days, this is a bathing-place.
"I have brought you to this spot for a particular reason," observedCaptain Ellesdon to the others. "Here Sir John Berkeley took boat onthe night when he effected his escape to France, and if we arrangematters satisfactorily, I propose that his majesty shall join Limbry'sbark from the same place. No safer spot can be found, I am certain.There is not a habitation within a quarter of a mile."
"'Tis as private as could be desired," said Colonel Wyndham. "And I amsure his majesty will approve of the arrangement."
"It has other advantages, which I need not enter into now," saidEllesdon.
"No; the perfect privacy of the spot is sufficient recommendation,"said Careless. "If we can secure the vessel all will be well."
They then quitted the beach, and rode singly along a narrow lane whichled them over an eminence to Charmouth.
This pretty and pleasantly situated little town is much changed sincethose days. Most of the old houses are gone, and have given place tomodern habitations far less picturesque, but the general features ofthe place are the same, and the old inn at which the Royalists put up,as we shall proceed to relate, is still in existence.
As they entered the village, Captain Ellesdon pointed out a prettylittle house with a garden in front, and said:
"That is Limbry's dwelling. I will see whether he is at home."
He then rode towards the house, and calling out lustily, the summonswas immediately answered by a buxom woman and her daughter, agood-looking damsel of some sixteen or seventeen.
In answer to the captain's inquiries, Dame Limbry informed him that herhusband had just gone out, but would return presently.
"He has not gone to Lyme, I hope?" said the captain.
"No; he is somewhere in the village," replied the dame.
"That's right," cried Ellesdon. "I am going to the inn with thesegentlemen. Send him there. I want to speak to him on business--onimportant business, mind."
Dame Limbry promised compliance, and the captain rode off. Not beingdevoid of curiosity, both mother and daughter watched the party alightat the inn, which was close at hand.
"I wonder what Captain Ellesdon's important business can be," remarkedDame Limbry. "I shall make your father tell me."
"Such fine gentlemen as those can't be traders," said her daughter."They look like Cavaliers."
"And Cavaliers they are, Dorcas, or I'm no judge," said the dame.
Meanwhile Captain Ellesdon and his companions, having sent their horsesto the stable, entered the little inn, and being shown into the parlourby Dame Swan, the hostess, ordered a flask of sack.
Just as the wine was brought, Stephen Limbry made his appearance,and was heartily welcomed. The shipmaster was stoutly built, and hisbronzed complexion showed that he had undergone a good deal of exposureto the elements. His features were rather coarse, but he had a bluff,good-humoured expression, and looked perfectly honest and trustworthy.
Saluting the company after his nautical fashion, Limbry sat down, andemptied the cup of sack filled for him by Captain Ellesdon.
"My good dame tells me as how you have got some business for me,captain. What may it be?"
"Take another glass of sack, Stephen, and you shall hear," rejoinedEllesdon. "I have assured my friends here, Mr. Manly and Mr. Massey,"nodding to each, as he spoke, "that you are a right honest fellow and astaunch Royalist."
"You are pleased to give me a good character, captain," said Limbry,laughing. "But I hope I merit it. At any rate, I serve my employersfaithfully, and I hate a Roundhead woundily."
"I am quite aware of it, Limbry. And now, without further parley, I'llexplain my business to you. These gentlemen are Royalists."
"I guessed as much," replied Limbry, with a knowing wink. "They don'tlook like Roundheads."
"One of them, Mr. Massey," pursued the captain, glancing at Careless,"was at Worcester."
"I hope he killed a lot of rebels. I shouldn't be sorry if he hadkilled Old Noll himself," observed Limbry.
"Had that been the case things would have taken a different turn, andloyal men would not have been forced to fly from their country," saidCaptain Ellesdon. "We want you to transport two or three distressedCavaliers to France. You will do it, I am sure."
Limbry shook his head.
"You don't like the job," cried Colonel Wyndham. "Say so frankly."
"Understand that you will be well paid--very well paid," added Careless.
"I've no disinclination whatsomdever to the job," said the burlyshipmaster. "On the contrary, I should be glad to serve any loyalgentlemen; and I don't care so much for the payment, though I don'tmean to say as how I should object to it--but----"
"But what?" cried Ellesdon.
"The risk is too great. If I were found out, I should be hanged as atraitor."
"These fears are idle," rejoined Ellesdon. "Such precautions will betaken that you cannot be found out. Take another glass of wine, andpluck up your courage. I'll tell you what has just occurred. Sir JohnBerkeley was taken over to France from this very port of Lyme, only afew days ago, and I have not heard that any skipper has been hanged fortaking him."
"Be that true, captain?" asked Limbry.
"True as gospel. Do you think I'd deceive you, man?"
"Then I'll do it!" cried Limbry, striking the table as he spoke withhis heavy fist. "I'll do it!"
"Well resolved," exclaimed Colonel Wyndham. "You're a brave fellow,Limbry."
"You shall have sixty pounds for the job," added Careless. "To be paidon your return."
"I don't ask the Cavaliers' names," said Limbry. "And I don't desire toknow their rank and station--but I'll take them to St. Malo."
"Now you show yourself the man I always thought you, Stephen," saidCaptain Ellesdon. "When will you sail?"
"On Monday next--that's three days hence," replied Limbry. "I cannotget ready afore,--seeing as how I have to take in ballast, and victualthe ship, besides I must feign to have some lading; but on Monday, as Ihave said, I'll hale the _Eider Duck_--that's the name of my bark--outof the Cobb's mouth, for fear of being beneaped, as the tides willbe at the lowest at the time, and about midnight I'll bring her intoCharmouth road, and send the long-boat with Tom Chidiock, of Bridport,and George Cranage, of Beaminster, two of my best mariners, to any spotthat may be a
ppointed to fetch the Cavaliers, and put them on board;and if the wind proves favourable, we'll set sail at once for France."
"Heaven grant the wind may prove favourable!" ejaculated Ellesdon."Send the long-boat to the mouth of the Char."
"A good spot," replied Limbry. "It shall be done."
"Then all is settled?" said Colonel Wyndham.
"All settled. Rely on me. Stephen Limbry is a man of few words, buthe'll stick by what he says. On Monday next, at midnight, my men shallbring the long-boat to the mouth of the Char."
"I shall see you again before that, Limbry," said Captain Ellesdon.
"As you please, captain," replied the skipper. "The _Eider Duck_ willbe ready. I wish you good day, gentlemen."
Thereupon he went out, leaving the others overjoyed at the result ofthe negotiation.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 91
