CHAPTER NINETEEN.
A COUNCIL OF WAR.
"How can I help it?" said Mark one morning, as he was sauntering down bythe river. "I did not mean to meet him, and here he is again. Hallo!he has got a fresh sword."
The lad instinctively clapped his hand to his side, to feel if he hadhis own buckled on, though of late, consequent upon the troubled stateof the country round, he had never thought of stirring without it.
"Mark Eden!" said Ralph to himself, as he caught sight of his enemy."Then I suppose now it is going to be our fight. Very well: it is noneof my seeking, and I don't think we shall have Captain Purlrose to stopit."
They came to a stand about a yard apart, and delivered themselves eachof a short nod, but for some moments neither spoke.
"Well," said Mark at last, "are you ready?"
"Yes," replied Ralph; "here or somewhere among the trees."
"Of course. We don't want to be seen."
They walked off side by side till they reached a patch of grass, fairlylevel and free from stones, where they flung their caps on the ground,and drew their swords; a dove high up in view of the cliff breaking out,as if ironically, with a soft, gentle coo. But their minds were toomuch occupied with war to think of the bird of peace. Then all at onceMark rested his point upon the toe of his high boot.
"Look here," he said; "if I stop to say something now, will you promiseme that you will not think it an excuse to keep from fighting?"
"Let me hear what it is," said Ralph coldly; and Mark flushed and raisedhis point again.
"No!" he cried. "Yes: I will say it, and you may think I'm a coward ifyou like. I don't care."
"What is it?" said Ralph, making a dimple on the toe of his boot withhis sword point.
"Well, it's this," said Mark; "and mind, I'm speaking to you as anenemy."
"Of course," said Ralph.
"Old Master Rayburn said to me, that as my father did not put a stop tothe doings of this Captain Purlrose, I ought to do it."
"That's exactly what he said to me."
Mark hesitated for a moment or two, and then, as if speaking with aneffort, he blurted out:
"And thought I ought to join you, each getting together some men, andgoing and taking the ruffians by surprise."
"Yes; and he said all that to me."
"Oh! Well, it's quite impossible for us to fight together as friends,isn't it?"
"Quite," cried Ralph.
"We did once, though," suggested Mark.
"Yes, so we did. Well, couldn't we again if we tried?"
"I don't know," said Mark thoughtfully. "We should have to do it insecret if we did."
"Oh yes; nobody must know, or it would be stopped."
"Well, I've thought a deal about it. What do you say? Shall we try?"
"I will, if you will."
"And you won't think I don't want to fight you now?"
"Well, I can't help thinking that. You don't want to, do you?"
Mark frowned, and was silent for a few moments, before saying hurriedly:
"I want to fight the enemy of my house, but I don't want to fight you inparticular. You see, it seems strange, after we've fought togetheragainst another enemy."
"It doesn't seem strange to me," said Ralph quietly; "it seems stupid."
"But I'm not afraid."
"I don't think I am," said Ralph. "I think we showed we were not afraidwhen I wounded you."
"I wounded you too," said Mark hotly.
"Yes. Well, then, don't let's fight this morning."
Mark sheathed his weapon, and Ralph did the same.
"Now then," said the former, "how many men could you get together?"
"Nick Garth, Ram Jennings, and six more."
"Eight," said Mark, flushing proudly. "I could get Dan Rugg, DummyRugg--he's only a lad, but he's stronger than I am. Oh yes: andfourteen more at least."
"That would not be fair. If you agreed to come and attack the men atErgles, you would have to bring eight. But could you get swords andpikes for them?"
"Oh yes--for five times as many. How about yours?"
"We've plenty of arms. They're old, but very sharp and good."
"And could you depend on your fellows to fight?" said Mark.
"Oh yes," said Ralph, smiling; "they hate these people, and they'd rushat them like dogs would at wolves."
"So would ours," cried Mark. "There isn't one of our men who hasn't hadsome relative or friend attacked and ill-used or robbed."
"Sixteen and ourselves would be plenty."
"And then there's Master Rayburn."
"No," said Ralph quickly; "he's getting a very old man, and I don'tthink he ought to go. Let's do it all secretly, and make the men vownot to say a word. Nobody else must know."
"When would you go?" said Mark, nodding his head in agreement.
"They say you should always strike when the iron is hot."
"Well, it's hot enough now," cried Mark eagerly. "What do you say toto-morrow night."
"Why not to-night?" said Ralph. "I'm willing. Then we'll go to-night.What time?"
"It ought to be after our people are gone to bed. We should have tocome out unknown."
"Yes, I forgot that. Then it would have to be ten o'clock first, and itwould take us quite an hour to get quietly up to the mouth of the cave."
"Yes, with a lantern under a cloak, and every man a torch," said Ralph.
"Oh, I say, you are good at this sort of thing," cried Mark eagerly. "Ishouldn't have thought of that."
"We couldn't fight in the dark; we shouldn't know friends from foes."
"We should know our own men, and of course your men would be enemies tomy men; but, of course, we shouldn't want to fight, but to know Purlroseand his men. Yes, we must have pitch torches. I can bring any numberof them, for we use them sometimes in the big parts of the mine, wherethe smoke doesn't matter. Well, it all seems easy enough. I don'tbelieve there'll be a door to batter down, only a curtain across to keepthe wind out, and it's a very narrow place, I remember. I went justinside once."
"I went in fifty yards or more, with Nick Garth," said Ralph, "and wehad candles. We were looking for lead, but it was all stone shells."
"Oh, there's no lead there," said Mark confidently. "We've got all thelead worth working at the Black Tor."
"Yes, I'm afraid so; but there's a warm spring of water in there, andfrom where we stopped, you could hear water running and falling, ever sofar-off."
"But what was it like, as far as you went in?"
"Just as if the mountain had been cracked, and both sides of the crackmatched, only sometimes they were two feet apart, and sometimes twentyor more, making big chambers."
"Yes; some of our mine's like that," said Mark thoughtfully. "I say,enemy: think they set any sentries?"
"No, I don't believe they would."
"Then we'll rout them out; and if we can't do that, we'll drive themfarther in, and pile up big stones at the entrance, and starve them tillthey surrender."
"Yes," cried Ralph eagerly, as he looked at his companion with the sameadmiration Mark had displayed when he had proposed taking the torches."Capital: for the place is so big, that I don't believe we could findthem all. Yours will be the way."
"Well, I think it is right," said Mark suddenly; "but we must catch oldPurlrose to-night."
"We will if we can," said Ralph.
"Well then, that's all. It's as easy as easy. All we've got to do isto get our best men together, and meet--Ah! where shall we meet?"
"At Steeple Stone, half-way there. That will be about the same distancefor you to come as for us."
"That's good," cried Mark gleefully. "But we must have a word to knoweach other by. What do you say to `foes?'"
"Oh, that won't do," said Ralph. "`Friends?'"
"But we're not friends; we're--we're--what are we."
"Allies," said Ralph quietly.
"Why not that, then? Yes, of course. `Allies.' Can't b
e better."
"`Allies,' then," said Ralph.
"Well, what next?"
"To get the stuff together to fight with," replied Ralph.
"What, the men? Yes, of course. Then we'd better see to it at once."
"Yes, in a very quiet way, so that no one knows," said Ralph.
"And meet at the Steeple Stone about half-an-hour after our people aregone to bed."
"And the first who are there to wait for the others."
"Oh, of course," cried Mark. "Fair play; no going first, and doing thework. That would mean a fresh quarrel."
"When I fight, I fight fair," said Ralph proudly.
"I didn't mean to doubt it," said Mark apologetically. "I say: this ismore sensible than for us two to fight now."
"Think so?"
"Yes: oh yes; only, of course, our fight has to come. Yes, when thesepeople are cleared off."
"We can't have three sets of enemies," said Ralph gravely; "and I can'thelp thinking that if we do not act, they will get more and more daring,and drive us out."
"Pooh!" said Mark defiantly.
"Ah, I laughed at the idea at first; but they might take Cliff Castle orBlack Tor by surprise some night."
"Well, they might take Cliff Castle," said Mark, in rather acontemptuous tone, "but not the Black Tor. And they shan't even try totake either," he added quickly, as if repenting his words. "We'llsurprise them, and to-night."
"One moment," said Ralph. "We must be careful, for it's quite possiblethat some of the ruffians may be out on an expedition, and if we metthem in the dark, it might cause a serious mistake."
"We'll settle all that when we meet," said Mark. "`Allies,' then--to-night."
"`Allies'--to-night," said Ralph; and after stiffly saluting, in thestyle taught by their fencing masters, the two lads separated, eachmaking for his own home.
Mark's task proved easy. He went straight to the mine, descended, andfound Dummy.
"Coming to go right through the cave beyond the big waterfall, MasterMark?" cried the lad eagerly.
"No," replied Mark shortly. "Where's your father?"
"Right away down the mine, in the new lead, Master Mark," said the ladin a disappointed tone. "Aren't you never coming to have a hunt?"
"Oh yes, some day."
"That's what you always say. There's lots to see and find out. Youknow where that water is."
"Yes: but never mind now."
"But, Master Mark, I'm sure that it comes from the river, where there'sthat sink-hole in the narrow, where you see the water turn round andround."
"Very likely; but here, I must see your father. Take a light, and gobefore me. Here, Dummy, are there plenty of torches?"
"Yes, Master Mark; but what do you want with torches?"
"Don't ask questions, sirrah."
"Very well, Master Mark," said the boy, so meekly that his young masterwas touched, and said gently:
"Look here, Dummy, can I trust you?"
"I dunno, Master Mark. I'll do what you tell me."
"That's right. Will you fight?"
The boy's eyes flashed in the candle-light, down in the grim chamberwere they stood.
"Torches--fight," he whispered. "Are you going to tackle the Darleys?"
"No; the robbers."
"T'other's best; and they're robbers too. But them'll do. Want me tocome and help fight them?"
"Yes; will you?"
"Will I?" said the boy, showing his teeth. "I'll follow you anywhere,Master Mark."
"Well, I want to follow you now. Take me to your father, and--not aword to a soul."
Dummy slapped his mouth, and shut it close; then going to a niche in therock, he pointed to a box of candles, and a much bigger one, which heopened and showed to be quite full of long sticks of hempen tow soakedin pitch, one of which he took out, and gave to Mark, and took onehimself, lit it, and then led the way down, and in and out among thedarkest recesses of the mine.
"Smoky," said Dummy, giving his torch a wave, and sending the blackcurls of fume eddying upward, to hang along the stone ceiling. Then heuttered an angry cry.
"What's the matter?"
"Hot pitch, Master Mark. Big drop splathered on to my hand."
In due time the place where Dan Rugg was working and directing the men,chipping out the rich lead ore, was reached, and he came out of themurky place.
"Ah, Master Mark," he said. "You, Dummy, put your foot on that smokylink. Want to smother us?"
"My fault, Dan," cried Mark. "Come here."
He communicated a part of the plan, and the miner's stern face began torelax more and more, till he showed his yellow teeth in a pleasant grin,and put his sharp pick under his arm, so as to indulge in a good rub ofhis hands.
"The varmin!" he said. "The varmin! Time it were done, Master Mark.Oh yes, I'll pick out some lads who owe 'em a grudge, same as I do. Youwant eight of us? Me and seven more?"
"You and Dummy, and six more."
"Dummy! Tchah! He's no good."
Dummy silently dug his elbow into his master's ribs, but it wasunnecessary.
"I want you and Dummy, and six men," said Mark decisively.
"Oh, very well, sir; you're young master; but what you can see in thatboy I don't know. Nine on us," he continued thoughtfully. "Twelve o'them. 'Taren't enough, master."
Mark hesitated. He had not meant to speak of his allies, for fear ofopposition, but concluded now that it would be better, and explainedeverything.
"No, Master Mark; won't do, sir," said Dan, shaking his head ominously."No good can't come o' that. They'll be running away, and leaving us inthe lurch."
"Nonsense. Eight men will be picked who, as you say, owe the ruffians agrudge, and they'll fight well."
"But they'd rather fight us, master, same as us would rather fightthem."
"Not this time, Dan. We must join hands with them, and beat therobbers. Another time we may fight them."
There was a low savage snarl.
"What do you mean by that, Dummy?" cried Mark.
"You didn't tell me that Darley's boy was coming to fight alongside o'you, Master Mark."
"Then I tell you now, Dummy," said Mark haughtily. "We've joinedtogether to crush the robbers; so hold your tongue."
"Ay, he'd better," growled Dan. "Well, Master Mark, I don't quite likeit; but if you say it's to be done, why, done it shall be."
"And you'll make the men you choose be secret?"
"Why, master? Of course Sir Edward knows?"
"Not a word; and he is not to know till we bring in the prisoners."
"Whee-ew!" whistled the old miner; and then he chuckled. "Well," hesaid, "you have growed up a young game-cock! All right, Master Mark.We'll come; only you must bear all the blame if the master don't likeit. You order me to do this?"
"Yes, I order you," said Mark firmly. "It is time it was done."
"That's so, Master Mark, and that's enough. I begin to feel as if Ishould like a fight."
"And you shall have it. I'll be outside, by the horse-stone, with eightswords, eight pikes, and eight belts."
"That's good, master; but we must bring our picks as well. We canhandle them better than other tools."
"Very well. You leave your lads down at the bottom, and come up withDummy to fetch the arms; and mind this: I want to show up well beforethe Darleys. You'll pick fine trusty lads who can fight?"
"You leave that to me, Master Mark," said the old miner. "I'm proud ofour family as you are. They shan't have eight fellows as can equal us,'cepting me and that stoopid boy."
"Don't you mind what he says, Dummy," cried Mark laughingly; "he doesn'tmean it. There, come along. I want you to help me pick out some goodsharp swords and pikes. Mind, Dan, I shall be waiting for you as soonas the last light's out."
"I shall be there, Master Mark," replied the old miner; and the two ladsreturned to daylight, along the passages sparkling with crystals andbits of ore.
Meanwhile, Ralph
was as busy arranging with the retainers at CliffCastle, and as soon as he had taken Nick Garth into his confidence, thatgentleman lay down on the ground, and hid his face.
"Why, what does that mean?" cried the lad.
"Couldn't help it, sir. 'Bliged to, or I should have shouted for joy.Get seven more? Have a dozen, sir, or twenty. Every man-jack'll wantto go."
"No: seven," said Ralph firmly. "There'll be nine from the Black Tor,so we shall be eighteen."
"What! nine o' them coming to help, Master Ralph!" cried Nick, whose jawdropped in his astonishment.
"Yes: they are as much at enmity with the rascals as we are."
"But, Master Ralph--"
"Now, no arguing, Nick; do as I tell you. Get Ram Jennings, and six menwho have been injured by the gang, and I'll have swords and pikes readyat ten. Not a word to a soul."
"Isn't the chief coming?"
"No: I am the chief to-night, and my father will not know."
"But what'll he say to me?"
"Nothing. I take all the blame."
"But he'll be mad about our going with a lot o' Black Torers."
"I tell you I am answerable for everything."
"Yes, but--"
"Look here, Nick: do you want to rout out Captain Purlrose and hisgang?"
"Do I want to, Master Ralph? Do I want to get his head under a stone,and sarve it like I would a nut? Yes, I doos."
"Then pick the men. Bind them to be silent, and meet me as soon as thelights are all out. Will you do this?"
"Won't I?" said the man exultantly; "and won't we?--Master Ralph, sir, Iam proud on you.--Well, this is going to be a treat! But, say, MasterRalph, will them Edens fight 'longside of us without being nasty?"
"Yes, because it's against a common enemy," said the lad.
"Common? They just are, sir. Commonest muck o' men. Fit for nothingbut putting under ground. Why, how I should like to take my old motherwith us, and let her loose at that there captain. I wouldn't give muchfor his chance. Shall I tell her?"
"No!" cried Ralph. "Not a soul. Everything must be done in secret, andthe rascals up at Ergles taken by surprise."
"You trust me, Master Ralph," said the man; "and when Master CaptainPurlrose finds who's come, he will be surprised. We'll hang him for ascarecrow at once, of course?"
"No: bring him here a prisoner, and my father will settle that."
"Very well, sir. We'll take him, dead or alive oh; but if I had my way,I'd like to turn him over to my mother and all the women him and hishave robbed. Why, do you know, sir, night afore last the beggarscarried off a pickle-tub and two feather beds. And they call themselvesmen."
Nick Garth spat on the ground in his disgust, closed one eye as helooked at his young master, gave his mouth a sounding slap, and wentround at once to garden, stable, and barns, to quietly enlist the littleforce, making each man swear secrecy, so that at nightfall not anothersoul save the initiated had the slightest inkling of what was going on,either at Cliff Castle or the Black Tor.
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