A little beyond Moorcomblake they met a small band of travellers, and among them was a person whom both his majesty and Colonel Wyndham recognized as having been a servant of the late king. The sight of this man caused them both considerable uneasiness, but he passed on, apparently without noticing them.
After a long descent, they reached Chidiock, and crossing the valley, mounted another hill, which offered charming prospects — a conspicuous object being the singular cone-shaped eminence, known as Colmer’s Hill.
Passing several farm-houses, with large orchards attached to them, they approached the pleasant old town of Bridport, delightfully situated among the hills; Colonel Wyndham rode on in advance, and entering the town, to his infinite surprise and vexation, found it full of soldiers. On inquiry, he ascertained that Colonel Haynes, an active Republican commander, was marching troops from several garrisons to Weymouth and other places, in order to embark them for Jersey and Guernsey, as those loyal islands still continued to hold out against the Parliamentarians. The troops now in the town were to be shipped in a few days from Bridport harbour.
Charged with this unsatisfactory intelligence, he rode back to the king, and besought him not to enter the town, which was swarming with his enemies, but Charles refused to turn aside, saying he had promised to wait for Colonel Wilmot and Careless at Bridport, and whatever the consequences might be, he would keep his word. However, he at last consented to proceed to the harbour, but ordered Peters to remain in the town to look after the others. He then rode boldly on, closely attended by Colonel Wyndham.
Round the town-hall was collected a large body of men in steel caps, buff coats, and funnel-topped boots, armed with calivers, pistols, and long basket-hilted swords. Most of them were smoking their pipes. They scrutinised the travellers as they went by, but did not attempt to molest them.
The sight of so many of his foes, who could have captured him in an instant, did not appear to intimidate the king. Juliana’s fair cheek was blanched, but she showed no other signs of fear.
Thus they passed through the town without hindrance, and rode on to the port, which was about a mile and a half distant. The little quay was unusually bustling, there being two or three ships in the harbour waiting to convey the troops to Jersey. The pier was a huge, clumsy wooden structure, somewhat resembling Lyme Cobb. Not far from it was the George Inn, and thither the travellers repaired, but they found it full of soldiers; and when Juliana had alighted, and Charles was taking his horse to the stable, he found himself completely environed by troopers. Nothing daunted, however, he pushed his way through the throng, calling out lustily “By your leave,” and caring little if he trod on their feet. Colonel Wyndham followed his example, and they both found that with such men rough usage answered better than civility.
Some time elapsed before the slight repast they had ordered in a private room was served, and they had just finished it, when Juliana, who was looking from the window at the quay, perceived Harry Peters. He promptly obeyed the sign she gave him, and coming up-stairs, informed the king that he had been sent by Lord Wilmot to warn his majesty to depart instantly.
“Captain Macy, with a troop of horse from Lyme Regis, is in pursuit of you, my liege,” said Peters. “They are now in Bridport, and are searching all the inns, and are certain to come here.”
“What is to be done?” cried Charles. “I am caught in a trap. My retreat is cut off.”
“Not so, my liege,” replied Peters, confidently. “I will engage to deliver you. Get out the horses without delay, and ride towards Bridport.”
“But by so doing I shall rush upon destruction,” cried Charles.
“You will meet me before you meet the enemy, my liege,” replied Peters.
“Well, I will follow thy advice, though it seems strangely hazardous,” said Charles.
Peters then left the room and rode off. Hurrying to the stable, Charles and Colonel Wyndham got out their steeds, and in less than ten minutes, the king, with Juliana seated behind him on the pillion, and attended by the colonel, was proceeding at a rapid pace towards Bridport.
When they were within half a mile of the town, they came to a road that turned off on the right, and were debating whether to pursue it or go on, when they heard the clatter of a horse’s feet, and the next moment beheld Peters galloping towards them. The faithful fellow signed to them to turn off, and with such energy of action that they instantly obeyed, but were surprised to find he did not follow them, but went on at the same swift pace towards the harbour. His object, however, was soon apparent. The heavy trampling of a troop of horse was heard, mingled with the clank of swords, and the next moment a detachment of cavalry dashed past, evidently in pursuit of the fugitive, who had thus contrived to draw them on, putting his own life in jeopardy to preserve the king. Though Charles himself was concealed by a turn of the road, he clearly distinguished the troopers, and felt sure that their leader was Captain Macy.
Scarcely knowing which way to proceed, but fearing to pass through Bridport, lest they should be stopped, they rode on to a pretty little village called Bothenhampton, and there inquired the road to Dorchester. The person to whom the king addressed this inquiry, stared, and told him he must go back through Bridport, but Charles declined, and they rode on to Shipton Gorge, above which was a remarkable hill shaped like a ship turned keel upwards, with a beacon on the summit, and were directed to proceed to Hammerdon Hill, and this course they took.
Having crossed a high range of furze-covered downs, and traversed a broad common, they were approaching Winterborne Abbas, when they descried their pursuers coming down the hill they had just descended. Captain Macy, no doubt, had heard of the inquiries made by the king as to the road to Dorchester, and had followed in that direction.
Fortunately, a coppice was at hand, and the fugitives managed to conceal themselves within it, till their pursuers had passed. So near were the troopers that the king could hear their shouts, announcing that they felt certain of finding him at Dorchester. After this, Charles required little persuasion to induce him to take a different course, though he could not make up his mind altogether to quit the coast.
Having gained the Roman road which once led to Dorchester, they proceeded along it in the opposite direction, towards a fine down known as Eggardon Hill, the summit of which was crowned by an ancient camp, with very remarkable intrenchments. Thence they proceeded through the downs and along the beautiful valley of the Birt towards Beaminster.
Some seven years previously, Beaminster was a flourishing and cheerful little town, but it now looked like a collection of ruins, having nearly been burnt down in 1644, during the Civil War, and it had only been partially rebuilt. Charles was so struck by the melancholy aspect of the place that he would not halt there as he intended, but proceeded to Broad Windsor, which was about three miles distant.
On the road thither, they descried three persons on horseback on the summit of a high conical hill, called Chartknolle. Evidently, these persons had stationed themselves on this conspicuous position in order to survey the country round. Juliana declared they were their friends, but the king and Colonel Wyndham scarcely dared indulge the hope.
The question, however, was speedily set at rest. Dashing down the side of the hill at a headlong pace came Harry Peters, and he was followed, somewhat more leisurely, by Lord Wilmot and Careless.
It was a joyous meeting, and a few minutes were occupied in mutual congratulations and explanations. Harry Peters, it appeared, had escaped by swimming his horse across the Brit, his pursuers not daring to follow him. He then made his way to Eype, where he encountered Lord Wilmot and Careless, who had galloped thither from Bridport.
At this point Lord Wilmot took up the story:
“Feeling it would be impossible to render your majesty any service at the time,” said his lordship, “after a brief consultation, we determined to proceed to Trent, as we could not doubt that you would soon find your way thither. So we rode on to Netherbury and Stoke Abbots. By Care
less’s advice, we then mounted this hill in order to survey the country, and right glad I am that we did so.”
“No post could have been better chosen,” said Charles. “Had you been long on the hill top?”
“More than an hour,” replied Wilmot. “I confess I thought it useless to remain so long, but Careless judged better, and was loth to depart.”
“I had a firm conviction that I should discover your majesty,” said Careless. “I saw you when you left Beaminster, and I felt certain it was your majesty from the fair damsel who rides behind you.”
“The fair damsel has as quick eyes as you have, and instantly detected you,” said the king. “I am right glad we have met. That I myself have escaped is entirely owing to thee, my faithful fellow,” he added to Harry Peters. “Hadst thou fallen into the hands of the enemy I should have been truly grieved.”
“Heaven be thanked I am still able and ready to serve your majesty,” rejoined Peters.
* * *
CHAPTER XIX.
BROAD WINDSOR.
The king and his companions then rode on to Broad Windsor, and proceeded to the George, the only inn the place contained. Rice Jones was the name of the host, and he and his wife were well known to Colonel Wyndham, having been servants to his uncle, Sir Hugh Wyndham, of Pillesden. Charles was so well pleased with their manner, and with the comfortable appearance of the inn, that he resolved to pass the night there, and bade the colonel secure all the best rooms in the house, which was done. All the party, indeed, were so wearied that they were enchanted at the prospect of a good night’s rest, but they did not obtain it, for late in the evening a troop of horse, which was marching to Lyme Regis, arrived in the town, and demanded quarters at the George. Poor Rice Jones humbly represented to them that all the rooms were engaged, but this did not satisfy the troopers. They insisted on being accommodated, and when Jones protested it was quite out of his power to oblige them, they took complete possession of the lower part of the house, and made such a disturbance that the occupants of the rooms above could not obtain a wink of slumber. The noise was bad enough, but Charles and the others were not without apprehensions that the officer in command of the troop might compel them to appear before him. This danger, however, they escaped, owing to the management of Rice Jones and his wife, who answered for them.
At daybreak, however, the reveillé was sounded, the troopers got upon their horses, and rode out of the town, and the inn was left quiet. Before his departure, however, the officer made some further inquiries of Rice Jones as to his guests, and wished to know whither they were going, but this the host could not inform him.
As it was quite certain that when the troopers arrived at Lyme Regis, they must learn that Macy had been in pursuit of the fugitive king, it would have been in the highest degree imprudent for his majesty and those with him to remain longer at Broad Windsor, and preparations were therefore made for immediate departure.
During breakfast, a consultation took place as to the best course to be pursued in the present state of affairs. Colonel Wyndham was clearly of opinion that it would be extremely hazardous for his majesty to attempt to embark from any part in Dorsetshire, so many forces being now drawn to the coast for the expedition to Jersey, and he besought him to return to Trent, and to remain there till some other plan could be devised for his escape.
“Pillesden, the residence of my uncle, Sir Hugh Wyndham, is close at hand,” continued the colonel; “and I would propose to your majesty to retreat there for a time, but I feel certain, after the recent occurrences, that the house will be strictly searched, and you might unhappily be discovered.”
“No, I will not go to Pillesden,” said Charles. “I do not doubt the security of Sir Hugh Wyndham’s house, but I would rather be with thee, Frank. I will return to Trent, and Careless shall attend me as before.”
“I am glad your majesty has so decided,” said the colonel. “If I may further advise I would propose that Harry Peters shall conduct Lord Wilmot to the house of my friend, John Coventry, in Salisbury. He resides in the Cathedral Close; and Dr. Hinchman, one of the former prebends, lives with him. No man in the kingdom is more devoted to the royal cause than John Coventry, and he will not only be well able to advise how to procure a vessel for France, but will furnish any moneys that may be required.”
“I like the plan,” said Lord Wilmot. “When I have seen Mr. Coventry and consulted with him, I will send back Peters to Trent with all particulars. If I am obliged to write, my letter shall be rolled up like a bullet so that the messenger may swallow it, in case of need.”
Here the conference ended. Soon afterwards the horses were brought round, and they set off — Rice Jones promising, if Captain Macy should come to the inn, that he would give him a wrong direction.
The whole party rode together to within a few miles of Yeovil, where they separated — Lord Wilmot, attended by Harry Peters, proceeding to Sherborne, on the way to Salisbury; while the king and his companions went on to Trent, and arrived there in perfect safety.
* * *
CHAPTER XX.
COLONEL ROBIN PHILIPS, OF MONTACUTE HOUSE.
Nothing could be more agreeable to Charles, after the great fatigue he had undergone, than the repose he was able to enjoy for the next few days. But he then began to find his confinement irksome, despite the attentions shown him by Lady Wyndham and her daughter-in-law, and the agreeable companionship of the fair Juliana Coningsby. Harry Peters had not yet returned from Salisbury, and the king could not help fearing that Lord Wilmot had failed in obtaining Mr. Coventry’s assistance. Action, even attended by risk, suited Charles infinitely better than quietude, and he longed for something to do. Mr. Langton sat with him for several hours in each day, but he found the worthy man’s discourses intolerably tedious, and declared to Careless that he was becoming moped to death.
Careless, on the contrary, found his stay at Trent far from disagreeable, and had no particular desire to incur fresh perils. Quite content to wait till a good chance of escape to France should offer, he saw difficulties in every plan that was suggested. He was so happy in the society of Juliana Coningsby, that he quite dreaded a separation from her.
One day, when the young pair were strolling together in the garden, Mrs. Wyndham came forth to inform them that Harry Peters had just returned from Salisbury, accompanied by Colonel Robin Philips. Upon this Careless hastened to the yard, and found Colonel Wyndham conversing with a tall, strongly-built man of soldier-like aspect and bearing. This was Colonel Robin Philips, of Montacute House, grandson of Sir Edward Philips, formerly Master of the Rolls. Though not handsome the colonel had a manly, expressive countenance. Harry Peters was leading the horses to the stable, but stopped for a moment to salute Careless, who was then introduced to Colonel Philips, with whom he shook hands heartily.
At this juncture, a lattice window, looking upon the yard, was opened, and a voice called out:
“Robin! Robin! come up to me instantly.”
“’Tis the king!” cried Colonel Philips.
And he instantly doffed his broad-leaved feathered hat, and respectfully saluted Charles, whom he perceived at the window.
“Come up to me instantly, Robin,” vociferated the king. “I am all impatience to talk to thee. Come with him!” he added to the others.
Thus summoned they all repaired to the king’s chamber. Charles embraced Colonel Philips as he entered, and clapped him warmly on the shoulder.
“I am the better pleased to see thee, Robin, because I did not expect thee,” he said. “How didst thou learn I was here?”
“From John Coventry, my liege,” replied Colonel Philips. “I have of late been in Salisbury, and on Lord Wilmot’s arrival Mr. Coventry sent for me, knowing my anxious desire to serve your majesty, and after conferring with him, I immediately proceeded to Southampton, and succeeded in hiring a ship.”
“Indeed!” exclaimed Charles, joyfully.
“Pardon me, sire, I have raised your expectations too highly.
Soon after I had concluded an arrangement with the skipper, the vessel I had hired was pressed to transport troops to Jersey.”
“Then you have failed?” cried Charles.
“So far, my liege. But I do not regret the failure, for I have since discovered that all vessels from Southampton are now stopped at Calshot Castle, and again at Hurst Castle, and the passengers strictly examined, so that the risk to your majesty would have been very great.”
“Discovery would have been almost certain,” observed Colonel Wyndham. “‘Twill be best that your majesty should embark from some small port on the Sussex coast, where the vessels are not watched.”
“Exactly my opinion,” said Colonel Philips. “With the assistance of my friend Colonel George Gunter, of Rackton, near Chichester, I feel confident I shall be able to hire a vessel at Little Hampton or Shoreham. Before taking this step, however, I deemed it necessary to consult your majesty, and have come hither for that purpose.”
“Colonel Gunter, of course, can be relied upon, or you would not propose him,” observed Charles.
“He is thoroughly loyal, exceedingly active, and will spare no pains,” said Colonel Philips.
“From my own personal knowledge, my liege, I can confirm this description of George Gunter,” added Careless. “Your majesty may depend upon his fidelity.”
“Then I place myself in his hands. Make any arrangement with him you please.”
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 685
